SIMPLE ways to stay on budget!

If you are like me, I have a pretty strict budget that I must adhere to.  This can sometimes be quite challenging especially when you have a large family and frankly more bills than I care to admit. I have been working on eliminating the monthly struggle and setting myself up for financial success, which means I have had to take a look at my weakness and habits.  Doing this has allowed me to create new habits that make me more mindful about my spending and shopping routines.

After taking a deeper look at what has worked for many others, I have created a list of a couple simple things I (we) can do to stay on budget.

1. Shop with a list

Shopping with a list is something that I have always done when grocery shopping, but never copied that habit when it came to shopping for household items, clothes for the kids, gas, etc. I know that it may seem like making a list for the smaller things is very insignificant, but what it does for me is makes me very aware of ALL the money I am spending. This allows me to prioritize what and when I make purchases so I can manage more efficiently my cash flow. Also making a list even for a convenience store trip will help to ward off the temptation to buy things you don't really need!

2. Use a budget app

This is something I NEVER did!  I eventually started doing this on my computer and it really helped!  The problem is it's on the computer and not readily available when you are out and about.  This led me to finding a budget app I could use on my smartphone as well, now I had no excuse for not knowing where my budget stood on a minute by minute basis. From anywhere this allows me to track my budget and goals and maintain an awareness of my spending in real time.

3. Record expenses daily

In the past I would wait until the end of the week or even month sometimes to log my expenses. It became a nightmare, trying to remember purchases, frantically searching for receipts!  At the end of every day I log all my expenses including small purchases like a pack of gum.  It's also important to ALWAYS ask for a receipt! That's documentation that is necessary to track your money. Doing this helps you to become aware of your daily spending habits, so that you can make positive changes.

4. Share

I found that sharing my financial goals with others, like a friend or family member, made me more inclined to be accountable for my spending. It's always easier do achieve a goal when you have someone on your side holding you accountable for your actions!  This also opens up a window to receiving advice or plan that has worked for them! Share regularly!

5. Only spend what you can see

Shopping with cash creates a visual of what's readily available to you! I know it seems crazy and a pain!  Before I go grocery shopping I go to the ATM and pull out what I need before I even enter the store.  If I don't I know I will come out with more than I intended to!  Just try this for a couple of weeks and see what a difference it makes in your awareness of your finances and budget!

6. Refurbish and recycle

I have become a jack of all trades and wear many hats within my household! Instead of constantly planning out my budget for new items or to replace items that are in relatively good condition, I try to fix or refurbish those items.  It sometimes can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint to a piece of furniture to give it new life or replacing a part in my dishwasher after watching a diy video on how to do so!  This not only helps the budget, but it also gives a new level of self confidence in doing things you never thought you could! Try to update your house without having to go out and buy new stuff.  It's incredibly rewarding!

7. Reward yourself without spending money

I use to treat myself to a purse or workout outfit when I would reach a goal.  This habit also spilled down to my children.  If they did well in school they were rewarded with some financial gain or item they've really wanted. Today I now try and reward myself and my family in ways that don't involve spending money. Spending an afternoon with my family at a local FREE event, trying a new recipe, enjoying a quiet bath with candles, or making time to spend with a friend or a loved one I haven't seen in awhile, is time soooo well spent! The reward is so much greater...the memories created last a lifetime! Try to make goal setting a positive experience!  This will reinforce new and better habits and get rid of the habits that have been holding you back!

I hope you found this helpful!

FREE 5 Day Clean Eating Challenge

Join me for a FREE Clean Eating Challenge beginning Monday, June 8.  I will provide you with a 5 day meal plan with delicious recipes, an organized grocery list and support throughout the week. We will have a private Facebook group where we can share healthy recipes, pictures, ask questions and offer each other motivation and support.  Healthy eating made easy.  Are you in? Scoot over to my Facebook page and send me a personal message, so I can add you to the group :-)  facebook.com/teamfitnessroyalty

Yum...Tofu Parmigiana!

