New Year New Mommy

Hello all.  It has been quite some time since I last wrote to you all and I feel like I have deserted you all in some way.  My apologies.  I have been busy with school, work (which I am no longer at), and hanging out with my lovely family.  Let me start with a little of last year.  The last time I wrote anything was back in Sept.  My daughter was turning 7 and I was hot off a trip to Dallas where I met some really incredible people that are part of the ever growing family of AdvoCare.  

Since then, my sister-in-law visited and we got to introduce AdvoCare to a few amazing ladies.  Then we got to take a mini road trip up to Louisville, KY where I got to hang out with a couple more awesome ladies.  

Then came thanksgiving.  It was a wonderful day.  We decorated for Christmas that day while listening to Christmas music and taking in the sweet smell of pumpkin pie.  I know it may seem a little early to be decorating, but in our family it is tradition.  We have a blast every year and this year was no exception.  With my parents staying with us this year we had a lot more decorations to put up.  Needless-to-say the house looked very festive.  

When Christmas came around the kids had a blast.  They each got what they asked for this year.  It was the first time ever we were able to get what they actually asked for.  The look on their faces was priceless and we could not have asked for a more perfect day.  

New years was very mellow.  The husband and I stayed up late just hanging out and being total nerds.  Midnight rolled around and we gave each other the traditional New Years kiss and went to sleep.  Again, very mellow night.  

January 1st started the year of my personal transformation.  Every since my children were born I lived for them.  Feeding, bathing, clothing, and nurturing them to grow into little people with open, kind hearts and an adventurous outlook on life.  Never once did I take the time to really look out for myself.  In that time I became sick and tired.  I became run down and had lost myself along the way.  I was depressed and didn't know what was going on with myself.  Within the last couple of years I was finally able to find my niche and my place in this world.  I enrolled in college, I started volunteering at my children's school, and I started making friends again.  

Although I was doing better I was still very tired.  I had way too much on my plate and was exhausted by the end of the day.  That is when my sister-in-law introduced me to AdvoCare.  She told me about Spark!  A drink that will not only keep me awake, but will give me mental focus for hours.  SOLD!  I bought into it right away.  When I had that first drink I felt like superwoman.  I was able to get so much done in one day.  After that I knew that I had to be part of this business.  From then on I have had incredible amounts of energy and I have not felt like this since I was 18.  

In August of 2013 I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Success School and I met some incredible people.  People that have had so much success with the business of AdvoCare and using it as a vehicle to reach their dreams and goals.  And I also met some people who were just starting out.  I was one of them.  Since then, those who were just starting out, have come so far and have achieved so much I am amazed.  

Many people have asked me why I do this.  It's just another pyramid scheme.  It looks like a cult.  First, it is not a pyramid scheme.  This is not a job.  I'm being paid for the work I put in and then some.  I'm not selling anything, I'm sharing my story and products that ACTUALLY work.  No smoke and mirrors.  AdvoCare is not a cult in any way.  We are a family.  We help each other, we look out for each other, and we make sure that each and every one of us achieves their goals and reaches their vision of what their future looks like.  And finally, the reason why I do it.  I do this, share my story, the products, the business opportunity, is because I want to ensure that my family can live a debt free life where money and time will not hinder us from doing what we really want to do in life.  My husband has been the one working for the last 10 years and he has been the bread winner. He has served our country in the Army while being away from his family for almost half of our marriage. When he gets out of the military I want to be able to provide financial stability and freedom so that neither him nor I will ever have to work again.  That we can spend every day with our children and live that adventurous life with them. And I also want that for my family and friends as well as their family and friends and so on.  This company believes in their distributors and treats them very well.  

Now let me say this, I would NEVER ever try to push this business or products on to people.  I share it because I believe in it.  I have seen what the business can do for my family, myself, and my friends.  I have seen the accomplishments of those around me in this business.  I want this for everyone.  Whether you are struggling or just want to have some extra money.  Whether you are wanting to lose weight, gain energy, or maintain your fitness level or enhance it, I CAN help you.  I believe that we can do it together.  Notice how I said together.  You are never alone in this business.  I have learned that.  Everyone is there to help you and assist you.  No question is dumb, no fear is unbeatable.  We CAN do it.  

