One of my good college friends surprised me and sent me a copy of The Magnolia Story over the holidays. After fishing it out of the mailbox and skipping back to the house I wish someone could’ve caught my reaction as I unboxed it. Had she been stalking me at Target a few days earlier and seen me put the lone copy back on the shelf because it had seen better days, and then telepathically tapped into my thoughts of going to the bookstore to pick it up?

Really and truly SHEE is just dope like that!

Fast forward to two days later as I flipped the last page and closed the back cover shut I walked away from The Magnolia Story feeling inspired and I personally upgraded my “fan girl” status to another level.

Reading the back story of their relationship and early family years, coupled with the fact that they weren’t afraid to share how they had been dead broke and struggling  and how God kept putting amazing people in their lives that  supported their dreams and ideals just left me ready to walk into 2017 fearless and ready to pour my resources albeit limited into helping others.

What we see on TV is the culmination of them walking blindly by faith listening to their gut and that still small voice as they stumbled time and time again and made difficult decisions that didn’t seem so great at the time but eventually pieced themselves together into a budding empire.

A byproduct of my over thinking everything won’t let me just look at the surface of things. While I love Fixer Upper, and am seriously thinking about heading back to Waco to visit Magnolia Market again, the real source of my fandom is their determination and faithfulness to their family, dreams and believing that something amazing would happen if they just stayed the course.

That right there will preach to anyone who is watching and listening.

The Magnolia Story was an engaging, easy read. If you like feel good, inspirational stories this is one to grab.

Happy New Year virtual friends.  This is the 6th time I’ve had the pleasure of creating a Happy New Year post and each year I  have grown tremendously from the previous year. As we welcome 2017 this year is no different than it’s predecessors, growth is an amazingly, incredible thang.

Despite a tremendous amount of unrest in the world during 2016, I found myself in a way I’ve been dreaming about for many years. Like on a MAMA I MADE IT type vibe. I pushed myself personally and professionally in a way I knew existed in me but had been too afraid to act on. One day I woke up and decided I didn’t want to be afraid anymore and went for it and I haven’t looked back. I am so incredibly excited to see what happens in 2017.

So, what does 2017 look like for Unlikely Martha? Glad you asked.

I’ve been blogging for quite some time and I admit to having lost my own voice in the feeling of having to keep up and stay relevant. Well 2016 taught me that I’m no longer concerned with that. As I perused old blog posts over the past few weeks, I’ve come across pictures of my children as babies, the stress and tears I’ve shed during major life changes we’ve experienced over the last  six years and I’ve been reminded of why I do this. I’ve managed to subconsciously document our life journey and if I never get another click or like having these things documented is worth more than anything.

2017 will be a return to documenting my life in a way that is useful to you. I will be 38 in a few weeks, at this stage in my life I’m always looking for new books to read, stores to shop at, ways to simplify my life, to find balance, and create a warm and inviting home for my family.  Not to be outdone with the practical, lipstick shades, the best fitting skinny jeans and local places with the best margaritas and appropriate methods of “turning up” for this point in my life are still priority.

In 2017 Unlikely Martha will be

• A place for you to find new recipes and meal plans
• A place for you to get fashion, home and beauty inspiration
• A place where I will return to my love of photography sharing my journey with a photo project
• A place where I continue to open up and be vulnerable sharing my wins and losses in life and business
• A place where keeping up with the Jones’ will never trump my desire to stay real and relevant in my own way
• A place to remind you it is important to get in face to face time with your homies and those you love. A good party is always in order
• A place where I hope to inspire  you to “keep house and stay fly” whatever that looks like to you and your life

I don’t want to be goals. I want to inspire you to live your best life on YOUR terms. My greatest desire is for you to take my content and figure out ways to make it work for you. WE are all just trying to figure this out day by day, step by step. No perfect Instagram feeds here, I’m dedicated to sharing my reality in 2017.

