Hey all!
So in terms of my battle with sugar I have unfortunately been loosing recently. I feel like my relationship with sugar is like an abusive relationship, I love it but I abuse it. Especially around this time of year with Halloween candy being on sale and Christmas treats and pastries everywhere it's particularly difficult for me to resist my cravings. I was doing so very well before my Europe trip but all went to hell when I returned. I need to get back into my previous state of mind. Also, a deterring factor is that I've been able to keep off the 15 or so pounds I managed to lose. That is a deterrent because I don't feel the urgency I felt before so it makes it harder to stay on track... I just have to remember my ultimate goal and somehow make it my number one focus for the next few months. Wish me luck!
Chocolate and cupcakes
Maureen
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Happy Birth of Love
Hey guys!
Yes I know it's been ages since my last post but I've been sooooooooo... etc... busy in the last two months that I actually didn't have the brain power nor motivation to write anything. Today however, is a special day! It's the day the love of my life was born! I am a person who loves easily and forgives easily as well... it's a gift God has given me. I always talk about how I love my family and friends and God. It's true I feel deeply connected to people and, perhaps naively, I believe I AM connected to everyone. However, there is one person in my life that has been able to inspire me more than anyone else. He is my own personal gift sent from God. Today is the day he was born and I will always be grateful to God and his family for allowing me to be part of his life and for him to be part of mine. We've been in a relationship for almost 7 years and at times it has been rocky but every bump in the road has only become part of a stronger foundation. I'm so lucky that we connect so well and that our lives connect so well also. So here's to you my love, all the best in life and beyond.
Maureen
Yes I know it's been ages since my last post but I've been sooooooooo... etc... busy in the last two months that I actually didn't have the brain power nor motivation to write anything. Today however, is a special day! It's the day the love of my life was born! I am a person who loves easily and forgives easily as well... it's a gift God has given me. I always talk about how I love my family and friends and God. It's true I feel deeply connected to people and, perhaps naively, I believe I AM connected to everyone. However, there is one person in my life that has been able to inspire me more than anyone else. He is my own personal gift sent from God. Today is the day he was born and I will always be grateful to God and his family for allowing me to be part of his life and for him to be part of mine. We've been in a relationship for almost 7 years and at times it has been rocky but every bump in the road has only become part of a stronger foundation. I'm so lucky that we connect so well and that our lives connect so well also. So here's to you my love, all the best in life and beyond.
Maureen
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Makeup and more
Hello followers of my blog!
To update you all, my Europe trip was fantastic!!! It's another world over there! Small old streets, history all around you, beaches, monuments, cathedrals and thousand year old artifacts! No words can really describe the feel of Rome, Venice, Paris, Nice or England. I also got to meet Dumo's brothers. I was really nervous at first, what if they didn't like me? What if they thought I was weird or boring or snobby or something? Well luckily they were great! They went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and at home, and they really didn't have to do that, I mean, shouldn't I be the one trying to make them happy? I am the stranger in the group, the one who wants to be part of their family, but I didn't feel out of place at all. I really appreciated that and how down to earth and easy to talk to they were. Their mom did a marvelous job with them, God rest her soul.
In other news, I can't help but feel like everyone around me is getting hitched! I guess we're just at that age where all my friends and relatives are transitioning to their next stage in life. It's a beautiful thing to see that two people love each other and I wish everyone all the best in their marriage and in life.
In terms of my sugar battle... I was doing amazingly before I left for Europe, no sugar, no carbs not even fruit (except once a week) then when i returned I guess my way of thinking was altered because while in Europe, on the beaches, I realized that my size was actually average. I was shocked to say the least. Most people were more or less the same size as me. However, I still do want to lose some weight, I have been able to lose about 15 lbs so far but I'm not yet at my target so I'm gonna keep on it! When I feel like something is too hard or out of reach I like to surround myself with positivity and positive voices. One of my favorite songs for that purpose is "Almost There" from the Princess and the Frog. Check it out here:
Also for those of you who know me and my personality I'm all about diversity, I love to surround myself with it. I love to learn! I also love the arts and creativity so I like to try and dabble in several things. One of those things is makeup and I really appreciate the art of makeup artistry, it's really cool and unique. So sometimes I have fun with my own makeup and the most recent result is:
which was inspired by:
obviously I'm not as pale as the second model and my take is not as flawless but I'm still proud of my attempt. Also I used more pink on the cheeks as opposed to purple because I like pink better :)
Ok well that's all for now folks! Till next time...
Tata n toodles
Maureen
To update you all, my Europe trip was fantastic!!! It's another world over there! Small old streets, history all around you, beaches, monuments, cathedrals and thousand year old artifacts! No words can really describe the feel of Rome, Venice, Paris, Nice or England. I also got to meet Dumo's brothers. I was really nervous at first, what if they didn't like me? What if they thought I was weird or boring or snobby or something? Well luckily they were great! They went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and at home, and they really didn't have to do that, I mean, shouldn't I be the one trying to make them happy? I am the stranger in the group, the one who wants to be part of their family, but I didn't feel out of place at all. I really appreciated that and how down to earth and easy to talk to they were. Their mom did a marvelous job with them, God rest her soul.
In other news, I can't help but feel like everyone around me is getting hitched! I guess we're just at that age where all my friends and relatives are transitioning to their next stage in life. It's a beautiful thing to see that two people love each other and I wish everyone all the best in their marriage and in life.
In terms of my sugar battle... I was doing amazingly before I left for Europe, no sugar, no carbs not even fruit (except once a week) then when i returned I guess my way of thinking was altered because while in Europe, on the beaches, I realized that my size was actually average. I was shocked to say the least. Most people were more or less the same size as me. However, I still do want to lose some weight, I have been able to lose about 15 lbs so far but I'm not yet at my target so I'm gonna keep on it! When I feel like something is too hard or out of reach I like to surround myself with positivity and positive voices. One of my favorite songs for that purpose is "Almost There" from the Princess and the Frog. Check it out here:
Also for those of you who know me and my personality I'm all about diversity, I love to surround myself with it. I love to learn! I also love the arts and creativity so I like to try and dabble in several things. One of those things is makeup and I really appreciate the art of makeup artistry, it's really cool and unique. So sometimes I have fun with my own makeup and the most recent result is:
obviously I'm not as pale as the second model and my take is not as flawless but I'm still proud of my attempt. Also I used more pink on the cheeks as opposed to purple because I like pink better :)
Ok well that's all for now folks! Till next time...
Tata n toodles
Maureen
Thursday, August 11, 2011
One more day... I'm so excited
So tomorrow at exactly 10:45pm I will be off on my European adventure. Woo hoo!!! Time has felt like it was moving at a snail's pace so far but now, on the eve of my flight I wish it would move even slower.... I must admit, I have a fear that the whole trip will go by in one big blurr and feel like it all never happened. I'm going to make a point of soaking in every single moment. I'll be like one of those nerdy tourists carrying their video camera and digital camera around everywhere they go. I still can't even believe this is going to happen, this was one of my bucket list items and soon I'll be able to cross it off.
