Tag: blogging

DIY Cucumber Lemon Water GREAT REFRESHER

So we know how important it is to drink water throughout the day as well as the benefits of drinking the proper amount of water daily. Try this recipe for DIY cucumber lemon water. However, there are many of us who don’t like the taste of water, which can discourage us from drinking it.

Cucumber Lemon Water

Yes, there are many options available for flavoring our water on the store shelves. On the other hand, I’ve found making a gallon of cucumber lemon water is much more refreshing. Not to mention, the natural and healthy nutritional benefits of having cucumber and lemon in your water. And because it’s a DIY cucumber lemon water recipe its going to be served and enjoyed with love.

Benefits Of LemonsBenefits Of Cucumbers
Good Source of Vitamin CAntioxidant Rich
Flavor Promotes HydrationExcellent Source of Hydration
Improves Health of SkinHigh in Vitamin K-Aids in Bones Health
Aids in DigestionPotassium Aids in Blood Pressure
Helps With Weight Control Aids In Skin Health
Healthy Benefits

The recipe is simple, little to no prep time, and very inexpensive.
To make a gallon of cucumber lemon water you’ll need the following:

-1 Gallon of Water
-Pitcher
-1 Cucumeber
-2 Lemons

Preparations

Thinly slice the cucumber and lemon. Place both the cucumber and lemons into the bottom of the pitcher. Pour your gallon of water into the pitcher with the cucumber and lemons. You can give it a little stir to mix everything together, but it isn’t necessary.

Next, you can refrigerate for about an hour to cool or fill pitcher with ice if you’re needing to serve right away. The longer you allow the ingredients to penetrate the water the more flavorful it will be.

Cucumber Lemon Water

If you don’t want to make a full pitcher, a glass of ice water recipe calls for:
*2 Slices of Lemon
*3 Slices of Cucumber

Please note: This is how I like my cucumber lemon water. You may increase some ingredients or decrease some depending on your taste buds.

This is a great refresher if you don’t like the taste of water, if you plan on entertaining and would like a spin on plain water, great of course in the summer, and if you need a detox at the beginning of the year to start your fitness journey.

I first tasted this flavor of water three years ago at a Hotel in July while we were on vacation. Every time we walked into the lobby we couldn’t wait to stop at the cooler and get a cup, and I’ve been hooked ever since then. When I drink cucumber lemon water I can’t stop and therefore my body thanks me. For example, whenever I feel like I need to cleanse or dehydrated I spend the weekend drinking this mixture and by Sunday I can literally see the difference in my body, energy, and skin.DIY…Starbucks Medicine Ball

To sum this all up, this is a healthy way to get in the proper amount of water. Please give it a try and let me know how you enjoyed this all natural refresher.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Create Plans, Systems, and Habits For The New Year

It’s that time of year where people are talking about their new year’s resolutions. Instead of resolutions create plans, systems, and habits for the new year. I’ve never like this idea or really been able to answer the question “what’s your New Years resolution?”

Instead of a New Years resolution I think its more important and/or effective to create a lifestyle with systems and daily habits. Have a plan for your life in year. Break that plan down into half year goals, seasonal or quarterly goals, and then monthly goals. If needed you can even break it down into weekly goals until it has become habit. Setting goals, making plans, and listing somethings you’d like to accomplish in a year is more realistic and obtainable.

So often when we set resolutions they barely last a month or even a week sometimes. That’s because it hasn’t been thoroughly thought out, made with intention, and done at the spare of the moment.

Before creating a system or change you must ask yourself what is my end goal here? How long will it take me to reach my end game? What do I need in the process? If I have to make a detour what is my course of action to get back on track? What do I need to put into place to begin? What are the steps of this goal?

To make anything sustainable we have to be patient, persistent, and consistent. Yes there will be road blocks but we will overcome them. The systems set by our daily habits will allow us to get back into to gear when something happens. Life is going to continue but its how we push through that makes us strong.When we push through obstacles that gives us the confidence and motivation to continue on with our goals. Now we won’t give up or lose sight on what we sought out to achieve.

