#FACTFRIDAY

#FACTFRIDAY

LUPUS

 Today I want to use Fierce Fitness Friday to discuss something very near and dear to my heart. The Lupus Foundation Of America and POP. I haven't spoken on the issue of lupus very much in the last 15 years for three main reasons. 1 Pain. 2 Sadness. 3 Grief. These endless cycling emotions each have a way of slowly silencing our voices but not our thoughts. Those exact thoughts have kept me up many of nights only leaving questions behind that fear consumed then tried to controll. Today I am ready to move forward and break free of my silence. To help those who feel the same way. To bring a certain level of awareness and understanding to such a misunderstood debilitating disease. To simply change the narrative to the untold story known as Lupus.

 Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that creates autoantibodies that attacks the healthy tissue, leaving ones body unable to fight off things such as viruses, bacteria or even germs. Over 5 million people are effected by Lupus around the world today. Its estimated that 1.5 million of those cases are from right here in the United States. With an average of 16,000 new cases a year. Researchers showing upwards of 90 percent effecting women between the ages of 15-44. Fact women with lupus are 50 times more likely to suffer a heart attack and almost half of all lupus patients suffer from lupus nephritis which is a type of kidney disease which unfortunately there is no cure for. This must be talked about and seriously.

 Alot of times lupus is triggered by a viral infection and can take years to pin point. The various symptoms and issues are what make it so difficult to diagnose. In most cases, if and when lupus is suspected an ANA blood test (antinuclear antibody) can rule out the disease and if found positive in those cases the patient's symptoms are then compared to a list of  the 11 criteria for lupus. If the patient experiences four or more of the listed criteria, usually they are diagnosed with lupus. There are two primarily different diagnosis SLE and CLR.
SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) which is the most common known lupus
CLR (cutaneous lupus erythematosus) which is a skin disease which can effect someone with or without SLE.

  The problem is so many people haven't even heard of lupus let alone understand it. A recent survey dated October 2018 from MedicalResearch.com found 41 percent of respondents did not understand the term " autoimmune disease" and 80 percent of respondents were not aware that there are over 100 different autoimmune diseases in existence. It is clear and evident that education plus awareness is key here. May is #LupusAwareness month and I encourage any and everyone to get involved. Show your support and learn what you can do to make a difference. You can simply POP (put on purple) because truthfully just sharing the information is a huge step in the right direction. Spread the word!!! Early diagnosis can make all the difference in treatment and quality of life for someone that is suffering.

 It does change life overnight though. It does effect everything and everyone it touches. It takes a toll on both the person and those that love them. It was 15 years ago that sadly a beautiful soul was lost to this awful disease. It robbed us of not only a sister but a daughter, wife and mother of three. The loss was devastating to my father especially and I'm not sure he ever made peace with it before his own passing a few years later. Michelle Lynn "Missy" had so much life in front of her. She had plans, ideas and goals. Removed from this earth to soon I selfishly wish she was here today to share a wonderful testimony with you all but it wasn't meant to be. That is the challenge I face. Finding the testimony in the loss itself. This being my first attempt I pray it means.

 It has been a long and tedious journey for my family overcoming the death of our loved ones but as the clouds lift and the sun begins to shine again there is a rainbow. POP and Lupus Foundation Of America are that rainbow for so many. This organization helps and guides so many through what many consider a death sentence. Please know that isn't the case anymore. Lupus doesn't have to be your ending. Mindset overall is your greatest weapon in survival. New and innovative drug trials are available more than ever. We know so much more about the disease and its symptoms compared to over a decade ago. But the most important part is you're not alone. There is an entire group and organization to make sure of that. To reach out clink the link below.