I even made a new dress for the occasion (I learned how to make it by watching GiannyL on youtube). This was my second attempt at the dress and it turned out great!! Check it out.
In addition to seeing the beautiful and historical countries in Europe I'm super excited to meet my boyfriend's brothers. Those of you who know me, know that I am a super duper family oriented person. My cousins are my best friends in the world and I've been blessed with the most loving and fun family. Therefore, I'm so curious and excited to meet my other half's family since I already consider them a part of my own.
Also, to update everyone on my sugar addiction, I have started the Slow Carb Diet, from the book The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferris. I've been on it for about 5 weeks and so far I lost about 8 lbs in total so I consider that a success but I'm not at my goal yet. In terms of sugar I do still eat it but the diet only allows me to have it one day a week so I eat all the sugar I want every Saturday and the rest of the week my sugar cravings are assuaged with gum (which happens to work quite well). I will try very hard to stick to my diet as much as possible while in Europe, we'll see how it goes.
It's so funny how life works, how much life can change from one day to the next. One day I'm down the next I'm up. I'm just thankful to God for all my blessings and I sincerely pray for all you who are reading this who are going through any kind of hard time that God may lighten your load and that you may come out of your dark time with a better understanding and appreciation for God and life.
Well that's all for now...
Lots of love
Maureen
I even made a new dress for the occasion (I learned how to make it by watching GiannyL on youtube). This was my second attempt at the dress and it turned out great!! Check it out.
In addition to seeing the beautiful and historical countries in Europe I'm super excited to meet my boyfriend's brothers. Those of you who know me, know that I am a super duper family oriented person. My cousins are my best friends in the world and I've been blessed with the most loving and fun family. Therefore, I'm so curious and excited to meet my other half's family since I already consider them a part of my own.
Also, to update everyone on my sugar addiction, I have started the Slow Carb Diet, from the book The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferris. I've been on it for about 5 weeks and so far I lost about 8 lbs in total so I consider that a success but I'm not at my goal yet. In terms of sugar I do still eat it but the diet only allows me to have it one day a week so I eat all the sugar I want every Saturday and the rest of the week my sugar cravings are assuaged with gum (which happens to work quite well). I will try very hard to stick to my diet as much as possible while in Europe, we'll see how it goes.
It's so funny how life works, how much life can change from one day to the next. One day I'm down the next I'm up. I'm just thankful to God for all my blessings and I sincerely pray for all you who are reading this who are going through any kind of hard time that God may lighten your load and that you may come out of your dark time with a better understanding and appreciation for God and life.
Well that's all for now...
Lots of love
Maureen
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Family ties and summer skies
Hey Everyone!!!!
So I know I've totally been slacking with my blog. So sorry y'all, but I just wanted to give you all an update regarding my cousins visit and my summer in general. So.... as I previously mentioned my cousins Sasha and Lara came to visit from the US. We had THE MOST AMAZING TIME OF OUR LIVES!!! That is totally not an exaggeration either, at least not for me. It was amazing seeing them after 6 long years!!! We got along like we saw each other everyday. My family is such a blast to hang out with. Every single one of them is incredibly beautiful on the inside and gorgeous on the outside! We did so much fun stuff from visiting Harbourfront, to the distillery district to Unionville to Port Perry to Canada's Wonderland (not to mention the clubs we hit up at night mostly thanks to Georgie... we love you lil brother... who is now bigger than us and taking care of all his sisters... who could ask for any better?) I could go on and on about how awesome my family members are, how loving, caring and funny but I think most people would think I'm exaggerating or being insincere but my cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, boyfriend and grandma are honestly the light of my life, they make me who I am today and all the good things about me come from them. Thank God Almighty for such a rich blessing! I'm so fortunate.
Now the other good news... less than a month away from my first Euro trip!!! I can't believe it. I think I won't really believe it till I'm on the plane or even in Italy. This is so amazing.
More news... I recently got accepted to two Universities in the US to do my graduate studies in Forensic Psychology. Firstly I was accepted to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (LA campus) to their PsyD program in Clinical Forensic Psychology. I was super excited about this until.... I saw how much tuition would cost.... 30k a year!!! for 4 years!!! who has that kind of money??? Honestly! Well I tried to look at my options but even so it was still waaay too steep for me :( The second school I was accepted to was John Jay College of Criminal Justice (part of the City University of New York) for their MA in Forensic Psychology. Now this one is much more to my liking! Tuition is about $10600 a year and it's only 2 years since it's an MA program. So I decided to defer my start and use this year to save like mad lol. I'm even scheduled to take some courses to get my bar tending license so I can get a job bar tending part time to make some extra cash. I'm really excited about the prospect of doing my MA and especially doing it in NEW YORK CITY!!! sooo close to Broadway!!! woo hoo... maybe I'll do some auditions while I'm there as well lol why not?
Well that's all for now my lovelies...
Maureen
So I know I've totally been slacking with my blog. So sorry y'all, but I just wanted to give you all an update regarding my cousins visit and my summer in general. So.... as I previously mentioned my cousins Sasha and Lara came to visit from the US. We had THE MOST AMAZING TIME OF OUR LIVES!!! That is totally not an exaggeration either, at least not for me. It was amazing seeing them after 6 long years!!! We got along like we saw each other everyday. My family is such a blast to hang out with. Every single one of them is incredibly beautiful on the inside and gorgeous on the outside! We did so much fun stuff from visiting Harbourfront, to the distillery district to Unionville to Port Perry to Canada's Wonderland (not to mention the clubs we hit up at night mostly thanks to Georgie... we love you lil brother... who is now bigger than us and taking care of all his sisters... who could ask for any better?) I could go on and on about how awesome my family members are, how loving, caring and funny but I think most people would think I'm exaggerating or being insincere but my cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, boyfriend and grandma are honestly the light of my life, they make me who I am today and all the good things about me come from them. Thank God Almighty for such a rich blessing! I'm so fortunate.
Now the other good news... less than a month away from my first Euro trip!!! I can't believe it. I think I won't really believe it till I'm on the plane or even in Italy. This is so amazing.
More news... I recently got accepted to two Universities in the US to do my graduate studies in Forensic Psychology. Firstly I was accepted to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (LA campus) to their PsyD program in Clinical Forensic Psychology. I was super excited about this until.... I saw how much tuition would cost.... 30k a year!!! for 4 years!!! who has that kind of money??? Honestly! Well I tried to look at my options but even so it was still waaay too steep for me :( The second school I was accepted to was John Jay College of Criminal Justice (part of the City University of New York) for their MA in Forensic Psychology. Now this one is much more to my liking! Tuition is about $10600 a year and it's only 2 years since it's an MA program. So I decided to defer my start and use this year to save like mad lol. I'm even scheduled to take some courses to get my bar tending license so I can get a job bar tending part time to make some extra cash. I'm really excited about the prospect of doing my MA and especially doing it in NEW YORK CITY!!! sooo close to Broadway!!! woo hoo... maybe I'll do some auditions while I'm there as well lol why not?
