Friday Findings

Good morning Sistah, Grace and Peace be unto you!

I just wanted to share a great article that I came across from Happy Black Woman Entitled                  
3 Powerful Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself This Year. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. If you would like to see Rosetta's Website her is the link: http://happyblackwoman.com/3-powerful-ways-to-take-better-care-of-yourself-this-year/

“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort. ” – Deborah Day

I have to admit, I still can’t believe it’s the middle of March already! Is it just me or does it feel like 2017 is literally FLYING by?

In October, I relocated from Honolulu, Hawaii to San Diego with my partner. He’s stationed here with the Navy and I decided that I didn’t want to have a long-distance relationship. Instead, I chose to move to California and start a new adventure. We now live in a sunny 3-bedroom condo on Coronado, just a few blocks from the beach!

I’ve spent the past few months adjusting to our new home, all while pulling off two sold out events in Florida and New York with my incredible team.

And to be honest, I’ve been tired.

Last year, my doctor ran some blood tests and I was diagnosed with anemia, caused by iron deficiency. My symptoms included fatigue and loss of energy.

In fact, when I came back from our January Black Women of Power event in New York, my body pretty much shut down and made me sit down somewhere.

I knew it was time for a lifestyle change, so I began looking for ways to uplevel my diet and overall daily routine – beyond just taking iron supplements.

Here are three practices that have helped me get back on track recently. I hope they spark some new ideas for you to take better care of yourself this year!

1. DETOX YOUR BODY

Take Better Care of Yourself - Happy Black WomanIn February, I began a 5-week detox with a nutritional consultant, which included daily green smoothies and lots of vegetables to cleanse my body. During the detox, I ate mostly a plant-based diet. I could feel all the toxins being released and it felt great! I also lost the 5 extra pounds I had gained over the past year.

The structure I had to create for myself during the detox was exactly what I needed to update my morning routine. One of the best habits I’ve learned is to drink a ton of water throughout the day. I start first thing in the morning, with a tall glass of warm water with the juice of 1/2 of a fresh, organic lemon.

Post detox, my diet consists of mainly clean protein and vegetables. My typical breakfast is a green smoothie with spinach, almond milk, banana, celery and pear and cinnamon. Sometimes I mix it up and thrown in some romaine lettuce, cucumber or frozen pineapple as well. For lunch, I have a light protein like a veggie omelette or wild-caught fish or shrimp and sautéed kale, roasted broccoli, brussels sprouts or a salad. At dinner, that’s when I have my chicken or grass-fed beef and more veggies. For snacks, my current favorites are roasted sweet potatoes, organic popcorn, raw almonds, pecans, dates, green apples with almond butter, pears or organic tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa. Of course, I still love my wine and desserts but they are now “treats” instead of an every day thing.

No matter what kind of diet you choose, it’s important to make sure that you are giving your body more of what it needs and less of what it doesn’t! I’ve learned that it really does take at least 21 days to build a new habit, so give any changes a few weeks to truly take root.

Below is a video tutorial from Youtuber Makeba for how to make a simple, tasty green smoothie if you’re just starting out with this practice.

 2. DO LESS, BETTER

The irony is that the reason I did the detox was because I thought I needed to increase my energy for this next phase of growth in my life and business.

While the detox definitely helped me and I feel great, I made the mistake of thinking I needed more energy so that I could do MORE work!

But what I learned was that if I want to prioritize my health, I actually have to do LESS. Instead of adding a ton of new plans to my to-do list for the year, I am being called to slow down. Rest. Simplify. And adjust to this new season of my life.

For years, I’ve loved the hustle of working for myself. I enjoyed the “grind” of being an entrepreneur. I looked forward to the adrenaline rush of getting things done and I stayed up many a late night, burning the midnight oil.

But now, although being slowed down by anemia is a bummer, deep down, my desire was for a more relaxed approach to my life anyway.

I still get super excited about accomplishing and achieving my big goals; just in a more feminine way. For me, this means doing less, BETTER.

It may be time to whittle down your long list of items you feel like you “have” to do in order to be successful, and focus on just a few projects you truly WANT to do instead.

