I am Hooked! 42 Reasons Why!

Do you know anything about Coconut Oil? Ohhh my goodness, I tell you I am totally hooked on this stuff. I eat it (by the spoon). I cook with it. I use it as my hair oil for my scalp and curls. I apply it to my skin every night alllll over my face and neck and I even apply it to my cuticles and lips.

Organic Coconut Oil is a heart-healthy food that can be used for many health benefits. You've got to get on this stuff.

Here is an interesting article I woke up to this morning- found on Young and Raw and if you haven't subscribed to their posts and newsletter, make sure you do so...

There are many populations around the world (such as Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.) who have thrived for multiple generations by eating large amounts of coconut.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which kills harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. Breast milk is the only other natural source that contains such a high concentration of lauric acid, which could explain the drastic decrease of infections in breast-fed babies.
This tropical oil is also made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other short-chain and long-chain fatty acids. They are not absorbed by the body as fat, instead they are converted for the use of energy.
Cooking with coconut oil is great since it has such a high smoke point, or burning point. This means that you can cook at higher temperatures without burning the oil and damaging it’s properties. (Consuming burned oils is very bad for your health which is why you also shouldn’t be cooking at high temps with extra virgin olive oil.) Note – cooking with coconut oil doesn’t make your food taste like coconut, it actually has a nice, butter-like appeal.
Here are just some of the many amazing benefits and uses of this miraculous super-food:

1. Lower cholesterol through regular consumption of coconut oil.
2. Improve immune function and the body’s resistance to both viruses and bacteria with regular consumption of coconut oil.
3. Can be used in cooking since it has a high smoke point and will not burn like other cooking oils such as olive oil or butter. Great for sautéing, baking and stir-frys.
4. Can help with weight loss if taken daily, since it isn’t stored as fat and may boost your metabolism. (Results have been seen with 1-3 tablespoons a day.)
5. Add to smoothies for a whole host of nutritional benefits. Try this one!
6. Can be used as a healthy creamer substitute for coffee.
7. Can boost metabolism so you burn more calories naturally.
8. Can be used on the skin as a moisturizer.
9. Can be used on the hair as a deep conditioner.
10. Apply to your nails as a cuticle softener.
11. Apply to skin as a natural sunscreen. (Only an SPF 4 though!)
12. Soothe a sunburn or any other type of burn.
13. Hydrate dry, cracked feet by coating the feet in oil and sleeping overnight with socks on.
14. Can be used as a soothing eye make-up remover.
15. Soothes psoriasis and eczema skin conditions.
16. Take orally to kill intestinal parasites and yeast overgrowth.
17. To replace butter in baking recipes.
18. Can be used for minor scrapes and skin rashes as a natural antibacterial ointment.
19. Can soothe bug bites and reduce the itch.
20. Supports healthy thyroid function.
21. Can be used as a scalp treatment for dandruff.
22. Can stimulate hair growth.
23. Can smooth frizzy hair.
24. Mix with Epsom salts for a detoxifying body scrub.
25. Mix with baking soda for a whitening toothpaste.
26. Can improve digestion if taken before meals.
27. Can be used as a natural baby lotion and diaper rash cream.
28. Fight signs of aging as a natural facial moisturizer.
29. Heals cold sores naturally when applied topically.
30. When taken daily, can help with allergies.
31. When taken daily, can improve sleep and mood.
32. Can improve insulin levels for diabetics.
33. Can remove bacteria and plaque from the mouth with oil pulling.
34. Use as a tropical massage oil.
35. May help you to shed “difficult to lose” abdominal fat by taking daily doses of 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
36. Can be therapeutic for brain disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
37. Reduce appetite with regular consumption.
38. Reduce hot flashes through coconut oil’s ability to regulate hormones.
39. Absorb fat-soluble vitamins better (like vitamins A, D, E & K).
40. Can be used for shaving. It doesn’t wash off and it will moisturize your skin as you shave!
41. Can be made into a homemade deodorant.
42. Rub on a pregnant belly to prevent stretch marks.

Now, what are you waiting for? This is life-changing stuff. Get your hands on some coconut oil right now! Make sure you choose organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil for the most benefits.

Tip:
Every morning, boil a small amount of water and pour it into a cup with a teaspoon of coconut oil, mix it around and drink!

Now here is an extra treat with more benefits to this amazing product:

Why I am Waiting - Saving Myself!

