Spring Breakthrough 2012.

This past weekend was a BUSY weekend. I went to this event called Spring Breakthrough. It was amazing to see so many people there for one purpose in mind, to help others around us get healthy and meet their wellness needs.

I am a HUGE fan of Advocare products and what the company stands for.I started drinking spark two months ago, and I have more energy to play and run around with my kiddos and get done the extra stuff that makes it hard to do working full time. If you have never tried spark, I would strongly suggest you do. 
It is Advocare's #1 selling product! 

 The results of my 24 day challenge have been amazing. I have had such good response from it as well from others around me that can see the difference, not only in my body, but in my attitude and presence. I am currently on day 9 and have lost 12lbs. Almost done with the cleanse phase of the challenge. Although I just started the 24 day challenge, since January I have lost a total of 35lbs.

So I challenge you today, what are you doing to better yourself and making yourself healthy? Get out and go for a walk, push yourself, eat healthier and be happier! 

Ciao,

Nicole

Days 2-4 of my challenge.

Wow, I cannot believe I am on day 4 already. I have so much energy and feel amazing, and I am not just saying that. I literally woke up 20 minutes before my alarm went off and was ready to go! I tackled cleaning up some stuff from our move (we moved a little over a month ago).

Aside from just feeling great with lots of energy, I can tell the difference the supplements, eating healthier, and water have made in my skin appearance, looks so much healthier. Since I have started I have lost 7lbs, and I have 20 more days to go. I am so excited to hit the second phase of the cleanse.

Here is to eating healthy in combination with supplements, drinking lots of water and getting fit!!

Ciao,

Nicole

Picture compliments of http://allwomenstalk.com/7-fastest-ways-to-lose-weight/

Day 1 of the 24 day challenge.

Day one, proved to be semi challenging. I was never hungry, and all I ate was fruit veggies and some chicken. Of course I kept busy and was working on my kitchen table. The fiber drink I have to take in the morning is hard, but if you chug it and use sugar free juice instead of water it goes down MUCH easier.

My husband challenged me as well. We have a bet going on who can have the most rockin' body first. So here goes nothing. I am banking on his lack of self control..lol. The man is addicted to fast food, soda, chips, and anything greasy or terribly bad for you.

So the challenge is on. I will win in this contest against my husband. There is no doubt about that!

Are you looking for more? I am! I am always in search of driven individuals who believe in helping others create healthier lives through affordable, convenient fitness and nutrition solutions. Our nation-wide team shares The AdvoCare Lifestyle daily, allowing us to reach thousands more than we could alone! Better your family's financial future by helping us better society's wellness! 

Ciao, 

Nicole

Dark to BARBIE BLONDE

I've been told by a few people that I can go any hair color I wanted too. I braved it out a couple years ago and went all dark after my hair stylist couldn't get me in until after the new year. It looked pretty hot! But occasionally I will miss my blonde. So once again I cannot get into see her (she is THAT awesome!) So I text her saying well you better keep your phone handy, you may get a call if there is any epic fail. 

After work last night I went to the beauty supply store, picked up the stuff and came home. I was so nervous because I haven't done my own hair since before my first kiddo was born. He is 5 now. But it looks FABULOUS! I couldn't be more pleased!!

Here is my updated pic! Do you like the dark or blonde better?? I can't decide!

Before:

After:

Busy Bee.

How was your weekend? Mine felt like it was packed full of stuff that needed to be done, a party, and fun! This is semi embarrassing, and hard for me to admit because I am a closet player, but lol...friday night was a relaxing evening, boys were at their nana's and so I played a bit of wow. THERE! I said it, I play wow. Whew!

It was also my niece's birthday party Saturday and I was sooooo excited for her to open my present. I bought her a strawberry shortcake doll and a matching dress for dress up fun! (they had a sale buy one get one free!). She loved it! 

Then my cousin was going by her new house to do a few things before they moved in, so me and my boys stopped by for a bit to look around and see if we could help with anything. Then Sunday, I went grocery shopping with my two boys. Which was a total nightmare! But I got just about everything I needed for my freezer meals for 2 weeks. YAY me! Later that evening went back over to my parents to work on some projects for my etsy shop and spent some time with my sister and mom. 

If I didn't have spark I don't know what I would have done, spark to me is what coffee is to coffee drinkers. It gives me that energy boost I need without the crash or jitters. 

Did you stay busy this weekend? I'd love to know what you had planned! 

Ciao for now! 

Nicole

BL (Sloowwww Roated) T

I am a food fan. I love it. I love all variations of foods. I love how you can mix and put things together and the outcome is fabulous. I recently came across this recipe for a BL (slow roasted) T. I will definitely be making this and soon! 

Pictures and recipe compliments of http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/12/b-l-slow-roasted-t/comment-page-1/#comment-7770

Slice 8 barely ripe tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper.Line the tray with a few sprigs of thyme. Lightly drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and salt lightly. Bake at 250 degrees for 4 hours.

                               

Basil Mayo

½ cup mayonnaise

3 Tablespoons basil, chopped

Stir together mayonnaise and basil

                                         

Apply basil mayo, generously to two slices of lightly toasted bread. Add crispy bacon, lettuce and cooled, roasted tomatoes.

Doesn't that make your mouth water? This post made me hungery, so I am going to go eat now! = )

Ciao,

Nicole

New Journeys

So I decided after many people telling me I should sell some of the stuff I make on Etsy, to finally take the jump and do it. There are so many things that go into working out of your home, and selling your stuff. What will you call your shop? What things will you make to sell in your shop? When will you ever find time to produce stuff to sell? Will you even sell anything? Is this all for nothing? After all the negative thinking, I decided why not? What do I have to lose? I love working with my hands and creating things, it is such a stress reliever for me. 

I was up until midnight last night posting things on my new shop and figured out a name and banner for my business. I am quite pleased with the outcome. So instead of sitting on my couch watching TV programs on my days off, I shall be busy with creating some pretty little things. 

Come check out my shop, any suggestions? Things you would like to see? 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NHoytCreations

Finally feeling like a soccer mom.

So motherhood literally slapped me in the face this year. Not that for the past 5 years I haven't been a mother, but I just didn't have to run my kids to practice, games, to their friends houses etc. This year however has proven to be different in so many ways. 

My 5 year old started T-Ball this year. The first practice I went to was hard to watch...all the kids were terrible. I honestly don't know what was going through my head when I pictured ten or so 5-6 year old boys standing still and playing ball like they've been playing all their life. But I was so very wrong. 

Tonight was Rylan's first game. They don't keep score and no one wins or loses and there are no outs. Everyone gets to bat at least 3 times, and they all move around in the field to get some experience in every position. I loved when the ball was hit to the outfield and there was this swarm of little boys running from every position on the field to where the ball stopped, when a player would hit the ball and get so excited that they hit it, they would either run to the pitcher with their bat, stood there watching or ran to first base with the bat in hand. Half of them didn't tag bases and the other half plowed over by the excited runner coming at them. 

Needless to say, I think I love T-Ball more then I thought I would. Cannot wait until the next game!! Enjoy the pictures we took of the first game of the season below!

Ciao,

Nicole