Week 27 Incentive: Give Back

 Afternoon everyone! How's it going?

Well, can you believe that it is the final week of 2020? Have you decided on your new year's resolutions, yet?

We'll get into that later on in the week, today we are here for the week 27 incentive. And this one is fitting, especially for the holidays are still upon us.

This week's Incentive is to "Give Back." 

Such as, donating your time or energy to something you care about. Here are a few ways to get yourself involved:

1. Volunteer through Work
2. Move to Give
3. Go Back to School
4. Get Out of Town
5. Go with Passion

This is a final chance to make difference this year and start a new one for the next.

You all take care and be safe.

Keep the spirits up and do your best to stay healthy.

Merry Christmas (Yuletide Blessings)!!

Merry Christmas and Blessed Yuletide!

How is everyone doing this day? Hopefully enjoying wonderful moments with family and creating or passing down traditions.

But, no matter how we all look at it, in the end, we almost celebrate the same thing, it's just done differently in many perspectives.

Yule has been around for centuries. It's a celebration of new beginnings and always started upon the Winter Solstice.  It lasts for eleven days of feasting, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with loved ones; and the dates vary each year. This year it started on December 21st and will end upon the New Year, January 1st. In ancient times, it's the celebration of the death and rebirth of the Sun God, sot its the longest day of the year. My Beloved and I were married on the Winter Solstice back in 2017, to signify our own new beginning.

Christmas is a day Christians celebrate with family in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The gift exchange is that of the gifts from the wise men. It's a time for charity, thoughtfulness, and to be with loved ones. 

Even so, I hope you all have a blessed day. And I also pray and send blessings to those who cannot be with their loved ones this year.

Please be safe when traveling, stay healthy, and take care.

Many blessings to you all.

Three Years Strong!! Happy Anniversary!

 Blessed Solstice Everyone!

Wedding Day 2017

Hope you all are ready, for the holidays are fully upon us and only four days away till Christmas!

But, to me, that doesn't matter. Today is more important to me than Christmas.

Today is our, my Beloved Husband, Gerardo, and my third wedding anniversary.

Anniversary Ornament from Mom

Amazing, it's been three years already! Where has the time gone? Of course, this year been insane with the pandemic and we all were distracted on how to keep safe and healthy.

This year we kept things simple. Just spent the whole day together, getting things for Christmas Eve's and Day's supper, exchange gifts (he received a Gandalf's pipe, and I got some gym shoes). 

Then we went out for supper. Was gonna check out a Puerto Rican place in Dunkirk called Shorty's Kitchen, but because of all that's been happening, they decided to be closed for the season and reopen at their food stand "Taste of Puerto Rico," in the Summer.

So, we decided to check out Demitri's on the Lake, a little Greek Restaurant there by the piers in Dunkirk. And it was great! The waitress was wonderful and the food delicious. 

Week 26 Incentive: Eat Fish Twice a Week

 Evening everyone!

Wow, it's already the week for Christmas and the countdown begins as everyone is rushing to do last-minute shopping.

This week is also my busiest ever.

I, of course, work this week, Tuesday through Thursday. Tomorrow (Monday, 21st) is mine and my Beloved's wedding anniversary. Wow, can't believe that it's been three years already. Then, of course, Christmas day.

Anyway, we have finally reached the halfway mark of our incentives. How does that make you all feel? Good, I hope. Just another 26 weeks to go to complete our journey here.

This week's incentive is to try to have fish, twice a week. And the best suggestion is the ones with higher omega-3s to help your bodies.

I wish everyone to keep safe as we all seem to be rushing this week and also to do our best to stay healthy.

Take care, my friends.

Week 25 Incentive: Strength Training 3 Times a Week

 Hey Everyone, how's it going?

We're at the halfway point of the month and just a week away from it being halfway through the incentives.

This week's incentive is all about strength training and how to get your body awake and toned.

So, 3 times a week for 20 minutes, work on getting stronger.

