My Top 10 Favorite “Finally Food I Can Eat” Foods! By Guest Blogger Shirley Plant

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For years I battled with illness and fatigue, not knowing what was wrong with me. I finally found out I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and multiple food allergies. I was given a long list of foods that I could no longer eat, and I wondered what was left to eat? Hard rice crackers and rice cakes soon became the norm, and a treat was a piece of fruit. I thought to myself, there has to be more than this out there to eat. Will I ever eat a brownie again?

Since my energy level wasn’t great, I found cooking to be tiresome, and making allergy-free recipes rarely turned out well for me. I persevered and asked questions every time I went to my local health food store. I was so grateful for their help and knowledge and quickly learned all the alternatives for wheat, dairy and eggs.

I experimented in my kitchen and it reminded me of being back in school again in the chemistry lab. How do certain liquids react when one is added to the other? I soon found out that flaxseed or chia seeds, when boiled in water and refrigerated, congealed and could be used like an egg. That rice, almond, soy, hemp, coconut milk could all replace dairy milk. The options were endless and it was all so exciting.

Now, not every food has a substitute, but I figured out that much more was possible than I ever thought. I knew there were other people out there just like me, struggling with what to eat within the confines of food allergies. I wanted to help them all, so I put on my cooking hat, so to speak and came up with lots of healthy, tasty recipes.

Fast forward to today and my cookbook, Finally Food I Can Eat, is now available worldwide. I actually get emails from people thanking me for saving their life. What a gift that is. Finding out I couldn’t eat certain foods has certainly been a blessing in disguise.

 

Here are my 10 favorite foods I can finally eat:

1. Kale

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Kale is a powerhouse of nutrition; chock full of vitamins and fiber. Kale chips are my most favourite snack and a great way to get your kids to eat their greens.

2. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is high in fiber and rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps fight against inflammation.

3. Coconut Milk

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Coconuts are antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic, meaning they kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

4. Hempseed

 Hemp seed contains all 21 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce. It also boasts a perfect ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. I love making hempseed pudding with cocoa and coconut milk, it is delicious.

5. Chiaseed

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Chia has five times more calcium than milk, plus magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins.

6. Quinoa

 This grain is a nutritious seed that is considered a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids.

7. Cocoa

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 Cacoa is full of antioxidants and flavonoids, which nourish the brain and heart.

8. Sweet Potato

This root vegetable is high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and fibre. I add it to soups, stews and make an awesome sweet potato muffin.

9. Almond Milk

Unsweetened almond milk contains no cholesterol and is blood sugar friendly.

10. Cilantro

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Cilantro is so versatile and is also a great source of Vitamin K and is an excellent detoxifier. I put it in salads, smoothies and add it to my homemade guacamole.

Are you frustrated and overwhelmed with trying to prepare meals that are free of wheat, yeast, eggs, dairy, gluten, soy, corn and sugar?

Are you tired of being on a “special diet”? Why don’t the recipes you make taste yummy?  Well, “Finally… Food I Can Eat!” is the cookbook for you! It contains:

  • Easy, delicious recipes that will appeal to everyone in the family – and your guests will never know they are eating allergen-free food. 
  • A useful introduction and guide to food allergies and intolerances .
  • A quick guide to natural food chemicals, food additives, food families and rotation diets. 
  • Substitutions and alternatives to common foods that you need to avoid. 
  • Recipes that are low in sugar and cholesterol and are great for those following diabetic, candida, allergy-free or heart-smart diets.

Shirley Plant is the author of “Finally… Food I Can Eat!”  A dietary guide and cookbook designed for people with food allergies.

Shirley also offers consults and dietary menu planning through Delicious Alternatives.

