TIME

I'm so sleepy as I write this.  You know why? Because I try and do 101 things in a day; things that can wait, things that if time was properly allotted for would turn out better.  Lets take something as simple as laundry.....if I simply did laundry that would be great.  I put laundry in the washing machine, take it out in about an hour, transfer items into dryer, load washer with 2nd load, (read a book & time when to go downstairs), go back into the basement in about 40 minutes to start folding items from dryer, then transfer clothes from washer into dryer and so on and so forth with next load of laundry.  Easy enough right?  NO! I get the first load going properly, but then instead of doing something easy like reading and time it all; I usually say to myself "ok, I have about an hour...I'll answer some client emails....which leads to I need to order business supplies, then pay bills,  then, then, then......THEN its 2 hours later and I'm hungry.  So I start looking for something to eat, remember I don't enjoy cooking or the kitchen for that matter, soooo I search and search until I decide to just get in my car and get something to eat.  I don't like eating alone so I call a friend to meet up with me for a quick bite....2 hours later.  I then head back home and think "I stepped out to eat because there's nothing to eat at home" sooooo I go to the supermarket to pick up a few things....1 hour later.  I'm finally home, walk Bruno, put groceries away...phone rings "talk, talk, talk", kids get home from school, feed them a quick after school snack, get on to homework....etc. etc.  Time to put take a shower and put on PJ's "OMG!!! I have no clean underwear or PJ's....it's all being washed...." OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I now have to rewash the clothes that have been sitting there all day WET and so now everyone goes to sleep and I'm awake finishing up stinkin' laundry into the weeee hours of the night because that's how long it takes to wash 3 loads of laundry. LOL!
OK, it's not like that everyday or even every time I start to do laundry but you get where I'm going with this, right?
Time management!!!! Here I thought I was going to get into the whole sleep thing or the lack thereof.  Sleep isn't the problem.  Sleep is good and getting enough of it is great.  Function better, think clearer, nicer :-) and the lack of sleep can be toxic to you/to anybody.  No sleep can lead to serious mood swings, accidents, fatigue, lack of concentration and disorder.  But not sleeping isn't really the problem, the real problem here is TIME MANAGEMENT!  ........BRB! (laundry).

I'm Back!!!! LOL! 4 days later!!!! Seriously!!!

Since the laundry, went to the gym, did some networking (squeezed in a meeting at the gym right after my workout), picked up my daughter (this is a daily thing), I painted a couple of little faces for a dance recital, I made a lasagna because we had marriage group over on Friday (always a wonderful time and they loved my Lasagna...by the way it's 1 of maybe 3 dishes I actually cook pretty good), sewed my daughter's recital costume for picture day, then biz work (party party), then helped my buddy move (into a gorgeous new house...God Bless her and her hubby), went to a wake and payed my respect to close friends who lost their lovely mother (such a beautiful, blessed and loving family), then spent some time with my grandmother (love her to pieces and value my time with her.  She's 84 years young.), and now here I am finishing up this post.  I'm Glad to say though that in the mist of all the running around I always found time to pray.  I managed to put time aside for God.

What I've come to realize is that in MY life as long as I start my day with God...as long as I manage my time to put him first then all else pretty much falls into place.  So I can take my nap (lol!) in the middle of the day should I get tired and time allows (you know it's not interfering with anything else or affecting anybody).  I don't usually take mid-afternoon naps but I'm comfortable enough to not feel guilty about it if I do.  So my life is a little wacky, a little less organized then the next person....so what?  Funny, I started out thinking I needed better time management but after this weekend I've come to see that I manage my time pretty good....and I owe it all to God for giving me peace as I start each day.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it! ;-) lol!

Blessed

"All gifts in life come directly from above. Living in the present is the ultimate gift, full of promise and possibility. Allow yourself to be open to life’s greatest moments without taking anything for granted. Seize your opportunities and realize that you are divinely and completely blessed everyday in every moment." (Alex and Ani)

Well, its been two weeks since my last post.  I apologize for not keeping you posted with what's going on.  This post will be all about the blessings in our lives.  First let me say that I am truly blessed....and so are YOU!  The blessings that you may overlook or take for granted; and if you don't think you're blessed then shame on you :-p .  Don't be so toxic and ruin it for yourself.  Not seeing the blessings in your life, only seeing the mishaps is a NO-NO!  Did you know that many of those "mishaps" are blessings in disguise?  What you see as a mishap can possibly be God's way of keeping you from danger or God's way of redirecting your path to where you need to be.  Don't close yourself off to thinking things are going bad because you don't deserve good things or because you feel like that's just how life is.  Open your eyes, your heart, your thoughts, your ears to what's bigger (God).  Don't assume you were just dealt a whack life....it's only whack if you allow it to be that (yeah, yeah I used the word whack...lol!).  

