Rosacea to Wonder Woman

I was so disgusted with my face. I would get these large hard cyst-like bumps that would take weeks sometimes months for them to go away. Pus or no pus the bumps would always scar. I would console myself with the fact that at least my entire face was no longer flaming red. That was progress, wasn’t it?

It was rosacea, an incurable skin disorder that can be disfiguring (think W.C. Fields with the red bulbous nose) even blinding. I suffered with it for about 20 years but still would not believe the incurable part of this disorder nor was I willing to constantly takes antibiotics or any other medicine long term.

I knew there had to be something, someway to cure this disorder. I prayed for guidance and direction with every flare up. And don’t you know, the flare ups would come at the worst times - any special event when I wanted to look my best. Frustrating to say the least! Feeling beautiful would fly right out the door when someone would ask me, “What’s wrong with your face?” Just what every woman wants to be asked.

Rosacea was a gift to me. Oh I didn’t know that at the time, but it was my body’s way of telling me there was something wrong inside. My body was crying out for help. I knew that I needed help. I just had no idea the kind of help.

I searched the Internet and searched and searched. Lord, please help me! He did. He brought into my life the most beautiful mentor. Georgie taught me so many things about my spirit, about what I needed deep inside. She introduced me to releasing stuck emotions from my body and self-nurture.

Turns out that my face was reacting to old stuck emotions from the problems of my past. Georgie calls it “issues in your tissues”. I certainly did have issues in my tissues. We went to work right away. I was amazed at the results. As the layers began to peel back healing also began to take place. The great part is that she taught me fun, gentle methods to release those issues. It wasn’t grueling psycho therapy kind of stuff.

Right along side of that particular healing method Georgie taught me about self-nurture, which basically was about how to care for myself. Shouldn’t I have known that? One would think so.

“What women need is to learn how to nurture themselves. We need to shower as much loving kindness on ourselves as we habitually shower on loved ones, and even not-so-loved ones. We need to be loved for our fully formed selves, not for our dependent, appeasing selves. And the only way we can have fully formed selves is by granting ourselves the same tenderness and fierce protectiveness we’d otherwise reserve for a beloved child.” ~~ Alice D. Domar, PhD “Self-Nurture”

For the first time in a very long time I started to come alive. What I didn’t tell you is that I was also depressed. There were days that I didn’t get out of bed on top of having this disfiguring skin disorder. I began to explore the world around me and my spirit began to soar. I often found that the simplest activities would give me the biggest punch.

The depression lifted and my face healed as I released the issues in my tissues AND practiced self-nurture. I am so grateful for Georgie. We stay in touch to this day. As a matter of fact we have plans of doing healing projects together. I thank my God every time I think of her.

The Wonder Woman Challenge is the result of the rosacea I once HAD. Because of this supposed disfiguring incurable skin disorder, I am healed on many levels, my inner beauty shines forth more than ever before, and I get to touch women's lives all over the world with this simple message of self-nurture.

Whether you have an incurable disorder or disease, depression, stress, or just searching for more joy, happiness, and the release of inner beauty in your life, I invite you to The Wonder Woman Challenge. And if for no other reason I would be so grateful and touched for your support by taking a look. It might be for you and/or you might know someone who would benefit. Pass it on.

Click ==> The Wonder Woman Challenge

Please pass it on.

It’s all free.

It just might be what you’ve been searching for.

Click ==> The Wonder Woman Challenge - Becoming a woman of wonder!

Be Still ... and Be Beautiful

Sometimes to get in touch with our inner beauty we need to be still and get quiet. I have discovered an awesome way to do that.

I just finished a little routine that I often do in the morning or anytime of day really. The one thing I did differently today was that I set the routine to relaxing spa music. Wow! Did that ever enhance the experience. So much so that I just had to share it with my dear readers.

The activity that I'm referring to is a 5 minute morning yoga routine. The video is at the end of this post so you will get to see it and even give it a try. It's only 5 minutes!! I hope that you discover as I have that it truly impacts the whole person - body, mind, spirit.

1. Body: This activity will get your body moving in a very gentle way. It's energizing yet calming and it just plain feels good. Plus done on some regular basis you will see and feel physical changes.

2. Mind: Your mind will relax and let go of all the tensions of life. It will sooth the stress brain waves that cause us to do crazy things like overeat.  

3. Spirit: You will feel so nurtured that your spirit will sing. A little activity like this will speak mounds of love to your inner self.

