Peace, Love, Pins & Plates

It's About a Girl

2013-05-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

What inspires most of my posts might be a question worth answering, and an easy one at that. It seems like paying attention to all my surroundings seals the deal. Like I say often and try to live by; just be present.

What do the people in my life have to say? It could be their opinion, a funny story, venting, or some interest to them in current events. Anything my friends or family (or strangers) have to say hold some importance to them, so it is worth the listen.

“Throughout my career, if I have done anything, I have paid attention to every note and every word I sing - if I respect the song. If I cannot project this to a listener, I fail.” -Frank Sinatra

“A good listener is not only popular everywhere but, after a while he knows something” -Wilson Mizner

If it wasn't for listening, I'd have little to write about. Your ears never get you in trouble, but only teach & make you aware.

What did I read in my current book choice or news? I'm a big "highlighter" and "ripper-outter" for any and all kinds of books and magazines. I think it's a waste to go through the motions line after line without grasping some wisdom and insight from it all. I did that enough through my school days of cramming and procrastinating. There comes a time when you need substance out of what you do. Remember--it's equally about the width of your experiences along with the length.

So what has inspired me this very day?

“It's about a girl who is on the cusp of becoming someone.. A girl who may not know what she wants right now, and she may not know who she is right now, but who deserves the chance to find out.” - Jodi Picoult

This is hands-down my favorite quote as of late. Will I find a new favorite tomorrow? Probably, but let me enjoy this today. I think it sums up my life very well being young and molding into who I am/soon want to be in the future.

What are some of your favorite quotes or words to live by?

Peace, Love, Listen Up --Nikki

A Beautiful Body, What's the Use?

2013-05-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

I am guilty of being an awful magazine reader. I normally read them backwards and skip over long articles. I am all about the images and colors unless it's Runners Magazine, Women's Health, or the likes. That makes me sound like a kindergarten student finger painting. Marvelous.

Cosmo is a match made in shitty reader heaven for me. I enjoy the short excerpts of confessions and funny stories followed up by hair and makeup tips. My subscription is priceless in that sense.

Yet there it was, the most light-hearted feature labeled "Cosmo Crashes..." In this issue, Cosmo crashed a wedding which led me to such a beautiful excerpt. When talking to the bridesmaids, they described the bride as follows:

"She's the happiest, most unique person I know."

"And she's an amazing friend connector. We all know her from different stages of her life, but she has this way of bringing people together, so we're all friends now too."

"We're like her one connected DNA strand. When you put us together, we represent all parts of her life."

How beautiful. Reading this made me want to know the bride. Her personality radiated through the comments from the bridesmaids. Pure hearts are so far and few in between these days that reading such sweet words is like witnessing a shooting star. It wouldn't hurt for everyone to be more kind just like this bride.

This so easily ties into all things health and fitness for many reasons. Anyone can have a great body and a beautiful face. Exercising, taking care of the body inside and out, and slapping on some mascara can make anyone a rock star. But here is a good question to think about: do you know someone that is so beautiful when you first meet them? They have the "wow" factor, whatever that may be to this certain individual. You can be drawn to them solely by looks and then they decide to open their mouth. They make comments or have a negative aura surrounding them. Unfortunately, we all probably know someone that became ugly just by their personality and idiosyncrasies. On the other spectrum, good hearts always make a person beautiful. Always.

"A beautiful body, what's the use if you don't have a good heart?" -R. Sharath Jois

You don't need the "total package" in life, but having a good heart can take you far. In my opinion, it is the most wonderful of gifts you can give yourself and essentially pays itself forward each and every time. Something to think about, right?

XOXO- Nikki

No Guts, No Job

2013-05-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sure, yes, of course, absolutely...

This blog is directed towards all things physical/mental health, fitness, and well-being. This we all know who tune in post after post. And for that, I simply adore you.

With that said, I'd be lying if my love for you wasn't intensified by the glass of wine I am drinking. So listen...

The quote is completely accurate: "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." But sometimes your dreams scare the shit out of you. They can paralyze you and keep you stuck on the corner of Rut & Rut. This is currently my situation at hand.

I see all of these amazing jobs that I want. I want them so bad it's frightening. I would throw confetti on myself while alone and clean it up afterwards upon getting an offer sans moans and groans.

