Natural Skin Detox Recipes

Hi Friends

It’s detox week, and today we are focusing on Natural Skin detoxes. You might even have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, I did.

Why detox

• Regular detoxing remove toxins from your body
• Prevent chronic diseases
• Detoxing rids the body of toxins stored in fat cells, which can also increase your metabolism
• Detoxing can slow down the aging process
• Improve skin quality
• Restores balance to your bodies system
• Enhances mental and emotional clarity
• Typically increases energy levels and promotes a feeling of well being

Glowing Skin Detox Juice

2 small sweet apples

1/2 large cucumber

1/2 small lime (without skin)

2 handfuls of kale

2 Orange of parsley

add it all to your juicer and enjoy

I don’t have a juicer so I made this into a smoothie by adding 1/2 cup of water. It wasn’t the tastiest juice I’ve ever had, but sometimes that’s what the doctor orders

Blueberry Mask

1/2 avocado

1 banana

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup blueberries

Blend all ingredients and apply to a clean face

Let mask sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water

This mask really hydrates skin and makes you look more youthful. I didn’t have 20 minutes to let this mask really penetrate my skin. I let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off, and my skin was noticeably softer and more supple.

The Miracle Mask 

 2 tbs honey

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Mix all ingredients together, it will be a thick paste consistency

Apply mask to face and let sit for 30 minutes

Wash off with warm water, scrubbing softly in a circular motion for exfoliation 

This mask is super thick, rich, and I had a hard not time licking it off my face. 

Oatmeal Honey Mask

3 tbs steel cut oats

1 tsp honey

2 tsp water

Chop or smash oatmeal into a dust 

Add honey and water

Stir until it looks like a paste

Slather on face and let sit for 15 minutes

Rinse off with warm water

This mask cleans your pores, soothe skins, tastes delicious, and only takes a few minutes to whip together. Its perfect for a quick, before “date night” mask. Your skin will glow when your done. 

Orange Face Mask

Juice from 1 orange

3 tbs Greek yogurt

2 tbs honey

2 tsp dried orange peel 

I couldn’t find dried orange peel 

so I cut up a little of the rind and it did the trick

Combine all ingredients 

Stir well until fully mixed, it will be thick

Spread on freshly washed face

Leave for 15-30 minutes

Rinse mask with warm water

Store left over mask in fridge for up to 1 week

This mask moisturizes and gives your face a serious glow. It’s a great mask to get rid harsh winter damage. Plus the freshly squeezed Orange Juice is full of zine and antioxidants

I had a ball making these masks and trying them all out. I hope you guys enjoy them as much as I did. More natural detox recipes tomorrow. 

Blessing Friends

Mary

References

www.foodpluswords.com

www.stylishchatterbox.com

www.collegefashion.net

www.kriscarr.com

www.bubzbeauty.com

5 Natural Every Day Ways to Detox Your Body

After my crazy whirlwind of a trip to Maryland and Chicago I deem this week:

Detox Week!!!
Stay tuned for some detox recipes and procedures 
You will not be dissaponted 

Natural Everyday Detox Ideas

These detox procedures should be integrated into your every day life style to give you the best/lasting results

1. Replace your morning coffee with green tea

• Caffeine is ok in moderation 
• Green tea has important antioxidants that your body needs
• Replace a cup of green tea for a cup of coffee will still give you a caffeine  boost and provide you with some health benefits

2. Eat More fiber in its most natural form

• Fiber contributes to weight loss
• Fiber is also an essential way of cleansing the body when its in its most natural form
• When you introduce a proper serving of natural fiber into your diet it aids in a healthy digestive track, this means toxins, excessive waste, and anything else that is built up in your digestive tract
• Foods High in Natural Fiber
• Raspberries
• Pears
• Apples
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Dried figs
• Raisins
• Whole Wheat spaghetti
• Cooked barley
• Bran Flakes
• Oat Bran Muffins
• Oatmeal, cooked
• Popcorn, air popped
• Brown Rice
• Almonds
• Beans
• Baked Potatoes

3. Avoid Obvious Environmental Toxins

• Avoid environmental toxins like smog, diminished air quality, second hand smoke, and any type of chemical fumes
• Stay away from any environmental fumes or substances that can work against your ability to naturally cleanse yourself

