Looking Back and Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting Goals for the New Year

I want to keep this blog short... aka micro blog... because I don't want to give you TONS and TONS to read, but instead plenty to think about, reflect on and be proud of.

2014 was an EPIC year... a year for travel, growth and growing pains, new friends, business adventures, creativity... you name it. But to get the MOST out of 2014, we ALL have to slow down and look back in order to move forward.


I'm going to share a few tips with you that have helped me get REALLY clear on goal setting for 2015 that actually SPEAK to your HEART and SOUL!

Mistakes When Setting Goals & How to Set Goals that REALLY Speak to You :

We ALL make mistakes, but I prefer to call them lessons to learn...  In previous years when it came to goal setting I was not looking back, not reflecting, and just going with what 'felt good' -- Yeah thats a great goal because 'thats what all the other girls/coaches are doing!' 'Oh, she's my age, and she's already accomplished ALL that? I better get on it!'

Goals look good on paper but they have to FEEL good in your heart. And many times I've made goals that I wondered why I was even doing them. Is it really for me? Or am I trying to impress people? Does it make MY heart skip a few beats or does it feel like follow the leader?

So here are a few common, easily fixed mistakes you can avoid and work on for the upcoming year!

• MISTAKE: Setting goals while comparing to others goals -- "She's the same age as me and look at what she's accomplished, I should do that!" < Avoid comparing, it will steal your joy and take your focus off YOUR path
• INSTEAD: Don't look at ANYONES goals until you have set your own. It's ok to be inspired by others, but remember this is YOUR life, YOUR path... it has to be beautiful and captivating for YOU. 
• MISTAKE: Not setting time aside to break your year down quarterly and reviewing and reflecting on small and big accomplishments, lessons learned, milestones hit, personal feelings and well being.
• INSTEAD: Go somewhere quiet... the beach, your room, the park... anywhere you can get some DOWN time... put on some music and then space out your months on paper... go through each and remember as best you can what happened during those time periods.. how did you feel? What did you do? What did you miss out on? 
• MISTAKE: Your goals just look good on paper but don't TRULY excite you. 
• INSTEAD: Stop worrying about what others are doing, what they may think, how hard it might be, and remember that this is YOUR life... your goals MUST speak to you heart and soul if you want be pulled and pushed towards your vision. 

So to get this goal party started you need to ask yourself some key questions especially if you want an amazing year, to reach new heights, not repeat mistakes and be proud when all is said and done! 

Remember that one of the MOST important part of reflecting and goal setting is that it comes from your heart and not your head... often times our head will compile lists of things we MUST do in order to be GREAT. Our head can often mislead our hearts and lead us feeling overwhelmed. 

Ask yourself, what do I TRULY value? What or Who do I want more time for? Maybe its yourself! Maybe it's your family or friends. 

Here's another fun visual that I created and followed for myself! 

I'm excited to hear your lessons learned and goals for 2015! I would be even MORE delighted if you posted them in the comments section and get this dream party going!

To a Fabulous Year my friends! We DESERVE it!

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Healthy Sweet Potato Burgers

I love potatoes of all shapes, sizes, and colors... I don't discriminate on carbs when they have potential to taste like french fries. I'm pretty sure you agree right?

So a few weeks ago my boyfriend and I went to our friends house (cute engaged couple -- Tiarah and Tony) and they introduced us to an AWESOME seriously healthy and EASY recipe... So thank you Tony for being health focused and getting us hooked even MORE so on potatoes ha!

This recipe is EASY... and takes minimal mental effort. Ready? Me too, because even the left overs are #bombDOTcom

What you Need:

• Two large sweet potatoes or yams
• organic, unrefined coconut oil
• Himalayn salt and pepper
• Grass fed beef/lean ground turkey/black beans -- use your preference of a patty -- black bean burgers are a GREAT option for vegan and vegetarian folks! For the black bean patty recipe (vegan and vegetarian friendly) CLICK HERE
• Hamburger seasoning 
• Olive oil
• shredded cheese or pepper jack 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut up the sweet potatoes in circles - these will be your BUNS! So make sure your SP are big enough or your patties are smaller depending on the size
2. Grab a pyrex larger glass dish. Toss in 1 tbsp of coconut oil -- if its not melted just place in the oven for a second. Toss the sweet potato slices around so they are coated with the coconut oil and add a dash of salt! Put in the oven for about 25 minutes -- don't let them get TOO soggy or your buns will fall apart! 
3. Season your ground turkey, beef or black bean patties with your choice of seasonings -- I liked hamburger seasoning,  pepper, a little salt, and add shredded cheese to keep most. Then place into SMALL patties and coat with olive oil. 
4. Either in a pan, on a grill (like my hand dandy George Foreman), or in the oven, cook the patties until desired temperature/well/medium well/etc. 
5. When both are done, add some ketchup, avocado and enjoy! Or whatever toppings you want ;-) 

21 Day Fix Approved:

Depending on which bracket your in based on your caloric needs/goals it depends on how many red/yellow/blue and green containers you have portioned for each meal. If you follow my meal above, it would be two red/two yellow/two green/1 blue (ok maybe two blue... whoops darn avocado). 

