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Advent Calendar Cards | Free Printables

2014-11-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

5 years ago I started a tradition with my boys.

We have enjoyed it every single year.

I designed some simple Advent Cards and an Envelope Template

for us to use each Christmas.

This year we put the cards in the Nutcracker Advent Calender

in years past we have used the envelopes that were hung with string

and tiny clips.

When I designed the Advent Cards I pulled from different ideas and lists.

The cards were designed to give the children a little

Christmas magic experience, allowed them to be givers, and

helped them enjoy time together,

Here is the link to my original post but you can simply click the links

above to download your freebies.

Here is a link showing the Advent Board I made as well.

Why Does Eating Clean Have To Be Such A Challenge?

2014-10-11T17:56:00.000-04:00

My husband and I both had thoughts collide this week. I've been baking bread from fresh ingredients and we love the way our house smells. We are finally on the same page about eating clean but could use some guidance and advice...here are the challenges I'm facing currently. I'm letting you sound off here. This is your place to share your challenges, your learning curves, and what you are doing about them.

Our pantry is almost empty of any processed food, our fridge is filling up with grown from nature items, and our freezer is stashed with the same. It looks like we are on the right track but just because it looks that way doesn't mean it feels that way. I started questioning everything...

I looked down at my Costco purchases which felt really impressive...at first. Then I thought to myself, "nothing is organic, the meat probably has flavoring or injections." I sighed and put it all away.

Why does it feel like it's not good enough?

We struggle with our weight in this house, not because of food choices but because of the food. Food today has become so toxic it's scary, even the so called health stuff. I once found myself standing in front of the biscuit mix having a panic attack. Sometimes my kids enjoy a biscuits or pancakes, not often, but sometimes. Do I make it from scratch? Is there a healthy alternative? Why does the kind I want have to cost so much? My wallet wants me to by the cheap stuff? If I make it from scratch then there is a learning curve... seriously! I stood there with two different mixes, one in each hand, and stood there and stood there and stood there, feeling as if it were an impossible decision.

There is a learning curve...

So our pantry, fridge, and freezer look pretty wholesome. Then the whole...should we be eating so much dairy? Why do I love it so much? How do you replace it? What alternative's are healthy because I've heard nothing is great? Would farm fresh be better at least for cooking? How do you find answers to these things? What do you use instead of butter? Yogurt? Sour Cream? Did I mention of LOVE DAIRY?

I grew up on a dairy farm!

With cornfields...

that brings me too...

Corn these days...GMO's. There's so much talk about GMO's and how Non-GMO's and how do you know what is true and what's not. A friend said, she judges it based on if the plant can reproduce it's self. That makes sense. My thoughts when I first heart "GMO" was "doesn't nature GMO on it's own?" Doesn't nature show us that genetic modification is natural...take my Boxador for example. He's a pretty awesome puppy and can reproduce...so we're good right? Isn't this true with all living things that can blend their genetics to make something new? Still, what about GMO and how serious should it be taken?

Organic? I really don't want pesticides on or in my food. Ever! I used to have those mini-panic attacks about that too but I got over it and buy organic if it's available...if not I figure I'll try to do better. I'd get upset when my husband bought lettuce and I swear I could smell the pesticides. He'd get upset because I bought organic salad because it costs more. I wash the apples, soak the grapes, I do what I can to wash our food clean but...if it's on the plant and in the soil it's grown...is there any point? What's the dirty dozen again?

Homegrown? Do we plant a garden this year? Should we get chickens? What about cows or goats? Did I mention I live in a subdivision that has codes? We'd have to move? Should we move? Maybe that would help? A garden is a start but what do we plant? When do we plant it? How much? Does it yield enough harvest? Do I learn how to can food? Sure, I probably should?

Fresh markets sound like a good idea!

Local farmers need support!

I could buy from them?

When? Where? How much?

I need to explore this option...are there people this day and age that sell fresh eggs? Are there small farms that bottle their own milk? Should it be pasteurized? Is there a place I can go? Can I make my own jelly? How do I do that and not consume so much sugar?

Learning curve...

I've come a long way from this...

Oh and then when you figure the food out, hopefully you've figured out what to drink.

My husband and friends call me a water snob. I won't drink my tape water unfiltered and prefer to keep an ice cold gallon jug in the fridge at all times that has been filtered or spring fresh. I like it cold but I like it clean. The water out of my faucet smells funny to me and tastes weird, very metallic and hard. So I load up empty water jugs and pop in some change and refill them. I first started doing this to make me drink more water but that's still an effort so I mix it up... I drink tea sometimes. My kids like crystal light...but hold on? That's not clean either.

I'm trying to increase my fruits and veggies but what I heard yesterday was that we should increase our veggies and then our fruits. Huh?

We also all take our vitamins, minerals, omega 3's, and antioxidants too.

SO enough about the confusion...I'm taking advice! What is working for you? What books have helped? What documentaries? What recipe books? What blogs? I want them all!

Pretty Cash Envelope System

2014-10-03T09:56:00.001-04:00

I have not posted a craft in such a long time. This one was one I was doing for myself and based off of a tutorial by Kelleigh Ratzlaff. LOVE HER! I took the tutorial and tweaked it a bit to suit my needs and probably yours too if your not into major hole punching and sewing. This is a cut and paste craft for anyone.

Enjoy!

Last fall my husband and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University seminar and passed!

Well, completed.

We started working hard, chucking more money at debt and that was great but we never got a chance to get going with our cash envelope system. We were still swiping the ol' debit card and we couldn't even feel the money leave our possession. So, we spend it more willingly and easily.