In body, mind, and spirit your body will thank you. You will be surprised at how something so small can not only add a bounce to your step but actually be healing. Depending upon your day and where you are, it can even give you warm fuzzies. I've had that experience! =)

Try this simple 5 minute yoga routine with calming spa music in the background. (See my Amazon Picks for suggested music.) Let me know if you walk away feeling relaxed and beautiful from the inside like I do.  

What kind of things do you do to get still and quiet?

"Be still, and know that I am God." ~~Psalm 46:10



Choosing to celebrate Obama's victory.....

The last 24 hours have been so emotionally exhausting. Since the announcement of our new president I have been so weepy. I haven't been sad, really, just somber. My heart has felt so tender towards Obama, McCain, our country, the black community, the Christian community, etc. My heart has felt tender towards the event in its entirety.

I admit that I am a McCain supporter and I am disappointed, however, what I have been feeling the last 24 hours still didn't make sense to me until this evening. I didn't totally understand this tenderness and, goodness, all the tears. From the get go of electing Obama I knew that my job would be to support him and pray for him. One friend asked me several times what I was afraid of with Obama in office. I couldn't explain myself well.

Finally, after getting out in the fresh air it hit me. I'm not afraid at all. This is what I know. On a spiritual level I have been feeling and sensing that something significant has happened. You may being thinking ... well duh! lol But I'm not solely referring to the obvious. I'm referring to the unseen ... I'm talking about in the spiritual realm. I can't really explain it completely as I only have a small piece of the puzzle. But I just know that it is. And as I am to know these things and act He will direct me. I have peace in that.

My 20 year old son wrote a fabulous note on facebook today. I invite you to read it, think about it, and comment on the wisdom that he has beyond his years. I ask that you join him and I to pray for our new president, our country, and for one another.

By the way... he is a Christian who voted but voted for neither candidate.

On Unity, Collaboration and The Pursuit of Godliness

So it's the 5th of November (remember remember the 5th of November...) and that crazy election just got the results in a little over 14 hours ago.

Obama is officially the next President of the United States of America. Kudos to him. He worked hard for it and won by a land slide. Also, history was made yesterday as he is the first black US president. That's pretty amazing.

But, I must say I'm incredibly disappointed by a lot of people's reactions to Obama (I'm not going to call him B. Hussein Obama or Hussein Obama to make a point, because a man cannot help what his name is and this is a foolish thing to use against him) being elected. ESPECIALLY Christians. Here are some of the Facebook status' I have seen in the last 12 hours. (They're all quotes. I'm keeping the profanity to make a point.)

"xxx apparently lives in a country full of fucking idiots. Good job, everyone."

"xxx didn't vote for the muslim!"

"xxx is excited to see how bad this country gets over the next 4 years."

"xxx knows the end is near."

"xxx is fucked as an American."

I'm sad to say that some of these have come from proclaimed Christian's mouths.

Aren't we as American Christians supposed to be uniting under God as such? The president is in God's hands and we need to support him as our leader and spokesperson. I'd be saying the same thing about McCain if he had been elected.

We need to unite as Americans and as Christians. We need to be proud of our heritage and our country, regardless of what party runs our government for the next four years.

Obama is a child of God, just like you and me. He needs to be in our prayers continuously to make good decisions for this nation.

I'm not going to look at this as some giant mistake the American people have made, because God is in control of this situation, and whether you agree with Obama or not, he needs your support and God's support.

Maybe you're right, maybe he's the worst thing to happen to America - but that won't be proven for some time. And, if he's as "evil" as the Christian community is saying he is, and he's going to mess up this country as much as they think he is, then I think we need to find a new God to worship because according to what's being said the current God can't handle Obama.


We need to unite as Americans and love people, including our President. He's a human being who has just as much sin in his life as everyone else. He just happens to have a lot more responsibility than most.

Pray for our president. Pray for our country. Pray for each other.

Written by Justin A. Nixon, my son! =)

Discovering Your Authentic Beauty

Since starting Girlz Club Beauty Newz Ezine and this blog, the idea of beauty has been working in my mind.  Sure the outward beauty stuff is fun but there is so much more to beauty than what is seen.

Question:  What makes a beautiful woman? ...

Is it what we see on the outside only - a pretty face, a pretty body, the hair, the nails, etc?  How about a healthy body?  I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.  What about the inside?  We've all heard the saying, "beauty is only skin deep".

I think that we would all agree that character has more to do with beauty that any outward appearances.  I have to wonder ...

That which makes a woman authentically beautiful, how much of "that" is trapped within her?

I know, I can hear you asking ... what is "that"?  I'm asking the very same thing.

