Shellie Bowdoin's Blog, page 9

5 Eating Habits That Yield Lasting Weight Results

The FAB Journey

We all know that weight loss does not just happen without a plan. However, many of us choose drastic measures instead of making small changes to our existing lifestyle.  While drastic diets do work in the short run, most of us probably have a personal story of how they failed miserably in the end because they did not ever really develop a weight loss mindset for the long haul. Here are 5 eating habits that yield lasting weight results.

After I got started, I realized that all ten would constitute a particularly long post, so instead, I am writing a two-part series.

5 Eating Habits That Yield Lasting Results


1.Replace sugared beverages with water or unsweetened tea.

The term “soft drink” refers to any beverage with added sugar or other sweetener, and includes soda, fruit punch, lemonade and other “ades,” sweetened powdered drinks, and sports and energy drinks. People who drink sugary beverages do not feel as full as if they had eaten the same calories from solid food, and studies show that people consuming sugary beverages don’t compensate for their high caloric content by eating less food.

Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Nutrition Website

A 12 ounce can of coke contains 39 grams of sugar and 149 calories, while a Snapple Lemon iced tea has 23 grams of sugar and 100 calories. Compare these numbers with the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar for women (25g) and 9 teaspoons for men (37.5g) per day. This really gives you a better idea of the sugar content in just one serving of a sugary drink.

we seldom count our drinks toward our daily food intake.
Click To Tweet

Essentially, the primary issue with sugar is that it has zero nutritional value. So, when you waste 150 calories on a sugary drink, your body receives absolutely no nutritional benefit. What’s more, we seldom count our drinks toward our daily food intake. Whereas, we may consciously cut back on something during the day because we ate a donut for breakfast, we are far less likely to even consider the calories from a beverage.

However, if you pass on the sugary drink, you then have 150 calories to spend on a food choice that will actually satisfy your hunger and fuel your body. Bottom line, save the calories for food.

One reason I often go for unsweetened tea is for the caffeine source. Since I don’t drink coffee, tea is my primary source of caffeine.  Although, there are those who would suggest banning caffeine from your diet as well, that is not a step I am ready to take at this point in my life journey. I guess it’s just an issue of picking your life battles.

2. Use the “three bite rule” when eating sweets.

Most of us have a sweet tooth. Just one stroll down the grocery store aisle attests to that. Couple this with the fact that every main holiday or celebration comes with its own celebratory confection. Unless you are one of those rare individuals who doesn’t really care for sweets, you are always going to be tempted to indulge. So, stop trying to ban all sugar from your life. Instead, take it from the realm of indulgence to that of enjoyment.

The “three bite rule” has been around a long time and it works on a simple principle. The first bite of a rich, decadent dessert is heaven to the taste buds and the second bite is usually just as stimulating as the first. But, by the third bite, your taste buds have grown accustomed to the taste, so the food begins to lose it’s initial appeal.

Calorie wise, three bites seldom pack enough punch to derail your daily calorie expenditure.
Click To Tweet

For sake of illustration,  a piece of classic cheese cake from the Cheesecake Factory is 710 calories. It is safe to say that three good bites would be about 170 calories. So, you can see how this technique works well to keep the calories in check, because calorie wise, three bites seldom pack enough punch to derail your daily calorie expenditure.

Even so, remember that you can only do the “three bite rule” once in a day. Also, some desserts are so treacherous that three bites could pack quite a calorie wallop. I found a dessert on the Cheesecake Factory menu called Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake that rolled in at a hefty 1680 calories. Um, those gold standard desserts should be reserved for very special occasions.

3. Pass on chips at lunch and add a slice of cheese to your sandwich instead.

In this instance, it is not only important to consider the calorie-count of a particular food, but also the quality of those calories. In the case of chips, a snack-size bag of Lay’s classic potato chips has 220 calories and 14 fat grams, which is 25% of the daily fat allowance.

On the other hand, a slice of chedder has about 120 calories and 10 grams of fat, but it also has 7 grams of protein that will help satisfy your hunger for much longer. Also, this choice has some nutritional benefit.

You may be thinking, “Wouldn’t it be better to pass on the cheese as well?” A simple answer to that, in terms of fat and calories, is yes. But, successfully navigating food choices for the long-haul involves a give and take. Ultimately, the slice of cheese adds a level of richness to a food while still lending some nutritional value.

