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Health & Fitness Lifestyle

Ageless Radiance: Celebrating 54 Years with Positivity, Meditation, and Joyful Connections

September 5, 2023

As I step into my 54th year, I’m thrilled to share a journey of profound positive change that has transformed not only the way I approach life but also the essence of my being. In the pursuit of a fulfilling and joyful existence, I’ve consciously removed negativity by incorporating meditation, embracing the beauty of little moments, and nurturing friendships that align with my authentic self.

Meditation: Clearing the Path to Positivity

The practice of meditation has been instrumental in clearing the clutter of negativity from my mind and soul. By dedicating time each day to stillness and self-reflection, I’ve cultivated a mental sanctuary where negativity struggles to find a foothold. Meditation has become a powerful tool, allowing me to let go of stress, manage anxiety, and self-doubt while creating space for positivity to thrive.

Through mindfulness, I’ve discovered the ability to observe negative thoughts without letting them define my reality. This shift has not only brought tranquility to my daily life but has also empowered me to approach challenges with a positive and resilient mindset.

Little Moments: A Symphony of Positivity

In the hustle of life, it’s easy to overlook the magic in the seemingly mundane. Embracing the philosophy of finding joy in little moments has been a key strategy in banishing negativity. From the simple pleasure of a warm breeze on a sunny day to the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, these little moments compose a symphony of positivity that plays in the background of my life.

By anchoring myself in the present and relishing these small pleasures, I’ve cultivated an attitude of gratitude that acts as a shield against negativity. It’s incredible how a collection of positive little moments can create a ripple effect, influencing my overall outlook on life.

Friendships on My Terms: Surrounding Myself with Positivity

Choosing positivity also involves curating the relationships that surround me. I’ve embraced the idea that true friendships should contribute to my well-being and be a source of encouragement. By setting boundaries and consciously nurturing connections with those who radiate positivity, I’ve created a supportive social circle that uplifts me.

Letting go of toxic relationships has been a transformative experience, allowing me to make room for connections that add value and joy to my life. This intentional approach to friendships has become a cornerstone in maintaining a positive and vibrant social environment.

As I celebrate the beginning of another year, I do so with a heart brimming with positivity. By incorporating meditation, cherishing little moments, and fostering genuine connections, I’ve not only removed negativity but also paved the way for a life illuminated by joy and authenticity. Here’s to embracing the beauty of each moment, cultivating positive energy, and continuing this journey of ageless radiance.

 

 

P.S. I was luckiest girl in the world to indulge in a truly unforgettable experience with the best luxurious smokeless bonfire company located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. 30a Glow created a beautiful birthday celebration that was nothing short of enchanting, with a carefully curated atmosphere that combined opulence and comfort. The event took place at Fort Panic beach access located on 30A with one of the best sunsets that I have seen in a long time.

The centerpiece of the evening was a state-of-the-art smokeless bonfire, elegantly designed to merge seamlessly with the surroundings. The fire pit was crafted from high-quality, heat-resistant materials, ensuring both safety and a touch of modern sophistication. The flames danced gracefully, creating a warm and inviting ambiance without the inconvenience of traditional bonfire smoke.

Surrounding the bonfire were plush, custom-made seating arrangements. Luxurious cushions and throws adorned each seat, providing a cozy haven for me and my guest to relax and enjoy the mesmerizing flames. The seating was strategically arranged to encourage conversation and camaraderie, fostering an intimate and joyful atmosphere.

To enhance the experience, an expertly curated playlist filled the air with our favorite tunes, adding a musical backdrop that complemented the crackling of the smokeless bonfire. Soft lighting, strategically placed around the venue, illuminated the night without detracting from the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Gourmet catering elevated the evening to new heights, featuring a selection of delectable dishes prepared by a renowned chef. Fine wines and spirits were served by the owners, Sean and Jessica, ensuring that every moment was accompanied by the perfect culinary indulgence.

As the night unfolded, I found myself surrounded by laughter, warmth, and the gentle glow of the smokeless bonfire. The luxurious setting, impeccable details, and the company of cherished friends and my hubby made my 54th birthday a truly magical and unforgettable celebration.

Adding to the enchantment of the evening, the owners of the 30A Glow, Sean and Jessica were as warm and inviting as the smokeless bonfire itself. They personally welcomed me and my guests, ensuring that every detail of the celebration was executed with precision and care. Their hospitality extended beyond mere hosting; they joined the festivities, sharing stories and laughter around the fire, making everyone feel like cherished friends. I know that Sean and Jessica will be in our lives forever.

For those seeking to elevate their gatherings with a touch of luxury, 30a Glow is the go-to company, transforming any occasion into a magical experience that lingered in the hearts and minds of all who are fortunate enough to partake.

Want to find out more about 30a Glow? Check out there link below:

https://www.30aglow.com/

 

Health & Fitness Household Lifestyle

The Art of Gardening: Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Oasis

May 8, 2023

Gardening is often described as an art form that allows individuals to express their creativity while reconnecting with nature. The act of tending to plants, nurturing them and watching them flourish is a deeply satisfying and therapeutic experience. The rewards of gardening extend far beyond the visual appeal of a well-maintained garden. It’s about creating a tranquil outdoor oasis that provides numerous benefits to both the gardener and the environment. I just recently transformed my back patio into my oasis and I would like to share the joys and share some tips in creating a stunning oasis for the spring and summer months.

The Joys of Gardening

Gardening has been a beloved pastime for centuries and for many over the years. For me, I wasn’t interested in it until recently. I moved into my new home and the back yard was horrendous. My husband wanted to put tons of plants everywhere and all I could think about was I had one more thing to take care of and on top of everything else. Well, here’s the thing, it was growing on me. It slowly began to be inherently satisfying about getting my hands dirty and nurturing something.  Here are my joys of gardening:

Connection with Nature: Gardening allows you to connect with the natural world on a personal level. It provides an opportunity to observe the cycles of growth and seasons, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Stress Relief: The act of gardening is therapeutic and can reduce stress and anxiety. The repetitive task, such as weeding or watering, provide a sense of calm and accomplishment.

Physical Exercise: Digging, planting and weeding involve various muscle groups, making it a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like exercise.

Mental Wellbeing: Cultivating a garden can boost your mood and improve your mental health. Grounding is something that I do as much as I can and this is one way of doing it.

Creative Expression: Gardening is an art form that allows you to express your creativity. I have created some beautiful pots with any different plants of color and texture. The freedom to design and arrange my garden in a way that reflects my personality and style has been fun and heart-warming.

Tips for Creating a Stunning Garden

As the warmer months approach, it’s perfect time to start planning and nurturing your garden or potted plants to create that beautiful oasis.  I decided to use pavers for my backyard and added tons of pots and some hanging Pots to bring in the color and texture. Here are some tips for creating the perfect back patio or garden area:

Choose the Right Location: Pay attention to the sunlight, shade and soil conditions in those pots and your garden. Different plants have different requirements, so choose plants that are suitable for your specific microclimate. Sometimes, its trial and error so don’t beat yourself up to bad.

Select the Right Plants: Choose a mix or variety of plants. I also choose succulents. It has been a pleasure to learn and watch those grow. Best part, it’s the plant that keeps on giving. As you trim back, you can take parts of that plant and regenerate another one.

Watering/Maintenance/Pest Control: Be mindful of your plants watering needs. Trust me, they will tell you if something is wrong. Make sure you deadhead, prune and weed any plants to ensure that nothing is in the way of receiving the water or nutrients that you are providing. Also, use natural methods of pest control if you can, it’s safer for your pets and the environment.

Patience and Observation: Gardening is a long-term endeavor. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and watch. There’s nothing like look, listening and learning from what they have to say. Again, you might have some failures but you will have successes too.

Creating a beautiful garden is a labor of love that requires time, effort and dedication but the rewards, both personal and environmental, are well worth the investment. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, like myself, the art of gardening offers endless opportunities for creativity and a deeper connection with the natural world. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening gloves, and embark on the journey to create a stunning outdoor oasis that you can enjoy for years to come.

Health & Fitness Lifestyle

10 Beauty Trends for September

September 18, 2022

September is a wonderful time of the year to bring out some fun fall colors in your home and in beauty.

Here are 10 beauty trends for September for you to try out.

Bold Lip Color

Bold colors like red, berry, and magenta are the perfect way to give your makeup look an extra pop this month.

Subtly Smoky Eyes

Add a subtle smoky eye to your look for a hint of drama.

Glossy Lids

Glossy eye shadow looks are totally on-trend for September.

Peachy Blush

Peach blush is the perfect way to give your complexion a healthy flush.

Winged Eyeliner

Perfect your cat-eye with a winged liner look.

Dewy Skin

Achieve a dewy complexion with a sheer foundation or a good highlighter.

Braids

Although I haven’t quite mastered braids myself, you can get creative with your hairstyle and opt for a braid.

Natural Brows

Natural brows are in and hard pencils are out.

Hair Accessories

Add a cute accessory to your hair like barrettes, headbands or clips.

Nude Nails

Nude nails are the perfect way to spice up your mani this month.

Health & Fitness

Self Care on the Best Day Ever, National Lazy Day!

August 10, 2022

Everybody has that day when you don’t want to do one freaking thing. You shift in and out of the sheets and struggle to put your feet on the floor to begin the day. I bet you would love to have August 10th be on the calendar today, tomorrow and the next day. Well, today is August 10th, a self-care type of day.

Reset yourself with doing your favorite things with or without someone. I prefer to do things like this alone. Honestly, I prefer being alone 90% of the time because there are too many people out there in the world. Another topic for another day.

Anyhoo! Here are some things that you might want to consider doing on your Lazy Day!