4. Use Probiotic’s to get rid of Bad Bacteria and Welcome Good Bacteria

• Probiotic’s are a powerful substance that naturally help eliminate bad bacteria in the body
• Probiotic’s are naturally found in yogurt
• The use of probiotic’s helps digestive system and is a cleansing agent

5. Incorporate Super Foods with each Meal

• Super foods contain important nutrients and antioxidants that our bodies  need to fight off infections.
• By consuming antioxidants and nutrients the body helps fight off harmful toxins and substances that can effect your immune system and improve your overall health  
• Some Super foods are 
• Salmon
• Tuna 
• Avocado 
• Walnuts 
• Almonds 
• Olive oil 
• Flaxseeds 
• Blueberries 
• Raspberries 
• Spinach 
• Kale 
• Eggplant 
• Tomatoes 
• Carrots 
• Sweet potatoes 
• Apples 
• Oranges 
• Butternut squash

That’s all today folks
Blessings

Mary 

References

www.benby.com

Challenge Monday

Fitness Challenge

I challenge you to complete my 
No Squat Lower Body Workout 
5 times this week

Challenge Synopsis

• Complete the fitness challenge featured below **at your own risk
• Always focus on form rather than speed
• Complete each exercise at a slow and stead pace. DO NOT RUSH
• Rest when you need it, and always go before your ready

Why Why Why

• After hurting my knees I’ve been looking for alternative lower body exercises that give me the same results of squats and lunges
• Because I love having a nice toned legs and a cute shapely booty
• Short shorts are in season, it’s a perfect excuse to complete this workout

Materials

• Endurance
• Strength
• A never give up attitude
• Exercise Mat
• No weights needed this week

Directions

• Complete this exercise at your own risk
• Make sure to stretch before and after this exercise routine
• Complete a 5 or 10 minute warm up
• This routine will take you 25-30 minutes

Kneeling Leg Raises

7 reps with 7 pulses – 7 reps with 7 pulses = 14 each side

Targets butt and thighs 

Start on all 4s and lift your right leg straight up from the hip

Make sure to keep your heel in line with your knee and lift

Lower leg 7 times holding leg in the air and bend knee at a 90 degree angle

Pulse squeezing (butt) glues for 7 reps

Lower leg to original position and repeat on other side

Do not rest until you complete 14 reps on each side

2 Flutter Kicks & 2 Scissor Kicks

14 total

Flutter Kicks

Targets core strength and endurance

Start laying on back with legs together and extended straight out

Place arms out to your sides, contract abs during this exercise

Lift your legs off of the ground about 6 inches

Lifting your head and shoulders slightly off the ground will help target your upper abs

Raise one leg up a few inches, while leg is on the way down raise the other leg

Scissor Kicks

Just like flutter kicks only a side to side motion

High Side Kicks

14 reps each side

Targets inner thighs, glutes, quads, and outer hips

With feet hip width apart and hands in “boxing” position 

Slowly extend right leg to the side at hip height 

Be sure to keep inner thigh parallel to the floor

Hold for 1 count then take 3 counts to lower to floor

Complete reps and then switch sides

Glute Circles 

7 reps in each direction, 14 reps on each side

Targets Glutes (butt)

Start on all 4s hands underneath shoulders, knees under your hips, back straight

Lift one leg up and back, drawing circles with it

Switch legs once reps are completed

Round the World Jacks

10 reps

Targets full body

Stand straight up

Slowly lift left leg and right arm at the same time, fully extending each

Slowly put arm and leg back down

Slowly lift right leg and left arm at the same time, fully extending each

Bridge Kicks 

14 reps each side

Targets Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

Lie on back with both knees bent, feet flat on the floor and arms at sides, palms facing down

Press left heel into floor, press hips up off the floor as you extend your right leg out beside you left knees pressing through your heel

Lower your hips and bend your right knee back in, only tapping the floor with your tailbone

Do not lower all the way back down

That’s one rep

Swing Bridges

14 reps 

Start with your back on the floor, feet on the ground, hands at sides, knees point up

