Great books

I celebrated my birthday about a week ago, and my dad got me a gift card from Chapters, therefore I went a few days after, and got the below books

 I heard about Oh she glows cookbook from my friend's blog and knew I had to have it. I tried one recipe yesterday, which was the brownie, and they are so good!  She also told me I have to make the glo bars, which I plan on trying that very soon. I have browsed through the cookbook and I know there's many more recipes I will try out.

As for the Slimming book my Julie Daniluk, I have her first book, which has really great recipes, and she also had a show on TV for a while, but I can't seem to find it anymore, but really great recipes and can't wait to try them out.

I wasn't planning on buying the honest life, but while I was in line, it caught my eye because I really do love Jessica Alba, she's a great actress, and I know she has a line of healthy products, so while I waited in line I browsed through the book quickly, it has information about nutrition, including a few recipes, it also has information on products, and since it was on sale for $7.99 I thought it's a great deal so I bought it. Looking forward to reading through it.

I've been doing some spring cleaning, and some organizing. Making me feel a lot better to have less clutter and an even cleaner home. I haven't been as experimental in the kitchen, but starting to get back into that, especially since I have new books. I will post a new recipe soon.

Taking care of ourselves

I haven't done any posts in a while because my family has not had such a good past 9 months. Which brings me to talk about how important it is to take good care of ourselves and to take some time to do that. Since my mom passed away at the end of June, we have had 4 more deaths in the family, all my mom's side. It's time like these that it's even more important to take care of ourselves so we can be there for each other, and so we stay healthy and strong.

For me, it's been really hard, but I am taking action on my own health. How I will get through this is by eating healthy, exercising, and to also go through the emotions. For those that are going through a hard time, and even those that aren't, we all need time to take care of ourselves. Even if it means spending a few short minutes.

Some great ideas which work for me, is reading, going for a hike, going out for a run, taking a warm bath, and one that you might find odd is going to Chapters. I love to read and love books, and when I go to Chapters I always feel so happy and relaxed. Other things that might also help is meditating, doing yoga, even just stepping outside or stopping for a minute to take 3 deep breaths (breath in for 4 counts and out for 8 counts). Something else that also gets my mind off of things and makes me happy is being in the kitchen cooking/baking something healthy. Whatever it is that helps you relax and feel happy, then please take time to do that, if not every day, do it as often as you can.

I know how hard it is to find time for yourself, and we do live in a fast paced world, but you are very important. Think of what you love doing and make sure you take some time for that. Every little bit does count and your body will thank you. Especially if you can treat yourself to a massage, pedicure/manicure... =)

What do you love doing to relax and have fun?