A New Year, A New Me

Happy New Year! This is my first post of 2013 and I am very excited to get back to making time for the things I feel passionate about.  I have been out of touch for awhile but I am committed to updating  my blog on a regular basis from now on. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.  Last  year was a year of growth for me.  Just as I was getting back on the fast track for my career, my world was was turned upside down by what appeared at the time to be hardships.  My family was experiencing financial issues, my daughter was diagnosed with Aspergers, my father and I became estranged and my whole world just seemed out of balance.  The stress was so overwhelming that I began to neglect myself. I stopped working out, which for me is the only thing that keeps me sane.  I started eating poorly and just literally began working in my home office around the clock.  In my home, i am the person that handles all the details.  I like to call it home management.  I manage anything and everything to do with, the home, the kids schedules, the kids extra curricular appts, dr appointments, school schedules and assignments, and now their career as performing artists.  For the last few years I have been making lists in my sleep.  While I have the luxury of working from home as a realtor, I am still working on balancing all my many responsibilities.  Working around the clock was the norm for me.  My days consisted of working in my office on various projects, cooking, cleaning, pick up the kids, do 90 mins of homework with my daughters, baths, bed and back to work in my office.  When I was nearing complete burnout I discovered meditation. People had recommended it to me for years and even Dr. Oz suggests doing so will add years to your life.  But my mind had always had to much chaos inside for me to really take it serious.  But I started reading and really focusing on getting my mind right.  I started with guided meditations and just saying daily affirmations.  This practice, I feel will be really beneficial for anyone who is attempting to bring more focus in their lives.  I made it a ritual and began to let go of the worry.  I focused on getting my finances in order and getting my daughter the assistance she required. I wrote down my goals. I asked the universe to send angels my way.  I began to let go, knowing that everything was going to work out in my favor. I developed an unwavering faith in the plan that God has for me.  Knowing that it would all work out right help to release all attachment and to stop sweating the small details. Everyday I followed Oprah's advice and wrote down things I was grateful for. When you focus on gratitude, it distracts you from focusing on the negative things.  Today my whole situation has changed for the better. My finances are in order, my home is more organized, and my daughter is doing well, though she still has some difficulties I have found the right people to assist her.  My father and I have reconnected and we are slowing mending our communication.  I am also a Founder of a charitable foundation where our main goal is to assist others in feeling like a Winner.  Therefore I am grateful for the challenges that I experienced last year.  It connected me with my faith and my inner strength.  I am a powerful creator and I know that whatever challenges I face, they are a gift that will help me grow to be a better person.  Moving forward, my goal is to continue writing and using my creative talents to inspire others to live life to the fullest. I am looking forward to our Journey together!

Living with Insulin Resistance and managing it naturally

During the past 5 years I have endured the battle of my life in order to reclaim my health and to get my weight back in normal range.  After having 3 kids in four years, my hormonal system was no longer functioning at an optimal level and my body had become unrecognizable.   I have always been what I considered to be a healthy person.  I exercised at least 4 days a week; I ate a whole grain, semi vegetarian diet.  I did not smoke or drink.  After my 3^rd child, I first began to suspect there was a problem, when despite my best efforts to lose weight, nothing I tried was successful.  Hours in the gym and a healthy diet did nothing to carve away the extra 30 pounds I was carrying.  Numerous trips to several different doctors left me more frustrated and even more clueless than I was before I had started investigating.  All they could tell me was that I was at increased risk for stroke but they didn’t explain to me why.  Finally desperate for answers I turned to a Naturopath Dr, following the suggestion of a friend.  This is when I first learned I had Insulin Resistance and when my life officially began to change.

How to Start a new fitness program and train like a Pro

 

It’s Monday morning, the day you promised yourself you will begin your next fitness regime.  You are excited as well as anxious because you really don’t know where to begin but today is the day to take action.  You actually make it into the gym and have a great workout.  But by Friday, you have fallen off, and thinking about abandoning this whole fitness thing altogether.  Sound familiar?  Statistics show only 30% of people follow through with their fitness resolutions over a 12 month period.  Professional Athlete Brian Walker has some tips to help you get back in the game and achieve your fitness goals.

Secret Weapons to Fight Cellulite | The Dr. Oz Show

According to recent studies 9 out of 10 women have issues with cellulite.  So I am sure that you ladies will be as happy as I was that Dr. Oz took the time to feature some secret weapons to fight cellulite on his show.  His suggestions included drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, adding kelp to your diet regimen, and applying either Aminophylline Cream or 100% retinol topically.  The war against cellulite is usually a losing battle for most women but maybe these tips can be the solution that many have been searching for.   