Before anybody sees a rainbow, what had to happen? Rain.  Before anybody sees a beautiful butterfly, what had to happen? Changes.  Before anybody learned to walk, what happened? You fell & got back up.  

For anyone reading this and doesn't think they are blessed.  Here are some blessings I can say you have without me knowing who you are:

1. YOU're breathing and alive! You have been blessed with another day.

2. You can read! Awesome!

3. If you're not reading this, but have someone reading it to you.  You can hear AND you're not alone! (Not that you ever are alone if you believe).

4. You found my blog! Woot-Woot! lol!

Here are some simple everyday things that prove I'm blessed...and you can probably count them as blessings for yourself.  I have a place to call home, I have a loving family, wonderful friends, food, shower, clothes, my health, dreams, goals, freedom, choices, ....etc.  I
can list so many other things but I think you get the gist of where I'm going with this.  How are you blessed?  Let me know.  Please know that you are Blessed & God Loves you (huge blessing right there!).

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Clean

http://vimeo.com/85163111 

I wanted to talk a little about the Toxic you put in and on yourselves and your homes.  Have you ever stopped to read the ingredients in the products in your home?  The ingredients in the products you use on yourself?  I'm not talking about just checking the ingredients in what you eat but really checking the ingredients in everything you purchase, use daily.  Did you know that the cleaning products in your home are compiled with toxins?  While you're cleaning your home, making it "clean"...killing germs; you're also slowly killing yourself and your children and your pets.  Many of the toxins found in cleaning products are linked to cancer, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, headaches and asthma (just to name a few).  Many of us shop looking for a good deal price wise without realizing that its not a good deal in the end.  Not a good deal if its making us sick.  I rather be healthy and pay a few bucks extra.  I don't know anybody who LIKES being sick....I know I don't like it.  Do you?  

Here are just some toxins that you should look out for and you'll find in your body care products and cosmetics:

• Coal Tar (FD&C Red No.6)
• DEA/TEA/MEA
• Formaldehyde
• Fragrance (found in almost everything and a cover up word for hidden chemicals like phthalates).
• Mercury
• Oxybenzone
• Parabens (propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben,  _____paraben - fill in the blank with the many other parabens YOU WILL find)
• Triclosan

This list doesn't even scratch the surface.  You can go to the Environmental Working Group website learn more about these toxins and the thousands of other toxins that exist today in our daily products.  Make it easy on yourself, collect various products around your home and take the toxic test.

Mommy's Club is helping people to make better choices by providing healthier products.  Products that can bring comfort to you and your family in your home.  Cosmetics, health, household and personal care products.  Please get educated on what is out there.  Then when you're done using your household products instead of buying those products again, visit Mommy's Club, become a member and start using better products.  

www.mommysclub.com/product?ProductId=9424

After reviewing the Mommy's Club products you may say to yourself "that seems expensive"...for example you may think the bottle of "Clean" for $19.95 is a lot but it covers a whole lot and replaces dish soap, dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent, and can be used to clean sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, metal surfaces, pots, pans, windows, mirrors, tiles, floors, pets, fruits and vegetables....etc. etc.  That one bottle is concentrated and just saved you lots by you not having to buy glass cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent..etc.  All those products that you're use to normally buying would cost you way more than $19.95 and it cost you & your family your health.  We have to take care of ourselves, our children, our future.  

The products are certified organic, toxic free, no GMOs, BPA free, Vegan, Cruelty Free and made in the USA! Woo-Hoo! 

NOTE: When purchasing please use my member number#504498 so I can get credit for your sale! Become a member and save on all your purchases.  

Friends

I almost did it to myself again.  I almost got in my own way...again!  I almost allowed something, someone, some little bit of information derail me, distract me, lose focus, discourage me from my goals.  I thank God for the people he has put in my life.  I was able to get in my car, place a phone call, start my vent....but quickly and calmly my friend (my wonderful, lovely, dear bestie) helped me get focused again.  

