5 diabetes-friendly swaps Paula Deen should try

We have all heard the announcement from Paula Deen regarding her diabetes.  There is so much positive that can come from this.  She will undoubtedly begin to eat healthier to manage her disease and this will transform many households in the south.

I make a point to purchase my monthly southern cooking magazines, many of which are loaded with delicious low country favorites we all enjoy.  Everything in moderation is always the key, and you can start here with these simple swaps.

5 diabetes-friendly swaps Paula Deen should try

Resolution Ideas That Won't Fail.

Each year many of us pick something we would like to improve about our self or in our life.  Typically these are lifestyle changes that do not occur overnight.  We want results now, and we set goals that can quantify success.  I really do not believe that this is the way to go.  Does everyone want to be more fit?  Of course we do.  Am I prepared to committ all that I need to for this to happen, heck no.  Why?  Because I have a bunch of other things in my way preventing it, starting with me.

I was catching up on blogs, my usual routine on the weekends, and came across some ideas for resolutions that do not necessarily quantify success.  I have listed my favorites below:

• Forgive yourself--let go of the guilt and the blame and do whatever you can to forgive yourself
• Think about the last thing you did for someone that made you feel really good, and do it again.
• Let go of feeling bad about something that you can not change.

We all carry expectations of what this world should be and what our place should be in it.  Life is less stressful and more enjoyable if you can let go and establish your own set of rules.  Set your expectations so that you can find something positive in everything that you do.  If you expect to find good, it will be there.

Read more resolutions here

Reduce Stress, Improve Life

When is the last time that you complimented someone?  Really enjoyed an aspect of their life and told them so.  Are you aware that such a tiny gift, and free I might add, will change the day and possibly the life of that person?

We all love to hear nice things said about us to others, but we often never hear it directly.  I am not sure why it is human nature to always praise in the opposite direction, but it happens all too often.  The idea of paying it forward can start a trend.  Try it in your workplace.  Thanking the courier for their diligence, complimenting the intern on their growth, or even mentioning how clean the bathroom is to your business housekeeper.

By nature we take pride in our positive attributes.  The more we have the more we can give, in most cases as there are always exceptions and I am not referring to the heinous woman who stole your parking spot at the mall but had on killer heels.  As Oprah says, "when we know better, we do better".

Read this post from Goodtherapy.org and see how you can make a change in not only your own life, but in the life of others.  You feel good afterwards.  Win!

My Self and My Nails

The holidays really took me away from it all.  At the beginning of December I found out I was promoted to a higher position at my job and then poof it was Christmas.  I have totally lost track of time and so here I am, a month and a half behind on my dear blog.

It's ok though.  I am about to paint my nails an awesome shade of OPI "Ski Teal We Drop".  It is the perfect dark teal, a jewel-tone shade if you will.  In May I was married in Paris with the perfect shade of Chanel red "Lotus Rouge", it was my something new.  This spurred on a new way of life, colors on my nails that make me feel amazing. All Fall I experimented with various shades of nail color, each making me feel different.  There was the Essie "Little Brown Dress", perfect for feeling like you are a warm winter log on the fire, cozy and traditional.  Essie "Turquoise and Caicos", for those days when you want to feel cool and relaxed.  OPI "Designer...de Better" for that glamorous outfit with the perfect amount of sparkle to make you feel like a million bucks.

Whatever the shade, it changed like my mood.  Often times after a long day at work or a hormonal week in general, I found myself clinging to my nail color.  Like an amazing cup of tea, it was comforting and permanent enough to bring me joy long after it was on.

I am not saying that everyone needs to paint their nails to feel better, but rather become aware of the little things in life that can please you.  A small bottle of polish that polishes my soul.