Reasons It Rocks To Be A Girl

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girl powerI enjoy being a girl. That was a favorite song in my youth. Listen to it here – it’s from the 1961 musical ‘The Flower Drum Song.’ But seriously y’all, I enjoy being a girl.

There are many reasons that being of the female gender is awesome. {Minus child birth and all that comes with that!} That’s kind of a bummer; yet, special at the same time.

Motherhood seems like a wonderful thing, and I hope to experience it one day.

However, here are my top reasons that I simply ‘enjoy being a girl’ in this season in my life. I am sure I will add more as the world keeps turning.  Hope you women out there can relate.

Long hair is awesome. You can braid your lovely locks or cut them off for Locks of Love. You can dye your hair different colors or curl it. Your choices are basically endless. Use an old sock to create a sky high bun – why not!? Deep condition and brush with a comb or round brush. Use a headband to pull back those bangs or just get those tresses out of your face. Long hair is awesome. Plain and simple.

Dresses are so much cooler than suits. Sorry men – ladies get to enjoy the summer so much more than you. We get to experience ventilation when wearing a cute, little frock. You look feminine and can stay comfortable. You can make your waist look skinny with a cute belt or, if you are feeling bloated – wear a loose fitting shift dress. Gotta love dresses!

Make-up is a lifesaver. I know you all are natural beauties – but you have to admit, when you have that little pimple on your chin, isn’t it nice to cover it up with a little mineral veil or concealer? Men can’t do this, unless they want to risk someone pointing out their makeup fondness. You can also play up your eyes {which are the ‘windows to your soul.’} Make blue eyes look like the Pacific Ocean or your Hazel eyes like a moist meadow. You’re worth it – sweet beauties.

Crazy gets a pass. So women are crazy sometimes. Embrace it. You get a pass even acknowledging this fact. We are emotional beings {so what?}. If you feel your emotions about to get the better of you – call out your craziness. Tell your beau or your family, ‘I am an emotional, crazy mess right now.’ It’s beautiful to get a pass on this feeling. Our emotions make us who we are. God made us to be this way – with many, many hormones. Let it out, girl. Embrace it – don’t try to mask it or deny it.

Excuse to love lace. Being ladylike is in your blood. So, you can love lace. You can channel your inner Victorian princess and wear it from head to toe. No one will call you out for loving some fancy lace. Throw a tea party with pretty doilies. It’s your God given right as a woman. Wear a sweatshirt with lace on the elbows. It can’t look funny – because you’re a girl. No one will say a word. Love some lace.

Go gaga over puppies. Kiss puppies. Baby talk to them. Dress them in sweet little sweaters and buy rain boots for them. Somehow you will not be dubbed the ‘Crazy Dog Woman.’ You can’t do this with cats. You will be dubbed ‘Crazy Cat Lady.’ Fawn over puppies. They have so much love to give. Take them on walks and cuddle with them. If you don’t have a dog, visit a pound and pet them there. Puppies are a girl’s best friend!

Wear gaudy jewelry. Layer thick jewelry over sweaters. Wear a huge necklace with a white t-shirt. You are a girl; and, therefore can get away with this interesting trend. Those collar necklaces – buy one and proudly wear it. Feel the womanhood and femininity. Adorn yourself with funky cocktail rings. As How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days would say, ‘Frost yourself.’

Don’t Look Back. You’re Not Going That Way.

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ImageThe past haunts many, many people. We dwell in it. We hide ourselves in that murky outhouse of regret and breathe in past mistakes.

If you are anything like me, you circle back through right and wrong choices and try to play them out differently in your head. Rectifying the problem in your mind; but, somehow, bearing that guilt and apprehension in your heart.

Let’s remember – we are flesh vessels. We are tangible clay pots that can break and crumble in the elements of this world. Dry winds beat on our frame and freezing rain encompasses us with its ice tentacles. It is natural to feel despair when our flesh wins out.

However, dear heart, it is unhealthy to dwell in past mistakes and regrets. This actually holds back your effectiveness. Don’t let tears be your food, like the Psalmist in Psalm 42:3.

