The things that come to mind while cleaning the house.

My head never stops thinking and replaying scenarios and encounters I have with others. Today I am attempting to put away Christmas decorations, finish the laundry and grocery shop; to get all this done today would be a present to myself for starting a new year and my mind continues to think.

I re-live many daily experiences in my mind throughout the day and well into the evening, some are silly like what was said at the playground or did I ever remember to go back into the room I was picking up or did my children take their vitamins today. But a few things stand out more than the daily tasks I set for myself (which I might add are numerous). I had an encounter with a hostess the other night she mentioned her Grandmother had a heart attack on Christmas and I was so taken-back that out of the blue this girl says this to me, I did not even tell her I would pray for her and her family or her grandmother. I guess this incident really bothered me because it tops my list as I'm not as big and bold for Jesus as I should be.

So my prayer and thoughts today led me to the Vine and the Vinedresser I don't want to be the vine that bears no fruit or even the vine that has some fruit I want and desire the vine that as much fruit. And I pray that this year 2012 I allow the vinedresser to prune and protect me so that I produce the fruit He intended to be produced from me.

Happy New Year and allow yourself to be made perfect in His image.

It's Never to late to make a plan

Less than a week and the Holiday season will be in full swing. I love this time of year I feel completely busy doing things I enjoy such as; baking, decorating, visiting tree farms, Christmas parades and yes spending lots of time with family.
But during these events the fun and overwhelmingness can become a great burden to someone that either has suffered a great loss or has a lack of self-control with food or finds themselves at social events where they feel completely awkward. If one of these examples is you take heart, Jesus is the reason we celebrate both in Thanksgiving and during Christmas and He made you just the way you are and will continue to perfect you in His image until the day of His return.

With a little forethought and planning you can plan to be a better more relaxed and focused YOU this season. Instead of feeling alone, or guilty because you ate too much food at the party, and yes even if you skipped the annual office party or you haven't exercised in 5 days you can change today, this season is for making a plan and waking up everyday to improve on that plan until you have have accomplished your goal and it has become reality.

5 tips for a Happier You this Holiday season
 1. Everyday is a New day, never wait for the New Year it is just like any other day
 2. Only you can choose your actions and reactions in all situations
 3. Enjoy God's Creation get out into the fresh air and breath
 4. Fill your plate 3/4 full first with vegetables then add your treat (yes I had to add a food tip)
 5. Exercise it is a cure all for the over-eater, the depressed, the tired and the overly stressed

I have put into motion my plan, it focuses on two things family and health.
I signed up for a Thanksgiving 5K and plan to train and run a New Years Day 1/2 marathon.
and for my family we are planning many inexpensive outings to completely enjoy each other and celebrate this wonderful time of year, the season of Thanksgiving.


What's your plan for a better more enjoyable You? The day doesn't matter, your age doesn't matter, your economical situation doesn't matter but your intentions do matter. Find the inner person God is still working on and learn to love it.

Valleys to Mountain Tops

Have you ever had a moments where you are sitting in church, a lecture or any teaching and you just know that speaker is talking to you. Well I had one this week as I was down in a valley of self-pity God was there to tell me "He is enough" His grace is everything I need and should want.

Any idea or thought that we place into action and intend for our own good or personal gain only leads to one conclusion; we need a Savior and His name is Jesus.

This application of needing Jesus is relevant in everyone's life young and old. I encourage you to seek His Saving Grace and know YOU are His greatest love and He only want to protect, guide, love and give you eternal life. He threw me the rope from my valley this week and has continued to show me blessings albeit they might be small in the eyes of others, but I know where they come from and I am grateful.

May you feel and know when Jesus is passing down a rope to help you out of your personal valley.