Just remember to talk things over with your doctor, personal trainer, and dietitian before starting any exercises, lifestyle changes, or diets.

Week 24 Incentive: Healthy Portions

 Morning everyone!

How are we all doing on the first Sunday of December? That's right it is December! Wow, again the months are flying again and soon it be the end of the year.

Anyway, today is week 24 in our incentives. We are almost at the halfway point.

This week's incentive is "Healthy Portions."

We all, for the most part, know how our plates should be as we all learned in health class. Half of the plate should be vegetables and fruit, quarter meat, and the other quarter is starches.

Hope that everyone isn't stressing over the idea that Christmas is coming up. Try to take time and plan carefully.

Be safe, stay healthy, and take care, my friends

Oracle Drawing: Hawk Prince

The Hawk Prince appears with good news: He flies into your life to alert you that a message is coming to help you manifest your destiny! Expect a phone call, letter, email, or conversation that lets you know the next step to take toward your greatest good, or to tell you that you’ve arrived at an important stage along your path.

The Hawk Prince is also the Ally for Spirit communication, so pay attention when you think you hear something important pop out at you on the radio, on TV, or in overhearing the conversations of strangers. Spirit is constantly in dialogue with you. Are you listening?

Stay open and expect Spirit to speak to you and show you the way to your prosperity in all aspects of your life.

Week 23 Incentive: Build Healthy Relationships

 Morning everyone!

How are you all doing today and how was your Thanksgiving? Did you all survive Black Friday?

Today is week 23 in our journey of making small changes for a better, healthier life. This week's incentives, Building Healthier Relationships.

Now, I know that everyone's relationships are all different and how they handle things. My own relationship with my Beloved husband so far is very peaceful, for we always talk things over and share each other's thoughts and opinions as well as we have faith in each other.

Hope you all have a good and safe day. Keep healthy as well. Take care.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!!

 How is everyone doing today? Are you busy preparing the feast, or getting ready to watch the viral parade online? Or even have things ready for the big Thanksgiving day football game?

I, myself sadly had to work this morning, before returning home to help fix dinner alongside my Beloved husband.

What are a few of your family's traditions, that you do for the day?

I remember going to my grandparents every year to see the whole family. We would watch the parade before the game. We would sit and visit, and start making plans for the Christmas gatherings.

But, many seem over time to forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving. They're more interested in the bargaining sales for the following day.

Here's a small history summary of how it all started.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states.

We, need to remember to be thankful in more ways than what we take for granted. Or that's what I come to believe. So, take a little time to give thanks.

So, what are you thankful for this year?

I hope that everyone has a wonderful, safe, and healthy Thanksgiving. From my family to yours.

Week 22 Incentive: Choose Low-Fat Dairy; Review of Incentive List

 Hey Everyone, how is everyone doing on this chilly Monday? Hopefully, everyone is doing well.

Can you believe that this Thursday is Thanksgiving? Wow, where did the time go? I hope everyone is ready for it? Sadly, I do have work, but luckily, it is a short shift for me, so I can be home to help my Beloved husband with the cooking.

So, this week is week 22 of our incentives. We're about halfway through them with 30 more to go after this week.

Let's review the past 21 incentives to be sure we all are on the same page. Okay?

1. Stay Hydrated
2. Get Plenty of Sleep
3. 
   Stay Active
4. Keep Food Journal
5. Be Optimistic
6. Take Multivitamin Supplements
7. Keep Dust & Allergens Outside of Home
8. 4-6 Servings of Veggies Daily
9. Enjoy Alone Time
10. 20 Minute, Stretching, 3x a Week
11. Nutrition Labels
12. Breathe Deeply
13. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
14. Use Nontoxic Cleaning Products
15. Choose Whole Grains
16. Laugh Often
17. Eat 5 Small Meals a Day
18. Aerobic Activities, 30 Minutes, 3x a Week
19. 2-3 Servings of Fruit Daily
20. Live With Purpose
21. Buy Organic Foods

This week's incentive is: Choose low-fat Dairy. Unless you are already doing such, work your way to non-dairy or skim milk.