If you are interested in making an extra $500 a month to help with rent, bills, food, or just extra money to play with.  If you want to just try products to see how they work for you, I can tell you how you can get them at a discount of 20-40%.  (40% is the best by the way.  I love my 40% off discount.)  If you give me 15 minutes I can share it all with you.  If at the end of that 15 minutes it's not for you, that is okay.  At least you have the information for when you are ready.  Honestly, just ask yourself what if?  What if it is what you are looking for?  What if it is for you and what if we are able to reach your goals? 

Make this year for you!

My Little Lady Will Be Turning 7

I cannot believe that in just 15 days my little baby girl will be turning 7 years old.  I remember like it was yesterday, contracting in the rinky dink Labor and Delivery ward that was Fort Bliss Army Hospital, crying my eyes out waiting to get into an exam room and watching other pregnant women walking by me on a tour of the L&D wing.  I remember getting so many stares because of how much pain was showing on my face.  Contractions hurt people, so yes, I'm going to cry.  I remember my mother looking at them saying, "This will be you soon!" Haha, she showed them. 

I remember being in the exam room for all of 5 minutes when they finally said, "Yup, this baby is coming." I looked at them with a confused look on my face.  Clearly I was thinking, "Ya think?" About an hour later my mother got a call from my husband asking where we were. He thought we were going to Walmart to walk around and jump start my contractions.  I still to this day do not know how he did not see me doubled over in pain, with tears running down my cheeks, as a sign of me NOT being in labor. Men. 

After my mother informed him of where we really were, he got in the car right away and drove over.  When he got there he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were in labor?" Ugh, men.  Needless to say, I did NOT answer that question. 

A couple of hours went by and eventually my husband got hungry, but since the cafeteria at the hospital was closed he had to go down the road to Burger King.  By the time he got back he ended up walking into the room with doctors and nurses surrounding me telling me to push. What an idiot. He just HAD to go get food. I wasn't allowed to eat, so why should he be allowed? Makes no sense to me. 

Finally, after 5 and a half hours of labor and pushing, my baby girl arrived.  I remember seeing her little face and tiny toes and I could not help but cry tears of happiness, joy, and love.  She was so beautiful and tiny and perfect. 

I looked at my husband and saw the same tears running down his face.  She was everything he had wished for.  The next day Ed brought our son to finally meet his little baby sister.  He was so happy.  You could tell he was excited to be a big brother. (Oh, how times have changed on that front) 

She has grown into a beautiful little woman, packed with personality, sassyness, kindness, a smile that lights up a room, and hugs that warm you to your soul. I am so proud of my baby girl. 

So, for her birthday, I will be making a layered confetti cake with pastel icing. There will be different colors between each layer and will totally reflect her crazy and outgoing personality.  

For decoration, I'm envisioning a lot of pink. Pink tablecloths, pink streamers, pink, pink, pink...  

Last year I taped a clear plastic sheet to her door and stuffed it with balloons so when she opened her door there was a balloon avalanche. It was funny.

She loved it and was completely surprised. This year, I have to top it.  I can't wait!

Days 3 to 11

I know I said when I started that I would post something every day and tell you about my progress.  Well, as many of you know, life gets busy.  Life got pretty busy with kids, work, working out and school.  So here I am on Day 11, the first day of the Max Phase and for me I am taking MNS (metabolic nutrition system) Max E for maximum energy.  

Lets go back to Day 3.  Day 3 was pretty easy going.  Besides the fact that I had a huge essay to write for my Sociology final, I was able to get in a good 2 hour workout and a little Jillian Michaels on the side.  By the way, I still stand by what I said before.  That lady is crazy mean, but she is crazy lean and if I have to do what she says to look like her, I totally will.  The next few days were pretty much the same except I had some work time in there and I also managed to get my hair cut.  It's short and cute and I'm loving it.  I had cut it back in June before I got the job at Great Clips, but just a few days ago I got it cut a little shorter because my bangs kept bugging me. Ugh! 

