Image Map
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Conference Day & Life Lessons

Like I mentioned before, I couldn't get enough of the gorgeous sunrise coming up over the strip.  I don't know about you, but I am not lucky enough to see the sun rise like this every single morning. It was so hard to sleep in, as our bodies were still on NY time, but also how could we not want to view this?


I kept it comfy this day, as I knew I'd probably be sitting with my husband all day.  It's funny because every other spouse leaves and does whatever; shopping, lounging by the pool, gambling or even just chilling in the hotel room.  Me?  I sit through this car industry conference and patiently wait for my hubby to speak.  I don't know why, other than I think Joe likes having me with him.  I can't exactly tell you anything I learned and to be honest, I may have day dreamed a bit, wrote out some goals and ideas...but I was there!

I wore a black maxi dress from Fabletics (sooooo comfortable!) my Monroe (kimono style top) my Sutton mixed metal & my silver hammered hoops.


It was so beautiful out in the morning, we soaked up some fresh air before the day began.


During one of the breaks Joe had to tend to one of our renters.  I guess the shower was having an issue in one of our houses, so he had to call a plumber.  Never a dull moment and he's always working.  At least the view was nice!!  I used to get so mad at him when he would "work" when we were together.  I'm not exactly sure when that stopped being an issue, but when it did, we really became a team.  I saw that our lives were not "normal" like everyone else who has a 9-5.  I see that yes, he's taking care of "work" but we are also able to collect a monthly rent check without much effort and that's on 4 different houses.  So, a little work here or there?  I really can't complain, especially since our nest egg continues to grow.


I was so proud to see his name on the big screen.  He hates any sort of big displays and thinks I'm crazy for making a big deal about this, but when a company flies you and your wife all the way to a swanky resort to give a 45 minute talk?  I'm sorry babe, but I think you're a pretty big freakin deal and I love you!!  You are what dreams are made of.  You started out living in a crummy studio apartment in the ghetto, to this.  Rags to riches and you should be so proud of yourself.  

My husband may not have a single college degree, but he's one of the smartest people I know.  He's also one of the most humble, yet confident souls I've ever met.  Some people would mistake his confidence for arrogance, but people talk a lot, especially if they don't know you personally.  I suppose I could learn a thing or two because he has some very thick skin and doesn't let much get to him.


I know he's my husband, but I really thought he spoke the best!! His mother told me a long time ago that Joe has the gift of gab.  I 110% agree with her.  I am not the best public speaker and clearly have a much stronger voice with writing, but Joe?  He is so good at effectively communicating important points.  I bet he'd be a lawyer if the schooling wasn't so long.  Either way, he did a fantastic job, as did all of the presenters that day.


After the conference portion wrapped up, I freshened up and went with the Emme choker for the night!


I am obsessed with my new thigh high black boots from Aldo.  I scored them on the labor day sale and LOVE that they are flats.  I still love my heels, but if you know you're going to be walking a lot and still want to be cute and trendy, these are it!  I also got my dress at F21 for under $20.


The restaurant was inside the Red Rock and it was really nice. There was a huge table that we first sat at; it was right next to a really pretty fire place but oh my goodness, it was hot!!


Earlier that morning we had listened to a motivational speaker.  He brought (pretty much) the whole room to tears that day.  I would love to share his story, but I fear I wouldn't do it justice.  The main point was to live life without regrets (of things you didn't do, but wanted to) and to always, always, always, keep your tribe close.  I may do a video to try and explain it better...this is his girlfriend and him in this photo.  They got to dinner late because they were watching the sunset over the Red Rocks.  I went to go to the ladies room and they stopped us and asked us to eat with them.  Of course Joe and I jumped at this opportunity.

It's hard to explain and some of you may take it the wrong way, but I feel like we sat there for a reason.  We got to know these two amazing souls on purpose.  It's one of those things where I hate that I don't know what they're doing or whether or not I'll ever see them again.

I firmly believe there are different types of people in this world.

Some just float around day to day, living the same old life, not changing or trying to better themselves.

Then there are people who have some severe (mental) health issues and perhaps use drugs or something else they are addicted to, to survive.

And then?  There are people who rise above, no not that they're better than anyone else, but that they are constantly striving to live their best life.  They are pushing themselves to the max, every single day.  The are soul searching, evaluating, researching, living and breathing in every single moment.   They fight hard for what they believe in, they may fall down but they always get back up.  They learn that in life, there are no regrets of the things you have done, but rather only of things that were left undone.  They learn to forgive and move on, because life is too damn short and we are never promised tomorrow.  They speak the truth, they follow their hearts and they learn most from any one of their multiple mistakes.  These. Are. My. People. They will not die, with the music left inside of them.  They are the risk takers, the earth shakers and being in their presence alone lifts me higher than I can even begin to explain.  Joe and I gravitate towards these people, because we are these people.


Sometimes we need to let go of the negative energy that holds us back, so that we can fly higher and reach our full potential.  I can't let go of this one part of my audiobook, that even Joe walked into the room while I was listening to it and it stopped him in his tracks.  Joel Olsteen was referring to someone who made a voicemail saying, "I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now, I've been busy making some changes in my life. If I don't call you back, you're one of them." 

That may sound harsh, but sometimes we need to let go, so that we can move on.  Perhaps distancing yourself from someone may give that person time to grow, reflect, and realize his or her own life's purpose. The more I surround myself with my people, the easier this becomes.  This world is so full of negativity, hate and just mean people.  Be someone who lights up the room and makes the place feel a little more at ease. Be honest and don't play games.

Talk to one another.

Watch the sunrises and the sunsets. Stop and be present in the moment.  It's not easy; it's a daily (hourly) task sometimes.  But the more time we spend working on ourselves, the better we become overall.

Find your Tribe and love them hard.  You just never know when you'll truly need each other.  Those few precious souls on earth that you would do anything for, don't take that for granted.  We need each other more than ever right now, especially the state of our country.  

Be kind and share the love.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Inspiration

I think that inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere.  I can literally feel myself sliding down a little slope and when that happens, I quickly look for what I need to be lifted up, or inspired. I can't say that just one person will do it for me, so I tend to have a big old toolbox that I pull from.

Workout Inspiration-  Lindsay 

Home/Cleaning Inspiration: How Jen Does it

Belief/Faith: Terri Savelle Foy

Momma pick me up: Amanda Muse

Beauty Tips: Glamor by Elizabeth



Those are the ones that come to the top of my head.  Sometimes I inspire myself.  I also turn to...

...outdoors. Walking in the fresh air really lifts my spirits.

...taking a social media break.

...getting lost in a good book

...my husband. He works so hard I can't sit on my ass and do nothing while he works so much!

...my kids. I want to be the best mommy for them!

...a good movie.

...sitting alone, quietly, thinking.

...watching the Cooking channel.

I don't know if I'll ever be bored again.  There is always so much that I want to do and so little time!

What inspires you?  

Sunday, August 14, 2016

House Goals #2

Building a home.

We haven't even met with a builder yet and I'm still just having fun with tearing out pictures or finding ones online of houses.  It's fun to say yay or nay with hubby and really discuss what we prefer over what we really don't love.

I haven't written anything about our dream home since this post here. 

I think we're still leading towards a side loading garage, but this looks cool too!


I'm still really researching kitchens.  I'm fairly certain I don't want two islands, but rather one really large one.  I don't know if I need 2 sinks.  I don't like exposed beams or the hanging light fixtures; and while I want a wine fridge, I think I'll store the rest of the wine in a temperature controlled area of the basement.  I do however, love the light counter tops and the cupboards.


My favorite spot in our current home is our back deck. It's seriously like a little sanctuary.  We can't see the parking lot because of all the trees, and it's pretty quiet since school is out of session.


