February 1, 2020 by Sandra

Self-Care Tips for Moms

Moms these days seem to be constantly urged to take time for themselves and practice self-care because “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Raise your hand if you have heard this expression.

While this sounds good in theory, the reality is that self-care sounds like one more thing to schedule into our never-ending to-do list. When you have 45 loads of laundry, little Timmy has baseball practice, your spouse is traveling for work, and your daughter has a school project due tomorrow, guess who always comes in last.

You are the Best Mom for Your Kids

Even on the days when you are running late, wearing spit-up on your shirt, or maybe you lost your temper and yelled at the kids, YOU are the best mom for your kids. You are not a cruise director who has to arrange Pinterest-worthy activities on a daily basis.

You do not need a cleaner house, to lose weight, or to buy more stuff. Your children love you because you give them love and affection. You are the one they want when they are sick or have a boo-boo because they feel comforted with you. Unconditional love and affection from you are what your children NEED, not all of the other things.

Self-Care Helps

Little acts of self-care for moms sure can help you take care of those kids that you love so much. The reality is that it is impossible to show up for your kids and to respond to their needs with love if you are completely depleted. I am going to let you in on a parenting secret that most people don’t talk about. The best possible gift that you can give your kids is a happy, healthy, emotionally stable mother.

Self-Care Truths

What REAL self-care means is that you need to give yourself a break from the things that are NOT priorities to make time for what really matters. It means letting go of the things that are causing you more pain than they’re worth so that you can leave space for the joy.

Self-care is not always a solitary activity like going to the gym, spa, or nail salon. Although if you are looking for new options to try, here is a great list.

What if we looked at true self-care as something we did to make our normal, everyday routines more enjoyable?

If your days are so challenging that you need to schedule time away from them, then maybe you need to take a look at how you have been filling your days.

What if, instead, we structured our days and our lives to allow time for the activities that fill us up? We need activities and hobbies that speak to our soul and energize us. Yes, that might include curling up with a good book on the couch, or visiting the nail salon, or having dinner with your girlfriends.

Self-care can also be turning down a party invitation and to go for a hike with your family. It might mean more family dinners, with no screens in the way. It might mean saying no to a million extracurriculars and committees so that you create some breathing room for yourself and your family. You have to work to find the BALANCE.

Self-care can mean cutting things out of your life — even good things if they add stress.

But what if self-care could also be something bigger?

What if self-care means creating a life that you love, right now?

Fill Your Cup and Don’t Apologize for It

Self-care for moms is not selfish. Taking time for yourself, your family, and your mental health is not selfish. These are the acts of a courageous mother who knows that she cannot respond lovingly and peacefully if she is burnt out. It takes courage to ask for help, and to say “I need this time for myself.” I hope you know by now that self-care is so much more than getting a pedicure.

It takes courage to stand up and say that “I want to ENJOY my motherhood, my children, my marriage and my job — and that might look untraditional.”

What I am saying is that it takes courage to create a life that you truly love. It takes bravery to say that the traditional choices aren’t working for you and your family. Life is too short to live with regret. Don’t just do it for you. Do it for your kids. Do it for your family.

I would love to know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. Thank you so much for reading.

From my heart to yours,

Sandra

January 29, 2020 by Sandra

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

James and I have been trying to eat healthier in our house. We are in the process of completing a Whole 30, so we needed something that was low carb, grain-free and delicious. So, I came up with this dirty cauliflower rice recipe this week and it was delicious!!! I will definitely be making this one again.

Other Info.

Also, if you can’t find Tony Chachere’s seasoning at your local store, you can order it here.

If you are looking for a low carb, whole30 version of this Creole food classic, try this. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Drop some comments below and share your thoughts.
If you’re looking for additional healthy recipes to incorporate veggies into your rotation, check out this one.

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

This Dirty Cauliflower Rice recipe is a healthy spin on the classic Creole dish called Dirty Rice. It is simple, quick, easy and full of flavor! This low carb, one-pan wonder can be on the table in less than 30 minutes!