As I sit here studying after an awesome workout with my Buttafly (Tanya) something led me to write a couple pages in my diary. And out of nowhere I began writing about sex and marriage.

I was reminded of a conversation I had with a young lady last week about sex and marriage and why it's important to wait. She was amazed at the fact that I had 2 children, I was married and divorced and yet I am waiting on getting married AGAIN in order to have sex AGAIN. She asked, "But Miss isn't it hard to not have sex since you've already had it and know what it's like." Hhhmmm I love that question, because believe it or not, I get asked that A LOT!

I will break down out conversation here on this blog in hopes that YOU understand why sex before marriage is toxic. Yes it is. I have the right to speak this way because I did it for many years. But now I know better. When we obey God, He is pleased. He honors our obedience by blessing us. And I can clearly see His blessings ALL OVER my life.

Deuteronomy 28:1-3

If you fully obey the LORD your God ... [he] will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God

Call it cliché, call it tacky...call it whatever you like- I am saving myself. Period!

I asked this young woman how she feels when she is having intercourse with guys? She went on to tell me she felt used, not good, ugly and even with her current boyfriend she feels the same way. She is currently 24 years old. She expressed her desire to get married but that the man she is dating will not entertain the topic. It actually broke my heart to hear this because I know women who are my age and older that are in the same position and some even have children with the man.

Ladies, we've got to raise the standards in our lives. We really do. And if you are currently in this situation, this is not to knock you. No. Not at all. Remember I was once in your shoes.

There is something that transpires in those moments of intercourse with a man you are not married too. It does something to your mind, your soul and your spirit. It only feels good for the moments in action. However, soon after, you feel ....well not good. And I know deep down inside we ALL (girls) desire marriage. Unless you've been abused and hurt from a past marriage and feel that you'll never be married again...give it time. I use to say the same thing. But honestly if you are messing around with some guy who does not want marriage yet he wants your body, it's time to cut it loose until he can commit.

YOU are worth marriage. You are worthy of greatness. You are a winner!

I see myself as "a daughter of the Most High King- I would be that man's greatest gift." If you don't see yourself as God sees you, then how will he? The guy / man will only see you as you see yourself.

1 Corinthians 6:16

Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, "The two become one." Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never "become one."

I can honestly say I have never felt this spiritually healthy. It is the best feeling in the world to save yourself. It really is. It empowers you. I seek to satisfy something bigger than my flesh. And the problem is, we will seek to gratify the desires of the flesh and live only to please ourselves. I know God is pleased with me. And that in itself is extremely empowering to my self-esteem and self-worth.

As I told the young girl, we carry baggage into our sexual relationships. For many women they jump from one relationship to another. Never healing. Memories from the past, emotional scars and unwanted mental images can defile our thoughts and make the marriage bed less than pure. Believe me, I KNOW this. Certainly God can forgive the past, but that doesn't mean we're free from the baggage that can linger in our minds and relationships.

I asked her these questions:

• Are you finished with school? 
• Are you satisfied with your health / weight? 
• Have you discovered your purpose and calling?
• Has he?
• Are you financially stable? Is he?
• Are you confident with who you are?
• Do you have goals and dreams outside of that man? 
• Do you have $$ saved up?  
• Who are YOU? 
• What can you offer the relationship?  
• What can you offer a child (if you get pregnant) 
• Is this the man you want to commit too and have a family with? 
• Do you know him? Know him know him? His character. His beliefs? His family and friends? His dreams? Is he a man of integrity?

We went through a list of questions and it broke my heart to see her answers. Ladies, we got to do better. Because most of us know better. I am so busy working on the best ME I truly have no time for foolishness. I am busy being busy with my purpose, community and family. If that man comes and he walks, talks and lives like Jesus, yes that's right I said it, then hey I will know he is God sent. Until then I am on lock down! I am alone NOT lonely.

You want to meet a man? Come with me. I will introduce you to the FINEST man alive. He's a lover like no other! He is the man of your dreams. He will teach you many things about TRUE love. He will show you your worth! He will heal your broken heart and make you bran new. Now this is the kinda man I want! Come follow me as I follow Him. His name is Jesus! My King!

Dedicated to Street Projects

 

As many of you may already know about 5 years ago I started an outreach program called Project Blanket. The desire for this project came at a very early age in my life while I myself roamed those downtown streets hustling to make a living. Only God knows why and how I never ended up touching (smoking) the drugs I was selling. However many of the men and women I grew up with did just that. They ended up experimenting- only to find themselves hooked to poison. As I watched many people deteriorate I often told myself if I ever made it out of that neighborhood, I would go back to make a difference any little way I could.

