Loving You

Some Favorite Summer Salads

June 21, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Over the years I have been looking for healthier recipes to enjoy as either a side or entree. Here are a few recipes that I have enjoyed, especially during the summer months.

Deconstructed Guacamole Salad

I found this recipe when I was looking for something to make with ripe avocados. I didn’t want to do my usual quick-prep of cutting them up and adding to my basic salad. I love guacamole so when I found this recipe I was thrilled and gave it a try.

I loved how refreshing and satisfying it was by itself. I baked some pita chips and used them for some crunch with the salad.

For an alternative recipe I would add some red onion to kick it up a bit.

Click here for the original recipe.

Strawberry, Almond and Spinach Salad

I found this fabulous recipe on the Taste of Home website. Since strawberries aren’t always in season, I used dried strawberries and pre-sliced almonds over my spinach. I used the oil and vinegar but I didn’t add any of the sugar. I thought the strawberries were sweet enough.

Click here for the original recipe.

Balela Salad

I found this recipe as I was looking for vegetarian options to decrease my meat consumption. I figured the chickpeas and black beans would be a great substitute. The first time that I tired this I fell in love with it. It is so great that I have never needed to change or alter it. I felt very satisfied after eating it.

Click here for the original recipe.

Filed Under: Adventures, Culinary Tagged With: adventure, choices, Culinary, Green, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, salad

For the Love of My Hands

February 5, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

The winter months can be hard on the skin. However, I find my hands and cuticles take the biggest beating. One day of not following my routine and my hands go from healthy to dry and cracked.

I have several products that I have fallen in love with that assist me with keeping my hands looking healthy throughout the winter.

Burt’s Bee Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

One of the toughest area on my hand to keep healthy during the winter are my cuticles. For years I have tried numerous products claiming to help keep them soft with little success. Then I discovered my holy grail, Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (Approximately $7.00) I stumbled upon it in a sample set at Walmart when I was looking for a new hand cream. The first time I tried it I felt a difference in my cuticles. Within a week, they were no longer dry and tough to manage. The best part was my cuticles weren’t cracking anymore. If you have ever had this happen, it can be painful and a bit bloody. Once my cuticle split, it took weeks to get it back into shape. As long as I keep using this product on a regular basis, I no longer have this issue. On a side note: the cream smells great, is made from 100% natural products and is cruelty-free.

Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer

I stumbled upon this product by accident while in Ulta (Approximately $15.00). I am always looking for new creams to help keep my hands from drying out and cracking in the winter. I tried it out in the store and held onto the bottle while I wandered around the store. It made my hands feel soft without getting them all greasy. I loved the smell but I wasn’t sure about the price tag that came with it. I decided to splurge and invest in it.

I was hoping that it would make my hands look and feel as great without a greasy residue. The results were amazing. I used a small amount everyday and my hands are soft. This product did not leave a greasy film on my hands. It absorbed right into the skin. I found that if I use it on a regular basis, I only need a small amount to keep my hands looking and feeling great.

Moisturizing Gloves

My next favorite tools for my hands is the Moisturizing Gloves. I purchased mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond (Approximately $7.00). I use these when I want to add a bit more moisturizer to hand, like after a day of hiking in colder temperatures. I will add more than the usual dollop of moisturizer on my hands and place them into the gloves. I then attempt to sit quietly as my hands soak up the extra lotion. To help I will put my feet in their spa socks and a moisturizing mask on my face. I will do this about once or twice a month, unless I have gone camping or hiking. Then I may do it a few more times.

Especially during the colder months, I have to stick to my routine if I want to keep my hands happy and healthy.

What products work for you? Please share your experiences and preferred moisturizers below in the comment section.

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: Girl, Girls, hands, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, winter, Woman, Women

2016 – A Year That Didn’t Go As Planned

December 24, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

In the beginning of 2016 I was hopeful. I was working at UPS temporarily as a pre-loader but 2016 was going to be the year I found my dream job and got married.

