June In Review and My July Goals

Where did this month go?  It went by so FAST but I am so glad that I managed to do everything on my June Goals list this month!

I had no problems with going without sodas and increasing my water intake.  I completed my Daniel Fast which I subbed for the detox since they were basically the same.  I managed to work on some designs so I can hopefully get my Etsy shop opened next month.  I also picked up a pretty houseplant (fingers crossed I don't kill it).

So for July I want to get these things accomplished and I wanna have fun doing it.  These are on the agenda this month...

Read 2 Samuel  (Boom and I have a little night time routine going where she asks me am I reading the bible and she sits and listened.  So cute, I'm blessed!) 

Go soda free another month 

Hang the scripture subway art I created and had blown up at Staples.  (Stay tuned on this one) 

Create a character profile (This is to get started on writing my novel as discussed in my 51 in 501 project) 

and 

Take Boom Boom to the park.

I have a few other things on my 51 list that I have to keep up with like my facebook and tv free days, 24 hour fasting, and a few other personal things but I like to keep my overall goal lists short so that I can stay focused and not become overwhelmed with the things of this world.  Know what I mean?

But I'll be keeping up with those tid bits as well.

So how was your June?  Any exciting things to do for the rest of the summer?  Please share! 

Change Starts With The Heart Continued...

Read Part 1 Here

continued...

God clearly changed my heart, I know he has because I couldn't fight these addictions and food issues alone.  I tried and miserably failed.  My 5'3, 190lb body showed me that much each and every time I looked into a mirror.

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In the last two weeks I have only eaten meat 2 or 3 times and I have enjoyed a few days of my Whatever Dessert and some banana pudding that I made for my husband, THAT'S IT!

That's HUUUGE people, really it is!

I no longer desire those sweets.  I walk past them in the grocery store and those voices are no longer screaming "Toya buy me and eat me now!"

After my fast I have continued to eat a plant based diet, a bit of diary (low fat cheese) here and there, some dressing in my pasta salad, and two eggs.  That's pretty much it!

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I have discovered quinoa.  I eat more nuts, spinach, sweet potatoes, beans, bananas, plums, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, apples, and oranges.

I've pretty much adopted a plant based lifestyle but I am truly drawn to flexitarianism because it offers so much flexibility.

A flexitarian is a vegetarian most of the time who eats meat occasionally and sparingly.  I am not cutting meat out of my diet but if I do eat it I am looking at it as a side or condiment rather than the basis of my entire meal.  I also like that if I am at a family function I can still eat what is provided (without seeming all snoody to my family).  

I'll continue to eat cheese and eggs on occasion but not too much.  After a week of not eating it my body appreciated it.  When I tried eating it the first week after the fast it gave me terrible stomach aches so I concluded that I simply didn't need as much of it as I thought.

Processed foods...I've never really been a huge fan of a lot of convenience food but this is one area that I am going to completely cross off my list.  I am praying that this stronghold won't grip my daughter and I am also praying that my husband will be delivered from this same stronghold.  He is a serious pop tart, cookie, and chip eating brother!

Sugar, my mind adores it because of the temporary highs but my body loathes it.  I am trying to stay away from candy, cakes, pies etc as much as I can because this is what majorly contributed to my problem.  I am learning to love the natural sweetness of my fruits so this is definitely a nice exchange.  Now when I eat real sugary desserts I really don't have a desire for them like I once did.

For now I feel like I am settling well into this new lifestyle and in 2 weeks I have dropped 4 pounds without even thinking or trying.  God is so good and I am truly a believer in fasting and asking God for a heart change because He will do just that.

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Here are a few scriptures that I found about change of heart.  Reflect on them.  Is there something that you want to do but you need a heart change? If so, fast and pray.  God is faithful!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  Ezekiel 36: 26-27

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.  Proverbs 27:19

For more information on flexitarianism visit these sites:  The Daily Green, Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, The Fit Flexitarian

As I continue on this journey of eating more healthy I will keep you updated with new recipes I create or find along the way!

Linking Up:  Serenity Now, The Better Mom

Change Starts With The Heart {And a Free Printable}

Today I was telling a friend of mine about my (almost given up on) desire of wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.  That wanting always resulted in a few months of healthy habits that inevitably created a terrible yo-yo affect that resulted in me losing and gaining 20 pounds just about every year. 

I always assumed thats how it was supposed be for me.  I would go hard at trying to lose weight for three months and then start eating like crazy again, gaining it all back.

If some of you remember last October I started using Cinch and lost about 14 lbs or so and a bunch of inches.  I managed to keep it off through the holidays but after that I'm afraid to tell ya folks that I started living the same ole lifestyle again and I gained ALL of it back!

