Monday Morning chat + Goals for the week

Hello everyone!

Breakfast this morning: Whole Wheat 'french bread', scrambled eggs with peppers & onions, cafe w/ soy milk.

[please pardon the dirty-looking coffee maker, I promise it'll get cleaned up today]

Woke up bright and early this morning and have been working non-stop. Decided to take a short break to say hello and apologize for not being able to post the "What I know for Sure Sunday" post yesterday. Ive been thinking of alternating the series to every other Sunday but still debating on that. What do your guys think? I already have an outline for this coming Sunday's post. So, stay tuned for that.

Anyways, how was your weekend? I have to say I had a very nice and productive weekend. On Saturday I went to the gym early in the morning and then hung out with Felix the rest of the day. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant and indulged in yet another Kevin Hart movie, Get Hard. I cant ever tell you how many of his movies we have seen together. Dinner was delicious. I had sushi (again)- shrimp tempura and dragol roll.  Refrained from taking a picture due to the awkward looks I get from him when I do... :) #dontjudgeme

On Sunday I went to the gym with my bestie Christina, hit up Target for some things I needed and then hung out with my parents house for a bit.

In other news, I cannot believe that March ends tomorrow. I hate to think about how quick these months are going by. Besides work projects, I have some "fun" things I'd like to accomplish this week so I figure i'd share with you guys:

1. Complete 3 days of Jillian Michael 30 day shred work out

2. Share a recap of my March goals and whether or not I was able to tackle all of them (or most)

3. Find my nearest CVS or Target photo center and get all my Dominican Republic pictures in a CD or online so I can share with you guys ASAP (still trying to find the cable for my digital camera)

4. Complete 2-3 days of cardio (complement my strength training routines)

5. Hit up Trader Joes, if possible (finally get my hands on some quality crunchy almond butter)

I will leave it at that for now. Besides these goals I want to continue making a conscious effort to eat healthy, wholesome foods, continue working hard and succeeding with my work, have fun and spend time with loves ones.

How is your Monday going? any set plans or goals for this week?

Thanks for reading.

Love,

Mabelle

Mid- Week Motivation 4: The Present

Hello Lovelies,

Happy hump day! Here I am again with yet another {mid-week motivation} post with the purpose of providing a bit of a positive boost to your week.

After a whole lot of brainstorming, I decided to feature one of my favorite inspirational books today. And here you have it:

 The Present

I read this listened to the audio version of this book several years ago. I loved it so much I actually transferred the entire audio in to my "IPod" (remember those?). I recently found my old IPod again and was pleasantly surprise to find the book in my playlist. I've been listening to the chapters every chance I get and is as great as I remember it.

The book has no "ground breaking" realizations. It is actually a very concise reminder of something most of us have probably heard of several times over: Living in the present moment makes us happier people. When we live in the present (focus on the task at hand, one moment at the time) we allow ourselves to ease any anxieties caused by the past or the future. We simply live in the moment that we are planted and we take it a moment at the time.

I've personally tried this strategy in my life several times and I have to admit that it is true and it works. I am not saying that focusing on the present is easy by any means. I think that as humans we have a tendency to replay the past over and over again (specially if its negative, why is that?!) or feel anxious and worried about the future. We all do it! However, if we make a conscious effort to just stay in the moment, its eye-opening how all regrets, worries, or anxieties 'magically' disappear from our minds. However, as I said, it has to be a conscious effort. We have to train our minds to stay in the moment. I promise you, it becomes easier over time.

Although the book focuses on "The Gift of the Present" {meaning, the present moment} it does make reference to the past and the future and provides strategies on how we can use both to make our lives better. One of my favorite chapters focuses around this very concept. Here are some of my favorite highlights:

• Living in the present means tuning out distractions and paying attention to whats important now. You create your own present by what you give your attention to today.

• Its hard to let go of the past if you have not learned from it. As soon as you learn and let go you improve the present.

• Anytime you are unhappy in the present or feeling less successful, it is time to learn from the past or plan for the future.

• Look at what happened in the past, learn something from it, use what you learned to improve the present.

• You may not be able to change the past but you can learn from it. If  the same situation arises you'll do things differently and enjoy a happier and successful present.