Well that's all for now my lovelies...
Maureen
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Loong time... Best summer ever!!
Hello internet people!
I apologize for not keeping up with my blog that was terrible of me. I've just had sooo much going on and soo much on my mind that blogging was really not a priority :( I'm sorry.
To bring you all up to date with my sugar battle. Honestly, I haven't made any great commitments, I take it one day at a time and try as much as I can to substitute. I eat lots of fruit everyday, I drink lots of liquids and try not to think about it, although I have had the occasional cupcake in the past couple weeks, I can't help it... red velvet with cream cheese frosting is heaven! Anyways, that's my sugar battle update.
Now for more news...
I have been trying to get myself in the right mindset for my trip to Europe this August!! I can't believe it! It's like a dream come true. Finally I am traveling and visiting Europe! This is so exciting!! Yay... here are some of the places my boo and I are going to go:
I apologize for not keeping up with my blog that was terrible of me. I've just had sooo much going on and soo much on my mind that blogging was really not a priority :( I'm sorry.
To bring you all up to date with my sugar battle. Honestly, I haven't made any great commitments, I take it one day at a time and try as much as I can to substitute. I eat lots of fruit everyday, I drink lots of liquids and try not to think about it, although I have had the occasional cupcake in the past couple weeks, I can't help it... red velvet with cream cheese frosting is heaven! Anyways, that's my sugar battle update.
Now for more news...
I have been trying to get myself in the right mindset for my trip to Europe this August!! I can't believe it! It's like a dream come true. Finally I am traveling and visiting Europe! This is so exciting!! Yay... here are some of the places my boo and I are going to go:
Rome
Venice
Paris
Nice
Geneva
Majorca (Spain)
England (Birmingham and London)
Because I'm planning on having a fantabulous trip I want to lose some weight before I go. So I guess it's just lots of fruits and veggies for me for a while :( lol.
In other news... my beautiful cousins and my lovely uncle lol are coming to visit us at the end of this month YAY!!! so excited for that as well, it's gonna be soooo much fun! I miss them so much, we only see each other every like 5-10 years :( but finally they are coming woo hoo! This is gonna be such an awesome summer.
I hope you all are having a wonderful summer as well!!
Maureen
Monday, April 25, 2011
Workout hair
So I recently cut my hair even shorter than it was before and I think it looks pretty cute, especially straight. However, I ran into a dilemma today. When I went to work out... I had a hard time putting my hair back and had to stick like a million pins and clips in it to stay put. My hair is not only short but has various layers which makes pining it up even harder.
Then because it was straightened and I was sweating I couldn't fix it until after it dried which is kinda gross but otherwise I'd have to rewash and straighten it and that would take like 2 hours because my hair is very curly and stubborn! Still... I love my hair it's vibrant like me! Unfortunately it's also kinda rebellious and hard to tame.
love
Maureen
Then because it was straightened and I was sweating I couldn't fix it until after it dried which is kinda gross but otherwise I'd have to rewash and straighten it and that would take like 2 hours because my hair is very curly and stubborn! Still... I love my hair it's vibrant like me! Unfortunately it's also kinda rebellious and hard to tame.
love
Maureen
Oh how I missed you....
Hey guys!
So I haven't blogged for quite a long time again... but I did want to post an update. So for lent, as many of you know, I gave up sweets. I was able to avoid chocolate and pastries for.... *gasp* 4 weeks!!!! but a couple of days before Easter I received my shipment of chocri custom chocolate bars and then it was all over lol. My anticipation for them was too much and the look and smell of them overtook me. I tried though, to resist and succeeded for a long time. I loved the chocolate so much I had to create a video.
I'm trying to limit my sugar intake... it's so hard. I love it soo much!
lots of love
Maureen
So I haven't blogged for quite a long time again... but I did want to post an update. So for lent, as many of you know, I gave up sweets. I was able to avoid chocolate and pastries for.... *gasp* 4 weeks!!!! but a couple of days before Easter I received my shipment of chocri custom chocolate bars and then it was all over lol. My anticipation for them was too much and the look and smell of them overtook me. I tried though, to resist and succeeded for a long time. I loved the chocolate so much I had to create a video.
check it out
I'm trying to limit my sugar intake... it's so hard. I love it soo much!
lots of love
Maureen
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
SUGAR CRAVINGS AND STITCHES!!!
Ok so it's been over 4 weeks now with NO SWEETS!! I know I can hardly believe it too... They say the first week is the hardest but honestly I feel like the 4th week is the hardest! Lately I've been craving chocolate like there's no tomorrow. I am happy to say, however, that I have not succumb to my temptations. The only problem is... I have been buying chocolate to keep for after lent. I ordered custom made chocolate bars from Chorci (thanks for telling me about them Kandee) I'm still waiting for my chocolates to come in the mail but I'm really excited about them.Another great thing about their chocolate.... it's fair trade! If you want to order some their website is www.createmychocolate.com .
In other news, I've picked up a new hobby. Well, actually, it isn't really new I just haven't done it in a very long time. Sewing! I just bought myself a new handy dandy sewing machine from Sears!!! The great thing about buying one from them is that they give classes once a month (first Wednesday of every month) on how to use the machine, the different stitches and threads etc.. I am someone who gets impatient when I have a new toy so I youtubed videos on how to set up and make garments... I already turned an old pair of jeans into a knee length pencil skirt!! I'm so excited to get some fabric and make cool garments out of them.
In other news, I've picked up a new hobby. Well, actually, it isn't really new I just haven't done it in a very long time. Sewing! I just bought myself a new handy dandy sewing machine from Sears!!! The great thing about buying one from them is that they give classes once a month (first Wednesday of every month) on how to use the machine, the different stitches and threads etc.. I am someone who gets impatient when I have a new toy so I youtubed videos on how to set up and make garments... I already turned an old pair of jeans into a knee length pencil skirt!! I'm so excited to get some fabric and make cool garments out of them.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Funniest website EVER!!!
If I could give out awards to my favorite websites here are a few that would make the list:
- Kandee Johnson's blog
- Facebook (obviously)
- Sephora
- Groupon and Living Social
and... my new favorite!
Damn You Auto Correct!
Here's an example of what you'll find on their website:
Although I'm not a fan of vulgarity, this website is insanely hilarious. I can't help but laugh my socks off..
You guys MUST check out the website!
love and laughs..
Maureen
- Kandee Johnson's blog
- Facebook (obviously)
- Sephora
- Groupon and Living Social
and... my new favorite!
Damn You Auto Correct!
Here's an example of what you'll find on their website:
Although I'm not a fan of vulgarity, this website is insanely hilarious. I can't help but laugh my socks off..
You guys MUST check out the website!
love and laughs..
Maureen
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Oh Happy Day!
Hey everyone!
