What is Christmas Really About?

Photo By: Andy Noren

Well as many of you know already, Christmas is right around the corner and everyone is consumed with the newest gizmos and gadgets....

Instead of having a Black Friday we have a Black Thursday, and in some cases even Black Wednesday...Hell, most stores were already airing Christmas shopping commercials back in October.

So what has Christmas become???

It seems to me that Christmas is no longer about spending time with your family or even the celebration of Christ's birthday, but rather more a holiday for consumerism!

People are simply more concerned with things! I'm not going to lie, I love to shop as much as the next girl! Maybe even a little too much at times! However, I find it troublesome that people are going as far as even going to shop for Christmas gifts the day of Thanksgiving! What's even worse is that many of the big retail giants are promoting these "Black Thursday" sales shamelessly!

Lest we not forget about the numerous employees who work at these retail stores! These people are losing precious time with their families just so the  public can get their so called "Christmas" fix!

It's a sad day and age when materials become more important than people! After all you can't take any of it with you when you die...

Some food for thought folks....these are worldly possessions and when our lives are over the only thing we can take with us are the good deeds we did in life or the lack of!

So please value your family...spend as much time as you can with them and cherish them!

One of the best quotes that illustrates the idea that Christmas is about more than the materials we receive, is none other than the following:

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!


Signing Off,

Have a Great Christmas with Your Family!

Rachel Myrie

A Child is a Gift...Down Syndrome or not!

Photo by: Rich Johnson

Down Syndrome...We all know this term all too well. We have all at one point seen countless children and adults who have this condition.

I'm sure many of you have even seen these people being treated like they are less than human. Seen people laugh, point, or mock them in public.

But perhaps the most disturbing thing I've been hearing about lately, is the option for a couple to terminate a pregnancy if the child is found to have this condition. Not only do I find this deeply disturbing but it is basically telling people that if your child has Down Syndrome it is acceptable to terminate them because they are considered "less than desirable."

Now some of you might say, "Why do you care?"

And my answer would be: "I am a mother and I couldn't fathom terminating my child no matter the condition."

I am currently five months pregnant and my husband and I are anxiously anticipating our ultrasound this week. After all, we will finally get to know the sex of our child!

We had been wanting another child for a while now...so when our prayers were answered you could imagine how excited we were! Not only for ourselves but for our oldest son Hunter! He was going to be a big brother!

And then it happened....the doctors started asking if I wanted to do any screenings for any
 conditions the baby might have.

I started to think about my unborn child and the possibility that he/she could have Down Syndrome. Would I keep this child? If so, would I treat this child any differently???

My answer to these questions was simple...I knew what I would do...and that was nothing short of what any mother would do. I would carry this child to full term and give he/she a chance to live a good productive life. I wouldn't treat this child any different than my oldest and I wouldn't treat this child like it wasn't human.

As a mother I don't know how any woman could willing kill her own unborn child. I say "Kill" because that is what you are doing. You  are saying your child is expendable and not worthy of life because it has what society deems as unworthy qualities.

The truth is a child is a gift...every child should be given a right to life. Every child is precious and if you can't see it that way, then you shouldn't be allowed to reproduce.

So if any of you expectant mothers find that you are having a child with Down Syndrome, please don't terminate that child. Choose to give that child a chance at life. Choose to let them grow and experience the simple wonders and joys of life. Let them become someone and most importantly let them make an impact on this world!

Love doesn't count chromosomes!

Signing off,

Excited to Find out the Sex of our Baby!

Rachel Myrie

Marriage: For Better Or Worse

Photo By: scribbletaylor

Marriage...the mere word can strike fear into the hearts of many. But why? It's something that's supposed to be sacred, beautiful, and a natural progression of life. So why is it often avoided?

Well folks,
the answer might surprise you...but from my experience the idea of marriage was a no go for me for one major factor...the example of marriage that was set before me.

The idea of marriage I knew was dysfunctional. It was made up of violent fights, verbal abuse, controlling behavior, and distain. I viewed it as something that would hold me back and possibly make me miserable. As an end result I became very cynical about men and love in general.

However, I ended up meeting a man that changed my perspective quite drastically. I learned that marriage or even partnership was teamwork. Instead of tearing each other down we were supposed to build each other up. My problems weren't just mine anymore they were ours.

When we would have disagreements, (in marriage you will have plenty) instead of yelling obscenities at each other,  we would sit down and discuss all areas of the problem. It was amazing how much could be solved without hurling insults at each other.

I learned that my role as a wife, didn't mean that once I married my husband I lost all freedom...in fact I gained his trust and support. He still continues to support my dreams and job decisions that I make today.

My husband didn't complete me...he simply complimented my strengths. As an end result I learned that you shouldn't try to find someone to complete you because you have to be complete all on your own. You have to love yourself before you love another.

Life is quite a journey, and when you marry someone you love they are your friend/partner that you share the journey with!

Marriage is a beautiful gift...don't let a bad example stop you from receiving a life of happiness with a special someone. Make your own rules and treat you partner/spouse the way you would want to be treated. Remember respect is something you earn...it is not given! Shower your spouse with love, understanding, and respect and you will have a very successful marriage!

Signing Off

Married and Happy

Rachel Myrie

Top 3 Trendy Haircolors for Fall 2014!

Are you tired of your hair color? Want something more spicy and hott? Well, guess what? It's fall and time to change up those locks!

If you are anything like me I love to change up my hair constantly! I'm never satisfied with one look for long. Not only do I love to color my hair but I love to experiment with different cuts and lengths!

But if you aren't feeling that adventurous a good color change will do!

So here are Fall's top 3 hair colors for 2014!!!

1. Red
This color has hit an all time high in popularity this year! Red hair can come in many different shades ranging from rose red to a deep plum red. Since you have such a wide variety of reds to choose from almost anyone can rock this look! And if you are anything like me...(very pale) red will work wonders for your skin tone! So pick a shade and have fun!


Photo by Eric

2. Golden brown

 Photo byVanessa Chettleburgh



 

Well there's good news for us ladies that have brown hair naturally and don't want to change our hair dramatically! Lately there's been a rise in brown hair with a subtle hair color change and that is simply the caramel or golden highlight! A color technique so simple but so popular! So if you already have brown hair all you have to do is have highlights put in...these can range from golden blonde to caramel highlights!