 

I started giving back to my community as a child. Hhhmm you're probably wondering how that could have been possible? Well, while walking to school we'd often bump into the homeless people roaming around, and I would take my sandwich out of my lunch bag and give it to them. At times when I was stealing gums and candies, I would purposely go looking for them-to give them some sweets. I chatted with them. I hugged them. In the strangest way I admired them.

 

Years ago my son (Keeno) went on a school trip with his class to hand out mini lunches to the homeless. When he came home he went on and on about how rewarded he felt and suggested we do the same one day-soon. Strangely enough, they went right into my block (lol) to do this. I am sure this had a huge impact on his life. To see where I grew up.

 

Well, just a couple of months later, I decided to launch a blanket project. I sent out emails to friends and family asking for blankets and before I knew it, I had over 200 blankets for the homeless. We went downtown and what was meant to be a 1-2 hour drop off ended up being a whole day. We sat and chatted with drug addicts, prostitutes and homeless folk. We listened to their stories and encouraged them to believe that THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!

 

That day changed my life-forever. From then on I continued to do outreach drives for the homeless. I bring my children with me and I welcome all other youth to come out as well. There is something powerful that transpires in the lives of our youth when they get out there and interact with these individuals- who are wayyyy less fortunate then they are. I encourage you to bring your children out for a good cause.

 

In saying this, it is that time of year again (winter):

 

Street Projects is collecting winter items ONLY

Socks, hats, gloves and scarves

I only ask that you take a few moments to stop over at Dollarama or Wal-Mart and spend $10 to make this small BIG difference. Whether these individuals can do better or not, is irrelevant. Unlike you and I, they weren't able to fight their warfare.

Love Heals.

This is an act of love.

 

To donate your items please email me at elizabeth@devainyou.com

Women Are Changing the Game!

I woke up this morning feeling like I could fly. Literally.

I was a special guest (what an honor) at The Canadian Women's Foundation Breakfast yesterday morning at The Metro Convention Centre and let me tell you I had the privilege of sitting at the head table with some amazing women who are literally changing the game for girls nation wide. Women like 'Sally Armstrong' who is a 3-time Amnesty International Canada award winner, a member of the Order of Canada, the holder of 7 honorary degrees, a teacher, journalist and human rights activist and let me add to that a funny and total down to earth gal. And sitting right next to me was the beautiful 'Mary MowBray' who is Co-Chair of the Canadian Women’s Foundation (www.cdnwomen.org), Canada’s national public foundation for women and girls,  Past President of Toronto CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) and has created a mentoring program through Toronto CREW for young women in Toronto’s commercial real estate industry. Those are just a couple of the phenomenal world changers I was blessed to chat and share with yesterday.

As I sat back and listened to these women present, I couldn't help but feel the need to do more. More for our girls and women all over this country who are living in total darkness with no sense of self-worth; in the hands of their abusers and monsters (as I called it-growing up). I mean really....are we doing enough? There is abuse and poverty happening right in our own backyards. When was the last time you walked up to a single mother's front door and placed a couple bags of milk there? Actually, I did it this morning. I try to practice this act of kindness as often as I can and after yesterdays event, I woke up with the pressing desire to do so-this morning.

 

As I look at what's happening in the world around me, I can't help but feel crushed. I am careful in turning my TV and Radio on - in fear of my little guy seeing commercials advertising half naked women or hearing music playing with provocative lyrics detailing how some guy 'wants to do some girl' and calling her by some trashy name. Just log onto Twitter and Facebook and browse through pages belonging to our youth and you will see how disturbing it all is. I am constantly running into Twitter accounts that promote sex and violence in one way or another. Human Trafficking is now taking place on-line on Social Media. I mean, did you ever think we'd live to see that? I didn't.

 

 

I truly believe that every girl is placed on this earth to accomplish something outstanding, something that only she can do. There is no other person in this world that can do that 'thing' the way she can. It is up to us women to ensure our young girls get a chance. She may have no other person in her world inspiring her to fulfill her destiny and purpose. That person may be YOU. 

 

Stand up and make a difference. Don't turn the other cheek. You don't have to be a Sally Armstrong to make a difference. She too, started with one small step.