So I just thought I'd put up a quick post about things that make me happy! I look around at all the blessings I have in my life and I can't help but be filled with Joy. I have an apartment downtown, the cutest puppy, lots of clothing and food. I have my health and my sanity, I have the privilege of being educated and feeling safe and secure, but best of all... I have a plethora of beautiful and absolutely amazing people around me. I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful friends from all over the world, from every walk of life. The beauty that is found in everyone of them inspires me to be a better person. Some I am closer to than others but all of them are so wonderful and awesome and I feel so grateful and blessed to be part of their lives, even in the smallest way, and for them to be part of mine. I absolutely love to joke around with my friends and tease them and make them feel awkward, I think it's a trait that runs in my family (*cough cough* Sandra *cough cough*). I get a huge kick out of seeing their reactions when I send them bizarre text messages or emails or facebook messages. Sometimes I come up with, what I think are, clever games and questions to ask which make them question my sanity and their own but if I could make even just one of them smile then I will go on sending.
Of course I have to mention that I am absolutely grateful for my family. They are the warmest, kindest, funniest and most generous people I have ever encountered in my life.They may not be perfect but they're perfect for me. Nothing makes me happier than to hang out with them over a nice dinner or shisha lol and crack jokes about our fobbish family or friends. I remember when we used to make prank calls. My cousins were so much better at it than I ever was, I would always start to crack up mid-call. Or when we were really young (like between the ages of 7-10) and we would video tape ourselves doing the macarena ahahahah! We always have a great time when we're together. Thank you my aunts and uncles for being there for me when I needed you. For treating me like your own daughter. Thank you grandma for loving me more than anyone else in this world could ever love me. Thank you cousins for being my siblings and being there for me through the good times and the bad. Thank you my sister for always being real and being supportive and finally thank you to my mom, God couldn't have blessed me with a better mother. All the good things in me come from you.
I am so thankful to my Lord Jesus Christ for all these blessings but more than any of these things I am thankful to have Him as part of my life! No matter what happens in the future I pray that You will always be my driving force.
I know I'm so sappy right but sometimes I feel like I have so much love in me that if I don't let it out I'll just burst hahahaha.
Other smaller things that made me happy...
Victoria Secret body butters...
and... $5 v-neck Tees from Garage!
I love color!
Hope you guys are having a great week! If you're not try listening to this track. It might help
Smiles and Love :)
Maureen
So I just thought I'd put up a quick post about things that make me happy! I look around at all the blessings I have in my life and I can't help but be filled with Joy. I have an apartment downtown, the cutest puppy, lots of clothing and food. I have my health and my sanity, I have the privilege of being educated and feeling safe and secure, but best of all... I have a plethora of beautiful and absolutely amazing people around me. I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful friends from all over the world, from every walk of life. The beauty that is found in everyone of them inspires me to be a better person. Some I am closer to than others but all of them are so wonderful and awesome and I feel so grateful and blessed to be part of their lives, even in the smallest way, and for them to be part of mine. I absolutely love to joke around with my friends and tease them and make them feel awkward, I think it's a trait that runs in my family (*cough cough* Sandra *cough cough*). I get a huge kick out of seeing their reactions when I send them bizarre text messages or emails or facebook messages. Sometimes I come up with, what I think are, clever games and questions to ask which make them question my sanity and their own but if I could make even just one of them smile then I will go on sending.
Of course I have to mention that I am absolutely grateful for my family. They are the warmest, kindest, funniest and most generous people I have ever encountered in my life.They may not be perfect but they're perfect for me. Nothing makes me happier than to hang out with them over a nice dinner or shisha lol and crack jokes about our fobbish family or friends. I remember when we used to make prank calls. My cousins were so much better at it than I ever was, I would always start to crack up mid-call. Or when we were really young (like between the ages of 7-10) and we would video tape ourselves doing the macarena ahahahah! We always have a great time when we're together. Thank you my aunts and uncles for being there for me when I needed you. For treating me like your own daughter. Thank you grandma for loving me more than anyone else in this world could ever love me. Thank you cousins for being my siblings and being there for me through the good times and the bad. Thank you my sister for always being real and being supportive and finally thank you to my mom, God couldn't have blessed me with a better mother. All the good things in me come from you.
I am so thankful to my Lord Jesus Christ for all these blessings but more than any of these things I am thankful to have Him as part of my life! No matter what happens in the future I pray that You will always be my driving force.
I know I'm so sappy right but sometimes I feel like I have so much love in me that if I don't let it out I'll just burst hahahaha.
Other smaller things that made me happy...
Victoria Secret body butters...
and... $5 v-neck Tees from Garage!
Hope you guys are having a great week! If you're not try listening to this track. It might help
Smiles and Love :)
Maureen
Monday, March 21, 2011
Curly blond and Jojo
Just wanted to post some pics that I took this weekend of myself with my blond hair (I know many of you haven't seen it live yet but yes I died my hair BLOND!!) lol and yes blonds do have more fun! lol
And now a close up.... don't get scared.
I don't talk about him much but he's one of the loves of my life. My beautiful adorable little Jojo.
He's super affectionate! Just like me! I absolutely love cuddling with him. But unfortunately I'm trying to sell him to a good home because I want to do a Europe trip this summer and I can't afford to keep him in a doggy day care for that long. My heart breaks just thinking about it. If anyone knows someone who would have a good home for him, I'm selling him for only $500 OBO including all his stuff (i.e. crate, bed, brush, shampoo, towels, nail trimmer, winter coat, winder boots, leash, blanket, food etc..) He is housebroken and has had all his puppy shots, but I didn't have the guts to get him neutered (I was too scared he'd loose his spunk). I'm in no rush to sell him but I do think it would be best for both of us if he went to a happy home with a dedicated owner and possibly kids since he's got so much energy. I love my little Jojinshka (that's what I call him heehee) I wish I could keep him forever :(
Love, Peace and Jojinshkas
Maureen
And now a close up.... don't get scared.
I don't talk about him much but he's one of the loves of my life. My beautiful adorable little Jojo.
He's super affectionate! Just like me! I absolutely love cuddling with him. But unfortunately I'm trying to sell him to a good home because I want to do a Europe trip this summer and I can't afford to keep him in a doggy day care for that long. My heart breaks just thinking about it. If anyone knows someone who would have a good home for him, I'm selling him for only $500 OBO including all his stuff (i.e. crate, bed, brush, shampoo, towels, nail trimmer, winter coat, winder boots, leash, blanket, food etc..) He is housebroken and has had all his puppy shots, but I didn't have the guts to get him neutered (I was too scared he'd loose his spunk). I'm in no rush to sell him but I do think it would be best for both of us if he went to a happy home with a dedicated owner and possibly kids since he's got so much energy. I love my little Jojinshka (that's what I call him heehee) I wish I could keep him forever :(
Love, Peace and Jojinshkas
Maureen
Update
Hey everyone!
So I have not posted for quite a while I realize that. I've been busy with work and other activities at church and involving people from work (The Hospital for Sick Children Glee Club!! heehee). But I just wanted to give a brief update on how I'm doing with my sugar lent. Actually I'm very very happy and surprised to say that I've been doing pretty great! Since I started lent almost 2 weeks ago now I have not eaten any chocolate or sweets (unless you count the occasional spoon of sugar in my tea). And what's more surprising is how easy it is to control my cravings now! It's amazing because I've never been able to do this before. That just goes to show you that sometimes will power must come from somewhere bigger than yourself. Thank You God for helping me through this. Thank you for reminding me that all good things come from You.