Lift your hips up like you are completing an bridge

With hips lifted, swing them to the left then to the right, creating a 1/2 ball motion

Keep hips lifted in bridge position and complete desired reps

Compete this routine 2xs 

Resting for 60-90 seconds  between sets 

Nutrition Challenge

This week I challenge you to shop at your local Farmers Market

Challenge Synopsis

Find your local farmers market and purchase all of your produce for the next week there

Why Why Why

• Farmers Market features “peak of season” produce
• They also carry rare produce that you usually don’t see in grocery stores
• Get access to fresh, locally grown foods
• Support local businesses
• Foods at local Farmers Markets are transports a shorter distance and are usually grown using methods that minimizes the impact on the earth

Material

• A little cash
• Knowledge of where your local Farmers Markets are held
• Some imagination

Directions

• Find your local Farmers Market
• Buy all produce and other fun foods that tickle your fancy
• Go home, cook and enjoy 

My Take 

I am taking on this challenge with all of you this week. I always plan on going to the farmers market but I never actually make it there. This week I’m going to support my local growers.

Self Improvement Challenge

I challenge you to write letters or cards to your love ones and sneak them into their lunch pals, book bags, brief cases, cars, wallets, purses, etc

Challenge Synopsis

Write a letter or cute card to your family (your family can also be your friends) and tuck it somewhere they will surprisingly  find it. It will put a smile on their face and remind them that they are truly loved

Why Why Why

• It is easy to get caught up in life and forget how special or how much you love someone
• It never hurts to remind your love ones how much they mean to you
• Everyone loves a surprise especially surprising love notes
• Enjoy making your love ones day

Materials

• Paper
• Your favorite writing utensils
• Some lovely stationary or a nice card

Directions

• Make a list of special people in your life: your wife, husband, boyfriends, girlfriend, son, daughter, mother, father, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, best friend, good friend, or co-worker
• Purchase some nice stationary or a thoughtful card
• Jot down a few lines about how much that person means to you
• Hide it somewhere they will find it when you are not around

My take

I am currently in Chicago with my boyfriend. We both have some business to attend to out here, but his is a lot more time consuming then mine. I haven’t been able to spend much time with him during this trip. Instead of demanding more attention, pouting, or getting mad and depressed, I decided to purchase a few cards and slip them into his brief case. He hasn’t found them yet  but I know he will. I have left cards like this for him before, and he’s saved everything I’ve ever given him. I hope you enjoy this challenge as much as I do. 

That’s all today folks
Blessings
Mary 

How to Finger Loom

Happy Friday!!!

I’m not a parent, I don’t have any kids, so I’m not around anyone under the age of 21 on a regular basis. I said all that to explain I’m a little out of the loop when it comes to the latest fads, toys, and trends. 

I was in Maryland visiting my Father for Easter and my little cousin came over for a visit. She’s such a little cutie, I always enjoy spending time with her, watching her grow up into a beautiful young lady. Surprisingly she wasn’t consumed by an iphone, computer, or the TV, she asked me if I knew how to loom. 

When I replied “No”, I saw a little sparkle in those big beautiful brown eyes of hers. 

“Do you want to learn??” she asked eagerly. Before I could answer she grabbed her Grandmothers car keys and headed for the door, returning with a sandwich bag full of small colorful rubber bands and a huge smile on her face. 

That’s where my love affair with looming was born. I’ve heard of looming, I actually looked into looming a scarf a few weeks ago. The day after she taught me I purchased over 500 of my own colorful rubber bands and I’ve created and given away a few of my creations. 

Today I’m teaching you how to finger loom. All you need are colorful rubber bands and plastic jewelry closures. If you go to your local craft store you will probably see a looming section towards the front of the store. 

I did a little research and learned that looming was voted 2014s “Toy of the Year.” It’s the latest craz on the playground and  with kids ranging from age 8 to 13. 

