Wednesday, October 12, 2011

What I want to be when I grow up

When I was a little girl, I always envisioned myself as a teacher. I would set up my dolls and stuffed animals in front of my chalk board, and teach them the lesson of the day. I was thinking about this today and how my dream of becoming a teacher has evolved. I believe that being a succesful teacher requires the desire to constantly learn and then in turn teach others what you have learned. I may not be a teacher in a classroom, but I feel that I am a teacher in my own way, because I love to learn and I love to share what I have learned with people through writing, videos, conversation...anything. I encourage you to think back to when you were a child. What did you want to be? Have you fulfilled that dream even if it's not in the exact way you thought you would?

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Book Manuscript Update

Hello! So, I'm back from my honeymoon and everything was perfect! We enjoyed every moment of it. :)

As I had some time away from writing my book manuscript, I began to rethink how I actually wanted to do this. At first, I wanted the book to be lots of information, but as my writing is evolving, I am leaning more towards the food, the Italian lifestyle, and telling an actual story with recipes, while peppering in tips and information. I have lots to say, but I don't want it to get overwhelming.

I have to say, writing a book manuscript—and the whole book process—is harder than I thought! But, it is a goal of mine, and I will push forward. In the meantime, I'd love feedback.

But keep enjoying my sites for everything Healthy Italian:
www.facebook.com/healthyitalian
www.joannaluppino.com

Grazie!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

My latest ModernMom.com post...

As I get closer to my wedding date—8 weeks; or 60 days; or 2 months away—this October, I am increasingly thinking about preparing for a family. It may seem a bit early to think about our first child before we've even gotten married, but I often wonder if there is a benefit to preparing before hand to ensure a better pregnancy and birth?

I have read a few studies that suggest a woman should prepare her body for a pregnancy 3 months before trying to conceive. So, for me, that preparation may need to start sooner than later!

A couple of things to do to prep yourself:

• Maintain a consistent exercise program that includes cardio, strength training, and stretching.
• Start taking a multi-vitamin if you don’t already.
• Tweak your diet to ensure it includes all food groups: fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, low fat dairy.
• If you are over weight, it's okay to lose a few pounds, but this is not the time to start crash dieting. Your body needs to be at a healthy weight in order to support a pregnancy.
• Eliminate as much of your stress as possible! Pray, meditate, do yoga…whatever calms you down.
• And it’s a great idea to visit with your doctor to discuss your personal history.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and any suggestions from those of you who are already moms!

Touching Base

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to touch base with what's going on in my life. I have been very busy planning my wedding, which will take place in October, so excited! I've been a little slower than usual with creating new YouTube videos and Facebook posts, but I am concentrating on continuing to write my book, as well as planning my wedding.

Thank you for your patience!
Joanna

Friday, July 23, 2010

The Best...and Worst...Fruits & Veggies

Unfortunately, nowadays, we have to worry about pesticides on our fruit and veggies. Unless you buy from a Farmer's Market, or organic all the time, take a look at this list which shows which fruits/veggies are the best—and worst—when it comes to pesticide absorption. It will make you think twice!

http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

Thursday, July 22, 2010

News

Hi Everyone,

If you haven't already checked out my new website, please visit www.joannaluppino.com.

This is where I will update you with what is going on in my life. I write for many different websites and publications, so I am not able to put everything on my actual website. This is the place where I can do that!

As you may know, I write for ModernMom.com. I have been working on a new, ongoing project for the GAP. Check this out!
http://tinyurl.com/2376rhk

I also write health articles for CaliforniaTeaHouse.com. Check them out!
http://bit.ly/cSDSXV

I hope you like my articles and website, talk soon!

Joanna

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Change

I haven’t written a blog on here in awhile, mainly because my life has been so busy. Busy, but good busy. The year 2010 has proven to be one filled with change for my family and I. So I am going to focus on CHANGE for this blog.

Just last week, one of my brothers graduated from college. It was a very exciting and proud moment for him and the family. His life will now change. Instead of bunking in a dorm room with his college buddies, he will pay rent for his very own apartment with the money that he makes from his very first grownup job. He has decided to work and live in his college town, which will be a change for all of us.

My other brother will be graduating from high school this month. And his life too will change. He will move on away from his high school friends to college and begin his studies and make new friends. This will set the direction for the rest of his life.

Back in March, my sister gave birth to her second daughter. An unexpected change, but nonetheless a miraculous one. Babies are always miracles in my eyes. And now this bundle of joy, along with my other niece, stirs up a desire for children of my own in the near future.

And for me, I have been planning my 2010 wedding for over a year now, with a few short months remaining. This is by far the biggest change I will be making in my life so far. I have mixed feelings, mostly of course of love and excitement. But this change in my life means changing my last name, and somewhat my identity. I am becoming a new person, a new woman. I will have new and different responsibilities and plans for my life, our life. And God willing, that will include children.

And through this all, I have seen a change in the rocks of our family: Our parents. They have remained calm, cool, and collected, and have somehow been able to give the right amount of attention to all of their children and grandchildren. And for them, I am grateful.

So, to end, I would like to share some quotes on change. Change is inevitable, but should be embraced, as it is essential for growth. Enjoy!


“Change always comes bearing gifts.”—Price Pritchett

“If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.”—Unknown

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”—Unknown

"Change is inevitable . . . adapting to change is unavoidable, it's how you do it that sets you together or apart."—William Ngwako Maphoto

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."—Maya Angelou