Link below:👇
https://www.lupus.org/lupus-awareness-month/put-on-purple

Thankfully,
RMB
💜🦋👭🏼

Viking Momma's Menu

Viking Momma's Menu

May's Feature 

Savory Shrimp & Grits 

with Double Pan Fried Eggs 

Ingredients:

• Half Pound of Med-Large Shrimp
• Grits, I use Quaker Instant
• Two Eggs, I use Egglands
• 6 Tbsp. of butter, I use Lakeland or you can substitute with coconut oil or high quality EVOO. (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• Parsley for topping, finely chopped 
• Two Tbsp. Of your favorite seasonings. (Old Bay, Slap Ya Mama or Swamp Dust are great options.) 

 First prepare instant grits per the box directions. Mix well. Set to the side.

 Next deshell and devein shrimp followed by washing them well and drying. Then make an aluminum pouch. Take shrimp and four Tbsp. of butter, your seasoning of choice and wrap well. You can grill these or put then in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

 The next step is to melt the remaining butter or substitute in a skillet and pan fry your eggs to your liking. I personally like over medium. 

 Lastly when plating you can choose your toppings weither you like parsley or not you can switch it up with bacon, shredded cheese, garlic salt, black or white pepper. Use your imagination. 

 Finally sit back and get ready to enjoy this simple delicious dish. Full of flavor and great for really any occasion. 

Thankfully,

RMB

#project34 Products & Reviews

#project34 Products 

& Reviews 

Let's talk sugar!!!

 Ok ladies lets talk sugar scrubs! I have been using sugar scrubs since middle school and I absolutely love them. I used to love making all different types of homemade scrubs. In my opinion you can't beat homemade but I found Tree Hut is coming in at a close second. So at this point what is it that makes the difference for me? My time! Period. 

 As a busy Mommy I'll take anything that is going to save me time and energy plus make me feel better. Let me tell you Tree Hut's Shea Sugar Scrubs is the store bought product that surely delivers. No more grocery shopping for ingredients, spending additional  time prepping or portioning. No more purchases seperate packing or storing. Just easy and simple. With amazing results. 

 Tree Hut's Shea Sugar Scrub in Almond & Honey gently exfoliates your skin while also deep moisturizing. Leaving your skin silky smooth. It contains 100% pure shea butter, infused with safflower seed oil for amazing conditioning. It is paraben free and also proudly made in the USA . The have several different options in various scents and ingredients all targeting different focuse areas and delivering wonderful results. 

 Of course I am providing two links below for easy product research and purchase. First the direct website which is a beautiful webpage btw and second my favorite... Amazon, because as a mother and wife well that is just one of the many secrets to making magic happen is PRIME!!!

 I hope you give these great sugar scrubs a try and love them just as much as I do. After all we mommies deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while. Enjoy! Until next time.

Link below:👇

https://www.treehutshea.com/products/scrubs/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018DE69O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NCpYCb4BP6K2B

Thankfully,

RMB

Ares Dog Of War 

02.17.19

 This is Ares Bowersox Ot Vitosha, he is a 9 week old Belgian Malinois from Ot Vitosha Malinois & Premier Protection Dogs. 

 He came to us one week ago and has already become one of the family instantly. He is still adjusting and for the most part doing rather well. He is a very sweet and rambunctious puppy. He has much curiosity and no lack in confidence for himself. 

 He is an adventures pup, so eager to please. We are so excited to begin our family adventure together. We recently created an Instagram page for Ares and would love for you to click and follow along for all the fun too. 

 I've linked the page below. We are having such an amazing time training and playing. Ares is all we could of hoped for in a well balanced breed Malinois. Here's to many years bonding over long walks, tug of wars, Birthday rotisserie chickens and cuddles on the couch. 

Link Below:👇

https://www.instagram.com/ares.dog.of.war.2019/

https://ar.working-dog.com/breedstation/Ot-Vitosha-769

http://malinois.com

Fierce Fitness Friday

Fierce Fitness Friday 

#VikingGirl

Week 2

 It's Friday again!!! Whoop Whoop!!! There is nothing like waking up knowing your weekend is just hours away. Initiate countdown please. 5, 4, 3, 2....

