Category: My Life

5 Ways to Unwind After Work

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As much as you can eat healthy, it’s also important to remember to drink healthy too. Tea is very healing.
– Kristin Chenoweth

If you are like me, work is stressful and it often takes a toll on your physical, as well as, mental well-being. Obviously – we don’t have the luxury of working out all day and pampering ourselves in the spa like celebrities twice a week– someone has to being home the bacon!

However, we deserve a little rest and relaxation after work at least. I found that doing one of these five things below, clears my head and recharges me for the next day at the office!  The simple luxuries of life…

1. Take off that suit when you get home!

There is no reason to stay in work attire once you get home. Take off the pinstripe or the little black dress and slide into a comfy sweater and yoga pants. Kick off those 4-inch heels! Give those pretty power feet a break. I look at this as a way of ‘taking off the day.’ I even put fuzzy socks or old mule house shoes on once I get home. Lounge in comfy clothes – you deserve it.

2. Invest in a Teapot

There is something about looking over at my oven and seeing that tea pot heating up over the burner. I love experimenting with new teas. Add fresh rosemary or mint to chamomile tea. The choices are limitless. To sweeten it up – mix in a little agave, honey or sweet leaf. The warmth of that mug of tea will soothe that overworked mind. Sit on the couch, sip and enjoy slowly.

3. Don’t be afraid to belt out a tune or get in to Mozart!

Yep – I sing when I get home. Hook up your iphone and blast out a melody. I find that playing classical music after work while I am preparing dinner, really calms me down and helps me keep my mind off of office matters. Let that beautiful melody fill your mind and escape – get lost in the piano keys.

4. Turn off or silence your phone.

Don’t have your ringer on – just don’t. Or even a text sound for that matter. Take time for yourself. You deal with this all day at work. You are off of work – so you can wait to respond to others or just take your time getting back to them. Constant virtual communication can be draining. Don’t let it drain you after work!

5. Hug your pet – or if you don’t have a pet, your loved ones!

Physical touch is so underrated. Take time to embrace someone you care about – hold their hand or cuddle with a pet. One of my favorite things to come home to is my sweet little dog. It feels good to give love and have love given back. Enjoy spending time with those you love – or snuggling with a cute little animal. We all need love.

 

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue

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Today I wanted to post about an awesome organization in the Washington, DC area – Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. I will admit it; dogs hold a special place in my heart. I grew up with a sweet little cocker spaniel named Taffy. She was a rescue from the Humane Society in Texas – and our family could not have asked for a better dog.

Since having Taffy for almost 12 years, there is no way I would have adopted a puppy or even one from a pet shop. There are so many good dogs out there already that need love. Adult dogs make the best pets. Believe me.

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Dale was adopted at a Lucky Dog adoption event

I got my current sweet dog – Dallas (who is also a cocker spaniel) from Lucky Dog about 2 years ago. He was about 1 when I adopted him – already potty trained, the works! When I get home from work, his little tail – wags 90-to-nothing. It warms my heart and gives me a full grin.

Following Lucky Dog on Facebook has really opened my eyes to how many families and individuals are enriched by this organization. It is so nice to see the little adoption updates and pictures from adoption events in the area. I even volunteered at one about a month ago – and saw the joy in the dog owners faces up close and personal. Animals enhance lives.

Thanks to Lucky Dog, animals that would not have a happy life get second chances. Like little Evan, who I read this morning (thanks to generous donations) spearheaded by Lucky Dog – received a prosthetic paw.

If you are looking to adopt a puppy – really think of getting a rescue dog. Adopting Dallas changed my life. And, I know his little life was changed for the better too.

Gluten Free: Red Lobster Cheese Biscuits

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Check out Chebe products here!

So, I have been eating gluten free for about 3 solid years now (did not realize it was that long!). And, I have never felt better! Subtracting bread from my diet has made my skin clear, eliminated stomach issues and best of all – given me more energy! Not saying that some mornings – I don’t reach for that second cup of coffee (with soy creamer of course!).

Eating gluten free has its advantages and disadvantages. Call me crazy – but one of the major downsides was skipping those Red Lobster cheese biscuits. I mean, they are awesome. Minus the 20 + grams of fat – and gluten overload, those little cheesy, flaky biscuits melt in your mouth. And until now, I have never been able to replicate them with a gluten free recipe.

However, last night, on a whim – I pulled out a box of Chebe original cheese bread mix (gluten free – of course!) and decided to give it a try.  To my taste bud’s surprise – they were excellent! They were not homemade by any means – just add 1 cup cheese, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 eggs and ¼ cups water (I also added a couple of shakes of garlic powder for flavor!) and bake for 20 minutes at 375.

I have never had a gluten free product like this in my life. Excellent. I tell you what, I will order more Chebe products in the future if they taste anything like these cheese biscuits. If you are gluten free and you miss Red Lobster cheese biscuits, give this a try – you will not be disappointed.

Birthday Crown

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kimiToday I got to be a princess. It was my 28th birthday. Got a day off from work and girl time with my sister and mom! Pedicures, HGTV, Food Network and some wonderful healthy food from The Veggie Girl!

Some might think that I am too old to wear a crown, but no girl or woman is too old to adorn herself in beautiful gems. This blog is about trading in what is ordinary or fake for what is EXTRA –ordinary. You are never too old to remind yourself you are a princess in the court of your Lord! Buy a party crown and wear it! Look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I am treasured, beautiful and loved!”

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9

A Father of Strength

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DaddyMy Father – I could write volumes of books to explain why my father means the world to me. A masculine and towering character, his presence is felt by all. Upon initial glance, he looks stern and serious. Face concentrated and lined in wisdom, his green eyes are piercing and intimidating. His voice is assured and confident. However, this is not the man I know. This is the man the world knows. I am blessed and humbled to know my father’s heart.


When thinking about my father, my soul leaps within me. My body bubbles over with love. If I were to describe my dad in one word – it would be “sacrifice.” Of course, parents are always supposed to lay aside a lot of their wants and desires for their kids – that is what makes for a good parent. But, I think my dad is an exception. He has always been me and my sister’s biggest advocate and fan.

Blessed with two little girls, my dad stepped up to the plate serving as our protector, coach and encourager. He gave up his pastimes to sit up in high school bleachers and chant with his two cheerleaders, “Go Big Green and Gold.” He spent his Saturdays hitting grounders to his freckle-faced middle school daughter and spent countless nights wiping the tears from her emotional face.


My father is a rock. It’s hard for me to think of him as a little boy or new husband –I guess he once was –but, I’ve always known him as a steady source of wisdom and strength. I know him as a solid leader who knelt by our bedside and powerfully prayed promises over us. I know him as a man who would sing with us, “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God” from his gut after prayers. I know my father as a voice who stated at every turn, “You are blessed and favored by the Lord.”


You see – my father is an exception. A simple, “thank you for being my dad” cannot suffice on this Father’s Day or any for that matter. He had a choice – to be a lackluster dad or to show his little girls a father’s undying love. I’m glad he chose the latter.


Daddy, you’ve not only encouraged me and spurred me on to “suck out all the marrow of life,” you’ve gently guided me. You have led by example. You are our family’s patriot. You ride at dawn with a torch of fire in hand – which is God’s word. Your battle cry is not one of self-serving accolades. You call out in truth. I respect you deeply. You are the husband and father God has called you to be and that means the world to me.


Happy Father’s Day! I love you Daddy.