SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: ArtistFirst Interview

Click on link below and go to "L" for MJ Louis to listen to my ArtistFirst interview for my book When Angels Come to Play.
http://www.artistfirst.com/bookshows.htm

 

FASHION: Hot Pick For Halloween

No one has done more for Halloween and the @Muppets than @Mitt Romney. @BigBird costumes are flying off the shelves. I guess he is all about business.

Other hot costum picks include: @Obama, @Thor, Cat Woman, Wonder Woman, and Angry Birds.

NO T NO SHADE: Halloween at Mangos South Beach

Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
                                         Five T's = What are you waiting for


I arrived in Miami Beach about five years ago. From day one I wanted to make our first @Halloween in South Florida a memorable and fun one - @Miami style but I was broke. @Mangos in South Beach was a fun and free place to make my Halloween dreams come true. Kids are allowed to join in on the festivities before 7pm. The fun starts early and includes a fantastic live band, dancers, and a @MichaelJackson @Thriller show.  http://mangostropicalcafe.com/

I give @Mangos in South Beach T T T T T.

I can't wait to go back this year! See you there.

FUN: HALLOWEEN!

In @Miami @Halloween is a week-long celebration. I've lived in many cities across the USA and no place celebrates Halloween like @SouthFlorida. You can have the time of your life by spending as little or as much as you want. I joined in on the festivites Friday, the 26th at @ReelHorrorBall.

Follow the links below to find a hot party and go to @Groupon and @LivingSocial for great deals on tickets.

http://www.clubzone.com/halloween1/miami-halloween-parties
http://miami.beforelastcall.com/happenin/8/miami_halloween_events.html
https://www.livingsocial.com/
http://www.groupon.com

SPIRIT: STAYING IN THE GAME

You cannot achieve great things in life by sitting in the sidelines

when injured. Those who achieve greatness stay in the game

and play in pain.

---MJ Louis

 

 

 

HEALTH: THE SUPERSIZE ME GENERATION

Is the resent obesity epidemic we now see in American due

to some mystery gene that has suddenly reared its ugly head?

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say NO.

THE AMERICAN FOOD PYRAMID

 

It has always been true genetics does play a role in how your body processes food and stores fat, but it does not account for the expanding waistlines of Americans. The hard truth is, waistlines are expanding because calorie and fat intake is expanding while activity has sharply decreased. I have dubbed the past twenty years as the “Supersize Me Generation”. As we supersize our food we have to supersize our plates... supersize our clothes... supersize our cars to accomidate our supersized rears.  Every wonder why SUV's are so popular in the USA?

 

An other half-truth Americans are buying into is, "I don't have time to eat right". Is more being requied from us? As a single mother of two who as a very demanding job as an ICU nurse with long hours, I am very stressed for time. But what I realize is it is as easy to pack an apple for my snack and for my kids' snack as it is to pack a bag of chips, and cheaper.

The leading causes of childhood obesity are complacecy and denial. No one is saying you don't love and care for your child but, the number one excuse I hear from parents of overweight children is, "I don't have the time to cook".  You don't have to cook a salad. The number two excuse that frankly upsets me more that anything is, "I can't get my kids to eat fruit and veggies." To that I ask, what's in your fridge? What are you putting in your mouth?

 

I love to share this story with parents who tell me they can't get their kids to eat good foods. During one of my daughter's famed tea parties, the mom of her best friend started passing out bags of chips to the girls. My daughter jumped up in horror, quickly snatched the bags from her guest plates, and dumped the bags into the trash bin. When the generous mom asked her why did you do that my five year old proudly responded, "My mom doesn't allow junk in her house." My daughter then retrieved her colorful plate of fruit and veggies from our fridge and proudly passed it out to her guest. Her guest polished off their plates and requested seconds.

 

FASHION: These Boots Were Made for Stomping

The hot ticket item stomping down the fashionable streets for 2012 are ankle boots of all colors and shapes.

