Category Archives: Peace. Calm. Serenity

Diva on a Budget!

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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

Holiday Cheer….and Fun Presents!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s once again the most wonderful time of the year, and yours truly is just now being able to slow down and take a good break. I started this post multiple times but couldn’t bring it to the finish line, but here I am, and I appreciate your patience with me. I sincerely believe that 2025 will be a more consistent year, and yes, I know I have said that before, but I think this time is different. For the first time in a long time, I have been able to keep all my plants alive, explore my city a little more and in more ways than one, and intentionally make attempts to enrich my life and relationships. Breaking out of set patterns is very much needed and having new experiences whether it be travel or learning is always a good idea. The Year 2024 was a year of change, new growth, and redirection. There was so much exposure and if you live in the States or access the internet, you know what I mean. We had an election, and now we are just grateful to wind down into Christmas without any more unwanted surprises.

Wrapping Christmas Presents…Is there a Science Behind It?

So it’s 10 days before Christmas and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Gifting presents to loved ones during the holidays is the norm, especially in the Western world and presentation is of the uttermost importance. The skill of wrapping in my opinion is a god-given trait because some people are great at it while others entirely suck….and I mean very badly. That gift has never been a trait of mine and I tell you this because as far back as I can remember, my presents were always outstanding because they were the most poorly wrapped in the group. What can I say, I was somewhere else when everyone was handed these innate skills. But alas, I am not alone! A friend of mine and I recently discovered we were more of bag and tissue gift-givers which was funny especially when we traded horror stories. In my mind friends, it’s the thought that counts. Now if you aren’t as em…..gifted and would like to do a better job at wrapping, please look up the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ik_yEXHUlg As for yours truly, I think tissue and bags will remain my saving grace.

Have You Made Your Lists Yet?

Now I’m not referring to Santa’s Naughty or Nice list. At the end of each year, I love to make two lists. These include things I set out to do versus what I actually did AND a list of things that I did and how I could improve. If you’re a very busy person or feel like you cannot get caught up on tasks, having a list is the game changer. And if you, like me tend to procrastinate especially when you have extra time, then this simple solution will get you happily productive in zero time. Coming from an old school of thought, actually writing down and crossing things off a list is more my thing.

Folks, it’s been a great year with its highs, some lows, and everything in between. From Periwinkle Starr, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have included a few random photographs which include everything from soups, a view of the reunion tower, my most recent gluten-free bread recipe, a delicate slice of cheesecake, delicious Thai coconut soup I had somewhere in D.C., and a Christmas tree I found very pretty somewhere in the Downtown Dallas Area.

Until I come your merry way again in the new year, be safe and in good spirits.

Periwinkle Starr

Finding You Again!

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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.

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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

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

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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!

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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

Miami in the Summer!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your part of the world. As promised, I’m back with another post all the way from North Texas. As is the norm, we had 3-digit temperatures a couple of weeks back so being able to get away for a while was a relief. We were in Miami!!! One of the things I was excited about was the fact I would be out of the oven and in proximity to huge ‘natural’ bodies of water, and lots of negative ions; not the artificial water holes and fake lakes we have in my part of Texas. When it comes to vacations, it’s so easy to want to jet off somewhere FOREIGN but I feel like there is so much more to see and to experience in my own backyard that I had not really appreciated before now. These are some of the things I noticed on my trip to Miami, Florida so stay with me.

The Sun Shines Differently. Something about the sky and the sun is so different from North Texas. No matter how much sunscreen or hats you wear, you will be tanned…. disproportionately if I might add. 😂😂

It’s So Tropical. The palm trees, lush vegetation, greenery everywhere is so calming and gives me that sense of being closer to nature. If you build plant it, it will grow is my new motto for Miami.

A plethora of Beaches to choose from. There are many beaches there, but South Miami beach was the nicest…in my opinion. There was washed up sea moss and seashells on the shore. Getting waist deep into the waves, I could see small fishes probably eating the plankton off the moss. The water was so salty it stung a bit the first couple times I got in the water. However, it felt so rejuvenating.