Then, my husband asked me to be the money manager since I am home all day while he works, it only made sense. So I pulled up an old Pinterest tutorial by Kelleigh Ratzlaff that I LOVED I had pinned a long time ago and got busy.

Only, I had to do it my way.

I went ahead and cut my pretty 12x12 paper into 8.5 x 11 after downloading the template below.

I printed the template found here on the back of my scrap-booking papers.

Cut them, folded them and scored them as instructed.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22

Once all my envelops were folded I did something a little different. I didn't want to try to punch holes in my envelop like Kelleigh does so I took strips of paper and cut them the same length of the envelopes about 1.5" wide and fold them in half longways.

I put a little glue on one side of the folded strip and attached it to the bottom bottom of one envelope.

With the other half showing, I added glue along it and added it to the bottom back of another.

I played around with folds and placement and found that I could add it to the bottom front too to give it a little more color but you can do it either way.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce. Proverbs 3:9

I used a stiff piece of board cut the size of the finished envelope and one last piece of folded paper to attached it to this piece that would serve as my insert form my wallet.

I printed and the labels of Kelleigh's but much smaller and used a small hole punch for those.

I used a bigger hole punch on my scrap pieces of paper and glued them all to the corners of the envelopes.

The finished product slid right into my wallet which is a 31gifts brand wallet that zips all the way around. They fit perfectly.

I love pulling out my wallet and getting complements on these cute envelopes.

I love even more that I'm telling my money where to go and being much more frugal.

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7

5 Food Prep Tips for Lean in 13

2014-05-29T22:24:00.000-04:00

It's simple, if I plan ahead I am successful. So here goes.
3 days of burn, burn, burn
1 day to refuel

1.Containers Matter

My containers are as cheap as I can find them with at least 2 sections, if I can find 3 sections I'm in love.
Label your containers by simply writing on the top what days to eat and when. Or there's always the gallon baggie method if you don't have time to wash containers but I feel this is the least wasteful.

2. Prepare Your Protein

Once you figure out what proteins you want, get them ready. I like a variety of meats that are super lean. Fish and chicken are my proteins of choice. I have my husband grill them up and apply different seasonings to each for variety. I measure and weigh my protein first to make sure I stay between 3-4 oz.

3. Pick your Veggies

My burn day meals consist of veggies and protein only I microwaved my steamer veggies and seasoned them as well. I love mixed veggies, peas, brussels sprouts, broccoli, edamame, salads, etc.

4. Pick Your "Refuel"

My refuel meals feel like a special treat. I get to include a complex carb with each. I made a sweet potato puree and seasoned it with cinnamon, ideal (calorie free) brown sugar, and a touch of "I can't believe it's not butter" spray. It whips up nice and airy in the food processor and I can save extra and freeze it if needed. I also included a high fiber, low carb tortilla wrap for one of my refuel meals below with the chicken. I will add fresh veggies in a baggie with homemade guacamole for the wrap. Veggies for the refuel day are not shown but will be included. Refuel days include a little complex carb side and fruit for snacks.

5. Pick Your Fruits & Snacks

Refuel days are amazing because you will really look forward to fruit. Cut and prepare fruit as needed (if needed). Really mix it up and experience the flavors. You will truly appreciate diversity when you refuel.

Fruits and snacks are put in separate containers and marked as to which days are for what. Snacks include mixed nuts or edamame on burn days. On refuel days I include nuts and a fruit. Celery is a good filler, it's crunchy and it's like a little boat you can put peanut butter in.

I've got my gallon of water ready and I usually put it in the freezer for about an hour. It's marked to show me my progress for the day.

Last but not least is my supplement regimen. My afternoon snack of "Muscle Fuel" is already portioned in baggies and so is my "Post Workout Recovery" shake so I can grab it and take it with me. All other products and even meal times are programmed into my phone to remind me. It's going to require some major effort to mess this up now.

For more information about the Lean in 13 program please email me..

Free Vintage Paper Dolls

2014-05-24T18:18:00.000-04:00

Click image...Free to download

When I was a little girl I received a gift from my Granny and it was wrapped in paper that had paper dolls all over it. I remember mom helping me be super careful to not rip the paper so I could cut them out. I recently found that old roll of wrapping paper and decided to make it printable so that I could enjoy paper dolls anytime I like. They will bring back memories and I believe on of the lost treasures that little girls today may be missing out on. Download your own and print them for your sweetie. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

They Sparked Kids Imagination All Year...

2014-05-08T08:02:00.003-04:00

now let's Spark them.

These gifts included a double wall tumbler with straw and a packet of Spark!

Today it is nicknamed HAPPY TEACHER JUICE!

Drink up!

Click Tag below to print!

Click image to print.

Oh Baby (shoes)!

2014-04-24T17:16:00.000-04:00

There is NO way that God did not intend for me to have a daughter.

I made so many things for my boys but making these to cloth a girl has

struck a cord in me. Of course, I'm not basing that theory on shoes alone.

Baby Shoe Pattern Here

The beauty of this simple pattern that it is versatile and it evolves the more I use it.

I have started using a heavy interfacing for the sole lining of the shoes and adhering fabric

to the interfacing and simply cutting them to fit.

You can also use THIS PATTERN but you'll want to cut the top a little different.
I cut it with with a round instead of square on the top.

Each one of these is made from the same pattern but just different details.

I wish I had endless time to devote to making these precious shoes.

