Happy New Year

I am lookong forward to 2012.  I hope everyone has a safe and healthy New Year.

Happy New Year !

A Reflection and Time to Reboot

The following is a portion of my March 29th 2011 posting.
This is one of my most viewed post and I thought I would reflect on what I wrote.  I want to start my 2012 year with my mind and heart preforming their proper duties.

"The main reason I don’t always feel good about the way I look and feel after all my hard work of living a healthier life is because my mind and heart are thinking and feeling in opposite directions, I think I have mistaken the purpose of heart and mind. The heart is like a compass; its purpose is to guide the direction our lives should take. Our heart takes a bird's eye view on our life and says “this is where you are and this is the direction you need to go.” Our mind, on the other hand, isn’t made for making purpose-driven decisions. The nature of the mind is that it conceptualizes, organizes and compares information. It does this as best it can and says “here are the facts, here are both sides of the story.” If we compare our mind and heart to a courtroom, our mind would be the defendant and the plaintiff (both stories) and our heart would be justice or the judge (the right direction). The reason we’re so troubled by this conflict of "Mind vs. Heart" is that the mind is not only playing the prosecutor and the defense, but has taken over the role of the judge as well. The mind should never be the judge. The mind's job is to compare and contrast. To sort things out and say “this is what I’ve got, do what you want with it.” But more often than not, our mind isn’t doing that. Our mind is making our choices.
 What’s worse, is even when we don’t need our mind to be at work, it’s still going. Comparing and contrasting everything. Brooding, mostly. Have you noticed that when this is happening, your mind is getting in the way of your experience? Just a few examples of this that come to mind are: watching a sunset, or being with family and friends. A mind really doesn’t need to be thinking while doing these things. Sometimes I feel like my mind is going in so many directions and it's hard to calm it down. There’s no point at all for the mind to be doing this. Your heart should just be in the here and now.


I figure that my mind needs to give me all the facts that it has, or get the facts and give them to my heart. Then I need to listen to my heart. My heart will know what to do to. I need to trust my heart but more importantly I need to listen to my heart."


My mind will give me the facts, set up my menus and exercises program.  My heart will make sure I live my Healthy Diva Lifestyle.

                                    It's That Time of the year to, Reboot!

What Is Peppermint Used for Today?

Peppermint oil has shown promise for a variety of conditions that involve spasm of the intestinal tract. Most studies have involved irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for which peppermint oil has shown considerable promise. Peppermint oil may also be helpful for reducing the pain caused by medical examinations of the colon and stomach, as well for decreasing the intestinal gas pain that frequently follows surgery.

In Januarry of 2010, I was hospitalized for an acute episode of Colitis.  One of things the doctor told me to do when I was released from the hospital, was to drink a hot cup of peppermint tea with each meal.  He said it helps calm the tummy and bowels.  To this day if my tummy feels off I try to enjoy a hot cup of peppermint tea.  It works!

Hey, is this an excuse to enjoy a peppermint candy cane?

Happy Holidays

Do Less, Spend More !

I have been trying to mentally revamp the holidays or at least I am attempting to. This is the time of  year that I want to spend with my family and friends, I really don't want to spend it shopping all over town for the "perfect gift". I think the perfect gift is "time".....time reliving memories of the past (good and bad) and making new memories for the future.

My side of family has a yearly Christmas party and sometimes this is one of only a few times we get together each year. I wish it were more, but we all have separates lives and life sometimes moves so fast, you hardly have time to blink. Such is life I suppose. Anyway, I am looking forward to our yearly party. It's amazing how fast the children grow and how "gray" the adults are getting Ha, Ha!  But, we will get to spend time together, even if for only a few hours.

The last couple of years I started a few new traditions with my granddaughter....building gingerbread houses and baking cookies to name a few.  This time together is precious.

So with all this said..........I am trying to revamp how  in five different ways. Again...... I am trying by, "Doing Less and Spending More".

• Do Less - buying of nonsense gifts that are never used or gets placed in some corner never to be seen again.
• Spend More - Time in my basement going through my gently worn clothing to give to the Salvation Army.
• Do Less - Eating of processed foods. Just sticking with homemade and home grown foods.
• Spend More - Time reading the labels on my grocery labels . I need to get back to this habit.
• Do Less - Time shopping at the mall or Wal-Mart.
• Spend More - Time walking around my neighborhood. The houses near me look like miniature Christmas Villages. Plus, the cool air feels great and it's good exercise.
• Do Less - Complaining about I feel. Knees, Weight, Menopause Symptoms and such.
• Spend More - Time in prayer. It definitely lightens the load.
• Do Less - Cooking ....... I mean do we really need a five course meal during the holidays
• Spend More -  Time on a families and those in need. A couple of years ago we sponsored a family through the Salvation Army. I want to look into this again.   