Cool. So that just means I need liquid courage. It's working. No worries, ya'll...I spell-checked the crap out of my generated cover letters and sprayed the Elle Woods perfume through the computer screen on each "send" button.

This is considered "mental health and well-being" if I say so myself! Wish me luck on my lack-luster, job-hunting endeavors.

Goodnight, all- Nikki

Hockey Night in Pittsburgh

2013-05-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Let's consider this a national holiday and celebrate with some great hockey quotes of all time. If these don't get your juices flowing, carry on.

You've got to love what you're doing.
If you love it, you can overcome any handicap
or the soreness or all the aches and pains,
and continue to play for a long, long time.
-Gordie Howe

The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say
that I work hard every day, that I never dog it.
-Wayne Gretzky

Don't go through life without goals.
-Hockey Slogan

Notes. Taken. Apply these quotes to your own lives and all will be wonderful. Go Pens!

XOXO- Nikki

You Musn't Be Afraid

2013-05-13T09:19:00.001-07:00

I will be starting a new training program to dominate some half marathons in the up & coming months. I used the same training program for my other half marathons and one full marathon before, but want to make a little change. The program(s) were for the novice racer, so now I want to start seeing PR after PR in each race.

Thanks to Kelsey for the kick ass app- RunKeeper! It looks awesome & I can't wait to use it! Thanks to the lovely Nikki for her one training program! I took a glimpse at it last night and can already envision the dry heaving and ice baths.

Does anyone prefer a certain training program that I can take a look at? Variety is the spice of life, right?

Whatever you're into, don't be afraid to take it to the next level. Even if you think the whole running races thing isn't for you or is downright stupid, the message to my posts always have the intention to go a little deeper. Make them your own and rise above. I always, always, always like to hear what someone else is up to, starting up, or currently conquering. You can find your own strength by the inspiration and determination of others.

XOXO- Nikki

Happiness is a Priority

2013-05-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'd be lying if I said turning 25 didn't scare the daylights out of me. Now that I realize I'm a mere mortal and can't stop time from creeping up, I'm ready for it. I feel like good things are in the works this year. Like the old saying goes, "Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

Now that I somewhat have a life with the marathon complete, it's back to the drawing boards. I have Mud on the Mountain on Saturday and the Philly Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in September.

Does anyone have races this summer that I can add to my list? I'll try just about anything!

Frick Park frolicking is back in action which I am thrilled about. I am still sore & my feet aren't the prettiest of sights, but I squeezed out about 7 miles yesterday. Maybe I am a little immortal?

XOXO- Nikki

One Year Ago Today

2013-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, this was me...

Bilateral surgery leaving my feet looking like this on the inside...

If you have followed my posts from the beginning, you have a good idea as to how my year has gone. It's been full of all different emotions, pains, break-throughs, and successes along the way. So let's take the stroll through many, many pictures!

I started working out again about 2 1/2 months post-op. Hands down the most frustrating thing I have ever gone through. I wasn't mentally prepared for the lack of strength and endurance.Very discouraging!

I spent just about every Wednesday hiking with Nikki & Autumn. I also biked a lot. Anything that didn't put a lot of pressure on my cyborg feet. It was therapeutic and a great workout!

Then the races began!

Freaky 5K- October 29, 2012.

Mud on the Mountain -November 3, 2012.

7 miles, 22 obstacles, 3 ft of snow. Sure.

Resolution Run 5K- January 5, 2013.

Absolutely freezing! Nikki got 1st, I got 2nd, Autumn got 3rd.

Cupid's Chase 5K- February 9, 2013.

Gaby and Carrie's first 5K, Kenny PR'd!

Race to Any Place- February 23, 2013.

April Fool's Mud Run Challenge- March 30, 2013.

Pirates Charities 5K- April 13, 2013.

ISM Trips 5K- April 20, 2013.

1st place for girls & Kelsey PR'd!

The support has been great from my family and friends! From Nikki teaching my baby giraffe feet to walk again, to Moriah painting me a picture for inspiration...I love it all!

My girl, Blake was also a wonderful support system. Never left my side laying in a bed or ready to go hiking. Nothing like unconditional love from your dog.