I'm thinking that it is the essence of who she is.  It's what makes you, you - mind, body, spirit.  I love the following quote written by Pamela Peeke author of "Body for Life for Women":

"When a woman's mind, body, and spirit unite, miracles happen.  Her transformation is a gift that keeps on giving."

Does anything stir inside you when you read that?  It does me.  I don't know about you, but I want to be that walking miracle.  I want to be that balanced woman who reeks with authentic femininity and beauty the way God intended for ME, not the girl next door or at church, the fashion model, nor the movie star.  I want to be the gift that keeps on giving.

I'm on a journey to discover who that is for me.  I am working to pull out the parts of me that are trapped and hidden.  The parts that God intended for me to use but have always been too afraid to live by, or has been stomped down by life, or that just hasn't been developed yet.

Would you like to join me in this journey?  Does this ring a bell for you?  Stay connected to my blog.  Sign up to receive the Girlz Club Beauty Newz E-zine.  There is so much more ahead.

I am beginning to sense that I am to move towards "authentic beauty coaching for the whole woman"  to help others with this process just as I have been helped.  Paying it forward.  It is my experience that a coach is priceless in one's journey.  I am here to meet you where you are whether body, mind, or spirit.

If something is tugging at your heart and you need more information now, by all means, email me at shileennixon@mac.com and we'll get started.

What are your thoughts about "authentic beauty for the whole woman"?  What does it mean?  What's missing in your own life?  What holds you back?

Would you like to be the gift that keeps on giving?  Let me know!!

Sensual Sweetness

My dear readers you must simply listen and watch this video.  Listen more than once and allow yourself to connect.  There is a sensual sweet Kelly in all us girls no matter the age!!  

What's your reaction?  Makes me want to sing, dance, and shout from the roof tops.  Every time I hear this song it connects me to the essence of my womanhood.  Female rituals .. here I come! =)

Don't forget to sign up for the GiveAway.  You don't want to miss out!! 

Enjoy!!

What does my 1st giveaway & a facelift have in common? Read on!

For a chance to win a FREE copy of The Yoga Face - Eliminate Wrinkles with the Ultimate Natural Facelift be sure to read to the end.

Whether you want to lessen the appearance of current wrinkles and/or avoid wrinkles this book is for you.  The Yoga Face was recommended to me by a mentor friend who I deeply trust. I couldn't wait to get it and when I did I went to work right away. The face exercises are simple, quick, and fun.  But what I like is that Annalise is very comprehensive in that she includes the whole body.  Yes, you can just do the facial exercises and be done.  But if you want more you'll want to use the entire program.  It includes:

* Facial movements 

* Full-body routines & poses

* Massage, breathing, & meditation techniques 

* Tips on nutrition & natural beauty products

I'm excited to provide You Tube videos with Annelise demonstrating some of the facial movements.  You get to see first hand how easy these moves are.  I know you will try them right along with her as it's hard not to. 

After viewing the videos you can click the Amazon link in the sidebar for more information about this fabulous book, The Yoga Face.  It's a must have for your library.

(Below the videos is information on the Give Away.)

Minimize wrinkles around the eyes:

Reduce forehead wrinkles:

Sculpt and lift your cheeks:

Giveaway!!

I've enjoyed The Yoga Face so much that I thought it would be fun to give a copy to a lucky winner.  You can get up to 3 entries.  The winner will be randomly drawn Saturday, November 1st. 

There are three ways to earn entries. 

1.  Leave a comment and tell me which of the three videos above you like the most.  Be sure to leave a valid email address as this will be my only way of contacting you.

2.  Join our Girls' Club Beauty News E-zine. 

3.  Invite your girlfriends to join our e-zine with you.  Just leave a comment with the name your girlfriend used to subscribe with. 

**The subscription form is in the sidebar near the top.**

Good luck ladies and have fun learning The Yoga Face techniques.  Be sure to tell all of your friends to join our e-zine to get more chances to win!

Ready to quit your weight loss/fitness program? Don't!!

What is your response when you venture away from your health & fitness program?  What do you do when you "blow it" for a meal, for a day, for the better part of a week? 

So many people just give up. They "blow it" once and figure there's no hope and back to the old eating habits they go and/or the exercise is thrown out the window.  And in the middle of all that they beat themselves up so badly - you know... the negative mental chatter.  Does this sound familiar?

As of last Monday I have discarded 17 1/2 pounds and dropped my body fat percent by 3%.  I am pleased as punch.  However, last week was a bad week in terms of my program.  I wasn't able to stay on target with my healthy eating habits nor was I able to keep up with my regular exercising.