Enjoy the tutorial 

How to Fishtail Finger Loom 

Get all of your supplies

small colorful bands

plastic jewelry enclosures

your 2 favorite fingers

Take your first band and make a figure 8 around 2 of your fingers

Add 2 more bands on top, these are not figure 8s

Pull the band on the bottom up and over both sides of your fingers

Put another band on your 2 fingers

Now do the same thing as in step 4 and take the bottom one and pull it over your fingers on both sides

Then put another band on and keep pulling the bottom on up and over your fingers

Every few bands added you should pull the first band

Keep doing the same thing over and over until the bracelet reaches your desired length get your clip

Instead of adding a band pull the bottom bands on top of the top bands

Add the clip to one end

Then the other end

Done!

You just created a fishtail finger loom bracelet

Give them away as friendship bracelets or keep them for yourself and wear them as cute accessories. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Blessings,

Mary 

Quick & Easy Leftover Easter Egg Recipes

Hi Friends,

I’m in Chicago for the next week on a business trip. This is my first time here and I’m enjoying everything except the weather. Last night it was 39 degrees, today it was 45 degrees, I’m super confused, I thought it was spring. Oh well, I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

Just because I’m away doesn’t mean I won’t fulfill your recipe fix. With Easter only 3 days behind us, I have a feeling a lot of you have more than a few left over Easter Eggs laying around the house. There are only so many recipes I know that require hard boiled eggs, including egg salad, deviled eggs, and Dutch Eggs.

Today I’m featuring some quick, easy, and healthy recipes to used up those colorful leftover Easter Eggs. I can’t wait to try them out when I get home.

Enjoy

*Hard boiled eggs last about 1 week if kept in refrigerator 

*If peeled and stored they only stay fresh for a few days 

facts found @ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

English Muffin Egg Pizzas

photo by Antonis Achilleos

4 English muffins

olive oil

tomato slices

2 hard boiled eggs, sliced

grated mozzarella

oregano

sea salt

• Use Easter those leftover Easter Eggs
• Toast 8 English Muffin halves and place in a cookie sheet
• Drizzle each with olive oil
• Layer on tomato slices and hard boiled egg slices (1/2 an egg each) and a little grated mozzarella
• Sprinkle with oregano and sea salt
• Broil until cheese melts

recipe by Melissa Clark, April 2004

Cobb Salad with Garlic Vinaigrette

photo by Elizabeth Zeschin

3 hard boiled eggs

8 slices of fake bacon or turkey bacon

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

sea salt and black pepper

2 bunches of watercress

1 pound cooked large shrimp or sliced grilled chicken

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

2 avocados, cut into chunks

• Use those old Easter eggs and quarter, lengthwise
• Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp 6-8 minutes
• Transfer bacon to paper towel, lined plate, let cool then break into pieces
• In small bowl mix together oil, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp pepper
• Arrange watercress, shrimp, tomatoes, avocados, eggs, and bacon in large serving bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette

recipe by Kay Chun, August 2003

Nicoise Salad Lettuce Cups

picture by Antonis Achilleos

2 cans white tuna drained 

12 cup shaped romaine lettuce leaves

2 leftover hard boiled Easter Eggs coarsely chopped

3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup bottled Caesar dressing

freshly ground black pepper

• Crumble white tuna and divide between the romaine lettuce leaves
• Top with coarsely chopped hard boiled eggs, and add a few tbps grated parmesan cheese
• Drizzle with caesar dressing
• Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper

recipe by Melissa Clark, April 2004

Stuffed Chipotle Meatballs

photo by Dan Goldberg, styling by Karen Shinto

1 pound ground beef

1 egg

1 tbs uncooked long grain white rice

1-1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup finely diced onions

3 leftover hard boiled Easter Eggs cut into quarters 

1 bay leaf

1-1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup canned plain tomato sauce

2 canned chipotle chiles in adobe sauce

1 garlic clove minced

3 tbps chopped fresh cilantro

• In medium bowl combine beef, egg, rice, salt, and onion (mixture will be soft)
• Form meat into 12 thin patties, each about 3 inches wide
• Put a wedge of hard boiled egg in center of each patty then press meat around eggs, forming 12 balls
• Cover and refrigerate while you prepare sauce
• In a blender or food processor, combine chicken broth, tomato sauce, chipotles, and garlic; blend until smooth
• Pour sauce through strainer into a medium sauce pan and add meatballs and bay leaf
• Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer
• Cover pot and cook meatballs in cause turning occasionally until cooked through (about 25 minutes)
• Pour over rice or whole grain orzo to absorb the yummy spicy sauce

recipe by Laura Granados

That’s all today folks
Blessings,
Mary 

Bad Knees at 30

Hi Friends!

