Holiday Health

Welp.  Can you tell that my mind has been in a huge fog lately?? I shared the same darn chicken recipe twice now!  Obviously that means you really must make it, and it's evidently so good I can't stop thinking {or writing} about it.

Sheeesh.

Some random health thoughts...

Amazing what a little  lot of stress can do to a person.  Sadie is not having any seizures, but she is not going potty outside all the time...so it's really not fun getting her out of her crate in the morning.  And now I have her locked in the kitchen with the baby gates, so if she goes, it won't ruin anything or be hard to clean.  It's taking a lot of patience and strength; we take her Monday to the Vet and I really hope he has some hope.  I don't like her being on such heavy medication, and at what point is it not right?  I took the dogs on a long long walk last night and that was nice.  I have been in a bit of a fog and really not as happy as I'd like to be, since it's Christmas time and all.

I do know one thing, I'd be way worse if I wasn't taking good care of my health.  As for my brain fog; looks like I should be upping my Spark a bit for some more mental clarity!  I truly feel a difference by starting every single morning, it's pretty much the first thing I do.  I take a Spark, Catalyst, Thermoplus & MNS.  I cannot imagine starting my day any other way.  I'm so happy I just gave AdvoCare a chance.  I still enjoy a cup of joe every now and then, but my morning of 1/2 a pot or several K-cups is long gone!!  I never thought I'd have as much energy from Spark & my vitamins.  What' s even better, is that it's not just me either!! I am having a blast helping people all of the place gain more energy, feel better over all health-wise, lose weight, and helping other mamas stay home and still be able to to contribute to their family's income.

If you asked me 6 months ago, I would have never pictured feeling and looking this good.  For the first time EVER it seems, I don't have that worry of gaining the holiday ell-bees.  I will still enjoy a Christmas cookie or two.  I will have some hot cocoa by the fire.  I plan on enjoying some comfort foods on Christmas Day.  But one thing I won't have, is the New Years Eve resolution to lose weight.

Wow.   Saying that aloud and typing it, seeing it in black and white.  Do you know how awesome that feels?  And the thing is, anyone and everyone has this same opportunity.  It's finding out what works for you.  It may not be for you, but I am so grateful AdvoCare found me and I just can't help but share what is helping myself, my hubby, family & friends feel so much better.  If you're someone who is hung up on the cost, go ahead and save $8 a day for a month.  That will give you plenty of money to do the 24 day challenge and stock up on some extras. I was the same way and was hesitant to "waste money."  That is why I signed up for the 20% discount.  I also was sick and tired of not fitting into my clothes, not feeling well, and making excuses.  That's all they are.  And I am so happy to not make excuses for myself, any more.

If your New Year resolution, then let's go!! Don't wait until next year to start...just start today.  Slow and steady wins the race.  I will never knock anyone for having a resolution of gaining better health or losing unwanted weight; I'm just stating for the first time ever, I won't be in that crowd because I started a few months back; I have learned how to eat, and what foods are best for me.  No two bodies are the same, and I have had my share of ups and downs through the years.  This lifestyle works.  I eat a healthy diet. I move as much as I can.  I don't do anything crazy; I eat real foods.  It is so easy to do.  And so easy not to do.  If you're unhappy about your weight, energy, soda pop drinking habit, just ask for help!  We are eager to help everyone feel as amazing as we do.

Since I began my Advo journey back in August, I have lost a total of 20 pounds.  I have gained a new respect for our bodies, the food we eat, and how we deem as nutritional.  While I have lost weight, I have also gained a self-respect I so longed for; I not longer view food as a problem.  I don't look in the mirror and feel disgusted with myself.  I know that I am doing the very best I can, and that is awesome. I am far from perfect; my belly is not totally flat; I have several stretch marks under my belly button.  My bum isn't as tight and my legs and arms need some toning.  But every week I get a little smarter, and a whole lot better.  To gain my confidence back, is well worth every penny I have spent on products.  I also never feel like I'm all alone--my Advo team/family have been right there for me every time I have a question, concern or thought, they're there to help.  It's not competitive and no one is out to get you; having a support system for good health is where it's at ladies and gentlemen!  Thanks again Nikki & Danielle; if you had not shared how amazing these products are, I don't know where I'd be today.  Thank you for being so self-less.  That is why I will continue to share my story, my husband's story and many more!!  There is no reason anyone should wake up every day and feel like we did, before AdvoCare.

Me at 40 weeks pregnant (2012) vs Thanksgiving 2013

Right before my journey with AdvoCare vs         Currently. 

I love that because of where I am at, Brooke will NEVER hear me say, "Mommy is on a diet."  That my friends, is something I am so proud to say.

My Loves, Life and a Recipe

Oh hey, December!  It's the month of green, red, and all things gold & glittery!! We have quite the collection of Christmas clothes, so I will do my very best in sharing them!!  {and by collection, I mean hers, not mine hehe!}

Shirt & Skirt from Wal-Mart.  Leggings from Children's Place

Christmas PJs: Wal-Mart

Reversible coat from North-Face....and check out my hot hubby! He still gives me butterflies!

