Life/ 5 Homemade gift ideas

Pinterest is one of my favorite social media outlets. I am a creative and love sewing and most crafts. As you can guess I get caught up on Pinterest. Below I compiled some of my favorite handmade gift ideas from Pinterest.

• DIY pajama pants for the creative sewist Here
• Homemade sugar cookies for the creative baker Here 
• Homemade facial scrub for the spa enthusiast Here 
• Homemade tea tree is great for childrens teachers and co-workers Here 
• Homemade gifts for children Here

 Happy Holidays!

Style/5 last minute gift ideas for Mom/Caregiver

As Moms and caregivers, we give so much out to everyone else and definitely need some tender loving care. It is such a gift of consideration to offer gifts of appreciation and pampering. Below me as a Mom of 4 compiled great last-minute gift ideas.

• A gift card to their favorite place to use at a later date for some me time
• A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant
• A spa day or retreat
• A weekend hotel stay with continental breakfast included
• Maid service for a week

Below I've included some great groupon deals and Happy Holidays

 

Life/ 25 Healthy snack options

Snacking for me was a huge adjustment because I love chips and sweets. I am a firm believer in everything in moderation, so portion control has helped me with snacks. I have learned to embrace healthier snacks that taste good and I don't feel deprived. Do I still enjoy chips and sweets, yes and I watch portion in moderation? I snack healthy the majority of the time though and will be sharing some of my favorite snack combos.

• Greek yogurt and fresh fruit
• Peanut butter and sliced apples
• Applesauce and nuts 10-12 nuts
• Homemade trail mix (example: nuts, dried cranberries, and honey nut cheerios)
• Smoothies made with fresh greens and fruits
• Sliced cucumbers with salt and pepper 
• Small salad with dried cranberries and apples with a homemade vinaigrette
• Celery and peanut butter
• Cheese stick and fresh fruit
• Strawberry oatmeal bar recipe here 
• Homemade Pineapple/banana pops recipe here 
• Sliced fresh strawberries and kiwi and almonds 
• Grapes and cheese
• Watermelon chunks
• Multi-grain Tortilla chips and organic salsa
• Mixed nuts 10-12 nuts
• Tomato and cucumber slices
• Hummus and celery and bell peppers
• Ezekiel bread and almond or peanut butter
• Applesauce with cinnamon
• Blueberries and cashews 10-12 nuts
• Dried fruit
• Peaches and cottage cheese
• Carrots and hummus

These are a few snack options and you can customize and mix and match to your taste. I have found that snacks are key to curving hunger and getting your vitamins so snacking healthy is important. Tell me some of your healthy snack choices below.

Life/ 3 Life changing books for woman

Inside My heart by Robin Mcgraw- This book has been a great inspirational read for me. I love how Robin Mcgraw shares her personal life experiences from childhood. This book is instrumental in helping me work through some emotional healing and think any woman who struggles with finding her voice, childhood issues, and a dysfunctional background will benefit from this book. I enjoyed this book so much, there were parts I laughed and parts I cried because there were triggers but overall very inspiring.




Abundance Now by Lisa Nichols- This book has so many nuggets that it can be life changing when applied. I love how transparent Lisa Nichols is in the book about her personal life. If you are looking for a book to challenge you to create a life you love this is the book for you. I loved this book and it will remain on my reading list because it has so many nuggets you can always go back and learn something new each time you read it.




Do it afraid by Joyce Meyer- This book changed me from tucking my tail and running from life's challenges to facing them afraid or not. This book helped me begin to face some emotional challenges that I had been afraid of facing for a long time. If you struggle with fear, people pleasing, running from challenges or challenged with moving forward in your purpose this book is a must read.




 All these books have been a blessing to me and I wanted to share them with you. You can click on each book to order. These books would be a great gift this holiday season for the woman in your life that loves to read. They have been a great inspiration to me, what are some books you've read that were inspirational to you?

Life/ Self-care during the holiday season

As a woman, I know the pressure we put on ourselves during the holiday season to make everything just right for everybody. You have the in- laws coming, the grandkids, the out of town guests and not to mention those in your own household to tend to. You have the lists, the food to cook, the food to go shopping for and the dreams to make come true. Sounds like Superwoman to me and by the end of the holiday season, your are just glad to see it all go away. Wouldn't you love to enjoy yourself and your family? You deserve to enjoy your holidays and love for yourself and you family, well I'm sharing some tips to make this holiday season less challenging and more enjoyable and healthy for you and them.

