Reflection

Having patience and being grateful are things I have to constantly work on. Like lots of people I know, I'm not where I want to be in life. This applies in my career, relationships, financially, spiritually (basically every aspect of my life it appears). I always imagined entering my 30's would mean I'd have things figured out or at least would be close to living a fulfilling life.

Well I'm here and I'm not. 

I spoke with a 76 year old woman today and listened as she told me about the recent surgery she endured to remove cancer and ulcers from her stomach. Her entire stomach was removed and the doctors had to connect her esophagus to her intestines. She went on to say her mother who was 96 yrs passed recently as well. As I listened to her tell me about all the things she is going through I realized my measly issues regarding building my savings account and sticking to my daily caloric intake is just that: insignificant. 

Turning 30 is the start of a new decade not the end of life. It's time for me to take a step back and realize that life is a journey. If I was where I wanted to be by age 30 there would be no room to grow. Although there are many things I want for my life, there's much to be thankful for. There are many lessons I've learned and ways I've grown from the many places I've lived and many different people I've crossed paths with. I'm rich with life experience and that is something to be proud of as I move along in my journey. 

Quick & Healthy Snack

Peanut butter and banana cupcakes were always my favorite to make and eat. Now that I'm tweaking my lifestyle toward the healthier side, this has been my go to snack when I'm in the mood for something sweet and satisfying. Packing roughly 200 calories, peanut butter and banana wheat toast is also a good breakfast and way to start the day and your metabolism.

PB & Banana wheat toast

Easy Solution for Shine Free Days

I remember picking this tip somewhere over the years and wanted to share this oldie but goody. If you haven't already heard the good news, for those oily days when you don't have any blotters around, toilet seat covers do the trick just the same! 

With those oil blotters costing between $4-$6, most times I choose to go the cheap route. Instead of discarding the oval middle part, swipe your t-zone and emerge from the restroom shine free. 

Photo credits: seat covers   

Good Buy or Good Bye: Peanut Butter Pop Tarts

I always find myself craving peanut butter, and eating it by the spoonfuls usually curbs my crave. While walking the aisles of Target I came across these Peanut Butter Pop-Tarts. Like normal, I tossed yet another unnecessary purchase in my cart and decided to give it a try. With a price of around $3, I went ahead and took the chance.

Surprisingly they tasted very similar to a Nutter Butter cookie only with a soft shell. While I did like the taste, I could only eat one of the two in the package. Oh, and don't forget the milk or water as your mouth will need some moisture. 

If peanut butter isn't your thing, Pop-Tarts also have new oatmeal flavors made with oats including brown sugar and strawberry. If you've tried it please share your feedback below.

I'm giving this purchase a Good Bye rating for the sole reason I only ever ate one.

**Peanut Butter Pop-Tarts purchased with my own money.

Better Me

This post serves as my first in the new year and I plan on moving forward with many things in my life. No New Year's Resolutions for me just a plan to live life to the fullest. I owe that to myself as I continue my new decade of life (30's). I plan on being the best Marrietta I can be, and hope to share great new things along the way with you. Please also do the same with me. I've determined for me, having a balanced life consists of physical, mental and spiritual elements equally. 

With that, here's what you can expect from me and MyGuideToAGirlsWorld in 2014....

• New and healthy recipes
• Organization tips
• Hot new beauty products and trends
• Spiritual findings I pick up along the way
• Online content that will enhance your life
• My thoughts 
• And other things that cross my path that's worth sharing

Enjoy my amateur postings and pay it forward!

Carpe Diem!

5 Things I'm Loving

1. My Granny's chicken and dumplings
Though she recently left this earth for heaven, she shared her recipe for my favorite dish and I've been making it ever since. I recently made it in her honor. Sorry I won't be sharing this recipe. I think I will keep it between me and her.

2. Cassie's Mixtape, RockaByeBaby
I thought why not give it a shot since it's free. It's pretty good. Check it out here on my fav new blog www.hiphopgossipsite.com. My favorite song from the mixtape.... 

3. Messages
My mom and I went to our local Message Envy for a day of pampering and enrolled in their membership. Monthly messages or facials is what I need in my life.

4. Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat
With a drying time of 60 seconds, it makes my nails shinier and juicier than ever.

5. Real Housewives of Orange County
Another reason to look forward to Mondays. I absolutely adore Heather Dubrow. She keeps it classy!     

photo credits: Seche Polish, OC Housewives

Pasta-less Stir Fry

This weekend I acquired my new toy, a julienne peeler. If you're not familiar with this small kitchen gadget, it's used to string veggies. I was fiddling around online looking for healthier pasta alternatives and came upon the device. It's used often times to string zucchini that resembles a spaghetti noodle. 

Immediately I picked up some fresh zucchini to try out some new recipes  What I created turned out fabulous! After stringing and setting aside my vegetables, I sauteed some onions and Italian sausage. I put everything together and seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil and topped with fresh parsley. 

This healthy dish is easy and because the zucchini will work with almost anything I just went through my fridge and started adding different things. The best part, is that the zucchini "noodles" only need to be sauteed in a little olive oil for 3-4 minutes as you want them to keep a little crunch. 

Peeled prior to cooking

Finished product

A couple of things to keep in mind:

- You'll want to peel the dark green outside skin and discard first.

- It's best to string the zucchini first and set aside (about 30 min at least). While it sits, it will emit water which can be squeezed out before putting into your skillet. 

- I used 4-5 zucchini to get a good portion for two (and leftovers). If you're cooking for just one or smaller portions for two people, two zucchini will be just enough. 

Do you have any j. peeler recipes to share?