There are also other cheese choices that are equally satisfying with fewer fat calories,  like provolone or feta.

4. Eat sandwiches and burgers with only one bun instead of two.

This is a big one for me because I have always been a huge bread lover. I couldn’t envision a life without bread at all, so instead I decided to put some limits on it instead.

The main problem with bread, especially the white bread in your typical hamburger bun, is that it is classified as a simple carbohydrate. Now, the human body relies on carbohydrates for energy. When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down to create glucose or blood sugar.

as far as your body is concerned, your hamburger bun might as well be a cupcake
Click To Tweet

The problem with simple carbohydrates is that they also contain sugar. This means that once your body extracts the energy it needs, it reads white bread almost identically to pure unadulterated sugar. As far as your body is concerned, your hamburger bun might as well be a cupcake, because it breaks down and processes simple carbohydrates and sugars in the same way.

By limiting half of your bread serving , you lower the carbohydrate level and proportionately increase the protein level of a meal.

5. Plan to always have a mid-afternoon snack.

I want you to consider hunger as the arch enemy of informed food choices. Plainly put, you just can’t get your head screwed on straight when you are hungry. This is the time when you slip up and wreck all the progress you have made throughout the day by rushing to eat the first food in sight.

You need to actively plan for a mid-afternoon snack. Your body will need fuel, and unless you plan ahead, you are left with two unappealing options. Either you suffer through the afternoon with the negative effects of rapidly dropping blood sugar or you head to the vending machine to purchase a high-calorie snack.

Preparation is the key to mindful eating. Purchase a variety of high-fiber snacks to have on hand at all times. Then, set a time to have a snack BEFORE you actually feel hungry. Typically,  the best time for snacking is a few hours after lunch.

There you have the first five habits to yield lasting weight results. Why don’t you give them a try this week and then I’ll be back next week with five more.

Just remember, I am in this with you. Everything that I mention or suggest on this site has worked successfully for me and has yielded big results. I am confident these steps can do the same for you.

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the right side bar, Follow with Bloglovin’ or you can subscribe to just the weight journey posts feed. Also, check out the other fabulous lifestyle linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

 

The post 5 Eating Habits That Yield Lasting Weight Results appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

weight loss|5 Eating Habits That Yield Lasting Weight Results

The FAB Journey

We all know that weight loss does not just happen without a plan. However, many of us choose drastic measures instead of making small changes to our existing lifestyle.  While drastic diets do work in the short run, most of us probably have a personal story of how they failed miserably in the end because they did not ever really develop a weight loss mindset for the long haul. Here are 5 eating habits that yield lasting weight results.

After I got started, I realized that all ten would constitute a particularly long post, so instead, I am writing a two-part series.

5 Eating Habits That Yield Lasting Results


1.Replace sugared beverages with water or unsweetened tea.

The term “soft drink” refers to any beverage with added sugar or other sweetener, and includes soda, fruit punch, lemonade and other “ades,” sweetened powdered drinks, and sports and energy drinks. People who drink sugary beverages do not feel as full as if they had eaten the same calories from solid food, and studies show that people consuming sugary beverages don’t compensate for their high caloric content by eating less food.

Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Nutrition Website

A 12 ounce can of coke contains 39 grams of sugar and 149 calories, while a Snapple Lemon iced tea has 23 grams of sugar and 100 calories. Compare these numbers with the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar for women (25g) and 9 teaspoons for men (37.5g) per day. This really gives you a better idea of the sugar content in just one serving of a sugary drink.

we seldom count our drinks toward our daily food intake.
Click To Tweet

Essentially, the primary issue with sugar is that it has zero nutritional value. So, when you waste 150 calories on a sugary drink, your body receives absolutely no nutritional benefit. What’s more, we seldom count our drinks toward our daily food intake. Whereas, we may consciously cut back on something during the day because we ate a donut for breakfast, we are far less likely to even consider the calories from a beverage.

However, if you pass on the sugary drink, you then have 150 calories to spend on a food choice that will actually satisfy your hunger and fuel your body. Bottom line, save the calories for food.

