Preparing ourselves to receive Abundance

Hey loves! Happy Holidays 

I am writing my first post since a self imposed gadget break last week and I am writing it on my new Laptop!!! I gifted myself an investment in my building Abundance by purchasing a new Mac Pro. For a very long time I didn't feel the need to have two laptops at home but as my daughter and I continue to grow so did the need for another work station per say lol. There is nothing more rewarding than investing in yourself so I thought it was also a great topic to discuss today.

In addition to my new Laptop I was actually gifted by my daughter and BFF my first DSLR camera!!! I love my IPhone camera and its been awesome to me and will continue to be so but this latest addition has just opened new doors for me which I am so giddy about entering.

So I stated that there is nothing more rewarding than investing in yourself right, so what are we doing or what have we done thus far to achieve that?

2016 has been a year full of tragedies and full blown eye opening experiences world wide I believe. It has been a year of change while still remaining the same and a year that has awoken a required sense of duty to self and to family preservation. I know for me it has been a heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride that I am so ready to get off of and start on a brand new luxurious ride.

A New Year is right around the corner and the many useless promises and resolutions have started or are about to start. The many empty words we say sometimes just to keep up appearances or just the plain ole lies we repeat in hopes that this time around will be different. But unless we have prepared ourselves 2017 will just be a repeat of the same ole ride.

This year for me was filled with a few firsts:

-entering and actually ranking top 10/20 in photography contests

-attended writing workshops both online and in person

-attended Yoga classes outside

-participated in a Yoga workshop

-joined numerous writing groups online

-engaged in Twitter chats

-said Yes more than No

-took several gadget breaks

-pressed delete on things I would have normally revisited without even blinking

-took part in a Reiki healing session

-joined a Sister Circle

-expanded my dating circle

-revisited some old topics with my daughter's father (that was awesome btw!)

-didn't send out any birthday or holiday cards

-didn't call people for birthday or holiday cordial exchange

Now some of these may not seem like a biggie but for example the last two in which I didn't make an effort to reach out...was very difficult for me at some point in my life. I am always the reliable one, the friend that knows everyone's Birth day and makes sure that they know I am thinking of them. This year I threw all that out the window and instead just focused my energy on preparing to receive Abundance. 

Let's dive into that!

What do I mean? Ok well let's first start with words. The things we tell ourselves or allow others to tell us or even attach to who we are in their eyes. Things like:

-you will never change

-you can't do that

-you're too old for that

-you're too young to think that

-that is not for you

-I have always been this way

-I have always done things like that

-this is just who I am

-I'll never be happy

-no one really likes me

-I have nothing to offer

Many of us are great at being kind to others but seldom know how to be kind to ourselves. In my own journey to authentic self care I have held on strongly to the words Value and Perspective. These two words can change your life literally and spiritually. I have held on to them in moments of doubt, sense of being lost, ending relationships, starting from scratch, sharing my passions, raising my daughter, building a family and just overall setting myself up for living the life that I want.

Recently I joined my Sister Circle in an end of the year Divine Release gathering. It was a mixture of ages, backgrounds and overall stages of life. Several of which were millennials who blew me away with their self awareness and goals I refer to some of them as my adopted babies. In our gathering we meditated and shared in some building trust q&a's. One of the topics discussed was being prepared. Asking for things from the Universe that perhaps we are just not prepared for.

illustration by theawareshow.com

Again, so how do we prepare? First and foremost we must know what we want...clarity.

We must then start to take the much needed steps to get there. Some of them may be:

-cutting old ties

-getting rid of dead weight literally and physically

-literally cleaning our homes of all the things we don't need, use or want

-making a list or starting a journal with specific details of your wants

-sharing some of your goals with a loved one so they can encourage and hold you accountable in a loving way

-daily practice of speaking to the universe what you want to receive

-paying forward in small ways

-practicing forgiveness on yourself so it trickles over to others

-be the type of friend you would want in your life to your self first

-accept plans change, learn to be flexible

-learn to love from a distance

-make a small change daily but don't beat yourself up if you fail, tomorrow is another day but with that being said Don't wait for tomorrow to live the life you want Today

Preparing ourselves to receive Abundance may not be something we ever put thought to either because it may seem selfish or even greedy but if we are open to the idea that just maybe we all deserve an overflow of love, peace and goodness than perhaps the word Abundance won't sound unattainable. Change our Perspective and give yourself Value.

These are my thoughts for the New Year. What do you think? Share your thoughts and or experiences here.

Always stress free xo,

Mari

Play with your last Idea

So I was thinking, what if I could just do whatever I wanted TODAY?

This is what my day would look like...

illustration by karipost

illustration by mambolook

illustration by allfreedownload

illustration by pinterest.com

illustration by yogablisshub.com

What is your perfect day look like? 

