If you haven’t read any of my previous posts well you will find out today that the cool weather is by far my favorite weather, fall is my favorite season!!
For those who have been following my blog for a while clearly know FALL is my favorite!!! Everything fall!!
Now why do I love the cool weather so much??!! Well there is let’s see the change in temperature of course (I can’t do the hot to long), there is changes in the leaves, there is hoodie season, sweat pants! Long socks and of course Halloween, Thanksgiving should I keep going?! ha!
I used to love summer as a child. The hot weather!
Ah, those carefree, school-less days filled with chilled watermelon and ice-cream, endless cartoons and splashes at the beaches—just thinking about them brings a nostalgic smile to my face. Indeed, growing up, summer was my favorite season of them all.
But as I grew older, I began a love affair with another season—one I used to dread as a child because its arrival meant the end of those carefree, school-less days—the fall. I started to appreciate the very season I used to hate. I grew to love the beauty, wonders, and everything else, of fall.
There is so many reasons to love this weather and season!
Well this easy and quick juice is based with celery, apple and spinach. The sweetness of the apples balances out any bitterness that comes from the celery and spinach.
Honestly, the spinach was barely noticeable in the taste, but look how much green I got out of it!
I’m pleasantly surprised at the amount of juice that was produced with these simple ingredients:
1 Apple
Handful of spinach whether it’s baby spinach or regular size spinach
1 stalks celery
The apples are the real star. They are sweet, tart and super refreshing.
I started with the regular spinach first. Then I added apples and celery, alternating with some spinach. I also added a little bit of water, The pulp/ juice of the apples and celery helps push more juice out of the spinach. The ingredients made over a cup of juice! Booya!!
A very bright green drink. Maybe it will give me that boost of energy to clean up?? I bet it would be really good with a splash of lemon juice in the mix.
I think spinach is going to end up in a lot of future juices!
Let’s discuss a quick topic about us women and PMS syndrome!
This has been on my mind lately just because I know many women never want to speak on this or even accept the fact that they may have these symptoms each month.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period. Most women, over 90%, say they get some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, and moodiness. For some women, these symptoms may be so severe that they miss work or school, but other women are not bothered by milder symptoms. Studies have shown that on average, women in their 30s are most likely to have PMS.
PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that many women get after ovulation and before the start of their menstrual period. Researchers think that PMS happens in the days after ovulation because estrogen and progesterone levels begin falling dramatically if you are not pregnant. PMS symptoms go away within a few days after a woman’s period starts as hormone levels begin rising again.
I can say I’ve been there….but with some changes in your life and diet this can all be managed. At least 90% of us get this before our monthly cycle. Its not fun.
The acne coming up, feeling heavier than usual, bloated, constipation, food cravings, and let’s not forget the mood swings! It’s estimated that as many as 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome.
Symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern. But the physical and emotional changes you experience with premenstrual syndrome may vary from just slightly noticeable all the way to intense.
Still, you don’t have to let these problems control your life. Treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help you reduce or manage the signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
These symptoms can take control over you each month if you don’t know how to manage them or control them with some lifestyle changes.
When to see a doctor
If you haven’t been able to manage your premenstrual syndrome with lifestyle changes and the symptoms of PMS are affecting your health and daily activities, see your doctor.
Never be afraid to reach out to a specialist who may be able to help you.
How have you dealt with PMS ?! What has worked for you?! That may help others.
Alright my friends I’m writing this post to let you know about this beautiful hotel that we stayed at for my husbands birthday weekend! If you want to learn more keep reading.
What do you enjoy most about staying at a hotel? Is it the room? the view? the food ? the service given? What is it??!!
Well this place has it all!!! If you are coming down to the Tampa Bay Area for a vacation or if you already live in Florida and would like to get away with friends, your spouse, family etc. I highly recommend this hotel.
Not only does it have great views, but it has valet parking I mean one thing that did suck about that is that we had to pay the $25 for valet even when we asked if we could park our own vehicle. I would think if you’re staying here it would be included but hey I guess not, either way we had a great time. Let’s get back to the hotel review!
Do you have a wedding coming up or to plan well look less because you could even do your wedding here, and have a couple of corporate meetings or events! Whatever the occasion it is you could do it here!
Perks for meetings and events
24-hour business center offers everything you need to prepare for events and meet deadlines.
Award-winning culinary team to keep your meeting guests energized with delicious catering.
Banquet halls spark creativity, with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of Tampa Bay.
Delight your guests with their excellent location, three miles from the Tampa International Airport.
Book a block of 10 or more hotel rooms to receive a special rate for your meeting or event guests.
Wedding Perks
Celebrate in their ballroom, a beautiful banquet hall with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views.