3. Golden Blonde
I personally love blonde hair and am pleased to report its back on the rise! However, I'm more of a Platinum fan...and Platinum simply isn't in anymore. But guess what??? Golden blonde seems to be the go to choice when changing your locks! The good thing about golden blonde is that can compliment almost any skin tone and is just the right amount of blonde! But remember anytime you go blonde, it requires a lot of upkeep and deep conditioning so be ready for constant hair care! Happy Blonding!


Photo by Matthew Kirkland

 So there it is folks!!!
The top 3 colors for this year! Of course you should color your hair whatever color makes you happy, but if you want to be trendy these are the colors to consider! So have fun changing your locks and remember to have a stylist do your hair! So much can go wrong if you attempt to do these colors at home!

Happy coloring!

Signing Off

Rachel Myrie



He's Just Not Into You

Have you ever met a guy and wondered where your relationship was going? Did you start dating and found that your relationship tapered? Or are you in a relationship that just seems to be going nowhere?

Photo by Jong Soo(Peter) Lee

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may have a guy who just isn't into you...

This almost always seems to be the case and sadly many women waste months or even years on a man who will never commit...

So if you want to avoid being in a "dead" relationship here are some signs that you should vacate your current relationship...

1. He's always too busy to spend time with you...This happens all too often. The guy you are seeing is always turning you down when you want to spend time together. More often then not you will only get to spend time with your partner on his terms...Basically when he wants sex! If this is your relationship...VACATE!

2. He is not affectionate with you in public...This is another tell-tale sign that your partner is simply using you to fill the void until something better comes along. Many times partners will be extra careful not to show affection in public while they scam on other potential mates. If your guy does this you really need to rethink your relationship.

3. Ignores your calls and text messages....If your guy flat out ignores your call and text messages this can be very distressful. Not only is he telling you that he doesn't think you are important enough to acknowledge but he also telling you that he is doing something that is far more interesting then you...Run the other way if your partner does this...it is often the sign of a cheating heart.

4. Doesn't consider what your feelings/wants/needs....This is often a no brainer for some but for others it is not quite so obvious. If your partner doesn't care about what you want in the relationship then you are dealing with a self centered and selfish person. These are the types of people that will discard you at the last moment. Besides who wants to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't give a damn about you?

So if your guy shows any of these signs, realize that he's just not that into you!

Signing Off

A Married Woman With An Amazing Husband

Rachel Myrie

How to Stay Fit During Pregnancy

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine

I remember the first time I was pregnant...I was under the impression that I was not able to exercise for fear of hurting my unborn child but that I also had to eat for two! Well, ladies both these notions couldn't be more incorrect!

What ends up happening is you gain an unnecessary amount of weight and its harder to get back into shape not to mention you can develop conditions(Gestational diabetes) which can cause more harm then good.

So since I am now pregnant with my second child(Three months!)I have been living a much healthier life and thus had a healthier pregnancy!

So ladies if you want to stay fit during pregnancy here are some tips:

1. Eat for Yourself! Remember you only have to eat enough calories for you in the first four months! Eating for two is the wrong way to go about your pregnancy. From  5 months on you only need an additional 300 calories! So don't binge eat( Like I did lol)

2. Run from the sweets! If you have a craving go for something that is protein packed! Remember you want to eat to nourish your baby. So only eat things that will help your baby grow! That doesn't include Snickers!

3. Exercise! I can't stress this enough...Obviously you don't want to overdue it but do at least an hour a day of cardio...it will help I promise!!!

4. Drink Lots of Water! This will help flush your body of toxins and help your baby so much. It will also help give you great skin and reduce the occurrence of stretch marks! So drink up!

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing so there's no reason to be miserable. Exercise and good eating can make this a great experience. Plus your baby will thank you!

Signing Off

Happy and Pregnant

Rachel Myrie

How to Get that Six-Pack!

Photo Credit: Michael Taggart

When it comes to getting a six-pack it often seems impossible! How come it only seems like a select bunch of people sport these bad boys??? Is it because these people have more discipline? Do they follow an extreme diet and workout regime? Well, the answer is yes! But the good news is you can achieve a six-pack too!

So here's how...

1. Burn Fat
Most people are under the impression that if they do sit-ups and crunches they will get those elusive stomach muscle. But the truth is you have to cut your fat first! Why? You c an do crunches all day long but if you have layers of fat over the muscle you won't get the definition. So to solve this problem you have to get serious about cardio! This is what burns fat...2 Hours of cardio a day will greatly reduce fat! Once you burn fat then you can concentrate on crunches!

2. Reduce Calorie Intake Dramatically
I always thought this was common sense but a lot of people really do believe they can eat whatever they want and lose weight as long as they exercise. You can't have a shitty diet and expect to get results! So first you have to dramatically reduce your calorie intake to around 800-1000 if you want to see results. When trying to burn fat you have to burn more calories than you are consuming!

3. Change Your Diet
Another important detail is what your diet is made up of. You can reduce your calories but if you are eating junk food you will not have good results. So stock up on lean proteins such as baked chicken and fish. Learn to like vegetables because these guys are good for losing weight. Most of them will burn more calories than they contain which is a plus! And lastly fruit! These guys contain antioxidants and vitamins galore! So eat up!

4. Be Persistent
So many people start off strong and fizzle weeks into their new regime! To be honest if you want a six pack it takes effort, persistence, and dedication. It will not  happen overnight! So my advice to you is to stick to it. It's ok to have a cheat day we are all human and not perfect! So if you have to pick a day to cheat a little....that way you won't end up bingeing later on!

The steps are pretty simple my fellow workout friends! I understand life happens and sometimes we just want that brownie! That's ok once in a while, so don't beat yourself up too much!

Good luck and keep trucking along...

Signing Off

Tired and Sore

Rachel Myrie

How to make Bacon Cheese Hamburger Rotini

Photo Credit: Michael May

Are you tired of having the same old pasta meal every weekend? Are you looking for a new meal idea for your family but don't want to break the bank? Well, I've got the perfect meal for you! It's super easy and the ingredients are things that you more than likely already have in your fridge!