One reason I often go for unsweetened tea is for the caffeine source. Since I don’t drink coffee, tea is my primary source of caffeine.  Although, there are those who would suggest banning caffeine from your diet as well, that is not a step I am ready to take at this point in my life journey. I guess it’s just an issue of picking your life battles.

2. Use the “three bite rule” when eating sweets.

Most of us have a sweet tooth. Just one stroll down the grocery store aisle attests to that. Couple this with the fact that every main holiday or celebration comes with its own celebratory confection. Unless you are one of those rare individuals who doesn’t really care for sweets, you are always going to be tempted to indulge. So, stop trying to ban all sugar from your life. Instead, take it from the realm of indulgence to that of enjoyment.

The “three bite rule” has been around a long time and it works on a simple principle. The first bite of a rich, decadent dessert is heaven to the taste buds and the second bite is usually just as stimulating as the first. But, by the third bite, your taste buds have grown accustomed to the taste, so the food begins to lose it’s initial appeal.

Calorie wise, three bites seldom pack enough punch to derail your daily calorie expenditure.
Click To Tweet

For sake of illustration,  a piece of classic cheese cake from the Cheesecake Factory is 710 calories. It is safe to say that three good bites would be about 170 calories. So, you can see how this technique works well to keep the calories in check, because calorie wise, three bites seldom pack enough punch to derail your daily calorie expenditure.

Even so, remember that you can only do the “three bite rule” once in a day. Also, some desserts are so treacherous that three bites could pack quite a calorie wallop. I found a dessert on the Cheesecake Factory menu called Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake that rolled in at a hefty 1680 calories. Um, those gold standard desserts should be reserved for very special occasions.

3. Pass on chips at lunch and add a slice of cheese to your sandwich instead.

In this instance, it is not only important to consider the calorie-count of a particular food, but also the quality of those calories. In the case of chips, a snack-size bag of Lay’s classic potato chips has 220 calories and 14 fat grams, which is 25% of the daily fat allowance.

On the other hand, a slice of chedder has about 120 calories and 10 grams of fat, but it also has 7 grams of protein that will help satisfy your hunger for much longer. Also, this choice has some nutritional benefit.

You may be thinking, “Wouldn’t it be better to pass on the cheese as well?” A simple answer to that, in terms of fat and calories, is yes. But, successfully navigating food choices for the long-haul involves a give and take. Ultimately, the slice of cheese adds a level of richness to a food while still lending some nutritional value.

There are also other cheese choices that are equally satisfying with fewer fat calories,  like provolone or feta.

4. Eat sandwiches and burgers with only one bun instead of two.

This is a big one for me because I have always been a huge bread lover. I couldn’t envision a life without bread at all, so instead I decided to put some limits on it instead.

The main problem with bread, especially the white bread in your typical hamburger bun, is that it is classified as a simple carbohydrate. Now, the human body relies on carbohydrates for energy. When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down to create glucose or blood sugar.

as far as your body is concerned, your hamburger bun might as well be a cupcake
Click To Tweet

The problem with simple carbohydrates is that they also contain sugar. This means that once your body extracts the energy it needs, it reads white bread almost identically to pure unadulterated sugar. As far as your body is concerned, your hamburger bun might as well be a cupcake, because it breaks down and processes simple carbohydrates and sugars in the same way.

By limiting half of your bread serving , you lower the carbohydrate level and proportionately increase the protein level of a meal.

5. Plan to always have a mid-afternoon snack.

I want you to consider hunger as the arch enemy of informed food choices. Plainly put, you just can’t get your head screwed on straight when you are hungry. This is the time when you slip up and wreck all the progress you have made throughout the day by rushing to eat the first food in sight.

You need to actively plan for a mid-afternoon snack. Your body will need fuel, and unless you plan ahead, you are left with two unappealing options. Either you suffer through the afternoon with the negative effects of rapidly dropping blood sugar or you head to the vending machine to purchase a high-calorie snack.

Preparation is the key to mindful eating. Purchase a variety of high-fiber snacks to have on hand at all times. Then, set a time to have a snack BEFORE you actually feel hungry. Typically,  the best time for snacking is a few hours after lunch.