We are told to – ‘forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead!’ {Philippians 3: 13-14}.

Today is a new day – it’s a new day to strive to be like Christ and sprint toward the goal in the shining distance. Don’t look back. I think of Lot’s wife in this situation.

She and her family were living in one of the most sinful cities – and God gave them a chance to get out. Yet, there was one stipulation. They were told to ‘flee for your lives! Don’t look back…’ {Genesis 19:16}. And, as the story goes, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.

Of course, it is important to learn from our mistakes. We all make them – and there should be some learning involved there. But, it is detrimental to live in those mistakes. In Christ, you are not defeated – and you carry within you the light of him.

Forget what is behind you and press on in his loving kindness. Jesus came to save the sinners and the lost, and sin is not pretty. Paul, one of the most influential for Christ, had a past filled with regret and guilt. Yet, he pressed forward and lived in the Spirit of the Living God.

Jesus came for redemption. He died to give life to sinners great and small. Walk forward and don’t look back. Flesh might hinder us – but it should not hold us back from walking forward on the trail blazed for us by Christ Jesus!

Parmesan Chicken & Sautéed Garlic Onion Spinach {Gluten Free}

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ImageWorking long days in an office atmosphere can make you famished. That was the case for me yesterday.

The oatmeal, soup and veggies was not holding me over anymore and something homemade and filling was smack dab on my mind as I left the office.

It was about 7 degrees yesterday in the Washington, DC area – so going to the grocery store was not an option.

So, I thought – ‘what do I have in my fridge?’ A bag of spinach and some frozen chicken! Let me tell you, a lot can come from those two items. It made the perfect lean and green meal.

You will need: 1 cup Parmesan cheese, olive oil, 2 frozen chicken breasts (thawed), salt and pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 small onion, 2 heaping handfuls of fresh spinach.

First – prepare your chicken. I dipped my thawed chicken breasts in olive oil and then rolled them in the Parmesan cheese. Yum! This created a little bread like texture – but gluten free!

Line a cookie tray with foil and set your chicken on there. Pop in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be a little golden brown.

In a pan on the oven, drip in some olive oil. Let that heat up. Chop up an onion and 2 cloves garlic {or more – depending on how much of a flavor kick you want!} Dump these into the hot pan and sauté.

Put one handful of green spinach in the hot pan mixture and fold these leaves into the oil. Let this cook down {it will not make as much spinach as you think!} Add in the other handful and let it cook down. Sprinkle salt and pepper as needed.

Set your cooked spinach on a plate. Then, take your chicken out of the oven and plate this delicious piece of meat on top of your greens. Fit, healthy and filling!

Cheer Up, Buttercup! 5 Ways To Beat The Blues

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter.

So, I was scanning online today (like I usually do) and discovered that today is known as ‘Blue Monday.’

What?

Daily Mail reports, ‘today there will be nearly five times the average number of tweets relating to guilt, as people abandon their promises to pursue a healthier lifestyle.’

It’s also the day that millions of Americans…dun, dun, dun – return to work. The giddy feeling of the holidays and Christmas cheer is over and icy weather conditions really make things look bleak.

But – hello, little buttercups – cheer up!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We can do things to beat the ‘oh so blues!’ No need to feel defeated, depressed or just under the weather.

I will add in a little Bible verse of encouragement, here:

‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.  So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. {2 Cor. 4: 8-12}

Here are some great things you can do to cheer up!

After all, Audrey Hepburn says, ‘Happy girls are the prettiest girls.’

Smell Some Peppermint Oil

The qualities of this oil will cause you to feel energized. It is often used to treat discomfort and stress. A lot of shades of grey are due to stress in one’s life. Dab some essential oil behind your ears and under your nose – and watch that distress and gloomy spirit melt away.

Read Inspirational Quotes

This is a sure fire way to cheer up anyone down in the dumps. Go to Pinterest and click on the ‘Quotes’ tab. I do this all the time. I gain so much spiritual and mental inspiration from reading the beautifully laid out quotes and mantras.