So friends here it is....Bacon Cheese Hamburger Rotini!

Here's what you'll need:

1 lbs. of Rotini noodles                                       
1 lbs. of Hamburger
1 package of Bacon
2 jars of cheese sauce( I used Double Cheddar Ragu) can be Prego or any other variety
1 lbs. of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Like I said this is super easy so you can't mess it up!

1. You will put your entire pound of hamburger in a skillet set on med to high heat. Then you will cover it. Stir every 5 minutes.


2. Then you will put a pot of water on the stove, set to high heat. Once it starts boiling you will put your pound of Rotini noodles in and cook for 7-9 minutes.

3. Then you will take out your pack of bacon and cut into medium pieces. Once you have cut all the bacon up you will put it in with the hamburger. Cover and drain when needed.

4. Keep cooking until meat is slightly browned and is no longer pink inside. Drain the grease one final time. Remove from heat.

5. Next you will drain the rotini and put it back into the empty pot.
6. Then you will take the two jars of cheese sauce and combine with noodles. Once it is mixed completely you will put the 1lb bag of Sharp Cheddar Cheese in.

7. Stir and cook over a low to medium heat.

8. Now you will get a plate out and put a serving of the cheese noodles on it. Then you will top it with a serving of hamburger and bacon. You can mix or leave as is!

There you have it my fellow cooks! A simple tasty meal your family will love!

Signing Off

Creating and Cooking

Rachel Myrie

Working Moms Vs. Stay At Home Moms (Which is Better?)

It's a question that's always asked...Are working moms better than stay at home moms? Do the children of working moms go without love and attention? Do the children of stay at home moms end up coddled and spoiled?

It's a decision that almost all moms have to make. So which is better?

Well here are the pros and cons of each....

Working Moms

Pros:
 - Being able to financially support your family
 - More free time to yourself
 - Independence

Cons:
 -Time spent with your children is limited.
 - Often your children will be left in someone else's care.
 - Your children may act out in hopes of getting your attention
 - Children are left to their own devices

Stay At Home Moms

Pros:
 -Able to spend lots of time raising your children
 -Not having to pay for nanny/daycare expenses
 -Being present for your child's milestones
 -Able to maintain your household

Cons:
 -Having to rely on a second source for income
 -Not having a lot of free time
 -More stress is placed on you

When people ask me which is better I always tell them that neither one is better than the other. I say this, because I have had the pleasure of being both a working mom and a stay at home mom and I have found that both have difficulties. I really do believe that as mothers and wives we have to do what is best for our families.

A hard truth is that the majority of the population has to return to work after birth due to financial issues and that choice is what benefits their family. Now if you are fortunate enough to afford to be a stay at home mom, then by all means do that... No matter what your decision is I strongly feel that a woman shouldn't be shamed for it. It is your choice and yours only...

Keep your head up and keep taking care of your family! :)

Signing Off

Loving My Family

Rachel Myrie

How to Make Butter Roasted Potatoes (sausage optional)

It's that time of year when summer is sadly coming to a close and fall is fast approaching! Not only do the seasons change dramatically but so do our eating habits. Instead of eating light and healthy meals we make a switch to fattening and heavy foods. So it's no surprise that this week's dish is going to be Butter Roasted Potatoes with the option of sausage.

The good news is that this meal is so easy to make anyone can do it. It doesn't take any extra skill or time really...

So here's what you will need:

1 5lbs. bag of potatoes
3 sticks of butter
A long pan
2 packs of sausage(Optional)

1. First you will preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Then you will peel all of your potatoes and cut them into four sections.

3. Next you will rinse the potatoes and put them into the long pan.

4. After you do this, you need to add three sticks of butter to the pan and potatoes.

5. Now you will put the pan in the oven and cook for 2 hours. Every 15 minutes you should check on the food and stir the contents.

Now if you decide to add sausage, you will have to cut the meat up and put in a separate dish. You will add the sausage to the pan after 2 hours. This is because the potatoes will take twice as long to cook and the meat will burn if put in all together.

6. After the potatoes have been in the oven for 2 and a half hours you will promptly remove them.

There it is folks...a basic butter roasted potato meal. Remember you can add salt or pepper for extra flavor.

So simple a child could do it!

Signing Off

Happy and Full

Rachel Myrie

How to get that Bubble Butt!

Do you have a flat butt or even worse one that is non-existent? Have you often dreamed of having a big round ass but believed it was impossible for you?

Well guess what? It's not impossible....it's actually achievable! All it's going to take from you is the ability to commit to working out and eating right!

So if you want that "Bubble Butt" here's how you can achieve it!

1. Commit to achieving your butt! Pretty obvious I know...but you would be amazed how many people will give up on a goal in a matter of weeks! I'm going to be honest with you, achieving a butt is going to take time! It's going to take continuous training for months... not weeks! So stay positive and remember you have to put the time in to get results!

2. Adjust your diet! In order to achieve muscle gain you have to add a lot of protein to your diet! Protein helps build muscle and gives you tons of energy for the day. You will also need to reduce your calorie intake. I would suggest setting your intake to a 900-1000 calorie restriction. This will help minimize weight gain(fat).

3. Exercise to build up those butt muscles! You can't just wish for a butt you have to exercise for it! In order to increase you size you need to concentrate on workouts that specifically target your Glutes!
Exercises to try are Butt Bridges, Squats, Lunges, and Kick Backs. In order to really increase fullness, weight training is the way to go. When doing  any of these exercises you can add ankle weights or actual weights. Whenever I do squats or lunges, I add 20 pound weights! I have seen a significant increase in my results! That's coming from a girl who had no ass!

In closing, I want to tell all of you who may be struggling with getting that booty, that it is possible! It can be done and I am a prime example of this! If I can do it so can you. It just takes some time, dedication, and perseverance!

Signing Off

Working to Maintain My Booty,

Rachel Myrie

Fat Loss: Cardio Vs. HIIT

I'm sure many of you have tried numerous diets and workout routines... but have they been successful? Have you spent hours doing cardio only to see little results? Have you considered trying HIIT but then decided not to, due to the high intensity?

This article is going to explore which method will help you lose weight the quickest!

