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June 29, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

A Numbers Game

What do numbers mean to you

Numbers

What are these little things we see everywhere?

Numbers

They create a sense of accomplishment,

A sense of self

A sense of self worth.

Value

Place

Location

Numbers define our lives more than we realize.

Our income

Our debt

Our giving

They define our self

Our weight

Our height

Our clothing size

They define our home

How much

What area

How many rooms

They define our accomplishments

What place

What grade point average

How many followers we have

How many likes we get.

But why do we give numbers so much worth in our lives?

 

Because we learn to from the moment we are born. As a mother, I can remember the first questions I would be asked about my pregnancies. What is your due date? How far along? How many weeks? How long until you know the gender? How many are there? How many will you have? All of these questions require a value, a number.

Then, once you have your child, the first things people want to know about a baby are their height and weight. (Numbers)

Then time and date (numbers)

Then weeks/months/years (numbers)

How many words? (Numbers)

We are measured by numbers from the very beginning. We learn that these numbers hold value. They define who we are. People see us as the skinny or fat baby, the tall or short child, the rich or poor person based on numbers.

 

We try so hard to change these numbers. To make them different. To make them better. Being better or best means having the highest or the lowest number (depending on what you are talking about). Being better or the best means comparing yourself to others. We should always caution ourselves from being too quick to compare ourselves to others. When we do that to our children we can create a world of hurt.

As a mom, I often find myself saying that the first or the second or the third child did x, y, or z at such and such an age. Then, I find myself saying this to another parent when we compare our children. It is like a three ring circus of “well, my child was walking at 10 months old. How about yours?” And “Oh! Well, my child could read at the age of 2.” Followed quickly by an occasional, “Well, my child was playing Mozart at three.” And so on. It really makes me sad to think I have done that about and to my children. I Am trying not to do that anymore. I try to use names and their character to describe them, but sometimes that is hard in a society of numbers.

Motherhood and life are filled with so many numbers. At one point in my own life running seemed like a good idea. How hard could it be, right? So, I signed up for a 5K. I never practiced, never warmed up, and just showed up to run. I came in last place. It took me 47 minutes to run that 5K and it was the most grueling 47 minutes of my life. Those numbers have improved drastically over time with focus, practice, and dedication.

Why did that bother me? Because I let that get to me. I let those numbers give me value. I have learned that those numbers only hold value in that they pushed me to run faster and farther, and to understand that it takes practice to improve my running numbers.

As parents we wanted to choose a sport for our boys that would help them find their values: hard work, dedication, teamwork, good sportsmanship, etc.. The sport we chose for them is all about the numbers : track and field.Aaron Running

Talk about numbers, this sport is about how fast, what place, and how far. We chose it because the one thing I did learn from that race was that I could better myself from that time. Track & Field is a sport that doesn’t compare you to someone else. Well, it doesn’t if you do it right. As coaches and parents we are constantly telling our runners to do THEIR best. Not to worry about the other runner’s best, but to focus on what they can do to beat themselves. We push them in practice to stretch, run, jump and throw better every time. This dedication has lead to personal bests for many of our runners, and even a showing at the Junior Olympics.

The numbers here show our runners that they have grown. That their hard work is paying off. That dedication and focus will lead to great rewards. This lesson is not just for running or jumping or throwing, but it will play out in life.

If they focus on the task at hand, do what they have learned to do and dedicate themselves to it, they will find that they are capable of growing at any task.

Numbers. They mean so much, but also, so little.

Love yourself!A number can never compare to the worth a person feels inside. The sense of accomplishment and wonder someone feels as they rise above a challenge and grow from it. No number can ever replace that feeling.

So I challenge you. Move forward with fewer numbers. Credit yourself for what you can do, and find your non-number worth. What makes you fully you? How do you find your non-number worth? For me, it is how happy my children are, what they believe they can do, the joy in my marriage, and what I know I am capable of. Numbers do not need to define any of that!

be free to love yourself for you

Leave a comment and help others find ways to find their worth as well

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June 21, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

How to Make Videos seamless in Instagram Stories!

