Shameless Plug

Last year I started selling Arbonne. While I have been up and down and side to side with weight, working out, eating right, etc...The one thing I know I can always count on, is my Arbonne nutritional products to help me out -- now whether I use them or not is my own fault, but when I do - watch out!

Here's where I personally find these products to be helpful!

1) Shakes - I love the taste of these shakes. Currently only available in Vanilla & Chocolate, but you can make your own flavors too using the Vanilla (ie Strawberry, Banana, Blueberry, etc). They are not only so yummy, but SO easy. I personally love the ready to go shakes you can buy because I can just grab one and head to work (easy breakfast). On the days that I have more time, I will create a concoction of yumminess - usually Chocolate mix, peanut butter, and banana (right, I know!). These things fill me up and keep me fueled until the next meal OR sometimes if it is a long day, or I know I'll be doing lots of active things, I'll use one of these for a snack. These are especially great for mom's on the go -- ie: us sports moms!

I know there are lots of shake options out there, and I am not going to knock any of the other options, I AM however, going to show you the differences between them all so that you can make your own educated decisions. Check out our shakes and other protein options!

There are three things I like about the Arbonne shake:
1. It's vegan & gluten free
2. It has a higher protein content than most of the other shake options
3. It has no cholesterol count (for me in particular this is a great feature)

2) 7 Day Cleanse -  I have only used this once, but the one time I did it, I lost over 5lbs in 7 days (and let's be honest, I cheated; I had ice cream, mac & cheese, etc). This is a cleanser that gently eliminates toxins and supports internal antioxidant activity, and gastrointestinal and liver health. Best part it's a cleanser that let's you eat during it too!

No, I wasn't on the toilet all the time (it's not one of those cleanses). The goal is to eat clean while doing this, and release all the yuck in your system. I did use this before my brothers wedding because a) I knew I'd be putting lots of toxins in my body during vacation and b) I wanted to feel "fresh" and "lighter".

I do not suggest this as a weight loss option, however, I will say that you could easily loose those last 5lbs we all have (ok some of us have 25lbs, this isn't for that -- but a good way to get you started toward that goal) that seems to linger around (especially right before vacation). Learn more about the 7 Day Body Cleanse.

3) Prepare & Endure - I have not used this, but I have heard great things about it -- and will probably be grabbing it within the next month or so. Here's what it does: Maintain endurance and energy. Prepare & Endure delivers carbohydrates, D-ribose and L-carnitine to support energy and help prevent the “crash” when you don’t have the fuel you need. Key amino acids support nitric oxide production to help deliver oxygen to muscles and maintain healthy blood flow for optimum performance. To give you all a similar product - it's like Beachbody E&E.

4) Fit Chews - These are amazing! They are the little boost of "sweet" you need when a craving strikes. Fit Chews help control cravings while keeping energy levels sustained. The best part is these come in chocolate, caramel, lemon, and seasonal flavors (right now Coco Cabana) - so you can hit all your cravings. I try to keep some of these at work, in the car, always in the house! Recommended usage is up to 8 per day, in any flavor combination...EIGHT! That's allowing yourself 8 sweets a day... what!? Crazy I tell you... see for yourself.

5) Fizz Sticks - I know we all want a coffee or Red Bull come 2-3p at work. How about instead of either of those that will inevitably give you a crash in a couple hours again, or keep you up ALL night at that point (depending on your body)...when you start to feel the afternoon sleepies, grab a fizz stick and create a refreshing bubbly drink! It will temporarily help promote alertness and enhance cognitive performance, help promote endurance and enhance motor performance, and help reduce fatigue! But for the time frame you need it to and in the right dosage. The all new "pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is".

OK, so my shameless plug is done. However, I did want to share what I have used and what has been helpful for others that may be looking along their journey for something new. Arbonne also provides skin care, hair care, make up and much more...of which I also use! If you have questions just let me know. I don't sell a product I don't myself use and love.





~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
Current: ??
This weeks goal: double work out sessions

4th of July and Bathing Suits

It's 4th of July weekend and everyone is going to BBQs, the beach, camp, etc... it's what we do. With that, many people are posting about having (or not having) their "bathing suit" body or their "beach" body. If you recall, my last blog I talked about being happy in my skin. While I am still working on that... I came across some awesome things this past week and wanted to share with you all - and they helped me put things into perspective for myself!