Ok, don't get upset for what I'm about to say...these are MY opinions.  Family is wonderful.  I am blessed to have a great, loving family.....but let's be honest; just because someone is "family" doesn't necessarily mean its a good connection to have.  We can love and care for (some/certain) family members from a distance; it is what it is.  It doesn't mean you hate them, or wish them wrong doing, or don't want to be around them.  It just means you're different from each other and it mean you're NOT necessarily "friends", and that's ok. It's ok to be just family to each other with no real commonality....so don't force it.  Then there are "friends".  TRUE friends, not the facebook, instagram, twitter, linkedIN, pinterest, etc. etc. friends.  Those friends are cool also but there is nothing like a TRUE friend.  One that listens to your up and downs, one that can give you advice, constructive criticism, one that doesn't judge you and accepts you as you are, for who you are; a friend is one that in return can confide in you, share their ups and downs, listen to advice, take constructive criticism and know there is no judgement in return.  A TRUE friend doesn't envy, doesn't boast, doesn't wish you harm, understands if time has gone by (because life has a way of getting in the way) and they haven't connected it's nothing personal.  That is MY definition of a TRUE friend.  If you have at least one of those then you are blessed.  I am very blessed.  I have a wonderful friend who I've been friends with since the age of 16 (AWESOME!).  Love her to stinkin' pieces! LOL!...She knows who she is.  In addition to her, the Lord has blessed me with other women who are strong, loving, independent, faithful, caring, honest friends! A couple more from childhood/teen years and other friendships that have been made in my adult life; and if you're like me, making true friends as an adult tends to be harder...I'm not sure why but it just tends to be harder.  Maybe, its because we're so busy being married and being moms and working and the house and blah, blah, blah....maybe, we're just cautious of people based on passed relationships, maybe, maybe, maybe. Whatever!  We all have some kind of past "friendship" that went sour.  Don't let that keep you from future friendships.  

I'm saying all of this because we as humans need other humans in our lives, whether you want to accept it or not.  Don't be toxic to yourself by being by yourself.  I don't mean "alone time" which we all need every now and then...I mean don't seclude yourself from society.  Closing yourself off to people will make you depressed, angry, miserable, blah!  You don't want to be blah! Right? Blah is whack! lol! That could lead to sickness, which leads to medication, which leads to side effects from the medication, which leads to more medication, which leads to more expenses, which lead to mis-managing your budget, which leads to not paying your bills, which leads to not having hot water, which leads to being stinky....oh gosh! Don't get stinky...because then you won't even want to be around yourself, ewww.  Connect with people please!  Make friends!  

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work.  If either should fall, one can pick up the other.  But how miserable are those who fall and don't have a companion to help them up!

So with that said go out and make a friend, or a few!  Need help?  Start with a kind word and a smile :)

Ephesians 4:29

Don't let any foul words come out of your mouth.  Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.

OH, P.S......I'm back on track, feeling encouraged and focused.  Thank you! ;-)  More information on that is coming in the near future! Stayed tuned.

Quoting a beautiful young lady, Carly Ortiz: 
Blessed. Learning to embrace the positive, and ignore the negative. Constructive criticism is always welcomed, but don't try to shoot me down, because its a waste of time.

Coconut Love

Anyone that knows me knows how much I absolutely love coconut.  I love the taste and the smell and that its good for you.  NOW let me add to my love of coconut....its a great healer.  My nose boo-boo (from my previous post) healed up really nice and quick by simply applying organic coconut oil on it.

Here are some health benefits of Coconut Oil:

• Effective in healing damaged tissues and infections (just proved itself this week on my nose).
• Prevents wrinkles, dryness and flaking of the skin.
• Helps in easy digestion
• Rich in lauric acid that helps maintain blood sugar and cholesterol
• Strengthens immune system (I can honestly say that I haven't gotten sick even during that whole "stomach bug...it's going around" thing).  Thank God! Now, I don't know if its due to my love of coconut or the vitamins I take daily...either way, I'm not stopping either one.  (I like being "NOT sick").  
• Reduces protein loss and it nourishes the hair. (I have lots of hair).
• Treats pancreatitis and Alzheimer's disease. (That's really good to know). 
• Prevents diseases that affect the liver and kidney.
• Improves bone health.
• Improves heart health.

**NO Trans-Fats, Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic

Now let me Bubba Gump you Coconut Style, lol! Mmmmmm! 

• Coconut Rice
• Coconut Ginger Chicken Stew
• Coconut Macaroons
• Coconut Fudge Pie
• Coconut Ice Cream
• Coconut Smoothies
• Samoas (girl scout cookies)
• Almond Joy
• Mounds
• Coconut Shrimp
• Lemon Coconut Sorbet
• Coconut Pancakes
• Coconut Milk

• Coconut Ice Fruit Bar
• Coconut Mojito
• Pina Colada
• Coconut Cream Pie
• Coconut Cookies
• Coconut Bread
• Malibu Rum
• Coconut Butter
• Coconut Water
• Coconut Nectar
• Coconut Sugar
• Coconut Cream
• Coconut Shreds
• Coconut Flour
• Coconut Oil
• Just straight up raw coconut (all of it!)......I can go on forever, but I'll spare you my Coco-Loco-ness!