For more information please visit her site www.deliciousalternatives.com

Twitter @sherrecipes

Facebook- 
https://www.facebook.com/sherrecipes
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A DAUGHTER REMEMBERS

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On Father’s Day today, memories of my Daddy flood my mind.  He was a cool cat who drove a Corvette and sported 501′s, wire rimmed shades, funky belts and leather jackets…hmmm, my sister and I not only picked up style tips from our Mom, but it seems like our Dad had just as much to do with our eclectic personal styles.  I’m pretty sure my sister actually rocks some of Daddy’s old T-shirts and belts to this day!  Remember, he is half Japanese so his “Americana” fashion sense made him even more special.  Picture James Dean, but with jet black hair,  almond eyes and a strong Southern drawl.

Mama_Daddy_Prom{Parents at Prom}

 

Glen D. Bolton was born in Japan on April 4, 1949.  His Dad, Aubrey Dale Bolton, was an American Soldier in WWII and my beautiful Memaw, Hannah Hanazawa, became his war bride. They all moved to the states, to Texas, when my Dad was about 5.  Papaw was a car and motorcycle lover who played guitar in a country band.  He passed those passions down to his son.  My Dad would probably have been considered a “hipster” today.  I remember he was either outside tinkering on his motorcycles or he was in the game room  jammin’ to the Beach Boys, Elvis or the BeeGee’s with these massive white headphones on, no shirt and cut offs.  He loves music, he loves cars + motorcycles and still collects cool T-shirts.  It brings a smile to my face when I think how creative and passionate he was and still is.  He is a very talented artist and painter as well.  I’m grateful he passed his passionate spirit and creativity on to my sister and me. 

Memaw_Papa{Grandparents Wedding}

 

There were a lot of hard times with my Dad, but for the rest of my life– I choose to remember the wonderful times.  As I work with orphans now who have never even seen their Father’s face and never will, I am deeply grateful I had a Dad who was very present in my life. He was a super stern disciplinarian and I was often afraid of him, but at the end of the day, he was and is a great Father. He had a stellar work ethic and I never saw a drink in his hand. Daddy never hesitated to do fun things with us like sliding down the steepest slides at WaterWorld or taking us for Sunday drives in one of his cool cars. At Christmas, when I was 8– he stayed up all night on Christmas Eve to put together a massive new swingset complete with monkey bars and a slide.  As we were opening gifts that morning, he casually opened the drapes overlooking the backyard.  Talk about two little girls squealing at the top of their lungs!  

 

Daddy, thank you for the memories. I love you.

daddy_nat_myfoot{I’m on Daddy’s shoulders, my sis by the fence w/ our 1st fam dog- Scooter}

 

Daddy_toys{Boys and their Toys}

 

Modernize Your Business Attire: Top (3) Tips to Close More Deals! By Personal Stylist, Style Expert & TV Host Laurie Graham

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Hi Fashionable Friends, 

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know SOS is all about giving you the tools to walk tall with confidence and shine your brightest.  I consistently strive to bring the latest + greatest tips, words of wisdom and inspiration to this community so I’m thrilled to introduce you to my dear friend and fellow fashion maven, LAURIE GRAHAM.  One of the many things that set Laurie apart in her field is her insight to identifying each client’s personality. She styles each individual by incorporating trends into their wardrobe, rather than trying to make their whole look too trendy.  Laurie is a true confidence-builder and her contagious, positive energy instantly makes you feel better when you are in her presence. She’s smart, sassy, stunning, super funny and an inspiration to all women– well of course, she’s a Texas girl!  

Meet the Fab LG….

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It’s Monday morning & you find yourself staring blankly into your closet trying to decide what to wear to work … (in 5 minutes or less!)  Your closet is shoved full of clothes, yet you still suffer from the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.  Since you have an important meeting today, you decide on something all black.  It’s classic & that’s what your first boss told you to wear to look “professional” in front of clients, right?  WRONG! 

I’ve been feverishly updating the images of hard working business professional clients for the past 8 years.  I’ve styled hundreds of private clients ranging from school teachers to real estate agents to the CEO’s of major corporations.  Consistently, the biggest mistake that I see women make in their professional attire is playing it too safe in an effort to be taken seriously in the work place.  Even in the most conservative of jobs, there is no reason to dress like an androgynous man just to feel like you fit in with the boy’s club.   Thankfully, having great style and dressing business appropriately are no longer mutually exclusive. 