3 tbsp coconut oil
1 lb. ground turkey or beef
1 bag frozen peppers and onions
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
1/4 cup water
12 Oz. frozen cauliflower rice

Preheat a heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and the ground meat and season with 1 tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. pepper and ½ tsp. garlic powder. Brown ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until it begins to caramelize. If it sticks to the bottom of the pan, that’s ok.
After the meat begins to caramelize, reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and peppers and continue to cook for about 5 -7minutes or until the veggies are tender and the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and the other seasonings and cook for another minute.
Add the frozen cauliflower rice, water and season with salt and garlic powder. Stir to combine and use the liquid to loosen the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will give the cauliflower rice its “dirty” color! Continue to cook, stirring often, until the cauliflower rice is tender and there is no liquid left in the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with sliced onion and chopped parsley and serve!
salt & pepper to taste

Frozen cauliflower rice works best in this dish because it still cooks and holds up to the heat without getting squishy.

January 21, 2020 by Sandra

Why You Should be Drinking Pink Salt Water

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

I recently learned something new about pink Himalayan Salt. Did you know that you should be drinking it? Not all salt is created equal. In fact, regular table salt has been stripped of nutrients and bleached. Sea salt, from raised ancient seabeds (like Himalayan Rock Salt), is loaded with minerals and nutrients that are good for you.

Himalayan pink salt is packed with over 84 trace minerals and elements that make it incredibly nourishing for your body. Pink salt has numerous benefits such as: helping the body detoxify, boosting energy, improving digestion, and promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails.

I bet you are now wondering, how exactly do I use this? Well, for starters, you can cook with it. I use it in place of regular salt. To get a boost of caffeine-free energy, you can add a pinch of pink salt to your morning lemon water or smoothie each day. To experience the full benefits of Himalayan pink salt, you can also make salt water sole (pronounced so-lay). This is water that has been fully saturated with natural salt to the point where it will not absorb any more. This is the form of the salt that is easiest for the body to absorb.

Pro-Tip

According to holistic nutritionist Kelly Leveque, pink salt water makes a great sports drink: When we sweat and workout we lose minerals (or electrolytes), and the sole is a great way to add them back in the body with water. Himalayan Pink Salt is packed with over 84 trace minerals and elements, as opposed to table salt that is 97.5% sodium chloride. Excess sodium increases your risk of hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney disease, whereas the diversity of elements in Himalayan pink salt is shown to create an electrolyte balance within your body, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. It also helps to protect the delicate balance of minerals in your cells, avoid excess water retention, and prevent premature aging. Every cell needs a balance of potassium and sodium.

Himalayan Pink Salt Drink

Here is how to make and use your saltwater sole:

1. Fill a jar about ¼ of the way with pink salt.

2. Add filtered water to the jar, leaving a bit of space at the top in case you need to add more salt later.

3. Put a lid on the jar and shake gently. Leave it on the counter overnight to give the salt time to dissolve. The next day you should still see some salt at the bottom of the jar that can’t be absorbed by the water. This is how you know you have a true “sole” solution. (If you don’t see any salt at the bottom, simply add a couple of teaspoons more and let it sit for another day.)

4. To use your sole, add up to 1 tsp of the saltwater to another glass of filtered water first thing each morning. Drink up!

Are you going to give Himalayan pink salt a try?

Tell me in the comments.

January 19, 2020 by Sandra

How to Get Unstuck When You are Burnt Out

If you find yourself stuck or maybe even burn out, perhaps it’s time to explore the reasons why. With some simple self-exploration, you can pinpoint the areas of your life that require change. It may require you to leave your comfort zone, but in the end, you’ll likely find that it was all worth it! Let’s talk about how you to get unstuck when you are burnt out.

It’s also important for you to build an action plan. If you stay organized and follow a simple plan of action step by step, there will be nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals.

Here are some ideas that can get you on your way to getting unstuck:

Set Up Accountability. When you hold yourself accountable and keep a close eye on your goals, you’ll be better able to identify when you’re stuck in a rut. The first step is to really figure out why you’re feeling stuck in the first place. I think it’s important to note that even if you are a stay-at-home mom, it is super easy to fall into a rut. (Check out this article about overcoming the mom burnout.)