These beauties can burn a hole in your pocket book. Never fear your girl has your back. Head over to @The Rack Nordstrom or @DSW for the best deals on the hottest boots. I scored a pair of Italian designed Via Spiga black leather ankle boots at @The Rack just last week for under $100. The original price was $360! How’s that for a deal!

No T No Shade: Yard House At The Village at Gulfstream Park

Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
                                            Five T's = What are you waiting for 

Last Friday I attended a birthday gathering at the @YardHouse at The Village At Gulfstream Park . The only word I could use to describe my experience is FABULOUS!

 

The food is reasonably price and delicious, the service is superb, and the drinks will knock you out of your seat. If you find yourself in South Florida treat your family and yourself to an amazing and fun time at @TheVillageatGulfstreamPark.

 

 

I give Yard House at The Village At Gulfstream Park T T T T T.

FUN: Gulfstream Park

I live only fifteen minutes away from the @GulfstreamPark and Casino located in Hallandale Beach, Florida, but only visited once since its renovation in 2006. I have no idea why I waited so long! Gulfstream has undergone a very impressive renovation. It features a sizzling collection of fashion boutiques, home accessory shops, signature restaurants, outdoor cafes and nightclubs.

 

 

Gulfstream Park has hosted many of the world's greatest stars of thoroughbred racing. Each winter the world's top thoroughbred contenders pass through Gulfstream Park with their eye on Triple Crown glory. In 2006, Gulfstream Park opened its doors to a state-of-the-art clubhouse and the addition of an elegant and exciting casino - complete with 850 Vegas-style slot machines and 20 live action poker tables. It's fun for entire family.

 

YOU CAN'T LOOSE WEIGHT EATING FRIES!

As a medical professional, NOTHING gets me more pissed off than those FALSE claims that state “you can lose weight without changing your lifestyle". Sure you can take some music pill that's going to make you poop out everything you ingest and destroy your intestines so you can continue to stuff your face with fried foods and drink like a sailor. You can also take a magic pill that will speed up your metabolism to the point of heart failure so you don't have to lift a finger in order to burn extra calories. You can do that and you will lose weight... but for how long?

What price are you willing to pay for the easy way out? I have tried every appetite suppressant and fat burning pill on the market. I wanted to lose weight without giving up my vices. It was nothing for me to consume a large bag of Laffy Taffy during a twelve hour shift at the hospital. There were days I didn't have the time to sit down and eat a regular meal, so my Laffy Taffy was always by my side. My second vice WAS eating after work. As a nurse I work 13 to 14 hour (sometimes longer) shifts. Since my day was usually fueled by banana and strawberry Laffy Taffies, hunger would set in at the end of the day once I was off my sugar high. I was never into fast foods but a Seven Layer Barrito would always hit the spot after a long day’s work.

 

Being active is not an issue for me. I've always used exercise as my "me" time and dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It took me a long time to make the connection between how eating right, the right amount of activity, my environment, and rest affected my weight. Due to illness, a very bad marriage, and living in a city I had no connection with; I ballooned from a size 4 to a size 12. Once I regained my health, got divorced, and moved I thought the weight would just drop off... NOT!

For years I struggled and fought to regain my model figure. I gave up hours of sleep in order to increase my workout time and popped every fad diet pill on the market but to no avail. Then one day out of the mouth of babes came my salvation. I was laid out on the coach clutching a bag of Circus Peanuts Candy, moaning about how I'm killing myself at the gym but I'm not losing any weight. My daughter in her infinite wisdom, snatched my bag of orange marshmallow treats from my hands and bluntly said, "How do you expect to lose weight if you keep eating these things?"

