Tag: personal development

Weekend Wonders

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Lazy weekends are my jam.

I love being able to totally check out. This weekend was the coldest one we’ve had so far, and I was excited to finally break out a big scarf and my favorite winter hat.

But the only thing I look forward to during the cooler months is a fire in the fireplace.

Since it was the first true cold snap of the season, we kept a fire going all weekend long. From now on, we are going to have Fire Fridays, which consist of a date night out for dinner and then home to a fire and whatever goodness we want to watch on Netflix. Right now, we are rationing out Stranger Things 2. And when I say rationing, I mean one episode per night.

Annie is loving this whole lazy weekend thing we’ve decided to pursue. She spent her time all cuddled up in blankets on my lap. But seriously, I can’t handle her cuteness. When I took this picture, I was whispering sweet nothings to her about how pretty she is. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. Brad didn’t even bat an eye at this. It’s simply my normal behavior when it comes to my puppy bear.

Keeping with the lazy weekend theme, I bought on of Honey Pies’ Chicken Pot Pies from Me and McGee Market.

Run. Don’t walk. Run to Honey Pies on Bowman Road in Little Rock or to Me & McGee Market to get yourself this deliciousness.

I would love to tell you that we had leftovers. But that would be a complete lie.

We ate every single bit of this gorgeous pie in a matter of minutes.

Is it Whole30 approved?

No.

Is it gluten-free?

No.

Is it dairy-free?

No.

Was it worth every single bite?

Absolutely.

That, my friends, is exercising food freedom. Finding balance with food is hard. I posted a live video the other day expressing my struggles with eating healthy. So I’m truly getting back on the wagon, and I’m working hard to make sure I have food prepped and ready to go. Part of the issues I’ve been having is not packing a healthy lunch, getting caught up a work and settling for less-than-stellar foods and forgetting to thaw our meat for our weeknight dinners.

The first step is admitting you have a problem. And I do. I need to 5-Second Rule myself to get my act together when it comes to meals and meal prep. If I can do it flawlessly during Whole30, I can do it any other time. I can’t for the life of me figure out why healthy choices are so difficult to make sometimes. And why making good choices during a Whole30 seems easier than any other time. Anyone have any insights into that?

It’s amazing how easily excuses creep. How I can talk myself out of cooking dinner and going out to eat. How I can’t say no to a donut or cookie even thought I’m not hungry at all. How reintroducing sugars, even in the natural forms, can make daydream of sweets during my afternoon coffee breaks at work.

The mental attachments to certain foods are long-lasting. It gives us a glimpse of just how powerful the mind really is when it comes to attachments and habits. I remind myself that I must exercise making healthy choices like I exercise my body. The mind is merely a muscle that can be trained to be stronger. And while I practice I keep telling myself…I think I can. I think I can. I know I will. I know I will.

What do you do to help you make healthy choices? Any tips or tricks?

Join the Movement

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When I joined Beautycounter, I didn’t realize how much it would change my life.

I’m so inspired. Inspired by women empowering other women. Our team works hard. And we work even harder to cheer each other on. I had no idea I would be joining such a strong, motivated group of women. And in the short time I’ve been around them, I’ve noticed changes for the better in myself.

Not only does my skin look the best it ever has in my 29.75 years, my team has inspired me to share my journey with Beautycounter, healthy eating and exercise. I practice a morning routine that has changed my outlook on everyday. And my workouts have been more consistent.

When you surround yourself with people who strive to be the best versions of themselves, you get the itch to do it, too.

And here’s the best part…

The team wants to see me succeed and be the best version of myself because they truly care about my business, my health and my wellness.

And I want you to experience it. Joining my team would bring me so much joy because I could share this amazing business and team with you.

The products work. I’m living proof. But the real reason to join is to be part of the social mission to get safer products to everyone. And to surround yourself with likeminded people.

Now is the time to join my team. Be a part of this movement. This amazing culture of women.

Get products at a discount. Earn some extra income. Share the products and business with your friends and family. Be a light for demanding better beauty and personal care products. Become part of an amazing tribe of women who build each other up.