Set A Time Goal. You’re stuck and you’d like to be unstuck, but chances are you’ve been putting off working toward your goal. You’ve already decided to make yourself accountable and now it’s time to give yourself a time limit – so do it! This can even be a small, attainable goal also to get you moving in the right direction.

Be Not Afraid. Being afraid of change is one of the biggest reasons why you get stuck in the first place. Perhaps you’re feeling trapped in your job and, in order to get the job you’d like, you have to go back to college. You need to get over your fear and see what you need to do to apply. You’ll be happy you did when you land your dream job someday.

Look For Role Models. Find someone who has been through your situation or something similar and see how he or she was able to overcome obstacles. If possible, ask this person questions.

Change Your Thinking. It’s true: your actions first start as thoughts. When you think positive and brave thoughts, you’ll be motivated into action!

Take Time. Remember to take some time for yourself to collect your thoughts. You may discover some insight into how to solve your challenges. Make sure you’re completely alone with your thoughts without any distractions.

Taking Action

It’s easy to remain in your “stuck” situation because it’s familiar and you know what’s going to happen. You might even feel safe. However, eventually, the dissatisfaction you feel will take over and you’ll realize that the only way to get “unstuck” is to take immediate action to change.

Make the Change

Once you choose your timetable, you’ll want to break down your changes into small steps. Track your progress and tweak your system to make sure your changes are making a difference. For example, if you’re feeling stuck in a relationship, you’ll first evaluate where you think the concern lies. Perhaps you aren’t communicating effectively. If so, you can set a timetable of three months to overcome this challenge. You can then break down the problem into smaller steps by reading a book on communication, talking about it with your partner, or attempting counseling sessions. As you go through these actions, you’re constantly keeping a close eye on how it affects your relationship. In the end, you have a firm decision about your relationship’s progress and you no longer feel stuck. If you hadn’t taken action, it’d be impossible to improve!

Repeat the Process

Once you’ve applied this system to one aspect of your life, you can use the same strategies whenever you’re feeling stuck. Whether large or small, there are always actions you can take to break through barriers!

We all go through these trying times and it is hard to recover. Hopefully, these practical tips will get you back on track. Have something to add to the list, would love to have your comments listed below.

If you love these tips, be sure to check out this post.

xoxo-Sandra

January 18, 2020 by Sandra

10 Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight Over the Holidays

The holidays and fattening food go hand-in-hand. Thanksgiving and the leftovers can last a week. Then it’s only a few more weeks until Christmas. New Year’s is the following week……Ugh!! Let’s not even talk about all the sweets, bread, and baked goods. Studies show that 75% of a person’s annual weight gain happens between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. Make this the year that you avoid holiday weight gain.

Most people associate the holidays with food, fun, and gaining weight. However, you can choose to enjoy the holidays and still eat responsibly. Say it with me….. YES, YOU CAN!

Avoid gaining weight this holiday season by utilizing these 10 tips:

1. Have a healthy meal before arriving at a party or other event that includes food. Feel free to go crazy on Thanksgiving. A single day won’t ruin your waistline. For other holiday events, fill yourself up with healthy food first. Your stomach will be full of healthy food, and you’ll be less likely to eat junk food.

2. Bring a healthy side that you love. Many gatherings encourage the bringing of a dish to share. Ensure that your offering is both healthy and delicious. You can limit your consumption of unhealthy food and enjoy the gathering at the same time.

3. Focus on things other than food. When attending a party, spend your time and attention to the other attendees. Mingle and socialize. Find a healthy snack and a bottle of water.

4. Maintain your normal diet and exercise routine. An occasional lapse won’t do any damage, but it’s surprisingly easy to gain 10 pounds or more within 6 weeks if you aren’t careful. Keep going to the gym and stick with your regular diet as much as possible. Avoid deviating from your routine. If you’re considering the possibility of beginning an exercise program for the New Year, why wait? There’s no time like the present to make your health a priority.

