New year. New goals

Hello there and Happy New Year!

 Every year we hear the same "new year, new me" phrase and if your like me the moment the phrase is uttered you'll roll your eyes and think "new year, same bull-crap". Now I don't say this because I do not believe it is possible to make changes and have a better go this year, it is always possible to make changes. I say this because we all have said this before over and over but fail to act on it,myself included. 

  Shoot this past year I told myself  "in 3 months you'll be 15 pounds lighter" and the 3 months would pass and I would again tell myself "in 3 months you'll be 15 pounds lighter". Each time I would re-start this "goal" I was more and more discouraged because it still had not happened. I think it was at the stoke of midnight this year that I decided "no more resolutions". This year I want to follow through and not just hope because it's a new year I will magically change myself.

 I am not saying setting goals for ourselves is wrong or silly but rather pointless if we don't also set up a plan on how we will achieve those goals. This year I really want to test different theories, try new things, make positive changes and just aim to be happier. This year also marks the last year in my twenties as I will be turning 30 so I thought I would leave my 20's with a bang and enter my 30's feeling accomplished, happier and positive.

 I have been reading a lot of different self help books and motivational material (I will write a post later on my reading material) to help me prepare for the changes I want to make this year. One idea stuck out to me and I want to embark on a whole year based on this idea. The idea is that you can change anything by eliminating or practicing it for 21 days. In other words, if you want to quit sugar (like me) try cutting back on certain treats for 21 days and you will more than likely crave those treats less if at all after the 21 days. 

 I will trying different 21 day projects this year and documenting my observations and sharing with you how I feel at the end of every 21 days. Check back throughout this year to read my progress on my 21 day projects. To start I will be eliminating soda for 21 days starting Monday January 5th. The holiday season has me hooked on the soft drink and I need to eliminate it hopefully for good from my diet. So starting tomorrow no soda of any kind for me for 21 days and hopefully permanently.

 Let me know if you have tried any 21 day projects and if they were successful for you.

 Live. Laugh. Love.

Michelle Marie

Water It Down

 I cannot begin to tell you how much I love drinking water! Yes, I really do love water. Don't get me wrong I like other drinks as well but unfortunately none of those other drinks can do what water will for you. I have recently decided to cut off all soft drinks, coffee, and high sugar juice drinks and replaced them all with only water. Soda is addicting so I understand it's hard to quit especially if you have been drinking it for years but I assure you if you quit drinking it all together you will find that not only do you have a bit more energy but you may lose some weight as well.

   I once gave up soda for an entire year many and I mean many moons ago, However, I began drinking soda again and found it hard to stop. I wasn't drinking it anywhere near as much as before but I was drinking it enough to feel bothered by it. About a week ago I drank my last cup of soda and have been drinking only water throughout the day, a gallon of water to be exact. I am super excited with the results so far: my skin is looking better (clearer and brighter), I am feeling fuller so I am snacking a lot less, and best of all I am feeling more energized. I have been reading and asking around in regards to the benefits of drinking water and the benefits are endless:

• Lose Weight- water makes you feel full which helps make you realize that the "hunger" you were feeling was most likely "thirst". For best results drink 1 full glass (8-10oz.) of water before every meal.

• Hydrates Skin-Water will hydrate your skin helping brighten your skin in the process and help maintain a clearer complexion.

• Builds Muscle-Water will hydrate your muscles allowing them to work harder and longer before feeling tired.

• Prevent Illness-Water helps promote frequent urination which help keep the kidneys working properly and flush out any toxins from your body. This will help prevent kidney infections, common colds, and even migraines.

  I know the idea of drinking water is not appealing to everyone but I assure you if you give it a week you may change your mind. Try adding fruit to add flavor to your water without adding sugar and calories. I actually like adding lemon/lime juice to my water as this gives you a lot of energy and a big surge of vitamin C. The benefits of lemon/lime water are amazing and I recommend for you to try some (best when drank first thing in the morning).

*Tips:

• Aim to drink at least one gallon of water throughout the day. Use a water bottle at work or school to remind you and make it easier to drink the water.