 Ok, moving on. So, in last weeks blog post I touched on a few specific issues that were huge contributors to my massive weight gain. I chose to simplify my responses to those issues in order to be able to consolidate and give a more rounded idea of what a complicated mess I was living in. After publishing the post one of my long time girlfriends of over fifteen years reached out and requested I "dig deeper". She wanted me to break down the different struggles individually and provide a step by step approach to show other woman that they too can overcome and shine.

 I have decided to take her advice. I will use this opportunity and platform to open up and "dig deep" on these issues, focusing on each one individually, every week until complete. I made a promise to myself that #project34 would be raw, unfiltered and 100% honest. And believe me I have no intention of letting myself or any of my readers down. Challenge accepted dear friend. I appreciate your love and support but most of all I admire your dedication to me and my success. It is my hope this helps anyone going though a similar situation and reminds them they are not alone.

PPD

(Postpartum Depression)

Definition: depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.

 Well thank you Webster but that is a bunch of generic BS. It doesn't even come close to truly explaining PPD and what it is. In my opinion you can take that hogwash and shove it where the sun don't shine. No wonder why so many mothers feel so inadequate and uncomfortable. Fearful to talk to anyone about it. By this definition losing your shit and trying desperately to keep up is just "adjusting to motherhood".

   How about this for a definition Webster...

 Feeling as though you are drowning in a pool of self doubt, raging anger, uncontrollable anxiety, misunderstood frustration, ultimate sadness, pure disgust, unforgiving regret and guilt ridden loneliness due to all listed emotions above. I think that's way more descriptive don't you?! Oh and don't forget the constant and uncontrollable crying! The migraines favorite breeding ground.

 So how did I overcome my PPD?! First, I let my guard down and spoke about it. Alot! I knew something was not right and I made sure the people I cared about in my life knew it. That took alot for me to admit. Like I said before in my last post, I did not accept failure. I will say I am beyond lucky. I have the most amazing husband and friends that saw what was happening. They immediately stepped in and helped me get help.

 After coming to terms with the fact that I really did need help I called my insurance company and requested a list of licensed therapists in my area that was covered under my plan. I then began the exhausting search for the person that I would unload all of my baggage upon. But to be honest that wasn't even the hardest part. That came next when I had to practically force myself to get out of my car and go in their office.

 I chose therapy over medication which became a controversial decision for my extended family to except. Many of them could not understand my outlook or opinion on psych meds let alone Big Pharma. At this point I felt I had to defend myself. Note: to those of you who wish to help someone suffering from PPD remember to always listen with an open mind. Validation is key here and so important to the one suffering.

 Now came the real work. The brutal honest truth hitting you in the face at 100 mph! Recognizing all the damage. Sorting through all the pain. Facing the failure. Pushing through the dirty mess you have avoided at all costs. Deciphering this strange creation you never felt you were apart of from the first place. Taking accountability for every mistake you have ever made and pushing forward to conquer self forgiveness.

 Next was understanding that I had a responsibility to myself. In therapy I had highlighted every point of weakness I had, therefore there was no excuse to not address them. I was given the tools I needed to move forward and I was expected to use them. I discovered expectation were my  kryptonite. It held me prisoner and created a place of uncontrollable anxiety. I had to be okay with letting the expectation go.

 BTW life lesson here...  Expectations are the number one killer in any relationship whether romantical or platonic. Expecting more of others than what you yourself are willing to give always ends in failure. Once I put all these pieces together much like a puzzle the picture was clear as day. I had created an unrealistic reality for myself. Something I would never live up to. And worst part I was choosing to live this way!

 One of the most important lessons I took away from this experience besides self forgiveness was the practice of pause. My therapist explained that life is a complicated process. Period and anxiety is just the side effect. I still struggle with anxiety to this day but I am able to center myself with the practice of pause and refocus on what is really important in life.  As cliche as it sounds life really is too short to not find peace within yourself.

 If you or someone you know is suffering from PPD please reach out and get the help needed. Again know you are not alone. For support I have linked some great resources below. Remember never be afraid of change. It is apart of the process and a requirement to becoming who you truly are meant to be. You are not defined by your PPD. It is my hope and prayer that you can come to a place of peace and are able to love yourself again.