So what do I do?  Do I give up after 12 weeks of great progress?  If a friend came to you seeking support and advice what would you tell her?  Would you tell her what a loser she is and she's never going to make it so she might as well give up now?  No way!  That's ridiculous, right?  So why in the world would we ever talk to ourselves like that??

So this is what I'm going to do...

1.  Stop the victim thoughts AND feelings!  Those thoughts and feelings will only cause me to spiral downward.  That is not my goal.  My goal is life-long eating and exercise habits no matter what the scale says.  And even more than that my goal is to love myself.

2.  Forgive myself and let it go.  Yes, forgive myself for not staying on track, caving, and/or for not planning better.  A simple "I'm sorry" and it's done.  It's behind me so that now I can move forward.

3.  Regroup/refocus.  I need to revisit my short and long term health and fitness goals ... AND my core values that are connected to those goals.  In other words I need to revisit my why.  Make it stronger if I need to.

4.  Tweak/change up my plan.  Let's face it.  Doing the same thing day in and day out week after week gets boring.  I'm a girl who needs variety.  Variety is the spice of life in my world.  Changing things up gives me a since of newness, excitement, and renewed motivation.

That's it.  Those four simple steps is all I need to do to get back on track.  That's all any of us need to do.  And the truth is sometimes we don't even need all four.  

So go for it!  Go for the gold!  Keep your eye on your prize!  You can do it... I know you can!  Your worth it ... and I believe in you!!!

My response to Hurricane Ike

I found myself crying.  I was surprised by my reaction but just couldn't help it.  I felt so moved last night as I watched Hurricane Ike hit land.  I became so worried and concerned for Geraldo and the other reporters and crews  along with the officials and first responders who were risking their lives for us and those who stayed.  I was worried about the freighter stuck out in the Gulf.  I was worried about all the people who unwisely chose to stay home to ride out the storm.  My stomach was filled butterflies - butterflies of uneasiness.  As time went on I couldn't sit still.  I had to get up and do the only thing I knew to do.  Pray. And at that time I knew I was up for the night.

I found myself not really knowing how or what to pray other than general protection and that felt so weak.  Yet, I was strongly compelled to pray.  As I watched and listened my spirit cried out to the Lord and still is as it's not over yet.  I guess my prayer was asking for His presence to be there - to descend upon all the affected area.

As the evening went on I so wanted to connect with other prayer warriors who were praying for this situation.  Certainly there had to be Internet social networks for prayer.  I searched and I searched and I searched.  I found nothing that would meet my need... my heart became even heavier.  I found one site that looked hopeful but it was not a free site.  So that was a no go.  

I am left wondering - do I need to create such a social network?? 

We often feel helpless during disasters like Ike but so desire do something.  I am no exception to that. I heard a report yesterday that the Red Cross desperately needs funds.  Obviously they are being hit hard with all the disasters we've had.  I read on their website that they are still housing 1500 people just from Gustav.  Now we have Ike.  

I was nosing through the Red Cross website and found several interesting things.  I'm now receiving Red Cross updates through twitter and facebook.  I also found out that they have a fund raising program through IMing and emailing.  See the Red Cross banner at the top of this blog for more information.

Along these same lines of wanting to do something to help and the Red Cross, I'm pondering a fund raiser.  I'm a Mary Kay consultant.  I know that I rarely speak of that on my online networks.  It is not my focus here.  But, I'm also asking myself if I should do, need to do, want to do a Mary Kay fundraiser for the Red Cross.  I'm going to be talking to another consultant friend today.

At this moment the hurricane is not over although it is now considered a tropical storm.  And apparently there are more casualties that happen during the clean up after a hurricane than during the hurricane.  So, I am asking all of my readers to please continue to pray for Texas and the surrounding areas. 

I would so appreciate your input on the things that are my heart.  Share your ideas, your thoughts, and your opinions on how we can help and support in this disaster.

Guilt free healthy pizza!!!

Grilled Chicken Pizza

One thing I miss on my current eating plan is pizza.  Not that I can't ever have regular pizza because once in a while I can.  Just not as often as I would like until I found this recipe from the e-book "Every Other Day Diet" (see right side panel).  It is such a yummy recipe that you can do anything with.  It's quick and easy ... and can easily be made vegetarian.  The best part is ... it's healthy and guilt free!!!!! 

