Today, Mother's Day, is the one day every year that our country honors the women who raise us. They gave us life, changed countless dirty diapers, dried thousands of tears, and encouraged us as we experienced the journey of life. It is the mothers who often support their children even in the midst of great adversity. Some mothers even raise their families on their own - no financial, emotional, or physical help from others.
Even those who did not physically birth a child but support, love on, and pray for their "adopted" kids. I can think of many women who have supported me and given a listening ear, great advice, and a shoulder to cry on throughout my 23 years: Karen Nyland, Sally Bishop, my aunts, Rhonda Lacy, Emmy Jenkins, the teachers I have had, Gabi, Kay Giesecke, Julie Dearien, Debby Armerding. All of these women, at different points in my life, have encouraged and loved me without judgement or question. I know for a fact that they have prayed for my wellbeing, decisions, and relationship with God. How wonderful it is to know that there are so many women, strong and faithful, that pray for me and think about me and encourage me on a regular basis. I am truly one lucky girl.
After church, my Sunday school group always goes out to lunch. Today was a little different as many in the group have mothers and grandmothers living nearby. So, today was family time for them. Well, my mom does not live close to me and my grandmother who does was out of town. So, I gathered up the others who were motherless (so to speak...) and we did our own thing. At lunch, as I was looking around the restaurant at all the moms, how special Mother's Day and Father's Day are. There are so many different kinds of mothers and they all have their own, unique methods of raising their families. Some methods are better than others but all these women try to do they best they can with what they have to offer (we hope...). How wonderful that we take one day out of the year to celebrate and return the love and honor to the women in our lives. How wonderful that we take one day to collectively praise the work our mothers have done. On this day, strangers tell each other "happy mother's day" and acknowledge the time, effort, and sacrifice that goes into such a role. How great is that.
xoxo,
ac.
5.13.2012
5.11.2012
Farewell, chemicals!
Chemicals. This word reminds me of swimming pools, science class and drugs. I know what I think the word means but I wanted to look up the actual definition just to clarify any confusion. Here is what I found on dictionary.com:
- "narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances"
- "any substance using in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use"
- a drug, especially an illicit or additive one
Whoa! That's some pretty powerful and potentially damaging product! It has much potential and ability to do some serious damage on our minds, bodies, and the world in which we live.
If we are going to get back to a more whole food, "what God intended us to put in our bodies" lifestyle, these MUST be the first to go! They mess with our bodies and are not natural. Ever wonder why we have so many increasing diseases And cancers? Or why we are so much bigger than people even just 50 years ago? I think it's a sure bet that the chemicals in the many, various processed foods, soft drinks, personal care products and pesticides have a huge contribution to those numbers.
If we are going to try to get back to a natural diet and expect a healthful life, we must start with the chemicals. The great thing about this is there are so many chemicalized products out there - we can start by getting rid of one product or habit at a time. Maybe you are an avid soda drinker? Start replacing your soda with alkaline water (use baking soda or fresh lemon juice) and add energy-infusing coconut water when you need a boost.
Here are a few small measures I am taking to make chemical intake go away:
- alkaline water with herbal teas
- salt rock for a natural deodorant
- homemade face wash with coconut oil and baking soda
- green smoothies!!
- no more of my big addiction: chewing gum. It is packed with aspartame.
- working on a homemade lotion and toothpaste...
Please, share ways you too are taking the chemicals out and putting good stuff in!
Xoxo,
AC.
(did you see me pre-blended smoothie? Isn't she beautiful!)
- "narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances"
- "any substance using in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use"
- a drug, especially an illicit or additive one
Whoa! That's some pretty powerful and potentially damaging product! It has much potential and ability to do some serious damage on our minds, bodies, and the world in which we live.
If we are going to get back to a more whole food, "what God intended us to put in our bodies" lifestyle, these MUST be the first to go! They mess with our bodies and are not natural. Ever wonder why we have so many increasing diseases And cancers? Or why we are so much bigger than people even just 50 years ago? I think it's a sure bet that the chemicals in the many, various processed foods, soft drinks, personal care products and pesticides have a huge contribution to those numbers.
If we are going to try to get back to a natural diet and expect a healthful life, we must start with the chemicals. The great thing about this is there are so many chemicalized products out there - we can start by getting rid of one product or habit at a time. Maybe you are an avid soda drinker? Start replacing your soda with alkaline water (use baking soda or fresh lemon juice) and add energy-infusing coconut water when you need a boost.