I spent a small fortune today buying new ribbons to use on future shoes.

The more I make the easier the process.

I can not wait to see these on some baby feet!

Detoxing: Step 1 to 100lb Weight Loss

2014-02-13T01:18:00.001-05:00

I'm always up for a good adventure, a fun journey, a glorious escapade! In 4 days, I am starting another amazing experience and I'm looking for Mommies like me who want to join in. I have been feeling sluggish and tired since the holiday season, birthdays, and Valentines is this week and I'm almost overdue for much needed detox. What is absolutely fantastic about a good detox is that you tend to shred pounds in the process too. I still have lots of unwanted pounds to lose and I know in order to do that I have to get my body set up with a pristine metabolism to start burning calories rapidly. If I'm going to hit the 100 pound mark, I've got to keep my body cleaned up and strong.

For the last few weeks I have been searching out recipes for food and for water. Having recipes that I know my family will love that is healthy is important to me and the one vice I know most women struggle with is that we don't do our bodies a favor and drink the water it requires. So, I found recipes to help with that too. I can't wait to share them with you!

Peanut Butter & Peppers Detox Water

Mean while I am stocking up on an effective fiber drink that is super gentle because goodness knows I want to lighten up but not go running for a restroom...ever! Getting my herbal cleanse all lined up and probiotics on my counter as well. Last but not least I am loading up on my Omega 3's. You do not have to use the same products I use but if you want to do the exact program I do, the you'll want to click here and get yours shipped to you right away. I love that I have found a little comprehensive program that I can use to get me started.

In the next few days I will post my shopping lists so you can stock up as well and feel free to join me. My goal is to have a comprehensive, printable plan of recipes, work outs, drinks and more that can be printed and used by anyone, anytime, looking for a better way of losing weight...I love eat programs and that is exactly what I will be doing. Who wants to join me on my next great adventure?

1 Cup Homemade Protein/Energy Bars

2014-01-20T10:14:00.002-05:00

I am a busy, busy momma. I run a house, run kids around, and run my own business too that involves helping others run their own business. Whew! I am so tired of not having a healthy snack that satisfies my sweet tooth too. So, with the recipe below I get a healthy, high protein snack that is packed full of healthy energy too! This recipe is good raw too!

Ingredients

1 Cup ~ Honey

1 Cup ~ Crunchy Peanut Butter

1 Cup ~ Raisins/Cranberries

1 Cup ~ Whole Oats

1 Cup ~AdvoCare Muscle Gain

1 Cup ~ AdvoCare Post Workout Recovery

Water

Stir together dry ingredients, raisins/cranberries, whole oats, Muscle Gain, &Post Workout Recovery

Melt Peanut Butter for 1 minute in microwave. Pour peanut butter and honey into dry ingredients and mix. Add 1 tbls of water as needed until mixture forms a ball.

Pour into a bar pan or into a square casserole dish*, spread/press, put into a 450 degree oven for 15 minutes and let cool.

I used 2 square casserole dishes and spread about 1/2 inch thick.

~Try this recipe raw!~

Roll the mixture into bite size balls and if sticky coat with a dusting of muscle gain chocolate. YUM!

If you are ever interested in knowing more about receiving a discount on AdvoCare products, you may visit this page and click "Join My Team".

I will not put anything less than the best in my body and I actually get paid to do it now. ;)

How to make a Million Dollar Bag

2014-01-14T11:25:00.001-05:00

If you are in direct sales there are three things you need.

A "Million Dollar" Bag
An Organizer

This weekend I heard an amazing speaker who truly has made her millions in direct sales. She is young and a super smart lady. She basically said that you have to be prepared. If you have a product, keep it with you and be prepared to share. So, today I finished my "million dollar bag" and made a cover for my planner to match. Sweet huh?

You can find the bag patterns and tutorials here. I recommend the "Sash Bag" or "Maddie Bag" patterns and you can enlarge them as needed.

Click image for Planner Tutorial

Be sure to include lots of pockets.

Organize & Clean Out Your Closet

2014-01-07T00:40:00.000-05:00

This was how it all started...

Time to PURGE

I installed a top to an old hutch for my jewelry.

This old hutch is hung on the wall and I added "scrapbook paper" as to cover the old paint.

I don't trust old paint. This is my version of a jewelry chest.

I am a collector of true junk jewelry.

About half of my wardrobe is gone and being donated. I feel like such a girl now!

Here's how it all started...

A while back, as I was sitting in my closet with the door closed so I wouldn't disturb James sleeping and looked around my closet I thought, the dust around the baseboards is killer, I mean a real collection of dust bunnies and I should spend more time cleaning in my closet...anytime at all.

I decided to close my eyes to ignore the dust bunnies, even though they were plaguing me badly, so that I could focus on what I was there to do...spend time with my Lord. I soon found that tears were running down my face, and fast. Tears of release! I go to my closet when I need to be with God and the need was great. His Spirit is so sweet! It just so sweetly comes and lifts away my burdens.

When I opened my eyes, He had given me a whole new perspective. I looked and saw beautiful dresses, shoes I never wear, warm blankets folded on the shelve, memories in photo albums, gifts I cherish, and so much more. See, all that noise in my head before prayer and all those little things that were bothering me were "bitterness". They were sour and unappreciative. While I was sitting in my closet alone with God He did something amazing. He showed me the beautiful little gifts He had been giving me throughout the years and that I had been collecting. To anyone else in the world who had less, they would consider them treasures.