It's taken me two years since she liberated me from my candy shackles to drop back down to a size 4. I did it with balance and LOTS of self-control. I had to break one routine and start another. My routine is: exercise 1:15mins two to three times per week, African Dance 2hours once a week, 1liter of unsweetened green tea with lemon every morning, 4 capsules of organic coconut oil per day, 1liter of cold water with a fresh lemon once a day, half a liter of warm water with 1 fresh lemon at night. I cook every other day (enough to last us 2 days). I do not eat processed foods or fast foods - alcohol is at a maximum of once a month. I eat several small meals throughout the day consisting of lean meat or fish, fresh veggies, fruit, and organic yogurt. My favorite treat is organic yogurt with a handful of organic raw almonds.

Giving up my vices gave me a lot more than my old body back. It gave me confidence in knowing I have what it takes to get what I want.  NO PILL CAN DO THAT FOR YOU.

NOT BAD FOR A MOTHER OF TWO:)

SPIRIT: PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance has taken center stage in my life. Perseverance means persistence in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement as well as, remaining in a state of grace when facing opposition.

 

Faith in a power greater than me is the tool I use to lean on and guide me in times of weakness. I reach out to that infinite power to recharge.



 

 

*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* RADIO INTERVIEW

ArtistFirst Radio Network. Music, Books & More.

ArtistFirst Radio interview October 23, 2012 at 8pm EST. Follow this link  http://wms.artistfirst.fastserv.com/artistfirst for an enlightening discussion on my book When Angels Come to Play.

No T No Shade: Fashion Week Miami Beach

No T No Shade: Fashion Week Miami Beach (part II)
(Rating: T T T T T)
Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
Five T's = What are you waiting for


On Saturday, October 13th, I attended the final show and closing ceremony of the Funksion Miami Beach Fashion Week. The show was held at Studio 743 in South Beach.

The staff at the door was courteous and friendly. The stage setup was very similar to the tent but in a much smaller space. Yet again RSVPing proved to be a waste of time. I lucked out once again and was able to grab a couple of seats. I didn't mind the seating too much but, I did take issue with anyone off the street being let into the show.

 

 

The Dieo Collection presented first. The line was wearable, styled well, but lacked in originality.

 

 

The T Rains Collection, the feature of the night, didn't disappoint. The line was styled very well, spirited, colorful, and had many wearable pieces.

 

The male models were an extra treat!

I give Funkshion Miami Beach Fashion Week T T T T. I had to drop a T for the seating issues and loooong 45min intermission. I'm looking forward to 2013.

GOING NUDE

Going Nude

There's a right way and a wrong way to go nude. It takes a delicate balance between tone, cut, and body shape in order to pull it off in style. @MJLouis and @JLo got it right on the money. @Gisele on the other hand missed the mark.

Where did Gisele go wrong?

HEALTH: *MENINGITIS ALERT* *UPDATE**

Meningitis... Not All Is Created Equal

I'm temporarily switching my Diva hat for my Nurse's hat.

By now I'm sure the majority of you have heard about the Fungal Meningitis outbreak spreading across the USA. This week I cared for a healthy young adult male who somehow contracted Viral Meningitis. During my time as a pediatric nurse I cared for several children who had contracted Bacterial Meningitis.

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache, neck stiffness, fever, confusion, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. Unfortunately, children exhibit nonspecific signs and symptoms when infected such as irritability, drowsiness, and a rash. A lumbar puncture is used to diagnosis meningitis.

www.giglig.com
The signs and symptoms of the varieties of meningitis may be the same but, all is NOT created equal. Viral meningitis is caused by a virus. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, and it will typically resolve on its own in about a week. Some cases of viral meningitis do require some medical treatment, such as steroids.

Bacterial meningitis is the most common type of meningitis in children. This type of meningitis is highly contagious, and is the cause of outbreaks of meningitis among college campuses and schools. Bacterial meningitis is dangerous. If it goes untreated it can lead to serious complications such as seizures, blindness, deafness, permanent neurological damage, learning disabilities, brain damage, paralysis or even death.

