On of the oldest commandments is to "Love your neighbor as you Love yourself". Pretty simple right? Hardly. How often do we find that balance? As a busy Wife, Mom and Entrepreneur I know the "as you love yourself" part is extremely hard. Many of us ascribe to this sentiment but have a difficult time applying it.
It's very easy to do the love your neighbor part. How often have we canceled the Mani/Pedi appointment or forgone our doctors visit due to a child's school function or a busy week of business calls and meetings? Missed any hair appointments or gone without sleep to meet deadlines or bake cupcakes for your child's kindergarten class?
While those things we make priority are extremely importing isn't the ONE doing them just as important, if not more so? Guilt leads us to let others wants, needs and desires become more important than our own and can cause us to get off track. That's what I mean. Where is the "love yourself" in all of this?
When the New Year came in some of us even resolved "This is the year! I'm looking out for me, número uno... The Head Diva in Charge!" How's that working out for you? Did you swing too far in the other direction? Are you feeling a little selfish? Are your husband and family members looking at you like you've gone loćo?
If mama's not happy no one is. I grew up hearing that and boy is it true. If we don't take the time to renew, refresh and rejoice ladies, we will burn out!!! We can become cranky, bitter or depressed. If we're giving it all away without recharging our batteries nothing is going to get done. So take a minute for you. Its OK. Its more then OK! Here are 3 simple things you can do to bring yourself, and your life, back into balance.
1) Renew: Take time every day for prayer, reading, meditation and spiritual growth. Allow yourself to be centered and guided to a place of balance. There are a million things clamoring for your attention on a daily basis. This time is needed to get your priorities in order. Take the time to let God help you order them so you can accomplish great things.
Mama was right. Eat your veggies and drink plenty of water. Exercise, go raw or just give up fatty foods. A balanced diet is essential to a balanced you. If you can't get your full 8 every night, grab a nap whenever you can. Sleep deprived is not sexy!
2) Refresh: give your skin a face lift. This cold weather on the east coast wreaks havoc on us. We need to take time to exfoliate dead skin and hydrate what's underneath. DIY, natural sea salt scrubs with organic skin nourishing ingredients like coconut, olive and almond oils are perfect to revive your skin. moisturizing natural shampoo bars will bring your tired tresses back to life without chemicals and toxins. You'll love how you feel and so will he.
3) Rejoice: those cupcakes got made and your hair & skin look great! When you find balance and are no longer neglecting yourself, celebrate!!!!!
It's OK girl. Do the Diva Thang! Break away for a movie or a romantic night out with your sweetie!! Or get yourself a nice piece of jewelry that will remind you to take care of your self. You deserve it!
LOVE your neighbor as YOU LOVE YOURSELF! This is part of the greatest commandment ever given for a reason!! Enjoy the month of Love and make it last a lifetime... Just remember to Be You... Naturally!!
~The Spa Diva
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Spa Diva/Mom Diva: The Holy-Days
Spa Diva/Mom Diva: The Holy-Days: I know I'm late with this post but things have been quite hectic around here. My wonderful amazing husband threw his back out the week befor...
The Holy-Days
I know I'm late with this post but things have been quite hectic around here. My wonderful amazing husband threw his back out the week before Christmas. And the day before the Christmas service at church, that we organize and put on together. I had to run all of the day of stuff... by myself... (insert google eyed screaming emoticon). God was really with us that day. While I was making sure things ran as smoothly as possible, without my partner by my side, he was home by himself in excruciating pain without me. Thank the Lord for painkillers. They took enough of the edge off over the next week so that he was able to heal some, and stand up a few days later. He was also able to participate in the Christmas festivities, which was a blessing to us all. I on the other hand become more and more frazzled.
There were school recitals and holiday parties to attend as well as all the preparations for the family and friend who were coming over on Christmas. Plus we went away the day after Christmas. My mom came as well which was wonderful. She really enjoyed her time with her grands. By the time New Years rolled around Hubby was up on his feet but I was dead on mine. It was one of the hardest periods in my life. I was so worn out and drained I barley had enough energy to say Happy New Year when the ball dropped on TV. I spent the next few days trying to recover. I was actually able to get in a nap twice over the first 10 day of 2012. That was a real treat for me. As much as I need to nap, I have a 2 year old at home who never wants to anymore. By the time I get her down I barley have time grab a snack or prep dinner before her brother comes home.