 

I don't know about you but I am on board with changing the game!

 

I leave you with this amazing video taken from

 Canadian Women's Foundation Website

 

Lilly Myers

"Shrinking Women"

 

 

I Know He is the Man for ME!

 

What makes Him the right man?

 

Well, FIRST off He has known me my entire life and loves me deeply- this I know. He is a lover, not a fighter. He is gentle not harsh. He eases my pain not causes it. He's farrrr from evil. He is LOVE not hate. He is so easy to get along with. He doesn't ask much of me-but to just BE. He doesn't lie. He is the Truth. He has never asked me to do something that would destroy me. He gives me the freedom to choose. When the world turned me down and gave up on me, He was there through every second of it all.

 

He doesn't expect me to be perfect but sees me as such. He loves my imperfections and is always there encouraging me towards my purpose.  Although He is always the first to correct me; he does so with love. He doesn't expect me to be skinny, He just wants me to be healthy. He obviously doesn't want me sleeping around with some dude because He wants me all for Himself and wants the BEST for me. He expects me to wait for the best. Sex is NOT on His mind, all He wants to do is hold me and love me. He wakes up beside me every morning and tells me I'm beautiful. I sing sweet words of worship to Him as I feel His presence with me wherever I go.  His only desire is that I go to sleep every night with him on my mind.

 

All He wants to do is eat with me, walk with me, travel with me and in all I do he wants me to acknowledge Him. He doesn't ask for much- really.

 

Yes He is jealous and doesn't want me giving anyone or anything more attention than I give Him. He is protective and defends ALL my battles...ohhh boyyy does He ever :-) He expects me to be a lady and leave certain things to Him. He wants me to educate myself and be who He knows I have been chosen to be. He sees my destiny and encourages me to believe in it. He desires deeply for me to be faithful to him-always.

 

 

He constantly reminds me, "My Lizzy there are people in your life that will be there forever-as long as you are alive here on earth, that you will have to forgive over and over and over again. Not just once. Because they are apart of your life in some way, I expect you to continue to forgive them as I continue to forgive you." He humbles me-truly.

 

He does not chase me for He is confident in the man that He is and knows that I need Him.

 

He has given me the to keys to His Kingdom so that I may live a life of riches, royalty, simplicity, love and peace and a life free of from pain, lust, darkness and greed.

 

But above all of this, He did something that no other man would do; He died for ME!!!!

 

 

Mannn I tell you, He is the Man for ME!

 

 

Words from Lizzy

 

You are powerful BEYOND measure!

You are NOT a victim, you're a survivor

You have goodness and greatness in YOU

Don't settle

Don't be - just ordinary

You matter because you are here - PERIOD!

You must have faith. You MUST believe

Giving up is NOT an option

Blending in - is not an option

Nobody can do it the way YOU can

Will you fail? YES. Will you succeed? Most definitely!

Transformation is a journey- one that takes time

Don't look back

Don't complain

Control your feelings

Take control

Accept yourself as you are right NOW- before the NEW YOU exists

You are always unfolding

Create new thoughts patterns

Give yourself a chance

Run from what is NOT good and run to what IS good

Watch your words- words have incredible POWER

Think before you speak

Listen!

Make peace with your past

Let go of resentments

Schedule alone time and don't cancel on yourself

Walk and talk with a purpose

Love and love HARD

Think thoughts of gratitude, joy, abundance and good memories

Make friends

Be a friend

Be grateful. Be kind

Be vulnerable BUT use wisdom

Learn- Be a student

FORGIVE and LET GO!

Free yourself. Love yourself

You got a dream?? Protect it

God sees you. He hears each tear you cry.

He knows you by your name

You WILL heal. You WILL be restored

There's no test without a testimony

Believe and BE STILL

Like a butterfly, walk in beauty, always leaving a trail of light behind you, and like a butterfly, you too will KNOW VICTORY.

Believe In The Deva In You!

The Divine, Exalted, Victorious and Angelic in YOU!

 

Eat and live with a purpose

Your Chiildren Will Do What YOU Do!

Yes, that's right. If you have a hot temper, more than likely, your children will have one too. Now that's not in all cases, but the majority.

Kids sit back in silence and watch everything we do. They watch to see how we handle stress. They watch to see how we interact and respect our friends. They listen in on our business and personal phone chats. They will even eat what we eat. So if you sit back and eat chocolate bars while watching movies, they will do the same. They are extremely observant and soak it all in like sponges.