Tyring to find the perfect logo

I have been dreaming up a logo that is simple and yet stands out among the many wellness centers and spas in this world. I have the idea in my head but I want it to be genuine and say exactly what we stand for and that is, when you open your heart and give your self-will to God, He will give you in return a life not full of easy streets but an abundant life full of His beauty.
I'm looking outside at the drops of rain left on the blades of grass as the sun sprinkles it with it's rays of light. The trees are green from their drink of afternoon rain and my flowers have perked up and are in bloom with an array of colors adorning my garden. I want so badly to have the Well Watered Garden reflect this very feeling;  fresh and renewed from allowing Jesus to come and strengthen and wash away the dirt, the dryness the aches and pains of life. Our lives are in need for living water and may we on the receiving end accept the living water and be like the trees and flowers allowing us to stand tall and let our colors shine.

Just put a Smile on My Face

Day 14 - And the Winner is...Me

That's right I am the winner. I might have been the only one in the challenge but that is OK that just meant it was ultimately up to me to finish. There was no one to impress, no one to get in my way and no one to blame when I stumbled. I am referring to the Bikini bootcamp program I just completed, yes I did not do exactly what the program called for but I stated that going into it. I completed what I set out to do, I revamped my eating and cooking habits for the better. I found new workout routines that I not only enjoy but I look forward to doing them daily. I actually found myself again in the past two weeks. As my devotions went on the things in life that matter is one: your relationship and your ability to trust God. Two: your ability to believe in yourself and the person you were made to be.Three: Cherish the special support system in your life they want to see you live to your fullest potential.
I will continue my goals for a healthier happy me and teaching my family that life is so much better when you are secure in the person you are and cherish the small moments for in those moments life happens and it is a beautiful thing.

I will continue to blog for it is a way to share my thoughts, ideas and passion with you. I am sure I will be trying something else out shortly, but for know I will work on my biography for my business plan and implement all the cooking, eating and exercise I learned to love again.

Day 13 - Eating with your Head not the Occasion

Today is a holiday and this is when diets and healthy ideas tend to get thrown out with the bags of chips and coolers of sodas. So today I challenged myself to stick with my program throughout our time with friends, I pre-made my salsa, hummus, salad, dressings and brought shish kabobs for the grill. I also filled my cooler with water. Let me tell you my food was the hot topic I made enough to share and it got all the attention, yes peppers and carrots got attention at a beach party along with my cooler that was empty first. So I ate plenty today nothing but what was on the program and never felt I was missing out on anything extra burgers or pie..
Now that was the physical part of food and self control the emotional part was I felt great about myself that I did not give in to a "holiday" binge or eating just a little bit of this or that. I had self control and I hope I was a positive example to those around me, they saw that healthy food taste great and are easy to make. I am trying to be a silent example of a healthy individual but also happy and well-balanced, and thinking back on the other day of being yourself, today I was myself and proud of it. And I walked on the beach with no cover-up I am proud of where I am and what I have accomplished.

Challenge: next time there is a holiday or party offer to bring something that you enjoy eating that will not make you grab the closest snack item or create a new healthy holiday drink you will feel great about the small change and will not dread the next party due to your new healthy changes.

Day 12 - Honest Caring

My goal for The Well-Watered Garden is a place that not only changes lives, but continually cares for each individual for I believe everyone has potential to be great and I will give all I can to help make those changes, those changes only comes with being honest from the beginning. I understand that the pain and hurt and discomforts of life do not get erased by one treatment or a week of exercise and diet. I do not have all the answers but I do have Jesus and He cares and accepts you right where you are and I pray that He allows me to be there in the life changes and the life renewals, to honestly say I am here to help and assist but to always give hope like in Isaiah 58:11 a promise of a life like an ever flowing spring and I tend to have this wellness center live up to that promise.

Day 11 -The Gift of Uniqueness

Today's focus is on your individual uniqueness and the greatest gift you can give yourself is to be yourself in all life's situations. God made you just the way you are; just think how boring life would be if all thought, looked and acted the same way. I see a wonderfully created women when I look in the mirror. I also believe that God did not make his creation to be lazy and full of excuses, we get those attributes from the world we live in. So today I challenge you to stop trying to be someone else's vision of you, instead be the person God created you to be. How to accomplish finding the real you, surround yourself with positive support that has your best interest in mind, support that will be tough but not break your spirit and most of all be strong in yourself and trust God He knew what He was doing when He created you.