Send me a message if you want more information.

Or go ahead and join something amazing.

Eating Healthy is Hard

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I’ve been struggling the last couple of days. I’ve fallen prey to donuts and cookies and cheese and trail mix. My body is not happy.

I went live on the Adventures to Wellness Facebook page talking all about it. And my very sad and empty pantry. If you haven’t followed over there, you definitely should.

But this morning I listened to a podcast, and I have a new attitude about staying on track.

Jen Hatmaker’s “For the Love” podcast featuring Danielle Walker from Against All Grain is on point. Danielle shares her thoughts on Paleo and Whole30 and how falling off the wagon keeps you humble.

Sometimes I get angry that healthy foods are so expensive. And that Food conglomerates own the good industry. And that people are sick from poor nutrition.

But all I can do it buy my foods from local farmers. Continue to live a Paleo lifestyle. Don’t settle for foods that are subpar regarding nutrition. And work toward my Food Freedom.

I am healthy and balanced.

I repeat that affirmation every morning during my Miracle Morning routine. Because I need to hear it. I need it reaffirmed every single day.

Because I value my health. And food is a key component in that.

What has inspired you to recommit to a goal you set?

Monday Motivation

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It’s Monday again.

I’m always thankful for a new week because it means forward movement. But dang. Can’t it just hold off a few more days.

We had a very busy weekend. Lots of activities and birthday parties. Very little time was spent at home. So the “chores” didn’t even get touched.

If you are like me and need a little Monday morning pick-me-up, start your day or commute with a couple of podcasts.

Here are a couple I’ve enjoyed lately.

I love the Women Inspiring Women podcast. I’ve been listening to it for a while now. But this episode on embracing resistance is so good. If you own your own business, it’s relevant. If you work for a company, it’s relevant. Definitely a must listen.

The Hal Elrod podcast stems from my new obsession with the Miracle Morning. I’ve been bouncing around his podcast for about a week or so now. So I should have some good recommendations soon.

If you need a good kick in the butt, Mel Robbins’ The 5 Second Rule is it. Take this line for example. So much truth. Just finished her book over the weekend. Highly recommend it. If you don’t want to read, watch her TEDTalk on YouTube.

What are some of your Monday motivations?

My Miracle Morning

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Over the last couple of months, I’ve seen people talking about this thing called the Miracle Morning.

I was drawn in to social media posts and blogs posts about this crazy awesome morning routine and all its benefits.

I consider myself a morning person. I’m more productive in the morning hours. And I like to go to bed well before midnight.

So this Miracle Morning peaked my interest mostly because I wanted to work out before I went to work. But that meant I would have to drag myself out of bed around 4:30 a.m. to be on time.

Insert the Miracle Morning.

In one weekend, I consumed all of the pages of this short book. I loved the concept of the Life S.A.V.E.R.S. and I knew I had to try it.

SAVERS is the acronym for the six steps of the Miracle Morning.

Silence.

Affirmations.

Visualization.

Exercise.

Reading.

Scribbling.

You do each activity for a set amount of time, and it sets the tone for your whole day.

So I tried it.

Silence – deep breathing for 5 minutes

Affirmations – I wrote down all of my current goals and dreams, and I read them for 5 minutes.

Visualization – I visualize those goals and dreams coming true for 5 minutes.

Exercise – I work out using Daily Burn’s Barre Harmony, Power Cardio or Cardio Sculpt for 20-30 minutes.

Reading – I read self development books for 10-20 minutes.

These are some of my current choices. I’m finishing up Mel Robbins’ The Five Second Rule now. Up next is Simon Sinek’s Start with Why.

Scribbling – I write in my Five Minute Journal for a couple of minutes.

And I’ll tell you, I love it. It’s so refreshing to be up and get so much accomplished before most people even think about getting out of bed.

I’ve gotten my workouts in. I’m consuming more knowledge. I feel more balanced and centered.

Tell me about your morning routine.