3. GET MORE SUPPORT AT HOME

I had fallen back into the bad habit of having too much on my plate and just doing whatever it took to get it all done. But this year, I am committed to getting even more support at home so that I can show up fully for everything that lights me up. As an entrepreneur, it has been critical for me to ask for help with the household stuff (and not just put it all on my partner) so I can spend my time on the things that actually make me money.

For example, I recently hired a personal assistant here in San Diego. She works for 8-10 hours a week, does all the grocery shopping and preps all my healthy food for the week according to my dietary preferences. She also folds laundry, makes my doctor appointments and performs administrative tasks as needed. In addition, I have a housecleaning service that comes once a week to tidy the house from top to bottom. Saturday morning massages are now on my calendar, too!

I have listed some good resources below for where to find household assistance. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the time to enlist family members and friends to help support you in your goals!

Housecleaning Service – Merry Maids (U.S. & Canada)

Housecleaning Service – Yelp (search for local reviews)

Grocery Delivery Service – Amazon Prime Now

Grocery Delivery Service – Instacart

Where to Find a Personal or Virtual Assistant – Hire My Mom

Where to Find a Personal or Virtual Assistant – Craigslist

I am giving myself permission to take better care of me than I ever have before, from my diet to my workload and household tasks all the way down to how I spend my weekends.

Of course, we have several big projects coming up for Happy Black Woman that you’ll be seeing come to life very soon. But as I was sharing with some of my clients recently, what good is it to work, work, work, work, work (shout out to Rihanna) if you never get to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor? Or even worse, make yourself sick in the process?

Because the truth is, no one ever said on their deathbed, “I wish I spent more time working.” It is more important for us to do the RIGHT work, than to just be working hard for the sake of it. And sometimes, the “right” work is actually the inner work we need to do on ourselves. Is it time for you to take better care of yourself this year?

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

Today is Thursday thoughts and the thought that is in my mind this morning is...

It's easy to say I can't. 

As I have been observing people and even watching my own behavior, we as women, tend to sabotage ourselves with the I can't do that mentality. We have to change our language from I can't, to I am not sure, but I will find out how. 

In this technological age, every single thing that we can want or think about wanting can be obtained by a few strokes of the keyboard. Knowledge and instructions are way too available for us to continue this I don't know how and I can't dialogue. 

Get up and start doing. Take a class, find a coach, get a mentor, listen to a seminar, do a google search, but don't just sit there in your seat of can't. God bless you and yours. 

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

Wow, it is such a rainy Wednesday, but we needed it so bad.
 
I just want to share a bit of a thought with you this morning from Proverbs 20:5. It says,  A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man/woman is like water in a deep well,But a man of understanding draws it out. - AMP

Who has God placed in your life to draw from your deep well? I like the fact that Salomon says the person's  heart is a deep well. God has placed so many things inside of each of you. Some of which is deep down and it need to be brought forth. That business, that book, that ministry.

All of what you are supposed do on this earth is inside but you must have the right activator. That person that will stir you to move, think and then do. The person that will challenge your stinking thinking. The person that will tell you are wrong and won't back down from it. The person that sees the best in you when you only see negative. Much like the pup in the  bottom of the well,  we all need  help to get to the surface.

Who is your person? If that person or persons has not been revealed, pray and ask God to show you your activators. They are around you just have to listen. Have an awesome day.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good Morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you !

Just a reminder for everyone in District 4- Early Voting. Don't wait until the last minute. Many polling places are different then your regular places so check before you go.

Monday Motivation

Good Morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

What are you willing to do to change your circumstances?

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Friday Findings

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you !

Today in Friday Findings... A Word to moms to be

Important Steps Women Can Take to Get Ready for a Healthy Pregnancy: 
• Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) folic acid every day.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.
 • Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to prevent infections.
• See a health care professional regularly.
      Talk with the health care professional about any medical problems (such as obesity, diabetes,                seizures, etc.) and medicine use (both prescription and over-the-counter).
• Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to a developing baby.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.

Something else, any girl who is menstruating should be taking folic acid.

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!


Today I want to share with you about our upcoming SCWT Saturday Workshop. The one will be special is the sense that we are intentionally weaving in generational conversations. For far too long women have been given mixed messages by both men and women.