Today was a good day I'm enjoying this program but also I'm confident in my self control over food choices even if we go out to eat and also I feel positive about my goals and where I am right now.

If you have started your own program, how are you doing? are you accomplishing the goals you made for yourself and if not what is holding you back remember everyday is a new day and your fresh start.

Day 10 - Importance of your support system

Ahh! with fresh foods stocking my kitchen again I feel energized and ready to continue onward. I also believe that in every endeavor we take on we need a support system, a spouse, a parent, a sibling or a good friend are just some of the most common supporters in our lives.
I have a wonderful support system at home, my husband; he does what he can to lend a hand for me to accomplish anything and everything I set my mind on. He even tells me when I'm in over my head, sometimes that's everyday, but nonetheless he is here and is a great friend and encourager whether is be in the form of trying new foods and encouraging the kids to take their one bite or watching the kids while I get some workout time in. I am very thankful that my greatest support is in my home. For some it is more extended in a way of a friends encouragement or even an instructor my advice is find someone that will be honest and also hard on you when you need it, while still showing that they believe in you and know you can finish whatever you set out to finish.

Tonight's dinner was not a favorite and it took every pot and pan I had (and I have quite a few) but dessert of frozen mango is by far my favorite right now.


Thought for the day:  Open up your life and share a little of yourself and your blessings with others, in the end a smile or a kind word can make all the difference in someones day and life.

Day 9 - Shopping accomplished

OK so this is my proof that I actually continued this and went shopping, I missed the program even though I cooked meals from the book, I missed using the menu for each day and we did eat out, I had a great salad but I was hungry later in the day by body missed at that protein the lunches. So back into the exact program. More to come!

Day 8 - Bearing Fruit in Season

Being productive is something I always strive for. I am a motivated and determined woman and that I am proud of, although that sometimes comes with an exhausting price. I read today that just like a fruit tree our bodies are not always meant to bear fruit; throughout our life there are times of producing and times of resting and being rejuvenated. So with that thought, our lives were not made to always be "ON" the " Rest" phase is just if not more important than the producing phase. When we take the time to "Rest" things calm down and we are more focused inwardly and preparing the fruit we are producing. I used both my family and wellness center as my examples My children are my fruit that I am preparing to be harvested one day and I am taking the time to nurture them and give them the care they need to grow strong and Godly independent adults Althought the physical fruit of them living in this world as grown adults will not be for years to come and therefore they are my product of taking the time to "Rest". The other is my wellness center a place that if I continue to plan always full force and in the "On" mode will have me wilting before the doors even open. So I take the time to "Rest" and remember I am not only rejuvenating and nurturing myself, I am also giving the proper attention to my future fruit and in due season it will be beautiful.

I had lots of ideas in my head tonight so my husband and I spent some time in the bookstore; a place I would visit everyday if I could. enjoying a skinny latte and browsing the isles is one of the best kind of nights for me.

There are many or hundreds to be correct of diets, health programs and a "cure" for every ailment on most shelves in Amercia. So I am for sure climbing an uphill battle trying to find and connect my thoughts and determine my niche in this quick fix crazed world we live in. I have ideas that I know can and would change lives, but I am praying hard for my thoughts and ideas to come together to create lasting changes not just a "Best Seller for the month" I want real changes I read if you create a product worth selling, worth advertising and worth the money to use it; then the rest is easy you spend the rest of your life enjoying and building more and more great success stories. That is what I want, I want real life success stories to be retold with the bases of The Well-Watered Garden changed my life.

Oh and the Bikini Bootcamp, you would never believe it was shopping day and yes, I did not go so I repeated some recipes I still had fresh items for I am shopping tomorrow because first I love the cooking part, I love the family dinners already planned out, I love the feeling of eating delicious healthy food and not wanting anything extra and I miss all of that. So I will shop and continue onward.

I bought myself an idea journal to continue to take the thoughts from my head to the paper and clear the clutter that keeps filling my head and keeping me from the grocery store. Just kidding that's all me.

