Eighty Pounds Gone!!

So I never actually have said this publicly, but I lost almost 80 pounds since having my daughter.  Definitely not an easy journey for sure, but one that God and I took together.

Lots of people will want to know how I did it, and it’s simple to say, yet hard to do.   It was a lot of Zumba, working out at the YMCA, and eating at home.  (Oh, and also going easy on the carbs!lol…)

But the thing that I realized this time around was that eating at home was probably the leading factor in my weight loss.  Once I cut out the greasy fast foods and started making my own foods, I was still eating yummy foods, they were just healthy and home-made.

Even when I couldn’t work out, I was still losing weight just because of my healthy food choices. (I wasn’t hungry either!)

Over time, I lost not only all of my weight from my daughter, but surpassed my pre-baby weight, and now I have a whole new wardrobe: my jeans and tops from high school!

While I’m excited for myself, I want everyone to be healthy…not skinny, but healthy.   And I believe God wants us to be healthy and strong to do His work more effectively.

This is why I’ve partnered with Chef Deena to teach women how to cook amazing meals at home.

I would love to get you signed up for our affordable cooking class.  We start this Saturday at 6 p.m., and we’ll be sampling and learning how to cook amazing and healthy home-made meals, and then relaxing in the pool and jacuzzi.  I hope to see you there!

Blessings!

Lauren

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

Looking for a fun program that teaches kids Spanish through art, music, dance and fun interactive games?  Check out our “Spanish for Kids” classes here!   http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Spanish-for-Kids.html

If you live in the Hampton Roads area and have a business or ministry, I would strongly encourage you to connect with the Shepherd’s Guide at a free lunch and learn, where you will find out how to grow your business, and be seen before thousands!   Partnering with them has grown my ministry and brought me some great contacts. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Lunch-is-On-Us-.html?soid=1103058265404&aid=fBTWPuApYU0

I can’t…I’m a Mom

Recently a friend of mine asked me a question that stuck with me: “what goals would you be accomplishing right now if you didn’t have kids?”

When I heard this, I felt a little sad.

Why do we think we have to wait until our kids are older or grown to accomplish all that God has for us?

And while the friend who asked this question has a million and one wonderful things that she is doing, I thought about those who believe the lie that they must put their own lives on hold while they raise kids.

Yes; God has different plans for everyone.  Some are meant to stay home.  Some are meant to work.  Some are meant to do both.

But nowhere in God’s word does it say that because we have kids, we have to put our own goals and dreams aside to focus 100% of all energies on our children.

My children are a blessing and I love them.    That said, I am also raising them to know that just as mommy spends quality time with them, Mommy also spends quality time with Daddy, as well as time on personal projects and work.

Today if you are a parent and are struggling with feeling like you are wrong for chasing your dreams and goals because you have kids, please know that that is a lie.

Your children are not burdens meant to slow you down.  With God, you can accomplish your dreams while still loving your kids and being a great parent!

Blessings!

Lauren

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

Looking for a fun program that teaches kids Spanish through art, music, dance and fun interactive games?  Check out our “Spanish for Kids” classes here!   http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Spanish-for-Kids.html

If you live in the Hampton Roads area and have a business or ministry, I would strongly encourage you to connect with the Shepherd’s Guide at a free lunch and learn, where you will find out how to grow your business, and be seen before thousands!   Partnering with them has grown my ministry and brought me some great contacts. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Lunch-is-On-Us-.html?soid=1103058265404&aid=fBTWPuApYU0

Have you grown spiritually deaf?

 

We all know someone who can quote the Bible from front to back, or who can tell you the Latin, Greek and Hebrew translation of every verse.  Maybe it’s your friend who went to Bible college, maybe it’s someone from your church, or maybe it’s you.    While knowing and memorizing the word of God is great, the Bible tells us that we should  also truly understand it, (Matthew 13:13.)

 

We see this all the time in relationships too.  In the heat of the argument you might tell your partner, “you hear what I’m saying, but you just don’t understand.”  I wonder if God also sometimes thinks, “wow, my children read the Bible, go to church, sing in the choir, and dance on the praise team, but they’re not taking the time to truly understand my words.”

 

 

This hit me recently when I came across someone who was frustrated with their life.  They could quote scripture front and back, but they weren’t putting any of it into practice.  (This is not to judge, because we are all works in progress in Christ.)    But in this person’s case, they were still doing things they knew were wrong, but expecting God’s blessings.

 

But that type of behavior doesn’t work with God.  Yes; God will always love us, but as our Father, He wants the best for us.  He doesn’t want us to just act like we have it all together, but to actually understand His word and live it out.