When you have an outline of your goal you’re able to track progress. You can adjust the goal if necessary. Increase or decrease your course of action, add or delete some steps in the process, and have a visual.

For example, if you have a weight loss goal, make a plan to lose 5lbs in the first month or two. Because you have a goal you know you have to eat a balanced diet and exercise to achieve that goal. Look at your work week, schedule of things to do with the kids or family in the week, and figure when it will be best to work out for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week. Anyone can say “I want to get fit” but what does that mean without a plan and goals behind it.

Along with setting goals and creating an action plan, having a system in place will assist you in achieving the goals you want. Having systems in place with daily habits that are pushing you toward your goal allows you to remain present in the moment. The systems of daily habits become the lifestyle change you are striving for. You can’t have one without the other. Create plans, systems, and habits to set you up for success this year.

Back to the weight loss example, you will need a system of when and how often I need to go to the grocery store to ensure I have what I need before, during, and after workout. Along with what will my daily meals and snacks look like. Waking up to making sure you don’t skip breakfast is a great daily habit to begin with. What am I going to have for lunch, what is my snack for the day, or what is the plan for dinner.

No matter what it is, you want to accomplish, create a plan for it. Vacation, remodeling the home, purchasing a new car, or whatever make an intentional plan. I know it may seem like a lot or it can be overwhelming in the beginning but once it becomes habit and who you are it won’t phase you one bit. Living the life you envisioned, deserve, and sought for is the best reward.

We have to make it a lifestyle and part of who we are. It has to be about us, for us, and by us otherwise it’s just empty words of hopes of what we’d like to do and accomplish.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Dear 2020,

It’s been real. It’s been a drama for sure. You showed us how not to make plans and be too sure about anything. So many of us had plans for you, 2020. It was going to be the year of wealth, health, new businesses , relationships, weddings, milestones, and new beginnings. Obviously you had other plans for us.

I don’t know what your point of all this was, to turn our lives upside down and inside out but you will not WIN!!!!!! We’ve had time to think, meditate, and reflect about what we want and value in life. Can you say hindsight 2020? And we thank you for giving us this time. We thank you for the heart ache, pain, devastation, unknown, and keeping us on the edge of our seats.

You keeping us on the edge of our seats has lit a fire under us. We know family and spending quality time with them is important. We know how important self care is and what we need, to be the best version of ourselves. We’ve found our passions and are ready to put our plans into actions.

We are focused, determined, and ready for you to leave. If you look around and see how excited we were to be in the season of joy, giving, love, and laughter. We began decorating, some of us even earlier than before. We’ve began celebrating and getting in the spirit of new beginnings.

You’ve taught us how to be resilient, patient, and present in the moment. Yes, we were guilty for living in our phones twenty four seven. Yes, we were guilty in believing working until you put yourself in the hospital was a sign of success. Yes, we were guilty in not spending quality time with family and creating memories. But we’re back baby. Better, stronger, wiser, and more ready than ever.

Dear 2020, you came in with a force and hasn’t stopped. As a matter of fact even at the end you are still trying to have a hold on us. But we’ve caught on and we aren’t going to let you ruin this last leg of the race.

Goodbye 👋 2020. You are no longer wanted here. We’ve had enough and ready for 2021, refresh, and new start. Thanks for stopping by and don’t come back!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

SELF CARE: WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION

Why do you practice self care and what’s your motivation? That is a great question for all of us to answer. Of course, self care is for you. But what motivates you to get up and make yourself feel good, other than yourself?

My daughter who is going to be someone’s wife one day, someone’s mother one day, and a boss some day.

My sons who are going to be someone’s husband one day, a father one day, and role model to many.

My mother who didn’t have the ability to self care and live the life the she wanted.

My father who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

My grandmother who sacrificed for us all.

My Grandfather who is the head of the family.

My brothers, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and coworkers who I share energy with.

Yes self care is for us. However, we must do what is necessary to we are whole. We need to be our best self to offer to family and friends.

However, there are many who benefit from our self care. We are setting an example to our children. While we’re having the courage to take a break and do something that makes us happy, we are inspiring and encouraging others to do the same.