The food is GREAT! No matter where we went, what kind of food we ate ex. Cuban, Asian, Vegan, American, Italian, the food was amazing and always served hot…and I mean with steam emanating out of it. This happened everywhere we ate so I guess it’s a ‘thing’ in Miami.

Floridians Appear to be More Fit than most. I saw less heavy-set people in Miami, and I got to thinking, we do love our cars, meat and potatoes in Texas. So…..it’s to be expected.

Downtown is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I love architecture so being Downtown in the middle of the action was a must. There are boat tours especially in the Miami Circle area Downtown. Nice restaurants overlooking the water and that fresh ocean breeze.

Some Things to Be Aware of in Miami.

Finding Parking is a Bear. A stranded hiker in the mountains has more luck finding cell service than it is to find parking especially in the downtown area. Hope on your luck or leave the day before…lol. Just kidding. But the city never sleeps so uber or taxi your way when you’re in the dense downtown area or bite the bullet and pay the price for parking. We literally had to download parking apps to pay for parking while we were there.

It’s Pretty Pricy. Being a tourist City, it does get expensive.

The lizards. We were near the coast and there were these Iguana lizards that would sometimes run when they see you or just stand really still and watch you. Some were the sizes of designer dogs…I kid you not – we were told they were harmless and would only bite when threatened. ‘Bite you say?’ was my response. ‘No hablas iguanas’ was my best Spanish phrase for I don’t do Iguana’s.

Huge Snakes. They have issues of invasive python species especially if you reside in the sub urban areas or everglades. These reptiles were brought over as exotic pets from Asia and Africa. These have somehow infiltrated the wild, are breeding like crazy and are now leaving the swamps and moving into the city in search of food.

Alligator’s that can turn doorknobs of people’s homes and scale fences…and I’m not kidding. I literally fell out of my chair when I saw a video clip but it’s true. People fence their pools and cover the top with a cage of sorts because you may want to take a nice evening swim and find a 12-foot gator or python enjoying the comforts of your backyard.

Lower Temperatures, Higher Humidity. Being one to whine about the weather ALL – THE – TIME, the humidity was obviously high-er. Wearing light clothing especially cotton serves as a wick to cool you down faster as opposed to other fabrics. While enjoying my newfound freedom, my hair did frizz, become poofy and stick to my skin. But it didn’t bother me much. I was just happy to be there.

Well, folks I was glad to be a pseudo tourist for a few days in Miami but happier to be back home. Like me, try to get out of your usual regimen and explore some of the jewels in your own backyard. Your likes, comments and follows are always welcome. Be safe, stay healthy and optimistic. Until I come your way again, I remain,

Periwinkle Starr 💕

Gluten Free Baking…With Bananas!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your part of the world. We’re at the tail end of the weekend and it has been the most restful one in a long time. Oh, and by the way the temperature in North Texas dropped about 30-degrees yesterday all of a sudden so for a minute I was contemplating bringing out some of my layers back out…. but according to the weatherman, it’s going to heat back up over the next couple of days.

Pollen and rag weed were pretty intense this week and although I got to rest and enjoy my days off, I could feel it being out and about. I love weekends! They’re my best days to bake because I have the time to take stock of what I have and what I’m craving. Since going gluten free, I have been trying to find healthy alternatives with lower carbs to add to my go-to list of recipes and I have to say that I’m still working on it. So far, I’ve found a brownie mix that kinda works – with some additives, and a pancake mix that’s so good you couldn’t tell it was GF. If you’re like me, I shop bananas by the bunch and freeze them for smoothies, Yonanas or pancakes when I have the time. This recipe was a way to literally get rid of some of the bags I had laying around in the freezer.

Baking a Gluten Free Banana Loaf/Cake!

I got some inspiration for this recipe watching a short recipe on YouTube but switched up the ingredients and added a couple of my favorites to the mix. Ingredients include: 4 Frozen Banana’s, 2 Eggs, 2 Tbsp Butter, 2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract, 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds, 2 Tbsp Psyllium Husk, A good dash of Cinnamon, 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Shredded (dried) Coconut, 1/2 Cup Gluten Free Flour, about a 1/2 Cup Milk (I prefer powdered milk because its gentler on my digestion), Erythritol Monk Fruit Sweetener to taste, Baking Powder.