Go on a Walk

Get out of the house – even if it’s for 10 minutes. Bundle up and walk for 30 minutes. Listen to a book on tape {while walking on the treadmill}. Turn on some upbeat music {Christian is a good one here}. Do lunges in the driveway – or out in the hallway of your apartment complex. The more you move – the more your body will feel more alive.

Sing a Hymn

Don’t dismiss this – it works. Here is a link to some of the most popular hymns. Sing all the verses. You may not be feeling this at first – but believe me, if you make it through the whole song – you will feel rejuvenated. There is something about singing songs to your maker with lyrics of old.

 Drink a Feel-Good Tea

Now, this is not just any old tea. You really need to seek out the teas that relieve anxiety and depression. Stick to caffeine-free teas. Did you know that caffeine can cause anxiety? This is not going to help alleviate the blues. Types of teas to try are: kava, passion flower, valerian root, chamomile, peppermint and lemon balm. In addition to this, tea is an antioxidant. This will add to your overall health. The healthier you are – the happier you will feel.

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup {Gluten Free}

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ImageNothing warms me up in the winter quite like a bowl of hot soup. There is something about this watery texture that just pervades your stomach and heats your whole body and soul!

If you are gluten free – soup is a tough one to find because a lot of chicken broths have gluten in them. Yikes! However, if you home make your soup – you will have nada problems at all.

I use a big box of Pacific Chicken Broth. You can get this at Trader Joes or any grocery store really. And this serves as the base of a lot of soups. Broccoli cheese is one of my all-time favorite soups.

When you get a bowl from a restaurant – it is easy to worry about the continents of the soup. But, homemaking it – you will know for sure what you are putting in your body. And, that’s a good feeling.

You will need: 1 quart gluten free chicken broth {I use this kind}, ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, 1 small onion, 3 small cloves garlic, 2 cups frozen broccoli, 1 cup shredded yellow cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

First off—heat up your broth in a pot on the oven.

While you are doing this – chop up your onion and garlic pieces. You will then want to sauté them in a separate pan with a little olive oil. When the garlic and onion are golden brown, dump them in the broth mixture.

Add into your soup the heavy whipping cream and stir. Make sure your broccoli pieces are separated – so you don’t have huge chunks of broccoli in the soup. Then pour in your tiny trees.

Let your trees thaw out in the soup. When you think it’s thawed enough, add in the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer a little more in the pot – and serve!

3 Ingredient Mango Ice Cream {Gluten Free}

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Big thanks to my sweet sister, The Veggie Girl, who got these new glass bowls for me {Christmas gift!}.

Who doesn’t love ice-cream? As a child, getting that single scoop of Strawberry from Braum’s was simply heavenly.

However, I did not count calories then – or think about weight gain. Wah. Wah.

As a adults, that guilt-free snack simply becomes quite sinful and maybe a diet sabotager {if you are watching your girlish figure.} Bummer. So you hold off – but it’s painful.

This Mango Ice Cream {though not completely guilt free} is lower in fat and sugar than your favorite childhood ice cream. It contains fresh fruit and will leave you feeling satisfied and not guilt ridden.

You will need: 1 cup of frozen mangos, 4 tbsp. heavy whipping cream {or full fat coconut milk}, 4 tbsp. sweet leaf or stevia sweetener.

First, dump your frozen mangos in the food processor – then pour in your cream. Pulse – for about 4 minutes or so. You want to keep checking the consistency. It needs to look like actual sherbet texture.

When it looks appeasing to you, dump in the sweetener and pulse again. Taste your yummy ice cream. You may want to add more sweetener to meet your taste. It’s up to you.

Enjoy. This is perfect for a little dessert for a small dinner group. You may want to top it off with a little dab of whipped cream. Cheers to the healthier, guilt-free ice cream!

Toasted Balsamic Caprese Bread {Gluten Free}

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ImageHello taste explosion in your mouth! This bread is phenomenal. Sadly, I do not dine on a lot of Italian food – because of my gluten free lifestyle.