My two sushi dates on Tuesday night!!

Goofy as can be.

My dear friend, Carb-Ease.  Thank you for helping me not feel bloated and yucky, when enjoyed some sushi rolls.

I won't lie, Wednesday was not a pretty.  I went to Sadie out of her crate, and it and she were covered in poo.  I had to clean the crate and give her a bath.  Carrying a 70 pound dog up the stairs was interesting....needless to say, Brooke didn't nap while Holly jumped and barked at the door.  I didn't have the heart to wake her, so we missed our baby signing class.  We went and visited Daddy and had lunch instead.

For dinner I made this Man Pleasing Chicken. It's the EASIEST ever and my husband acts like it's the best thing ever.  WINNING!  I pinned it when I was pregnant.  I could not stand the smell or taste of it while prego, but he raved about it.  It took me awhile to be okay with the tastes and smells, but now it's definitely one of my easy and tasty go-to recipes.

{orignal recipe here}

1 package chicken thighs
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup of dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary chopped

Mix the wet ingredients, pour over chicken.
Bake in the oven at 450 for about 45 minutes--until chicken is cooked; it will be bubbly.

Toss fresh rosemary on top.

I served it with butternut squash soup & a salad.

So yes, go buy yourself thighs {not sure if breasts would work} have some maple syrup, dijon mustard & rice vinegar on hand.  You must serve with FRESH Rosemary---no exceptions!! [according to Joe; I tried one time he wasn't loving it.]

Enjoy!

Old Navy and VS Haul

I may have mentioned before, I really don't watch that much TV.  However, if I'm in the kitchen [which I usually am] I may or may not have a slight obsession with You Tube.  I love love love a few different daily VLOGs and I really love seeing some of their hauls!  Sometimes you learn about a really cute sweater, a fabulous deal, or a new item that you just have to have.

After a rough few days, {Sadie is MUCH better now, thank you again for all the sweet words!} I really was excited to do my hair, makeup and wear a new cute shirt.

I also shared my fun new holiday leggings I ordered from Milleigh Frances {website here} They are SUPER soft, stretchy and I cannot wait to wear them with an adorable sweater and boots.  The lovely Lauren inspired me to order a pair; she blogs over at Wifestyles.  

As for the VS pjs---I couldn't wait for a cup of cocoa--I totally broke them in tonight!  Thanks again for sharing a photo of you in a cute pair, Elizabeth! xox

One thing I didn't mention was a pair of tuxedo leggings I grabbed at Wal-mart of all places.  They're pretty thick and I'm excited to dress them up!

And of course, lil Miss B needed these!!

What deals did you find for Black Friday/Cyber Monday?  

Steak on Thanksgiving!

I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving!! Like I mentioned in my vlog, we had a very untraditional Thanksgiving over here! My family got together a few weeks ago and did the turkey thing, and my husband enjoys it, but it's not his favorite meal to eat.

So we had his mom over for pan-seared scallops, and some delicious steaks!

My mother in law made her famous lemon meringue pie

We may have started a new silly tradition; buying an expensive (nice) bottle of wine to enjoy for the day!  We even taste-tested it with a cheaper wine; it really is that much better!! Since I don't really drink wine that much any more {{I know, I'm as shocked as you are, but I just feel so much better when I don't drink!}} I figured it'd be nice to splurge a little.   A South African Pinot Noir.  Apparently the grapes don't grow well there, so that's what made this one so special and surprisingly so good!

I wore a new shirt from Express and a skirt from Guess.  I shamelessly tried to match my daughter who was in the cutest grey and pink dress!

We tried to get a good family photo, buuuuuuuuut.... I love this one so much nonetheless!

So yeah, this sums up our Thanksgiving in a collage! Joe's been loving the digest-ease to help with foods that may be a little troublesome {ie. steak} and I of course and obsessed with my carb-ease!  I can literally feel my food digesting and not feel so bloated and full after I eat foods that we don't usually enjoy, like said pie.  WIN-WIN!

It was truly the most relaxing Thanksgiving any of could remember.  We giggled as Joe slaved over the hot stove and grill for us, and we drank wine.  I loved being able to just stay in fuzzy socks and have no place to be or go.  It makes me look forward to running around for Christmas though,

Black Friday I snuck out to get my nails done....pink with "Gold & Glitz" instead of white!!

Grandma Maria watched Brooke...I put this hat on from my sister, how fun?!

And my  MIL had told me Wal-Mart was not that crazy or busy...and I listened to her! Haha. It wasn't really that bad, but it was more than I was ready to handle; plus I fell on the ice on the way to my truck in the driveway, so that was awesome.  However, the good news?? I scored this fun second tree for $27!!!  Now I can look at it in our dining room while I patiently wait for us to get our real one!!

Sadie Lady

What do you do when you're so upset, but there's nothing to make you stop hurting because you can't help a loved one that's hurting?  It's been a very long time since I've been sad like this.  I normally keep things upbeat, but I'm human.  I am a caretaker; I love my home and the beings in this house, and when one is not right, nothing seems right.