I hope that everyone is taking care of themselves. Be safe, stay healthy, and take care.

I might do a small post on Thanksgiving, to share our dinner and remind all about the history as to why we celebrate.

Be well, my friends.

Week 21 Incentive: Buy Organic

 Afternoon everyone, how's it going on this fine, chilly Monday.

Can you believe that it's already the middle of the month? Pretty soon, it will be Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas. Time is flying, that's for sure.

For this week, the incentive is to "Buy Organic."

I love during harvest time in my area, where I can just go to a fresh produce stand or even the local farmer's markets to buy freshly grown produce. I was always supportive of our local farmers.

For any smart organic consumers when shopping in the stores, they:

1. Check the labels
2. Has the "Dirty Dozen & Clean 15" List ( www.ewg.org )
3. Lower pesticides
4. Animal products ( www.cornucopia.org )

 

So, I hope you all are as supportive of your local farmers as I am during harvest season. But, I also like to point out to be generous and don't abuse the fact that most produce stand may not be watch and you believe that you could just take without paying.

I've seen over time many who would do this, all-cause they believe that they are better than the ones who are selling. Be respectful, is all I am asking.

Take care and be safe, my friends. 

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Week 20 Incentive: Live with Purpose

 Morning everyone!

How is everyone on this lovely Monday morning?

I'm feeling good and complete today. Went to the gym early this morning, got laundry done, now working on this week's incentive.

For week 20 incentive is to "Live with Purpose."

Begin with Self-Discovery

1. What do you want?
2. What are your passions?
3. What are your strengths?
4. What matters to you?

Write a personal mission statement

Make a plan

Living your purpose and mission

1. Commit to your choice
2. Remain open to change
3. Practice daily

This is when I believe journaling and blogging come into play to help keep track and follow through.

Anyways, hope everyone have a great week. Be safe, stay healthy, and take care.

Week 19 Incentive: 2-3 Servings of Fruit

 Evening everyone, how's it going?

Hopefully, everyone remembers to put their clocks back this morning. Or if you have digital, you don't have to worry so much about it. Luckily, my phone set itself, or I would have been late for work.

We're already on week 19 in our incentives, can you believe it?

This week's incentive is to have 2 to 3 servings of fruit daily.

1. Start with what you like
2. Experiment (pick different fruit weekly)
3. Prepare for the week ahead
4. Buy before ripe
5. At Breakfast
6. Lunch
7. Snack

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween everyone!!

How is everyone doing on the best day of the year, at least for me anyway?

I'm not gonna do much here, sadly to say. Just to say hi, give a brief history and share a video as I get ready for work.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2020 will occur on Saturday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes, and eating treats.

 Take care, be safe, and enjoy the night, my friends.

Week 18 Incentive; Affirmation

 Evening everyone!

How's it going? Wow, the last week of October, can you believe it?!

And do you know what that means, right? Halloween! Are we ready for it? Sadly for me, I have to work that night, but I am still gonna do makeup and semi-dressed up for it. So, I might do up a small make-up video on how I will prepare for work on that day. Haven't decided yet.

Anyways, back to the main topic. This week's incentive, which is:  Aerobic Activity for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.

Here's a few samples what you can do to help you progress (pages 120-126; 52 Small Changes, by Brett Blumenthal):

1. Do Something You Like
2. Do Something That's Convenient
3. Pencil it in
4. Understand Intensity Levels
5. Journal Your Activities
6. Staying Motivated

Now, if you're already doing such, take it to the next level if you can:

1. Step It Up
2. Explore
3. Diversity
4. Challenge Yourself

Today's Affirmation:

I visualize every muscle cell during my workout session

Week 16 & 17 Incentives; Affirmations

 

 Hey everyone, How's it all going?

Well, I got very busy last week that I absolutely have forgotten about last week's incentive. So, without further ado, tonight I will be posting both week 16th and 17th incentive along with today's affirmation.

