Tag: Blogger

DIY…Starbucks Medicine Ball

Ok, I have a guilty pleasure of going to Starbucks. DIY…Starbucks medicine ball is my current recipe to replicate. However, I do know it can be an expensive habit and I get a rush on figuring out ways to make my favorite drink at home. One of my favorite drinks is the Honey Citrus Mint Tea aka the medicine ball.

This is advertised as an high in vitamin c drink that supposed to boost your immune system through the cold and flu season. Does it help with boosting your immune system or get over a cold, that remains to be proven. However, the only thing I do know, is this drink on a brisk fall morning or an evening night cap drink is a must try.

DIY Medicine Ball

The ingredients are very simple. The recipe for a Grande, which is 16oz, calls for half hot water and half steamed lemonade. So 8oz of hot water to 8oz of steamed lemonade. Then two flavors of tea are Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility and a packet of honey which measures about 1 teaspoon.

The blend of the citrus and mint along with the honey is very soothing to the throat even if you don’t have a sore throat. Late in the evening before bed, it opens your sinuses while giving you a relaxed calming energy.

The last two weeks I have divulged in tea while creating many recipes of my own with a twist. My at home recipe consists of the following:

DIY…Starbucks Medicine Ball

-1 Cup of the Simply Lemonade (I’ve experimented with regular and light and they both taste amazing.) (https://amzn.to/3npX9Q4)
-1 Cup of hot water not boiling
-1 Tea Bag of Peppermint tea https://amzn.to/3pz8FKX
-1 Tea Bag of the Citrus Sunrise https://amzn.to/38PPWoj
-1 Tea spoon of honey (https://amzn.to/2ID0TPi)

Preparation:

Start by placing the one cup of water and one cup of lemonade into a small pot and bring to a steam. Just as soon as it begins to come to a boil take it off.

Next, pour mixture into mug with both tea bags. Let it steep for about 2-3 minutes. Add one teaspoon of honey, stir , and its ready to sip.

Total prep and cook time, 10 minutes.
I have loved and enjoyed my evening with this drink. The most fun though, has been playing around with different mixtures and flavors of tea.

Some others mixtures I’ve tried for the DIY…Starbucks Medicine Ball is:
-Mint Honey and Lemon Ginseng Tea (https://amzn.to/2H3GKBe) – one peppermint and one honey lemon ginseng tea bag each
-Citrus Honey and Lemon Ginseng Tea-one citrus sunrise tea bag and one honey lemon ginseng tea bag
-Double Mint Lemondage tea-2 peppermint tea bags
-Black Citrus (https://amzn.to/3f4jP5s) tea in the morning- one black tea bag and one citrus sunrise tea bag
-Black Mint Awakening tea- one black tea bag and one peppermint tea bag.
**All mixtures are made with the same one cup of hot water and one cup of lemonade with the teaspoon of honey.

As you can see I have experimented quite a bit and found some great soothing indulgence for morning, noon, and night. Any of the above mentioned mixtures can be enjoyed anytime of the day.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.


Skin Care Routine In Quarantine

If there is one thing we learned during this pandmeic is how to make do with what we have. During quarantine, I was able to maintain a anti aging, affordable, and simple skincare routine.

In recent years my focus shift from makeup to skincare. Now don’t get me wrong, I still love playing in the newest launches of makeup. However, I wanted to be a able to love my skin and I knew I could achieve a fresh face if I worked at it. Not only did I want to have great healthy skin, I refused to believe that I had to spend a ton of money to achieve it.

Thanks to being in quarantine I was able to experiment with what I had and practice until I was happy with not only the results but the time my skin care routine takes.

In The Evening…

I begin with Ponds Cleansing Cream https://amzn.to/38rSpVF . This has actually been a staple of mine for years. This was always my makeup remover of choice. Even on days I don’t wear makeup I begin with this to breakdown any dirt and oil from the day. Because I have dry skin this works as a two in one, to moisturize while deep clean. After spreading a thin layer on my entire face and neck, I wipe away with a warm wash cloth. Leaving my skin soft, smooth, and ready for the rest of my skin care routine.

