I’m excited to announce that I will be headed to the first Blogher'18 Health in New York next week. As you guys know, since last March my goal has been to create a healthier lifestyle and educate myself. (You can read all about it here.) Even though, I will be in New York. Which has so many amazing restaurants?! Let’s not talk about the amazing mouthwatering pizza and let’s not forget about the famous Jr’s Cheesecake. Yes! I’m sharing my goals on how I plan on staying on task for those couple of days. 

Get Enough Rest

Blogger conference can be like a huge family reunion. You’re seeing people that you have never met in person and people that you haven’t seen in years. I have so many amazing stories of sitting near the fire pit and catching up with my blogger friends until the wee hours of the morning. If you know that you’re not a morning person make sure that you get enough rest. I have allocated a certain amount of time that I will allow myself to stay up. My plan is to set reminders on my phone. This is also very important for staying up and working on my to-do list. I want to ensure that my main focus is the conference. Therefore, I will have myself on a schedule.  

Exercise/Walk

One of the things that I love most about New York is all of the walking that I’m able to get done. I think I reached my most steps ever during a trip to New York during the summer months. I will say that my plan is to get as much walking done as possible which will mean that I have to make sure that I pack all of the winter essentials. My goal each day is going to be to reach my 10K steps and also go to the gym. As the saying goes “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” 

Eat Healthily

As prior mentioned. My goal for this event is to continue to eat healthily. Even with all of the amazing savory restaurants that New York has to offer. What I love about this conference is that Blogher has a map of some really cool healthy spots that I plan on checking out. I also plan on carrying healthy snacks with me, bringing my water bottle and ensuring that I know my options when it comes to food in the area. I would love to create a list for myself prior to the day with places to eat at for that particular day. 

Listen to My Body 

If you haven’t attended a blogger conference before it can get really busy. I mean, you're moving a mile a minute to catch up with your blogger finds and to ensure that you have a seat at the next breakout session. So many times you can forget the smallest things from drinking water to taking a moment to yourself to gather your thoughts. What I plan on doing is listening to my body more. When it tells me that I need to rest, I’m resting, when it says that it needs to take a break from walking. I’m taking a break. My biggest tip for you would be to listen to your body as well. 

Are you attending BlogHer Health?

Happy Monday!

Guess what this week is???!!! You guessed right, my birthday is this Saturday. YAY! First, how was your weekend? Last week was mid-terms for Michael and boy. I will be so happy once he's done with his first year of high school. Can't believe I just said that but I'm just being honest with Y'all.
Last week we also had another snow day. I will say that it's been nice to spend quality time with the family though. I only wish that the kids didn't have to make up the days. It's all fun and games until you're still in school at the end of June...
I did a lot of reminiscing and looking through my travel photos. Last year around this time I was returning back from San Juan Puerto Rico and planning my trip to Cancun Mexico. I will say that it's really nice to get a break from the snow during the winter months.
As of right now, I do not have any plans for my birthday. It will probably be low key and in the company of my family.

Anywho, how was your weekend?

4 Winter Beverages to Keep You Warm This Winter 

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Chai Latte

Easy Caramel Apple Cider

Apple Cider Recipe

I have to admit that prior to my lifestyle change. I wasn't a fan of lime/lemon water. I was the type of person that was hoping that a lemon/lime wouldn't be added my water when the server came to bring my drink at a restaurant. As, I've gotten wiser, and educated myself more. I learned the importance of drinking warm (lime/lemon) water on a daily basis.I know you're probably wondering why I've included "lime" in the mix because I honestly have either or. I love having watermelon lime juice and ran out of lemons and would keep limes on hand. I read that they pretty much have the same benefits. Thus, the reason if you follow me on social media. You will see my posts about warm lime water as well.


I have to be honest with you though. It so refreshing to have a routine. I typically do not have anything to eat in the morning until I have my warm lime/lemon water with honey. I've noticed a huge difference in my body. Plus, it so nice to sip and enjoy a cup in the morning.

I'm often asked why I love it so much and to be honest with you. It has so many amazing benefits. From having immune boosting properties to assisting with digestion. Below I'm sharing my top five reasons.

My top five reasons for drinking it?

• Clears skin from Acne 
• Increases immunity
• Relieves constipation
• Aids in digestion
• Detoxifies your body

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 lemon or lime

Instructions

1. Boil a cup of water and allow it to cool until it is just warm to touch.
2. Add raw honey 
3. Stir well to dissolve.
4. Squeeze the juice of half a lime/lemon into the honey water, stir and enjoy!

Do you drink warm lemon/lime water with honey?

Watch 

I love providing you guys with various ways that you can save money. A couple of years ago I tried the 52-week Money Challenge and also the $5 challenge. Now you're probably wondering what the $5 challenge is. Every time five dollars comes in your possession. From a transaction or from receiving it as a gift. You save it. What I love about this challenge is that you can use the money for anything it holds you to be accountable. For example, you go to the grocery store and you receive change back totaling $15.25. Instead of keeping the money in your wallet. You tuck the money away in a place that you know that you won't touch. You no longer have $15.25, you now have $10.25. What may work for you as well, is creating a savings account and then depositing the money into the account once it reaches a certain amount. You can also track how much money you're saving each month on a piece of paper, on your phone or even a spreadsheet. What I love most about this challenge is that there is no pressure. You save when you can. Of course, each month your goal is to continue to be consistent and save more. But I find the main goal is actually being consistent with saving. This actually helps you with creating good saving habits. You know that you now have $10.25 and it's up to you to hold yourself accountable and not spend the money. If you're looking for a savings challenge to start off with or something to add to the bunch. This is perfect! Have you joined any money challenges this year?

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had an amazing weekend. This past week has been really busy. Michael is still in Basketball and has a game on a weekly basis. Our daughter went back to college last week and for some strange reason. I just didn't feel like going to the grocery store to ensure that we had all of the items needed for our meal plan. So our menu plan for this week is a little rearranged from our meal plan last week. You know the “this is subject to change” yes, that was pretty much me last week. I have to stop planning recipes based on stopping at the store. Don't get me wrong, I stopped at the store however, I didn't do any grocery shopping. 
I will say that it felt really good to just make due with what we had on hand. Sometimes, I just overdo it. 
Last week I also did a lot of de-cluttering in our home. I tend to have hoarder tendencies. Not sure if that's a learned behavior or if I get it from my mom. I will say that I really would like to take a minimalist approach when purchasing stuff. 
I got rid of so many magazines and stuff that was just stuff and didn't serve any purpose. I still have a lot of work to do. However, I'm proud of myself.

How was your weekend? What's on the menu?