Why the Longest Day Feels Like a Gift…

There’s something special about this time of year—the kind of wonder that doesn’t come wrapped in lights or tucked under a tree, but shines freely from the sky. This Friday marks the longest stretch of daylight we’ll get all year. For those of us who thrive under the sun, it feels like nature is giving us a bonus round.

As someone who loves to squeeze the most out of every hour, these extra minutes of sun are more than just numbers on a clock—they’re opportunities. More time to take that long bike ride without racing the sunset. More time to start a project that doesn’t need to be rushed. More time to simply be outside, feeling the warmth on your skin, watching shadows stretch long and lazy.

Evenings seem to glow differently when the light lingers. There’s a peacefulness in knowing that the day isn’t over yet, that there’s still time. Time to connect, explore, move, reflect. Whether it’s reading on the porch, grilling dinner with friends, or going for a sunset run, this day feels like a gentle reminder: you’ve got a little more daylight—what will you do with it?

No alarms, no countdowns, no fanfare. Just the sky, quietly staying open a bit longer, offering space for a little more living

While Detoxing, I still gotta work out… So …

I found this one workout that gone make 50% of my work out.. (the rest of the work out is 25% running, and 25 twist & crunches..)

Here it goes..

💥 Full Breakdown – One Rep

1. Crawl Out (Inchworm)
   • Start standing, hinge at the hips, and walk hands out to a plank position.
2. Push-Up + Shoulder Tap (x2)
   • Push-up → tap left shoulder with right hand.
   • Push-up → tap right shoulder with left hand.
3. Push-Up + Knee Tap (x2)
   • Push-up → bring right knee to chest (or tap with opposite hand).
   • Push-up → bring left knee to chest (or tap).
4. Push-Up + Foot Touch (x2)
   • Push-up → reach right hand to left foot (from downward dog).
   • Push-up → reach left hand to right foot.
5. Push-Up + Swing Toe Touch (x2)
   • Push-up → swing right leg forward, touch toe with left hand.
   • Push-up → swing left leg forward, touch toe with right hand.
6. Push-Up + Mike Tyson Push-Up
   • From plank, shift hips back toward heels (like a crouch/dive bomber), then drive forward into a push-up.
   • This is the Mike Tyson push-up — working shoulders and explosive triceps.
7. Crawl Up to touch the toes Squat
   • Walk hands back toward feet.
   • Sink into a deep squat with chest up, arms forward or overhead.
   • Stand tall.

🔁 That’s ONE Rep.

This is a highly compound movement combining:

• Core control
• Push strength
• Shoulder stability
• Hamstring and hip mobility
• Squat patterning

Would you do 5 reps or 10 reps?

Water plays a crucial role in detoxing the body, acting as a natural purifier that helps flush out toxins and waste products. When you drink enough water, it supports your kidneys and liver—the body’s primary detox organs—in filtering and eliminating harmful substances. Without adequate hydration, these organs can’t function optimally, and toxins may build up, leading to fatigue, sluggishness, or other health issues.

Beyond helping flush out toxins, water also aids digestion and nutrient absorption, which are essential for maintaining your body’s overall balance and health. It keeps your skin healthy by helping to remove impurities, and it promotes regular bowel movements, which are vital for eliminating waste. Essentially, water is the medium that carries out the body’s natural cleansing processes, making it indispensable in any detox routine.

Drinking enough water daily also supports your lymphatic system, which plays a key role in immune function and waste removal at the cellular level. Staying well-hydrated keeps this system flowing smoothly, helping your body to detoxify more efficiently. In short, water is one of the simplest, most effective ways to support your body’s natural detox mechanisms and maintain optimal health.

When the wind is howling, the rain is pouring, and the sky is painted in deep grays, it’s easy to feel a little restless. But instead of fighting the stormy energy, why not flow with it? A dark and stormy night is actually the perfect setting for quiet creativity, deep relaxation, and mindful presence.

Here’s how to make the most of it, with three soul-soothing ideas:

1. Get Creative: Let the Storm Fuel Your Imagination ✍️🎨

There’s something inspiring about a stormy night—it strips away distractions, quiets the world outside, and makes you turn inward. Use that atmosphere to tap into your creative side.