Day 7 - Interruptions Turned into Blessings

This week as you know has not been great for outings but it has been amazing for home and family exploration. We have enjoyed the time together, the kids and I have played, started the new school year, shared many new books and movies and had endless tea parties. We also have gotten many home projects done. So what I would have called interruptions turned into many blessings.
Another is I have been able to cook every meal at home, we have eaten dinner every night as a family. I also have been able to workout everyday since I began the program. I am using the free exercise TV programs, today I tried a new yoga routine and a Pilate's abs, so for one hour it was about me it hasn't mattered that it varies between 6am and 5pm I still get that time and I feel great.
So my thought today is our greatness or dreams may never happen unless we allow ourselves to pause and either enjoy the pause or take a detour and let it throw you off tract. I'm grateful for my paused week.
I'm feeling more empowered and confident in being able to journey onward into the next step of The Well-Watered Garden, I envisioned my open house the other day.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Day 6 - Keeping your work joyful

Today I'm focused on the simple thought that, yes! my job right now is important and I have to continue to find joy in my everyday work. I have read so many comments of mothers that dread the daily chores and responsibilities of a homemaker, I actually love it and I pray I continue to think of it more of a blessing to stay home than a burden.

When it comes to this venture of envisioning and opening a wellness center I continue to ask God to be my guide and also that every decision I make be a spiritual one each and everyday. I pray the choices I make today will positively impact generations after me, even if it is just my children and my grandchildren. My job today is important because the futures of a world I will never see are sitting at my dining-room table eating my soba noodles and ginger dressing and my prayer is for them to see a God fearing mother that not only works hard but sees that I place my life and dreams in Jesus Christ my Savior and only with Him can I do all things.

I am continuing on day 6 of my modified bikini bootcamp. I love the food for sure in addition to the quiet time of devotions and journal writing and I am feeling great from trying the yoga.
I will list pros and cons at the end of the 14 days but since this is all for research for my own unique plan I am enjoying this program.

Day 5 - Re-invent the "Stuck" You

OK, so going on 8 days at home with sick kids I know stuck. OK not that kind.
The stuck I mean is when you look in the mirror and say who am I and what am I doing in my life? No a makeover for outward appearance is not going to fix those questions, a real makeover or re-invention of yourself is to find the You again. Some get stuck in a marriage, a job, a family situation or a location. All these feelings of stuck leads to a loss of who the real you is and wants to be. Don't go change who you are it's there someone so look hard and write that list of things you want to see come to life again in the present and in your future.

I know this is a deeper thought from me today, but I want to never feel like I'm not the person I'm supposed to be. I'm focused on the present and this stage in my life I don't feel stuck I feel this is my place today; I am a mother and a teacher to them, soon they will be grown and I will have more hours in my day than I will now what to do with so Today I look in the mirror and say good morning to the mother and wife I feel I'm supposed to be right now.

I also love to have my children in the room when I workout and cook. Today they smelled all the ingredients in tonight's soup it's showing them cooking, eating and family dinners are fun, we are making memories. Another thing today; I was in a warrior pose and my 10 mo. old was climbing up my leg while I'm balancing I enjoyed every moment of her attempting to crawl and climb up on me. Priceless moments not "stuck" ones.

Day 4 - Celebrate the Small Things

Today I will list 5 things in which I am celebrating; just celebrating the smallest things will impact your attitude and gratitude for what you are and what you have.

1 - I am sore from working out, it feels great

2 - My children are feeling better

3- The determination God has given me

4 - My relationship with my husband

5 - Being able to stay home with me children

Try this and take every day as a new day that gives you a fresh start of things to be grateful for.

Today the food was so good and I was proud of myself to be able to present my family with such a healthy delicious meal, my goal is to help them stop eating with their eyes.