Yes, there are dust bunnies that need capturing by my vacuum, clutter, and yes there is a dirtiness in our life we can get so focused on that we can't see the little gifts God is leaving us. We are surrounded by treasures where ever we are. There is not one place in life that God's light can not shine. When we get so focused on one little dirty issue we miss the blessings He has been giving us and we could have been collecting...not the dust bunnies, but the other stuff. He wants to fill our closets so full that we have to give stuff away. He wants to bless our lives so abundantly that we just keep giving more and more away. That's His idea of our cups running over.

So, why aren't we desperate to seek His glory? Why aren't our eyes constantly looking for His gifts? Why do we not get excited and overjoyed with the treasures He lays down at our feet? Because we are spoiled little children.We expect goodness all the time but when it's time to learn a lesson we fight Him and run from Him. Is it fear? Is it shame? Is it selfishness? Is it defiance?

I have mentioned many times, God deals with me in my closet, in private. He showed me a little more deeply what I was to learn there. So, I cleared the clutter and made room for new treasures, in my closet and in my life.

Find your quite place and rest in Him. Cry out to Him all your pain and bitterness. Set this time apart just for Him so that He can answer your cries. Slow down life long enough to spend time with Him daily because He is preparing the way just ahead of you.

Isaiah 64:4; John 15:5; Psalm 36:9

Bless and Be Blessed

Organize Your Medicine Cabinet

2014-01-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

I have several "medicine cabinets" and a first aid kid and every one of them was a mess.

Below are the improvements I made and some links to more ideas plus a check list of things you should have on hand. This was SO worth the extra effort!

Kids Medicine Cabinet

Quick, where's the lip balm? Tissues? Cough Drops?

Minimize to Maximize

Our downstairs bathroom only needs a few things. A stock of hand soap, quick grabs, and stuff for the boys hair for when we are rushing out the door in the mornings. Random burn relief and hydrogen peroxide because we need it from time to time in the kitchen around the corner.

First Aid Kit Stocked!

We NEVER could find the ointments but magically they have been found and put in their proper place.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Adult medicines and various other necessities are on a wall in our walk in closet, up high. I have to get a stool to get a good look. Lots of opened packages of allergy, sinus, pain relief, cold & flu and tummy aches are now sorted in a container. The rest are just hanging out.

I made this last year as a printable to use.

Click to go to the post from 2012.

Here are a few good links I loved.

Medicine Cabinet Beautified

Ship Shaped Medicine Cabinet

Super Cute Labels

First Aid Printable

Medication Checklist

Follow Me on Pinterest for More Ideas

Want to know how I was able to stop taking RX "band-aids" and regain my health.
I'd love for you to read my story here www.sparksample.com

I got pretty emotional when I realized that was just a fraction of the meds I have come off of due to a health life style. Just thought I'd share this for anyone who is going through what I did...
& yes one was to help me lose weight and it never worked for me.

Organize Everyday

2014-01-06T11:43:00.000-05:00

30 days to an organized house. Do one every day for a month.

Below is my list!

Follow me on Pinterest to see what I have pinned to help me do the 30 days below.

Here is a printable list for you.

Sized for a 3x5 note card and small enough for your fridge that it won't look like a mess.

Click image to enlarge and print.

Merry Christmas

2013-12-11T13:35:00.003-05:00

From my family to yours!

Mindset to a Healthy Body

2013-07-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

I started back to running today. This time last year, I started C25k and within a month I was easily doing 5k and in 2 months, 10k. I know my body can do it. Since this time last year I have shed nearly 70 pounds. I still have around 50 to go. What has changed is my mindset.

The reason I love running is because once my body subjects itself to the torture and relinquishes the endorphins over, my mind clears and I can focus on finding an answer to something that's plaguing me.

Today, it was food.

I know that God provides us with everything on earth we need to survive and more. Our nourishment and answer to our health problems is found within our food. However, so much is being done to what God made perfect that it is becoming harmful to us.

I know that God provides us with what we need to survive but we over stock our fridge and pantries with things that will go to waste. It's okay to store up in planning ahead but without a plan it is wasteful.

I know that I lived to eat. I love food, flavors and textures. I love a colorful, full plate but do I eat it all, should I eat it all? That depends.

Today, I thought of gluttony!!

Gluttony is what leads to obesity. It's what led me there. Gluttony is severely frowned upon in the Bible just like other lifestyles that are not of God. A person who is a glutton is a disgrace to his father, lazy, becomes poor, and it is better to put a knife to your throat than to become a glutton. That sounds harsh but becoming a slave to food is a slow painful death even with the pleasure the food gives us. Proverbs 23:2, 21, 28:7, Titus 1:12.

The mindset must change.

We must re-educate ourselves on what is healthy, portions and we must learn to eat to live, not live to eat. The changes are gradual sometimes and sometimes we dive right in. My body is a temple and I should treat it as such. I should respect that God created it perfectly and that He gave me the tools to better health. I strive to buy food in a manner that is not wasteful and clean as well as growing our own. I am eating leaner to become leaner and to have the energy to have the clear mind to become closer to Christ so that he can continue to show the way.

Food is Fuel!

I'm BAAACKK! Let's catch up!

2013-06-27T20:43:00.000-04:00

I have taken a LONG hiatus! LONG! That's okay because things kept running smoothly while I was gone. In the mean time I have so much to share so let's rewind.

Craftiness is out the window, I don't know where it went but I've got to find it again. James and I did build a coffee table together but that's the extent of my crafty. Well except for a few dresses I made and some infinity scarves. But that was easy stuff.