Cardio Vs. HIIT( High-Intensity Interval Training)

Cardio is the most used method for weight loss. This is because anyone can do it. No weights are required and it is mindless low intensity activity. When you do cardio your body burns calories while it is active. Calories will not be burned after you stop running on the treadmill, this is because there is very little Exercise Post Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). 

So the con of cardio is that you only burn calories while you are exercising. This leaves a lot of room for diet mess ups!

The pro of cardio is that it is very low impact. This means that you can go for hours everyday and not get worn out. You control how much you burn!

HIIT is way more effective than cardio when it comes to burning fat! When you do HIIT your body and your metabolism function at a higher rate of calories for hours afterwards. Thus, meaning you can burn calories while you are sitting on your ass reading a book! Sounds pretty good, huh?

This is possible because this type of workout forces your heart to adjust to changing conditions. This includes: sprinting, jumping, jogging, going up hills and more!

The only problem is that your body can only handle so much of this! Most people can only complete 30 to 40 minutes of this kind of training. This is perhaps why most people opt for cardio!

In conclusion, HIIT is the best method for losing body fat quick! Its high intensity and you will continue to burn calories long after your workout is over. However, if you don't want to do this type of workout all the time, you can incorporate cardio as well.

As with anything, it doesn't matter how much you exercise. If your diet is shit you won't accomplish any weight loss. You can't have a bad diet and expect to see results! So remember, to eat clean! This is the key to success!

Signing Off,

Rachel Myrie

How to Make an Easy Beef Stroganoff

If you are looking for a quick and delicious meal to make for your family, then Beef Stroganoff is perfect for you! Not only is it easy to prepare but it is quite tasty as well!

So for this meal you will need:

1 lb. of hamburger
1 bag of no yolk egg noodles
1 lb. of mozzarella/Provolone cheese mix
1 8 oz. container of sour cream
2 jars of canned mushrooms
4 packs of gravy
2 cups of milk
4 cups of water
1 container of mashed potatoes(or your own homemade potatoes)

Now that you have the ingredients here are the steps to an awesome meal!

1. First you want to get a pot filled with water boiling. Once it is boiling you will put the no yolk egg noodles in the water. Let boil for 6-8 minutes.

2. Next you will put hamburger in a skillet and let it cook. (You can put a lid on it to speed up cooking)

3. You will get another pot out and put the pound of Mozzarella/Provolone cheese in it. Then you will put 2 cups of milk in the pot. Cook until the cheese starts melting. Then add the 8 oz of sour cream. Cook until completely blended. Then remove from heat.

4. Next you will get another pot out and dump the 4 packs of gravy mixes into it. Then you will add 4 cups of water to it. Continue to stir with a whisk while heating to a boil. Then remove from heat to let it stand.

5. Now you will drain the water from the noodles. Leave them in the strainer. Run cold water over them to stop the cooking process.

6. Next you will drain the grease from the hamburger meat and put the two cans of mushrooms into the hamburger. Continue to cook until the mushrooms are slightly browned.

7. Next you will get the mashed potatoes out(if you want to save time you can get Bob Evan's pre-made mashed potatoes...simply put in pot add a little milk and butter and heat until hot) and put them on a plate.

8. Then you will take the gravy you prepared earlier and mix it in with the no yolk noodles in a separate bowl.

9. Then you will put the gravy covered noodles over the mashed potatoes on the plate.

10. Now take the  hamburger and mushrooms and mix them into the cheese sauce you created earlier.

11. Lastly you will take the new cheese sauce you have made and pour it over the gravy noodles and mashed potatoes.

There you go! You have successfully made an Easy Beef Stroganoff!

Bon Appetit!

Signing Off,

Full and Content

Rachel Myrie

How to Boost Your Metabolism!

Have you ever wondered how you could boost your metabolism? Most of us know that doing cardio is a great way to temporarily increase our metabolic rate, but did you know you can get a boost other ways?

Believe it or not you can actually get a boost just by consuming different foods! Certain foods or drinks have different properties that can aid in weight loss!

So here are some ways to kick start your weight loss!

1. Black Coffee
Coffee is not just a morning beverage but rather a metabolic booster! This is because coffee contains caffeine, which helps mobilize fat from fat tissues! It also contains Chlorogenic Acid which helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates! So keep on drinking that coffee!

2.Ice Cold Water
Drinking a lot of water is great for your health and an important part in weight loss! However, if you really want to give yourself a boost you should consume Ice cold water! This boosts your metabolism because your body has to work harder to heat the water to your core temperature. So in turn you are burning additional calories just by consuming cold water! Drink Up!

3. Consume Raw Vegetables

Raw Vegetables have amazing effects on your metabolism! Some examples are spinach, tomatoes, and celery. These are all natural boosters! Most of these examples are negative calorie foods...meaning it takes more energy to digest then what it contains! Other vegetables are high in fiber which requires more effort to digest as well! So you might want to start liking those leafy greens!

4. Protein
One of the most effective ways of increasing your metabolism is through the consumption of high levels of protein. Protein actually makes your body use more calories in digestion than carbohydrates! It also builds muscle which will aid in a major boost down the line!


These are just some basic ways to boost your metabolism. When these methods are used with exercise, you will begin to see significant weight loss!

Not only can these changes be beneficial to your weight loss goals they can eventually lead to a lifestyle change! Remember going on a diet can help you lose weight temporarily but in order to be successful long term it has to be a way of life!




Signing Off

Boosting My Metabolism As I Write

Rachel Myrie

How to Lose 5 Pounds In a Week!

Losing weight can be a difficult task for most of us! Some of us love to eat way more than we should and others simply don't believe in exercising. Whatever, your problem is I assure you I can help! After I had my son I went on a fitness quest! I tried many different methods and achieved significant weight loss using these five tips!

So if you are interested in losing 5 pounds in a week...Listen Up!

1. Make a Commitment
Making a commitment to losing the weight will play a huge part in your weight loss success! You have to want to do it! You can't just wish for it and you sure as hell can't dream about losing weight! If you want this, you are going to have to work for it! Put yourself on a set schedule and follow through! You can do it!