I even learned how to two-step with a cowboy (in heels, of course) while Kip Moore played live at a Honky Tonk! No drooling, please.

::Drum Rolls::

I wanted to complete a full marathon before this year marker came up, and I did it! It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life. It was a mental journey more than anything. It feels so good to be in the club now. Cheers to this one and the future races to come!

Thanks all for the support! Until the next post...

XOXO-Nikki

"I Run 17 Miles Every Morning..."

2013-05-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from Runner's Magazine:

"I run 17 miles every morning. People ask me how I keep my teeth from chattering in the wintertime. I leave them in my locker." -Walt Stack, who starred in Nike's first "Just Do It" commercial in 1988.

So, there's that... if you're ever feeling in the mood to skip a run, gym session, what have you.

T- 3 days until 26.2!

XOXO- Nikki

Distance

2013-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

"Distance isn't for the fearful, it's for the bold."

Distance is for both. It is absolutely, undeniably for the fearful as well as the bold. It is for those who fear enough to be curious, to truly want more whether they know how to get there or what the next steps hold. Fear is not something to be scared of, but to appreciate. You never know, what you are too afraid to discover may be the best experience of your life.

If you are familiar with this quote, you are aware it is about a long-distance relationship.

Beautiful. Lovely.

Onwards...

In my books, 26.2 miles is a long-distance relationship.

XOXO- Nikki

Marathoners

2013-04-22T12:08:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Nikki for sending this to me! Your support system isn't measured by hang-outs, sent texts, or received phone calls. It is measured by moments. The times when you laugh together or are on their mind for a mere second makes all the difference. Thanks for sending this to me! I cannot WAIT to officially be a part of this group- the "marathoners."

Less than 2 weeks! Hope everyone taking part in the Pittsburgh Marathon has stayed healthy and motivated. Let the crunch time begin.

XOXO- Nikki

Prayers for Boston

2013-04-16T11:50:00.001-07:00

Pray the hardest, when it's the hardest to pray.

Runner Gone Loca

2013-04-16T11:45:00.001-07:00

19 days until the Pittsburgh Marathon. It's coming up so fast!

As of late, it has all been rainbows and butterflies. My runs are great, my pace is consistent, and my mental state is prepared for race day.

HAHA...ha...haha. Kidding. Totally kidding.

I pulled my groin, making my whole right leg hurt. I woke up with flu-like symptoms the past few days. I had a minor baby panic attack April 5. Noon-ish to be exact. My family asked me what I wanted for my birthday (May 4) and I did something like this...

Hahaha.

Damn, I'm excited.

XOXO- Nikki

Hot Yoga = Life Lessons

2013-04-10T20:19:00.001-07:00

It's the most random of times that you learn the greatest lessons. Or for that matter, have those inspirational moments that become memories. If I look back in my proverbial "fitness journey" I will mark today as a notch in my "memory totem pole."

::Insert hot yoga story here::

The hot yoga instructor made a comment today:
Humans crave stillness. Hmm...

In the middle of my heart-centered, Namaste-d, zen self, I wanted to shout "NOPE. NOT HERE. NOT ME. ERR--WRONG BUZZER." But I couldn't breathe well enough with the high temperature and eucalyptus. I was downright tired from downward dogging.

So I kept silent like a normal human being and let it sink in. Here I am in class, trying to think about nothing like they request, yet thinking about everything.

(How much did work suck today? How much did work suck yesterday? Man, work sucks. My hair is still wet from swimming. I have a wedgie. Big League Chew. My nail polish is chipped. My toe nail polish is damn near vanished. What's for dinner? I'm thirsty. I'm hungry. I'm sweating. It's hot in here. Men in hot yoga...yum.)

You get the point.

But it's sinking in nonetheless. At that moment, I realized that we do crave stillness. That break in the middle of the day where we can relish in our own thoughts. Those few moments before we sleep that relaxation kicks in. The first bite of a great meal, sunshine beating on your face...you get it. I thought that humans, in general, crave routine and structure. Hence the planning for any and all moments where we lack being present. When I am thinking about what I have to do after yoga (or work, socializing, sleeping, what have you) instead of being present. Period. We are all guilty. So maybe we do, or should, crave stillness somewhere deep down.

