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!

Mother's Day 2017

I hope that everyone had a nice day yesterday!  Hubby was so sweet and made 'my breakfast' of spinach, eggs, tomatoes & feta. I even had a little mimosa to start the day!

We relaxed and took it easy; Joe decided it was time for the kids to have a Power Wheels.  We hit up the sidewalks and headed out to the back parking lot.  Maiden Voyage!

Here he tried to make it go faster, aka 5 miles an hour. Neither kid liked it!

They love 'balancing' on this log.

He's getting so big.

Behind the scenes, #momlife

I wanted to get a few photos of just the kids and I...

I just love her little grin.

Thanks for the photobomb dad!

"Girls Rule, Boys Drool."

I think I got a few good ones for my mother in law to print off for me haha!

Of course I may have ended with one more little glass of bubbly.

Cheers to all of you who work your tail off each and every day.  You put everyone else before yourself, take pride in washing, folding, putting away little pajamas. You clean up countless crumbs and wash off never-ending sticky surfaces.  You still find time to love your husband and be a good friend.  You shower at 4pm and sometimes forget how nice jeans feel. Cheers to being awesome; no matter what season you're in, I am sure that #momlife is no easy task, but once you're living it, you'd never go back.  I'm not going to lie; I got quite emotional looking back at newborn photos wondering where on earth these last 2 & 4 years have gone.  Being a mother has certainly challenged me, changed me and for sure has made me a better human being.  Such a special task that should never be taken too lightly.

We ended the day with Joe's ribs & grilled asparagus. I also had him grill me up some chicken breasts to eat for lunch all week!

For dessert I made this Tastefully Simple sugar cookie wafter thing---I dont know but it was SO GOOD.  Joe wanted to put ice cream & fruit in it.

I was "SORT OF" healthy with some greek yogurt and fruit...omg. Addicting!

How did you celebrate Mother's Day?

Fashion Friday

Happy Fri-yay!!

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite shops I have been loving lately! My wardrobe needed some help, since I am finally at a size where I am happy and know that I won't be gaining 70 pounds for another baby any time soon.  

Express has been a favorite of mine...I love the choker neck and the cross/tie/strappy top look.  I also grabbed this cardi since it's still kind of chilly. I also picked up these gray stretchy ankle jeans--SO comfortable!

My other obsession is Apricot Lane Boutique.  Jena Green (a fellow Stella Stylist) is on point when it comes to fashion and trends.  I trusted her and ordered her "Spring Box" and wow.  I was so impressed! I received this bomber jacket (something I would NEVER have tried otherwise!) and I love it. I also got this strappy bralette --it's like a sports bra-score! It looks adorable under Z-supply tees, another item I received.

Apricot Lane Boutique

As for my go-to bag lately? Our Covet Highline Bag.  It's from our luxe line and it's only $149!

Covet Highline Bag

This white top is another item that was in my Spring Box.  I got so many compliments! It is sheer, but the ruffles cover all the right places and I wore a sticky bra so you couldn't see anything in the back.  I felt girly, sexy and feminine all at the same time!  Our Gita tassels are going to be on repeat this Summer too. I adore them.

I went with a white manicure and accented with my gold Trove Ring & City Slim Clutch. Both from Stella!

I had been on the hunt FOREVER for a moto jacket. I knew I wanted one I just had a hard time deciding which one to get.  I saw this on Express and could not be happier! I love that it's got so much stretch to it.  I am wearing a lot since our May weather has been rather chilly. Total score!

Express Moto Jacket

I have my eye on these.  I had never heard of Vince Camuto, (how dare I?!) And during a fun little incentive I actually won $100 gift card from my Stella team to pick out a pair of shoes.  I'm thinking I will go with these, because I can't stop thinking of them!!

Ankle Tie Sandal

Our Trunk Show Exclusives are going fast! We had to replace the sold out bags with this adorable Capri wrap.   Spend $50 and get any of these for half off!!

A customer favorite, we will soon have rose gold hammered hoops!! I love my small silver & large gold, and for sure will be grabbing a pair of these beauties! Rose gold are currently available through our hostess boutique.  If you've recently hosted a trunk show or book one today, they are yours!