There are time when I am out and about and my little Captain will repeat something to me that I may have shared during a phone conversation with a friend. It totally throws me off guard because I usually have my chats away from the kids. I don't spend much time at all on the phone outside of business, however it's those couple times he over hears me.

What led me to write this post today?

A couple of days ago, Captain and I went grocery shopping at The Superstore and I noticed he had a candy in his mouth and I asked, "Captain where did you get that candy from?" He replied, "the bin over there" confident that it was perfectly fine to take the candy from the bin. I stood there speechless because I am at fault for doing the same. So I said to him, "Captain you can't do that sweetie we have to pay for them first" Well well well his smart and accurate reply was, "but mom you do it too." OMGoodness. The rest was history.

Modeling appropriate behavior is an important part of discipline. Even when we think they aren't aware of what we're doing, they ARE! If we act in a way that we want our kids to act, they’ll learn just from watching us. We've got to be the person we want our children to be.

It doesn't take rocket science to know this is truth. How many times have you seen your daughters or little girls (period) putting on their mother's high heal shoes and if given the freedom to do so, they even put lipstick on their lips and nail polish on their nails. You will also see boys imitating their father's habits by hammering things all over the house with their tool box. They will even pretend to shave to be just like their daddies. If you sit back and observe you will see many pieces of YOU in your children. Just hope they are the good pieces and not the bad.

Children know when we're doing something wrong. Even if they sit there in silence, they know it's wrong.

So again, BE THE PERSON YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO BE!


Love, Lizzy

The Benefits of Grapefruit 'The Power Fruit'

Grapefruits:

Grapefruits have a rather recent history, having been discovered in Barbados in the 18th century. Many botanists think the grapefruit was actually the result of a natural cross breeding which occurred between the orange and the pomelo, a citrus fruit that was brought from Indonesia to Barbados in the 17th century. The resulting fruit was given the name "grapefruit" in 1814 in Jamaica, a name which reflects the way it's arranged when it grows €hanging in clusters just like grapes.

Grapefruit trees were planted in Florida in the early 19th century, although they did not become a viable commercial crop until later that century. Florida is still a major producer of grapefruits, as is California, Arizona and Texas. Other countries that produce grapefruits commercially include Israel, South Africa and Brazil.

I must admit that yes, it took me quite some time to get use to this fruit. Once-upon-a-time I sprinkled brown sugar on grapefruit in order to bare the bitterness. However, when I realized I was defeating it's purpose, I quickly stopped.

Grapefruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Which is a vitamin that helps to support the immune system.

There are so many benefits to grapefruit because of the high levels of Vitamin C it carries. Research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this vitamin is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. (PLEASE NOTE: Lycopene is only found in pink and red grapefruit. White grapefruit does not provide this carotenoid.) Lycopene appears to have anti-tumor activity. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.

Choosing to regularly eat lycopene-rich foods, such as pink grapefruit, and drink green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests research published the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Jian L, Lee AH, et al.)

It's Benefits:

1. Loosing weight

Yes, that's right and believe me it works. When I did my grapefruit cleanse I lost 5 pounds in 2 days. And I get into the habit of juicing grapefruit, I start to see the pounds go. Which is not my goal so I try and juice this fruit no more then twice a week. Grapefruit is high in enzymes that burn fats, has high water content and has less sodium. A combination of these three characteristics make it a perfect food for increasing your body’s metabolism. Try eating grapefruit or drinking raw grapefruit juice every day instead of your regular apple or orange juice and you will notice how quickly you lose those extra pounds.

2. Helps in cancer prevention:

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that is responsible for the red color of grapefruit. It is a powerful agent against tumors and cancers as it acts as a scavenger of cancer-causing free radicals. Lycopene works best with vitamins A and C, which are also found in grapefruit.

An antioxidant compound, called naringenin, is also found in grapefruit. Naringenin helps repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells. DNA repair contributes to cancer prevention as it impedes the reproduction of cancer cells.

3. Overall well being:

Juicing (or eating) grapefruit helps treat common cold and fever, dissolve gallstones and kidney stones, boost liver function and enhance immunity against infections. In addition, if you want to have a healthy and smooth skin, try including grapefruit in your diet.

But this isn't it; can get many other benefits from grapefruit because it also contains essential elements such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid and B vitamins.

