Friday, July 24, 2009

When the weather gets hotter, I like to eat more salads. It's just a light, yet satisfying meal. I don't have to cook and get the kitchen hot and I love to make my own salad dressings. I like not having any ingredients that I don't want or am unsure how to pronounce in them.

I came across this cookbook a year or so ago. The dressings in it are so good.

Raw Food Life Force Energy by Natalia Rose

Sweet Chili-Lime Dressing
Makes 1 1/2 - 2 cups
1 cup fresh - squeezed lime juice
4 packets stevia
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 tsp minced serrano chili
1 tbsp chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup cold-pressed olive oil
Blend all of the ingredients, except the oil until smooth. Then blend in the oil a little at a time to emulsify it and keep it from separating. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Raspberry - Balsamic Dressing
Makes about 1 1/2 cups
1/2 cup fresh respberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
5 packets Stevia
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar
Salt and pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Keeps in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

What is your favorite way to top salads? Any favorite ingredients for you salad?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Random Thoughts

We are having the strangest weather this summer. It has been rainy and cool. We didn't even have the air conditioner on this last weekend. I had to take a sweater with me to the Shrimp Boil this weekend. Very unlike the hot midwest summers we are so used to.

Brian and I have been very blessed to be so busy this summer. Both of us are seeing growth in our businesses. However, we haven't had the opportunity to be at the lake as much as we would like. I am looking forward to the next time we get to go (probably not for 2 more weeks!)

I have a few favorite products that I'd like to share with everyone.

Things I can't live without:

1) Vita-Mix - I use this every day. I make my shakeology smoothies, soups, nut butters, you name it and it will do it. It is worth every penny!!

2) Shakeology - I am loving this stuff. It tastes good, I have more energy and I love knowing that I am getting all the nutrients each day that my body needs.

3) Mychelle sunblock - This stuff is really good! I use it every morning and so far, no sunburns. It isn't greasy and it rubs in easily.

4) Flip Camcorder - this thing is so much fun! Brian and I have been taking fun videos. No, not that kind of videos LOL!! It is just the right size to fit in my purse and it is so easy to use.

5) Yes to Carrots - I know that I have mentioned this before, but I really love the shampoo and conditioner. When I was in Memphis, I forgot to bring my moisturizer. We ran into Walgreens and I saw the Yes to Carrots facial moisturizer. Now, I'm hooked on it. You really should check it out.

6) Vegan with a Vengenance - by Isa Chandra Moskowitz - This is one of my all-time favorite cookbooks. When I first got it a long time ago, I didn't think I'd use it much. I use it all the time and highly recommend it to everyone - even my meat eating friends are loving the recipes.

7) WOWY - the online super gym - This little tool from Beachbody keeps me on track and working out. It's so much fun to see who else is working out with you, have a chance to win up to $1000 or ipods, cameras or camcorders. It's just a little more incentive to keep those workouts going.

8) facebook - okay, I'm addicted to facebook!! It's a lot of fun to stay in touch with friends and make new friends as well. If you are on facebook and we aren't friends, please look me up!!! If you aren't on it yet, give it a try. Hopefully, you won't get addicted to it like me, but I bet you will!!

9) homemade lemonade - a facebook friend posted this recipe and I'm loving it! Juice 2 lemons, add 24-32 oz water and stevia to taste. Serve over ice! I found some vanilla creme stevia and it is really good in the lemonade. I also made this with limes. YUM!!!!!

10) fresh produce! This is the part of summer that I love the most! All the fresh fruit and veggies available. There is nothing better than homegrown tomatoes, fresh corn, green beans, new potatoes, zucchini and squash, peppers, oh I could go on all day. I'm eating as much as I can and then I plan to freeze as much as I can as well. I am so thankful to my friends for bringing me and letting me pick my own veggies!! You guys rock!!!

Maple Mustard-Glazed Potatoes and String Beans - Vegan with a Vengenance

2 lbs small yukon gold potatoes, halved
1/2 lb string beans, halved, ends cut off and discarded
1 yellow onion, thickly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Place all the vegetables in a 9x13 inch casserole dish. In a mixing bowl, stri togeth all the other ingredients until the mustard is dissolved. Pour over the vegetables and mix well until everything is coated. Cover with foil andplace in oven. Bake for 25 mins. Remove from oven and toss everything; use a spoon to drip the sauve over the veggies. Turn oven down to 250 degrees F and cook for 25 mins uncovered. Remove from oven, toss again, cokk for 25 more mins uncovered. These are especially yummy served at room temperature, with some of the remaining sauce poured over them.

What are some of your favorite things right now?