Your image is a big part of your brand.  It’s the first impression you make in front of a potential employer or a prospective client.  Stand in your power as a woman & make it as easy as possible for someone to tell you “YES!”  Remember the saying, “dress, act & talk like the person you want to become?”  Rather than wearing something boring & forgettable, start making purchases that attract positive attention.  People want to associate themselves with someone who shines their light brightly and can own a room.  A pop of color, some modern style and impeccable fit are your secret weapons to standing out from your competition. If you aren’t getting at least 10 compliments on your wardrobe every single day, you aren’t maximizing your strongest calling card … YOU!  No matter what dress size, age group or income level you are, there are affordable and stylish outfit options to flatter your figure and respect your wallet.  And for the record, the best way to fit in the boy’s club is by being the most confident and powerful WOMAN in the office!

Here are my Top (3) Wardrobe Tips to Close More Deals:

1.)Embrace Your Femininity

Want to make a lasting first impression?  Wear a dress.  Period.  Take our First Lady’s Hilary Clinton & Michelle Obama as examples … Yes, Hilary Clinton is a smart, career driven woman working in a male dominated industry.  But, her affinity for wearing box cut pant suits is utterly forgettable. And her lack of updated, feminine attire has opened her up for much criticism.  Look at the difference we saw when Michelle Obama came on the scene … because she embraced dresses and cheerful colors, suddenly Vogue magazine labeled her “The First Lady of Style!” Do you see the difference of immediately capturing positive attention? Decades later we are still talking about the impeccable images of Jacqueline Kennedy & Nancy Reagan who always rocked the color red.  All smart, motivated women but those ladies are revered as a triple threat of beauty, brains & heart.  Shine your feminine light & never apologize for being beautiful!

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2.)Choose Soft, Flowy Fabrics

The first thing to replace in your closet are every pair of stiff & structured pants, blazers and man-ish dress shirts. Inject a shot of modern style by choosing pants with a soft fabric that drape down your leg and blouses that are flowy like silk or sheer chiffon worn with a cami.  Structured pants (like Chino style khaki’s) flatten your buns & cup your thighs, whereas a silk blend pant will slide right off your keister giving you the buns of a 12-year old gymnast! And, by all means your blouses should embody a soft, flowy style with tapering and feminine detail.  Check out this example of a fierce, feminine pants look! 

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3.)Focus on Fit

There is a big difference between wearing clothes that are too tight or too boxy versus wearing clothes that just graze your body and flatter your shape! The fit of your clothing is the #1 most important aspect to pulling off a sophisticated & modern image.  Through fashion, we have the ability to choose the proper clothing that gives the ILLUSION of having a smaller waist, longer legs and flatter tummy. Embrace alterations when necessary and get familiar with your proportions so that you know what cuts and hemlines best flatter your specific body type. 

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There is no better feeling than walking into a board room, packed stage or networking event looking & feeling your best!  Grab the attention of your colleagues, clients & superiors by taking pride in your appearance.  Once you know all eyes are on you, then you can easily seal the deal with your experience, articulate knowledge and follow through skills.  As Nancy Reagan says, “I think a woman gets more if she acts feminine.” Go claim “more” from your life!  You deserve it and you’re worth it.

 

Laurie Graham is a Personal Stylist, Style Expert & TV Host based in Los Angeles, CA.  

For more on Laurie, visit her website 
http://www.lauriegrahamstyle.com

Follow her on Facebook &  Twitter for style tips, inspiration & updates on her TV appearances. 

 

 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY!

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A quick word of encouragement for the day….

Do you realize how VALUABLE + PRICELESS you are?  Truly deep down in the core of your soul… do you realize it?  The word “valuable” has been resonating with me all week. Women around the world from all walks of life struggle with this word. 

The definition of valuable is “something that is of great worth”. 