 

 

Let’s not just be hearers of the word.  Let’s go deeper!  Let’s be doers.  Let’s be open to understanding!

 

Blessings!

Lauren

 

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

 

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

 

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

 

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

 

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

 

Looking for a fun program that teaches kids Spanish through art, music, dance and fun interactive games?  Check out our “Spanish for Kids” classes here!   http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Spanish-for-Kids.html

If you live in the Hampton Roads area and have a business or ministry, I would strongly encourage you to connect with the Shepherd’s Guide at a free lunch and learn, where you will find out how to grow your business, and be seen before thousands!   Partnering with them has grown my ministry and brought me some great contacts. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Lunch-is-On-Us-.html?soid=1103058265404&aid=fBTWPuApYU0

You’re pregnant and don’t even know it!

Here is a picture of the ladies soaking their feet at the Brides in Training Brunch this weekend – I could use a foot soak and pedicure right about now too!   And one of the ladies at our event was pregnant, (and she wanted her foot soak right away, so we knew better than to argue with a pregnant woman!)  Just kidding.

And speaking of pregnancy, maybe you are not pregnant with a baby, (or maybe you are and I don’t know it..lol,) but I do know that everyone has a dream or God-given purpose in life that they are pregnant with.

Have you birthed your dream yet?

If not, why?  It’s never too late!

This weekend at the Brides in Training Brunch, so many ladies realized the ministries, businesses, and dreams that were lying inside of them, growing dormant.

They realized that it was time to revive them:  cooking businesses, catering businesses, personal traninig businesses, you name it…

Take a look at our time together:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcwco4QPsVY

What about you?  What dream, goal, business or ministry has God called you to?  Whatever it is, if you’re not doing it already, get started! Or if you’re already doing it, don’t grow weary in doing good – keep up the Lord’s work – He will reward you in the end!

Blessings,

Lauren

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

Food, Fun and a Makeover

Recently, my friend won a free Makeover at our March Lunch, Fashion Show, and Beauty Bash.

She was actually helping me out at the event, and hadn’t expected to win at all, so it came as a pleasant surprise.

Danielle, a Mary Kay consultant and friend, came to her house, and did the makeover.

Here are some pictures.

When I talked about the makeover with Rachel, she beamed as she described how much she enjoyed it.

“I got to meet new people and have fun, ad I was surprised and excited when I found out that I’d been chosen for the makeover.  I know that I am beautiful already, but after the makeover, I felt very pretty and good about myself.  It is important to look and feel good about yourself, (both inside and out.”)

It made me so happy to hear that!

Whatever stage of life you’re in, remember to take some time for yourself. 

Even if it’s a bubble bath after the kids are asleep, painting your nails while watching TV, or enjoying a meal by yourself at McDonald’s, take a time out.

 

Or maybe it’s even simpler than that.  Maybe it’s just taking a nap instead of trying to keep the house spotless.

This is not to say that we are to live in pig-pens,   but that our houses don’t have to be perfectly cleaned 24/7.

So today, I am going to take a time out and nap while the kids nap.  What about you? 

Blessings,

 

Lauren

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

 

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

 

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

 

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi?
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

 

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

 

A Chat and Tea with Mandy!

I have some EXCITING news – we are starting a new series called “Before marriage I thought…After Marriage I learned…” to lead up to our Brides in Training Brunch on Saturday, April 27^th.  There are still a few spots left, so get signed up today!

 

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Brides-in-Training-Brunch.html

But before we hear more on that next week, I am excited to introduce to you all Mandy Dawson, a Lover of Jesus, a Wife, a Mother, a Worship Leader, a Songwriter, and a true example of beauty!

 

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is pervasive in our physical world from the sun rising over the ocean to the drop of dew sparkling on a blade of grass in the meadow, or the sounds of orchestral strings rising and falling together or the vision of silver skyscrapers glinting in the evening light.

I find beauty in good morning hugs, the musical laugh of children, and the gentle touch of a loved one. Beauty is boundless and endless. It is God made and man expressed. There is beauty in every single one of us handcrafted by God and put inside us to reflect Him in this world. And while that beauty is reflected in our physical being, our most true and profound beauty is found within.

Love is beauty. Selflessness is beauty. Strength, perseverance, meekness, generosity–all are beauty. Beauty in the world and in humanity compels us to discover our Creator, and when we have found Him, the beauty He sees in us compels us to search Him out and understand the depths of His love for the rest of our lives.

What inner trait about yourself makes you feel beautiful?

