Pictures!

I realized today that I have been boring in my posts.  Nobody really loves a blog without pictures, right?  So I decided that I need to share some pictures with you in order to keep you interested.  In keeping with the idea that I've written too much, I'll stop writing and let you enjoy!

 We had a tournament party with all of the friends that we work with.  It is something we have wanted to do for a while, but last weekend was a perfect excuse.  We were all sad to see some great people leaving and have no real idea of when we will see them again.  The party was a good way to say "see you later, alligator!" We work super hard, so we deserve to play super hard and that is what we did.  Mr. Fantastic came out in 1st place.  I'm so proud of him!!
Loves!!!

Missing My Mister!

I miss Mr. Fantastic so much and it has only been a week.  I really need to start being more positive though.  I can't keep lounging around feeling sorry for myself.  I need to stay busy.  I decided to start thinking of ways to pass the time....
I really need to start looking through his comic books and find some awesome images to replicate and put on some huge canvases for his gamer room. I need to stop avoiding people and go have a fun time with old friends and new friends alike.  I need to throw myself into this RAW thing and really enjoy uncooking.  The same thing goes with the whole fitness thing.  I keep telling myself that I am going to start exercising, but then I realize it is so much easier to just lounge around.  Sure, the raw diet has helped me loose 18 pounds in 2 weeks, but I have also been at a standstill for a while and not really lost much.  My goal for the year was to loose a lot of weight, but my goal for this 2 months is to loose 20 more pounds.  That will bring me down to 200!!  That would be fabulous, but I can't do it by being lazy.  I need to do laundry when the basket is full instead of waiting until I have nothing to wear.  I really need to get going on all of the home improvement projects in order to surprise him when he comes back for the week before he leaves for a year.  I need to remember that it is okay to cry, but I also need to remember to laugh and smile too.  Since it is just about Spring, I should probably get around to the whole Spring cleaning thing!  I also need to stop procrastinating on doing my taxes.  I know I will get some good money back so I'm not really sure why I keep putting it off.  I need to stop forgetting about the goals I set - you know, the monthly ones like painting my finger nails.  I'm going to have to remember that being lonely does not mean that I need to spend money to make up for it.  We have a fence, a yard, a sprinkler system, a garden, and a deck or patio to put in by June.  We need to save money, not spend it all!  I think I might need to actually go to a salon and get my hair trimmed too.  It's been nearly two years since I have gotten that done.  I trimmed it myself about 6 months ago, but I did a really bad job of it.  I kind of think I want layers now!  I am starting to run out of time to pre-plant my garden.  I need to stop procrastinating on that one.  I have lofty dreams though.  I want to plant everything that is plantable when I know that I could never eat all of that food by myself.  Maybe I need to start investigating a stand alone freezer.  Oh, and I should probably try to sell our extra dryer and our extra dishwasher!  I whould probably try to enjoy myself a little too.  I don't need to be sad all the time.  Instead, I should really try to be happy, try to dance around like a fool, try to laugh at myself whenever possible, and maybe even sing in the shower and in the car!  I need to start really thinking about the whole wedding thing.  He bought a ring you know!  Of course it isn't on my finger yet, but that's only because it isn't made yet.  I am struggling with the location thing.  I don't want to make either of our families upset or make them feel that they aren't as important as the other family.  I think that we want to get married here.  I know that my family at least might not be thrilled with that for money reasons but I don't know what else to do. And most of all I really just need to relax.  He will only be gone for 2 months.  I will get to see him again for a week or two before he actually leaves for a year.  Everything is going to be just fine.  He loves me and I love him, and life is wonderful!
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Loves!!!

Is Spring Finally Here?

Are you ready for Spring yet?  I know I sure am.  We had a tease last week, but this week it started snowing again.  Back home in Michigan they had a huge blizzard two weeks ago.  Then it got really nice and warm all of a sudden and melted most everything.  This past weekend my Uncle took his boat to the lake and used it to cut through the remains of the ice to help it melt faster so that he and his friends can start water-skiing!  Yes!  They are absolutely crazy!