5. Add a daily walk to your routine. Get the entire family together for a daily walk. You’ll burn a few calories, keep your blood sugar under control, and reduce your appetite. Keep the pace enjoyable and you’ll look forward to your daily walk.

6. Walk after finishing your holiday meal. While we are on the subject of walking, this one you can incorporate on the days of your big, holiday meals. Did you know that shortly after eating, if you get up and go for a brief walk, research has found that a post-meal walk, even as short as 15 minutes, can help with digestion and improve blood sugar levels?

7. Eat slowly. The slower you eat, the less you will have eaten when your body finally decides it’s full. The easiest way to overeat is to eat quickly. Chew your food slowly and completely. Talk between bites. Drink plenty of water with your meals. This will also fill your stomach.

8. Wait at least 30 minutes before having seconds. Your first meal was enough to make you full, but your brain just hasn’t registered the information yet. Thirty minutes is plenty of time for your brain to inform you that you’re full. Have a nice chat with your friends or family before re-filling your plate.

9. Take part in a fitness or weight-loss competition. There are plenty of opportunities during the holiday season to lower your weight or increase your fitness. Even if you don’t win, you’re bound to be in a better place than if you’d never competed. Your workplace might have something to offer.

10. Start with salad. Whether you’re eating at home or attending a party, have a big salad before commencing with the rest of the meal. Remember to take it easy on the salad dressing.

Plan ahead this year. It’s easier to avoid gaining weight than it is to lose weight. Enjoy your friends and family during the holiday season. Excessive eating isn’t a prerequisite to having a good time. Focus on making healthy choices and moderation. Have a healthy meal before indulging yourself. You can avoid holiday weight gain by making smart decisions. I believe in you!!

Have any comments or tips to add to the list? I would love to hear from you in the comments.

xoxo- Sandra

January 18, 2020 by Sandra

How to Get Started Using Essential Oils

If you haven’t heard of Essential oils by now, you must be living under a rock. More and more people are branching out into Essential oil usage these days. Essential oils, the fragrant concentrated plant extracts that are brimming with health benefits, a drop or two of which can offer emotional, physical, and even spiritual benefits. If you want to switch to essential oils to support a more natural and holistic lifestyle, but don’t know where to begin, I am about to share with you the safest ways to use them to gain maximum benefits.

What are essential oils:

Essential oils are concentrated natural extracts from plants. Different essential oils are extracted from different parts of the plants: leaves, stems, flowers, roots, resin, etc. Rose essential oil comes from the flowers, frankincense is extracted from the resin of Boswellia trees, tea tree from the melaleuca leaves, and sweet orange oil from the fruit rinds.

Essential oils have distinct properties which help determine their various application. Lavender, for example, is calming and can help induce sleep. These potent and concentrated extracts offer therapeutic benefits. They are widely used in a number of commercial skin and hair care products. Many establishments also diffuse essential oils to promote a calming and relaxing environment. At home, they can be safely used to freshen the house, promote sleep, clean surfaces, treat minor cuts and bites, relieve an upset tummy, etc. Here are some simple and safe ways to use these oils:

Aromatic Use

When you open an essential oil bottle, the first thing that you will notice is the scent. Being concentrated, they have strong scents. Each oil has its own set of unique aromatic compounds, and inhaling its scent has an immediate effect on the body and mind. By stimulating the smell receptors, essential oils send chemical signals to the brain, which, in turn, affects the body emotionally, physically and mentally.

How to Use:

The easiest way to enjoy the aromatic benefits is to simply smell the essential oil by popping open the bottle. You can also drop a few drops in your hands, rub your palms together, cup them close to your nose, and inhale the scent deeply.

You can enjoy their calming scent by diffusing the oils in an aromatherapy diffuser designed specifically for this purpose. I love this REVIVE Ultrasonic Diffuser. It lasts for up to 10 hours with automatic shut-off for home & office safety. Plus, it is budget-friendly.