There you have the first five habits to yield lasting weight results. Why don’t you give them a try this week and then I’ll be back next week with five more.

Just remember, I am in this with you. Everything that I mention or suggest on this site has worked successfully for me and has yielded big results. I am confident these steps can do the same for you.

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the right side bar, Follow with Bloglovin’ or you can subscribe to just the weight journey posts feed. Also, check out the other fabulous lifestyle linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

 

The post 5 Eating Habits That Yield Lasting Weight Results appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

Evening Skincare Routine For Mature Skin [Video]

The FAB Journey

Every now and then, someone asks me about my skincare routine. I’ve wanted to write about it for a while, but I knew it would be better with a video demo. So this week, I finally decided to try a video tutorial.

And, I’ll have to say it was just about as difficult as I anticipated. I guess it’s always hard to try something new. In fact, I well remember how challenging this whole blogging thing was when I first got started.

While the whole video process was new to me, skincare is something I’m a little more comfortable with. I am including both the video and written instructions for my evening skincare routine for mature skin.

Evening Skincare Routine For Mature Skin


Now, there are tons of skincare products out there. So many, that you can easily get confused by your choices. Many beauty brands market themselves as integrated skincare lines, which means they provide you with products they’ve designed to work together to solve all of your skincare needs. But, I don’t use any of these lines for a couple of reasons.

1. Many of them come with a hefty price tag.

Ultimately, you pay companies to make the process easier for you with a 1, 2, 3 step process. They formulate the ingredients for easy consumption. And, some of us are willing to pay for the convenience of someone else taking the guesswork out of our routine. I prefer to go for the more affordable skincare option of choosing my own ingredients.

2. Many labeled skincare products don’t actually tell you what ingredients are included in their product.

You hear all these buzz words, like glycolic acids and peptides, but then you really have no idea if you are using them or not because your product is labeled simply – hydration serum. So, maybe you are and maybe you aren’t.

Instead, I’ve done a good bit of research and discovered that our skin really only needs certain key ingredients to promote elasticity, stimulate collagen production and even out our skin tone.

I’ve realized that I can go straight to those component ingredients myself with great results and a much lower price tag. What’s more, there are several application techniques that also help tone your face.

I started this skincare routine about 3 years ago and I definitely see improvements in the texture, tone and appearance of my skin.

 

Steps Of My Routine

1. First, washing your face is a must. Why is it so important? Because throughout the day you walk through a host of free radicals and particles as they float through the air. Unfortunately, a bunch of those undesired elements end up settling on your face. If you don’t clean your face, then these undesirable elements are left to do their dirty work on your skin by breaking down collagen and degrading the tissues. That’s when your skin becomes more vulnerable to wrinkles, sagging and hyperpigmentation

I like to keep my facial cleansers in the shower because it’s just easier that way. I alternate between a gentle cleanser and a gentle exfoliating scrub.

2. Next, I use Pixi Tonic, which includes glycolic acid, ginseng and aloe. This is my single most favorite product. It really does make your skin glow and helps the skin slough off its dry, dull appearance.

I often don’t apply my products in succession. Instead, I like to let my face rest between steps.

3. Next, is Vitamin C serum (the one in the video is by TrueSkin). This serum can cause some redness and tingling, which makes it a good choice for the evening, before bedtime.

I usually apply serums with a light patting motion, this promotes blood flow and helps them to absorb faster.

You typically want to apply lighter consistency products first and then add products according to their thickness.

3. Next, I use a Peptide serum. Peptides fight against free radicals and rejuvenate skin cells.

4. Now, it’s time for the moisturizer.

I am not tied to a particular moisturizer. Instead, I use quality products I find on sale, sometimes from Black Friday sales or, at other times, I use high-end samples.
Moisturizer helps to seal in the serums and it also makes it easier to apply Retin-A, which is the final step in my routine.

5. Retin-A is is a vitamin A derivative that is sold only by prescription in the US. It goes by the generic name Tretinoin. I live in Asia, so it is easy to access. I’ve been using it for about 15 years. Retinol products help to regenerate collagen in the skin and even out the the skin’s texture and they are readily available in various brands. This site makes some good recommendations for over-the-counter retinol creams.

I find that retinol products go on better over a moisturizer.

And there you have it, my evening skincare routine for mature skin!

