Double Portion Inspiration

Where are my keys? What are we eating for dinner? Where is my homework? Oh gosh, I thought that appointment was tomorrow. Does any of this sound like you? Keep reading, this post is for YOU! I normally take about 25-30 trips a year. I travel countless miles in the air, train, subway, and car. Anywhere from Montreal to Georgia and many states in between. I've visited every borough in New York. I've realized people from Staten Island are MUCH different than those from East Orange, NJ. My favorite radio station comes from Philadelphia, PA - WDAS. The best clam chowder is from Boston. Hands down, in my opinion, some of the most diverse cuisines and people are in Manhattan and Toronto. I can't go further in the email without first thanking my husband, Tyjuan Rice. He sacrificially supports our family and me during all our travel transitions. My handsome hero - team Rice! Over the years, of robust travel, I've learned to SIMPLIFY everything in my life. A...

If you knew, in just a matter of hours a brutal beating of your body would take place, what would you do? If you knew that you would have one last meal with your friends before your horrific death, what would be your demeanor? If you knew, in only hours, your head would bleed profusely due to a crown of thorns being jammed into it, how would you react? If you knew your mom would have to witness your back being ripped open and your hands and feet nailed to a cross, could you even sleep? What about if you knew, your shed blood and broken body would redeem people who would never even say thank you. How would you respond? If you knew ...... I've wondered about the answer to those questions. Today in church our teaching Pastor taught about the excruciating pain Jesus endured before dying on the cross. Simply, it was difficult to hear. It birthed inside of me a spirit of gratitude for His supreme sacrifice. To know that His passion for us was so strong and deep...

A few weeks ago, I told you I would be attending a marriage conference. Tyjuan and I (by the grace of God) will celebrate 23 years of marriage in October. We have been together for almost three decades and this was our first time participating in a marriage conference. I love that it was on the heels of Valentine's Day. Most men and ladies are gearing up for the "day of love" on Wednesday, February 14th. This conference was everything I thought and needed it to be. The crescendo of the event was Tyjuan and I renewing our wedding vows. Almost 23 years ago we said them at our wedding ceremony in Orlando, Florida. But this past Saturday was different. We actually knew what we were saying. The day of your actual wedding was pure adrenaline. The dress, the cake, the guests, the minister, the flower, the party, the limo and all of it leaves you wanting more. ALL that money, ALL that planning and within 4-5 hours it is OVER. Roslyn and her father October 28, ...

Happy New Year! This is my first post of 2018 and it's already February. I've missed being with each of you. Maybe you read this blog while commuting, home with a cup of coffee or on your office desktop. Renee and I are deeply honored to be apart of your life and sharing our unique adventures with you. Today is our 7th year of blogging. We started with our 1st post on 2.1.11. Time just evaporates doesn't it? Every year my friends and I decide NOT to make resolutions. Instead, we choose ONE word that will help shape and frame our new year. In the past, a list of resolutions would have us defeated in the first week of January. Choosing ONE word allows us to have an anchor and focus in every circumstance we will face in the upcoming months.  My word for 2018 is: EXPLORE Wouldn't you agree that with every passing day we are in unchartered waters? Our world and this country is changing fast. Technology is disrupting many industries and our days are often spent wish...

Lunch: Fresh Guac, Tuna Salad & Veggies Last week I shared about my 11 pound weight loss. I shared four small changes that made a tremendous difference in my health. If you missed it, no worries.  Here you go! Since that post, I've received a few requests to share a little more about my diet during the past few months. Let me just say, I don't believe in diets. They come and go and never seem to work for me. Instead I make healthier choices one meal at a time. About 80% of my meals came from the following list (see below). I'm not a nutritionist and I urge you to consult with your physician before making any changes in your diet and exercise. Eating off this list made it easy to maintain. I also fully believe in cheating on any plan. Instead of a cheat day, have a cheat item. No matter what you decide, keep it simple! Meat; Chicken Turkey Salmon Shrimp Eggs Pork Pepperoni Side Dish: Roasted Veggies Veggies : Squash Carrots Arugula Romai...

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'...

Thanksgiving is here and that means the 2017 holiday season is in full swing. The level of activity increases for most people. Holiday parties, gifts to buy, recipes to try, family dinners and cards to mail add to our level of stress this time of year. There is a way to change your mental health during this stressful time of year. Today my Pastor spoke from I Thessalonians 5:16-18 and it has the perfect prescription for success. Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful... Shifting our thoughts to gratitude helps us focus on what is here versus what is missing. It grounds us to truly understand the real reason for the holiday season. Although someone else might win that coveted parking spot at the mall, or skip you in line at the grocery store always be joyful, keep on praying and always be thankful. This Thanksgiving, can you find at least three reasons to be thankful?  Well here is my list: Family Friendship Protection...