"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." - Wayne Dyer

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Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts

Friday, January 8, 2016

2 Major Benefits of Moving


Life is never more stressful than when you are planning to move. It seems like no matter how much we try to plan and organize, something always goes wrong. When the inevitable does finally happen we are left with 2 choices; forget the plan and stay where you are, or charge forward and take risks.

Pedro and I have decided to take the risk. 

Pedro is always saying, "there is no growth in comfort." I completely agree with him, which is why our family is moving from Puerto Rico...



 to Raleigh, North Carolina. 



We want to embrace the challenge and find new opportunities to grow as a family, as well as individuals.

Honestly, moving is exciting, but not all that fun. When the stress seems too overwhelming, it can help to remember the 2 major benefits of moving.
1. A chance to start over - there are very few times we are allowed to restart in life. If you are blessed enough to have such a chance take full advantage of it. Create fresh beautiful memories and allow yourself to be the person you've always wanted to be.

2. Problem Solving skills - This one was meant to be a little bit of a joke. If you have ever moved, you get it. There is no better example for Murphy's law than moving. You think you have it all figured out, but sooner or later you'll find yourself blindsided by something you didn't expect. Thankfully, you learn how to think on your feet!

Good luck to every brave soul who is also making an important life transition this year. Focus  on the outcome of the journey and the process becomes much easier!


Saturday, June 20, 2015

Father's Day Gift Ideas



Dads can be the hardest people to shop for, but finding something just right doesn't have to be complicated! Sometimes the one thing holding us back from thinking of the perfect present, is thinking way too much

The first step to finding the last minute gift of his dreams is taking a deep breath and remembering to keep it simple! 

Favorites - Things to keep in mind when looking for something for dad are his favorites. Favorite color, band, vintage show, movie, superhero? A gift card to his favorite store in a meaningful card is guaranteed to win you that smile you love so much! 

 
Books - There is no such thing as having too many books, and there is no such thing as a person who doesn't read. The question is what do they read? Comics, magazines, newspapers? Get your hubby a good thrilling read that he will greatly appreciate the next time he finds himself with a chunk of personal time. 

   
Free Time - Speaking of time, it seems like Dads don't ever have enough of it! When my husband isn't working, he is doing a chore around the house or hanging out with Nico; he never really has a moment for himself. If that sounds like your hubby, a nice gift might be a night to himself. The night before his day off, pack up the kids and take them for an over night trip with you to Grandma's house, leaving your husband all alone for 24 hours of man time! 




Nothing - The ultimate last minute gift is absolutely nothing! Make overnight arrangements for the little ones and spend the day doing nothing but watching his favorite movies/ shows, and eating his favorite junk food (don't forget the pizza!). Most importantly, spend the day wearing NOTHING AT ALL ;) 
  

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Date Night Dinner for Two for Under $30

Anyone who has seen Lady and the Tramp knows that spaghetti and meatballs is a signature romantic meal. 


Fortunately for us, the classic dish eliminates the need to slave over the stove for hours, trying to create the perfect Date Night dinner. Not only is this delicious entrĂ©e fast and simple to prepare, all of the ingredients can be purchased for under $30; under $20 if some are on sale! 


Meatballs:

INGREDIENTS
1lb ground beef
3/4 cup bread crumbs 
3/4 grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1tbs pepper
1tbs all purpose seasoning 
1 1/2tbs garlic powder
Salt to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the thawed ground beef with the spices. Then mix in the egg, bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan. 


Pull small pieces of beef and roll it into a ball in the palm of your hand and place on a NON-GREASED baking sheet.

(to save clean up time, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil before baking) 

Cook for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are lightly browned on the top. Remove from sheet and place on a paper towel covered plate. 

Spaghetti & Sauce: 

INGREDIENTS
Half a package of uncooked spaghetti
1/2 Jar of your favorite sauce
3tbs of parmesan
1tbs pepper
1/2tbs onion powder
Salt to taste
1/2 cheese of choice

While waiting for those meatballs to bake, boil water with a dash of salt and olive oil in a medium sized pot for the pasta. If you wait until the water is boiling before adding the spaghetti, it cooks faster and more evenly. Once pasta is at desired tenderness turn off the burner and drain it. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix it all up! 

After mixing the sauce into the spaghetti throw the meatballs in the pot and mix it together. Cover the main course and let the flavors mesh while you make a deliciously healthy side salad! 