Hoops

Tip of the day:


Every girl needs a good arm party.  Stack up some gold (or silver, or both) and layer it on!  Our sweet deal right now is to buy 2 and get the 3rd half off!

Arm Party

If you see more jewelry than your budget allows, host with me!! I do quick and easy online Facebook Styling Sessions and most of my hostesses earn over $150+ in accessories!  Let's chat.

Girl Chat: Favorite Makeup/Beauty Products

I'm linking up today---yay!!

I've wanted to share my current favorite beauty products for awhile now.  I just pulled a few of my recent go-to must haves that I have been loving!

For my hair, I only use this line of products.  I find that spending a little more money, washing my hair every 2-4 days, and not curling/straightening every day has really helped!  This spray is fabulous for spraying directly on my hair before I use my curling wand.  The curls hold and last longer for sure!

Sealing Spray

Curling Wand

This is what my hair looks like right after I finish curling. I love to run my fingers through or even a brush to give it the looser look too. I let it cool down first though!

For my eyes I've been loving Younique!  I find this palette to really compliment my brown eyes.  My sweet friend Elizabeth has an amazing group on Facebook where she shares tips, tricks & lots of amazing deals!

Glamour & Grace with Elizabeth

I typically wear Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue daily, but for a night out on the town or if I'm doing any photos or filming, this is what I prefer.  It lasts and really gives a gorgeous glow in a photo! I use the shade Pure Beige.

Foundation

If I wasn't a Stella & Dot Stylist, I would probably be a LipSense lady! I am obsessed with this product for a few reasons.  I have always been a lip gloss kind of girl, but love the look of lipstick.  The problem with lipstick is that it ends up on my teeth, my husband, and all over my straws and cups.  It's annoying! I tried Gingerbread back around the holidays and I was hooked.  It tingles a little when you apply, but man oh man, it's so fab!  I also love that I can layer colors and create custom looks.  It helps that one of my best friends (maid of honor!) sells it.  Check out her Facebook Group for some deals and lots of pretty lip looks!

Ann Gets Lippy

I tried this bad boy out last night--a little out of my comfort zone but I totally think I rocked it!

I also only have to tote around a gloss or two when I'm out and about.  Winning!

I'm really into self-tanners and I have tried quite a few! Hands down, this has the best smell, least streaks and gives a natural glow.  Even my husband commented how much he likes me tan!

Ann Gets Lippy

Here was my "Purple Reign" lips.

Here I'm wearing Roseberry.

Date night was Napa.

Beige Champagne is my favorite for a mom on the go look!

Being a momma of two kids, 2 & 4, I feel like I am finally starting to feel like a woman again. I'm taking the time to make myself pretty--yes, I get that beauty is on the inside, but let's be real.  I feel my best when I am working out, eating healthy, and getting my glam on!! I am blessed to have such amazing friends who are total girl bosses and I feel like I have such a support team.  

Taking time for ourselves is so important.  It's impressive what a little makeup, lip color & some jewels can do for me!

Brooke's Pre-School Circus

Hi, I'm Jenn and I used to blog over here in this part of the interwebs!!

I'm not really sure how to "ease" back into blogging, so I figured I'd just start sharing some fun happenings. We finally booked our family vacation for this Summer and I was showing the kids our previous trips to Lake George, and realized how much I love looking back onto it.

So here goes!

Brooke had a Circus at preschool.  The kids got to choose which animal they wanted to be and she chose a lion.  #thatsmygirl

Grandma, Daddy, Mommy & brother were all there cheering her on!

I didn't have "brown clothes" to dress her in, but I did have a faux fur vest!

She was the best little lion out there!!

Grandma loved her performance!

We took a Mommy daughter day a little while ago and stopped at Starbucks and checked out the mall.

I also got to go in for a Mother's Night for preschool.

This is what her project said.  What 4 year old says, "she gives me love." ?! I totally teared up.

She showed me her favorite puppies (at the moment) and we played.

She has also become quite the fashionista!! I tell her to nap and this is what she does.  PS I love big bubs in the background.  Just chillin.

So that's all for now but I am making a promise to myself to keep up with blogging! {Like, more than once a month.} I have a million excuses as to why I have not slid my fingers across my keyboard in far too long. I hope that this little break will have refreshed me a bit.  

Stay tuned!