The second step I use Shea Moisture Black Soap https://amzn.to/2UbicZX to cleanse and calm my skin. Black soap is great for problematic or troubled skin. Any breakouts, irritations, or redness black soap soothes. The two step cleansing process works for me and it ensures I’m getting rid of all the debris from the day. Yes black soap can be drying however the moisture from the cleansing cream on the first step is a layer of protection.

After my two step cleansing process I pat dry and spritz my face with toner. My favorite is Heritage Store Rose Water https://amzn.to/36nxWPe . This closes my pores, hydrates my skin, and calm redness.

Once the rose water dries down I moisturize with Ponds Dry Skin Cream https://amzn.to/38pIwrG . A little goes along way for my entire face and neck. This age ole cream sinks into my skin and keeps me moisturized all through the night.

Lastly I do a final spritz of the Heritage Store Rose Water Spray to seal everything in for the night.

I wake up with glowy, dewy, poreless, and healthy skin.

In the Morning…

Instead of beginning with the Ponds Cleansing Cream, I use Ponds Moisture Clean Towelettes https://amzn.to/32sApXC. This textured wipes of premoistened with Vitamin E to wipe the skin clean.

Yes I do a two step cleansing process in the morning as well. After wiping face clean with a wipe I go ahead and do a quick wash with the Shea Moisture Black Soap.

Of course once I pat dry I spritz with my rose water and proceed to Moisturize with Simple Skin Moisturizer with SPF 15 https://amzn.to/3n4WjYQ. I am a firm believer in moisturizing and using SPF. Lastly I spritz to sink everything into the skin. I am reading to go out with clear, clean and naturally filtered skin or I can put a little makeup on to enhance my beauty.

Yes as a beauty product junkie I have tried an array of products on the price spectrum, but momma didn’t raise no fool. If I achieve my goal and results while saving money and time its a win win.

What this should teach us all is with patience and practice we don’t need to spend an large amount of money on anything to be great. It’s all about the technique and practice.

Disclaimer: This is what works for me. We all have didn’t skin types, live in different climates, and certain products that work for me may not work for you. The point is during this pandemic and while in quarantine we must make do with what we have and we can achieve it without breaking the bank.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Holiday Season 2020: Make This Holiday Season A Meaningful One

There is no doubt the best time of the year has approached us, ‘tis the season. We already see Christmas decorations in the stores as well as Thanksgiving. In a normal year, holiday season can be stressful for some, but in this trying year of 2020 the stress, anxiety, and pressure can be even more suffocating.

Now more than ever is all the more reason to remember what the holiday season is about and to remember we all can still have an amazing, loving, joyful, and meaningful holiday season.

There is no room for self doubt, pity, anger, frustration, depression, anxiety, and darkness this holiday season. Do not let this season fly by and not use the opportunity to divulge in gratitude, joy, appreciation, togetherness, laughter, and love.

Being grateful for just making it to another holiday season is reason enough to get up and smile. There are many families this year that have experienced some unthinkable pain and loss. When I was growing up we were taught that holiday season is important because there are some people that aren’t here this year that was here last year.

Use this time to get together with family, if its safe of course, and enjoy just being together. There isn’t anything else in this world that’s more important than laughing together, taking photos, hugging one another, and breathing in the same air. Just think back almost nine months ago when we had no idea how we would make it through this year.

In my family, we use holidays as a way to gas our tanks and fuel up to get through the year. Sometimes we just need those couple of days to not think about work, finances, troubles, schedules, meetings, school, relationships, or whatever else is weighing heavy on us. Being around loved ones allows us to remember who we are, that we are loved, and we’re not fighting this fight alone. As long as we have a meal and everyone arrived safely, we could careless about a gift . That is our gift.

Yes this year many people are out of work, experiencing financial difficulties like no other, children are home schooling, some don’t know how they are going to pay bills, or where the next meal is coming from but guess what you still can have a faithfilled, enjoyable, and happy holiday season.