Here is what I look like now! (this was taken after I first got it cut back in June)

Even though it is super cute and I love it to death... this is what it looks like in the morning... (this was yesterday)

I look like I should be in a Flock of Seagulls tribute band. 

Back to the challenge.  I started noticing an increase in my energy, even more so than after drinking just a Spark.  I have more focus and am able to get a lot done without becoming distracted as I normally would.  I have been feeling more rested when I wake up in the mornings. And not to mention, now that it is Day 11, I am down 3 pounds and have lost 3.5 inches.  Now, I know this may not seem like I have lost a lot, but I started out pretty small.  My main goal for this was to lose a couple pounds, but mostly inches and to become more toned.  I also wanted to gain more energy.  So all in all, I am on the right track and I am more than pleased with the results so far. 

A friend of mine has been doing the challenge right along side me.  She has lost 6.2 pounds and has lost 5 inches.  I am so happy for her and cannot wait to see her results after the challenge is up and as she continues on her AdvoCare journey.  I can totally see the change in her and I see her almost every day. She is doing fantastic!

We both still have 14 days to go, but our time does not stop there.  The 24 Day Challenge is simply a jumping off point.  It is only the beginning to an amazing path to becoming healthy and fit and also debt free. I'm so excited!

Rocking Out While I Work Out

As you know I have been posting a lot about AdvoCare and the 24 Day Challenge.  I have also been working out a lot.  This morning I had an idea.  Since I write about how much I have been working out, why not share the music I listen to while I'm working?  So, here I am to deliver some ideas to you of different music may not have thought of listening to and some you probably already have on your list. 

My Workout Playlist:

"I Wanna Go" - Britney Spears

"Bangarang" - Skrillex

"Roar" - Katy Perry

"Girl On Fire" - Alicia Keys

"Bleed it Out" - Linkin Park

"Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Do it Like a Dude" - Jessie J (this song is a little explicit, but it's a great song for chicks that can do things just as well as guys)

"Applause" - Lady Gaga

"I Need Your Love" Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding

"Little Talks" - Of Monsters and Men

"Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons

"Bleeding Out" - Imagine Dragons

"Bulletproof" - La Roux

These songs help me push myself and keep going. I love getting a good workout in. 

Day 4 and Counting!

Over the last few days I have noticed so many changes.  First of all being my overall energy level.  I have been more productive these last few days than I have in a long time.  I am able to get so much done it is ridiculous.  Next, would be the weight loss.  I know it is crazy to hear, but I have lost 2 pounds already and I cannot wait to see how much I will lose by the end of this.  I also have been noticing an increase in my workout performance. I am able to run longer, and lift a little bit more than before.  

Plus, throughout these last few days I have had to change my eating habits.  I no longer crave sweets.  I see other people eating them and I no longer feel the need to grab their fork and dig in.  Last night I scooped my husband his last bit of Chocolate Reeses Peanut Butter Cup ice cream and I got some on my finger.  Now, normally I would lick it off, but not this time.  Go me! 

This time around it has been a lot easier to get through.  I have a friend doing the challenge along side me and we are both having great results.  We push each other at the gym, keep each other accountable and help each other stay on track.  This would be my one piece of advice if anyone is considering doing the 24 Day Challenge, find someone to do it with you.  It makes it that much easier.  Having a buddy keeping you going is the best thing for your success. There are those of you reading this thinking you can do it alone, and yes you can.  I truly believe that anyone can do it alone.  If your motivation is great enough, you can do it.  Having someone by your side telling you that you can do it and you telling them the same, is, in my eyes, greater than doing it alone. 

If you and a friend, or friends, or just yourself would like to begin the 24 Day Challenge, please let me know.  