I’ve been feeling a little sore lately. Last week I had a really bad fall and injured my knees. That fall has changed the way I workout for the rest of my life.

 It was the worst fall I’ve ever had. I was hanging out at a bar named Buena Vista, it’s famous for having the best Irish Coffees in San Francisco. My boyfriend and I were having a drink at the bar and I hooked my 2 inch heels into the bar stool. While playing with my boyfriend I leaned forward and my stool starting to slide back, before I could react my neck hit the counter part of the bar and I landed hard on all 4s on the ground. Of course I jumped up, slightly embarrassed but more tickled that I had fell so hard. As the days went on I discovered a bruise on my left knee. It’s been about 2 weeks now and both of my knees are tender to touch, and I get shooting pains in certain positions. 
Falling that hard really sucks.

 Now that I’m slightly injured my workouts have been torture. I decided to take a few days/weeks off to fully recover and not further injure myself. 

I felt like my recovery was taking too long so I got in touch with my doctor and asked him for some suggestions. 

I’ve never mentioned this before, but whenever I complete squats and lunges a tendon in my right knee gets sore and tight. It’s bearable enough to push through, but the next few days seem like it takes forever for me to recover. After explaining all of my aches, pains, and recent injuries to my doctor instructed  me to stop doing squats and lunges. He explained these exercises are effective but they also put the knee in a vulnerable position which is causing my discomfort. He also reminded me that I lost a significant amount of weight and my knees aren’t as sturdy as they used to be. 

• 

 I’m very very very hard headed, as much sense as the doctor made I still told myself that I would continue to add squats and lunges to my regular workout routine, but after some serious thought I realized I really don’t need to take the risk and further injury myself. I’m only 31, not even 1/2 way done with my life and I already have bad knees. 

If I ignore the doctors suggestions/diagnoses and continue to put further pressure on my knees there is a good chance that I will permanently damage my knees which I will regret it later. 

Bad knees will cut down on quests for adventures, dance moves, and my sex life. 

So I’m removing all squats and lunges in my workout routine. I always hated doing them, but they are efficient and effective. Now I’m looking for other ways to strengthen my knees and tone my lower body. 

I plan on doing some pool walking this week, and participating in my favorite, Bikram yoga. 

I thought I would only be down for a few days, but these days have now tuned into 2 weeks and I’m still getting shooting pains throughout my knees daily. 

I will keep all of you up to date with my knee status and the exercises I find to strengthen my knees. 

Please send me some good healing energy so I can get back to my normal routines.

That’s all today folks

Blessings

Mary 

Infused Water Recipes

Hi All!

Yesterday I challenged you to drink fruit infused water, but how can you drink fruit infused water without a few recipes to try out. Here comes Evolve With Mary to the rescue. 

I went the simple route, infusing my water with: 

Pineapple

-packed with vitamins and minerals 

-prevents coughs and colds

-strengthens bones and alleviates arthritis 

-improves digestion

-prevents free radical damage

Strawberry

-helps burn stored fats 

-boosts short term memory

-high in fiber, promotes bone health

-has anti-aging properties

-aids in weight loss

Grapefruit

-reduces cold symptoms

-contains lots of vitamin C

-prevents free radical damage

-lowers cholesterol

-prevents kidney stone

-protects against colon cancer

Kiwi

-helps your digestion

-aids in maintaining blood pressure

-helps clean out toxins

Kiwi Strawberry Mint Cooler 

3 Kiwis

8-10 Strawberries

1/4 cup mint

Puree kiwis and strawberries, add mint, 3 cups of ice and fill the rest of pitcher with water. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours 

The recipes below are from 

 www.loseweightbyeating.com

they look tasty, I’ll be trying them this week 
and beyond… 

Pineapple, Cucumber, Slimming water

Freeze 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, add 1 sliced cucumber to 3 cups of ice, fill pitcher with water and refrigerate for 1-3 hours before drinking 