I survived the end of the year school year and I resigned from my teachers position. See, I was pretty excited about having my car packed up. It was a bold move that I needed to make for the betterment of my family. I am now closer to my kids, the mom I was meant to be and I can work at their school anytime I want to! yay

My oldest graduated 5th grade and my youngest graduated Kindergarten. So it was an emotional end of the school year for this momma!

Evan is reading like a pro! He's trying SO hard. Poor guy has struggled all year with school... yet another reason I'm coming home.

James and I flew to Dallas, Texas for AdvoCare No Limits training because AdvoCare totally rocks and you should try it! Do you know I haven't flown since my oldest was a baby. We road trip it everywhere we go so we were pretty excited to get on a plane that we didn't have to pay for.

My husband completed his first 5k and I'm a slacker. I have only done 2 since Spring began. I'm SO proud of him and he's looking SO good.

Doesn't he look like a total hottie! Omygosh I'm in love with this man!

He's lost 59lbs and looks good in a suit, in a limo! Yeah baby!

We grew our own garden this year and it has been very fruitful!

I discovered I have an issue with my neck so I have to hang like a bat off the side of my bed. I have bad posture. Stand up straight girls like your momma told you to do!

Jake turned 6! I can not believe my baby is 6! I was a bad mom and didn't plan a birthday but I have awesome friends who help through one together for him so wouldn't know. AGAIN, another reason I left my teaching job.

My New Yorkie friend Emily came to visit and started her first 24 Day challenge to lose that HUGE amount of fat in the middle. No, seriously. She's doing it for better health and to tone up! Looking Good Emily Ann!

Oh and I started CrossFit and I try not to DIE every M, W and Friday! I suck at this but I won't next year! I promise you that!

Advocare Transformation Journey

2013-01-21T14:46:00.004-05:00

Below is the video of my transformation, thanks to AdvoCare I have been able to change my lifestyle, lose weight, eat healthier, feel better and I have become medication free as a result. Please take a moment to watch a video of my story.

Slackers Welcome. Day 10 of Advocare Cleanse Phase

2013-01-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

Truly, I have to back up and refresh because I have been slacking off on my blogging. I'm sure some of you don't mind. My school year has started back and when the kids came in, well...that just through me off schedule and I paused on my updates. Plus it was my birthday, which doesn't mean much around here these days. Ha! I mean once you turn 29 so many times, people stop believing you and give up. (wink) So, back to Day 10.

FAQ's
Why do you do AdvoCare? It works!

Why should I do AdvoCare? 100% promise that it works!

Day 9:

Morning:

My mornings are very routine.FIBER DRINK DAY 10! Yay! Now, I just take two tiny pro-biotic tablets and 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. Meal Replacement Shake today. Chocolate Mocha is quickly becoming my favorite. Take 3 OmegaPlex with food. Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Workout! Early morning workout to my new AdvoCare "Can You 24" DVD with my hubs and again with my workout buddy.

Mid Morning:

Wow! I snacked today! SugarSnap Peas!! Low Sodium Almonds. I did drink a bottle of water, 500 ml. I'll have to do better next time.

Lunch:

My lunch time at work today did not happen until around 1 p.m. and I was famished. This is the problem with working, it can throw a wrench in my plans. I kept snacking on my peas until time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

I hate a salad with pumpkin seeds, cranberries and smoked chicken. I used a creamy Italian.

Mid Afternoon:

I had a Spark which has amino acids and some catalyst. Good healthy proteins curbed my hunger until dinner. Plus, I needed some mental focus to get things done.

Dinner: Tonight I worked a mixer and ate one of my yummy protein bars on the way there. Yum! Oh and did I mention that today was my birthday...no cake for me but I'm feeling so much lighter today.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Catalyst will do tonight, it is pure protein and what my body needs. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Probiotics.

Yay the Cleanse Phase is over and now I'm going to enjoy the next 14 days of the challenge like I do every single day until time for the next cleanse. :)

Worth Celebrating! Day 9 of Advocares Cleanse Phase

2013-01-06T16:32:00.000-05:00

Today was SO uneventful. We went to church, ate lunch at Costco...that about sums it up. SO, I didn't know what to reflect on or write about and then it occurred to me..."uneventful" is what I needed to talk about. Making the decision to make a life long change for better health deserves a big parade with balloons, streamers and miniature ponies and pinatas full of WILL POWER spilling out everywhere! However, it is not a dramatic moment but it is a dramatic decision. If I had known in July what I know now about my decision, there would definitely had been balloons!

FAQ's
Is the cleanse going to be like when you have to have a colonoscopy? Someone actually asked me this one today. No it is not. Doing the cleanse from Advocare is gentle and very uneventful. It's nickname is the "Disneyland Detox". I actually look forward to doing mine every 90 days. It will result in a flatter tummy and fewer pounds to carry around.

Why such dramatic results so fast? Mostly it is because of the amount of waste that you have backed up in your system...at first. It's really gross to think about but you'll understand when you do them. It's different than taking too much Benefiber. It's a good clean, light, happy feeling in your gut. You'll also lose weight when you drink the water needed for the cleanse because water is the fuel for the fire, your metabolism!

Day 8:

Morning:

My mornings are very routine.FIBER DRINK DAY 9! Yay! Now, I just take two tiny pro-biotic tablets and 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. Again today, I have a Cliff Bar. I have found that I LOVE the Cliff Protein Builders Bars for a super quick breakfast. They are the closest to a 1:1 Carb/Protein ratio that I could find on the fly. I found them the cheapest at Earth Fare. Take 3 OmegaPlex with food. Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Workout, what workout? This was a day of rest!