As I have mentioned on this blog more than once, I did not realize my worth until I truly grasped the concept that I was a child of God.  Many of you are Mothers, so think of how precious, perfect (even when they get on your last nerve), valuable, beautiful and truly special you think your children are?  That is how God thinks of each of you.  YES, YOU SISTA!   God is the Master Creator and does not make mistakes.  You are Divinely Designed…A Masterpiece. Start viewing yourself as such!  Today, strip away the titles you wear and stand in boldly in the beauty that is YOU and you alone.  Not as mom, wife, sister, daughter, employee, grandma, aunt, etc… as (  your name  ).   Love her today, cherish her and begin to realize how valuable she is… JUST AS SHE IS. 

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14. NIV)

 

Go do something special for yourself today to celebrate

YOUR AWESOMENESS!

Be grateful for who you are and stop comparing yourself to others.  You are a masterpiece and they are a masterpiece.  We don’t go around comparing Michelango’s works to DaVinci’s.  It just doesn’t make sense, right?

Love, Tiff

 

A 72 HOUR LOVE FEST

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Hi Lovelies!

This past weekend I had the privilege of being part of one of the most spectacular weekends EVER!  The Gerard Butler GALS and the Rising Phoenix Charitable Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Gala in Las Vegas.  This event raises money for the Angels of East  Africa (the orphanage we visited in Sudan a few years ago) and The Shade Tree which shelters women, children and their pets.  Last year, my husband and his band performed at the event and I was invited to join as a guest speaker this year.  Our connection came via our friend Sam Childers aka The Machinegun Preacher whom actor Gerard Butler portrayed in the movie.   I knew this was going to be a great weekend, but– WHOA BABY, it blew my headscarf right off my head and far exceeded my expectations.  

I want to thank ALL the wonderful women of GB Gals and RPCF for inviting me and I look forward to making a difference alongside you ladies for years to come! 

I instantly felt part of the amazing sisterhood these women have created and was greeted with so many warm hugs.  They call themselves “boobie squishers”.  I joined right in on the boobie squishing and fell in love with these women.  On Friday, I led an SOS workshop on Compassion/Connection/Confidence + Courage and soon found out that this encouraging group and the connection it has provided rescued many of the women from various circumstances in their lives.  We laughed, we cried and I am grateful for their transparency and open hearts.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about “connection” here on the blog and witnessed it’s affects right in front of my eyes over the course of the 72 hour love fest. SO BEAUTIFUL! These women are genuine instruments of love and compassion.  

I have so many new sistas for life! 

GALS_workshop{SOS Workshop}

On Saturday, we all visited The Shade Tree where several of the GALS did volunteer work and fed lunch.  Sam’s wife, Lynn, spoke to the women and shared her personal testimony and my husband and bandmate Irwin Thomas sang for the women and their children.  We also got a tour of the entire facility by the beautiful soul, Marlene Richter– Executive Director of TST. To end our visit, we got to hold and show love to a few of the pets over in Noah’s House, the animal shelter.  TST is filled with so much love, hope and opportunity for healing.  I encourage you to take a deeper look and visit their site.  They are always in need of everything from donations, clothing, toiletries, diapers, toys, bedding and pet food.  Please go to this link for a detailed list of urgent needs: 
http://www.theshadetree.org/UrgentNeeds.html

photo-44{Visiting The Shade Tree w/ Lynn Childers + Marlene Richter, Ex. Director}

photo-41{GB Gal Melissa adding a bit of color + happiness to TST sleeping areas}

A visual that left a deep impression on my heart was seeing just a small bag or two underneath the bunkbeds.  This is all these women own. Talk about putting things into crystal clear perspective!  TST accommodates women and their children for emergency care when they need a safe place for a night or two as well as providing transitional shelter programs for up to 2 years.  The women receive assistance with finding employment and helping them move forward in becoming self-sufficient. 