-naturally boosts metabolism

-helps reduce bloat and swelling

Honeydew, Mojito Workout Water

Used fork or muddler to squish 1/4 cup mint leaves to releases its natural oils. Add 1 cup honeydew chunks, 1 thinly sliced cucumber, 3 cups of ice, fill pitcher with water and refrigerate for 1-3 hours before drinking

-helps burn fat during and after workout

-packed with vitamin C

-boots your metabolism

-helps you cool down after a workout

Mango Ginger water

Peel and slice 1-inch of ginger root, add 1 cup freshly frozen mango chunks, to 3 cups of ice, fill pitcher with water and refrigerate for 1-3 hours

-Has been said to help 1000s of people loose weight

-Ginger and mango both boost your metabolism

-Ginger is a natural pain reliever

-Mango aids in digestion, boosts your memory and increases your sex drive 

Fruit infused water is awesome, not only is it nutritious it’s also tasty and classy. Next time you have a party whip up a few of these recipes to impress your family members and friends. You will be the talk of the town. 

That’s all today friends

Blessings,

Mary 

Challenge Monday

It’s Challenge Mondays Folks! 

I really enjoy posting these challenges, I’ve received some really great feedback which is always rewarding. Keep moving forward friends, lets all evolve into the people we were born to be. 

Fitness Challenge

I challenge you to complete my weights & cardio fitness workout 5 days this week 

Challenge Synopsis

• Complete the fitness challenge featured below **at your own risk
• Always focus on form rather than speed
• Compete each exercise at a stead pace 
• Rest when you need it and always go before your ready

Why Why Why 

• Because it’s time to push yourself past your current limits
• This routine is fast but not easy, it will challenge you right away
• If you’re ready to get in shape, loose weight, push yourself, tone up, or just sweat this workout is perfect for you

Materials

• Endurance 
• Strength
• Never give up attitude
• 1 light dumbbell or a Light Kettle Bell

Directions

• Complete these exercises at your own risk
• Kettle Bell / Dumbbell swings are advance exercises. If you do not use weights on a regular bases substitute squat thrust for these exercises 
• This is a cardio endurance workout that targets your entire body: upper body, lower body, butt, and core 
• Make sure to begin each exercise routine with full body stretching 
• Stretching is very important to avoid injury

Jumping Jacks 

• Stand straight up with feet together and arms at your sides
• Slightly bend your knees and propel yourself a few inches into the air
• While in air, bring legs out the side about shoulder width apart
• As you move your legs outwards, raise arms up over your heads
• Your feet should be shoulder width or wider as your hands meet about your heads
• Quickly jump back to step and repeat

Squat Thrusts

• Stand straight up with feet shoulder width apart and arms at your sides
• Slightly bend your knees and jump your legs back landing in plank position
• Jump legs back under your knees and stand up
• That is one rep

Dumbbell Arm Swings

• Tightly grip each bell in each hand
• Flex and extend your hips and knees to power the momentum to allow free arm to hang freely
• Pull shoulders back at the apex of the swing
• Send weight back behind you, not down 
• Keep arms straight and relax on the down swing
• Connect writs to upper thighs
• Align head with the spine when dumbbell is swinging down

Kettle Bell Swings

• Tightly grip kettle bell with both hands
• Flex and fully extend your hips and keep the power the momentum
• Keep bottom of Kettle bell facing away from you at the apex of the swing
• Pull your shoulders back at the apex of the swing
• Send Kettle Bell back behind you *not down
• Keep arms straight and relax on the downswing
• Connect wrists to upper thigh
• Align head with your spine when kettle bell is swinging down down

