Double Portion Inspiration

BEFORE I've always embraced my body's curves and edges. A little extra love handle never really freaked me out. I'm comfortable in my own skin and I don't feel the need to be the skinniest chick in the crowd. I exercise, eat fairly healthy and take care of my body. Last year during a routine physical, I was made aware of my blood pressure being on the high side. It wasn't crazy high, but it was elevated. My physician asked me to eat less sodium, continue to exercise and return in three months for a follow up to see if it would make an impact on my numbers. In a matter of minutes, I quickly realized why high blood pressure is called the "silent killer". AFTER I didn't feel sick or anything. I needed to lose weight to help combat this concern. It was time to take action. Over the next few months, I implemented a few things that made a tremendous difference. Before I share, realize there's no silver bullet with weight loss. You'...

Turning forty was amazing.  We blogged about our excitement last year.  No worries if you missed the post, here it is.   There's something so powerful about entering a new season in your life.  The exhilaration of new beginnings and the closing of a chapter sprouts forth hope and expectations for the best being yet to come. I've learned quite a bit after being forty for only about six months.  Prepare yourself for the good, the bad, and the ugly. My eyes don't see everything they did before. My metabolism slowed down. I stay hungry. (Not sure if that's changed much from being 39 years old) Other people's opinion no longer matter as much. I love dancing like nobody's watching. My body aches more with less activity. I have to color my hair more often to cover the new gray hairs. I've found my purpose! Authenticity is a must. Running is a great workout and a wonderful therapy session. Sleeping with a fan next to my bed helps with the night swe...

It is finally here - our 40th birthday!  Renee and I did our own little countdown last night as we moved closer to December 6th.  I asked my mom, "How did you feel 40 years ago?" She responded, I was in PAIN . As we promised, we our revealing our photos.  We are ecstatic about showing them to you.  Thanks for taking time this week to journey down memory lane with us.  Each and every step, Renee and I wanted to engage our readers, family and friends in our birthday celebration. We love all the text, thumbs up, cards, hugs and genuine well wishes.  We pray, in some small way, we've inspired you to go BIG or go HOME on your next birthday.  (Posted by Roslyn) Glasses up in a toast to the twins turning 40!   CHEERS!    We loved the vintage suitcase that our photographer let us borrow from his parents!            Our fun & edgy shot!        We ...

Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion ; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion ; they shall have everlasting joy.   It's Thursday and officially the last day in our 30's.  We are about to turn the page to another chapter in life.  I will look forward to Renee calling me at 12am, so she can be the very first one to wish me a happy birthday. Are we really the only ones that get this excited about a birthday?  Normally, we are a little more reserved, but since 40 is the new 20 - we wanted to go out with a bang! My younger self at 16! I've always wanted to write letters to my younger self.  If only I knew then what I know now.  If I had to put anything into words to my younger 16 year old self, I would simply say: FIND YOUR VOICE! Once you find your voice in society, you have strength and courage to articulate any nee...

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV)   Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.      Frenchie paying attention to every detail.     If you thought choosing the right photographer was important for our 40 th birthday photo shoot, then you probably understand how critical it was to have the right makeup and hair team. Fortunately I have a wonderful stylist who’s been a part of my life for over eleven years. Francoise Gomes is the Owner of Frenchie's Hair Design Studio in Orlando, Florida. She’s well known in the local area and enjoys enhancing the beauty of women. We worked together for weeks to discuss attire, vision, and styling options.  During my consultation, Frenchie suggested using Natasha Bradley, Owner of Diva's Makeup and Brow Bar , for our makeup needs. Roslyn and I both lov...

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV) 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. In case you haven't heard, we're turning 40!   Yesterday I shared the significance of this number and how Roslyn and I decided to celebrate.  I thought it would be fun to share a little about our photographer.  We searched high and low for the perfect photographer and found it in Brian Adams Photographics. From the moment we spoke with him on the phone, we knew he was the one. His ideas were edgy and fun. He was just what we were looking for. All we had to do was share our vision for the shoot and leave the rest to him. Immediately he had visions of a roof top and a tandem bike.  Our meeting with Brian We immediately embraced his warmth on the day of the shoot even though we were meeting him for the first time. We ...

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV) 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. We are turning 40 this week and it's an exciting time in our lives.  On any year, we both love our birthday, but this year is extra special.  There is such significance when turning 40.  I've always heard that it's a time when you become enlightened.  You see the world completely different.  Not sure what will come in this year but we expect greatness! Forty is such a significant number in the Bible.  It represents the ending of a period, trial or chastisement.  Whether it was Noah in the ark for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, or the children of Israel wandering through the wilderness for 40 years, the number is noteworthy and momentous.  A 40-something time period in...