Willingness To Be Misunderstood

Have you ever put yourself out there only to find out you were misunderstood?  Yeah, me neither.

I kid.  I put myself out there a lot, and I'm okay with being misunderstood.  A few years ago?  Never.  I would have really cared about what people thought of my motives instead of focusing on the true nature of my motives.

That's the thing with living outside of your comfort zone.  People often misunderstand your heart and your intentions.  It happens to us all.  The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more opportunities you have to be misunderstood. 

I've found this to be true time and time again.  Running my own organization through Arbonne offers lots of moments where I am misunderstood. I'm okay with this. I'm okay with knowing, and outsiders not knowing, the beautiful stories of people who I have partnered with as they worked on better health, better skin, or better finances.  They know my heart.   As for others who see a skewed view of who I am or what I do, it's okay!  The truth will always be made light.  It is the same for you.

We can walk through life and try to prove who we are to the world.  That's not needed, and often times we are trying so hard to prove who we are, we unintentionally lose sight of ourselves and our passions.  The truth is we have already been proved through Christ.  We have a list of all the things God says we are...friends, heirs, wonderfully made, conquerors, and many more.  All the more reasons why we need to protect our hearts, live with good intentions, shine a light for Him, and have the willingness to be misunderstood.  And, might I add the willingness to be misunderstood without putting up a fight.

Now, if you really want to know about what I do and how I came to be apart of Arbonne, I really encourage you to listen to my story tonight at 8:30pm CST via a conference call.  The flyer below has the dial in number, and reference number you will be prompted to enter.  Then you just listen.  

Whether you are curious of how one builds an organization or what Arbonne is, this is a time to discover the answers.  It's also a time where you can be completely nosy and nobody knows!!!  Like a fly on the wall.

(screen shot the info for faster reference)

Semi Last Minute

Have you ever had that moment when you think something is really far away, then you look at the calendar and realize, "STINK!  I have one week left!!!!"?

Yeah, that was me this morning.  I woke up realizing we leave very soon for vacation and there are some essentials we MUST have before road-tripping it. 

We leave for the beach (my most favorite place ever) next week.  Thankfully, we have out of town family staying at our house while we're gone so I don't have to plan anything there.  BUT, a ton of other things I've been putting off need to be done, like, to-day!

We Torreses turn into the ultimate beach bums on vacation.  We wake up, have breakfast on the patio, put on our swimsuits, ride bikes for an hour or so, then hit the beach until dinner time.  Then dinner on the patio and back out for a walk on the beach.  Total slacker lifestyle! 

Since we pretty much crawl out of bed, beach it, and crawl back into bed I have a Beach Essentials' List.  Here's what we'll be packing.  Don't worry!  Swimsuits will be packed as well.  It's not that kind of beach.

AWAKEN AROMASSENTIALS BODY SPRAY

This is our natural bug spray.  It's made as a body spray so it smells light and fresh, but it's a natural repellant with lemongrass.  Obviously, there are no harsh chemicals so it has always gone on Chubby Cheekers' skin since he was a babe.  No bites, no chemicals. Works beautifully!

SEASOURCE BODY GELEE

I don't get chaffing from bike rides, but someone in our family does.  I won't embarrass him Steven, but someone chaffs.  Plus, this is our lightening quick answer to burns and scrapes.  This mama don't leave home without it!

BABY POWDER

Arbonne doesn't make a baby powder, but this is another beach must have.  It takes off sticky sand in a flash.  Sprinkle on the skin, dust it off.  Viola!  Learned it on Pinterest.

 SUNSCREEN

The only two sunscreens we use.  Last year I couldn't find our ABC Sunscreen for the kids so I used another popular 'good for you' sunscreen on our kids.  With the ABC I don't have to reapply.  With the other popular brand it said it had longer coverage time.  It didn't.  My kids got burned.  Never again.  As for the adult sunscreen.  Just as fabulous.  Plus one bottle lasts the entire summer.  LOVE long lasting stuff!   We'll also be pocketing the LipSaver Chapstick with SPF 20 so we don't look like pufferfish with burnt lips.

 

Sub It Out

In my former life subbing out was a headache!  Like spend hours preparing for someone else to walk in your classroom and keep the flow similar to how you would run things.  Or maybe I am too controlling.  I don't know, but it was always way more work than being at work.  Such the hassle.

Nowadays, subbing out is my lifesaver.  Long ago when I agreed to do the detox or clean eating, I thought it would be a l-o-n-g and painful month.  Now, I've learned that it was about subbing new items for my old ones.  Those slight changes have made major differences in our health and our kids' health.

So, I'm gonna share with you my most favorite, easiest food sub.  Drumroll PLEASE......................

BROWN RICE PASTA!

This is an easy, easy switch.  I purchase mine at Walmart.  It's found in the gluten free section.  The specific brand I go to is Tinkyada.

 

Brown rice pasta is my fav because the taste and texture is so comparable to regular spaghetti noodles my family knows no difference.  Anytime we have noodles in a dish now, we use brown rice pasta.  It eliminates gluten in our diet which, we have learned, affects us in more ways than one.  Major reason for the brown rice love...no bloating.  No poochy evening belly (well, except now that I'm pouchy 24/7).  No stomach cramping for Steven. It's an overall win.

And since I'm sharing how to sub out gluten, I have a very super duper delicious fresh summer salad for you.  I stole it from a friend out in California.  Chubby Cheekers killed my portion at lunch the other day so I had to toss together more.  It's loaded with protein, veggies, and yumminess so the joke was on him.  Muah ha ha ha!

Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chickpeas 

I cut out the peanuts (known for a high mold content) and the used extra virgin olive oil instead of vinegar (known to contribute to the growth of candida yeast).  And just FYI, before Arbonne I knew NADA about mold content and candida yeast.  

