Category Archives: Life

Diva on a Budget!

Posted on by
2

Hey Y’all! Writing all the way from North Texas. Fall is finally and officially here, and I dare say that we can now begin swapping out our Summer gear for Wintry layers. It’s been a busy Summer, and I feel it’s going to get even busier when the holiday festivities begin rolling by. This post, I feel, is very crucial not just because of the economic climate we’re in at the moment, especially with the shutdown, but it is vital for us girlies and even gents as another tool in our bag of golden nuggets to be smart with our hard-earned currency. Fashion is forever evolving, and being able to stay current but within budget is the key.

As a Diva on a budget, the goal is to get the most bang for your buck, and that includes maximizing savings on certain items so we can invest in other items. So if you’re home or out and about, find a comfortable chair, grab a drink or snack, and let’s dive in. If you’re new to Periwinkle Starr, you’re most welcome. Please like, comment, and follow to stay up to date with me whenever I post a new blog.

Now, we all love deals and quality at the same time, and sometimes you literally have to ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ just to get by. But what if I tell you that there is a better way around it, because I have a few options that I’m going to share with you today. These options will help you save on costs in certain areas and free up some cash to invest in other areas.

Facials at Home. Being busy and on the go, it’s not uncommon to opt for facials at spas because I didn’t have the time. But I got wiser and shopped around until I found an at-home facial kit, which has saved on costs ever since. I haven’t looked back, and I don’t have to worry about scheduling appointments or getting a particular esthetician for an appointment. P.S.: If certain procedures require a registered esthetician, then the goal is to find discounts or bundles to keep costs down.

Home facials give you the luxury of time to relax and just enjoy it.

Do Your Own Manicures & Pedicures. I know, I know, this is what some of us term our me-time. But getting these done as often as once every three weeks or once a month or every couple of months adds up over time. Learning to do your own manis and pedis saves you money that can be used for other ventures.

Learning to do your own nails is a great way to save on cost!

Opt for Ombre Brows Instead. Many women spend time and money getting their eyebrows waxed or threaded every two weeks. A better and more cost-effective option is to opt for ombre brows, which are a temporary tattoo outline that lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 years with very low maintenance on your part. You wake up looking ready to go, even without makeup.

Skincare & Accessories. Not sacrificing quality for quantity, I tend to buy items when there are deals. Always on the lookout for discounts and coupons to lower costs, but also buying in bulk is cheaper long-term. With savings from the above-mentioned items, it leaves more room to invest in great products that not only nourish our skin but also protect it from all the undesirables.

Clothing & Quality Pieces. If you love fashion but are on a budget, you know there are ways to shop where you can learn to scour the world wide web for affordable designers, keep abreast of upcoming or ongoing sales, and not being afraid to spend time searching until you find what you want at the right price. And yes, to always be on the lookout for a good deal. Now, certain items are keepsakes, and splurging on those is considered by some to be an investment, which is also a great idea.

Shopping for the right pieces takes time…..so don’t rush it.

Don’t Waste. I try to use up products that I’ve purchased in the past and throw out items that are expired. The goal is to reduce waste. Also, reselling items that I don’t plan to use or regifting them are ways to be a good steward.

Folks, you can be fabulous and on a budget without breaking the bank or going into debt. The key is finding ways to be creative, most especially with us ladies who need our beauty regimens to maintain ourselves. Feel free to share your tips on how you stay fabulous on a budget. Your comments are always appreciated. Until I come your merry way again, have a great week ahead, stay warm, and be kind!

Periwinkle Starr

Finding Balance in 2025!

Posted on by
Reply

Hello Y’all! All the way from North Texas! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. My guess is we’re over the Christmas and New Year celebrations and the majority of the Christmas decor has been stowed away….I say ‘majority’ because I still have one more tree up and a few Christmas trinkets littered across the house that I’m not ready to give up just yet. Just like lightning, we are in February and so far so good. The cold is still here and I’m thankful that I still get to layer on for a few more days before the Texas heat starts to return.

