Sunday, June 1, 2014

The True Test of Someone's Cleanliness


I'm sure we are all guilty of the "just throw it in there!" panicked statement when people are supposed to be at your house in 20 minutes. Guilty. Whether it's a closet, bedroom, or cabinet, it's all behind closed doors. 
BUT the true test to someone's cleanliness is behind a door that the average American couldn't live without.

The microwave.

Yep, that's right. Go ahead, open yours up. 

Is it gross? Do you live with a man? If so, more than likely your microwave needs a good scrubbin'.

The good thing? This appliance produces some of the best turkey bacon, popcorn and late night leftover pizza anyone can imagine. The bad thing? It doesn't have that handy "clean" button like the oven. 
Womp womp. 


 Take out the glass turn tray and scrub it front to back. I use Honest dish soap and a scrubber.

Now to take on the inside of this crumb and splatter hoarding appliance. I start with a wet paper towel to get any crumbs up and just to give it a good wipe down. I use Honest multi-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth to give it the final clean and shine. 


Don't forget to wipe the tops and bottoms of this where the vents are. Talk about dust collectors! {ew}

Make sure to clean the display and buttons where your dirty paws land.

Ahhhh...It's like the just cleaned feeling you have when you leave the dentist. So fresh and so clean!


Oh yeah, it's ready to take on the world! Or maybe just some bacon. {Same thing} 

So, next time I come to your house, don't be surprised if I open up that beloved appliance door. I'm just checking to see how clean you are. Or better yet, if you read my blog. 

So hurry along, go clean your microwave. 



Sunday, March 9, 2014

Laid Back Farm Wedding

This is how you do a wedding ladies and gents. Laid back, on a farm and surrounding by your closest friends and family. This wedding was set on the Groom's families farm/land. Such a beautiful landscape.

My cute mom & dad. 

The bride painted this!
(As you can tell by that date, this post is LONG overdue)

The lonely solider in the shade is my lovely mother. She was so hot & I don't blame her{it was a scorcher}.

Ah here she comesssss....

The beautiful Bride and her father. {stunning}

A ladder was hanging horizontal over the buffet with hanging vases. Such a neat idea!

Loved her centerpieces! They can reuse the boxes for organizing!

DIY ring toss. {so crafty she is}

 
So intense, if you couldn't tell. Backyard giant jenga = genius. 

The bride in her beautiful dress breakin' it down! Get it gurrrll.

Sorry for the much delayed post, but I've been a busy bee planning my own wedding! AH!





Sunday, January 12, 2014

My Truth About the 24 Day Challenge

I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet. 
I'm sure many of you have heard of the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge. Are you skeptical like I was? Here is MY truth about the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.

My cousin, that is probably one of the most healthy-conscious people I know, brought it to my attention. If she knows it's safe and healthy, then more than likely, it is! She was instagramming progress pictures and meals all the time. Wait, meals? YES you can actually eat FOOD on this "diet".

It's not that I think I'm fat or need to lose weight. There's just been a lack of confidence that I wanted to bring back! So... I said "what the hell" and gave it a shot!



Each 24 Day Challenge includes:
  • One box of Herbal Cleanse-Citrus (Day 1-10)
  • One bottle of OmegaPlex®
  • One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Mandarin Orange
  • One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Fruit Punch
  • Your choice of one box of Meal Replacement Shakes - Chocolate Mocha, Chocolate, Vanilla, Berry or Vegetarian Dark Chocolate
  • Your choice of one box of MNS® Max 3, C, or E
  • Clean eating plan
  • Food shopping guide
  • Recipe Suggestions
  • Daily Checklists
  • Coaching
Days 1-10 Cleanse Phase
The first ten days are about cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption, and you may enjoy weight loss as well!
  • Herbal Cleanse-Citrus: helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.
  • OmegaPlex®: essential fatty acids for increased overall wellness.
  • AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally-advanced energy



Days 11-24 Max Phase
Give your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal during days 11-24!
  • Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS®): Your choice of Max C+ (appetite control), Max E+ (energy), or Max 3 - for weight management, appetite control and overall wellness.
  • Meal Replacement Shake - your choice of chocolate mocha, chocolate, vanilla, berry or non-dairy dark chocolate: Complete nutrition in a great-tasting shake!
  • AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally advanced energy

Here's what you need to avoid:
Sugar
Alcohol
Cheese and mushrooms (both are "molds" and will keep toxins alive)
White foods/starches (bread, pasta, rice, crackers and chips)
Sauces and dressings
Canned fruits and vegetables
Sodas and energy drinks
Fatty foods, fried foods, fast food and meat with breading

Here's what you can eat (and way more):
Fresh/raw fruits and vegetables
100% whole grain rice and quinoa
Chicken, fish, turkey breast and ground turkey
Almond milk, rice milk
Healthy fats: avocado, olives/olive oil, raw nuts and seeds
Almond and peanut butter
Beans and lentils
Chicken or vegetable broths
Eggs
Sweet potatoes
Hummus without the oil
Herbal teas
Garlic, spices, herbs, fresh salsa, taco seasoning (low sodium)
After 10 days you can introduce 100% whole grain pasta and bread





I did the whole 24 Day Challenge and I cheated only a couple of times. :) I may have had a couple of glasses of wine 2 nights and I think I also might have had cheese one day too {my weakness}. My point is, you don't have to be so strict on yourself with this diet, but the best results come from following the plan to a T. The average weight loss is 5-20lbs depending on your starting weight. I lost 5lbs and several inches.

Here's what I loved about the 24 Day Challenge:
I gained a TON of energy
I starting sleeping a whole lot better
I gained muscle and lost weight!
I learned a healthier lifestyle
It motivated me to exercise {no joke!}
I now eat 5 small meals a day
I learned my food portion for my body weight
I now know healthy recipes that are DELICIOUS!
I lost inches in the one place that bothered me the most {upper thighs}

I will leave you with this last experience that I had after completing the 24 day challenge:
One morning when I was getting ready, I was ironing my clothes for work in my underwear {sorry for the visual} and my BF walked past me and said "Damn you did lose a bunch of weight!"
WAIT, WHAT??? HE NOTICED??
Sorry, but my man is the type that doesn't notice when I cut my hair or clean the kitchen or change our decor in the house. He doesn't ever notice. EVER. I was shocked and amazed. I did it. I accomplished my goal. 

Now my goal for 2014 is to stick with it. The AdvoCare products are for real and they are changing lives everyday. 

Do you have resolutions for 2014 that you haven't started yet? JOIN ME with the healthier lifestyle and I will coach you through the 24 Day Challenge!  It is ON SALE for $175 through January 21st! Click here to purchase