Monday, March 18, 2013

17th Annual Women's Conference


God has been preparing me all my life for moments like these: It's amazing what starts to happen in your life when you completely abandon yourself to The LIGHT. I was paid to come speak at the Women of Joy 17th Annual Women's Conference in Pine Bluff, March 16th. I had a 30 minute speaking time and there were about 60 people who showed up. "I would like to invite you to come talk at our annual women's conference,   the theme this year is 'Beauty for Ashes' Isaiah 61:3." 'Beauty for Ashes', I thought how interesting, a topic I was very familiar with since time and time again I have witnessed God turn my ashes into beauty. I can't remember how that anointed phone conversation went but I remember agreeing and saying something like "I am humbled that you should think of me, thank you." I knew it was God appointing me, that out of the blue I should get such an invitation.

I had about two weeks to prepare and all I did was pray that God filled my lips with His words, that all Glory would go to Him and not me, I prayed, I waited, I listened. It wasn't until two days before the conference that I finally got inspired with the exact words that I would speak. An hour and a half  later I ended up with 15 pages worth of notes, words that even inspired me. I guess there's some truth in the saying "If you want to learn, teach."


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MY UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

April 6th: Capitol City 10k Race
May 19th: Book Signing (Location and time to be announced)
June 15th: Main Speaker, L.I.F.E Seminar (Location, time and more info to be announced)
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Driving to Conference




"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory."

The Lovely Marcia West


Our little Wonder

My lovely sister, Gege

My sister's attempt to capture the reactions of some of the ladies during my segment









Being led to my seat at the head table, as you can see Miss Nina was already getting comfortable with the microphone, oh boy!


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Seated and waiting to be introduced

Little Miss never misses to bask in the spotlight


Program Booklet

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Look what I saw walking in

I was set to speak for 30 minutes but ended up speaking for 45, why? that's what happens when there is 100% participation from the crowd, everyone wanted to a chance to answer the different questions I asked. A couple of people who answered correctly some key questions based on my lecture, went home with a copy of 'When a Woman Loves a Man' and everyone else (since everyone participated) ended up with a vegan treat courtesy of FYR.

Click the picture to purchase your own copy


The coolest part was listening to each person come up with a positive word about themselves based on the letter of the alphabet attached to their treat. I fed off their great energy as they fed off mine, an experience I will never forget. The feedback and the written comments that the ladies gave me was very heart-warming; words like "Inspiring", "Motivational", "Energetic", "Informative", "Beautiful", "Enlightening", "Encouraging", jumped from their comment cards over and over. It was definitely a LIGHT-LOVE filled day. I was invited back and I'm happily looking forward to enjoying their company once more. A special THANK YOU to Ms. Marcia West, Ms. Mary Poole, Ms. Ruby west,  Ms. Hazel Strain, Pastor C. Cook, Bishop M. L. Brown and everyone who showed up to make the conference such a success.



Next up the list is the Capitol City 10K race, who knows? I might just come first (fingers crossed). Last week I went shopping for more running gear (addicted to sports wear, it has always been the latest fashion trend for me). First thing tomorrow morning at 6am I continue to train, this time I will be running towards the lake. Running first thing in the morning, I'm usually one of the first people to greet the day as fresh crisp air feeds my lungs and keeps me uplifted throughout the day, will you join me in running?


Other 3G MOMs' HAPPENINGS

THERRA WEINBERG (Passion)

3G MOM Cookbooks

Therra Weinberg representing the 3G MOMS at a conference in Maryland



MAUREEN LERMER (Determination)

Maureen Lermer Organizes International Merring Festival in Germany sponsored in part by the 3G MOMS

International Festival Merring, Germany, coming soon

Click image above to get your own copy of our 3G MOM Cookbook



Mom of two, Miranda Horchler, sending a (((((((SHOUT-OUT)))) from Dubai


I wish you all a fabulous week. REMEMBER TO EAT & DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

Oops did you say 34? But I'm 19!

Yesterday I did 10 miles in 60 minutes, a 1 mile improvement over time. My sister thinks I will outrun her during the upcoming race, I guess we'll see. Thanks sis for having that much confidence in me. Meanwhile, I keep staring at my running gear as if that will give it some kind of magical powers, but the real reason is because I am super excited, I want to amass as many medals as my younger sister :-)

Just last weekend she added yet another medal to her collection, this girl is unstoppable! Congratulations Alex's mama!

Georgette, after the race and showing off her medal.