Top tips:

– Add a drop or two of lavender essential oil to a cotton ball and leave it near your pillow

– Use with dryer balls or sheets during the laundry’s drying cycle

– Add to a spray bottle containing water and a little witch hazel and spritz all around the room

Topical:

Essential oils are extremely popular ingredients in commercial and DIY recipes for skin and hair care. This is because they have a low molecular weight, which means they are readily absorbed by the skin. The beneficial components of the oil sink into the skin and are carried around in the bloodstream. What’s even more interesting is some essential oils are processed and excreted by the body within a day. This suggests that we can reap maximum benefits from essential oils by using them topically. However, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts that need to be followed.

How to Use:

As we mentioned earlier, essential oils (EO) are extremely concentrated and it is important to check which essential oils can be applied neat (directly on to your skin) and which ones need to be diluted (mixed with carrier oil). Carrier oils like coconut, almond, jojoba, etc. are all good options. Also, pay attention to dilution ratios; for beginners, 1 percent dilution is recommended, i.e. six drops of EO to an ounce of carrier oil.

The best places to apply the mix would be the nape, forehead, temples, chest, abdomen, and the soles of the feet. Avoid using on sensitive areas like the eyes, under eyes, inner ears.

Do a Patch Test:

The best way to check for sensitivity is to do a patch test. Just wash and dry your forearm, then apply the essential oil blend to your inner wrist. Leave for 24 hours. Check for irritation or any other adverse reactions.

Top tips:

– Add essential oils like geranium and frankincense to your skin care products like face creams and body lotions

– Make your own nourishing hair conditioner by mixing rosemary essential oil with coconut oil

– Mix essential oils like lavender and peppermint with bath salts or milk, and add this to your bath water for a relaxing soak

Internal:

Internal use of essential oils can refer to placing a drop or two of essential oils directly into the mouth, mixing oils into a beverage, or taking a capsule containing essential oils. Not all essential oils are approved for internal use, so be sure to read the safety guidelines of the particular oil before ingesting. It is recommended to start with one drop of essential oil at a time, and increase to up to three drops to achieve the desired effects. Do not exceed 18 drops daily, divided into 1-3 drop doses. Particular dosage requirements vary from person to person and are dependent on age, weight, and general health. You should always start with the lowest dose possible, and only increase dosage if necessary.

How to use:

Essential oils can replace certain herbs and spices in recipes; however, since they are highly concentrated, a small amount will go a long way. Some essential oils are very strong and potent; it’s best to dip a toothpick in these oils and add to the recipe instead of using drops. You can also add essential oils to a veggie capsule for more targeted applications.

Top Tips:

– Oregano and basil essential oils can replace the herbs in recipes

– Start the day with a detoxifying glass of lemon water by adding a drop of lemon essential oil to it

– Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the morning by adding a drop of peppermint essential oil to it

Using essential oils on children

The recommended dilution for topical use on children is 8 drops of carrier oil to one drop of essential oil. If no irritation occurs, you can increase this to 5 drops of carrier oil to one drop of essential oil. Some essential oils should NEVER be used on children under the age of 6 because they can cause respiratory distress, like peppermint oil.

Using essential oils while pregnant or taking prescription medications

Although some essential oils are approved for use during pregnancy, many mothers-to-be choose to avoid the use of essential oils altogether. While some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, many are still safe for topical and aromatic use. If you are taking a prescription medication, internal use of some essential oils may negatively interact with your medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking a prescription medication or attempting to treat a chronic condition with essential oils, you should always consult a medical professional before use.

Promote general wellbeing – naturally!

When used properly, essential oils are a valuable addition to your daily routine. They can be diffused throughout your home to ease stress and anxious feelings, applied topically to alleviate muscle pain and reduce inflammation, and even taken internally to boost the immune system! By following proper safety precautions, you can improve your overall wellbeing in an easy, natural way.

If you are looking for high-quality essential oils that are more affordable, I have been using Revive Essential Oils. REVIVE is not a MLM or Direct Sales company. They eliminate the cost of the middleman, and pass the savings on to you as the consumer. They are able to offer the same quality oils for much less. You also get the benefits of free shipping and great customer service to those same quality oils. I have converted and love it. You can even use the code sandrarevive10 and get 10% off your first order!! See what oils and blends compare to your existing oils here.