Last week's incentive was, To Laugh Often.

Make laughter a daily exercise. And here's a few tips on how:

1. Start with a Smile
2. Surround Yourself with Playfulness
3. Take Yourself Less Seriously
4. Take Life Less Seriously
5. Manage Stress
6. Build-in Fun Activities
7. When in Doubt, Fake It

This week's (week 17) incentive is to Have 5 small meals a day. By developing a regular eating schedule that keeps you satisfied throughout the day. Here are a few tips on how to succeed in this: 

 

1. It Begins with Breakfast
2. Reduce Main Meals and Add Snacks
3. Plan Ahead
4. What's for Dinner?

(Note Reminder: all information is again from the book, 52 Small Changes, by Brett Blumenthal)

Today's Affirmation:

I ease my mind and work my body.

I hope that everyone is keeping safe and staying healthy. It is flu season, plus remember that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So for all you ladies out there, don't forget to talk to your doctor for your mammogram check-ups and appointments.

Take care and have a good night.

Week 15 Incentive; Affirmation

 Good evening everyone!

How is everyone enjoying the first weekend of October? Yes, I know that it is Monday, but I am a day late and yesterday was the first Sunday of the month.

So, we are continuing on the incentives. Right now we are up to week 15.

For a quick review, here are the last 14 incentives we have done:

1. Stay Hydrated
2. Get Plenty of Sleep
3. Stay Active Daily
4. Keep Food Journal
5. Be Optimistic (don't worry, be happy)
6. Take Multivitamin Supplements
7. Keep Dust and Allergens Outside of Home
8. 4-6 Servings of Veggies Daily
9. Enjoy Time to Self
10. 20 Minutes Stretches, 3x a week
11. Nutrition Labels
12. Breathing Meditation
13. Balance Breakfast
14. Nontoxic Cleaning (Going Green)

This week is Choosing Whole Grains. On a daily diet, there are 3 servings of whole grains. These servings might include: 

• 1/2 cup cooked barley, brown rice, or other cooked grains
• 1/2 cup cooked hot cereal, such as oatmeal
• 1/2 cup cooked 100% whole-grain pasta
• 1 slice 100% whole-grain bread
• 1 cup 100% whole-grain cold cereal

Today's Affirmation

I am free of bodily pain when I workout.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Be safe when going out, stay healthy as flu season is upon us once again, and take care. Have a good night.

Last Quarter Resolutions of 2020

 Happy October Everyone!

That's right, a new month is upon us and that means only three months left till the end of the year 2020. So, we have this final quarter to focus on improvements to ourselves.

I, myself again picked three to try to follow for these three months.

1. Attend the gym 2x a week and Exercise 2x daily
2. Focus on self-care: appearance and health
3. Cut back on ALL junk food: NO sodas, NO fast foods, NO Chips, cut back on ALL sweets and pastries (Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Christmas coming around so it is a challenge)

What are your resolutions for these final months, if you're doing any?

I've already posted two videos on YouTube about the resolutions and showing what my routine is going to be.

I hope you all enjoy following my journey thus far.

Please let me know, what you think and if there can be any improvements.

Sorry, that this post is short, thought to share mostly about the videos and wishing everyone good luck in reaching your new goals before the year's end.

Have a good day, be safe, and stay healthy.

Week 14 Incentive; Affirmation

 Hey everyone! Wow, the month flew by quickly. And it's almost time for the final quarter resolution, so be prepared for the last steps for the year.

So, are we ready for this week's incentive? 

I think this is one of the most useful incentives so far. Yes, they all are useful for improving our lifestyle, but this one I say is very important.

Week 14 Incentive is to Use Nontoxic Cleaning Products.

You can look for information through different sites. Always do your research and find out what would work. Here are a few sites to help get started: 

            Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org  

            Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov

   

Today's Affirmation: 

I am in control of my health and wellness

I hope you all have a good and safe evening and enjoy the rest of the month. Keep safe and healthy. Take care, my friends.