At the end of January I had caught a cold that was making its way around the hub. That last week I struggled to keep up with loading the trucks properly. Those weeks taught me to appreciate UPS workers and how they bust their butts. The first week of February is when I fainted on Dave and my world turned upside down. All my plans for the year went out the window. It was severely anemic from uterine blood loss.

I no longer could dance, run around the neighborhood or hit the gym (which I joined to stay fit for the wedding…lol). I discovered that I had fibroids in my uterine wall and it had to be removed. Since our wedding date was set for April, it was discussed and determined by my fabulous Doctor that we would have to wait until after the wedding for surgery. There simply wasn’t enough time between to get me on the schedule and have enough time to recover.

Not wanting to push the wedding off yet again, Dave and I agreed with the plan. I quietly waited at home while my body fought me every step of the way. I can’t tell you how many times Doc had to change my medication just to get it to stop bleeding.

On April 24^th surrounded by a small group of family and friends, Dave and I finally got married. As planned, we kept it simple and it was a beautiful day.

Our wedding bliss was short lived when I fainted yet again a few days later. That is when Doc’s team and Dave’s HR manager worked overtime to get me on Dave’s insurance. The effort it took to push the paperwork thru and then schedule my operation was amazing. I am forever grateful for everyone who helped out.

June 7^th I entered the Newton Medical Center for my hysterectomy. The procedure went smooth and I spent three days in the maternity ward. What a fabulous group of women. I was blessed to have the team that I had to help me while I was there. I was given a lot of pointers and a Giggle Pillow to help with minimizing the pain.

By the end of August I was back up and running. A little slow but I was moving again. I was back to dancing and hiking. I wasn’t winded just walking into the grocery store. It was amazing.

Now you may be wondering about the dream job? I did join a fabulous team (North Porch – Women and Infants’ Centers) as their Program Director.

I have reflected on this past year and what I learned. First, all the best plans in life can change in a moment so enjoy everything whether it’s planned or not.

Second, to be gentle with myself. Over the past year I wondered if I had done this, would I have caught this sooner and not have to hit the critical stage I hit. I also gained weight as I went from active to sitting all the time. I am looking to loose some of it but have to realize that my body changed in a big way and things I did in the past might not work as well.

Third, kind of goes with number two, eat better. Since I wasn’t feeling good I relied on crackers and bread for many meals. I need to cut back all of that so I can become a healthier me. I won’t give up everything but I will be looking to eat cleaner, less processed foods. I have a lot I want to do next year and I want to run circles around 2017.

Here’s to the next adventures in life!

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures, Be True To You! Tagged With: 2016, 2017, adventure, choices, Determination, dream, dreams, Emergency, employment, Goals, grateful, Health, healthy, Husband, Job, Jobs, journey, Love, Love Yourself, Loving You, Medical, Planned, Sidelined, Unhealthy, Unplanned, Wife, Woman, Women

DIY – Lip Scrub

June 14, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

My lips have always been dry. To say I have spent a small fortune on lip products would be an understatement.

When I was younger, to get my lips soft and smooth I always had to scrub them with a rough face cloth and apply lots of lip balm. I didn’t wear dark lip colors in of fear my dry cracked lips underneath would show.

About 15 years ago, I was introduced to my first lip scrub by Mary Kay. Although it worked wonders, I didn’t like the feel or smell of the chemicals that came along with it. I kept using it, however, I started looking for a more natural options.

Throughout my journey I have found several scrubs including my find from last year at Lush. Many of the scrubs I tried were either expensive, dry or difficult to use. Still not happy I researched DIY sites and found numerous recipes for a lip scrub recipe that I could adapt my preference. Below is the recipe that I tweaked from several recipes I found online.