On another note, I've recently been thinking a lot about the concept of forgiveness. What it means, how you use it and with whom. Christ's death on the cross was in order for us to receive forgiveness. The blood of the lamb as a sacrifice for all. Only God could pay that price for us because we needed divine forgiveness.
Now recently, there has been a lot of things going on and people who have been upsetting me and my loved ones. Those people don't feel that what they are doing is wrong. They show no remorse or regret. They show only arrogance and cruelty. How do we forgive those people? Are we even to forgive them? Can you forgive someone who doesn't ask for forgiveness? I came to the conclusion that the answer is yes. I came to my conclusion when I remembered what Christ said on the cross about the soldiers. "Lord forgive them for they know not what they do" - Luke 23:34. However, in an earlier passage Jesus says "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them." - Luke 17:3. So one could make an argument for either side. However, when I look at Jesus' overall behavior it seems to be more consistent with the first verse. After all, He did die for us without deserving it or even receiving any gratitude. It was only after people realized that He was indeed God.( - Philippians 2:5-6) that they acknowledged his sacrifice.
Well that was just a snipped of my personal reflection lately. I hope everyone has a great week. If you're having trouble with work or school or the people around you just try and remember not to retaliate by acting like them. If you do that you are giving up your integrity and letting them get the best of you. Remember, you are you! lol (sounds so silly I know) but what I mean is if you are a kind person don't let anger turn you into something else. Keep your moral integrity and let the other person see how strong an individual you are by not succumbing to their attempts at aggravating you. Stay true to yourself and surround yourself with positive energy and positive people. Remove yourself from the ugly situation by remembering that this person has personal issues that have nothing to do with you and you are blessed enough to have other people and things in your life that make you happy. Pray! You'll be very surprised to see how you find peace with God in your heart and in your life, even in the midst of adversity.
Well dear family and friends that's it for now.
Peace and Love
Maureen
So I have not posted for quite a while I realize that. I've been busy with work and other activities at church and involving people from work (The Hospital for Sick Children Glee Club!! heehee). But I just wanted to give a brief update on how I'm doing with my sugar lent. Actually I'm very very happy and surprised to say that I've been doing pretty great! Since I started lent almost 2 weeks ago now I have not eaten any chocolate or sweets (unless you count the occasional spoon of sugar in my tea). And what's more surprising is how easy it is to control my cravings now! It's amazing because I've never been able to do this before. That just goes to show you that sometimes will power must come from somewhere bigger than yourself. Thank You God for helping me through this. Thank you for reminding me that all good things come from You.
On another note, I've recently been thinking a lot about the concept of forgiveness. What it means, how you use it and with whom. Christ's death on the cross was in order for us to receive forgiveness. The blood of the lamb as a sacrifice for all. Only God could pay that price for us because we needed divine forgiveness.
Now recently, there has been a lot of things going on and people who have been upsetting me and my loved ones. Those people don't feel that what they are doing is wrong. They show no remorse or regret. They show only arrogance and cruelty. How do we forgive those people? Are we even to forgive them? Can you forgive someone who doesn't ask for forgiveness? I came to the conclusion that the answer is yes. I came to my conclusion when I remembered what Christ said on the cross about the soldiers. "Lord forgive them for they know not what they do" - Luke 23:34. However, in an earlier passage Jesus says "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them." - Luke 17:3. So one could make an argument for either side. However, when I look at Jesus' overall behavior it seems to be more consistent with the first verse. After all, He did die for us without deserving it or even receiving any gratitude. It was only after people realized that He was indeed God.( - Philippians 2:5-6) that they acknowledged his sacrifice.
Well that was just a snipped of my personal reflection lately. I hope everyone has a great week. If you're having trouble with work or school or the people around you just try and remember not to retaliate by acting like them. If you do that you are giving up your integrity and letting them get the best of you. Remember, you are you! lol (sounds so silly I know) but what I mean is if you are a kind person don't let anger turn you into something else. Keep your moral integrity and let the other person see how strong an individual you are by not succumbing to their attempts at aggravating you. Stay true to yourself and surround yourself with positive energy and positive people. Remove yourself from the ugly situation by remembering that this person has personal issues that have nothing to do with you and you are blessed enough to have other people and things in your life that make you happy. Pray! You'll be very surprised to see how you find peace with God in your heart and in your life, even in the midst of adversity.
Well dear family and friends that's it for now.
Peace and Love
Maureen
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lent
So I've been really busy (and continue to be very busy) this month with work and church related activities, (I love being busy) so I haven't had much time to actually blog. Well I thought today being the first day of lent I'd post a special message of encouragement. During these times of chaos and war (especially in the middle east) I want us all to remember that what unites us is our humanity. I know that not everyone believes in the same thing and not everyone believes in God but I know that most of us believe in kindness, respect and peace. So let's focus more on how we, individually, can make a difference instead of looking at what others are doing wrong. Why not have a goal this month of treating people extra kindly? Hold your tongue when you get frustrated with someone else. Go out of your way to help someone for no other reason than you see they could use the help (even if it inconveniences you). Be supportive of your friends and family when they are passionate about something. Think about your parents/grand parents and siblings and see what you could do for them that would surprise them and brighten up their day. Show GENUINE compassion when someone is sad or upset. Hold a door open for someone who isn't handicapped or pushing a stroller. Offer your seat to someone who isn't a senior or pregnant. Take notice of the quiet girl or guy at your office/gym/school and give them a smile and a few kind words. Why not?
Good deeds are contagious. There have been studies that have found that good deeds result in the pay it forward phenomenon where one kind deed multiplies as people pay it forward.
I really want to try and keep these positive feelings and images in mind as well as pray a lot more. I plan on using prayer as a tool to help me create a closer spiritual relationship with God. I've had times in my life where I've been close to him and time where I've been far and believe me when I tell you that there really really really is a huuuuuuuuge difference between the two in terms of how I felt about life, myself and others. So for lent this year I'm giving up sweets (except natural sugars like fruit/honey) this will be extremely hard to do for 40 days but I'll be praying about it and hopefully you guys could say a little prayer for me and others as well and I'll make sure to remember to say a prayer for all of you that read and follow my blog. So from now on I'll be focusing on acting sweet and not eating sweet lol (I know I'm a nerd).
Thanks for reading my blog everyone!
happy lenting
God bless!!!!
Maureen
Good deeds are contagious. There have been studies that have found that good deeds result in the pay it forward phenomenon where one kind deed multiplies as people pay it forward.