I would sneak out for candy bars, searching Pinterest for the latest hot desserts, and eating out more often than not.  I was out of control!  Many of you remember a few weeks back I did the Daniel fast and it was quite an eye opening experience for me.

I asked God to expose and break my weaknesses during my fast.  I also asked Him to change my heart towards food and my life in general.

Download Here

See for me my whole day centered around food.  If I was bored I needed a snack.  If I was sad I needed candy.  If I was happy we needed to go out to eat and celebrate.  If I was stressed I needed a good glass of Merlot.

I had developed some very interesting habits that had become strongholds.  These strongholds kept me on the devil's short leash.

I don't know about anyone else but I didn't want to imagine living the rest of my life like that.

After the fast God clearly revealed some awesome things to me...

1. I should seek him and only him during times of stress and when I am feeling lonely.  He is my comforter.
2. My body loves and thrives off plants and fruits.
3. Sugar and processed foods were my drugs. I used them to avoid giving away "my" problems instead of allowing God to take care of everything.
4. The better I eat, the better I live and feel.  My fuel affects every aspect of my life.

Those four revealing things for me were enough for me to know that I should explore different eating styles and choose the best one that suited the lesson God taught me.

Tune in tomorrow for Part 2.

Linking up:  Serenity Now, The Better Mom

An Open Letter To My Husband {Happy Father's Day}

Dear Babycakes,

When I wrote out my project list for my 51 in 501 I listed that I wanted to write an open letter to someone I admired.  At the time I thought that it would be Beyonce, Michelle Obama, or some celebrity but God had different plans.

I lay in the bed beside our daughter and I felt the sweet whisper of the Holy Spirit tell me that I should write my open letter to you.  I told the Holy Spirit I was tired and I prayed that I would live to see tomorrow so I could write it.  God must have laughed because sure enough five minutes passed and I was at the computer writing this to you.

I figured this came about because I rarely take the time to just stop and tell you thank you, that I love you, or that you are simply amazing.  It's about time I did.

For most of my teenage years I went wandering from one boy to the next hoping that I would find some comfort that I know now that I could only find with Christ.  I didn't truly find Him until I met you.  That wasn't a coincidence.

I thank God for you so much because His plans so surpassed any plans I had for myself.  So many things had to line up for you to come across my path and when you did you thought I was just a mean girl who you thought didn't want anything to do with you.

At the time I thought I wanted other things but my heart yearned for a tender touch from someone like you.  I sometimes look back and think about how we first met and how God had an extraordinary journey for us to take together.

What I am trying to say is that I love God so much giving me a husband like you.  I know it may be hard to see how much I love you when I'm complaining about the dishes, fussing at our baby, and enthralled in my own little world.  But trust me I love you more than I could ever express in words.

There isn't one thing about me that you don't get.  You seriously have to understand every quirk about me to stay in love with a crazy chick as me but you handle it with such grace.  You show me grace that no other human has been able to show me.  I know that is no one but God.

Anywho, I believe I am starting to ramble but I'll end with this...

I love you for being such an awesome father to our daughter.

I love you for being such an understanding and caring husband.

I love you for never giving up on me.

I love you for standing by my side.

I love you for being my best friend.

I love you for being more of a man to me than anyone else in my past has ever been.

I love you so much and that is something that will definitely never ever change.

Happy Father's Day to my honorable, loving, and caring gift from God.  

You are truly a blessing,

Love your wife

Daniel Fast-The Last Few Days and Reflections

This Daniel Fast has really given me the time to think about my relationship with food.

I realized that food controls me more than I would like it to and I find that discouraging.  This week I have had to pray and find other ways to try and help those sugar cravings I get and I surprised myself by actually wanting more bananas.

So this week I created my own little fruit bowl that momentarily kept me from thinking about my Hershey's bar, M&M's and cupcakes.  The fruit bowl consisted of one orange, one banana, and a hand full of blueberries.

Talking about hitting the spot.  OMG it was so good.  I quickly became upset when I realized I had no more bananas.  Again the food controlled me.  

Of course I went back to the store to pick up some more.  I would have went a little nuts if I hadn't.

Anywho, this leads me to my point.  Food should not control us.  We shouldn't get happy at the site of chocolate, cupcakes, and bananas.  I shouldn't feel all tingly when I see a person holding a glass of merlot at a restaurant.

Merlot, that sounds really good now...okay let me stop...

On with my point...I am glad that this week has given me the opportunity to reflect on that because since I have decided to include a once a month 24 hour fast in my 51 in 501 project I now know where I need to focus.

I have a serious addiction to sweets.  It's probably as bad as drugs.

Would you consider me an addict if you knew that I often told my husband I was going to the store for some random purchase when in reality I am going sneaking away to eat a king size chocolaty something before I even leave the store parking lot?  