Feel free to send me your pictures from a race you ran. Running is addictive isn't it? Here are a few benefits of running: 
  • Helps grow new brain cells and boosts memory
  • An outlet to assist in living a low stress life, improves attitude by releasing endorphins (natural high)
  • Strengthens the heart 
  • Calorie burner (duh! ) The best way to blast the most calories in a short amount of time.
  • Great joints and knees. Contrary to what people say about running hurting your knees, obese men and women have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than those who are leaner and fit (get great running shoes)
  • Prevents muscle and bone loss
  • Promotes Human Growth Hormone which some people pay for to look younger. It's flattering when people think I'm 23 (good genes and persistence when it comes to healthier choices)
  • Help disease-proof your life. Reduces risk of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension and lowers blood pressure. Prevention is better than cure.
  • Live longer (well, all other great factors being equal)
Below is a picture of Bob Davidson, 70 years young

Bod Davidson, 70 years young

Ed Whitlock, 73, below, Canadian Athlete: First person ever over the age of 70 to finish a marathon in less than 3 hours, whew!

Ed Whitlock, 73 years young
Mann Kaur, 96 years young and not stopping

Mann Kaur of India, 96 years young,  says "Have feet, will run, have will, will triumph!"

Ida Keeling, 95 years young runner sets a running record (Running 60 meters in 29.86 seconds). She started running at age 67(It's never too late. What an inspiration!)

Ida Keeling

Nicholas Toocheck, 9 years young runner will attempt a marathon in Antartica for charity
Nicholas Toocheck, 9 years young

Fauja Singh, 100 year young Marathoner is the oldest person to finish a full-distance marathon. He made it into the Guinness Book of Records

Fauja Singh, 100 years young


Makes you want to pick up your running shoes and RUN FOR YOUR LIFE (no pun intended) doesn't it? These are my training shoes, where are yours?


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1000  SUNS FROM ALL OF US AT FYR

FILMMAKER and mother of two, Goretti, sending a SHOUT-OUT from London
REMEMBER TO EAT & DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

WWW.IAMFOREVERYOUNG.COM



Today I did 9.3 miles in 1 hour, why? because I can and I am having a blast training for my upcoming 10K race in April. Oh boy! do I love challenges, so yes, I'm taking baby steps towards my dream of doing a  full marathon someday soon. As my schedule gets busier I will only post when I have the chance, but when I do know it will be packed with wonderful things to share. Thank you for visiting and I appreciate all who take their time to comment and send me private feedback as well.


MY UPCOMING EVENTS:


March:

My 34th Birthday (March 1st)
Speaking at annual Women's Conference (March 16th)

April: 
Capital City Classic 10K race (April 6th)



Getting ready for the race has also been a good excuse for me to go on a shopping spree for new exercise gear, I love shopping for work out outfits, call me weird but I'm just fired up about health and fitness. I have also been stocking up on some naturals herbs and super foods. My new favorite new  thing is hemp Powder, been eyeing it for years, have you tried it yet? did you know that it is 50% protein and very high in fiber? I found some great deals on amazon but if you want to buy it directly from a supplier you can visit nutiva.com or navitasnaturals.com I used to get my lacuma powder from navitasnaturals a while back and I have never been disappointed with their products and services. Lacuma powder is great in shakes, it makes them taste just like ice cream. My favorite recipe with lacuma powder is:

Ice-Creamy Smoothie

1 banana,
1 Tbsp Lacuma powder,
1/2 cup almond or soy milk,
1/2 flax seeds (optional)






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I changed the domain name of this site, so if you have bookmarked the old one, it may no longer work. I love the new name because it is a bold statement and expresses how I feel inside and how we all should feel inside, here it is:

www.iamforeveryoung.com


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Some of my bestsellers from my zazzle store


My top selling Apron for two years in a row, go figure!


Our little wonder, Nina, designed this logo for FYR when she was 7, love it!

Visit my store to finish reading statement on the back of T-shirt








One of my favorite Bible verse Aprons





Some more favorites from my cafe press store


Another fan favorite

My favorite



Men's favorite





A Few of the goodies I have been enjoying over the past weeks:


Simple salad

Side of veggies, just peas and onions (sauted in olive oil) and some black pepper and a sprinkle of salt

My son went "Oh my God!" after his first bite of these raw-vegan cookies, yes, mama made them with love

Raw-vegan oatmeal-raisin-chocolate cookies


Ingredients:

1 cup pecans
1 dry oats
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup raisins
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tbsp cacao nibs
2 Tbsp agave nectar or organic grade B maple syrup

Method:

In a food processor with an 'S' blade blend oats, coconut flakes, salt and pecans until coarse, then add rest of ingredients and blend until forms a dough or sticky mass. Use cookie cutter to shape cookies, thickness should be about 2-3 inches. Serve with glass of almond or soy milk and enjoy :-)

Yummy!

Delicious mediterranean  chickpeas and spinach patties with side of veggies

Broiled Tilapia fillet with side of veggies

SUN-IN-A-GLASS Smoothie:

1 cup Almond milk (original, not vanilla flavored)
1 banana
1/2 cup pineapple
1 Asian apple
 Blend and enjoy!