#1 picture is my chicken taco salad with raspberry iced tea

#2 Picture is Grilled fish with soba noodles drizzled with Ginger dressing and Carrot Ginger Soup

Day 3 - Look Deeper for the Beauty Within

Today was rough, sick baby = no sleep and definitely not a 6am wake up call. So I ended up starting at 8am . I was able to get in my lemon water, devotion and journal writing. Then I was joined by the other kids so exercise went on the back burner.
I chose today to be my "yes" day with the kids we cut and glued papers and then play-doh we had lots of fun and I was focused on my children something I need to continue to do during my long days.
I'm looking within for beauty and strengths and the one that comes to mind is self-control there are some enticing foods in my home yet I walk right past them (besides couscous and 1 cup of fiber one cereal) I have not had a processed food in any meal since I began and I'm feeling great, even my desserts are amazing and satisfy my sweet tooth. tonight's was blueberry, mango & mint sorbet I created it myself.

As far as Well-Watered Garden goes, I worked on getting Incorporated today, I was a little down when I started searching the name and continued getting more and more sites using that name, but I felt that was the verse and name God gave me to use so I continue on with planning and yes, dreaming a little. I am in search of a logo, something I can create that sparks curiosity and makes a lasting impression.

I did get a workout in this afternoon I chose yogaworks slim on TV it was 50 minutes and I enjoyed it immensely, I thought I would rest afterwards, but I was charged up and decided to cook dinner instead I had lots of energy.

An overall great day and I'm feeling very empowered with both cooking and increased energy. So as I leave today I will remember to look for beauty in the small things and enjoy my life in the now and present.

Day 2 - Celebrate Today

Today was about celebration, first that I made it through day one, although I did cut out a few things from the program. But nonetheless I did complete my goals so yes, I'm celebrating. I'm also celebrating life itself so often I wake up and just beg for 5-10 minutes by myself before I hear the little feet running down the hall asking for apple juice and eggs, not today. I do cherish my "new" morning routine but I was happy to have my children wake up with smiles on (of course I not only have one sick child but all three are down with whatever the first had) but it did not get in the way of our plans today (yes, we stayed home and they took several baths) but we painted and watched movies and played it was enjoying them no matter the circumstance.

So as I continue into day 2, I did my devotional and it was on recapturing Joy and learning to appreciate and celebrate in the tough times because in these times we become stronger & closer personally, with your spouse and with your family. It's in these times too that God shows Himself faithful, not just in times of happy celebrations. I have lots of doubt if I even know what to do with tomorrow but I know that will handle itself. So I am thankful He is there to hold me today tomorrow and forever.

I did the Zen yoga and then off for a 30 minute walk (I know after today I need music, but I was working hard for sure) and enjoyed every minute of that time. I think I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow morning.

The menu today was once again, delicious and filling, I did have a snack a handful of raisins yummy, and I made a big jug of green tea and that was a nice treat during the day. So I'm off to eat my Curry Chicken and Veggies with Couscous.

I will continue to celebrate and I hope I can share with someone that yes, we must celebrate even the smallest blessings in life. It makes us stronger and we learn to lean on Jesus more and more.

The real Day One - Savoring each Moment!

Today was the day that my alarm actually went of at 6am and I was ready to start my new day.

Now prior to that I will talk about my shopping again I have included pictures of the beautiful and plentiful array of foods on this Bikini Bootcamp diet, I did make it to the store, I actually shopped at the local fresh market for the veggies and fruits and also the seeds and grain this was cheaper buying only what I needed this week it was a 1/2 lbs. of each, so I saved money on that, but I did buy organic when I could on almost everything. I also shopped at publix for my staple items and a few extras for the family. I took the shopping day as a day out alone and enjoyed the time I had to focus on choosing new foods and trying to find napa cabbage. (thanks produce man)

Ok back to this morning. I was ready to begin, I have my devotional and journal out and ready. I am reading and then I wrote out anything that came to mind for today or future but the main focus was on today. After journal and prayer I choose a Zen Yoga from free exercise T.V. the book I am following has a Sun Salutation plan written out but I am better when I follow someone and they already have the music and remind me to breath. This routine was 22 minutes and from there I went on my 30 minute walk today I did not bring music along (something I will do after I get a play list that is motivating and encouraging), but today I used the treadmill and just focused on my goals for the day and my breathing, at the 27 minute mark I was ready to go another 30 minutes but I heard the kids getting up. Note: I have not worked out since June almost a full 2 months ago so getting back into a routine will be great for me. Also I am not looking to drop 10 lbs maybe 1-3 but with this I am more concerned with trying new foods and feeling like everything I put into my body has a purpose and will fuel and energize me to be the person I need to be for that day. So I continue on and will note this program does have another workout later in the day more cardio and some core. ( I will incorporate these programs into my week but I know I will not be able to do them everyday).