Whole wheat pita pocket

Grilled chicken

Marinara Sauce

Feta Cheese

Any toppings including: mushroom, spinach, fresh garlic, artichokes

Fresh basil

Split the pita in half to create 2 crusts.  Add the marinara sauce, chicken, and toppings.  Top with feta cheese.  You can add a little mozzarella if you like. Sprinkle with basil.  Bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Enjoy!!!!

How do you change an attitude of lack?

What do you do when you're wrestling with feelings of lack?   How do you handle it?  How do you change your thoughts ... and that feeling you get in your gut?  I have some thoughts, ideas, and things that I do but I want to hear from you.

Please share by leaving a comment.  Thank you!

B-E-A -utiful is mine - what's yours?

Ever heard of core values?  As one of my mentors, Jon Benson, taught me core values are the things in our lives that we live for and things we die for.  They are what makes us us and things we can't live without.  Core values are what makes us tick, move, groove, fail, succeed.  They are the why behind all of our reasons.  Some examples are:

God/faith family security

love beauty creativity

joy peace serve/service

wealth order freedom

Just to name a few.  The more we know and understand our core values and live by them, the more fulfilled we live.  And sometimes when we're faced with a big goal and/or task it is imperative that we link our core value to the project.  Otherwise when the tough gets going we will have a tendency to give up.  We need to know our why - even - the why behind the why.

One of my core values is beauty.  I have learned the importance of having and creating beauty in my life.  Without it life becomes blah and I can become depressed.  Beauty motivates me, inspires me.  It can certainly make me move and groove.  Something beautiful can instantly bring me to tears as it touches my spirit that inner part that makes me me.  

I never used to be a tea drinker.  Why do I bring that up?  Because years ago I discovered the beauty of drinking tea.  There's a real art behind tea time and tea parties ... and oh my gosh how I love that art.  Recently I have been involving myself in such activities and I've been snapping pictures to capture the beauty of it all.  The proof is on my Facebook, my hospitality blog, and now on this blog. 

Why?  Because the act of tea time is so beautiful to me.  It nurtures my soul and brings me incredible joy.  What do you have in your life that feeds your soul, your spirit?  

Taking this a step further, when sharing the experience of tea time with others it becomes an act of kindness, an act of service, which is another core value of mine.  A person doesn't have to like tea to be nurtured by the whole experience.  And don't think for a minute that the guys don't enjoy it because they do even if they don't want to admit it. =)  

If you haven't done something that feeds and nurtures your soul for a while and/or if you're finding yourself  in a state of low energy maybe even depressed, pick a core value that's important to you and act on it.  Have fun with it.  And if you want to do something but don't know what?  Just pick something and become playful like a child.  I promise that your spirit will soar - it will leap with joy!

"Playfulness feeds the spirit and soul allowing for awesome moments of inspiration."

Got it right this time - Sarah Palin's quote....

Yesterday I attempted to quote Sarah Palin on my blog post called "Are you stuck in the harbor".  I did state that the quote may may not be exact.  Last night while watching Fox news I heard it again.  Sarah Palin said ... 

"A ship in harbor is safe.  But that's not why the ship was built."

I quoted her as saying, "A ship in harbor is safe but that's not the purpose of the ship."  Both are basically saying the same thing.  It's still all about purpose.  My message yesterday still holds.

Why were you "built"?  What were you created to do?  Were you created to stay in the harbor where it's safe?  Or were you created for much more than that?  Are you ready to set sail for your God given purpose?  Would you like to be?

In the very near future I will be announcing a program that will help you set sail and/or continue the journey you are already sailing.  I urge you to fill out the simple form on this site in order to get the latest updates if you haven't already.  When you do remember that you will receive an email to confirm your request.  Until then you will not officially be on the list ... and trust me you won't want to miss out.

Also, do read yesterday's full post "Are you stuck in the harbor".  Feel free to leave a comment.  I will enjoy hearing from you.

Thank you for reading.  I so appreciate you!!!

Is your ship stuck in the harbor?

Did you catch what she said?  I can't say that I'll quote it exactly but Sarah Palin said something like, "A ship in harbor is safe but that's not the purpose of the ship".  Obviously Sarah meant that in a political sense, but I can't help but to apply that to my personal life ... and I love that thought!

Think about it.  A statement like that causes me to ask the question "Well what is my purpose".  It is so easy for me to play it safe.  However, playing it safe causes me to be stuck.  And when I'm stuck I'm not living out my purpose - "a ship in harbor...".  Right?

I don't want to be stuck in the harbor, do you?  I want to be out sailing where God intended for me to sail.  It is there that I feel the most free, the most content, the most joy.