One more thing.....I need to remember, to keep Christ in Christmas. It really is about his birth.

Matthew 25:35-40 indicates how you can honor Christ on the day that represents His birthday.

Jesus: “For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.”

The Righteous: “Sir, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you anything to drink? Or a stranger, and help you? Or naked, and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?”

Jesus: “When you did it unto the least of these my brothers you were doing it unto me.”

A Thanks....giving Thought.

Have you noticed that more and more people forget to say “Thank you”?   Well, I have noticed this lately……even for simple acts of kindness. I notice this with young children, as well as senior citizens and I really don't understand it.  These two words mean a lot to the person that did something kind for you.  It’s not that they did the act of kindness expecting a thank you, but it sure warms the heart of the person that performed the act of kindness for you.

When I was a child we were taught to write thank you letters to relatives for our various Christmas and birthday gifts. We were taught to help others and to use good manners at all times.  I raised my kids to appreciated everything that is done for them as well as, taking the time and effort to thank others.  Now, I know making the effort to say thank you via letters or cards isn’t something many still practice.  I get that times have changed......I do....but how about just saying thank you.  Pick up the phone, text, email or whatever it takes.

I don't know, but maybe people are reluctant to give thanks or appreciation as it makes them feel obligated to others, or makes them feel less self sufficient.  I know that sounds a bit weak, but then again, I have also been told that I make excuses for people.

We tend not to always notice all the positive things in our life –  they slide out of our mind as if  they were Teflon. Whereas anything negative clings to our memory like Velcro. 

I don’t mean to sound negative during this time of year, but it’s been getting to me. I know we have been hit hard as a society regarding the economy as well as just trying to keep things together in our careers, schooling and personal life.  I think it's more importantly now, more then ever, to be kind and thoughtful to each other. Thanking someone for holding the door for you, or if someone helps you with your groceries just seams the right thing to do. So, why not just say thank you. That’s all we need to do. 

I know if your reading this post, you are reading my blog, and for that I want to "Thank You".

                                                     

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday !

The Partner Power Weight Loss Program or as I like to say “Divas for a Healthy Life Style”

There's no getting around it: The road to weight loss can be a bumpy one. But much like life's other journeys, the going can be smoother when you have someone to share the trip.
 (I am partnering up with my sister. )

That's where a "diet buddy" comes in -- a partner who not only shares your weight loss and workout goals, but can help you navigate a kinder, gentler path to sveltesville. Many experts now say buddying up can make the difference between failure and success with any weight loss plan.

Most people put all their effort into finding the right diet or exercise program but don't put any energy into creating a support and accountability system, and too often, that's where the devil lies," says Adam Shafran, DC, an exercise physiologist and chiropractor who is the author of You Can't Lose Weight Alone:.

People fail not necessarily because they're following a bad weight loss plan, but because they lack a good support system. There truly is power in numbers.

"It can be the deciding factor that makes a diet work -- or not work”

Thanks goes out to my big sis, for the new motivation

Luv her  :-)

Was this a Trick or a Treat?

 I can't believe that it snowed 6 inches where I live.  Yesterday, we were trapped inside most of the day, but it was fun in an odd way.  My hubby and I just got warm and toasty and watched Halloween movies all day.  I think it would have been more appropriate to watch Christmas movies. Ha Ha ! Mother nature sure has been showing us who's the boss when it comes to the weather this year. So, I went with the punches and went outside to make a snowman.  I had fun. 

What's that saying??? When life gives you lemons, you go make lemonade? Well, I thought....when mother nature gives you premature snow......go make a snowman. 

Trick or Treat!

Breast Cancer Tips

I have been debating when to write a post about Breast Cancer, being this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now with 36 year old reality show star, Giuliana Rancic, being diagnosed with breast cancer recently, I thought this would be a good time. Remember it's never too early to preform a self breast exam. 
As Most of my readers know, my mother at age 56, battled bilateral breast cancer. So in honor of my mother and other pink warriors, I am posting the following breast cancer tips, which I read from the  " +50" web site.  Think Pink!