• Delegate  It is okay to ask for help, and enlist those in your household in the holiday self-care brigade. I know you like things done a certain way and nobody can do it like you☺but question is do you want to enjoy memories or cringe at the thought of the holidays? If everyone chips in it take the pressure off of one person. Come up with a list and delegate different tasks to different family members. Remember, do you want perfection or healthy and enjoyable? Remember the key is to create memories and not stress.

• Create to-do lists Make a list of people you are getting gifts for along with a budget and gift choice. When you create a gift list you are less likely to overspend and forget people. Make a holiday menu and shopping list accordingly and even consider enlisting family to bring a dish on your list. You can even enlist family that may be gourmet-challenged with bringing drinks, paper goods or store bought desserts. This go's hand and hand with delegating, if you have a list, it's easy to have someone help pick up things you need.

• Schedule your shopping trips Don't try to get it all done in one day, pace yourself. Part of the reason we feel overwhelmed is because we just try to do too much. Schedule grocery shopping, gift shopping, and errands on different days over a period of time that does not overwhelm you. Think ahead and use apps for the store or online store adds to plan in advance. Keep in mind self-care shouldn't stop because it's the Holidays.

• Eat as healthy as Possible I am a firm believer in everything in moderation. Food prep helps around this time of year because of lack of attention and time to prepare healthy foods. Here are few great food prep ideas to keep you on track.

1. Chop up fresh fruits and vegetables and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator
2.  Smoothie freezer bags recipe here
3. Keep ready made snacks available Examples: yogurt, fresh fruit, and vegetables
4. Eat healthy whenever possible
5. Drink plenty of water

• Keep up with exercise regimen  I t is important to stay on track with your workout regimen to keep your energy up and weight gain at a minimum. I know for me it can be challenging to stay on track around this time of year due to weather and all the holiday fun. Here are some great ways to stay on track.

1. 10-minute workout to keep you on track here
2. Take a long walk
3. Park as far away as possible from your destination and walk
4. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible
5.  Yoga routine to destress and maintain peace here

All these things help to make the holidays easier to enjoy and less stressful. Remember to rest and take moments to recuperate and of course prayer and meditation. Take breaks and me time is great this time a year. Remember to enjoy your family and friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. Share your self-care techniques below and Happy Holidays!

Style/ Denim dress and leather blazer

Denim dress Forever 21 // Similar Here
Leather blazer // Similar Here
Thigh high boots Forever 21 // Similar Here

This outfit similar to the outfit Here shows you how to transition a summer dress to fall. In this fall look, I used a summer dress featured Here and added a leather blazer. The right pieces in your wardrobe will transition you from season to season. This outfit shows you how to make the most of  your seasonal pieces and how layering can be done to transition seasonal pieces.

Life/ 5 Health exams and screening every woman should have

Pap smear and Pelvic exam

• A pap smear and pelvic exam are two different exams Here are the differences
• Suggested for woman 21-65 years old
• Suggested every three years, unless otherwise specified according to your health care provider
• Tests and screenings for overall vaginal and reproductive health
• Opportunity to express cares and concerns about vaginal and or reproductive help

Blood pressure screening

• Suggested starting at age 20
• Suggested every healthcare visit or if there are concerns or health risks
• Detects high blood pressure, which can otherwise go undetected
• Having high blood pressure increases your risk of stroke and heart attack

Mammogram 

• Suggested for woman at age 40, unless otherwise specified according to health care provider
• Suggested every 2 years unless otherwise specified according to your health care provider
• Can detect breast cancer and lumps
• Early detection of breast cancer, which can make the difference in lifesaving medical care

Self breast exam 

• How to do a self-breast exam
• Suggested for woman starting at age 20
• Suggested that you do them monthly
• Helps you to be familiar with your breast, which makes it easier to discover lumps or anything abnormal
• Helps you to address any concerns between mammogram visits

Blood Glucose Test 

• Suggested starting at age 45 unless you show symptoms of diabetes or risk factors
• To detect prediabetes or diabetes
• There are  different blood glucose tests found here
•  To detect gestational diabetes
• To detect Hypoglycemia

If you have not gotten these screenings in suggested timing, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to get a full health screening including these exams. Your health matters to your family and quality of life so let's get screened.