I find as a vegetarian that recipes can be limited, so when I find a yummy one, I feel I must share!  This is a simple tofu recipe, incredibly easy to make and BEST of all it is so so good!  Try it and let me know what you think :-)

Tofu Parmigiana

Makes: 4 servings

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 14-ounce package firm or extra-firm water-packed tofu, rinsed
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 8 ounces white mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup prepared marinara sauce, preferably low-sodium
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

PREPARATION

1. Combine breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish. Cut tofu lengthwise into 4 steaks and pat dry. Sprinkle both sides of the tofu with garlic powder and salt and then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and begin to brown, 4 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add the tofu steaks and cook until browned on one side, about 3 minutes. Turn over and sprinkle with Parmesan. Spoon the mushroom mixture over the tofu, pour marinara over the mushrooms and scatter mozzarella on top. Cover and cook until the sauce is hot and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 262 calories; 16 g fat (5 g sat, 7 g mono); 13 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrates; 16 g protein;3 g fiber; 597 mg sodium; 444 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium (40% daily value), Selenium (15% dv).

Carbohydrate Servings: 1

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 medium fat meat, 2 fat

2015 Top 13 Summer Vacation Destinations

With summer right around the corner the planning for our summer vacations are in full throttle.  I have researched the top 13 best vacation destinations and wanted to share them with you. The information below was collected from USNews Travel. Where will your family vacation this year?

#13 - Colorado Springs

It's easy to see why Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write the lyrics to the famous patriotic ballad "America the Beautiful" from Colorado Springs. Look in one direction and you'll see the majestic "purple mountains:" the Colorado Rockies. Shift your eyes in the other direction to find yourself gazing out at "amber waves of grain:" the Great Plains. The beautiful scenery isn't the only reason to head to this former mining town. Colorado Springs is also home to such American institutions as the Air Force Academy and the Olympic Training Center. And over the years it's become a cross-section of personalities. Take to the streets and share the sidewalks with budding politicos, young families, art lovers and more: All stake their claim on this portion of America the Beautiful.

Colorado's second largest has earned a reputation for its conservative philosophies: In 2010, Men's Health magazine named Colorado Springs the "Most Religious City in America." But over the past couple of years, this town about 70 miles south of Denver has eased up on the religious rhetoric, even adopting a hint of the laid-back vibe that Colorado visitors normally associate with Boulder or Telluride (to experience this side of the Colorado Springs area, head to nearbyManitou Springs). But most visitors don't come here to sample the political and social discourse — they come for the all-encompassing views found at the top of Pikes Peak, the towering cliffs that make up the Garden of the Gods, the blushing cliffs at Red Rock Canyon and the variety of other ways to experience Colorado's impressive scenery.

#12 - Ocean City

Affordable and kid-friendly too, Ocean City, specializes in the classic American beach vacation. Stroll along the Boardwalk, and you'll find adrenaline pumping amusement park rides, far stretches of powdery sand, scrumptious blue crabs, and plenty of souvenir shops. Bright carnival ride lights twinkle as families frolic to Ocean City Beach; intrepid sun-seekers parasail across the water; and the squeals of children are heard playing inside the arcades toRipley's Believe It or Not! Museum. But you can power down at Ocean City too. Bait and tackle shops are a surplus, and a daytrip to the serene Assateague Island National Seashore is only a 20-mile drive down the coast.

#11 - Williamsburg, VA

For such a historical town, Williamsburg -- as tourists know it -- is fairly new. It wasn't until the 20th century that the downtown area of this Virginia Peninsula city was restored. Now you can tread the same steps that our Founding Fathers once took -- in fact, in Williamsburg, you just might even find yourself trekking alongside those men (or at least, alongside some talented, costumed interpreters acting out their parts). The area isn't a novelty, though. Instead, Williamsburg and the nearby cities of Jamestown and Yorktown are breathing monuments to some of the best-known figures of our colonial history. Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Smith, Pocahontas and more -- they all receive their due.