You can find the links for all the products I’ve mentioned in the video description.

And, while I love to talk about all things beauty, I still recognize that my outside only reflects what I’ve got going on inside. Always remember, that your truest beauty bubbles out of a life that’s full of heart, love and purpose.

…your beauty should come from inside you – the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. That beauty will never disappear and it is worth very much to God.— 1 Peter 3:3-4

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the other fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

 

 

The post Evening Skincare Routine For Mature Skin [Video] appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

Back To Normal

The FAB Journey

I find myself navigating the road back to “Normal” after an extended season of side-trips, shortcuts and bunny trails. While away, I succumbed to the ease of clutter and the ever-expanding piles of “stuff to take back.”

 

Finally, I’ve returned to the dwelling I fashioned. The walls are laced with pictures of captured memories…faces of smiling kids and shared family moments. It’s a place that reflects my style and personality; where every item has a home.

 

I’m also sleeping much better since returning to my firm mattress sans the pillow top or stuffed duvet. I can’t for the life of me figure out the allure of heavy duvets in warm climates; yet, every single hotel bed was decked with one…leg out, leg in ALL NIGHT LONG!

 

 

And, what has happened to the traditional inner spring mattress? Are my husband and I really the only two Americans left who prefer to sleep “on” the bed, rather than “in” it?

 

Sometimes, it’s these seemingly little things, that become bigger things when you’re away from home. Now, these minor inconveniences drift into the background only to resurface when I once again open the door to another hotel room. It’s only now, that the housekeeping is finished and the bags are unpacked that I seek to reestablish my routine, to get back to normal, without the hustle and bustle.

 

What Is Back To Normal?


It feels strange. What is normal? I wrack my brain to recall…

 

I left for the US following an extremely packed winter and spring in which I scurried from one event to the next. Then, I moved straight to planning a shower, teaching a seminar, doing a wedding and participating in another large conference packing in a smattering of fun, summer exploits here and there.

 

Now, I sit in my chair with actual time to peck these few words on a keyboard and wonder, “Is this what I’m supposed to be doing?” Surely, something else should be clamoring for my time and attention!

 

Admittedly, I miss the adrenaline and urgency of the next deadline. I recently heard someone describe this feeling so aptly. She said, “A friend of mine recently asked, ‘Is this what rest feels like or am I depressed?’” I wouldn’t say I feel depressed, but I definitely feel like something is missing.

 

We can grow so accustomed to running on hyper-drive that we forget what normal feels like…how it feels to experience rest and sufficiency in the moment. Actually, I believe this is the “normal” Jesus was talking about when He asked His listeners to come to Him.

 

 “…Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11: 28-30 – Bible Gateway

 

Sure, we all have seasons of stress and responsibilities. During these seasons, we often cry out for help and He’s always there to walk us and talk us through.

 

We pray for rest and resolution…if things could just get…back-to-normal again.

 

But, when normal is finally restored and I find myself looking for the next project; I’m ready to jump right back into the rush. Still, He longs to be an integral part of my normal, nothing-really-to-speak-of, days. It’s in these days that I find the luxury of time. Time to walk with Him…time to consider the awesome ways He’s blessed and provided for me. And, time to actually enjoy His company without the constant pressure of the unfinished task.

 

 

Maybe, these are the unforced rhythms of grace that He’s talking about. Now, if I can just accept His grace in the moment and embrace a routine that’s a little A LOT more laid back than I’m used to.

 

Because, He longs for me to live freely and lightly. And, this is best done in the normal of everyday life.

 

So, for now, I’ll just sit here, have a nice, sweaty glass of tea and recognize that a still moment and a few extra, unplanned minutes, this back-to-normal, is really God’s gift for today.

 

~ Shellie

 

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’!

Check out the other fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Back To Normal appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

My Son’s Wedding Day – What I Will Remember

The FAB Journey

My son’s wedding day was beautiful in every way. Two vibrant young people said “I do” at an altar; surrounded by family and friends…one, a boy I’ve poured love into for the past 23 years and the other, a lovely girl who’s charm and sheer cuteness has stolen our hearts.