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December 7, 2019 by Sandra

21 Ways to Show Kindness this December

Sometimes this world can just be too much! Everyone seems to be so cynical, critical and opinionated. You would have to be living under a rock not to hear people arguing over politics. There seems to be more hate and violence than ever, and negativity seems to be pulsing throughout the media and all over social medial. While we all try to make sense of our changing world, the one theme that keeps coming back up to me is kindness. We might not be able to change everything at once, but we all have the capability to be kind, nice, loving, we can help spread the kindness around this holiday season.

I personally, have taken a step back the past month. I haven’t been writing as much, and I haven’t even been on social media that much. (When things get too much, I usually avoid the confrontation!). I have really been working on me. I need a more positive mindset and I am trying to make more positive changes in our home through different parenting techniques and in our marriage. This holiday season is a great time to participate in the 21 ways to spread kindness. These are things you can do alone, or with your family, to help teach spreading goodwill, love, and of course, kindness. Spread that kindness around like confetti.

I hope you will join me throughout the month of December and perform one act of kindness a day. Most of these do not require any monetary contributions, just ways to be kind to ourselves and others. We all deserve a little more grace in our lives, so let’s do this together and spread #21daysofkindness.

Have suggestions to add to our list? Please comment below and let me know how it goes for you.

1. Pay someone a compliment or give them a genuine smile.

2. Donate a toy to a child in need.

3. Surprise a friend by taking them a meal, or donate a meal to your local food bank.

4. Pay for someone’s coffee order, or buy them a $5 gift card.

5. When someone is unkind to you, don’t respond. This is the first step to learning not to take things personally.

6. Do some sort of exercise that you love; ride a bike, walk, swim, yoga, whatever it is, do it for you. (And yes, you need to be kind to yourself too!)

7. Offer to watch your friend’s kids for an hour so she can have some time to herself.

8. Return a shopping cart in the parking lot, or collect a few and help the store workers out.

9. Be kind to nature, and plant something. It could be a tree, a flower, some herbs, anything that will help our environment.

10. Leave a positive comment or two on a friend’s social media post or a blog. (We love comments!!)

11. Donate used clothing.

12. Wrap presents for someone who you know needs the help.

13. Bake something you are known for and share it with your neighbors. Need a new recipe? Check out this delicious recipe that I have shared before.

14. Visit your local animal shelter and offer to donate items they may need. Most will love old towels or blankets for animals to cuddle on.

15. If you eat out, consider leaving a big(ger) tip this time. What a blessing this is to those servers!

16. Be kind to yourself, take an hour to do something just for you.

17. Let someone go in front of you in line, wherever you are.

18. Leave an envelope with a few dollar bills taped to a rack at the Dollar Store or the $1 bins at Target.

19. Donate to a homeless person or better yet bring them a hot meal and actually talk to them.

20. Fill out a survey at a store and compliment an employee if they were good to you. They deal with a lot of personalities during the heavy shopping season!

21. Start a gratitude journal to start off the New Year with a grateful heart. This is one of my favorite things to do each year. You will be blessed all over again when you go back and read them from years prior.

If you do decide to join in this kindness challenge, please share this post so others can join you! Also, use #21daysofkindness on social media so we can get kindness trending! Sending much love and kindness to you this holiday season!

xoxo- Sandra

May 26, 2019 by Sandra

Jade Roller Facial Massage Benefits for Your Skin

All About the Jade Facial Roller

Have you heard of a Jade Facial Roller? This is not a new product, but it has recently made a comeback. It has been a staple in Chinese skincare routines since the 7th century. A Jade Roller is believed to have healing and protective properties, and this little product is a secret weapon in my beauty routine. I am about to tell you all the reasons why I am in love.

These handheld “massagers” are dual-ended with two jade stone heads that can boost blood circulation, reduce swelling, and help your skincare products penetrate deeper. Basically, they’re supposed to be a quick, easy cure for daily skincare struggles. Do you struggle with dark under-eye circles or puffiness from fatigue? The increase in circulation can also help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. (Can I get an Amen?!?!)

