Post 10 / Day 58 ~ You & I Have Remedies in Our Home!

This week will be the week forever known as the week Social Networking came to be known as a new addiction in my life!  wink, wink.  Word has it that my friend Kathy Radigan's [author of My Dishwasher's Possessed,] husband and mine are both looking into the same rehab program for bloggers, for the both of us!  


To avoid being redundant, you can check out my other blog that changed my life.. Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own, Day 234 ~ tweet..approve...like...follow...hop... A Sequel to fill you in. 

In my perusing on the internet, searching out ways to promote my blogs this week, I stumbled upon Stumble Upon.  (couldn't resist)  Not that this is a site to promote my blogs, it's not.  However, it is a great way to discover anything under the sun... more or less.

After signing up, I checked off anything that was of interest to me... and I mean anything!  And continued my perusing.  You can also like, or follow, other Stumblers  (what "they" call those of us who log into the and their interests as well.  I'm sure there is more to this site, but with at least ten other social networking sites that I am a part of, well... I was at my wick's end.  wink, wink

Get on with it ... what does this have to do with your post?  I'm sure is what you are thinking right now... Well let me tell you...

I stumbled upon, and liked, a great article from what turned out to be a website for Pharmacy Technician Certification.  No I do not want to be a Pharmacy Technician... but somehow... I Stumbled Upon it!  while researching for my post this week.

The article or post is called 100 Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Home.  A MUST share from me to you!!  AS a matter of fact, if I didn't share it I could not live with myself! wink, wink  Okay enough with the winking already!  I don't  know about you, but I got to think of something new to say!  LOL!

Including ten categories such as Common Healthy Remedies, Weight Loss, Beauty, Immune System and even Cancer Remedies, which are all possibly found in your home.  Be it your fridge, fruit bowl, spice rack or your pantry, you can find these remedies in your home!

Did you know that "honey is said to be one of the most ancient and turned to remedies across the world. It is even used to combat diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis. Visit benefits-of-honey.com to get more information."

Or that "some studies suggest that vinegar can increase metabolism. This in turn helps the body process food and burn more calories."  And that "the spice found in Jalapenos can increase metabolism.  In fact, many naturally spicy foods tout similar properties."


There is so much more valuable, yet free information on healthy remedies that are right in YOUR HOME!

I'm telling you... this is such a worth read, print and laminate type of article... so much so that I have gone ahead and copied the document, enhanced a few areas, saved it as a .pdf file and uploaded it to Google Docs just for you!  So no excuses... I've done all the hard work.  Now all you have to do is click here, a new window will open, print it, laminate it and keep it handy in your kitchen.


Here's to making another healthy choice for a healthier lifestyle!

Stay healthy and Think Positive!

Blessings. 

Images courtesy of google images.

Post 9 / Day 51 ~ Taking 10,000 Steps

I haven't blogged much about exercise.  Not that I do not like doing exercise... as a matter of fact back in the day when I worked at Gold's Gym in Venice, Ca [The Mecca of Bodybuilding] arrr...arrr.. I used to work out about three to four hours per day... yes I said per day!!

The Infamous Santa Monica Stairs... boy do I know you all too well!!  I even miss having you near by  too.  Hmmmm... I think I will be venturing out in the City of El Paso in search of the perfect stairs.  All we would need then, is the beautiful climate Santa Monica has to offer, as well as the ocean breeze!  I can dream can't I?  wink, wink

How I wish I had a picture of me from back then... I was 38 and in the best shape of my life!! Yes, even better than when I was in high school or even in my twenties or thirties.  I did not have a six pack!  I HAD A TWELVE PACK!!  [Ask my husband, we were dating back then.]  I used to do about two hundred to three hundred sit ups every day.  Today... well, I'm happy to do fifty.  LOL!

I mentioned early on in my blog, that I was going to be realistic about this.  In the real world, I do not have four hours to be working out... I have a five year old little girl to care for, who is not in school, yet needs to be taken to gymnastics, play dates, etc.  Then I also have a husband I take care of, ur fur babies and our home... meals, laundry, daily house chores and the family finances.  