DIY Lip Scrub

Approximately 2 tablespoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of agave nectar (Honey can also be used)
1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil – Add or subtract the amount of Olive Oil to create the lip scrub to your preference

Simply mix it in a small bowl
Apply to your lips gently massaging in a circular motion
Rinse with warm water and pat dry
Apply Lip Balm

Alternative Flavoring: To add a little flavor, you can add extracts used in cooking/baking. I have used a little vanilla extract which makes it taste a little like you are smearing a sugar cookie around your lips.

Lip Balms

I have been through many phases with my lip balms over the years. I used to use Blistex Medex and Chap Stick. Today I only use Burts Bee Lip Care products. During the winter I love the Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter or Medicated Lip Balm. For everyday use I use Beeswax or Honey Lip Balm.

I use them alone or before I apply my lip color of the day. Burts Bee also makes great lip sticks that provide moisture and color at the same time.

Filed Under: A Little of This Tagged With: DIY, Do It Yourself, Homemade, journey, Lip, Lip Balm, Lip Scrub, Lips, Loving You, Natural

Listen to Your Body

March 11, 2016 by originalcyn 1 Comment

A few years ago, my body was sending me subtle messages that something was wrong with it. When I asked my doctors about my unusually heavy monthly bleeding, it was chalked up to be stress related. I accepted that for many years because I thought that the doctors knew best.

In 2014 I developed a bad habit of eating ice. I thought it was just stress related as my Mom was sick in the hospital. It wasn’t until the habit got worse in 2015 did I do the research. Not only was I damaging my teeth but the craving and eating ice is a symptom of anemia. Without health insurance I felt like I had nowhere to turn so I attempted to deal with this myself by eating more iron rich foods.

By the end of the summer of 2015 my energy was dwindling when friendly advise sent me to give blood at the Red Cross. Why? The first thing they do is to test your hemoglobin to make sure you are a healthy candidate for giving blood. With a simple prick of my finger, I learned that I was on the verge of becoming severely anemic (For information on hemoglobin levels by the Red Cross, Click Here) . I started taking iron supplements and eating more iron rich foods.

I started to feel a bit better and thought I had this under control. In September I went to an OB/GYN for a follow up and asked about anemia and how it could be related to my heavy monthly visitor. Again, I was told that it was just stress. It was also recommended that I find ways to relieve the stress.

By late October, I stopped teaching belly dancing and was finding it difficult to hike with my backpack group. I was getting drained quickly. I tried more vitamins and eating better. At the end of November I took a holiday position loading box trucks. I thought regular exercise and proper eating would help me feel better, more energetic. By the end of January, I was sick and exhausted. I thought I had caught was going around work, it was just a head cold and it would pass in a week.

On Feb 2, I passed out on my kitchen floor. When I came to I was disoriented with fuzzy vision. Dave (my hubby-to-be) called 911 and an ambulance was sent.

My hemoglobin was 8.1 when I was admitted so they scheduled me for a blood transfusion. I also underwent a battery of tests to find the underlying reason I was seriously iron deficient. The OB/GYN on duty found a fibrous mass in my uterus, which was the cause for the heavy bleeding as well as enlarging my uterus. In nearly five years, she was the first person to give me a medical reason other than stress for all of this.

To regain my life’s activities, I had to take a seat and rest with little activity, take the right iron supplement (yes, there are different kinds) and hormonal medications to reduce the bleeding as well as eat healthier. It has been a struggle to set aside my favorite activities such as dancing, hiking and exercising. Even walking around the stores can be a struggle some days.

The good news is I know what is wrong and am working with my doctor to find the best plan to recovery as quickly as possible. I just can’t help but ask – what if the previous doctors had figured this out a few years ago? Would they be following the same course of action to clear up the underlying problem?

Unfortunately, my experience has been that many doctors treat the symptoms without truly knowing the underlying cause. Sometimes they are lucky and the person gets better. However, as in my case, things became worse.