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Noah’s Animal House is a pet sanctuary for shelter residents which allow women to escape abusive situations without leaving behind their pet. In homes where there is violence, pets are often threatened or injured by the violent partner. It is not uncommon for an abuser to continue to control the relationship using the family pet. Noah’s is the first full service facility of its kind located on the grounds of the women’s shelter in the western region of the United States.

photo-48{My hubby + his bandmate, Irwin singing for the kids at TST}

photo-42{A few of my fab new friends, Kristine aka KB who is an SOS Sista + Sweet Giny}

photo-49{Chris Mann, finalist from The Voice performed at the gala}

photo-46{AHP performing at the gala}

Do you have your own pillow to lay your head on tonight in a comfy bed with clean sheets?  If so, consider yourself richly blessed sista! There are so many women out there without a bed to call their own. They are forced to flee their home because of abuse with only the shirt on their back. Can you imagine fitting everything you own under a 4×6 bunkbed? My heart is so full of love, gratitude and compassion. For the week ahead, let our focus be to appreciate everything in our lives, give gratitude (even for clean sheets) and open our hearts more than ever to those in need. WE ARE ALL SO BLESSED.

This experience is a gift I will cherish forever!  If what I shared tugged at your heartstrings, I encourage you to reach out to TST, Angels of East Africa or find a shelter in your area that could use your help.

Please share this post and help me spread awareness. Thank you. 

Love, Tiff

BE IRRESISTABLE by Plus-Size Style Expert Marcy Guevara

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Yves Saint Laurent once said,  ”I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence.”

What is confidence?  Can it be bought?  Can it be taught?

As a plus-size style expert, women of all sizes ask me, more than anything, WHERE I FIND MY CONFIDENCE.  I believe that SELF-ESTEEM and CONFIDENCE is something you have 100% control and power over in your life.

Here are three quick tips for starting to cultivate confidence:

First, it is important to acknowledge a few things you love about yourself.  You have to love the skin you’re in, because if you don’t no one will.  We all have problem areas, start to focus on your “positive areas”.  The more you complain about your thighs won’t make them thinner, so take a walk instead.  Your thighs may never get smaller, but the feelings of accomplishment, the fresh air and the energy you’ll feel after the walk are priceless!

Second, train yourself to be confident.  Everyday so many thoughts run through our minds that are negative, self-hating, self-shaming and cause us to break down.  You must begin to take these thoughts captive and replace them with loving and positive thoughts.

Third, affirm yourself.  Stop waiting for the recognition of others and affirm yourself. I love using affirmations to start my day. Write a few on a mirror or on a card you place on your desk or car and use them to build yourself up.  They can be as simple as “I love me” or as intricate as “I am an interesting, beautiful and unique person with lots to offer the world”. Get creative!

I LOVE ME Challenge 2013

How we portray ourselves to others attracts business, love, prosperity… draw people in with your confidence.  BE IRRESISTABLE. You have control over this. I hope you will take these thoughts and give yourself the grace to be a work in progress.  Take this challenge one day at a time so eventually you become the BEST you.

Marcy Guevara is a stylist, host and motivational speaker.  Connect with her at www.themarcyminute.com

 

DON’T BE SCARED! 5 Tips To Get Bikini-Ready by Guest Beauty Blogger Asia DeMarcos

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Hi Superhero’s in disguise!

Summer is here and you want to get yourself bikini-ready for festivities. Here are my top 5 tips to keep things looking smooth and pretty. Don’t be scared. Whether you wax or shave, getting things in “order” will keep you feeling smooth and silky for the pool.

1) The retro look may be in, but to keep you from yelling “Ohhh, Kelly Clarkson”, you’ll need to trim the hedges before your waxer does the down and dirty. Your husband may not have seen it in a year, but when your esthetician see’s it, she will be more grateful to have it less wrangley. Our hairline can grow in multiple directions, and it’s hard to see in the deep jungle ladies. So, to keep things less than painful- trim it up!

{Beautasia tip} To trim hair, grab it from the root and twist, cut with safety scissors, then throw it in the toilet. (buh bye, less mess)

 

{Beautasia bonus tip}To help from pain, Take 2 Ibuprofen 30 minutes before or for super chickens, check out  Relax and Wax- No Scream Cream - a topical analgesic you apply 30-45 minutes before your appointment.