Let's see, I also enjoy my hair shampoo/conditioner to be infused with Coconut.  I love the house to smell like coconut so I get coconut scented candles or I'll make my own using the organic coconut oil.  Yes, I'm a little obsessed with all things Coconut; but the fact that it has so many health benefits makes me HAPPY (insert Pharell's Happy song here).

Another thing Coconut does for me is it keeps wonderful childhood memories fresh in my mind/heart.  As a child I spent many wonderful summers in Puerto Rico, where I would like to say my coconut love began. Aaaaahhhh! The days of true Toxic Free living....in every sense; Farm fresh eggs, freshly picked coffee, milk, beans, chicken, coconuts...etc. etc. Playing outdoors in the fresh air, interacting with all my cousins, laughing, running, talking face to face, no distractions from electronics, walking to the beach,....*aaaahhhhh, good times! I have been truly blessed to have had such an amazing childhood.

Yeah, Good Stuff! <3 ...... Thank you Coconut, for your taste, your smell, the healing and the memories!

Good Day gone Bad!

I apologize for being late on my weekly post.  I had a really rough Monday! I can laugh now but trust me I was NOT happy at all on Monday afternoon.

The day started great.  The good Lord woke me up :) I started the day as usual, by getting my little one ready for school and on the school; walking the dog and then getting my big girl to school.  So far the day is good! I head over to the gym, to get my sexy back ;-) lol!  Have to take care of yourself....if you don't nobody will.  So I took an hour Body Pump class that helps tone and strengthen the body.  As I leave, I run into a friend from church and mentions she's going to take the Sh'Bam class, so I joined her (ooooh! look at me taking 2 classes back to back; watch out Summer, I'm getting ready for you)....turns out its very much like Zumba.
Enjoyed it very much and glad I ran into her (by the way, Love my church and the wonderful people in it; spiritual health is just as/if not more important as physical health).

I am going going going! Good stuff.  Day is still on the up and up, and it's only 11:15 am.  I'm feeling GREAT! I head over back to the High School to pick up my daughter, she's a senior and gets our early everyday.  We got home had some lunch, did a load of laundry, cleaned the bathroom, swept and mopped the living room, dining room and kitchen.  I even had energy to wash and blowout my hair (I have wavy/curly hair so blow drying it straight takes a little work and I have to be in the mood).  No problems just yet! Wait for it! UGH! I get on my laptop to get some work done, answer some emails, return some calls, research information I need...etc. etc.  Day is going smoothly.  Catch up on a show with my daughter while we wait for my younger daughter to get home from school.  My little one gets home, I give her a snack and get her started on her homework.

My packages arrive, woo-hoo!  I love getting packages...especially when its stuff for events I'm planning.  Party stuff is fun to order and receive.  I drag the two big boxes into the house but before I open and go through them I have to walk Bruno (our dog).

It was Monday so the garbage & recycle bins are out front from this morning and so I have to roll them back up the driveway.  I have Bruno on the leash, I grab the mail from the mailbox, tuck it under my arm and start rolling one of the bins back up our driveway.  Let me tell you all that Bruno is a beautiful dog and looks/is very intimidating to strangers (love that)...BUT he's afraid of the rolling sound of the stinkin' garbage & recycle bins.  I'm use to him being afraid of this so that's why I decided to roll in one at a time (less rolling sound).  He normally gets really nervous, shakes and walks really slowly next to me.  I wish he would get over it, but I'm use to it and its the routine...whatever! BUT NOOOOOoooooo this time Mr. Bruno decides he's REALLY afraid of the stinkin' bins and BOLTS!!! I mean full on, with all his might BOLTS!!!  Mail goes everywhere, bin drops......and I get yanked and thrown into the MUD!  Let me paint a picture for you.  I'm 5'6" tall about 150 lbs, wearing sneakers, black sweats, black t-shirt and a white 3/4 length coat/jacket (WHITE!!); My dog is a Cane Corso, about 135 lbs & really strong; our driveway and front yard is full of mud (due to all the snow that is still melting).  Bruno stopped, I pulled the leash off my wrist, He ran back into the house and I'm laying flat on my face in MUD!  I get up and am covered, literally, HEAD to TOE in thick MUD!  Ewwwww!

If I were a cartoon I would have had steam coming out of my ears and beeping sounds coming out from my mouth.  I walk into my house (remember just swept & mopped) tracked in a whole lot of mud, entered the bathroom (remember just cleaned that too), took everything off, started to wash myself off (MUD everywhere).  I look in the mirror, after washing it and my forehead and nose are all scratched up...my hands have scratches on them also.  Ouch!  Very painful.  My house now looked like the way my face looked and felt..NOT GOOD!