It isn’t about how much you spend on a gift or even if you gift at all. The gift is the joy of being together. It is so much truth and value in the saying “eat, drink, and be merry”. Start by creating an atmospheric presence in the home. Make your home inviting with decorations and scents of the season. Set a mood of calmness, peace, and relaxation for everyone.

We are in the time where DIY is the best decor. Have the kids and the whole family for that matter get creative and put some personal touches of gratitude throughout the home. Years ago at my office we came up with a chain of gratitude. We cut strips of construction paper about 2 inches in width, in holiday colors and passed them around to every employee including the CEO. The instructions were to write down things we were grateful and happy for. Next we would link them together to see how long the chain could grow and for the entire holiday season we hung it around the office. It was amazing to say the least and to walk in everyday and just see what others were grateful for and how far they’ve come through the year was inspiring.

Candles are always a great way to set the mood. Get some hot chocolate and whipped cream, Netflix and chill, and take photos. Document the journey.

Use the technology that’s available to you. Have family Zoom meetings. Talk about what each other is cooking, how was school or work, and connect. Staying connected in some way will keep everyone spirits high.

Don’t stress about gifts. Give what your heart desire. Give what’s in your budget. And guess what, if thats nothing more than a phone call to say I love you and I miss you, then thats worth a million. Give a gift of commitment to engage with the family more.

Fill your heart by volunteering, donating time, money if you have the means, or serve a meal in your community. Trust me, this is a gift. In the end you’ll be filled with so much gratitude.

Remember to be thankful, you’re alive, breathing, appreciate this moment, there is a lesson that 2020 has given us, and live in your truth. Don’t worry about what others are doing this holiday season.

Laugh, Smile, Eat, and enjoy each other.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

FACTS ABOUT INTROVERTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

I always knew I was an introverted person. There are some facts about introverts that you should know. Due to so many misunderstandings, as introverts we are often interpreted incorrectly. Here are some facts that I thought I’d share.

As an introvert…

-We actually do like people and socializing. Just so happen we prefer a small select few to socialize with.

-We are very observant.

-Some great qualities introverts possess are great listening skills, they have a great respect for self, and they allow themselves to freely think.

-We truly do enjoy being alone and spending time with ourselves. Matter of factly, that will be our first choice is to do something in solitude.

-If we open up to you, know that we truly do value the relationship and you are special to us.

-Introverts like to process things in their head, in peace, and yes can be over thinkers.

-We absolutely don’t care for the small talk. A meaningful conversation with substance is more fulfilling.

-Chances of us having or wanting a lot of friends is very slim. We’d prefer a small circle of people to keep close.

-We aren’t shy, timid, or fearful. More on the reserved side.

-We aren’t stuck up or anti social.

-Most often introverts aren’t one to be attached to their phone. We just don’t see the need to constantly wonder what others are doing. Nor, do we care to post what we are doing.

-We won’t speak unless we have something to say. Not going to say anything just to fill the silence or be apart of a conversation.

-We enjoy going out, vacations, beach, walking, and being outdoorsy.

-There isn’t anything wrong with us we don’t need to be fixed.

-We aren’t rude.

-Introverts are not depressed, have anxiety, or low self esteem.

-Asking us “why you so quiet” isn’t something we respond to very well.

I’ve totally embraced and love being an introvert. I am me and it feels good. Embrace and love who you are. Don’t let the outside world make you feel like there is something wrong with you because you aren’t doing what the mass majority is doing.

There are many facts about introverts that you should know. We are all think, feel, and respond differently to certain situations.

BE YOU!!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Why Material Things Can’t Make Us Happy

Do you have a closet full of clothes with tags on them? Shoe boxes with shoes in them lined for days that you haven’t worn or worn only once? Makeup drawer overflowing, drawers won’t close because clothes is falling out of them, and more handbags than days, and you still aren’t fulfilled and living happily, thats because no matter how much material things we buy, it won’t make us happy.