Fungal meningitis is not contagious and is relatively rare. Fungal meningitis is the result of the spread of a fungus through blood to the spinal cord. According to the FDA the multistate fungal meningitis outbreak is due to patients receiving contaminated steroid injections into the spinal area. If left untreated fungal meningitis has the same prognosis as bacterial meningitis. According to the CDC due to the contaminated steroids, as of October 17, 247 people have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis and 19 of the 247 have died.

UPDATE
As of November 5, 2012 According to the CDC
Status: Ongoing Investigation

• Infection: Fungal
• Facility Type: Outpatient Setting
• Case Count: 419
• States: 19

      Deaths: 30
For information about the outbreak go to www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis-map.html

SPIRIT: DON'T HATE EMULATE

Don't Hate Emulate!

Haters gonna hate. A common misconception is that a Hater is usually some stranger who is jealous of your accomplishments. On the contrary, the majority of Haters are those closest to you... a coworker, a friend, a sibling, a parent, a spouse, or even your own child. The goal of the Hater is to throw you off your game by putting doubt in your head or even putting obstacles in your way. They project their own fears, insecurities, and limitations onto you. Their worst fears are being left behind and loosing you. But, sometimes it's just plain ENVY - wishing they had something you've got.

How do you keep the Haters at bay?

My number one rule is to keep my deepest hearts desires and dreams, which I know were put in me by God, mostly to myself. I am very blessed to have two sisters that I trust enough to share my true self with... but it wasn't always that way. It took all three of us to hit adulthood before were able to develop a true friendship. Keeping things to yourself minimizes the negative voices from the peanut gallery.

How do you know who to trust with what?

You can quickly learn who to trust by putting just a little bit out there and see how folks react. The Haters will make themselves known very quickly! Watch their body language. Watch out for backhanded comments. Watch for a change in attitude. Listen to that little voice within... it never steers you wrong.

As a wise old queen once said... what other people think of me is none of my business!
---@RuPaul

*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*RADIO INTERVIEW*

ArtistFirst Radio Network. Music, Books & More. 
 
ArtistFirst Radio interview October 23, 2012 at 8pm EST. 
Follow this like  http://wms.artistfirst.fastserv.com/artistfirst for an enlightening discussion on my book When Angels Come to Play.

Health: CATCHING Z's

My motto has always been; I'll rest when I'm dead. Recently, my life has turned onto the fast lane and I'm starting to lose steam! I'd be lying to you if I said I get more than a few hours’ sleep a night. I seem to find the space to squeeze in one more thing, but I've been doing it by edging out sleep. Yesterday my coworkers ganged-up on me. They voice very loudly that my usually entertaining "high-spirited" personality was quickly turning into annoying and cranky. So they took it upon themselves to re-educate me on the importance of sleep.

The Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests six reasons to get enough sleep:

1. Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. In studies, people who’d slept after learning a task did better on tests later.
2. Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.
3. Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes such as medical errors, air traffic mishaps, and road accidents.
4. Mood: Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do.
5. Cardiovascular health: Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.
6. Disease: Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

I called in sick today.

No T No Shade: Funkshion Red Dress Show 2012

No T No Shade: Funkshion Red Dress Show 2012
(October 12, 2012)
(Rating: T T T T T)
Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
Five T's = What are you waiting for


Just got back from the @Funkshion Red Dress Show 2012. After years on the runway it was great being on the other end.

Parking was tight but I lucked out with a spot on the same lot as The Tent. Even though I RSVP'd, getting in was a bitch. The very sweet door girls were a bit overwhelmed by the mob of people. Armed with their seating list, they scrambled to look up my name from this unorganized alphabetized list. Really alphabetized! I eventually had to intervene. I took a couple of pages from the frazzled door girl and after a good five minutes, I found my own name.

Once inside I was left to my own devises to find a seat. There was ample seating and I was able to find a pretty cozy spot for my guest and I next to a very obnoxious guy (can't hold Funkshion responsible for unidentified jerks). The stage set up was very satisfactory. You could pretty much get a good view of the show from any seat.