Yes, it's bitter. But you will get use to it. It doesn't bother me one bit....anymore. My boys can't stand it. Even if I put a half of a grapefruit in my juicing jug, they can smell it from a mile away and dare NOT to drink it (lol).

Just think of all the health benefits and start including this power-house fruit in your diet!

Eat with a PURPOSE!

Love, Lizzy

How I Stay Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually Fit!

I must admit, I have had a number of breakthroughs lately- in many areas of my life; mentally, emotionally, physically and definitely spiritually.

I've come to realize that people who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s challenges, recover from set-back's and build strong relationships. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental, spiritual and emotional health.

What is mental or emotional health?

Mental or emotional health refers to your overall psychological well-being.

I truly believe that people with good emotional health have the ability to bounce back from adversity, trauma, and loss. And that ability is called resilience. People who are emotionally and mentally healthy have the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook. They remain focused, flexible, and determined in hard times as well. Is it easy? NO! But easy is NOT an option.


What is Spiritual Health?

When you feel spiritually connected, challenges in life ARE easier to deal with. How we treat others is essentially how we are treating ourselves. Show love and compassion because in each individual, you will find a part of yourself. You don't want to stop your blessings from coming because of how you are treating the people around you. It's just not worth it.

You have an individual purpose that is cut out only for YOU. If you are living a life that lacks purpose (meaning), there really is no purpose. It is very important for you to discover what you love and enjoy and apply it to your everyday life.

Personally, it's my Spirituality that comes FIRST because of it- I acquire the knowledge I need to live a healthy balanced life. God FIRST!


What is Physical Health?

Physical health is anything that has to do with our bodies as a physical entity.

In my personal opinion, a lot of people workout and go on diets only to be skinny and loose weight. Who said skinny was healthy? I have never read an article that said skinny was healthy. Fit is healthy and whether that means 150 pounds or 115 pounds, it's always based on your fitness level, height and eating habits. Period. I weigh 115 pounds but please keep in mind that I am 5 feet. Therefore if I weighed 150 pounds, it would be a whole different story.

Physical activity is essential to prevent and reduce risks of many diseases and improve physical and mental health. It can even help you live longer.

I have met women in their 30's who cannot cross their legs or touch their toes. Oh did I mention some of these women weigh no more then 120 pounds? There you go!


So, here are some of the things I do for my overall well-being:

- Raw Juicing daily

- Cardio and muscle classes 3-4 times a week

- Never take elevators (stairs only)

- Water and Almond milk ONLY (no other drinks. Occasional glass of wine)

- Power walks

- I read A LOT!

- I write A LOT!

- No music in the car. ONLY motivational CD's

- Listen to 10 minutes of an empowering message every morning

- I pray

- Have monthly meet-ups with my Book Club Ladies (friends)

- I laugh A LOT!!!!!! (like seriously. Even at myself)

- No matter the problem at hand, I keep it moving

- Eat healthy (could do better)

- I get in the dirt with my 5 year old and play silly games

- I spend quality time with my boys

- I allow my 21 year old son to TEACH me

- I surround myself with positive people and HATE drama and gossip!

- I follow my spirit (I've learned the hard way)

- I spend A LOT of time alone (my favorite time of the day)

- I spend time on hobbies (crafting, coloring and writing)

- I splurge

- I tithe

- I always try to make a difference (world-changers)

- I FORGIVE!

- I give of myself (especially to those in need)

- I pamper myself

- I love myself deeply

- I Spend quality time with my family

- I let Go

- I eat one banana a day

- Regular exams with my Doctor

- I take bubble baths

- I pay attention

- I am a student. I will be a student forever (always taking courses and learning)

I could probably go on... I suggest you write a list of all the things you do that make you happy. Things that contribute to your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health.

P.S
There is absolutely NO WAY, I would be all of what I am, if it was NOT for my primary purpose; MY RELATIONSHIP with my Father (God). No way! I don't even know if I'd be here....So Glory to the Most High :-)


Love, Lizzy!

As Parents, We are Apart of The Problem

The more I study girls and boys I realize just how different they are to one another. Being a mother of 3 boys; two in which I gave birth too and one who joined our family six years ago, I know just how different they truly are.

I picked up a book just a couple months ago that I decided to start reading recently, 'Boys Adrift' The five factors driving the growing epidemic of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men. Hhhhmm I must say - quite interesting - so far. I am not only learning a lot about boys but girls as well. Wow, we are soooo different.