Easy

5 Jumping Jacks 

5 Squat Thrusts

*rest for 30 seconds 

10 Jumping Jacks 

10 Squat Thrusts 

*rest for 30 seconds

20 Jumping Jacks 

20 Squat Thrusts 

DONE

Medium

10 Jumping Jacks 

10 Kettle Bell or Dumbbell Swings 

*rest for 30 seconds

20 Jumping Jacks 

20 Kettle Bell or Dumbbell Swings 

*rest for 30 seconds

30 Jumping Jacks

30 Kettle Bell or Dumbbell Swings

DONE

Hard 

10 Jumping Jacks 

10 Dumbbell or Kettle Bell Swings 

*rest for 30 seconds

20 Jumping Jacks 

20 Dumbbell or Kettle Bell Swings 

*rest for 30 seconds

30 Jumping Jacks 

30 Dumbbell or Kettle Bell Swings 

*rest for 30 seconds 

40 Jumping Jacks 

40 Dumbbell or Kettle Bell Swings 

*rest for 30 seconds

50 Jumping Jacks 

50 Dumbbell or Kettle Bell Swings 

DONE

*Great for hotel or out of town workouts 

My Take

This is one of my favorite workouts. I even slip a few rounds of Jumping Jacks and Kettle Bell swings into my Personal Training Sessions. My clients always scream bloody murder which makes my  little heart sing. When I don’t have much time, but I need to work off some binge eating or missing workout guilt, I complete the advance routine. By sets of 20 I’m about ready to give up. When I get to sets of 40 I have a fight with myself not to quit and by 50 it seems impossible until I finish the last rep. Workouts like this one are quick, fast, and dirty. They provide results and you will feel proud of yourself no matter what level: beginner, intermediate, advance.

Nutrition Challenge 

I challenge you to infuse your water with fruit this week

Challenge Synopsis

• Infuse your water with fruit to boost it’s nutritional value
• Increase your water intake for the rest of the week

Why Why Why

• Drinking water helps you loose weight
• By drinking water helps you burn calories
• Fruit infused water is naturally low in calories and contains non-artificial  ingredients so you can drink as much as you want
• Some infused water combinations contain metabolism boosting ingredients that naturally help accelerate weight loss

Materials 

• Fruit (try to use fruit that in season) 
• Water
• The will to drink and enjoy the benefits

Directions

• Infuse water with your favorite fruits
• Try to increase your water intake for the next 7 days
• Have a pitcher of fruit infused water in your fridge at all times
• Buy a travel water battle and put your infused water in it to enjoy on the go

My take

I’ve heard about fruit infused water for a while now, but I’ve never been intrigued enough to make any. I’m taking on this challenge with all of you. Let’s go for it!

Self-Help Challenge

I challenge you to reconnect with an old friend, colleague, professor, teacher, or relative that you have lost touch with 

Challenge Synopsis

• Reconnect with someone special/important that you have lost touch with 
• It should be a person that has had a positive effect on your life in some way

Why Why Why 

• The tightest bonds can fall apart for one reason or another
• Juggling the troubles of life makes it a challenge to keep in touch with friends
• Reconnecting is a great way to boost happiness and remember happy times from the past 
• Ancient philosophers state: a key to happiness is strong ties to other people we need intimate, long-term relationships; we need to belong, we need to give and receive support to feel human and wanted
• Studies show if you have 5 or more friends that you are able to discuss important matters you are more likely to describe yourself as “very happy” compared to those how don’t have those kind of connections

Materials

• Old phones
• Old phonebooks (remember those???)
• Social Media Accounts
• High School yearbooks
• An adventurous & brave attitude 

Direction

• Create a list of friends had a positive effect on your life, that you have lost touch with
• Use social media, old phone numbers, and other friends to try to locate your special friends
• Call, email, text, send a card or letter to your friend and rekindle the friendship
• Enjoy reconnecting and try not to loose touch again

My Take
I have lost touch with many people who have shaped me into the person that I am. This challenge is for me too, I’m ready to reconnect with people just to say hi, thank you, and I love you. I will make sure to keep all of your up to date with my reconnection quest. Please share any reconnection stories that you may have

That’s all today folks

Blessings

Mary 

References:

http://www.wiki.com

Body Sculpting with Kettle Bell for Women by Lorna Kleidman

Happy Easter

DIY Easter Themed Nails

Hi Friends

We made it, it’s Friday!!!

I’m not sharing any crazy headlines, today is all about 

Do-It-Yourself Nails.

I’m not the greatest nail designer but it’s fun to try different things. 

Have fun.

Colorful Flower Dots

All of my Lil Chicks

Honey Bunny

*Please post any pictures of DIY nail art

I would love to see it

That’s all today folks

Enjoy Easter!

Blessings

Mary