Yes, there will be relevant sponsored content. I have bills to pay as you do, however it is my goal to only bring relevant sponsored content to this space. As I embrace video more in a strategic manner be prepared to see my face and video content more as I expand my reach onto Youtube and other video outlets. A dedicated FB group is also in the works where my vision is to have women support one another in parenting, entrepreneurship and life in general so stay tuned for info on that.

I am so tremendously thankful for all of you that continue to come here and interact with me on my social channels. I only have one ask of you in 2017, If I create a piece of content that resonates with you would you please take a minute to hit the share button. I would love to see this space grow in 2017 as I create useful content. I will love you forever!

Again, thank you so much for your support over the years. I am tremendously grateful.

*Lift your virtual wine glasses with sparkling cider, wine, hard liquor or whatevs* Cheers to 2017. I wish you the very best in all of your endeavors!!

H A P P Y      N  E W      Y E A R ! ! !

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Nature’s Bounty has partnered with Unlikely Martha for this post about creating a healthier future you.

Reflection at the end of the year is something that I look forward to annually. Really sitting and taking note of what went right and wrong over the course of the past year always seems to put things in perspective. These years seem to pass by way more swiftly than before and we all know tomorrow isn’t promised so taking mental inventory of gains and losses of the past year while planning for the new is so necessary.

In retrospect we always have so many thoughts about what we could’ve done better or differently, then that retrospect makes way for resolutions. Resolutions are great but its the action needed behind them that determines whether we succeed or fail. Taking care of our bodies should really and truly be at the top of our lists and Nature’s Bounty is dedicated to supporting you on your journey to a healthier future you.

As busy individuals who make time to nurture everyone else, we can find ourselves depleted of the things we need to push toward our own dreams. Making your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health a priority NOW makes for a strong framework on which to support and build your dreams later.

Personally, I did a great job this year of putting my health first than in previous years but there is still room for improvement. I’ve started to take  Nature’s Bounty® Optimal Solutions® Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies they provide vital nutrients to help support lustrous hair, strong nails and vibrant skin. In addition my goal realistically is to workout at least twice a week. I am vowing this year to maintain my regimen of self care to include not feeling guilty about doing and buying things for myself.

As this time of year is notorious for reflection and planning for the new year, Nature’s Bounty is encouraging us to think about our overall health and well being. Giving thought to the long term and setting realistic goals that can be achieved and maintained. With  50 years of supporting better health, Nature’s Bounty knows that we’re all better off with a healthy mind and body. They support your quest toward an overall healthy body through breakthroughs in nutritional science with the finest ingredients of unsurpassed quality and value.

To up the ante and inspire you to give your all toward creating a healthy body the #DearFutureMe sweepstakes is offering one winner a Better Off Healthy prize pack valued at over $2,400 (including one year’s supply of assorted Nature’s Bounty vitamins and supplements (customized for your needs), one Fitbit Surge™ Fitness Superwatch, a one-year gym membership and a Mary Lou Retton signed Sports Illustrated cover)

Research shows that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down! So why not post them on your social media and have your friends keep you accountable too!

Participants are asked to take a photo of a #DearFutureMe letter to yourself or upload a photo with a caption that captures their personal commitment to a healthier future. Participants can enter into the sweepstakes by uploading their entry to https://naturesbounty.votigo.com/dearfutureme or they can post their entry on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #DearFutureMe AND #Sweepstakes. Both hashtags must be included to enter via social.

Between the FitBit Superwatch and the gym membership posting a picture to your socials is totally worth it! TOTALLY.

By visiting https://naturesbounty.votigo.com/dearfutureme and making a commitment to your future health, you will also be able to share that commitment in your social channels so your friends and family can support you along the way!

ENTRY DEADLINE December 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST

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If you’d like to read some reviews and feedback on the different Fitbit models whilst you’re waiting to hear if you’ve won, I’d recommend you to visit https://mobilemob.com.au. You’ll be able to read the positives and drawbacks of each model, helping you to make a more informed decision on which model you feel is best suited to you and your lifestyle.