But the main containers you are using: Green, Red, Yellow (& blue if you are adding avocado) 

*The sweetness from the coconut oil adds the perfect sweet/salt ratio to your dinner, trust me its AMAZING! It doesn't taste like coconut burgers ;-) 

Bon Appetite! 

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My Current Hair Care Routine

About two months ago I realized that my lovely locks were suffering from dry weather, color damage overload, and hair tie abuse.

To me, my hair is like a man's penis. You may be shocked I just said the 'P' word... but we're all adults here (I hope at least...) and we all know that men take pride and joy in the family jewels.

Well, I feel the SAME EXACT WAY about my hair... its my pride and joy. But when it suffers, I suffer. Melodramatic sarcasm inserted here... (please don't take me TOO seriously... this blog is an inside look into my head and life, which  I try to keep fun and light)

So when I noticed my hair felt thinner, it was breaking off, and started to look a little lifeless... I had to take action. STAT.

So just like any normal woman, I went on Pinterest. DUH. Right? #KnowWhatImSayin ??

Sadly, I think people go on Pinterest and make some random crazy stuff up just to get hype... I mean who takes the time to cook bacon and then shave their legs with the grease... I still don't know if thats legit.

I new I needed THREE things...

1. a REALLY good hair mask - that wouldn't break the bank
2. Volumizing and thickening shampoo and conditioner
&& Clarifying Shampoo ** I have YET to pick a good one, suggestions WELCOME!

Normally I'm a bit of product snob when it comes to hair... like I said, its my pride and joy, but I was open to other products... and one MAY just surprise you!

So in my pursuit for fabulous locks again I did a little research (however I'm open to hear/read your products that you LOVE - just comment below! Sharing is caring ladies, empowerment for all!!) and here's what I grabbed...

1. HAIR MASK -- have you ever used coconut oil? If you haven't let me assist you out of the cave you've been living in... come... come into the light. Coconut oil has MANY MANY uses and one of my ALL time favorites is using it as a weekly hair mask. The BEST part? It's organic, cheap, diverse, and works like a CHARM... But make sure you get unrefined, organic coconut oil. I found a GIANT tub of it from Costco... It's SIMPLE.


Here's what you do:

• Brush your hair out (dry is preferable... I've never done it wet) and you can section it into 4 pieces on your head.. 
• Grab your coconut oil (remember to grab unrefined virgin, organic) and if it's not in a melted state, throw in the microwave OR just rub around in your hands and the friction/heat from your body will melt it... 
• You can either start with the ends of your hair or your roots... I usually start with my roots because the heat from my scalp opens up the hair follicles. Then I brush it all out and make sure ALL my hair is coated in the oil. 
• I leave it on from 30 minutes to even a few hours... Also, if you workout with the mask on your  hair, the heat helps open up you hair shaft so it can work itself deeper. *If you dye your hair, you can also use coconut oil to protect it and the color will still hold! 

2. Volumizing/Thickening Shampoo -- I bought THREE different shampoos. Obsessed? Totally. I have about 7 bottles of shampoo in my shower... I don't OVER shampoo my hair but I like to mix it up so that my hair doesn't get TOO use to a certain product.

• Joico Body Luxe -- I LOVE this stuff.. quality product and you can find it at your local salon however, I usually score it at Marshalls and TJ Maxx for $16/bottle *I've heard that it can be expired or 'fake' so just be aware of that! 
• Loreal Volume Filler -- normally I don't go for 'drug store' type products for my hair, but after seeing the reviews and hearing nothing but good things, I figured WHY not try it?! So far, I really like it! 
• Mane 'n Tale Color Safe -- Horse Shampoo... who woulda thought right? Again, ditto the drug store comment above! HOWEVER I remember using this product back in high school and if my memory serves me right, my hair was long strong and had it going onnnnnnn back then. My coach and friend Allie reminded me how amazing it can be for hair growth and strength... & so far, I'm loving my hair again! 

I'm not a know it all when it comes to hair products and while I'm still working towards a more holistic approach to my health and well being (even my hair), these products have worked well for me the last two months. 

Even my other friend Lynda grabbed my hair (who is a hair stylist and owned a barber shop) commented on how STRONG my hair is. Why thank you Lynda <3 

I'm sure as I search for other products, I'll fall in love with something else.. but for now these work wonders. Between Shakeology, the coconut mask and shampoos, my hair is back to its fabulous self. 

If you have a product you SWEAR by or have been loyal to... lets hear it! This blog is a community to sharing, caring, and empowering women from the inside out! <3 

Ciao Bellas! <3 

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What is Insanity Max 30 & What Does It Include?

It's been said that you're insane if you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results. 

I say you're insane if you don't JUMP on this awesome opportunity to get a workout that once scared the pants off me, but NOW can be done in just 30 minutes 5x a week! 

Whether you're a fellow Shaun-T raving fanatic OR a total NEWBIE to the world of at home workout programs (like P90X, Brazil Butt Lift and 21 Day Fix) this program is USER FRIENDLY... meaning that its great for the athletes AND those of you just learning the ropes of health and fitness... and here's WHY...

What are the results like?

Since this program is BRAND SPANKIN' NEW, results will start to flood in when we have people hitting their 30 and 60 day marks.. however please pick up your jaw after you're done staring at Lori Stuart's Insanity Max 30 DAY results... that's right... 30 DAY results... that's just HALF WAY through the program. Stay tuned, I will update this with more photos as time goes on and results come in! 

Who is it for?

Despite what you MAY think about Insanity, Shaun-T workouts and the really ripped people you see in his workout videos, this program is for EVERYONE and ANYONE who is willing to challenge themselves. I know that sounds HARD to believe considering Shaun-T delivers a TRUE ass kicking workout, BUT the great thing about THIS program -- Insanity Max 30 is that it ALSO included a modifier for EVERY move AND is continuously displayed on each workout DVD so that you can closely follow it. 

With 150 new cardio moves you better believe that its got to fit the fitness veteran to the newbies just getting started. That was one thing missing in Insanity (the original) -- there was NO modifier and the workouts demanded a somewhat higher level of athletic ability (at least in my opinion). 

What is Insanity Max 30? 

SO, what is Insanity Max:30 EXACTLY?? We know of Insanity... we know that its between 40-60 minutes for the old workout program... but what is the whole MAX 30 about? Well, sit back, relax and absorb. It's simple.

INSANITY MAX:30 is the challenging new 30-minute, in-home workout program from Shaun T, creator of INSANITY and Focus T25 (along with Hip Hop Abs and Rocking Body)

INSANITY MAX:30 will be the hardest 30 minutes of your day (2% of your day) Get ready to MAX OUT.  What does that mean exactly? It's not about "getting through" all 30 minutes, it's about going as hard as possible, for as long as possible, until becoming "MAXED OUT" (i.e. until taking the first rest and/or breaking proper form). No equipment needed… just push to the MAX for INSANE results in just 60 days for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. 

Can you spare 2% of your day for the body you want? Now if thats not a cheesy pick up line, I don't know what is! 

What's included?

12 WORKOUTS ON 10 DVDS

Month 1: Shaun alternates killer cardio and Tabata-style strength workouts all in preparation for your end-of-week challenge, Friday Fight.

Cardio Challenge
30 minutes of the hardest cardio sequences you’ve ever tried. Welcome to INSANITY MAX:30.

Tabata Power
Your strength training starts here with traditional Tabata-style “20 seconds on, 10 seconds off” workout structure. Your muscles will beg for mercy.

Sweat Intervals
Just in case you didn’t think Cardio Challenge was hard enough, you’ll have 30 minutes of screaming, sweating, calorie-scorching madness.

Tabata Strength
Shaun T takes it up a notch in this NO REST, Tabata-style strength workout. You heard right...30 minutes, no rest.

Friday Fight: Round 1
It’s a battle between your mind telling you to push to a new Max and your body saying “OMG, are you serious?” And this is just Round 1.

Month 2: You’ll feel like you’re back at Day One as the intervals get longer, but the rest stays the same.

MAX OUT Cardio
This may be the craziest cardio workout you ever tried. Just wait till you get to the first Power Move. What minute are you Maxing Out at now?

MAX OUT Power
The intervals are longer in this “45 seconds on, 15 seconds off” Tabata-style plyometric power madness.

MAX OUT Sweat
The more minutes you make it through, the more you sweat and the more calories you burn. Now you know the meaning of “twice the sweat in half the time”.

MAX OUT Strength
Your arms, shoulders, chest, and core will be toast after this upper-body-focused, “45 seconds on, 15 seconds off” Tabata-style routine.

Friday Fight: Round 2
The new “hardest workout ever.” Every move is a minute in this final fight between your body and your mind. Who’s going to win?

PLUS TOOLS TO HELP YOU MAX OUT YOUR RESULTS:

Nutrition to the Max Guide
No complicated diets or strict meal plans here. This simple portion-based plan shows you how to eat what you love and still reach your fitness goals.

Max Out Guide
The secret to great results with INSANITY MAX:30? Pushing to your Max every day. See how to do it, and why it’ll help you get insanely fit.

Max Out Wall Calendar
Shaun’s got it all planned out for you. Find out which workout to do each day and keep track of your Max Out times to see your progress.

No Time to Cook Guide
Everything you need to MAX OUT your results even when you’re on the go. From fine dining to fast food, you’ll know the best options to fuel your body and stay on track every time.

AND 2 FREE BONUS WORKOUTS

Pulse
Shaun’s version of a recovery workout, this is a low-impact combo of stretching and small “pulsing” movements that’ll definitely make you feel the burn.

Ab Attack:10
This 10-minute routine will feel like an attack on your abs, but you’ll love the rock-hard results.

Where can I get it?

Now, I know a lot of frugal people out there would consider ordering it from Amazon, Ebay or some other 3rd party (or the slums of craigslist -- please read the sarcasm and humor behind my words) because I DID it too. When I bought P90X off craigslist (hey we've all been there and I'll fess up to my cheap sins) two of the DVDs didn't work, the guide was printed wrong and it was clearly a counterfeit with a country that rhymes with 'vagina' ... (AKA "Made in China") #girlpower

The reason I bring this up is because I don't want you to even waste the $60 it costs to buy a FAKE program with crappy printing and DVDs that skip. I've made that mistake TWICE... and for that price, I could have bought the original REAL DEAL with peace of mind. AND if the DVDs skip or don't work, you just call customer service and they will replace it for you! Its like insurance on your fitness ;-)

SO with that said, you can get Insanity Max:30 from your assigned Beachbody coach and their personalized link... whether thats ME or not! If you have NO clue what an 'assigned Beachbody coach is' let me help ya out... we're basically loyal customers who saw awesome results with the programs, decided to sign up as a 'coach' and help other people finish the programs and reach their goals. 

How Much Is It & What Are My Options?

Prices vary based on your investment and commitment level... there are several to choose from so hang with me on this as I explain each option! 

CHEAPEST: Insanity Max:30 Base Kit -- just the DVDs listed above + S/H $120 *free shipping for the month of December only! 

BEST DEAL: Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack with Shakeology -$180 for the month of December (or any sale month) and $205 normally! 

This option includes the base kit DVDs with a bonus DVD when you order through your coach (or me), 30 day supply of Shakeology (we have 5 flavors to choose from) $2 shipping, access to our 30 day fitness support group on Facebook with the chance to win prizes (like another workout program or a fresh new pair of Nikes -- to learn more about the challenge and how to join click HERE) 

GREATER INVESTMENT: Insanity Max:30 Deluxe Package 

The Base Kit DVDs +

PLUS 3 ADDITIONAL INSANE WORKOUTS:

MAX OUT:15
Just as intense as the 30-minute workouts, but at least it’s half the time! This is 15 minutes of insane cardio, Shaun T style.

MAX OUT ABS
You'll alternate between seated and standing moves with 15 minutes of crazy core work that will MAX OUT your abs.

360 ABS
A 360-degree attack on your abs and core…on the floor, in plank, and more!

SHAUN T’S TOP AB-TRAINING TOOLS:

Ab Maximizer Workout Calendar
If you’re serious about getting that six-pack, follow Shaun’s plan for MAXED OUT abs.

7-Day Ab Maximizer
This is the plan Shaun uses to prepare for big photo shoots. It’s specifically designed to help you shed the fat and make those abs pop!

Core Comfort Mat
An essential tool for extreme core routines. Better than a standard yoga mat, it’s thickly cushioned to protect your spine, knees, and wrists so you can maximize your rock-hard results.

NAIL YOUR NUTRITION AND GET ON THE FAST-TRACK TO SUCCESS:

7 portion-control containers
Take the guesswork out of eating with these color-coded portion-control containers. They’ll help you eat exactly the right amount for your personal fitness goals, without counting calories or depriving yourself.

Shakeology shaker cup
Maximize your results with this 25-ounce shaker cup that mixes the perfect Shakeology shake or your favorite drink in no time flat.

Body fat calipers
Track your progress by measuring your body fat at regular intervals. Better than relying on the scale, these calipers make it simple to see just how much fat you’re losing with INSANITY MAX:30.

If this sounds all gravy to you, but you're STILL not sure which option to get, contact me! Lets review your goals together and see what the BEST fit would be for you physically and financially! It's not about breaking the bank, its about breaking bad habits and investing in your future! 

I look forward to sweating our asses off! <3 CIAO!

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Turkey Meatball and Zoodles

Lately I've been having a lot of epic fails in the kitchen... I hit a few bumps in the road with coconut flour and knocking things over. A pinch of confusion with a dash of clumsy.

I bought my veggettie (such a weird name in my opinion) from Bed Bath and Beyond for $15 -- cheap and worked pretty good in my opinion, but this is my first time making ZOODLES (zuchinni noodles... theres quite a few names for it).

I've heard of much better "noodelizing" devices. Yes I definitely just made up that word. But it works right?

Anyway, use whatever you like... Ive seen a noodle machine and I've seen people use julianne peeler), but this whole dinner was SUPER easy in my opinion for how good it tastes... my boyfriend and I both had seconds and I didn't feel one bit guilty.

I mean how can YA?! Its zucchini, turkey and yummy sauce. SO! Onto the goods...

This is in 3 Parts -- 1. Zoodles 2. Meatballs 3. Sauce Voila.


Part I: ZOODLES 

Rinse and dry off completely... cut the hard end off and insert the zucchini in the vegettie (or look up other ways to noodelize your zucchini) -- it will spiral out naturally. Drain in a colander -- the water will naturally drip down. You don't  want soggy noodles!

I added a bit of salt to give the noodles some flavor... this is optional but it tasted amazing. I used Pink Himalayn salt.

Set aside and move onto the meatballs...

 Part II: Turkey Meatballs

You need:

• ground turkey (2lbs)
• 2 tsp of dried oregano 
• 2 tsp of Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp of rosemary
• 1 tsp of black pepper
• salt to taste (a pinch)
• 1tsp of crushed red pepper
• 3 tsp of garlic
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of mozzarella 
• 4 packets (2 cups) of quick oats *you can use 2 cups of bread crumbs, but I have oatmeal for days here and find other ways to use it)

Combine ground turkey and ingredients, mix well. I used a spatula. Get aggressive ladies.. its already dead. Make sure your spices are evenly distributed.

Make 1 inch meat balls and place in a large skillet/pan.. add about 2tbsp of olive oil to cook them. Put on medium heat. When the bottoms have cooked half way (when you only see grey colored meat vs pink colored) flip the meat balls and cook the other side.
*be careful not to overcook them, the mozzarella keeps them soft. (amazing)

Set aside and move onto the sauce...

Part III: The Sauce

You Need:

• 1 6oz can of tomato paste
• 2 10.5 oz jars of tomato puree 
• 6 oz of water 
• 3 tsp of garlic (minced)
• pinch of dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. 
• Chopped fresh basil (I used a small pack from walmart) 
• *I know some people like to add a little sugar to their sauce (which tastes amazing too) but I wanted to keep it as healthy as possible! 

Combine the ingredients in a pan and simmer on low. Grab the zoodles then heat them on low with a little EVOO -- sautée to the consistency you like. I didn't want them to get too soggy so I simmered them on low for about 3 minutes.

Finally, pull all your ingredients together and place in a bowl, everything should be relatively warm still but you may need to heat it up. 

When I say this was easy, I'm not kidding! If you're not a great cook and you're looking at this like WOAH 3 parts?! Thats a lot! Each part took just a few minutes to do. The longest process is the meatballs.

Ok so in regards to 21 Day Fix Containers -- you can easily place the zoodles in the green container.. so whatever you have left that day (if you're lucky and have 3!) then you're dinner may be a bit bigger! I used about 3 meatballs in a red container.

Zoodles = however many green containers you have left/want to use for dinner (this is different for each person based on their meal plan and how many containers they're allowed)
3 meatballs = 1 red
Sauce = 1/2 green container 

So just give it a shot, let me know what you think and enjoy!

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Transformation Tuesday -- Spotlight: Samantha Carranza

Meet Sam! She's a perdyy and busy mama of 3 (one being a new addition to the fam), in school, working hard towards her fitness goals and is a newer Phoenix Dynasty Coach. She loves country, she's got a helping heart and knows what its like to get ass handed to her by Shaun T ;-) 

First and Last Name:

Samantha Carranza

Program Used for Transformation

Insanity

How did you get started with Beachbody?

my husband bought insanity three years ago and I finally gave it a shot and officially fell in love!

Why did you decided to use this program for your transformation?

I love the way inanity makes me feel everytime I complete a workout.

Where does your motivation come from?

My motivation come from myself, my kids & my husband. I want to be the best possible version of myself not only to make myself happy but to set a great example. My kids and my husband are my biggest fans. They keep me going daily.

What were your results like? How did that make you feel?

They were amazing! I am not done yet but I am definitely happy with how far I've come in just 60 days

What are your honest thoughts about the program?

I cannot say anything bad about insanity I absolutely love it!

How has your mental fitness changed since day 1 of the program compared to the last day? Besides the physical results, how did it affect you on the inside?

Along with my physical results it has definitely given me a little more confidence and helped with my anxiety

What 2-3 things do you feel helped you complete your Beachbody program? What tools helped you stay focused?

Number one key to my success was having support. Everyone was rooting for me so it was important to show them all I could do it! also tracking my workouts and meals reading daily motivational quotes helped me big time!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting an at home Beachbody program?

Start where you feel comfortable insanity isn't something everyone will love as much as I do but with the help of your amazing Beachbody coach we can find you the perfect program for you! Beachbody has a program for everyone!

You can contact Samantha, HERE.

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A little Update since I've been MIA

Hello followers and fellow bloggers <3

I truly dislike starting ANY blogpost after enough time has lapsed and beginning with "I'm sorry that I've ___"

Because here's the thing... I'm not terribly sorry I went a little MIA over here.. I LOVE blogging, and I love providing valuable content for my friends and followers... but sometimes I just need a little break ya know?

I put a lot of love and time into my blog and I could feel myself just wearing a little thin. Passion is fuel, but even that needs a break for creativity to resurface.

Speaking of creativity, thats one of the MAIN reasons I wanted a mini blog break... I felt that through the hustle and bustle of other projects and life events that my creative side was starting to become flatline... AKA boring. I LOVE to be creative, it makes me feel like anything boring can be fun. It means possibilities, and I like that.

So while its been a MONTH since I've posted (woah) I want to make it clear that I'm back to share more about my fitness journey (and that of my team of awesome coaches), healthy (or healthIER) recipes, the random beauty product reviews, and the journey of a mid twenties business owner..

I do my best to make sure I'm adding something to your life, whether its a pancake recipe, a smile or fitness motivation.

I can't imagine leaving this world be indebted to my talents, I want them to be completely used up. I want my bank account can say to ZERO so that I gave it my ALL.

#KNOWwudIMsayin

Thank you for your patience and understanding <3

P.S. I finally picked a team to compete with... I'll be sharing that in the next blog post so stay tuned...

P.P.S I also have a few recipes to try this week, granted all goes well, I'll be sharing here ;-)

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Getting Lean for My Skinny Jeans 30 Day Fall Challenge

On the topic of skinny jeans.. I'm talking about feeling confident in THOSE jeans... you know those ones sitting in the back of your closet/drawer/amoire that you try on every once in a while to see if they fit.

Yeah girl, we ALL got em. My favorite pair -- Guess. I kept those for YEARS and they fit me for through a lot tough times... oreo binges... Saturday nights out... I'm - too- lazy- just- wear-the- jeans again kinda days...

But ya know what I really wanted? I waned to be able to rock a pair of skinny jeans that showed my sculpted legs... but first I needed the sculpted legs... so that set me on a conquest...

I was determined to be a size or two smaller... I knew I could do it.. so I went from a size 7/9 to size 2/3/4 (or 26/27 << depending on the designer or make).

I don't like to always judge by the scale... I feel I'm often misled by what it says... sometimes I weigh 120 and look like I'm back to my pre p90x body (click here) and then other times I am 125 and look nice and ripped. I think that has ALL to do with nutrition/hormones/and activity.

Anyway -- after buying my GO TO skinny jeans (Jessica Simpson btw -- I'm impressed with the former singer. Can I just say that I have owned her shoes, wallets, purses... she's got good stuff) I felt... well...

In SHAPE. Fabulous. Look at #DATASS kinda feeling. Excited. Sexy. Proud. See pic below!

I couldn't remember the last time I felt that way about my body in jeans... not even with my my first pair.

Why? Because the biggest change was not only internal and the way I disciplined myself with workouts and eating for fuel... but that my body was responding... muscles finally showing, curves in the right places, healthy looking... strong.

Even writing about it makes me want to eat healthy food and just workout. It's an ADDICTING lifestyle for me... when you see progress, you get HOOKED.

I want to offer that same feeling to you.. if you give yourself the chance to FALL in LOVE with FITNESS <3

Maybe its not skinny jeans... but a bikini... or maybe its an old dress... heck maybe its to do it because you want to feel good about yourself buttt naked. Thats a feeling I think we should experience... self love is a beautiful thing.

So WHAT now?! How do I join?

Be as detailed as possible so I can help you better with your goals when you fill out the application HERE. 

OH and you're PROBABBBLYYY wondering What is a Challenge?  All that info is included in the link ABOVE or click HERE... <3

Ps you DO need Facebook to be in the group accountability group, if you do not have Facebook, I would be more than happy to communicate through email! If thats the case, please include that in the form above!

To beautiful bodies, minds, skinny jeans, and hearts!

Ciao!

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Transformation Station: Wendie Strickler - down 45lbs

Hello bloggers and followers! Meet Wendie... ""Hi everyone I'm a blessed wife to my husband of 14 yrs & a stay at home, homeschooling momma to 5 kiddos. And now I'm wellness coach w/ Beachbody!

I have finally come to a place in my life that I'm just tired of my unhealthy lifestyle. My start weight was at 283+ lbs only 5 months ago when I decided to change everything! I ordered The 21 Day Fix and the path the wonderful health came hard and fast. Dropped 51+ lbs since and I'M NOT LOOKING BACK  

Please join me in changing our countries fast food, low energy lifestyle, let me help inspire you & root me on as well while I continue on this most wonderful path!""<3 

First and Last Name: 

Wendie Strickler

Program Used for Transformation

The 21 Day Fix

How did you get started with Beachbody?

I tired bb for a hot second about 4 yrs ago but never started the program I bought. This time I saw the 21 day fix in my newsfeed and decided to go w/ Amee as my coach :)

Why did you decided to use this program for your transformation?

I used it cause it did a different workout for each day of the week and it had those colorful containers to teach me how to portion control.

Where does your motivation come from?

This part is always emotional for me...my motivation at first came from that 283+lb woman that was no longer happy and was making her family miserable too. But now being on this journey for almost 5 months my motivation has grown to be because of the people that I am now inspiring to get up and move. Or to eat a cleaner way. I'm motivated by the my husband that looks at me with the same loving eyes as he did 50lbs heavier & by my 5 children's happiness <:

What were your results like? How did that make you feel?

I have to up date my measurement this week but I have lost a total of 45lbs in 4 1/2 months. It makes me feel I'm worthy to look in the mirror and be happy & very proud of who's looking back at me....

What are your honest thoughts about the program?

I truly deep down inside believe that it is a life saver!!! I believe that anyone of any size can find a transformation to be happy with :)

How has your mental fitness changed since day 1 of the program compared to the last day? Besides the physical results, how did it affect you on the inside?

Pushing play was so rough the first week. I was sick to my stomach the first 4 days after each workout. Really gross I know but true....by the end of the program it was ah it and a yearning to include working out everyday....To actually watch what I put into my mouth! Very new to me compared to my old life style!

What 2-3 things do you feel helped you complete your Beachbody program? What tools helped you stay focused?

Autumns personality
My coach
My fast results

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting an at home Beachbody program?

To join a support/challenge group help you feel accountable and get wonderful tips and advice.
I'd tell them that by pushing they are bettering their lives and they are sooooo worth the change!!!

To contact Wendie:

Facebook

Email

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Quaker Oats Cinnamon Apple Pancakes - Easy and Quick

Alright so I took lazy and genius to a new level last week... and I'm hungry so this post will be short.

I didn't feel like using a TON of flour and I didn't want to go to the store and grab something else... so  I used my boyfriends Quaker Oats Variety Pack oatmeal : Cinnamon Apple flavor and got crafty.

What You Need: 

Quaker Oats Cinnamon Apple packet
1/2 cup of milk
1 egg
1tsp of baking powder
1/2 scoop of protein (flavor your choice, I picked cinnamon bun)
1/2c of whole wheat or whole grain flour
1 packet of stevia

Directions: 

1. Mix dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients. Combine, and whisk together. 
2. Heat the pan with coconut oil on medium heat, pour batter on. 
3. Optional: steam apple slices for topping and add cinnamon in syrup
4. Eat - breath - repeat.

Easy, quick, and now I want more. 

CIAO <3

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Fake Bake Flawless Review

The one color I try to avoid all fall and winter is pale -- pale skin and as shallow and vain as that sounds, its the truth. I just feel like I look sickly... and then I can see my veins which just assures me of how white I really am. I like to think though after the years of fake tanner some of it just stays forever (yes, aware that is straight denial).  PS the picture below is JUST using this product... read on!

Judge me all ya want (people do it anyway) but I truly live by that saying, "If ya can't TONE it, TAN it!" and let's face it... we ALL feel more toned when we're tan.

Why do you think those bikini fitness competitors come out looking like they spent 3 days straight in the bed? It makes those muscles POP! Ya just don't want to end like our good friend Ross here...

  

I have to admit something as well... a bit of a confession... when I went on the cruise to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel back in March for work I started tanning in the bed to build a base tan so that when I was there I wouldn't burn. Then I started to spray tan and get in the bed... and I did this for MONTHS. I loved the 'me' time in the bed, laying there, relaxing, warm and cozy. I still miss it but I know the consequences. Especially since my Grandmother had skin removed for sun cancer purposes.

But knowing me... I got... well addicted... See back in high school, my best friend Kristen and I were pretty much OBSESSED with being tan. We practically competed for who was tannest. I know it sounds SO ridiculous now, especially that we are so much more aware of the damage that UV rays cause, but back then we were just kids and could care less.

But I didn't want to be the super pale pasty Irish white girl at school and I guess part of that just stuck with me. I will embrace some of my white-ness during the winter since I'm mostly covered up, but I still like a natural glow. It makes me feel OH so PRETTY =)

Eventually I stopped tanning, however I have the freckles to prove my early years and looking back I do NOT want to look 80 years old when I'm 40. I use to see a lot of tan leather skinned folks in Florida/Heaven's Waiting Room and it didn't look good... in fact it made them look OLDER.

Go figure eh? So I knew it was time to cut the bad habit ... especially considering that my sweet boyfriend asked me to several times because "I want to have as much time with you as I can" AWH. Ok convinced.

So I had to get back to my self tanning days... and I thought I had a pretty solid routine down UNTIL I heard about this elusive FAKE BAKE...

The name says it all ladies.

FAKE. Motha fuggin BAKE. You can get it on Amazon or visit your local Ulta! *cheaper on Amazon*

It's the POO. (aka the shit)

I've been using for over 6 weeks and people are STILL asking me if I tan in the bed. Insert smirk and winky face.

So here it is... in ALL it's glory.

Here's how I apply it:

1. Take a shower and exfoliate -- scrub that body! Then put a little bit of lotion on your feet, toes, ankles, knees, elbows, arm pit creases and any where else you have some creases.

2. Put on gloves (they provide you with them) and bust out the tanning MITT with it. At first I was weary of using a mitt because I thought it would create streaks. WRONG. Its a LIFE SAVER.

3. Spray the mitt several times and then start calves first and work your way down to your feet. I suggest starting with your calves because you want to gradually fade the tan to your feet, not overload them and look like you played in dirt all day (or a hobbit -- have you SEEN those feet?!)

4. When working my inner thighs I like to prop a leg up and make sure that I'm using circular motions to avoid any streaking.

* you may have a hard time reaching your back, so in that case you can have someone help you, attach the mitt to the end of a shower brush or just skip it. Honestly, I just miss a small spot on my middle/upper back but I can't really tell a difference too much. 

*I apply it every 3-4 days depending on how dark I want to be or if I have an event, otherwise about once a week. 

*Wait 4-6 hours before you shower or apply at night and sleep with it on

* It does NOT smell bad in my opinion and it didn't come off on my clothes OR sheets! But to be on the safe side, avoid wearing white right after. I like to stand in front of the fan to completely dry my skin. 

*It's the most natural looking tan I've had -- the color isn't TOO dark for me and isn't too light. 

*Put deodorant on after and do NOT apply Fake Bake to your arm pits or else you will clog your pores and when you sweat THEN it will smell. 

*TRY to avoid sweating for 4-6 hours as well -- sweat tan marks are NOT cute! 

I would LOVE to hear your feedback when you try it and send me your before and afters so I can feature you! <3

Happy Fake Baking ladies!

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