 

 

The newly-married couple smiled
and laughed,
and danced,
and kissed,
and smiled some more…while those of us who love them basked in the blessing of their union and in the optimism and hope of young love. And ultimately, that’s what we’ll remember most.

 

But, that’s not all I’ll remember.

I’ll also remember the caravan of cars that left Greenville, South Carolina, well before the crack of dawn to make the long day’s trip to Springfield, Missouri. The hugfest that ensued as all of the cousins folded themselves out of the car.

 

The day just wouldn’t have been the same without all the “girl” cousins there to watch their only boy get married.

 

I’ll remember my brother-in-law who took his precious days off to spend the week with us. I’ll remember how my sister-in-love missed most of the reception to make sure things were done in the kitchen. I’ll remember catching a glimpse of my life-long friend keeping the appetizers replenished, only to find out later that she spent the whole reception washing up serving dishes.

 

I’ll remember…

…the pride of watching the oldest cousin direct the whole affair with calm confidence and a smile,
…the row of proud grandparents (and a proud grand-aunt) dabbing wet eyes,
…my glowing baby girl gazing at her brother with sparkling eyes; knowing she was gaining a sister,
…God holding back the rain just in time because His timing is always perfect.

 

 

 

Oh, and there was the rehearsal dinner prepared by the loving hands of missionary aunts and uncles who have been our second family throughout our years in Asia…born not of blood, but out of years of love and shared experiences.

A sincere thanks and gratitude rises in my heart…I am blessed to have a loving family and loyal friends.

 

 

 

My son’s wedding was beautiful and they both basked in their special day. And our precious friends and family? They were all there for them, and I know…they were all there for me. Because, in the end, that’s what family does…and I’ll remember it all.

4-6 In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.

Romans 12: 5-6 – The Message

 

~ Shellie

All professional photography by Sutera Studios.

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the other fabulous lifestyle linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post My Son’s Wedding Day – What I Will Remember appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

Wedding Shower of Blessings

The FAB Journey

You blink and your kids are grown; ready to launch out on their own awesome journey. I stand at a distance and observe my son present his future wife to family and friends; smiling and chocking back a lump in my throat as I recognize the pride in his voice and the gleam in his eye.

This wedding shower of blessings was not without its challenges. I had arrived in the US only five days before after a 30-hour travel odyssey from Manila. Armed with a good case of jet lag, a suitcase of color-coordinated decorations and a prayer I launched into harried preparations, which would ultimately culminate in a Saturday afternoon wedding shower for my oldest child and his blushing soon-to-be bride.

Thank God for Sam’s Club and an awesome family! My prep week began with loaded buggies of food begging to be cut, mixed, bagged or displayed. Still, some of the best shower memories were made around Mema’s dining table as we all worked an assembly line of gift bags and salami sandwiches. Contagious laughter and inside family jokes flew freely and I captured them all to tuck away for future recollections.

After the “event” had passed and the floors had been vacuumed, we all sat around for the happy couple to open their cards and revel in the shower of blessings from loving friends and family. Then, we topped off the night by popping in a video of my wedding shower from three decades before, which provided more than a little entertainment for the millennial crew of grown kids and cousins.

While the clothing was different and the hairstyle was considerably more poofed, the scene was almost a Déjà vu moment, as if a distant echo of the day’s festivities. There it was…the same gleaming eyes and hopeful smiles of a young couple on the brink of a grand adventure and a shared journey with God at the helm.

There WAS a time when we were just THAT young…just THAT hopeful…and God skillfully guided us through every twist and turn.

Yep, they are going to be just fine! After all is said and done…hope, faith and a little youthful naiveté are the perfect recipe for a trove of life adventures best shared by two.

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’!

Check out the other fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Wedding Shower of Blessings appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

Denim and Black Leggings

The FAB Journey

I’m a major fan of black. In fact, my husband often asks, “so, what shade of black are you wearing today?” While I don’t wear black every day, I do wear it A LOT! But, denim runs a close second when it comes to my style choices. So, I guess it’s not surprising that denim and black is one of my favorite combinations. I like the ease of this denim and black leggings outfit.

Black leggings are the choice de jour of women, which is not surprising since they provide comfort and coverage. While leggings are commonly worn for comfort, an eye for proportion can make them a lot more figure-flattering. The length of this denim tunic falls several inches above the knee. Usually, I pair leggings with tops that fall somewhere between this length and 5″ shorter allowing my top to fall below the thickest part of the leg.