Always stress free xo,

Mari

Taking care of our Mental Health

Hey loves happy Sunday!

Something my daughter said a few days ago got me thinking. She said she needed a mental health day and went to visit her girlfriend up in New Paltz .
The use of the words Mental Health touched me because that is so important. So often we get distracted by events and daily life we neglect signs our mind and body are shutting down.

It could be something as simple as forgetting an appointment or as serious as having a panic attack.

Our minds and our bodies are always giving us signs. They are always shouting "hey take care of me." The problem arises when we turn up the noise and continue to ignore. Dealing with these issues is crucial to our mental health and proper function of daily life.

illustration by pinterest.com

As my daughter has gotten older I've noticed that she doesn't do well with juggling school full time as well as a full time job. It wasn't until over a year ago when during final exams and her crazy work schedule that I noticed a change in her behavior and her health began to decline. She was short tempered and always tired and sleepy. She would come home and talk very little before retreating to her room. Being that we have always been heavy talkers I found it very strange but waited till after her exams to have a sit down.

It was in this lengthy conversation that she revealed her issues with Anxiety. She shared how the work load had gotten to her mentally and physically and how she felt like she could barely keep up. She was experiencing rashes/hives and her skin was breaking out. Her eating was poor and depression was setting in. As her mom I was sad to hear all this because as parents we don't want our kids to feel and carry heavy loads but my lesson was I can't do everything for my child.

I shared with my daughter that I felt she needed to find tools to manage these things in her life because sadly as she got older life would only have her juggle more balls up on the air. We discussed simple things like drinking Tea during the day and taking walks on her lunch break. But the biggest revelation and admission to herself was that she could no longer work full time and attend school full time. She didn't want to give up the money but realized that it wasn't worth the damage to her mental health. In the long run having a nice bank account wasn't and isn't worth a mental breakdown and full body exhaustion.

illustration by  madechos.com

Kids believe it or not carry a lot of stress and very often say very little about it. Sometimes as parents we give the wrong cues by the words we tend to use. We may say things that come across like some of these feelings are part of the package but regardless of the responsibilities life throws our way we must stop and take care of our physical and emotional state.

Depression and Anxiety can show themselves in many ways such as the ones I mentioned my daughter displayed but there are many others we can look for too such as...
-sleeping too much
-bing eating
-excessive drinking
-lack of interest in friends
-secrecy increase
-crying out of the blue
-arguments for no reason
-doing poorly in school

This time of year is also a sensitive time for many because Holidays bring up many mixed feelings. Most people assume everyone has a family they share these times with but that is not the case for some and over the years I have learned that more people deal with loneliness during the Holidays than at any other time during the year. While most are planning big dinners or setting up travel plans some are thinking of connections lost or broken.

illustration by quotesgram.com

I'd like to suggest that in addition to watching for signs of Mental Health issues with our children that we keep an open mind about people's experiences during the Holidays. Invite conversations so that feelings can be discussed and solutions can be found. Open your hearts and home to someone who may be in need of some kindness.
Some coping techniques can be...
-going for walks
-volunteering
-journaling
-counseling or therapy
-a spa date
-a movie night
-Mediation
-Yoga or other type of exercise
-reading

What are your thoughts? Have you dealt with Mental Health issues? Have you experienced Depression or Anxiety? Do you feel ashamed to share these feelings? Is it even anything to feel ashamed of? Share your experience with me.

Always stress free xo
Mari

Unfiltered Moments in Life

Hey dolls happy Wednesday! Hope we have been enjoying our Summer to the fullest I know the chic in these pics sure has. That's me! Unfiltered, unedited smiley ole me! I don't make it a habit to post pics of myself too much I just don't care to be so exposed I love my privacy but as a mom and an advocate for all things empowering women I felt in order to be clear on this issue I had to show my authentic self. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago at the beach in NYC. I love the beach but I never go in the water last time I was in the water was when lil mama was a toddler. I prefer to lay on my blanket reading a good book or eating and listening to some great music.

I have a routine for my tanning sessions. I use a top that I'll be happy with the tan lines till next summer, a pair of boy shorts and my cutoff shorts on top. I get to the beach remove my cutoff shorts, lather on Coco Butter or Shea Butter and lay on each side for forty-five minutes. I barely walk around too much because I tend to feel too naked. Can you believe that, too naked...at the beach!?

This year has been so different for me. It's like what?! You can't tell me nothing, I'll be forty-five in September and I have earned the right to do whatever the heck I want. This body is mine, its the one who bought my daughter into this world, the one that takes me through my Yoga practice, the one that allows me to care for my grandma, the one I get to look at every single day until my days are done. I've never had body shaming issues but of course we look at something and say there is always room for improvement. But look at that smile, jumping in that water, letting go of all those fears of exposure and doubts made me soooo happy. I didn't even care that my hair got all wet and that Seaweed was all around me and my skin. I felt like kids do when they have no concept of "others" looking at them.