P.S.: I’ve recently started adding psyllium husk in small quantities to a lot of meals, cereal and baking. Its tasteless, odorless but a great source of fiber which is good for the gut, burns fat and aids digestion. I’d recommend you try it; you just might like it.

Now Let’s Go!

Place the frozen bananas in a bowl and let it thaw for a couple minutes. Using a fork, smash the bananas. Add the chia seeds, butter, shredded coconut and mix. Add both eggs and keep mixing. Add the vanilla extract, psyllium husk, Cinnamon, and milk. Keep mixing. Add Erythritol sweetener to taste. Add the Gluten Free Flour and using a whisk, keep stirring. Turn up your oven to 325F. Spray or oil your baking pan – I used my bread tin this time. Pour in the mix and then gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to settle the mix evenly before placing at the top rack of your oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes with constant checks. Turn down the heat and let it sit in the oven for another 15 minutes until its done and it passes the knife or toothpick test. Reason: Ripe bananas tend to cook pretty fast without cooking evenly through. Lowering the heat will ensure the top does not burn while the rest of the loaf is still uncooked.

Ingredients that are probably already in your pantry.
GF Flour
Shredded Coconut and Psyllium Husk.
The smash begins.
To bake!

After removing the pan from the oven, I let it sit on the counter for a couple minutes to cool.

15 minutes later…Final Product 🙂
First Check.

Folks, this turned out pretty good and for those on a diet, this recipe works great, has minimal carbs, a great source of protein, Omega 3’s and fiber. Until I come your way again, stay fit, active and have healthy recipes for when you crave something sweet. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Getting Back on the Wagon!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing great in your corner of the world! Its Mother’s Day in the States so I am wishing a happy celebration to all the Mums out there …most especially mine. The good Lord knows that many of us would not be alive today without our mums and it’s something we ought to be grateful for. It’s been a busy time but I’m glad to be back and writing again. We are in the month of May and it’s time to check in on my weight management plan.

Drum Roll!!! Drum Roll!!! Drum Roll!!!!

Let me just say that the scale was not very friendly to me when I stepped on it. I fell off the wagon with my diet even though I remained gluten free…. like that helps any. It started off slowly, skipping workouts, snacking a little later each night, not tracking my meals, not moving, not swimming…NOTHING! All I could do was scream…..NOOOOO!!!

Not today…..!

It’s funny that I didn’t notice the symptoms of weight gain…. Well, I take that back. I thought I could cheat, and my body would do what it has always done and bounce back from all those calories and bad habits, but this was not the case. This makes me think of all those people who get on those extreme diets and loose the weight but somehow the old habits slowly creep in and before you realize, it’s a downward spiral all the way down to the bottom and they are in some cases heavier than when they started off. Well, I felt exactly the same way. I knowingly did it to myself. These were some of my habits:

  • Excessive snacking – buying salty and sweet ‘gluten free’ snacks when busy, working or traveling. Come to think of it, gluten free snacks actually have more calories than a lot of regular snacks. I think this happens because manufacturers have to add ingredients that hold the condiment together which ends up with more calories in what appears to be the same quantity of food.
  • Heading to the couch and grabbing the remote after getting home – instead of heading out to the gym – even if for just an hour of cardio, Zumba or a couple of laps in the pool.
  • Late night meals, snacks, sweet treats. Guilty as charged.
  • Not being active…. ENOUGH!
  • Not getting enough sleep.
  • Poor stress management.

Getting Back on the Wagon Again!

Not a real wagon..lol!

Just like everything in life, when you get into a funk, its ok to be down, feel down and to just soak in it for a bit. The end goal is to not stay there forever. Get back up and get back into the fight to be and stay (in my case) healthy and at a healthy weight. Life happens folks and every now and again it’s easy to get out of sync when we are balancing so many spinning plates. But checking in on myself every now and again was very helpful. I find that there will always be something going on somewhere and our control as human beings is very limited. So, I had to re-strategize. Here’s what I came up with.

