Beautiful Life

Healthy Living Wednesday - Sleep

8 hours per night is SO important to good health.

 

Devotionals

My favorite devotional is Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon.  This is a devotion with entries for both morning and evening, as the title suggests.

I've also used My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. 

 

Both of these devotionals are very convicting and worth exploring. You won't be disappointed.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path ~Psalm 119:105 

Happy Birthday Dr. Hanson

I've known you since we were just 17 years old.  We went to prom together.  Remember that:)  We separated a little bit during college but managed to hold on.  And now more than a decade later  I love you more than ever.

xo

Arbonne

 

I've made some major changes to how I treat my body right down to my skincare routine.  I still use Bobbi Brown for lipstick, eye shadow and blush.  My mother in law gave me a lovely set for Christmas and I can't get enough of it. And I use Clinique lipsticks. Love them.

I am now using Arbonne products for cleansing and moisturizing.  I love their FC5 line.  I use the dry skin system because my skin loves extra moisture.  My skin is glowing and clear.  

I started using Arbonne after I found out  that they are committed to creating premium products while keeping them pure and safe. Arbonne is formulated without Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PABA, Petrolatum, Paraffin, Diethanolamine, Animal-Derived Ingredients. How amazing is that?

Another trick for glowing skin is not wearing much makeup. When I am home with my children, I wear a lip gloss and mascara.  When I go out I often wear a neutral lipstick, mascara and blush.  I rarely wear tinted moisturizer and I honestly never wear true foundation.  I'll put some eyeshadow on for special occasions.  

The most important thing a person can do for his/her skin relates to diet.  Eat fresh food.  Your skin will thank you.  Your nails will thank you. 

There are some who always struggle with complexion even when they are eating clean and watching the amount of makeup they use.  If you are one of these, seek medical advice from a good dermatologist.  

Have a lovely week!

Fashion Friday - Thandie Newton

Thandie is a gorgeous, natural beauty.  Sometimes her fashion is way too edgy for me but every once in a while she goes with a classic look.  Her skin tone is very similar to mine so I look at how color hits her and it helps me with my own wardrobe.    

Healthy Living Wednesday (on Thursday night) - The Small Things

Small changes can make a huge difference.  Adding one change per week or one per month can be really helpful to overall health.  Here are a few ideas:

• passing on the bread basket when you go out to eat
• turning off the TV and reading a good book
• saying "I love you" more
• skipping the cream in your coffee or switching to tea
• eating slowly, enjoying every bite
• adding an extra afternoon walk 
• skipping a large dessert and enjoying a piece of decadent dark chocolate instead
• cleaning the house instead of hiring it out (using safe products)
• keeping the same grocery budget but spending at least 50% of it on fresh, organic fruits and veggies
• taking a weekend away when needed
• making one meal per day a bite sized - mini meal with small sandwiches and canapes 
• playing with the children instead of watching
• going to bed early and rising early
• keeping fresh flowers in your home at all times

Ice Storm Outside

Fire, snuggles, smores and love inside.  

Fashion Friday - Jackie Kennedy

I've loved Jackie Kennedy's fashion since I was a girl, a small girl. Here are some of my favorites.  Happy Friday!

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The Best Turkey Burger

Dear Friends, 

I realize it is not spring and it is not summer but my heart was dying for some warm weather so I made this recipe last night.  It was amazing.  You must try it.

(photo and recipe courtesy of Southern Living)

This is a wonderful, healthy meal girls (only 3 points on WW, without the bun:)

• 1 1/3  pounds  ground turkey breast
• 1  (4-oz.) package crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4  cup  finely chopped red onion
• 1  teaspoon  dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon  lemon zest
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Mix ingredients together.  Heat skillet.  Add 1TB olive oil.  Cook for 5 minutes per side.  Top with fresh veggies and spicy mustard.  SO FRESH and SO EASY!

I do not eat the bun nor do I top it with yogurt sauce but if you wanted to, ciabatta bun would be the best and then mix Greek yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon of dill and 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber for yogurt sauce.

Healthy Living Wednesday - Rinse and Repeat

At this point in my weight loss journey,  I try to focus on one day at a time.  I am about 2 months into my new lifestyle and I'll admit I am beginning to get bored some days.  I do the same thing each day. I try to eat well, exercise and take care of my body.  And I start over each morning.  It's like washing your hair.  Rinse and Repeat.  Rinse and Repeat.  This is HARD for me when I add in Elizabeth Rose, Pete, Harry and Greg. But I'm doing it.  I've added some new things into the mix like Southern Lady Magazine and Tea Time Magazine as positive motivation for reaching my goals.  I love to settle into bed at the end of a busy day with a good magazine so these have been a good reward for the hours logged on my treadmill.

This week I weighed in 2.9 pounds below two weeks ago and I had a vacation in there (where I ate Orange Crunch Cake from The Bubble Room on Captiva Island).  I was very happy to have continued to lose weight. I'll report back in next week.  

Have a happy Wednesday.