Here are a few small measures I am taking to make chemical intake go away:
- alkaline water with herbal teas
- salt rock for a natural deodorant
- homemade face wash with coconut oil and baking soda
- green smoothies!!
- no more of my big addiction: chewing gum. It is packed with aspartame.
- working on a homemade lotion and toothpaste...
Please, share ways you too are taking the chemicals out and putting good stuff in!
Xoxo,
AC.
(did you see me pre-blended smoothie? Isn't she beautiful!)
5.08.2012
Starting out with Smoothies.
Whole foods. While this is a delicious and exciting store for unique and fresh groceries, it is also the best kind of food to bring into our bodies. God gave us fruits, grains, veggies, meat, fish, minerals, good alkaline water. He intended for us to use these provisions to sustain our bodies and nutrition.
I am on the road to a more whole food diet and lifestyle. While I am certainly not a pro at this, I am starting out strong by making little changes in my life. One such change is adding a green smoothie to my diet. Here is a picture of what my breakfast looked like this morning. I tossed in a hefty handful of spinach, broccoli, carrots, berries, half a green apple and coconut water. Oh and my fiber powder for the Colon cleanse! Trust me when I say that these smoothies are way more tasty than expected. There is so much fiber, natural sugars, protein and straight nutrition. I just toss it into the blender and have at it!
If you are looking for a jump start to a new, healthful lifestyle or a simple change to your diet, try a green smoothie. Literally any fruit or veggie you like can go into the blender. Try it out and let me know! I would love new recipe suggestions and ideas.
Xoxo,
AC.
I am on the road to a more whole food diet and lifestyle. While I am certainly not a pro at this, I am starting out strong by making little changes in my life. One such change is adding a green smoothie to my diet. Here is a picture of what my breakfast looked like this morning. I tossed in a hefty handful of spinach, broccoli, carrots, berries, half a green apple and coconut water. Oh and my fiber powder for the Colon cleanse! Trust me when I say that these smoothies are way more tasty than expected. There is so much fiber, natural sugars, protein and straight nutrition. I just toss it into the blender and have at it!
If you are looking for a jump start to a new, healthful lifestyle or a simple change to your diet, try a green smoothie. Literally any fruit or veggie you like can go into the blender. Try it out and let me know! I would love new recipe suggestions and ideas.
Xoxo,
AC.
5.01.2012
hydrate.
One thing I have NOT been doing in the past is hydrating my body the way I should be. Yes, I kept a water bottle with me during the day and refilled when low. Yes, I rarely drink sodas. No, I did not have any idea that the water I was drinking was not as healthy as I thought...
The natural, spring water that God provided the world with is more alkaline than the water we drink. All the purified, RO, treated water that we are provided with is more acidic than our body really needs. In order to make the water more alkaline, I have been squeezing fresh lemon juice into my big gulp cup. When lemons are nearby, a touch of baking soda can also do the trick. This water with fresh lemon juice truly makes me feel so much more hydrated than just plain water.
To get more herbs in my diet, I have been mixing a bit of herb tea with my lemon water. Dandelion root, though bitter, is so refreshing and oh so good for my body! It is the miracle herb that enhances our health, can prevent cancer, is great for digestion, and has so many other benefits that just wowed me that I had to try it. I've also tried ginger tea which, also better tasting with fresh lemon, is great for digestion and health as well.
So, take a break from bland, acidic water and alkalize it with the refreshing flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don't forget to toss in some herbal tea for all the health benefits! You'll make your water more enjoyable, curb any desire to snack, and hydrate your body in more ways than one.
The natural, spring water that God provided the world with is more alkaline than the water we drink. All the purified, RO, treated water that we are provided with is more acidic than our body really needs. In order to make the water more alkaline, I have been squeezing fresh lemon juice into my big gulp cup. When lemons are nearby, a touch of baking soda can also do the trick. This water with fresh lemon juice truly makes me feel so much more hydrated than just plain water.
To get more herbs in my diet, I have been mixing a bit of herb tea with my lemon water. Dandelion root, though bitter, is so refreshing and oh so good for my body! It is the miracle herb that enhances our health, can prevent cancer, is great for digestion, and has so many other benefits that just wowed me that I had to try it. I've also tried ginger tea which, also better tasting with fresh lemon, is great for digestion and health as well.