🖊️ Write: Whether it’s journaling, poetry, or the beginning of a short story, put your thoughts on paper. Let the sound of rain guide the rhythm of your words.

🎨 Draw or Paint: Sketch the storm as you see it—or feel it. You don’t need to be a pro artist to express emotion through color, shape, and texture.

📚 Scrapbook, Collage, or Craft: Pull out old magazines, washi tape, glue sticks, and whatever else you have on hand. Crafting in low light with the storm outside can feel oddly meditative and grounding.

Let the wild weather outside awaken something inside you.

2. Self-Care Session: Pamper Yourself as the Storm Rages On 🛁🕯️

When thunder rolls and the rain won’t quit, it’s the universe giving you permission to slow down. Let your stormy night turn into a spa retreat at home.

🛀 Take a Warm Bath: Add Epsom salts, essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus), and light a candle. The contrast of warmth and the chilly, stormy sounds outside is incredibly soothing.

🧖 Face Masks & Body Care: Apply a hydrating mask, exfoliate gently, and moisturize with your favorite body lotion. Take your time—tonight is all about nourishing yourself.

🎶 Stormy Spa Soundtrack: Combine the sounds of thunder and rain with soft instrumental music or a calming playlist. Think lo-fi, classical, or ambient rainforest vibes.

Sometimes the best way to survive a stormy night is to treat it like a personal retreat. Cozy robe, warm socks, hot tea—total peace.

3. Do Nothing: Just Listen to the Rain 🌧️👂🌙

Yes, doing nothing is an option—and a beautiful one at that. When the world outside is chaotic, there’s a deep comfort in stillness.

☕ Sit by a Window: Watch the rain slide down the glass. Hold a warm drink. Don’t scroll, don’t plan. Just exist.

💤 Lie Down and Listen: Pull a blanket over you, close your eyes, and let the rhythm of the storm lull you into relaxation or even sleep. Thunder and rainfall are nature’s white noise machines.

🪟 Open a Window Slightly: Just a crack—to let in the fresh, earthy smell of rain and the breeze. There’s nothing quite like breathing in petrichor (that smell after rain) as you unwind in the dark.

This kind of presence is rare and underrated. Let the storm remind you that it’s okay to pause. You’re allowed to just be.

A dark and stormy night doesn’t have to feel gloomy—it can be a gift. A creative canvas. A time for deep care. A moment of rare stillness. So the next time the skies rumble and the lights flicker, take a deep breath. Light a candle. Pick up a pen. Or simply listen.

The storm might be outside—but the calm can be inside you.

WHIRLWIND

After a whirlwind weekend filled with flights, and the chaotic hunt for misplaced luggage, there’s a deep sense of relief in simply catching your breath. Navigating airport crowds, delayed departures, and the emotional highs and lows of seeing loved ones can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Somewhere between gate changes and baggage claim, patience wore thin, but resilience held strong. The reunion hugs, shared stories, and even the frantic luggage search—all of it added layers to the experience. Now, with the duffle bag finally in hand and the noise behind me, there’s comfort in the quiet, and pride in having made it through.

GRATEFUL

I’m truly grateful for all the warm regards and kind words that came my way on my born day. Each message, call, and thoughtful gesture added a layer of joy and meaning to the occasion, reminding me of the love and connections that surround me. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but moments like these—when people take a moment to send their well sentiments—bring everything into focus. I’m humbled, uplifted, and deeply thankful for the time and thought behind every born day greeting.

AGE

Feels like I’ve stepped into a chapter where clarity, confidence, and calm coexist. I’m no longer chasing validation or stretching myself thin to meet expectations that never truly fit. Instead, I’m learning to honor… peace, speak my truth without apology, and find joy in simplicity. The lessons of my past feel less like burdens and more like badges—proof that I’ve grown, endured, and evolved. At this age, I’m not trying to have it all figured out—I’m just finally okay with figuring it out on my own terms. And that, to me, is the real perk in life.