With that in mind ... ladies ... it's coming!  And I'm excited! I will be unleashing a project that will help you get out of your harbor and on to sailing in clear blue open waters.  You don't want to miss the details.  If you haven't already do register for the updates right here on my blog.

Personal play dates ..... for us grownups??

When we think of playing why is that most of the time we think that playing is for children?  Have you watched a child or a group of children play lately?  They play so naturally, so care free with no judgement.  They can go into a room full of toys and play a little here and there until they land on something that really gives them joy and pleasure. They don't doubt themselves or question whether or not it's the perfect thing for them.  They instinctively know if it's something they enjoy.  Somewhere along the line we tend to lose that ability as we grow up or ... maybe we numb out to it.  There are lots of reasons for that of which I'm not going to focus on in this post.  We'll save that one for another time.

I've been thinking about this because I went out and played yesterday.  It sure renewed my spirit and, oh my gosh, my energy is so high as is the inspiration.  The ideas are flowing like milk and honey.  It's CRAZY!  All I did was have breakfast with friends at my girlfriend's house followed by window shopping at cute little shops in the area.  Oh and my favorite was checking out a new tea room.  It's beautiful and actually in my neck of the woods.  I have great plans for my own play dates and for business.  Excited yes I am!

Personal play dates are so important to renew the spirit.  It's a way of filling up our cup so that in the end we can give to others.  We can't give or we can't give well from an empty cup.  Sometimes we can take a big chunk of time for a personal play date like I did yesterday.  We need to schedule those in.  I do enjoy it when it happens spontaneously but it's not a good idea to wait for that to happen so by all means, schedule something. 

A personal play date is doing whatever brings you joy.  It can be different for everyone.  You can play alone or you can play with a group or just one other person.  No rules .. usually.  More on that later.

The thing is some women are so numbed out in their lives that they have no idea what brings them joy.  Does that describe you?  I was once there.  I started by experimenting with a little of this and a little of that just like children do when they walk into a room full of toys.  The universe is our big playroom.  Allow yourself to explore it!  See what you like.  And by all means don't judge yourself - that is a negative since. 

To give you an idea on where I started, once a week I would lose myself at Starbucks with a good book, a yummy mocha and my journal.  From there I'd go to my favorite store at the time and just nose.  It was a special little store that just by being there nurtured my soul.  I loved the ambiance.  I wouldn't take a lot of time - sometimes just an hour and those particular dates were mandatory to be alone.   These one-hour weekly jaunts taken alone are another type of play date that I highly recommend.  Anyway, that's where it all started for me.  Now it's expanded to lots of other nifty fun adventures some as small as 15 minutes and some over nighters.

Remember, playfulness feeds the spirit and soul allowing for awesome moments of inspiration.

When was the last time you took a personal play date??

Be the first to know!!

I am just soooo excited!  The time has come to actually put into place a program that God laid on my heart two years ago.  Truthfully?  I thought it was just last year but my journal proved to me that it was two whole years ago.  Wow!  Time can sure get away from us.  

I've been pondering this morning if I've been disobedient by not putting this inspired idea into action sooner.  Did the idea, the time and place for this program come and then go?  Is it too late?  My conclusion is no.  This program is meant for me to execute. God may have laid it on my heart two years ago but He knew that I needed time to develop in order to put into action.  "Here am I Lord.  Send me!"

I cannot tell you exactly what this program is yet but, ladies, stay tuned!  It is for you! If I may ask ...

If in just 30 days or less you could be living your life from a full cup

experiencing an inspired life of joy ... would you be interested?

I can tell you that I'm on a mission to make the world a better place one woman at a time.  I'm excited!  I know that once you get the full scoop you will be too.  Until then...

 ...if you are the least bit curious ... let me know.  I'm creating a list right now of women who will be the first to know.

Shock & Awe!!!!

Of all things my hubby posted about my poison ivy on his site www.donnixon.com.  Go figure.  He sometimes finds me humorous (and I don't even try and don't even mean to be humorous!) and wanted to share my antics with his readers.  Glad I could provide him with some material. :)

Some of you know that I've been battling this nasty rash.  After a horrible experience with prescribed prednisone I took matters into my own hands.  I put on my armor and prepared for war!  Yeah!  I did my research, armed myself with all kinds of remedies and went to battle.  Shock and awe baby... shock and awe!  ;)

Seriously though I do want to share some sites I found and information that has been very helpful.  I have decided, though, that for the most part poison ivy has to run it's course.  It's a matter of finding the right remedy to ease the discomfort.

I've tried lots of stuff.  You should see my kitchen table, but I've narrowed it down to a few favorites.