"What you will find is wonderful. What you will find is...you."

XOXO- Nikki

Fellow Runners: Give Me Advice!

2013-04-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

The marathon is coming up right around the corner so this is the time to kick my butt into high gear. I feel like no matter the preparation I take, May 5th is going to come and give me a giant wake-up call. Hopefully, I am done with training on the treadmill. And if today is any indication of how April will be, my prediction may come true.

Blake and I had a fantastic day at Twin Lakes for 5 miles. You know I had to snag a photo of my beauty.

Today also begins a fresh start onto all things health and fitness. Let the April Challenge begin with my friends to continue getting in fabulous shape and rock this marathon. Don't worry, ya'll. This April Challenge has nothing to do with 30 days worth of "selfies" via Instagram. Promise. We downloaded the "Lose It!" app so add me and let's go!

To my fellow runners reading this: Any advice for the marathon coming up? Favorite gel packs/blocks? Planning to finish in a certain time for your first full or not? Give me some tips! It's all becoming very real all of a sudden!

XOXO- Nikki

Quote of the Day

2013-03-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Since I'm quoting two great men in history, the picture also applies. Thanks for letting us manipulate your "Keep Calm and Carry On" on a daily basis, Winston Churchill. (For those of you who didn't know where that came from.)

"The harder I work, the luckier I get." -Thomas Jefferson

Enough said, right? I think this goes along the lines of another popular quote:

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." -Einstein

Make the most of your day!

XOXO- Nikki

Don't Wish Your Life Away

2013-03-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

I received some great advice from an older guy at work today. I was explaining my job application process, or lack thereof. He responded with something I really needed to hear:

Don't wish your life away. Don't wish time to go faster or slower, don't wish to be older or younger. It will all come into place whether you are ready or not. If you live your life wishing things to happen differently, you will miss the profound moments.

Some people walk into your life, or place of work in my situation, for a reason. For a few moments, forever, negatively, positively, what have you. He walked away from the situation thinking nothing of it, yet my day has been brightened.

I hope this finds everyone in a great day as well!

XOXO- Nikki

To Be Comfortable...

2013-03-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

"The moment will arrive when you are comfortable with who you are, and what you are– bald or old or fat or poor, successful or struggling when you don’t feel the need to apologize for anything or to deny anything. To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength." -Charles B. Handy

This...

This is everything. And how inspiring. If only we could all be happy in our own skin. We may worry about what others think too much or may be our own toughest critics. Regardless, we can all use a little more self-love.

I'm very uncomfortable in my own skin for the night...but for the best workout reasons. I was a fantastic trophy wife today...minus the husband. And crap load of money. And the proverbial trophy I suppose. I bought new trail running shoes because I am just about through my first pair of Brooks purchased for the marathon. So pleased with my decision! Frick Park was amazing after the gym! I don't know the last time I had a Sunday off where I didn't have anything to do. I grabbed this day by the reigns and enjoyed myself. Mental and physical health and happiness...check!

A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content. Preach!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and takes that into the week. Monday's aren't that bad, right?

XOXO- Nikki

Three Powerful Things

2013-03-04T12:25:00.002-08:00

Three little images that I can relate to today, or this past week more importantly. These images are not opinion pieces, they are life lessons essentially. And quite frankly, I need to take them as advice for tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that. Hope you all enjoy. If not, carry on!

Carpe Diem -Nikki

Game Face On

2013-03-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Something new in life HAS to happen soon.

Have you ever felt like you're at the crossroads of said "life" and don't know where to go next? Welcome to my street. With that said...since things are a tad haywire in career progress (or lack thereof) and my life's theme is "Groundhog Day" anymore, I will change what I know I have power in: body.

Not that I'm not doing so already with the marathon coming up, but Shaun T. is having a little birthday celebration...for 60 days. I'm going to restart Insanity thanks to my girl, Emily for sparking the little fire in me.

Sixty days will lead me to the day before the marathon and my birthday, May 4th. Game face on!

What are some of your techniques for dealing with stress? Mine is definitely pounding pavement or something physical. I'm willing to try some new things!

Food for thought today:

"To change your body, you must first change your mind."

"Without struggle, there is no progress."

And the ever-so-common "it can't rain all the time."