Moral of the story:

If you think there is something wrong that your doctor is not addressing, please seek a second or third opinion. I can’t help but to think how much easier I would have it if only I had pushed the issue when I first started seeing the signs.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Be True To You!, Various Tagged With: choices, dance, dancing, Doctors, exercise, fitness, Health, healthcare, healthy, lifestyle, Love Yourself, Loving You, stress, unheathly, Woman, Women

My Hair Care Journey

January 17, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Day 1 after I dyed my hair red

The OMG Dye Job

In March of 2010 I decided that I was going to head to the salon and dye my hair red. With naturally dark brown hair, this was going to be a several step process including stripping the color from my hair and applying the final hair color. I choose a deep burgundy color from the swatches and my stylist sprang into action.

Almost 4 hours later and a first botched color attempt along with a second color attempt, my hair was red and had been through the ringer. Although the products used were suppose to be good for my hair, I was left with dry, lifeless hair. It was then that I decided to take better care of my hair.

Two years after my dye job, I still have remnants at the bottom of my hair.

Growing out the dye job was going to be first priority. My thick, curly hair this took several years. By the time the last of it had grown out, the ends were a very faded to almost strawberry blonde.

My Hair Care Product Quest

My next step was to research natural and organic hair products looking for something that would help my hair be healthy again.I looked a many products and read their reviews. Some people had success with them but for those with my hair type, I saw many negative reviews.

The first product I found was at my salon was Davines hair products. I used Love Smoothing Shampoo an Conditioner. These products were made with natural ingredients for a sustainable beauty. From the moment I used it, I noticed a difference in my hair. I was ecstatic with the little progress I made to getting back to healthier hair. It was short lived because the salon created their own version of this and stopped carrying Davines products. I tried the salon shampoo once, it didn’t live up to its Davines counterpart.

For a while I purchased my hair care products online, but the shipping was starting to get a bit much.

So I started up my research for a locally carried hair care line that was naturally made. I discovered John Masters was sold at at a few local salons and health food stores in the area. The more reviews I read, the more I wanted to try it. I also noticed that celebrities whose hair I loved were using his products too – Added bonus.

I purchased the evening primrose shampoo for dry hair and lavender & avocado intensive conditioner. I loved the way they smelled but more importantly, I loved the way my hair felt after using them. Over the years, I have also changed up to Organic Miracles Tough Enough shampoo and conditioner.

Changing the Hair Styling Routine

A change to my regular routine was to incorporated the citrus & neroli detangler into my hair care routine. I would apply it and use a wide tooth comb to gently work out any knots I created while washing and conditioning my hair.

I stopped using the blow dryer. I allow my hair to dry naturally, however I still use my flatiron so that I have long straight hair. I typically keep the temperature down and keep it in motion while on the hair. Once the initial straightening occurs, I will only use the straightener for touch ups.

I added one more step for night time, I gently roll my hair into a bun on top of my head using a scrunchy. This serves two purposes: one, I don’t roll over on it and two it protects the hair from tangling up as I toss and turn.

My New Salon

A lesson that I learned in this craziness for healthier hair was I needed a salon and stylist who shared the same vision for my hair as I did. My search lead me to Salon Fig in Newton. When I first went, they were a small store tucked away but what a gem. From the first moment I stepped in, I felt like I had found somewhere that wanted the best for me and my hair. I know it sound silly but I loved the place. They helped pick the best hair care products to assist me achieve my end goal.

Unlike my expectations, I didn’t pay more for fabulous service and a great style. They are reasonably priced. I also learned that if I ever wanted to venture into the world of hair color, they have a natural product that won’t damage the hair.

My End Game

New Year’s Eve 2015 – five years after starting my hair care journey

Today, I have beautiful, long, healthy hair that I am very proud of. Since starting this journey, my routine hasn’t changed much.

My advice for those looking to do the same is:

Research hair care products that will bring out the best in your hair
Find a salon and hair stylist who gets your goal and will work with you to achieve it
Learn everything you can about how to best style your hair to reduce the amount of damage you cause

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: adventure, Girl, Girls, Hair, Hair Care, Hair Products, healthy, Heathly Hair, journey, Long Hair, Love Yourself, Loving You, Woman, Women

Spiced Tea for Pain Free

March 22, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

This week I tried a spiced tea that is suppose to work as an anti-inflammatory. The recipe called for cardamon pods, ginger and cinnamon. Since I was unable to locate cardamon pods, I have been using cardamon seeds. I also used ground ginger and cinnamon since I didn’t have any fresh when I attempted this the first time.