Smaller venues are also available for those planning more intimate events in Tampa Bay.
Exchange your vows on their gorgeous private beach, or create lasting memories with a poolside party.
Not only does the hotel have two great restaurants to eat but the views are both phenomenal. This is perfect for you to enjoy everything you need inside this gorgeous hotel. Compare to some hotels I’ve stayed at lately this one has been my favorite.
Pool View – Julian’s Restaurant
First let me tell you about the service here, I have no complains whatsoever we were accommodated as requested. The receptionist was very friendly, professional and answered all our questions with no attitude. Our room was in the 3rd floor, which at first I was a little upset about it because I requested a nice view until we entered the room and saw the view that’s when I said ok…they got me! Let’s look at what else this great hotel has to offer.
Amenities
Pool
Fitness Center
Private Beach
Room Details
Our room was the standard room, king bed, bay view. This room has – Standard King, 1 King, Mini fridge, 312sqft/28sqm, Living/sitting area, Wireless internet, complimentary, Coffee/tea maker, 55in/140cm LED TV. This is perfect for a couple who want a weekend away from the kids or just for a simple date night.
Now you could book this room for $279 per night on weekends, and if you are a Marriot member it will be $259 per night.
Shower was beautiful and spacious. The bed was super comfortable we slept like kids and the view of course was gorgeous as you can see.
Restaurants
Julian’s restaurant – First of all the view is spectacular right in front of the pool area and views of the bay and sunset. They have many food choices to pick from, we ordered 2 margaritas just because it’s been a while since I’ve had one, very delicious and not to strong. For food we ordered the crab cake as well as the lobster ceviche tostadas.
The crab cake was to die for OMG super delicious flavor was perfect! The lobster was fresh and the grilled pineapples were a perfect touch to it! I recommend these two plates for starters!
We ate something light because we wanted to wait to eat at the restaurant I had made reservations for the night.
Crab Cake – $26.00
Lobster Ceviche – $27.00
Prices ranges from $30 and under.
Rox Rooftop Bar – Now the view here at night is BEAUTIFUL! you won’t be disappointed coming up here at night! This is located on the rooftop of the hotel and I believe they close at 10PM. We came here after our dinner and decided to have a drink and try some wings! But…unfortunately the kitchen was closed that night. They did have a special going on when buying a bottle of wine and getting the other free….Uh yeah! why not we took the 2nd one for later to drink in our room. I can’t really give you a review on this for food but views yes!
Pricing here ranges from $31-$50.
I hope I was able to convince you to come stay for a weekend of relaxation in Tampa Bay. Photos below do this location no justice.
Come enjoy this sunrise and relax your mind on their private beach.
This isn’t normally the kind of post I write, but I wanted to take the time to think about the things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving.
The past 2 years have been a rough one for many of us.
One thing I’ve come to find out through my 21 days self-growth challenge is how important it is to find things to be grateful for.
It’s not just about being thankful and grateful one day out of the year. You have to be thankful for the little things that happen to you everyday, not take life for granted.
Now let’s get into the things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving 2022.
What we will cover:
Family
Health
Opportunity
Lessons Learned
Personal Growth
Adventure
Things I’m Thankful For
Family
The thing I’m most grateful for is my family. They’ve always supported me through everything. They push me to be my best version of myself. They don’t hesitate or question when I need help with anything. I moved with my family to our new home in Florida a couple of months ago and it’s been a huge transition for us. I’m so grateful I get to spend my life with someone so wonderful, caring and attentive. I couldn’t be anymore blessed.
Health
I’ve been lucky so far this year and haven’t had any colds, flu, or any type of sickness. I have to be thankful for my health this year. This is something I take for granted at times, and when I’m thinking of things I’m grateful for, this always comes to mind.
Opportunity
Another thing I’m grateful for is my opportunities this year. I’ve had the opportunity to triple my salary this year and work for a company here in Florida that appreciates their employees. I’ve had the opportunity to start this blog. I’ve had the opportunity to spend more time with my family. This year has been full of opportunities for me.
Lessons Learned
At the time, it’s hard to be grateful, but looking back I’m thankful for all of the lessons I’ve learned. When I was going through a hard time, there was usually some sort of lesson that came out of it. Whether things happen for a reason or not, there is usually something that can come out of it. Everything happens for a reason at the time they are meant to happen and reveal themselves.
Personal Growth
These past months I’ve spent a lot of time on my self growth and loving myself more everyday and that gave me a lot of time to think and experience new perspectives. In a way, I started a personal growth journey. I read a few self help books and I really feel like I finally accepted myself for who I’m. I’ll keep developing and bettering myself, but I’m grateful for my growth this past year.