  • Take stock of where I’m at. How I arrived here. What I did right or didn’t do enough of; and how I prioritized my time on a daily basis.
  • Admitted failure especially in areas that need improvement. Admitting wrong is the first step of growth. Denial keeps us stuck.
  • Came up with a healthy plan – a positive and sustainable way forward.
  • Sticking to it – No more excuses.

I know this looks easier than it actually is but less is more. I’m off to the gym to do a couple of laps in the pool and get my body back in shape again. Until I come your way again, no matter where you’re at in your life or how long you’ve fallen or neglected vital components of your life, you can always make a determination to get back on the wagon again. Rome wasn’t built in a day and anything that is rushed is very rarely sustainable. Be happy, stay safe and healthy. I’ll be back before you know it. Please like, follow and comment.

Periwinkle Starr

Spring Cleaning…To Do or Not?

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Hello Yall! Happy New Month. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. We’re already ziplining through 2022; can you believe we are in the fourth month already? My heart and prayers go out to the Starr readers in Ukraine and Russia. I pray the madness ends and the citizens are allowed to thrive freely and in peace. I’m writing this post with my TV on in the background and wondering why on a hot Texas Sunday they are showing Krampus on TV but who knows these things.

It’s time to spring clean and I have to admit that I’m a little behind this year, but I have a plan on how to get started which I’m going to share with you so stay with me. The beauty of doing this every year or multiple times a year is to make sure that whatever items we have or own at home are things that we need, are put to use or will be put to use at some point. The goal is to have stuff but not let stuff have us…but often times, this is easier said than done. So, grab a drink, smoothie or a snack and get comfy. This post is for me and everyone else who believes they can at least do better.

Kitchen & Pantry

Culled from the internet.

If you’re like some of us, chipped dishes, broken mugs, cracked glasses and a mis match of utensils mixed with to-go plastic containers line our cabinets and counters. It’s time to get organized on a budget or better still, invest in decent cookware and utensils. Trust me, this is not about anything over the top expensive but knowing you are worth it and deserve to eat or cook with decent cookware for yourself and your family. Isn’t it ironic how we spend top dollar on expensive dinners at fancy restaurants, yet we don’t even have matching cutlery, good silver ware or presentable dishes at home?

When it comes to the pantry, some pantries can hide a whole human being in there due to the clutter, disorganization and lack of routine cleaning. I know, I know…..we may still have that promised apocalypse at some point, but you should at least be able to know what you do have and what you need to stock up on. And for the love of plastic bags, buying clear containers that you can store food items in instead of grocery store plastic bags helps a lot. You can get affordable storage containers if you have some time and the patience to look and find brands that work for you.

Living Area (s)

Culled from the internet.

We can opt for a real bookshelf, a second bookshelf or an area to stockpile our books instead of the coffee table that hasn’t seen itself bare in the last couple of years or your dining table. Eating in front of the TV because your ‘dining table’ has been converted to a holding place for abandoned items is definitely a no no. I like the term ‘A place for everything and everything for a designated space’…or something along those lines.

Taking off the covers from sofas and washing them or getting professional cleaners to clean your furniture is great…because we sit, lay down, sleep, eat all year round on it. There’s ALL kinds of shed skin, dust mites and only God knows what are on there. Cleaning and sunning rugs or just any hard to reach or barely cleaned areas is a great idea.

The Closet

Culled from the internet.

I opt for open shelving in a closet, no drawers. Out of sight is out of mind and if I can’t see it, then I’m probably not going to wear it. You don’t necessarily have to have a built-out closet to be organized especially when looking at it from a temporary versus permanent standpoint. But having clothes separated by seasons, work, casual, special occasions, sleep wear, undergarments etc. will get you started. Having a shoe rack, shelving or shoe storage is great. No one likes stabbing their toes on some spiky heels when they’re in a hurry. But overall, you’ll know what you have and what you need more of when you are more organized. Now, this post may make some people chuckle because they already do this but there are people whose homes I have been in and there’s clothes in laundry baskets and about a foot high all over; I couldn’t even see the floor. If you were raised better than most, be kind. People are a work in progress especially when they make an effort to do and be better.

Folks I’m out of time but I hope you had a good read and this helps someone out there. Until I come your way again, do like, comment and share. And always remember that we’re all in this together!

Periwinkle Starr