If you are curious about the Clean Eating Challenge and why one would subject themselves to such discipline, you can check it out virtually from the privacy of your own home on Thursday, June 12th at 9pm CST.  Simply click the link and you are there...

https://global.gotomeeting.com/meeting/join/909834285

This can even be done from you iPhone or iPad, but you will need to download the free app.   What's really great is I will be on and you can chat privately with me if you have a question.  You can turn the video off  yourself and even mute.  The duration is about 30 minutes and SUPER informative.  I recommend watching just to catch some new info that could really change the way you think about fueling your body.

A Torres is Vegas

I coined a new mental picture term thanks to a sweet friend.  Clip Art.  I have so much clip art from Vegas my mental file box can store no more images.  At the airport waiting to fly out I told Erica we were going to pretend to take selfies, but have the camera still facing out so we could snap pics of all the crazies.  That was such a brilliant idea.

Problem.

You actually get to Vegas and BAM!  There is so much Clip Art you can't possibly direct your phone in the proper directions.  A panoramic shot would shut you down.  It shut me down.  Phew!  I went through a 12 step program to accommodate all the emotions.  It went down like this...

1. Staring
2. Mouth Open
3. Shock
4. Double Take
5. Disbelief
6. Laughter
7. Wonder
8. Triple Take
9. No Words
10. Hard Swallow
11. Sadness
12. Grief

What was especially interesting was Erica's reactions.  Her number one question,

Where does one find a dress like that?

I told her to ask.  After all there were so many 'Less Than A Yard Of Fabric' dresses around that these girls would probably think she was asking so she could buy one.  Heck!  We were in jeans and t-shirts.  The sad part.  We were still offered free drinks, free cover, free, free, free.  I guess being a female qualifies you for free, free, free.  Thank goodness for pregnancy.  Just one point down to the belly and suddenly, these men have the upmost respect for you (yeah right)...

Oh!  I'm sorry ma'am.  You have a wonderful night.

Puh-lease.  This Vegas experience was great Arbonne related.  Out and about, not so much.  I could not get my mind off these people just looking for another fill in their life.  There. Is. So. Much. More. I wanted to squeeze these people faces and tell them.  You were made for more.  You can be more.  You can have more.

See?  There we are rocking our sexy t-shirts and jeans.  MmmmHmmmm.  Looking good.

There were some really good moments.  We woke at 6:00am to run 3 miles of the strip to raise money for an orphanage in Africa.  As we were running, and running the stairs and bridges we came across many homeless still sleeping.  Some just waking up.  It was a great opportunity to show these people that I SEE you!  Whether I thought they were sleeping or not, I spoke to each person.  Some were really knocked out if you know what I mean, and others were shocked someone spoke to them.  Heartbreaking.  Truly heartbreaking.  

We also got to high five a ton of inebriated individuals stunned to see the light of day as the filed out of the casinos, encouraging them to do something powerful with their day.  These poor souls not only realized it was morning but they suddenly found themselves in the midst of 100+ women running the strip.  Their heads were spinning.  Is it bad that I laughed?  (Head hung in shame)

All in all the Arbonne part of Vegas was inspiring and amazing.  The Strip part has given me a lot to think about and how to make a lasting impact in societies like that.  My head is spinning like those people filing out of the casino.

And because I love to shock people, I have a photo for you.  Prepare yourself.  It's frightening...

 

 It's those crazy Arbonne ladies without their Arbonne products beautifying their faces in the morning. HOWEVER, there is ONE who put on make-up for a 6am run.  That person shall remain nameless, but YOU know who you are...

Be sure to check me out in the front row.  Go ahead...enlarge the pic.  I want you to feel good about yourself!  That's me...exhausted, knocked up, sweaty, haphazard hair, and make-upless.  Consider yourself blessed that this pic does not come with smellvision.  That would push you over the edge.

What Do You Do All Day???

Yesterday it hit me pretty hard what my work life looks like.  When people ask what I do my first answer is, "I'm a stay-at-home mom."  I love that title.  We sacrificed a lot for me to have that title.  If you look at the majority of my day, I am a stay-at-home mom.

Except right now.  I'm a blogger.

20 minutes later, during nap time, I'll be an Arbonne consultant.

An hour or so later, depending on nap time, I'll be a carpooling mama.

Then I'll be a homework helping, dinner cooking, cleaning up, tuck the kids in bed kind of mama.

But two nights a week, I do go out.  I LOVE going out.  I go out and meet new people.  I plant seeds of how blessed we have been.  I plant seeds of how my church and relationship with Jesus has changed my life.  I also plant seeds of belief into people.  Belief that they can live a better life physically and financially.

That's the work life that hit me pretty hard yesterday.  As I left my house, I was thankful for the people who planted belief into me.  It's almost my year anniversary with Arbonne and I'm doing the same thing I did 11 months ago when I began except my check continues to increase.  I'm still investing 10-12 hours a week of my time, here and there, around my kids and husband's needs and increasing my pay.  Why?  Because I focus solely on serving others, listening to their dreams and visions, and helping them get there.

So, yes, I'm a stay at home mom to my crazy kids and nephews, but I also own my own business.  A business that has almost replaced my old teacher's salary within a year, and will continue to go up.  Except I'm not putting in 50-60 hours a week teaching.  That's where I'm thankful.  My day looks different than the average worker, but it looks so good to me.  True thankfulness for opportunities I never wanted to say yes to, but so glad I did.

And just because 'Mom' is the best job I've ever had, I need to show you the ones that steal my heart!