So what other females there were slimmer or taller. So what some had string bikinis or cutout one pieces, we were all there enjoying the moment having tons of fun. Some of us were size 6 some size 3 some size 14 but we were and are all Beautiful! Unfiltered moments in Life, that's what its all about. Owning who we are and making changes only when we feel like it not because someone else says so.

That streak of gray hair I've earned on my journey is ok too. It's a sign of the wisdom I continue to gain in this life. I am always changing I will always be growing older that is part of Life and I am embracing it. At some point that hair will be cut shorter and donated to a child who has lost theirs. It will make someone else as happy as it has made me. Letting go the first time was very empowering and this time around will be just as sweet. Unfiltered moments in Life.

illustration by pinterest.com

So moms and dads too go out their and embrace your authentic self! Go out and forget about the "others" and just do for you. Baby steps are fine but try doing one thing unfiltered and see how it makes you feel. No makeup, no hair products, no nail polish something! I'm walking around right now with my Diana Ross hair in full effect and its been fun for sure.

What are your thoughts? Are you fearful of being too naked, unfiltered and exposed? Are you still trying to work your way towards your authentic self? If you are already there please share some of your journey. Let's start a conversation.

Always stress free xo,

Mari

What does your Peace look like?

Happy Sunday! As I watered my plants this morning and smiled as I walked about a memory came to mind I wanted to share. Enjoy this glorious day dolls :)

On my walk the other night I stopped and sat on a bench and observed these two little girls, twin sisters playing on the grass. Their parents sat some distance away which allowed them some independence but still close enough to offer protection. They had the same outfits on which were cute but I don't like the identical look thing personally so I had to take a moment to refocus on why I had stopped in the first place. They sat on the grass pulling handfuls out and placing it inside their baskets. They got up and rolled round barefoot than sat again and started again. No rush, no cares just their buckets, their hands and each other. I made sure I told the parents how happy watching their daughter's play made me and they smiled from ear to ear. When they walked away I began to think...

What does my Peace look like? I feel most peaceful when I'm on my walks or on my Yoga mat. Those are the moments when my mind is free of clutter and every breath brings clarity. I feel like a bird must feel in flight.

How are you maximizing that moment? I've learned to maximize those moments by letting go and just being.

What do you need to let go of, or add more of to obtain peace? I'd like to let go more of those moments when I look back at past events and wonder about a different outcome but I realize it's part of the process of growth. We should acknowledge those feelings and work through them then move on.

What does your Peace look like? Is it a specific place or thing? Is it a memory or is it something you are having difficulty reaching? Share and let's talk.

Always stress free xo,

Mari

Stop Apologizing

illustration by sarahkoontz.com

Hey my lovelies, happy Hump day!

I've been staring out the window in my office watching the cars go by and a huge smile came across my face thinking about my visit with my grandmother (baby #2) last night. She has linoleum flooring in the living room and for months now she has been very upset at the fact a piece under the sofa has torn away. She keeps asking me to fix it because "se ve muy feo (it looks very ugly)". So finally last night I invested my time on that. I had a friend of mine come with so we could take care of her floor.

During our visit and repairs I sat with her we laughed she asked the same five questions I answered in five different ways lol and we just cuddled up while my friend took care of her floor. I bought her a bag a seedless red grapes which she actually loves and expresses so. During our question session she asked about my daughter I showed her a picture of both of them on Sunday and she said "that's not me, I never met her before". I said "oh really, ok so look here is a better picture of her and I will tell her to come see you soon." I showed her a picture of my lil mama and widened the shot so she could see her face clearer. When I did this and handed her the phone I could see the joy in her eyes, she keep poking at my daughter's cheeks in the picture and smiling and giggling. I got teary eyed and had to take a deep breath. I got teary eyed on Sunday too, this situation really works on my emotions.

illustration by stepheniezamora.com

I share this story to pin point how precious life is, how valuable time is to valuable to be Apologizing for doing and being who we are.

Stop Apologizing for:

-not exercising

-exercising too much

-wearing tight jeans

-not wearing tight jeans

-having and enjoying sex with your partner or whom ever

-not having kids

-having more than two kids

-eating a piece a cake

-drinking your favorite wine

-not wearing makeup

-staying in bed all day

-going out to dinner and leaving the kid(s) at home

-buying yourself something nice

-not picking up the phone

-not following your friend on social media

-being single and loving your freedom

-choosing NOT to get married but starting your family

-being married and wanting to stay at home with your kids

Stop Apologizing for following your heart! For doing and being authentic to what makes you jump for joy and walk around with a smile on your face. For drawing outside the lines and for saying NO.