 

2) Don’t shave in between waxing! The hair follicles grow at different rates. To keep things on a more even playing field, stick to your waxing schedule every 4-6 weeks.

3) DO NOT SHOWER OR STEAM before you wax! The skin will be softer and be more likely to tear or rip. YIKES. I’ve seen it happen.

{Beautasia tip} For you smell-a-phobes, use an unscented baby wipe before your appointment.

 

4) To help you from getting those nasty, ingrown hairs in between visits, EXFOLIATE! The hair follicle becomes weaker and can’t break through the skin. That will lead to irritation. Body scrub or exfoliating gloves are best once a week.

5) Shaving? In this case…It’s best to do after a warm bath or shower. The hair follicles will loosen up allowing you to get a closer shave. Be sure to use a cold blade, rinsing the blade with cool water to lessen the chances of razor burn. 

Hope this helps. I would love to hear if you have any great tips or products you would like to share in the comment section below. For something new everyday LIKE me. For quick tips and questions. Follow me of for skincare tips and funny videos, SUBSCRIBE! I love Pinning too! 

AsiaAsia DeMarcos is a Los Angeles-based, medically-trained Aesthetician, Makeup Artist and Beauty Blogger. She is the brains behind the “Hollywood Beautiful” concept, lifestyle, amusement and brand. Disguised as her online alter ego, “Beautasia” (Superhero by day, SuperMOM by night)  was created by the distress calls of men, women and teens faced with the challenges of juggling a career, education, and family, all while neglecting a healthy lifestyle.

 Beautiasia

CONSISTENTLY COURAGEOUS {Sunday Affirmations}

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Hey Wonder Woman!

Last week I watched the episode of Super Soul Sunday with Maya Angelou online.  Have you seen it?  I think Part 2 is still posted so try to catch it.  Her story of courage, triumph, bravery and success has been resonating with me all week.  In this Oprah interview, Maya spoke of the concept of courage being the foundation of all other virtues (above quote) so it forced me to look inward at my own level of courage.  Often throughout my life, I have been courageous and brave, but there are also many times I have tucked my tail between my legs and chose to shrink back.  We all have a certain level of courage, but what is that special ingredient that gives us that little bit extra tenacity to tap into our inner Wonder Woman and push forward instead of shrinking back?  Can you think of a time right now when you consciously chose to dig deeper and dust off your red + gold bustier?  It’s a great exercise to reflect on those moments as a reminder for the next time we are tempted to be a coward instead of courageous.  

Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.

I takes courage to walk down the aisle and make the vow. It takes courage to wake up everyday and raise your child.  It takes courage to follow your dreams.  It takes courage to walk away from a toxic relationship.  It takes courage to speak your truth. It takes courage not to conform.  It takes courage to let go of your past. So, yes– I definitely believe in Ms. Angelou’s concept that it takes courage to practice all the other virtues consistently.  Cheers to all of us having more consistent courage this week.  Even if you have to fake-it-till-ya-make it.  You can be courageous even when you don’t feel like.  I love John Wayne’s quote, “Courage is being scared and saddling up anyway”. Go lock yourself in the bathroom and do the Wonder Woman spin if it will help….

THIS WEEK I WILL…..

  1. Reflect on my many courageous moments.
  2. Dig deeper when I feel my wimpy self taking over.
  3. Not shrink back.
  4. Dust off my imaginary red + gold bustier.
  5. Remember God is always on my side.
  6. Be brave!
  7. Never ever ever ever give up.
  8. Not allow anyone to intimidate me.
  9. Face my fears head on.
  10. Pray to have more courage.
  11. Do the right thing.
  12. Put my shoulders back + WALK TALL!

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Are you excited to see what new experiences and opportunities June will bring?  Let’s all join this month and focus on being more courageous than we’ve ever been.

I would love to hear your comments and two-cents on this topic.

Please like, share, tweet and pin this post with your friends and share the affirmations.

 

With much love + gratitude,

Tiff

 

WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOU TELLING THE WORLD?

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{My new favorite distressed jeans by Rich & Skinny}

Hello Summer Baby!