I generally prefer three quarter length leggings because they are cooler and they stop before the ankle, which is typically the narrowest part of the leg. The close fit of the leggings balance out the fuller shape of the denim tunic.

Mixed metal jewelry really pops against the the denim and black background.

This week’s schedule is full of last-minute preparations for the upcoming launch of the Find Your Weigh/Walk In Freedom video Bible Study series here in the Philippines. The launch marks a significant milestone and the culmination of hours of preparation. I am so grateful to God for what He has allowed us to accomplish.

I am praying that many Filipino women will encounter a God who is intimately concerned with every area of their lives. Regardless of the challenges and frustrations we face, He longs for us to walk in freedom.

Galatians 5:1

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

After this step is completed, I will shift my attention to the January, 2020 series launch in the US. But first, I’m taking several weeks to get ready for my son’s June wedding. This is one occasion that I want to savor and grab every inch of goodie I can to log away in my memory.

I hope this posts finds you all happy and healthy; living every ounce of the fabulous, blessed life God has given you!

~ Shellie

Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the other fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Denim and Black Leggings appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

Denim Jackets & Unexpected News

The FAB Journey

Some of you may know that I like to share the love over at my blogger friend’s site, Katherine’s Corner. Every month I stop by her site to talk about one of my favorite subjects, Fashion!!

Last month, I shared some of my best tips for wearing denim jackets. Here’s a little snippet…

Today, I want to talk about the denim jacket. I believe that the denim jacket is so functional that there should be one in every girl’s closet. Why…because it’s flattering and it pulls an outfit together in a snap. You can easily dress a denim jacket up or down and it adds structure and shape to any look.

You can head over to Katherine’s blog to check out my whole post: Fabulous Fashion Friday Tips With Shellie

I would definitely say that the denim jacket is one of my staple pieces. It comes especially in handy when I want to add some casual ease to a dressier outfit. I like the sharp contrast between dressy fabrics and casual denim.

What’s your favorite denim jacket outfit? Share some pics in the comments.

Unexpected News

Today, I also received some shocking, unexpected news and my head is spinning a bit. One minute you are sitting there pecking on your computer and the next you are receiving news that could drastically affect someone you love.

I’m sure plenty of you can relate to feeling the whiplash of unexpected news.

It’s at these times when the ground underfoot seems a little shaky that I choose to anchor myself in God and His unchanging word.

When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.

~ Message Version

When my mind says, “There is no hope,” God’s word promises that He can do more than I can ask or think. When my mind asks, “Why,” His word assures me that His ways are not like mine.

So now, as my mind swirls with questions and few answers, I choose to lay my questions at His feet and leave them there.

Are you struggling with your own unanswered questions? God has given us a rock-solid guarantee…He promises to be our peace and He “can’t break his word.”

 

~Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the other fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Denim Jackets & Unexpected News appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

What’s so good about Good Friday?

The FAB Journey

What’s so good about Good Friday?

What must have been going through the hearts and minds of Jesus’ friends and followers as they witnessed the horrific events surrounding the crucifixion? They had pinned all their hopes and aspirations on this man who now hung on a criminal’s cross…the object of scorn and ridicule.

The comforting and hopeful words Jesus had poured into each of their lives must have seemed like distant memories in the midst of the chaos.

This wasn’t what they had expected and it sure wasn’t what they had bargained for.

Jesus had tried to warn them, but none of them would have expected it to be like this… There were a lot of words and emotions that, I’m sure, sprang up in their minds, but…

I doubt “Good” was in the mix.

Of course in retrospect, we don’t have to deal with the gritty reality of the crucifixion. Instead, our Easter recollections are largely symbolic in nature. Still, this season beacons us to take more than a passing glance at the cross and what it stands for.

 

What’s so good about Good Friday?

It’s a stirring reminder that God always keeps His promises and that His ways are always good.

God promised that the Messiah would come and HE DELIVERED.

Jesus was the supreme sacrifice.

He was the promised deliverer.

Jesus came from God’s right hand and He lived to die and rise again, so that we might have a relationship with God.