Be happy! Wake up with a smile, go to bed with a smile. Live in peace in your own skin. When the end of your journey is here what would you want your thoughts to be? Flashbacks of someone else's life or Your Life?

Always stress free xo

Mari

The Happiness in Silence

Everything doesn't have to be loud and grand. 

Everything doesn't have to be bold and shocking. 

Everything doesn't have to be...said. 

Happiness in Silence

Knowing that your thought of daily.

Knowing that your being prayed for.

Knowing that your looked at with a sense of peace.

Happiness in Silence

illustration by project happiness.org

Sharing the same space without saying a word

Reading together without even speaking

Sitting across the room from one another just...being

Happiness in Silence

illustration by theverybestquotes.com

Something to think about.

Always stress free xo

Mari

Sometimes Talk is Not Cheap

Happy Sunday! I am so looking forward to Spring I already started replanting and adding some new plants to my already filled home. I live in an apartment so space is limited for those that know about apartment living but I just feel so alive and happy around plants. I'll share some pictures soon.

Today I wanted to briefly bring you up to speed on my share about disappointment. I ended up requesting the Home Attendants removal but not before finding out some even more unsavory information and still the verbal diarrhea continued up until this past Friday when another family member reached out to me to express his view and opinions. Keep in mind no one else in my family plays any role in my grandmother's care. With that being said as I was being semi attacked and questioned for my actions as I breathed deeply and closed my eyes I thought about this...Talk is Cheap...or is it?

Remember the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?"

illustration by quotes gram.com

How as kids our parents would tell us to shrug off someone's ugly words or perhaps at some point we told that to our our children? Then hopefully we learned better and realized that words do hurt. Sometimes even more than a slap in the face, at least a slap is a sting for a moment but what is left behind from that what came with that slap is what lingers forever.

Talk is not Cheap when it leaves scars. 

illustration by pinterest.com

When in anger or out of spite you say things that are hurtful just because you are feeling hurt yourself. You feel that if you unleash your arsenal of words you will feel better, you will get the results you want, you will...Win. But you don't what you do instead is leave a trail of destruction that sometimes takes years to repair or perhaps can never be repaired at all.

Hey listen it happens we all get angry at some point but blind anger is dangerous. I always think of this even before I started to live more mindfully and practice Meditation and Yoga. Even in my youth I was aware and conscious of name calling you can't turn back from that. Then when I had lil mama I always asked myself "would I speak to her like that or would I want her spoken to like that by someone else?" The answer was and continues to be No. 

Most parents are always protective of their children regardless of the circumstances so my perspective is to always keep my child in mind when dealing in explosive situations and communications. Words can be a dangerous tool if used poorly. 

illustration by pinterest.com

I've been working really hard at my communication skills for quite some time now and I am grateful to have learned better. Lot's of reading, talking, podcasts, volunteering, listening and trail and error but I can't give up. I must try every day to do better than yesterday. I was watching our Republican candidates a few days ago and felt such shame in these men who want to lead our Country? These are what people consider Leaders? Even those exchanges if we don't pay attention are a distraction. They invest time in insults just not to tackle the more important issues. That's just what happens in verbal attacks. So much is being said emotions go all over the place, talk is not Cheap.

So what can we do to make our talks cost less?

-BREATHE

-STOP

-WALK AWAY

-BREATHE

-STOP

-THINK

-REVISIT at another TIME

Whatever issues arise will still be there later, give yourself some space to choose your words carefully. This idea is Priceless.

What are your thoughts, how do you handle conflict? Do you give into the urge to lash back or do you remain focused and come back to issues later? What do you teach your kids about their use of words to hurt others? What lessons have you yourself learned? I'd love to know share your thoughts.

Always stress free xo

Mari

Let's talk Mesothelioma Awareness

Hey lovelies I have a lot to talk about. Several thoughts running through my mind not to mention some resent changes going on I'd like to share and start a conversation about but first I wanted to share this with you guys. 

Have you ever heard of the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center? They are an organization that provides information regarding mesothelioma that aims to help newly diagnosed patients. Most of us may not even know that there are hundreds of types of Cancers. We also may not know that February is National Cancer Prevention Month but that every month there is a type of Cancer being focused on in addition. 

I believe the more we know the better we can prepare and even avoid. 

Being the mom of a child that attended New York City Public schools for many years and I also being a product of the same system I recall many Parent Teacher meetings and looking around at the cracked ceilings and chipped paint on the walls. Looking around at the corners and wondering what that white dust was coming from the ceiling. Wondering if the insulation that was sticking out on the side of the light fixtures was safe.

I never paid attention to something called Asbestos. Dictionary's meaning is a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as brake linings.

