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Happy Friday Ya’ll

I’m taking a day to enjoy the sun

XOXO,

MARY

Challenge Monday

Fitness Challenge

I challenge you to complete my everyday interval routine everyday this week

Why Why Why

• Because it works!!
• This routine gets your heart pumping while working up a serious sweat in only 20 minutes
• Short, super intense bursts of cardio with periods of rest can enhance your speed and ability
• Intense intervals boosts aerobic power and train your body to recruit more muscle

Material

• Timer

Directions

60 seconds of each exercise 3x

*if needed march in place for 15 seconds between each exercise

Jumping Jacks

Speed Skaters

Side Jumps

Burpees

Pendulum

High Knees

My Take

I used to do this interval routine everyday but good habits die hard. I’m in the process of getting my summer body back and this routine, 7 days a week, on top of my regular workout should do the trick.

Nutrition Challenge

 

I challenge you to incorporate seeds into your diet everyday this week

Why Why Why

• Here are some benefits of incorporating more seeds into your diet on a daily bases
• Lower blood sugar
• Lower Cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Improves brain health
• Improves immune health
• Promotes bone health
• Reduces menstrual cramps
• Enhances brain mental healthy
• Improve endurance
• Lose weight
• Promotes healthy hair and nails
• Improves sleep
• Reduces fatigue and stress

Materials

• Seeds seeds and more seeds
• Start with:
• Sesame seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Hemp seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Wheat germ

Directions

Eat your favorite seeds everyday this week

*avoid salted seeds, roasted or raw is always best

My Take

I enjoyed the nut challenge and since I’m starting school next week I wanted something I can snack on. Seeds are awesome, convenient, tasty and fulling. I’m sure it will help with my weight loss.

Self Improvement Challenge

I challenge you to spend the next week creating a space that’s just for you

Why Why Why

• Creating a space of your own where you can sleep, eat, put on make up, read, surf the web or just sit in silence is like winning the lottery
• Allowing yourself to be selfish and fulfill your own desires will increase self-esteem, self-worth, and make you a happier person

Materials

• Depends on what kind of space you are creating

Directions

• Take the time to think about what kind of space you want to create and what kind of space you’re working with
• Example: lets say you want a reading space but you live in a studio. Find big pillows and a special lamp that you can break down easily
• Find room inspiration on Pinterest

My  Take

My boyfriend went home for Easter and I was left alone to do nothing but relax. Surprisingly I didn’t the opposite of that, I creating my very own space, I finally put together a vanity. I’ve never wore make-up so this vanity is a large jewelry holder with is exactly what I needed, a place where I can sit down, stare out at the bay and bejewel myself. I went DIY crazy making jewelry holders and even made a chair! I love this new space, I spent hours sitting at my new vanity and smiling ear to ear. I hope this weeks challenge inspires all of you to create a unique space where you can spread out and be yourself.

XOXO

Mary

Not your Mom’s Easter Eggs

Hi Friends,

I’m getting of to a late start this morning but sometimes that happens. All is well in my hood, I’m pretty excited to share these creative egg decorating tutorials with all of you, I really don’t have much else to say so lets jump in.

Egg Face

 

What you need:

• Pictures
• Tissue paper
• Printer paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Clear drying glue
• Paint brush

• Pick out your picture
• This was pretty easy for me, I wanted a fun head shot of myself making my signature silly faces
• Cut tissue paper into 4s
• Try cutting along the creases to make printing easier
• Table tissue paper to center of printer paper, make it as tight as possible
• Feed tissue paper-printer paper into printer and print picture
• Do a few test runs to so what size you need to shrink your photo, I scaled mine down to 20% in my printer options and that worked for me.
• Everything depends on the size of your eggs, sadly I had smaller eggs so I didn’t have much space to work with
• Print
• This was the hardest part for me, my black ink bled on most of my pictures but a few came out great
• Pour your glue into a paper cup or bowl
• Carefully remove tissue from printer paper, CAREFULLY!!!
• Remove any extra layers of tissue if needed
• You should have a very thin picture
• Cut tissue picture close to picture but not too close
• Using your paint brush, brush a thin layer of glue on egg
• Carefully place you picture
• Seal edges of picture with glue and paint-brush
• Allow to set for 10-15 minutes

Step 11

Enjoy!!!

Silk Tie Dyed Eggs

What you need:

Silk ties – make sure that they are 100% silk

White fabric – pillow case, old t-shirt etc

vinegar

twist ties or rubber bands

The eggs will not be perfect and it looks pretty cool

• I purchased a few silk ties from the thrift store, they were only $1.50 and some of the ugliest ties I’ve ever seen!
• Flip ties over and cut down center to open them up
• Remove/cut out the lining of tie
• Place 1-1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vinegar in deep pot and bring it to a boil
• Place raw egg on the wide part of your tie, you don’t need the entire tie so you can cut it just make sure to leave enough to fully wrap the egg
• Lay egg on the color side so colors will easily transfer to egg
• Wrap egg tight and secure it with rubber band or twist ties
• *Make sure tie fabric comes in contact with entire egg
• Now wrap them in white fabric and secure again with rubber band or twist ties
• Carefully place eggs in boiling water and boil for 10 minutes
• Once done boiling allow eggs to cool,
• Then unwrap and see what’s inside!