One of our favorite things is to go to the land and walk around where things will be built.  It's so important to decide which way we want to face; the sunset is gorgeous here!


It's so funny because one day we are totally chill and love just dreaming and the next we are both like, "UGH! Why are we not living here yet!?"

{as I type this, Joe is currently out there working on the trails again.}


I absolutely love these huge windows. I want as much light to filter into the livingroom (and the kitchen!) as possible.  We also want high ceilings.  This furniture isn't really our style (the color) but I love how crisp all of it is and how there's an accent.


I need to look a little more into this contraption!  Is one of these a warming oven? A microwave? Holy smokes!  This back counter/stove top is essentially what we'll have though, so that's cool!


This is the idea of how open we would like it.  Like I said though, we don't want to do the double islands...and the side eating area will be one large table (no formal dining room).  I don't like all the different colors going on back there in the kitchen either, or the lights.  BUT the open layout is spot on!




Patio and a pool in the back...or would we go with a wrap around deck and a pool?



This will be the biggest project we will work on together and I am so excited.  

Friday, April 22, 2016

Fashion Friday

Happy Friday!

I got an e-mail from the newlettters I receive from Cara, author of The Champagne Diet for
I haven't read them yet, but I've got them downloaded onto my Kindle app!

A few looks this week included:
Lularoe shirt & leggings and my mala


Summer line is here!! I'm totally smitten! 

Shirts/pants from Old Navy

I think the woven bands are so fun and for only $19 you can't beat that!


I've been wearing the tassel necklace and the turquoise friendship earrings daily.
It was in the 70's Monday; I was loving it!


My nail color is a pinkish/coral--love!


Here's some outfit inspiration for our date night Saturday:


{all google images}

I'm dying to get my booty into my white jeans. I wore them only once, as I bought them Spring 2014 and then got pregnant with Bradley.  I just got a $10 top from Forever 21 I'm hoping it works!

What are you wearing lately?

Thursday, March 19, 2015

I Couldn't Live Without

For Lauren & Lauren

I've seen this linkup floating around and I thought it was lighthearted and fun, so here I am, participating!!  Obviously I couldn't live without my family and friends, but for fun, this week I couldn't live without my laptop.  Seriously, one of my favorite possessions…I wish I knew how to operate it some of its features a bit better--like editing a video! Oy, to have more spare time!



It's definitely my favorite "go-to" thing to do.  I'm not huge on TV watching, although I do have a few shows I enjoy.  I just love connecting my thoughts to words on a screen; it's rather therapeutic and there is no better way than doing so on this fancy MacBook.  The sleek black keys and smooth silver surface are just perfect for pouring out my ideas.



More than anything, my husband was sick of me getting viruses on my other laptop all of the time, and with this guy, nothing comes across--knock on wood!--  Joe also insisted that I get this uber snazzy laptop case [which I don't love, but I do think it's useful with two kids and a dog] I told him it looks like an old guy case though, haha.


I really notice how much I can't stand living without this, when Joe has his meetings for his tech startup and he takes it with him.  I'm kind of like a lost puppy, because the kids are finally in bed and I have some "me time" and no computer!  It's not the end of the world, but it's certainly the first thing I would enjoy doing, is catching up on my blog, with any spare time that I have.  I definitely fantasize about having free time to go to a beach house, overlooking a beautiful body of water…and writing.  I don't know what I would write about exactly, but some day when I have more time, I could definitely see myself doing that.  Man, a beach sounds wonderful right now!


There is just something really special about being able to record my thoughts and what my little family is up to…and then going back and reading it!! I can't tell you how many times I have gone back and re-read my blogs when Brooke was a baby--very helpful in comparing how mister B is doing. 

What is something that you couldn't live without!?

Friday, September 19, 2014

Dream Board: Baby Boy's Nursery

TGIF!! It has been a very long, stressful, exhausting and expensive week, but our doggie is home and seems to be doing well!! I was running around all day and finally had some time to decompress tonight.  I saw that I missed a really cool prompt the other day for #blogtember and goodness knows, I need all the inspiration I can get right now for baby boy's nursery!!