 I love my family!  The biggest thing that I miss about Michigan are the summers.  I miss the nice warm summers that didn't get unbearably hot.  I miss always being at the lake and in the water.  And mostly, I miss my uncle taking me water-skiing all the time.  I have not gone in probably 8 or 9 years!  That;s just crazy!
Well, enjoy your Monday!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. The Small, Medium, and Amazing Things That Happened This Week

I'm late getting my lists caught up, and I'm really trying hard to do it today.  In order to do that, I am taking them out of order a little bit so that I can still continue to post one each day.  So, here is list #40!  Bare with me because this week was also the first week of Mr. Fantastic being away.  After he got back from Iraq, and then spent his last few months in Texas, he always promised that he would never leave again.  Sometimes promises must be broken and I will forever be alright with that, but this week was one of the hardest weeks ever!

Small
-I finally got the class schedule that I wanted
-It was a work from home week
-My friends all enjoyed the pictures I took of us having a great celebration last week
-I finished a good sized list of all the things I want to do while Mr. Fantastic is away

Medium
-I lost another 5 pounds bringing me to a total of 20 pounds of weight lost in 3 weeks!
-I picked up my ring that I had to have cut off and re-sized
-My puppy is finally starting to eat again after her daddy left and she got all depressed
-I started working on my list which included going shopping!!
-After injuring my back 3 1/2 years ago, the VA finally did an MRI to see what is wrong with it!

Amazing!!!
-I was invited to a girls night with my friends Charlie and Lisa
-I found an orange paint color that makes me scream for joy and got permission from the mister to paint the entry way with it!
-Community is no longer on hiatus which means I can finally watch it again!
-Got to talk to my mummsie, my grams, my gramps, my grandma, and my mister
-My dad actually called me and had a real phone conversation with me that lasted for nearly a half-hour. (This has never happened!)

Alright, you all need to have a great week.  Remember that even when things seem completely bleak, unfair, ugly, and downright terrible, there is always something great that happens.  Take time to appreciate even the smallest things that go right.
Loves!!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Currently...

I love currently lists!  I keep seeing them pop up all over the place and I tell myself that I need to start doing them because it would be fun to look back on, but I keep doing other stuff instead like spending every waking minute on pinterest getting ideas for projects that I keep putting off!  No better time like the present!
listening:to silence...unless you count the sound my puppy is making as she drinks water!
eating: Today I had carrot cake for breakfast and lunch and I had chocolate ice-cream for dinner.  mind you that these are all RAW and therefore fake versions so they are actually very healthy!
drinking: I should totally be drinking water, but I am honestly not very thirsty at all,  I have been enjoying coconut water lately though!
wearing: yoga pants and an Australia t-shirt!  Pajamas!
feeling:lonely and sad.  I really miss my MR
weather: crazy and indecisive - just like it has been all winter.  I'm ready for a real dose of Spring!
wanting: My MR to come home, ambition to work on projects, and my classmates to stop being so juvenile!  Oh, and maybe a trip to IKEA!
needing:My MR., a shower, to do laundry, to not have to drive to work all by myself this week, the results of my Mammogram!
thinking: about how hard it is to live across the country from my family.  I miss them a bunch!
enjoying: resting, my puppy, being lazy!

Yes, a lot of that list talked about my Mr, but I can't help it.  Being away from him is really challenging for me.  He is not only my Mr, but he is my best friend, he is the only family I have in Utah, he is my puppy's daddy, he keeps me sane and grounded, and he keeps the noise level in the house at a nice level.  I'm very lonely without him.  I'm sorry if I sound sad.  I will really try to work on that!
I hope you all have a great start to your week!
Loves!!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Goals for February