With all that said... I didn't even get to "me" time... is there such thing?  I don't know about you, but it is very difficult for me to take time out for "myself" when there is so much to do.  My goal is to get everything done... then comfortably take "me" time as I enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I have however taken my own advice and "take" time for myself.  The chores will always be there, as will everything else... my sanity and my health are another issue.  Therefore, I MAKE time for me.  Just as I have to take Calley places, doctor's appointments and such... I started making the same provisions for myself.

Since the start of the year, I signed up my family at the local YMCA.  Calley has her gymnastics and I have my pilates, zumba and kickboxing classes!!  Calley goes twice a week and now so do I.  

You may think that working out twice a week is nothing.  This is not true.  Not in my world.  Twice a week has made a big difference in my life.  Not to mention the endorphin rush one gets.  I am having fun, meeting other people and taking time out for "me".  

Hold on now... it does not stop here either.  There are other things I do for myself... such as, parking far from the store entrance (extra walking), taking the stairs instead of the elevator or finally how about taking the stairs instead of the escalator?  This is a good one!  Half the time they are right next to one another.  You get to the top faster too!  

Little measures like the ones I mentioned, helps me sneak in exercise without it actually being "exercise".  Almost tricking myself..   Wait and the best part of it all... my daughter is learning healthy habits!  Amen.

The point here is not to "trick" yourself into exercise per say, but to actually take healthy measures to keep your body active and healthy... so we can live healthy, happy and active lives... and live longer in a healthier state.

SO this week, make some healthy choices for yourself.  Instead of driving around the parking lot at your grocery store looking for "that" perfect spot near the front, just park your car at the end of the row and walk those extra steps.  After all it is advised to take 10,000 steps per day... and "steps" do add up after all.     Going up to the 10th floor? ... get off on the 8th and walk those last two floors.  Going to the second floor? ... Take the stairs period.  Your steps do add up!  Not to mention the great legs and posterior you will soon discover! 

What will you do different this week?  Go ahead challenge yourself.  Don't wait until you're in your forties [or later] to get healthy... do something for yourself and do it now!

Stay healthy and Think Positive!

Blessings. 

Images courtesy of Bing images.

Post 8 / Day 44 ~ To Supplement Or Not..

Now a days, most of us are running from one event to another.  Chauferring our children to practice here, lessons there, not leaving much time for ourselves.


I have two words for you... MAKE TIME!

Because... before we know it, our children are grown and we are left with the aftermath... ourselves.   And... if  you are anything like myself, it was not a pretty sight.  The "thing," or rather person,  that keeps me going and motivates me to change... is... wait for it... wait for it... Calley, my five year old daughter!


It was exciting enough to start all over with a baby at 43, almost like starting a "new" family... however, five years later I am realizing that I am not as young as I was when I had my two boys (28 by the time my number two son was born.)  BUT, I will not let that stop me!  After all they (age) are just numbers... and personally,  I feel young!  [Thanks to Calley!]


Even with my making time for me, I still need more hours in the day.  I miss a meal here and there and that is not good.


SO the million dollar question is ... To Supplement or not?  Well, I say... TO SUPPLEMENT!!  


We all know that the food we place in our fine tuned machine, we call a body, is our fuel.  And if I am missing meals... I am not getting my proper fuel.  What's more sad, is that I take care of my car, better than I do myself.  Not anymore!!

NOTE:  I am not making any money off of mentioning Nutrilite in my blog, I wish.  I have added this information to my blog as "full disclosure" as to what I am doing to loose weight.

I take Nutrilite products for several reasons.  First, they have been around for over 75 years. Secondly, they are the only brand to grow, harvest and process plants on its own organic farms (five worldwide) for over 75 years.  Lastly, they have doctors and scientists at Stanford University behind them, as well as their own scientists that are always testing what food and plant combinations are best for us. 

I am taking the following:  

Rhodiola 110 Supplement- For energy.  I take two every morning (no matter what). I love this supplement!!!  It energizes you all day, and you never get the shakes from it.


And if I need a little boost, pick me up... I love XS!!!  Forget Redbull, Monster or Rockstar!!  XS has ZERO CARBS!! and at most 14 Calories, and THE BEST FLAVORS EVER!!!