Starting the Year Off Being Thankful!

Something I recently started doing was taking the time to write a thankful list in January. Thinking deeply about everything positive that occurred in the past year and articulating it on paper. Being a visual person, If I can see it, then it stays at the front cortex of my brain and I believe this is helpful even if you’re not visual. The next thing I do is create another list of the things I would like to do, work on, or accomplish in the new year. This is not a New Year’s Resolution. It is me putting a list of things into a time frame; which makes it easier to accomplish or work towards.

Spirituality: One thing we all need more of is to be grounded. Grounded in faith and that is something that needs improvement, especially for yours truly in this new year. Committing time to my schedule on a daily basis does my soul a lot of good and keeps me centered.

Professional Advancement: Learning or improving your knowledge of your work or business – whatever that means to you. Reading a chapter a day. Joining a book club. Attending seminars that are free or easy on the budget.

Rest: Scheduling time to rest. Taking naps to make up for long hours spent working. We all work for a living and deadlines do exists. However, giving your body a rest to recover is of the utmost importance.

Meal prepping & Supplementation: Taking the time to cook more healthy meals. Portion control. Natural supplementation. Taking your health seriously will reduce the amount of downtime your body has because you’re recovering from ill health or those nasty bugs that go around throughout the year.

Time Management: Being able to schedule and complete work/life-related tasks to reduce last-minute stress caused by procrastination.

Self Care: A lot of times we are spread too thin by demands from others whether it be family, friends, work, or school. Learning the art of saying ‘No’ is one aspect that will vastly reduce stress. Putting yourself first is not always a bad thing as we have subliminally been taught …and this affects women more than our male counterparts which is unfortunate because you have people walking around empty and depleted because when opportunistic people see that you are a ‘giver’, being taken advantage of is the order of the day.

Finding Community: Sometimes we think we are alone in the world based on what we may be experiencing but the real reason is we lack community and safe people. As human beings, we were never meant to exist alone or go through life alone. There is healing when you are surrounded by people who see you, care about you, and accept you as you are. Researchers say that you live longer when you thrive in a community with other good and healthy people. Now, if you don’t have this, it’s never too late to start somewhere. Find community in hobbies that you love. In church. In your profession. In travel of other healthy groups. Even if you don’t have family close by, you can always create your own. Folks, the last time I checked, there are over 7 billion people on the planet. Get up and get out of the house and find your community.

Folks, 2025 will be a great year and I believe it will be amazing for you too but you have to be able to find balance and be in tip-top condition to ride the wave and take advantage of all the year has to offer. Until I come around the bend where the sun is always shining and the flowers are in full bloom…I remain

Periwinkle Starr

P.S.: Photos are culled from FreePik and the World Wide Web.

Finding You Again!

Posted on by
Reply

Hello Y’all! Summer is officially here and we’ve just hit a cooler front with temperatures dropping about 12 degrees overnight. It has been an interesting couple of months, sometimes hectic and other times not as much. But in everything, I’m so glad to be sitting on my overstuffed couch with a zillion pillows and writing this post. It is planting season, so if you love to garden, this is the perfect time to get on with it. Yesterday was the Fourth of July, and I must say that this year was a bit lowkey than the last couple of years. The fireworks weren’t as loud and didn’t last as long. Still, I was glad for the holiday. Today’s post is one I’ve been meaning to write for two months now. I started it but just now getting to finish it. It’s been a journey I have been on for a while and felt now was the time to share it with you so, grab a comfy spot wherever you are and read on.

As time goes by, we change. Whether the change is by our surroundings, life events, circumstances, or through the people in our lives or those we interact with daily. We are a product of these factors. Thinking back to when I graduated and had my first internship, there were so many dreams and things I had planned that I wanted to do and be…but you know how it goes – there’s what you want to do and be then…THERES LIFE. Depending on what side of the coin you’re looking at, some things could be good and other things unpleasant but the goal is to never lose yourself completely. I liken it to holding onto your hobbies, love, hopes, dreams or ambition… even if it’s by a thin thread because if we let life, circumstances, people, or events take that from us, we begin to die albeit little by little.

