Advocare Cleanse Day 1, Fitness & Faith

Hey Monday!

Today I am finishing up my 10th day of antibiotics and starting my 10 day cleanse.  I haaaaate antibiotics and am so grateful for them healing me, but now get that bad bacteria out of my gut. Puhlease!  I should probably wait until tomorrow to start, but timing wise, this is what needs to happen, mmm k?

It's been a hot minute (90 days) since my last cleanse and I found myself picking off the kids plates just a wee too much.  You know what I'm talking about mama, I know you do.  "Just one bite," turns into "just one cookie" or "'I'll eat clean tomorrow" or "Well, I ate like crap all weekend so what's the point of it starting to eat clean now?"

Well the point is that you will feel a million times better and will thank yourself if you stick to and get back into a healthy regime.  If I use the word "diet" I refer to what I am eating.  I am never ON a diet, I will never be on a diet. I like to think of the 80/20 rule because back when my girl Nikki told me about that, my world was changed forever.

I always struggled with eating healthy or staying fit.  I usually carried an extra 10-15 pounds and would not have considered myself fat, but I was never really comfortable.  Unless I starved myself from carbs and worked out like a maniac, it was a challenge.

Enter in Advocare

Finding my groove back in 2013 was crucial.  After having Brooke and having A LOT of extra weight to lose, I was seriously ready for something.

I had no idea how much Advocare would teach me, the friends I'd gain along with the confidence that it brought me.

I am still a MUCH better person today thanks to Nikki for reaching out a hand, and Danielle showing her the way.

While I may not be building a business with it, I certainly fuel my body a lot better because of it.  (And still enjoy my 40% discount FOR LIFE)

At 36 I want to be in fantastic shape to run and keep up with my kiddos.

I want to feel the best in my own skin and treat my body well.

I want to be as hot and sexy as I can for my main man!!

It's true.

So you just gotta find what works for you.


Today I did legs and it felt oh so good.

I started with the probiotics, followed by the peach fiber (YUM) and then I was kind of mad at myself for, A.) Not eating enough breakfast and B.) Not taking a photo!

I had 2 eggs w/ spinach and one pc of dry wheat toast.  I needed more...

Meal 2 was one small chicken breast, a veggie & some brown rice at 10:45 haha.

Then I had to go stage one of our homes & knew I needed some energy to do it...

After my leg workout I hit up the vegan chocolate shake.

I'm not sure if I'll do chicken or fish tonight, but I made sure hubby grilled up chicken and venison yesterday so I will NOT be short in the protein department.

I'm starting to look into the whole Macros thing..still super confusing and do I really need a food scale?!

I also have a new girl crush...I don't watch TV really, but I tend to get sucked into You Tube and following people that I admire.  When I was pregnant, my feed was flooded with other prego mamas. Now I feel like I need to be surrounded by healthy, fit and inspiring ladies! She is hysterical and real.  I love her easy recipes and her dog is adorable too!

I must say that although getting sick kind of made me down in the dumps, now that I'm doing much better, I feel so much more focused and energized than before.

I attribute it to really starting to walk further along in my faith.  With some very knowledgable and intelligent ladies in my life, I feel as though I am starting to reach a place of such peace and serenity.

True alignment with oneself happens when you can pull apart all of the layers of and see the very core, meaning of life.  I will continue to work super hard at this level because I have never felt so good mind, body and soul.  Am I perfect? No.  Am I exactly where I want to be? Yes and No.  But I know I am on my way to getting there.  Slow and steady.

Enjoy your day friends!

Cleansing & Thoughts for June

Holy smokes!!

I am not sure how it is June 8th, but here we are folks!   I don't like abandoning the blog, but life happens, I suppose.  We had a great May, filled with some staycation time, date nights, and lots of time with family.  We've been hustling hard, building our real estate portfolio and working diligently on our business.

I felt the need to check myself with my eating, as I could feel my clothes not fitting how I like.  I haven't been prioritizing myself and have been eating more like 50/50 instead of 80/20, so I knew it was time to reboot.

