Month: July 2019

Confront Your Fears And Struggles With These 8 Affirmations – Scripture References Included

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Everyone is going through something. No matter how they appear on the outside is irrelevant to what they may be experiencing on the inside.

Life has its hard moments. Moments where you feel like you are suffocating, you feel restrained, you feel unworthy, you feel defeated, you are fearful to the unknown.

When these obstacles visit, they typically visit unannounced and typically strike very hard. No preparation, they just completely catch you off guard. Leaving you bruised and winded.

I know it’s challenging when these moments happen or when you can’t seem to break free of these demons that are haunting you. Not everyone will know what you are going through. However I want to share that everyone knows the feeling of struggle in some form or another.

I want you to know that trials and tribulations are apart of life and they help us to strengthen our faith. When you think you are alone, I want you to know that you are not alone. I also don’t want you to give up. Never give up. Progression never ends and you will always have to work to get to the other side. Hard moments, fearful moments, challenging moments…they do not last forever.

In James 1:2-4 it is mentioned that we should be joyful during the trials in our life. These times are a true test of our faith in our Heavenly Father.

The Holy Bible – James 1:2-4

2. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3. knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

An Affirmation is a statement; you are declaring something. With saying these affirmations you are gaining power and not allowing your thoughts or attitude to go negative. This control of your mind is crucial in maturing and moving forward. When you find yourself thinking or behaving in a negative manner stop what you are doing and say a few affirmations to yourself. Just keep saying it, and don’t stop.

The more you say these affirmations the more they will resonate with you, the stronger your faith will become, and soon enough your armor will be indestructible. You will be able to handle anything that life throws at you.

Because remember, you are never alone in your turmoil.

With saying these affirmations I know it will provide the courage to take on whatever trial or trouble you are currently facing in your life.

God Bless You. 

Confront Your Fears And Struggles With These 8 Affirmations – Scripture References Included

(I encourage you to look up these scripture references and to highlight them. There may come a time when you are reading and this highlighted scripture will jump at you when you need it the most)

  • I trust in and love God completely, he is the only one I truly need and will direct me where to go Proverbs 3:5-6
  • God is my strength and is with me always Philippians 4:13 Psalm 23:4
  • I do not fear, I know God will not leave me Deuteronomy 31:6 Genesis 21:22
  • When I am afraid I will trust in God Psalm 25:2-5
  • I am living on purpose and will do great things Jeremiah 32:19 Ephesians 2:10
  • I am a confident person that does not worry Matthew 6:25-34
  • Through my trials my faith with only strengthen and mature James 1:2-4
  • I will choose to do things that I am afraid of 2 Timothy 1:7 
sunset sunshine travel wings

Photo by Julian Jagtenberg on Pexels.com

God loves you and he wants you live a joyful life. He knows what he is doing. I know it can be difficult but trusting the Lord will provide peace in your life.

I pray these affirmations will provide peace for you. They have helped me tremendously and I know they can help you as well.

Please share any thoughts or comments, or feel free to contact me.

Thank you!

Yummy Avocado Smoothie – Nutritious And Creamy

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Who doesn’t love avocados! (Yes, I know guac is extra)

They are a super food and delicious! Loaded with vitamins and considered a “healthy fat”.

Typically when I eat an avocado I just scoop it out, slice it up, and put some salt on it. Good enough for me!

The thought of adding an avocado to a smoothie was intriguing but I never thought to try it until now!

Well, let’s just say it was super TASTY and even my kids loved it. That says a lot since they are picky.

Try it and let me know how you like it! The perfect breakfast on the go or afternoon pick me up!

Yummy Avocado Smoothie – Nutritious And Creamy

Servings: 1 to 2 smoothies

What You Need

  • One whole small ripe avocado
  • One whole banana- preferably with a few brown spots
  • 3/4 cup Coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice
  • Chia seeds (optional)

Steps:

Combine all ingredients and blend in blender until creamy.

(1-2 tsp of chia seeds can be blended in or you can sprinkle on the top once you pour the drink into a cup- as seen in the picture above or below)

enjoy!!!

In A Nutshell, This Is What You Can Expect In Your 20’s

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20’s are an absolute blast I will say and a time for some full on growth.

Full of foolish moments that make you smile whenever you think about them. Happy hours, parties, late night shenanigans, plenty of all nighters, summer love, blurry moments, adventure, dancing, and some really fun, stupid times.

A few moments of “what was I thinking?” and, “I still can’t believe I did that” will happen when reminiscing about your 20’s.

Your twenties are kind of the carefree time in your life. At least in the beginning it starts like that.

When I say carefree I mean go with the flow kind of mentality. That things will just work out how they need so. Your thought process is that you have time.

Later you realize that’s not exactly how it works, if you want something it’s going to take work and you have to be willing to put in the work to get what you want. You also realize time doesn’t wait and you don’t get time back.

You don’t really realize how young and naive you are at that age till you are reflecting on the past.

You will be a different person at age 21, 25, and 29 no doubt. A little hard to believe how much changing and evolving happens during this time.

Your 20’s are full of growing and identifying who you are and what you truly want to be. You may move to a different city, make a drastic career change, get into a committed relationship, do things you said you’d never do, and a few setbacks may happen here and there.

Your 20’s are also full of mistakes. Recalling events or actions and feeling completely embarrassed or guilty. Or not taking that leap of faith your initiation was telling you to do.

During these moments you learn to discover the silver lining in all things.

Towards the end of your 20’s you begin to love yourself and you learn how to not let the opinions of others alter who you are. You may become lost, but you also find yourself in a completely different way.

You drift away from friends but gain new ones. Some you cut off completely, some you rekindle with.

You become very close with your family and recognize how often they have been there for you and have supported you.

You may get married and have kids. If it’s not happening to you it will be happening to the people around you. Don’t feel rushed or saddened.

There is a time for everything. One lesson you will learn in your 20’s.

There will also be a few hard moments that will probably happen in your 20’s. Heartbreak and loss. Feelings of wasted time and regret.

Struggles will happen with your relationship, you may experience struggles of trying to start a family, you may struggle with work, you may struggle with debt, you may experience betrayal, you may experience heartbreak, etc.

These are the moments that will shape you the most. You will become more empathic towards others and gain a variety of different perspectives.

A few things you will take with you onto the next decade are:

  • More confidence and more self assurance
  • A list of goals you are determined to accomplish
  • Awareness of how fast life really does go
  • Words of wisdom from friends, parents, or mentors
  • The courage to say No to things you really don’t want to do
  • That things will pass, and life does go on
  • More knowledge about your physical and mental health and how you need to stay on that
  • Friendships you’re incredibly thankful for

Advice for your 20s

  • Embrace everything
  • Seize opportunities that approach you
  • Explore and Travel
  • Learn how to manage your finances
  • Exercise
  • Spend time with your parents
  • Read more
  • Go On A Solo Trip If You Can
  • Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s
  • Pray
  • If you aren’t happy, don’t wait, do something about it NOW

On to the next adventure. On to the 30’s.

For myself, I am incredibly grateful for where I am and the lessons I have learned.

Wishing you the best, always.

Be grateful. Be thankful. Be humble.

Quiet Activities To Do With Your Spouse Once The Kids Fall Asleep

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What do you and your spouse do once the kids fall asleep?

Do you both get on your phones, or attend to solo activities that don’t involve each other? Be honest!

First of all, there is absolutely nothing wrong if you do those things. My husband and I spend many evenings like that. We each have our own things we want to do or catch up on.

However we both know that when the kids are down for the night that it’s also an opportunity to spend some time together. Might not be able to go on an actual date but we can definitely do an activity with one another.

I have a list of activities below that you and your spouse can do once the kids fall asleep. They are fairly quiet activities so both of you won’t have to worry about waking up your kids. 

Quiet Activities To Do With Your Spouse Once The Kids Fall Asleep

1. Do A Puzzle Together

Honestly, when is the last time you’ve even done a puzzle? This is a great quiet activity with many benefits for the both of you. Lowers stress levels, delays dementia, improves your memory, and that’s just a few! There are so many “puzzle levels” out there, so have fun picking one out together and accomplishing it together.