Here is the link: 24 Day Challenge

Also, if you have any questions, or you yourself have completed a 24 Day challenge and would like to share your results, please leave a message below. 

It's Only Day 2 and...

I am feeling GRRRREEEEAAAT!  I have been going to sleep at a normal time (anywhere from 8:30 to 9:30), got a good workout in yesterday.  That Jillian Michaels is a mean lady, but dang is she ripped.  Hopefully by the time I am done I will look like her.  I used the No More Trouble Zones workout DVD.  The reason for me using the DVD and not going to the gym was because... (travel back to 6 pm last night) I get home and my husband is playing on his computer.  I said, "Hey babe, are we still going to the gym?"  He then gets off his computer and we proceed to change into our workout attire.  Btw, can I just say that I am in LOVE with my tennis shoes! ASICS are the BOMB!  After we are fully dressed we head to the kitchen and take our required pre-workout supplements, mine being Catalyst. (I will put links below to everything I have mentioned and also to the 24 Day Challenge if anyone reading this would like to purchase one as well.)
Then we get in the car and head to the post gym that we frequent.  Come to find out... it's closed. WHAT?!?!?!  Yep!  So we turn around and start driving to another gym on post.  It's closed too!  Ugh. Frustration nation is setting in.  Finally, we give up and head back home.  By this point we are pretty upset because we wasted our pre-workout supplements and now we have nothing to do.  Correction, he has nothing to do. Muahaha!  That is when I dig out my Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones DVD.

I set up my mat and get to work.  PHEW! The DVD is 40 minutes long, but I get so tired and shaky and sweaty that after only 25 minutes, I'm about to die. So my little body gives up.  Though I wasn't able to finish, I still got a workout in none-the-less. And in the end I am proud of myself.

Today, I have extra energy and tons of focus.  Today also happens to be my husbands birthday. Sadly, I have to work, but we shall celebrate tonight.

If you would like to try the 24 Day Challenge, you can email, call or text me.

Here is my AdvoCare Microsite: www.advocare.com/121013857

My phone number is 503-701-4530 and my name is Alicia!  I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the 24 Day Challenge, or any of the products.  If I cannot answer your questions, my sister-in-law who got me started with AdvoCare can help.

24 Days of Awesomeness

This Saturday I will be starting my second 24 Day Challenge.  This time I will be more active and completely committed.  The last time I completed the 24 Day Challenge I did not work out at all, mainly because I did not have the time. I was super busy with school, the kids, the dog, and PTO.  However, this time I have a big support system and a friend who is doing the challenge along with me. I am so excited to have a buddy in this.  We are going to rock it!

The best thing I like about this next 24 days is that I do not have to give up any major food group.  I can eat meats, veggies, fruits, and complex carbs.  This is not a fad diet.  No South Beach, Atkins, weight watchers, shakeology (whatever that is), counting calories type thing.  I actually get to eat!

But that is only the beginning.  These 24 days is just the start of a new lifestyle.  I am fully invested in my future and I am taking the steps to becoming healthy and happy.  But not only that, I am looking forward to paying off ALL of our debt by this time next year.  Who knows, maybe it will be paid off before then. The possibilities are endless. I also have in my list of goals to take my children to DisneyLand. I went when I was their age and I really want them to experience the magic.  Normally, I would not even be thinking about taking them there.  But with using AdvoCare as a vehicle to make those dreams come true, it is now going to happen. I just know it. 

I will put into my phone right now to re-post again this time next year with an update of where we are and our trip to DisneyLand.  It will happen, mark my words. 

Back to the 24 Day Challenge.  I will be posting every day updates on my progress and how I am doing, workout and activity wise, overall wellness and energy.  At the end, I will post my measurements at the beginning and at the end as well as before and after pictures.  I cannot wait to start this journey.  Hopefully, this will inspire more people to take the first courageous step forward and take charge of their health and wellness or even begin their road to financial freedom.  

Welcome to my journey. I am so excited!