Basically its the material they used for insulation in buildings going back to the 60's. So of course we all know someone who has had some sort of interaction with these types of structures. Contact with this material causes damage to our lungs and we may not even be aware of it till some time has passed. I am not saying that NYC Public schools may or may not have it, I am just saying that as I became aware of what it was it did concern me because one never knows. This is not the only place it can exist many old buildings may still have traces of this material. New practices have since omitted the use of Asbestos but we still hear stories here and there in relation to this material. 

Asbestos is currently the only known cause of the rare cancer mesothelioma, which is what Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness center aims to spread awareness about. Sadly, this is a preventable disease and if we take precautions in arming ourselves with as much information as possible, we can avoid this disease.

cancer.org

Be informed let's protect ourselves and our loved ones. Sharing is caring 

Always stress free xo

Mari

Wanting my Rewards Now not Later

Dolls Christmas is almost here but can I share I can't wait till it is over! All these greedy, self absorbed people walking around me I have just had enough! Don't you gift your loved ones all year long with the basics of just love, presence and kindness? Are you so F***** up all year long that you have to BUY the people around you in one day? All I have seen lately has sucked the joy of this holiday for me and because I am not wrapped up in myself and have instead actually been dealing with regular life issues I wanted to share my latest thoughts maybe they express something you have put some thought into as some point as well.

Love and attention lasts longer 

than any Purchased gift...remember that

 Happy Holidays!

Is there life before death?
Why aren't we living our best lives before we die?

If you watch the news on a daily basis you see that it is full of gloom. Death and poverty everywhere. People treating each other poorly constantly. What is our fellow man doing to one another?

I watch my daughter and wonder what the future holds for her, I walk pass a park and as I watch the children play I ask myself what is in store for you? How long will that innocence last before someone or something tarnishes your beautiful life?

We walk around as if we have all the time in the world and it is only when tragedy occurs either around us or in our own lives that we stop and refocus. But why does it take tragedy for us to focus on what really matters? Or why do certain people use religion to tell me that my rewards will come later after my time on this earth is done?

illustration by shutterstock.com

I want my rewards now, I don't want to wait for later. I want to enjoy Living. I am not referring to mass consumption of things I am referring to just day to day things. Nature, family, friends, making a living, love...
I want my hard work to pay off now. When I die it is an idea that my soul goes someplace better and that may be wonderful but why can't I also have better now?

Self care. I believe that if all of us valued that concept it could trickle over to every aspect of our lives and every interaction we had with anyone around us. Is it wrong to want to obtain that? Would it be considered selfish and if it is, why?
Why is it selfish to take care of our needs first and have the goodness of that nurturing spill over onto everything else? Ever wonder why only those who neglect their needs only to be miserable in doing so are the ones who label you selfish when you are their opposite?

I want to live my best life now, I have no interest in reaping rewards later. I want to matter, I want to help, I want to make a difference...now.
So how can I do that? How can I have it all like the ideal dream? I came up with this list, what do you think?
-rest
-sleep
-have periods of time where doing nothing is doing something
-volunteer
-practice kindness
-enjoy your friendships
-smile often
-kiss a lot
-dance
-talk to strangers
-learn something new everyday
-read
-turn OFF your gadgets
-have dinner with your loved ones often and talk together
-stop procrastinating

illustration by quotepixel.com

There are so many rewarding things we can do on a daily that our lists can be endless but if we start with kindness and a smile that alone is enough to make any day great. What do you think? How can we live our best lives now, be rewarded now and not have it be labeled selfish?
While you think about that I will be getting my ball rolling by heading to my living room to watch a movie with my lil mama!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Being somebody's Somebody

illustration by healthyplace.com

I love you because you care about me

I love you because you make me smile

I love you for all those times you wiped my tears

I love you because you still hold my hand

I love you for all those great hugs

I love you for all the times you made my favorite dinners

I love you for supporting me

I love you for being my friend

I love you because you played with me

I love you because you listen to my stories

I love you for coloring with me

I love you because You adore Me

I love you because I know that bad or good with our ups or our downs you are in my heart and I am in yours.

The perks of...

Being somebody's Somebody

illustration by sandrabornstein.com

Life is so much brighter and healthier if you just share your love, Open your heart!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Broiled Mediterranean Chicken w/ Roasted Cauliflower

I will begin by sharing that I don't think I have ever knowingly eaten Cauliflower. But because I am trying to stay on the healthy veggie train I saw this beautiful head and decided to take it home with me and give it a try.

I goggled and asked friends for suggestions put them all together and came up with this. Nothing like finding something that works and adding your own twist.

Thursday's Treat...Broiled Mediterranean Chicken w/ Roasted Cauliflower!

Ingredients:
-cauliflower
-chicken cutlets
-parm cheese
-olive oil
-lemon juice
-parsley
-garlic cloves
-paprika
-oregano
-salt
-pepper

I enjoy Mediterranean dishes because of all the herbs and spices etc that you get to use. I enjoy taking all my little bottles out and sprinkling a little of this and that lol the small pleasures of life.