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!  That's what I get for being late all the time - a list that doesn't make sense for me to make!  I'm pretty sure this has happened to me before, right?!  Interesting!
Well, I know what I will do, I will share with you my list of things to try and accomplish in the next two months while Mr. Fantastic is away.  Here it is:
Paint the Mudroom
Build a bench and put up hooks in the Mudroom
Complete the tile back splash in the Kitchen
Paint the Kitchen
Put the handles on the cabinets in the Kitchen
Stain the table dark
Break all the tile out of the center of our dinning table and re-tile it
Finish the wainscoting in the 1/2 bath
Put up artwork in  the 1/2 bath
Find a little cupboard for the 1/2 bath in order to store toilet paper
Make and hang up curtains for our stairwell
Sew a seat cushion for the window seat in the stairwell
Paint the cord hider in our living room to match the wall
Paint some comic book inspired canvases for the gamer room
Hang shelves in the gamer room
Finish painting the wall in our Bedroom
Hang up the curtains and shelves in our bedroom
Paint the tops of the night-stands in our bedroom
Finish decorating our bedroom
Paint the master bathroom
Build a shelf and mirror frames in the master bath
Paint the guest bathroom
Install bead-board in the guest bathroom
Decorate the guest bathroom
Complete the "In this house we do..." painting in our entryway
Set up the digital photo frame that Mr. Fantastic got me for Valentine's Day 2 years ago
Make or buy a rug for our hallway
Finish making my jewelry holder/display
Paint the door edges of all the doors a bright and awesome random color!
Hang up lots of pretty pictures
Work on putting together my office/studio/craft-room/school room
And that's it!  Ha - I know, you are probably wondering, "that's it?"  It sure is a ton of stuff to accomplish in 2 months.  I will probably not accomplish even half of it, but wish me luck.  When I am not watching television, I will be working hard on this stuff.  That means I am going to also have to be more efficiant in doing my school work.  I really need to start a time planner again!

Well, I hope you all are enjoying the weekend!  Is the weather nice were you are at?
Loves!!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. People I Would Love to Meet

Oh man, this list is a tough one.  I'm not usually a huge one for wanting to meet famous people or anything.  I always think that if I end up meeting them I won't like them as much afterward.  I prefer to keep them on their little pedestal of awesomeness.  Chances are that if I meet them, I will find ways to see them as average and what is the fun in that!
A list that would be far to long to show is a list of average everyday people that I would love to meet.  I have a feeling that I have a lot in common with many of my followers on my blog.  Why would you follow me if you didn't like what I am all about?  Exactly!  I also follow a lot of people that I find really interesting, inspiring, crafty, talented, and wonderful.  I would certainly love to meet them.  I would love to mix our brains up and see what comes of it!
I think I would also like to meet some really great Graphic Designers and maybe a few artists just so I could see their work in person.  I guess those people are sort of famous though.  I hope that if I ever met up with them for some inspiration, I wouldn't end up disappointed.
The truth of the matter is that people are disappointing.  When we don't know them, and really don't know much about their personal lives, their dreams, ambitions, personalities and such, we tend to imagine them a certain way.  We give them all of these attributes that we see fit.  However, a lot of the time the way we imagine them is never real.  I think I would be sad to realize that while face to face with the people I think of as being super awesome!
Woohoo!  It's the weekend!!
Enjoy it!
Loves!!!

Let's Talk About Progress

Progress is always a great thing.  Making lists is one of my favorite ways to track my progress.  Remember the list of resolutions/goals that I made for the year?  Well, I want to take a closer look at the progress I am making with them.  The purple highlited ones are the ones that I have either completed already or have a really great start on.  The others are looking kind of sad with their perple highlights.  I suppose I need to start remedying that!

 

Plant Hydrangeas

make an amazing blanket for our bed

complete 3 canvas paintings

try a new recipe each month

make 6 loaves of bread

keep a what I did today 3X5 journal

host an awesome dinner party

host a wine party

strive for only 23 1/2 hours of sedentary activity each day

blog at least one per week

achieve a 3.5 in school

get engaged 

feel great in a size 10 pair of jeans

plant herbs

create a birthday planner calender and stock up on cards to send out for special occasions

learn one "ballroom" type of dance

go one full week without my cellphone

research getting my business license and follow through with a plan

do one commissioned project

organize my office and set it up for productive activities

paint my fingernails and toenails at least once per month

go on a picnic

go to a concert

make valentine cards and send them

Take more pictures

Its's Friday!  Oh my goodness am I ever happy about that!  However, realizing that it is Friday makes me realize that I did not accomplish a few things that I set out to do this week.  I did not get all of my tax documents together.  I did not have my taxes done.  I did not complete my interest survey for vocational rehabilitation.  I did not mail my old text books back.  I did not complete my change of degree program request.  I did not clean the house very much.  