Here are a few blurbs I have typed up for all you mommies to read; from the book:

In 2007, a distinguished team of twelve neuroscientists, based primarily at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, published a remarkable account of the development of the human brain. Since the early 1990's, these investigators have been doing MRI scans on the brains of young children.

Among the most striking findings in the report are the differences in the developmental trajectories of girls compared with boys. The researchers found that the various regions of the brain develop in a different sequence and tempo in girls compared to boys. In some regions in the brain, such as the parietal gray matter- the region of the brain most involved with integrating information from different sensory modalities- girls and boys develop along similar trajectories, but the pace of the girls and boys development is roughly two years ahead of the boys'. In yet other regions, such as occipital gray matter-visual cortex-the trajectories of brain development are remarkably different, with no overlap between girls and boys. In this region of the brain, girls between six and ten years of age show rapid development, while boys in the same age group do not. After fourteen years of age this area begins to diminish slightly in girls-the amount of brain tissue in this region actually shrinks in girls over fourteen-while in boys over fourteen this area is growing at a rapid pace.

These studies do not mean that boys are smarter than girls or girls are smarter than boys. It just means that girls and boys are different. Period.


Boys will always be boys!

Teaching a three-and-a half-year-old boy can be frustrating both for the parent / teacher and child. We're asking that child to do something his brain is just not ready to do. Not in all cases. Timing is everything, in education as in many other fields. It's not enough to teach well. We have to teach well to kids who are ready to learn, kids who are developmentally "ripe" for learning. Asking five-year-old boys to learn to read-when they'd rather be running around or playing games-may be the worst possible introduction to school, at least for some boys.

Today, kindergarten children are expected to do what first-graders were expected to do thirty years ago; a kindergarten where children are expected to sit for hours (full day now) doing paper-and-pencil exercises. Usually they are separated into two groups. One with children who are ready to learn and willing to read and write: mostly girls, one or two boys. The other group: children who are not so ready to learn. And that group will have mostly boys.

Now, there is ONE thing boys and girls are equally good at: figuring out who's in the Dumb Group. Within a few months the children in the Dumb Group are aware of their inferior status, and they don't like it. I am not saying we see this as the 'Dumb Group' but they DO!

Teachers intentions are good. But most five year olds are keenly aware of their status in the eyes of the adults. They will even make mention that the teacher likes the children in the "other" group more. And these boys are likely to go to school the following year with a negative attitude. But of course, wouldn't you?

For many boys, there's a huge difference in readiness to learn between age five and age seven-just as there's a huge difference in readiness for a girl between three and five. It's just the way their developed.

There are problems with girls too but the problems are different from those of boys.

Most five year old girls are able to do what the teacher needs them to do. They can sit still. They can be quit for a whole few minutes without interrupting or jumping up and down. They are more likely to possess the fine motor skills required to write the letters of the alphabet legibly and neatly.

Another amazing thing I read in this book:

Boys who have been deprived of time outdoors, interacting with the real world rather than with computers and video games, sometimes have trouble grasping concepts that seem simple to us. Many of these boys grow up to never know how to fix a car, work on a fuel pump or even hook up a garden hose. For a whole generation of kids, direct experiences in the backyard, in the tool shed, in the fields and woods, has been replaced by indirect learning, through computers. These young people are smart, these young people are smart, they grew up with computers, they were supposed to be superior-but now we know something's missing.

Now if you ask me, the biggest problem we have right now in our house hold, as parents, are computers and gadgets. Yup that's right. We've got to keep it to a limit ladies. I had to seriously put my foot down with my 5 year old. If it was up to him, he would play 10 hours a day. I set a schedule of twice a week for ONE hour. The rest of his time will be spent playing, reading, painting, coloring, going outside, sports etc. There was so much I got as a child- out of going outside and playing in the dirt, climbing trees, spending time with nature! Many of these kids have zero social skills. Why is that? Well, I don't think I need to get into that after reading this post.

Let's pull up our mommy pants and start guiding our children NOT directing them. Unfortunately, their teachers do enough directing. It's time to GUIDE!

If you are a mother to a girl, there is tons of information online on how girls think and are naturally programmed. If you are a mommy to boys, same thing.
These little guys / girls are our future and we've got to do our best. Or at least strive for it...

Love, Lizzy

The POWER and BENEFITS In Ginger!