How I make Videos for Instagram Stories!

I absolutely love that you can use just about any form of Social media to share your story! You all know I love YouTube
One of my favorite ways to connect on a more personal level is through Instagram story videos. This platform is a short quick glimpse into your daily activities! They disappear after 24 hours, unless you feature them, and are a great way to share Purposeful content, Personality content, and even Promotional content!
Several people have asked me how I do this, and I wanted to share my magic!

Step one – I record a video like the one you see here. I want to post it to Instagram Stories!

 

Step two – I edit if it is necessary using my in phone editor. You can utilize any type of video editor before you upload – I find that unedited videos work best for IG Stories because they are more real.

instagram story cut

Step three – I upload the video into an app called CutStory – CutStory will splice your video for whatever platform you are using it on. Facebook/Instagram/snap chat/whatsap, or you can make custom cuts. you end up with a camera roll that looks like this – wonky face and all!

instagram story videos

 

Step four – The hardest step – Post in stories. You need to carefully select one post at a time, and watch it. That is the only way to be sure you have continuity. Instagram stories are always a little choppy, but- utilizing patience, and adding your own personality will make for a seamless looking IG story that tells your story!

instagram story video clips

Whether you are selling something, sharing a fun event, or an interesting part of your day – this is a great way to make your videos stand out! AND you can enjoy the moment by recording a video, and editing and posting it at your leisure!

What would you use Instagram story videos for?

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April 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

YouTube for Business – a beginners guide!

Do you want to explore the world of YouTube?

It has been something I was afraid of – but, I took the plunge, and I am so excited to be seeing how much fun YouTube is, and what a purposeful tool it is! I wanted to write this to help others who want to broaden their YouTube knowledge – and their reach by joining this channel!

 

YouTube business

First of all – the tools you will need.
I currently use
– My iPhone
– A tripod
– a ring light
– a neutral wall
– and the iMovie editing application

YouTube business

I start with an Idea. What do I think will add value to someone else and their day. Then I decide my level of knowledge in this area. I ask myself, can I answer this on my own, or do I need to add a resource?
Once this decision is made – I do my hair and makeup, get dressed in something professional , and get ready to record. YouTube is a public platform, and I therefore want to be sure to put my best me out there!

Then – I record – I take 10-15 minutes of video of me talking about or showing whatever I am trying to relate to my audience! If I misspeak – or want to not include something – I take a long pause, that way editing is easy. I even use the words – edit that – so that when I am editing I will remember my intention. I think one long video clip is way easier to edit than many short clips – but – whatever works for you is going to work for you!

After recording – I have a snack – and then comes the fun part – editing!
iMovie is super easy to use – and makes video editing seem super easy as well – here is a quick video with visual steps – not sure about sound – But – you can see my video edits, and the process here!

Once you are happy with your video – just save it in the largest file size you can. This is where I find having a home “Cloud” storage space is vital – it doesn’t have to live on my phone! here is an example of a YouTube video that I edited and added to my feed!

Then I upload to YouTube, and add descriptions that include links to my final destination for that video whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or my Blog!

And no worries – If a week from now, you don’t love what you shared – make it private – tweak it until you do love it, and then re-share it!

What will your first project be?!

I cannot wait to see it!

See my YouTube Videos here!

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April 16, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

YouTube for Styling Tips – Here are my latest!

Do you use YouTube for styling tips? While I love my trips down the Pinterest rabbit hole – I am not always able to pull apart the how to. I love YouTube, and the ability to watch a video, pause it, and follow the steps!
I spent some time creating a few YouTube videos about some new styling tips that I love!

YouTube styling tips

This first video is me using a Lindsay Kimono and a skirt to create a wrap top! This look is super easy and versatile! What ways would you use this style in your wardrobe? I love that it can stand alone or be a part of a Capsule wardrobe. I am very cautious about not sharing styling tips I wouldn’t wear myself, and I am in love with this look!

