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Oct 03 2015 
How to Better Yourself? Learn From Friends!
How To Better Yourself
I ask myself all the time, how to better yourself. My gorgeous friend Jessica has taught me so much about eating clean! We celebrated her baby girl due next month today and it got me thinking………??
This woman makes most things from scratch and it’s always beyond delicious. She also makes very healthy food this way. It is amazing how she makes something taste so good, that I have conceived as being “not very good.” Does she have the “time”? No, she is a full-time midwife, that busts her butt all the time helping other mothers, but she does it anyways because she appreciates quality food. She is someone I can look up to and strive to become!
When you really look at how long it takes to make things from scratch, I’ve realized it’s not as complicated as I used to think. It just takes a little extra planning. I also have to be creative and I have to stop making excuses. Over the last few years I have really gotten some staple recipes that my family loves.
Food doesn’t have to be fried, dipped, battered, and overly sweet to taste amazing. It doesn’t have to have a bunch of sugar or tons of salt. It doesn’t need “cream of….” anything! It for sure doesn’t have to have a bunch of dairy either, (though I won’t lie, I will never go without butter totally;)
It can be simple and fresh.
Sometimes it just helps to have someone make it look easy and you gain confidence in knowing that you too can create amazing things in a short amount of time. Thanks so much Jess for all that you do and all that you are! Baby Hazel is about to receive the best gift a child could have, her loving mother. Thank you for being such an amazing friend and for pouring so much love into my life. You are such a blessing! Remember, never stop learning how to better yourself.
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Sep 28 2015 
Weekend Weight Loss Tips!
Weekend weight loss tips:
Use these weight loss tips. Don’t turn your back on your goals this weekend. I promise you’ll regret it. I’ve done this way too many times and I always feel super bummed on Monday. You work so hard during the week and the weekend should be fun but still in alignment with your goals. Here’s some weight loss tips for you:
1. Do an extended cardio session. ?Take a long walk or run and get your mind ready for the week ahead.
2. Give yourself one treat meal and enjoy it -guilt free. ??Make sure your other meals are fueling you and you’re also getting your water in. I get just on the weekends and let my meals/water take a back seat. Keep track and focus on it.
3. Spend time prepping and shopping for the week ahead. This will save you more time and energy on those busy weekdays. Cook some meats, cut veggies and pre-cook rice or quinoa.
4. Catch up on sleep, don’t deplete it. Proper sleep helps your body fight sickness and repairs it for better workouts.
❤Have so much fun but keep those goals in the back of your mind!! It is not an easy road at all but an ever so necessary one.. It is also not at all something you want to skip. I have skipped it many times and have suffered the consequences. I love having accountability! Having a group of women, pushing you on is so important. I know you can do anything, I’m your biggest fan! ❤
Remember that moderation is a huge key as well. I seem to always forget to mention this one. Just keep things palm sized. You don’t need your entire arm!! Keep up the hard work and dedication. Thanks for checking out my weight loss tips.
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Sep 24 2015 
Transformation Tuesday from Quebec!
TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY!
Genevieve blows me away with this transformation Tuesday! She is a full time working mom and takes pride in her health every day. Here is a peek into her story and life ——->>>>>
“I did not lose much, less than 10 pounds. But the daily balance is my best tool to measure my progress. I prefer to look at how my clothes fit, take my measurements and some pictures. I’ve worked out for about 20 years, many years of running and gyms. I will be 40 soon. Honestly, I have never felt so well and healthy since I discovered Shakeology. The nutrients keep me going on the days I don’t have time to eat breakfast or lunch. The battle is a daily one. It’s not easy but I have to say I look and feel better than I ever have.”
Her French text says “I am too tired, I have a busy week but I can do it!! ”
Excuses don’t lead us to our final destination. Avoiding them is what takes you places. If you mess up, know there will be another opportunity to make a better choice. Get back on the right path and don’t worry about being perfect. Even if it takes longer than you thought, keep running to your destination.
I feel the exact same way as her! The daily habits are the ones we master, not getting on the scale. I love to brag on my fellow team mates because they work so hard not only on themselves but with all of their clients.
Well done my friend and thank you for letting me share part of your journey. I wish we lived closer!!! Maybe a trip to Quebec is in order someday soon XO Another successful transformation Tuesday thanks Genevieve…you inspire me!
