Day 1

Hey Everyone!

Today is my first day of my Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  As many of you know this isn’t my first challenge.  It has been hard for me to follow through with these challenges in the past but this time around I’m dedicated and more motivated than ever.  There are many reasons why this time around is different but the number one thing is that I need to take care of myself.  I want to see results, I want to get my body back and get back into shape. The past 4 weeks since I’ve been in Dallas I’ve joined a fitness center (Orange Theory Fitness) here and have been working out 4-5 times a week.  I haven’t felt better and more serious about grinding and working hard than I do right now.  My main problem has been discipline.  That’s why I’m going to hold myself accountable by posting on my blog my meals, snacks, recipes and updates a couple times a week.

Day 1:

First thing in the morning I woke up and drank my spark and took 2 catalyst (Catalyst is an add-on that supports muscle tone and enhances strength and energy.)

I have a huge container of Spark because both my boyfriend and I take this and Fruit Punch is my favorite flavor. You can also take Spark up to 3 times a day. It replaces my coffee for me and is basically a sugar free energy source that keeps leaves you with long lasting energy and mental focus and performance.

I started my cleanse phase with the fiber drink.  I don’t know why everyone hates this the Peaches and Cream one seriously tastes like candy to me and I actually enjoy taking it.

I had a Chocolate Meal Replacement shake for breakfast because it is just easier for me.  You don’t have to drink these until the Max Phase or Day 14-24 but working out in the morning its easier for me to make this quick than take time to cook breakfast, and it keeps me full until lunch. 

Next I had fruit for my snack, just some pineapples apples and strawberries. 

Lunch a threw a bunch of stuff together that I had one hand.

 Dinner was Bison Burgers and Asparagus 

The reason I keep trying to do these Challenges is because they work.  As long as you follow them and are disciplined you WILL see results and I just want to give it a 100% chance and be 100% dedicated, which is definitely happening this time around.

Right now I'm finishing up my night watching the NCAA National Championship game and eating some celery and natural peanut butter. 

Love,

Em <3

[2015 Update]

Hello Everyone –

I know it’s been FOREVER!! I seriously need to get more consistent and dedicated to this.  Today’s post is just going to be a quick update on everything that’s going on in The D.

The football season is all over so we have been planning the last couple weeks about what we’re going to do with the off season.  It has been hectic but considering the snow storm that’s taking place outside right now I’m glad to say we planned 3 different trips.

First we are going to Virginia.  My boyfriend is from there and his family still lives there. We are flying there and staying for a week.  After we get back we are driving to Nebraska.  Yes I said driving!  The reason being, so we can bring Rockie and have my mom watch him while we are in Punta Cana. 

Yes!!!!!!!!!! We decided to take a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and I couldn't be more excited!  We went to Jamaica two years ago and I LOVED IT!  I honestly wanted to go back but there are SO many places to see in this world we thought it would be nice to go somewhere else.  We are actually staying at the same resort my friend stayed for her honeymoon and she had nothing but great things to say about it!

I’m so excited to see all our friends and family in Virginia and Nebraska, but also SO pumped to have a Piña Colada in my hand and relax on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches!

This is also my last week of my internship at Quicken Loans.  It’s been a great opportunity and also a great learning experience.  This is an amazing company that not only cares about their Clients but their Team Members as well.  I have learned so much and have gained so much experience to either continue my career with QL or to take to a different company.

Today is also my 15 day on my 24 Day Challenge.  My friend Ashley is doing it in Arizona and I couldn't be more proud of her.  She has been totally dedicated and has seen phenomenal results!  This challenge isn't even about the weight loss it’s more about the lifestyle change and getting all the junk out of your diet.  I have been trying new recipes to make on the challenge too!  I had a tex-mex chili that I actually found on their website and it was so delicious, you wouldn't even know it’s actually really healthy. 

Anyways – I’m going to try and take as many pictures as possible on each of our trips so I have tons to blog about during and after! J

XOXO -

~ Em

Monday Night Dinner

Hey Everyone :)

Here is a quick recipe of what I made for Mo and myself Monday night since everyone is asking me! Special thanks to Alexa for snapping me a pic of her enjoying some spaghetti squash the other night!

The recipe takes about an hour but its pretty simple. Hope you enjoy!

-Em

Monday night dinner :)

Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

[Makes 4 very generous servings]

Ingredients:

5 pounds spaghetti squash (2 medium-sized squash)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups ricotta, whole or 2%

1/4 cup roughly chopped parsley

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Chopped parsley or basil, to garnish

 

Directions:

1.       Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the squashes in half and scoop out the seeds. Lay them cut-side down in a roasting pan or other baking dish, and add about an inch of water. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, until soft when poked with a fork. Transfer to a cooling rack until cool enough to handle.

 

2.       While the squash is roasting, warm the olive oil in a high-sided skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the onions and cook until translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until well-browned, breaking up the beef into small crumbles, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering the sauce until the squashes are ready, 5 to 20 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt if desired.

3.       Use a fork to shred the inside of the squash, leaving about a half-inch of squash left in the shell. Mix the shredded squash into the tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, the parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

 

4.       Wipe out the roasting pan and arrange the squash shells inside, like bowls. Divide half of the ricotta mixture between the shells, using a spoon to spread the ricotta evenly over the bottom of the shells. Divide half the tomato sauce between the shells, spooning over top of the ricotta. Top with another layer of ricotta and tomato sauce

5.       Bake the shells for 15 minutes at 400°F. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the tops of the squashes and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots. (For a more golden top, run the squashes under the broiler for a minute or two.)

6.       Sprinkle parsley or basil over the tops and serve immediately. Leftovers will keep for 1 week in the fridge.

 

I've Been Slackin'

I have been SO busy lately with this internship.  I work around 9 to 10 hours a day and since I started this blog it has been filled with Training Classes, Learning about 20 different systems and even a Mortgage Business Academy.  So unfortunately when I get off work and finally make it through traffic (last night took me an hour and a half because of an accident) I am so exhausted and just want to shower, and fire up the Netflix. I swear I could be passed out by 10 every night. 

How cool is this? There are a couple right outside my office building and I always see people playing.

Like I have said previously I work in downtown Detroit.  I have been spending my lunch hour discovering unique restaurants that downtown has to offer (and most have discounts if you work for QL).  I have found a new love for Arab food, which is awesome since I’m half Moroccan although I didn’t live with my dad so I didn’t get to experience any growing up. I also am over half way finished with my AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge which has been AMAZING. I have attempted doing this multiple times during college and taking 21 credits and working 20 hours a week just allowed me to have an excuse screwed up every chance I had of eating 3 meals a day along with 3 snacks (HEALTHY MEALS, AND HEALTHY SNACKS). However the stress has been nonexistent working for QL and since graduating from college. I will have a future post directly on AdvoCare, but if you’re interested I actually am selling it now so send me a message J

View from my building. How Beautiful is this? There is a huge fountain and a beach area with sand and lounge chairs. I heard they turn this into a ice rink during the winter!

The BF is in season now so I have been forced to stay home alone on Saturday nights, well not TOTALLY alone because I have my furbaby Rockie (Puggle). However, I’ve been so paranoid and check the peephole at least 20 times a night AND leave the hallway light on when it’s time to go to bed. So, that is something I haven’t gotten used to yet but hopefully I will adjust soon. As far as if I’ve been enjoying it?  I honestly have.  I was texting with one of my friends the other day and she told me how positive I was with the whole move and transition and it made me a little proud that I have been keeping such a positive attitude. To be 100% honest I love that I am here.  I love being out of Nebraska (I love Nebraska and miss my friends and family, and I do believe you don’t realize how nice it is until you leave) and experiencing culture, diversity and a big city. I have been forced to make new friends and completely come out of my comfort zone and I honestly believe that this is transforming me into the person I want to become.  I am not by any means there yet but I am learning so much about myself (passions, hobbies, interests, life goals, personal goals, etc.) I honestly think that it is due to graduating college AND moving out of state and basically throwing myself into an unknown environment. Not having the comfort of your favorite restaurant (I miss you LaJuas) or feeling safe in everywhere you go (Don’t read reviews on Yelp about the Walmart in Dearborn, MI – it will haunt you in your sleep), seriously has forced me to grow, and mature and learn how to be an adult and try new things. I also think it has made my relationship stronger for the simple fact we both are new to this city, state, area and can experience new things together.

My Saturday night date :)

Anyways – I will be posting AT LEAST once a week from now on, now that I’m on a schedule and finally feel like my body has adjusted to these LONG work days I have been catching up on my friends blogs and they have seriously be kicking ass at posting like 5 or 6 posts on my one! I love that when I’m reading them I can picture them at their own computers typing it up, and makes me miss them a little more (a,m,e) J  

Always,
Emily

P.S. I’m also trying out a new recipe tonight so I should have a post on that coming soon too. I have discovered Whole Foods in the Eastern Market and AM IN LOVE!

Welcome to Detroit City

Hello friends, and anybody else that may have come across this,

I have been wanting to start this blog FOREVER.   I just never took the time to sit down and really think of what to write about or to name my blog (that took many texts, tweets and Facebook status updates).  Even then I didn’t really take this seriously until a couple weeks ago when I found out that my friend started one and than a couple days ago my other friend started one too!  I loved just reading about their lives while they are hundreds of miles away and thought it was a good outlet to get my thoughts into one place and document the exciting (and not so exciting) things that are happening in my life.

So to keep things short, I just recently moved from Lincoln, Nebraska to Detroit, Michigan.  I have NEVER, EVER lived outside of the state of Nebraska ever in my life and to be completely honest I was terrified. Not to be away from home but for my first big city to be Detroit (I’ve seen 8 Mile). I mean, I didn’t even lock my doors in Nebraska.  However, the reason behind it was to support my boyfriend on a dream that came true for him.  It was perfect timing too, since I just graduated from college and had no job lined up.  So last Monday my amazing mom, Rockie (our dog), and I made the drive to Detroit from South Sioux City Nebraska.

Here are a couple things to know about this blog.  I want to post anything on it! Whether that is cooking, beauty, makeup, trips, vacations, girls’ nights, date nights, or just a plan boring night at home.

As I write this blog it’s a Sunday, and I have the Lions game playing and laundry going in the background.  I start my first day at work, for a big company in the heart of downtown Detroit!  I will update more this week!! Thanks for those who read, and I hope to update more on the next blog post! I also want to update this with all the exciting things that happened in my friends’ lives too. My best friend got married last weekend, so there will be a post coming on that too!  

Sorry for the boring post (it's a boring day), I just think once I got the first one out of the way the next should come a lot easier!  J

Best,

Em