I started with washing my chicken then prepped it with 1tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tbsp of Olive oil, 1 tbsp of parsley, 1 thin sliced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp of oregano, pinch of salt and pinch of pepper mixed well and set aside. Then I moved on to my Cauliflower first I cut the head down to smaller florets and added 1 1/2 tbsps of Olive oil, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, 2 tbsps of Parm cheese and 1 thin sliced garlic clove mixed well in a bowl and then on a baking sheet use piece of aluminum foil spray with pam lay the cauliflower out and place in toaster oven on bake at 450 for about 25 minutes.

Once my Cauliflower was done I set aside in a serving bowl and used same baking sheet to lay out my chicken cutlet pieces, I lowered the temp to 325 switched to broil and put my timer on 20 minutes turning my pieces at 10 minutes in. I served meal with some Avocado slices yummy!!!

I will be adding Cauliflower to my shopping list more often, thanks to my volunteer team at the Far Rockaway pantry for suggesting this wink wink. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Why can't I keep your Attention?

illustration by rabbisblog.brsonline.org

Can you please put your phone away? What do you mean?
I mean can you please put your phone away. Coat pocket, back pocket anywhere but the table.
I don't understand what's the big deal. Well the Big deal is that we are having dinner and we are out with the intention of enjoying each others company not to be on our gadgets.
Well what if I miss a call? Well what sort of call would you be missing? We just checked on everyone before we sat down. Yeah but....yeah but nothing phones away!

Half way through dinner I begin to hear some sort of whistling sound. I continue to go about my biz but my dinner partner begins to look uneasy. I ask what's wrong and the response is oh I'm getting some alerts from my FB and Twitter. I said what? You get alerts from your social media? Hell yeah girl don't you? Don't you what to know what's going on? Going on with who I say? The people I care about contact with me directly they don't need to hit me up on my social media. I got the rolling eye and sucked teeth.

Needless to say dinner was very eye opening and full of debate.

illustration by eridesign.gr

Our attention is under siege! We can't go anywhere without our gadgets. I am guilty too but I try to limit it to just keeping on vibrate in case my daughter tries to contact me. But what did parents do before cellphones? What did business people do before emails? What did friends do before Instagram? Well we kept our fingers crossed and wished our kids a safe return home from school, we were sitting at the dinner table with our families talking about our days and we said "remember when" a lot.

Let's try to be in the moment MORE and on our gadgets LESS! Our kids won't be little forever and our relationships won't take the back seat for very long.
Contrary to what television and other media outlets try to push on us what matters is quality time. It helps with our health and our sanity. Why do you think our grandparents lived or live so long? Trust it is not because they are rushing through things, they are in the moment.

How many hours a week are you on your gadgets? How many hours do you sleep? How many hours are you engaged in physical activity with your loved ones? Start a conversation, do you fall victim to the "I may miss something if I put my phone down" lifestyle?

Always stress free xo

Mari

MY own Chinese Takeout Lunch

Hey dolls so I had a few people stop by after my volunteer date over the weekend and I wanted to put something together quickly. I had some great veggies in the fridge I didn't want to go to waste plus I didn't want to be in the kitchen to long I'd rather be eating and yapping so because I love Chinese takeout and that is my go to when I have company sometimes I decided to make my own.

Thursday's Treat... Broccoli, Carrots & Mushrooms served with Noodles!!!

Ingredients:
-broccoli

-mushrooms

-baby carrots 

-garlic cloves

-brown sugar

-soy sauce

-sea salt

-Olive oil

-wok

-noodles

What I loved the most about this dish was most of it was done in one pot/wok lol.

Ok so I took 3 handfuls of medium size broccoli florets, 6 medium mushrooms and 5 baby carrots rinsed and cut to manageable pieces. I cut 4 garlic cloves very thinly sliced and added it to my Wok along with 3 tbsps of water on medium heat and put in my veggies. As it cooked down I then added 3 tbsps of brown sugar, less than 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1 tsp of sea salt, 1 1/2 tbsp of Olive oil and mixed it all together. I cooked my noodles as I would normally cook any pasta and when ready added to my wok mixed very well...done!

It was delish, everyone was very happy even the ones who didn't care for veggies too much. Easy cleanup and healthy. I had plenty of time to chat away and read my Shape magazine. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

I Wonder?