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Getting out of my comfort zone

Last night I finished a coaching and accountibility class with Dani Johnson. Dani Johnson is a self-made milliionaire and a phenomenal success coach! I spent the last 9 weeks in one of her small group classes and let me tell you, she has changed my life! I'm not joking. I have now been to her 1st Steps to success and Creating a Dynasty seminar and they were very good and life-changing, but this class made me get out of my comfort zone and really examine my life, values and work ethics. I turned off my TV, took a full day of rest each week, worked my business more efficiently and effectively and have developed a better relationship with my family and God. I started keeping a gratitude journal. I am keeping track of my phone calls for work. I talk and listen to my family and friends differently. It's amazing how much Dani has pulled out of me in such a short amount of time.

The gratitude journal and the rest day have really impacted me. I love being able to write down all that I am grateful for each day. It really does make one stop and think about everything that has happened. It's also good to see what all is good in your life. So many people today focus on the bad things in life. There are amazing things around us all every day and we are missing it because we are too stressed out or mad or sad. Start taking notice of all the good things in your life and see how much joy you can find! It can be as simple as a good parking spot at the grocery store to having your husband take you out for a nice dinner or as big as having a new friend in your life, or awaiting your first grandchild!!!

If you get a chance, check out www.danijohnson.com. She has the Spirit Driven Success and the Work at Home Profit Zone sections. They are both good! You won't regret it and I'd love to hear about what you are grateful for.

Today I am grateful for
1) my husband, Brian. He is my other half and makes me feel special all the time.

2) my family. Chase, Nick and Jake are such a huge part of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way and I can't think of a better daughter-in-law than Meredith.

3) my friends. I have the best friends in the world. They are always there for me whether it is for fun or to lend a shoulder to cry on.

4) my job. I LOVE my job. I am so thankful that I can work from home, be my own boss and make enough money at it to support myself.

So, that is just off the top of my head this afternoon. I have so many ways that I have been blessed. I have a roof over my head, a car that runs, a cool spot in the summer and a warm spot in the winter. We are fortunate enough to have the lakehouse for get-aways and I love to travel with Brian, no matter where we go!

I recommend that you start keeping a gratitude journal as well. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I got a cute notebook from the store and keep my gratitude journal, my food diary, my workout log, my to-do list and a list of my calls for my job. One page per day is all it takes. It will change your attitude for sure!!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Insanity and other exciting Beachbody News!


Insanity is now available for purchase! I'm so excited for this workout. I truly must be insane to be this excited about torturing myself! A month or so ago, we got a preview of this workout - Plyo Cardio. Dawn, Chrissy and I were excited, put it in and got after it. Not long after we started, we were sucking in the air, complaining about how hard it was and shortly after that we were on the floor wondering if we were going to be able to finish - (we weren't LOL!!). The next day I could barely walk. So, as soon as it was announced that the program was available for purchase, I ordered it. It's now a challenge to me to be able to get through the 60 day program. This is NOT a program for beginners.









If you are looking for a good workout for beginners, check out the new Shakeology workouts (30 min and 50 min)! These are perfect for beginning a workout program and getting started on your health journey!

Shakeology The Workouts $29.95
Follow Shakeology: The Workouts three times per week, replace one meal per day with Shakeology, and eat a balanced diet to lower cholesterol, lose weight, and shed inches. It’s that simple.

The Workouts

This set of 2 DVDs contains a 30-minute workout sequence and a 50-minute workout sequence. While you're first starting out, we recommend you do the 30-minute workout three times a week. Then rotate in the 50-minute workout once a week. Go at your own pace, but kick it up a notch as soon as you're ready to, and don't be afraid to push yourself. Soon, you'll notice more muscle tone and fewer food cravings. Before you know it, you'll have enough strength and energy to tackle The 50 three times a week.
The 30
The 30 is a classic workout. It's a balanced combination of cardiovascular intervals—to burn calories—and time-tested strength moves that will tone your muscles and build your metabolism.

The 50

Your body will continue to progress on its path toward total wellness with The 50. As your body becomes stronger and more efficient, The 50 will accelerate your progress—your strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility—in an easy-to-follow format.

The exciting news about these workouts, if you order Shakeology on home direct, you get free shipping/handling for life and you get the 2 Shakeology workouts for free!!

Other products available for free shipping/handling for life on home direct - P90X Results and Recovery drink and Shakeology Fiber Boost:

P90X Results and Recovery Formula Tub

Refuel, re-energize, and reduce muscle soreness with this after-workout shake. Four parts carbs to one part protein ensures speedy muscle repair after intense workouts!*

Recover faster and see better results!

This great-tasting shake is specially designed to provide the precise nutrients you need to recover quickly after intense workouts. P90X Results and Recovery Formula offers a unique mix of: Simple and complex carbohydrates for optimum glycogen replenishment

A high Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) blend to provide the critical building blocks for rapid muscle resynthesis

Vitamins, including antioxidants, to help reduce muscle soreness and assist in repair and growth

Studies show that with proper nutrition during the first hour following a workout you can increase your body's ability to recover more than 100%. The key component to maximizing this "window of opportunity" is a formulation of approximately 4 parts carbohydrates to 1 part protein.

P90X Results and Recovery Formula is a state-of-the-art, great tasting, body-shaping cocktail that's guaranteed to take your workouts to the next level.

Shakeology Boost: The Fiber

It’s easy to add more fiber to your diet with the first Shakeology Boost: The Fiber! This non-gritty, flavorless powder is easy to mix into your daily Shakeology shake or any other shake or drink. Choose the monthly Home Direct auto-ship program to get a 30-day supply of The Fiber delivered to your door with FREE SHIPPING every month.

Why Do I Need Fiber?

Fiber improves digestion, promotes regularity, and can even lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol and other toxins into the bloodstream.* It also slows the absorption of glucose—thereby preventing sugar spikes—and makes you feel full faster and longer, so you eat less! Not getting enough fiber can lead to constipation, hemorrhoids, obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, gall stones, and possibly even colon cancer.


How Much Fiber Do I Need?

While there is no official Recommended Daily Allowance for fiber, the U.S. government has established Adequate Intake levels at 25 grams for women 18 to 50 years old (21g for women over 50) and 38 grams for men (30g for men over 50).

Most adults in the U.S. only get between 11 to 13 grams per day. That's definitely not enough. So, we created an easy way to boost your diet with what your body needs. Add a full scoop of The Fiber to Shakeology and get a total of 10 grams of fiber with each shake. Since every body is different, we recommend starting with a half scoop and building your way up to a full scoop. You can even mix The Fiber with any juice, shake, or drink of your choice without making it gritty in texture or affecting the flavor. And since it contains FOS, a natural prebiotic sweetener, it will add a hint of sweetness to any drink.

What Makes The Fiber Better Than Other Fiber Products on the Market?

Unlike other store-bought fiber products, ours contains no additives, colors, or preservatives. Most store brands only have one source of fiber, but our unique formula is derived from 5 different sources of fiber, each with its own special set of benefits. Together they not only provide fiber for better digestion but have other health benefits, like prebiotic properties, aiding in weight management, and lowering cholesterol levels.* It also contains L-glutamine, an amino acid important for preventing muscle loss and boosting immunity from overtraining. Those who work out regularly can actually use an extra dose of it every day.

What's In It?

Inulin (from chicory root)
Increases calcium and magnesium absorption while promoting regularity.

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS)
A natural prebiotic sweetener that stimulates the supply of good bacteria in the intestinal tract, which helps increase overall digestive health.

Konjac fiber
Helps maintain weight and regularity.

Psyllium seed husk
Helps prevent dietary cholesterol from being absorbed by the liver and colon. It also helps curb your appetite.

Apple fiber
Helps eliminate toxins from the intestinal tract for better digestion.

L-glutamine
Aids in eliminating toxins in your body and fuels muscles during longer workout sessions.
So, there are many ways to increase your health with all these new products and great offers for free shipping. Please feel free to place an order through me at http://www.missourifitclub.com/ or if you have questions you may email me at dana@missourifitclub.com or leave a comment here. I will coach you to better health and fitness!!




Wednesday, July 8, 2009

NYC Trip!








I had a blast in NYC! Nothing like traveling with your best buds and family!! The girls trip was a success in all forms! We hit the ground running and didn't slow down until it was time to come home and we still didn't get to everything we wanted to do.





We arrived on Wednesday and got checked into our hotel - Marriott Marquis in Times Square. So much to see right out the door of the hotel! I highly recommend this hotel. Very comfortable beds, centrally located and the people that worked there were helpful and nice.


We wondered around Times Square the first night and found plenty to keep us occupied. We went to see Chicago and Mary Poppins. LOVED them both!! Wicked was sold out along with Jersey Boys. I guess those will have to wait until next time.

We went on the City Sights NY bus tour and saw the downtown districts. We saw plenty that we wanted to go back to visit. The subway was not scary at all. Very clean and safe!


We also went to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Both of these stops were a must see for all of us. It was very fitting that we happened to be there 4th of July weekend. We also visited Ground Zero. Not a lot to see there, but just to imagine how scared everyone must have been is just too much.





I got to visit One Lucky Duck for a great smoothie! I didn't make it to all my must visit restaurants, but I'm okay with that. There will be another trip!


On the 4th we went to the Upper West Side and watched the fireworks. They were AMAZING! I haven't seen a show like this before. There really are no words to describe it. I am waiting for mom to send me the pictures Hermina took with her camera of the fireworks. They were that good!!


Shopping in Chinatown was fun! The girls went crazy for all the knock-off purses and shoes and sunglasses! It was more fun to watch them shop than shopping itself! I got Meredith a great coach purse and I didn't even buy a purse for myself. That is a miracle for sure! I really like purses :)


We also went to the top of the rock and saw the NYC skyline at night. Just beautiful. The Empire State Building was all decked out for the 4th and it was so quiet and peaceful. We did get to Brooklyn on the night bus tour and really liked it. I noticed how much quieter it was in Brooklyn than in Manhattan.






I really can't wait to go back and see what I missed. I hope that Brian will go with me next time!!