So I throw all my muddy clothes in the wash, I cleaned the bathroom again and swept and mopped again! I was NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!  Although, oddly enough, my hair stayed fabulous.....no MUD in the hair.  How the heck did that happen?  I don't know but Happy!  For the next two days my neck, shoulders, hands and nose were very sore.  I'm healing quickly, putting organic coconut oil on my boo-boos.

That was a very unfortunate event but I do Thank God for waking me up every morning, my health, my family and that Bruno stopped after I fell...he could have easily kept running, dragged me and I could have gotten hurt really bad.  So at the end of the day I pretty much want to say that life is Good and Mud may get thrown in your face ;-) (or you fall in it) but don't let one thing ruin your spirit.  Don't let the bumps in the road poison you, derail you from your happy path, from the Toxic-Free You!  Stay happy, stay positive, stay Toxic-Free!

SICK!

NOTE: When purchasing please use my ID#504498 so I can get credit for your sale! Thanks!

ARE YOU SICK!!! Stomach Bug is going around.  I keep hearing about it going around.  So many from my family and of friends have caught the bug.  This stomach bug is causing nausea and diarrhea...yuck! and feeling light headed.   

Hope I'm not jinxing myself by saying this but I have not caught the bug.  THANK GOD!!! I actually haven't gotten sick this whole winter season.  I say this happily because as a mom I just don't have time for it.  LOL! All you moms out there know exactly what I'm talking about.  But really, NOBODY has time for it; aside from time NOBODY cares for the way it feels either.  In my home this whole winter season my husband has gotten sick a few times, my daughter's also....I'm the one constantly around them, yet I haven't been down for the count.  (Please, please, please oh God...continue to bless me with my health).  I pray for the health of my loved ones also.  I didn't enjoy seeing my girls with horrible stomach pain, not being able to hold anything down (not even water), feeling light headed and not looking bright eyed.  

Total Body Health: Removes Toxins :) YAY! 
NOTE: When purchasing please use my ID#504498 so I can get credit for your sale! Thanks!

I've been taking my vitamins.  I tried getting my husband to take vitamins but he doesn't.  I tried getting my daughter's to take their vitamins also but they don't. I choose my battles, I don't like fighting.  I will now force them all to take their vitamins & omega.  I can't say for sure that this is why but I will share with you that I've been taking a total body health-multi vitamin in liquid form and I feel great!  I also take Omega 3/6/9, also in liquid form and it doesn't taste yucky either.  I like that its in liquid form because its so easy to take each morning.  I also like it because I feel like it goes right into my body and I get it all right away; without it having to breakdown as in pill form.  I don't like taking pills. blah!  

No fishy taste! YAY!  
NOTE: When purchasing please use my ID#504498 so I can get credit for your sale! Thanks! 

Maybe, just maybe they'll listen to me or at least learn by seeing and start taking their vitamins; and take them without fighting with me.  By the way....all are non-toxic, NoGMO's, cruelty free, made in the USA & BPA free.  That's bonus for me :) 

Nothing to EAT!!!!

I can never find anything to eat in my house.  I'll look in the fridge, NOTHING! In the cabinets, NOTHING! On the counter, in the drawers....again, NOTHING!  My husband comes along, looks in the same places and the next thing you know dinner is served.  I'm not talking about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich either, I'm talking a full, hearty, delicious meal.

I am a foodie.  In the sense that I love food, not that I like making it myself.  I would be a great tasting judge, because I'll try most anything (NOT everything....there are some funky things out there that don't look or smell appealing at all).  Up until last summer if I was hungry (and hubby wasn't around to whip something up) I would just drive through a fast food place, order Chinese food, or pizza, or make anything microwavable....OR I would wait for him to get home from work or where ever he's at to make something.  He sometimes would even cook a large meal so I would have enough left over for the next day.

Don't get me wrong I can cook, its just not as good as his cooking and I really, really don't enjoy cooking.  I don't like any part of it.  The prepping, the stirring, seasoning, waiting....UGH!  I cook well enough to survive and my daughter's are still alive, LOL!  They're not starving.  I really wish I did like cooking, but I don't.  My daughter's told me I should sign up for "Worst Cooks in America" on the Food Network (I'm not mad, it is what it is).  They tell me I'm bad enough to go on the show but teachable enough to possibly win the whole thing, LOL!