2. Watch A Movie Or A Documentary

Netflix, amazon prime, red-box. Movies are so accessible these days. And there are a lot of great ones out there! A great opportunity to snuggle with your honey like old times. While cuddling you two will be increasing your oxytocin levels, which, makes you both feel calm and at ease. I knew I loved cuddling for a reason. 

4. Give Each Other Massages

Light some candles and bring out the essentials oils. Another great stress reliever. We could all use less stress right?

Go full body. If you’ve never had your butt massaged you’re missing out my friend.

5. Do Self Portraits of One Another

We’ve all seen Titanic right? Where Jack does a self portrait of Rose and she’s naked. I’m not saying you need to be naked but definitely have fun with this one. Make it a competition and have your friends pick the best one!

warning: you both may begin to laugh uncontrollably. 

6. Read Together

Whether it be magazines or a novel this is a great time to stimulate your brain and then have an open discussion about what you’re reading.

7. Give Each Other A Foot Rub

Currently getting a foot rub now as I write this haha. Have I mentioned how much I love my husband.

This is such a great thing to do for one another. It’s relaxing, feels good, and gets the blood flowing!

8. Go Outside And Stargaze

This obviously depends on the weather. But if the weather is nice pull out the lawn chairs and just enjoy the stars. Let the deep convos begin. What is life?

9. Cook Or Bake Something Together

The possibilities are endless! Don’t make it too complicated of course. You could make cookies, prepare some overnight French toast for breakfast (yummm), get messy with rice krispy treats, make some French bread pizzas, etc!

10. Slow dance

I’m such a sucker for the lovey dovey stuff. Turn the music on low, dim the lights, and just dance. Something so simple yet so intimate. Dance to your wedding song and get lost in the moment.

Have you heard the song Heaven by Kane Brown? Oh my goodness, you’ll cry.

11. Do Yoga Together

Yoga is a great way to wind down and enter a relaxing state of mind. You two can get even more creative with couple yoga poses. If you two end up laughing hysterically because these couple poses are winning, I say embrace it.

12. Do Facials Together

Try a DIY facial or get some sheet masks from the store. Definitely take a picture. Who doesn’t love a refreshing face to kiss later!

13. Play Cards Or A Board Game Together, Like Scrabble

Bring on the nostalgia. Let the inner child be exposed and start reminiscing with one another. A great time to learn even more about each other and how you want to raise your children.

14. Make Ice Cream Sundaes Together

Go all out and do full on ice cream Sundaes! I’m talking hot fudge, nuts, cherries on top, whip cream, the works! Or make up your own type of Sundae together! This is teamwork if you ask me.

Or, just have ice cream cones like this couple pictured above, they look like they are having fun.

15. Plan A Vacation

Make some coffee or tea and take a moment to dream together. Plan a trip and write down some goals you two would like to accomplish. You two are more likely to accomplish those goals when you write them down. Once you’re done writing your goals place them in an area where you two can see them often.

16. Take A Bubble Bath Together

Dim the lights, light some candles for a very relaxing and intimate time. Pop open a bottle of bubbly or open a bottle of wine. Relax.

Remember the scene in Pretty Woman? You two can recreate that. If this leads to something else, don’t look at me!

17. Have A Staring Contest

Believe it or not looking into each other’s eyes is a very intimate thing. Fall in love with each other all over again with this fun activity.

Tell each other why you love one another. Sounds cheesy, but you’ll never forget the sweet things he ends up telling you.

There ya have it! A few quiet activities you can enjoy with your spouse once the kiddos are sleeping tight!

Any quiet activities you would like to share? I’d love to hear it!

As always, thank you for reading and I hope you can have fun and become closer to your spouse with a few of these!

3 Ingredient, 3 Step, Cinnamon Lip Scrub

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With this recipe you will get 2-4 uses.

BENEFITS: Honey keeps your lips hydrated, the brown sugar scrubs away dead cells, and the cinnamon acts as a natural lip plumper.

What You Need:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons of honey

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients together

2. Exfoliate onto lips for 2-3 minutes with finger or a small toothbrush

3. Rinse and apply Vaseline

3 ingredients, 3 steps! Yummy Cinnamon Lip Scrub!

Mwah! Soft, plump, beautiful lips!