I really want to try and keep these positive feelings and images in mind as well as pray a lot more. I plan on using prayer as a tool to help me create a closer spiritual relationship with God. I've had times in my life where I've been close to him and time where I've been far and believe me when I tell you that there really really really is a huuuuuuuuge difference between the two in terms of how I felt about life, myself and others. So for lent this year I'm giving up sweets (except natural sugars like fruit/honey) this will be extremely hard to do for 40 days but I'll be praying about it and hopefully you guys could say a little prayer for me and others as well and I'll make sure to remember to say a prayer for all of you that read and follow my blog. So from now on I'll be focusing on acting sweet and not eating sweet lol (I know I'm a nerd).
Thanks for reading my blog everyone!
happy lenting
God bless!!!!
Maureen
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Rehab...
I wish there was an inpatient rehab clinic for sugar addicts. I've been struggling so much with my addiction to sugar. I wish I could say that the honey and fruits completely eliminated my cravings but they don't. I've been trying to at least attempt to eat healthy meals whenever I can. I tried to make the coconut chicken (recipe in one of my previous posts) and it turned out dry :S I'm not good at making chicken it always somehow turns out dry and flavourless. I was told by a good friend that I should marinate it the night before then boil it with some onion and spices then fry it. I haven't tried that yet so we'll see how it goes. Honestly I think psychologically I may not be where I need to be to completely cut out processed sugar. Although I'm very scared of getting diabetes and my teeth rotting and falling out, I somehow feel like for now I should enjoy the sugary goodness of chocolate, pastries and candy while I still can. I know it's totally wrong and unhealthy and dangerous but that's why it's an addiction. It's an excessive behaviour that I can't stop on my own. Any suggestions? I'm still gonna try to stay away from the sweets but you'd be surprised how much of a mood booster they are for me. Making excuses, pathetic I know. I guess I'm just weak when it comes to sugar.
Today so far for example I've had:
Shredded wheat cereal
Lentil and spinach soup
"greek" salad (basically just a garden salad with feta cheese and some balsamic vinaigrette)
and a skore chocolate bar (I couldn't resist and it had the least amount of calories compared to other chocolate bars)
Today so far for example I've had:
Shredded wheat cereal
Lentil and spinach soup
"greek" salad (basically just a garden salad with feta cheese and some balsamic vinaigrette)
and a skore chocolate bar (I couldn't resist and it had the least amount of calories compared to other chocolate bars)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
New diet attempt
Hey guys!
So honestly I've been seriously struggling with my diet. It's pretty restrictive and doesn't allow for much variety or freedom with food. My beautiful and highly intelligent cousin advised me to try out her food program. I read it and I was surprised by how much I'd be allowed to eat so I thought what the heck let's give'r a try :) You'll find the plan below:
Here’s your nutrition program:
You need to eat 4 carbs a day, 4 vegetables, and 5 proteins, 2 fats
Each portion should be approximately the size of your palm, and fats should be one tablespoon…
(not more than 12 grams of sugar per serving in products other than fruits and veggies – anything with a label)
Carbs
Fruit
Corn
Beans
Whole wheat products (not more than 12 grams of sugar per serving in products other than fruits and veggies – anything with a label)
Light yogurt
Cereal – such as Kasha go lean crunch…. be careful of sugar (also no more than 12 grams of sugar per serving)
NO PASTRIES, DONUTS, FRAPPUCCINOS, CAKE, COOKIES ETC.
Potato – any kind, esp sweet potatoes
steel cut oatmeal
Veggies
Carrots
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Asparagus
Lettuce
Bell peppers
Celery
Spinach
kale
Proteins
Egg whites
Chicken breast – 1
Lean beef – 5-6 oz
Canned white albacore tuna – 20-30 g
Turkey sausages – less than 10 g fat, at least 15 g protein
Ground turkey breast patties (for turkey burgers)
Protein bars (watch for sugar!!) less than 12 g sugar, at least 20 g protein, less than 250 calories…
Fats
Peanut butter (1 tablespoon)
Mixed nuts (1/4 cup or less)
Avocado (1/4 of a whole avocado)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
When cooking and preparing food, do not use too much butter, mayo, heavy salad dressing. If you need dressing, look for one with 70 cal or less per serving, use light mayo, and cooking spray. Seasoning is always ok. Its sauces and spreads you need to watch out for.
If you follow this program perfectly, then one day a week you can eat any regular food
Good luck everyone!
Mimi
So honestly I've been seriously struggling with my diet. It's pretty restrictive and doesn't allow for much variety or freedom with food. My beautiful and highly intelligent cousin advised me to try out her food program. I read it and I was surprised by how much I'd be allowed to eat so I thought what the heck let's give'r a try :) You'll find the plan below:
Here’s your nutrition program:
You need to eat 4 carbs a day, 4 vegetables, and 5 proteins, 2 fats
Each portion should be approximately the size of your palm, and fats should be one tablespoon…
(not more than 12 grams of sugar per serving in products other than fruits and veggies – anything with a label)
Carbs
Fruit
Corn
Beans
Whole wheat products (not more than 12 grams of sugar per serving in products other than fruits and veggies – anything with a label)
Light yogurt
Cereal – such as Kasha go lean crunch…. be careful of sugar (also no more than 12 grams of sugar per serving)
NO PASTRIES, DONUTS, FRAPPUCCINOS, CAKE, COOKIES ETC.
Potato – any kind, esp sweet potatoes
steel cut oatmeal
Veggies
Carrots
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Asparagus
Lettuce
Bell peppers
Celery
Spinach
kale
Proteins
Egg whites
Chicken breast – 1
Lean beef – 5-6 oz
Canned white albacore tuna – 20-30 g
Turkey sausages – less than 10 g fat, at least 15 g protein
Ground turkey breast patties (for turkey burgers)
Protein bars (watch for sugar!!) less than 12 g sugar, at least 20 g protein, less than 250 calories…
Fats
Peanut butter (1 tablespoon)
Mixed nuts (1/4 cup or less)
Avocado (1/4 of a whole avocado)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
When cooking and preparing food, do not use too much butter, mayo, heavy salad dressing. If you need dressing, look for one with 70 cal or less per serving, use light mayo, and cooking spray. Seasoning is always ok. Its sauces and spreads you need to watch out for.
If you follow this program perfectly, then one day a week you can eat any regular food
Good luck everyone!
Mimi
Thursday, February 17, 2011
That time..
OK so yesterday I was doing decent with my eating. I ate:
- apple
- banana
- grapes
- plain 1% yogurt with honey
- grilled chicken breast
- stir fried veggies
- stir fried noodles and veggies
then the red hormones started to kick in... you know which one I'm talking about ladies. I made a small vanilla coconut cake with vanilla frosting and I had the equivalent of about 2 cupcakes. It's only gotten worse today. WAY WORSE! Every few hours I want sugar... soo badly. No banana, apple or grape will satisfy my craving... so I'm ashamed to say that I binged out on sugar today. I was doing OK in the morning then all hell broke loose in the afternoon and I felt like I couldn't get enough sugar. Stupid female hormones!!!! I curse you!