That’s all today folks!

XOXO

MARY

Cheap & Easy Easter Crafts

Hi Friends,

I want to piggy back on yesterday’s post. I mentioned Nattie, a WWE Diva posted a picture of us on her Instagram and twitter account. I was pretty excited about yesterday’s event and didn’t think anything could bring me off of cloud 9. Then I started reading some of the comments on the picture, there were over 200 comments and 8,000 likes, when I last checked.

The comments on the pictures were super toxic. People said that I look like a WWE wrestler, Booker T Washington, ugly, and a man. I’ve read many articles about bullying on social media and witnessed my fair share of Social media fights. I always swore I would never engage in anything as low and classless as that but I can understand how some people get pulled into it. I was so excited to get some exposure but I wasn’t ready for such mean-spirited comments. My feelings were hurt for 2.5 seconds, then I remembered I don’t really care what others think about me, yet it was hurtful to read such awful comments. I can’t believe people would be so cruel and mean-spirited but it is what it is. I can’t please everyone and I don’t want to. I wanted to get all of that off of my chest and move on to the next subject.

Enough with the deep stuff, now to the fun stuff.

Easter is right around the corner so its time to jump into a few DIY Easter crafts.

I’m posting some quick and creative ways to decorate eggs next week. I went back and forth on posting these tutorials this week but decided not to. All tutorials are quick and easy so you can squeeze them in as a weekday craft with the kiddies or some friends.

This is my first video demo. What do you think??? I love it, it was easy to make and captures my personality.

Yarn Carrots

Difficulty level: 2 out of 10, kid friendly

Cost: $5

Time: 30 minutes to make 3 carrots

Materials

Colorful yarn – purchased 3 spools at Michael’s – $0.99 each

Fake Grass or flowers – purchased at Michael’s for $1.99

Brown paper bag

Clear Tape

Scissors

Directions

Start with fake grass or flower, bend end making it your desired length

Rip paper bag into big and small pieces

Wrap smaller pieces around top of grass/flower, then wrap larger pieces around until you have a somewhat cone shape

Wrap tape around paper to secure newspaper

Use hands to get desired shape

don’t worry it will be a little weird-looking but that’s ok

Starting towards the tip of your carrot, wrap yarn around and around and around until you cover all paper

It will take a while but be patient

Once happy with your shape cut yarn and tuck to secure

Enjoy as table decorations or use to decorate a wreath

Bunny Garland

 

Difficulty level: 2 out of 10, kid friendly

Cost: $8

Time: 30 minutes to make 3 carrots

Materials

Spring themed paper – I used scrapbooking paper on sale at Michael’s 120 sheets for $5.99

Scissors

Hole punch – Purchased at dollar store – $0.99

Bunny cut out – download here

Cotton balls – Purchased at Michael’s $1.49

Twine – Purchased at dollar store – $0.99

Fine tipped pen or pencil

Glue –  Purchased at dollar store – $0.99

Print bunny cut-out

I used a heavier stock paper to make it easier to trace

 

Cut out bunny carefully

Use this cutout as a guide and make 12-15 bunnies

I cut 2 bunnies at a time to make it go faster

 

Glue bunny tails to the tail part of your bunny

Allow at least 10 minutes to fully dry

Punch hole in your bunny

Using your twine string up your bunnies

Hang them anywhere

I needed to craft to get rid of all that negative energy

Have a wonderful weekend!

Peace & Love

Mary

Travel Day!

What can I say… It’s a travel day I love travel  days. There’s nothing better, to me, then getting up early, heading to the airport, checking bags, going through security, and boarding your flight. I love all of it. I don’t even mind the long flights since I know when I deplane I’ll be in a different place. I’m not jumping up and down for joy but I really don’t mind sitting on a plane for hours at a time. Writing that seemed weird but its true. I tend to get some of my best work done while on a plane heading to my next destination. I’m lucky enough to travel 6-8 months out of the year, stay in beautiful hotels and explore different cities, check out different fitness communities and eat like a fat girl ( which I totally am). #ilovetotravel #NOLA

These are my traveling shoes, 3 inch Aldo heels, they don’t hurt, they are not as comfortable as some of my shorter heels but like I told all of you earlier this week, I’m changing up my style.

 

Yesterday I got my nails done, what do you think? I love them, even the boyfriend noticed, he said he loves when I get funky designs on my nails. Oh man he’s a keeper!