So, take a break from bland, acidic water and alkalize it with the refreshing flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don't forget to toss in some herbal tea for all the health benefits! You'll make your water more enjoyable, curb any desire to snack, and hydrate your body in more ways than one.
4.27.2012
Cleansing.
Part if getting back on track with your body and your life is cleaning out all the toxins, negativity, and old matter in your system. It has been recommended that I participate in a few different cleanses over the course of the coming weeks. This process includes the following cleanses: parasite, kidney, bowel/Colon, liver. Each cleanse entitles specific aids along with lots of healthy drinking water for the best results.
I am currently working on cleaning out the parasites in my system and cleaning out my kidneys and colon. I am drinking a lot of water with fresh lemon juice or a bit of baking soda to make it alkaline water. Supposedly, the water we drink nowadays is very acidic and must be alkaline to have the full benefits. I went to 7-11 for a super big gulp cup, have lots of ice on hand and enjoying the refreshing lemon water with this west Texas heat! Another trick? I made a big batch of herbal tea the other day, put it in a big jar in the fridge and use that to partially fill my water cup. I now get the benefits of herbal tea while flavoring my water!
On a later post, I'll share my cleansing schedule with you. I have a daily lineup of vitamins and minerals to help my body get back to being squeaky clean!
I am currently working on cleaning out the parasites in my system and cleaning out my kidneys and colon. I am drinking a lot of water with fresh lemon juice or a bit of baking soda to make it alkaline water. Supposedly, the water we drink nowadays is very acidic and must be alkaline to have the full benefits. I went to 7-11 for a super big gulp cup, have lots of ice on hand and enjoying the refreshing lemon water with this west Texas heat! Another trick? I made a big batch of herbal tea the other day, put it in a big jar in the fridge and use that to partially fill my water cup. I now get the benefits of herbal tea while flavoring my water!
On a later post, I'll share my cleansing schedule with you. I have a daily lineup of vitamins and minerals to help my body get back to being squeaky clean!
4.26.2012
marfalous AND healthful life.
Yesterday marks a new project beginning in my life. If any of you know really anything about me, I have a terrible habit of getting all excited about a new project, experience, hobby, etc for a short period...stay strong...and then just let it fall aside. I have done this more than once in my recent past. To name a few: purchasing my real estate books to get licensed, begin graduate school for counseling, train for a half marathon, become a biker to complete the MS150. That's just a small list...at least I did not go so far as to purchase a marathon bike!
All this to say, I have a new project. Though there is the slight bit of fear that I will get all pumped up and let it fizzle away in a few months, I do feel positive about it. I am aiming to become more healthful, participate in body cleanses, and eat more fresh, non-processed foods. As Travis' mom says, "If it is not from the ground, above the ground, or has a momma, we shouldn't be eating it." SO WISE AND WONDERFULLY PUT. I am on the lookout for a juicer to allow me to make drinkable meals with all the fresh, delicious produce this time of year provides. I must take-on the trend of Ebay for this task - one that I have avoided this long but must embrace now. Yikes!
This started yesterday because I had a Biofeedback (BF) session with Travis' mom, Shelly. If you have not heard of or personally experienced BF, please, do us both a favor and FIX that. The process is simple and yet so complex and genius. She straps on wires around your head, ankles, and wrists which then allow a machine to ask your brain millions and millions of questions. The answers reveal your body's composition, vitamin and mineral needs and excesses, and problem areas in your nutrition. She then goes further into the information, running more tests, to see exactly where the problem lies. Each human body is uniquely made by our wise and ever-loving Creator...a fact that is both wonderful and challenging as there is no right answer or method to healing one's body. Shelly helps her clients to understand their bodies' needs and how to feel better, be more healthful, and, thus, live a more full life.
After three hours of brain tests and discussing both my issues and how to make things better, I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to begin the processes of cleansing my body and taking care of problems she found. My posts here on "My MARFAlous Life" will document both my issues and improvements as well as the health information I will be learning. I hope to cleanse myself both physically and emotionally throughout this new "project." A truly healthy and smart-living person would make this change permanently in their life - not just a phase or experiment. Let's hope I create and establish solid ways of eating and taking care of my body that will be carried throughout my life.