Secret Weapons to Fight Cellulite | The Dr. Oz Show: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Healthy Snacks for Kids

Today when the kids come home from school, instead of letting them munch on the first thing they see, prepare a healthy snack they will love and you will feel good about feeding them.  Click on the link below to view Everyday Health's suggestions.
Snacks for Kids - Kids' Health Center - EverydayHealth.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Start working out today!

Start working out today!

30 foods that fight fat:

Fighting fat can often feel like a never ending battle.  Self magazine has compiled a list of foods that may be useful in fighting hunger as you battle the bulge.

 30 foods that fight fat: Food & Diet: Self.com
 

Why Diet Matters

The right diet for women's health isn't complicated. According to Everyday Health, good nutrition has huge women's health benefits and will help prevent cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis, a significant threat after menopause. One way to immediately turn your health situation around is through the foods you choose to eat. Here are nine foods that you'll want to make part of your daily diet:  berries, leafy greens, fish, whole grains, nuts, beans, yellow and orange veggies, tomatoes and low fat dairy. Click the link below to learn why researchers feel these foods should be included in your everyday life. Why Diet Matters - EverydayHealth.com

66 All Natural Cleaning Solutions

In the last 2 years I have made the effort to go green in my home.  I now limit the amount of chemicals used in my home.  My cleaning solutions of choice are usually prepared by me right in my kitchen.  Keeping my family healthy was the catalyst for the holistic change.  And now that I have made the switch, I will never go back.  Making your own cleaning products can also save you over a hundred dollars a year.  For more recipes and tips to help you on your way towards living a greener lifestyle check out the link below.

 
66 All-Natural Cleaning Solutions - Cleaning & Organizing - Your Home - MSN Lifestyle

9 Foods For Healthier Stronger Hair

If you are looking for ways to improve the appearance and health of your hair, your diet may be the key.  Researchers believe that along with genetics, the foods we eat have a direct impact on the condition of our hair.  Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or flax seeds can play a valuable role in promoting scalp health and give hair a shiny lustrous appearance.  Dark Green vegetables, which are a good source of vitamins A and C can also help your hair look its best.  Nuts, beans, eggs, poultry and whole grains also provide nutrients that are essential to healthy hair.

Check out these links for more tips for promoting strong, healthy hair.

 9 Foods For Healthier Stronger Hair | Hairlosshaven.com 

4 Vitamins You Need For Healthy Hair | Hairlosshaven.com  


Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

HOW TO LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER

Are you looking to turn back the hands of time?  If so check out these tips from Women's Health Magazine on how to look ageless for years to come.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/age-erasers-for-women?page=0

Detoxing Your Home Using Houseplants

To say that I do not have a green thumb would be putting it mildly.  I have always loved the concept of having plants in the home.  But somehow I actually keeping them alive is a skill that eludes me.  About a year ago I stopped using the numerous glade plug ins that I had for the purpose of making my house smell fragrant.  Learning that the air fresheners pose a potential health risk because of the chemicals it contains, prompted me to make a change. 

Natural Cleaning Recipes | Green Living Ideas

One of the things that I am truly passionate about is green cleaning products. On the top of my list of favorite finds is Vinegar.  Vinegar has so many uses that I buy it every time I go to the grocery store.  I haven't bought 409, which used to be my favorite, in years.  My latest mix is vinegar, some vanilla and some peppermint essential oil.  The peppermint really covers the vinegar smell and leaves everything smelling fresh.  I use it to clean my granite counter tops, glass table and appliances.  Vinegar is also a natural fabric softener so I have been using it when I wash towels and it works.

Stepping Out on Faith

There is a intense hunger inside me that is yearning for more. I don't have a crystal ball that comes with psychic powers but I do know that I am destined for greatness. One of the many things that I intend to accomplish during this great journey of life is to inspire others. So at this point in time I will attempt to use my passion for writing to make a difference in someones life. There are so many things that I would like to share and so many different topics that I would like to explore. As I step out onto this road of self discovery, I ask that you come with me, bringing your patience and leaving your judgment behind. Feel free to share your suggestions and experiences. Lets take this opportunity to learn from each other. This blog will include, healthy eating suggestions, fitness tips, relationship forums, motivational thoughts, and much more. Please subscribe to my blog and take this wonderful journey with me.