An important lesson was learned though. I need to ask for more help. That's a big deal for me. I grew up with a great deal of responsibility and don't always know how to let some of it go and trust that it will all get done. Add the that all of the things that we're going on during holiday 2011 and you can see why I was a hot mess. Glad its over and I can make new plans for the coming year.
There were school recitals and holiday parties to attend as well as all the preparations for the family and friend who were coming over on Christmas. Plus we went away the day after Christmas. My mom came as well which was wonderful. She really enjoyed her time with her grands. By the time New Years rolled around Hubby was up on his feet but I was dead on mine. It was one of the hardest periods in my life. I was so worn out and drained I barley had enough energy to say Happy New Year when the ball dropped on TV. I spent the next few days trying to recover. I was actually able to get in a nap twice over the first 10 day of 2012. That was a real treat for me. As much as I need to nap, I have a 2 year old at home who never wants to anymore. By the time I get her down I barley have time grab a snack or prep dinner before her brother comes home.
An important lesson was learned though. I need to ask for more help. That's a big deal for me. I grew up with a great deal of responsibility and don't always know how to let some of it go and trust that it will all get done. Add the that all of the things that we're going on during holiday 2011 and you can see why I was a hot mess. Glad its over and I can make new plans for the coming year.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
That's Right... I Did It!!
I fixed my washing machine. All...by...my...self!! Can you tell I'm proud? Hehehe...
My darling, then 2 year old leaned in the open washing machine door when I was preggers with my youngest and broke it. If I could tell you the myriad of emotions I had that day. So many tears were shed.
For one reason or another we never got around to getting it fixed and it sat in the corner of my dining room. It mocked me every time I went to use the pay per use laundry room in the building.
The sad thing is it was really simple issue to fix. The part only cost about $20 and it took me less than 20 minutes to replace it.
I have since washed 2 loads (with my homemade laundry soap) and I am ecstatic! I still have to do the comforters and such in the building machine, but that's OK. If only every problem could be solved this easily.
My darling, then 2 year old leaned in the open washing machine door when I was preggers with my youngest and broke it. If I could tell you the myriad of emotions I had that day. So many tears were shed.
For one reason or another we never got around to getting it fixed and it sat in the corner of my dining room. It mocked me every time I went to use the pay per use laundry room in the building.
The sad thing is it was really simple issue to fix. The part only cost about $20 and it took me less than 20 minutes to replace it.
I have since washed 2 loads (with my homemade laundry soap) and I am ecstatic! I still have to do the comforters and such in the building machine, but that's OK. If only every problem could be solved this easily.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Results
Ok. So I used the laundry soap I made. I must admit I was a bit sceptical, which is strange because I am an advocate of homemade natural, low or chemical free products. you see, I have small kids. They make BIG stains.... and their cloths get extra dirty. They roll around on the floor and spill stuff on their cloths. So I'm sure you can understand my pause. The thing is the homemade concoction worked great. My cloths were just as clean as if I washed them with a name brand product. There were no added laundry boosters or pretreating because I wanted to to have a base line. Even the whites looked good. My husband, remarked that the laundry felt softer as he was folding it (yes, he helps with the laundry) and I didn't add any fabric softener either. All in all it was a very pleasant experience and I will definitely be using the homemade stuff that cost about $2 to make verses the expensive stuff in the grocery isle. Next I'm going to make some and add different essential oils for fragrance. I love being in control of how I smell. :)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Soap Notes
So I made laundry soap the other day... from scratch. It was pretty cool. I have always been interested in making things in my kitchen. I love the notion that I can control the ingredients and personalize my creations.
Since my daughter has such sensitive skin I try to control what comes in contact with her skin as much as possible. I've always created things by hand. I love cooking and I make natural soap and body butters for my whole family as most of you know, so this was just an extension of that.
It was pretty easy as well. Took about 20 minutes to make a 2 1/2 gallon batch and it cost about 6 bucks. I love the ease and the convenience, too. All I did was grate a bar of laundry soap, melt it and add Borax and washing soda to 2 gallons of water.
I'll let you guys know how it turned out when I do laundry this week ;).
Since my daughter has such sensitive skin I try to control what comes in contact with her skin as much as possible. I've always created things by hand. I love cooking and I make natural soap and body butters for my whole family as most of you know, so this was just an extension of that.
It was pretty easy as well. Took about 20 minutes to make a 2 1/2 gallon batch and it cost about 6 bucks. I love the ease and the convenience, too. All I did was grate a bar of laundry soap, melt it and add Borax and washing soda to 2 gallons of water.
I'll let you guys know how it turned out when I do laundry this week ;).
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