Don't worry though - I will still enjoy my vino, chips, and the deliciousness of life. Everything in moderation, as the healthful Shelly claims :)
All this to say, I have a new project. Though there is the slight bit of fear that I will get all pumped up and let it fizzle away in a few months, I do feel positive about it. I am aiming to become more healthful, participate in body cleanses, and eat more fresh, non-processed foods. As Travis' mom says, "If it is not from the ground, above the ground, or has a momma, we shouldn't be eating it." SO WISE AND WONDERFULLY PUT. I am on the lookout for a juicer to allow me to make drinkable meals with all the fresh, delicious produce this time of year provides. I must take-on the trend of Ebay for this task - one that I have avoided this long but must embrace now. Yikes!
This started yesterday because I had a Biofeedback (BF) session with Travis' mom, Shelly. If you have not heard of or personally experienced BF, please, do us both a favor and FIX that. The process is simple and yet so complex and genius. She straps on wires around your head, ankles, and wrists which then allow a machine to ask your brain millions and millions of questions. The answers reveal your body's composition, vitamin and mineral needs and excesses, and problem areas in your nutrition. She then goes further into the information, running more tests, to see exactly where the problem lies. Each human body is uniquely made by our wise and ever-loving Creator...a fact that is both wonderful and challenging as there is no right answer or method to healing one's body. Shelly helps her clients to understand their bodies' needs and how to feel better, be more healthful, and, thus, live a more full life.
After three hours of brain tests and discussing both my issues and how to make things better, I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to begin the processes of cleansing my body and taking care of problems she found. My posts here on "My MARFAlous Life" will document both my issues and improvements as well as the health information I will be learning. I hope to cleanse myself both physically and emotionally throughout this new "project." A truly healthy and smart-living person would make this change permanently in their life - not just a phase or experiment. Let's hope I create and establish solid ways of eating and taking care of my body that will be carried throughout my life.
Don't worry though - I will still enjoy my vino, chips, and the deliciousness of life. Everything in moderation, as the healthful Shelly claims :)
4.19.2012
where did the marfalous go??
I love living in Midland. It gets me close to the west Texas mountains, has cool nights even when the days are hot, and is infused with the west Texas spirit, friendship, and qualities of life. I moved here hoping it would let me get away to Marfa as often as I pleased - it's close enough to head to the little town I love for even just one night. Heck, I could get up early and come home late if i just had one day free! And, since August, I have only been one time to Marfa. What the heck?? This is unacceptable.
I have a lot of reasons why, I guess. Let's see if they justify my absence. 1) I got a new job that does not leave me completely spent at the end of the week. It is much more interesting, positive, and flexible than the previous job. 2) The holidays hit right after my last trip to Marfa in November - Thanksgiving, family cruise, Christmas, New Years. 3) After all those weekends away, I needed to stick around and enjoy my new house, boyfriend, and church group that I have grown to anticipate attending every week. 4) I have been taking some online classes this semester. This not only takes up time after work during the week but most of my weekends require me to spend time on the classes as well. Let's just say, this is my first and last semester of this...at least for now. Much more of a c
ommitment than I had anticipated.
All this to say, I guess I have had enough stuff going on in my life to justify my absence both from Marfa and my blog spot here. The sad thing is that I have plenty of down time to watch TV shows
(The Voice, anyone??), read, and now take care of my new rescue puppy. Her name is RJ after RJ Machinery where Travis' dad found her. It's not the spiffiest of names but she seems to respond to it (assuming I call her the right name...) and it certainly is unique. All in all, she is sweet, playful, and joined me in a jog yesterday. I don't know which one of us was closer to collapsing from the very short distance we went! What a refreshing change to have company on my afternoon jogs.As the school semester comes to a close in the near future, I have already
been planning weekends in the little town that stole my heart. The Paisano's patio and Padre's are calling my name. I am so ready to see, hug, and love on all my people out there. It has been far too long to be separated and I truly feel the distance on my heart and mind. Marfa refreshes my spirit, brightens my eyes, and revitalizes me for the next marfa-less stretch. The friendships, ambiance, culture, and food in that town have established a home for me. In just a few weeks, I will be dancing back into town ready for porch time at the house, a margarita at Jett's and fellowship with my sweet friends. My friends here in Midland won't know what happened to the marfa-less Abby when I get back, refreshed and Marfalous once again.
Just FYI, today is Thursday...this means tomorrow begins the weekend. Everyone hoot and holler over that great news!
xox,
ac.
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