Even, that one person who seems to have it all together is still watching. The one person who you think is judgmental and doesn’t like you is watching and learning from you.

We represent more than ourselves. When we step out we represent our parents, grandparents, spouses, and children.

When one of us is not good it effects the rest of us. If we all are making deposits there is an abundance. However, if everyone is withdrawing we all are depleted.

Who do you self care for? Who do you hope to inspire? What expample do you want to show?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Your Prayers Were Answered The First Time

Have you ever prayed for something and felt like you’ve been waiting for a while or it was never answered? Because we humans are emotional creatures, many times our prayers have been answered but we’re too in our head to realize it.

This lightbulb just went off for me recently. For many years I constantly said to myself and others I didn’t want a 9-5, Monday thru Friday job. The thought of doing the same thing over and over again, having no time during the week to handle business, and essentially a weekend that‘s non existent was something I wasn’t interested in.

Welp, I ate those words. Now don’t get me wrong I love being in the professional world, contributing to an office, and using what I’ve learned and went to school for. Balancing books, spreadsheets, financial reports, and budgets makes my heart flutter. However, I had so many other interest I wanted to pursue.

Recently I was honest with myself and husband in saying I no longer wanted to do a 9-5 because I wanted to pursue some other ventures. I knew I could pursue my gifts whilst making sure my family didn’t feel any effects financially.

Pre COVID-19 my attitude and emotions toward my professional job changed. I enjoy what I do, however staying until 5PM was beginning to weigh on me. I began feeling like my time was better suited at home taking care of my kids, husband, home, and personal ventures. Yes, many others would love to sit idle and make “free” money. So often I would tell family and friends I feel unproductive and I’m wasting time by sitting here.

They would respond in telling me that it’s easy, free money. Well I wasn’t happy just sitting there doing nothing knowing deep down my mind was elsewhere. So my happiness and eagerness every morning dwindled as time went on.

Now COVID-19 had come and the world went to a shut down but we continued to work through it. I was given the pleasure to choose what shift I wanted because only one person could be in the office at a time. Well that was a nice gift right there but I couldn’t receive it as a gift at that time. So anyway, I chose the 7am-1pm shift. I am a morning person. I was excited to have time to work, take care of my family, home and still have time to pursue what I wanted.

I fell in love with this shift and after weeks into the months I couldn’t envision myself going back to a nine hour day. I remember standing in my kitchen telling my husband I would love to stay on this shift because I was seeing my vision for the life I wanted to live begin to form.

God Heard You the First Time

Well literally God answered my prayers with in a week. My boss came to me with a proposition of remaining part time on my shift so he can bring back an old friend full time. When he approached me I felt insulted and unappreciated because he used the fact that I valued being a mom to get what he wanted. All the while it was what I wanted as well. Because it was packaged in old wrinkly wrapping paper with no bow I didn’t realize the amazing gift that was being handed to me.

Needless to say I felt every emotion. How dare he to proposition me like that. Mind you I just told my husband I wanted to stay on this shift of 7-1. So I reluctantly agreed and instantly went into my feelings.

I was angry that I was doing a full time job on part time hours. While the other person enjoy doing nothing. Remember what I said a little while ago, about how being there until 5pm, I felt like I was wasting time.

Eventually duties began getting taken away and they let it be known their preference on who they wanted to handle certain duties. Once again I’m in my feelings y’all. Because these gifts aren’t being wrapped in pretty packaging with bows I wasn’t realizing God was giving me the shift I wanted, taking away duties so I wouldn’t feel like I was doing another person job, and answering my Prayers.

Now school has started and I need to be available before and after school. Well I was once again given the gift of “let me know when you want to come in and what hours you want to work”.

No joke I literally make my schedule and work how many hours I want. At one point I was given a compliment of how I get more work done in 5 hours than a normal person does in 8 hours. I was grateful for the compliment but because these gifts I was “given” was wrapped in old paper I couldn’t fully appreciate it.