And these little guys are pumped that for the older two's birthday, I'm working towards an all expenses paid stay (by Arbonne) in CABO for their birthdays.  That's a pretty good way to celebrate turning 6 and 8!  We'll let Chubby Cheekers come too.  Mexico needs to experience his antics for sure!

Making It Meaningful

Do you ever have those little areas in life where you think you are in control, but the moment you try to control it is the moment when you realize you had little power to begin with?

Hello? Am I the only crazy one around here?

Let's take my holiday eating for example.  Each bite I was well aware of what I was eating.  In my head I recognized I should not be eating it.  I did it anyway.  Since I had the thought of  I should not be eating this, then I thought I was in control.  Sadly, I found out the little power I actually had today.

Today Steven and I, along with countless others, began our Clean Eating Challenge.  I've been asked numerous times why I would commit to something like this when I appear to be in shape.  You know, the first time I did this I wanted to see if I could do it.  I wanted to see if  what others were saying was true.  I wanted to see if I had more energy, if I would sleep better, if I would trim up, if my workout performances would improve, if, if, if...

All of it was true. I did stick to the plan 99.9% of the time.  I saw results.  I loved the results.  Life changes were made in regards to how we thought about food.  Foods I thought I could never give up rarely enter our house now.  I am thankful for those changes.

However, this time around I have a totally new set of goals. 

After letting myself indulge every single day for the entire month of December, I was beginning to see that snacking  and sugar was taking a toll on my energy levels.  One month of really throwing out a healthy diet and I could feel it.  My clothes felt it.  My skin felt it.  My sleep felt it.  My energy felt it.  My attitude felt it.  All of those areas are affected by my intake of food.

My goal for focusing on eating clean this month is not to improve my energy, sleep better, trim up, or perform better on runs or workouts.  I know those things will come, but this time I want to make it meaningful.  I want to focus on eating what I should and not what I want.  Since I created a cycle of indulgence, I want to recreate a cycle of discipline.  Disciplining myself for nourishment, not cravings.

That's a hard one.  Considering it's 9:30 at night.  I am full, yet I want to eat.  I want to sneak in my pantry and peruse the shelves for that something just right.  Mmmmm, cravings!  They sure are sneaky.  So instead, I'm typing on my laptop about cravings, sipping on my detox tea, and avoiding the kitchen altogether. Honestly, that power feels good.

I do have a purpose in all of this.  I want to share with you what my partner and crime (Erica) and I have done to help others who want to break those unhealthy cycles as well.  When you choose to go through the Clean Eating Challenge, you get support.  Lots of support.  First off, you get your products from Arbonne.  Top notch, researched, ahead of the times products.  You will also receive a full menu, recipes, and shopping list for 4 straight weeks.  On top of that you will be added to a private facebook page with others who are  participating in the very same process, at the very same time as you.  A perfect little support group.  AND, you also have the chance to compete for one of two $100 gift baskets.  It's a recipe for success!

Each month, we will have a group begin on the first and continue on for 30 straight days.  January tends to be the month people start with a bang and then fizzle out.  It is our hope that with all the tools we have put together it encourages others to stick through the hard times.  Changing life-long habits is difficult.  I'm not promising ease, but I am promising worth.  You are worth it and you will see worth when you make it meaningful.

What are your goals for the year?  Maybe this is the time for you.  If it is, I would love to share with you the how-to.  I truly believe this is for anyone! 

Make it meaningful, peeps!  Love you all!

Slacker Menu Monday

It's Menu Monday Slacker Edition! 

Monday-Creamy Chicken Roll-Ups, Steamed Broccoli, Grapes
Tuesday-Homemade Pizza and Salad
Wednesday-Little Man's Birthday Dinner! 
Thursday-Black Bean Butternut Squash Enchilada Skillet**
Friday-Turkey Burgers, Crispy Potatoes, Raw Peppers
Saturday-Whole Roasted Chicken, Corn Casserole, Green Beans
Sunday-Avocado Salsa Salmon, Grilled Peppers and Onions, Brown Rice*

*An asterisk on the menus will denote a detox friendly meal.  If you are planning on beginning the detox with us in beginning January 2nd, I encourage you to begin printing out these recipes and/or incorporating them into your meals rotations.  This way you are inching your way into some healthful recipes that eliminate highly addictive and allergenic foods.

**This recipe calls for corn tortillas and cheese.  Both must be omitted during the actual detox.  Instead, you may use brown rice pasta tortillas and rice cheese.

Hope your week is amazing.  I know mine will be!  I'm healthy, happy, surrounded by amazing friends and family, and my little guy turns 7 tomorrow!  Life is good!

Whatcha Got To Say

Say something and it becomes challenged by the enemy.  I spoke so much of guarding my peace, it became challenged.  Stressful situations were coming out of the woodwork. Chaos surrounded me.  I did not handle it well.

I also had a weekend trip I had earned through Arbonne scheduled for the weekend.  Something I worked very hard for and was excited about.  The joy got robbed there too.

Satan knows how to throw in some nasty curve balls.  If I had followed my feelings, if I had let my head talk me out of staying on track, I would have lost out on exactly what God was trying to teach me.

First off, I'm no respecter of persons.  I respect people.  I just don't respect people because of a title in front of their name.  People are people.  Whether you make $100,000 or $100 a month, I don't really care.  I want to know the character of the person.  When I earned the Rt 66 Challenge, I heard how amazing it was to be at the top Arbonne income earner's home.  I was excited to go and learn from her, but I had no idea it would be so much more.

Although I learned so much about my own business, I learned more about myself.  Everything Satan was working to steal from me. All the joy killing.  All the stress.  It all came to a halt.  Little divine interventions began to unfold.  Little messages came toward me like pieces of a puzzle.  By the end of the weekend, the puzzle pieces were placed and I could see the big picture.  All of it together.  I have a clear direction for areas of my life that needed to be pruned and changed. I also left with changes I couldn't wait to share with my husband and family. 

Arbonne isn't just cosmetics, skin care, and nutrition.  Of course, on the outside they are amazing products that I do enjoy sharing.  However, Arbonne is a vehicle to reach my family's dreams.  Dreams to change the world and the circumstances of this world far beyond the people around me.  Changing lives of people who could never repay me.  Making a lasting, eternal changes in others.

Consider this your warning.  My booty has a fire lit under it like never before.  I see a vision so far beyond me that I will ask anyone, anything Arbonne related.  This Arbonne bus has only begun to take off.  I'd love to take you with me.  Yes, you!  In the back of your mind you may have thought, "Could I do that?  Could I do what she does?"  You know what?  You may have what it takes. I can help you figure that out.  Can I take you out for coffee or tea? Yes, YOU!  Coffee, tea?  Anyone?

On a lighter note, you know how I mentioned I'm not respecter of persons?  I'm still not, BUT I have respect for this woman. 

 

Not because Cecilia Stoll is the most successful woman EVER in Arbonne, but because of her values and heart. All I know is I will bust my tush to get to her home again next year.  For the growth of my business and for my own personal growth.  I would love to show you how to get there too. 

Because of Arbonne, Because of You

This week has been a week of attitude checking.  My attitude has needed to be checked and guarded so often.  I've had to dish out apologies to my children for irrational behavior and frustration.  I have been feeling run down and tired.  I allowed my feelings to grab a hold of me instead of me grabbing hold of my feelings.  Funny how I just posted on guarding your peace and focus and it is exactly what I have had to practice this week. 

I digress.

My attitude was stinking up my whole house this afternoon.  I have a PILE of stuff that needs to be attended to, yet I'm tired.  I'm working tirelessly trying to manage it all, but all I want to do is nap.  When I looked at the clock and realized it a nap, not even 10 minutes, was going to take place I decided to get the mail.  In the stack of junk was one thing I look forward to the most.  A letter from one of our 'adopted' children.

 

Say what? Yes, we have a few adopted children through Compassion International.  Their names are Luis (from Peru) and Lesly (from Mexico).  Both children are apart of our family.  We help support them financially so they are able to attend school, have meals, supplies, and clothing, as well as learn about a God who loves them more than they can even hope to imagine.  We get to send birthday and Christmas gifts to them on their special days.  We get to pray for them and encourage them.  In return, they encourage us as well.

When I think about what all we are able to do with our finances, it makes my head spin.  When I walked away from my lucrative (that's a joke) teaching career, I knew times would get hard.  I also knew, and still know, that God is faithful.  We've had our share of challenging financial times.  We've gone without a lot of things we would have loved to have, but little by little we've seen abundant blessings.

That brings me to Arbonne.  I've shared before how I never in a million years ever thought Arbonne was for me.  Not at all.  Once I got passed my own pride I realized Arbonne is a vehicle to help others.  Whether through the products that I love or through the financial freedom it offers.

Arbonne has allowed us to change the lives of Luis and Lesly.  We can freely give each month above our tithe because of what Arbonne has to offer.  It's not just a business.  It's a life change, and it never stops.  My dream is to one day take my Arbonne check and purchase 5 plane tickets to Peru and Mexico.  I want to hug and love on Luis and Lesly and their families.  I want to pour into them the way others have poured into my life.  I want them to know that life may be hard for them now, but God has a plan to prosper them.  To give them hope.  To give them a future.~ Jeremiah 29:11

I want them to know that they are deeply loved by this crazy Torres Family.  I also want them to know there are ways of achieving their dreams even if it comes in a way they never thought possible.  Arbonne has been that for me.  I am so thankful I finally said yes.  I am so thankful for all of you who have opened your homes for Spa Nights or Healthy Happy Hours.  I want to thank those who gave Arbonne a chance and love their products.  Thank you for giving me a chance.  Because of you, I am able to have a loving, lasting relationship with two children I will someday meet.

If you are looking for ways to support others, ask me about Arbonne.  It may be an answer for you.  Spa Nights are an amazing time for you and your friends to get pampered.  Healthy Happy Hours are full of information and samples on doable ways to improve your health. 

If you are looking specifically to help children all over the world, log on to CompassionInterational.org and sponsor a child.  Your life will never be the same.  I promise you this!

Menu Monday

On Friday I shared with you the Shake Challenge.  I would love to have you join Steven and I.  We are on a continuous journey towards better health, and I'm thankful for Arbonne products that have helped me along the way.  In order to help give you some empowerment during this challenge I will post a variety of different shake recipes for you to try.  On Facebook, I began sharing on Saturday.  Here are those two recipes:

Almond Joy

2 scoops of Arbonne Chocolate Protein Powder + 1 scoop of Arbonne Fiber Boost

1 cup Almond milk

1 Tbsp Almond Butter

½ tsp coconut extract

6-8 ice cubes

Pretty In Pink

2 scoops of Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder + 1 scoop of Arbonne Fiber Boost

Splash of pure cranberry juice          

1 handful strawberries and raspberries (fresh or frozen)

6-8 ice cubes

Almond, Coconut or Rice Milk to desired slushy consistency

 These are just a few in a long list.  You can see from the two above there are some very different options.  Shakes for 30 days is not only doable.  It's an easy exchange!

Now for the rest of our food consumption, I give you the weekly menu...

Monday-Hamburgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Berry Salad

Tuesday-Pizza Bread and Salad

Wednesday-Fish Tacos, Grilled Peppers and Onions, Brown Rice

Thursday-Greek Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Parmesan Biscuits

Friday-Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, Snap Peas

Saturday-Grilled Cheese and Chicken Noodle Soup

Sunday-Dinner at Mom's

Shake It Up

Earlier this week I shared a few things I learned about the ramifications of one's body that produces too much estrogen.  You can read about it here, but I want to be perfectly clear...check with your doctor before making changes to your health!

One part Dr. James Ross discussed was the importance of ridding our bodies of outside estrogen found in the foods we consume, body products we use, and the air/pollution around us.  I am thankful for the 30 Day Detox I went through, but it was challenging.  The benefits far outweighed any sacrifices I made. 

For instance, I shed the remaining pounds that were clinging for dear life around my mid-section.  I considered it extra skin.  Go ahead and laugh.  Psh, extra skin?  Yeah, surrrrre!  Good one, Amanda.  I know.  I tried to make myself feel better.

It has been 4.5 months since I fully completed a detox with no cheating.  I have since stopped breastfeeding, yet I haven't put any of the weight shed back in April.  One reason is my liver was unclogged, which made it possible for it to filter my intake of foods.

Another BIG reason is I made some lifelong changes.  That brings me to today. 

Every morning I make an Arbonne Vegan Protein Shake for our family.  I pour it in a 1 sippy cup, 1 extra large cup, and 1 cutesy cup with a straw.  I'll let you guess what cup goes where.  (Yeah, Steven loves the cutesy cups). 

Making a shake has really been a life change for us.  I do it for two reasons:

Reason #1:  As crazy as our mornings are in the Torres Household, making a vegan shake filled with fruits and veggies is faster and I can drink it down on the way to school.

Reason #2:  I am so passionate about giving my digestive system a break from all the solid foods I put in, I want to reap the benefits from drinking a meal. 

BAM!  Two reasons.  Two good reasons.  So where does this mean for you?

Your body is a temple.  Some of you know that a change needs to be made for you to better care for your temple, you just don't know where to start.  What would it look like for you if you took 30 days and replaced 1-2 regular meals a day? 

I can tell you what it will look like.  Weight loss, less bloating, less digestion issues, less snacking, less, less, less.  I would love for you to join me for 30 Days...September 22-October 22.  For me, this won't be a challenge.  I already do one shake a day.  This challenge just reaffirms for me that I am on the right track for my health. 

If you want to join me on this challenge, you will need a few things:

• 1-2 bags of vegan Arbonne protein (flavors: chocolate or vanilla)
• 1 bag of fiber

That's it.  If this is for you, please contact me and I will help you figure out what you need.  You can get in touch with me a few different ways:

• Email:  wispclips(at)hotmail(dot)com
• Facebook:  Leave a comment or a message.
• Phone: (918) 269-five0five5

 

 {Packaging of Arbonne Protein: 30 servings}

Too Much Estrogen In the Room

Yesterday I walked into my kitchen and there was WAY too much estrogen in the room. Usually, I like having estrogen in the room. After all, I usually have too many penises in the house. Estrogen is welcomed. Then I realized I'm surrounded by estrogen that is affecting me daily. Too much of it.

 A few nights ago I went to listen to a popular doctor in Tulsa, OK. Dr. James Ross has spent most of his career focusing on women's hormones and the studies that go along with it. He and his wife, Missy, were so gracious to open their home to loads of women (and a few men) to discuss the overabundance of estrogen, the problems associated with overexposure, and how to fix it. Let's just say I went in thinking, This isn't going to apply to me, and walked away with a lot to think about. In fact, once Dr. Ross began his presentation my hand could not keep up fast enough. I was mad at myself that I didn't have my phone in hand to record him. Thankfully, I learned to take good notes in college. See? That piece of paper with fancy letters and emblem on it wasn't a complete waste.

 Here's what I learned:

  Estrogen: How Are We Overexposed? Sometimes our bodies don't produce enough progesterone to keep our estrogen in check. On top of that most foods we consume contain levels of estrogen (soy is a big one...all the more reason to choose Arbonne vegan protein), there are xenoestrogens from pollution and plastics that we breathe, and our personal care products are raising our estrogen levels as well.

  What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Too Much Estrogen? For women it can range from mood disorders, weight gain, fatique, stress, inflammation, thyroid issues, osteoporosis, sleep disorders, decreased libido, irregular menstrual cycles, fybroids, acne, migranes, and chronic yeast infections. For men (yes men can be overexposed too) it can range from mood disorders, prostate issues, ED, man boobs, and hair loss.

 What Do We Need To Balance Our Hormones: If your hormones are imbalanced (please see your physician), you may need progesterone. However, not all progesterone is created equally. You want to look for a bio-identical hormone, not synthetic. You want a hormone that is made as our body produces it naturally. Bio-identicals can be used safely.

 Progesterone is basically the unsung hero of the hormonal system to keep estrogen in check. Using a progesterone cream like Arbonne's Prolief Cream will help to balance your estrogen levels. In addition, detoxing your body and changing out personal care products for pure, safe, and beneficial products will also help to balance your hormonal levels.

 Thankfully, I was introduced to Arbonne in a way that made sense to me back in March. Little by little I fall in love with what the company has to offer products and business wise. Every product is tested and rated against their belief system of pure, safe, and beneficial. If it doesn't pass the test, it's not an Arbonne product. I am also thankful that there is an array of products. From lotions to cosmetics, protein shakes to detox tea, shampoo to skin care, energy replacement to supplements, Arbonne has it ALL. Even Prolief Progesterone Cream!

 If you would like to look around at the products I love, head on over to Arbonne.com. Click join Arbonne at the top.  You can use my ID# 13569841, to look around at all Arbonne has to offer.  Also, ask away any questions. That's what I did, and still do, to keep moving forward towards better health.