What can you do to lower your risk of getting breast cancer?

1. Maintain an ideal weight

2. Exercise three times a week

3. Alcohol consumption

4. Exposure to estrogen: The female hormone estrogen stimulates breast cell growth, so exposure to estrogen over long periods of time, without breaks, can increase the risk of breast cancer.

5. Oral contraceptive use

6. Fruits and vegetables - eat at least 3 to 4 servings daily

7. High glycemic carbohydrates

8. Smoking

9. Stress and anxiety: There is no clear proof that stress and anxiety can increase breast cancer risk, but some research suggests that practicing yoga, prayer, and meditation to manage stress can strengthen the immune system.

10. Perform monthly breast self-exams, get routine screenings and work closely with your health care provider.

My mom, my warrior (left) and her sister on the right.

My mom and my grandmom Nornie.  My angels in heaven.

Proof Positive :-)

Here is proof positive that your attitude reflects in all aspects of your life.

I just read this article from a web site called “Living Better @ 50+ .  After reading it I thought to myself.......how true it is.  So, I thought I would share it with everyone.

Those who are consistently more negative than positive in their communications and interactions suffer from an untimely demise of their career potential

Why is Negativity So Destructive?
Negativity limits, constrains and tears down. Negativity also tends to escalate, and as it does, it strips away future opportunities for success, self-esteem, trust, confidence and growth.

What Does Positivity Do Instead?
Being positive has the opposite effect – it builds, repairs and protects. Using positive language and behaviors builds up support structures and creates new roads to solutions and success. It paves the way for a deeper level of human connection, compassion and creativity.

In fact, I’ve found that concentrating your focus on being more positive as you engage in your professional endeavors achieves the following 10 powerful outcomes.

Being more positive:

1) Helps you engage with others more effectively and gain support more easily for your ideas and initiatives

2) Develops you as a role model and someone to “watch,” admire and learn from

3) Gives you greater positive impact and influence on your culture, your environment and your colleagues (positive language and emotion are magnets)

4) Boosts your “immunity” to negative outside occurrences – you become more resilient and bounce back quicker

5) Inspires others around you to find the courage to seek – and move toward – the positive

6) Strengthens your ability to advocate effectively for yourself and others, which in turn attracts more opportunity for all involved

7) Paves the way for more collaborative success rather than crushing competition
Builds your reputation as someone worthy of trust and support

9) Helps you see possibility where others see only hopelessness

10) Brings to light your achievements and accomplishments rather than highlighting your failures

Please pass this information on to your co workers and family.  Ha Ha

Today my knees are feeling a bit better and this puts me in better spirits.
It's sure changes your attitude when you your not in as much pain.  I even got up the energy to clean my house and do a little decorating for Halloween.  I am feeling so much better that tonight after dinner I am going biking.  

24 Hours

I started taking Aleve for my knee pain today and have added some leg exercises to strengthen my thigh muscles.  So, hopefully I will start feeling some relief.  I have talked to some other woman my age, and they have said the knee pain can be common.  Still stinks.
I read a posting on another blog that I follow, and she writes about how she "takes everything 24 hours at a time."  She handles her chronic pain and her weight loss on an 24 hour bases.  She tells herself that she can manage her pain (she has back pain) for today or she knows she can eat well today and she deals with tomorrow, when it gets here.  Stop worrying about how you may feel emotionally or physically tomorrow.  Just focus on today.

Good plan if I do say so myself.

Looking in the Mirror

So, looking in the mirror I see someone that is struggling with pain.  Lately, I have had so much knee pain, that I have a very hard time walking and standing most of the day. Now, ask me to sit down on the floor and try to get back up........forget about it.  
I had knee surgery a few years ago that was not too successful. I had a torn ACL, so the doctor fixed the torn ACL like scheduled, but the doctor told me that I had a lot of arthritis on my knee, and he said he didn't have time to clean it up during the surgery.  Great huh? 
To avoid the continues pain I was in, I must have been leaning to the side of my foot........then this past spring I suffered a stress fracture of my right foot.  All this related to chronic knee pain.  One more thing to add to this.  My right knee is now causing me pain.  I suppose it could be arthritis is that knee or it could be pain from putting most of my weight on that leg to avoid the pain in the right knee.  So whatever the reason for this pain......i just know my knees hurt....all the time.
I have been taking Advil for the pain.  I don't want to take pain killers...but I need some kind of release from pain.    My legs have become their own entity.  They do their own thing.  I now have no control of them and it sucks....really sucks.