XOXO- Nikki

Facebook & Choices

2013-03-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think about how different everyone's life is compared to one another. For example, we can go on Facebook and look at other people my age. Some are married, some have children, some are travelling the world, have amazing jobs, don't have jobs, don't have happiness, party every night. To each their own.

A Facebook news feed is eclectic. There are even times I want to "unfriend" someone due to my intolerance. Then I realize they are just different from me, and that is their choice. Even if you see that one person complain every.single.day and wonder why things don't get better? Or that you can be jealous of someone who seemingly has it all together and is always happy. Good for them, that is their choice.

It makes me think that our choices lead us to where we are at any certain time in our lives. People come into our lives, some temporarily, some forever, some tumultuously, some peacefully.And if you are so lucky and blessed to be able to appreciate every single one of these individuals...that's beautiful. Have no sort of feelings other than understanding and a lesson that everything happens for a reason.

Everything we do has an end result, it is your choice to see it in a certain light. Like the old saying, karma is only a bitch if you are; well, same for your actions leading up to your end result.

Good one, Eleanor. You smart cookie, you.

XOXO- Nikki

I Hate Running...Ok, Not Really.

2013-03-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

Can I just be raw and honest for one moment in my fitness journey?

...

Marathon Training

...

Woof.

Like, what the fuck? Excuse my perfect English. When someone asks how many miles I ran this day or total for the week, they gasp. You want to know why they gasp? Because it.fucking.sucks. And my body hurts and I'm tired a lot and coffee needs to be on a Columbia-brewed IV drip and it's making me use awful grammar.

I don't like it. Let's just get that out in the open if we haven't figured that out yet. It isn't fun. I run all by myself versus having running friends. I have crazy conversations with myself and dance weird if no one else is on the trail. But then my Beats headphones are in, which you can't hear anything else, and then all of a sudden you have been running in front of someone the whole time.

Embarrassing.

So to flip the negativity that is running a lot and training for the Pittsburgh Marathon, let's steer the conversation ...err ...monologue.

It is a great relationship with yourself. Finishing is obviously the best part, but getting through that one pain or passing through to your second wind is truly a runner's high. Running farther or longer than previously is an accomplishment only you can experience with yourself. Having a playlist that doesn't need a song changed when you are too tired to blink is phenomenal.

YADAYADA BLAHBLAH.

Going to roll out my IT band because I'm in pain. Whatever.

I guess it is, in fact, my dream to finish a marathon. And a bigger dream to not make it my only one.

Thou shall Mother F running every few weeks. 'Tis all.

XOXO- Nikki

Celebrity Inspiration

2013-03-01T09:54:00.001-08:00

Celebrities are a confusing breed to me. They walk and prosper from being in the public eye, yet demand privacy. They are rich and abundant in goods, yet complain that the "struggle is real" at times.

They seem to have it all together, but they are human just like everyone else. So every once in a while they shine a glimmer of humility and hope that I can genuinely appreciate. They don't always have their shit together and it really isn't all about material.

Maybe they were 24 years young once like me struggling to make it big somewhere or become successful in all facets of life. That might be a note worth taking. Staying positive helps every part of life from the way people perceive us to our own mental health and well being.

With this all said, here is some inspiration I receive from celebrities.

“I don’t really believe in having regrets; it’s just not really in my mindset. ‘Oh, if you could have done it differently, would you?’ It’s like, that doesn’t even occur to me. I’m here, and this is where I am, and I’m just living it. You’ve only got one life.” --Emma Watson

Have a great day, all.

XOXO-Nikki

What Did You Have For Lunch Today?

2013-01-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Watching movies isn't necessarily a thing of mine. I don't steer clear of them, just never get around to doing so. Finding myself on a random television station watching a movie is something out of the norm.

You know where I'm going with this? Somewhere on the corner of Fate & Happenstance. "Eat, Pray, Love" was on and I heard something that I can't get out of my mind. This definitely puts into perspective a little piece of mental health and happiness. Here is the dialogue:

Liz: Do You know what I felt when I woke up this morning, Delia? Nothing! No passion, no spark, no faith, no heat, absolutely nothing! I think I’ve really gotten pass the point where I could be calling this a bad moment. And it just, it terrifies me. Jesus, this is worse than death to me. The idea that this is the person I’m gonna be from now on?!