First is the infamous "bikini body" issue...this graphic puts it perfectly -- EVERYONE has a bikini body! Now, this is where people are going to be like - "ew, no that's not true. some girls shouldn't wear bikinis"... well you my friend are the problem. Who are you to say what someone can and cannot wear? Who are you to say what is and isn't attractive? Who says what is or isn't a "society approved bikini body" anyways? Just because you don't like it means it's wrong? They say that those who speak badly of others do it because they are not happy with themselves... 

Here's the solution to your issue with "big girls" wearing a bikini -- don't look. I wish I had the confidence to prance around in a two piece that some of these woman do. Or maybe if you can't help looking you should give that girl props. It's hard enough being a big girl in today's world. That girls has balls, big ones. Maybe you can even learn a little something about confidence from her. 

Oh, and the "society approved bikini bodies" -- let's just note that back when Marilyn Monroe ruled the sex appeal industry...women WANTED to gain weight for bikini season! Being a size 12 was the "norm" and sexy. So I'm bringing sexy back...ladies rock out with your bad selves and your size whatever bodies! 

Now don't get me wrong...everyone's body type is different and some people can't be a size 12 nor can some people be a size 2, and I'm not downing either end of the spectrum. I'm saying that everyone can have a bikini body -- it's just about being comfortable in your skin and NOT letting those around you bring your confidence down -- own your body and your bikinis (all women, all shapes, all sizes)!!

PS: Could you imagine having to have been the "skinny" girl in this bathing suit ad and people looking at you like "ew she's gross" -- oh wait.

On that note...I have 2 two piece bathing suits in my drawer, if you see me rocking one this summer, smile for me, it means I found my confidence. 

That's my rant this week...now I want EVERYONE to have a great holiday weekend and be safe. I will be enjoying the weekend with my love and the kids. We have lots planned: the parade with family, fireworks, spending time with friends on the lake, a graduation party, and whatever else comes our way! 

As always... remember what the 4th of July is really about -- our independence...and also to celebrate those that have fought for us and who continue to fight for us to have our freedom. Thank you. 

~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
7/3/15: 199lbs
(outta the 200's again...whoot whoot)

The Last 30 Days

I'm not "myself" lately and this weather isn't helping (ps: it's supposed to be summer and it's raining and cold - for like everrrrrrr) and not only is it making me blah, it's making my exercise and healthy eating blah too! With that... let's just do a quick 30 day recap:

The Bahamas... My brother's wedding was amazing. It was beautiful, the bride was beautiful...the bridesmaids were pretty sexy too. The ceremony, reception, everything was perfect. I got to watch two amazing people complete each other. The time I got to spend with Shaun and my family was great. We even made new friends. It was awesome to be able to have this trip with the man I love and at the same time give him something he's never had, A VACATION! We enjoyed days at the pool, venturing off to the National Park and the beautiful blue ocean and white sandy beaches. We had amazing food, good drinks, and great company...what more could we ask for? It was about as perfect as a vacation can be. So very grateful...

Exercise & Healthy Eating... When I left for the Bahamas I was down to 194lbs -- I was super excited because, holy crap, finally out of the 200's (again). Of course while I was there eating right and exercise were the last things on my mind (at least after the wedding, cause you know I had to fit into that dress). Unfortunately...now that I'm back it seems to STILL be the last thing on my mind. When I got on the scale this morning it said 201lbs...like really? Why does it take me a month to lose 5lbs and a week to gain it back?! UGH! So yes, I'm a little discouraged with myself (and yes, I know it is my own fault...I'm not making excuses, I'm not blaming anyone else -- I'm well aware of how and why this happened). That being said, I'm missing my mojo that I had before our vacation... and I need to find that. Someone pleaseeeee help me find my mojo!