We have the walls painted with "Manitou Blue" and when I google that color, this image popped up and inspired me:


It's a bit eclectic, but I really loved the contrast of the bright orange and blue.

We have a few crib options we really liked at Buy Buy Baby, but nothing has been purchased!! I am not very "theme" oriented when it comes to a room---I like it to express feelings/moods: happiness, love, peace, fun, lively…

So I think something similar to this "dream board" would be perfect for our little man!!



Baby Boy Nursery

Baby Boy Nursery by jennifer-delle-fave featuring a round lamp


Daddy is an avid hunter, so I wanted to incorporate wild life of some sort--a deer picture or pillow.  He also loves football, so I would love to find something that fits in.

I love the bright pop of orange to accent with; certainly wouldn't do too much, but I think maybe a sheet, a throw pillow, and a stuffed animal would work! 

I think I'll keep the curtain neutral.

We'll need a standing lamp, as there is no overhead light.  I also love baskets to organize with; they really help reign in all the baby stuff you need!  

Swaddle blankets are a must as well; the muslin ones are perfect for so many things.  

The Rock and Play sleeper is on my 'wish list' and I really think he'll get a ton of use from it.

I want to find him a special little stuffed animal too, before he is born. I bought Brooke an adorable ballerina bear, and my heart just melts when she plays with it.

Anything I should add? 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Inspiration

I thrive off of quotes, nature, good books, magazines, and real life stories.  I need daily motivation and inspiration for all areas of life!!

Cooking. Cleaning. Exercise. Fashion. Makeup. Hair. Motherhood. Marriage. Relationships. Being my best self.

I always try to think of the glass half full, and when times get tough, I tend to think, "What would so and so do, in this situation?"




For instance, when I think I have it "rough" on a Monday night, when Joe had left the house at 8:10 and doesn't return until about 9:30pm {which is a long day for anyone} but when I'm pregnant and caring for a toddler, sometimes it seems a bit daunting!  I will think about Joe's grandparents.  Two people who came from Italy to start a fresh life here in America.  His grandmother literally came over on a boat about 8 months pregnant with his mom.  They had little to no money, a baby on the way, and grandpa and grandma built everything they had sincerely, from the ground up.  And while my own grandparents are SO very near, dear and special to my heart, seeing the life Joe's grandparents created was exactly what we want.   Joe knew he wanted it early on, as he took me to Florida to meet them right off the bat in our relationship! One month in, we were on vacation together and there I stood next to his grandma in the kitchen, and he told me it was the first time where he actually saw his future wife. I think she stands out to me the most because that is who we model our marriage/family life after.  However, I do believe two children will be enough...

Grandma went onto raise 4 children, work, make I don't know how many homemade meals a day, and rarely complained (if at all).  We recently heard stories of the first day grandpa went out and bought her a washing machine and a TV.  Things we take for granted all too easily.

I try to take pleasure in moments of cooking, cleaning --that one is tricky, I know-- and just the mundane tasks that make a house more of a home.  It is our sanctuary and I really try hard to treat it as such, even if it's not perfectly tidy 100% of the time.


I cannot imagine living a life uninspired.  With social media, I have so many women to surround myself with who are stay at home mommies who take care of the home, cook real foods, and still 'keep their cool.'  I think that you just need to keep visualizing and surrounding yourself by the things you want and the people you want to be like and you'll always be inspired.


The flipside of that, I think if we spend too much time peering into the lives of others and how "perfect" their lives appear to be on Facebook, Instagram, blogs, we can be rather uninspired.  It's just knowing that delicate balance of being happy for them, and then doing what makes you happy!  At least that is how I feel…happiness comes from inspiration and creativity.

Awhile back I wrote a post with some "tips" of how I seem to have it all together. Clearly I don't think that, but to others perhaps it appears that I do.  I kind of feel like it touches on this "inspiration" topic nicely! [read that post here]

Who or what inspires you? I'm always looking for more ways to tap into different layers of me.

