Category Archives: Empower

Thoughtful Thursday

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Photo by Ella Olsson on Pexels.com

What is Keto?

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of publications in the grocery store and online about the Keto diet. To sum it up Keto is a low carb, high fat diet with good protein. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates you consume which turn to sugar and are used as fuel by the body, you put your body into a state of Ketosis. Ketosis is where your body utilizes stored fat as fuel and thus you drop weight, reduce inflammation, balance your hormones, get better sleep, reduce blood sugar levels, reduce brain fog and more. There are a lot of benefits to eating a Keto diet.

You may read some articles that claim it’s okay to eat as much fat as you want on Keto. However, this is Not True. The goal is to eat healthy fats like nuts, olives, avocados and some oil. But keep in mind that you cannot consume more calories than you’re burning in a day, otherwise the weight will not come off and any symptoms that you’re trying to resolve won’t get any better.

For most of my life I’ve eaten a low sugar, low fat diet. It has brought me to where I am today. I went vegan several years ago and overall feel pretty good and way better than when I ate meat and dairy. But like most us, I still have a little weight to loose, so I decided to try the Keto diet.

When I initially started the Keto Diet, I lost weight. But when I went off of Keto and then tried going back on the results weren’t the best. I’m having a harder time the second time around. Yes I’ve been cheating and that’s a big reason why it isn’t working so great. As of March 1st which is Monday, I’m going to start the Keto Diet fresh again. I will check in with you, my loyal readers, about every 5 days for the first 15 days and let you know how it’s all progressing. The good, the bad and the ugly. If you want to do it along with me that would be great!

I have a few books that I recommend if you’re interested in learning more about Keto and the effects a regular diet has on our bodies:

  • “Fat for Fuel” by Dr. Joseph Mercola
  • “Keto-Green 16” by Dr Anna Cabeca

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“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need”. ~ Ayurvedic Proverb

Angel of Peace Watercolor Journal Page

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My newest creation in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8.5″ Watercolor Journal. I completely panicked in making this angel. My white Posca Pen ran out of ink shortly after starting the outlines. I had a pretty good groove going on and didn’t want to stop so I switched to my white Uni-Ball Signo Gel pen and it worked beautifully. It makes a broader line but the gel ink is also bolder. Just like the Posca Pen, if you make a mistake you can quickly erase it with a little water and a brush, but the ink has to be wet. Once it dries it’s permanent.

Wishing you a wonderful week 😊

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Angel of Prayer Watercolor Journal Page

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Since I filled up my other journal, this is the first angel in my new journal, Angel of Prayer. I tried something new with her halo but I’m not sure if I like it. What do you think?

I also limited my color palette on this one. After she was all done, I took a look at her and she reminded me of Easter with these colors.

Hope you have a lovely week 😊

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Angel of Love Watercolor Journal Page

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In the spirit of Valentine’s Day which is just a 4 days away, I made this Angel of Love. This was my last painting in this 5.5″ x 8″ journal. I finally filled it up, Yay!

I somehow keep making that beautiful turquoise blue color. I have mixed and mixed trying to duplicate but haven’t had any luck. Funny enough, it happens completely by accident. I don’t even notice it until it dries. I’m waffling buying a tube of paint, the hard part is finding the color of turquoise.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

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Heavenly Angel Watercolor Journal Page

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This is my latest angel that I created in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8″ watercolor journal. I started with a sketch and then painted her. I wasn’t too crazy about her green colors at first but it definitely grew on me. I can’t decide whether I like the halo or glowing aura more. Which style is your favorite?

Wishing you a lovely week.

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Grace Mixed Media Painting-She Blooms in Ink

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I wanted to share a quick post with you today. I created this lovely girl in my Strathmore 11″
x 14″ Watercolor Journal. She is part of the “She Blooms in Ink” online course taught by a very talented artist, Tamara Laporte at Willowing.org.

Since this is part of Tamara’s online class I can’t go into detail on how she was made but I can say it was loads of fun! I highly recommend Tamara’s course, it’s well worth it! I have a few more projects to do, so I’ll post them as I go.

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Watercolor Angel of Serenity Journal Page

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This is my latest angel that I created in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8″ watercolor journal. I always start with a light pencil sketch first and then paint with bright fun colors. I’m currently working on a larger angel but she isn’t done yet, so stay tuned.

Once I get the colors to where I like them I let them completely dry. Next I painted her halo with gold acrylic paint and let that dry. I then added doodles with my white Posca pen and a little more detailing with watercolor paints and colored pencils. I finished her off with a little bling. I love the little sparkles of magic.

I hope she inspires you to create your own angel.

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Thoughtful Thursday

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Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

Choices

I think we can all agree, 2020 is a year we will not soon forget. But the New Year has begun and it’s filled with endless possibilities. More importantly these possibilities will be a direct result of the choices that are made.

When you think about it, our lives all boil down to the choices we’ve made through the years. There are the good choices we’ve made when everything was simply peachy. Then there are those choices that when we look back, we question what the heck were we thinking at that time. It would be great if we had a crystal ball to see how things would turn out based on our choices. But where’s the fun in that?

I strongly feel that in the “not so great choices that are made” are important lessons to be learned. Sometimes the lessons are revealed quickly while other times, it just takes a while before it shows itself to you.

Make 2021 a Great Year! Be patient and kind to yourself, as well as with others. Do the best that you can. When faced with adversity, take a minute to breathe deep before responding harshly. Make the choice to have a positive enlightening day! Turn those days into a week, month and year!!

“May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears.” Nelson Mandela

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Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

Watercolor Angel of Harmony Journal Page

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I hope you all are doing well and enjoyed your holidays. I ended up taking an unplanned but much needed break from the digital world. I feel refreshed, recharged and ready to start the New Year and I hope you do as well!

I love the dreaminess of these angels. I can’t stop painting them, lol. I created this simple angel in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8″ watercolor journal. I started with a light pencil sketch and then painted her with bright fun watercolor paints.

Next I added doodles with my white Posca pen. I added more detailing and shading with watercolor paints and colored pencils and of course a little bling with Stickles. I love owls and added one in on this painting which is something you will notice more of in my art.

I hope she inspires you to dream big and reach for the stars in 2021! Wishing you a Year filled with Joy, Good Health and Prosperity!

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Share the Love Watercolor Snowman

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This little snowman warms your heart with lots of love. Painted with professional watercolors on Cartiera Magnani 140lb Cold Pressed Watercolor paper, measures 5″ x 7.” I added extra shading with colored pencils and fine detailing with a Sakura Micron pen.

Available for purchase on ebay: Share the Love Snowman

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