I LOVED T25... so I thought I'd do T25 Gamma, but I'm not loving it as much. Or maybe I'm not letting myself love it as much? I also tried TurboFire (by tried I did two workouts)...again, not in love with it like I was with T25. Then it happened, I tried CIZE and guess what...I love it. Downside, it doesn't come out until July 1st and I'm going to have to buy it (I'm cheap), but because I love it, I know I'll do it. Until then, I'm still "pushing along" with T25 Gamma in the mornings (sometimes).

Vacation #2... I have to start getting ready for our next vacation -- CAMPING!! I keep pushing
this off too, and I know that the week of I'm going to start stressing out and be like OMG why did I wait so long! I can't tell you how excited I am to take the kids for the week to the place I grew up at for two weeks each summer (and a lot of long weekends). I have been going to Four Seasons for my whole life (legit, pretty much)... it is where I found my two best friends (who are still my best friends to this day) and I want it to be a place that Haley and Dylan want to go to each summer too. I hope they can find kids to be friends with (I know at 12 and 14 it's a little harder to do that now a days) like I am with mine, I hope they get excited to go, I hope they build memories there like I have. It's a part of me, and I want it to be a part of them too. On that note... maybe I should start making my list of what needs to be packed and purchased!

The Real Me... I have this issue of trying to make everyone happy; trying to fit in, trying to please everyone, worried about what people think (yes, surprise! I have this issue). When I do that, I'm not myself. When I'm not myself, I'm not happy and enjoying life, I'm stressed and irritable. Those around me see it and feel it too, and it's not fair to them or me. At 33 yrs old, I really just need to focus on one thing - me being happy. I enjoy being a country girl, living in Maine, watching my kids play sports, and spending time with my family. I enjoy fishing, camping, being silly, being annoying (yes me), spending Friday nights at home, and Sunday drives. It's who I am.

I'm also trying to come to terms (in this loss of mojo funk that I'm in) that I will never be a size 4 (or probably anything lower than a size 10) -- honestly I don't want to be, but I do want to be more comfortable in my own skin. Someone asked me once, "Is it the number on the scale, or how you feel that matters most?" At the end of the day, it's how I feel... and it all goes back to me being happy with me.

That being said...I am happy with many things - Shaun, the kids, having a home, family vacations... Overall, my life is pretty amazing. I just know it will be better when I am myself, 110% - all the time.

~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
6/24/15: 201lbs
Current Goal: work out 5 days a week

Shaun T & I are Over...

So my 10 week relationship with Shaun T has come to an end. I can honestly say I am really sad about this. I feel I have bonded with him and Tania so much. I didn't think that 10 weeks ago I would actually stay committed to something like this, but I did, and I don't say this often enough but - I'm proud of myself! That being said, I probably will keep Shaun T around for the days I just want to do a little Speed 2.0!! I do want to thank my girl, Michaela for keeping me motivated, because lord knows there were days that I did not want to get up at 5:15am and work out...but we pushed through!

Now that my T25 session is over, I was looking into the other Beachbody programs that I thought I might enjoy. After a few discussion and finding another accountability partner, I am going to start TurboFire June 10th! Whoot whoot! I hope you are ready Jessica!!

This is just a short post to share my results. I will admit that they aren't exactly what I wanted 10 weeks later (ie: more pounds down would have been nice, but I know I have to work on my eating - especially weekends lol) BUT...it's better than what the results would have been if I stayed in bed every morning!

I haven't taken an after photo yet, but when I do I'll update this blog with the before and after. So... here they are:

Inches lost: 10.75"
Pounds lost: 9lbs

This is the combined Alpha and Beta numbers. I did find I lost more pounds in Beta and more inches during Alpha. However small / large these numbers are...it makes me want to strive to do more!

Happy Friday everyone...beYOUtiful!

~Melissa

Weight: 197lbs
Inches Lost: 10.75
Pounds Lost: 9
5/29/15

To My Sister, Danielle

If you asked me 20 years ago how excited I was to have a little sister I probably would have said, "not even a little" -- the years following her being born, I locked her out of my room, I threatened to flush her down the toilet when she annoyed me, pretended she didn't exist, used her as a decoy, made her cry, and lots of every mean thing big sisters do (only with 12 years in between us it was worse).

