“Embrace the Boho Vibe: How to Style Your Bracelet with Flair”

Boho bracelets can beautifully enhance any outfit, offering a free-spirited, trendy, and timeless vibe. To wear them effectively, layering different styles and textures, such as leather, beads, and metals, for a rich, eclectic look.

In fact, Boho bracelets are more than just accessories; they are expressions of individuality, creativity, and a free-spirited lifestyle. They often feature a diverse range of materials, including natural stones, leather, beads, metals, and even fabrics. This eclectic mix gives each piece a unique and personalized touch. These bracelets are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. From earthy tones to bright, bold hues, boho bracelets can complement any outfit and add a pop of color to your look. And, one of the hallmarks of boho style is the art of layering. Boho bracelets are often worn in stacks, combining different textures and styles to create a rich, layered look. This allows for endless customization and personal expression.

Many boho bracelets incorporate natural elements like turquoise, jasper, and agate. The stones not only add beauty but also carry unique meanings and energies, enhancing the wearer’s connection to nature. Charms, tassels, and other decorative elements are common in boho bracelets. These details add a playful and whimsical touch, making each piece feel special and unique. Mix and match colors that complement your attire, opting for earthy tones or vibrant hues based on the occasion. The first step in making a boho bracelet is selecting the materials. This can include beads, stones, leather cords, metal charms, and more. The choice of materials sets the tone for the bracelet’s overall style.

Some designs are symmetrical, while others embrace a more random, organic look. Balance is key; if you choose bulkier bracelets, keep the number to a few, and if you're going for delicate pieces, feel free to stack several on one wrist. Don’t hesitate to mix in cultural or sentimental pieces that tell your story, creating a unique expression of your personality. Finally, match your boho bracelets with other accessories like rings or necklaces, ensuring a cohesive look that radiates your individuality.

Check out one of my favorites: One-of-a-kind, Natural stone ladies nomination bracelet – PinkBlu02

Yummy Burger

If anyone knows me, they know I like to eat! From healthy to greasy, as long as it's yummy I'm ready! I can honestly say whenever I visit a new restaurant, my gauge of "good" food is if they can cook a good burger. We've had those dry, tough burgers right. Those lumps of meat so chewy and extra "filled" with tough ground beef that I'd rather eat a condiment "burger" instead! So, now that my oldest son has adapted my habit of burger ordering and burger requesting my quest was to make a burger good enough to crown "YUMMY". Here's the thing, I didn't want a burger....I needed a good burger! With my new 'secret" ingredient...(it's not much of a secret since I'm telling you about it!) I ventured out to try to make a yummy burger

Recipe:

In a bowl add 2 lbs of ground beef, 8 oz ground sausage ( I just use my favorite breakfast sausage; Jamestown) 1/2 onion ( mine was a red onion because that's what I had). season to taste, breadcrumbs, one egg, 2 tbs liquid smoke, 1/4 cup buttermilk....form into patties, and prepare to be amazed!!

Give it a try and let me know what you think.....

Girl, Please.....

let go of "failure pressure" & embrace freedom 💗

freedom, motivation, encouragement, positivity, empowerment

Life gets busy! I get it. Trying to get everything on your "to-do" list can sometimes feel overwhelming. But here's the thing......prioritizing leads to promise. Notice, it doesn't say anything about making and keeping promises to other people. This promise is all about YOU!

Girl, please stop getting weighed down and distracted. Instead allow yourself to operate in grace & self-love. Then you can see the areas in your life that pressure you into letting go of your own dreams. Failure pressure in this sense is when you've allowed situations / expectations to pressure you past your breaking point. That moment in time when you're so bogged down with the obligation's others have placed on you that you don't have the mind nor time to focus on your own dreams. Instead, it's time to be free to embrace and reclaim your freedom!

Tips to escape pressure that block your performance.

~ Start your day with a list. Differentiate between what needs to be done, what you'd like to get done, but could delegate. And then list items what can wait for another day. Here's an example: ( https://a.co/d/6cQ4FXB )

~ Start reminding yourself of your successes, too many times, we miss moments of inspiration and motivation because we're dwelling over things from our past.

~ Start being intentional about your thoughts, stay possitive! Again, using your journal...write down your favorite words of motivation & encouragement.

~ Start saying " No." That's right, "no" with a period, not question mark, no exclamation. Just say it and mean it.

~Start being ok with not being the one to save the day.....That kind of pressure keeps you in a cycle of trying to prove yourself to others and needing someone else's approval.

These are just a few suggestions I've used for myself and for many of my clients. There will always be opportunities to be distracted, that's normal. With a little determination and discipline, you're able to turn those situations around. But then there's situations when others' expectations become the driving force behind many opportunities missed and before you know it your dreams are on the shelf. It's because of this we need to evaluate our truth and honestly assess the best ways to let go of those things that don't belong. Here's a few things to consider:

~ Other people's plans don't belong in the forefront of our agenda.