Here's another problem (on top of me not cooking), I don't want to go to fast food places anymore because they're TOXIC!  It was bad enough knowing they are bad and fatty for you but goodness they're TOXIC also!?!?  The pink stuff in chicken nuggets, the chemical foam in breads, the non-rotting burgers & buns, the added fillers....etc. etc.
The more I learn about what I should be putting in my body & what I shouldn't, the more disgusted I am about all the toxic stuff that's in fast food.  OMG! at this rate I should have lost major weight, lol! I'm not saying I'm fat, but I can afford to lose a few pounds (like 15-20).   I've learned that fast foods in other countries aren't as bad as the fast food here in the USA.  WTH???  Even French Fries!!!Something as basic as french fries! Really?

Wake up America! Why are we killing ourselves slowly by allowing this to continue happening.  Why is it OK for our fast food places to allow these kinds of toxins to get into our food?  We need to take a stance and demand healthier food.  I don't mean buying organic and digging deeper into our pockets to eat healthier...I mean making it right.  It shouldn't be either/or.  It should just be.  If they can do it in other countries why can it be done here in the USA?

Let's add to my (not being a great cook) problem....the stuff that's microwavable and/or easy to make is killing us also.  The number of toxic ingredients in our food is ridiculous. So I now can't buy frozen chicken nuggets, hot pockets, burritos, mac & cheese...etc. etc. This is a great struggle for me because I now really have NOTHING TO EAT!!!! Remember, I don't cook...or rather I'm not a great cook.  UGH!!!!!

Some dangerous ingredients to avoid when shopping for products:

1) High-Fructose Corn Syrup: possible side effects are obesity, insulin resistance, belly fat, heart disease
2) Trans Fats: possible side effects are heart disease, cancer, diabetes
3) Artificial Flavors: possible side effects are allergic and behavioral reactions.  Its also a general term referring to over 100 possible chemical additives.
4) Artificial Colors: possible side effects are allergies, sinus congestion, hyperactivity in children, heighten symptoms of ADD and ADHD
5) Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): possible side effects are chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches
6) Bisphenol-A (BPA): possible side effects are reproductive problems, cancer risk, diabetes, heart disease
7) Benzoate Preservatives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ): used to keep fats in food from going bad.  possible side effects are cancer risk, asthma, hyperactivity

This list doesn't even scratch the surface.  The list of toxic chemicals that are in our foods is astronomical.
I really have to learn to cook so my family can eat healthy.  I need help fast!  Pray for me people.  :

How are you doing?

Know someone who you were cautious about asking the question "How are you doing?".....

I care about how people are doing, how they're feeling, what's new in their life and their plans for their future.  I actually enjoy having long conversations about this and that; about good times and bad times; about mistakes that have been made and the aspirations, dreams & goals to be conquered. I even enjoy talking about a favorite show on TV or a movie that's out.  Let's face it I'm a people person & I love interacting with...guess what? People!

Every now and then we all run into a person (I'm thankful that it's not very often) that no matter the season, month, week, day or hour they're just BLAH! You know what BLAH means right? They just can't seem to shake off the "ho-hum", woe-ways me attitude/mentality.  PEOPLE!!!! Shake it off...it's not cute! lol! Seriously, it really is NOT cute! Don't get me wrong we all get in our moods from time to time and need to vent; and we all should have that awesome friend that is there to lend an ear and kick the ho-hums out of us and lift our spirits! THANK GOD I have more than a handful of great awesome friends....and I'd like to think that I too am that awesome friend right back to them.

Anyway, I found myself having one of those ho-hum people in my life.  One of those, lets call it a TOXIC person.  At first I really liked her, we would chit chat and laugh; a real friendship.  Then during each conversation little by little she would bring up how unlucky she is, or how bad things are and I would do my best to cheer her up and turn her mood around.  Then I found myself talking to her in a way to make her feel that she's not alone by sharing how things aren't so great with me either......BAD!!!! That's not good! Talk about misery loves company.  She totally dragged me into her ho-hum world...and I did it because I didn't want her to feel as if I was throwing my awesome life in her face.  What the HECK is that about????  I mean my life wasn't/isn't grandiose and I do want more out of life but I am thankful and I do love and appreciate my life.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who has ever done this? Please!!!! LOL! 