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Sep 22 2015 
Read the Nutrition Label! It is Important!
Nutrition Label and Dried Fruit 101:
I was in Costco (again) ?today and wanted to make a post to explain the importance of reading a nutrition label. On the left is your average dried fruit. Refined sugar and yucky preservatives. I almost bought it before I flipped it over and read what was in it.
I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have not flipped my product over and read the nutrition label. It is a failure I look to change. I think it is putting it in my phone when I go to the grocery store, so I remember, and after a while it should become a habit. But it is so important, because look at what you fine!
The one on the right is organic and only ONE ingredient. Just the way it should be. If you are going to pay the money you may as well get the best product. Your body will thank you! I promise it will! ????
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Sep 15 2015 
Healthy Gluten-Free Lunch for the Kiddos!
A Kid Friendly Gluten-Free Lunch
Oh school….how I miss my baby girl! She is in all day kindergarten and I have to come up a gluten-free lunch everyday. It has killed me to not hear her beautiful melodic voice throughout the house during the day. To watch her color a drawing, running over to me to have me give her approval, then squealing with joy when I say I love it. I will miss watching her mumble to herself as she plays with her toys, in her own little creative world. I will miss those feet stomping through the house as she is focused on finding this or that. Okay…enough of my mommy depression!! 😉
After about two weeks of gluten-free lunch packing, I have gotten a bit better. Here is a look into what Sam eats:
Applegate roasted turkey
Van’s gluten-free cheese crackers
Strawberries and CucumbersBut the best part is……..frilly toothpicks! They make it more fun. Finding those little things that make it special are Sam and my special little bond. She loves those little things as much as me! My husband just roles his eyes, but it is so amazing to see that little sparkle in her eyes. She has even mentioned it when she gets home after the long day. It makes it so worth it!
Oh, and she’s a true girl which means a little dark chocolate to get her thru the day ???
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Sep 12 2015 
Be a Rolemodel, Kids are Always Watching!
Being a Rolemodel
Is it possible to be a rolemodel? I feel we mess up so very much, so much of the time. When I think about the cycle of craziness we’ve been through with our health and fitness goals it makes me a little loco. After all these years together we have definitely had some good and bad moments. Our two children have now seen a lot of it!
My husband, Matt, really made a change and really stepped up as a rolemodel for our family in 2012. He started with P90X. He was super focused….unfortunately while I was pregnant! ? (He lost 65 pounds to be exact). I’d be focused and he’d be too busy with work..the list goes on. It is for sure easier to do it together but if for some reason your guy isn’t on the same page, it’s your job to be the rolemodel.
I promise if you stick to it and stay true to your goals, your kids will follow you. They will see your better moods. Your energy levels increase. You sleeping like a baby. They will see you being consistent. They will see the discipline, the hardwork, the blood, sweat and tears. They are always watching, so you are by default, their rolemodel…whether you like it or not.
Our kids love to run, try to do push ups, do yoga moves better than me half the time! They are my inspiration, yet we have to take that mantle and be their inspiration! It is all about loving them and leading them in being what we want them to become! We need to expect the best for them. Allow them to dream whatever they want and help them achieve those dreams, no matter how crazy they seem. Giving them confidence in everything, allowing them the freedom to take flight. But they must see the practice, the truth it takes day to day to make those dreams come true. We must be their rolemodel, making an effort to be the best for them.
Be that rolemodel for what you want to see in them. Plus, if we do the grocery shopping, then we get to choose the menu! They will appreciate as they grow older and start understanding the importance of fitness and nutrition!?
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Sep 10 2015 
Makeup Concealer Tips from a Makeup Artist!
Makeup Concealer Tips!
Here is the down low on my makeup concealer tips. I take it on the inside corner by the bridge of the nose (we always need brightness there) and then make sure to touch the outside corner. We don’t really have darkness all the way under the eye so I only use it where there is discoloration. That way extra product is not sitting in my smile lines. On the lookout for a new under eye concealer though. Was using Laura Mercier. Thinking Nars is next! Oh and Sephora is the place to go to pick these up!
Now time to check in my challenge groups and see what these fit mamas are up to! Thanks for checking out my makeup concealer tips, that will teach you how to be beautiful in covering up those puffy eyes!
#makeuptips #makeup #darkeyecircles
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Aug 31 2015 
Sugar Detox Day 1!! Let the Fun Begin!!