First the gratification we receive from a new purchase is short lived. Hence, the reason we sometimes don’t use or wear the specific item. We’ve all heard of the term retail therapy. The shopping temporarily fulfills us to get our mind off what really has us bothered.

Unfortunately, there is always going to be something we want or think we have to buy. There is this fictional idea that we’ve created and trying to chase. Have you ever wanted something really bad and finally got it, but no sooner than you turned the corner you were looking for something else.

Most often when we purchase something new it isn’t for ourselves. The new clothes, shoes, home decor, furniture, or whatever else is purchased to get a reaction from others. We’re looking for their reaction to fulfill or validate the emptiness. New flash, people really don’t care about all the material things. In fact, most people don’t like being around someone always bragging and boasting.

The more material things we have, the more our homes are cluttered, the more “stuff” we have to maintain, and the more we are likely to become stressed. Another reason material things won’t make us happy, is because we can’t enjoy it all. The more that is purchased the more the reality becomes physical that we need to dig a little deeper and say “what do I really want?”

Save yourself time, money, frustration, and anger when the next time you get ready to purchase something ask yourself:

If it’s a need or want?

What purpose does it serve?

Everything has a place and there’s a place for everything, does it have a place?

Will it make me better?

Can I afford it?

This will begin the process of you making well thought out decisions that will lead you to self fulfillment and saving money. Create memories and experiences that you can hold on to and pass down.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Self Care: Sleep Routine

As I’ve approached a certain age, the importance of me getting the proper amount of sleep has become a priority. Once I realized and admitted to myself that sleep is an essential, I needed to come up with a self care sleep routine.

So often at the end of the night we go take a shower or bath, lights out, and then go to bed. You ever find yourself not able to fall asleep, restless, still have a million things on your mind, and eventually you don’t get a good nights rest. Well that’s because body has laid down but your mind is still wide awake.

Why Getting Proper Sleep is Important

Sleep is important because its our charge and refuel for the next day. Just like you plug in your phone at night, our mind and body needs to be charged.

Mentally getting proper sleep helps us the next day remain alert, focus, and prepared to attentively tackle the day. When we are tired mentally, we’re more apt to be anxious which leads to anger and frustration. Lack of proper sleep leads to more stress and mentally being broken down.

Physically, when we get proper sleep, our bodies are rejuvenated and energized to get through the next day. Sleep gives our muscles a break and let them rebuild. Lack of sleep leaves our bodies feeling heavy, stiff, and fatigued.

Getting enough sleep allows our emotional health to remain stable. Because we’re tired mentally and physically the way we begin to process the days course is off. The smallest detour in the day may cause you to lash out, have a breakdown, and the snowball would just keep rolling.

Our productivity when we get sleep in increased. Having the energy to complete tasks, maneuver all the balls we juggle, and have the ability to prioritize is because the sleep has allowed our mind and body to recharge.Self Care: Personal Goal Setting

How to Create A Sleep routine

A sleep routine or nighttime routine is important because you need to unwind and unpack the days events. It’s sort of sealing or capping off the day so it does’t carry over into the next. Not having a routine will allow the days to run over and you still won’t rest at night.

Having a sleep or nighttime routine doesn’t have to take long, its time set aside to get you prepared for the next day, let go of what was today, and keeps your wellness in check.

The first thing is to pick a time to get started. The easiest way to get started is by tidying up the house and making sure its ready for the next day. This not only physically sets you up for success in the morning, but it puts your mental in a space of resetting. It may change or adjust as you become comfortable or life happen. Of course its going to vary depending on your career, if you have a family, and the days events.

Next in creating a sleep or night routine is logging off. That means checking emails, social media, playing your favorite games, and yes even watching the news. You don’t want the last thing you see or hear to be something that is going to interrupt you mental space when lying down to sleep.

In addition to logging off make sure you have written down or looked over your to do list or appointments for the next day. You know where you have to be and when. This one in particular is important for me because I can then create an outfit in my head for work or even get it out.