Any-whoooo! I shook that crazy Toxicity off!! I stopped the negativity match.  You know she'd say "my husband/kids/life......." & I would say "you think that's bad, well my ......." CRAZY talk is what that was.  I would try and try to talk positive talk to her.  I would try to have her see the bright side of things and she would say "you don't understand".  Or I would suggest making changes in her life and she would say "I can't because of XYZ........blah, blah, blah".  There was no winning with her.  All I know is that she was draining my joy...she was TOXIC to my life.  I started avoiding her calls (thank goodness for caller ID).  She got hip to the caller ID thingy so she would call and block her number, GRRRR! Obviously she must have been aware that she was being avoided.  I didn't want to cut her out completely because I felt bad for her.  I felt she needed somebody. She would tell me she didn't have any friends (which I now know why), and how everyone left her or did her wrong. Nobody did her wrong, they just got tired....they went into hiding, ran for the hills.  Sorry, I'm sounding like a mean girl.  Trust me I'm not a mean girl, at all.  I couldn't just drop her, my conscious wouldn't let me; I just knew I could DETOXIFY her, shine some light on her, wake her up from her nightmare.  I would hear the phone ring, see "unknown" on the caller ID and contemplate on picking up the phone or not.  I had to be in a really, really, really good mood in to pick up the phone and I had to have time to kill (because it was going to be a long call, a long exhausting call).  The better the mood the stronger I felt going into the call, like "OK, she cannot drag me down today....I will encourage and lift her spirits".  After some time of seeing & hearing this TOXIC person I realized she was just not going to change.  She enjoyed being the victim.  I FAILED, I couldn't turn her frown upside down.  But I sure as heck was not going to stay on that toxic path.  I had to remove the TOXICITY from my life.  I distanced myself and she eventually stopped calling, after of course telling me I wasn't a good friend and a whole lot of other non-sense.  Boo-Hoo! (tear)....Sorry, that wasn't very nice.  I do pray she is well and finds happiness (seriously I do, but from a distance).

So, I said all that to say that its OK to vent just don't lose HOPE; don't lose the cheer in your voice, the pep in your step, the JOY in your life....because when you lose those things, you lose friends (and even family); and worse yet you lose yourself.  

Feeling BLAH! and want to feel more like this?  Lose the TOXIC in YOU

The next time someone ask you "How are you doing?" remember its OK to really say how you're doing but don't drag it on, don't live in it, don't lose HOPE, don't lose your JOY!  Be HAPPY!!!! End your call, your visits, your days with a smile and a feeling of gratitude because we have soooo much to be thankful for.  I know I do!

Be HAPPY like that! (FYI: that's me in the pink bloomers) 

<---------------- ;-)

To My Friends: I want to apologize for staying away at times; its because I don't want to be TOXIC to you and sometimes I just want to get past whatever grey cloud is lingering over me.  I know you're there for me and I appreciate & LOVE you all; but sometimes...well, sometimes I feel like I just don't want to bring you down.  When I'm down 'my misery doesn't love company'....I give it to God and pray it away.  

Don't be toxic to others & definitely don't be toxic to yourself. 

_____________________________________________________________

Psalm 71:14

English Standard Version (ESV)

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.

This Year I WILL......

Toxic Free YOU (Mind, Body, Soul)...starts from within

Yesterday (Feb. 17th) was my birthday; I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy for all the love I got from friends, family and "friends" from all the social networks.  But sad because I didn't get to spend it with MY family.....I truly do appreciate the people in my life old and new & I WILL continue to count my blessings for having them in my life.

Today I would like to address "WILL" the will to do things, the "WILL" to want and go out and get it. I want certain things in life but my problem is accepting help.  I need to "get out of my own way" and realize that just "Willing" something does NOT make it just happen.  I need to realize that doing things by myself isn't the way to go.  I do it to myself so often, I don't accept help and end up hitting obstacles that I just can't do solo but instead of reaching out for help I turn around and give up or tire myself out trying to do something that obviously is impossible to do alone.  I need to learn to receive blessings, accept, enjoy and embrace those blessings.

Ever feel like giving is just so much easier? 

I don't believe I'm alone on this (at least I hope I'm not alone).

I like helping and giving to others.  I really love the feeling of making someone else happy.  I don't have much to offer but when I can & I see that my contribution helped bring joy, comfort, a moment of ease to someone it makes me so happy! I'm content with a simple Thank you or a hug...that's all (I'm a hugger).  Or sometimes if its done anonymously, a smile & thanking God, is awesome!  I don't expect anything in return, I would actually feel funny taking something afterward.  So I'm trying to train myself to accept help from others believing that they too do it because they can & it feels right; with no strings attached.  I don't normally accept help because I always have, in the back of my mind, the thought "how am I going to repay them".  So I walk around life not accepting help, not accepting blessings that God is throwing my way.  I pray for answers and ways to get certain things done and when it shows up I say "I'm good, thank you".  I really need to realize that just as God uses me to help others, God uses others to help me.