However, ask me how excited I was to have a little sister in the last 10 years, and I'd tell you "more than words". We've become more than sisters, we've become best friends. We know each others worst and best days. We've been through break ups and make ups. We've asked each other how to handle situations - whether we listen or not. We've fought, we've laughed...and we've made each other cry.  Ok, mostly me making her cry... but I can't help when she gets "hangry" (which is why I now always have a snack in my purse for her).

Tomorrow she graduates college. College...! I could not be more proud of her, especially the fact that she went on this journey with a goal, and did it! It wouldn't matter if she graduated this year or next year to me, I would still be just as proud. But...she is truly amazing. Tomorrow she will walk across the stage with honors - PSI CHI and Cum Laude. Because she's awesome.

If you don't know my sister, you are missing out. She is smart, beautiful, and caring...not only that, she is funny, adventurous, and giving. I'd say she is loud and outspoken, but we know those aren't characteristics that were passed down.

Tomorrow I will cry. Tomorrow I will cheer and scream from the crowd. Tomorrow I will remember all the times I didn't want a sister. Tomorrow I will remember all the times why I'm glad I have one. Tomorrow I will be the proudest big sister in the world.

To My Sister, Danielle:
Be proud. 
Be happy. 
Live in the moment. 
Breathe. 
YOU did it! 
I love you. 

Your proud big sister... 
Melissa 

Operation T25 Alpha to Beta

Well Alpha round is done! I'm now a week and a half into the Beta round for T25 and let me tell you...it's no joke! But on the plus side I look forward to it. Which is a huge step, because working out, eating right..blah blah blah -- has clearly never really been my thing (unless depressed, and we know how not good that is for your body).

So after Alpha I measured / weighed myself again. After 5 weeks I had lost a total of 8 inches and only 3lbs (actually had lost more and then gained, muscle? pms? who knows). I was super excited about the inches gone, but kind of bummed about the weight loss. However, talking to a few people I keep reminding myself that 1) muscle weighs more than fat and 2) inches lost are a lot more ideal when it comes to clothes fitting lol. My Beachbody coach also told me that Beta was where she saw a lot of her weight loss happen... funny thing - I've already lost almost 2lbs in one week with Beta, hmm...well maybe she was right. :)

I almost pee'd with excitement this morning when I got on the scale and it said 200.6lbs... that meant that I was only .7lbs from being BACK UNDER 200!!! Let me tell you... if by next Tuesday that happens, I will certainly be sharing. I was so discouraged when I gained all my weight back (note: 30lbs for those that haven't been in the loop), but I was even more discouraged when I went back over 200. So this girl...will be doing a happy dance soon.

The one thing I have found throughout this journey of UP and DOWN and UP and DOWN is that at the end of the day... I still love me. No, I don't have a flat stomach. No, I don't have a perky rack. Yes, I have BINGO arms. Yes, I have thick thighs. But...I love me no matter what. What I do have is a beautiful smile, a big heart, and a love for life. That is all that matters...while the scale victories are great, the self worth victory is MUCH better.

I'm still holding off on posting before and after photos... as soon as Beta is done I'll post my before, Alpha & Beta results...

Happy Tuesday!
Melissa

Weight: 200 (5/5/15)
Inches lost: 8
4 weeks to go!!

Operation T25 Alpha

Many of you may already know this, but 4 weeks ago I started T25...this was after a couple weeks of "going to the gym" and not feeling much being accomplished.

For those that are not aware of what T25 is... it's a Beachbody program with Shaun T (the guy from Insanity and Hip Hop Abs). It's an intense 25 minute workout focusing on all areas of your body (core, abs, lower, cardio, etc). Long story short, I was going to wait until my 5 weeks (T25 is split into Alpha / Beta sections which is 5 weeks each) was over to write anything, but then I realized I haven't written in a month, and that's a long time to go off the air as a blogger!!

When I started the program I decided to give myself some goals, ie: lose 10 lbs in 4 weeks, lose 10 inches in 5 weeks, etc. I'm not a patient person as most of you know, and I wanted results like NOW! Needless to say the results were NOT pouring in, at least I didn't think so. The scale and I fought, for a long time...not budging at all. Finally I said forget it, I'm not waiting until the Alpha round is done I want to know if this is working -- I mean really, if I'm going to get up at 5:30am to work out and not eat lots of crap, it needs to be worth it -- so don't act like I'm the ONLY one that feels that way.