I wonder if snowflakes really have different shapes

I wonder if Neil Armstrong really went to the Moon

I wonder if trees mind when we lean on them

I wonder if the fish in fish tanks feel trapped and sadness

I wonder if dolls come to life at night

I wonder where all the albums I had as a teenager ended up

I wonder if Waldo is retired or still on his many adventures

I wonder if Ariel and Elsa would get along

I wonder what music Tupac & Biggie would be making today

I wonder what happens with all those baby teeth the Tooth Fairy collects

I wonder what the birds are saying

I wonder what it would feel like to Bungee Jump

I wonder if Lions dream of Zebras

I wonder what I look like to my neighbors dog

I wonder what clouds feel like

I wonder if Frogs play Leap Frog

illustration by ink361.com

I was listening to Arianna Huffington on themindfulnesssummit.com sharing her thoughts about Mindfulness with her friend Sheryl Sandberg and they bought up the point about how kids are so awesome because they live in Wonder. They are not yet jaded by life, work and people. They still see the positives and still want to just go outside and jump into a pile of leaves, not caring what will happen.

I'm going to incorporate that mindset into my life's journey. I think its a great way to stay going young at heart and close to our kids. I already started with my thoughts above and next time I go to the park I will be on the look out for that pile of leaves!!! What about you...what do you Wonder?

Always stress free xo

Mari

Playing Hooky

Hello loves, happy Hump day! I've been soaking in all I see around me. All the stresses of life that show on people's faces and in the words they use. The actions of those that feel there is no brighter day ahead and I decided to relinquish all the titles I hold and just be me. 

illustration by healthy chics.com

Today I am care free. I will approach all things as the younger version of myself. Today is a great day for dreaming.

Walk with no sense of direction, 

smile while looking at the trees, 

watch the street lights change, explore a new neighborhood.

There is no clock, 

no deadline. 

There is no bill to pay, 

no date on a calendar. 

No diapers to change,

no school play to attend.

No meetings,

no goals to reach.

Today I'm playing Hooky.

Jump into a pile a leaves because

you can.

Run around the house naked because its fun.

Turn the radio on, Loudly!

Eat a whole pint of Ice Cream if you dare.

Today I am playing Hooky.

Watch your favorite movie, reread an old favorite book.

Take those old photo albums out and have a good laugh.

Go to the mall and play Dress Up!

Today I am playing Hooky.

My younger self had a ball playing dress up. 

Happy Hump day and I hope that you find a day for yourself where you allow the kid inside of you to come out and play. Sometimes being an adult can be boring so don't let the kid in you waste away.

Always stress free xo

Mari

What Nature taught Me

Nothing in Life is really a mistake I find myself believing that more and more each day.

I am a Fall baby, September 25.
I was born at 9:52 pm my zodiac sign is Libra the scales, all about Balance.
I have been shedding layers of unnecessary nothingness since I began to crawl.

illustration by pinterest

I'm very emotional but rarely irrational
I'm very critical but never spiteful
I'm very private but my hearts wide Open
I'm stern but never mean
I can charge like a Lion but stand in peace like a Lamb
All my moves are meticulous and well thought out but I am learning to ease up on my grip if it means finding a solution
I am as strong as steel and as fragile as glass
I can do it on my own but with your help I can do it faster
I prefer silence but occasional noise can be re-energizing

Nature feeds off of everything around it
It nurtures all, yet never holds on to anything
It takes, it gives, it has balance

To be able to appreciate Life we must at some point be touched by Death

Nothing in Life is really a mistake.

I came across this quote two days before my Birth Day a fellow blogger by the name of Tara Hughes had shared it on her page. It was fitting, it spoke to what my life journey means I would like to share it with you.

illustration by pixteller.com

Always stress free xo

Mari

Mindful moments in our Day

illustration by coeonlinetrainingcourses.com

My lovelies! How are things going today? Did you get out of bed in a rush? Did you start your day on a sprint? Mind full of things to do and worry of not enough time to do it?
I use to know that feeling until I began to practice Meditation and Yoga. I found myself going a little backwards these past two months dealing with my grandma's issues but the other night I just stopped everything I was doing went into my room, shut off the lights, sat on my floor and took some deep breaths.

illustration by blogbysuchitra.wordpress.com

I've been waking up with several to do lists from calling doctors to following up on medical supplies and to be honest I am tired. By the time I reach my office I feel like I've been up for hours. Recently I realized I can't keep going on like this because I don't know how long this journey with my grandma will be and because she is in her last stage of Alzheimers there is a lot more to come I must be ready for.

I caught an old episode of  Oprah's Super Soul Sunday in which she spoke with a man by the name of Jon Kabat-Zinn. He shared his story and how he implements a mindful morning routine. I found it to be interesting and helpful in my current situation. It helped me to remember my own practice and purpose I have set for myself .
I'm sharing it here with you in hopes that if any of you are feeling as I have been you know that there are options and you aren't alone in having a few crazy filled days.

mindful.org

illustration by girlmeetslife.com

What tools do you use to slow your pace down? How do you cope with those days that to do list seems to never end? Start a conversation.

Always stress free xo.

