Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thanksgiving Part 1



In the USA, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. The first Thanksgiving in the USA was a feast in 1621 shared by the Pilgrims (who had recently settled Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts) and the Wampanoag Indians, who shared their corn, squash, and wild turkeys. This first feast was not repeated until over a decade later. Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln (my favorite president)




No matter what your circumstances are I'm sure we have something or somethings to be thankful for. I have so much to be thankful for this season because this year turned out to be my very best year yet. Anyway what are you cooking for Thanksgiving? Please feel free to send me pictures of your Thanksgiving table, I will be doing a post-Thanksgiving blog post and will love to showcase all your lovely pictures.

This year we are going African. Stay tuned for pictures in the next blog. Here are my 3 favorite routines for keeping the pounds away during this season:

1. Exercise: This will be easy for those who already exercise regularly. Exercising first thing in the morning keeps me aware of whatever I put in my mouth throughout the day.

2. Divide and conquer: My Thanksgiving plate is always half filled with veggies and salads, I actually consciously eat a big plate of salad fist before I eat anything else, it keeps me full and whatever I eat next is usually a smaller portion.

3. Don't drink your calories: My favorite drink is water, ask anyone who knows me. Stay away from the sodas and alcohol. If you want something sweet try a raw or vegan dessert or a fruit and yogurt combo with some nuts or if you have enough self-control go for the dessert but drink a lot of water before you get a slice.


RAW MANGO PIE





Crust:
* 2 cups raw almonds (or walnuts or pecans)
* 1 cup unsweetened shredded dried coconut
* 1/2 cup pitted dates

In a food processor, process the nuts and coconut together until the lumps are gone. Do not over process. Add the dates and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs that stick together. Press into a pie plate.

Filling:
* 2 fresh mangos, peeled and cut up
* 1/2 cup dried mangos, (cut into pieces with scissors), soak 10 minutes and drain sliced kiwifruit, raspberries or blueberries (optional)

In a blender, process the fresh and soaked dried mangoes until smooth pudding consistency. Pour into the crust and decorate with kiwifruit, raspberries or blueberries if you wish.


Here's a little something that cracked me up:


 A BLESSING FOR YOU THIS SEASON

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

ALWAYS STRIVE TO BE HAPPY


REMEMBER TO EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

FINDING 'NARNIA'

Our Tour guide, Ms. Nina
 Hello lovely people, how is your weekend going? Mine is going great. Had a very productive morning starting with a 40 minute run and then a big glass of raspberry smoothie.

RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE:




1 cup soy milk (vanilla flavored)
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1 Tbsp flax seed oil
1/2 banana (optional)

Went out on a lunch date with Nina and then window shopping. It was on our way back home that we came across a little piece of heaven. We've now added it to one of our favorite places. We walked through the doors of this small store, or so we thought, and it was like going through the wardrobe and discovering Narnia! It was a splendid surprise indeed.
Good luck if you can read this from your computer...it is a great prayer though

Nina, very excited

Vases

garden fountains

Lovely colors

Candles, scented

A preview of the Christmas decor
 The owner told me that as Christmas nears the whole store will be filled with Christmas decor. I can't wait to go back and buy some plants.
Hey, where's Nemo?

pretty

I could stay here for hours

Autumn section

Hello Rudolph



Sweet, just what I was looking for

I want this in my house, love orchids

How many pumpkin pies can you make?

Lets go outside

More fountains











Oh no, is the tour over?
Thanks for the tour Nina!

"Look mama, I found a petal which has a heart."


QUESTION: Do you have potted plants in the house? if yes, what kind? Or do you have a garden? what flowers do you plant? Feel free to send us photos of your plants or garden and we may feature it on the blog. Send it to berniceangoh@gmail.com


A photo of me when I was one, left, and Nina when she was one.

ALWAYS STRIVE TO BE HAPPY
REMEMBER TO EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

BYE-BYE SWIMSUITS & SUMMER


My children: Nina & Ricky


I love my body much more now that I'm 33 and have 2 children than when I was 16 and 'perfect'
The light stretchmark on my right hip reminds me of my selfless body which carried two
My hips that expanded to their limits to help me give birth naturally
My slightly smaller breasts which gave through breastfeeding to protect and nourish
The light in my eyes which remind me I am fearless and unstoppable

The strength in my core which allows me to provide and uplift
My built thighs that allow me to carry what ever weight the world has to place upon my shoulder
The love in my heart that has multiplied, divided but never subtracted
My daughter thinks I am the most beautiful girl in the world
I could be every woman but even I know that I am not just any woman!
~Bernice Angoh~


BE YOURSELF & SHINE--Nina Lakota

 I never imagined it would take me 33 years and two children to wear a bikini for the very first time in my life, never worn an actual swim suit either, was too shy, self-conscious, never felt good enough, felt flawed and less than perfect. I promised at the beginning of this year that I would wear a swim suit, so there. Funny how with age you get to be more comfortable in your own skin and learn not only to love yourself but to be in love with yourself flaws and all. I have not yet reached my ultimate fitness goals  so I'm excited about where I'll be 3 or 6 months from now. I probably will have more than one swimsuit but either way, I will keep you all posted. I will be more than happy to receive your photos with you in swim wear, just send it to berniceangoh@gmail.com with your age and how many children you have, don't forget to add why you love your body or yourself. Thanks in advance.






Maureen, 40, mother of 3


Maureen's children: Xavier, Malaika & Franz aka 3G Power Rangers


Therra, 36 mother of 2
Therra's Children: Ryna & Corban





Anna and two beautiful girls live in Paris France.



Anna's children: Sasha & Wendy
Uh, the dog can! What's stopping you from exercising?




This was one of my favorite fruit back home in Cameroon, loved it because it was sweet and love it even more now after knowing its nutritional benefits. I guess you can never go wrong with eating your fruits huh? I'm not sure what iT is called in other parts of the world but in Cameroon it is known as 'Sour-sop'. Will check some farmers markets to see if they have some. For more information of alternative therapies for cancer check out one of my favorite documentaries on netflix or on amazon titled THE GERSON MIRACLE. Here is a link for more info: Gerson Institute



3G MOMS COMING SOON...





My favorite season of the year, Happy Fall-ing Everyone




ALWAYS STRIVE TO BE HAPPY!


 REMEMBER TO EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!