Invisifiber- For fiber and the "full" feeling.  Every morning I sprinkle this on my breakfast or into my smoothie.  You can also just mix it with juice or water.  I forgot to take it one day and that day I had the "hungry" feeling throughout the day.  And never mind that it keeps you really regular.  ;) 

Women's Pack-  It doesn’'t have to be difficult or time-consuming to cover your nutritional gaps. Just one little on-the-go packet provides everything your body needs – calcium for your bones, omega 3s for your brain and heart, a little something to keep your hair, skin, and nails beautiful, and a daily multivitamin with 24 vitamins and minerals.  I take a pack per day.


Either take the Women's Pack or Double X.  Personally, I take the women's pack.

Double X- A multi-vitamin, multi-mineral and phytonutrient supplement.  Excellent source of energy as well.  This needs to be taken on a full stomach.

Take either Women's Pack or Double X, redundant to take both.

Black Cohosh & Soy-  These are isoflavones.  When taken over time, have been shown to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.   Yes, I have entered Perimenopause!  With that said, I really have seen an improvement with my mood swings!  LOL!  No really,  I have this easy peaceful feeling.  My mood swings were getting bad too.  I take one with meals. three times per day.

The previous supplements I take no matter what, now the following supplements are to assist me in weight loss plan.

Slimmetry-  Boost weight loss efforts.  I take two 20-30 minutes before meals.

Glucose Health- Boosts your metabolism.  I take one 30-40 minutes before my meal with a full glass of water.

Carb Blocker 2-  (The best for last) Block up to 500 calories per high-carb meal!  YES!! 500 calories!!  I take anywhere from one to three just right before I eat a meals with carbohydrates. 

Nutrilite even has a line for kids that Calley takes... even an Omega 3 with NO FISH TASTE at all!!


Yes, taking supplements is not inexpensive.  Yet, the price of not being around for my children, Calley especially is higher and not an option.  At least not an option for me to ignore.  I will do what it takes to be healthy for me and my family.  This last sentence may not be grammatically correct... BUT I must put myself first for my family's sake. 

By putting ourselves first we are not being selfish, quite the opposite.  We are placing our family first.

Stay healthy and Think Positive!

Blessings. 

Images courtesy of Amway/Nutrilite and are property of Carla Barila Karam and of My LifeStyle ReDesign, and are protected by Copyright Laws.

Post 7 / Day 37 ~ My Pantry of Possibilities

I am so excited for the new year!!  Why?... You ask.  Well, it is like you are given a chance to start over... a fresh start sort of speak.  As if, the only things in the "air" are kindness, goodness... and nothing but sweetness.  All ideas being obtainable with such optimism.

The new year always puts out it's own "holiday" energy.  When Christmas rolls around... I always get taken back to my own childhood at Christmas time... as if anything were possible... wishes "could" come true.  To me, the new year brings on a feeling of new, of hope and of many possibilities.  As if in one year everything in your life "could" change.   

I have started this year with so much hope and faith... so many plans and aspirations.  I have this "weird" feeling... a sense of "belief" if you will.  I believe that if I do right by myself... take care of myself...  enjoy my life... all else in the universe will fall into place.  Yes... that's right... it will all fall into place.

Funny... I remember once when my brother sick, he was working so hard and I suggested to him to take it easy, just while he was sick.  He was quick to respond to me ... "businesses do not stop sending bills out when we are sick... if I do not work... no one else is going to work for me."  

Having said that... If I want a particular LifeStyle, or rather if I want to live a certain way, a healthier way... a way that betters the chances of my living a long, happy and healthy life... to be around for my children... I have to do it myself... no one else is going to do it for me.

SOOooo... with my cabinets purged of all things (bad) that I can live without, which weren't many, I start my year (and the rest of my life,) with a healthy, yummy pantry! 

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  ~World Health Organization, 1948

Drink plenty of water (coffee and fresh juices made with water count too!)... [plenty = basically a gallon,] snack often, keep busy and be active with your family!  A family that plays together, stays together!  

Stay healthy and Think Positive!

Blessings. 

Images courtesy of Bing images.

I am not a doctor or a dietitian, and am not promoting for you to follow "my lifestyle re-design."  This is for my own personal gain (or loss) and not affiliated with wii in any way.  wii is not paying me for this.  I do however advise you to consult your physician before exercise or dieting.  

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam. Please contact me for permission..Just ask.