Mid Morning:

Sad! I let myself get hungry today because I didn't want to snack in church. I did drink a bottle of water, 500 ml. I'll have to do better next time.

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

I had a grilled chicken, Caesar salad from Costco. Life happens and you do not always get an overwhelming choice of things to eat. My husband and I split the salad, free of most croutons. It was better than nothing!

Mid Afternoon:

I had a Spark which has amino acids and some catalyst. Good healthy proteins curbed my hunger until dinner. Plus, I needed some mental focus to get things done.

Dinner: Tonight I cooked up to small pieces of Talapia with sweet soy sauce, just a tad of that and steamed Asian veggies. I filled up on the veggies. They were SO good! I splashed it all with hot sauce too. Yum!

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Catalyst will do tonight, it is pure protein and what my body needs. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Probiotics.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep! Day 8 of Advocares Cleanse Phase

2013-01-05T20:10:00.003-05:00

Today was one of those days where I woke up full of energy, ran errands, came home and had an awesome lunch and fell asleep. As much energy has I have, I still need to sleep. 15% of weight loss is rest. In order to have sharp mental focus, a high metabolism and allow your body to recover from workout, you need sleep. More than 35 percent of American adults are obese and more than 28 percent sleep less than six hours a night. If you can't sleep weight loss can help, and sleeping can help you lose weight. Once you begin to fuel your body with good, clean eating and maintain a high energy level during the day, you will lose weight and sleep better. Here is a great article called Lose sleep and gain weight...check it out.

FAQ's

In order to be able to prepare healthy meals at home, what are some useful time-saving tips? Make sure you have the right kitchen tool for the job. A really good chef's knife and chopping board, for example, make short work of any necessary dicing and chopping job.
· Learn the ease of stir-frying ¿ a quick and healthy way to get vegetables on the table in minutes.
· Do your main grocery shopping once a week, and shop from a list.
· Wash fresh herbs when you get home from your once-a-week grocery shopping. Wrap in damp paper towel and store in a sealable plastic bag so they are always ready to use when you need them.
· Devote one afternoon or evening each week to preparing dishes that can be heated and served another day.
· Make double batches of casseroles and soups. Serve one and freeze the other for later use.
· When cooking rice, prepare large batches and freeze in one- or two-cup portions in seal-able plastic bags. Use later for soups, casseroles, stir-fried dishes, etc.
· Learn to prepare food in a slow cooker. Food cooks while you are busy doing other things.
· Keep a well-stocked pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Preparing delicious and healthy week-night meals is much easier if you have basic ingredients on hand.

Day 8:

Morning:

FIBER DRINK DAY 8! Yay! Now, I just take two tiny pro-biotic tablets and 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. Again today, I have a Cliff Bar. I have found that I LOVE the Cliff Protein Builders Bars for a super quick breakfast. They are the closest to a 1:1 Carb/Protein ratio that I could find on the fly. I found them the cheapest at Earth Fare. Take 3 OmegaPlex with food. Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Workout today consisted the Advocare CAN YOU 24 VIDEO!!! It was like Christmas for me when that came yesterday. My husband and I did the Core Stretch today, it's like beginners yoga. The stretching was amazing.

Mid Morning:

Before I let myself get hungry I have a small packet of unsalted almonds and a bottle of water, 500 ml.

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

Today for lunch I used my left over Tilapia fillet from yesterday and mixed it with a dollop of the Earth Balance mayo. I ate it on an open face slice of whole grain bread and had the left over side of greens today from last night, I included an apple as well.

Mid Afternoon:

Shame on me...I slept through my snack but when I woke up I had a Spark which has amino acids and some catalyst. Good healthy proteins curbed my hunger until dinner.

Dinner: Tonight I felt a little bit stuck on dinner. I have tons of frozen veggies in the freezer and chicken already cooked. So, I visited one of my new favorite websites... SkinnyMom.com and found some amazing recipes. I thought I would give this one a try...The Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. You have got to try it! My chicken was already cooked, so I it made it even easier to make this dish.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Catalyst will do tonight, it is pure protein and what my body needs. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Herbal Cleanse tablets.

Love Your Body, Day 7 of the Advocare Cleanse Phase

2013-01-04T19:17:00.000-05:00

Today was a crazy workout day. I did Week 3 of Jillian Michaels 30 Days Ripped. I'm going to pay tomorrow. That woman is intense BUT it felt so good to do something for my body. I also treated my self to a deep tissue massage. I finally decided it was time to do something for myself, something I had never done before. NEVER! I loved it! I think I yelled out once or twice...haha. If you have never had a deep tissue massage, you should. It will leave you breathless and smiling.

FAQ's

Can I do the 24 Day Challenge if I am pregnant? You sort of can. Pregnant women should never take herbal supplements without a doctors approval but there are products you can take. Always consult your distributor and ask for a list of products that are safe, then take that to your doctor.

Is there an age limit? Children under 18 need to consult their doctor AND there are products to avoid for the same reasons as above. However, there are plenty of products that help kids become more and more healthy. My children beg for the vitamins and Spark.

Day 7:

Morning:

NO MORE FIBER DRINK until DAY 8! Yay! Now, I just take two tiny pro-biotic tablets and 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. I have found that I LOVE the Cliff Protein Builders Bars for a super quick breakfast. They are the closest to a 1:1 Carb/Protein ratio that I could find on the fly. I found them the cheapest at Earth Fare. Take 3 OmegaPlex with food. Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Workout today consisted the Jillian Michaels butt kicking workout, 30 Day Ripped, week 3 and free weight lifting for arms, shoulders and back.