- apple
- banana
- grapes
- plain 1% yogurt with honey
- grilled chicken breast
- stir fried veggies
- stir fried noodles and veggies
then the red hormones started to kick in... you know which one I'm talking about ladies. I made a small vanilla coconut cake with vanilla frosting and I had the equivalent of about 2 cupcakes. It's only gotten worse today. WAY WORSE! Every few hours I want sugar... soo badly. No banana, apple or grape will satisfy my craving... so I'm ashamed to say that I binged out on sugar today. I was doing OK in the morning then all hell broke loose in the afternoon and I felt like I couldn't get enough sugar. Stupid female hormones!!!! I curse you!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Yummy ideas
Hey guys so I was looking up some ideas for cooking healthy meals and I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you:
Honey Curry Baked Chicken (I just noticed the amount of butter she includes!! wowza! I think I would cut it down to maybe one tbsp if I were to use any at all)
http://www.healthy-quick-meals.com/fried-chicken-recipe.html
mmmm I love mixing fruit in with dinner meals
Here are a few more recipes for healthier desserts:
http://www.helpguide.org/life/pdfs/DessertRecipes.pdf
Peace and cheesecake!
Honey Curry Baked Chicken (I just noticed the amount of butter she includes!! wowza! I think I would cut it down to maybe one tbsp if I were to use any at all)
http://www.healthy-quick-meals.com/fried-chicken-recipe.html
Here are a few more recipes for healthier desserts:
http://www.helpguide.org/life/pdfs/DessertRecipes.pdf
Peace and cheesecake!
Write Off
Ok so don't scold me but yesterday was kind of a write off... we were having a special event at work that required me to be in from 7am to 5pm and during that time I was sitting at the registration desk and helping with set up so I just kinda ate whatever they put out. Basically what I ate was:
- Cheese croissant (i know that alone could be enough calories for the entire day!)
- Coffee with artificial sweeteners
- Green Tea
- An oatmeal raisin cookie
- 4 quarter pieces of sandwiches (two egg sandwich quarters and 2 Bree and red pepper quarters)
- A mini cupcake (it was terrible, hard as a rock and not even sweet, I think it was at least a week old)
- An apple
- A banana
- Some green grapes
- 2 mini egg roles
- A mini quiche type thing with goat cheese and mushroom
- 2 mini balls of beef wellington (sounds so wrong lol)
- A mini pieces of some sort of mango cake or pastry
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese and one slice of cheddar with a cracker
Then in the evening when I got home I did a little better I had
- Stir-fry veggies with a grilled chicken breast
- An apple
- Cheese croissant (i know that alone could be enough calories for the entire day!)
- Coffee with artificial sweeteners
- Green Tea
- An oatmeal raisin cookie
- 4 quarter pieces of sandwiches (two egg sandwich quarters and 2 Bree and red pepper quarters)
- A mini cupcake (it was terrible, hard as a rock and not even sweet, I think it was at least a week old)
- An apple
- A banana
- Some green grapes
- 2 mini egg roles
- A mini quiche type thing with goat cheese and mushroom
- 2 mini balls of beef wellington (sounds so wrong lol)
- A mini pieces of some sort of mango cake or pastry
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese and one slice of cheddar with a cracker
Then in the evening when I got home I did a little better I had
- Stir-fry veggies with a grilled chicken breast
- An apple
Monday, February 14, 2011
Disaster!
This weekend was a disaster in terms of my diet... it all started Friday when I decided to indulge in some noodles and an egg roll and it all went downhill from there... the rest of the weekend was a blurr of cookies, chocolates, cake, rice, lasagna... I could go on put I'd like to spare myself complete humiliation and shame.
Anyway, my motto now is: Today is a new day! Meaning I won't get discouraged! I'm gonna try again. Hopefully this time my will power will be stronger.
How do you guys cope on the weekend when there are parties and social events?
Anyway, my motto now is: Today is a new day! Meaning I won't get discouraged! I'm gonna try again. Hopefully this time my will power will be stronger.
How do you guys cope on the weekend when there are parties and social events?
Friday, February 11, 2011
On track
So yesterday I did pretty well... I think.
I was able to stay away from the processed sugar but I must say the cravings are starting to be more powerful today. I just ate plain organic yogurt with honey, a banana and some grapes to try and wean this craving to no avail every time i think of chocolate my mouth literally starts watering (it's kinda embarrassing).
Yesterday I had vanilla field berry oatmeal
Banana cream coffee with fat free milk and artificial sweeteners
Macintosh Apple
Organic plain yogurt with honey
Grapes
I'm actually terrified to blog about what I ate today! Let's just say I totally ruined everything I have been doing in the last few days :( but tomorrow is a new day and I'm determined to beat this!
Thanks for reading my blog everyone. Please comment and share so that others can join as well!
Peace in the middle east! (for real! woohoo!)
I was able to stay away from the processed sugar but I must say the cravings are starting to be more powerful today. I just ate plain organic yogurt with honey, a banana and some grapes to try and wean this craving to no avail every time i think of chocolate my mouth literally starts watering (it's kinda embarrassing).
Yesterday I had vanilla field berry oatmeal
Banana cream coffee with fat free milk and artificial sweeteners
Macintosh Apple
Organic plain yogurt with honey
Grapes
A banana
now this is where it gets iffy...
Chicken shawermas with "garden salad" it was a very Arab garden salad with lots of oil and pickles lol and some tahina
at night after coming back from the play rehearsal I wasn't particularly hungry but because my boyfriend was I got food for myself too (I know shameful right). I ate chicken (not breaded) and broccoli from spring rolls express so it wasn't too too bad but considering all the oil and fat that was probably used to cook it lolI'm actually terrified to blog about what I ate today! Let's just say I totally ruined everything I have been doing in the last few days :( but tomorrow is a new day and I'm determined to beat this!
Thanks for reading my blog everyone. Please comment and share so that others can join as well!
Peace in the middle east! (for real! woohoo!)
Fight The Power!
So today is a super great day for me for 2 reasons. Number one, it's Friday YAAAY!!! just a few short hours until the weekend (finally). Secondly because today is a historic day in the lives of the oppressed people of the world. Today a dictator of over 30 years, someone that everyone saw for a long time as untouchable, has stepped down from power after an exhausting 19 day protest. Yes I'm talking about Mubarak (no longer president haha!) and the people of Egypt! My people. I'm a proud Egyptian Canadian and their victory is not only their own. The whole world is celebrating! Dictators from every country are probably shaking in their shoes and finally the oppressed people of Egypt sent a message to their dictator "NOT WELCOME!" a message and movement that may be contagious among the other oppressed countries and citizens of this world. So hold your heads high my brothers and sisters and let us above all not forget the pride of our nation and the beauty and unity that is the Egyptian people. May God protect our nation.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Quick healthy meals
Hey guys I wanted to get some ideas from you about quick healthy meals that you like to make?
Sometimes I'm lazy and don't feel like spending an hour (or even half an hour) in the kitchen cooking. Have any ideas for yummy meals that are quick and easy to make and are good for you too?
Sometimes I'm lazy and don't feel like spending an hour (or even half an hour) in the kitchen cooking. Have any ideas for yummy meals that are quick and easy to make and are good for you too?