Menu Monday...On Tuesday

It's Tuesday and I'm just now posting my menu for Monday.  I know.  I know.  BUT, I have a really, really good excuse.  I accomplished a goal I didn't even know I had on Sunday morning.

I RAN A HALF MARATHON!!!!

I'll share more about that tomorrow, but for now I just needed to get it off my chest.  I could for real put a sticker on my car if I wanted to.  It was a challenging experience, but also very rewarding.  

Today, I'll share what we are eating this week.  I mentioned last week that this detox looks so different than my last detox.  First off, I had some pie Friday night at our schools P.I.E. meeting.  It was delicious, but not the best choice.  Then after running 13.1 miles, I was starving and dying for something salty.  I had a bacon, egg, and cheese on ciabatta bread.  Yeah, nothing detox friendly about that.  And now for the walk of shame...I also had half of a cinnamon roll after that.  Hanging head now.  I'm pretty sure Erica has a picture of me taking a gigantic bite of that breakfast sandwich.

You know what?  In the grand scheme of things, I am making way better choices now than what I was 5 months ago.  I know what needs to be done and I do have the will power to do it.  Knowledge and will power together make for a great combination.  That's what I love about Arbonne.  You get a specific plan to follow.  That's the knowledge part.  The will power comes from the results that spring up so quickly from following that plan.  

And now, for the detox menu...

Monday-Chicken Pasta (*new...recipe to be posted), Green Beans, Mixed Greens Salad

Tuesday-Taco Salad with Roasted Chickpeas, Berry Salad

Wednesday-French Lentil Soup

Thursday-Grilled Shrimp Kabobs and Spinach Berry Salad

Friday-Seasoned Broiled Tilapia, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes

Saturday-DATE NIGHT

Sunday-Almond Buttered Rice Cakes with Strawberries, Fresh Cut Veggies, and Sweet Potato Fries

Why Arbonne?

Really?  You're going to talk about Arbonne?  Again?  Yes.  Yes, I am.

Over the last 5 months I have become so passionate about what Arbonne has done for my family, but the passion deepens when I hear the testimonies of over 100 women and men.  What it equates to...LIFE CHANGE.  Whether it's from a person who completed the detox or someone who stepped into my business family. I am lucky to ride this journey with them.

When I quit my job as a teacher 5 years ago, I had fears.  Fears that I wouldn't have an identity anymore.  Fears that my connection to my friends would lessen.  Fears that I wouldn't be serving anymore.  Funny, how

I look back on my journey now and those fears I had were ridiculous.  On a daily basis I stay in contact with my own children in nephews.  I impact their lives and I have the identity of Mom.  Outside of my relationship with God and my husband, that is my most cherished identity.

I look at my connection to friends and the ability to serve others.  I have gained so many wonderful new friends through Arbonne.  Reconnecting with those I used to be close with and meeting friends of friends that are now in my contact list.  People I would have never ever met.  People that I pray for and pray for me.  I look for times to serve them and I know they do the same for me.

So I ask you, "Why not Arbonne?"  Network marketing has such a bad name.  I had a bad taste in my mouth about it because I was uninformed and only introduced to others who were looking to get rich quick.  Network Marketing can allow you move up faster than others is a corporate world, but more importantly you succeed by serving others.  To be great, you must serve many.  I am so thankful for this opportunity that has not only opened doors for my family, but has opened doors for others.  If you are looking for a change, a real life change, I will take you by the hand and show you how to accomplish your dreams.  At the very least, I'll help you improve your skin and health.  After all, that's my own goal for myself.

Speaking of skin...Arbonne just unveiled their newest product.

What it Does

• Genius works in conjunction with your favorite Arbonne skincare routine
• Improves the overall look and feel of skin texture to restore a healthy, radiant glow
• Helps reduce the look of dark spots
• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Provides the appearance of smooth, even-toned skin texture
• Shows significant improvement in skin clarity and blotchiness
• 
  

The Promise

In just 2 weeks, 100% of study participants who used Genius showed an improvement in the appearance of skin moisture, firmness and elasticity.*

* Based on a clinical instrumental study of 50 subjects.

Here's the greatest news ever.  For this month I earned the opportunity to sell it for 35% off before it's available to the public.  I worked hard so I would have the opportunity for you to try it before anyone else!  If you struggle with uneven skin tone, dark spots, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and blotchiness, this is a great answer without a harsh perscription.  Arbonne stands on its promises of PURE, SAFE, and BENEFICIAL.  This new product is no different!

Menu Monday

It's the first full week of my detox.  Steven and I began August 1st for our second go 'round.  The kids are on a modified version.  So far, I've been pretty stinky at this detox.  Just keeping it real for you.  Pretending isn't in my nature.  One thing I want you to know is this isn't an all or nothing process.  It's a time for me to focus on making better lifelong choices.

The biggest difference on this detox in comparison to April's detox is I am training for a marathon with my friend.  No, I'm not running a marathon.  I just agreed to train with her.  If you ever had doubts on my sanity, you can be assured that my elevator does not go all the way to the top.  Who in their right mind would agree to train and never run the race?  Yep, that's me.  I've never really been a race person.  I'm more into challenging myself, and marathon training is challenging.  Just this last week I logged 22 miles.  A 7 miler, 3 mile interval run (brutal), and my longest distance yet...12 miles.

I digress.

Detox and marathon training...it's a hard balance.  On one hand I know how amazing eating clean feels for me.  On the other hand the amount of carbohydrates I need to replenish after long runs is a LOT.  So during and after the 12 mile run, I found myself with a granola bar and 3 cookies to fuel while running, and then a protein shake afterward.  Crazy, I know.  However, I would do it again.  The immediate jolt from the sugar and the carbs to finish the remaining 4 miles worked well...for me.  The rest of the day, I ate detox friendly...just a lot more than usual.  I could not get enough to eat.  Hungry girl right here.