• No one can predict or control the future but the more you plan for what you want to see happen, the less anxious you are in the present, and the more the future is known to you.

• Beginning today: Think about what a wonderful future would look like, create a realistic plan to make it happen, put your plan in to action in the present.

I encourage you to check out the book. You can click on the link above (Amazon affiliate link) or simply borrow it from your local library for free! I truly believe this is a book you'll enjoy and may become a bookshelf favorite.

Spencer Johnson is one of my favorite authors when it comes to motivational literature. I've also read "Who moved my cheese" long time ago, another great book.

And that's all folks. Thank you for reading. Have a phenomenal Wednesday.

Tell me, what does living in the present mean to you? Have you read this book?

Love, 

Mabelle

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Fortunate Fridays {A mother's Love} Edition

Good day my loves!

Another Friday is upon us. Here I am to share the awesome things that happened this week, which I feel fortunate for.

As I've  previously mentioned, nobody's life is perfect but these posts give me the opportunity to remember to count my blessings and be grateful for the good things that happen in my life. And guess what, we can always decide that our lives are "perfect" based on our own definition of the word.

One thing is for sure, being grateful always brings positivism in to my life one way or another. So, I recommend you try it, even if its for one day, and see how you feel.

This week I feel fortunate for:

#1 My mothers health-- My mom had some issues with her arm this week and we were worried because she was in a lot of pain and in tears for days. Thankfully she was examined and she is okay other than having a 'frozen shoulder' (bursitis) which is currently being treated. I love my mom so much it made me sad to see her in so much pain. However, I am INCREDIBLY grateful and feel very fortunate that this is something that is being treated and she'll be back to her normal self in no time.

#2 A flexible schedule which I allowed me to accompany my mom to doctor's appointments- This is self explanatory but my flexible schedule came in at the absolute perfect time as I was able to help my mom through all her appointments as well as some chores around the house.

#3 My car- I may drive a 1997 Lexus but is my car and it takes me where I need to go safely and with no issues. That is all I need. I bought my car in a lump sum back in 2006 and its been one of the best investments I've ever made. I may "upgrade" at some point in the future but I am forever grateful for my wheels.

#4 The spontaneous decision to go pamper myself and get a manicure (its been a while)- I cant remember the last time I had my nails done. Today I went to the mall to get some pants for this weekend and wasnt able to find the pants. I was a bit bummed out but then came accross the nail spot and said to myself "why not?". I picked some "chocolate" flavor by Etsy and loved the color. Has to be one of my all time faves. Hope I am able to find it again next time I feel like having chocolate nails ;). Just because I felt like treating myself. Thankful for the ability to do so. The best $12 bucks I've spent in a while (including tip).

#5 My Love for cooking- I love making healthy and delicious meals for myself and whomever guest comes to my house. I find so much joy in preparing foods. I'd say my favorite meals to make are breakfast and then dinner. Lunch I usually grab something quick (still yummy, just quick because Im in the middle of the workday). Below is an example of a couple of things I had for dinner this week. If you follow me on Twitter I share a lot of the foods I make on there.

And that's all ladies and gents. Thank you for reading. Hope you ALL have a fabulous weekend.

Tell me, what is your favorite go-to dinner dish?

Love,

Mabelle

Delicious Finds #1: Eureka Bread

Hi All!

Hope you are having a great day so far. I've been working away all day. Thankfully had a chance to hit the gym earlier today but then it was back to work.

Anyways, I had such a delicious lunch today which inspired me to share what I ate with all my readers. My lunch was as simple as it gets--- a turkey and cheese sandwich. However, my palate was having a party with the bread, it was delicious!

I actually came across this bread yesterday during a trip to target. At about $3.50 per bag (and organic!) it caught my eye after taking a quick glance at the ingredients. I felt it was a pretty good deal for such a wholesome healthy-looking bread (similar to something I'd find at Whole Foods or Trader Joes), so I decided to give it a try.

This bread did not disappoint. I picked up the "Grainiac" 'flavor but they had pretty much all of them at Target. The excerpt in the front of the bag definitely describes it to the T:

We baked as many organic grains into this chewy, flavor filled bread as physics will allow — 12 to be exact. Try it for yourself and become a Grainiac!