This is my first day of blogging about what this Diva has been dealing with. No, it's not life threatening but it's my reality and it sucks.

Struggling

Yes it's true, I have been struggling with myself lately. For this reason it's been difficult for me to write postings on this blog.  Plus, I have been super stressed out.  I think that is why I have enjoyed writing and posting on my other blog .  I am more creative with crafts, recipes, and activities with my family. These activities sooth me. I am not going to stop writing but I am going to face up to myself and yet take a step back and look as though I am looking into a mirror. 

I am going to end this post with a prayer and then get real with myself from here on out.

God Release me from life's pressures and fears.

God, Give me health, peace and calm.

God give me emotional sensitivity and strength

God, fill me with your divinity. Amen

Have a nice calm weekend!

Milk Anyone ?

Calcium

Divas, before you read this post, go grab yourself a cup of low fat milk or some organic yogurt….it’s a good thing to do.

Did you know that calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body? We all know it’s essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It’s probably best known for its effects in preventing osteoporosis. But, did you know calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly? Well, it does!

Your body needs several other nutrients in order for calcium to be absorbed and used properly, including magnesium, phosphorous, and especially vitamins D and K. Vitamin D helps the body maintain healthy levels of calcium. The body can only absorb calcium, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D is also needed to build and maintain healthy bones.

Divas, we need between 1200- 1500 grams of Calcium per day. Are you getting enough calcium every day? Believe it or not, it’s difficult to get the daily recommended amount each day. I drink low fat milk and also eat yogurt on a regular bases and I know there are days I don’t get enough, so I need to take a daily supplement. Woman need to make sure they are getting enough during pregnancy to make sure the baby is growing big and strong and not depleting calcium from the expectant mommy. Also, Divas 40 years old and older need to meet their daily requirements, because we start losing bone density and we won’t be able to grow new bone tissue, but we sure as hell can slow it down and maintain the bone density that we currently have.  If you’re not getting enough in your diet, think about taking a supplement.

I Love light soy milk.  Plus, I like a little taste of Chocolate with mine.

9/11

 It's hard to believe it's been ten years ago, since our nation came under attack. A day each of will remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at the time the first plane flew into the the first twin tower. My heart, thoughts and more importantly prayers are with our country today.

Have a Happy and Safe Weekend!

This has been a whirlwind of a week and I am so happy that it is Friday.  Time to spend some time with the family at the Jersey Shore.  I am seriously embracing this year. Starting with a nice glass of wine tonight.

Everyone Enjoy Your Long Holiday Weekend!

A Wild & Crazy Week

This past week we had an earthquake, a tornado, a hurricane named Irene and of course my 50th birthday. It was crazy for us up here on the east coast.  I am happy to say that in my area, there were no major residuals from Irene.  We are all safe and sound.

But before the storm hit, my sister came drove to my home and presented to me a bag with some Birthday items and my favorite type birthday cake. I was so excited.  She had me take out one item at a time.  First a hat that she decorated and then a red boa, a red shirt and then a red ring....you know the kind us Divas wear. I changed into my shirt and put my red hat on and then we were both off to see the movie "The Help" in Red Hat Society Style.  It was so much fun....I love her so much.

Then once home I opened up the door and I was surprised with a "Mad Hatter Tea Party"  that my kids and their spouses threw me.   Everyone was dressed up and all wearing hats.  It really was a lot of fun. I sure ate and drank enough that's for sure.......so, I am 50 years old now and I am fabulous.  It's all good. I truly have the best family ever and I thank god every night for them.

50 and Fabulous !

Check out the cost of a new car and the gas prices 50 years ago today.  Wouldn't it be great if those prices were today's prices?  I know I would be out looking for a new car today.

The Average Cost of a new car is $2,850.00 & the Cost of a gallon of Gas 27 cents.

So, today I reached the big 50.  I am going with the phrase "50 and Fabulous"  No more sulking about my age.....I am now going with the flow.
Something my hubby said to me this morning that made me laugh.  He said with a very serious look on his face....."You know?  I've never slept with a 50 year old woman before?  I told him that I am going to smack him. He cracks me up.