There are a few things I do NOT want to live without and one is definitely GINGER! OOOHH I love me some ginger. Even if I am making smoothies, I feel the need to throw in at least an inch of ginger in raw juicing??? Oh there are times I throw in a few inches; Yikes! So as I was browsing through websites stating the benefits of ginger, I decided to put together a little something for you.

So go ahead and spice up your life with a little bit of ginger ladies.





Ginger Tea: Health Benefits of Ginger Tea You Should Know

Ginger is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. Basically, Ginger is a perennial tuber or root. Ginger has a wide range of antioxidant properties. Ginger tea is a beverage in many countries which is made from ginger roots. But some extra ingredients like lemon, honey and orange can improve the quality of ginger tea. There are a lot number of Health benefits waiting for you in ginger tea. Here I will try to introduce you with all of these.
Some Medicinal Properties Ginger:

According to medial science there are huge medicinal properties of Ginger which are truly very essential. These are as below:

Circulatory stimulant Relaxes peripheral blood vessels Antitussive
Anti-emetic Antiseptic Expectorant
Antifungal Anticlotting agent Antiviral
Analgesic Hypotensive Anti-spasmodic
Anti-inflammatory Promotes sweating Anti-bacterial



Ginger Health Benefits:

It provides a huge number of health benefits. Theses are as bellows:


1. Reduces Motion Sickness:
It helps to get an effective remedy from nausea associated with motion sickness. It also prevents vomiting during long distance trips. Due to ginger’s anti-emetic properties, it is advised to drink one cup of ginger tea before traveling. It prevents nausea effectively.

2. Reduces Digestive Disorders:
It accelerates digestion process by contributing to stomach acids release. This herb can be used to address indigestion & flatulence.

3. Helps in Relieving Pain:
It has its own anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger tea can reduce different types of pain like arthritic pain, joint pain, muscle pain etc. Drinking a cup of tea daily can assist prevention of joint and muscle pain but also help with fatigue relief. Ginger tea has been used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud's syndrome.

4. Fight Against Cold:
Drinking a cup of ginger tea can be good for you especially when you are suffering from common respiratory problems like cough and runny nose. This will loosen your phlegm and clear the respiratory system. It helps in permanent sneezing and hay fever. Its spreads a warm feeling throughout the body & makes you really fresh.

5. Reduces Diabetic Nephropathy:
Different studies show that 2 cup of Ginger tea daily can helps you to get ride from diabetic nephropathy.

6. Improves Immune System:
It strengthens immunity by the help of its anti-oxidant properties. Even one cup of tea a day helps reduce the potential risk of stroke, since ginger acts by breaking down fat deposits which block the arteries. Ginger also results in restoring cholesterol levels to normal and preventing cancer. It slows the growth of colorectal & ovarian cancer cells.

7. Reduces Menstrual Cramp:
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramp. Women suffering from severe menstrual cramp can use ginger tea as a hot compress. A towel saturated with the infusion must be placed on the belly, close to the position of uterus. This reduces the pain and loosens the muscles. It will give a soothing effect.

8. Reduces Morning Sickness:
Ginger is one of the best natural home remedies for morning sickness. Pregnant women basically suffer from morning sickness. So, it helps them to get relief from morning sickness.

9. Reduces Migraine Pain:
Ginger can be effective for stopping the onset of migraines. Take one-third of a teaspoon of fresh or powdered ginger at the first sign of a migraine. It may reduce your symptoms because ginger helps block prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation in your blood vessels.

10. Maintains Regular Blood Circulation:
A cup of hot ginger tea helps to regulate blood flow normal. The minerals and amino acids included in ginger improve the circulation of erythrocytes. So that, the risk of cardiovascular diseases is minimized. It has a stimulating effect on the heart and circulation.

11. Reduces Stress Level:
A cup of ginger tea can change your mood dramatically. It leaves the feeling of freshness and tranquility for a long time. Its taste dispels all your sorrows and negative thoughts during a bad day. Ginger brew is also a great remedy for stressful moments.

12. Increases Fertility:
Ginger is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and if a man drinks ginger tea daily, then it can improve quality of sperm and boost male’s fertility. As per some studies, men taking ginger on a normal basis increase sperm count and activity in comparison to data before trying ginger supplements. It is thought to be useful for males who suffer from erectile dysfunction too.

So whether you are drinking ginger tea or juicing with ginger, the benefits cannot be ignored. It is raw and it is powerful!