Mid Morning:

Before I let myself get hungry I have a small packet of unsalted almonds, and I mixed my water with Rehydrate, 16 times better than power-aid and tastes amazing!

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

Tilapia fillet again today except with a sweet soy glaze, steamed stir fry veggies and steamed brown rice, YUMMO! I'm looking for recipes to try online because I'm not very imaginative with my meals. So, I will share those findings soon.

Mid Afternoon:

All afternoon I drink an additional 500 ml of water until snack time. I love almonds, they are my go to snack. I eat so much for lunch that I'm not hungry and so I have to kind of make myself snack in the afternoon so I don't become famished by dinner.

Dinner: Grilled chicken with Montreal Chicken seasoning, collard greens with hot sauce and vinegar and tons of them.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Catalyst will do tonight, it is pure protein and what my body needs. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Herbal Cleanse tablets.

Working Out?, Day 6 Advocares Cleanse Phase

2013-01-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

I love to workout. I didn't used to love it but now I do. As it becomes easier, my goals change. I enjoy the seeing what my body is capable of doing while I am dropping many unwanted pounds.

FAQ's

Do you have to workout to lose weight? No, you do not. Although any doctor will encourage you to do something to get your heart rate up. There are lots of things you can do, even sitting in a chair that will do that. Plus AdvoCare has a product we call "Workout in a Bottle", ThermoPlus will help you burn between 450-600 calories a day.

Why don't I have to workout, how does that work? Obviously, working out will give you better results, faster and is good for overall health. I personally have put it to the test. Your body does not want you to be fat or feel bad. It wants to be fit, healthy and ready for a challenge. Being these three things helps your body deal with stress better, even the good stress from exercise. The 24 Day Challenge system is focused on restoring your gut and then feeding your body nutrition that it needs through supplements. AdvoCare has a slue of amazing doctors that design these products to give your body optimum nutrient. Watch this video here. Good things go in and good things "come out."

“AdvoCare products are high quality products because the unique combination of ingredients have excellent absorption (bioavailability) that work together to provide positive results and outcomes.”

Day 6:

Morning:

NO MORE FIBER DRINK until DAY 8! Yay! Now, I just take two tiny pro-biotic tablets and 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. I blend up a Chocolate Mocha shake with ice and take 3 OmegaPlex.. Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Workout today consisted of a walk/jog for 1 hour and ab work.

Mid Morning:

Before I let myself get hungry spicy almonds and an apple, water is much easier if you snack on something spicy.

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

Tilapia fillet with butter spray and lemon pepper seasoning, grilled. sauteed veggies and a spinach salad with tomatoes, brown rice, vinegar and red onions tossed together.

Mid Afternoon:

All afternoon I drink an additional 500 ml of water until snack time. Easy apple and crunchy peanut butter today too.

Dinner: Grilled shrimp skewers with a light ginger dressing glaze. Steamed veggies loaded on the plate; cauliflower, broccoli and carrots with a light seasoning and butter spray. Another tall glass of water or bottle 500 ml.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Catalyst will do tonight, it is pure protein and what my body needs. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Herbal Cleanse tablets.

Leaky Gut, Day 5 Cleanse Phase

2013-01-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

I have learned so much since my mind has been tuned into my health and why we do what we do during a cleanse. I am now able to give you answers to those questions people always have about a cleanse and explain why everyone needs to do it.

FAQ's

Why can't I have Dairy, Honey, Mushrooms, Soda or Alcohol during the cleanse? Before you do a cleanse your intestines are not only line with waste. If you don not eat an extremely fibrous diet, that waste is layering on the lining of your intestine. Medically, what happens is that waste has toxins in it and it begins to break down that permeable mucus lining in your intestines that stores your good bacteria. When you remove the waste during a cleanse, you are uncovering a weaken permeable lining that has been letting toxins into your blood stream. Now you cleanse. During the cleanse you are rebuilding that lining. Have you seen what milk does if you leave it out too long? You don't want that in your body, honey is a living organism and mushrooms are a fungus...don't want those in their either until that lining is restored and that should make it obvious why alcohol is harmful during the cleanse, it's a pure toxin. By the end of your cleanse, this getting rid of what doctors are starting to recognize as Leaky Gut.

What is the benefit to the cleanse? After you have restored you have pushed out all that bad waste, your body is ready to be restored, which is why "Probiotic Restore" is included in the cleanse. Two tiny little capsules that have more microflora probiotics than 1000 cups of yogurt will restore that mucus lining and line your intestine with amazing bacteria to keep toxins out of your blood stream and waste moving more efficiently out of your intestines. The result is the reduction of inflammation across the body. Many health issues are cleared up once the bodies intestinal track is restored. While restoring they system it is also a good idea to start taking Omega3's to push out those bad fats that have been accidentally absorbed into the system.

Day 5:

Morning:

Mid Morning:

Before I let myself get hungry unsweetened banana chips and water is much easier if you snack on something spicy.

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

Todays lunch was brief because of the busy day I had so, another meal replacement shake is in order. So glad these shakes are so good for me!

Mid Afternoon:

All afternoon I drink an additional 500 ml of water until snack time. Easy snack bar today too.

Dinner:

Grilled chicken sliced on top of a heaping salad of dark greens and spinach. Another tall glass of water or bottle 500 ml.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Handful of spicy almonds sounds good. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Herbal Cleanse tablets.

Off Schedule?, Day 4 Advocares Cleanse Phase

2012-12-31T19:44:00.003-05:00

Things don't always go as planned...life happens and we can get off track even when we are prepared. Today my timing was off but I did my best to get back on track by the end of the day.

This link is getting alot of attention on Pinterest so I just wanted to add what the 24 Day Challenge has done for us! If you'd like to know more about the components of the challenge and how it works.

CLICK HERE

You will get to watch an amazing video, all about it.

Now...let's answer those questions!

FAQ's

What if I forget to take my Herbal Cleanse Tablet It's important to do your best to stay on tract. You are shooting for 100%, perfection. In reality 90% is perfection and 80% should be the least that you accomplish. What do you do...forget about it...get back on track always pick up where you left off.

Do I really have to drink this much water, a gallon is SO much? Yes actually! You are using water to flush your body out of toxins and waste that will help your intestines and colon to be refreshed and ready to better absorb the amazing nutrients you are about to put into your body. Water also will help boost your metabolism and curb cravings for soda and sugar. The hardest part is not drinking the water...it's taking the time to do it.

Day 4:

Morning:

NO MORE FIBER DRINK until DAY 8! Yay! Now, I just take two tiny pro-biotic tablets and 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. After serving a healthy breakfast for my boys, I grabbed an Advocare Meal Bar and took 3 OmegaPlex . Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Morning workout consisted of a DVD workout (since AdvoCares isn't released until tomorrow) and weight lifting that focused on triceps, shoulders and biceps.

Mid Morning:

Before I let myself get hungry a small box of raisins and a handful of sweet chili pistachios. 500 ml of water. Drinking water is much easier if you snack on something spicy.

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

Today's lunch is chicken salad made canned white chicken, earth balance mayo (dairy, egg and soy free) (it's amazing) on fire roasted tomato triscuits and a baby lettuce salad with balsamic vinegarette and backed snap pea crips. 500 ml of water with lunch, it's just one tall glass or one bottle of water.

Mid Afternoon:

All afternoon I drink an additional 500 ml of water until snack time. A handful of unsweetened dehydrated banana chips with dollops of creamy peanut butter on top.

Dinner:

Chicken Taco Salad: This consists meat left over from the rotisserie chicken that has been heated with taco seasoning, dark green lettuce salad, pineapple salsa and a dollop of guacamole. Another tall glass of water or bottle 500 ml.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Creamy peanut butter on a spoon. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Herbal Cleanse tablets.

Day 3 of Advocares Cleanse Phase, Eat Yourself Skinny

2012-12-30T14:58:00.001-05:00

Sunday's are always a rush from the time we get up to the time lunch is complete. This is why it is good to have a plan for what I am going to eat and to make sure my pantry stays stocked with healthy food.

FAQ's

What kind of food do you eat while on the 24DC? Think...Clean. One of the purposes of a meal plan and guidelines for the challenge are to help you get rid of unhealthy cravings, to fuel your body and to get back in the habit of making healthy choices. You can not starve yourself skinny on this plan.

I thought carbohydrates are bad, can I have them? Yes actually! In order to keep your mind focused and clear you need healthy carbohydrates. In order to have energy to burn more fat, you must have carbohydrates. Low carb/ No carb diets do work but they leave your body wanting more and that's why most diets put you back on carbs but there is no need to go cold turkey. When choosing carbs at the grocery store you need to simply pick the healthiest option, the more grain the better and buy nothing that is white or says "white".

Day 3:

Morning:

While fixing my family breakfast I chugged fiber drink and Spark together and took 3 Catalyst to give my metabolism a boost. After serving a healthy breakfast for my boys, I grabbed an Advocare Meal Bar and took 3 OmegaPlex while getting ready for church. Still shooting to have 1000ml of water in my body before my Mid Morning snack and that includes my fiber drink and shake. Easy Peasy!

Mid Morning:

Before I let myself get hungry I am having some Wasabi & Soy almonds with Okra Chips. 500 ml of water. Drinking water is much easier if you snack on something spicy.

Lunch:

30 minutes before lunch I am going to take 3 Catalyst to feed my body a little protein before time to eat. When I sit down to eat I will take 3 OmegaPlex as well.

Today's lunch is grilled chicken. I grilled enough for several mills on Day 1 and so I only have to pop it in the microwave. I am also microwaving a sweet potato and topping it with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray and Ideal Brown Sugar. Yum! For my greens on my plate I am having a dark green salad of baby lettuce, raspberry vinaigrette, topped with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. For added veggies I am eating turkey bacon wrapped organic green beans and sprinkled with the Ideal Brown Sugar. 500 ml of water with lunch, it's just one tall glass or one bottle of water.

Mid Afternoon:

All afternoon I drink an additional 500 ml of water until snack time. Today I will take 3 catalyst again for my protein with a handful of veggie chips and a little guacamole. I will drink another 500 ml of water until dinner.

Dinner:

Taco Salad: This consists ground turkey, browned and seasoned with taco seasoning. My dark green lettuce, olives, salsa, hot sauce and fresh baby bell peppers. Another tall glass of water or bottle 500 ml.

Before Bed:

We all need a bedtime snack. Shrimp cocktail (6 medium-large) with super spicy cocktail sauce. This helps me get the rest of my water in for the day. I will finish my last bottle of water before going to bed and take my Herbal Cleanse tablets.