As I’ve shared before, I have gone through several periods in my life where I battled low self-esteem, poor body image and overall crappy confidence.  I know how it feels to look in the mirror and not like that reflection staring back at you. It effects every aspect of your life.  The message I was telling the world was that I was an unhappy girl and didn’t think I was worth it. Our image, body language and the look in our eye speaks volumes to the world before we ever open our mouth. The first recollection was at about 12 or 13 and people would say, “Oh you’re so pretty you should smile more”.   Hmmm- okay, but I had the ugliest crooked teeth and ended up wearing braces for 4 long years!  I also had skinny knock-kneed legs and to top it off I had a permed mullet in junior high.  *LAUGH OUT LOUD EVERYBODY*  The journey to loving myself and being confident in the fact that I am a child of God has been a long one and I believe my new message to the world speaks of grace, joy, self-worth, self-love and overall confidence. At least that’s what I intend to project even when I’m having “one of those days”. Thank you for joining me on the journey here through SOS.

 

MY QUESTION FOR YOU TODAY IS…..

WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOU TELLING THE WORLD?

 

A few days ago, a production company asked me to put myself on tape telling why I started blogging and doing videos.  I never really considered myself a blogger until the term “vlogger” was coined.  A vlogger is a video blogger, in case you weren’t sure.  Just like a blogger shares their experiences, knowledge, life lessons and tips, a vlogger does the same, but just speaks it on video or webcam.  Since my background is in television and working as an on-camera personality– this was a no brainer for me when I realized my true passion was to help women.  Check it out….

 

Can’t decide what nail color to wear?  ROCK TWO!   Allure has a great how-to-video achieving fabulous OMBRE nails. 

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Comment, Share, Tweet, Like or Pin this post if it inspired you. 

Have a wonderful weekend and take some “ME” time!

Ba-Bye May. Hello June! I sure hope your month was amazing. 

Love You Sista,

Tiff

 

This post was brought to you by Indo Salon.  Indo specializes in Cuts, Styles, Haircolor, Highlights, Great Length Extensions, Hair Lingerie, Japanese Thermal Straightening, Brazillian Blowout and Eyebrow Tinting.

 

END OF MAY SOS BEAUTY/STYLE/INSPIRATION

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Hey Style Sistas!

WOOHOO!  It’s officially Summer and as the temps continue to heat up, here’s a few tips for staying cool and looking fabulous, plus some inspiration for the week ahead:

WRAP THAT HAIR UP!

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Regardless of your hair length, it can get so sticky and uncomfortable, plus the humidity can have you looking like a wet mop during summer.  There are so many ways to keep it off your neck without reverting to the boring old ponytail.  This summer, the Retro 50′s look is everywhere from swimsuits, rolled up jeans, cat eye shades and headscarfs–which you all know is MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!   Channel your inner Old Hollywood actress like Sophia Loren or Audrey Hepburn and play around with scarves.  Check out my Pinterest Board on headscarves for more ideas and inspiration.

SPRAY THAT FACE!

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Keep a bottle of aromatherapy hydrating spray nearby at all times during the hot months.  I even keep a small travel size bottle in my purse!  When you’re skin is feeling parched, spritz it on your face, neck, decolletage and down your arms.  My favorite is the Rose Water by Heritage Products.  There are also easy DIY recipes by adding your favorite essential oils, pure aloe vera juice, cucumber or lemon to distilled water. 

 

BE INSPIRED!

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‘NUFF SAID.

Whew, the month of May whizzed by!  Did you set any specific intentions for the month?  If so, please share any magical moments! 

Let us be grateful for the good times May brought, any special memories made with new or old friends, exciting experiences and opportunities then begin to set your intentions for June.

Walk Tall +  Strut Yo’ Stuff Sista!

Love, Tiff

 

This post was brought to you by Indo Salon.  Indo specializes in Cuts, Styles, Haircolor, Highlights, Great Length Extensions, Hair Lingerie, Japanese Thermal Straightening, Brazillian Blowout and Eyebrow Tinting.