 
Side Salad:

INGREDIENTS
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup romaine lettuce
1/4 cup fresh cilantro 
1 tomato 
1/2 small white onion 
1/2 tbs lemon juice
1tbs olive oil

Dice the tomato and onions. Chop up the cilantro. Cut the spinach and romaine lettuce into smaller pieces. Finally add all of the ingredients together in a pretty bowl and serve along side the spaghetti.


Now the only thing you have to worry about is what movie to watch and of course what to wear to WOW your date ;)  

Monday, March 9, 2015

3 Hacks to Have a Better Monday

Many people have one thing in common; they hate Mondays. This early day of the week is dreaded by almost everybody. It is said to be the start of the mundane routines and tasks of daily life, school, work, etc. 

 happy monday dog

Many people have a negative frame of mind when it comes to this day. By changing how we perceive Mondays we can all come to enjoy them more. Changing a mindset is not always easy, but these 3 easy Monday hacks will make the transition seamless!
 

1. Do something nice for someone else: Make it your mission to find one favor you can do for another person where you are receiving nothing in return. It could be anything from buying a homeless person a bottle of water to planning a nice surprise dinner for your significant other. Being kind to others for no reason is scientifically proven to make you feel better! Don't believe me? Google it! 

2. List 5 things that you are grateful for: If you already do this you are ahead of the game! For the rest of us, take the time right after we wake up to say "thank you" for a few of the things we normally take for granted. If you're drawing a blank, you can start with your bed and your beautiful smile! =D

3. Do one thing differently: Change up your daily routine a little! Shake up your day! Make yourself  a new food for lunch, or better yet set up a lunch date! Do you hair differently, where a bright new color; if you really want to get crazy, go to a movie after lunch!


There is usually nothing to look forward to on a Monday, but I think it's time we take it back and turn it into an early Friday!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

5 Lovely Ways to Celebrate LOVE

Love comes in many forms. It can be romantic, platonic, familiar, religious, or directed at the self.

Despite popular belief, one can celebrate this love EVERY DAY and in many different ways! 


=) With friends - This is always one of the most fun! Who says love has to be about romantic one-on-one occasions? Cheers to the people who are getting together with a few friends to have a good time! Spread the platonic love with little goody bags filled with candy! Nothing says I appreciate your friendship quite like chocolate.
 



<3 With significant other - You can take the traditional route and have a nice date with that "special someone." Get all dressed up and have dinner and watch a movie! I hear Jupiter Ascending was good. Try springing for a thoughtful or practical gift, something they can use for a while that will remind them of you!

http://img.sparknotes.com/content/sparklife/sparktalk/romantic_candle_LargeWide.jpg


>:) With family - They may drive you crazy, but at the end of the day you care a lot about your family. There is nothing wrong with spending the day with your parents, or with your children (pets count). There is no love more pure than that! The smiles of your toddler when you get to their favorite park will be well worth the trip. The laughter of your loved ones is better than any material present on Earth!




;) Alone - If you find yourself by yourself and maybe feeling a little down, stop those lonely thoughts right now! STOP! If you are going to find love you must first learn to love you! So today is a good day to get a manicure and a massage. Or get your favorite take out and watch all your favorite movies!




+ With Christ - When you think about it, there is no greater love than Christ has for his church,why not celebrate that? Dedicate part of your day to reading your bible and praying and then maybe find a way to volunteer. Jesus' second command was "Love your neighbor as yourself." 


Above all, remember the most important commandment given:

As I have loved you, love one another. John 13:34


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

What Is Love?

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, the pressure is on for many, if not all of us. 


This is a special time of year when images of "love" are suddenly everywhere, shoved in our faces in every store we step foot in.

It seems that everyone is aiming to manipulate us into think that the color of love is red, pink, and white. Or that putting hearts everywhere and buying chocolates and flowers is the grandest gesture a person can  make to declare their passion and commitment to their fellow human being.

 

The bible teaches: 


That is absolutely beautiful, and it should be every person's person goal to strive for a love like the bible describes, but it is describing a perfect love (God's love), and we are far from perfect. 

While it is wonderful to give and receive gifts and candy, during Valentine's Day it is important to remember what loves truly is. 

In my opinion, true love is sacrifice.

It is about putting your needs aside and elevating the needs of those around you; this could be extended to strangers, or simply family and friends. For example; true love is waking up every 2 hours to feed your new born, or letting your spouse rest for an hour while you do the chores or make dinner. True love can also be dedicating your weekends to spending time visiting lonely strangers in the hospital. 