Now, there are things that are considered wishes. There are things that are likened to literally digging for fool’s gold. What I am referring to here are the simple things that make your soul happy. The things that brought joy to your innermost being without a huge price tag. Those things my friends, are the things we must never lose no matter what life brings or throws our way.

I love to bake. I’m not a master baker or an expert. I just love baking. My love for it was inspired by my grandmother who was a regional chef/competitor/winner when I was little. She put a lot of love into baking and cooking, you could taste it in the food. It was different. Baking is something I do for close friends and family and not on a large scale but it’s a part of me and what brings little flutters to my heart whenever I make anything from a simple recipe to something complex and unknown.

Life Happens!

I liken life to the sea. Its waves are strong when the tide is high, it could be still when the tide is low but be rest assured, it’s always moving. The goal is to know when to fight and when to let the waves do their thing. To know when to be flexible and adjust and when to brace for impact. To know how to watch the tide, how to time it just right, and when to make a run for it.

As we mature, we attain a layer of sophistication which is part of maturity and a positive on every front. But never losing touch with who I am is one of the things that anchor me to the ground despite life’s roses or shenanigans. If you are reading this post and you’ve got this far, thank you for being here. Take a moment and think deeply. Liken your life to an onion with layers. As you peel back the layers, the wins, the losses, whatever it may be; when you get to core, are you still that person you were? Can you still indulge in the simple things that make your heart flutter? Can you still connect to that person? Is there any semblance between that person and you?

Folks, never let go of who you were born to be. Never stop finding ways to do the things you love and things that really fulfill you. Only then will we feel anchored, only then will we not forget who we are or lose sight of why we are here. If you’re far removed from your authentic self, you can always retrace your steps and find you again. It will always be a balancing act but without any of the pressure…just focus on the simple things. Until I come your way again, let me know your thoughts and comments and if this is a journey you would like to embark on.

Periwinkle Starr

Having the Courage to Walk Away.

Posted on by
2

Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. The eclipse is here and unfortunately, we have thunderstorms in my little corner in North Texas, so i probably won’t be seeing anything but rain and storm clouds. Over the weekend, some friends of mine and a few others helped organize an easter egg hunt which was fun for a community of kids but quite a workout for us the adults however, it was still fun, and the weather was gorgeous.

Today’s post is none other but ‘having the courage to walk away’. Life is beautiful and I believe it happens in stages and cycles, and not just physical growth alone. We keep on growing and advancing as we pass each phase and if we fail, life has a way of taking us back around until we pass the test – which could be anything from an area of growth needed in character, emotions, self-control or a literal test.

Growing up in a close-knit family with a bunch of siblings, I began to learn early about boundaries among my brothers and sisters such things like you couldn’t bite anyone else, pull their hair, fight over toys and things of that nature. As simple as this may sound, these rules began forming what I call ‘lines’ that I could not violate and should not be violated by others. I believe majority of the populace have this; but like anything that isn’t exercised regularly, over time, our lines become weak which can bring on a passivity that is neither healthy nor serve us long term.

Life and Relationships

I believe life has blessed us with relationships in every sphere and includes family relationships, love, friendships, business, religious, fitness, social groups and everything in between. Having healthy and wholesome relationships filled with genuine interest, care and respect is beneficial to all involved and does require some effort by the parties concerned for such things like showing up, being present and overall, just doing life together and all that it entails.

Sometimes in the course of these relationships, interactions may not be pleasant, some may be abusive, others demanding, unfair, non-supportive, flat out disrespectful, toxic and unhealthy. This occurs when the relationships do not positively add to our lives and well-being but take, devalue, disrespect and even in some cases are harmful to the individual or individuals concerned. Just from personal experiences and experiences shared with me by others in confidence voicing dissatisfaction, an absence of validation or not just getting anything close to what we’re giving or dishing out is all too real.