Corn pastas are great – and if you are craving some carbs – go for it; but, it’s nothing close to the real taste of thick, creamy pasta. Yum {melt in my mouth}, alas – skipping this is my lot in life.

However, Caprese Salad (naturally gluten free) is one of my favorite dishes. It satisfies that Italian craving and won’t mess up your stomach (for those with gluten sensitivity).

This Balsamic Caprese Bread combines the taste of bruschetta and that to-die-for mozzarella salad. This is perfect for appetizers or just a simple dinner.

You will need: 2 gluten free Udi’s hamburger buns (you are going to split these ½ in two), one ball of skim mozzarella, 4 grape tomatoes, 1 tsp. of low-fat butter *you can also use olive oil* (for each bun), balsamic vinegar and basil leaves.

First, separate each hamburger bun into two parts. You will use each side for your toast. Spread a little butter over the surface of all four pieces. No need to go crazy with butter portions. Sparingly is always better.

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Before I popped them in the oven!

Wash your basil leaves. I used about two leaves per piece of bread and just laid them on top of the bread.

Cut one grape tomato into three parts and lay these pieces across your bread pieces. You will use one grape tomato per piece of bread.

Cut the mozzarella ball into strips. I probably used just ¼ of the total ball of cheese. Layer your pieces of cheese on top of your other delicious toppings.

They are ready for the oven.

I used the broiler for my toast – so it took about 5 minutes on high to heat these babies up.

You will want to stand by the oven the whole time just to make sure they don’t burn. The broiler heats food up pretty fast – especially on high.

If you don’t want to use the broiler, set the oven to 350 and bake for about 10 minutes or until the bread and cheese is lightly brown.

Lastly, sprinkle balsamic vinegar over each piece. This completes the dish. I used fat-free dressing. And, don’t worry if a little bit drizzles on the plate. You will devour this up – and want to dip the bread into the excess vinegar. Enjoy!

He says to me, “This is the way –walk in it.”

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wing girlLord – you make the stars. And, I stand in awe every night looking up to the sky. Hands raised, I release my life to you. I’ve said it from the beginning – Father of Love, you can have me. I need direction and clarity Lord.

I see your shining light in the distance and everything within me wants to race to that light. It’s my utmost desire that your beams of warmth and radiance touch my skin. I want to glow with your Light of Love. Not my will – but yours Lord. Not my way – but yours.

I am a clay vessel, prone to mistakes and cracks. But, God – I crave to be a cistern of your holy water. Your goodness –fills up my life like the abundant bread you fed the five thousand. You keep giving and giving your goodness. And, Lord, I will continue to receive all you have to give me. I am overjoyed to breathe in your blessings.

I long to repay you in some way – for this overabundance! But, you hold my head in your hands and say, Daughter, I’ve already paid for you in full. Just walk in my truth. Love others. Love me.

Who is this Giver of such good things?

Does he not see my faults and flaws? Does he not see me stumble, fall and struggle?

Yet He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) He makes his daughter – strong and able. He lights a fire in my soul. And, I will stand for truth, even if it’s fading in this world like embers after a Christmas fire.

His wind of provision coats my tongue. And, I will speak though my voice shakes. For truth cannot sit idly by –it is meant to be exemplified! The banner of the Lord will go before me (Deut 31:8). He’s promised this. I want to dance in the parade of His endless direction.

He says to me, “This is the way –walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:12) May I be able to recognize his beautiful voice and follow my Life Leader into the garden of His endless grace!

my heart to yours

New Year’s Eve Resolutions & Celebrating The Life in You

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ImageIt’s New Year’s Eve and like typical this calls for a grandiose list of goals for the upcoming year.

I don’t want to say that I am going to complete all these things – fingers crossed – I will.

But, it is important to set spiritual, physical, personal and mental goals.

Like mentioned yesterday in the kindness post, we really cannot take care of others properly when we forsake ourselves. So, now is your time to think about you and the things you need out of this coming year.

Like water refreshes a parched animal, so accomplishing goals refreshes a life.

