Tips for healthy living

  As we go into May I'd like to talk more about health and natural living. I am not a health professional. I am just a person who has done research to see what works for me. I hope that you all find this blog helpful and that you will incorporate these tips into your daily routine. I have gathered 4 tips for you to help get you and keep you on track.

Tip #1 Drink Water!!! Water is so important for the body inside and out. Water helps the liver and kidneys flush out nasty toxins so the body can function properly. Water helps with digestion, it allows the bowels to move to keep us from getting constipated. Water can  improve your mood. Water can also help with weightloss and clearing up your skin, experts say to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces. DRINK UP!!!!!!!

Tip#2 Cook from scratch: I know some are probably wondering if they read this correctly, yes you did. Cooking from scratch can be helpful not only for your health but also for your budget I'd say that's a win win. When it comes to cooking from scratch I think it's much healthier for you. You know exactly what it is you are putting into your food, you don't have to worry about high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, MSG, Sodium nitrates etc. Avoid over processed foods as much as you can, you will be glad you did.

Tip #3 Don't skip breakfast: I am guilty for this, I know I know. Eating breakfast can jump start your metabolism, help with weight loss, and help with brain development. If you do not want to eat a big breakfast eat a piece of fruit, yogurt, or a small serving of oatmeal with blueberries. Eating a healthy breakfast helps boost your energy so if you are tired all the time you may want to make sure you are eating a nutritious breakfast. Eating breakfast everyday will provide you with the proper vitamin and nutrient intake your body needs to get through the day.

Tip #4 Sleep,Sleep,Sleep: Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and much much more. In 2010 a study was done on women ages 50-79, it stated that more deaths occurred in women who got less than five hours or more than six and a half of sleep per night. Sleep affects the quality of life so let's strive to get more sleep. I know this may seem impossible to do especially if you have small children, a demanding job, or a hard time falling asleep  at night, but we must try to get the appropriate amount of sleep to be able to function and do these things. I'd like to try something this week, lets all try to go to bed an hour earlier to see how we feel. Can we do that? I KNOW we can!!!! 

This concludes our blog for tonight. Again I hope this was beneficial and I hope you all can incorporate these four tips into your daily routine. Thank you so much for reading. You all have a blessed night, and don't forget to eat your breakfast.

-Marquia Harmon

PRODUCTIVITY + HEALTH + PROGRESS

PRODUCTIVITY + HEALTH + PROGRESS

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I recently purchased a "new" car, and I've put quite a few miles on it! Not only are those miles on my car, they are also on my body! What happens when an individual does tremendous amounts of driving and spends hours in their car? Fatigue, exhaustion, and poor eating habits. My body is still recovering, but these are things that I must do in order to succeed in life & business. With this realization, I have challenged myself to do more, better!

Productivity is very important. With all of the driving and movement that I have been doing, there are other things that I did not get done! I didn't manage my time effectively and it caused me to be less productive over the last 27 days than I should have been (but family comes first!). Since I use Google for so much, I decided to start using the Google Calendar to help me stay on task. IT IS FANTASTIC!! I can map out  my day/week on Saturday evening before bed, and I receive notifications on my cell phone and my tablet. I get more done now that I have active alerts. I still love the Passion Planner for long-term goal setting, but I need something to alert me when it's time to shift activities.

Health is equally important for on-the-go entrepreneurs! I know that I need to have healthy eating options available! Most grocery stores sell individual fruit & yogurt or veggie trays and personal salads. No, you can't eat salad while driving, but there are also wraps in the deli that you can pick up. If you go to Publix, you can have a few made before you hit the road. Keep a cooler in your car with your treats. If you ride alone like I usually do, keep a smaller cooler on your passenger seat within reach for easy "snackcess!"

Don't try to defeat the road!!! When you feel your muscles getting stiff, pull off into a rest area and stretch. That five minutes of rejuvenation will save you a lot of physical pain and potential money when you finally arrive! Also, make sure that your vitamin B and Iron levels are within the normal range before your trip. Low iron along with poor eating habits, and lack of adequate rest was the cause of my extreme fatigue. I missed an epic symposium because I was unable to drive the 2 hours to get there. I actually checked myself into a Best Western and didn't wake up for about 4 hours (best sleep ever)!

PROGRESS: I recognize my shortcomings and how dangerous they have been for my body. I realize that I can not accomplish anything or raise my son if I am not here. It is very important to manage time effectively and take care of your body. I am mapping out my weekly/monthly schedule in Google Calender to ensure that I am able to do what I need to do, and I can reschedule anything that is not an immediate concern. Lets all be more productive and healthy from here on out!

~Shanta

You are blessed (Marquia Harmon)

   We often allow things to make us forget how blessed we are. I have had moments in my life where I felt I should have what someone else has. I have to remind myself that this is their blessing, and what God has for them is not for me. We are beyond blessed to even have woken up, and we allow just the littlest things to get in the way. I know I'm not the only one who has felt a certain way about my situation vs someone else's situation, so I want to leave something with you.

  When you feel down because Keisha down the street got a new car remember to thank God for what he has blessed you with thus far. It may not be your season right now but hold tight because when it comes it is going to be epic!!!!!! I know it can get aggravating watching and waiting, but in order for you to get to your blessing you have to go through the waiting process. Just know that God is going to bless you  just  be prepared for what is to come. I just wanted to leave this with you all. I hope you all have a good night. God bless you all.