Salmon and Steamed Veggies w/ a Glaze and Herbs

Hey lovelies today I want to share something I made a few days ago in a matter of 30 minutes while I paused a new find on Netflix. I must say I am really leaning towards cancelling my cable for good. I mean I am finding so many other ways to catch the shows I actually watch and it hasn't been through my cable.
The new show I found that has me on a marathon?...DareDevil!!! Yes I said it, not the movie version with Ben Affleck though I enjoyed that one too, this is a new series on Netflix. It's awesome very dark and it sucks you in and it has Rosario Dawson and Vincent D'Onofrio just to name a few. If you haven't seen it go give it a try.

Anyway I am so into my marathon that when I got up to make this I totally left my phone in living room so I only took pic of finished product, please give me a pass this time xo.

Thursday's Treat...Salmon and Steamed Veggies w/ a Glaze and Herbs!

Ingredients:

-salmon

-broccoli medley bag

-thyme

-rosemary

-olive oil

-salt

-pepper

-honey

-mustard 

-garlic powder

-parm cheese

This was super easy and fast. I took half a bag of Broccoli Medley mix I bought at Western beef and placed in medium pot added 1 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of Olive oil mix and put flame on low, covered for about 7/10 minutes.
In another bowl I mixed 1/2 tsp of the following...thyme, rosemary, pepper, garlic powder and salt. I added 1 tbsp of honey and 1 of mustard. I mixed it all together till well blended then dipped my Salmon fillets till fully covered.

I broiled the Salmon in toaster oven for about 10 minutes, I love the outside to get nice color and crispy like coating from the honey. I used aluminum foil to catch any droppings and easy clean up.

My last sprinkled treat was a bit of Parm cheese over the veggies...done.
Yummy, easy peasy, healthy and fun, enjoy!!!

Always stress free xo.

Revisiting what is Parenting?

My loves hope all is well on your end. My plate has been a bit full these past few weeks with family matters but slowly things are falling back in line and I am grateful. Soon it will be Mommywood's 2nd Anniversary and though it is not very old this Blog journey has taught me a lot in itself. When I decided to blog about all things parenting, one of the first posts I wrote asked the question, What is Parenting?
I knew my views and I knew why I had made the choices I had made but I wondered if others were as clear as I was when I decided to enter this journey.

My daughter turned 20 in April and I prior to that big day I had been investing some time and thoughts in these years and the choices I had made and the reasons behind them. I was happy to see before me the results. Yes we had some tweaks along the way, some things we just threw out the window and stuff we had to learn about together but as a whole I am grateful my tools worked out so well.

It actually went by so quickly that she is the one who reminds me of certain periods in our lives. Like how stubborn I was when plans we made had to be changed or how I didn't allow any Play Doh outside of her room. How she would ask for one theme during school supply shopping but I would get an extra one just for her to have an option. How we use to have mani pedi nights while we watched Blue's Clues or the time another parent asked but at the same time was sort of judging when she commented on her being a "handful" simply because she was very athletic and energetic. She was the type of mom with the Ballerina daughter, which is cool but my kid wasn't that. I set her on the "right" path of course "nicely" lol. So many memories.

As I've been sitting with my grandma and just watching her childlike innocence come back again after so many years, realizing that without me, my attention and her home attendants she would be lost I wanted to revisit this question...

So I am re posting this again in hopes of getting some enlightening feedback.

illustration by sandrachamikassis.com

What is Parenting?
Does anyone ever ask this question?

Do people really want to know the answer?

Eighteen years ago I came to this conclusion…

• Parenting doesn't begin with the belly
• Parenting begins with you and your feelings about self-awareness and what you have to offer
• Parenting is attitude
• Parenting’s first emotion is Desire. Desire to be a mom, wanting to share your life, love and experiences
• Parenting is excitement, you will bring someone into this world who may look like you, who will make you laugh and cry at times yet it will all be worth it
• Parenting is being a Jack of all trades. Wearing many hats at one time and being able to handle the fact you won’t be able to control everything. Your rewards will consist of smiles, hugs, kisses, I love yous and a productive human being in society. Someone who you will be proud of and know they will make the world a better place because they are in it.

illustration by bbc.co.uk

Are we as a society doing certain things to prepare ourselves to become good parents?


So those were my thoughts then, pretty accurate still 20 years in.
I always say that this part of my life's journey has been awesome. I made it so by not going with the norm, by not following but instead leading my own family to the best choices for us.
I have a well rounded beautiful young lady as my daughter to show for it, so I think the road we choose was good.

I feel the tools I used with my lil mama have also helped me deal with my grandmother and her Alzheimer's. Finding a balance and doing things that work best for our situation.

Share your thoughts, What do you think is Parenting? Where do you think it starts and ends? Does it ever really end? Did your thoughts change after you had your own baby? Let's talk!

Always stress free xo.