#10 - San Francisco, CA

A jumbled collage of colorful neighborhoods and beautiful views, San Francisco draws those free-spirited types who have an eye for edgy art, a taste for imaginative cuisine and a zeal for adventure. It's really not surprising that songwriter Tony Bennett left his heart here: The city boasts jaw-dropping sights, world-class cuisine, cozy cafes and plenty of booming nightlife venues — there's no shortage of ways to stay busy here. Spend an hour or two sunning yourself alongside sea lions on the bay, admiring the views of the city fromTwin Peaks, or strolling along the Marina. And for the quintessential San Franciscan experience, enjoy a ride on a cable car.

Often described as Los Angeles' more refined northern cousin, cool and compact San Francisco takes the big-city buzz exuded by its southern counterpart and melds it with a sense of small-town charm. Here, you'll discover a mish-mash of culture flourishing throughout San Francisco's many vibrant quarters. Follow the crowds to the touristy Fisherman's Wharf area (which offers spectacular views ofAlcatraz) before heading along the bay to the Presidio for a glimpse of the famous Golden Gate Bridge. But don't forget to save time for the Mission district, The Haight and The Castro for exposure to all of the different varieties of the San Francisco lifestyle.

#9 - Anaheim/Disneyland

Many vacationers come to Anaheim for Disneyland. A plaque at the entrance of the park says: "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy," and for more than 50 years, this complex of amusement parks and hotels has remained a fun fantasy world. Even if you've been to other Disney resorts, nothing beats the original's unique place as a vintage landmark in the heart of Southern California. This vibrant park is still a great place for families -- in fact, your kids will most likely have so much fun with Mickey and friends that they'll never want to leave. And with plenty of thrilling rides and a bustling Downtown entertainment district, you might not want to leave either. 

But Disneyland isn't the only thing luring visitors to this Southern California city. There are other parks like Knott's Berry Farm andAdventure City, a picturesque nature park and even an "angelic"baseball stadium. And, although you might not know it as you're sweating it out in the summertime, Anaheim is within a 30-minute drive to the cooling ocean breeze of Long, Huntington and Laguna beaches. 

#8 - Myrtle Beach, SC

The clean beaches are the main draw in Myrtle Beach, but there's more to her than miles of brown sand. One of the best East Coast family vacation destinations, Myrtle Beach, S.C. boasts hundreds of golf courses for golfers at all levels; amusement parks that fling the kiddies around on water rides, roller coasters and race tracks; Dolly Parton singing and dancing for dinner guests; and Ripley's Aquarium, which dares visitors to commune with the sharks. It might not be the ritziest vacation, but the casual capital of South Carolina's 60-mile long waterfront, the Grand Strand, is a rambunctious smorgasbord of family fun.

#7 - San Diego, CA

Consistently sunny weather and 70 miles of magnificent coastline are what draw active types to San Diego throughout the year: that and the mouthwatering cuisine, thriving nightlife and one of the country's favorite zoos. And then there are the beaches: Retreat toMission Beach to soak up the rays, to La Jolla to catch a wave and to Coronado for a leisurely seaside stroll. When you're ready to ditch your flip-flops and board shorts for more formal attire, you'll find pockets of vivacious nightlife throughout, especially near the historical Gaslamp Quarter.

America's Finest City is a confluence of different communities defined by the area's military and Hispanic heritage: San Diego is home of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet and sits adjacent to the U.S.-Mexico border. In spite of constant growth (and its title as California's second-largest city), San Diego maintains a small-town feel, making it a popular destination for families and anyone looking for a laid-back, Southern California getaway in the sun.