Don’t overload yourself with a never-ending list. Some people write down 50 things they want accomplished.

This is really unreasonable. Make sure that you have just a few goals that you can really try to meet. So, here goes – here is my list for 2014.

Physical Goals:

Get a yoga membership (go 3x a week – this will be difficult with work, but it can be done. Weekends may need to fill two days of this goal and a weekday night class here and there)

Lift weights 2x a week (one day focus on arms, the other legs)

Start walking more (30 minutes 2x a week)

Spiritual Goals:

Sermon listening in the morning before work (Leading the Way is a favorite – this has a free podcast). I try to listen while I am putting my makeup on. Check out the link —> here. 

Personal Goals:

For a time I have been saying that I am going to write a book – well, I need to do it and brain storm. Even if it is never published (but prayers, petitions and hope that it will be), this is a goal I have set for myself a while back. So, 2014 – be ready to be graced by a heartfelt masterpiece (through a lot of heartfelt prayers and direction from God).

Mental Goals:

Read one book a month. Yes, this may seem like an impossible goal – especially because I read every day online for a living (news) but, this is such a good way to broaden your vocabulary and knowledge. Sometimes news can be a downer (believe me). Why not mix it up with a classic novel or words that take you through the steps of history!?

*I will post my reading list for the year tomorrow – you may want to check out these books for yourself and add them to a reading list for 2014* Image

At any rate – tomorrow is a new year and it means a blank slate (well, not totally – but you know what I mean.) You can start your book tomorrow on a clean page. Set goals and really try to accomplish them.

You might surprise yourself. With enough passion and drive, you can change the world and yourself.

Happy New Year!

Celebrate you, God’s grace and the gift of every breath by the Maker of All Good Things!

Kindness Speaks Volumes

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Kindness is roses from Trader Joe’s for someone in a difficult situation. A $3.99 bouquet can mean the world to someone.

Kindness. It is a word we say often; yet, it’s meaning and legacy speaks volumes to others lives.

A simple smile of kindness, words of comfort and a touch of empathy can change a person for a lifetime.

As human beings, we experience ups and downs, trials and triumphs and praise and criticism. These emotions weigh heavy on the heart and they can either make you stronger or drag you down.

Let’s pray they make you stronger! And, trust me, it is easier for this to happen when you surround yourself with kind people.

It’s important, as a Christian friend, to be in tune to these emotions in others.

As God’s children, we are called to love others (we are all children of the King). However, loving others in their moment of distress can be difficult. It definitely is not a walk in the park.

Hurting people will do one of two things: push you away or cling on to your strength and drain your energy.

When people push you away:

Often times, people who are hurting push you away. It is important not to get offended when this happens. As I have been taught, hurting people hurt people. Yet, the pain they inflict can be damaging. Try not to let this affect you. Which is easier said than done.

A note of encouragement means a lot to a hurting individual – especially if it hurts to be around them. Slip it in a book they are reading, send a card via snail mail. Encouragement is a great act of true kindness. Tell them what their friendship means to you, remind them of fun times you’ve had together, comment on their contagious smile. This might just touch them forever. Words carry weight. So, it’s important to choose them wisely.

When people cling on to you:

It is easy for people to cling onto your strength when they are going through a difficult time. First of all, they want the strength they see in you – so try to grab hold of it by being with you and needing you all the time. While this is flattering to some degree, it can zap the life out of you.

It is important to set boundaries with this type of person; because, if you don’t, you might end up hurting yourself or your family members. Set aside a time just for you and that person (but that’s all). Maybe it’s one coffee date a week – or a 30 minute phone call. Do not exceed the allotted time. You can be kind without being walked all over. If this person needs more time than this (excluding family members) they may need to seek professional help.

Kindness is never the wrong choice. 

A single act of kindness goes a long way. Choose kindness this week. Smile at a stranger, buy the coffee in the car behind you. You never know who’s life you could be impacting. Love your neighbor as yourself – but be good to yourself at the same time. Being a healthy person breeds kindness toward others.