MMM...
Hey everyone!
So this morning I saw this giant homemade cookie at Java Joe's and I was sooo tempted to buy it but you'll all be very proud of me because I resisted the temptation! YAY! I just had a field berry and vanilla oatmeal from them... it was yummy and I added some artificial sweeteners to it to make it extra sweet so that I wouldn't miss the cookie as much.
Yesterday's meals were similar to the ones I had the day before. I ate:
- apple cinnamon oatmeal from Java Joe's
- banana cream coffee with skim milk and artificial sweeteners
- a Macintosh apple
- red grapes
- plain organic yogurt with natural honey
- grilled chicken breast
- a small amount of left over broccoli and green peppers (roasted)
- a leftover potato from a Greek meal we had over the weekend
- another Macintosh apple
- 2 tiny lamb shoulders (2 might sound like a lot but honestly if you remove the bones all the meat from both shoulders was only about as large as my hand)
I should also mention that i try to do some cardio at least 3 times a week. I did an hour of cardio (running and steps) and ab work yesterday.
We should all try an incorporate some sort of physical activity into our routine lives. Honestly I HATE!!!! working out at a gym, I find it super boring and mundane. I love group sports and activities, something that engages me mentally as well as physically but it's too cold out and my motivation to do any physical activity that requires me to leave the building is low.
What kind of indoor activities would you guys recommend other than the gym (in my building)?
So this morning I saw this giant homemade cookie at Java Joe's and I was sooo tempted to buy it but you'll all be very proud of me because I resisted the temptation! YAY! I just had a field berry and vanilla oatmeal from them... it was yummy and I added some artificial sweeteners to it to make it extra sweet so that I wouldn't miss the cookie as much.
Yesterday's meals were similar to the ones I had the day before. I ate:
- apple cinnamon oatmeal from Java Joe's
- banana cream coffee with skim milk and artificial sweeteners
- a Macintosh apple
- red grapes
- plain organic yogurt with natural honey
- grilled chicken breast
- a small amount of left over broccoli and green peppers (roasted)
- a leftover potato from a Greek meal we had over the weekend
- another Macintosh apple
- 2 tiny lamb shoulders (2 might sound like a lot but honestly if you remove the bones all the meat from both shoulders was only about as large as my hand)
I should also mention that i try to do some cardio at least 3 times a week. I did an hour of cardio (running and steps) and ab work yesterday.
We should all try an incorporate some sort of physical activity into our routine lives. Honestly I HATE!!!! working out at a gym, I find it super boring and mundane. I love group sports and activities, something that engages me mentally as well as physically but it's too cold out and my motivation to do any physical activity that requires me to leave the building is low.
What kind of indoor activities would you guys recommend other than the gym (in my building)?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Yesterday's meal
Hey guys!
I'll start off with what I ate yesterday, you may find that my diet will change radically from one day to the next, that all depends on my mood, how much food I have already cooked, how much money I have to buy food and what I feel like eating.
Yesterday I had
4 scrambled egg whites with red pepper, onions and a little bit of cheddar cheese
a Macintosh apple (those are the only ones i like)
some red grapes
organic plain yogurt with natural honey
grilled chicken breast (I love the george forman grill, everyone should have one!)
some broccoli and green peppers roasted in the oven with some spices and a lil olive oil
a lamb shoulder (I loooove lamb)
another Macintosh apple
some more organic plain yogurt with natural honey (honestly it tastes a lot like melted ice cream mmmm...)
that's it... and my cravings actually didn't kill me! woo hoo! the yogurt and honey thing really works i'll see how long i can hold up with just that.
I'll start off with what I ate yesterday, you may find that my diet will change radically from one day to the next, that all depends on my mood, how much food I have already cooked, how much money I have to buy food and what I feel like eating.
Yesterday I had
4 scrambled egg whites with red pepper, onions and a little bit of cheddar cheese
a Macintosh apple (those are the only ones i like)
some red grapes
organic plain yogurt with natural honey
grilled chicken breast (I love the george forman grill, everyone should have one!)
some broccoli and green peppers roasted in the oven with some spices and a lil olive oil
a lamb shoulder (I loooove lamb)
another Macintosh apple
some more organic plain yogurt with natural honey (honestly it tastes a lot like melted ice cream mmmm...)
that's it... and my cravings actually didn't kill me! woo hoo! the yogurt and honey thing really works i'll see how long i can hold up with just that.
Hello!
Hello, I'm Mimi Mystique and I've decided to blog about my experience battling my severe sugar cravings.
Let me start off by explaining why I'm doing this: Firstly I am seriously addicted to sugar, craving something sweet (i.e. chocolate or candy) every hour at least. Secondly, I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes in addition to being middle eastern so my chances of having health complications are higher than normal. Thirdly, many other women (and men) have expressed a similar problem, trying to beat their cravings and having no luck. I thought maybe if I create a blog about my own battle, people may try to join in and we can see if we can do this together!
A friend has advised me to replace processed sugar (i.e.chocolate and candy) with natural sugar like fruits and honey. I know that in the past eating fruits has not prevented my cravings for sugar but I'm willing to try again and this time incorporate more honey into my diet to see if that helps thwart the intense cravings. Also, I know that to a certain extent my cravings are related to emotional and mental states (i.e.boredom, frustration, worry etc...) I will try and blog about these things and see if I can try to find alternative solutions to dealing with them as opposed to reaching for a cookie or a chocolate bar.
If you're interested in joining me then let's start together. I'll let you in on what I'm eating every day and you can tell me what you're eating. If we stumble we'll get back up, if we're upset, we'll talk about it, if we're bored we'll figure out how to engage ourselves. Let's support each other and try to overcome this problem.
Love peace and sugar free chocolate!
Mimi
Let me start off by explaining why I'm doing this: Firstly I am seriously addicted to sugar, craving something sweet (i.e. chocolate or candy) every hour at least. Secondly, I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes in addition to being middle eastern so my chances of having health complications are higher than normal. Thirdly, many other women (and men) have expressed a similar problem, trying to beat their cravings and having no luck. I thought maybe if I create a blog about my own battle, people may try to join in and we can see if we can do this together!
A friend has advised me to replace processed sugar (i.e.chocolate and candy) with natural sugar like fruits and honey. I know that in the past eating fruits has not prevented my cravings for sugar but I'm willing to try again and this time incorporate more honey into my diet to see if that helps thwart the intense cravings. Also, I know that to a certain extent my cravings are related to emotional and mental states (i.e.boredom, frustration, worry etc...) I will try and blog about these things and see if I can try to find alternative solutions to dealing with them as opposed to reaching for a cookie or a chocolate bar.
If you're interested in joining me then let's start together. I'll let you in on what I'm eating every day and you can tell me what you're eating. If we stumble we'll get back up, if we're upset, we'll talk about it, if we're bored we'll figure out how to engage ourselves. Let's support each other and try to overcome this problem.
Love peace and sugar free chocolate!
Mimi
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