Do you have a favorite lip scrub!?

Berry Chocolate Pancake Tacos

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I love breakfast/brunch time. Bacon, hash browns, fried potatoes, eggs, biscuits and gravy, French toast, waffles, ahh I love it all! It’s happy moments for me!

It’s definitely my favorite meal of the day. I will pick breakfast over dinner anytime! Especially when catching up with an old friend.

Usually I pick something sweet over savory or I like to mix it up into the perfect combo to satisfy both cravings.

We love pancakes in this household. Usually we stick with the basic butter and syrup but this time I decided to mix it up and add our favorite chocolate spread. My kids loved it!

What you need:

  • A pancake recipe (No time to make from scratch, no problem! For easy quick pancakes I suggest hungry jack buttermilk pancakes in a box)
  • Chocolate Spread (our favorite is Nutella)
  • Fresh Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries) 

Steps:

1. Prepare pancakes as directed (careful not to pour too much batter, you want small/medium size pancakes) 

2. Once pancakes are complete scoop a generous size of chocolate spread with a spoon into each pancake and spread.

3. Top with Fresh Berries.

sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream and enjoy!

I have 3 Requests Before You Meet My Newborn

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Having a newborn is a very joyful, exciting, and can be extremely overwhelming and stressful experience. Especially if this is your first baby.

With figuring out breastfeeding, motherhood paranoia, a body that is still healing from birth, sleep deprivation…..it’s a lot to process in the beginning. Not to mention your hormones are now adjusting to this change that just happened. It’s exhausting.

And everyone adapts differently. Everyone. Don’t compare your yourself to anyone else.

Once you have your newborn, it’s like flys to a light. Everyone wants to come visit you and meet your new little bundle.

First of all, if you’re a new mom, don’t feel obligated to tell everyone yes to meeting your baby right away. This is a precious time and again, you’re also healing. They can wait.

With my first I didn’t allow anyone to see me or meet my baby in the hospital. Everyone is different I know, but personally I didn’t want to see anyone. Not even my family. And once we got home, everyone wanted to come visit….and for the most part I let them.

But in my head I was thinking I just had major surgery, I’m bleeding right now, I’m in pain, I’m so tired…….why are you here? Let me be for a little bit and give me a moment to bond with my baby. But did I say any of that…..of course not.

When you have your baby believe it or not you become extremely possessive and mama bear kicks in high gear. You let people hold your baby but in your head you’re shouting; give her back! Don’t hold her like that! Okay, she wants her mom now….

With a new baby, have people visit when YOU are ready.

Remember this is YOUR baby. It’s OK to have a few requests with people meeting your baby for the first time. Know that much.

SO with that being said, I’d like to share my own requests:

  1. If You’re Sick, Please Stay Away

You’d think this would be a no brainer but it’s surprisingly not! Well, truth be told I think deep down people know they shouldn’t be getting close to a new baby when they are sick but unfortunately it happens. And it happens often sadly enough.

Listen, I know you may be anxious to see those cute little cheeks and baby lips. But if you are sick, feel like you are getting sick, or literally just got over something please STAY AWAY.

Please wait till you are better. This is a newborn, my newborn, and I don’t want any harm to my baby.

2. DO NOT Kiss MY Baby 

Please do not kiss my baby, ESPECIALLY, on the lips. This is my baby and I do not feel comfortable with you kissing my baby.

Now, you may offend people with this request, if you choose to tell people the same thing. Shocking I know, but unfortunately true. The people you will offend are the family members. But listen, they need to respect your wishes. If you see them kissing your baby, do not hesitate to step in and say something if you are not comfortable with it. Also, don’t feel the need to explain your reasoning.

As I mentioned previously, I am not comfortable with it. That is all I need to say.

3. Make Sure Your Hands Are Clean

Please, if you’re going to hold my baby, wash your hands before you hold her. More then likely you’re going to be admiring how adorable her little feet and hands are which will you lead you to touching them….

But what you don’t know is she sucks on her hands for comfort.

Now you know why I ask that your hands are clean.


Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Those are my requests

  • If you’re sick, please stay away
  • Do not kiss my baby
  • Make sure your hands are clean

Simple, right?