 

The show opener was Guria Swimwear. Having been a swimwear fit model, I think I'm in a unique position to critique this presentation. The bathing suits were wearable, colorful, and flattering, but nothing stood out to me. I've compiled quite a collection of swimwear throughout the years, so it takes a real head turner to make me say, I've gotta have it! There was nothing in this collection that I had to have. The cover-ups were also pretty, colorful, and flattering, but very one note. The models did their thing on the catwalk. They brought life to a ho-hum collection.

 

Intermission gave everyone a chance to mix, mingle, and take pics. Loved the setup in the entryway. My favorite display was the Nicole Miller gown display. I just purchased a sunning sequenced @NicloleMiller dress two days ago. Now all I need is an event to wear it to. Intermission was supposed to be 15mins., but actually was more like 30mins., but I didn't mind.                                                                                

  

The Red Dress Show benefiting @TheHeartAssociation featured some of Miami's hottest news anchors, TV hostesses, and some not so hot Miami Housewives (you should have left them at home). It was fun, refreshing, and the ladies brought a jubilant atmosphere to the show. Some of my all-time favorite designers were featured: Calvin Klein (whom I was wearing and makes up half of my closet), Nichole Miller, and @Tahari (the other half of my closet).

 

The show ended rather unceremoniously. We didn't know whether to stay or go. I was at least expecting a "thanks for coming" or "hope you enjoyed the show". I would have even settled     for, "You don't have to go home, but you can’t stay here." People just stood up then sat down, 

looking around to see what the next guy's move was. Eventually we figured it out and filled out to the front were cameras were flashing and people were being interviewed. I was unexpectedly mobbed by several shutterbugs, but I have to admit I welcomed the attention.                             

No T No Shade: I give @Funkshion Red Dress Show T T T T.

Setup was great and the show was entertaining, but an A-type personality like me needs an alphabetized list.

 Tonight (Saturday, Oct. 13), I will be attending the final show and the closing ceremony. I will post a special No T No Shade review tomorrow.

FASHION: What's HOT Fall/Winter 2012

Fall/Winter 2012 Must Haves!
Red, leather, and animal prints are at the top of my list.

(@Funkshion Red Dress Show Miami Beach Fashion Week 2012)

 

Looking fierce in a structured @CalvinKlein dress, belt is @AnnKlein, shoes @NineWest,

bag @MichaelKors.

 

FUN: THE FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR

               
The Frankfurt Book Fair (October 10-14)

Taking place this week in Frankfurt, Germany is the world’s largest and legendary Frankfurt Book Fair. This year they will be awaiting more than 7,000 international exhibitors, diverse new customer groups and more than 3,200 events. Among its many activities, the Frankfurt Academy is hosting four conferences to help international publishers find their way in the digital world, as well as the two-day event, StoryDrive, to highlight the potential for crossmedial cooperation.  

I am fortunate enough to have both of my new books, When Angels Come to Play and Damn Yankee- Separation Anxiety on display in the Combined Book Exhibit.

 

SPIRIT: Living In The Now

Living In The Now

Be in the NOW. Hit the RESET button every morning. A thermostat tells you what the temperature is NOW... Not what was last week, or yesterday, or even what it's going to be tomorrow.
---MJ Louis

"The past is gone, the future is not here yet. Right now I'm free from both."
---Deepak Chopra

HEALTH: The Hangover

The Hangover

According to @Wikipedia, a hangover is the experience of various unpleasant physiological effects following heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. The most commonly reported characteristics of a hangover include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, dysphoria, diarrhea, and thirst, typically after the intoxicating effect of the alcohol begins to wear off. Generally a hangover is experienced the morning after a night of heavy drinking. In addition to the physical symptoms, a hangover may also induce psychological symptoms including heightened feelings of depression and anxiety.