Looking on the brighter side of things now, (since progress is all about positive changes) here are the things that I did accomplish this week.  I did only cry a few times about Mr. Fantastic being away.  I did get more wood for the bathroom walls.  I did purchase a majority of the supplies I need to get started on project house in high gear.  I did have a pulmonary function test.  I did go to genetic counceling and discovered that although my chance of getting breast cancer is higher than for most, I 's still at a lower risk than I thought.  I did get an MRI on my back after injuring it nearly 4 years ago - thanks army/VA! I did loose 3 more pounds.  I did exercise.  I did draw plans for our entryway.  I did decide on a paint color for our entry.  I did sleep alone.  I did pick up my promise ring all re-sized, put back together and cleaned.  I did survive on my own.  I did call my grams on Sunday.  I did get my grades turned in to my employer.  I did submit for my new term.  I did keep a positive attitude!

Well, it looks like my I did list is way longer than my I did not list.  Progress!  Positive change!  Accomplishment!  What did you do this week?  What are you going to do this weekend?  Enjoy!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Television Shows

Well, to be honest, I am not a huge television watcher by myself.  Mr. Fantastic is the one that keeps me watching the shows.  I usually only watch them with him, and to tell the truth, I have no idea how to work the television in our house!  Sad, I know!
So here are the shows that we watch together - usually on Hulu or Netflix:

Supernatural
Once Upon a Time
The Office
Sons of Anarchy
Weeds
Californication

Here are the shows that I will probably get back into watching while he is away if I can figure out the television:

CSI
Anything on HGTV
oh, and I think that is about it!
Like I said, I'm not a big tv girl!  However, it might have to be on a lot more often around here in order to keep the noise level up.  I go crazy without noise.  I'm so used to that stupid video game noise going on that I won't know what to do.  Already, just today was getting way too quiet.  Especially with the whole work from home thing every-other week...I'm going to be spending way too much time alone so I will surely go crazy if the tv isn't on!
Loves!!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Recipes I Need to Make

As most of you are aware, I have been doing the RAW thing and totally loving it!  Pinterest is my best friend.  I have also read several books with recipes and even just ordered two new recipe only books from RAWMAZING!!! So now I have been learning all kinds of new ways to make my food interesting and keep my tummy full while also keeping my taste-buds happy.  Here are some recipes that I can't wait to try:

Apple Pie
Chocolate Eclair Cake
Spinach and Wild Mushroom Quiche
Cranberry Walnut Cheese
Rocket Walnut Pesto
Onion Bread
Cinnamon Raisin Toast
Satay-style Butternut Noodles
Basil Zucchini Wraps
Raw Apple Sauce

Don't these all look amazing?  I am having so much fun learning about my body, learning about my health, experimenting with delicious food, and making great recipes. 
Have a great Humpday!!
Loves!!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Alone Time Fun

Had I made this list when everyone else did, it would not have been nearly as important to me.  Today Mr. Fantastic left for Virginia to do some job training for 2 months.  He will be back for 1-2 weeks in May before he takes off again.  When he leaves in May, he will be gone for a year.  I hate that so much!  I hate that he will not be next to me when I go to sleep at night.  I hate that he won't be there to laugh and smile with me, or to drive to work with me while I sleep in the passenger seat.  I hate that I won't be able to hold his hand.  However, as much as I dislike him leaving, there will be a lot of things for me to do by myself again.  This list is especially meaningful now.  Here goes...fun things to do alone:
-ride my bike
-paint cool canvases for Mr. Fantastic's gamer room
-house fixer-upper projects
-Shopping!
-drink yummy cold drinks in the sun
-suntan
-Starbucks while I'm doing schoolwork
-watch my favorite tv shows
-laundry only when I want to!
-wine parties
-dance around the house
-listen to laud music
-build things
-buy myself flowers
-thrifting
-garage sales
-gardening
-long walks
This is going to be a long year+ but I will make it.  I'm going to head over to Elise's blog to be reminded of all the neat things she did to keep busy while her hubby was away.  Her blog is amazing so check it out here!
Hooray, Tomorrow is Humpday/Wednesday!
Loves!!!