Brave Love Blog

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Hair Help and Some Quotes

So I have this debate every year... My husband and my hairdresser usually talk me out of it. I posted this on Instagram last night. What are your thoughts friends?! Have you done "the chop"?  I cut mine super super short back when I was 19…I went for a Meg Ryan type of cut.  I loved it, but I thought it made me look older.  I'll try to find a pic.


And some quotes…



Happy Hump Day!!



Thursday, January 23, 2014

Relax


I am all about working hard, hustling and doing what ya gotta do.  But sometimes we forget to sit back and relax.  I got this in my inbox from Steve Chandler's email subscription. {He is the author of 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself Change Your Life Forever}---PS it totally did. I married the man who introduced me to that audio.

Anyway, he shared this:


 
      I learned...first from him and then fromday-to-day experience, that the quality and powerof my work always increased when I sloweddown to the speed of life. Conversely, thequality of my work and my relationshipsdegraded when I tried to think too much anddo too many things at once.
 
     This is still really useful to me:       "Creativity requires leisure, an absence of rush,  time for the mind and imagination to float and wander  and roam, time for the individual to descend into  the depths of his or her psyche, to be availableto barely audible signals rustling for attention.         "Long periods of time may pass in which nothing  seems to be happening. But we know that kind of space  must be created if the mind is to leap out of its  accustomed ruts, to part from the mechanical, the known,the familiar, the standard, and generate a leap into the new."   Nathaniel Branden


And I couldn't agree more.  I need to be better about relaxing; There is a difference between passive and active relaxation. I know one of my downfalls is that I will "relax" with my laptop on my lap.  Or my phone in my hand.  That is not allowing my creativity to grow!!

What will you do to relax this week?

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Start Doing


I have a BIG to-do list today and I don't even know where to start!! I really want to do a "Blog every day" in November or a "Video every day"...do any of you know of someone hosting that? 

I am also starting my 24 day challenge this Friday, so I'm super pumped to just add more to my plate...no really, I just want to push myself and organize my life better. I have a billion ideas all jumbled up and nothing is being executed.  Time to prioritize, put down the phone, and start doing

Now that I have enjoyed my Spark, it's time to knock this to do list out of the park. 

I am sending October out with a bang, and I am so ready to welcome November with a grateful heart. 

{Wow, and I even rhymed for ya there.}

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Cookie Thief

Hi friends! I am here!!

 I am just a little busy and catching up from my super quick getaway/training that I went to over the weekend.  I thought a lot about, (amongst many others) on my long drive, I thought about perspective and communication.  Two things that are simple, yet overly complicated by our use of many outlets in our society today. While cleaning my kitchen and listening to some Wayne Dyer, I heard him re-tell this poem I had heard many years ago.  Call it the old English teacher in me, but man I love a good theme.

The Cookie Thief

---author unkown

A woman was waiting at an airport one night, with several long hours before her flight. She hunted for a book in the airport shops, bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.
She was engrossed in her book but happened to see, that the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be. . grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between, which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.
So she munched the cookies and watched the clock, as the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock. She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by, thinking, “If I wasn’t so nice, I would blacken his eye.”
With each cookie she took, he took one too, when only one was left, she wondered what he would do.

With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh, he took the last cookie and broke it in half.
He offered her half, as he ate the other, she snatched it from him and thought… oooh, brother.
This guy has some nerve and he’s also rude, why he didn’t even show any gratitude!
She had never known when she had been so galled, and sighed with relief when her flight was called.
 She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate, refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.
She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat, then she sought her book, which was almost complete. As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise, there was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair, the others were his, and he tried to share.

Too late to apologize, she realized with grief, that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

google images


Such a short, but accurate portrayal of how if we just simply open our mouths and talk to one another a lot of misunderstandings or questions will go right out of the window.