So anyways, from time to time I come across 'serendipitous' finds and I'll be sure to share them with you on the blog as long as I find them delicious enough to let the world know. This bread definitely made the list. As long as the price remains the same (or lower, of course) they've gained a customer. If you'd like to read more about the brand check it out here.

By the way-- Im not getting paid to talk about this on the blog nor am I a sponsored blogger for the brand. I simply found this delicious and had to share!

Thanks for reading.

Tell me, have you come across any delicious foods lately you'd like to tell the world about?

How I feed my body and soul in the mornings for an incredible day

Happy Monday lovelies!

Most of us here in the U.S are enjoying a day off from work thanks to presidents day. However, as someone striving to grow their own business (I include myself in that bunch) there are no real days off. So, if you are working away like me, welcome to the club.

Breakfast this morning: Organic oatmeal made w/ almond milk. Added toppings: Sliced almonds + raisins. Cafe w/ soy milk on the side.

The purpose of this post is to share a little ritual I have for myself which allows me to start days on a positive note and carry on the momentum to the rest of my day.

I want to emphasize that I am aware most of us don't have to time to carry on any rituals. Specially early in the morning when most of us are rushing away to get to work on time and save the world before 9:00 am. What I have been trying to do is wake up earlier on most days (ie: 6 or 7 am) and use about 20-30 minutes of that extra morning time to complete my ritual.

In all honesty, weekdays are not always easy to make this happen so I take full advantage of weekend mornings as well as the days in which I have some time to spare (like today). Without further 'ado, here we go:

• Wake up early (or as early as I can): Set up the coffee maker and brew some coffee (or heat up water for tea, whichever you prefer) while I use the bathroom, brush my teeth, etc.

source

• Read for about 10-15 minutes while enjoying my beverage: I like to start things off with some motivational, "feel good" reading. Sometimes is an excerpt from the bible. However, you can also choose from a motivational book you may already be reading. Or, if you'd like some recommendations; any book by Joel Osteen is phenomenal for spiritual inspiration and motivation. Anything you choose to read make sure it something that makes you feel good and refreshed.

• Have my breakfast while watching some quick motivational videos: For the interest of time, I usually go on YouTube for about 10 more mins or so. Videos can also be from one of your favorite Vloggers or blogger. Whatever you find is visually appealing and makes you motivated and excited. Listen to your instincts. Some recommendations: Hip Hop Preacher, Super Soul Sunday video excerpt, Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins, Potters House, Joel Osteen Ministries . For my Spanish-speaking readers, I love this guy: Martin Llorens

• Practice some quick stretches and start getting ready for my day-- sometimes I hit the gym immediately after my ritual or head to work with a "is going to be a great day" attitude. 

As I mentioned, some of you may feel this is too much for the morning time (trust me, is not). However, if you feel that way-- start off by incorporating one or two of these tips in to your days. Or, simply wait for the weekend or your day off so you'll have more time to "indulge" in these rituals. 

I know for a fact I always feel great when I am able to carry these out. Try it for a week or so and let me know how you feel.

Thanks for reading!

Tell me, do YOU have any feel-good daily or weekly rituals you'd like to share?

Motivational Mondays- Transform Your Life!

Hey Everyone!

Hope you all had a great weekend! On Friday night I attended my sister's house warming party and on Saturday I went to New Jersey to visit a special someone. Visited a gorgeous park and had some yummy sushi in the process. I ate too much food overall this weekend and I am conscious of it. I also know my period is coming and is trying to bring with it an anxiety to eat everything in sight. Ugh! Working on stopping the process!

But anyways, I have been reading up on a lot of motivational literature lately as well as listening to some great podcasts! I figured I'd share what I learn along the way with all my wonderful readers. Today's "Motivational Mondays" edition is dedicated to TD Jakes. An amazing pastor whom I admire and whom always has some incredibly uplifting sermons. I download them as podcast and listen to it during runs or just while cleaning around the house.

His "Transformational Instinct" series is nothing short than AMAZING. I've listened to all 3 podcast at least 2x each. I tried to gather the main points which uplifted me the most. Some of it may sound like things we've heard before or common sense. However, they serve as strong reminders that can help us get back on track of our goals and ambitions. At least that is what his sermons do for me in addition to helping me move forward. Here they are a few points from part II of the series:

1. Write your VISION not the Victim-- This refers to the idea that the past is the past. We cannot change whom we were or what we did. However, we do have the power to change our vision of how the future is going to look like. We can do that by using the present to live it and to make plans for what we want to see in our future.