Pan-seared Titlapia on bed of  mixed greens

Author and proud mama of two, Ms. Emma Mpey sending a shout-out from the East Coast 



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

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

FOREVER YOUNG Part 1 (Maureen Lermer)

Maureen Lermer

I am very excited to bring you a brand new series called 'Forever Young'. I'll be featuring a Forever Young man or woman while focusing on the very important factors that affect aging. Our very first Forever Young Personality is Maureen Lermer, 40, mother of 3. She captures and embodies all that is forever young, in spirit and in health. I am proud to call her my sister and friend, she is an inspiration to me and I hope will become one to you as well. 


TOPIC FOR TODAY: INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is the body's biological attempt to self-protect against harmful pathogens, damaged cells and irritants. Inflammation comes from the latin word 'inflammo' which means 'to ignite'. Inflammation however doesn't mean infection, rather it is an immune response to stop what caused it. The five signs of inflammation are redness, heat, pain, swelling and immobility.

"The researchers concluded that: "Poor sleep quality, and short sleep durations are associated with higher levels of inflammation."

Exercise is essential for great health



HOW DOES INFLAMMATION RELATE TO AGING?

The Standard American Diet (S.A.D) is very highly inflammatory. Did you know that there are certain foods that we eat which trigger the production of white blood cells? If you recall from your biology class, white blood cells are produced by the immune system to respond to infection and defend the body against harmful materials. Most of the foods we consume today are 'harmful materials'.
The key to preventing accelerated aging and age-related diseases is controlling inflammation according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone. It is my opinion that what you eat either eats or protects you. 




Proud Mama of 3


Let's take a look at some foods that are inflammatory

  • Meats, especially highly processed meats which contain nitrites and sulphites e.g hot dogs, sausages and lunch meats
  • Dairy products and all foods made with dairy
  • High-glycemic carbohydrates (sugars & starches)
  • Chemical additives in certain foods
  • Trans fats and hydrogenated oils e.g margarine, shortening, lard and foods that are made by using these.
  • Fried foods
  • White sugar & All synthetic sugars (splenda, nutrasweet, aspartine, saccharin etc)
  • Wheat products, especially as most of the wheat produced today has been genetically modified.
  • Gluten-containing foods and grains, millet, quinoa and buckwheat are best choices to eat instead
  • Alcohol
"Get out of the house for some fresh air and vitamin D, go admire nature"

A recent study showed that fat men had more white blood cells (inflammation markers) and are at a higher risk of developing various illnesses like cancer and heart disease.



List of some anti-inflammatory foods: 

  1. Ginger
  2. Turmeric
  3. Cannabis (weed, marijuana). I did a research paper in college focusing on the legalization of medicinal marijuana and learned so much from my research. Needless to say I support the legalization of medicinal marijuana.
  4. Green tea
  5. Tart cherries
  6. Fish oil
  7. wild salmon
  8. Onions
  9. endive
  10. Kale
  11. Spinach
  12. Cabbage
  13. Flax seed oil
  14. Wild sea bass
  15. Pollock
  16. Trout
  17. Olive oil
  18. Flax seeds
  19. Pineapple, mango, papaya
  20. Avocado
  21. Seaweed e.g kelp and kumbu
  22. Shitake mushrooms
  23. Berries, especially blueberries
  24. Fermented foods e.g kimchi, kefir, raw apple cider vinegar
  25. Cinnamon, cayenne, basil

 I made some wild salmon and some veggies the other night for dinner to show you an example of an anti-inflammatory diet dish.


Baked Salmon:

1 piece of salmon fillet
dash of black pepper
dash of lemon pepper
sprinkle of Celtic sea salt (if your lemon pepper doesn't have salt)
1/2 tsp of olive oil

Method:

First rub coat the fish with olive oil, then rub all the other ingredients over the fish. Set the oven at 350 degrees and place the salmon on some foil paper or baking pan and let bake for 8-10 minutes or until flaky. Set aside.

Veggies:

1 pack frozen stir fry snap veggies
Sprinkle of black pepper
1 Onion chopped
Salt to taste
Dash of turmeric (optional)
1 tsp olive oil

Method:
First saute onions in olive oil until almost translucent. Next, add all the other ingredients and let cook for about 3-5 minutes or until green veggies are bright green. Serve with salmon and enjoy!
'Mother & Child' by Maureen Lermer

'Woman' by Maureen Lermer

I can say from experience that eating an anti-inflammatory diet has always given me the best looking skin and health. My body 'knows' how to 'talk' to me because I have reprogrammed it over the years. There are certain foods that give me an immediate negative response once I eat them, I can tell my body is grumbling and even though I consciously made the choice to eat that particular food, I know it is not the right thing for my body and health in the long run. Try to introduce one anti-inflammatory food into your current diet each week as you lessen the frequency of one inflammatory food. I look forward to your questions and suggestions, we can all learn from each other, so let's talk :-)

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