It's so easy to assume things in our world and a lot of the times, I am guilty of assuming the worst.  I am going to be better at this, and start picking up the phone! No texts. No email.  If I think something is wrong?  I am going to make a point to simply talk to the person.  I urge all of you to do the same; it's so easy to hide behind our technology and make excuses.  We are human beings; we need social interaction--real live, face to face or voice to voice! Let's make it happen.

Don't be a a cookie thief!!

Just some food for thought on this Tuesday.  That's all!

 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Belief


It's such a powerful word, and yet how many of us actually mean it when we say it? Belief.  It's so easy to be negative and not tap into our higher selves.  We can get easily distracted, especially in an instant society where everyone wants a desired outcome, yet so few of us actually take the time to work for it.

If we believe in ourselves, if we have just a little bit of confidence that we're doing the right thing, so many doors can open for us.  I know I've doubted myself on so many occasions.  I continue to work on this {bad habit} and have learned to turn towards others who are being successful in their beliefs. 

 It could be those last 10 lbs you've told yourself you'll lose, "eventually."  Do you not believe you can actually lose it? You can.  With the right foods, exercise and supplements, anything is possible.

Is it that you've lost all hope of ever having a baby?  Maybe that's when you need to believe just a little more...

Or is it that you don't think you can stay home with your baby and earn income?

Maybe you're in a situation where you need to muster all of the courage, strength and integrity left inside you, to go forth onto the right path of happiness in your life.  It's scary, it's hard, but the reward is always so worth it.

Or, maybe it's adopting a child from another country, even when your home is already full, and lives are busy, money is tight, but you have room for just one more.  I don't know much about the adoption process, but I do know that this couple, this family, is doing everything in their power to become a family of six. 

I went to high school with these two, and let me tell you, they are moving mountains.  

Want chills? Read their story here...

When I think of their story, I wonder how many nay-sayers, or negative nancies have knocked on their door. How many times have they been told to just stop already...maybe no one, but my guess is in today's world, someone has said something.

However, the amount of spirit, love, determination and dedication that is poured into this adoption process, it has literally taken my breath away.  You see, to me, this is moving a mountain.  This is doing good in the world.  They have a strong purpose and with their determination, I know they'll do everything in their power to succeed. 

It's moments like this, where you can look in the mirror and say to yourself, "What can I do?"  What life changing event can you encounter?  Each and every one of us is born with the same hands, feet, toes, arms, legs, a nose, a mouth, ears....a brain.  So what are you doing to better your life?  Your family's life? 

I donated $20 and got a cute shirt.  What I really want, is to see this boy live with his family here in New York.  To be loved, raised, and cherished by such caring souls. 

Some may say they don't "need" another child.  That, my friends, is wrong.  They do need him, and he needs them.  If you haven't done your "good donation deed" of the year, it's already September, perhaps throw a few bones this direction and help this amazing family out!!


You can always rock this awesome tee-shirt too!  I love that is says, "It takes a village."  Because friends, to be successful, it always does. 


What is something you need to start believing in?

Anything is truly possible.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Who's Comin With Me?!

OK, sorry...we are not actually going anywhere, but rather challenging ourselves to be the best we can be.  I know it's not for everyone, but I am super confident that this is for me!

google images
I have been feeling awesome in so many ways, since I've become an AdvoCare Distributor.  Hands down, the best thing about this entire company? The people.  I have listened to, talked with, emailed, text, facebooked, you name it, and there are people there to support little old me.

I love the way I feel after a good workout, but I don't always love making myself work out. I need motivation and I need to see results for me to keep coming back for more.

More than anything, I don't love the way I look. Or feel.



Want to really shake yourself? Take a photo of yourself in a bikini.

HUGE wake up call.

I'm not even ready to share those photos. They are classified at the moment.  Maybe when I have something worth showing off, I'll share!


I felt like I was kind of floundering around; I want to get back to pre-pregnancy weight, and I also want to look even better!!  I have been following Danielle and Nikki for awhile now, and knew as soon as I was done nursing my little girl, I would be ready to follow in their footsteps. Both of these women look and feel incredible.  They are passionate and supportive, and love helping others reach their full potentials. I wish I could talk to them all day!!


I want to be the best mommy, wifey, friend, sister, daughter, and overall person that I can be.  I have so much to offer in this beautiful thing called life, I just feel compelled to share my experiences and hope to inspire others to find themselves happy and healthy once again too.



I strongly believe everyone needs to find what works for her.  I feel so empowered already, I cannot wait to see what August 1st brings me.

Starting August 1st right now I have two people challenging themselves alongside me.  We welcome anyone else to this challenge, to be the best possible self she can be. It's gonna take some discipline and hard work, but I am ready for some amazing results!

24 Day Challenge

google images

What comes with this challenge?
1 Herbal Cleanse - citrus
1 Omegaplex
2 boxes of Spark packets
1 MNS Max 3
1 Meal Replacement Shakes - Choose from Berry, Chocolate, or Vanilla (these are for last 14 days)

If you do a little reading, you'll see that the MNS packets, are FULL of good supplements {omegas, vitamins etc}

How much?
 Retail: $190.25

Whoa that's a lot of money.  Yup, it sure is! But if you break it down, you're looking at $8 a day.  On the challenge, there won't be any Starbucks trips (gasp, I know!) There won't be stopping at a fast food joint to just grab a snack.  There won't be any going out for an ice cream.  All of that adds right up, and sometimes I bet we spend more than $8 and sabotage our health. I've done it. I'm guilty.  No wonder the pounds won't budge!

I figure anyone can do 24 days.  It's not even a month.

Sure it means, no alcohol, no coffee, no cupcakes, no cookies, no ice cream.

It's 24 days. I can eat ice cream on day 25 if I really am dying for some!!

And the drinking?  I went 9 months, I think I can handle 24 days.

Coffee? I know I have spark, but that will be challenging for me, I think. I love my coffee. I love everything about it.  I didn't drink it the first trimester of being prego because it made me nauseous, but I eventually I enjoyed a cup a day.  So, yes I will be documenting my coffee issues!!

What if I'm going on vacation?  Well, to be honest, we are going away for a weekend.  I'll just "eat clean" at whatever restaurants we go to.  Most places have salad and veggie options, lean proteins and there is always sushi!! Just can't have the rice--so I'll drizzle lemon on raw salmon = AMAZING.  I could go for some now!

Here's an awesome break down of what foods to buy at the grocery store for the challenge, and what to eat out at restaurants.  There is no gimmick; it's just real food people!!

Grocery List/Eating at restaurants

I love that this company promotes clean eating.  They even encourage you to eat actual food, not just their meal replacements.  One a day is fine, especially when you're busy and don't have the time, but the other 4 meals?  REAL FOOD.  Not processed. Not refined. Not stuffed with antibiotics and garbage.  Simple, clean, real food.


The fact of the matter is, until we are actually ready, we will come up with a million excuses as to why we "can't".  When we are ready to make the choice to change, all you need to remember in your mind is, "There is no other option."   Just clear your mind of all the reasons why you can't, and just focus on why you can be healthy.

If you are nursing and hoping to jump on this challenge, that is awesome. BUT, please just favorite this page and come back to it when you are done. I don't want you to miss out on what's really important--feeding your little one mama's milk!! You can always do the challenge later.  I will be here cheering you on when you are ready to lose those pesky pounds.  Think of me as your Guinea pig.  I am so new to this, I am so thankful for Danielle & Nikki who answer any and all of my questions.



If you're ready to take the challenge, feel free to sign up HERE.  Or there's always the blue Advo button on the right side of my blog.  If you just feel like watching, as always stay tuned in my journey to my best self. I'll be instagramming, facebooking, blogging, journaling & tweeting all about my 24 Day Challenge. I am PSYCHED!