Because they would say things like, you’ve got us to a good place but we want her to handle it now, I felt some type of way. Or, you really good at what you do, but she knows how I like things done. Then I got, if you ever want to go back full time let me know because you come first. All the while I was thinking, if I’m your first priority, why are you choosing someone else over me? This was God giving me exactly what I wanted. When I spoke to my husband that day in the kitchen, God heard my cry, and delivered.

God was answering my prayers, while polishing my character and making me stronger. Letting me know, it’s not always going to be pretty. Trust in the Lord and His Will shall be done.

OMG!!! I am blessed and had to look back to see how every prayer was answered. I literally got everything I asked for. I love being a mom and wife, taking care of the house and making sure they have the time, energy, and love they need to succeed. I also love having the ability to pursue my interests and hobbies that makes me, Me. I love being able to work outside the home and provide.

Guys this has taught me to get out my head and get out my feelings because if not I would’ve missed or even lost some blessings. Just because things aren’t answered how we want them to, when we want them to be answered, and who we want God to use doesn’t mean that our prayers isn’t answered.

God hears you the first time. And so it shall be.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

10 Things I’m Thankful For In 2020

-Waking up to the sun shining in my window
-The fact that I get to say I have a job and get to go to work
-After falling ill, my health is in good condition
-We have been without lack of food and water
-I have family and friends that love me
-I get to enjoy going for a walk, blogging, listening to music, and playing in makeup
-Basic necessities; home, car, insurance, working arms and legs, fingers and toes
-Those veggie fajitas I had for dinner
-Kindness of the stranger who paid for our dinner at Applebees and then McDonalds
-Access to the Internet

This year has been EXTRA. As we approach the holiday season, the best time of the year, it is a constant reminder that we’re still in the year of 2020. How we used to gather and celebrate some of us aren’t able to.

Between working from, to the kids doing virtual learning, and the stress of worrying about my husband whose an essential worker its been trying. But I must say we have been BLESSED beyond measure this year.

As I think back when this all started in February and March, we were scared, confused, and trying to process it. For me I have a 14 year old who’s on the spectum and I couldn’t imagine how I was going to get him through virtual learning along with two other children and working from home. But of course with the GRACE of God we did, and everything worked out just fine.

Just me having the ability to work from home was a blessing. But then at the end of March we experienced a terrible hail storm that totaled both of our vehicles. We were on lockdown for real after that. We couldn’t do anything because at the time appraisers weren’t coming out and body shops were closed. I remember going outside everyday looking at my vehicles sweeping up glass in the driveway.

When it happened my husband and I made the decision we weren’t going to panic, stress, or make any spur of the moment decisions. We literally looked at each other and said “well I guess God said we need to sit at home”. We did and enjoyed every minute of it. If this was even a year ago, I would have panicked and stressed myself out so much. But there were circumstances that were out of my control and I just had to let go.

We’ve all been stressed this year, up and down, and waiting on a moment to just breathe a sigh of relief. But even in the midst, there is so much to be thankful and grateful for. I challenge you to look around and point out the countless things you’re grateful for.

It doesn’t have to be huge. It can be that gallon of milk in the fridge, the fact you got to watch your favorite tv show, or you got to clean the garage.

Use this time to express and share gratitude. Instead of worrying about what it used to be, look at how good it is now.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

STRENGTH

Take Your Power Back

S-Seek the “why”. When we are feeling hopeless, down, and in despair so often we can’t put our finger on how we ended up there. But figuring out the why, how, and what will lead us to the beginning of healing. We can’t pick ourselves up until we understand how we got to where we are.

T-Trust your instinct. How many times have we ignored our gut or went with the second choice instead of the first? Don’t let yourself and others talk you out of what you feel is right.

R-Recharge and reenergize yourself. After so long its easy to get into a slump. But find a way to get yourself back up and ready to fight. The more simple the better. A hot shower, nice walk, and a phone call to a friend will put you in a mood to get up and give it another try.

E-Experience every emotion you feel. When we allow ourselves to feel no matter how much it may hurt, we gather so much strength. If we always run we won’t know our actual strength that we possess.