No matter what you do, don't forget that love means being humble and respectful and kind to all in everyday situations. 


Sometimes the best Valentine's Day gift can be the most simple.


Friday, February 6, 2015

3 Ways to Renew Your Love

Here you are with you significant other after a few years. 

You love each other dearly, but it seems like all you ever do together is stress and worry, even though life is made a little bit easier when you have someone to help you figure out how to live so that you both get the most out of the gift God has blessed us all with. 

The problem is that most of the time this gift of life doesn't seem much like a blessing at all.

After the bills are paid, the homework is done, the kids are asleep, and you've had dinner, you tend to lay down feeling more achy than you did when you woke up. 

As time passes, we all find ourselves burning out. The passion and lust that once consumed couples in the beginning of their relationship fades to a more necessary and secure form of love. Before you know it, you are in bed by ten reading together like those married couples in the movies and on TV. 
 

And all too soon, life is hum-drum and you feel, dare I say it, OLD. 

If only there were a time machine that could at least show you what you used to do for fun.

While we cannot avoid the inevitability of getting older, we CAN do things that make us feel young again, and we can do them with our significant other. Doing exciting new things together, and maybe a few harmless things you used to do, can renew love in a powerful way! 

Here is how:

1. Take Each Other Back - Once, long ago, you used to do something extra special for your significant other. You would buy her chocolates once a week, you would call him during your lunch break at work just to hear his voice, you always used to make breakfast together and sit down for a coffee. My recommendation is that you chose one of those things to do again! It doesn't have to become a consistent habit again (though it would be nice if it did) but a sweet gesture like that will make you remember and cherish the Puppy Love that brought you to where you are today! 

 

2. Teach Each Other Something New - In the beginning of our relationship, my husband Pedro was an avid skateboarder, and he was (and still is) very talented. Not only was it sexy when he would show off by doing tricks that his friends couldn't, but he would actually step off of his board to teach me how to ride; it was a HUGE turn on. In turn, back when he was not a Christian yet, I began taking him to church and teaching what I knew about Jesus and the bible. Those special moments that we spent together are priceless memories that we all have! They may not exactly be the same, but there was a time when you stepped out of your world into his/hers, and it was exhilarating! Recreate one of those memories, or make new ones! 

3. Fall in Love Again - I recently read an article that stated that love is a choice we make and that any two people can fall in love. The theory is that by asking a series of questions, 36 to be exact, in a romantic setting, a couple could create nonsexual intimacy and establish trust that would eventually grow in to respect and admiration. Begin a series of dates based around this theory. There are 3 sets of questions, so it  would take 3 romantic dates; for example a picnic in the park, a dinner out or in, making brunch together, going for a scenic drive, etc. You can even turn this into a craft by writing down the questions on decorated note cards! What do you have to lose? You're already in love, so this exercise could only push you deeper in your bond. Remember to ask the question even if you think you already know the answer, your partner may just surprise you! 
 

Saturday, January 31, 2015

A Night to Remember: Kuro & Ivy

Yesterday on January 30, 2015 the beautiful wedding of Ivy and Kuro took place in a beautiful church! 

Too bad we were late!! 
(An hour and 15 minutes to be exact)


To pass the time in the car on the way I took a few selfies... 
 



By the time we arrived the ceremony was over, and everyone was preparing to head out to the reception, but at least we made it in time to see some good friends of mine make their love official forever!



The reception was gorgeous! The speeches that were made during the toast were tear-inducing, and events, such as the throwing of the garter, were gut-busting hilarious!

 


Nico did his best to stay awake for mommy and daddy, but the poor little guy fell asleep as he was waiting with the other unmarried men for the garter to be tossed. 





 
It was a night of enjoying a special time with our friends and coming together to celebrate a young love that we witnessed grow since its very beginning. 

 
We even took a dip in the pool for Ivy, who was dying to get in since she walked into the reception area. It was FREEZING! But at least I looked good ;) 

 

The wedding reminded me of how much love we share between us and what a blessing it is to be able to take on life with your best friend.  




Kuro and Ivy, you guys are made for each other, there is no other way to put it. You complete each other in every way and I know that with the help of God you will be Army Strong together until the end of your days. I wish you joy, peace, and abundant, overflowing love!