#6 - Orlando, Fl/Disney World

There's no other city in the United States — the world, even — that celebrates childhood quite like Orlando. The feeling that you get when you catch the light off Epcot Center's Spaceship Earth (found in Walt Disney World, of course); or from your first sip of Butterbeer in Hogsmeade (located insideIslands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter); or when you witness the soaring heights of Shamu's flips (during the "Believe" water show at SeaWorld) — all prove that being a kid is about state of mind, not age. The notion that only young ones will enjoy this city's charms is just that — a notion. In reality, Orlando has a little of this and a little of that to appeal to all ages, and there's more to do here than visit theme parks. The subtropical climate is great for golfing and the downtown city landscape is too attractive not to explore. 

#5 - Grand Canyon

"Grand" doesn't begin to do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder. For six million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4.5 million visitors per year awestruck.

But if you're seeking a secluded escape to Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded. The South Rim — home to the Grand Canyon Village and the well-worn Bright Angel Trail — is particularly popular for sightseers and hikers. It is on this side that you'll find the most amenities. However, for a true escapist experience, head to theNorth Rim. This is the place for backwoods camping and hardcore hiking.

#4 - Washington, D.C.

With its marbled monuments and high-profile politicos, Washington, D.C., has long been saddled with a reputation as a stuffy government-driven town. A "city of southern efficiency and northern charm," as John F. Kennedy once described it, Washington is often seen by outsiders as slow and inefficient. But these days, our nation's capital is awash with a new energy, transforming itself into an exciting, faster-paced East Coast vacation destination. Although government is still the sun around which this city orbits, the District also offers a host of renowned museums and interesting neighborhoods. And with a recent explosion of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and clubs, D.C. is transitioning into a thriving cultural hub. As the D.C. Tourism Board is emphasizing through its "DC Cool" campaign, this isn't the Washington you remember from your middle school field trip — it's much hipper than that.

You can choose a traditional D.C. adventure, filled with tours of classic attractions like the White House and the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. And there's no better way to experience iconic D.C. than with a stroll around the Tidal Basin. (Plan to visit in late March or early April —just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival — and you'll be rewarded with a canopy of beautiful pink blooms.) But if you've already seen the national landmarks, get a feel for the city's more youthful ambiance, highlighted by its urban neighborhoods, marquee art galleries and vibrant farmers' markets. Follow foodies to Eastern Market, where Capitol Hill residents shuffle through stands for the freshest produce and trendiest clothing (before working their way through a mile-high stack of pancakes). Afterward, peruse the high-end stores peppering Georgetown or rub shoulders with savvy Washingtonians at the many bars and music joints crowding the U Street Corridor. While you'll only need a few days to see the city as you know it from your history book, it could take months to experience the Washington that today's locals know and love. 

#3 - Yosemite National Park

One of California's most formidable natural landscapes, Yosemite National Park features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees, daunting cliff faces and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States. But despite its enormous size, most of the tourist activity takes place within a seven-square-mile area of Yosemite Valley. Here you'll find the park's most famous landmarks -- Half Dome and El Capitan -- as well as excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments. Even inexperienced hikers can enjoy Yosemite -- guided tours and climbing lessons are offered from local adventure outfitters. Just don't expect to experience it by yourself. Like so many other American tourist destinations, crowds are the biggest obstacles to an enjoyable Yosemite vacation -- at least four million people visit a year. But if you go at the right time (and start your day a little earlier than usual), Mother Nature's wonders will reveal themselves to you in a miraculous and serene way.

#2 - Yellowstone

With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Multicolored pools swirl around hot springs; verdant forests weave past expansive meadows; and volatile geysers launch streams of steaming water toward the sky. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it's no wonder everyone suspected John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) was embellishing when he first described Yellowstone's geothermal curiosities in 1807. Nowadays, there's no doubt that the park is indeed extraordinary. While you traverse the park's 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies. 

Although Yellowstone attracts about 3 million visitors every year, chances are — unless you spend your entire trip at Old Faithful — you won't see much of them. Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres creep from the northwest corner of Wyoming into the edges of Idaho and Montana, offering plenty of untouched territory to explore. Carve out a day or two to take in the view at Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs. But save some time for the trails through lesser-known regions, like the hot springs of the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the untamed wildlife dotting the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop. While the sheer number of trails and wildlife-watching opportunities may seem daunting at first, remember: You can always come back.

#1 - Honolulu, Oahu

Oahu blends cosmopolitan luxury and breathtaking scenery more than any other Hawaiian island. The state's capital city, Honolulu, showcases the island's urban appeal. Nearby you'll find a host of cultural and historical sites, from the austere USS Arizona Memorial to ornate 'Iolani Palace. In the nearby Waikikineighborhood, a skyline of high-rises and resort hotels contrasts with sprawling white-sand beaches. For a taste of rural Hawaii, visit the North Shore. Here, you'll find the most brilliant blue waters and meandering hikes. But those three spots aren't all Oahu offers. Its high-class restaurants, vibrant cultural events, and wild nightlife further showcase this island as a "Gathering Place" of Hawaiian cult

Organic Facial Wash

Your health and fitness journey is more than just exercise and nutrition, it's also about how you take care of your body! This is a wonderful way to brighten up your skin and leave you feeling fresh and alive for the day! This an all organic facial wash! You can find it at www.juicebeauty.com. Give it a try and let me know what you think? I love this stuff!

EVERY DROP FEEDS YOUR SKIN

Cleanse with this refreshing blend of organic juices, sunflower oil and essential fatty acids, revitalizing organic helichrysum and carrot seed will remove impurities while protecting your skin's natural moisture balance for an organic, healthy complexion. A Daily Essential for all skin types.

WHO SHOULD USE IT?

Juice Beauty's Organic Facial Wash is designed for all skin types and ideal for daily use to keep skin healthy and fresh.

BENEFITS

• Cleanses without drying with organic sugar cane, grape and apple fruit acids.
• Revitalizes & removes impurities with organic helichrysum and carrot.
• Nourishes with linseed, borage & primrose essential fatty acids.
• Feeds the skin with organic botanicals of olive, calendula and lemon balm.

POWERFUL ACTION WITHOUT

Our formulations are made without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. Our products are never tested on animals.

Opportunity is knockin are YOU going to answer?

I'm now opening up this opportunity to EVERYONE! With summer around the corner I'm looking for people who are interested in joining my team of motivated and successful coaches.

I'm looking for:
-Dedicated
-Responsible
-Integrity
-Willingness to be Coachable  (NO network market or fitness exp required)
-Positive Attitude
-Strong Work Ethic

What YOU'LL get:
-Fitness results you've always wanted
-Earn extra income to help pay your bills or fun vacation
-Gain leadership exp and run your own business from home
-Chance to win FREE vacations
-Work with motivated, helpful and like-minded peers who want you to succeed
-The chance to pay it forward to others. This is a relationship business where helping others helps you achieve your goals. This is an AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!

I'm  looking for individuals who are interested in getting started immediately!

Please ***LIKE***COMMENT****or ****SEND ME A MESSAGE*** Right away for more information on how to get started. OPPORTUNITY is knockin are YOU  going to answer?

Cassiebush14@gmail.com


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GUILT FREE Oatmeal Banana Cookies

Who says being healthy means you have to deprive yourself of tasty treats? It's not the case! When done in moderation, treating yourself can actually help you to reach and sustain your health and fitness goals! If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, try this GUILT FREE treat! Enjoy!

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

• INGREDIENTS

• 3 Bananas, ripe
• 1/3 cup Canola Oil
• 2 cups Quick Cooking Oats
• 1/2 Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Cooking Spray

• DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork until no longer lumpy. If bananas aren't very ripe, a hand mixer may be used. Stir in oil, oats, chocolate chips, and vanilla.
  3. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
  4. For each cookie, spoon about 2 tablespoons of cookie mixture (or more depending on how big you want the cookie) onto the cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  5. **IF batter seems a little dry, add a little milk to moisten.
  6. Variations: Instead of chocolate chips add raisins or craisins. Chopped walnuts are great in these cookies. Or, try coconut oil instead of canola oil.

Can money make dreams come true?

Can money make dreams come true?  Out curiosity, I wanted to find out if individuals thought that money would make their dreams come true or if their dreams were connected to a monetary gain. I posed this questions to my friends and received an array of opinions.  I was surprised at the results!

Based on my poll, I’d say about half concluded that yes money can make dreams come true.  In their opinion money would allow for financial freedom to contribute to charities, help family and provide the means to achieve said dream.  While on the opposite end of the spectrum, other’s claim that money could not make dreams come true.  This group concludes that you can’t wait around for money to achieve your dreams.  You have to use what God has provided you and make it happen.  They also say that following your dreams and taking the steps to make them come true will lead to financial gain, so money is like the icing on the cake. I can see both points of view!

It seems that people never get started on realizing their dreams because they are too busy and instead of listing how they can achieve their dreams they list ALL the reasons they cannot! Things like: I don’t have enough money. I’m lacking talent. I don’t have the knowledge or capacity. My past failures in the past are many. I have NO luck! Why would I think my dream could change or make an impact? Before they even begin, the flag is thrown in and they have defeated themselves! This is not what YOU deserve!

Dreaming and taking steps to achieve those dreams feels so good. With or without a financial gain selflessly giving of yourself to a cause that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, is a success and a dream achieved! Remember the dream you have for yourself exists to turn your life into a priceless painting that is a vision of joy, dedication and contribution. Living your life doing what you love on your own terms, what I call creating a Life By Design, is the best thing you could ever do for yourself!!

“To be able to get out of bed and do what you love for the rest of the day is beyond words.” – John Schroeder

Your dream that is embedded and born deep in your heart would not exist if you were not given the power to make it come true! Your dream is uniquely yours and only you have the ability to bring it to fruition. If you thought about it, then you have the innate know how to achieve it! Instead of focusing on ALL the reasons you can’t make a list of all the reason you can!

“You’re never given a wish without also being give the power to make it true.  You may have to work for it, however.” – Richard Bach

The individuals that make a difference in the world, who stop at nothing to live their dream, are those who believed whole heartedly in their dreams and proceeded until they manifested what is so deeply embedded in their hearts! The key to success is the ability to envision your dream and see it from your heart’s eye and how profoundly it can change and impact your life and the lives of those around you!  If you can envision it, you can CREATE it!! No money needed for dreaming!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Rossevelt

Denying your dreams is such a disserve to yourself! You create the best possible life for yourself when you take steps daily toward your dreams. One day of focusing and pursuing the life you dream for yourself will not land you on the stars, maybe on the clouds.  Living a ‘life by design’ takes diligence, consistency and a daily desire to persevere! Everyday a step forward is a step closer to the life you dream for yourself and your family! Rocks, bumps, turns, mountains may fall in your way, but not allowing those obstacles to derail you, is where the work begins! If living out your dream and life by design was an easy road, EVERYONE would be in that blissful place.  Nothing amazing and great comes easy!

”I’m a dreamer. I have a dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.” – Mike Tyson

You have a hunger and a strong desire to live a life you create on your own terms, nothing will feed that hunger more than pursuing your dreams! Every day that you take and create forward momentum will add meaning to your life and make all your hard work worthwhile.  The pursuit of happiness and dreams will give you a reason to wake feeling excited and enthusiastic!  At the end of the day, you will be able to lay your head on your pillow and say today I fed my hunger, I gave selflessly of myself and took the necessary steps to become one step closer to the life I dream of!

“If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams.” – Les Brown

If you dim the light, the love in your heart, your soul will begin to fade! Too many individuals are living, but very few are truly ALIVE! Most are just going through the motions doing only the bare minimum to get through the day.  This is usually out of fear, fear of failing, fear of not being able to achieve what to them seems like something so unattainable!  However, the only way to truly LIVE and be ALIVE in your life is to follow your dreams, follow what makes you truly happy! It may be scary, and yes, you may fail before you succeed, but the end destination will be worth the hard work and setbacks! Fight for your life!  Fight for your dreams!

“…when you cease to dream you cease to live.” – Malcolm Forbes

Everyone who chooses to follow their dreams are pioneers, searching for new grounds to plant your seed. It is evitable as a pioneer that you will face criticism, judgment and be misunderstood, not because your dream is wrong, but because you have chosen to step outside the box and do something that many don’t have the courage to do! Unfortunately, most are not used to seeing others, dreamers, with the crazy notion that they can make their lives and the world a better place, actually pursue and take steps to make their dreams come true!  It’s a crazy idea that one person could ever make a difference or create a life by design, right?? Of course not!! Where there is a dream, their surely is a way! Fear must not be your driving force or excuse! YOU are worth your dream!  Be a dreamer even when those around you criticize your choice to do so! Most people have been given wings to fly, but will never know they can fly because they are too afraid to fall! Spread your wings, take the leap and soar!!

“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” – Oscar Wilde

You are worth and deserving of big dreams.  You deserve to become remarkable! If you don’t leave your imprint in your life, in the lives around you and in the world, how will you ever be remembered? We were born to be great and not live small.  Our dreams give us the ability to be great and stop living small and insignificantly! That is not what we are destined to do! We are beautiful, complex beings created uniquely, with unique qualities that are intended to be shared, not stuffed away! We have the ability to dream because each of us have innately strong characters that strive to live big! Live big, bigger than those around you think is possible!  Show the nonbelievers that with hard work, dedication and a true desire to live a life by design, EVERYTHING is possible!

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character.” – Henry David Thoreau

We are given the ability to dream because we have a strong desire to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us! The lovely thing about dreams is YOU are your answer the puzzle.  Only YOU have the tools and power to create and live your dream! Because all of us armed with this ability, we owe it to ourselves, to use the God given tools!  Why would any of us settle for less when we have the power to create more? Each and every one of us have the ability to live life by design.  It is not biased! It is not just for the rich!  It is not just for those of power! Every last one of us have the passion and ability, we just need to tune into that fire, and feed it daily! Don’t limit yourself, dream big, and start making it happen!

“All our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

If you have a passion, unleash that passion on the world, despite what others may think, say or do! YOU CAN DO IT! You DESERVE it! Recognize the beauty in your dreams and the brilliance of the legacy you will leave behind! BE A DREAMER!!!

The information in this blog is based on my personal opinion, the opinion of those I polled and information I gathered in light hearted research.  It is my opinion, in my life, I feel money cannot make dreams come true. In order for a dream to become your reality you have to be willing to give of yourself selflessly, without the expectation of anything in return. To love and have the ability to offer compassion, empathy and paying forward your God given talent and know how, is a dream achieved and life by design created! I am a true believer in what comes around goes around! If you can look at your life and can see the change and impact you've had in your personal life, the lives of those around you and in the world, you have reached the stars!  Financial gain, financial freedom will always follow a pure heart, a heart that leads with purposeful intention and that my friends is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! After working so hard to make a difference and create your life by design, you now will have the ability and means to take that dream outside the realm of your immediate circle of life!  You now will have the ability to pay forward your dream and reach and enrich the lives of other’s around the world! A dream and passion should be shared not kept inside for continued personal gain!

Weed Out The Negativity!

Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you!  It's time to weed out the negativity so that you can propel yourself to reach your dreams and goals!

I am worth it!

***LONG POST ALERT***
(worth the read)

Rent paid- check
Electric Bill paid-will have to be late so I can pay for groceries
Gas-Yup $5 for a couple of gallons
Groceries-bare minimum

A true reality I am sure a lot of you can relate to, which happens to be my reality, sad but true!  After many devastating loses in my life, house fire, lose of employment, lose of my home, not having the means to feed my children, bankruptcy to name a few....this has become my reality!

When I envisioned my life as a young woman this is certainly not what I had in mind! Unfortunately, circumstances happen, life happens and it's hard and can be devastating to your family and to you mentally, emotionally and physically! I was not prepared at all for this life. I was not armed with the necessary tools to survive these hardships.  I shut down completely!  Guess where this landed me...further in the hole!  I couldn't see past the darkness.  I was only able to see that I had drowned, let my kids down and let myself down!  This was a very dark and small place to be! I thought for sure this was going to be my present and my future, there was nothing more!  I was destined to a life of poverty and hardship!  Woo is me!  This was my mentality.  I deserved to feel sorry for myself is what I kept telling myself!  I deserve to be angry at the world and God for dishing me way more than I could handle! I threw my hands up and said SCREW it, screw everyone and everything!!! This pity party went on for some time!

Then Beachbody came abruptly into my life!  It has been a saving grace for me especially mentally and emotionally! Health and fitness has been a passion of mine for forever, so this was amazing!!! However, at first I was thinking I won't be able to do this! Nothing I have to say, nothing I do is worthy of anyone's time or energy...NO ONE WILL CARE!!! I was scared, intimidated, frustrated, angry...you name it I was feeling it!  In the beginning I tried to learn about the business, I listened to my upline. I did my training but it ended there! Fear kept me from sharing my story and reaching out to pay it forward, remember YOU HAVE NOTHING OF WORTH TO OFFER, that had become my motto!!

Then one day I woke up and something had shifted.  I decided I was no LONGER going to be a victim of my circumstances!  I was NO LONGER going to let my past and current situation define who I was or who I wanted to be!  I began to really take to heart the words of very wise ladies and gentleman in my fit family.  I began to do daily personal development!  Boy, was that a scary process!  I learned things about myself that I truly didn't want to hear or see, but I forged forward! This personal development began to create a gateway for me, a gateway to possibilities, my possibilities! I began to see a NEW life for me and my family, a life that I could design and create on my own terms! It seemed far fetched but there was a glimmer of this could be possible! I gained a new found self confidence that I had never had before and I began to share that! This opened doors to some amazing relationships, both online and off!  I found that I have a family and amazing friends within my fit family that both support me and are there to catch me when I fall! I finally felt I had a cushion to land on!  Life wasn't so scary anymore!

Fast forward....while I am by no means anywhere close to being where I envision myself being, I have the pathway to get there!  A clear undeniable path that will lead me to my final destination!  My future is bright and clear and this is all thanks to Beachbody coming into my life!!!  It has SAVED me!!  My fit family have saved me!  And guess what I SAVED MYSELF!!! I finally see my worth and I fight daily for that and for my children!!!

THANK YOU TO MY BEACHBODY FAMILY for helping me see what I couldn't....THANK YOU for being the light in my dark box!  THANK YOU for ripping down the walls of that small box and showing me the beauty in the big world that has always surrounded me!  THANK YOU for helping me to learn to forgive!  THANK YOU for helping to build up my confidence so that I can share my journey with others and pay it forward! MOSTLY, THANK YOU for supporting me and loving me!

The moral of this long post is while you current situation may seem dim, dark and impossible, remember that if you can for a moment envision the future you want for yourself and your family, the stepping stones to that future will start to emerge for you to walk across!  Don't lose hope, always face the light!

I love you all!! Thank you for taking the time to read this!  I hope that it has brightened someones dark day!

Sweat is fat crying!!

Power of perspiration

Work up a good sweat doing your favorite workout!! Sweating is fat crying!!