The diuretic effect of alcohol is what causes the drinker to become dehydrated, and it has toxic effects, poisoning many systems of the body. Alcohol is broken down rather quickly and absorbed in the upper portion of the small intestines. It's absorbed into the bloodstream and affects nearly every cell in the liver. Alcohol can affect several parts of the brain, but in general, alcohol contracts brain tissue and depresses the central nervous system. Also, alcohol destroys brain cells. As the kidneys are exposed to alcohol they lose the ability to filter water back into the blood stream. Within twenty minutes of consuming alcohol, a person may experience a need to urinate. This is caused by the disabling of kidneys to recapture water. The water escapes in unequal proportion to electrolytes causing an imbalance.

The best way, I found, to combat the side effects of excessive drinking or completely avoiding them is to HYDRATE. Water is your friend. Water before... water during... water after.

No T No Shade: Lemon Detox

NO T NO SHADE- Lemon Water Detox
 
(Rating: T T T T T)
Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
Five T's = What are you waiting for

The claim is, the citric acid and vitamins in lemons can assist in flushing toxins out of your digestive system, detoxing your liver and cleansing your colon.
Read more: Lemon Water Cleanse | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5472492_lemon-water-cleanse.html#ixzz28k7G4vWk

I hate to admit this; I can get drunk off of one glass of wine. So you can imagine what happened on three mugs of pineapple juice and rum on an empty stomach. But I was well prepared to deal with my post-Carnival hangover.

Once I managed to boil my water, which was no easy feat, I squeezed one lemon into 16oz. of hot water. I drank it warm then staggered off to bed.

I was woken up by my employer at 4:30am trying to trick me into coming in on my day off. I guess they were banking on me still being drunk from carnival. If I hadn't drunk my lemon water the night before their ruse would have worked (fool me once shame on you). I had another helping of lemon water at 8am and midday.

How well did it work? Well, I'm writing this blog and manage to do the laundry.

No T No Shade: I give Warm Lemon Water T T T T.

*Special Edition* No T No Shade- Miami Broward Carnival 2012

NO T NO SHADE- Miami Broward Carnival 2012 
(Rating: T T T T T)
Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
Five T's = What are you waiting for 

I have been a sideline participant of the Miami Broward Carnival for years. This year I decided to be a carnival masquerader and strut my stuff on the parade route. To my shock and utter disappointment there was no parade route! The City of Miami didn't give permission this year to have the 25year tradition. Instead Carnival was confine to the Sun Life Stadium.

Words cannot express my disappointment. Miami Carnival was a mere shadow of its once great self. If it wasn't for Carnival Nationz, the wonderful band that I had joined, it would have been a complete fail.

I give The Miami Broward Carnival 2012 T T.  You won't see me there next year if they don't bring back the parade route.
I give @Carnival Nationz T T T T T for their organization, friendliness, and best costumes.



I'M THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE

FASHION: Red Bottom Taste on a Payless Budget

I don't have $1000 to spend on shoes! Nor do I want to spend that kind of money on a pair of shoes. But, I am drawn to them. So what's a thrifty but fashionable gal (or guy) like me to do? 

We all know @DSW  and @Loehmann's have some amazing designer shoe deals, but for the more high-end designers like @Badgley Mischka you head over to Off the Rack Nordstrom and  Saks off Fifth.

NOW ALL I NEED IS THE DRESS

 

 

FUN- Funkshion 2012

@Funkshion: Fashion Week @Miami Beach celebrates its 8th year and 17th season.
October 10-14.  Go to http://funkshion.com/  for info.

SEE YOU THERE!

The T: SPIRIT- Go into the Gap

The T: SPIRIT- Go into the Gap: I’ve had a heck of a week! Between working in the ICU, @Carnival, a bachelorette party, volunteering for @Habitat for Humanity, promotin...