Do you have any newborn requests or stories you’d like to share in relation to my requests. Please let me know!

Enjoy your newborn Mama, and don’t be afraid to put the foot down when needed. 

  

Fruit Combinations For Refreshing Water – Perfect For Hosting A Brunch Or Shower

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sliced green fruits
Photo by Badulescu Badulescu on Pexels.com

 

Truth be told I had never thought of adding fruit or veggies to my water, other then lemon.

And the only reason I know of lemon in water is probably because when you’re at a restaurant they ask if you would like lemon in your water (the answer is always yes btw).

Little did I know that adding fruit or veggies to your water adds vitamins and minerals to it.

As if ice cold water couldn’t be more refreshing when you’re super thirsty, right! The fruit in the water definitely takes it up a notch.

I was first introduced to fruit infused water or, what some would call ‘spa water’ was actually when I worked in a spa as a front desk receptionist.

You would walk into this gorgeous spa and a giant, beautiful glass, self serve pitcher caught your eye. Ice water with the fruit of the day.

It was super appealing. I actually wanted to drink water! There was just a hint of flavor but enough to tell the difference.

Ever since then I’ve been hooked! This is a terrific way to stay refreshed and hydrated!

‘Spa Water’ is perfect for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, a brunch, etc.

A gorgeous way to serve water to your guests and keep them hydrated.

Try these tasty fruit combinations in your water today and let me know what is your favorite!

You can get super creative with fruit combinations, but here a few to inspire to get you creative with your own flavors! Enjoy!

CUCUMBER COMBINATIONS

  • Cucumber and strawberries
  • Cucumber BY ITSELF
  • Cucumber and raspberries
  • Cucumber and lemon

STRAWBERRY COMBINATIONS

  • Strawberries and blueberries
  • Strawberries BY ITSELF
  • Strawberries and Lemon
  • Strawberries and lime
  • Strawberries and kiwi
  • Strawberries and apples
  • Strawberries and mango
  • Strawberries and peaches

ORANGE COMBINATIONS

  • Oranges and raspberries
  • Oranges and limes
  • Oranges and strawberries
  • Oranges and blueberries
  • Oranges and pineapple

LEMON COMBINATIONS

  • Lemon BY ITSELF
  • Lemon and grapefruit
  • Lemon and raspberries
  • Lemon, strawberry, and orange

MINT COMBINATIONS

  • Mint, strawberries, and cucumber
  • Mint and strawberries
  • Mint, cucumber, and lemon
  • Mint, lime, and strawberries
  • Mint, lemon, and blueberries
  • Mint, watermelon, and cucumber

BLUEBERRY COMBINATIONS

  • Blueberry and lemon
  • Blueberry and raspberries
  • Blueberries and black berries

WATERMELON COMBINATIONS

  • Watermelon and limes
  • Watermelon and cucumber
  • Watermelon and strawberries

RASPBERRY COMBINATIONS

  • Raspberry and limes
  • Raspberry and peaches
  • Raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry

 

Have fun with this! Thanks for stopping by!

For You…Daughter – I Wish And Hope

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A poem dedicated to you
(This poem is not written by The Wild Gems, all credit is given to Joan Benicken. Thank you for your beautiful poem.)

pexels-photo-1028707

‘My Hope for you, Daughter’

I can’t give you the world,

filled with all its riches.

I can’t promise you a life free from

sickness, pain, and disappointment,

for that is a gift not mine to give.

I cannot guarantee that you

will never feel your heart break.

My only hope for you is that

you fulfill the dreams deep within you.

I wish for you to know yourself

and be faithful to yourself.

For if you do,

you will be able to fully love others.

Be free to choose your course in life

without fearing a wrong decision.

Reflect on what you have been taught,

and take time to listen to your heart.

Never lose the ability to feel with open arms

all the passion and joy that life holds for you.

Give all you have

without looking for something in return.

Reach out for that which you can attain

and not for that which is impossible.

My hope for you, my daughter,

is that you will be all you can be,

for only then will you awaken

to the person you want to be.

– Joan Benicken

From the book ‘There Is So Much to Love About You…Daughter’ A Blue Mountain Arts Collection