2. Crave Water

In order to lose weight fast, you have to consume A LOT of water! Make sure to get at least 8 glasses of 8oz of water! Not only does water keep you hydrated but it will curb your appetite! The more water you drink the fuller you will feel! If you really want to rev up the weight loss drink ice cold water! Drinking cold water will rev up your metabolism because your body has to work to make the water room temperature! Drink up!

3. Stock Up on Those Negative Calorie Foods!
Negative calorie foods are foods that take more calories to burn than what they contain! When I discovered this it totally helped me drop the extra pounds! Lettuce is one of these little gems! To this day I eat shredded lettuce for meals topped with turkey! I guarantee if you substitute some of your meals with a pile of lettuce you will see results!

4. Eat Lots of Protein
This is key to losing weight! When I say Proteins, I don't mean eat any type of meat. I mean lean proteins! Many people often make this mistake and end up consuming very fattening proteins instead! Lean proteins are fish and skinless baked chicken. Eating this will make you feel fuller resulting in less food consumption! TIP: Avoid cooking in butter or fatty oils!

5. Get Active
A lot of people believe that they can lose weight by only exercising for 10 or 20 minutes...or even worse that they don't have to exercise! This is a falsehood! In order see weight loss you must exercise at least an hour a day! When you exercise your body burns carbs in sugars in the first 40 minutes...fat burning doesn't start until after this point! So if you want to see fast results you should make your workouts last for at least 2 hours for the 7 days! If you want to see results you have to do the TIME!

So my friends, now that you know the tricks....

I challenge you lose 5 pounds in a week...

I double dog dare you!

Signing Off

Feeling Informative

Rachel Myrie

Do You Love Yourself?

Finding someone to spend the rest of our lives with can be a daunting task. Sometimes you spend so much time trying to perfect yourself, in order to catch the eye of the other sex. But what happens when we lose touch with who we really are? We wind up obsessing over our body image, what others think of us, and most importantly hating our imperfections.

So my friends I have to ask you, "Do you love yourself?"

Are you in relationships that doesn't support or respect you?

 If you are, then you are not loving yourself!
You should only have relationships that are fulfilling and rewarding. The relationships that you have should not degrade or drain you. If you are subjecting yourself to negative people then you are only doing harm to your well-being. Love yourself enough to set boundaries!

Are you overcritical of yourself?

If you spend more time criticizing yourself then you do appreciating yourself you have a problem. Placing too much pressure on yourself to succeed can cause for an even bigger let down. Focus on your strengths and remember that progress takes time. Always remember that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes!

Do you treat your body poorly?

If you answered yes, then you need to STOP! Your body is your temple, it should be treated as such.  In order to treat your body right, you have to quit overworking and overfeeding it. Make sure to slow down a little! Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep and quit feeding your body JUNK! Start introducing whole fresh foods and replace each soda with a glass of water! I promise you will feel so much better!

Do you sacrifice your own dreams, ambitions, and happiness just to please others?

First of all, you should never give up what you want in life just to please others. If they don't understand or support what you want to do, then that is their problem. You do not live to please other people. Follow your dreams and do what makes you happy. You only have one life, so LIVE IT!

I understand that we as women often forget to simply love ourselves! We spend so much time raising children, loving our husbands, and working that we often lose ourselves. Don't let this happen! Realize that you are special and most importantly
that you are loved!

Signing Off

Loved and Cherished

Rachel Myrie

How to Make the Perfect Three Cheese Ziti

Well my friends since this blog is about Love, Sex, and Life I figured I should include Cooking! After all cooking is an essential part of our lives. Hell, even if you can't cook you still throw together some mixture of ingredients to satisfy your hunger.

I realize that most of you probably can't cook! I used to be one of those people who had no interest in learning the culinary arts. I believed that fast food restaurants would save the day. This is a really bad attitude to have especially if you ever plan on having a family.

So to save most of you the embarrassment of not being able to prepare a simple meal, I decided that once a week I would post a how- to on a specific meal!

One thing you should know about my family is that we all love Italian food. Even my son Hunter has the taste buds for some homemade Lasagna or Manicotti! So you could imagine that cooking is pretty important in my family!

So this week's meal is Three Cheese Ziti!

So first things first, you will need:

2 cans of sauce(Your choice)
1lb of ziti noodles
1lb of Mozzarella cheese
1lb of Mild Cheddar
1 can of Mushrooms
1lb of Hamburger Meat
I can of Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsps. of butter
1 cup of water

First you want to get a skillet out and put the hamburger meat in it. Set it to med/high heat and put a lid on top! This helps cook the meat faster

Next you will want to get another skillet out and put 3 Tbsps. of butter in the pot. Put on Medium heat and continue to cook until the butter has turned into liquid. Then take and put the canned mushrooms in and cook on low medium heat.

Next you want to check on the hamburger meat...Stir and continue to cook until the meat is no longer red.

When the meat is done you want to drain the Grease.

Then get a large foil container and empty the first jar of sauce into it! Next add about 1 cup of water. This will help cook the ziti more while it is in the oven and prevent it from drying out.

Now you will check to make sure the mushrooms are done. They will be a little darker on the edges. You will drain any excess butter and then dump the mushrooms in the sauce along with the cooked hamburger.

Then you will get another pot(preferably a large one) and put water in it. You will want to fill the pot at least half way. Then you will set the heat on high and wait for it to boil. Once it is boiling you will put the pound of ziti noodles in and boil for another7 to 9 minutes.

While it is boiling, you will go back to the sauce and add half the bag of Mozarella cheese to it. Then you will add half the bag of Mild cheddar cheese to the sauce as well. After you have done that, you will add half a cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce.

By then the noodles will be done. Remove them from the heat and put them in the strainer. Once they are in the strainer you want to run them under cold water! This stops the cooking process. Then you will dump them into the sauce you made earlier. (In the foil container) Once inside you will stir them up. Then you will add the last jar of sauce to the mix. Make sure the noodles are thoroughly covered in sauce.

Then you will take and put the remaining Mozzarella and Mild Cheddar cheese on top! And then finish it off with another half a cup of Parmesain!

Lastly you will pre-heat
the oven to 375. You will place the foil container in the oven and let it bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Depending on the strength of your oven you will need to check the progress of your masterpiece every 15 minutes. You will want to look for browning edges...this is a sign that it is complete.