DETOX

As I move around in June 16, I’m getting ready to start a much-needed detox—mind, body, and spirit. It’s time to reset, refocus, and release what no longer serves me. Whether it’s clearing out processed foods, stepping back from digital overload, or simply carving out more space for stillness and intention, this is about choosing clarity over clutter. I’m not expecting perfection, just progress—one clean choice, one mindful breath at a time. This detox is more than a cleanse; it’s a commitment to honoring myself and stepping into the second half of the year with renewed energy and purpose.

Embrace your unique strengths and push past any doubts with confidence!! WEDABEST .. peace..

🌿 Eat to Thrive: Alkaline Foods That Support Breast Wellness

Your plate can be your most powerful tool for long-term breast health. An alkaline approach emphasizes plant-based, mineral-rich foods that nourish your entire system.

• Dark Leafy Greens (kale, dandelion, watercress): Packed with chlorophyll, these cleanse the lymphatic system and support hormonal harmony.
• Sea Moss & Bladderwrack: These sea vegetables are rich in iodine and other minerals that help regulate breast tissue and thyroid function.
• Cruciferous Veggies (arugula, wild broccoli, purple cabbage): Help with detoxifying excess estrogen—a common disruptor of breast wellness.
• Berries (especially blueberries and blackberries): High in antioxidants and fiber, they protect and purify.
• Herbal Teas: Soursop leaf, red clover, burdock root, and nettle are powerful allies for cleansing and cellular rejuvenation.

On Saturday, May 24, I took a stroll through one of my favorite Dallas neighborhoods—Bishop Arts District—a vibrant, artsy enclave full of charm, murals, and surprises around every corner. This time, the best surprise came on a plate at VFH, a plant-based restaurant serving up vegan comfort food with creativity, boldness, and a whole lot of heart.

I came hungry—and I’m glad I did—because I indulged in the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings and leaves you thinking, “Wait… that was all vegan?”

First Impressions

The space at VFH is clean, bright, and modern, with soft wood textures, lush greenery, and an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between casual and cool. It fits the vibe of Bishop Arts beautifully—laid-back, stylish, and full of character.

The staff made me feel right at home, offering friendly service and clear pride in the food they’re serving. The whole place gives off a welcoming, community-centered energy, without any of the pretension that sometimes follows trendy food scenes.

The Meal: Vegan Comfort Food at Its Best

I went all in and ordered the Surf & Turf Chicken-Fried Basket, which features:

• Chicken-fried oyster mushrooms – These were the perfect stand-in for a classic Southern-style fried “chicken” cutlet. Crispy, juicy, and full of savory flavor, they had that satisfying crunch on the outside and a meaty, tender bite inside.
• Chicken-fried vegan shrimp – Light, golden, and just a little spicy, these shrimp (made from konjac root, I believe) delivered an impressive texture that was surprisingly close to the real thing. Fried to perfection and seasoned well, they were totally addictive.

The basket came with seasoned fries and a tangy house-made dipping sauce that brought everything together beautifully. Every bite had that nostalgic Southern comfort feel—but with a fresh, plant-based twist.

The Side That Stole the Show: Vegan Mac & Cheese

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a side of vegan macaroni and cheese, and I’m glad I didn’t. This version was ultra-creamy, made with a rich cashew cheese sauce that clung to the noodles just right. Smoky, cheesy, and satisfying—honestly, it could’ve been a meal all on its own.

It’s the kind of vegan mac that makes you forget about dairy altogether.. one because none..

Vibes & Experience

As I enjoyed my meal, I soaked in the atmosphere: light music, good conversation, and the hum of happy diners enjoying bold, flavorful food. VFH doesn’t just serve plant-based meals—it makes you feel good about what you’re eating, without compromising a single bite of flavor or satisfaction.

Being located in the Bishop Arts District makes it even more of a win. After dinner, I wandered around the neighborhood, browsing local shops and admiring murals—an ideal way to cap off a feel-good meal.

Final Thoughts

My dinner at VFH was unforgettable in all the best ways. The chicken-fried vegan surf & turf basket and macaroni and cheese offered the perfect combination of indulgent, crispy, creamy comfort food—with none of the guilt. It’s plant-based, yes—but more importantly, it’s delicious.