Of course a sleep or nighttime routine isn’ t complete without a shower or bath to wash the day down the drain. Take your time as this may be the only moment to yourself you have all day. Do your skincare routine and prep your hair for the next day. When we look good, we feel good, and present our best selves.

Lastly make it a point to get in the bed around the same time every night. When you do, don’t sit up and watch television. Decide to journal or read for 30 minutes. Listen to some soft music or read a devotional, my favorite.

Creating a routine puts our mental and a physical in clear headspace that set us up for productivity the next day. Most of the time we are so drained that we are in a rush, making decisions that aren’t thought out, and leads to stress and breakdown.

A self care sleep routine is important for everyone no matter what you’re doing, where you’re going, and what you have.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Self Care Mental Health Tips

There are many factors that play into the downfall of our mental and emotional health. There are some self care mental health tips that could help you along the way. The following is 4 practices we do that gives away our power and strength. With consistency and habit we can stop doing to help our mental health.

Stop Explaining Yourself

This is my biggest pet peeve when I see adult women specifically explain themselves. Crushing themselves trying to explain what they doing, where they going, why they chose to go left instead of right, and anything else. It’s even worse when they begin explaining without anyone even asking. Which that’s the first sign of someone not being confident in who they are. To be honest even if someone asked you, you still don’t owe anyone an explanation. If how you move about your life needs to be explained then they’re not on your level. The decisions you make for you and your family is no one else’s business as long as it doesn’t effect them.

Wasting Your Time Staying Angry

They were never lying when they said it takes a lot of energy to get angry, and most importantly stay angry. It takes so much emotional energy to stay angry. Trying to stay angry we use all our gas plus others around us. Let’s just say when a wife gets mad at her husband the entire mood in the house shifts until she starts talking to him again. Even the kids start walking around on egg shells. You waste time that could be spent doing something productive. Not to mention, when you stay that angry for some time you begin to lose sleep. At this point every thing including your physical body and beautiful face begin to suffer. It just isn’t worth it. Remember they hurt you once, don’t let them keep hurting you by staying angry. That would be giving away too much power.

Living Your Life for Others

When we allow others to influence our decisions we have given them the keys to drive our life. Letting someone tell you “you’re not ready”, “I don’t think that’s a good idea”, or “don’t you think you should wait a while“ are people that you need to keep at arms length. Those are all manipulative, controlling, and selfish ways people get you to do what they want you to do. Be confident in your journey to know what’s best for you and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Making decisions to please others leaves you as the only one suffering. No matter what you try to do nothing is going to make you happy until you live for you. Daily Self Care Habits To Boost Your Mental Health

Staying in a One Sided Relationship

Having hopes and expectation for someone will get us every time. Also knowing the potential a person could have is the most common reason we constantly give so many chances to those who don’t deserve it. It’s true, when people show you who they are believe them. If the relationship makes you question who you are, what you do, or you always seem to be in a confused state then its time to leave. Our relationships should inspire us to be better people. We should feel so much love and support that we have to constantly give it away to others. With no respect, trust, or communication you’re wasting your time. This goes for our romantic relationship as well as our friendships.

These are simple self care mental health practices that will save us heartache in our daily lives. The amount time spent worrying if someone understands us, feel we care, or sparing their feelings only wastes our time and drain our mental and emotional tank on empty.

They aren’t worth it.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!

So today is my birthday and for the first time since I was a teenager I am speaking out about it. My typical attitude towards my birthday was to not say anything or even attempt to celebrate it. I’ve never been one of those that begin the week before reminding everyone its my birthday and to plan a week long festivities. When people would ask what you want for your birthday I would blow it off and not even acknowledge they are trying to acknowledge me.

I’ve always chosen to keep my birthday for me. I’ve used my birthday as a day to be with myself mostly mentally and emotionally to kind of reflect and use it as a day to set goals.

Last year I made the decision by my next birthday I was going to be in a better place, mentally and emotionally, and would have made progress in living in who I truly wanted to be. I began speaking aloud what I wanted to accomplish by this year’s birthday and what do you know, I’ve made huge milestones. To be perfectly honest with you guys that is the best gift in the world.