Congratulations! You have just prepared Three Cheese Ziti like a pro!

Signing Off

Cooking and Happy!

Rachel Myrie

Is Your Lover Cheating?

We often think we have the perfect relationship. We believe that the person we choose to love is always going to remain faithful to us. Sadly this is not the case in most relationships today!

A lot of things can affect a relationship such as bills, stress, and a heavy work schedule! However, if you start to notice sudden changes in your relationship it may be cause for alarm! This can leave you questioning if your spouse is cheating.

So here are some tell-tale signs of a cheater....

The first sign you will notice is that your sex life changes dramatically. Now when I say dramatically, it can go two ways. The first way is that your partner loses interest in sex all together. They may offer excuses as to why they just aren't into it. They may say they are too tired or not feeling well. Or their behavior can shift the other way. They can suddenly become adventurous in bed or become an expert in a sexual technique.

The second sign is your partner's cell phone. It's quite simple really...odds are if your partner is
cheating, they will start to act funny when it comes to their  phone. They will begin to not answer their phone in front of you or leave the room all together. They may also snatch their phone from you when you pick it up!

The third sign is an increase in grooming. This usually throws up a red flag. Especially if your partner usually doesn't care much about their appearance. A sudden increase in the use of expensive colognes or new deodorants can be a good indicator.  It can even go as far as working out at the gym, when they never cared about their body before. Or perhaps you find spiffy new clothes that your partner never wears around you.

The fourth sign is an increase in arguments. Do you suddenly find yourself getting in a lot more arguments with your partner? If your partner is cheating, they will likely pick fights with you and make mean comments about your appearance or other things. This is done to justify their own bad behavior. They have to cut you down to build themselves up. Or quite simply, they are looking for a way out of the relationship.

The fifth sign is a classic. This sign is simply a quick shower. Does your partner come home and race to the shower? If so, your partner is probably washing off any evidence that may be on them. The evidence may include: lipstick, perfume, or bodily juices!

The last sign is working late. Yes, I know sometimes you have to put in the extra hours at work but too much time could be bad. That supposed extra time at work,
could really be alone time with a secret lover.

These are all very troubling signs that you might see when in a relationship with someone who is cheating. If you notice these things, address your suspicions and take necessary action. Remember you deserve much more than a cheating lover!

You deserve someone who will treat you with respect. You deserve someone who genuinely loves you! So don't stay with someone who cheats. There are so many people out in this world, so find someone who deserves YOU!

Signing Off,

Confident and Informative

Rachel Myrie

6 Signs You Are In Love

Have you ever wondered if you were truly in love? Did you catch yourself wondering about the many issues that were present in your  relationship? Will your partner remain faithful? Will they love you unconditionally? Will they support you in any future decisions? These are all common concerns that we may often have.

Being sure that you are truly "In Love" with someone can be a difficult task, especially if it is your first time...

Never fear! Rachel Myrie is here!

So here are my six signs that you are in love!

1. You have forgotten about your ex...
Believe it or not this is a key indicator. Often times after a bad breakup we feel depressed and wonder if it was a good decision. Sometimes it seems that you just can't stop thinking about your ex!
However, when you meet the right individual, your ex becomes a thing of the past! Leaving you totally consumed with your new partner.

2. You love spending time together...
This is a very good indicator of love simply because you have no interest in spending all your free time with other people. If this person was only in the friend zone, you would be inclined to spend some time with them but not make it a priority.

3. You start thinking about your future together...
Do you catch yourself thinking about growing old with your partner? Do see yourself having children with this person? If so you are definitely in love. You have been with your partner for a while and see them as a dependable and lovable person. Thus making you ready to commit!

4. You can be yourself with your partner and be comfortable...
I know this is kind of obvious but you would be surprised by how many people ignore this! Do you feel like you can let your hair down so to speak? Do you feel comfortable being the real you around this person? If you answered yes, then you are in Love.
So many people won't let their partners see them in compromising situations, let alone see them before they are put together. Being in love with someone enables you to accept them as they are and break down any barriers you might have!

5. When you have arguments you always make up relatively quick..

When you get into an argument, do you stay mad for days? Do you storm out in a fit of rage? If this is you, its probably not love. Often times if we truly care for someone we will find a way to make up after a bad argument. This is because you love that person, and want to do anything to have them in your life. You are even willing to admit when you are wrong!

6. You start to love your partners little quirks...
You know you've found the right person when you fall in love with all their little quirks. You catch yourself liking how your partner always wears their shoes in the house! Or perhaps how they eat their food. These are all things that your partner does that makes them unique! And you love every minute of it!

So my friends if you are seeing three or more of these signs, then you are in LOVE!

Don't try to fight it or deny it...just go with it! Take a chance on that person! You just might surprise yourself!

Signing off,

Hopelessly in Love,Myrie
Rachel

What Kind of Lover are You?

Have you ever wondered what kind of lover you are? Have you felt like a hopeless romantic at times or like a selfish jerk? Have you had past lovers tell you they loved you but felt like the relationship just wasn't for them? How did you feel? I bet you probably wanted to know what was wrong with you or the relationship.

A lot of times our lovers clam up and don't want to tell us what it is exactly that they want in the bedroom. When this happens we as people don't know what to do.

Well I've got the answer to your problem. It's quite simple really...You need to know what kind of lover YOU are! If you know what kind of lover you are, you will be able to find a compatible mate and work on whatever it is that is lacking!

So here it is boys and girls! A simple quiz that will be quite beneficial to you.