This second video is One of my favorite ways to pack for a vacation! I use a capsule when I am going for one/two nights, and need to minimize my packing.You can use any three/four pieces you own that can work in this way! This is how people travel with just a carry on! I add sneakers, heels, boots, a bathing suit, jeans or shorts, a tank top, jewelry, toiletries, Headphones, chargers, and a good book! Super easy to Pack and go!

If you enjoy my videos, please subscribe to my YouTube channel to be sure you see them all!

Want to know what I use to make my YouTube videos? Read this article here!

I so enjoy sharing styling tips, and fashion ideas with you! If you love my tips, please reach out and let me know what tips you want to see more of!

What other types of styling tips would you want to see on my YouTube Channel?
Clothing Storage?
Caring for your Clothing?
Dress Sizing?
Travel tips?
Health and wellness tips?
Running advice?
I am willing to talk about any and all of these tips!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out these styling tips!

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March 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Social Media Coaching Saved my Business

Social Media Coaching – Let’s be honest for a second. Social Media is an ever evolving creature. The number of people who utilize social media on a daily basis has skyrocketed. People use it for news, weather, sports, to share pictures with loved ones, share recipes, and to run their small businesses. They even turn to it for coaching, life, business, personal – you can find it all.
Because of the nature of social media, and the fact that it has not been around forever, I found it helpful to reach out to others and discover how best to run my business.

At a training event for LuLaRoe in Boston, in November of 2016, just two months into my business, I was introduced to the Socialite Suite, and in turn, it’s founder Brenda Ster. Brenda teaches a principal of social media known as Attraction Marketing – drawing people to you by being authentic, and personable.  She does not endorse adding all your friends, Using your personal page for business, or constantly talking about your business.

Sassy Suite Premium Coaching Community - Elite Suite

Instead -she teaches leading with value, being genuine to yourself, and having your online presence represent your best you! She teaches you how to draw others to you, instead of chasing them down. They are teachings I wish I had at the beginning of my Direct Sales Business.  I wish I had followed her sooner. BUT wishes only get you so far!
I do follow her, and I do learn from her. She helped me build this blog, she helped me overcome some mindset issues, and I have an amazing group of friends who all believe that Direct sales should not be all about sales, but about providing value to the people we sell our goods to.

I believe in what I have learned so much, that I joined her premium coaching group, and eventually became a private social media coaching client.   Others see what I do on social media, and they ask me for tips. When I started my LuLaRoe journey, I did not understand what I was doing, or how to do it. Now, I hope that when others start their journey – no matter what product/company they join, that they will use these methods.  The opportunity to lean on those who have been through it is invaluable. I love to learn how others succeed in their business! Want to chat about what I have learned, and why I am loyal to Brenda and her team? Social Media Coaching shoaled be researched – Reach out and ask – I am more than happy to have a conversation about it!

Doing what you like is Freedom, Loving what you do is Happiness!

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January 25, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Stuffed Chicken – Pinterest day 3!

Stuffed Chicken for the win!

Well, we are well on our way to culinary genius here – Or maybe I am just swimming in yummy Pinterest inspired foods!
Recipe one and two were amazing, and I decided to go for recipe three!!

On the plate today was a Stuffed Chicken breast.
The prep time for this meal was really short.

I started with a pan, and the olive oil.


I added the crushed Garlic, and heated for about a minute.


then I tossed in the Spinach and heated through until the spinach was wilted.

I removed that from the heat, set the oven to 425F

black and white becasue who wants to see raw chicken naked?

Next I butterflied the chicken breast

I used Mozzarella because we love Mozzarella then placed the spinach on top.


I used olive oil on the bottom of the pan, placed the folded closed chicken breast in the casserole dish


sprinkled with Paprika


and baked for 30 minutes


we tested the temperature – who wants food poisoning? No-one!

I paired the stuffed breast with baby Arugula
We almost couldn’t eat it all! So delicious!!!

The original recipe can be found here!
And the only adjustment we made was type of cheese!
Let me know what you think If you try it!

In Conclusion

Just Pinning a recipe is fine for inspiration, but I am so glad I got inspired, ran to the store and made these delicious meals!