I'm like the man in this joke (not my joke, I personally don't know who's joke it is):

There was a flood coming and a car came and asked this man if he needed a ride to a safe place. He said, " No, God will send my help." It rained some more 'till it was up to his porch, a small boat came by and they asked, "would you like a ride to a safer place?" The man answered, "No, my God will send help." The rain kept coming by this time the man was up on his roof. A helicopter came by and asked do you need some help? The man answered again, "No, my God will send my help." 

The rain kept coming, the man drowned, died and went to heaven, when he got there he asked God, "Father, why didn't you send me help?" God replied, "I sent you a car, a boat and a helicopter!

Goodness, such a shame....this is me, once again being toxic to myself.  LOL! No More! I WILL open my eyes, put my pride aside and accept help from others.  How dare I not allow people to feel joy for helping me out (lol)...the nerve of me.

This morning as I read my Bible App (YouVersion); Bible Plan "The Legacy Journey"....it said:

1) *Dr. Billy Graham once said, "God gives us two hands: one to receive with and one to give with." On The Legacy Journey, both hands need to stay open.

2) "We are blessed to bless others, too."

It's a beautiful cycle.  Paying it forward so to speak.  

So with that said 

I WILL embrace the blessings that come my way.  

I WILL continue to help those around me

I WILL continue to Thank God for all I am & all I have

I WILL open the door when opportunity knocks

I WILL blow the dust off my dreams & breath new life into them
I WILL have hope
I WILL not be toxic to myself or others

AND I WILL keep you all posted along my journey

I WILL, I WILL

I WILL .....

What WILL you do?

*****
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."

Get out of your own way!

*deep breath....here goes my first blog post...on my Grandmother's 84th Birthday, hope I don't disappoint her. If its all over the place, please forgive me....Looking forward to hearing from you! :-)

We're a little over a month into the new year and I have to say I'm off to a good start.
Over the holidays (starting around Thanksgiving) I thought to myself what can I do to change things.  Things, anything....I was content with my life but I don't believe I was totally happy.  Although, I couldn't pin it down to just one thing.  All things in my life were/are "OK" but I don't want to settle with just OK I want Great! I want Super! I want Better! I want change.

How can I accomplish that change? I looked in the mirror and examined myself.  I had to learn to get out of my own way.  I realized I was Toxic to myself. Toxic by not being open to new things.  Toxic by just going through the everyday motions without even thinking about it.  Toxic in becoming angry or upset over things that obviously were out of my control and that weren't going to change.....so why be upset over it right? Right! So time to move on from situations, things, people and places that I have no control over.  Not that I want to control everything (working on that too...lol!).

So I started changing little things about how I do things, says things, respond to things (baby steps, I'm human and for the most part I really do Love myself so don't want to change "who I am" just what I do & how I do them).  Hope that makes sense :-)

I do more reading and am open to doing more learning. Taking classes here and there.  Taking notes, mental and written.  Going out more.  Saying YES! and following through more (you know not talking myself out of plans).  You see before I would want to do more things and go out more but I would not; I would limit myself based on those circumstances I have no control over that got me upset and ruin my mood.  It would domino into me not going anywhere, doing anything and hence growing my anger more because I didn't do anything....BLAH! :-P

I have my own business that I've been running for over 15 years (9 of those years full time).  I use to love what I do, really-really love. But through the years, somewhere along the way I've lost my passion.  It's just work now.  Work is good but I don't function that way.  I love being happy (I'm sure most people do to), I love working where it doesn't feel like work (again, I'm sure many feel that way)...I've been blessed to have that in my life.  I don't know where things changed.

I'm not giving up my business (can't do it...kind of attached).  But I have ventured into something new! (I'll tell you about that at a later date). Something out of my comfort zone! Something challenging! Time to WAKE UP! I was introduced to this new business venture based on a conversation I had about wanting to change, my new exercise plans, my new eating habits and about taking better care of my health (I'm pretty healthy and I want to keep it that way, so I've been cautious about what I put in my body & on my body...but we'll discuss that another time).

This happened around December 1st and I believe God had his hands in it all.  I've been putting it out there through prayer.  I've been talking to God about guiding me, showing me, talking to me about my path.  And this is what presented itself....it's a different kind of way of life and doing business for me but I really truly feel its the right path for me.

Step ONE in becoming a Toxic Free YOU: Get out of your own way!  
Step TWO: Be OPEN to change....with God by your side all things are possible! 
Step THREE: Have FAITH!!! ...in God & in yourself! 

Blissfully Blessed!
Gloria Martinez

**

I am the Lord your God who grasps your strong hand, who says to you, Don't fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 41: 13