Your lover is sick with the flu and you...
A Call off work just to spend the day with them
B Call them to check up on them and then continue about your day
C Tell them you hope they get better because you have a movie to catch later on
D Spend all day with them and play personal servant
E Spend some time with them and leave later for a secret rendezvous

Your lover has gained some weight and can't fit into their clothes you...
A Tell them you love them no matter what their weight is
B Look dumbfounded and don't say anything
C Tell them they are too fat and need to lose weight because its embarrassing
D Tell them they are hot because that's what they want
E Tell them whatever it takes as long as you make it home to watch your favorite show

Your lover comes home and catches you having sex with another person you...
A Tell them you are sorry and that they are your true soul mate
B Stop what you are doing and remain motionless in hopes of them not seeing you
C Keep having sex...after all you haven't finished yet
D Stop what you are doing and beg for forgiveness even though they have cheated as well
E Stop what you are doing and say this person is an actor and you were practicing for a role

You come home and catch your lover having sex with someone else you...
A Start crying uncontrollably while you remain desperately confused
B Look startled and leave the room
C Become filled with rage and beat the shit out of the other person
D Apologize for walking in on them and leave in tears
E Start laughing and call up your side bitch

You and your lover are having sex when they ask you to perform oral you...
A Smile and tell them that their wish is your command
B Stop what you are doing and look repulsed
C Tell them you don't do that
D Do what they ask even though you find it disgusting
E Tell them you will only after getting what you want first

Are you ready for the results?

Well if you answered A to three or more questions you are a Romantic. This type of lover is one of those that is in love with being in love. You love expressing love to your partner and will do anything to please them. You are an outgoing and caring person that loves to have someone to share life with.

If you answered B to three or more questions you are a dumbass! This means that you have no idea what you are doing in a relationship. You don't have any common sense and are just in it to get laid. Don't expect to ever have a long term successful relationship if you are one of these people. So when you are getting dumped and the person says you are the problem...they mean it!

If you answered C to three or more questions you are a selfish lover. This means that you only think about yourself and your wants. You will always have unsuccessful relationships if you continue to be all about you! Not to mention you will leave a trail of broken hearts in your wake. My advice to you is to shape up and think about the bigger picture!

If you answered D to three or more questions you are a giver. This can be a great quality but it can also be bad. You are prone to being a doormat and will do whatever that person wants. You will do anything and everything that is asked of you and you will expect little to nothing in return. My advice is to not be too giving...too many people will take advantage of you!

If you answered E to three or more questions you are a player! You will never be satisfied with any one person...You are constantly looking for the next best thing and will do anything to obtain it. You my friend, will be one lonely and unhappy person because nothing will ever be good enough.
Not only will you remain alone but you will leave a history of bitter and angry partners...Is that how you want to live your life?

Now that you know what kind of lover you are spend some time thinking about what kind of person is compatible with you. If you are one of the less desirable lovers I suggest you start working on ways to improve yourself.

If you fell into the dumbass category I would recommend reading relationships for Dummies! Once you have finished read it again!

If you are a Player you really need to change your ways! In order for you to have a successful relationship you have to learn some morals...

And lastly if you fall into the selfish category, you really should realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Once you do this you will be much better off!


Signing Off

Rachel Myrie

10 Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life

Have you been with your partner for awhile? Do you catch yourself getting into a routine? Do you often fantasize about having a more adventurous sex life? If so this article is for YOU!

Do you remember the first time you and your partner had sex? The sensation of touching for the first time, kissing each other passionately, and ultimately the first penetration? It was hot and sexy and it left you wanting more...right?

I'm sure you probably answered yes to this question...So it's been awhile, and sex seems to feel like a chore for you. Guess what? It shouldn't!

Don't let your sex life become boring or even worse...Non-Existent!

So here are ten ways to spice up your sex life!

1. Role Play
Pretending you are someone else can be such a turn on and a easy way to enact all your fantasies! Be creative and don't be shy! Try sexy scenarios such as the naughty nurse or the innocent schoolgirl!  This is a sure fire way to have an affair without actually having one!

2. Increase Foreplay
Believe it or not having more foreplay can make having sex more sexy! Often times sex becomes just an act and predictable. Spend at least 20 minutes having foreplay, this will make you both more horny before having sex. Spend those minutes exploring each others bodies by licking, touching, and sucking various parts!

3.Make Sex Unpredictable
Yes, I know an obvious one! But you would be surprised how many people plan sex. When you plan for sex makes it well...predictable and sometimes boring! I don't know about you but planning for sex does not make me horny. Sex should be about spontaneity and passion!

4. Practice Abstinence
I don't know about you, but not being able to have sex with my husband just makes me crave it even more. So when I say practice abstinence, I mean go a week without having sex. You'll be surprised at how passionate your next sex session is! After all too much of a good thing can be bad!

5. Add Some Kink
Sex can become boring, so feel free to introduce some other niches to your bedroom fun. Feel free to discuss some of your kinky fetishes with your man! Some couples find that introducing bondage can really spice up their sex life. 

6. Watch Porn Together
I know it sounds dirty, but believe it or not watching porn with your partner can be a way to really get into the mood. Hearing and seeing another couple have sex while you are making love can heighten your senses and serve as a good teaching platform for you both!

7. Dirty Talk
Nothing can be more sexy than hearing your partner say what they want to do to you! So feel to say whatever comes to mind...whispering sweet nothings or just being downright nasty can be a sure fire way to send your partner over the edge!

8. Introduce Sex Toys
Just the mere thought of bringing sex toys into the bedroom can be a bit scary for some people! But guess what? It can be the most awesome thing you bring into your relationship! Feel free to introduce Dildos, Vibrators, and even Plugs! Let's not forget the lubricants either! Experiment with different toys and find what suits you as a couple!

9. Surprise your Partner Sexually
Nothing can make your partner feel more turned on then the fact that you met him at the door naked! Men are visual and love to see the female body. Hell, surprise your man with a blowjob as soon as he comes home! This kind of spontaneity will surely bring some major spice! Nothing says I want you more then being spontaneous!

10. Send Sexy Pics and Naughty Texts
I guarantee this will turn up the heat. When your man's at work snap some naked selfies and send them to him! He will be turned on for the rest of the day. This will build anticipation for both of you! Just the fact that he is turned on and can't do anything about it will make him more horny for you! So go ahead and be naughty via text!

Sex is an amazing gift we can share with our partners! So don't let the passion die!

Yours Truly,

Naughty Rachel Myrie

Talk Dirty To Me!

Talk Dirty to Me!

 Yes, I said it....

A lot of you reading this are probably curious as to why I just said that. Some of you may even feel a little embarrassed by that statement. It seems that even though we all live in a very sexual society, the thought of talking dirty in bed seems taboo! It seems to have this awful stigma attached to it...somehow people have come to conclusion that talking dirty is demeaning and disgusting.