Thankfully,
RMB

Links below:👇
https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/in-an-emergency/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/get-help-now

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml

#project34 Products & Reviews

#project34 Products & 

Reviews 

Let The Animal Out!!!

 It is Wednesday y'all! So, you know what that means... it's time for another #project34 Products & Reviews! Over the weekend my daughter Danica said she wanted to help me out and be apart of this weeks Products & Reviews. She truly is my little helper. So sweet. Anyways I found these adorable sloth sheet masks at Target for around $4 dollars a piece for us to try together.

 I want to mention that these masks are toxic free, with no harsh chemicals or parabens. Which is really important when purchasing for a younger person or child considering their skin is different. I do caution anyone with acne, sunburn or sensitive skin to read the directions carefully and remember everyone skin responds differently to the use of new products.

 The name of this particular brand is Pretty Animalz by Masque Bar. They have been featured in popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Allure and Bazaar. They come in a variety of animals to choose from. Including Tiger, Zebra, Panda and Monkey to just name a few. These were so fun to use and amazingly they really do work. I was truly impressed by the quality of the mask itself.

 This cute character mask is enriched with plant extracts such as citrus, leaf and honeysuckle to help hydrate and moisturize your skin as naturally as possible. Leaving it feeling smooth and glowing. No dry or tight over here! Perfect for a night in with your favs. I mean who doesn't love a spa night? Right?! Check out the link below and have some fun letting you inner animal out!

Thankfully,
RMB

Link below:👇
https://masque.bar/collections.html

Mundane Monday

The Mundane Monday 

Why are Mondays so dang mundane? And why do we hate them so much? 

 Figuratively speaking Monday is the first day of the week for many. Considered the ultimate start day if you will. Whether it be fitness, diet or a new routine Monday seems to be the kick off for so many to start a new. We say to ourselves "I'll do this starting monday" or "I'll start that at the beginning of next week". Just like I did myself when I said " I'll start a new weekly blog series on Monday". I feel like that might make me a bit of a hypocrite here but it truly was my inspiration for this particular post. Regardless be rest assured that is not the underlying issue here. In a nutshell the build up and anticipation of the Monday in and of itself is what makes it mundane. 

Why the build up?

 Frankly we make ourselves wait for something that we are trying desperately to sell ourselves, that I'm not sure we really want to buy in the first place. Not to say every circumstance is defined this way given my last example but, think about this for a minute. Whenever you go shopping and buy a new purse or a new pair of shoes you never wait until Monday to start using them. Why is that? Because you committed to the purchase from the get go. You didn't have to sell yourself on the idea. Oh sure you're going to try it on and make sure it is a fit for you. But let's be real ultimately if you really want it you make the purchase, follow through and move on.

Why the anticipation?

 It's simple, because consciously we think to ourselves this time is needed. Not only to focus but to also began to prepare, when in reality it's our subconscious exchanging excitement for anxiety. By definition anticipation is an emotion involving pleasure, excitement, or anxiety in considering or awaiting an expected event. In the case of the mundane Monday there is no exception. Anxiety is the true culprit here not pleasure, nor excitement. Many can continue to allow themselves to live in this delusion, believing it, all in the name of personal growth but I would much rather hit it head on, process it and move forward. We do not need Mondays to start something good, healthy and/or physical.

 To wrap it up...

 Do not allow yourself to get wrapped and trapped in this crazy mental game. Challenge and restructure your perception. Remind yourself to stop waiting to get started. You are only postponing your responsibility to yourself when you do that. It is completely unnecessary. Not to mention psychologicaly damaging. Be true to yourself and be honest. There is no need to procrastinate when doing something that you want to. If you really don't want to do it then stop and take the time to examine why. Ask yourself why do I delay until the mundane Monday? What benefit is it adding to my life? Again focus on what you really want to do. Commit to it,  follow through and move forward. Anything less should be unacceptable and is unfortunately stunting your personal growth.  

Thankfully,
RMB