Most importantly I began being truly honest to myself in how I was feeling about my professional 8-5 career and what I wanted it to look like. I always had this vision in my mind and in my heart for years but never nurtured it. Once I began to nurture who I was on the inside I was feeling lighter and lighter as the days went on and feeling more free. Each step of the way I became more confident, encouraged, and motivated to continue on my journey of living the life that had been stifled inside of me.

I noticed I began saying more often “by the time I’m 40” I am going to be here, doing this, and have this accomplished. No I’m not 40, I turned 39 today, and yes I’m proud to say my age, but the goals I set for my 40th I know I’m on the right path.

I say all of this to say if you’re one that gets down because your birthday is coming celebrate yourself and how far you’ve come. It’s your day and you get to spend it however you like. It’s never too late to hit the reset button. You can change the course of your life’s direction and be happy. Just because it’s what you’ve always done or the safest doesn’t mean its the best or right thing for you.

Finally it doesn’t have to be your birthday for you to celebrate yourself or reflect. You can do it every day and don’t feel guilty about it.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Self Care: Hobbies and Activities

We all have that one thing that makes us smile, calms us when we are angry, and won’t get tired doing. It could be collecting something, sewing or knitting, or having a hobby like drawing or gardening.

Well for me my “thing” is makeup. I can sit and watch video after video on makeup tutorials. I can wonder the aisles of the store for hours examining the shade range, packaging, scent, names of products, and anything in between.

For me though it isn’t about the makeup itself, it’s about the action of purchasing it, taking it home, and trying it out in many different ways to see how I look. The look or outcome of the makeup is always beautiful but thats when I lose my enjoyment. I enjoy the application process of it. It’s something about me blending foundation, applying mascara, and putting on lipstick that makes me feel good. The thought that I’m taking the time to enhance my beauty or see how different I would look with certain products is liberating, fulfilling, and makes me smile on the inside.

What’s your thing? Don’t ever be afraid to tell someone what your pass time is. That is what makes you unique. That is your gift. Something you are great at, constantly find ways to get better , educate yourself on, and never get tired doing that is you.

Most of the time we don’t realize our “thing” is what we need to tap into to fulfill ourselves.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Handle Your Business…Get Your Finances Together

The older I get and as I approach a age milestone the importance of handling my business is more important to me than ever before. Now when I say handle my business its making sure the non tangibles are in tact.

It pains me to see so many people focused on what others are doing on social media, what they are wearing, where they are going, and twisting themselves into a pretzel trying to keep up. The more you focus on someone’s filtered life on social media the less time you are spending making sure your ish is together.

The first step in handling your business is managing your finances. Get a calendar book or journal and write stuff down. You need to know what your monthly expenses are, how much is going in and how much is going out. The more organized you are the more successful you can be in managing and saving your money. Money Jar Saving Method for easy saving

What are the due dates on your bills? Are your bills spaced out enough through the month according to your paydays? Did you know you can request a different due date on certain bills? Changing your due date on certain bills will allow you to effectively manage your income and stay in control.

Another way to handle your business is to stop overspending. Before you buy something ask yourself if its a want or need. Take a look in your closet and around your house and you’ll see how much money is sitting there wasted. I bet there are clothes and shoes that you’ve purchase but haven’t worn in a while or still have the tags on them. When you look around the house do you see stuff just sitting there collecting dust?

Along with overspending, save yourself time and money by paying things off. Instead of paying the minimum pay a little extra. If you’re minimum payment is $27, go ahead and give a solid $30. You are saving money and paying interest down and that bill will be paid off quicker. You can also save money by paying in full. So often we choose to pay in installments, however if you look at your statements on many of your bills there are installment fees.

I know some of this may be easier said than done. But start somewhere and start small. One of the main reasons we become overwhelmed, depressed, and lose ourselves often times begin with a financial situation and things just spiral after that.

You don’t have to be rich to live a rich life.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.