I just came back from getting a Mani & Pedi and I also had a very relaxing hot stone massage.  It felt wonderful and so relaxing.  Off to my son and daughter in law's home for Pizza and some birthday cake.  So it's been a good way to start off my next 50 years...I am 50 and Fabulous!

Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend I went down the Jersey Shore by myself.  I wanted to do whatever I wanted.   Let me tell you, it was just what I needed. I felt like my heart and soul became very light. I didn't realize how important time spent by myself could be. 

I took some time to read and make a craft, check it out here. (http://sharingfoodswithfriendsandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/08/mason-jar-candles.html)  Then I went to hang out with my dad for a while.
Once I came home, I took a nice long walk and I then watched two chick flicks.  Oh yes, I enjoyed a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream while watching my movies. Yumm!

I made myself an affirmation while I was there, to thank God everyday for my life, health and love of a wonderful family and friends.  What else in life could be better?  Nothing!  I have the best family and friends and they mean more to me then anything. Life is Good and I am Blessed!

My weekly goals this week are to get in touch with my spiritual side as well as take a few more yoga classes.



A picture of my family, taken at my son's wedding. Love them!



Friday Evening Fun!

This commercial slogan came out in 1961.

Sorry, Charlie. Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste"
- Starkist tuna .
 
Also the movie, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was released in 1961.

I had fun tonight with my hubby, daughter and granddaughter.  The hubby brought us some Chinese food for dinner and then we hung out on the porch, watching my granddaughter play.  I also enjoyed a glass of fine wine, while drinking from my Queen goblet.   : )   

 

I Love This Wine Glass!

Ya got ta love her with her construction hat and truck.

One Week from today I will be 50 !

Flashback 50 years ago:
Pampers disposable diapers were available for the first time.
A Gallon of milk cost .49 cents

My fun for today!

Well, it was raining really hard out, so I decided to go outside and sing and dance in the rain. Of course by the time I got out there, it stopped raining. That didn't stop me from goofing around and being silly. I had my daughter take a few silly pictures

At least I found a puddle to splash in.

It's Almost Here!

Tomorrow will be one week until I turn fifty.  I have never been big on birthdays and as you know I have been freaking out about this one.  So, I figure I will have some fun with my upcoming birthday by doing something fun each day and posting it here on my blog.  I will also post a fact about each day in history. 
Now, I am on the count down to fifty and I am going to embrace it.....but remember I am STILL in my forties for just a week bit more.

Some of my favorite candy when I was a kid.

This Weeks Goals

I have to admit I only went to the gym twice last week and I over ate this past weekend. I have such a hard time with my food program on the weekends. I just love my food!  But on the upside I did read my weekly chapter in my book and I went to one yoga class. I tried another recipe with more zucchini and tomatoes from my garden and I also followed through with a few personal goals.  I didn't get to take a cruise on my bike :-(    I will try again this week.

So this week goals are as follows:

Physical - 3 times to the gym and 2 yoga classes
Spiritual goals - meditation and prayer and finish up another Chapter in my Book
Emotional - positive affirmations whenever any self defeating thoughts come to mind
Creative actions - I have had a craft I have been saving for some time.  I hope to get to it this week.
Thankful for my life and the path that I am walking.  Thankful I still have another week to be in my forties, Ha Ha...

How true is this? 

My Journey

Taking responsibility for your happiness means making deliberate choices about how you respond to your past, present and future. You can bury your past and let unconscious self defeating habits sabotage the life you want or you can choose to explore your past and change any negative patterns that are getting in your way. You can assume a victim's stance in your present life or you can choose take charge of your life and create whatever circumstances you need. You can walk blindly into the future with little sense of where you’re headed, or you can choose to design an incredible future and act in alignment with that intent. The choices are yours.
The above paragraph came from the book. "Create A Life that Tickles Your Soul" written by Suzanne Willis Zoglio, PhD. You can take this powerful meaning of this paragraph, to help you in so many ways.

A few years ago, I used this powerful message to help me in making a change in my life. I needed to make sure I was making the right decision, and we all know that there are no guarantees in life. Still, I had to look at my past and determine whether or not I wanted, or better yet, needed, to make a change. You can’t just leave your past behind you, no matter what others tell you. Nor, would I want to leave my past behind me.

