Today I made a mistake... or the best decision of my life. I'm not sure yet.

I went to the gym and got a full body evaluation. You know, a machine tells the trainer how much muscle, fat and other things are in your body. One thing did come out as true: this girl is BIG boned. I thought my mom used say that to me to make me feel better, but turns out it is true ! Also, I'm like super fat... meaning I have a lot of fat to lose. The trainer took his time to try to help me understand that working out is really not the total answer to my weight loss challenge. It really is about nutrition. He taught me about the glycemic index of food ( you would think I would know that since my whole family is diabetic) and gave me some tips and tricks to help me on the path to a wealthier weight. I'm not a dieter, honestly I love food. All types of food. However, I realize that I need to stick around for a while longer now that I have a baby boy, so I will do my part. Sure, tomorrow I could slip and hit my head and that's the end of Monica but that's a lame excuse not to try or worst , slip and have a HUGE BROWNIE but I'm still going to try. The hardest part is definitely the "no sugar" comment he tried to sneak in our conversation ( I know what you did there, trainer!) . I'm going to take that one day at a time. We are not trying to get crazier over here. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the challenge. 

If you are interested in learning more about the glycemic index of food and achieving a healthier weight check this link out: http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods

PS: That's not me in that picture eating that salad. I'm just making sure you are not confused. 

"Especially good for all griefs and pains of the head and brain." 
That's lavender for you. 
Perfect for those with insomnia and anxiety. Lavender helps  the very deep sleep in which the heartbeat slows and muscles relax. Helping you feel rested and ready to start your day the next morning. 
You can buy it as an oil to soothe your skin or diffuse it. It also sold as a  massage oil at different stores. If you are a little more traditional you can plant, harvest and dry this plant to hang in any room to repel mosquitoes and aromatize any part of your house. If you have any interest in doing this check out this link: http://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/advice/g598/lavender-0908/?slide=4

Personally, I just had the best sleep in 6 months after using a lavender oil on my neck, arms and hands right before bed. 

Worth it. 

For more information: 
http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/how-lavender-can-help-you-sleep

This used to be a blog for health tips. It was a good way for me to keep me in the loop of medical stuff going around web blogs. It was also a way to think that I could be of use to others. Keep those on facebook informed about good tips to be heatlhy. I used to think  that and I, were helpful to society. Then , I went on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Dominican Republic. I was disconnected from most technology, willingly, and the blog stopped.
For those that haven't been to the DR , as we call it, need to make it a priority in their lives to go at some point in their lives. I will not argue, as many other missionaries do, that my mission was the best mission in the world. As a matter of fact, that can't be proven. Too many missions, too many different perspectives and points to be taken into account. I can , however, say that it was the best mission for me. ( No one can argue with that, just as no one can argue with me if I say that your shirt is blue, when it's yellow , etc. It's really all about perspective.)
As I seat here trying to summarize what happened in my life in the past 2 years of my life, I realize I have no words. ( That's really a metaphor, I have plenty of words, I just  don't know how to write them down appropriately so that I can communicate an idea with the exact meaning I want at this moment). I also realize that I am a much much better writer than this, but I am willing to give myself the opportunity to be flawed. Zero desire to impress anyone, just me at my very core. Truly, this is like me seating in front of you in my underwear or so. I'm secretly giggling right now.
I am happy to be writing. This is such a source of relief and release. I almost feel as if it was the only way I can clearly show what I feel. Though my talent is far inferior, I feel like Ann Frank, Mary Shelley, Ayn Rand and other writers. We are soul sisters, to the very core.
The greatest thing about learning to mature is learning who you are,being completely aware of your flaws and shortcomings. Realizing that those can and will only change with time , discipline and the secret of life which is love.
I'm going to keep writing this blog for the sake of throwing out there all my ideas and thoughts. If they occur as much as I talk to myself , prepare... beware.
I'm glad I stopped posting health tips. I am grateful to have the experience of having been in the DR and have that to share with the world. Thanks if you made it this far in the post. I really need to go to bed. I got two pairs of shoes for like 8 bucks. That's ridiculously cheap here in Costa Rica. I realize that all of the authors I mentioned could and probably had some pretty strong mental illness. I am happy to just open my heart and let the thoughts out.
I like the thought of not editing at all this posts. Enjoy. Be creative, edit it yourself. Consider this the Colbie Caillat of blogs.

http://youtu.be/GXoZLPSw8U8

xoxoxoxoxox.

2014, Full Force: Full Health. 

After a year and some months of being in the Dominican Republic , this blogger is back!
To start off this new batch of healthy advice, I have opted for this really good and short article about dieting. We all want to look our very best starting the new year, and we are definitively going to stick to this new regimen of healthy foods, right?!
The article talks a little bit about what we should look for on a diet , and why some times diets go wrong and we end up gaining weight.
I lost 20 lbs in the DR and I've been able to keep them off following the advice given here. Change routines, don't cut yourself short of nourishment , and treat yourself to something yummy once in a while!
Good luck with your New Year's resolutions and remember, health first!

http://news.health.com/2013/02/14/5-reasons-your-diet-is-making-you-fat/

Tip 1- the summary and the beginning!

WOOOT! Last post for some time! but no frowns I shall be back. 

Yesterday, while i was giving tech support to facebook ;) , it started raining. It reminded me of the time one of my best friends and I were sea kayaking in Newport CA. It was a beautiful day and I wanted to get in the water, but I didn't because I was going to see a boy and didn't want to ruin my hair. The date didn't happen,  and I always regretted not jumping in the water that day. I jumped from the sofa and ran to dance in the rain in my little backyard.

During these two months I had time to meditate, to think back on what I've done so far. I have the best family and the best friends. I have some neat people in my life. When it comes to relationships , not so lucky. I'm sure the right guy is somewhere out there . When I come back I will find him. However I'm thankful for those relationships that didn't work, for those scholarships I didn't get, for the government that didn't give me a chance when I wanted it. Without any of them I would not be leaving to serve a mission in one of the coolest places on Earth. It all balanced out. My last tip for you is, dance in the rain, jump in the water, do what you love and don't pay attention to what others think. This is YOUR life, you only get 

one. ENJOY!!

The missionary blog is : http://hnaavendanoscott.blogspot.com/

Tip 2- Sorery about that!

Some people have problems with blisters in their mouth. Most commonly known as canker sore,not cold sores, those little suckers can ruin anyone's day. Taking 3 tablets of L-Lysine for two days and one everyday to prevent future outbreaks will take care of those unfriendly visitors. It works. Also L-Lysine has many other great benefits for your skin , to learn more click here: http://www.nutritional-supplement-bible.com/l-lysine-benefits.html

Tip 3 - Fresh from Conference....

If we are healthy , we will be more spiritual. We are lucky to have such amazing bodies! What I learned from the LDS General Conference from the talks of Elder Richard G. Scott and Russell M. Nelson.

(Pic seems familiar?) :)