This coming weekend I will run my first ever half marathon.  Not in a race, but a training run.  I'm excited and nervous to cross off a big life goal.

Enough about me.  Time to get to the detox menu...

Monday-Lemon Herbed Grilled Drumsticks, Butternut Squash, Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday-Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa, Brown Rice, Grilled Peppers and Onions
Wednesday-Fajitas in Lettuce Wraps, Salad, Brown Rice Chips and Homemade Salsa
Thursday-Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwiches(omit greek yogurt and mayo...add another avocado), Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans
Friday-Date Night @ Genghis Grill
Saturday- Dinner with Family
Sunday-Dinner with Family

We're Covered

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of summer.  Our third annual Pudding Fest.  The kids look forward to it every year, and to be honest, it's one of the easiest forms of entertainment ever.  It's a mess.  It's a snack.  It's a form of art.  It's a messy artsy snack.  Who doesn't love that?

{The Bigs}

{Chubby Cheekers and His Little Lady Friend}

Facts about pudding...

It is not easy to rinse off.  It is slippery on concrete.  You will find it in their ears and crevices (yes, I said crevices). It is a blast.  It keeps them busy.  Rinsing off is half the fun.  Sliding is kinda fun.  The dried pudding later on can be used as an after snack ;)

Now, I'm sure most of you are probably wondering, "Hmmm, I wonder what type of sunscreen those kids are wearing?"  

What can I say?  I am a mind reader.  Since you asked, I'll tell.  All the Babes and Bigs were covered head to toe in Arbonne's Baby Sunscreen.  I am in love.  It is pretty thick, but the coverage is amazing.  Plus, the ingredients are continually tested to make sure they reflect the pure, safe, and beneficial stance Arbonne takes on all of its products.

As for me, I jumped off the deep end and spent money on myself.  I purchased the self-tanner sunscreen.  Have you seen my super tan husband and chidlren???  I need a TAN!  It is a spray.  It is lightweight.  It smells good.  It covers me at 15 SPF.  It is also pure, safe, and beneficial.

As for my tan man, he wears the adult sunscreen and loves it.  Great coverage.  Lasts forever.  Pure, safe, and beneficial.  If you are searching for a good sunscreen to keep you and your family covered, I'll get you stocked up.  Although tans look nice, skin damage looks unappealing years later. 

On a little side note, a friend and I are putting together a little event for those of you who have been on the fence about detoxing.  It is a real informal hour to answer your questions, go over what a day looks like, and how to fit it in your budget.  If this is something you would like to attend, let me know and I'll send you the info. 

Cost of Health

One of my initial thoughts for introducing Arbonne protein shakes into our daily regiment was the cost.  One bag $65.  Ouch.  That was going to hit my grocery budget pretty hard. 

After some contemplation, I realized this is what we needed to do.  We needed to give our digestion system a break from solid foods for at least one meal.  The thought of adding fresh fruit, spinach, and kale to my breakfast shake was a big selling point.  The thought of receiving vegan protein, the most absorbable form of protein, made even more sense.  We were going to do this, but how.

Since I made up my mind on what we were going to do, I had to figure out how we were going to do it.  I began crunching the numbers. 

Let's start with what we needed.  One bag of protein is 30 servings.  Basically, we would need two bags to replace breakfast; one for Steven and one for me.  At retail that would be $130 ($65x2), but we weren't going to pay retail.  We opted to be consultants receiving a 35% discount.  That brought our total for the month down to $84.50 for both of us.

Then I thought about the cost we were recouping from replacing a meal.  Our usual breakfasts were instant oatmeal, scrambled eggs, or peanut butter toast.  Nothing very expensive, but it was going to get cut out.  I gave myself a $30 credit for the month from our grocery budget.  $30 that would normally pay for the breakfast for Steven and I now going towards the protein.  Cost of protein now for us...$54.50.  Then I divided that cost by 30 to see how much per day it was going to cost us.  It came out to $1.82 a day to replace one meal a day with a shake.  Add the veggies, fruit, and almond milk we add to the shakes and we're looking at spending roughly $2/day on better health.  To me that was a bargain.

Now if you are a person who eats out for lunch everyday, consider replacing your out to eat meal with a vegan shake.  Even at retail, you're spending $2.16/day.  Add in the cost of your almond milk, fruits, and veggies and you're looking at about $2.25/day at most.  I'm betting you can't beat that on the dollar menus around town ;)

To take it one step further, what will you save on doctor bills?  What would that look like for you?  Would you be able to go off medications?  Improve your blood test scores?  Become sick less?  That all adds up to more money in your pocket.  Less copays, less perscriptions, less over the counter meds.  Of course you would never do anything without consulting your doctor first, but I can name you countless incidents where people I know have done just that...gone off meds and improved their overall health.  Credit that back to your account and now those shakes don't seem so expensive.

Just a little glimpse into my thought process and why we chose Arbonne.  My ultra beefy, work out feind, protein taking husband is a firm believer.  He loves the taste and how he has zero digestion issues that come along with it.  Plus, it's sweetened naturally with stevia.  Check your protein. What's it being sweetened with?  Fructose, Sucralose (artificial sweetener)?  Google those and see if you are okay with those ingredients.  So men, it's not some frilly protein girls take.  It's legit.  Too legit too quit.  Hey, Hey!!!

Here It Comes...

Alright guys, I'm letting a nasty cat out of the bag.  If you are wondering why I have been so hit or miss on keeping up with this blog.  There is a reason.  I am a...oh man, I don't know if I can say it.  I am a...a...a...NETWORK MARKETER.  Whew!  Feels good to get that off my chest.  Network marketing sounds (or sounded) like such a dirty word to me.