SPIRIT- Go into the Gap

I’ve had a heck of a week! Between working in the ICU, @Carnival, a bachelorette party, volunteering for @Habitat for Humanity, promoting my books (When Angels Come to Play and Damn Yankee- Separation Anxiety, available at @Amazon.com), and let’s not forget being a single mom, I hardly has the time to pee. I’m constantly asked, where do you get the energy to do all these things?  To coin a phrase; I go into the Gap.

In @Deepak Chopras’s The Seven Spiritual Law’s of Success, he describes “the Gap” as stillness. To me, the Gap is the space where God/the Universe and I are one.  I achieve this state of stillness through meditation.  In the stillness I communicate with God to accept my desires and to give thanks. 

I meditate first thing in the morning, before even checking my email. On work days where I’m super rushed and pressed for time, I’ve been known to meditate at every red light on my way to the hospital. Meditation prepares me for the day ahead by recharging my batteries and lifting my spirits. It’s like a reset button. You erase yesterday, since you can’t change it anyway; and sets you in the now.

If you wake up thinking it’s going to be a rotten day, you send out rotten energy and draw rotten people and things to you. So, hit the reset button and thank God for the happy and productive day you’re going to have.

 

HEALTH- Are There Any Good Fats?

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A GOOD FAT?

We all need fats. Fats help nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintaining cell membrane integrity etc. However, when consumed in excess amount, fats contribute to weight gain, heart disease and certain types of cancer. All fats are not created equal.

The Good Fats

Monounsaturated fats lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Nuts including peanuts, walnuts, almonds and pistachios, avocado, canola and olive oil are high in monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats have also been found to help in weight loss, particularly body fat. Polyunsaturated fats also lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Seafood like salmon and fish oil, as well as corn, soy, safflower and sunflower oils are high in polyunsaturated fats. Omega 3 fatty acids belong to this group.

The Bad Fats

Saturated fats raise total blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Saturated fats are mainly found in animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs and seafood. Trans fats came into being as scientists "hydrogenate" liquid oils so that they can withstand better in food production process and provide a better shelf life. As a result of hydrogenation, trans fatty acids are formed. Trans fatty acids are found in many packaged foods, commercially fried food such as French Fries, other packaged snacks such as microwaved popcorn as well as in vegetable shortening and hard stick margarine.

Coconut oil is over 90 percent saturated fatty acids, which is where it gets most of its negative reputation. Unlike long-chain fatty acids associated with bad cholesterol, medium-chain fatty acids are more easily digestible and don’t clog arteries. These medium-chain fatty acids can provide energy, boost the metabolism and may even improve your thyroid function, reports @MayoClinic.com.

NO T NO SHADE- Coconut Oil (Rating: T T T T T)

Five "T" Rating System: One T = Hell No
                                            Five T's = What are you waiting for 

I've actually been on Coconut Oil capsules for a month to help me with a number of issues. #1 reason... as a diet aid. I've recently gained 5lbs and wanted a natural diet aid that would help suppress my appetite and help curb my ungodly cravings for candy. An awesome side effect was the elevation of my joint pain.
I give Coconut Oil T T T T T

HOT TIP
The recommended dose is 4capsules per day. You can take them all at once or 2 twice a day. I recommend taking them all at once first thing in the morning. It keeps you feeling full for a good 12hours... which carries me through my shift at the hospital.

FUN- Miami Carnival

3 More Days Until @Miami Carnival!

This is the first @Carnival I'll be marching in... I just found out some of the doctors I work with will be filming it! Something tells me I'm  going to be a very popular nurse come Monday.

FASHION- Miami Carnival for the Shy Girl

It has come to my attention that people think you have to bare it all in order to be in @MiamiCarnival... NOT TRUE. You can still be sexy and ever the bit as fierce as those naked chicks.

                                         Hot Pants and Boy Shorts to cover those giggly bits.

Shiny flesh color pantyhose to cover up those little imperfection.