Delia: You know what? This happens to people. They fall in love in their 20s, they get married, they do the granite counter top, white picket fence thing in their 30s. And somewhere in there they realize ‘this is not for me anymore’. And so they fail, they fall down, they hurt like hell, they straighten up and march their bruised asses to the shrink’s office. They can’t just check out

Liz: I am not checking out. I need to change.

...

Liz: What did you have for lunch today?

Delia: I don’t know. Salad?

Liz: Exactly. I used to have this appetite, for food, for my life. And it is just gone. I just want to go someplace where I can marvel at something. Language, gelatto, spaghetti.. something!

I wanted to post this in hopes that everyone keeps their appetite for life. And nowhere in the theoretical table of contents in life is there a place for judgement, comparison, or any form of negativity. Everyone is different and beautiful in their own way.

My yoga instructor read a note to the class tonight that also stuck in my mind-pertinent to this blog post. She said to be careful about the words you use. Once they leave your mouth, there is no reversing them. Like your mom said way back when: "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Don't speak on impulse or anger. What I got from all of that is the general quote: "Don't make promises when happy, don't make decisions when angry." Stay you.

XOXO- Nikki

True Friends Are The Ones...

2013-01-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Read this quote. If you think of anyone as you do so, consider yourself a very lucky and blessed individual.

"True friends are the ones that have a nice thing to say about you behind your back."

This can be taken in a few different ways for me. As my best friend, Nikki moves away on Saturday, I will shed many tears working out. Not because it hurts or it's too hard, but because she was one of my workout friends.

This week (especially) has been about making memories. Autumn, Nikki, & I attempted a final Frick Park hike before the move because that is how our friendship has evolved throughout the years. Instead of getting drunk somewhere, we enjoy fitness endeavors together.

Have you seen your own friendships evolve over the years? Do you enjoy different activities together or always look for new adventures? That's truly what life is all about.

Maybe we can FaceTime before spinning classes or runs from Pittsburgh to Texas. What do you think, Nikki? :)

To my friends who have taken the leap into running the Pittsburgh Marathon (or even just a new, healthy outlook on life): you just have to go. Don't compete with anyone else, just go. These next few months will be a great experience full of triumphs and failures. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

One of my beautiful friends sent this to me. They know me so well. And...I will more than likely be purchasing this. Judging allowed.

Even though I hate the million posts quoting Marilyn Monroe and the likes, this quote is too practical to ignore. Always believe and stay positive even when the cards are against you.

XOXO- Nikki

Nmarks54@gmail.com

@NikkiMarks

Monday Lovin'

2013-01-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

Breakfast of Champions!

I feel like Monday has the opportunity to present new ideas, attitudes, and chances for success. This “dreaded” day of the week is coming whether you’re ready or not. I may be a little biased having Mondays off, but so be it! There shouldn’t be a day of the week to hate. Life is way too short. Make each day great to the best of your ability!

Preach it, Starbucks!

This Monday is all about new, new, new. My one lovely friend contacted me about getting a new Herbalife product, but I had another option for her. It ended in me giving it a go with her.

New challenges and experiences are always better when shared.

It is called Prolessa Duo. I purchased the 7 day program just to give it a trial run. Today is day 1 of 7. So far, I feel great! I'm very full, but comfortable. I also put chia seeds into my shake this morning. I absolutely love chia seeds! I put them in my shakes, yogurt, or oatmeal. The only downfall would be putting them in shakes. You have to drink it fast if you don't like the gelatin texture. It thickens any liquid very quickly.

Before adding water. Tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 scoop Prolessa Duo,
and 2 scoops of my shake (flavor: mint chocolate)

This is my new secret weapon. And for $7 you can't beat it! I watch blogs about new makeup ideas, and there was a setting collagen spray. I saw this one instead and purchased it. I received so many compliments on my skin looking hydrated, "dewy," fresh. Not to mention my makeup didn't wear away all day.

Learn About It
Chia Seeds I Use

XOXO- Nikki

"Life is way too short to spend another day at war with yourself."

Questions, comments, feedback?

Nmarks54@gmail.com
@NikkiMarks