The original recipe can be found at Secretly Healthy. It also calls for honey if you wanted to sweeten it up.

This tea was refreshingly different from just having herbal teas. It reminded me of Indian and Thai teas that you would get at the restaurants. I did feel better after drinking it. The combination of spices were not only tasty but had healthy benefits as well.

Below is what I did to create this yummy spiced tea. I also double the batch so that I wouldn’t have extra for future consumption.

My Version of the Recipe

4 cups of water

1 teaspoon of cardamon seeds

1 teaspoon of powder ginger (using fresh is better but in a pinch the powder also works)

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

4 black tea bags (I used Red Rose)

2 cups of Almond Milk Unsweetened

Boil the water and spices for 8-10 minutes. Add the tea bags and continue to boil for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond milk. Strain the liquid as you are serving or putting away as the seeds are still in the mixture. I used a yogurt strainer which works well.

I didn’t add the honey as I am attempting to reduce sugar from my daily diet.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Culinary Tagged With: Culinary, food, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, spiced tea

Stop the Body Shaming

March 7, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

As someone who struggle with body image, I was forced to look at myself again when a size 12 model (who is gorgeous) was called Sport Illustrated first plus size model. Was it SI that called her that or was it the media? Who made the determination that she was a plus size? Why did she need a classification at all? Wasn’t her beauty enough? After all she was in SI’s swimsuit edition.

As a size 10/12, I looked at myself and wondered, “Am I really a plus size?”

Well according to many fashion and fitness organizations, I am. My journey to love me has been a constant struggle all my life because my mind has given into the beautiful ideal that I think I should fit into. I watched the actresses, models and fitness gurus and wondered why I could look like that? The answer is simple: I wasn’t built like them and I am not suppose to be them. I am suppose who I am!

So then why is there a constant need for the media to show us unrealistic images of women and say that this is the norm? Who has flawless skin? No one does. Who has the perfect body? No one does. So why is it that the industries think that a size nothing is the ideal of beauty.

So what is the “perfect” body? I say, there is none. Its a mythical ideal that industries have used against women for many years. Or you could say, they all are. I have friends of all shapes and sizes and I think they are all beautiful! In my late thirties is when I decided to learn to love me and my body. I admit, it has been a struggle. I still compare myself to the unrealistic ideal and wonder whether or not I was good enough.

Still, this story had me looking around for what was the average size of American women so I could see I compared. I found that most articles and studies agreed that the average size of women in the US is size 12 or 14. So why is the average considered plus size or obese? Why is it that we average women are shamed into thinking that we should be skinnier, prettier and flawless?

I know that no matter how much I work out or how much I diet, I will NEVER be anything less than a size 10/12. I know, I tried it and I was miserable and sick. I have learned how to cleaner and less processed foods but I don’t deny myself the foods that I love. My exercise of choice is belly dancing at least three to four times a week. I am learning to enjoy my life and living it to the fullest.

I say we stop women and girls from shaming ourselves into disliking or even hating who we are based on unrealistic ideals. We should base our lives on who we are, what we do for those around us and how we feel?

Shouldn’t we be kind to us and love ourselves with all of our glorious flaws? Shouldn’t we be teaching the next generation of girls and women all everything it took many of us years to figure out.

I think it is time that we stand up to the media, fashion and fitness and say, “ENOUGH! I love who I am and I won’t try to be something I am not, nor ever will be.”

Filed Under: Be True To You! Tagged With: Bathing Suits, Bikini, Body Shaming, Girl, Girls, Love Yourself, Loving You, Woman, Women

Join Me on My Journey

Some Favorite Summer Salads