1.  Witch Hazel w/ Rescue Remedy Flower Essence: This has been a life safer!!  I found a small spray bottle, filled it with the witch hazel and added about 8 drops of Rescue Remedy.  Love that.  It's cooling and calming.

2.  Vitamin C:  I bought C-Plus Citrus Bioflavonoid Caps by Twinlab taking 1,000mg by the hour if necessary.  This really helps take the edge off.  I can tell when it's time to take another dose because the itch intensifies.  FYI - when you're body has had enough Vit. C you'll get diarrhea.  If that happens just back off a bit.  

3.  Aveeno Bath Treatment:  This is an oatmeal bath that I found to be ok.  It did feel pretty nice and made my skin very soft.  

4.  Hot Oatmeal Packs:  Ok so I'm still trying to perfect this (as I'm not out of the woods yet).  This really feels good but it's messy.  Basically make oatmeal and smear it on.  Wrap it with plastic wrap or even gauze.  I don't like to let it dry because removing the dried oatmeal flares the itch up.  Leave it on about 20-30 minutes.  When rinsing it off I like to leave some of the starchy residue.  It feels silky and is very calming. 

5.  EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique):  I've been working with this especially this morning and seem to be getting quite a bit of relief.  This will take some studying and/or a practitioner.

If I can say a word about the emotional root of poison ivy, the root emotion is fear that can be expressed through guardedness, caution, vulnerability, defenselessness and open for attack.  I have been going over what was going on in my life at the time I broke out with the rash and using EFT to release the emotions.  It certainly is helping - quite amazing!

Ok so these are my top 5 favorite remedies to date.  I've tried a lot of other things including your typical over the counter meds but so far nothing compares.  

If you have a favorite remedy please do share.  

My research included:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing

Discovering Wholeness by Cheryl Townsley

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac Information Center

Do-It-Yourself Homemade Remedies

Health911.com: Poison Ivy & Oak

Emotional Freedom Technique

A Summer Spritzer fit for a queen!

Here's some  honesty for ya.  I really enjoy sugary drinks like pops and flavored teas and such.  Oh and don't let me leave out mochas ... frozen or hot. However, given that they are so not good for me I've had to come up with alternatives so that I don't go on some crazy binge out of boredom.  I'm a girl who needs variety in my life ... what I drink is no different.

Let me introduce you to a Summer Spritzer.  I really enjoy this drink and there is not one ounce of guilt in it.  I came up with this one weekend when my guys were gone for the weekend.  When I'm home on a "vacation" like that I've always enjoyed doing special things that often revolved around special foods and usually sugary drinks.  I would set up the atmosphere and create (or buy) foods that I normally wouldn't have, put in a chick flick and/or set up a foot bath .. you get the picture. 

So once I got my eating habits back under control I found myself having a "vacation" weekend and I wanted something special.  I was so tempted to cave but I didn't.  I held out but began to feel down.  Then I realized that I just need to find an alternative.  And I also needed to find things to "do" that felt special and not always to "eat".  That's when I came up with the Summer Spritzer.  It tastes nice, feels very special, and is beautiful to the eye.  On my Every Other Day Diet blog I even described this drink as sexy.  It's true!  That weekend I drank sexy summer spritzers, gave myself foot baths, and watched chick flicks.  I felt like a queen!! :)

Summer Spritzer

1 pretty goblet

Naturally sparkling water

Lemon or lime slice

Fresh berries of any kind

fresh mint

Stevia to taste (I don't like mine real sweet)

Ice

Combine all the ingredients in your goblet and enjoy.  I sometimes will add just a splash of a juice (preferably unsweetened) to give it a little color and a little different flavor.  I also enjoy adding a little infused mint.

You'll feel like a queen drinking this yummy Summer Spritzer!!  Enjoy!

My Neti Pot Experience

I finally brought myself to try it.  It just seemed so .. I don't know .. icky.  However, I got tired of feeling bad so I stuck that little mini tea pot looking thing up to my nose and poured. Yeah.  Can you believe it?  Truth is neti pots have grown in popularity partly due to the crazy thing being featured on the Oprah Show.  I didn't see it but heard about it months later.  " 'Dr. Oz says the device can help clear mucus from your sinuses using warm saltwater. 'It's actually filling up those little nooks and crannies that you have and allowing your body to evacuate that stuff so you can actually begin to function normally.' "  Hmm... "filling up those little nooks and crannies" ... with saltwater?  