Right now, I would have to say love as in “love is patient, love is kind.” Staying at home with my two preschoolers and being their primary care giver 24/7 has really opened my eyes to what true love looks like. I’m constantly in a situation where I can choose to love and selflessness or fall into impatience. When I’m struggling in a situation, you know the kind–100 things happening at once (one kid writing with marker on the floor while the other is asking you to get their pajamas while you are trying to fix breakfast AND empty the dishwasher!) In those situations, all I can say to myself is “love is patient, love is kind” –it’s not that I don’t need the rest of the famous verse, it’s just that by the end of “love is patient, love is kind” these two simple phrases have helped to guide me in the right response. When I am able to choose love, patience and kindness, I do feel beautiful and I am profoundly aware of God’s graciousness and His love, because without Him, (the true source of love,) I have none on my own.

What other feature about yourself do you love?

Light-heartedness. I love to laugh and sing and play! I make up silly songs about vegetables and waking up in the morning. It’s fun to make up games and play with my children. Daily responsibilities often weigh heavily on me and it is a challenge to sometimes let other things go a bit so that I can maintain a light heart–it’s almost never easy when there are dishes in the sink and laundry to be folded. Sometimes, I have to choose to ignore all that (for just a little bit–a whole day of ignoring usually results in even more stress!) and seize a moment to just have fun.

What is one (inexpensive or free thing) you or other women can do to make themselves feel beautiful?

Maintaining the hairstyle that I love has been something that helps me feel beautiful. After my son was born, I spent the next 20 months going without a haircut and sporting a ponytail almost every day. When a dear mentor of mine passed away in her 70s, I saw a picture of her when she was in her 30’s and she had a similar short, cute hair cut then as she did when she passed away. In that moment a light bulb went off in my mind and I looked in the mirror and thought, “What am I doing wearing this ponytail every day and feeling lousy about myself?”

I knew that short hair looked best on me, but I hadn’t found the time to maintain it since my baby’s birth. No more. I think I made an appointment that very day and got a great big chop! The stylist was a little nervous, but I knew it was the right thing, and there has been no going back. I still go with a bit of a no fuss cut–a little mousse, a little spray, a light finger scrunch and I’m on my way! It feels good to look in the mirror and see hair that compliments my face, and know that when I’m 70, I’ll have a few less “what was she thinking” photos to browse through!

Blessings,

Mandy

To learn more about Mandy, feel free to visit her website at:

http://www.mandydawson.com

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

 

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

 

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

 

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi?
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

 

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

Before marriage I thought…After marriage I learned…

 

I have some EXCITING news – we are starting a new series called “Before marriage I thought…After Marriage I learned…” to lead up to our Brides in Training Brunch on Saturday, April 27^th.  There are still a few spots left, so get signed up today!

 

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Brides-in-Training-Brunch.html

 

Our series is for everyone – male, female, single, married, Christian or non-Christian – it’s basically for anyone who wants to get some real insight into relationships and marriage!

 

When I was first married, I felt like no one had given me the “low-down,” if you will!lol…  So we’re here to dispel the myths, tell the truth, and have some fun!! I hope you’ll join us for this month’s series!

 

Today we are interviewing a personal friend of mine, Micah B. Harris, at 5^th Grade teacher, and Founder of One Accord Dance Company.  Join me this Saturday evening at 6 p.m. to see her troupe perform (free of charge) at the Regent University Library Atrium.

 

Before marriage I thought…
Before marriage I thought it would be so cool to know what married couples talk about when they “ride off into the sunset” after a wedding.

 

After marriage I learned…
After marriage I learned all they want to do is sleep! LOL. The wedding day is exhausting and exciting!

 

The most fun aspect of marriage…
The most fun aspect of marriage is that you always have a partner– in watching movies, playing a game, going out to eat, gearing up to exercise, taking a road trip, attending a banquet, the list is endless!

 

My advice to newlyweds is…
My advice to newlyweds is to take your time in those first five years to really learn and understand one another. Get used to building foundational principles that make your marriage work. Marriage is unique and you have to build your trust with one another.

 

What I love about dancing…
What I love about dancing is that it is a creative escape and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with women who are just as eccentric as me, and the benefit is the healthy lifestyle it supports at the same time!

 

Blessings,

 

Micah

 

Thanks again to Micah for her awesome interview!

 

Learn more about Micah and her dance troupe by liking their facebook page, “One Accord Dance Company” on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/lauren.holmes.96592?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/In-One-Accord-Dance-Company/525371960839105?fref=ts.

 

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

 

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

 

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

 

In need of a fun time away to learn new recipes? Are you recently married and needing to learn the basics in the kitchen?  Or maybe you’ve been married for years, but just want to sample some yummy cuisine while lounging by the pool and jacuzzi?
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it’s time to sign up for our Brides in Training Summer Cooking Series!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Cooking-Classes.html

 

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes