The Ketogenic Lifestyle

Over the years I've learned the best weight loss strategies are the ones that stand the test of time. Also those that are adaptable to your everyday life. Currently I'm on the ketogenic weight-loss plan and I call this a plan because it's more of a lifestyle than a quick fix.   What lead me here were bouts of severe intestinal cramping, heart issues, diabetes, and trying to conceive. I eventually became fed up and discouraged because I had no insurance, and could not afford another large medical bill. Also I was tired of feeling sick. After careful research and consideration I chose this program. I will admit I'm not a professional, and everyone approaches this weight-loss strategy a little differently. 

The first two months of the program were all about trial and error. Although my weight-loss was slow I genuinely felt better. Within a month I had no more intestinal bleeding, my heart issues subsided, and my blood sugars were almost back to normal. What finally kick started my weight-loss was a great website called ruled.me.  The website does provide a keto calculator and I would definitely suggest purchasing a body fast percentage device to get your most accurate macros. For those wondering: Macros are what percentage of fat, protein, and carbohydrates you consume a day. Furthermore how many calories you take in which is determined by your height, weight, body fat percentage, and activity level. Once I calculated my macros I discovered  I was never starved or hungry and by the third week I had an abundance of energy. 
I feel like a lot of people have the misconception "I get to eat all the fat and calories I want!" This is wrong and if you have that mindset I would suggest not going on this plan. I typically stay between 1200-1500 calories a day. I eat 113 grams of fat,  97 grams of protein, and always stay between 20-30 grams of carbs per day. 

Any who that's all for now. I'll be posting my favorite tips and tricks for long term success in another post. 

Changes, Transitions, and Goals

Hey there! I know it's been forever since I've posted but Matthew and I have been incredibly busy. Currently I'm working away for a pharmaceutical company and trying to take better care of myself. As for Matthew he moved onto a new company that offered a higher position with better pay and became an official ordained minister. Essentially we are preparing our mind, body, and spirits for the upcoming changes over the next year or two. 

One area that I'm primarily focusing on is trying to conceive (TTC). As some of your know I do suffer from poly-cystic ovarian syndrome so that makes ttc a bit problematic. Although hopefully  by sticking to a slow and steady weight loss program that will help lead to pregnancy along the way. My husband and I are also trying make sure our home is financially sound. Anytime we have a lot of changes or  transitions coming our way we typically write down a list of goals to help keep us focused.  Sometimes they can change or adapt depending on how God moves in our spirits but for the most part we try and stay on task. Unfortunately Matthew and I have so much we want to do and accomplish we get distracted from time to time so again we are back to the list: 

1. Matthew is working on getting back to his masters in divinity. 
2. Joining the Army Chaplain Corps. 
3. Moving up in the company he is working for. 
4. Start running again.

1. I'm trying to lose 20% of my current body weight. 
2. Workout at least 3 to 4 days a week
3.  work work work save save save  (i know..but really)
4. Figure out how I want to finish my bachelors program  (Lots of prayer there)

Together our main goals are to save money, stay grounded in God's Word, and continually work on our communication skills. I feel a lot of times Matthew and I are saying the same thing just in a different ways, so typically we get wires crossed in translation.  Any who thank you for reading my blog I can't promise what I'll be posting and when due to the hustle and bustle of life but hopefully you will be seeing me more. 

What To Watch: Snow-day Countdown

Hi everyone! I do want to apologize for neglecting the blog during the months of December, January and for most of February. I’ve been dealing with a lot of transitions, seasonal depression,  getting use to working from home, and spending time with family. I started to realize I’m more of a social butterfly then I thought and I’m searching for job openings where I can be around others instead of sitting at my desk all day long.

Any who enough of that! Today I wanted to start back with something fun and off the cuff. We have been getting a fair amount of snow in North Carolina lately and I typically use these days to relax and watch shows on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Or get some work done…-cricket chirp- So without further ado here are my top movies and shows you need to be watching on a Show Day.  

1. Helix (Netflix)
2. Fargo (The series)
3. Anastasia (Netflix)
4. Harry Potter
5. Gilmore Girl (Netflix)
6. The Grand Budapest Hotel
7. Captain America: Winter Soldier (Rental on Amazon)
8. Doctor Who (But don't start from the beginning)
9. The 1989 Batman
10. IDA (Rental on Amazon)

Work At Home

Hi everyone! Over the past few weeks I have been researching and applying for legitimate work at home jobs. With these jobs you can make $13-$18 an hour. You act as an independent contractor and need a land line and high-speed internet. You make your own hours except for the training portion. So far I'll be working to at two agencies: LiveOps and Plieo. I have applied to others but these worked best for me and what I feel most comfortable with.  

Pleio GoodStart® is a practical adherence support system that helps patients improve their medication routine. Esstentially you will be making cold calls and reading from a script (somewhat). They require some medical and customer service experience. Each call made needs to last 5 minutes and you will earn 3 to 4 bucks a call. This company does have opportunities for advancement and you will continually be learning new information for a variety of contracts. Anytime you have the chance to learn about a new contract and take the class do so, that way you have the opportunity to extend your 12 week mark. 

LiveOps 
Basically liveops is a virtual call center that host a variety of contracts. Your customers see a product they would love to buy off TV, in a magazine, or a shopping network. You will guide them through the process and offer additional services for a great cost. Customer service is vital for this company. You will feel comfortable once you understand your customers needs. You will get .20 to .25 per call. That comes to $13-$15 an hour. The most agents have made with this company averages to 1,500-2000 a month. 

Another interesting company to work for is Lionbridge they are an ad accessor company. You would make 13.50 an hour. They would like you to work at little as 10 hours and a much a 20 hours per week. 

The last one I would like to mention is Virtual Bee, you have to pass their typing assessment and mark in the 100th percentile. It's a data entry position and you get paid for every piece you do. 

If your interested in other job opportunities checkout the website www.workersonboard.com, she will also let you know who has legitimate work and who does not pay. The only downside of being an independent contractor would be paying for your own background check, also you get taxed at 33% and have to do your own taxes.  I will keep you updated on my experience with this company. I should start taking calls after the new year due to the holidays and such.

Four Keys of Wisdom: Part 4

Sorry for the lack of post, the past week has been difficult at best with illness and a family emergency. Although God provided and covered us with His healing strength and power. I can only be humbled by His timing and how He works in our lives. Today I wanted to finish up my Four Keys of Wisdom series. This devotional came at the right time and could not be more true. Enjoy!

Proverbs 30:24-28 "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

"Conies are rock dwelling rabbits. They are only mentioned two other times in the Bible. Leviticus 11:5 marks them as unclean animals under the Old Law. Psalms 104:18 simply states that they take refuge in the rocks. Going back to Proverbs 30:26, we also learn that conies are feeble creatures.

The conies are considered wise because they take refuge in the rocks. A refuge is a safe place. The conies use the rocks as a fortress to protect themselves from predators. The rocks give these feeble animals strength and utilizing that strength is their wisdom.

We, being feeble creatures, must also be weary of predators. In 1 Peter 5:8 Satan is likened to a roaring lion searching for someone to devour. That text also identifies him as our enemy. We must be watching for our enemy's advances. Matthew 26:41 says to watch and pray so not to enter into temptation. If we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7).

We, being feeble, need the strength of the Rock to protect us from Satan. Christ is that Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4). Christ is also referred to as a Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20), the base for which all other stones are laid. Jesus likens those that follow him to a man that builds his house on a rock foundation. Those that do not follow are likened to a man building his house on sand. The solid rock foundation supports the house as Christ supports us. The other house, however, collapses onto the sand when the storm of temptation comes (Matthew 7:24-27). If we build our lives on and take refuge in Christ, the solid Rock and Foundation, we will stand strong when the storms of temptation come. We will still, however, face temptations and have the choice to fall or to stand firm. Christ is our Rock, our Foundation, our Refuge and our Strength." - http://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2005/jun/page3.htm

Christmas Treat Extravaganza

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making homemade sweets and treats for my family. There are some recipes I mix up every year that surprise and delight their taste-buds . While others steal the show and are expected. Honestly these recipes are gathered from online using All Recipes and Pinterest but I think you will enjoy. This year will be a little different because I'll have some gluten free recipes, diabetic friendly recipes, and sweet and savory recipes.

Adult Treats:
Buckeyes (A peanutbutter truffle dipped in chocolate)
Oatmeal Cookies w/ Cranraisens and White Chocolate (I use cranraisins instead of raisins and add white chocolate. You can add anything to oatmeal cookies. It's just like Christmas bark have fun!)
Christmas Crack
Sweetened Pecans

Children:
Rice Krispies dipped in icing I use the original recipe and melt white chocolates. Once chocolate is melted I make two smaller balls and mix in red and green food coloring. I sprinkle the red and green over the white. 
Buckeyes
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Crack

Diabetic Friendly:
Oatmeal Cookies
I use Splenda as a substitute and leave out the white chocolate 
Sweetened Pecans
Chocolate Candy Clusters 
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free:
When buying all the ingredients for Christmas this year I made sure to pick up Gluten Free cereals, peanut butter, marshmellows, and chocolate. Kellog's has a variety of cereals that are gluten free. Just make sure you pick up the right box. Always read the labels. Food Lion also specializes in Gluten Free with condiments (extra side note). Make sure to check your seasoning, salt, and every item you use. I typically bake everything separate or only the gluten free items first so not to contaminate their food with gluten by accident. I also do this for the diabetic treats. 
Hersheys Chocolate 

Buck Eyes
Candy Clusters (marshmallows, pecans, chocolate)
Gluten Free Brownies 
Sweetened Pecans.

Wedding Vendor Showcase

Hi everyone! Sorry for the evening post,  usually I like to have them ready first thing in the morning but I digress. Today I wanted to showcase my all time favorite companies I worked with throughout the wedding. Also I do apologize for the fonts and the style of the post today I was having trouble with coding and getting stuff transferred. Just click on the name of the vendor and everything will pop up regarding their business.

PaulaJeansGarden

Paula Jean is a lavender farmer and artist. Her  farm is located in a pretty river valley near the small town of Paradise, Montana. She specializes in  dried flowers arrangements, crowns, and anything concerning your wedding that needs a floral arrangement. Not only are her arrangements beautiful but they smell amazing. Furthermore you can send her a picture of how you want your bouquet arranged and she will make your dreams come true.  I was able to get 7 bridesmaids bouquets, bridal bouquet, flower crown, and 600 stems of lavender for around $300. Compared to local vendors that wanted to charge me over $1000.

                                                                                                        

Woman Land

Michelle Saimui is based out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When my bridesmaids ordered from her store I was worried that it would take a month before they would receive their dress. To my surprise I received text after text about the girls getting their dresses in as little as 2 weeks. Her dresses are simple yet elegant with a variety of colors to choose from. Also the style she specializes in are the infinity dresses where your bridesmaids have the same essential style but their tops can go a variety of ways. Now you are paying around $88-$100 per dress but the convenience is definitely worth it. My issue was I had bridesmaids that lived in different states and no where near me. So I needed something easy and efficient. I contacted Michelle and she created a page so my wedding party could request a dress and send their measurements in. Also her dresses look amazing on any figure. I  

wanted my girls to feel beautiful and look 

beautiful on my special day.

.

Morris Productions

Morris Productions is ran by an amazing duo, Josh Morris and Amber Tyson.  I’ve had the pleasure of watching Josh grow in his craft as he falls more in love with the work he does. So far I’ve had a few pictures released from their company and I’m more than satisfied with their work.  I’m still waiting on the remainder of my pictures which I will post as soon as I get them.  I would like to say they are a perfect team.  I told them exactly how I wanted my pictures, and what images and styles I loved best.  They were affordable but you will need to message them concerning pricing information. I’m sure if you live out of state they would be interested in assisting with any of your photography needs.  I plan on using them in the future for holiday and family photos.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonalizedGiftsbyJ

For amazing embroidered items check out Personalized gifts by J.  I ordered totes for my bridesmaids at the last minute and was worried about getting them on time. To my surprise I received beautiful embroidered totes in as little as 2 week. This vendor is quick, talented, and able to get what you need at no extra charge.

Dress Baby Beautiful
I had the hardest time trying to find the same dress to fit both of my flower girls. I looked in stores, over the internet, and nothing. I decided to go with Dress Baby Beautiful because I was able to give her my flower girl's measurements and she created a beautiful dress that looked amazing on each flower girl. I did accessorize with shawls, cowgirl boots, and a lilac ribbon to give it some umph. When ordering, make sure you give her at least a month to get everything ready and delivered to your home. (Better pics coming soon!)

Andrea Sauls
Word's can't express how much I loved my cake, the cake stand, and how the cake table was decorated. Andrea not only makes your wedding cake but she has a gift for decorating and organizing weddings.She teamed up with my maid of honor when it came to decorating the church and reception hall. All I have to say is, I was blown away at how naturally wedding inspiration comes to her.