~Other people's words don't have to become your words.

~ Other people do NOT have control over your decisions.

~ Other people have no right to your time (Not those for whom you're responsible, balance and planning would be helpful)

Overall, please stop trying to do everything, for everyone and missing out on yourself. Take some time to for yourself, remain encouraged and focused, you'll get there!

I hope you enjoyed this snippet, from my upcoming book FocusForward . Be sure to share, comment, and subscribe.

Hope through the disappointment..

My hope through my journey with PCOS…………

Almost 20 years ago I was still "wishing". My desire in that moment was to have a baby. I'd been married a little over 6 years and finally I was ready! In fact, a majority of my life, I knew I wanted to be a wife and mother. I adored children and enjoyed babysitting, teaching pre-school. Once I was married, I enjoyed setting up home and spending time with my husband. We traveled, joined a new church and even decided to complete my advanced studies. Things were seemingly lining up, but they were far from smooth sailing. Because, once things had settled down in that wonderful honeymoon period, I realized my fertility journey was not like everyone else’s. This time, almost three months pregnant, I was having yet another miscarriage. That was a very trying time (I talk about that more in another blog) I distinctly remember the moment. Our shock and disappointment, that moment when I knew I needed to do more than "wish".

Have you ever had that moment when things seemed to be clear and almost obvious. Like, you’re looking around and everyone else seems to “get it” but for one reason or another you couldn't get to that moment yourself? Well, that was me! And even as I struggled through the miscarriage, I was also struggling to remain hopeful. I just couldn’t understand why this was happening. But GOD sent an earthly angel! I was on the phone with my friend Jessy and she, being the mom of three little ones and pregnant with another was encouraging me. And she said, I was wrong!

In fact, she yelled. Jessy told me, I had crossed the line, and she wasn’t going to stand by and let me. Don't you love those friends that can tell you the truth, in love? I was telling Jessy how hopeless I’d felt. How this situation of another month of "not pregnant" and I just didn’t have anything to hold on to. How much I wanted this to happen, how I wished it would happen, but I'd resolved, it was too much to keep hoping for. In all my wishes, I thought I could build faith and I was wrong! Those wistful, empty wished could do nothing but set myself up to be disappointed again! And that's when she said it, flat out told me I was wrong!

Jessy reminded me of GOD's word, how I could believe and hope while still "waiting". Hebrews 11:1 "now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." She reminded me, hope is not built on wishes, they are built upon the promsessif GOD. So, when I refused to hope I was in essence refusing to trust GOD. Well, she got me on that one! One thing I didn't want to do was linger in doubt. I may have been struggling but I knew how important it was to not be “double minded” ( see https://rb.gy/nkgy70 ) So, with that conviction in my spirit, I put forth the effort to activate my faith. Daily, I began speaking affirmations of scripture and listening to scriptures throughout the day (https://rb.gy/7fqpic) honestly, it wasn't long before things began unfolding.

Instead of staying stuck in the problem, I was open through the process of healing. I started asking questions and researching to find out why. One thing that answered the "why" was a diagnosis I received from my Gynecologist. But first, I had to be open again to making a few changes. After my last miscarriage, I found a new physician who was a believer in Christ and phenomenal doctor. At my previous Ob-Gyn, I felt ridiculed and objectified when my husband and I refused the D&C after the ultrasound appointment that indicated a “non-viable pregnancy”. Which again is discussed in detail in another blog post, so, needless to say, I had my reasons to find another physician. My new Ob-Gyn was patient, knowledgeable and filled with faith. I was tested for and discovered I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) Here's an article that gives more information. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Johns Hopkins Medicine.

In my case, because my glucose levels were so close to pre-diabetic, she started me on Glucophage (Metformin). This was the worse experience so far in my life! I would eat and bloat so much with extreme nausea that many times, I had to learn the hard way what I could & couldn't eat based on the stomach discomfort. But it was so worth it! Within a few months of starting metformin, the excess weight was quickly coming off and believe it or not, the metformin triggered my thyroid to release just the right hormones and I was pregnant! Imagine the sheer delight of the news, and as the apprehension tried to choke me with fear, I continued applying my faith focused lifestyle. Each time doubt would try to settle into my soul, I defended my peace with the Word of GOD. Learning to lean into hope has helped me so much in my life. From that point to now, I remind myself the importance of hoping and walking in faith. Certainly, everything I've hoped for hasn't occurred, which is perfectly fine because I've also learned how important it is to me to align myself to GOD's plan, so while I may have hoped for things that didn't happen, I soon learned that I really didn't want all those things, I thought I wanted.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Bow Out Gracefully

Bow out gracefully, that's what my mentor has always said to me. Leave the situation, dignity intact and let things be the way they are to be. Walk away from trying to make people respect you, agree with you, care about you or even see you. If they do, they do if they don't, they just won't. Walk away and respect yourself enough to accept folks for who they are. Not everyone is going to agree with you, they may not see things your way but you're not here for them. As a child of GOD our only audience is the kingdom of GOD. If you're not causing the trouble don't entertain the trouble!