So...three weeks into T25 I had lost 4lbs and 6 inches. In 4 weeks I had lost 8lbs (not sure what my inches were when I started going to the gym before T25). So, ok... it's working I guess. I'm still hoping the results get better as I go along. I know there are more things I can be doing, and should be doing... and now that the weather is getting nicer, I'll get outside and walk/jog, do yard work, etc... to add to "working out." I also want to start doing another program for the days that I don't do T25 (which right now is Saturday and Sundays...the days when I need to be working out the most!). I mean my goal at this point is to fit into my summer clothes from last year because I can't afford another wardrobe!

I'm just proud of myself because I've actually stuck with it and plan on sticking with it till the end...and it helps I have an accountability partner who works out with me each morning...but even when we can't work out together, I'm still doing it on my own. Those that know me, 4 weeks is a long time to keep doing something so repetitive, especially knowing that I have 6 more weeks to go! But I want to be healthy, I don't want to be a beached whale when I go to the Bahamas...and honestly, it's kind of fun (who am I kidding, I yell and swear at Shaun T everyday).

I did take before photos... but I will be waiting to share those until after I'm done with all 10 weeks of T25.

Aside from that... life is amazing! Spring is coming. Baseball is starting. Kids are doing great (Honor Roll and High Honors!). Shaun is keeping me smiling. To that I say #LIG.

Happy Friday!
Melissa

Weight: 202 (4/3/15)
Inches lost: 6

6 weeks to go!!

A Year Later...

Who knew in October of 2013 that a person I knew of and had talked too very little was going to make such a large impact on my life. Between sports, life, and work...trying to get to that "first date" was near impossible. We spent 4 months trying to find "the time" to get together. We each went about our lives as though we just weren't going to be able to fit into each others. Though never venturing too far. We went out as a group of friends...once, then that was it. Until February 2014 (if I remember correctly - or maybe it was January lol) - it happened - we went on a "date"! We met for a late dinner and drinks...and he even paid the tab (well you all know my life...that right there won me over lol)! We laughed, talked, learned about each other a little more... I just remember thinking - he's not like the rest of them, and there was something about his eyes and smile that made my heart beat faster. 

Over the course of about a month, we continued to talk more, saw each other a few more times. Then on March 16th... we made it "official" - he decided that he wanted to torture himself and be mine. Though, not fully official until April when it went on Facebook ;) haha. 

Over the last year I have grown to love this man more and more. We've certainly had our ups and downs, I won't sit here and say it's been perfect. But it's been perfect for us. He loves me at my worst and my best, as I do him. He knows I'm still growing as a person and partner. He knows how to push my buttons, as I know how to push his. He knows I don't do things the way I should all the time. He also knows that he's right 75% of the time, and tries not to throw that in my face too much! He's keeps me grounded. He keeps me smiling. There are days I want to punch him and days I want to hug him. But at the end of each day...he lays beside me and tells me he loves me before we go to bed, no matter what the day behind entailed. 

Not only have I had the pleasure of loving this man, but I have had the pleasure of loving two beautiful kids too. Watching them grow up in the last year has been so much fun. I've become a "soccer mom" (technically - football, baseball, and basketball mom, but you know the stereotype)...and I love every minute of it. They are smart, loving, and so much fun to be around. They may not be "my" kids, but when people ask me why I'm at a basketball or football game, I say, "to watch my kid play". I am not trying to be their mom, as they have one who has raised them to be amazing kids...but I'm going to love them that much, and I will always be here for them. I can't wait for more adventures with these two characters.  

At 33 years old, after being through all the ups and downs, after losing myself and finding it again... I have never been as happy as I am today. I love you Shaun. I will love you until my last breath. You don't complete me, you compliment me. You are the nuts to my sundae, and the kids are my sprinkles. Happy One Year...

*lottle*

~Melissa

I Killed My Scale

Well with only a week left of the Biggest Loser challenge at work I can say that I am not the winner (or the "loser"). This girl only lost 4lbs. The best part is that my scale died. That's when I knew I wasn't winning...I killed my scale. Even though I didn't do well, it was still fun to do with the girls.