Let me know if you re inspired to make your own Pinterest inspired week.

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January 24, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Zucchini Au Gratin!! Pinterest day 2!

My Pinterest recipe journey continues!
Day one we loved the squash and lobster dish so much, we decided to dive into the next recipe!
This recipe is a Zucchini Au Gratin – and it was super delicious.

The recipe called for 3 Zucchini, but I know my family, so we double the recipe from the start!
First I sliced the squash using my mandolin –

Then I tossed it with the salt, placed it in my colander over the sink, and waited…

While waiting I prepped the steak tips…I marinate them in a bag with Olive oil, Salt, pepper, garlic and Worcestershire sauce.That sits in the fridge for about an hour to set.

Then I prepped the cheese sauce!
I couldn’t find the pre-shredded Gruyere, so I grabbed a block of it and shredded it myself

Here is where I made an almost fatal error!
The shredded cheese was for the top of the casserole – But I melted it in by accident because I was so excited to be using such awesome cheese!

Stir stir stir!

Pepper added to the Zucchini before the pour

Pour the sauce over the whole dish.

I then added the cheese on top that wasn’t mistakenly put in the sauce!

Baked at 400 for 30 minutes, and it was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!

A few things – The original recipe claims prep time is 10 minutes – I disagree…But I did also shred my own cheese. Slicing the Zucchini alone took some time. Other than that – I loved this recipe and I will be making it again!!!
Here is the original recipe!
Let me know if you try it and what you think!!

See you tomorrow for the next recipe!!!

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January 23, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Lobster & Squash for dinner!

I found this amazing Lobster and squash recipe on Pinterest, and I had to try it!
I ran off to the grocery store and grabbed the ingredients.

I knew I did not have time to cook a lobster – nor do I like to cook a lobster. I strolled up to the seafood counter and asked the gentleman if they can cook lobster for me – and they do! YES! Ingredients purchased – time to head home and cook!
Problem number one – The grocery store was out of spaghetti squash! so, I improvised and used squash noodles – zucchini, summer squash and butternut squash noodles! I baked them in the oven for just a few minutes – I wanted them to be warm when I added them to the butter!
Next I chopped the garlic, sage, and basil, and sprinkled the sea salt in. I started to melt the butter! This recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup of butter, I used that much, but, you could cut it back if butter is a problem for you.
Then I added the chopped ingredients into the butter. I let them sit on low for a few minutes.


This part was hard because it smells so good and you just want to eat – even the lobster was ready to dive in…

I put the squash in the butter and used tongs to make sure it was all coated in the herb butter. After about 2 minutes, I added the lobster, and then let it all swim around for a few minutes.

I picked out my big bowl, and portioned it in half – half for me, half for Steve, and I sat down and loved every last bite of it! I will absolutely make this again, and may find other variations to make for my non seafood eating children!