1. Sleep In  – Please do. Honestly, you might need to catch up on some well needed sleep.

2. Turn off the devices – or set up restrictions to those devices to allow you to truly disconnect. I know you want to do that one last email for work but do me a favor, just stop. It will be there tomorrow. I promise you that.

3. Netflix & Chill  – Relax, order takeout and watch some of your favorite movies or TV series with a friend or without. You don’t need anyone to really chill (lol).

At the end of the day, you know yourself better than anyone else. Feed your mind, body and spirit with good food and rest. Reminder, you don’t need a National Holiday like National Lazy Day to execute another lazy day. Your gut will tell you.

Advice Column Health & Fitness Lifestyle

3 Things My Pets Have Taught Me.

April 1, 2022

I had some amazing pets in my life time. Each one brought their own unique personality and challenges. Quirks that made me think outside the box to feel comfort, trust and love. At times, it was not easy. As I reflect back in time, these are the top five things that my pets have taught me.  

Live in the Moment

Dogs don’t focus on the past. Shoot, how many times have we come home to pee on the floor and get so freaking mad? Our hootin’ and hollering doesn’t mean too poops to them. They don’t know what you are upset about and they definitely don’t remember that they peed on your new rug earlier in the day.  All they are getting from that situation is that when you come home; just go hide.

Take a Nap or Unwind

I know this one is probably making you giggle. How many times have we caught our pets napping? I will raise my hand and say out loud, A LOT! I have senior dogs so its 23 hours of the day. TBH, I love watching my dog go pick a place in the sun and gently settle down. So many times, I get encouraged to do the same. There are times that I hit the floor or lay on the couch to snuggle. In a world of social media or working on our computers all day, it’s nice to disconnect and shut our brains off with our four-legged pals.

Play

The drop of the toy at your feet by your four-legged pal can make you smile. Who can turn down such a lovely invitation? Ok, I know sometimes we have to decline because of working at home nowadays. That moment you look offline in your VPN/Network, your phone is ringing with your boss on the other line. However, it is important to play with your pet, friends and family. So, pick up that toy for a toss, get the zoomies, jump in the sprinkler and play tug of war. You won’t regret it.

Health & Fitness Lifestyle Random Acts of Kindness

Oh Boy! Happy New Year’s ~ Here comes 2022!

January 1, 2022

I am just sitting here wondering what goals that I am going to set for the New Year. With the world still a little shut down because of the global pandemic, it’s hard to come up with a different list from years of past such as working on mental and physical health, finances, reading more and not losing my grace with people.

So, here is my list of resolutions for 2022. I am going to shake things up a bit. Wanna join me?

  1. Give one compliment a day to yourself and a random stranger.
  2. Go a whole day without checking your social media or emails.
  3. Clean out your car.
  4. Volunteer for an organization closest to your heart.
  5. Send handwritten letters to someone random.
  6. Wear sunscreen.
  7. Talk less, listen more.

So, cheers to the New Year and a new work in progress. Life is ever evolving but in order to change, you have to embrace the growth journey.

Let me know what to do’s you have in store for 2022. I would love to hear from you.

 

 

Health & Fitness Lifestyle Photography

Happy Birthday to Me!

September 4, 2021

Yes, this is what 52 years of age looks like and I have embraced it!

Love the skin your in!

Things have changed for me, inside and out. Do you know why? Well, it is because we as individuals are ever evolving, growing up and growing old. That’s ok.

Trust me, I’ve been on quite a ride and didn’t like those hills and valleys. I am grateful for the journey that I have been on. I am still learning to step outside my comfort zone.

Do me a favor?

Love yourself, be kind to yourself and to others. Have a blessed day!

Health & Fitness

May is Mental Health Awareness.

May 4, 2021
Mental Health

No one really talks about mental health because its looked down upon by others or society to have a tough day that lingers a little longer than just a one day pity party, having depression, anxiety or a medical diagnosis.

Mind Trash

Mind trash or negative thoughts can spiral out of control. Those thoughts start to take toll on our mind, body and spirit. Our brain starts to believe every single thought to the point it pains our body by not eating, sleeping through the night, triggers rage and uncontrollable crying.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be easy to regulate and not so much for others. Anything from argument to a partner to going to a party can create an anxiety moment which can lead to depression and feeling out of control.

Medical Diagnosis

There are many medical diagnosis such as bipolar disorder, seasonal bipolar disorder, depressive and anxiety disorders that can trigger many other symptoms and take a toll on your mental health.

What can you do?

  1. Reach out to a medical professional to get a well-check. If you haven’t had a medical check up, its time to do it. There may be some physical things going on that might be compounding your feelings and emotions.
  2. Speak with a therapist. They will help you begin to understand how the feelings begin, understand our vulnerabilities, help us recognize how this emotion or behavior is hurtful and devise a plan or give you tools to manage and overcome.

Last but not least…

Prescribe yourself a little Self Care script! Self care can be many things like physical activity (exercise), social (visit friends), and spiritual (nurture your spirit or if religious, go to church service).

Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self preservation.

Adre Lorde