N-Navigate at your own speed. Run your own race. One of our biggest mistakes is allowing others to dictate when we should get over something, do something, feel something, or just be.

G-Grind it out. Nothing in life that is worth having comes easy or free. Put in the time and work needed to achieve your dream or goal. What you put in, is what you’ll get out. Even if you only have an hour or 30 minutes, use that time to do something.

T-Talk yourself out of it. Talk to yourself aloud while doing housework, driving in the car, or working out. This has been a great tool for me. Have a conversation with yourself and think those thoughts through.

H-Hold on to the good. Even in the most difficult times we can learn a lesson or pick up something. For that matter, we can even learn something from the one person that hurt us, pick up the good and leave the rest.

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.

What Self Care Is NOT

  1. Self Care isn’t selfish. Being the best you can be to your loved ones is a gift that benefits everyone.
  2. Self care isn’t a quick fix. It’s consistent daily practices to have a fulfilling life.
  3. Self care isn’t a one and done thing. It’s a lifestyle and some practices may change or have to adjust as you grow through life.
  4. Self care doesn’t erase your problems. It’s your foundation and what you fall back on to get you back on track.
  5. Self care doesn’t mean you aren’t going to get upset or have a bad day. It allows you to overcome, forgive, and move on faster than before.
  6. Self care doesn’t make you perfect. It says “I am human and have emotions that I need to deal with as they come.”
  7. Self care doesn’t mean you aren’t going to break from routine. It gives you experience on knowing how to regroup and get back to you.
  8. Self care doesn’t mean that you are depressed or angry. It’s the act of creating a good mental and emotional space.
  9. Self care isn’t the only thing that is going to make your life better. It’s a prong on your life wheel that you need on your journey.
  10. Self care doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s intentional, thoughtful, and catered to your personal needs.



    RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Self Care IS SETTING PERSONAL GOALS

It can be overwhelming when it comes to setting and maintaining goals. Part of self care is setting personal goals. If we set them too high then its easily discouraging when we hit a bump in the road. For me what I’ve learned and what works for me is to set small goals.That will set me up and motivate me to continue on to my larger goal.

Because I have so many ideas and so much I want to do I figured its best for me to begin setting small goals for myself to keep me on track and organized. What Self Care Is NOT

I’ve been slacking on my water intake and my body, skin, and energy has been telling me to get back to drinking more water. To do so I’ve made sure to have a bottle of water beside the bed so in the morning before I do anything. Also on the drive to dropping off my children and picking them up in the afternoon I make sure I have a bottle of water. Side note: having a bottle of water in the car on the ride to and from school eliminates me wanting to stop at Starbucks.

My next goal for the week was to finish the paper work needed to start a project that I’ve been wanting to do. I’ve researched for the last several months and now its time for me to take the next steps and do the legwork. This goal seems simple yet its going to keep me line and make sure I not get side tracked and jump all over the place, because lets face it that can happen.

Working out is an essential part of my self care. I must workout at least 4-5 days a week. At this point my workout is mostly for my mental sometimes. The ability to clear my head and refocus is the best therapy for me sometimes. Now when I say schedule, no I don’t write it down, but its me staying in my routine. Typically for me I workout maybe three days straight then take a day off and then go another two days. I do a mix of aerobics, strength training, and of course walking.

The last and most important is an ongoing goal, personally, staying positive no matter what. My everyday corporate job can be mentally draining and stressful sometimes, I have three children in elementary, middle, and high school, and helping my mother is quite a feast I have to eat weekly. However, I wouldn’t change a thing. Staying positive, motivated, staying in the moment, releasing my tension when I have to, and not losing myself is my goal.

I love taking care of my family and being able to have my sense of self. It’s something I believe I can handle and have at the same time.

Setting and maintaining goals is something personal to you. Figure out what your ultimate goal is. Write it down. Set small goals to get you to where you want to go. This give a visual and won’t overwhelm you. Some of us can’t set a big goal and stick to it. We get side tracked, and discouraged.

Finally, its ok to not have a big goal like starting a business or writing a book. It can be as simple as drinking more water. Whatever it is that will get you to where you want to be set the goal.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.