Why in the world would anyone do this?  Here.. check out this demo: neti pot. Looks pretty crazy, doesn't it?  Well, I've had a lot of sinus headaches this summer. Headaches and facial puffiness.  After I researched all the benefits I had to give it a try. I've flushed my sinuses every day since ... well ... it's only been a little over a week but so far so good! 

There are many benefits for this kind of practice.  To list it all here will make this post too long.  Suffice it to say that sinus flushing or nasal irrigation can be a natural, inexpensive healing solution for sinus/allergy issues.  And it can help fight off colds and flues.  I read many testimonies that support this.  

(I'll be posting links for more information including benefits shortly.)

As for testimonies, the thing I couldn't find is what people experienced when they first started ... cause I had some crazy things go on.  I searched to see if my experiences were normal.  I found nothing.  So I'm sharing in case someone else experiences the same thing and wants to know if it's normal ... well... I don't know if it was all normal but it was my experience.

First of all, it doesn't hurt like getting water up your nose when you swim.  It's a bit curious when you start pouring and the solution doesn't come out right away.  It takes a few seconds for the "nooks and crannies" to fill.  Once they do then out it comes the other side.

Then, all I can share with you is that I could sure tell I had crud up in my sinuses cause it certainly stirred it up.  I sneezed and coughed (no, I didn't choke!).  My throat and inner ear tickled (I make an absurd noise to take care of that :) ).  It felt like allergies kicking up a bit.  I'd get a short term headache.  Sometimes I'd feel like I was on the edge of catching a cold.  I wondered if I had a dormant virus that I also kicked up.  I don't know but it went away.  It was just crazy the first couple of days.  Since I couldn't find information about my experience I decided that I would just keep going. I want to give it a good 30 days.

Now don't be gettin' all discouraged or scared to try nasal flushing.  It really isn't that bad and, once you get the hang of it, it does feel good.  I've only being at this for just a little over a week and those crazy symptoms have greatly subsided.  I can breath so clean and clearly through my nose. It feels fabulous.  I don't have the facial puffiness as much as I did.  My sinus headaches are already less.  All I can say is that so far I'm a believer.  

For more reading: Nasal Irrigation Can Help Fight Spring Allergies

                              Neti Pot Starter Kit

                              Why Nasal Wash

P.S.  This is not to replace medical care.  If you need to see the doc... do it!

Are you blooming?

At first glance the plant in the picture looks like some kind of green shrub that could maybe use a little weeding.  Doesn't really look all too bad to a passerby.  What one wouldn't know is that this little green shrub is supposed to be a rose bush.  A very special rose bush at that.  A special rose bush that has been ignored for several years.

Today was the day I gave this special plant some tender loving care.  As I did so I couldn't help but think about some life parallels that I thought would be right for beginning this blog.

So you're going along in life doing your thing day in and day out until one day you wake up and wonder what the heck happened.  Who am I?  Who have I become?  Is this really me?  You've become someone you just don't recognize. 

Or maybe you find that you present yourself in a way that in your heart of hearts you know isn't your truth.  You still find yourself asking similar questions of "who am I" and "how do I let the real me come out".

Or it's possible that you've manifested some health problems or on the edge of some serious health problems that has you in shock.  Been there done that myself ... and my questions was ... how did I get here?!

(Actually?  I have found myself at various times in my life in all of these examples asking those exact questions.)

I would imagine that if this pictured plant had a mouth and could speak it would be asking these same kinds of questions.

Today I faced this plant, assessed it, and went to work.  I had to carefully figure out what was the rose bush and what wasn't. There was some kind of vine type of weed that rooted itself deep, growing wildly choking out the beautiful rose.  I pulled, chopped, and cut that weed until all that was left was a scraggly rose bush. Then I had to prune what was left so that it will grow strong and, hopefully, next summer bloom again. 

I couldn't help but think as I was doing this work today that this is exactly what we have to do in life.  I've done it.  I'm still doing it.  Sometimes weeds grow up around us and we don't always realize it until we're nearly choked out.  Once we recognize what's going on we have to get in there and pull and yank, cut, and prune, which can take many forms.  The good news for us is that it doesn't take long to start seeing results.  

Face it, assess it, and get to work.  Simple but not always easy.  Regardless I encourage you to embrace and love yourself right where you are.  My prayer as you visit this blog is that you find encouragement in your journey so that you can bloom into the person you were created to be.  Along the way I'll be sharing techniques that are so nurturing, caring, loving, and even fun that it doesn't always feel like work.  Sometimes all it takes is a little tweaking to sprout and/or bloom.

                                                        

                                                                          Shrub Rose