Here is the original Pin that I found –
and here is the recipe with my food adaptations – You decide which way you love it! Let me know if you try this recipe and what change about it!
~~~~~~~~~~

Lobster & Squash Noodle

Ingredients

  1. Squash Noodles – Zucchini, Summer, butternut
  2. 3/4 cup salted butter
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 2 tablespoons sage, chopped
  5. 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
  6. 2 pinches sea salt
  7. 2 cups lump lobster meat (I used one lobster)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Place squash noodles on baking pan.
  3. Place in oven and bake for aprox 15 minutes.
  4. Once the squash is done cooking, place the butter into a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Wait for it to melt then add the garlic, herbs, and sea salt.
  6. Once the butter sauce becomes fragrant add the squash noodles to the skillet.
  7. Toss to coat the squash.
  8. Finally, add lobster and toss everything to heat through, about 1 – 2 minutes.
  9. Then, remove immediately from heat so you don’t overcook the lobster.
  10. Place in the individual dishes and sprinkle with additional chopped herbs!
  11. Last but not least – DEVOUR!

 

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January 23, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

To Pinterest or not to Pinterest?

We have most likely all found Pinterest.

My mom uses Pinterest, My dad uses it, My husband is using it to finish our basement. I use it – for many purposes, but I often pin with no intention of actually using those pins. In the words of a friend – Pinterest is an Online Life – One we usually wish we had. Workouts we won’t do, outfits we won’t wear, drinks we won’t make, crafts that are too messy, and food we won’t cook. Reality is – we want to, but we won’t.
After hearing this, I decided to take action. I looked at my Pinterest boards, and found one workout that I thought I could do daily, and several recipes that I wanted to try.

I decided to Use my Pins to actually make some changes!

First – I decided to do a plank Challenge for my workouts – since Steve and I are cruising soon, I am very conscious of my waistline.   I am about 10 days in, and I am seeing and feeling some results. Let’s see where I land on Port day! I am also going to the Gym Daily and doing about 50 minutes of Cardio, combined with healthier eating – I am not down pounds yet, but inches are melting off! Yay for small successes!

Now for recipes

I found several Low carb recipes, and some even looked appetizing! I looked at our week, and I decided that with a low impact week, we were going to try these out. (Be on the lookout for how these went over the next few days!) Here are the recipes that I am in love with for this week.

Monday: – Spaghetti Squash and herb butter lobster!
Tuesday – Steak tips with Zucchini AuGratin
Wednesday – Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken breast and Arugula salad

I will be back daily to update you on each recipe, and, what I would do differently!
Want to see the recipes I Pinned on Pinterest?
Follow me and my boards!
And be sure to check back here for how these recipes turned out!

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January 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Self-ish or self care? You decide!

do it 2018Self care starts with realizing your worth.

In today’s society where we have everything at our fingertips we often feel a sense of needing to accomplish it all at once. Self care can often take a back seat to our lives. Sometimes we push ourselves to the bottom of the list.

We don’t drink enough water.

We skip the gym.

We eat fast food.

We don’t make the phone call.

We skip doctors appointments.

We ignore a symptom.

We don’t read the book.

Why do we do these things? Because we live in a world of right now, most important, have to be done tasks. We live in a place where we literally are never out of touch. There is nowhere to hide. Our phones are our portable offices, and we spend a lot of time feeling guilty about where we spend our time.

Stopping to take care of ourselves can be seen as selfish. Time at the gym while your husband/wife makes dinner, spending time on a hobby instead of answering an email, a night out with friends while your children stay with the in-laws. These things are hard to balance, and hard to explain to ourselves when the world around us says, be ready, get your work done, be available, everything is an emergency.

You know what- I want to change that name- it isn’t selfish, it is self worth.

We don’t drink enough water.    Your body needs water to function

We skip the gym. You body needs physical movement to keep working.

We eat fast food. Food is fuel. We shouldn’t deprive our bodies or feed it junk

We don’t make the phone call. Our relationships keep our emotional health happy.

We skip doctors appointments.  Regular visits with the doctor help us to be on top of our health

We ignore a symptom. Symptoms are a signal – we need to follow through.

We don’t read the book.  Books help us explore our world, our self, or escape reality for a moment of time.

The reality is that the guilt we feel when taking the time to do things for ourselves is placed there by how we think others feel about us. About or decisions, as parents, business people, athletes, lovers, women/men, daughters /sons,

Why do we care so much? The world we live in is a world that values our Social Media standing over our self worth standing. We need to take back self care – Go to the gym, read the book, go on the date, call your friends, listen to the symptoms, get your check ups, and even spoil yourself with a massage, your nails, your hair, whatever makes you feel better about you! Self care is so not selfish, and it is necessary for you to grow.

….

I challenge you to pick one piece of self care that you wish you had in your life right now, and then Set goals to make it a reality. Feel free to comment here to dd some accountability!

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Hello!

Welcome! I am so excited to share all things life with you! Recipes, fashion, workouts, relaxation, packing lists - you name it - I love it! I am a mom to three teenage boys, and a wife to my best friend. I coach youth track and field, and teach preschool. Life is always busy, and always fun here! Join in and share the fun!
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