Despite sickness, misunderstandings, broken relationship, shattered dreams…God promises to make a way for you.

Abraham stood at the brink of making a seemingly impossible choice, but God made a way.

Genesis 22:9-14

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.

But, when it came to His own son, Jesus…God chose to make the sacrifice, so that you and I could be saved.

Today, on this Good Friday, I want to comfort you with these words…God keeps His promises.

Although the present may seem bleak; even though the chaos of the swirling present threatens to drown out all hope, remember…

Sunday is coming.

God knows your name.

God sees your circumstances.

God’s promises are good.

The answer is seldom apparent until the darkness clears.

God always comes through.

He is good.

~ Shellie

 

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the footer of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’!

The post What’s so good about Good Friday? appeared first on The FABulous Journey.

Five Steps To Face Painful Emotions

The FAB Journey

I can still remember it like it was yesterday. There I stood on the front porch staring out into the darkness. The tears came as they inevitably do and I wiped them away with a napkin plucked hastily from the kitchen counter.

I could just barely make out his silhouette in the darkness, as he stood by the open gate waiting for the car to pull around. I just stood there as I watched the gate close until the tail lights finally disappeared in the distance. And, just like that, my boy was gone again.

He hugged me in the kitchen before he walked out the door and didn’t let go until I signaled it was ok. He allowed me to linger for just an extra squeeze because he knew I needed it.

I asked myself, “will it ever get better?” Will I ever get to the place where seeing my kids leave is easier to take? Of course, my heart knows the answer before I ask it…No.

The pain I felt was raw and real, but it is not one that I would ever trade. Simply put, my then 20 year-old was happy and well-adjusted with a world of possibilities on the horizon. He’s now 23 and preparing to marry.

Ah yes, seeing my kids go rips me up each and every time, but I cannot envision a scenario where their closeness could ever be best for them or for me in the end.

pain delayed is no less painful
Click To Tweet

Here’s the thing…pain delayed is no less painful. Sometimes we find ourselves avoiding difficult situations because we fear the inevitable pain waiting around the corner….we don’t want to cry and we don’t want to lose control. However, if you stop to consider the alternatives, you instinctively know that painful emotions are just part of the right course.

Although I feel this same pain every time my kids leave, it doesn’t dampen the joy I feel at each reunion. I bask in each and every moment even though I know another separation is inevitable.

Just because a decision or step is painful, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong one.

Just because a decision or step is painful, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong one.
Click To Tweet

Are you dreading or putting off a difficult situation because you fear the pain it will cause for you or others? Here are a few steps for facing painful emotions.

1.  Acknowledge The Pain

Denial only prolongs your grief. When you try to mask your pain, you can inadvertently give it room to grow and seep into other unrelated areas of your life.

In fact, the field of counseling largely works on the premise of allowing people to voice their pain. So, find a way to express your pain. Crying, talking and writing are all therapeutic.

 

2.  Don’t Let Your Fear Of The Future Rob You Of The Present

None of us know what tomorrow holds. Consequently, there’s no way to completely insulate yourself from what may happen or from something someone else may do.

Unfortunately, past pain can cause us to preempt all joyous occasions with unrealistic assumptions that the ball will drop at any moment. This impending feeling of doom can end up sapping the joy from every situation.

Instead, try to live each day for what it is. Take time to notice your blessings and express thankfulness.

3.  Consider The Alternatives

In my case, my son’s departure was natural and right. When I am tempted to pity myself, I remind myself how bad it would be if he was not emotionally prepared to live away from home.

What would things be like if you had not made that painful choice? Sometimes, we have to move through the pain before we can open ourselves to new possibilities.

4.  Hold On To The Good

Don’t allow painful experiences to rob you of all positive memories.

5.  Move On

Inevitably, you choose how you will live the rest of your days. Choose to let the pain go...choose to face painful emotions; knowing that God holds your future in His hands.

Jeremiah 29: 11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sometimes, pain is just a natural step in the progression of life. It is often through facing painful emotions that we find the strength and the impetus to tackle new challenges in the future.

But, we can be assured that God always has a plan and He always has our backs.

~ Shellie

 

The post Five Steps To Face Painful Emotions appeared first on The FABulous Journey.