Yep I figured you would.

So now that we are in agreement I can conclude that for the first months fast I should refrain from eating anything with sugar or anything that could possibly be turned to sugar during digestion.  So I have some research cut out for me but I am going to do this.

It's time for the flesh to die so that the Holy Spirit can have Its way.  It's hard for that to go down when I'm a candy fiend. 

Last but not least here are some other dishes that I ate in addition to the other dishes I shared with you all last time.

So how did I feel this week?  Well I did have a little mishap that caused me a great deal of pain but the doctor has okay'd it and I am fine but I was drugged up the first half of the week.  The last few days I have done without the pain pills and fought through some discomfort but my energy levels are through the ROOF!  I feel so incredible.

In addition to learning that I am addicted to sugar I have learned that my body does SO good without processed foods, dairy products, and bread.  I am actually considering making at least 80 percent of my diet vegetarian. Why 80 percent?  I can't say that I will never indulge in bread again because that is something else that I crave.  That and crackers.

With all of this being said I am going to do my best and continue to pray my way through my food addictions so that I can get to the healthy place I want to be.  The way I am feeling now which is clear minded, full of energy and purpose is exactly how I want to stay.  So I am willing to go through the trouble of finding that great balance that allows me to enjoy food without it controlling me.  The Daniel Fast was a blessing!

Linking Up:  The Better Mom

Something For You Friends....

I have been putting a lot of my entrepreneurial activities on the back burner to focus on some other things.  I am finally ready to move forward with some of my endeavors without feeling like I am sacrificing my relationship with God or my family.  

After much prayer and reflection I am finally ready to formally announce another interest of mine but I am doing this with a twist this time.  I want to take the focus off of me and do something for others that many aren't willing to do.  I am just trusting God through this new beginning.

So any who, I love making invitations, tweaking blogs here and there, and I recently just got back into exploring that creative side that I was suppressing to see if it would allow me to learn something new about myself.  I must say that it did.

I started Monique Designs a few months ago, really on a whim.  I learned a few things about html and css and felt comfortable enough with doing basic blog designs.  While I was at it I started designing some scripture home decor and other things to build up a portfolio.

With all of this being said I wanted to officially announce that I am open for business but there is something in it for you.  For 12 months I want to do something for you.   Every month I will do a blog design (see info on A Little More Package) for free.  

Why?  Just because.  I thank you for being here and I just wanna show my appreciation.  

So this is how it will work.  Email me and include in the subject "Free Blog Design".  I will be filling the first three months (first come first serve) starting with July.  

Join Monique Designs on Facebook so you can be informed when I will open the next three months "Free Blog Design" package.  One simple catch...your blog must not be a "rated-r, triple x, or just plain ole nasty blog".

So what do you say?  Come on and join the fun and as always thanks so much for supporting The Scott's Crib and the crib mama:)  God bless!

51 in 501

Yep!  Let it be known that I am probably the only person (crazy person) who would modify a challenge (which is supposed to be 101 in 1001) to suit her own purposes.

I'm just not comfortable with the numbers 101 and 1001.  It seems too daunting.  Number one, I am not going to sit at the calendar and count 1001 days from June 1st and secondly, let me just be honest, I couldn't think of 101 things that I would want to get done in that time.  My brain is just too "off" for that.

So I decided to simplify things and come up with 51 things that I want to do in 501 days.  June 1st will mark the start day and the challenge will be up October 15, 2013.

Enough of my rambling, let me share what I want to do with ya'll so you can presume your living:)

1)  This is a personal goal.  (Well not really personal but I want it to be done in secret because I don't want any recognition doing something that has been placed on my heart to do.)  (4/16)

2) Save and buy a DSLR camera in cash.

3)  Lose 30 lbs.

4)  Start working on my novel. Started 7/2/12.

5)  Create 6 outfits using second hand or thrift store items (0/6)

6)  Take a writing class

7)  Go to New Orleans

8)  Get family to rent a beach house and go to the beach together.

9) Take my mother to get a pedicure with me.

10)  Do something nice for my brother.  (This in itself should be a challenge.  This dude is hard to please.)

11) Have a summer festival for my family.  I'm seeing popcorn and cotton candy!

12) Host a girls fun day/night every three months.  (1/6)

13)  Make a red velvet cake from scratch.

14)  Read the entire bible twice. (0/2)

15) Eat fried chicken and drink lemonade on the front porch.  (Stop looking at me like that! lol)

16) Wake up at 6:00 every day for two weeks.  (0/14)

17)  Get dressed everyday for 30 days.  (0/30)

18)  Get a massage twice a year.  (0/4)

19)  Go on a vacation with my girls.

20)  Send my mom flowers just because.