~Marquia Harmon

GOOD BYE TAX SEASON: An Ode to Entrepreneurship

GOOD BYE TAX SEASON

An Ode to Entrepreneurship

 

Every year, millions of Americans file their taxes. This year and last year I spent some time in the offices of H&R Block as an income tax professional, and I must say that it is very educational. I learn so much every year and discover exactly how much variation there is in this country.

 

Normally, I have W-2 income and rarely any schedule C income (self employment) unless I am doing my own. There is a HUGE lack of entrepreneurship where I currently live and at times it makes me feel out of place, but the interaction is what keeps me going back! Truck drivers, school teacher, security guards, and all the rest all have a very interesting story to tell, and taxes tells it all.

 

These people work hard for every dime that they receive from their wages, but many of them are living below their potential. There are so many people that I meet who are "just getting by" and ready for a change. They want to experience the thrill of being their own boss, but the fear of change holds so many people in place.

 

We are taught, trained, & conditioned to get an education and join the workforce. We are taught that when we work hard for others, it will pay off with a large paycheck, a big house, new car, and the perfect environment to raise our families, but today I challenge that thought! We are not meant to work all day every day until we die. Other nations have a much better view of work than we do (think siestas)! What if you could live the American dream on your own terms? I'M TELLING YOU THAT IT'S POSSIBLE!

 

This new opportunity that I have discovered has truly opened my eyes to the reality that I can live the life that I want without breaking my back on someone else's behalf. It has also taught me that I did not need to go to college, and if I had listened to my mother in high school, I would be $90,000+ lighter in the debt department! Network marketing companies are a great option for those seeking to make a change but are not sure how to start. I know when you hear "network marketing" you may automatically be turned off, but let me explain.

 

Anytime you make a major purchase, you verify it with others. That means you look at reviews, you ask the people currently in the neighborhood, or you may even consult your parents or other trusted advisors for their opinion. We do it daily, for free! There exist in this world a number of companies that utilize this network marketing framework to build relationships and income for the dedicated individuals who can see the vision and bring it to life.

 

I've been an entrepreneur since 2013, and there was no system in place when I started. However, with my current opportunity, there is a system in place, there is no monthly purchase requirement, and I can get the experience and education that I thought college would give me for a much lower cost!! The company I am referring to is People Helping People. This opportunity is exciting because I have a team, I have a system, and my team is AWESOME!! They are there when I need them, and I believe in the vision of the company! If you are interested in making a change, let me know. PHO may not be the change for you, but you can find the company that provides you just the change that you are looking for! I'M TELLING YOU THAT IT'S POSSIBLE!

~Shanta

Strong Woman

    This past Saturday I went to a natural living fair. It was so good to see so many people come together and share the things they are so passionate about. The connection everyone shared was amazing to me. I met this lady who makes reusable pads, baby wipes, and  paper towels. She has 7 children who also help with making these items.

   She began to share her story with me. Last year she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She didn't understand why she had gotten thyroid cancer. It came as a total shock to her. She lived off the grid, ate organic, and used 100% renewable solar energy. I felt so sad for her. Here she is a wife and a mother of seven children going through this. She has been through a lot this past year but she is so strong.

  Instead of going through cancer treatments she chose to treat it naturally. As of last week she is CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!!! I tell you God is an AWESOME God and he deserves all the praise. Her testimony spoke to my heart. I was so glad  I went and was able to talk to her. I told her I would be praying for her and her family and I left feeling happy.

   I'm so glad  I was able  to experience such an awesome event I truly enjoyed myself. After the event the lady joined a facebook group I"m in and I had to let her know how awesome it was talking to her. Our health is so important if we are not healthy we can't function properly. Please continue to stay on top of your health and make good decisions not only for you but for your family. Thank you for reading be blessed.


~Marquia Harmon
      

Natural Hair Update

Prior to cut: front

Side view before cut

 Natural Hair Update 

 

 

 

1 week after cut

I CUT MY HAIR!!! On April 3rd I came home from a very long weekend at Children's Hospital and chopped off my hair. I put it in 6 tightly braided and detangled plaits and cut off all of the colored ends. My hair was in bad shape from general neglect, damage from the color, and super split ends. It was even breaking off where the color met the uncolored hair!!! I was trying to hold on to the length until I could get my hands on a Talavera Split Ender; however, the damage was constant, so I had to make a decision!

After cutting my hair, it felt AMAZING!!!! The strands are thicker/stronger, and it feels exceptionally soft and moisturized. I am pleased to report that my hair is thriving, and the virgin hair has been thriving with gusto!! I only use my products on my hair unless my mom brings some Shea Moisture home LOL I wash once with Castile soap or the Lush Bar followed by one wash with the Peppermint Mud Bar.

After the wash, I rinse thoroughly and moisturize my scalp with my Herbal Hair Oil and moisturize my strand with my Butter Creme Body Frosting. My hair loves this regimen!! I stopped using a comb in October of 2014, and it has given me a much more intimate understanding of my hair. I also deep condition and keep my hair in two strand twists (picture before the cut) throughout the week. I spray with water, detangle, and moisturize my twists once a week and wash on Fridays. This is what work FOR ME! If you are new to natural hair, you may need to try many different processes before you find the routine that works best for you. Remember, it's not just about how long your hair is. GOOD HAIR IS HEALTHY HAIR!!

To stay up-to-date with all things Blessed Body Brand and my natural hair journey, follow me on Facebook (Blessed Body Brand: All-natural Soaps and More, Twitter & Instagram (blessed_shanta), and on Pinterest ( Blessed Body Brand)!

~Shanta