Instantly cutting people off or excluding oneself may not always be the first line of action for majority of us. But there comes a time when, one person can no longer shoulder the burden, is dissatisfied, unhappy and cannot see any change in sight; this is where I feel having the courage to move on is the best option. This could be temporary or in some cases, it may be permanent depending on the circumstances.

Some Reasons to Walk Away

*When a relationship tears down and isolates an individual instead of building up and flourishing in community.

*Blatant disrespect for one’s humanity.

*One sided pairing(s) that serve only one party ‘all-the-time’.

*Any kind of abuse – physical, verbal, emotional, mental etc.

*Toxicity – Need I say more.

Folks, I wrote this post not just for you all but for myself as well. Wherever you are in the world, know that you are a human being, and you deserve the dignity and respect to live, to thrive, to flourish and go after your dreams in life. As everyday people, we will always be a work in progress ourselves and those we are in community with. Living life in a healthy and safe environment with others is doable and possible. Sometimes we, need to have the courage to walk out of bad relationships so our eyes can be opened to the good all around us. For some, walking away may not be entirely possible, but I dare say that strengthening our boundaries will certainly go a long way.

Until I come your way again, please like, follow, and comment. 2024 feels like it’s going to be a unique year so let’s clean house and walk away from things that no longer mutually benefit us. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Getting Creative in an Inflation!

Posted on by
Reply

Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your cozy corner of the world. Happy belated Valentines Day folks, which also happened to be Ash Wednesday. One of the fun traditions is having King Cake and finding the little Baby Jesus in a piece of cake where whoever finds the tiny toy gets to buy the cake next year. Any excuse to have a little more sugar in our lives is always a good thing…in my opinion.

Its already February and the race to the months end is on. In the last two years, depending on where you reside, there’s being a shortage of items and longer wait times on certain products. This, as I have heard has been worldwide but more felt in the western hemisphere. To add to this, we have slowly seen a descent into inflation here where the prices of items have literally doubled and in some cases tripled. When I look at the ongoing scarcity combined with rising costs of goods and services without much of a significant increase in pay, people from all strata of society are beginning to feel the pinch. There’s slowly a pull back because of a lot of uncertainty in the financial market but also government spending to the extent that I’ve dusted up all my cookbooks and decided to be more serious about incorporating a better way of meal planning but also carrying that through every sphere of daily living.

As simple as this may read, its seldom done. We had Snow-Megeddon in North Texas two years ago and people….and I mean with exotic cars and luxury lifestyles were in line for meal handouts because they lost their jobs, probably didn’t meal prep at home and never saw the need to stock up on groceries. It was a rude awakening on what could happen if the system collapses.

Create a list of what you like and find innovative and affordable options.

  • Salads – Instead of buying a single serve, why not opt for a pack of greens and condiments that give you several serves and are cheaper.
  • Granola – Instead of buying a pack that has a few serves and is pricy, make your own. There is a plethora of granola recipes online. I can share a few of mine if requested.
  • Cold pressed juices – These are vitamin bombs that boost your immune system. For those who love buying these refreshing 16oz drinks at your neighborhood grocery store, why not invest in a cold press juicer and make a batch that lasts you a week. All you need are the ingredients.
  • Baked confectionaries – This is great especially when you are being mindful of calories. Having baked goods at home reduces the urge to impulse buy baked treats that are pricey when out and about.
  • Bulk Meal Prepping – One thing I love to do is make big pots of stews and sauces that could be served with a plethora of food options like rice, quinoa, potatoes, pasta etc. This will cut down on eating out and reserve it for special occasions or when absolutely needed.

    Folks, there is worldwide uncertainty about the economic state of things. For the 95 percent of the populace who don’t really have a say in big governmental decisions, we are often the ones being reactive or like Texans love to say ‘Are left holding the bag’ after the damage has been done. We are being more conservative nowadays and trying to be smarter with money. I do hope this post has helped someone think about what’s going on in the world around us but also set ourselves up to not be reactive but proactive. Until I come your way again…feel free to share creative ways you have incorporated into your routines with me and others. Please like, comment and follow for more from

    Periwinkle Starr

    Happy 2024!!…..From Sub-Zero Temperatures.

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Happy Belated New Year!!! We made it to 2024. To all the readers all over the world, welcome – you made it and there’s a lot to be thankful for. Winter has just set in with our very first snow in North Texas. It was so cold but oh so beautiful. The powdery dust of soft snow blown about in the wind with the contrast of an overcast gloomy skyline. I love winter…just so I can layer on warm clothes, but also so I can stay home and nest.

    A New Year…..

    Curled up on my couch, snacks close by and drinks within reach, I’ve been thinking about the year and how different it feels from the past couple of years. We’ve had so much happen in the news, pop culture, and just everyday events that have already beginning to happen and we aren’t even a month into the year. I’m listening to the falling water of the fountain in the living room as I ponder on how best to adjust to all the goings on in the world around us. We have to keep on moving forward despite the uncertainty and constant surprises in the world. These are some tenets that I intend including in the Grand Plan for the new year.

    ֍   Keep It Simple.

    ֍   Rest Is Important

    ֍   Stay Active Any Chance You Get

    ֍   Cook More.

    ֍   Manage Your Time Effectively

    Folks, I’m sure there’s all kinds of things happening even in your corner of the world which we may not always have control over. But we can make the best use of every situation that comes our way. Be optimistic, keen and ready because its going to be a wonderful year ahead. Until I come your way again, stay warm and cozy!! I remain,

    Periwinkle Starr

    Finding Peace & Serenity in a Chaotic World!

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. Fall is officially here, and it’s been a joy to see 54 degrees instead of 114 degrees on a daily. Baking season is here and it’s time to dust off those pans. There’s something so comforting about baking at home with a warm drink in a cozy setting instead of being out on the town in this weather. I’ve had to bring my potted plants indoors because of the temperature drop happening over the next couple of days so it’s seriously getting there.

    There is a lot of unrest in the world today and in life generally. Some things we can control and others we can’t. My heart goes out to those affected by the ongoing tragedy in the Middle East. This is so tragic, and I wonder when it will end. A shout out to the Starr readers out there. We send good vibes your way and pray for safety.

    Today’s post is going to be a kitchen table blog so get comfy while I bake so get comfy, grab a drink and a snack and let’s go.

    Baking Banana Bread with a Twist!

    This is such an easy, go-to recipe because the ingredients are readily available for when I want to bake something that fixes my sweet tooth. For this recipe, I’m making it with a couple of new ingredients different from the original recipe and I must say it came our really good. I whipped this up late in the evening and these are the ingredients I used. There are no measurements on this one folks… I eyeballed everything!

    Ingredients: 2 Bananas – blended, shredded unsweetened coconut, vanilla extract, 1 egg, powdered sugar, GF flour, milk, olive oil, baking powder, raisins, a pinch of salt, a dash of nutmeg, lemon zest, and water

    Its Called Being Human.

    Give Yourself Time to Process Your Emotions. A lot of times we get so busy with life and just trying to make it through the day that we file things in our mental bank and never take the time to really experience and examine what we feel and why. It’s a scientifically proven fact that untreated emotions erode the body’s ability to fight disease.

    Finding Your Way Through Therapeutics. For some, taking a walk helps, for others running, some like spas, retreats, others may just prefer to schedule a personal sloppy day while a few concerning instances will need medication.

    Finding Safe and Healthy Outlets. Whether its counselling, talking to a safe confidant or joining a healing group. Outside of counselling groups, I feel certain churches also have safe groups that people can unburden themselves.

