Create what you envision "sometimes"!!!

Creativity is personal in every sense; when things you desire are not within reach, I say create it. I was sick and tired of the cold weather before the official day of winter arrived. I longed for some sunshine and warmth being a native of the Caribbean so something had to give. The Charlotte weather dipped below freezing several times this autumn season so I had to get creative quickly. With plenty of vacation days hoarded throughout the year, I just needed to find the right warm location to expel of them. Due to the cost of travels during the holiday season and finding a last minute ticket at a reasonable price, I settled with driving to South Florida for at least a week. The drive down wasn't too bad as my novel on disk kept my company wee into the morning hours. 

My youngest sister lives here so I love these kinds of vacations. With my car in tote, I'm able to explore any and everywhere while constantly recreating what I envisioned before beginning my vacation. So far it has gone great, swimming at Ft. Lauderdale beach, spa pedicure, napping on the beach, two hour massage, great food and company at a few restaurants, warm outdoor workouts, water shows and the list goes on....

It's official; creating what I desire and need is up to me. 

~~~What have you created for yourself lately?

Spreading goodwill--KINDNESS

~that can return to you~

 This quote can be read in a few ways, and all of them are worth thinking about. First, complimenting and encouraging others is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to be a positive force in someone's life. As long as you're sincere, repeating that encouragement as often as possible can have effects that far outweigh the effort. Countless people have exceeded their own expectations just because others believed in them. Second, giving positive feedback works even better if done publicly. Take those kind words and repeat them until everyone knows the great things that this person is doing. Third, we've all had kindnesses bestowed on us in word and deed. In return for that favor, it's up to us to repeat that generosity for someone else's benefit. However you read this quote, the point is that there's a kindness out there to be performed. And you're just the person to do it!
-www.sparkpeople.com


I tossed in bed earlier this week with the urge to write a post about kindness; as I was about to delete a Healthy Reflections note from Sparkpeople.com without reading it (which I never do), I realized it said nicely what was placed on my heart to share.


Blessed is he who speaks a kindness; thrice blessed is he who repeats it.
- Arabian proverb

Appreciation via the Art of Action

I find it imperative for everyone to perfect the "Art of Action". There is no little black book that we can loan from the library electronically and read on our Kindle Fire or purchase from Amazon.com. Currently, it is not in publication with any specific author (s). Instead it has to come from within us and can only become an actual Art when we execute via action. 

These actions are found in us being plain 'ole considerate and thoughtful to each other; especially towards those who cannot do anything for us, and the ones who do but really does not have to. 

If someone does something kind for us, we should say THANK YOU. Naturally, if they continue to assist without asking for anything in return, we should go beyond saying thank you and provide a thoughtful gift of appreciation (personal thank you note, gift or gas card,   favorite food etc). In the end, having that special person know they are appreciated is priceless.  

After our Christmas luncheon today, we were paid to enjoy the afternoon and of course relaxing on the sofa came to mind. Instead of speeding to the house, I used a few hours to buy a few deserving people appreciative gifts. It took a few weeks to decide on the perfect gift, but I am glad it is completed.   

Is there anyone in your life deserving of the Art of Action? Is so, will you consider letting them know you appreciate them in your own special way? 

Tis the holidays...are you minding your priorities??

This should be obvious, but in case it is not, I will explain below.

"I should mind my priorities" 

1. Finances~ I'm praying adults are keeping this near the top. During the holiday season and beyond, we are still responsible for paying our recurring expenses; hence, it is a great idea not to accumulate many unnecessary financial expenses. You know the many gifts that are quickly increasing your credit card (s). Question: Will you be content that you made all those purchases when your January credit card bill shows up? 

2. Stress~ The unrealistic belief that you can be everything to everyone at the same time. The 411 on the street is...stress kills so say no more often than not. It is perfectly okay since we all receive 24 hours to expel accordingly; so please use yours efficiently. Organized time management will get you through the season with less gray hair (smile-no one likes them).

3. Food~ The ability to mind what you put in your mouth can go a long way. Parties, socials, gatherings, traditions etc, etc...”hint, hint “everything in moderation, right”? If not, studies believe it will take you all of 2012 and/or beyond to get off those extra pounds. So, think about your extra servings before consuming them “every time”. 

4. Exercise~ The ability to stay active will help keep your stress level and food moderation in an acceptable zone. How? Exercise is known to help reduce stress in more ways than one. Also, anyone that is able to stick with their exercise routine will certainly mind the additional servings readily available to them. They may not exercise as much, but I'm sure it will still occur.

With all the redundant holiday advertisements out there, and so many folks racking up ridiculous amounts of debt etc, I had an epitome that needed to be shared.

Look out for MSG..and avoid it!!!

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that's "generally recognized as safe," the use of MSG remains controversial. For this reason, when MSG is added to food, the FDA requires that it be listed on the label.

MSG has been used as a food additive for decades. Over the years, the FDA has received many anecdotal reports of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Sweating
• Facial pressure or tightness
• Numbness, tingling or burning in face, neck and other areas
• Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Weakness

However, researchers have found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms. Researchers acknowledge, though, that a small percentage of people may have short-term reactions to MSG. Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG.

A few seasoning companies, like Mrs.Dash, does not use it..wonder why? 

Take it a step further and ask your restaurants if they cook with MSG; if they do, find out if your meal can be cooked without it. Many are opting out and you should also=)! The FDA is too relaxed on things even our Canadian neighbors refuse to accept O_o! 

Restaurants & Fast food joints?? Aren't ready=)

BBQ TOFU FLG:

Naan bread sliced in half with pickles, tomato, cucumbers & vegenaise

*concocting my own creations are infinite*

What have you created lately?? 

LOL