Sugar Detox Day 1
Day one of my sugar detox, green tea and honey instead of coffee, dates as my candy, and Shakeology as my treat. My willpower is in full effect this week. This is not even a bit easy for me. I love eating junk. A lot of us do! I know I’m not the only one. The thing is, we are what we eat…. and that sucks. I used to be able to eat anything and the scale would stay the same, my pants would fit just fine. Now, I feel like I have to stay on point to keep from gaining those extra pounds or barely fitting in my jeans!
Cheese, tortilla chips, peanut m&m’s and wine is what gave me this bloat ?
Dreams of skinny jeans and sweaters is what’s gonna take this bloat away.
Sometimes you just have to say “NO” for a bit. That’s what I tell myself as I struggle to stay strong. I’m also excited to sleep better and wake up with more energy. Wish me and the girls in my group luck with our sugar detox. We are going to keep accountable and really push through. You’ll have to join us if we do this again next month. #powerinnumbers #girlpower
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Aug 28 2015 
Gluten-Free Lunch, easy with the 21 Day Fix Extreme!
Gluten-Free Lunch Meal Prep, Easy and Quick
This is a gluten-free lunch, (cause I’m super gluten intolerant), that I think I’ve decided is my favorite food prep combo. It is simple, healthy and is balanced in every way. It fills me up perfectly and gives me energy for long lengths of time. I love it. Do you have a “go-to” meal that is balanced? This one is also easy to make in bulk. I can make enough to last a week and none of these items go bad super quickly, so it works out wonderfully. Having it placed in my handy-dandy little food prep containers, it is a pretty easy scenario.
- Wild salmon {I buy the individually wrapped pieces at Costco}
- Green Beans
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- *Cooked brown rice, grilled chicken and steamed broccoli is a close second.
Finding variation and little add-ons is so paramount to enjoying healthy food. I don’t believe that I have to enjoy every bite I eat, all the time, sometimes I need to eat to get the right nutrients, but this mindset has come over time. It has come from seeing what “always” enjoying food does to my body. I really love this one though, it really is tasty and great for me. Have you ever tried the garlic aioli mustard from Trader Joe’s? It is has no dairy and is actually one of the most amazing dipping sauces and a free food on the 21 Day Fix Extreme!!
If you’re not familiar with 21 Day Fix Extreme, I need to tell you how amazing this program is. It is 30 minute workouts, you do at home, with little to no equipment needed. It is intense, fun, challenging and comes with containers for meal prep as well. It is one of my favorite programs and is perfect as a quick and hardcore 3 week, (get ready for an event) workout. I know many of my clients do it multiple times in a row and have had great success.
Thanks for taking the time to read. Please ask questions below, I love engaging and helping others with their health. Gluten is no joke, so make sure you test to see if you have an allergy to it. This gluten-free lunch, really does the trick.
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Aug 20 2015 
Makeup Ideas – Primer and Foundation!
My Personal Makeup Ideas
When looking for makeup ideas, do you know that feeling when you have finally found the perfect combo? I do!! For years I have been using the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. She makes a couple different kinds but I love the original. It keeps my makeup on way longer AND keeps my skin looking super smooth throughout the day. Having fairly oily skin, this is perfect for me. I am always looking for new makeup ideas.
There are some really great silicone based brands but Laura Mercier uses aloe and water and for some reason, it’s perfect! My skin loves it…. and I have some tough skin. Even in my thirties, I still have breakouts. I mean, I am an esthetician, a makeup artist and I still fight acne!! This product is the best by far, so try it out! With that being said, I am always on the lookout for new product. Even though I am loyal to Laura Mercier, I know other people have had great success while using other types, but this is my makeup idea!
Thennnnn, a friend told me about the Make Up Forever foundation. I mainly bought it because she told me Kim Kardashian uses it ☺heehee, but really- it’s amazing. I won’t lie, I love Kim Kardashian makeup ideas and makeup tips! I get my primer at Nordstrom and the foundation at Sephora. I love both places…..I would even go as far to say, they are a woman’s best friend!
P.S. If you spend $50 at Sephora, you get a free makeup lesson. Book an appointment before you go in and try some new makeup ideas while you’re there. I’m due for another lesson, too.
You’ll have to let me know if you try them!! Share some of your makeup ideas!!