If you’re in Dallas (or just passing through), VFH in Bishop Arts District is a must-visit. Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just love Southern-inspired comfort food, this spot proves that flavor doesn’t need meat to shine.

Plant-based. Southern-style. Unapologetically delicious.
That’s VFH.

All the table talk got me looking at the scales and getting ready for a difference.. In order to enter into a new time in life, Glowing, imma do a quick reset, and cleanse …. Get ready !!! I am drinking beers, and liquors all the way up til then though..

Reset Your Body with Spring Water, Herbal Teas & Lemonade

Feeling sluggish, bloated, or in need of a fresh start? You’re not alone. Sometimes our bodies just need a break — from processed food, stress, and the digital overload. That’s why we’re kicking off a refreshing 7-Day Detox Challenge starting June 16, and you’re invited!

This gentle, natural reset is designed around three powerful ingredients:
💧 pure spring water
🍵 nourishing herbal teas
🍋 fresh, cleansing lemonade

Together, they’ll help flush out toxins, hydrate your body, support digestion, and give you that fresh, energized glow — all in just one week.

🗓️ Challenge Dates: June 16–22

Mark your calendar! For seven days, you’ll commit to simple daily habits that can have a big impact on your well-being.

✅ What You’ll Do Each Day:

🌅 Morning – Lemonade Elixir

Start your day with a glass of homemade detox lemonade:

• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1–2 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 10–12 oz warm spring water

It’s the perfect morning metabolism boost and digestive aid.

💧 All Day – Hydration & Teas

• Spring Water: Drink at least half your body weight in ounces daily (e.g., 150 lbs = 75 oz)
• Herbal Teas (2–3 cups/day): Choose from:
  • Dandelion (liver support)
  • Peppermint (digestion)
  • Ginger (circulation)
  • Chamomile or Lemon Balm (calming)

🌙 Evening – Tea Ritual & Wind Down

Sip a relaxing herbal tea in the evening to support sleep and give your body a chance to reset overnight.

🥦 Optional: Clean Eating Tips

For enhanced results, pair your hydration with clean, simple meals:

• Fresh fruits & vegetables
• Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
• Plant-based proteins (lentils, beans, seeds)
• Avoid: sugar, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy

✨ What to Expect

By the end of the 7 days, you might notice:

• Boosted energy levels
• Improved digestion & reduced bloating
• Glowing skin
• Deeper, more restful sleep
• A feeling of lightness and clarity

📝 Join Us June 16!

You don’t need expensive supplements or fancy equipment — just a commitment to yourself for 7 days. Whether it’s your first detox or your fiftieth, this is your chance to reset and refresh in the most natural way possible.

🎉 Share your journey with us using the hashtag #7DayDetoxChallenge and invite a friend to join you. Accountability makes it more fun — and more powerful!

📥 Want a Free Printable Tracker or Recipes?

Comment or DM to get a downloadable checklist and recipe guide to help you stay on track throughout the week.

Let’s hydrate, heal, and glow — together.

I seem to delight when I get to eat from different cultures in a plant based way…

Like the diversity of a passport meals from all over.. plant based..

Easy Eats…

Plant Based Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Ingredients:

• For the Bowl:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
  • 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes (cubed)
  • 1 cup chickpeas (roasted or sautéed)
  • 1/2 avocado (sliced)
  • 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2-3 tbsp sauerkraut (optional, for a probiotic boost)
  • A handful of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch
• For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp maple syrup (or agave)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water to thin out (about 2-3 tbsp)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quinoa and Veggies:
   • Cook your quinoa according to package instructions. While that’s cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Cube the sweet potatoes, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
   • While the sweet potatoes are roasting, drain and rinse the chickpeas. For crispy chickpeas, toss them in olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices (smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder) and bake for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (or sauté them on the stove until crispy).
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Add water little by little until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
   • In a large bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, mixed greens, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
   • Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing over the top, then garnish with sauerkraut (for a fermented, tangy kick) and a sprinkle of pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Why It’s Great:

This Plant-based Bowl is a well-rounded meal that combines protein from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from avocado and tahini, and a variety of fiber-rich veggies. The dressing adds creaminess and a zesty flavor that ties everything together.

Enjoy!!!