Our Choices

We all have wondered how life would be if we had made different choices in life.

Today, like every day, I wonder how my life could have been different. Recently, my brother was in a show called "Taking Fire" on Discovery Channel that aired on September 13, 2016. This is a short clip of the show. If you haven't seen the show, I highly recommend seeing it.

The show really opened my eyes to a few things:

1. My relationship with my brother is non-existent.
2. I, as a civilian, don't really know what happens when a soldier is deployed. 
3. Family is irreplaceable.

My relationship with my brother is non-existent. Wow, that was really hard to write. I have always looked up to him. I remember visiting him at my dad's when I was younger and also when he was stationed at Fort Benning. I felt so close to him. That closeness broke in 2006 when I was angry with my father for some of the things that I felt were important to me at that time and he had missed. I took that anger out on my brother and his family. I never should have, but I was hurt really deep and I didn't think that they understood my pain. I thought the wound would heal from it. It's been 10 years since this has happened and we haven't spoken. I have tried and have never received a response back. I will continue to fight for this relationship. I know that I need to take it slow, especially with all that my brother and his family have to deal with, being a military family and all.


Civilian. Everyone that isn't serving in the military like myself. We see on the news all the time how soldiers are being deployed to different locations constantly. We have a picture of what it is like to be a soldier, but in reality we don't know anything. Seeing "Taking Fire" up close really shook my world, my whole perspective of what soldiers deal with on a daily basis. I cried every time I watched a new episode. Physically seeing raw footage of their daily lives, of my brother's life, really just took me back.

My entire life I have always wanted to be important to someone. I wanted to be acknowledged that I meant something. I was always so angry about the love that I wasn't receiving that I truly forgot about the love that I was receiving. I had so many people that really did love me and showed me on a daily basis. When I met my husband in 2009, he showed me that. He would tell me all the time, that the people that didn't want to be in my life wasn't really worth losing sleep over. I had him and our boys. It took me awhile to believe it, let alone understand it, but I did. My husband is my rock! I could not have asked for a better man to be by my side everyday. To me, he is irreplaceable as our my handsome young men.

Remember, even when you don't think someone cares, they do! Pray for our troops deployed and stateside. They fight for our freedom daily and deal with their own demons. Wrap your arms around one another. We need to come together now more than ever.

Sprout VoxBox

I received these products as samples from Influenster and all opinions are my own.

 

Sprout VoxBox

Want to try out products yourself? Join here

Orgain Organic Protein Powder in Vanilla Bean

I was a little hesitate to try this as I don't normally drink "shake" drinks. I was excited that this drink was plant based and stated that it was Vegan and Organic! There also isn't any added sugar which is always a plus since almost all products are loaded with it. Orgain Organic Protein Powder,Vanilla Bean, also contains 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving! I love that it is soy free, gluten free, dairy free, lactose free and non-GMO! What else could you ask for in a product? Oh I know, this product is also doctor developed!

Check them out on Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent with Built-In Fabric Softener- Magnolia& Lily

ECOS Laundry Detergent is made up of quality ingredients and is set at a low price which makes everyone happy. It is ultra-concentrated with gentle plant-derived ingredients and a built in softener to save everyone money. Who doesn't like that? I'm always looking for ways to save and ECOS just made that even better for me. You can grab a 50 oz bottle for $7.25, 100 oz bottle for $10.15 and their 170 oz bottle for $16.90. Check them out on Facebook Twitter and Instagram

Hair Food Moisture Collection

The shampoo and conditioner is infused with Honey Apricot Fragrance and it smells delightful! This delightful shampoo is designed to hydrate and condition your hair. The shampoo is silicon free, paraben free and mineral oil free while the conditioner is paraben free and mineral oil free. Grab these for $9.99 each. Check them out on Twitter

Eatsmart Snacks- Spicy Black Bean Tortilla Chips

These chips are so delicious! I could eat this whole bag without any dip! They have so much flavor on their own-nothing else it needed. I never knew this brand even existed until Influenster sent them to me to try out. We don't buy a lot of chips in our household but this may be that exception for an occasional treat. These are made out of three beans-pinto, navy and black, have 14 grams of whole grains, are gluten-free and are made with non-GMO ingredients! Grab these chips for $3.99 a bag. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Curate Bars- Dark & Tempting 

This delicious bar has Balsamic Vinegar,  Mission Figs, Orange, Hazelnuts, Sunflower Kernels,and Quinoa. It is Gluten-free, soy free and non-GMO! They also don't have any artificial preservatives flavors or colors. I really thought the balsamic vinegar was going to be really over overwhelming but I honestly can't taste it. There is just a slight orange taste present which is really wonderful! You can grab this delightful bar for $1.89 or get a 4-count box for $6.49. Check them out on Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

CareFree VoxBox #freshisfierce

I received CareFree Acti-Fresh Pantiliners complimentary of Influenster for testing purposes.



If you want to join Influenster like I did and receive complimentary products to test, here is my referral link: Join Influenster

CareFree Acti-Fresh Pantiliners

I was a somewhat disappointed when I received the CareFree VoxBox. There was really only a small package of liners and a $0.50 coupon in there. Usually I get several products to review but that wasn't the case this time at all. With that being said though, I really love CareFree products so the small package is great!