I love documenting my cleanses so that I know what I ate during them...sometimes I get lazy and busy and make excuses as to why I don't eat 'clean' but if I can look back here and see it wasn't so hard after all, it just took a little prep time, it helps!

I started my cleanse Wednesday June 7th.
Starting weight: 137


If you have followed me for awhile, you know I was super into Advocare.  I still love their products and truly believe they help! The 24 day challenge helped me learn how to eat correctly and what foods really make me feel the best.

However, as I get older and my body changes and I find what works and doesn't work for me as well.  As much as I LOVE Spark, with my reflux, I just can't drink it.  Same goes for coffee.  I could cry into my green tea latte, but to be honest I am ok without them.

I did however branch out and try Beachbody's Energize, which doesn't seem to irritate me.  Its main source of caffeine is green tea---which is the only form of caffeine I seem to be able to tolerate well.  I also have switched to Shakeology because quite honestly, I enjoy the taste much better than any of the Advocare's shakes.  I am not here to diss or knock, I am just stating what works for me and my body.

I am also a member of Beachbody On Demand because it is the ONLY way I keep up with my workouts.  I have no desire to drag two kids to the gym.  I can throw on my sneakers or pull out my mat and get to work.

I am doing the 14 day Yoga challenge and I started yesterday as well.

So for this 10 day cleanse, here is my raw, honest and real approach!!

I am doing Advocare's 10 day cleanse (includes probiotics in the AM along with a fiber drink and then cleanse tablets PM)

Eating clean-aka-

• No alcohol
• No processed foods (other than protein powder)
• No refined carbohydrates
• No extra sugars
• No green tea lattes from the 'bux
• Drinking lots of water all day long (1/2 my body weight)
• Eating 5-6 small meals a day
• Getting good sleep

Day 1:

MEALS

Meal 1- I had 2 eggs over easy, ezekial toast, avocado spread on top, few tomatoes
Meal 2- 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 cup of cashew milk, dash cinnamon & a few strawberries (overnight oats)
Meal 3- Vegan Cafe Latte Shakeology w/ cashew milk, 4 ice cubes, 1/2 banana & a tsp of pb
Meal 4- Chocolate Protein shake w/ ice and water after my yoga sesh
Meal 5- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap (cube chicken, grill pan, season, mix with broccoli, almond butter & Braggs liquid aminos (I dont have coconut aminos and lime juice. Sounds weird; trust me, it's good!)
Meal 6-  I felt a little hungry after dinner so I diced up turnips and sweet potatoes, evoo and seasoned in a pan.  They satisfied my salty tooth!


I saw this on the Advocare Facebook page and may have to try them! Use whatever protein powder you have.

Tip or trick:

Hardboil some eggs and always have easy fresh fruits and veggies on hand.  I ate these on Monday, as I was trying to prep for my meal prep haha.  I know that is the hardest thing for me as a busy momma of a 2 and 4 year old, plus having to cook separate meals for Joe because he cannot eat too many vegetables or whole grain/whole wheat items.

Lastly:

I constantly feed my brain.  I'm always listening to motivating podcasts, audiobooks, and looking at solid quotes.  Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  We as a society have learned to settle for average.  We continue to live our lives with tunnel vision, no expectations, not pushing ourselves over and beyond.  Sometimes I wonder if I push myself or my kids too much, but then I realize that's silly.  Joe and I work very hard to create our exceptional life and there is no better way to live.  Whether is being healthy, making more money, fueling your mind and spirit with good thoughts, prayers and words, you must make efforts every single day.  There is no rest for this; we have got to face our fears, push our limits and never, EVER settle. Each and every one of us is worth more.

...more to come on that topic.

For now, Day 2 of my cleanse has commenced and I am ready to take on the world. Happy Thursday!

Leading up to Christmas

We've been enjoying a little bit everything around here.  Last Monday it was 70 degrees and we played with bubbles. Crazy!  Today it's in the 50's but rainy.

I've been playing around with my new KEEP goodies.  I love the multi-chain necklace and the protection of the hamsa.  I will take anything that wards off evil and negativity.   #begone

Bath time is rather interesting with this one! He is all boy and so full of energy.  I can barely get him to sit on his bottom to wash him up!

Brookie's going through some lovey phases and will randomly tell us how much she loves us and likes to hug.

Thursday night hubs and I snuck out a few hours to knock off some more shopping.  We also enjoyed a little steak dinner!  I am loving this super fun arm candy...makes my boring old outfits pop!

Friday brought Santa visit!

Baby boy was all smiles and Miss Brooke took it rather seriously.

And at the very end, she runs back and says, "Oh yeah and Paw-trol!"  I about died. She is so cute.

Then Saturday came with dance class and this little ballerina!  This is her Rockin Robin costume.  I cannot wait to see them in the recital in June.

I had so much fun at my launch social!  I have some very sweet and supportive friends.  I'm having a ball styling and designing for them!  Here is Jamie's look-love the blessed key on the rose gold mesh & the classic pavé time key! Shop here. {ps it's a mystery hostess link, so when you order you'll go into the lottery to win goodies!}

My dear friend Alison came over on Saturday and we baked...

and baked!  They all came out so good and we were done by 2pm.  #winning

Of course with all these sweets, we need to remember to be aware of good health! I am all about some wine, cookies & delicious menu items, but it's so good to keep ourselves in check.  Advo launched their ALL-IN which is a great deal--hello, free shipping! Pre-orders are available. 

If I can be totally honest, I am working hard at keeping my "happy" on at times.  This time of year can be hard because you have expectations of other people and as we all know, you can't change or fix anyone.  I wrote a whole post, which felt great, but I don't feel like hitting publish.  It takes a lot of mental work to push out the negative thoughts and just focus on the good.  And that is what Joe and I continue to do.  We have two healthy gorgeous babies and it is our very first Christmas as a family of four.  We will continue to focus on that and what really matters.  It probably doesn't help I'm fighting off a chest cold and don't feel 100% myself.  Plus I cannot believe we are already looking at pre-schools for Fall of 2017 for Brooke and of course planning her 3rd and bubs' 1st birthday party.

Time just won't slow down!  Either way, we have some errands to run so I'm hoping after nap time the rain lets up and we can get some things done.  

So I figured I would just get that off my mind because I am sure there are others out there who don't feel all holly jolly and Christmas-like at the moment and that is okay.  But if you can keep looking at all the good in your life and focus on what brings a smile to your face, then it will all be okay.  

Stay beautiful friends~

Currently Cooking [cleansing]

Happy Monday!

I'm sitting down to eat my lunch: (leftover chicken, rice, greens and a little salsa) and so I wanted to share what else I've been cooking up! We had a nice little weekend; a much needed day of rest yesterday after a whirlwind of <crap> that happened last week.  We played with the kids, had a nice fire, and just watched football.  I'm really taking a good look at a lot of things in life, and one of them is our food. Boy, do I know how much work it takes to cook meals for 4 people all day long, but it's so worth it to hear my husband say how great his body feels this morning.  I feel awesome too, which I knew I would because Advo is the best.

So with the chilly temps upon us, I am truly getting into better shape, mentally, emotionally and physically.

So yesterday I was in the mood for some "comfort food."  I had a spaghetti squash, so I made some homemade sauce.  I just EVOO, onions, garlic powder, crushed tomatoes for the sauce and let it simmer.   I baked the squash at 400 for 35 minutes.  And I basically used this recipe for the meatballs [here].   Now of course my Italian hubby ate regular penne pasta, but he actually did enjoy the meatballs!

Earlier in the day I threw a whole chicken in, some onion & garlic on the bottom, herbs on top.  Slow cooked that bird til she fell apart!

Other news-I really try to buy organic chicken, but I had a coupon and lately I've been eating my weight in poultry, so I grabbed these in case of emergencies.  WINNING.  You can add any flavor you want, microwave, warm up in skillet, whatever.  I like that I have them on hand in case I get hangry and have nothing else.

I lived off of hummus chicken last week.  Totally honest: I didn't mind it. I used garlic hummus, but it still could have used more seasonings.  I ate it all week, but I'm not that picky…Joe didn't like it and neither did Brooke.  Noted.

My breakfast is pretty standard. Some days I throw in spinach, others I just do 2 eggs, scrambled or over easy. A little avo. 1 piece of ezekial bread.

I also had turkey chili a lot last week.  Brooke liked it, which shocked me because it was a little spicy.  Joe can't eat it because of all the beans.  I just dump in tomatoes, canned and fresh, whatever I have.  Spices. Beans. Ground turkey.

So while the babes are still napping, I'm off to menu plan for this week! I'm craving soups because it's chilly! I'm a few days out from the Max phase, which I'll ease up my eating a little bit….like I've been #onfleek haha ok, on point with my eating no joke.  I haven't even used honey…so I am going to make some overnight oats and energy bites.

Any recipes out there that are fairly clean you wanna share?? I love new recipes.  Have a great day!

5 on Friday!

Even though it feels like Summer, Fall is right around the corner! We had our first official fire of the season Sunday.  Hard to believe with temps in the 80's, but it was really chilly (50's and rain) when we had one!  I am looking to many comfy moments with my little family right here in this very room.

{1}

Cozy Fires

Being that my husband does finance for a Chevy store, whenever they take in a too good to pass up deal, is usually when I get a new car.  This time happened to be a 2013 suburban! It really doesn't feel any different driving than my Yukon, but obviously it's a little longer in the trunk.  It's really nice to have a sun roof again; I really missed that! I am also happy that there are captain seats. Usually I was fan of a bench, so that I could go back and tend to the kids, but they're pretty self sufficient at this point and if they need me, I'm driving and I need to pull over anyway.  Plus in my Yukon, we had to put the seats next to each other since there was no clip behind me, so that was already causing issues with "Brudder touching me!" Oh, how I forgot about sibling fights haha.

{2}

A new truck!

Pumpkin everything!! I am so happy these are back in stock and it saved me during my cleanse the night I had to pick my truck up.  Everyone else was eating pizza, ((drool)) but I had my handy shake in my purse and enjoyed a healthy and filling shake!

{3}

Pumpkin Spice

I scored these adorable boots from Marshall's.  They were pretty reasonable (29.99) and I cannot wait to pair them with leggings, skinny jeans, dresses and pixie pants!

{3}

Cute Fall booties!

My friend Ann randomly sent this to me yesterday.  She didn't realize how much I needed to see it. Sometimes we go through some tough times in life and we just have to really be strong.  It's a daily workout for the mind, but it's so important to focus on the good in life, realize what and who matters most and work very hard at preserving it.  There will be times when you just have to learn to close a door, or just not open it, when negativity comes a knocking. 

{5}

Be positive and strong. 

That is all! Have a wonderful day and enjoy each moment of this precious thing called life.

Phone Dump {random thoughts}

So, I know this about myself. I get into an idea and become, um…obsessed.   My newest obsession is how I want to set up our "new" playroom! We are having carpets measured today and I just am SO excited to have a place to play/learn with the kids that is NOT our living room.  I think this will be very important for several reasons…one being that I can't hang stuff on our living room walls for "tot school" and two, so that hubby and I don't feel like we are relaxing in a day care center.

I saw this on insta and love the simplicity and colors!

I am also still daydreaming about our home building.  I am IN LOVE with this.  Maybe down the road…

I want to try this…sounds evil, and delicious.

Can I just tell ya how much I needed my "5 hours away" last Friday? It was just long enough to pick out carpet, grab sushi and get my hairs did…but it was so so so worth it.  I may be a tad excited that we now have 2 more little dates on the calendar for August. I just can't get enough of this one-on-one time with my man!

I'm super happy with the color and the length I'm at.  #awkwardselfie

I'm trying to focus on positives, so I'm gonna do just that.  I am not working out as much as I like, but chasing after/walking with and playing with Brooke and the baby certainly burn some cals.  I am 7 months postpartum and so happy with how I'm feeling and looking. I know I still have a way to go, but considering all that I am doing, I had to just give myself a round of applause.

The stretch marks aren't going anywhere, but they are fading, and my 'muffin top' is certainly shrinking.   I swear by my Advo supplements and trying to eat fairly healthy.

Current products:

-MNS E
-Catalyst 3, 3x a day
-Thermoplus
-Crave Check
-Rehydrate
-Spark
-Meal Replacement Shakes

I eat 5-6 small meals, mostly protein/veggies/fruits and complex carbs.  Like I said the other day though, I have my moments where lunch has been a glass of wine and a brownie.  (When Joe is here, not when I'm alone with the kids! ha) but really, I don't suggest that as an every day thing.  But I am just trying to keep it real and be honest.

And Monday?  Yesterday? It was a downright doozie.  It was super hot and the kids were just off.  I think it's hard because we come off Sunday of family time and then Joe's out the door at 8:10…and not home last night until 10.  It. Was. Long.

We went grocery shopping in the am, and then tried to stay inside and play, but after dinner I had to breathe some fresh air.  Brooke and her wild and crazy curly blonde hair...

So many mixed emotions with two littles.  I just want to give them the best of me, all the time, and I know that is just not possible. I am human and they are needy, so I really just need to learn to breathe and be content with what I can do for them.  I can't physically rock the baby to sleep and put Brooke down at the same time, shocking right?? Bed time is the hardest…they both crash around the same time and I'm trying different things like Brooke first, then Bradley or Bradley first then Brookie….but I just haven't quite figured out that piece of our daily puzzle yet.

This one is still spitting up a ton…all day long.  Happy chucker I guess is what you'd call it, but it's still a lot of puke for anyone to deal with and a lot, and I mean A LOT of laundry.  Since he's trying to crawl, he seems to be spitting up more and more.  But he's a happy dude, so I hope it'll pass…I read maybe by the time he is 1 and walking??  But it's super frustrating to give him a bath, have him nice and clean, feed him a bottle, have him almost asleep and then puke all over himself.  Doesn't make for a fun evening.

I was for sure in a straight up mommy funk yesterday and didn't like myself very much.  I feel a lot better today and tried to set my intentions for the day and count all my blessings when I went on a small walk with Holly.  I try to focus on the fact that nothing is terribly wrong and that a lot of mommas are waaaaay to hard ourselves and we just need to remember we are doing the best we can.  I have two healthy beautiful children, and my husband and I are in good health *knock on wood* and we have a lot to be grateful for.  Sometimes in the 4 walls of your home, I think you can become a little stir crazy and I know that I start to compare myself to all the pinterest perfections out there and the reality is, life is never picture perfect…there are times it is messy and we are vulnerable and it's OKAY!! We need to just recognize our inner voices and let that come out in some form.  For me it's writing, so I even put pen to paper yesterday and poured my thoughts out…something I had not done in awhile. Things I don't really want to share with anyone, other than my husband, but sometimes they need to be voiced.  

I am so grateful for friends too…other mommas who just get it.  The day in and day out of mom life isn't always sunshine and roses, and if you're doing a good job, you probably think you aren't.   I found this article and shared it with a friend who is toddler/baby mom…I thought maybe others would maybe find it useful too.  <here>

What do you do when you feel like you're in a funk? How do you snap yourself out of it?

Fitness Friday & 10 Day Cleanse Eats

I am super pumped this time around for my cleanse.  The first time I wasn't as strict as I should've been, and those initial pounds were hard to budge.  I think a lot of it had to do with my lack of sleep, and now that baby boy is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT -- (can I get a whoop whoop?!) I feel so much better getting sleep.   I literally feel like garbage when I don't get enough sleep, so if you're lacking in the sleep department, make sure you do your best to get some shut eye!!



I was originally going to start while hubby was working his crazy sale, but since I got sick, I could barely eat anything, I decided to wait.  I almost was going to wait until after we get back from vacation, but I really wanted to clean my system out since I had taken SO much tylenol and advil because of my fever and I really wanted to get this super probiotics in my belly!

I made my start date 6/22 (so that I could finish before the Fourth of July!) and one of my good friends is cleansing with me, so that's always fun!!

I decided to really try to take pictures of my meals this time around. Not only does it hold me accountable, but it also helps other see what one eats on our cleanse.  Now, keeping in mind I am not training for a body building competition or really looking to slash my weight drastically.  I just want to continue to nourish my body properly, feel better, and yes, get back to feeling good about myself.  My clothes are fitting from pre-pregnancy, but I still have some extra cushion around my belly and want to define my muscles more.

Workouts:
M-walk w/ the kids
T-family walk
W- upper body
Thurs- rest
F- Lower body

Monday:
Breakfast- 2 scrambled eggs w/ leafy greens, ezekial toast & I share the bowl of berries with Brooke & Joe.
Snack- orange & cashews
Lunch- I pounded chicken breasts, a little evoo & italian seasoning in the oven, salad (dressing is a little evoo & balsamic vinegar) and sautéed some summer squash.
Snack- More chicken, hummus, tomatoes
Snack- Protein Shake blended w/ ice YUMM
Dinner- Mahi Mahi [recipe here] with quinoa & broccoli

I cannot express how much more water I have been drinking! I have filled up an extra pitcher and my brita.  You'll also find my water bottles all over the place. I LOVE this one I just bought!

Tuesday:
Breakfast- Oatmeal, splash of unsweetened cashew milk, fruit & a dash of cinnamon
Snack--Ok, disclaimer, you really should wait til day 11, but I just had to know how these bad boys tasted!!  Plus, I was running out the door to grocery shop and it was meant to be.
Lunch- Leftover mahi mahi, quinoa and broccoli
Snack- Chicken, hummus, squash
Dinner-Grilled chicken wings (oh, I missed the hot sauce & blue cheese) but I had mine with sea salt.  Tomatoes on my leafy greens, evoo & balsamic vinegar
Snack/post walk- protein shake (my hubby and Brooke had ice cream! LOL)

Wednesday:
Breakfast- Two eggs over easy, 1/4 avo & ezekial toast
Snack-watermelon & cashews
Lunch- last of the chicken, squash and broccoli
Snack/post workout- Protein shake
Snack-banana & organic PB [I find it easier to monitor the pb this way!]
Dinner- Sushi! I get it without the rice, squeeze fresh lemon & watch the soy sauce.

Thursday:

Breakfast- two scrambled eggs with leafy greens, 1/4 avo and ezekial toast
snack-watermelon & cashews
Lunch-  I was not prepared, but hungry, so oatmeal & a scoop of vanilla protein
Snack-carrot & avo
Dinner- I had thrown a whole chicken in the slow cooker, so I had that & asparagus
Snack- banana & pb

What's keeping me sane? My second cup of Spark in PINK LEMONADE OMG.  Seriously, I look forward to it every day. I try to do it before a workout with 3 catalyst, and I think that makes a huge difference.

Overall, I am doing much better this time around.  I am in a great groove with the kids, I am in a great mood because I am grateful to be healthy! Getting sick really shook me a few weeks ago.  I truly believe it was the universe giving me a big old bitch slap.  Ya heard.  I was in a weird funk/spot and getting sick just stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook on everything.  

I have to say that a whole chicken is the way to go!! I also took time to meal plan in the beginning of the week. It's tricky because Joe can't eat a lot of veggies and nothing brown rice or quinoa, so sometimes I am making 4 different meals (Brookie is picky at breakfast lately) but the key for me is to make a big batch and just eat it for a few days. I store it in containers in the fridge and can grab/go.  Once you make it a habit, you don't think twice.  I have noticed that I feel better, I'm sleeping better and have energy to get through the day, if I've planned out my meals.

I also have noticed how many damn times I would have put "this or that" in my mouth, just because.  Brooke didn't finish a cracker.  I'm scooping out leftover pasta to put in the fridge.  Here and there all add up and I am so happy I have stopped that habit.  It also makes me excited to indulge in the future and really enjoy (a glass of wine or a cheeseburger) but again to not eat those things all of the time.  

So that's the scoop, 5 days in and 5 more to go and then onto the max phase!