2. After your write down your vision, align your life and your actions to it-- "Build According to pattern".

• Invest in alignment to what is central to your core. Don't invest in what is not central to your core. Dont invest your time or money on things that are not good for you.

• When you spend your time with someone or engage in an activity, ask yourself: Am I getting a good return on investment on this? What am I getting in return-- Growth? productivity? change? development? OR, are you simply throwing your time away? Be very careful of the people that steal your time. Invest in what is TRUE to you. 

The above served to remind me of the following: Time is something we never get back. A second, minute, hour, day, month, year wasted on the wrong things or the wrong person or the wrong activities is time that will be gone-- forever! So, Is important what we are strategic about what we do with each given moment and think about whether the way in which we are investing our time is helping us get to where we want to go.

In Summary:

1. Write it
2. Build it
3. Invest in what is investing in me
4. Invest in what is true to what I am about

Support what is supporting and helping me. 

Remember: Knowledge is not power. The APPLICATION of knowledge is power. So, lets all take action and gear up for amazing lives!

Love,
Mabelle

Fortunate Fridays {Graduated- and now life begins again, Edition}

Hey Everyone,

So first of all my apologies for a "mix-up" of post this morning. No one probably noticed it but in case you did... please disregard :)

Moving on to fortunate Fridays. As you may know, the highlight of my week was commencement and everything else that happened this week was kinda' of a blurr to be quite honest. So, I had to look deep inside my brain for memories of this week that made me smile and feel fortunate. I came up with some as usual. So here you have it:

1. This past Sunday's episode of Super Soul Sunday! If you haven't seen the episode I highly recommend it! The topic is "Happiness" and the guest is Harvard professor Shawn Achor. I believe part two is coming up this Sunday so, I recommend you watch it/DVR it or whatever you need to do. You wont regret it! And who doesn't love Oprah's super soul Sunday series?!

2. Things that make me happy and bring my life joy. This can include anything from watching CNBC in the morning and catching up on stock market news (yes, I am a business news obsessed weirdo and I admit it) all the way to a nice run on a beautiful day or simply blogging! I read somewhere that if something makes you happy your duty is to enjoy the feeling. No explanation or reason necessary!

3. The realization that writing down goals DOES WORK. If you are obsessed with personal development books or motivational literature (like I am) you may notice that a consistent theme is the importance of writing down your goals. I have been thinking about the goals I wrote down about 8 years ago and how the majority of them have in fact come true. Whatever hasn't come true yet I am 100% sure is on the works and it all has to do with timing. As I have said several times on here, God's timing is perfect. I will be doing some cleaning at my apartment with the goal of finding that one notebook where I wrote several goals some years ago. Will share more on this on an upcoming post. {fingers crossed I find the notebook!}. So, write those goals down. Be ridiculous. Dream BIG. Anything is possible.

4. The fact that my grandmother has been able to attend every single commencement I have been part of {at least here in the US} from high school, to undergrad, to masters degrees and hopefully beyond. Thank you grandma!

5. The support of my love ones {and the one up above} through this journey and those whom have been there from the beginning.

6. The fact that I never gave up despite the many times that I seriously considered it

7. Having something lined up for the summer in a field I love

8. The feeling of peace and excitement despite the fact that a younger Mabel would be super terrified and fearful. Today, I am looking forward to what's to come with upmost optimism

9. Friendships!!! I may not have a million friends but I do have several that are quite amazing and are a "constant" in my life. Many things in life may come and go but when you build strong friendships, you can be sure that they can serve as a rock for your life. Just make sure those relationships are positive and move you forward rather than bring you down.

10. Last but not least-- Progress! I started eating healthy and working out consistently again about a month ago and I am truly feeling the difference. Not only in my body but in my OVERALL well being. Is not about a diet, is not about starving, is not about working out until we are exhausted. Is about adoption a healthy lifestyle, feeling AMAZING, and knowing that taking care of our bodies brings positive results: mentally, physically, and emotionally. I believe I started to see progress when I tried on my graduation dress this past week. #bestfeelingever

Silly Pic:

...Also loving that my hair is growing beautifully. God knows how long ive been waiting to grow my hair! God is good. Yeyy! Isnt it all connected?!