Adventure
Cooking. Traveling. More family events. Trying new things. I’m thankful for all of the adventures this year has brought me. I can’t complain one bit about the everything I’ve experienced.
My favorite adventures this year have been exploring Florida, outdoor Yelp Elite events, trying different cuisines hosted by Yelp, exploring the beaches in Fort Myers and Central Florida. There are too many adventures to name, but these were some of my favorites that I’m thankful I got to experience.
Of course I’m thankful for much much more, but these were things that came to mind first.
Do you know why you need to love yourself a little bit more?
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some tips and videos to help with self-love.
What is self-love?
Is self-love something you can obtain through a beauty makeover or a new set of clothes? Can you get more of it by reading something inspirational? Or, can a new relationship make you love yourself more? The answer to all of these questions is no. Although they feel good and are gratifying, you can’t grow in self-love through these types of activities.
Self-love is not simply a state of feeling good. It is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self-love is dynamic; it grows through actions that mature us. When we act in ways that expand self-love in ourselves, we begin to accept much better our weaknesses as well as our strengths, have less need to explain away our shortcomings, have compassion for ourselves as human beings struggling to find personal meaning, are more centered in our life purpose and values, and expect living fulfillment through our own efforts.
We now live in a world where we are looking for love and validation outside of ourselves, instead of looking for those things within us and sharing it with yourself, your life partner, husband,fiance etc. Better yet, you can share this love with your children, parents, friends, etc.
I can say I was one of those people, who was looking for love in others, specifically from men. I would go from one relationship to another right away instead of learning me.
Learning what I truly enjoy, what are my triggers, what are my habits, how can I change them? How can I become a better person? For my future self.
I was looking for love in others instead of loving me, loving my flaws and what I truly enjoy.
Now, How do we cultivate self-love?
1. Accept yourself
First and foremost you need to accept yourself. Accept who you are, what you love, what you enjoy, accept all of your flaws, all of your mistakes, all of your fears.
Self-love means accepting yourself as you are in this very moment for everything that you are. It means accepting your emotions for what they are and putting your physical, emotional and mental well-being first.
2. Stop Self-criticism
Self-criticism is the act of thinking negatively about yourself. The world is full of harsh words and critique — don’t add yours to the mix. Speak kindly to yourself, and don’t call yourself mean things. Celebrate yourself. You’ve come so far and grown so much. Don’t forget to celebrate yourself, and not only on your birthday but everyday!
3. Becoming Mindful
People who have more self-love tend to know what they think, feel, and want. They are mindful of who they are and act on this knowledge, rather than on what others want for them.
4. Forgive yourself
When we hold onto anger towards others, it actually ends up hurting us the most. A lot of us continue to hold anger and resentment towards others, it could be anyone from a partner, an ex, your mother and father. You’ll go on for years with this anger and resentment and never speak on it or let it go that at the end of the day, the only person who is suffering is you, your inner self. “Dr. Wayne Dyer once said that the snake bite won’t kill you, it’s the venom after the bite that will kill you. It’s what we hold on to that becomes destructive to our thoughts and our health.”
5. Be Self-Compassionate
Self-Compasion is when we are kind and caring towards ourselves. Rather than judging and criticizing ourselves, we could show ourselves the compassion we might show someone else. Perhaps we do this by giving ourselves a break when we’re working too hard. Or maybe, we do so by writing ourselves a kind letter, saying the things we wish someone else would say to us. Whatever our method, practicing self-compassion is a great way to grow self-love.
6. Try Self-love meditations
Guided meditations can help shift our thoughts in ways that help us focus on new things. By trying a self love meditation, we are guided to think about the ways we are good, valuable, worthwhile people with a lot to offer. Here’s a guided self-love meditation to try: which is my favorite by Louise Hay.
7. Practice Gratitude
Although gratitude for others and for the things in our lives is a great practice for boosting well-being, we can also practice gratitude for ourselves. For example, we might tell ourselves “thanks” for the good work we are doing or for eating healthy meals yesterday. Or, we might give ourselves heartfelt gratitude for “staying strong and not giving into to our coworkers’ unreasonable demands”, or for “allowing ourselves to take a nap when we were exhausted.” By learning how to communicate with ourselves in grateful ways we can extend the benefits of gratitude in ways that may help us boost self-love.
8. Be loving towards others
Love is a skill. It takes practice to both give and receive love. If we didn’t receive enough love or witness love being given when we were young, we may not have adequately learned how to give and receive love. It’s okay though because it’s a skill and it takes practice for us all. If we practice being loving towards others and ourselves, we’ll grow this skill and it’ll get easier over time.
I hope these tips can help you or if you know someone that could benefit from them please share. Below are some self-love affirmations.
Just for GP 