Elizabeth Banks and Go Red For Women

I pretty much adore Elizabeth Banks.  She is hilarious, beautiful, as down-to-earth as I imagine she could be, and blah blah blah!   She's great. Have you seen her website/blog?  Find it here. I love that she can make humor in even the most serious of situations.  An example of this being her video that she directed and stared in for Go Red For Women.  Here is the video:

 

Go Red For Women is a social initiative created by the American Heart Association to empower women to take a stand against heart disease.  Only 55% of women realize that heart disease is our #1 killer.  That's scary!!  Do you know the signs?  Go to their website to learn more about the organization as well as the risks and symptoms.  Take a stand!

Loves!!!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Resolutions

As you all are aware, I'm not a big resolution gal, but I sure do like to make goals.  As a reminder, here is my list of goals for the year:

lemon water in the mornings

turmeric  tea

write one hand written snail mail letter at least once per month

send flowers to someone for no reason

back up all of my digital files to an external hard drive and keep it all organized

complete 12 exciting just for fun projects that I have on my fun projects to try list

read 12books for personal enjoyment

Plant Hydrangeas

make an amazing blanket for our bed

complete 3 canvas paintings

try a new recipe each month

make 6 loaves of bread

keep a what I did today 3X5 journal

host an awesome dinner party

host a wine party

strive for only 23 1/2 hours of sedentary activity each day

blog at least one per week

achieve a 3.5 in school

get engaged 

feel great in a size 10 pair of jeans

plant herbs

create a birthday planner calender and stock up on cards to send out for special occasions

learn one "ballroom" type of dance

go one full week without my cellphone

research getting my business license and follow through with a plan

do one commissioned project

organize my office and set it up for productive activities

paint my fingernails and toenails at least once per month

go on a picnic

go to a concert

make valentine cards and send them

Take more pictures

Yeah, I know, It's pretty big!  Trust me, it will probably grow and shrink and grow and shrink over the course of the year too!  The thing I love about setting goals is that they are fun and you can always change your mind!
Have a happy Monday/Funday!!

52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Making Memories

As per usual, I am way way way behind on my lists!  Imagine that!  This list is only 2 1/2 months late!  So, this is the list in which I am supposed to tell you about all the memories that are being made right now.  I'll tell you about all of them for the whole weekend since I'm late!
1.  First annual AAI games.  A bunch of people that we work with got together and had a tournament of games.  Included were poker, darts, pool, and beer die.  Mr. Fantastic won the tournament and got $280 and a trophy!  I'm so proud of him.  It was a lot of fun.
2.  Mr. Fantastic turned 28 on Saturday so we went out to dinner together.  It was an enjoyable night together.
3.  This RAW diet thing is not so bad!  I made carrot cake and then ate it for breakfast.
4.  Mr. Fantastic left for 2 months in Virginia.  I'm quite sad.  I don't like being apart one bit.  I do have a lot of project plans in the works though!

That's about it for this weekend.  I suppose most of that is pretty big and great though. 
Enjoy the start of your week!
Loves!!!

Ring Ring Bling Bling!

So, back on President's Day, Mr. Fantastic and I went out on a window shopping trip.  Now this wasn't your average window shopping trip.  This was a very very important shopping trip in which we accomplished a few different very important things.  The very first thing that we did was get a ring cut off of my finger.  Beofre he went to Iraq last time, Mr. Fantastic get me a beautiful ring with my birthstone.  He had me size the ring for my left ring finger as a token of his love for me -A promise ring sort of deal!  That was when I wore a size 8.  Now I wear a size 10.  It's strange what 3 1/2 years will do to a body!  Needless to say, that ring was not coming off of my finger on its own!  I still have a slight line where that ring was, but other than that, I'm feeling pretty naked!
So, we had to remedy that situation by taking a look at some pretty ring replacement options.  Mind you, these replacement options were much more extravagant than that original ring!  We looked at all kinds of gorgeous things...white gold, rose gold, white diamonds, pink diamonds, etc. ect!  Then, after three different stores, I was brought to tears by the most amazing option I've ever seen.  I found the one I loved!  It is a combination of white and rose gold as well as a combination of white and pink diamonds.  It is perfect and perfect for me! 
So, fast forward to today.  After a few secret trips (presumably to the jewelry store) and a few secret phone calls (presumably from the salesman), he is off again, and this time I have a pretty good idea that he is making some final decisions and exchanging some money!  I do know that they have to special order the ring that I want because it is normally made in all white gold with all white diamonds.  The only reason that I know what it will look like with pink diamonds and rose gold is because we borrowed a piece from another ring.  Also, because of my crazy big fingers, they cannot just re-size the ring because all the diamonds on the band would constantly be falling out.  It takes about 58 days to get it in after ordering it - just enough time for Mr. Fantastic to get home from Virginia where he will be going for the next 2 months!  The question is, did he decide to go with one of the options that they mentioned....picking out the center stone and having it placed in a solitaire setting so that I have something to wear until the real deal comes in.  Either way, I am going to have a gorgeous engagement ring on my finger within the next two months!  EEEK!!!!  So excited.  Now it will be official.
So, do you wanna peak?  Ok, but it's only a peak.  It's not the exact way it will turn out.

Imagine the two outside bands in rose gold with pink diamonds instead of white.  Also, imagine the center stone as a cushion or princess cut instead of the round stone.  Without the center stone it is 1 1/2 carrots and he is talking about wanting me to have a center stone of at least a carrot.  I'm telling you ladies, this man is fantastic!  I was happy with smaller, but he insisted!  HAHA- that never happens!  More updates to come.  Enjoy your weekend!
Loves!!!

RAW: A Yummy Taco Lunch!

So, I'm really loving this whole raw food thing.  It's going pretty great.  I have lost a total of 13 pounds now and held it off!  That's awesome.  My skin is still feeling amazing, as is my hair.  It doesn't get tangled nearly as bad either.  I am already beginning to feel a lot more comfortable in my clothes.  It's always great to feel like you actually look good.  There are a few things that I am struggling with yet though.  The big thing is my digestion.  After a large salad or plenty of veggies I get stomach pains.  From what I have learned, this is from a weak intestinal system learning to digest fiber.  It can also be caused from improper food combining.  I'm still learning and don't want to give up.  It's going to take a great effort, but what I have decided to try doing is to eat my fruits, and drink my veggies for now.  Then I am going to slowly bring in the whole veggies. 
I wanted to share a yummy taco lunch I made. 

"Nacho Cheese"

"Sour Cream"

"Taco Meat"

Salsa

First layer the taco meat into the cabbage leaf or lettuce leaf

Add some salsa

And some nacho cheese

And then some sour cream

Cilantro and avocado taste great, too!

Top it off with raw almond milk "cheese"

Now fold it or roll it up

And ENJOY!!!!   Yum Yum!

Enjoy the last bit of this week.  I am going to be trying to enjoy it as much as possible.  It is the last week before Mr. Fantastic leaves for two months.  Sad-face :(
Loves!!!

My Pugly Pug Puppy!

Just wanted to share some cuteness with you on this humpday, bumpday!  My baby girl just wants to cheer you on for the rest of the week.  You can do it!!  Go! Go! Go!

You are over half-way through this week so keep on going. 
Loves!!!

Time for New Design

Hey all, I was getting tired of my blog design.  I'd love to completely revamp it and make it super awesome but Idon't have time to do it myself and I don't have the monies to have someone do it for me, so I once again used the templates.  However, I'm loving my new design and would love for you to stop over and tell me what you think!

Hope your Monday was a super funday!
Loves!!!

Fasting: Two Days Down

So, over the weekend, I started my juice fast.  Well, technically it isn't a fast when I am drinking tons of juice, but you get the idea!  For two days, I did nothing but juice my fruits and vegetables for consumption.  I consumed five 16oz drinks each day of my "fast" and wanted to share with you what I observed in the process.  The biggest thing that gets me the most excited is the weight loss.  In two days I lost 9 pounds.  Mind you, a lot of that is water weight, but 9 pounds is 9 pounds! 
On Saturday I had several bowel movements.  They started out normal but got dark and running toward the end of the day.  I felt hunger pains in my tummy, but it was not unbearable.  If I felt too hungry, I just drank another juice.  I felt pretty energized as well.  The one thing that I was not fond of was the headache.  This is quite common though because your body begins ridding itself of toxins.  that night I slept so great!
Sunday brought about some really great things.  I had to urinate a lot.  Although, I had a couple moments when I felt hungry, it was not nearly as bad as it was on Saturday.  The bowel movements stopped.  However, something interesting did take their place.  I had a ton of gas.  This gas was not embarrassing at all though.  It had absolutely no smell whatsoever!  That was amazing.  Oh, and the energy?  Wow!  It was through the roof.  At midnight I still wasn't tired.  Of course, I knew that I had to sleep or I would be a wreck for work today, so I went to bed.  Despite not feeling tired in the least bit, I fell asleep the second I laid my head down!  Amazing!
Today is day three of the fruit juicing.  So far, the energy continues to climb.  I am not hungry at all, but have had some lovely juices so far today.  For breakfast I had watermelon, celery, and granny smith apple juice.  I've known that watermelon is 90% water, but it still surprised me at how much juice came from it.  I'm now enjoying a spinach, blueberry, and wheat-grass juice.  This one doesn't have much flavor, but it quenches my dry mouth that I have today. 
Tomorrow I have a drive into the city, a two hour appointment, a drive back and then a one hour appointment, so I want to keep up this energy.  I also have another drive and appointment on Wednesday.  I originally planned to start my water fast tomorrow, but decided that it might not be the greatest idea.  I would hate for my energy levels to sink while I am in my appointments or worse, driving.  I decided that I will start my water fast on Wednesday after my appointment.  I will break the fast on Sunday, giving myself a day of rest before returning to working from my workplace.  (This week is a work from home week.) 
My plan for breaking my fast on Sunday consists of drinking a mixture of 50% water and 50% watermelon celery juice.  I will continue straight water for 4 hours after this combination, then drink another water/juice mixture.  Again, I will stick to pure water for another four hours.  Once that time is up, I get to drink a glass of 100% juice!  Hooray!  Then back to another 4 hours of fasting before bedtime.
On Monday (or day 2 of my break fast) I will limit myself again to just juice and water.  On this day I won't need to water the juice down though.  Now, because I will be working at work, I will probably need a little pick me up.  For this little pick me up, I will stick to watermelon which has a lot of water within them.  They are also pretty bland and won't irritate my stomach too badly.  On day three I will continue this same routine.
Days four and five will be the same thing, but I will allow myself to eat three apples or pears.  Day six will be a wonderful day as I will be able to enjoy a small vegitable only salad in addition to my apples, pears, juice and water.  Providing my stomach is doing fine, day seven will be a "normal" day.  Of course, normal for me from this point forward will consist of eating a RAW diet.  Fruit's vegetables, nuts, seesds, and sprouts will consume my menus.  for this I am very excited.  I have plenty of gourmet meals planned in order to transitionn between the Standard American Diet (SAD) and a RAW diet.  These things consist of such wonderful treats as "crackers," "cookies," "cheesecakes," "spaghetti," and "chips."  I'll be sure to share these menu items with you as I make them.  However, if you would like, check out the books I posted over the weekend that have great recipes in them to enjoy.
Have a lovely week!
Loves!!!

A Little Inspiration to Jump Start Your Week

Happy Monday!
I want to share some really awesome projects with you today along with the links to their amazing creator's blogs.  I hope these pretty things get you out of the Winter blues rut and thinking about Spring coming soon!  Click on the images to be transported to their blog.

 

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Oh, I hope you all have fun with these pretty projects this week.  Enjoy!
Loves!!!

RAW: The Benefits of My Ingredients

Before beginning my raw diet lifestyle, I have decided to fast.  To begin my fast, I have started with a 2 day Juice Cleanse.  After that, I will do a 5 day fast with water.  I am making all of my juices myself.  Some of the important ingredients that I am including in my juice are:  wheat-grass, celery, maca, and coconut oil.  

Here are the reasons that I am including wheat-grass:
 - cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris
- stimulates metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching the blood
- stimulates the thyroid gland
- correcting obesity, indigestion
- it is a powerful detoxifier
- liver and blood protector
- contains beneficial enzymes
- sweetens the breath 
- firms up and tightens gums
- neutralizes toxic substances like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride
- turns gray hair to its natural color again
- greatly increases energy levels when consumed daily

Here are the reasons that I am including celery:
- highly nutritious and one of the most hydrating foods we can put in our bodies
- celery leaves are high in vitamin A, whilst the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C and dense in potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.
- is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds
- butyl phthalide reduces the bad cholesterol
- aids in increasing bile acid secretion for digestion
- special nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing that aid bowel movements
- the potassium and sodium are body fluid regulators that stimulate urine production to help rid the body of excess fluid
- anti-inflamitory that helps with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis
- can significantly help lower blood pressure
- reduce stress hormones
- have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for insomniacs
- helps curb cravings for sweet
- eliminator of toxins from the body, which aids in the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones

Here are the reasons that I am including maca:
- increases energy, endurance and stamina
- increases  muscular strength
- acts like an anabolic muscle enhancer
- helps the body to regulate hormonal processes
- works as an excellent memory enhancer
- increases  blood circulation in your body
-reduces any condition of anemia
- any wounds in your body heal faster after consuming
- your skin gets a glowing healthy look.
- helps to regulate and stabilize the various systems in your body such as the lymph system, the circulatory system, the hormonal system, the musculature system
-can also support emotional healing such as anger, depression and powerlessness

Here are the reasons I am including coconut oil:
- helps in taking off excessive weight
- easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems
- it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreas
- helps in improving the digestive system
- prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome
- helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- strengthens the immune system
- helps in fighting harmful bacteria
- it also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, & pneumonia
- helps in preventing liver diseases
- helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases and dissolving kidney stones
- very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress
- stops tooth decay
- contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries
-helps in boosting energy and endurance

In addition to these ingredients, I am also including mango, grape, lemon, carrot, apple, pomegranate, and berries.  So far so good.  I haven't really felt too hungry.  However, the smell of real food makes my mouth water!

Enjoy your week

Loves!!!

I'm Going Raw

Last Summer I went raw with my diet for about three or four weeks.  I really felt great, but had a couple of complaints.  First of all, I had not really done much research for this, so I did not realize all the delicious possibilities out there for this diet.  Second, I wasn't supported by my family when I went on vacation and therefor, I started eating regular again.  And lastly, food for this lifestyle can be expensive.  In the past month I have done a fair share of research about this lifestyle.  The more I read about it, the more I want to do it again...for real....for ever!  Here are some of the books I have read about being RAW.

My short term goals for this is to get more energy, clean out my colon, and loose a little weight.  In the midterm though, I hope to loose about 60-70 pounds.  I need to get into my healthy weight group again instead of being obese.  I also need to try to get off of my medications for anxiety, depression, and and OCD.  From what I can tell, this is a great way to do that.  Long term I just want to be much much healthier than I am.  I want to live an active lifestyle and stay around for a long time!  I'm really looking forward to this one.  I will keep you posted for sure!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Loves!!!

Good Design vs. Great Design - A visual example

Hello everyone, and Happy Weekend!!  Hooray!  Sorry I have been so crazy busy.  I worked a lot of overtime this week and still had to do school and whatnot.  Speaking of school, I have a design to share with you.  I wanted to share an example of how I bring my designs from good to great.

 

 

 I completed some edits that really make it look a lot better.  I messed with the images to add some inner and outer glow as well as a drop shadow and bevel.  I think this makes them pop a little more while not looking like they are floating off the page.  I muted the background color to provide more contrast between it and the foreground.  I changed up the font color for the quote because I really wanted it to be navy blue and was told it looked black.  The contrast is a lot stronger now and makes for better readability.  I also messed with the inner shadow to make it a little more dynamic and match up with the images better.  As for the part, "act like an animal"  I changed the font as well as the font color.  I think this helps with the hierarchy and puts a better emphasis on the entire message I am portraying here.  I want people to act like the animals that do not lie!  Next, I changed to position of that phrase to make it more a part of what was being said.  I wanted to unify it with the quote and did so by placing it next to it.  The differences in color help to keep each part separate.  Lastly, I brought the text closer to the center to give the format a better top to bottom balance.  By doing this I also created negative shapes that echo each other - the negative "L" shape on top of the design flips over and repeats at the bottom of the design.

If anyone has any further suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!!

Loves!!!