Meme of the week is dedicated to one of my favorite authors, Maya Angelou. I know I posted one of her quotes yesterday but that women was truly amazing and left such an incredible legacy, specially for women. I would like to conclude this week with another one of my favorite sayings:

Tell me what are YOU feeling good about this week?

Fortunate Fridays {Great Week Edition}

Hey Everyone!!

Hope you all had a great week. I have LOT's to be thankful for this week. One thing I was to point out is this: nobody's life is perfect. No one's. Although I do go through ups and downs, like the rest of the world--- I CHOOSE to focus on the positive and enjoy sharing what I feel fortunate for each and every week with all of you, in part, with hopes of inspiring others to also focus on what is good in their lives and strengthen the positive. Thanks for reading and for sharing the good with me.

So this week was great. I cant complain. Had a lot going on and although I am not working at the current time I am constantly wondering where my time goes and trying to approach time management as effectively as possible. Making progress but nonetheless, still a work in progress.

Without further 'ado here is my fortunate-for list of the week:

1. The Angel that is ALWAYS protecting me from HARM and who is next to me when amazing things happen. This week I received yet another revelation that someone is always by my side. I have gone through some stuff in my life where the fact that everything turned out okay and that I am good and well can only be explained by something above and beyond what the eye can see. Thank you! 


2. Picking up my Cap and Gown (Ahh!!! Need I say more??) I could but I'd probably go on and on. Definitely a proud moment. All I could do was look up to the sky and thank the lord! MBA, here I come.

3. Amazing Lunch date with my two favorite ex-co workers-- Passed by my old job this past Tuesday and was able to have lunch with two of my favorite people. We went to Hale and Hearty, had a yummy lunch and cached up on life. Had such a great time. Definitely miss these girls:

4. Spontaneous trips with good friends.
After finals,  I made a spare of the moment decision to accompany a good friend of mine up to Albany for one of his good friend's graduation celebration. He had invited me a while ago but I couldn't make up my mind because I had so much going on with school and everything else. However, I am glad I ultimately decided to go. Albany, NY is where my Alma Mater is located so I had a great time reminiscing on my good old college days. I cant believe next year will be 10 yrs since I received by bachelors degree. Crazy! Here are some photos of the trip:

On our way!

Reminiscing on the good old college mall days:

 

Being Silly:

 

Road towards campus!

Being silly (again!) at some random store we found at the mall:

Posing in front of the mall:

 

Finally Dinner (@ Unos):

 

 Infamous Bathroom Pic:

5. Keeping up my fitness routine!!! Worked out pretty much every day and feeling stronger after re-incorporating Jillian 30 day shred in to my routine again. I love her and that's my favorite DVD of hers!

6. Getting my hands on Almond Butter!!! Let me just say Almond butter is a "Staple" at my apartment and living without it for almost a month was unheard of! Grabbed two jars during my recent trip to Trader Joes:

7. Finally found a place to live in DC for the summer! After a good amount of headaches in trying to decide where the heck I was going to live for the summer (guys-- I still have to catch up you guys on this one). I am just happy the search is over! Excited!!! Note: If you are a blogger or reader from the Washington, DC area please email me. Would love to meet you!

8. An AMAZING final meeting with my consulting team and the CEO of the company we consulted for this semester. This has to have been the best project I worked on during my entire MBA career. Definitely felt fortunate for the experience from beginning to end:

So, this week's Meme or "saying of the week" is something I created myself. This week I had an "Aha" moment after having a conversation with someone which serious opened my eyes about the infamous saying: never take anything personal. Ladies and gentleman, life experiences have taught me that if there is a list of "top 10 sayings in the world that are absolutely and 100% true" the "never take anything personal" one is on the very top of the list. The experience I went through inspired me to come up with the following:

 

...And that's all folks. Thanks for reading. And remember: ALWAYS look at the bright side of life. Never give up. Keep on reaching for your goals and as hard as it may be to see this sometimes: There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. GOD IS GOOD!

Tell me, whats your favorite quote? do you enjoy road trips? anything exciting hapenning this weekend?