The Benefits of using a Jade Roller

The most well-known benefit of using a jade roller is that it helps to reduce puffiness and inflammation in the face due to the stagnation of the lymphatic system. I know, it sounds really technical, but hang in there with me. A jade roller can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which in turn reduces inflammation and puffiness.

Other benefits include brightening complexions, tightening pores (especially if you put it in the fridge for a few minutes before using), helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and increasing blood circulation, just to name a few.

Massaging your face with a jade roller can instantly relieve tension by running it along your brows and jawline. ♀️To help assist in lymphatic drainage and to send all those built-up toxins towards the center of your body where they can be detoxified and processed, start at the center of the face under the eyes and cheekbones and moving out towards the hairline. Next, move down towards the jawbone, starting at the center of the chin and moving out towards the bottom of the ear. Finish by rolling down the sides of the neck towards the center of the clavicle.

How to Get the Best Results

To get the best results, it is recommended to use the roller after getting out of the shower or cleansing your skin. You will start to see impressive results with continued daily use. Massaging your face with a jade roller can instantly relieve tension by running it along your brows and jawline. This is a must if you deal with tension headaches.

When using a jade roller in conjunction with your other skincare products, the tool will not just glide easier, it can also help your favorite facial oil or serum reach deeper into your skin. This is a huge benefit because your skin will get the full benefit of your products rather than sitting on top of its outermost layer. I use mine in conjunction with my Anti-Aging skincare products to get even faster results. Jade rollers can also help prevent the waste of skincare products by rolling products across the face instead of with your hands. This also prevents products from being absorbed into your hands. This is probably another reason why products are absorbed more “easily.”

Where can you find a Jade Roller?

Are you ready to try one of these for yourself now? My favorite can be ordered through Amazon and delivered straight to your

door. Plus, it’s super affordable too. Here is a link.

What’s your opinion on the jade roller craze? Have you tried it before and do you love it? Let’s chat in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to get more skincare tips and tricks from yours truly.

XOXO- Sandra

May 12, 2019 by Sandra

To the Struggling Woman This Mother’s Day

To most people, Mother’s Day is a joyful celebration, but my heart aches for those who struggle during this holiday. This day can be exceptionally hard on those who are hurting and grieving. I know this pain all too well, which is one reason why I sympathize so deeply.

There are women who long to conceive and carry a child, but this day is a reminder that your womb is empty. Don’t lose hope! I’m going to tell you exactly what you don’t want to hear. I know, because I DID NOT want to hear it almost 6 years ago myself. Be patient and faithful in the plans that God has for your life. We always think we know what is best for ourselves and our family, but I will always put my trust in God to lead the way. The timing is usually all wrong and the process of the valley you are walking through is usually more important than the end result. Just know that I love and celebrate you on this day as a woman, and not because you can carry a baby in your womb. You are strong and brave. Infertility sucks. The whole process of not knowing……sucks!

To the woman who has had to bury a child…… I can not fathom the pain. I celebrate you because the scar on your heart represents the love of a child who was welcomed into heaven’s gates sooner than anyone could have imagined. I know you are grieving, Mama. I celebrate you because it takes so much bravery to bury your child. There is not enough “I’m sorries” in the world to make the pain tolerable. To the woman who lost your baby before you even got to know him or her……well that just sucks. I celebrate you because even though your baby left your womb far too early in pregnancy, you are still a mom. After suffering 3 unexplained miscarriages, I was left with so many “what ifs” and ideas about being a family of 4. I am so sorry for your loss.

To the woman who is going through a tedious adoption process, and is so desperate to meet or hold her child, I celebrate you. Adoption is such an amazing process that many of my friends have gone through. It is not for the faint of heart, but oh so rewarding. I pray that you are connected with your little one soon.

To the woman who is a foster parent, I celebrate you. We desperately need more hearts like yours to step up and take in children until they can find a forever home.

To the woman is missing their own mother this Mother’s Day, I am so sorry your mama is gone. I know it must be hard carrying on life without her support, wisdom and phone calls. I am sorry you can’t share this day with her and tell her how much you love her.