 

This is the 3rd wedding I’ll be attending with the boyfriend, luckily we only have one more at the end of the year. Weddings are touching, special and a blast, the last few weddings have been black tie which means I get to rent a beautiful gown from rent the runway. I rented 2 because this girl needs options, both are royal blue, one has 2 splits that expose your legs and looks like the perfect mix of sexy and sophisticated, the other dress is lacy simple. I’m hoping the dress with the splits looks the best, the boyfriend will pick, cross your fingers he loves the splits.

As soon as we touch down we are checking into our hotel, the Saint, centrally located on Canal in the French Quarter, 2 blocks from Bourbon street. I’ve been to NOLA 5 or 6 times and have always wanted to stay at the Saint, it’s a modern styled hotel, with funky accents.  After a quick shower we are heading to dinner with the happy couple. I’m always honored when married folks make time for us during their wedding weekend. With all of the family obligation, last-minute details and overwhelming stress most people don’t have the time or energy to socialize. Luckily we are huge fans bride and groom and they seem to like us back.

My layover was LAX

I think my new style is working, everyone was staring at me trying to figure out if I was famous, at least that’s why I hope they were staring. lol #lax #lookatme

Delta gave out free clean snacks!!! Did I say FREE??? It was tasty

I think someone told them about this weeks Nutrition Challenge

Just me acting silly, like usual

I’ll be sharing NOLA pics soon.

Peace & Love,

Mary

Finding my new style & some facts about eye contact

Hey there,

My throat is getting better, it’s still sore and I’m still coughing but at least I’m not getting any worst. I decided to switch up my style and I think I love it. I usually keep it super basic skinny jeans and a black/white tight shirt. Since I’m pretty shapely I never felt the need to actually put together an outfit. But my plain t-shirts are getting old and plus I’m tired of serving the goodies. Everything I wear is tight tight tight, I couldn’t wear tight clothes when I was bigger so I’ve been taking full advantage of my new physique. It’s been over 7 years since I’ve lost the weight and it’s time for me to settle into the real Mary. Who is the real Mary?? I’m still trying to figure that out. I like many styles, I’m going to try a few and see what fits.

This weeks Self-Improvement Challenge was to make and keep eye contact with everyone you encounter this week, but why?? Why would i make you do such a thing??? Here are some facts about eye contact

All about eyes

Our eyes are designed to connect with others

Our eyes reveal our thoughts and feeling

Eye contact shows attention

Eye contact creates an intimate bond

Why is it so hard to make eye contact

People avoid eyes when they are:

Hiding deceit

Masking emotions

Insecurity

Fear or rejection

Ways to improve the quality of your eye contact

The more eye contact you make the more you put yourself out there

The more you live a life of integrity the easier it will be to look everyone you meet in the eye, and do it with confidence

Just plain facts

People with kind eyes are usually kind people

People with a twinkle in their eyes usually possessed  vitality

People with dead eyes  tend to be dead on the inside

–source

Do you make and keep eye contact with people when you talk to them?

Do you love fashion?

How would you describe your style?

Peace & Love,

Mary

 

Nuts about Nuts

Hi friends,

I’m not feeling so well today, not sure what happened but I’ve been coughing up yucky stuff for the past 2 days. The rest of me feels fine, actually great, but all the coughing has really took a toll on my throat, it’s super sore. I’ve been snacking on my homemade cough drops and generously smearing my herbal vapor rub all over my chest. We take off for New Orleans on Wednesday, I’m praying I’m back to my normal spunky self by then.

This weeks nutrition challenge was to eat at least one serving of nuts everyday this week. Of course I have to share some nut facts with you guys because that’s what I love to do.

Enjoy

Almonds

• Lower LDL-Cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease
• Protection against diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• High in antioxidant
• Improves blood fats
• Provide heart healthy benefits
• Can help you loss weight
• Lowers the risk of weight gain –people who eat nuts at least twice a week are less likely to gain weight than those who rarely eat nuts
• Good source of manganese, copper, vitamin b2
• Helps prevent gallstones

Cashews

• Keeps your heart healthy
• Keeps blood pressure under control
• Reduced risk of cancer
• Good source of protein
• Good for teeth and gums
• Long-lasting energy
• Improves Vitality
• Improves Blood
• Heart friendly
• Protect Eyes
• Promotes weight loss
• Loaded with magnesium
• Rich in copper for hair and skin health
• Contains heart healthy monounsaturated fats

Peanuts

• Rich in natural energy
• Lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in body
• Contains monounsaturated fatty acids that can prevent coronary disease
• Rich in protein
• Fights stomach cancer
• Fights against heart disease, nerve disease, alzheimer’s and infections
• Reduces chances of strokes
• Contains antioxidants
• Protects skin from free radicals
• Rich in vitamins and minerals
• 1 ounce of peanuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter each week can save you from gall stones or gallbladder disease
• Peanuts can reduce colon cancer especially in women
• Helps fertility
• Regulates blood sugars
• fights depression