Now, I know we all can go through tough times. Each of us can meet folks that "rub us the wrong way" and often those folks are the iron that sharpens iron in our lives. We can grow through many situations that may cause us to stretch in life. I'm really referring to those seen though wisdom, that are exposed in the spirit of causing confusion and seeking to offend and condemn. Those that try to steal your joy & peace. I often remind myself to "bow out" when I've tried every point possible to "help someone" who in truth doesn't want nor do they see the need for help.

Those who are intent to cause trouble ..... will cause trouble. It's really just that plain and simple. We've lived enough to know people know the difference between kind and unkind behavior. As Maya Angelou said, " when people show you who they are, believe them". Doing so, dismisses a need to change people, to "make people" or force people to see things from our perspective. And it will keep us, if we let it, it will keep us from getting offended. This offense can distract us from the path GOD has for us. My mom was big on drilling that idea of conscience and watching how people act the way they act. She would tell me to be so confident in GOD that we are not shaken by the behavior and words of those round us. She'd say " they didn't make you and they can't break you!"

Bowing out gracefully leaves the need to explain and "agree to disagree" at the door. It allows you the freedom to let GOD change what needs to be changed in the situation. We can move out of the way so GOD can have HIS way. Bowing out allows us to show respect & regard for all parties involved and trusting GOD enough to fix it, because us trying to tell people, explain our view and being offended can often lead us to dishonor GOD in the handling of the situation. As 1 John 4:1 reminds is we are to "test every spirit"; in other words, pray and allow GOD's wisdom to guide you. When you're led to leave it alone, leave it alone. If you're led to persevere do so allowing GOD to lead your steps, bottom line you would do best to let GOD show you & lead you. Remember, what GOD has for you is for you and you don't want to give away your peace...

2 Thessalonians 3:16 -

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Drunken Forgotten Noodles 😋

stock photo

So, this girl here LOVES Carbs!!! I dream about pizza, pasta and everything yeast plus any kind of buttered bread! It's a true fact, if asked my favorite food it would have something to do with Carbs! But with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ( PCOS) These four letters are the difference between loving foods vs loving my life. Yep, it's really that big of a deal! I'll follow up with more about PCOS at a later time, but I want to just truly emphasize my "no nonsense" very intentional low/no carb lifestyle. To be exact there's four types of polycystic ovarian syndrome see here for more details ( https://www.pcosliving.com/pcos-living-blog/types-of-pcos) the type that's affected my life is insulin resistant.

For my journey one of the ways I manage PCOS is by watching my carbohydrate intake. I cannot have a lot of carbs. But again, I was looking for a new recipe for my husband and my dinner and I came across a delicious, yummy recipe for drunken noodles. I couldn't wait to make it and even though I could use the rice noodles, it's really not that bad. I ultimately decided to make it with mushrooms. When I tell you this was one of the most delicious meals!!! Whew!! This meal delivered on every level! The heat, the sweet, with the fresh spinach, complimented the shrimp perfectly!

So, here's what I did, I added the oils to a sauce pan to heat ( olive & chili sesame oil,) then began to saute the mushrooms and added the diced onions & garlic paying attention not to overcook them! In fact when they became a bit translucent I added the soy sauce & oyster juice to the mix just before adding my cleaned; deveined shrimp which I cooked just until"done" and turned off my gas. Without removing it from the stove I folded in the spinach with my spoon making sure to fully mix all the ingredients. Lastly, I added the sliced tomatoes. Another couple stirs and our delicious Drunken not Noodles dinner was done!

So, I hope you'll try it. Let me know your thoughts. I've also added links* to some of the seasonings used in this recipe. I hope this helps you if you're interested in making a dish so delicious and flavorful that the noodles were not missed!

Seasonings used:

Salt & pepper

Kinders seafood blend; https://amzn.to/3aE9xLj

Chili Sauce; https://amzn.to/3H7M3dG

T-Dons; www.tdons.com

Soy sauce; https://amzn.to/3NwAzCC

Oyster juice; https://amzn.to/3H41cwC

Also, here's one my favorite pans for my sauteing pleasure...things don't stick and they're pretty lightweight so I'll grab these before the cast iron with these types of meals. https://amzn.to/38YldI6