However, I beg to differ! When used properly this can be a great form of sex play!

As for me talking dirty is an essential part of my sex life and naughty fun as well. I have found that using dirty talk excites and arouses my partner through senses and the imagination! So don't be afraid to introduce this into your sex life! It can really add some spice and remove barriers!

I understand dirty talk isn't for everyone...but I believe it can be! Yes I know you avid porn watchers have all heard the very explicit and downright vulgar talk in numerous videos...but this isn't the only way to talk!

As with anything you have various niches! So it stands to reason that Dirty talk has different ways to be performed.

If you are a beginner and are somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of talking dirty I would strongly recommend practicing soft-core dirty talk. This mainly consists of sweet nothings and not so dirty phrases. Try to stick to things that you feel comfortable saying and are familiar with.

Here are some examples:
- You are so hot when you...
- I love the way you touch me....
- Your wish is my command...
- You turn me on so much...

Now if you are more advanced or just like dirty sex you would go with hard-core dirty talk. This almost always contains swear words and very descriptive phrases. When done in confidence this can be one of the most hottest forms of sex play.

Here are some examples:
Rub your....all over my....
Lick my....now
I want you to...me now
I want to eat your...

Being able to talk dirty is one thing...but being effective is another story. As women we sometimes feel ashamed about doing certain things in the bedroom. My advice to you, "Don't be!" If you only go through the motions of talking dirty just to please your partner it will seem forced and be highly ineffective.

So from one woman to another...Be confident in what you are doing and take down any walls you might have in place. The bedroom should be a place that you and your mate can be totally free and able to explore your deepest desires!

So when talking dirty in the bedroom try some of these techniques!

When you are having sex describe out loud how you are feeling! Hell, even describe your fantasies to your partner. Be descriptive!Tell them what you want to do to them. This can be extremely hot if your partner likes to be dominated!

 Ladies don't be afraid to break out of your comfort zone. Another important tip to dirty talking is to try to maintain eye contact when doing this! Eye contact can be powerful and can strengthen the sexual bond and electricity of the moment!

Lastly, compliment your partner during sex! We all love receiving compliments...it makes us feel great about ourselves. So it would only stand to reason that if you compliment your man during dirty talk he's likely to get a huge ego boost and perform much better in the bedroom.

Remember dirty talk isn't just about saying the right thing, its also about how you say it! A good majority of men get aroused by sound. When I say sound I mean the sound of a woman moaning or whispering in his ear. So when talking dirty add some sound effects! Feel free to moan loudly or quietly in his ear while he's penetrating you! Feel free to try out a different delivery method as well such as being domineering or simply submissive. Just remember to have fun with it!

Dirty talk can be amazing and really spice up your life...just remember to only do what you feel comfortable doing! Be yourself and say what feels natural to you! So my friends I dare you to go home and pull out some dirty talk for your husbands! They will love it and you both will be very satisfied! :)

Signing Off

Rachel Myrie

Is He the One?

     It seems as if us women spend the majority of our lives searching for that perfect man. That someone who we can spend the rest of our lives with. That someone who will always be there for us, support us in everything we do, and most importantly love us for who we really are.

   There are millions of men in this world and yet so many of us stay single or remain unmarried. Which leaves many to ponder does the perfect man exist?

    The answer is yes! The perfect man does exist and he can be yours! In order for this to happen you have to evaluate yourself and what you're looking for in a mate! Yes, it may sound simple but its not...

    Let's face it, the reason most women are single is because they are too picky! As women we set men up for failure...we expect our potential mates to have houses that are paid for, fancy cars, and awesome jobs! This is not the reality for the average man! In fact men are just like us when it comes to this stuff. So quit setting the bar so high! In other words if you don't own a house, car, or have a job don't expect someone else to have it!

    Most women can be very shallow and money obsessed...if this is you please pay very close attention to what I am about to say! Being obsessed with looks and money will never get you a meaningful relationship! Yes, money can buy you a lot of things but it can't buy happiness! When searching for a mate you should find someone that makes you a better person instead of simply funding you. After all what happens when the money runs out?

   If you are one of those women that only seeks to nab the hottest guy...you might want to rethink that strategy. I'm not going to lie I love a hot guy as much as the next girl, but what happens if you only marry someone for their looks?

   Yes, you can have awesome sex but can you hold a conversation with that person? Does that person have an awesome personality? In my experience I have found that most good looking men tend to have awful personalities and are players! Stay away from the players, they will often leave you broken hearted and bitter! In the end you will be left with a relationship that was a waste of time and a damaged self esteem!

I know I seem a little harsh but it's the truth...all of the above is not going to find you the perfect man.

So here's what works LADIES!

1. Find a man who communicates well! This is key to a relationship. So many issues or potential problems can be solved if men are willing to talk. Find someone who isn't afraid to share their desires, wants, and goals! This will also be a powerful tool in the bedroom. If you can communicate about what you desire in the bedroom, fireworks are sure to go off! (If you know what I mean :) )

2. Find a man who pays attention to your needs. What's the point of being with someone if they only think of themselves? Odds are if they are self centered, your sex life will be all about their needs and zilch for yours. This is never any fun. :(

3. Find a man who respects you. In order to have any relationship there must be respect. Do you want a man who belittles you, orders you around, or verbally abuses you? I sure as hell hope not! So please respect yourself enough to not have a relationship with someone who treats you like this.

4. Find a man who shares responsibility. Wouldn't it be nice to have a man who offers to help you out? In a relationship it takes two, it is no longer just about you. When you are married things become one. Your problems turn into his problems and vice versa!

5. Lastly find a man who loves the real you! When I say this I mean the woman behind the makeup, clothes, and hair extensions. As women we often lose ourselves to the illusion we create. So find a man who loves you when you have your hair in a messy top knot and sweatpants! Someone who loves your personality and the little things that you do. If you can find a man like this then I would say you have hit the jackpot!

   Is it really this simple? Yes it is! You just have to be willing to put the effort into finding a man who has these qualities! So ladies quit settling for the cheaters, liars, and deadbeats! There are sooo many good men out there, you just have to be willing to give them a chance... Happy Hunting!

Yours Truly,

Rachel Myrie