Your past is a journey that you take, and it leads you to where you are right now. You are the person that you are now, because of the journey that you have walked. That journey is not always full of roses. And God knows, I have made my fair share of mistakes and bad decisions and I have forgiven myself for them. But you know what? I have made so many good decisions too and I feel that my life journey brought me to where I am today. I am happy where I am now. I really am. I love my life. I know that I have been looking at life a little differently lately (again probably the age thing) but I am ready to take the next steps in my journey. I want to make my journey pretty, kind, loving, full of family and friends and with the grace of god, healthy.

Here are a few natural pictures that I think are beautiful.

After all, the doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.

Monday .....time to set my goals

Weekly Goals - I did pretty good last week...... so, moving onto this week now.

Physical Goals - Drink more water.  Weighing in day is Thursday. Thinking about going to a Yoga class

Spiritual Goals- "Create a Life that Tickles Your Soul"  Read chapter 3

Emotional Goal - I need to stop saying "I'm sorry all the time"  I say this way too much.

Creative actions- I want to enjoy riding my bike for casual fun as well as exercise ....

What Action am I thankful for - forgiving myself and then move on.

Enriching relationships - Share with others my positive  personal traits.

Some of these goals are on going and some are personal.  Some came easy, while others I forced myself to complete.  But, it's all good.
I am ready for whatever this week brings.

I Believe this is so Worth Reading

I Believe...
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I believe…
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I believe…
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I believe…
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe…
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe…
that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I believe…
that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.
I believe…
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I believe…
that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe…
that no matter how bad your heart is broken that the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I believe…
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe…
that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.  And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.
I believe…
that you shouldn’t be eager to find out a secret.  It could change your life forever.
I believe…
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe…
that you should always leave loved ones with loving well wishes. It may be the last time you see them.that you can keep going long after you can’t.
I believe…
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe…
that we don’t have to change friends, if we understand that friends change.
I believe…
that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe…
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe…
that you either control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe…
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, that passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I believe…
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe…
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe…
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe…
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I believe…

that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down, will be the ones who help you get back up.

Disclaimer: I did not write this, but loved it so much that I wanted to share. It is originally from a poem "I've Learned" - Author Unknown

My Monthly Diva Goals

 Monthly Goals

• Physical Goals  -  Weighing in once a week and to loose 3 pounds this month. ( I know this is an obtainable goal) 
• Emotional Goals - Don't let negative talk from other people, bring me down. Their thoughts shouldn't affect me. 
• Spiritual Goals- Read one chapter of "Create a Life that Tickles Your Soul" each week.
• Creative actions-  Try at least one new recipe per week. 
• What Action am I thankful for - Thanking god for the gift of a purposeful life.   
• Enriching relationships - Enriching my relationships by spending more time with my amazing family.  

I turn 50 this month, so I am going to work real hard on these goals that I just set.  I want to make sure this birthday doesn't get me down. Age has never brought me down before, but for some reason this upcoming birthday is challenging me. Okay, lets see how this month rolls out.

You don't have to be a frilly Foo Foo in order to be a DIVA!



   

DIVA TIME !

There is nothing that soothes the soul more than doing something you love with like-minded women and having a lot of laughs and drinks along the way.


For me, girl’s weekend saves me a fortune in psychologist fees (Ha, Ha) and renews me in a way not possible with a family get-away! For most of us, getting away involves some logistics and more than one of us comes home to a house looking like a bomb hit it. I try to preset this notion that when I walk into my house after girl’s weekend, it’s okay if the house is a mess. It’s all worth it. It’s good for us women to step into something completely for us. Without this, it’s hard to renew and regenerate our body, mind and spirit!

Okay…… Ready, Set, Go!

My Accomplishments

• Physical Goals – So far 2 times this week.  But I have been walking more and the week isn't over yet. 
•  Mental Goals - Learning to make some buttons and new gadgets
•  Spiritual Activities – Reading "Heaven Is Real" 
•  Creative actions or thoughts – I made a cute Cafe` sign for my shore home !  
•  What am I thankful for? I am healthy....although I still have to accept the changes that menopause brings. :-(
•  What action can I take to keep me healthy?  Drinking my homemade sugarless Ice Tea! I Love It!
•  How can I enrich relationships with the people in my life?  I want my family to know how much I love them all, even when I know it's hard for me to express it. I <3 them!

Everyday is a winding road.

As my hubby always says......"tomorrow is another day!"