With love,
Mabelle

Fortunate Fridays {Gym and School Edition}

Hey Everyone!!

So I "survived" my first week of "unemployment" and LOVED. IT. Caught up on sleep, went to the gym, and spent a whole lot of time at school and finishing up final projects and presentations. I cant say I loved the latter much but I am happy that school is almost over so god willing this will all be a distant memory in the very near future.

I am not done with final projects until next week and still working on this as I write this so I'll be brief on this one. So, without further 'ado here is what I feel fortunate for this week {including but not limited to}:

1. Catching up on serious sleep and feeling refreshed!

2. More time to prep and enjoy yummy foods:

3. Working out almost every day this week. One of the workouts included my sister :) We went for a quick run mid-day and it was amazing:

4. Getting an A on my consulting project presentation & paper (and I am praying this also means an A in the class ;)...I truly had an amazing team for this project. Couldn't have done it without them. Here are some pics I took pre-presentation:

5. Also, doing great and completing a presentation for my Business Policy course. Now all we have to worry about is finishing the paper.

6. Spontaneous trip to Walmart. Minus the fact that I spent two much money; I am absolutely loving the new rugs I got for my kitchen {Sorry I cant seem to be able to rotate these pics :(}

 

7. Learning everyday to stay in the present (practice makes perfect!)

8. Getting myself flowers :)

9. Having a peaceful heart, a peaceful mind, and looking forward to what's to come!

And this week's favorite quote comes courtesy of "Oprah for Starbucks":

 

"The only courage you ever need is the courage to live the life you want".

-Oprah Winfrey

Thanks for reading :) What are you feeling good about this week?

Fortunate Fridays {Feeling Good Edition}

Hello all!!!

A new Friday is upon us and I have a lot of things to feel fortunate for this week. At first I had to take a moment and think about it but I've found that when we focus our minds on gratitude the amount of things to be thankful/grateful/fortunate for is overflowing!!! Are you currently breathing and alive? That's kind of a big deal!!

Without further 'ado this is my fortunate for list of the week:

1. Today is my last day of work in a career that I did not enjoy. I cant even begin to express how amazing this feels.
2. The amazing opportunities and possibilities ahead
3. Casual talks that turn in to "omg if I hadn't found this out I would be screwed" type of conversations
4. Making it through this week :)

5. My dad whom drove me to queens over the weekend to complete a task for my consulting project (love this man!)

6. The fact that all I'll have to worry about in the upcoming weeks is Myself and school!!! <--- God is good!!!

Any plans for the weekend? For me it feels like most of my final projects are due next week so I'll be spending a lot of time on school work and likely at one of my favorite places. I also want to clean my entire apartment (like, inside out serious cleaning) and my mom offered to help so I'm happy about that :)

Tell me, what was the best thing that happened to you this week?

My absolute favorite quote this week:

Love,

Mabelle

Fortunate Fridays {The Week I did something daring}

This week was full of surprises and I kept calling it my "best week ever YET" in my head.

I am feeling so much better about everything (one day at the time).
I have a feeling a lot of amazing things are in store.

And here is what I am feeling fortunate for this week--

{Including but not limited to}:

1. I FINALLY had the courage to quit my job after 8+ years in the industry and knowing (long ago) that this is not a field I wanted to be in (ahhhh!!!!!!) <--More on this coming up. I have A LOT to say on this one. Long post coming up. 5.21.14

2. My mom returned safe and sound from the Dominican Republic (and brought goodies)

3. The fact that I am learning how to be resilient in life, which is a great trait to have

4. I am currently doing business consulting for a company called "Brooklyn Sesame" and got some freebies during one of the meetings. Not only that but I ran in to the product at my local Whole Foods. #socool

 

 

 

5. Running again and reminding myself how incredibly AMAZING endorphins are :). I think I mentally solved all my problems after a few nice runs at the gym this week. Is incredible how perspective can switch to something positive after a couple of sweaty miles.

6. My sister is my new neighboor! And she came to visit me :) Love, love, love having her so close!

7. Spring break was over this week but the majority of my classes were cancelled! We are now on the last stretch of the semester! And school!

Now is friday afternoon and simply enjoying some yummy berries while wrapping up the work week.

 

 Quote of the week:

Tell me, what are YOU feeling fortunate for this week? Weekend plans?