The Menu for the day, I enjoyed warm water with fresh lemon while I fixed breakfast for my children then I prepared my blueberry smoothie with added flax seed to fill me up. It was refreshing after my morning routine.

We had a late lunch and today was amansala salad with ginger-sesame dressing (oh my goodness this was so good and I made it) and grilled Fish. My plate was overflowing and I did not even finish all the food. I skipped the snack today but did drink lots of water. for dinner I made the Tortilla-less soup Tortilla soup very good and Chicken Fajitas with black beans. All of these items were delicious and I will make them again.

My opinion so far of this program, yes great idea to spend time for yourself and eating the fresh foods and hardly any extra spices is nice. But I will add I enjoy cooking so I do not mind spending time in the kitchen but it it's not your thing this menu will be hard to complete. I am looking forward to tomorrow.

My prayer for today is with all the diets, exercise, & health programs out there, I ask God to guide me in making a difference in the wellness world and real life situations, by me implementing these small changes in my life I hope to be an example to others that balanced lifestyle comes with thought but it is well worth it.

Supposed to be Day 1

Yes, today was the day I had planned to begin a new routine and meals. But...after having my 2 yr old with a fever all day and night, my grocery shopping did not get done. I did however spend time in my journal and in devotional & prayer. I keep repeated the song I need You I need You I need You. Because once again I made the plans about this and God had other plans first, so we spent the day organizing my gym (garage) and cleaning out the refrigerator again. I do this weekly it gives me a chance to clean out leftovers, but also throw out any junk even half full bags of whatever that we have brought into the house during the week. I have no problem throwing out any junk foods, so if this an issue in your home decide today that it is OK to celebrate a birthday or have a BBQ but you do not need to continue eating the junk food for a week. Enjoy eating out once in a while then the food does not even come home with you.
OK back to my thoughts I now know I have a big problem with completing my grocery shopping, I have a tendency to print shopping lists, cut coupons, get menus for the week, then never ever get to the store it could be days before I even think about it, the sales are over, coupons expired etc. So during these few weeks of Bikini Boot camp I have to shop once a week with a pre-made list. easy right! Not so much, I will let you know after tomorrow how the shopping went. I will also explain more about the Bikini Bootcamp as I go along it is very extensive with taking time for yourself. Something I tend to forget to do so join me on learning how to take care of your family but also how to take care of yourself and be a strong healthy you.

I end my day with a thankful heart for knowing that I do need help and I will continue to turn to Jesus everyday.

Reflection: Asking God to Guide me

In my life I am a goal setter and I have always worked hard at attaining my goals, whether it be a family situation, my education, a business opportunity or just traveling to a new place. When I put my mind to something and commit to it I tend to go all the way. I have tried to sit down and plan out my ideas for a new business but every time I did over the last 10 years I got stuck I had the ideas, the vision, but I was missing the most important part I kept forgetting to ask God to guide me. In my head I knew I needed Him, but as my mind and pen wandered the paper I did not take Him along with the ideas or thoughts. So over the past few weeks I continue to ask God to be my guide on my next journey and I pray He allows me to continue as He leads me forward into the plan He has for me.

During the next two weeks I am starting a new approach to a healthy well-balanced lifestyle and although I am not used to practicing meditation or yoga I will start this week. I will allow my time of both meditation and yoga to be my time of prayer and a chance to remember that I'm only a follower in my life and God is my Guide. God has blessed me with an abundant amount of ideas for the present and future and I pray through this journey I will become more of the Godly Women He created me to be. I will also be journaling both as a reflection of my thoughts and ideas, but also to have a chance to write down how faithful God is day after day in my life and in the lives of others.

If you choose to join me during any part of these lifestyle changes please let me know I would love to add you and your family to my prayer list.

Welcome to Well Watered Garden

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11