We're Living in a Tutorials World.

Hey Peeps! Queen She known as Me here and this week, I’m chatting about tutorials. Earlier this year I journaled about growing daily; one of the ways to grow is to learn something often, anything. One of my goals is to try and learn something tangible every day; it amazes me how much knowledge I’ve gained on a subject or interest all because I’ve deliberately positioned myself to receive information. And sometimes, it’s fun!

I’m big into video tutorials now. Most evenings when I’m winding down, you’ll catch me on the Tube (YouTube) learning something different, something new. I run into some very interesting ones and I wanted to share five with you. If you have any you want to share, transfer some of that knowledge and drop them in the comments section below. Don’t be stingy now! Here goes.

Coop Can Cook- How to make Hibachi Dinner at Home! For those days when I dream I’m moonlighting as a hibachi chef and I want Japanese...this happens more often than I care to share.

Try Living With Lucie | Refinery29 -5 Days of Calligraphy Hand Lettering -for those days when I want to learn how to make my planner, and scrapbooks dance and come alive!

Lisa Nichols - How To Get Unstuck By Shifting Your Mindset – for those days when I need  financial and personal growth encouragement.  When I want to understand how to transform my dreams into goals, and put my goals into action.

The Domestic Geek - 5 EASY Fruit Sorbets | dairy Free Summer Desserts! – for those days when I want something good, and sweet, and I know it will be as nutritious as it is flavorful.

Carrie Rad - 7 Self Care Hacks that will change Your Life – motivation for when I want to become the best version of myself!

Becoming Pescatarian…Again

As you all know I’m always preaching about, writing about, thinking about lifestyle changes.  I mentioned a while back that I would be implementing some new ideas into my world to shake up my stagnant eating habits.  One thing I changed is I became a pescatarian…again.  Yep that’s right, four years ago Queen She known as me lived a pescatarian lifestyle and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Why’d I go back you ask?  Well let me be a little transparent and share.  I went thought a breakup and I considered it a major emotional setback in my life, and I allowed myself to partake in some very unhealthy habits; the one I considered most catastrophic was my eating habits.  

So it has taken me four years to come back to self, and come back to center.  This is my new window into my new journey with pescatarianism.  Walk with me.

What is pescatarianism?  It’s basically a vegetarian diet that also includes fish and seafood.  Some eat dairy, some do not (I do, however it’s limited to eggs; my cheese and milk is dairy free).  The main opinion of some of my carnivore friends is “Tina that’s is too extreme and it’s a setup for failure”,  but I’m telling you as a person who has walked this walk before it’s not extreme at all, and way less intimidating that booting meat altogether.  To me it’s like a reset button on, and at the same time, a kill switch to the unhealthy version of myself.

There are some great health benefits to being a pescatarian  like  the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins in fish, but there are also some cautions to be aware of as well like consuming too much mercury.  So what’s key to making sure you’re on the right track?  Balance and being informed . Make sure you’re eating a great amount of vegetables, grains, fruit, and know where your favorite fish is coming from; is it coming from a farm in China or is it wild caught? Does it have too much mercury, or too much antibiotics? So you have to do your research and be in the know so you can make informative purchases and meals.  I try and eat wild caught versus farm raised; it works better for me and my genetic makeup, but we all know that can be way more expensive than farm raised, so there are times when I find myself settling for small portions of farm raised to keep my pocket book (lol) from busting at the seams.  I hate how expensive it is to eat good and healthy, but how inexpensive and pocket friendly it is to eat what’s bad for you….another blog post….another time.  [Sighs softly]  [Walks away slowly]

I’m having fun with pescatarianism now; I’m experimenting with new recipes, and I’m bringing back some of my old ones.  This is the 5th week, and it’s okay, I’m okay.  I feel good.  I’m hoping this is a change that will stay with me for years to come, so you all pray for my strength, and that I succeed with becoming a better me. 

Oh SN:  Look at my garlic shrimp I've mastered with the help of YouTuber Chef Buck.  YUM!

If you have any great recipes please share!  

Five New Favs

Hey guys, Queen She known as me here, and The Diva is journaling!  How’s everybody doing this second week of the new year?  I’m cold as heck, as I’m sure most people around, across and about the country are as well; but, I’ve come across a couple of shiny new five-star toys that warm my demeanor very quickly.  Walk with me, and I’ll share.

1. Coconut Activated Charcoal Powder.  I found this on Amazon.  I was looking for something to jumpstart a cleanse prior to me becoming a pescatarian this year (yup I am, but another blog post I promise…soon).  Any who, not only does this product absorbs toxins and toxic residues in the body, but it whitens teeth,  makes a superb addition to facial cleansers and masks, and absorbs odor. Bomb.com

2. Blanket Scarf.  Ooh baby! My secret Santa hooked me up with the most beautiful blanket scarf by Ann Taylor.  I absolutely love scarves; in my closet they have their own space, and every winter you will find me connected ever so close with one.  With this one, I’ve already mastered 5 ways to style it and keep warm.  [Spoiler Alert!!!!! another future blog post!]

3. Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer. I guess I can chalk it up to old age, but my skin needs more moisturizing these days.  Hempz is enriched with 100% pure natural hemp seed oil, it’s paraben free, gluten free, 100% vegan, yada yada, yada you get the picture; now don’t get me wrong, all of these are great benefits to a good moisturizer, but  I simply love it because it goes on light, but it moisturizes like a heavy lotion. That’s it. Marshalls, and  Ulta have it for $10.99-$12.99, and sometimes at Ulta, it’s buy 1 get 1 50% off.  Now Walgreens, my favorite store, has it for $22.00…..BOOOO Walgreens, you know better...do better! LOL.  It’s good but not that damn good.  Amazon has a great collection too with reasonable prices.

4. Uni-ball Signo. This smooth writing gel pen  is all that.  In order for my writing to be legible… I have to use a fine point pen… I know special kind of person.  The ink is in Prussian Blue, and my pages look like I have the best penmanship ever…LOL.  I don’t, but you can’t tell it.

5. Flairosol 10 oz White Sprayer. Yawl, I done changed the game in twist outs and wash & go’s! LOL.  I saw this on YouTube; the youtuber, Lexis Hair was doing her hair and I noticed the spray bottle had a continuous flow.  Off to Amazon I went, and found it for less than $5.  Now whatever I spray on the strands, like conditioner, or water goes on with an even coverage.  New level of hair styling!