I have heavy periods and not so many light days so I don't wear them then, BUT I do wear these daily. I have had three cesareans and I have noticed that my bladder is horrible after carrying babies. I don't want to wear a bulky pad so these are a great replacement. I don't have to worry about peeing myself while in public. As horrible as that sounds, it happens when I sneeze and cough usually. I am sure there are plenty of other moms out there that experience this.

Some key factors of the CareFree Acti-Fresh Pantiliners:

•  Feels as soft and thin as a panty
•  Core absorbs 2x more compared to their Original Regular Pantiliner
•  8-hour odor control system

You can buy these at Walmart, Target, and other retail stores. Listed below is Walmart’s Price.

Walmart

Carefree Acti-Fresh Body Shape Regular to Go Unscented Pantiliners, 20 count- $0.94

Do I recommend these? Definitely!! 

You can throw these in your purse and they won’t take up any space. You can even put one in your wallet if that’s all you were taking. They are that compact.

I love that you can choose between unscented and scented. I prefer the scented, but if only unscented were available I would buy those instead. 

Thanks Influenster and CareFree for such an amazing product. Until next time.....

LIFE IS WHAT IT IS

I get so frustrated when I hear people constantly complaining about how their lives suck and life isn't the way they thought it would be. Well news flash people, your life is the way YOU make it. No one else made your life the way it is. Did someone hold a gun to your head and say do this or do that? Probably not. You had a free will and you decided on those choices.

YOU made poor choices so YOU have to live with YOUR consequences.

I bring this up because a family member of mine got mad at me because I didn't answer my phone when they called. I was out running errands with my younger boys this morning and accidentally left my phone on the counter. Everyone forgets one time or another. I wasn't worried about going back to the house to grab it, as I wasn't going to be out long. I called back multiple times try to reach that family member then when they finally answer, they are all upset with me because I wasn't there to listen to THEIR problems. I'm sorry I have a life outside of you.

 BIG SURPRISE HUH!!

How do you deal with someone like that? God has given us this wonderful life and people take it for granted. Be glad you were able to wake up this morning and see your children/grandchildren. Every day is a blessing. Make the most out of it. No, my life isn't all gum drops and flowers BUT I have my health, God and most of all my family. Aren't those enough to be happy for? I am so grateful for all I have. I have never lost a child or ever had to have a child that had cancer. Those things are much worse than I could ever imagine. 

If you don't like what's going on in your life, CHANGE IT because NO ONE else can for YOU!!!

Influenster #FrostyVoxBox

I received the #FrostyVoxBox from Influenster in return I give my review of the products.

 INFLUENSTER FROSTY VOXBOX

I got this wonderful VoxBox that was full of products from Rimmel, EcoTools, Celestial Seasonings, McCormick, Red Vines and Boots Beauty USA!! Can't wait to share my review with you all.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: This worked actually very well. I do have to say I had a hard time getting off the Rimmel Waterproof Eye Liner, but it removed my eye shadow very quickly. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice and gentle eye makeup remover. I received a 4.2 oz bottle of this to try and you can purchase that for around $7.49. This is available at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Kmart, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Meijer, and other retailers nationwide.

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner: This is a very nice color. It went on very smooth and looks fabulous!! I definitely recommend this if you want that nice clean look.You can purchase this for around $4.49 and is available also at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Kmart, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Meijer, and other retailers nationwide.

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
 
NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum: I was super excited to receive NYC's Expert Lip Color as I can never seem to find a shade I like on myself. This is a beautiful shade as you can see above. It has a little bit of shimmer to it. It also doesn't make my lips sticky or anything. You can pick this up for around $1.99 and it available at Walmart, Target, CVS, Duane Reade, Kmart and Family Dollar.

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Sachet: This product is amazing. My skin has been so dry since winter rolled in. I put this on this morning and my skin instantly felt moisturized. No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Serum has been clinically proven to be more effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines for younger looking skin in just two weeks!! You can purchase here for $22.99 for a 30ml bottle(1 oz). Definitely worth it!!

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

EcoTools Full Volume Styler Hair Brush: I have found my new hair brush!!! I used this brush this morning, my hair was so soft and shiny afterwards. EcoTools Hair Brush tames any hair style with a variety of five brush head shapes and bristle designs specially crafted to suit every need. You can find this brush at your local Target for around $10.99.

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Love your hair again!!!

Red Vines Fruit Vines Bites(Cherry):These were delicious!! My little one enjoyed them as well. I think he ate more than I did. Check out a Walgreens or Target near you so you can get yourself some. They are between $1.29-$1.79!! I actually like these better than Twizzlers!!!

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

McCormick Gourmet Thyme: I love to cook and Thyme is one of the spices I use a lot. I love that McComick has made an all natural version. My favorite dish to put this in is my mom's homemade stuffing for the holidays but I put it on vegetable and in soups also. This 0.62 oz container will cost you around $4.79. You can check Walmart or Target and I'm sure you will find it right there with the other McCormick Spices.

Check them out on Facebook.