I'm sure most of you have heard me talk about Arbonne and how eating cleaner and their detox program was a game changer for our family.  Steven and I felt great and we wanted to share it with others.  So we did.  Then I ended up with a business sitting my lap. I shared.  Steven shared. People asked.  I told.  More people asked.  I told more people, and that's just how it happened.

Upons sitting around with a new little business, a person on my team shared with me a book called The Flip-Flop CEO.  It was in reading this book did it hit me.  I am on to something that fits me perfectly.  That says me all over it.  I am not above network marketing.  I am network marketing.  I have been a network marketer my whole life, but I let one thing hold me back from getting paid from it.  It was this belief...

I DON'T WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF MY FRIENDS.

Yep, that's what I thought.  100% that was me.  Then I read this passage in Flip Flop CEO:

Most of you do network marketing already, you just don't know it.  The restaurant, boutique or spa recommendation-that's network marketing.  The dentist referral-network marketing.  The movie your friends should watch, book they should read, sond they should download-network marketing.  Every day you spread the word for brands you love.  That's network marketing.

Seriously,  how many times have I given one of your my list of favorites?  I love telling people about good deals, great businesses, tips, etc.  If it's something I benefitted from, I want others to benefit from it.  This time around, I'm getting paid to tell people about what I love.  It's totally up to the people I talk to if they want to partake in what I'm doing.  BUT, guess what?  If you choose something different, I totally respect that.  You have your right to be wrong (I'm kidding...sorta...no, I'm kidding...like 99.9% kidding).  I have friends who do other things besides Arbonne that are health related and that is great!  I have friends who live lifestyles healthier than I do without Arbonne.  I just find Arbonne products make my healthier lifestyle easier. 

All this to say, you don't have to hide from me.  I won't go crazy on you.  Heck, I was crazy before I started network marketing.  I may ask you about Arbonne.  You may look at me and say, "No thanks,"  and I'll move the conversation on to something else I want to know about you.  It kinds of boils down to this next passage from Flip Flop CEO:

Network marketing is-plain and simple-about sharing things you love with people you suspect will love them, too.  It's about asking people to consider redirecting the dollars already headed out the door to something they might like better; something that will benefit them and you.

This is no different from how it works in any other business or community.  If your friend owned a restaurant, would you eat there?  Would you be offended if they asked you to try a dish?  Of course not.  If your friend was performing in a concert, would you buy a ticket?  We think you would.

That's all folks.  I have been busy talking with peeps, putting in orders, answering questions, and playing with my kids.  It's a fun new life.  I promise to keep a better job with my blog, because I love writing.  I love the documentary it keeps for my kids and this time in my life. In fact, right now I'm sitting here feeding my precious nephew lunch while working.  To take it one mental picture step forward, I just got a bunch of applesauce sprayed on me while working.  Tell me that's happening in your office right now?  Yep, I love this life. 

After reading this, if you have thoughts of Well, maybe I could do that too, then it's probably for you.  I work with a team of people who had that one thought and turned it in to a business that allowed them to quit their 6 figure full time job.  They now work at home.  It's a pretty nice gig.  To go a step further, my team leader makes on average $12,000/month.  Yeah, you read that right...A MONTH!  She wasn't in this to get rich. She still isn't in it to get rich.  She did it to make $2500/month so she could stay home with her children.  Now all the extra goes to blessing people.  Traveling to Haiti, fostering children, giving to others in need.  All of that from Arbonne and telling people about what she loves.  That's all.

 

A Two Week Menu

After finishing up our April detox so many of us miss the amazing feeling that comes with eating right and replacing solid meals for liquid.  Thus, the mini detox was born.  Almost every person who participated in the April detox is doing the mini detox beginning June 7th and ending June 20th (just in time for summer!).

Since this is just two weeks, I went ahead and did my menu for a full two weeks beginning on the 7th.  I hope this helps you too.

June 7th: Turkey Tacos (homemade taco seasoning) in Lettuce Wraps, Rice Chips, Homemade Salsa
June 8th: Grilled Chicken, Roasted Butternut Squash, Steamed Broccoli
June 9th: Black Bean, Sweet Potato, Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (omit cheese) and Salad
June 10th:  Veggie Spaghetti with Brown Rice Pasta Noodles (homemade marinara recipe) and Seasoned Green Beans
June 11th:  Salmon with Avocado Salsa, Grilled Peppers, Onions, and Mushrooms with Brown Rice
June 12th:  Oven Roasted Whole Chicken, Mashed Cauliflower (omit buttermilk), Fresh Strawberries
June 13th:  Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins with Roasted Asparagus
June 14th:  Stir Fry with Shrimp, Fried Brown Rice, and Salad
June 15th:  French Lentil Soup with Crusty Udi's Bread
June 16th:  Turkey Chili and Salad
June 17th:  Hummus Crusted Chicken and Squash with Steamed Seasoned Broccoli
June 18th:  Shredded Chicken Fajitas in Lettuce Wraps and MexiRice
June 19th:  Taco Salad served over Roasted Chickpeas and Raw Bell Peppers
June 20th:  Cold Pasta Salad, and Strawberry Spinach Salad

Detox Friendly Pasta Salad

1 package Brown Rice Pasta Noodles
1/4 cup EVOO
1 package Italian Seasoning (check ingredients, not all seasonings are created the same)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded chicken (I use the leftover chicken from a whole roasted chicken)

• Cook noodles according to package directions
• Meanwhile, chop veggies
• Mix extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Italian Seasoning packet
• Toss all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes

ENJOY!