• Drink 1-2 cups of water first thing in the morning half an hour before breakfast. Water will get your system going and will allow your body to absorb more of the nutrients/vitamins from the food you consume afterwards.

So go ahead and "Water it down" tell me how you feel switching to just water?

Live. Laugh. Love.

Michelle Marie

Learn to Relax

  I typically suffer from migraines every so often and those of you who suffer from migraines may agree that finding comfort is incredibly difficult. I remember one time a few years back I got a migraine that just crept up on me. Nothing was working to alleviate the horrible throbbing pain. I was in so much discomfort I didn't know if to lay down or knock myself out (seriously). Relief finally came when I jumped in the shower with the lights off and let the hot water run over my head, neck and forehead for what seemed like hours.

  Afterwards, I remember laying in bed with the lights off and thinking to myself how I would not want to experience this pain again. Now, I won't say I haven't suffered from migraines or headaches since then but I have not had an episode that severe (knocking on wood) since that time. I realized I could lower my chances of suffering from headaches, migraines and overall body-ache by simply learning to relax. 

  Yes, I could always take pain killers and call it a day but why take unnecessary medicine when there is a natural alternative I could try first? I am not saying that simply relaxing is a cure for headaches and migraines but it sure does help alleviate pain and possibly minimize the duration of the episode. 

Here are some of the relaxation techniques that have helped me:

*A hot shower: This one is perhaps the most obvious and it really does help. The steam and hot water (not too hot) relax the blood vessels and muscles helping alleviate the pain. You should stand directly underneath the streaming water so the water falls right over your head, neck and shoulders. If you are experiencing sinus pressure allow the water to fall on your forehead and breathe in the steam.

 **Tip: Use a eucalyptus shower gel for extra relaxation. Eucalyptus has many health benefits one being a natural pain reliever. 

* Eye Mask: I cannot begin to tell you how great it feels to wear a gel eye mask while laying down. The trick is to place the mask in the freezer prior to wearing for about 15 minutes or until pretty cold but not frozen.

*Head massager: I do not know about you but I could literally fall asleep when I am at the salon. I love having my hair brushed, it's incredibly relaxing. Well a head massager (I use the head massager spider pictured above) has the same effect only better since it was designed for relaxation. I suggest laying down when using a head massager as this will help get you to a deeper relaxation state. If possible have someone else massage your head with the massager.

*Aromatherapy: I absolutely swear by aromatherapy. It works! My favorite form of aromatherapy is lotions. I love Bath and Body Works aromatherapy collection. I particularly enjoy using the stress relief Lotion which contains eucalyptus and spearmint oils. I also use the Sleep lotion from Bath and Body Works as well. I find both these lotions to be incredibly relaxing with soothing aromas. For maximum benefit I recommend rubbing either lotion on your feet and covering them with socks.

*Tea: I am a newbie when it comes to drinking tea. but I quickly became a fan when I realized all the health benefits. Every tea (green, white, black etc) has it's own health benefits so there is no denying it is incredibly good for you. A nice warm cup of tea after a warm shower can really help relax your whole body.

Let me know which techniques are your favorite?

Live. Laugh. Love.
Michelle Marie

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

  I love eating salads! I mean I could eat them morning, noon and night! I usually experiment around with different veggies and prefer to make my own dressing. I recently developed a love for the taste of sweet dressings. So after mixing around different ingredients I came up with my go-to salad dressing. I mean I use this dressing as dipping sauce for my chicken and even when I am eating pretzels, it's that good. I usually pair this dressing with a spinach and cucumber salad, it's my favorite quick snack. The best part? It's super easy and fast to make.

Here is how to make my Honey Mustard Salad Dressing:

You will need:
*1 tablespoon of mustard
*2 tablespoons of honey
*1 clove of garlic (you could add more or less depending on your preference)
*A pinch of salt
*4-5 (depending on your preference) tablespoons of white vinegar 
*5 tablespoons of olive oil
*A blender (I used my magic bullet)

 Take all the ingredients and place in the blender. Blend until all ingredients have combined and the color is a medium yellow. Simply add as much as you like to your salad. I recommend a spinach salad with mozzarella and cucumbers, yum!

Let me know what you think?

Live. Laugh. Love.
Michelle Marie