The thing that saddens me the most is that my Empower: Body and Pole Fitness class is over on Monday! Boo! We put together a fun and cute routine...maybe I'll post it for all to see (not). I'm hoping to be able to join another class soon though. Maybe one that breaks me out of my comfort zone and requires me to do spins upside down (haha. kidding).

I had my doctors appointment and the results are in. Not only did I kill my scale, I surpassed the ratings for cholesterol levels...buy like a lot. I know I've always had high cholesterol...and I wish now I knew what it was last year when I was down to 180lbs to see if it made a difference (weight wise). My good cholesterol levels are where they are supposed to be (phew, dodged that bullet)...it's just the bad ones.  I'm not going to lie, it's kind of scary because it's not just a little high, it's a lot high. They say that my cholesterol should be between 120-200...mines at 292. My LDL should be between 0-129, this one is at 217 (that's like 2x the legal limit). Now of course the doctor said, exercise and a low fat diet (she clearly doesn't know me). But in all seriousness... I do need to pay a lot closer attention to what I am putting in my body. It is a good time for me to go back to the no dairy diet...and really start looking at the labels on food.

She then proceeded to give me a living will to fill out. That hit me even harder. Maybe it's because my grandmother just passed a couple months ago, and I am going through all the steps of someone being gone. Or maybe it was because I have never thought about a "will" -- I mean I'm 33 years old. Who thinks about that at 33? I think I'm going to spend this weekend looking it over and filling it out. Facing the fears of what happens when you're gone, and who is going to take care of things is a bit much...but it is a part of life and needs to be done. I'll be sure to leave my shoe and scarf collection to someone worthy (speak now or forever hold your peace).

So recap of January -- I lost 4 lbs, killed my scale, I'm probably going to have a heart attack at 40 if I don't do something about my cholesterol, and by February 1st I'll have a living will... that's enough for one month!

ps: GO PATS!!!

~beYOUtiful~

-Melissa

Weight: 204
January 13th
Blood Pressure: 118/80
Cholesterol: 292 (120-200)
Triglyceride: 157 (30-200)
LDL: 217 (0-129)
HDL: 44 (35-92)
Sugar: 77 (74-106)

Biggest Loser

To kick of 2015, a hand full of us ladies in the office are doing a "biggest loser" type thing. Really it's just a motivator for all of us to get back on track of eating healthy and exercising. Now, I stated in my last blog that I'm not focusing so much on losing weight, but being healthy... that still is the case, but you know I had to be part of this, even if I lose the challenge, it's a good way to get me back on track for 2015. However, the first week is over and I am down 3 lbs. That's just from eating healthier and drinking lots of water... and peeing... every. hour.

I've also decided to start doing a 30 day challenge again. First up is the "Little Black Dress" challenge, nothing too dramatic, just a few things a day to get me back into the swing of being active, even if for only 5 mins. Clearly I know in 30 days I'm NOT going to be the girl on the challenge photo! But I feel good after I do them.

I started my routine class at Empower: Body and Pole Fitness too! OMG so fun. So the first 6 classes I took were all about learning spins and such... this class is about putting together a 2 minute "routine." This apparently involves much more LEG work. I couldn't walk the next day! No really... being on "high toe" and doing squats and bending backwards is a lot for this chubby girl LOL. Though it reminded me of my first class when I couldn't wash my hair the next day because my arms were so sore... at least this means my arms are strengthening up since they did not hurt as much (right?). Honestly, I was surprised, I always thought my legs were in relatively good shape... but I guess I was way off!

I have my doctor's appointment on Tuesday to check out my blood work and all that fun stuff determined, so I'll be tracking those as I can throughout the year. I'd like to get my blood pressure back down to where it was in November (110/62)...and I know my cholesterol is high, always has been, so this year I need to focus on getting that regulated. But stay around... I'm sure there will be more exciting things than my blood pressure and cholesterol on here in 2015!!

That's it...just a quick post to keep you all updated! Have a fabulous weekend...

beYOUtiful <3

~Melissa
Weight: 205
Blood Pressure: 120/80
Cholesterol: tbd
Sugar: tbd