On this Mother’s Day, I celebrate you and empathize with you. I want you to know that are not alone and you pain is not forgotten. To the woman who is struggling to make it through Mother’s Day, I’m thinking of you and sending you hugs.

So on this day, I choose to celebrate all women. You can be a mom, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother, spiritual mentor, etc. It takes a village and I celebrate you for reaching out and loving on your neighbor. This world is tough and the only way we can make is through is with love and kindness.

From my heart to yours,

Sandra

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April 18, 2019 by Sandra

Why I Want My Children to Fail

Every parent wants what is best for their children. We work hard to provide necessities and the extras. We want them to have fun at that dance class, participate in travel ball tournaments, or even go on that mission trip. We plan, we save, we hover, we stress, and we protect our kids at all costs. We want to see our kids succeed and thrive. We do not want to see them struggle, hurt or suffer at even the smallest things. I have a confession to make about my parenting style and you may not agree with me here, but……..

I want my children to fail.

Trust me, I want what is best for my kids, but the best is not a free ticket to success. The one life lesson that they will take with them into adulthood is figuring out how to work hard in the process and how to be humble and grateful when you reach success.

Children and Failure

I get it…… letting your kids fail can sound harsh, and it’s scary. But failure teaches valuable life skills in real-life situations. Unfortunately, an unintended side effect of this is that we have raised a generation of children who don’t know what it feels like to truly fail, but they are never given the chance to learn the valuable lessons that come with failing — like brushing themselves off from defeat, then having the perseverance and drive to rise back up again. We start and continue to keep our kids from failing with the best of intentions, but WE don’t want to see them unhappy, WE are afraid of how others will view us as parents if our kids fail, and WE think by rushing in to save the day that we are actually saving the day. We are on their side of disappointment, reassuring them defeat is rarely (if ever) their fault, and that any sort of failure is shameful and disgraceful. This is not what I want to instill in my children.

We, as parents, have perpetuated the notion that failure, in any form, is unacceptable and intolerable. Have you ever wondered why there are so many young adults who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and a complete lack of “how to cope” with real-life when it comes at them? It sounds harsh, but the hardest thing we can do is let them experience real, actual, EPIC failure.

I have been struggling with these thoughts for a while now. In fact, James and I discussed this very topic on our latest podcast episode this week. Check it out here and let me know what you think.

How can we help our children grow through failure?

1. Share Your Failures with Your Children

While your children may constantly rebel against you, they still put you on a pedestal and think more highly about their parents than anyone else. Tell them about how you have failed in your own life. Share with them your struggles at work — and even better, ask them how you should handle the situation. Encourage them to exercise their problem-solving abilities by developing potential solutions to your roadblocks.

2. Allow Opportunities for Failure

Obviously, I don’t mean deliberately imposing catastrophic failures on your children. I simply mean giving them the space to fail. Encourage them to tackle complex problems, try new things, and push their boundaries. Just like introducing germs to a baby can stimulate the immune system and prevent against future infections. Letting your children fail can help them build the resilience they will need as adults. Isn’t that the goal? To grow little people into capable adults?

3. Turn Failure into a Learning Moment

When your children fail, approach their failure — not with disappointment or angst — but with curiosity. Isn’t it interesting how sometimes things work and other times they don’t? Let’s figure out what happened here.

4. Treat Success and Failure the Same

We assume success and failure are binary outcomes, but they are not. The line between the two can be thin, and we sometimes ignore it. Learning moments for children should follow both success and failure. We tend to attribute our children’s success to their genius abilities or good genes, and we simply ignore the fact that luck and privilege play in the process. So, regardless of the outcome, ask, “What went right here? What went wrong? What can you learn from this?”

The sooner we teach our children that true success can only come after being knocked down and getting back up over and over again, the better chance they will have at succeeding when life throws curve balls at them.

From my heart to yours,

Sandra

By the way, this post is pure gold. You should follow these strategies in your own life, as much as you do with your children. Never stop learning!