    Control your Personal Space the Best You Can. We live in a world where we have no control over what happens on a daily, but we can control what we let in our space. A famous saying is ‘The world is going to hell in a hand basket’, it doesn’t mean you have to. Keep the crazy outside.

    Journaling Helps. I believe this is vital because it forces your brain to remember. It’s often said the human body will do anything to keep us alive even to the extent for wiping your memory to shield us from the trauma or shock of an event. Journalling unlocks the mind and helps release details we often thought were forgotten.

    Rest. Don’t let outside distractions affect your rest. You can only do and be for yourself the best you can. Overstretching yourself and people pleasing will not help long term and only builds resentment.

    Try to Live Life from the Inside out and Not Vice Versa. The latter is dangerous because you will get dragged into everything that flies by on a daily basis. When you are at peace and centered on the inside, you don’t easily fumble for every whim that life throws your way.

    Folks I’m so glad you’re here and reading this post. Please like, share and comment. We are in the ember months so it’s getting close to the end of another great year. Be safe, upbeat and positive until I come your way again. I remain

    Periwinkle Starr

    Starting Fresh in 2023…Making Egg Rolls in the Kitchen!

    Posted on by
    2

    Hello Y’all! Happy New Month & Year; and I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. We had a snow-mageddon in Texas this week, so it felt like the pandemic all over again. Being trapped in the house within proximity to the fridge and pantry was awesome in good and bad ways. But it was good not having to fight my way through traffic and bad because there wasn’t a separation between home and work. But any way, we have one more freeze coming up and we should be done with winter. I missed writing so if you’re reading this, thank you from North Texas!

    Let’s chat while I try my hands at a new recipe…..(drum roll) I’m making veggie egg rolls!! Ingredients: Cabbage, Carrots, Green Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Sesame Seed Oil, Olive Oil and Soy Sauce. How to Make: Clean and shred your Cabbage, grate your Carrots, Chop your Garlic, Green Onions and Ginger. Heat a pan and add olive oil. Sautee the ginger and garlic together. After fragrant, add the cabbage, carrots and stir. Add the green onions and let cook. Add a tablespoon of Soy Sauce and a tablespoon of Sesame Oil. Stir for a few minutes then remove from stove and allow to cool. Roll your egg rolls and use a baking brush and water to seal. Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and lay out. Spray the rolls with some butter cooking spray so it isn’t too dry. Cook at 350F for 10 minutes. Use a dipping sauce of choice. Calories are about 70-75 each.

    Starting Fresh!

    If you read my last post, I did a look back on the past year and areas that I could improve on. This was very insightful for me so much so; I had to share it with you. The year always begins with resolutions, packed gyms, packed libraries, packed learning centers and religious buildings. By years end, its reported that only 9% of the population actually follow through on their resolutions. I like to call them ‘tweaks’. For some reason, the word ‘Resolutions’ just sound unattainable. Here are some of my tweaks for 2023. If I can get myself to move from a 5 to a 7, that, to me is success! Perfection does not exist and if you know anyone who is, they’re probably crazy underneath it all…LOL.

    Self-Care – Taking the time to rejuvenate and do the things you love and not just for everybody else.

    Slow Down – Stress is the root cause of a lot of the ailments people suffer.

    Scale Back on Excesses – Whether it’s unnecessary spending, snacking, drinking, or even saying yes to every request that comes your way. Balance is the key.

    Be Mindful of Time – Timing is everything. We can always do better. Something as simple as going to bed an hour early can increase your productivity levels and alertness during the day.

    Get Your Work Done – In Texas, we say ‘You need to bite the bullet’ to get things done sometimes. It means sometimes you may need to be uncomfortable for a little while to attain a goal, a dream, task or fulfill a promise.

    Rest – Need I say more.

    Be Organized – Always position yourself for whatever life throws at you. We have no control but we can always do the best with what we’ve got.

    The Gift of Giving – When you step outside of yourself and give of your time and resources, whether it be by volunteering or serving in your community, it makes you grateful for the things you may take for granted. Giving is a two-way street. Both parties benefit immensely.

    Positivity is Contagious – Surround yourself with positive people and if there aren’t any around you, be positive no matter what.

    Folks it’s good to be back and writing again. Let me know how I did on those egg rolls and what new habits you intend imbibing in the new year. Until I come your way again, be safe, stay healthy and remain positive.

    Periwinkle Starr

    A Look Back at 2022 – An Epiphany of Sorts.

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Happy Holidays and a belated Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are doing amazingly well in your corner of the world. 2022 is at its end and I am resting my way into 2023 but also taking the time to look back over the last 362 days. Taking time off to rest every now and again is so vital to being fit and healthy. Sometimes we don’t even know how exhausted we are until our body breaks down and we’re bedridden and forced to rest. Anyway, I’m warm and cozy, have my hair in a bun, my snacks nearby and I’m ready to dive into today’s post.

    I Had An Epiphany….

    I realized that ‘Everything matters’…We are very fond of separating our lives into compartments like work life, relationships, religion, health & fitness, friendships, hobbies etc. But in actual fact, these pieces make up who we are and are intertwined or bleed into every other area no matter how hard we may try to compartmentalize. One area that’s not doing so well affects every other area. ‘Yeah…yeah, we know that already’, I imagine some reader say but take a minute to think it through.

    Every step counts. I mean this literally. It’s hard to keep up with a fitness regimen. All the determination in the world will get you nowhere if your body is tired. On days where I can’t drive my tired body to the gym, I can walk through the house, go up and down the stair’s multiple times, do online Zumba, stretch or exercise in place. You’ll still burn calories which is better than not exercising at all.

    Hydration is huge part of weight loss. I didn’t know this until a friend of mine who is a fitness buff and competitive lifter shared this with me. Being hydrated with WATER removes toxins from your system, aids digestion, reduces constipation, and improves your skin, brain function and overall health. When I hear medical professionals tell the public to drink 8 glasses of water a day, I roll my eyes because no one and I mean NO ONE is drinking that much water…its soo boring especially when you have zero calorie diet drinks and everything else out there. I know I wasn’t. But to get there, start by buying a half gallon water bottle. It doesn’t feel like that many glasses but trust me that I exceed this quantity in water intake these days. This water bottle changed my life and I know it can change yours.

    Sleep is important. If you’re always on the go during a typical work week, take one day on the weekend to sleep, rest, relax and let your body recharge. When you rest, your cortisol levels come down, this signals to your body that you can relax; stress reduces and the craving for salty and sweet snacks go down. Its literally a domino effect. If you have a bad or poor sleep routine, it’s only a matter of time before it begins to take its toll on your life.

    Procrastination has an effect on weight loss. Quit telling yourself that you will start tomorrow. You would start walking, start dieting, sign up for a gym membership, join a fitness group, sign up for a personal trainer…..you get the gist. START NOW! Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Opt for a low calorie dressing on your salad instead a high carb option. Opt for a healthy midnight snack or pass on a second serving at meals. What really matters are the baby steps.

    You can’t do it alone. There is that 1% of individuals who lose ALL their weight in their basement while livestreaming on YouTube. Well, I hate to break it to you, but those individuals are far and in between. The rest of us who are the 99% need to have a support system, people with similar goals, text groups and accountability partners to motivate us on our down and lazy days. Now, if you aren’t sure where to find ‘those’ people, start with your circle. Find out from friends, neighbors and ask if they’re interested in starting for example a mall walking group, joining a class etc. If that isn’t successful, you can find fitness groups online via social media. There are no excuses. There is a group for everyone out there.

    Little Habits = Big Results. Friends, if you’ve been with me on this journey for a couple of years now, you’d notice that I’m very skeptical about instant results especially when it comes to diet, health and weight loss. Not only does it take a toll on your body, but your brain hasn’t had enough time to master or take on new habits. Anything too fast or hastily done in my opinion isn’t sustainable. Start by tweaking the little things and slowly override the old you with who you want to become by imbibing new habits and better lifestyle choices.