During this time we are going to explore the names that we call ourselves. See if we are honest no one from the outside has to say a word to bring our esteem down, we can do that all by ourselves. Words have power. And because they have power, we are going to have a little conversation with that woman in the mirror. We need to give her a good talking to. She might not like it all but it is necessary to get her in gear. Once in gear then we have to inspire her to greatness. This is important because we need her to understand that the secrets she has been holding are no longer hers to hold. What is done in the dark will come to the light. Finally, we have to give her a message of warning. How to watch for the boogie man. Cause even though we have grown up he still lurks in the recess of our lives.We will conclude our time with a heart, to heart discussions that will help us move forward.

You will not want to miss this. Bring your mother, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, friends and neighbors.

We are still looking for vendors for this events as well. This a great time to get leads right before Mother's Day.

And as always remember to ...live Blessed!

Wednesday Word

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

Today is Wednesday Word...
Job 12: (GNT) 10 It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power.

Where am I going in life? This is a question I think we all have ask at one point or the other. Where am I going?  As we continue our journey to Easter this is a great time to ponder this question.

People tend to make new years resolutions but I like to really flip my perverbial leaf at Easter. When I think of the shedding of blood for another's sins and that same blood cleansing me. This is the time to be renewed and restored back into place.

We all slip at times and are not as strong as we used to be, but I encourage you to  take the next few weeks, and just begin to examine what your purpose is and are you walking in it. It is always dad when you see someone who has squandered their gifts and the try to redeem time after it has passed.

Die with no regrets. Empty to the world all that God has placed in you. Submit to his power and allow him to direct your path.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you.

Exercise and eating nutritious foods aren’t the only things that can help increase heart health; sleep is also a factor. The better night’s sleep you get, the healthier your heart will be. According to a 2011 study by the American Heart Association, poor sleep quality is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, a potential cause of heart disease.

“Our study shows for the first time that poor quality sleep puts individuals at significantly increased risk of developing high blood pressure,” said Susan Redline, M.D., the study’s co-author, in a statement.

Recommended amount of sleep

 So how much sleep is the right amount? Lundberg is hesitant to put an exact number on it. She says it varies from person to person, but that most people need seven hours per night. When we are young, we need more than that. As we grow older, we may need less, she says. According to the American Heart Association, studies have found that most people need six to eight hours of sleep each day and that too little or too much can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Negative effects of sleep deprivation

 The heart is significantly impacted when the body doesn’t get enough sleep. As Dr. Gina Lundberg, clinical director of Emory Women’s Heart Center, says, “People who are sleep deprived have slower metabolism and more difficulty losing weight. They also have the effect of not wanting to exercise or participate in other healthy habits.”

Positive effects of good sleep

 The positive effects of a good sleep are immediately evident when we wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Beyond just feeling good, Lundberg explains the solid benefits to our bodies. “The positive effect of sleep is not just for your heart health but also on your stress hormones, your immune system, your breathing, and your mental status,” she says.

“People who get seven to eight hours of sleep have more alertness and better focus. They have less depression and anxiety. Getting a good night’s sleep has a positive impact on your metabolism and weight loss benefits.”

Issues for menopausal women

 As women’s’ bodies go through menopause, sometimes their sleep is affected. This, Lundberg says, is often due to hot flashes and night sweats. “Some is due to changes in their activity level and metabolism,” she adds. “Many women complain of the inability to fall asleep and many others complain of the inability to stay asleep.”

How to improve your sleep habits

 Do you suffer from a lack of restful sleep? If so, there are several things you can do to improve your situation.

•  Exercise: Try getting adequate exercise. According to the American Heart Association’s 2013 exercise standards, it is important to schedule in 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise at least three to four times per week.
• Avoid excess caffeine: Avoid excess stimulants, such as caffeine, particularly before bed as they may keep you awake.

Establish an evening routine: “Have an evening routine of preparing for bed that includes turning off electronic devices and having soothing activities such as a hot shower or bath,” recommends Lundberg. “Drinking chamomile or herbal sleepy-time tea can also be helpful, as can reading, praying or meditating.”

Monday Motivation

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto to you!

Too often we overlook the simple things in life and make the things we see too complicated.

So today I just want to share a Poohism, a Winnie the Pooh thought.

Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.

It is only when we get quiet and aline that we can begin to learn who we are. I only learn what I like and don't like when I listen to me. Everyone has an opinion about who you should be and what should be happening. Until you learn who you are, you will play along.