Pecans

• Improves cardiovascular health
• Improves digestive health
• Promotes colon health and regular bowel movements
• Helps weight loss
• Reduces the risk of breast cancer
• Improves bone and teeth health
• Has anti-inflammatory benefits
• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduces risk of stroke
• Has anti-cancer properties
• Strengthens immune system
• Prevents skin issues
• Helps maintain clean complexion
• Has Anti-aging benefits
• Stimulates hair growth
• prevents hair loss

Pistachio

• Pistachios are know as a super food
• Pistachios can help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol
• Strengthens nerves making the heart stronger
• Has anti-inflammation properties
• 60% of the daily required phosphorous is in one cup of pistachios which can prevent type-2 diabetes
• If eaten daily pistachios can increase the oxygen quantity in the blood and increase hemoglobin count
• Antioxidants found in pistachios (lutein and Zeaxanthin) fight free radicals that cause muscular degeneration and eye disease
• Boosts immunity
• Helps maintain brain health
• Enhances skin
• Has anti-ageing properties
• Can prevent cancers and infections by increasing white blood cells
• Improves vision
• Maintains healthy skin
• Gives skin natural glow
• Fights aging
• Stimulates hair growth
• Fights hair loss

Walnuts

• Reduce the risk of breast cancer
• Packed with omega-3 fatty acids
• Reduce risk of diabetes
• Contain antioxidants at boost heat health
• Can help deal with stress and anxiety
• Cancer-fighting properties
• Heart healthy
• Contain rare and powerful antioxidants
• Helps with weight control
• Improve reproductive health in men
• Supports brain health
• Rich in omega-3 fats
• Enhances cognitive and motor function in aging
• Great for complexions and skin issues
• Can reduce the risk of diabetes

facts found at:

http://www.stylecraze.com, http://www.wiki.comcom, http://www.sfgate.com, http://www.selfmagazine.com , http://www.shapemagazine.com

Peace & Love,

Mary

What’s in Season – March

🌱 What’s in Season • March 🌱

🍓 🍇 🍈 🍌 🍒 🍐 🍉 🍅 🍠 🍍🍆

Artichokes • Arugula • Asparagus • Avocado • Beets • Broccoli • Brussel Sprouts • Cabbage • Carrots • Cauliflower • Chives • Collards • Endive • Garlic • Grapefruit • Guavas • Kumquats • Leeks • Lemons • Limes • Mandarins • Mint • Onions • Oranges • Parsley • Parsnips • Potatoes Radishes • Rhubarb • Strawberries • Tangerines • Turnips • Spinach • Walnuts

Peace & Love,

Mary

HONEY ROASTED CHICKEN & ROASTED VEGETABLE

Hi Friends,

I’m heading to Florida tomorrow!!! I had a few moments of sadness while packing, my bikinis aren’t looking as hot as I want them to. Today was a bad body image day, oh well, I have those. I have to take the good with the bad and try to remember not to be so hard on myself. When I’m feeling down and over-weight I like to watch my workout videos. Seeing a video I made 7 days ago reminds me I’m not 300+ pounds anymore. My Fitness Challenges inspire me to keep moving forward and stay positive no matter how I feel. I think I’ll be fighting my body image issues for a long time, but I’m up for the fight. I want all of you to know I’m not perfect, I have good days and bad, but regardless of what I’m feeling I will always exude confidence. Thank god for positive affirmations.

After my own personal pep talk let’s get on to this recipe. I don’t eat meat but the boyfriend does and I don’t want to make this blog a strictly plant-based one. Just because I don’t eat meat doesn’t mean all of you don’t. I love this recipe, the roasted parsnips and red onions are sweet like candy.

1 large parsnip – cut into 1-inch chunks

1 large white turnips – cut into 1-inch chunks

2 small red onions – cut into 1-inch wedges

2 tbsp red-wine vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried thyme

Sea salt and ground pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped

4 chicken thighs – bone-in and skin-on

4 chicken legs – bone-in and skin-on

1-2 tbsp honey

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

On large rimmed baking sheet toss parsnips, turnips, and onions with vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp thyme, sea salt and pepper to taste

In small bowl combine parsley, 1/2 tsp thyme, sea salt and pepper to taste

Carefully slide fingers under chicken skin to loosen

Spread parsley mixture  under and on top of skin

Push vegetables to edges of baking sheet, place chicken pieces in center and roast 30 minutes

In a small bowl combine honey and 1 tbsp olive oil

Remove baking sheet from oven, generously brush chicken with honey mixture

Roast another 30 minutes or until thigh juice runs clean when meat is pierced Serve immediately

Peace & Love, Mary