COVID Tendencies - Health/General

The month of September is almost over and it's amazing to see the statistics of the COVID numbers. The social media and news aren't covering the health/COVID aspect anymore, it seems there are other fishes to fry and take notice of (politics, the Royal Family, President Biden, former President Trump and scandals, etc). However, if anyone actually would take the time to look they would see that COVID isn't gone and that it's still a current concern that people should still take precautions with. 

Yes I know we aren't seeing the death tolls high or seeing a drastic infection count from how contagious the interactions from an infected person is, thanks to the vaccinations and booster shots that were released. That doesn't mean though that the worst is over or that things can't revert back to a fearful time again. People aren't as conscientious anymore to using even hand sanitizer or wipes anymore. In case you're wondering I stated "even hand sanitizer" because I had already observed prior to COVID, how disgusting the women in today's world are; its awful to witness and know first hand how many even use the restroom but leave not even having washed their hands. So thinking how unconcerned the women are with their own hygiene, of course I can conclude or react in not trusting the world to be cautious in being COVID free. What makes me think that someone who could easily wash their hands for twenty seconds actually take care to not spread or be a host to a disease that has the ability to "cripple" (I use that term loosely) someone once they are diagnosed with COVID. 

Do I believe that the vaccinations and boosters have helped, yes of course, but that still doesn't rule out the responsibility that every citizen has in securing that COVID doesn't have another ugly outbreak as it did when the strand was first released...I have all my vaccinations and even my boosters thus far. Have you? Or are you one of those people who think that you and/or your family shouldn't be vaccinated at all? Either way, as wonderful as it is to have life back into some normalcy, it doesn't mean we throw complete caution to the wind. For example what I noticed was that many people began to travel for pleasure and leisure there was a spike in COVID numbers, then when the school year formerly commenced again another spike; with the lower counts registered as well with similar circumstances justifying the numbers. But don't take my word for it, take a look for yourself: covid numbers in texas

I mean I've had COVID once already pretty badly (along with the residual symptoms that stayed with me for almost two years) and even though they say it's not likely you'll get as sick the second time around if you should catch it again...well needless to say I don't believe in that. Yes, your body has a chance to create antibodies after it's first battle with COVID but that doesn't mean that your body is always running at the same capacity or level of nutrients. Therefore, for example, my family and I will enjoy eating out (at restaurants) yet because of everyone's level in comfort from COVID we've been able to notice a decline in how thoroughly tables are cleaned; hence, why in turn we are still carrying our cleaning wipes and disinfecting our table where we sit at least. I have little ones and still make them wear their masks when entering into public restrooms and my family and I still wear masks when there are large groups or bodies of people in the same area that we will be in. What works in our favor to not always have to wear masks, is that we've managed to develop a routine to the establishments we frequent, that we know when there aren't so many people there. 

Do you have any special routines to help stay healthy or COVID free? I guess the moral of this post is!…can we at least still be courteous to those not wanting to have COVID and have some sense to hygiene! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Meso Maya - Restaurant Review

I came to realize that I have yet to write about one of my favorite places to eat in Texas, specifically in the DFW area. It’s a place my family and I have frequented and I haven’t just gone once or twice…I believe I’m well past the fifteen times marker. So here we go!

I’m not a typical “salad only” type gal (even though recent health instructions have instructed otherwise-but maybe I’ll get into that in another post) but I have to say that this place truly has some delicious salad entree options that are one of a kind. For example, perhaps you’ve concluded that from the two images above it’s two different salads? WRONG! It is in fact the same salad but this is what happened or I should say, this is how I ordered my salad entree meal. 

So for a late lunch on a Sunday, with a high humidity count outside and the cool temps inside, with some rain clouds moving in it was a day my body felt the craving for something deliciously fresh and savory. I ordered the “Ensalada De Ceviche” (which is the first image) as it comes, then I ordered a salmon to be added but on the side (yes and it has to be on the side). So when the salad arrives I scoop onto my fork some of the ceviche that’s on the top of the salad, to get the first flavors because for me that’s how I know how the quality of the rest of the salad will be. It did not disappoint that’s for sure! The seafood ceviche mix was fresh, tender to the bite, and flavorful - not just something they slapped together and decided to add a lot of citrus juice or lemon juice to hide how old or awful the quality of the seafood is. There was a slight fish scent as you brought the bite close to your mouth but upon biting into the seafood mixture you understand why and the slight fish smell immediately leaves your train of thought with the way they’ve mixed their ceviche. I mix the ceviche into the salad and make sure I turn it over at least six times, so that I can get the dressing evenly mixed in so that I get a taste of everything in every bite. Then I do another taste test and everything elevates! Textures, flavors, scents and it comes all into this delicious unique bite. I got a few bites in so I could place on top the deliciously warm and cooked to perfection salmon, hence the second image. It was the perfect blend of fresh seafood, cool temperatures of succulent fruit and vegetation, with a nice ending of warm salmon with the citrus dressing. I honestly know that I’ve never been so satisfied nor so full from a salad before (actually that’s a lie-I’ve been full from a salad only two other occasions) and I would order it again and again, no matter the day! But don’t take my word for it, try it out. Better yet try some of their other dishes as well, because I’ve had a lot from their menu and I have yet to be disappointed from what I’ve ordered and eaten there.

If you haven’t eaten at their establishment, make a trip out to one of their locations for sure. Granted as delicious as they all are, the best location for consistent and substantiated quality is their Dallas location. You won’t regret it! http://www.mesomaya.com/menus/dallas/dinner/

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Dating a Sports Guy - Relationships/General

For females reading this post, yes it can be done. Anyone who tells you otherwise hasn't come across any of the males I'll be talking about in this post. You can have a healthy and loving relationship with a male who loves or lives for sports, it can just take some getting used to or maybe after this blog post you'll be enlightened enough to try dating one of these males that you've previously written off before. For the men reading this post, please by all means correct me if I'm wrong! I love when someone provides another twist to my "story" or legitimate information to bring to the table, which in turn enlightens the public.

So in case you're wondering, yes I've dated the man who love sports, the sports fan, the sports fanatic, and the sports addict. I’m not sure if these are actual labels society uses but they’re definitely the categories or labels I've created of what I’m about elaborate on. Oh don’t you worry because there is a difference between them all. So I’ll dive in to their definitions and I’ll provide some little insight on how I've seen some things should and can work out.

The Man who loves sports - this man is energetic about attending sports events and/or playing sports and/or watching sports. Just has a genuine appreciation for the talents behind the sports. He won't care if he's with the guys doing this or with his girlfriend/significant other. His motives for sports is pleasure and won't see important life moments as an obstacle for his sports. Although it would be best to define as a couple what those "life moments" are so that he can continue to enjoy sports and not feel threatened by your involvement with him and with something that he truly enjoys in life as well.

I personally enjoyed dating this guy, because some of the dates were fun and so "let loose" without concern or pressure of having things perfect. I will openly admit that because of these two specific (different sports guys) guys I dated, helped me to better appreciate the moments in our fun sport like outings and not having a care in the world to sweat in front of someone. No I don't mean as if you're in a workout class or at the gym, I'm talking about a care-free environment where you're only concern is about what you'll both be eating together because you've enjoyed the sweat, the outing, and each other's company. When you're dating this guy just be open to the sporting outings and the fun you could have, he will enjoy you and want more time together. I know what you're wanting to ask, did I end up with him or did I severe ties? We split ways because I was focused more on my career than using up PTO time for sports.

The Sports Fan - this man is only a few notches above the "The Man who loves sports". What makes these two labels different is that the man with label concentrates his energy on the specific sport and team/s he only likes. Will keep up with the team and their stats but wont necessarily but his sports above his actual life or I should say above those "life moments". If this man is interested in you, he will also concentrate his energy in getting you exposed and involved with his team/s and sports. 

I dated one man like this and he was a nice upgrade from the first label guy. I was not only able to appreciate the moment getting into the sports with him but it was fascinating for me to hear how passionate he was about something else that I merely saw as a hobby or as a form of entertainment. Men like this will appreciate your support in what they love, will appreciate you more because you've put time into what they like, and when they really like you they will try to find a compromise with their sports as well and their time with you. To answer your question, I did not end it with this one, he's my ex-husband; for the record we didn't call it quits because of his sports!

The Sports Fanatic - this man is the medium of the labels prior and the labels after, yet can be borderline close to the "addict". He'll be so absorbed into this team/s and may even have the natural inclination to forget about you but can still be a seriously good catch. He will spout everything about his team/s and there's a good chance he will have memorabilia of his team. He will stay tuned to the stats, events, games, and season but if treated right and understood will be a great and fun loving guy. He won't miss an important "life moment" but he will make sure he's in attendance or sets aside the time for his game/s. All in all pretty tolerable, fun to be with and around, yet his quirk will most likely deter his attention away from you.

The two men I dated were everything enjoyable, spontaneous, and fun but I just couldn't get behind putting that much time and effort into the team/s because I wanted to enjoy other things. Mutual split after about four dates in. He really was a great guy though. 

The Sports Addict - let's be very frank about this man. This man is so caught up and dedicated to sports that unless he's die hard seriously intrigued/wanting to invest time into you. He will literally cancel a date on you and quite possibly (unless he seriously likes you) won't even bother rescheduling because sports season is more important than worrying about when he will or won't be seeing you. He's so caught up in the sports season that it won't matter what life events or even if you are his significant other, you are not going to trump his need to be involved in the throes of the season, sport spirit, events, and this could involve both pro as well as college sports. The sports addict will be into all aspects of sports-lives and breathes it. Might be there for the birth of his child as long as there was sports onesies involved for the baby, but seriously he'll be one heck of a piece of work. Some might find it annoying or obnoxious, and others who have been involved or who know men like this, know that this is their vice/quirk/special trait/non-negotiable, whatever you want to think.

I found that dating this type of male requires a very special character and personality in a female. It's not that you can't be happy dating or being in a relationship with this person, it just means that if you're not used to being this involved in sports (and I don't mean just playing softball/soccer or whatever sport in high school and/or college but either trying to be pro or missed the opportunity to be a pro) you won't be able to fully appreciate or understand him. If you think dating a man like this with the intent to "change him" or perhaps "change his mannerism in sports" to put you first in his life completely, even over his addiction for sports-you're clearly delusional and going about it in the wrong manner. This man will appreciate the woman who gives him space for his "addiction" and will reciprocate in kind to the woman he's chosen to be involved with. Yes I dated one male like this. I'm not like most females (truly an alpha female character with men whether significant or otherwise with my hidden docile side) so because I have a high level of self-esteem, courage, secure, not clingy, and definitely don't need my mans attention 24-7 I was able to handle this man. Why you ask did I get involved with someone like this? Well for the same reason that he didn't want a clingy insecure female taking him away from his sports and his time with the guys during sports. I valued my time to myself just as much as I put value in to what I already knew about him. I know what your next question is, why didn't we work out then? Well it had nothing to do with his addiction to sports, as hard as it would be to believe. We ended things because long term we didn't want the same goals-I was looking for someone to have kids with and he point blank didn't want kids at all. Unfortunately, that wasn't discovered until about the 6th date. 

There you have it ladies and gents! Regardless though at the end of the day, if two people want to really make it work they BOTH with make it work.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

3 Day Blemish/Breakout Fix - Health/General

So how would you like to have an almost guarantee of clearing out your breakouts or blemishes on your face within a maximum of five day? Not only with something that you can keep in your cabinet for any and all future breakout needs but it's uses and abilities to use for your health are also well served! Don't believe me well let's dive into the pictures I took and the breakouts that occurred. Please don't think that this post provides a helpful at home cure to serious acne and breakouts, because I would be the first person noticing what kind of breakout you have and even help you find a Dermatologist! There's just some things the specialist has to help you with regardless of what you may think...I digress and move on though. 

So the first picture was taken on August 16th as a neon sign to any or most females that, hello period you've arrived and left me with a visible reminder to look at every time I look into the mirror. For those of you who don't have the distinct pleasure of pre-period breakouts or acne count your blessings. The remainder of you female population who have the routine periods, you probably feel my cosmetic pain. So just to quickly enlighten those who are not aware. It's normal should you breakout and/or notice a quick increase in pimples on your face. The reason for this is due to the wonderful estrogen and progesterone levels that drop in your system before your period should start. This in turn can cause a females glands to have a higher release of an oily substance that's secreted and lubricates your skin, resulting in clogged pore, therefore hence the breakouts. Our wonderful hormone levels are also a culprit to an increase of skin inflammation and the increased ability of acne production on your skin. If your curious to know more don't hesitate to inquire with your Gynecologist or PCP (Primary Care Physician), I'm sure they would be happy to answer your question and perhaps provide a referral should you feel that's it's too excessive in the amount of breakouts/acne production.   

Two days prior I noticed some blackheads and whiteheads appearing, "uh-oh here it comes," is my first reaction. Start adding in the additional face wash a day to help alleviate the overall physical appearance of my upcoming breakout that I knew would come. Hence my picture taken the evening of August 16th when I notice the big breakout signs. I'm honestly not sure if its the combination of all items used that I'll be mentioning, but they are severely good remedies (also confirmed by my recent two visits to a Dermatologist-and no I'm actually not seeing one for my skin/face) and worth the money products to keep on hand. 

So here's exactly what I do the moment I notice the breakout: 1)wash you hands and get in front of a well lit mirror or a room very well lit that has a mirror in it. 2)I gently "pop" or push out the whitehead/blackhead from it's in skin source. I have found that the slower and more patiently you push out the filled pore, the easier the oily substance is removed entirely. This may leave your skin a little red after you've "popped" or "pushed out" the filled pore. The cardinal rule when popping pimples is to NOT keep pushing when there's a clear liquid mixed in with some blood. When this occurs on popping the pimple, stop and begin gently massaging the area-take notice if the area is hard or bumpy. If hard then that means you may have some additional hard substance inside the pimple, in which you will have to exercise out by massaging the region/area to assist in loosening said substance that's clogging your pore to that extreme level. If it's the second however, where it's a clear like liquid with the blood mixed in, chances are you have a little bit of a bump like feeling pimple, that even though you've extracted the substance or "popped" it there's a residual feeling that there is still a lot more to push out. When this occurs you will massage the area and (if possible) throughout the day continue to push out the remaining "juice" that's filled that clogged pore. 3)after you've finished popping or pushing out the clogged pores you'll prepare the water for a temperature feel of warm water, not hot nor scalding, not cold nor frigid cold either. The reason being is that you want to open the pores with some of the heat but you don't want it too warm so that the products do their job and you dont risk nurturing the filled pore. 4)You'll wash your face first with the "Foaming Facial Cleanser" - so I personally like to pump twice the product into my hand that's already been wet, start mixing in the cleanser into my hands until I see an almost white foamy texture-then I know the product is ready to apply to my face. You don't want it necessarily bubbly like a bubble bath or when you wash your hands with hand soap, you just want enough bubble to know it's not the original form, from when you pumped the product into your hand. You'll spread it all over your face, then go back and start massaging the cleanser into your skin on your face. You'll want to do this part without nails digging into your skin and possibly scratching it-you'll be using the high bent area of your hands (not the knuckles but where your hands bend before that area, closer to the tip of the fingers). Then you'll create these circulation motions as your massaging the cleanser into your face, all over. Wash and rinse off. 5) You'll keep the water running at that same temperature used and grab the next product which is the "Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser". I'm no expert to say this specific product will work on all skins types, but if you have seriously naturally oily skin then this is definitely for you. You'll use this product the same way you did the "Facial Cleanser" but before you attempt to wash and rinse off, you'll keep yours eyes closed and leave the product on your face for a minimum of one minute, then rinse off. 6) I scrub dry off with a towel-what I mean is that I don't gently tap or dab, I wiped my face dry with the towel as if it was an actual face wipe. I'll then use a Q-Tip to dib into the Apple Cider and dab the liquid onto the pores I've just popped or extracted filling out of. I like to use one clean Q-Tip side per each blemish I need "healed" and to remove the blemish it may leave behind. That means if you have a total of six pimples or breakouts then you should have a total count of three Q-Tips, so it's one end per each spot to heal. 

Why Apple Cider you may ask yourself, well allow me to elaborate. The organic/natural Apple Ciders (like the brand I use and show in my picture) has some impressively powerful antimicrobial properties that assist our skin in easing skin infections as well as soothing the irritated areas of the skin. It's been said that because Apple Cider contains mild acid, it also can be contributed to assisting in restoring the natural pH balance of your skin which in turn keeps irritants out and retain the skin moisture. 

Continuing on with step number seven now: 7). Then I head to bed. 8) In the morning I'll wash my face with cold water and use the two facial products mentioned above except I won't put/use the Apple Cider I simply dab my index finger into the Cerave cream to have the fluffy cream on my finger; I use one full finger dab per each check, then the forehead, and the chin; allows for a more even spread of the cream in addition to making sure that the whole face has an even amount throughout. 8.)It's up to you and you have the luxury to keep doing this throughout the day between hours.

Result being exactly what you see on August 19th in the evening.

With these steps in their order and my busy life schedule, I'm able to fix my blemishes within the three business day. However, I've found that if you are able to do this routine throughout the day, you should have some awesome feeling skin with some faster results. I say that because I've tried it and done it, since I've had the pleasure of working from home for work. I've never been one for the damn foundation powder or all this other crap women like to use to not only hide their blemishes (which in turn also clogs or reclogs your pores) but to make it seem like they don't have any blemishes at all! Yeah, sorry that's way to much work and I look just fine thank you! :p I'm sure someone would disagree or say otherwise like "you could use the foundation to even out the tone of the skin throughout the flow of the neck to the face..."but guess what, I don't care and I'm as happy as a clam with how my face looks and feels.

If you decide to use this technique let me know and I would love to hear or see your results. Otherwise have fun and share some of your techniques!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman