The Confession(s) of a Young Business Owner

** WARNING ** Things could get mushy, 100% raw, and a little hilarious. Read with caution EXCITEMENT.

A few years ago, I really had no idea what I wanted to do. I was going to school for psychology, but I just didn't feel that it was the place for me. I wasn't sure that was the job field I even wanted to be in years later down the road. But I still dreamt of finding my passion, something I could really look forward to.

My dream was this... somehow someway I was going to make an I M P A C T.

I remember being in 4th grade doing Denise Austin workouts in front of the TV thinking she had the coolest job EVER.

And I distinctly remember making a promise to myself that someday I would be a positive influence, a good woman, a good friend and happy. And somewhere in between being a teen and then being a young adult, I found the passion to do and be more.

I remember looking at older people and hearing them talk about their jobs, & believe it or not I somehow observed this... and I saw a lot more adults complaining about their work and job more than anything.

I couldn't imagine working a job that gave me no sense of fulfillment or purpose. And I'm not really interested in putting my future in someone else's hands from 9-5.

And if you think about it... you spend MOST of your life working! That means you're at your job -- and you better hope you love it because if you spend most of your life in misery over work, that just doesn't seem quite right.

I'm NOT saying this business is for everyone. I'm not saying every person should be a business owner.

I still enjoy other peoples passions, even if they aren't my own. But I just wasn't wired that way... I need and crave freedom in my time, creativity, finances, relationships, travel...

But I will be honest with you -- this isn't for the faint of heart. Three major lessons for me this year so far have been patience, consistency, and belief.

Patience:

I wouldn't say I'm the MOST patient person. Which is interesting because in my industry (fitness), people are VERY impatient, even more so when they don't see instant results. I guess that never phased me because I LOVE to workout, so since I love it, its never been a chore and I know I'll see results because I won't quit.

BUT when it comes to business.. pfft. Talk about a different perspective! I know that things take time now, but this past year I questioned my ability as a coach and leader. I thought that if I didn't achieve this or that within a certain time period, that maybe this JUST wasn't for me. Let me tell you this now, and hear me loud and clear,  DOUBT will kill more DREAMS than FAILURE ever WILL!

How I got past it:

I came to the realization I may not grow my business as fast as others because of the choices and action I was making, different set of values, different use of time... I realized this is MY business, and I must take responsibility for that. I knew that I wanted to spend time on other things outside of Beachbody, and not burn myself out. However, I also knew I needed and wanted to step up my standard and grow more, so I had to find a balance. Also, getting real clear on your values and making sure you honor those as you GROW your business is key. Not only that, but I also realized that I NEED to get better about being focused and using my time. My time is indispensable, money will come and go though.


Consistency:

I think this has got to be the HARDEST thing I have ever done! HA! In regards to business, I have found that consistency is one of the biggest ingredients for success... without it you don't have a business, you have a hobby.

And you can't build a full time CEO check on a hobby. Consistency gives people a reason to TRUST you. Will you be there when others give up?

OR how about consistent with the daily things... as its been said, 'success is found in the small daily acts' and how true is that? Could you open up a clothing boutique and then say 'OPEN for BUSINESS' and then never put clothes on the hangers after they've been sold?

Also being consistent with your commitments and your time. Being WISE about what you do with your time, who you spend it with, how many calls you will be on for the day...etc.

My personality type is the kind that likes to say YES a lot -- we're the over committers. We get excited and we become YES MAN! It's funny because I can think of a FEW coaches like this on my team and it makes me giggle because #theSTRUGGLEisREAL

How I got past it:

So how do you get better at consistency? Well I think you need to look within and ask yourself some key questions like "is this REALLY want?" and if it is, "What MUST change?" "How are the excuses going to hurt and limit my future?"

 I started rewarding myself for my consistency -- pedicure, yoga class, small things I enjoyed. I found that when I indulged myself a little and did other things I enjoyed, it made it easier to want to be consistent!

I also had the talks with people who get my time, and told them I'm on a mission and need their support. I will be spending more time working, but I will have certain days off and times that I am available and focused.

While this has been the hardest and biggest hurdle, it honestly feels DAMN good when you get better at it. And hey, I'm up for the challenge! Especially if it means I am ensuring a BRIGHT future for myself and those I spend it with.

Belief

I had belief, but to an extent... I had limited belief. And to be honest, thats just shaky faith. You won't get far in this business without believing you can do it, that your dreams are possible, that you have it within you to reach your potential and surpass what you thought possible.

Because what you believe of yourself, you will feel everyday, and after while it seems almost numb. Let me explain... have you heard of the story of the elephant with a rope tied to its foot with a steak in the ground?

It's a loop the elephant could easily get out of, but over years its been trained to believe if he were to escape that he would get hurt (they would whip the elephant).  Are we afraid of getting hurt because success requires you to fail? Maybe..

And I believed I could only get so far, even though I would tell myself, "I'll get there someday!" I think I was just saying it, hoping I would believe it. This business has a way of testing your faith, some people crash and some people fight like hell because WE know that we can make this work, we just have to work harder on ourselves than anyone else. Because deep down we DO believe we get through it and we want it THAT bad.

You know how I got past this one? I started DOING something about it. I took personal development and applied it to my business and my life. I took action because it felt like brick by brick I was tearing down "I CANT" and building a bridge to "I CAN"

For too long, I built walls instead of bridges.

And "WHY NOT ME?" would echo through my head.

So this isn't my usual topic, but you can expect more of it. Why? Because I'm a YOUNG business owner who is excited for whats to come. Even the struggle, because so far its gotten me here and I really like HERE. And you can count on my honesty, I think people try to tell you what you want to hear, but I'm going to give you my experience and hopefully some knowledge.

I have an amazing team, they work hard and have great dreams, I know they're going to make them happen because I believe it. I work hard for my future, I work hard for theirs. I work for the people I'm helping now, and I work hard for the ones I will help. To be a better person and reach my potential so others will KNOW this FEELING. I can't hold back an opportunity and chance to help someone improve their life.

A BIG thank you to my team for supporting me, teaching me, growing with me, RISING with me. Because together WE are BETTER... because TOGETHER WE RISE.

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Getting rid of Fruit Flies/Gnats

G-Nat. Gnat. Nat? Those silent letters kill me. But you know what? I still handled the Spelling Bee like a BOSS. 3rd Grade Represent! Mrs. Cox was by far my favorite teacher-- ok totally off topic.

Anyway, my step dad told me about this SUPER easy way to catch fruit flies/gnats without any chasing, cursing, or breaking things.

It's really simple, so simple it was a small mind blow.

So you'll need a sandwich bag, a small cup, a rubber band or hair tie, and apple cider vinegar.


Step 1. Cut one of the corners off the zip lock bag/sandwich bag -- not TOO big, small so they can crawl through but not be able to fly out.

Step 2. Pour apple cider vinegar in the cup -- you don't need a lot.

Step 3. Cover the cup with the bag, pointing the cut edged side of the bag in the cup, NOT TOUCHING THE liquid -- just let it hover above it.

Step 4. Place the rubber band around the cup to hold the baggie in place.

Step 5. Wait and catch some fruit flies. In about 1 hour we caught two, and now we don't really have any!

Pretty cool right? I was impressed #easilyamused

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3 Day Refresh / 3 Day Cleanse

Let me ask you... if you could refresh your body in 3 days would you?

If you could shed a few pounds in 3 days would you? Maybe for a better sense of clarity? Or you possibly had too many beers at your nephews 1st birthday (who you are you celebrating anyway ;-) haha)? Or maybe your gearing up for an event like a wedding or trip home?

What if that meant burning FAT instead of muscle? Wouldn't you like to see the weight stay OFF? and not come back like most 'cleanses'

As the queen of CLEANSING -- I am SUPER excited to start the 3 Day Refresh tomorrow so I can give you all my HONEST feedback.

And honesty is truly key when I review our products on my blog (I'm a Beachbody coach for you newbies)!

I don't try to sell you things you don't need or push something I don't believe in. I wouldn't want someone to do that to me, so I follow the Golden Rule.

But I do want to put some information out there NOW in case any of you reading this want to embark on a QUICK and EASY 3 Day Refresh journey with me!

As the queen of cleansing, I have tried:
> 3 Day Shakeology cleanse -- this is OK... not my first choice considering its 3 Shakeology shakes a day (hi that DOES get a little pricey) and you pee out MOST of the nutrients because its overloading your body.

> The Soup Cleanse -- I literally boiled veggies in vegetable and chicken broth and ate that way for a  total of two days before I said screw it, gave up and ate a burger (cough cabbage soup diet cough)

> The Ultimate Reset -- I may have to do try this one again, but I'm not a big fan of being restricted of 3 weeks of no workouts... that to me is torture. However, if you don't mind not working out and you want to learn how to eat better, this is a great one to try -- if you want know more click the link at the top of my blog under the tab "Ultimate Reset"

> Juice cleanses -- including the Dr. Oz juice cleanses. Yeah... this was kind of like the soup cleanse, nothing but liquid diet and a ton of mess! And a LOT of work. Who has time to juice 5-6x a day? PS that 3 day juice cleanse costed me $200 in produce.

So am I saying this is better than those? MMMM... probably. But I will know FOR SURE by Thursday on my last day!

However, here's the basic information so if you can decide if this is something YOU WANT TO TRY!

What is it??






Why should you do it?




Who is it for? 

The 3 Day Refresh is for any person that wants to

• Jump start their results from a weight loss plateau
• Needs to prepare or recover from an event, big weekend, or slip up in diet
• Someone who needs and wants to learn more about healthy eating
• Anyone who wants better sleep, focus and energy 
• Anyone who wants a smooth transition into a healthier diet 
• Anyone who wants to break bad habits like coffee, soda, late night snacking, etc. 

Whats included?

• 3 packets of Shakeology each morning for breakfast *or order a month supply of Shakeology with your Refresh, details below*
• Vanilla Refresh 2x daily
• This protein-rich formula helps curb hunger with more than 20 grams of wholesome plant-based protein, 22 essential vitamins and minerals, probiotics for digestive health, and a patented potato protein extract clinically tested to satisfy appetites.
• Fiber Sweep 1x daily 
• Gently and naturally eliminates waste from the digestive system with a blend of whole ground flax, chia, and psyllium seed husks. Fiber Sweep can help lower cholesterol, support healthy blood sugar levels, and may even reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• 6 snack options
• Dinner meal options *both of which are included in your program guide 

What can I expect?

So lets just mow the bush, avoid beating and get to it ok? Im not going to tell you that you won't be hungry, you're doing a cleanse, so more than likely you WILL be hungry. But this is your body literally expelling toxins and create a more neutral environment (your body) to be able to let excess weight go. When our bodies are in a toxic state, it FREAKS out and holds onto fat just in case it goes into starvation mode (think back to Caveman days -- fat kept people warm, well guess what -- we have global warming, I think were good) 

So expectations should be along the lines of this: You will more than likely experience hunger once or more during the 3 days, your moods may actually be elevated as your body cleanses, BUT you could experience what I call HANGRY FUNGRY -- hunger and anger mixed, and being FUGGIN HUNGRY. It happens, you'll survive. You can also expect better sleep AFTER the cleanse (some reported sleep irregularity), possibly more clarity and focus, and after all is said and done, probably some weight loss if you have weight to shed! 

The refresh does do its best to provide snacks and dinner options as well as the protein shakes and Shakeology to curb hunger cravings using a potato protein to curb cravings and hunger pains. A for effort! 

Can I workout?

And I quote from the 3 Day Refresh FAQs, "Because this is a restricted-calorie eating program, we recommend that individuals who wish to exercise during the program limit their activity to mild or moderate levels. For individuals who are used to extreme exercise, we recommend stopping extreme exercise (or tapering down to mild/moderate levels) 2-3 days prior to beginning the program and easing back into higher levels of exertion over the 2-3 days post-Refresh."

I will have more on my personal experience later this week in a blog post for ya!

How can I order it?

If you already have Shakeology on home direct AND you're my customer**, then you JUST the BASIC kit… without Shakeology! BUT if you do NOT have Shakeology — then you will need the complete kit because Shakeology is the mandatory breakfast option for all 3 days of the cleanse. 

You can either get the complete kit with the 3 day supply of Shakeology OR you can get the kit with a MONTH supply of Shakeology — right now the monthly Shakeology kit is on sale for $20 off until the end of July! 

Click here if you need the Complete kit with Shakeology

Click here if you need the Complete Kit Without Shakeology

Click here if you want an entire month of Shakeology WITH the 3 Day Refresh ($20 off until the end of July) 

**If you are NOT my assigned customer and would like to be please be sure to contact me HERE and make a free Beachbody customer account HERE 

Please fill out the form on the "Make me your Coach page" so you and I can clearly define your goals and map out a plan to reach them! The more I know, the better I can help you! 

Where can I receive support?

Products are GREAT, but accountability is KEY! Once you have decided to do the 3 Day Refresh with me, please order the appropriate pack, contact me and request to join our 3 Day Refresh group on Facebook!

Ready Set 3 Day Refresh Support Group hosted by Abby Marie

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Fitness Videos, Workouts and Tips @fromflabtofabfitness on Instagram

Hi guys and gals (do any guys read my blog?)... So I have a new Instagram account (posted to the side) @FROMFLABTOFABFITNESS and that is where I will be posting workouts I do and sharing tips along the way.

I've ALWAYS loved fitness, even when I was 20lbs overweight and lazy! HAH! I know that sounds crazy, but you can still love something and lose focus. Ya know?

So I decided this would be a GREAT way for me to stay accountable and still be able to share my love for working out and give back to my friends and followers.

It's really nice being in shape, I wont lie about that, but its SO much more fun HELPING people get in shape and SEEING their bodies transform and FEEL their excitement! That is a BIG reason I do what I do, I want everyone to feel confident and comfortable in their skin.

So go on over, check it out and let me know what workouts you want to see -- or what questions you have. The more feedback I get, the more I can help YOU!

I hope to see you over there, if you do end up following me, post a comment and tell me you found my blog! I love hearing from my followers -- and the only way I know who you are is if you say hi ;-) 

See ya there! 

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Southwest Turkey Quinoa Casserole

Hi chickadees =) Hope your weekend was FANTABULOUS....  << thats one of my most favorite made up words... its fantastic + fabulous

Mine consisted of the World Cup, working out, the beach, working a little and coming up with new recipes <3

I know.. catchy.

Anyway, I was browsing Instagram a few nights ago looking at some #FOODPORN...

*which is actually a REALLY bad idea because anytime I lay in bed and look at food at 11pm it makes me want to snack, so I try to avoid this

when I stumbled across a turkey casserole dish. I totally forgot to double tap (like that ish) and screen shot it so I could do it.

So I decided to just wing it. A casserole can't be THAT hard. And it wasn't! SCORE.

What You Need:

• Lean ground turkey 
• Shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese
• Taco seasoning
• Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy seasoning
• Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning
• Paprika 
• 1/2 onion
• 1 can of corn
• 2 cans of black beans
• 2 cups of cooked quinoa
• 1 diced fresh jalapeño
• minced garlic
• 2tbsp olive oil
• avocado for topping
• sour cream and salsa optional (and so good with it)

Directions:

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. Dice up onion, jalapeño and garlic. Sautee with olive oil on low heat. 
2. Prepare/cook quinoa if not done yet before doing the next step (the quinoa and turkey will finish at the same time)
3. In a bowl, empty the ground turkey and add spices -- mix well and add 2tbsp of olive oil
4. Ground up turkey in the pan and cook through
5. While turkey is cooking, check quinoa (it should only take about 15 mins to cook both)
6. Drain beans and corn, and empty into a casserole dish
7. Add the cooked quinoa and cooked turkey into the casserole dish and mix well with the beans and corn. 
8. Add the shredded cheese and either mix in or leave on top
9. Place casserole dish in oven and cook for 10 minutes
10. Let cool, add avocado and enjoy!

You'll see.. SO good! 

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It Cosmetics Makeup Review

Hi ladies!

I can't tell ya how much I miss blogging, trying new recipes, reviewing products and just sharing whats up!

I just want to put it out there... YOUR SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND COMMENTS ARE AMAZING! I really love when you gals go out of your way to email me or contact me. SO PLEASE don't stop! I love to get to know women LIKE me! That's the whole point of this blog <3

Alright. Make up. I have a love/hate relationship with make up. More love than hate.. and I wouldn't even say hate... I would say... frustrated.

Frustrated because ONE, I do NOT like feeling heavy powder or liquid on my face.

TWO -- I break out EASY. I had acne all through out middle and high school and sometimes I get adult acne (what a bitch)

THREE -- my skin is oily and by the end of the day -- its like what was the point in putting all that crap on?

FOUR -- I PREFER light weight, not noticeable and but high coverage makeup. That almost seemed impossible to find.

and lastly FIVE -- I don't like a lot of steps. I don't have time for all that. I need to get this stuff on -- feel and look pretty with minimal effort and get going.

It cosmetics used here:

So a couple weeks ago, I was getting pampered and prepared for our annual Summit event for Beachbody Coaches in Vegas... I knew it was going to be long days, hot days and a lot of pictures. So like any normal girl, I bought new makeup!! ... (that is NORMAL right?!)

Anyway, I ran into Ulta (beauty store like Sephora but so much more up my alley!) to grab Bare Minerals since thats what I had been using that seemed like it was light enough but still covering. UNTIL I met this sweet lady named Cara, and she introduced me to It Cosmetics!

At first when she told me it was a liquid that turned into a powder matte look, I thought "NOPE!" - I don't do liquids, it just always looked too cakey! Every brand I tried was EH.

So I let her do her thang anyway (I'm all for getting my makeup done -- regardless of the brand, its something I never do and its fun and FREE haha) and then I checked myself in the mirror.

UH YEAH. I like that look. Looked pretty flawless without a powdery, cake, or liquid look.

So here's the PROS:

• Feels light weight and looks light weight
• Comes in the compact (Fluid foundation + CC veil) and use a brush to apply, then it dries looking like a light powder
• Waterproof, oily face proof, and all day wear proof!
• Healthier and more holistic for skin care -- full of aloe, peptides, green tea, high concentrations of Vitamins K, A, C, E and Collagen
• Extensive line of products! 

CONS:

• I really can't think of any yet...but if I do, I will come back and update! 

So far I have tried...

Fluid Foundation + CC veil: AMAZING. And if I'm someone who hates liquid makeup and I LOVE this and would wear it anytime-- that speaks volumes! 

Bye Bye Under Eye Under Eye Anti - Aging Concealer  AMAZING TOO! haha! Great coverage and I honestly have genetic bags under my eyes-- (dad I love ya... but deng it) 

Brow Power Waterproof Protector I'm a big time brow girl.. I think brows MAKE your face (or break) and its important that those things make your best features POP! The great thing about this is that its a gel, pencil, and its *WATERPROOF* wooohooo! 

Vitality Face Disk -- I don't have time to do all that contouring stuff, I just need my face to look like those girls on the IG accounts without the 20 min process. Ya feel me? I love that the bronzer isn't like WARM from Bare Minerals -- phew. I love the cheek highlighter and the blush is a great color! 

So what makes It Cosmetics the bomb? 

But what REALLY sold me on this line of makeup (besides the less is more look)is that it was so much natural, and holistic for skin... since I have acne issues (even at 25... what the heck) now and then, I'm picky about what I use. From the founder and creator, Jamie Kern Lima "As a former news anchor and a sufferer of Rosacea I wanted to have beautiful looking skin, but every product I tried (and I tried them all!) either wouldn’t cover- or if it did it would crease and crack and make me look 10 years older! That is when I knew there had to be a better way! At IT Cosmetics we work with plastic surgeons to infuse cutting-edge anti-aging technology into truly innovative high performance products designed to give you your most beautiful skin ever."

OH and if you need a good skin care cleansing line -- Skin Medica... pricey but worth it! << a GREAT investment.

So I suggest going into Ulta or another beauty stores that carry this line and have them do your makeup... wear it around all day and go to bed, if you  like it-- go get some! It's honestly amazing and I hear its suppose to last a long time!

To beauty on the inside and OUT! <3 

Ciao bellas! 

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Mashed Cauliflower or Healthy Mashed "Potatoes"

Technically it's mashed cauliflower -- there's no potatoes here! You can call it mock or whatever you like, but its veggies that taste like carbs at Thanksgiving. They're amazing, plain and simple.

So if your husband is a steak and potatoes guy and can't seem to imagine life without them, you are in LUCK.

OR if you're like me and just love to try new way of doing things, well you're also in luck!

What you Need:

• 1 cauliflower head
• 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese (or regular) 
• 1/2 tsp of minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp of pepper 
• 1/2 tsp of Himalayan salt
• Chives, and cheese optional

*Note the ones I made are pretty basic -- you can really add a lot to this and make it with a lot of flavor, since this was my first time, I kept it classic and simple. 

Directions:

1. Boil and steam cauliflower pieces for about 6 minutes
2. Drain WELL -- pat dry as much as possible
3. In a food processor or blender place garlic, salt, pepper, cream cheese and add the cauliflower. 
4. DO NOT BLEND too long or puree to thin, it will come out more like grits (unless thats what you want)
5. Top with chives or your choice of toppings

Yep, that simple. 

Bon Appetite!

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Strawberry Shakeology Granola Parfait

Parfait? I'm not totally sure if what I made is that -- BUT you could add some yogurt & whatdayaknow--- its a parfaiiiittttt.

But its really more of a chocolate sauce... oh well! Check it out =)

You Need:

• Nature Valley Granola Bars OR any granola of your choice
• Sliced Strawberries 
• Coconut oil/butter
• All natural peanut butter
• Chocolate Shakeology

Directions for the Chocolate Shakeology sauce:

1. Put 1 (or 2 if you are making it for two people) TBSP of coconut oil in the pan on low heat
2. Add 2tbsp of peanut butter and slowly stir
3. When it looks like the consistency below -- add the Shakeology without heat ( From the FAQS: Too much heat (above 115 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause the nutrients in Shakeology to become denatured.) 
4. Pour sauce over granola and strawberries

BON APPETITE! It's yummy. You're welcome! 

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