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea:  I absolutely love tea. Regardless of the season, I drink it. I'll be honest, I was a little skeptical to try this. The reason being, I don't like a lot of things that have that mint flavor to it but this tea was absolutely amazing and was completely surprised that I enjoyed it. I added a little honey to my cup, but they also suggested some milk. I love that Candy Cane Lane Green Tea is made with the very finest green tea leaves, peppermint and other botanicals. Check your tea aisle at the store and get yourself some!!

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Head out and grab one of these products today and let me know what you think!!!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge Meal Plan: Max Phase

 24 Day Challenge Meal Plan: Week 2

So my husband and I decided to hop on the 24 Day Challenge train!!! We are ready to start eating better than we ever have before.

Why would I want to do this, you ask??

•  Are You Tired?
• Need More Energy?
• Need To Lose Some Weight?( Class Reunion Coming Up???)
• Just Want To Eat and Feel Better?

Did you answer YES to any?? Then why not try it? What do you have to lose?

Our reason: We want to be able to be here for our grandchildren and hopefully our great grandchildren. We want to be able to run and play with them without being worn out and tired.

Here's what in the 24 Day Challenge Box.

The first 10 days you are doing a cleanse(gentle and uneventful). Here's what it consist of:

• 1 box Herbal Cleanse
• 1 bottle OmegaPlex
• 1 Spark Energy Drink

On days 11-24 you will be on the Max Phase. The Max Phase consist of the following:

• 1 box Meal Replacement Shake
• 1 box MNS 3
•  1 box of Spark

I will also be taking Catalyst, CarbEase and ThermoPlus in the Max Phase for extra inches and pounds to be lost :) These are all extras and can be added on if you want.

We started Monday, October 27 and I'm super excited for the meal plan I have made. I will give all my lunches and dinners as the shakes are my breakfasts. So let's get to that!!

Day 11
Lunch: Ham and Green Peppers
Dinner: Baked Omelets

Day 12
Lunch: Honey Lime Tilapia and Asparagus
Dinner: Chicken Kabobs

Day 13
Lunch: Burrito Bowl
Dinner: Steak Rolls

Day 14
Lunch: Creamy Black Bean Chicken Soup
Dinner: Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa


Day 15
Lunch: Hamburger and Fresh Veggies
Dinner: Chicken and Cucumber Noodles

Day 16
Lunch: Tilapia and Broccoli


Dinner: Chicken Stir Fry

Day 17
Lunch: Chicken Stir Fry
Dinner:Salmon Patties and Fresh Veggies

Day 18
Lunch: Baked Omelets
Dinner: Chicken on Greens

Day 19
Lunch: Tilapia and Green Beans
Dinner: Honey Mustard Wings and Cucumber

Day 20
Lunch: Cilantro Lime Tuna
Dinner: Beef and Cabbage

Day 21
Lunch: Beef and Cabbage
Dinner: Mushroom Honey Dijon Chicken

Day 22
Lunch: Tilapia and Carrots
Dinner: Steak, Green Pepper, Onion, Garlic Stir Fry

Day 23
Lunch: Salmon and Green Beans
Dinner: Herb Chicken Legs and Cucumber

Day 24
Lunch: Salmon Loaf
Dinner: Chicken Burgers and Fresh Veggies

 Well there is week 2 of our 24 day challenge menu!! Want to start in on the journey?? Go here and order your 24 Day Challenge. Want the extras also? Here they are: Catalyst, Carb Ease and ThermoPlus.

Read about end of my cleanse here


What do you all think of my menu???

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 11

 DAY 1 of Max Phase

WOOHOO!!!
Cleanse phase is over!!! 
I feel AMAZING!!!!
(Sorry I just can't help myself I have to scream it from the roof tops.)

I no longer feel bloated and my stomach looks flatter. I got to eat actual food which is a blessing cause I LOVE FOOD!!! I didn't have to eat salads every day or anything like that. It really is about eating clean and watching your portions. You don't need to eat every carb you see. Even though sometimes I wish we could without consequences. :)

I lost 2.5 inches and 3.5 lbs in the first 10 days!!!

Week 1 Meal Plan

Week 2 Meal Plan

I never knew that Advocare existed, until about a couple months ago and of course I was a little skeptical of if it really worked. You see all these products on TV, online and on store shelves. Honestly, how do you know which to pick? The awesome thing about Advocare is we are tested for all banned substances by a company called Informed-Choice. You can look at one of the products called Catalyst (my favorite product) here and see the batch number, when it expires and when it was tested. Advocare wants the safest and most effective products around. 

With all that being said, I am so glad I was introduced to Advocare. It will forever change my whole family’s life for the better!! Everyone wants what’s best for themselves and their families. Honestly, what do you have to lose by giving it a try? Some weight, inches? What do you gain? I’m going to say lots of energy and eating better. Advocare is all about making you, a better you. 

Now that the cleanse phase is over, I now start the Max Phase which is going to give me the best tools to achieve my next weight-management goal.  I am wanting to get under 200!! I know I can do it!!

Want to start your own Advocare journey? Start with the 24 Day Challenge and jump start your journey!!