Advocare=AdvoFUN

WOW! It has been soooo long since I have updated this thing! Here I was thinking that I would be keeping up with this blog and then life just sort of happened and we got really busy. Cody and I are constantly going; we are always off doing some sort of outdoor activity or visiting family or working. We hardly ever have days where we just sit around and do nothing. I am not sure how often I will update this as I feel we are even busier than before, but I wanted to share a little about Advocare.

Advocare is a nutritional program that fell into my lap from a gal at my gym. I have heard about it before and have always been skeptical. I have been mostly paleo for quite some time and thought that was good enough for me. However, the fall brought a sort of hiatus with my diet and exercise routine because I was so busy and then the holidays came. By the time January 1 rolled around, I was ready to get back at it. Cody and I decided to kick the new year off with a Paleo Challenge. Last year when we did this challenge we saw some pretty good results and were able to maintain it (until fall when we just got crazy busy with work). Well, we went 30 days strict paleo following the Whole 30 guidelines. We saw some change, but not as much as we did before. I was sort of sad about not seeing the results I wanted so I decided to take on Advocare. Advocare, in my eyes, is pretty paleo. There are a few things I eat on this plan that aren't such as Spark, and the protein powder, but other than that, I only eat paleo foods on this plan. You can learn a little more about Advocare here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLHK1In_ebY&feature=player_embedded

February 7th I kicked off my 24 Day Challenge. I decided to take the plunge not knowing what I was getting into, but was ready for something different. The challenge was hard, as there is lots of prep worked involved in ensuring success, but I stayed 100% and in 24 days I had lost 5lbs and 15 inches! 5lbs isn't a lot but 15 inches!! That was INSANE! I was so happy with my results. On top of that, I had more energy in my crossfit workouts, more energy throughout the day, was sleeping better, had clearer skin, and just felt better overall. With these results, I decided I wanted to continue using Advocare's products and start selling it on the side. The goal for this was to sell enough to where I could get my products paid for....so if you are interested, let me know :P

Also with my results, Cody decided he was interested. Now, a little side note-he ate close to the eating plan without all the supplements when I was doing the challenge and had lost a little weight when I was doing it. He started his ACTUAL 24 Day Challenge on March 12th. His last day was yesterday and he got AMAZING results! He ended up losing 10lbs and 11 inches!! He looks and feels incredible! I am not going to lie, I was jealous taking his final measurements this morning because it just isn't fair to me the results guys get, but I am so stinkin proud of him! We are both going to continue eating this way with a few days built in for "cheat meals". We have both learned a lot about what our bodies truly need during this challenge and we can definitely say that Advocare was a "lifestyle change" for us (as cliche as that sounds).

You can find pictures of Cody's results at the link below!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17xKs_2WthpagzT1pF5J-rthPviU8uo3dQMB-LKQndlM/edit

Catching up on life

It has been a long time since I have posted but Cody and I have been very busy. Here is what has been going on with us...

Cody is still loving his job at Amazon

For those of you who didn't know, I was laid off in November and that TOTALLY sucked. But, we were fortunate enough to get through that tough time and in January I got a contract job at Amazon as a Recruiting Coordinator for the College Recruting team. People always ask if it is weird working at the same place as Cody/doing the same thing BUT it really isn't. We are in 2 totally departments and different buildings so we don't even see each other..it does make commuting nice though! :)

Right when I started my job I fell in love with it and the team right away. Long term, I think I want to become a Lead Recruiter for College-Recruiting but for now, I am keeping myself VERY busy with the RC Role and learning a lot. OH..and to make things better, I recently got offered a Full Time Role in the team. I officially start as a Full Time employee this Monday. I am so excited. This job is EXTREMELY fast paced and I love it. It is weird how quickly things change. 1 year ago I was still at SL Start, loving my job but wanting a better opportunity, then took a job at an Advertising Company where possibilities were endless...then I get laid off and was completely lost with what direction my career should go. Then, along came Amazon. I feel so at home with this job and my team. God truly does take care of us and knows the path we are taking before we do. The trials this past year has put me through only made me stronger and looking back, it was a blessing in disguise getting laid off.

Anyway, enough about work...Cody and I still enjoy doing Crossfit. We are currently in a 30 day challenge with our gym for a Paleo Diet and are at the halfway mark.It is similar to what I did back in October but even more strict. It hasn't been easy but we are both seeing some awesome results (Cody more than me ...hate guys) and it is getting easier. The hardest part is the social part..going out with people and not being able to have a drink or being extra picky when we order kinda gets tiring...So far we have had 2 waiters comment on our healthy eating choices. :P Kinda cool I guess. Oh, and skipping out on birthday cake for our birthdays wasn't the easiest thing to do..especially when someone makes you red velvet cupcakes!!

We are also competing in the Warrior Dash in May. This is going to be awesome. You can learn about it right here: www.warriordash.com.

Oh, and how can I forget Mia..she is doing great. She is now 4.8 pounds..such a fatty :P

All in all, Cody and I are doing GREAT. We are so excited for this year and what it brings..it has already changed our lives for the better.

Now, it is time to take my neice and nephew to the aquarium..a post will be coming about that.

Until next time...

Happy Birthday!!

Levi LOVES his Nana
Her two Grandkids

Her Hubby cherishes her

All the neices and nephews..minus Ashley...they all love her and call her "Crazy Aunt Kelly"

Her and her beautiful mom

Her brothers...she was the only girl and from what I hear, made their lives crazy growing up but they all love her still :)

I really should get a better picture as they were both nervous on our wedding day. My mom told me I would marry him the first night she met him! We were only dating for like 2 months! I guess mother knows best!

My mom and Laurie...my mom was so picky with who Trev dated but absolutely loves Laurie!

One of my favorite pictures of my mom and Trevor!

Mom and her mini me..my sister

Me and Mom

Today is my beautiful momma's birthday. I won't say how old because she would probably kill me but I will say that she doesn't look her age and I hope I can age as gracefully as she has! I was lucky enough to be able to spend the day with her which was totally unexpected. You see, we went to the Seahawks game yesterday and her and Steve were going to go home early this morning but Steve, being the entrepraneur that he is, decided to take advantage of being over here and meet with some clients so I was lucky enough to spend the day shopping and having lunch with her.

If you asked anyone in my family or anyone that knew my mom for that matter, one thing they would all say about her is that she is unique and slightly crazy..hence her nickname by my cousins "Crazy Aunt Kelly". There are many things that make her unique and we all love her for them!

My mom is one of the most treasured people in my life. She has always put her kids first; and looking back, I can't believe how incredibly lucky I was growing up and hope that I can be half the mother she was. Some of my favorite memories is of her waking me up super early in the morning so we can go grab breakfast before everyone else woke up or go shopping, just the two of us. She always had a way of making each one of us kids feel special. She definitely had her battles with us and I was definitely not the easiest kid to have growing up, but I never once doubted her love for me. I don't think she ever missed one of my games and would spend her time driving us kids wherever we needed to go. One of my favorite memories; though there are many, is helping us get ready for school dances. This is something I will always cherish and can't wait to do with my kids some day.

She has a way of touching the heart of everyone she meets. I admire her for her confidence and wish I had the same. Some of the best days of my life were spent with her and I am excited to continue making great memories as a best friend. I could go on and on about this amazing woman but I think I will just put some pictures of her with some of the people that love her most.

Happy Birthday Mom and I Love You!!

DUKE

Yesterday I was FINALLY able to witness Duke's mens basketball team play live. For anyone who knows me and my family knows that Duke is OUR TEAM. I don't exactly remember when it started but as long as I can remember this was the team to root for and it all started with Coach K. Coach K is not only an amazing coach but an amazing person. He coached the Olympic team a few years ago and turned down the money and opportunity to coach in the NBA because he wanted to coach real talent and people who played for the game and not the show. Now, NBA players have lots of talent OBVIOUSLY but they do get away with a lot and a lot of them are in it for the show.

Anyway, yesterday my mom, brother, sister, and I met up in Portland to watch Duke play against the Oregon Ducks. Quick fact: Singler has a little brother who plays for the Ducks and that was cool to see. Anyway, I drove the 3 1/2 hours to Portland to watch a 3 hour game and then trecked my way back to Seattle but it was TOTALLY worth it. Not only did I experience a great game (Duke won, Singler had 30 points, was player of the game, and received a standing ovation) but I was also able to spend some quality time with my family. I loved that I shared this experience with them but I was really excited to share it with my brother. My mom and sister were able to watch them a few years ago but this was a first for me and Trevor and I know he really enjoyed it. It really made me realize the important things in life and how I have so much to be thankful for and this was the perfect medicine for me. I may not have spent Thanksgiving with my family but I was able to see them over the holiday and I can't wait to see EVERYONE at Christmas!

Now, let college basketball begin and GO DUKE!

Here are a few pics from the game:



Warm-ups:

Me and Trevor:

Singler shooting after a technical foul:

Me and Whit:

Mom and her girls

Levi enjoying his own seat

25 Things you May or May not know about me!

1. I was in 4H when I was little and wanted to be the Rodeo Queen when I was older
2. God is my foundation and my rock, an ever present guide in my life.
3. My husband is the only man I ever allowed myself to TRULY fall in love with and the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
4. So far Jamaica is my favorite vacation spot
5. CrossFit is a passion of mine and is one of my favorite things to do with Cody (weird I know)
6. My parents always supported me and didn't only tell me they loved me but also showed me.
7. I love shopping for office supplies.
8. I was homecoming queen in high school and thought it was the coolest thing ever...now I just laugh at how silly it was!
9. I like receiving gifts but I love giving them.
10.I lived in South Carolina for 1 year.
11. I have a published poem..and let me tell you..it is PRETTY good ;)
12. My dad taught me more about hard work and a positive attitude than any other coach I had. (he coached me in basketball)
13. I admire my older bro and am proud of my younger sister.
14. My first and foremost love language is and always will be, quality time.
15. Running in the crisp fall air is one of the best feelings.
16. If I am stressed out you will most likely find me in a gym or doing some sort of physical activity.
17. I finally understand football and enjoy watching it.
18. I believe God has something amazing in store for our little family and His blessings in our life are so present and so undeserved.
19. I want to travel to Thailand, Europe, and SO MANY other places.
20. Moving to the big city gave me a whole new confidence but also really showed me how much I miss my family.
21. I am a mountains AND ocean kind of girl.
22. I have always been considered more of a tomboy but am starting to turn into a city girl as well.
23. I am patient, yet demanding, driven, yet content, disciplined, yet laid back, strong, yet vulnerable, passive, yet aggressive, and maybe a little bit spoiled.
24. I spoil my yorkie Mia.
25. If I can't sleep at night I listen to Christian music to help relax me.

City Church

Almost 1 year ago today, Cody and I finally found a church that we loved..The City Church. We went to quite a few different churches, trying to figure out which one we liked best and thanks to a good friend, we were introduced to City Church last November. We absolutely love this church. We usually go on Saturday nights (never thought that would be me) so we can just totally relax on Sundays. There were many reasons why we chose this church. We knew people that came, it was a good environment and didn't seem over the top, but the main reason was Pastor Judah. He is an AMAZING speaker. We love just about every message he has and always leave with a good feeling, but this weekend's message was just out of this world. I left feeling as if God was talking to me and instead of leaving and thinking about myself and all my stressors, I left feeling like I wanted to help others and how blessed I was.

There are so many things that go on in life and it is easy to forget just how good you have it. I feel so blessed for the life God has given me and this weekend I feel like I was grounded again. Too often I focus on things that don't truly matter and I get caught up in myself as we all do. Pastor Judah brought it home by saying that Jesus is the point of life and without him, we wouldn't be here. It is important to focus on this and be in aw of God. I know that God has been speaking to me and I just haven't really been listening. I am choosing to listen to God and it really does make everything better. Yes, I still have my stressors but knowing that God is behind me and I have his strength when I am weak makes me feel good.


The reason I wrote about this isn't because I am trying to preach..no, that is not it at all. I am not super religious but I am a christian and I have felt alone before and prayer worked for me. I wrote this because I want people who have been feeling lost and/or alone to know that all you have to do is pray. You don't have to go to church, you don't have to go do x number of good deeds, you just need to sit and pray and listen to God. Even if you don't know how to pray, it is easy, just talk to him like you would any other person. So, I encourage everyone out there to say a prayer for yourself for whatever situation you are in and just listen. You might not get the answers overnight but prayer really does work.

30 day Paleo Challenge

One of the MANY things I love about fall is that it seems like a fresh start. No, I no longer get to go on summer vacation but in a way, I still feel like when fall comes around, it is a time to regroup and refresh. Cody and I had a very busy and fun summer and September flew by with a Seahawks game, fashion show, Husky game, my fundraiser (which I got 5th out of the girls), and numerous other activities. With October coming up, I began thinking about goals and where I have been and where I want to go. Along with this, I realized that I have sort of stalled in my progress to become more fit. I have had a few to many cocktails and cheat nights over the last few months so I decided that October would be my month of eating clean. By eating clean, I mean following the Paleo Diet.
Now, this diet I have sort of been following already for the past year or so. It is definitely more of a lifestyle choice for me because I like eating this way but I definitely haven't been hardcore. I would try and stick to this during the week and being mindful of what I am eating on the weekends. With stalled progress and the holidays just around the corner, I figured I should try and challenge myself to eating strict paleo for 30 days. This means no grains, dairy, sugar, alcohol (this one will probably be the toughest with football season), and basically processed foods. The one thing I will have that is dairy is whey protein after a workout.

So, I have been going at it from September 26th so I am on day 11 and I have to say, I can't believe I have made it this far without a cheat. We even had family in town and I passed on the wine, cocktails, bread, all of it. I actually feel pretty good right now and learned that if it is good coffee, it is good black with just some cinnamon. The first few days were easy because I was motivated and the next few days were tough with having family in town and lots of chances to just eat crap. Now, it seems easy and I don't even think twice about eating something processed. I feel like my performance is improving in the gym, I am sleeping better, and I have a lot of energy during the day. I am not sure how much weight I can actually lose, but that isn't really my goal. I just want to lose fat so if I can notice a difference in the way my clothes fit then I will be happy. I also have to say that I feel like I am noticing a little more muscle in my stomach than before which is good.

So, almost halfway done with my challenge and I feel pretty good about it.

I encourage everyone to pick 1 area in their life that they can improve on, set a goal, and complete it. It can be anything from eating right to organizing your closets!