My Weekly Goals

• Physical Goals – Went to Gym and plan to go 4 days this week
• Mental Goals - Write to my congressman regarding the debt  (oh yea, we all need to do this)
• Emotional Goals – Remove negative thoughts and recycle them into positive thoughts
• Spiritual Activities – Pray for strength to make good choices.

• Creative actions or thoughts – I made 2 loafs of homemade Zucchini bread (recipe will be on my family fun blog)
• What am I thankful for?  Thankful that my right foot is feeling better thanks to a few Cortisone shots.

• What action can I take to keep me healthy? Eating lots of veggies from my garden 
• How can I enrich relationships with the people in my life? Listen closely to those closest to me.

I am trying to keep myself calm and focused this week. I started out the week by going to the gym. This was my first work out since breaking my foot and it felt good.

To Take Responsibility for

a Fulfilling Life

is to Choose How You Use

Each Day of Life.


Fresh Veggies From My Garden



Making Monthly & Weekly Goals

I just got back from a wonderful vacation and I enjoyed it immensely, but this threw me off a bit as far as my healthy eating goes. Although, I sure did enjoy my food and drinks, and that’s okay, as long as I turn my downward vacation swing, back upward. This is why my” Diva’s for a Healthy Lifestyle” is a life plan, not a diet. We need our holidays, vacations and birthday parties. I know this not an excuse to go hog wild during these special occasions, but eating some special foods, drinks or a special cake should not sabotage our quest for a healthy life style. I just need to turn my swing back up again. Sometimes this can be challenging and that’s why I am going to set some very obtainable goals.

I am going to try to make a list of weekly goals. These will be short term goals that may be accomplished a few times a week. I will also make a set of monthly goals that I will list as well. Some I will share and some I will keep personal.

My monthly goals I will set next week but here are a set of goals for this week.

• Physical Goals –

• Mental Goals -

• Emotional Goals–

• Spiritual Activities –

• Creative actions or thoughts -

• What am I thankful for?

• What action can I take to keep me healthy?

• How can I enrich relationships with the people in my life?

I am setting these goals, so that I am aware of my ideas, thoughts and actions, with what I feel are important to me: as a wife, mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend as well as a child of god.

Here are a few pictures of my “Jersey Shore” vacation.



Wall Speedway



Dinner at Coconut Grove

Cape May Sunset

Barnegat Lighthouse

A Key West like atmosphere

Dinner at my place, Brawn Burgers and Shrimp Kabobs

My chocolate martini at "The Comedy Club"



Dessert i made



Coupon-Crazy-Campbells Can Save You Some $$$$

In this uncertain economy, we are all looking for ways to save money. Come check out my friend’s Facebook page, "The Coupon Crazy Campbells".  Please click on her LIKE Button on her wall. As soon as she gets 200 Likes, she will be able to start to give a few give a ways and we all like getting, give a ways. The 'Coupon-Crazy-Campbells' will show you how and where to get your coupons, and where to get the best deals.

It’s amazing how she will show you how to get your grocery bill down, while still getting your favorite products at a lower cost. This is not about extreme couponing; it’s about real savings, while using your time efficiently. You don’t have to spend a lot of time searching for coupons, if you know the trick of the trade.

 Coupon-Crazy-Campbells

I have to admit that I am not the world’s best consumer, but I am trying to change. Anywhere I can save money is a help to both my business, as well as with my family finances. Now I make sure I check out the Sunday newspaper‘s coupon section. It takes about 10 minutes to thumb through the newspaper and find the coupons I need. I you want, you can buy several copies of the Sunday newspaper – the savings from the coupons will make up for the extra money needed to buy multiple copies of the newspaper.

 Before you purchase anything, search for coupons on the Internet for that particular product. If you’re about to purchase new sneakers, visit the manufacturer’s website to see if there are any coupons – this only takes a few minutes and can save you money! This is something new to me but I started doing this for my favorite products as well as checking out the restaurant coupons for my favorite places I like to eat. There are plenty of ways to find coupons, whether through the traditional newspaper or online or on your mobile phone. Spend 10 minutes a day looking for coupons. You’ll be surprised at how much money you will save! So, Please hop on over to “The Coupon-Crazy-Campbells” for some valuable coupons and don’t forget to click the LIKE button.
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One of my favorite Steak Houses.  Guess where I am going for my birthday?





I will use all of these coupons

Happy Couponing !