21)  Go wine tasting.

22)  Read 50 books (5/50).

23)  Create a morning routine and stick with it for 30 days (0/30)

24)  Start and complete my smash journal.

25)  Pay off smallest student loan.

26)  Save $1,000.

27)  Hang a scripture in every room of the house.

28)  Buy a new pair of tennis shoes.  (I haven't done this since college and that's been about 6 years!)

29)  Buy 7 pairs of p.j.'s for summer.  (0/7)  (It should be against the law how I go to bed sometimes, my hubby deserves better lol)

30)  Buy 7 pairs of p.j.'s for winter. (0/7)

31)  Fast for 24 hours every month for a year.  (0/12)

32)  Send my mother in law a little thoughtfulness just because.

33)  Hold a War on Debt webinar.

34)  Explore a new hobby.

35)  Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter.

36)  Pay myself $5 for every goal completed and give it away.

37)  Purchase photoshop and learn it.

38)  Document our family's life through pictures for a year.

39)  Go on a really expensive dinner.

40)  Open an etsy shop. Done 7/2/2012 Check it out here.

41)  Create and send 50 birthday cards to fam and/or friends.

42)  Be nice for an entire day once a month.  (0/16)

43)  Reconnect with one Facebook friend once a month by saying something encouraging.

44)  Take pictures with my hubby.

45)  Take pics with my daughter.

46)  Buy a savings bond for my daughter.

47)  Write an open letter to someone I admire.

48)  No TV for a day once a month.  (2/16)

49)  No Facebook for a day once a month.  (2/16)

50)  Go to Dynasty.

51)  Open an ebay shop and sell some stuff I don't want or need anymore.

So now that I've typed that out I realize that I have a lot of vacationing to do so I need to start earning some extra money quick lol.  Now let's see if I can actually get at least half of this done.

Have any of you tried a challenge like this before?  If so please share and let me know how you did!

Daniel Fast Days 1 and 2: What I am Eating

Just wanted to provide a quick update of what I have been eating since starting my fast yesterday.

Drinks consist of water or either warm lemon water.

Snacks are bananas, cashews, apples, and strawberries.

For lunch and dinner on day 1 and for lunch today I had this beautiful salad and I must say it was sooo good.  It consisted of tomatoes, strawberries, onions, cashews, blueberries, and spinach.  For dressing I just whipped up a little olive oil, vinegar, basil, oregano, and pepper.

For dinner today I had squash and onions cooked in extra virgin olive oil and a sweet potato with cinnamon.

So far the fast is going so well and I am so happy to be doing it.  I'll update you in a few days and for those of you joining me, YAY!!!! Let me know how its going and feel free to email me if you need any support:)

Linking Up: 
Serenity Now, Clean & Scentsible

7 Day Daniel Fast

Last Friday I shared with you all that I wanted to do a 5 day detox for one of my June goals.  Since I also want to incorporate more fasting into my lifestyle I decided that I would do a 7 day Daniel fast in lieu of the 5 day detox since the detox and Daniel fast are basically the same thing.

Starting today I will only be delighting in water, fruit, raw and frozen veggies, and beans.  I must eliminate all processed foods, meat, dairy, and sweets for the duration of the week.  I feel confident that I will be able to do this because 1) I am not doing it for me, I am doing it to get closer to the Lord and 2)  I've already sorta prepped myself with my no meat days that I started earlier in the year.

The list above includes some of the fruits and veggies that I will be allowed to eat.  This list isn't all inclusive but as long as it isn't processed, in heavy syrup, or saturated in salt I should be fine.  I will mostly be eating raw veggies and fruits though.

Before each meal I will also be drinking warm lemon water to help flush out any water weight that my body has been retaining due to my lack of water intake.

Also during the fast I will be adding to my daily supplements Shaklee's Herb Lax and Fiber.  At the end of the 7 day fast I am going to take a hot filtered bath using epsom salt and I will dry brush my skin each morning.  For more info on the benefits of dry brushing and the epsom salt bath you can check out this site.

For some recipes and more information on the Daniel Fast check out what I've been pinning on my Daniel Fast Pinboard.

To read more specific guidelines for the Daniel Fast check out this website.

I'll drop in later this week if I come up with any favorite meals that you all might be interested in!

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3

Have you ever did a detox or Daniel Fast before?  If so, tell me how it went!

Linking Up:

The Better Mom

June Goals

During my time off I realized how much I needed to take care of myself and how I need some measure of accountability.  I thought I would share some of my goals for June.  Each one of these goals I identified were necessary while creating a self care plan that would truly allow me to just be me.  I'll share these goals monthly and I hope you can hold me accountable.  Here goes...

What do you hope to achieve this month?  Do you have a self care plan?