So I write. And I will write.  Because all of it has to come out, otherwise it festers inside me and it hurts even more.  I don't write for anyone but me; my own happiness.  We've all experienced pain, but you forget how much it really hurts, until you are going through it, once again.  

I have so much I want to say, and yet my heart and mind have simply not been in the right place.  I want to share our untraditional Thanksgiving and will...but right now I just keep hoping my Sadie girl is okay.  She was diagnosed with epilepsy about 4 years ago, after a random bout of seizures one Sunday in March.  We've had her on phenobarbital, 1 pill, 2x a day.  We were very aware of any environmental factors that may trigger seizures; we switched to an organic dog food and treats; no more house sprays, no plug-ins, no more shampooing carpets, no pesticide/lawn chemicals, etc.  With the medicine, it seemed to have helped us control the seizures somewhat.  In the last two years, she would have a few seizures every 4-6 months or so.  It was routine, to the point, and I'd been through enough of them, that it wasn't a huge deal for me to help her through them. I stayed calm, grabbed towels, sat with her until it was over, and offered a Frosty Paw when as she recovered.

Friday morning [11.29] as I made Brooke a bottle, poured myself some Spark, ironed Joe's work clothes...I realized I didn't hear her whining.  While it isn't what some, nor myself would call music to my ears, it was to me, part of our morning routine.  We keep her crated at night, in case she has a seizure.  She's had accidents on our carpet, or even worse, had a seizure on our stairs--landing--and almost fell down.  So she seems to be okay and almost prefer the crate for sleep, but you bet as soon as she hears ya, or sees the sun, it's time to come out and eat breakfast!  So, as I started breakfast, I ran down to get her, and usually when I unlatch the door, she comes barreling out.  Not this time, she just kind of sat there and I saw that she had saliva crusted on the side of her face...which only meant one thing: she had a seizure.  I brought her upstairs, she was kind of out of it, and Holly gets so excited, she jumps all around and play-growls.  I let her outside, fed her breakfast, gave her her pill and she seemed okay.  I stepped out for a bit while my MIL was here, and when I came home she said Sadie had one seizure around 2.  I felt bad she had to witness it, and deal with the mess, but I am glad she was here to take care of her.

Sadie still seemed okay and not too bad, but just when Joe walked through the door around 6:30, she had another seizure....and it's been all down hill from there.  After this one, she was really out of it.  I brought her outside for fresh air, but didn't want to leave her out long  I brought her down to her crate, hoping it would calm her and let her relax; but that didn't happen. She kept walking around inside of it, and bumping her nose in the corners.  Within minutes of being in there, her jaw got stuck around the crate and she started wailing; I was crying and it was awful.  I got her to calm down, and have a little doggy ice cream and I really thought she'd be okay.  We kept checking on her and she was resting, but around 11:30 I heard her having another one.  She came out of it quickly and seemed alright so I went back up to bed.  I didn't hear any more, and tried to sleep.  I got up Saturday hoping she'd be totally done with them and ready for the day...but again, she didn't want to come out of the crate.  Didn't really want breakfast.  And would't take her pill.  

It was a very, very, very long Saturday.

It was about every 3 hours, then 2, then down to 1 hour between her seizures.  I had her locked in the kitchen with me, so I could keep a good eye on her, but this time was just so different.  She never acted like this before; she'd stand in corners and just lay all lethargic-like and then go into another seizure.  I was emotionally exhausted by the time Joe got home; and once he saw how bad she was getting, he too knew we had to do something more.

Why didn't we call the Dr sooner?  We've dealt with her having cluster seizures before; there were some she'd have 5 bang, bang, bang, within an hour...but they'd stop.  I just kept wishing that they'd stop.  She'd never go longer than a day.  That's what concerned my husband.   So at 8:30, I called the ER vet and they of course said to bring her in.  

We got there around 9:15 [her last seizure had been at 8:30] after talking with the Vets, they suggested monitoring her overnight, and giving her different med to help.  We agreed that'd be best, as they were getting very hard to manage at home, and I really didn't want her to have any more without professionals.  We left around 10:00 and she hadn't had one while we were there.  

We called first thing this morning [12.1] and Joe talked to the Doctor.  He said she did have 4 more seizures and that he strongly suggest we keep her there throughout the day so they could take care of her.  The medicine needs time to work and the best thing to do is wait until tomorrow [Monday] morning.  At that point, if there's no improvement and nothing is working, we will talk about her quality of life...

...

So we picked her up this morning and she's resting in the back, by the washer and dryer.  I am hoping for a miraculous recovery, but you just don't know.  Her poor body has been so though so much, I'm not sure how she'll pull through.  But, she is an amazing doggie who has gone through a lot, so maybe she will bounce back.  I don't like that she hasn't eaten anything since Saturday morning when I fed her.  I also don't love how much medication she is on...so I will be monitoring her closely for the next few hours/day and hoping for some positive changes.

I know it's the beginning of December and I should be super excited and happy with all of the fun and exciting festive things taking place, but my heart is heavy and right now, Sadie is on my mind.

Positive thoughts are always welcome; I just don't want her suffering.