Double Portion Inspiration

In a recent blog post I shared about my menopause journey and 5 tips for the men in our lives. Here's the  link  in case you missed it. One of the side effects that I didn't mention is weight gain. It can be such a big part of the menopause journey that it needed its own post. If you're between the ages of 45-55 (average age range for menopause), you might have noticed weight gain in your mid-section. You may also find maintaining your weight is much harder than it used to be. I started looking into the correlation between menopause and weight gain after gaining 10 pounds in 3 months. At first I thought the weight gain was due to COVID. Late night eating, less active days and cooking new recipes can wreck anyone's weight loss plans. Couple that with menopause and it's a horrible duo in any woman's life. Just know that it's not just your body going through changes.  Women are more likely to gain excess belly weight, especially deep inside the belly, as they g...

We all have people in our life that are unlikable. Maybe they are annoying, unpleasant, mean, rude or just overall different than us. Ok, most people won't admit it but we all know people that are unlikable. We also encounter those that live with a different set of values. This unique world, allows our paths to cross with all types of people. We interact with those we like, love, and dislike. That's our reality. This pandemic shows how we are all interdependent on one another. I came face to face (through Zoom) with someone, and we don't share the same values. I was rubbed in all the wrong ways. Now, I naturally can deal with many different personalities but this person was just...I will save that comment to myself. How do you handle interactions with the unlikable? What if the one that's unlikable is in your own family? Again, NO one wants to admit it but it is our reality. We find many reasons and ways to distance ourselves from people, not just geographically but eve...

The 4th of July is quickly approaching and fireworks are traditionally part of the celebration. About 3 years ago, my son was burned (not due to fireworks) in his face right before the 4th of July. We took him to a burn center for evaluation on the 5th of July. We could barely find a seat. It is the busiest day for burn centers around the country. I wanted to share just a few tips to make sure you're safe this holiday. Based on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 57% of firework injuries were burns. 30% of firework burn injuries affected the hands & fingers. 23% impacted the legs. If you plan to use fireworks this season, please adhere to the following: Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activi...

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous and will likely cause pain. For some, it’s an emotion they feel daily. Everyone feels fear and everyone gets anxious at some point. Unfortunately, our world today nurtures an atmosphere of fear. Whether it’s through social media or news outlets, we’re bombarded with fear and anxiety. Often the two emotions travel together. If you’re not careful, instead of the emotions coming and leaving quickly, they will linger and before you know it, you are dwelling in both the emotions. Over the past few years, I’ve learned how to overcome fear. Not manage it but OVERCOME it! Its been a process but if you follow these four steps, I promise that your fear will subside. 1. Read the Bible - it is full of scriptures that help combat fear. 2. Pray - share with God what you’re feeling. Be open and honest. 3. Be thankful and focus on the good in your life - what yo...

 This is the month that we celebrate our country's independence. We are blessed to live in a country where we are FREE! Free to speak our minds. Free to speak our truth. Free to worship and praise God! In the Bible, several scriptures remind us of our freedom in Christ. To live physically and spiritually free is such a blessing. It reminds us that God is always with us and when we keep Him at the forefront of our lives, we live in true freedom. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free , you will be free indeed. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom . Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 1 Peter 2:16 Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyon...

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...

Do you feel like your prayers aren't being answered?  There are seasons in our lives when God sits silent even after constant pleading.  It normally happens when He's ready to move you to another place of knowing Him and His ability.  It can be a difficult process because we long to hear him speak words of wisdom, comfort and peace. In those times, patiently wait.  He will answer in His timing (which is always perfect). Here are 4 tips that have helped me in my prayer life:     1.  Be specific.   Early in my twenties, I wanted to marry. My twin sister married her high school sweetheart immediately after we graduated college and it increased a desire for me to find my soul mate. Before her marriage, we were always together. Childhood.  High school.  College. She was always there.  Now she was leaving college with a new car, fiancee, and an exciting career. On the other hand, I was heading ...

Laurel Falls in Tennessee For nearly a week we both went without make-up, heels, and flat irons.  We had the time of our lives and we can't wait to share it with you over the next few weeks.  Sometimes we laughed so hard we cried.  In the midst of our fun, we learned some great life lessons. Bumper car fun! You can't afford to miss Monday's post from our series called, Mountain Posts .  Have a great weekend! Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook  or join the conversation on Twitter   @doubleportionin

African Elephant A recent trip to Zoo Miami with my boys left me hot and curious.  The 3.5 mile trek through the zoo really leaves you believing you have escaped to another country.  My oldest rode a camel and my youngest son attempted to feed a rhino.  These beautiful and massive animals are nature at it's finest.  It  appeared like it was "mating" day at the zoo.  I had to explain certain poses formed between two animals that just kept me laughing on the inside. What keeps these animals "held" in their surroundings? The great feature of Zoo Miami is that you get up close and personal with the animals.  It almost feels that you can reach in and become a part of their habitat.  The bears, lion, tigers, and elephants are huge.   I wonder why they never try to live free .  The snakes are caged and have to deal with constant visitors banging and clinking on their glass homes.  The monkeys swing from tree to tree but never swin...

Summer is finally here and many people will watch fireworks tonight to celebrate the 4th of July . Summer has the warmest temperatures, longest days and shortest nights. This season represents a time of no schedules, homework or bedtimes. Families plan vacations. They enjoy much needed rest and relaxation. In the famous words of Will Smith, " Summer, summer, summertime-time to sit back and unwind ." Who doesn't enjoy the many fruits of summer-ice cold watermelon, juicy peaches, and nectarines. Did you realize that the fruit you buy this time of the year was planted in the dead of winter? No one was thinking of juicy summer fruit when they were knee deep in snow. Before we can have a summer harvest, we must first plant a seed in winter. What season of life are you in? Do you feel alone and isolated like many people feel in winter? Do you keep facing storms like the blizzards of winter? Did you just start a new chapter in your life and feel as if you are just starting to b...