    2022 has been a good year. Life is seemingly back to ‘normal’. To all the readers of Periwinkle Starr, thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for the likes, comments and follows. The new year will be even better. Until I come your way again, be safe, upbeat and have a Happy and Amazing New Year!

    Periwinkle Starr

    (P.S. All photos are culled from the internet).

    Summer Vacation Aftermath!

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Hello Y’all! It sure feels great to be back with another post. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the globe. I just got back from a much needed and well-deserved vacation, and I made a vow to myself to not ever go for long periods without actually taking the time to pack my bags and go SOMEWHERE, because stay-cations don’t cut it anymore. I turned off my phone and didn’t give a thought to work all the while I was gone. I did glance at my emails every now and then to make sure no one was harming themselves or getting into any crazy mischief while I was gone…Ha ha! Buy yes, its so nice to come to you with another post. Its amazing how getting time off to rest does wonders for every part of my being.

    Vacations for me mean that ALL diets are off or in some way reduced to the barest medium. One thing I did as soon as I returned was to take a dose of a gentle laxative to clear my gut of any and all the junk I ingested,….in many ways, giving my digestion somewhat of a fresh start. Also drinking a lot of fresh clean water to rehydrate my body is something I’m incorporating.

    Staying Focused and Loving Every Moment of It.

    Culled from the internet

    Some of the things I am incorporating post vacation have been helpful to me and my hope is that it helps someone else enjoy their time off without guilt but also get back in the saddle when they return home.

    Big Volume, Low Carb Foods. The list is long and instead of just listing the foods on here, I’m including links to some of the youtubers that have been tremendously helpful in steering me in the right direction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIOk6o5_xS8; and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvaJfRtrJxg

    Walk at least 10,000 steps a day. You can build up your resistance to do more. In my case, doing one loop around my favorite trail gets me 5000 steps so my goal is to do two loops and try to build my stamina as I go. It’s so hot in North Texas this period, my plan is to walk indoors…..instead of burning in the heat.

    Don’t Deprive Yourself. Find healthy alternatives for the treats you love. I recently found a GF chocolate cookie mix and I’m going to try it out.

    Try Dry Packaged Soup Mixes. These are not only healthy for you, but they are easy to make and keep you full for longer while supporting your weight loss goals.

    Never Compromise on Sleep. People gain weight when they are stressed. Cortisol levels rise and the body goes into hibernation mode. This stems from the early man having to weather all kinds of hardships to survive – like harsh winters, famine and only God knows what…maybe fighting off dinosaurs? LOL! At least 7 to 8 hours will do great for your body, your mind and your emotions. If you can’t afford to sleep that long, consider taking short 30 minute to an hour-long nap during the day. That will help tremendously.

    Get Your Fiber Intake Up. A diet rich in fiber helps with weight loss and an overall balanced diet. The times I’ve seen myself pack on the pounds was when I was eating a lot of high carbs, starchy and sweet foods. Fiber helps speed up your weight loss.

    Stay Positive. You are what you think and if you believe you can, you will. Real and healthy weight loss takes time and is not a quick fix. It slowly gives your body time to adjust instead of the shock the body receives when you cut corners. Unless its life threatening, I’m really concerned about surgeries, or those trips people make to developing countries to get all kinds of procedures done.

    Having Courage to Deal with Emotional Baggage. Sometimes, weight gain may be due to natural causes – a slow metabolism, thyroid issues or more. Other times, it could be due to an unresolved issue that triggers incessant snacking, binge eating or not eating at all. Doing the best to face up to any emotional issues clears me of any reasons I have to not lose weight or maintain a healthy body and instead focus my attention on resolving any medical issues or underlying conditions.

    Folks, it’s so nice to be back home and writing again. Please like, comment and follow. Until I come your merry way again, I remain

    Periwinkle Starr