Friday Findings

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

This is our time to find out what is going in our world.
The partisan history of the office of Civil Rights

The picture above is of the guards standing outside of Little Rock's Central High School in 1957. The first iteration of the office for Civil Rights was tasked with desegregating schools in the south. 

Click on the link below to find more information about where our educational system is headed. 

https://t.co/qkvFDtCCVH

Wednesday Word

Good morning, 
Grace and Peace be unto you!

As we move closer to Easter we need to consider the principle of fasting. Fasting allows us the opportunity to resist something that our flesh likes/wants/desires in exchange for our spirit man becoming closer to Christ.Your fasting, much like forgiveness, is not about others but is truly about you and only you gaining that closeness with Christ we all so greatly desire. 

Matthew 6: 16-18 NIV Fasting

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 

17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 

18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

I want to share female poetry with you this month as we celebrate women's history month

https://www.facebook.com/1lahartstephanie/

Tuesday Tools

Good Morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

From Boundaries in Marriage...
The Secret to Successful Marriage
When two people marry, two lives blur together to make a new one, two become one. The blurring of expectations and feelings can become an issue. Many times a spouse will automatically expect that the love in the marriage means that her spouse will always see things her way. She may feel unloved when her otherwise-loving mate says, “No, I’d rather not take a walk. I’m sleepy.” Sometimes this happens during the “honeymoon period,” when both parties tend to see eye-to-eye on everything. But when the reality of two different wills, needs, and perspectives comes in, the honeymoon is over. This is when the Law of Respect must be applied.

http://www.boundariesbooks.com/boundaries-in-marriage/secret-successful-marriage/?utm_source=hccp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ZN-BO%20The%20Secret%20to%20a%20Successful%20Marriage%203-13-17%20(1)&utm_content=

Monday Motivation

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you.

Monday  Motivation

Work is required even single day. What is your plan for today? A day without a plan will be a lot of wasted time.

Friday Findings

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you

March is Women's History Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

womenshistorymonth.gov

Wednesday Word

Good morning, 
Grace and Peace be unto you 

Today's verse to consider is... Proverbs 31: 25-26

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].
26 
She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].

As we look today, at the day of the woman, let us consider the virtuous woman of proverbs. 
The scripture tells us that this woman has planned for her future and smiles at it because she knows that her family will be well prepared. What are you doing to prepare for your future? If you are not able to contribute to your family will it fall apart? Preparations need to be made for the future. 

This planning and thoughtfulness allows her to open her mouth with wisdom. As she talks to others she shares wisdom, not gossip. She gives great counsel and instruction. Do not be afraid to pursue knowledge. Many of us graduated from high school and have refused to read a book since. Ladies, it is imperative that we gain knowledge and share it with our children.
And as always remember to...live Blessed

StevenLopez

Tuesday Tools

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you.
Ladies in 2017 let's make our health priority one.

You need to be able to build your empire and have time to enjoy it.

Cancer: Two of the most common cancers affecting women are breast and cervical cancers. ... Reproductive health: Sexual and reproductive health problems are responsible for one third of health issues for women between the ages of 15 and 44 years.

Get to know your body. Notice when there are changes. Listen when it tells you to rest. What you don't know might kill you.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Monday Motivation

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you.

Happy Monday. What does the word beautiful mean to you? Google defines it as pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically. As in, "beautiful poetry"
synonyms: attractive, pretty, handsome, good-looking, alluring, prepossessing;
of a very high standard; excellent.
"the house had been left in beautiful order"

So beauty is in the eye of the interpreter. What is aesthetically pleasing to one might not be to another. However, we can't not afford to allow others to define what beauty is to us.

Look at yourself in the mirror every morning and tell yourself I like what I see. Even if you have some self esteem issues. Say it until you begin to see the excellence that is within you. Say it until you see past what "they" say is beautiful. Say it until you head believes what your mouth I s saying and your ears are hearing. Say it. I like what I see. I am beautiful.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Foolishness Friday

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you.

Continuing Suess Day

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you.

Wednesday Word

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you.

As we enter into the lent season I would like to leave this thought with you this morning. 

Joel 2:12 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 2:13 rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.

As we take the time to sacrifice natural things we also need to make sure that we removing things from our heart that would keep us from giving it completely to God.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed.