Monthly Archives

August 2015

Health

How To Eat Healthy Fast

August 27, 2015

How To Eat Healthy Fast

I sure do love to cook, but cooking healthy is a pain sometimes! When I am feeling lazy, these are a couple of things that help me get those veggies in:

1) Shakeology
Shakeology
I prefer the chocolate Shakeology! But I can’t really advise on the other flavors because I’ve just tried Chocolate.
Shakeology Ingredients What it has in it:
• Super protein blend that includes Whey, Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Pea that helps build lean muscles, improve skin and hair, support mental clarity and reduce cravings.
• Super-Green/phytonutrient blend that includes Moringa, Chlorella, Spirulina, Spinach, and Kale to help alkalinize the body and promote detoxification for health and vitality
• Adaptogen blend of Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Ginkgo, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra, and Tulsi that helps protect the body from stress, support the immune system and balance the endocrine system.
• Pre and probiotic/digestive enzyme blend of Yacon Root, Chicory Root, Lactobacillus Sporogenes, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Glucoamylase, Alpha-Galactosidase, Invertase that helps increase nutrient absorption, promotes regularity and improves digestion.

Not that we really know what any of that means, here are the nutrient facts that show the vitamins you get from 1 serving:
Shakeology Nutrient FactsPretty impressive right?!
How I use it:
• I usually just mix it with milk
• Or you can try using almond milk
• If you only use a little bit of milk it gives it the consistency of brownie batter! (And it takes like it as well)
• Also good to create a blended version with the shakeology, milk, ice and peanut butter (or neutella if you want a treat)

*** DO NOT USE SHAKEOLOGY IF YOU ARE PREGNANT. Shakeology has Gingko Biloba and this can increase bleeding risk. Herbs have not been well studied in pregnancy and should be used with caution due to this issue. It would not be harmful to your baby but could come with some risks. We typically have patients stop Gingko 2-3 weeks prior to any surgical procedure. ***
2) Jus by Julie
I have had a great success with the Jus by Julie cleanses but you can’t do that every week! However, I just discovered the other day that they now offer subscriptions. These subscriptions allow you to choose any juices and it will send you how ever many bottles you want of them a week!

All our JUSes are freshly made every morning through our unique blending process that is designed to maintain the fiber of all the ingredients, as this will help your body feel full and nourished all day long. We include the entire fruit and vegetable, while cold pressed juices discard all the natural fiber and pulp necessary for detoxification. The fiber in our JUSes assist in carrying out the toxins from the body, while also helping to avoid blood sugar crashes, by helping to stabilize your blood sugar. The protein helps fill you up and keep you satisfied.- from http://help.jusbyjulie.com/hc/en-us/articles/204435305-What-Are-The-Benefits-of-Blended-over-Cold-Pressed-

Because I only really only like to eat asparagus and broccoli “green” veggies, I need to get other green veggies in my diet as well so I choose to get the “Extreme Green” jus blend of Kale, Spinach, lime, pineapple, orange and hemp seeds. I get 3 of these a week and 2 of the Spicy Pom-Nade drink that is a mixture of pomegranate, lemon,  maple syrup and cayenne pepper. I know this sounds gross but I really like the cayenne pepper in this! They say that it will rev up your metabolism!
Jus by Julie Jus by Julie

Dinner Uncategorized

Trying out HelloFresh Meals

August 19, 2015
HelloFresh Meal Review

Trying out HelloFresh Meals

I am one of those people that work 45 min away from home and the last thing I want to do when I get back into town is go to the grocery store and then come home and cook. When that does happen… I’m not done cooking until 7:30pm. That is just too late for dinner when I go to be around 9:30pm! I decided to try one of those “Meal delivery services.” I looked into blue apron but I wasn’t impressed with their menu. I decided to go with HelloFresh cause their meals looked “healthier” and yummier!

HelloFresh Meal ReviewMy 1st 3 meals arrived to my door today in a box that had icepacks in it to keep the items cool. All the meals came in a separate box and then the meat is separate. It makes it pretty easy to tell which meal is what.
HelloFresh Meal Review

For the purpose of this test, I will review the Seared Steak and Creamy Chipotle Pan-Sauce meal. As advertised, all the ingredients come fresh, with the one exception of the poblano peppers which come in a can.

The instructions say that the meal would take about 40 min to make. I found that it took around 45.
Lets get down to what you really want to know.
HelloFresh Meal Review HelloFresh Meal Review
HelloFresh Meal ReviewHelloFresh Meal Review
HelloFresh Meal ReviewHelloFresh Meal ReviewHelloFresh Meal Review

The bad:
• At $10.75 per person/per meal it can be a pricier option, but you are paying for the convenience. Especially for no left overs
• Fresh ingredients are good, but you spend a lot of time cutting up the ingredients and dirty a lot of dishes in the process
• The recipe calls for you to take the skin off of the potato, if you don’t have the right tool to do this you could be at a loss

The good:
• A new recipe that I have never tried
• Didn’t have to go to the grocery store
• Fresh ingredients
• A good balance of veggies and meat
• Great flavor

Review from Husband- “I like it, it’s definitely something different. Is it my new favorite meal? No, but I’d give it an 8.5. I really like it”

Would I buy it again: Yes, for the convenience and to try a new recipe.

If you would like to give HelloFresh a try, enter promo code “S92LD3” during checkout and get $40 off your first box of 3 meals!

Then let me know how you like it!

Uncategorized

Romantic Rustic Wedding in New Harmony, IN

August 16, 2015
Princess Wedding dress and garden

Romantic Rustic Wedding in New Harmony, IN

Just wanted to share some of my ideas that I designed for my DIY wedding!

Wedding Invitation and Bridal Shower invitation

Wedding invitations & Bridal Shower invitations found at here

Wedding rings on wedding invitations

Get Matching PJ sets instead of robes

Get Matching PJ sets instead of robes. Got these from Victoria Secrets

Instead of a first look with the groom, do it with the father

Instead of a first look with the groom, do it with the father

Old wedding photos showing a family tradition

Old wedding photos showing a family tradition of passing down a wedding headpiece

Peonies succulent and eucalyptus wedding bouquet

Peonies succulent and eucalyptus wedding bouquet

Peonies succulent and eucalyptus wedding boquet

Peonies succulent and eucalyptus wedding bouquet

Wedding rings on flower photo idea

Wedding rings on flower photo idea

Ring Security box

Ring security Box for the ring bearer to carry down the isle. Got it here- https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1012306328

Ring Bearer grey and pink outfit

Ring Bearer grey and pink outfit

Wedding ceremony arrow sign

Wedding ceremony arrow sign. Got this from save-on-crafts

Grab a streamer and say I Do!

Grab a streamer and say I Do. Also, a way to entertain the kids.

Where you go I will go. Where you stay, I will Stay

handwritten chalkboard sign. Get a black canvas from Hobby Lobby and paint it over with chalkboard paint

Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer

handwritten chalkboard sign. Get a black canvas from Hobby Lobby and paint it over with chalkboard paint

Bible quotes along the wedding isle

handwritten chalkboard sign. Get a black canvas from Hobby Lobby and paint it over with chalkboard paint

Antique Fireplace Mantel as alter in wedding, fireplace mantel with garland

Antique Fireplace Mantel as alter in wedding, fireplace mantel with garland

Let Love Grow Joining wedding dirt instead of sand

Let Love Grow Joining wedding dirt instead of sand

Let Love Grow Joining wedding dirt instead of sand

Let Love Grow Joining wedding dirt instead of sandLet Love Grow Joining wedding dirt instead of sand

An acoustic guitar player and singer for the wedding ceremony

An acoustic guitar player and singer for the wedding ceremony

Wedding exit with streamers

Wedding exit with streamers. Got them here- https://www.etsy.com/transaction/263156466

Wedding day rainy photos, bring a clear umbrella

Wedding day rainy photos, bring a clear umbrella

Let our Adventure begin diy sign

DIY Banner sign for the head table. Got the tutorial here: http://ohhappyday.com/2013/04/floral-garland-welcome-banner-diy/

Wedding Photo Guestbook idea

Use a Polaroid camera to create a Wedding Photo Guestbook. Got the frame from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KXAL71I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Mason jar with signed hearts guestbook

Mason jar with signed hearts guestbook. Got this here: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1017835138

Love Light up marquee sign

The Wedding reception at the Granary in New Harmony, IN

The Wedding reception at the Granary in New Harmony, IN

Wood slabs with flowers wedding decorations

Wood slabs with flowers wedding decorations. SAVED MONEY ON THE Wedding Reception flowers of baby’s breath and roses by getting them from www.fiftyflowers.com and putting them together ourselves.

Wood slabs with flowers wedding decorations

Wood slabs with flowers wedding decorations

Babys breath and pink roses wedding centerpiece

Babys breath and pink roses wedding centerpiece

Activity for guest at the tables mad libs

Activity for guest at the tables mad libs. Get the mad lib here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/221273497/wedding-mad-libs-leave-us-a-note-for-the?ref=shop_home_active_3

Activity for guest at the tables mad libs

Activity for guest at the tables mad libs. Get the mad lib here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/221273497/wedding-mad-libs-leave-us-a-note-for-the?ref=shop_home_active_3

BAR out of wine corks

Made this BAR sign by getting wooden letters from Hobby Lobby and hot glued A LOT of Wine Corks! TIP: Start from the bottom of the signs so that they are even to stand up (didn’t do this with the B as you can see)

Rustic letter A sign

Rustic letter A sign. This was a gift that was given to us the Christmas before. It is a part of our decoration in our house

Vintage Wedding Decorations

Vintage Wedding Decorations

Vintage Wedding Decorations

Vintage Wedding Decorations

Bride and Groom Wedding chair signs

Bride and Groom Wedding chair signs from https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1003836844

Bride and Groom chair signs

Bride and Groom Wedding chair signs from https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1003836844

The Best Day Ever Wedding Topper

The Best Day Ever Wedding Topper. Got it here –https://www.etsy.com/transaction/262988026

Rustic Romantic Floral design for a simple cake

Rustic Romantic Floral design for a simple cake. Got the cake stand here: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/262697961

Put the garter around a football for the groom to toss

Put the garter around a football for the groom to toss

Put the garter around a football for the groom to toss

Put the garter around a football for the groom to toss

Wedding Reception at The Granary in New Harmony, IN

Wedding Reception at The Granary in New Harmony, IN

LOVE wedding marquee sign

LOVE wedding marquee sign. Got the sign here: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/243507995

Enjoy a midnight snack wedding favor

Enjoy a midnight snack wedding favor. Got the sign from here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/221273524/wedding-favor-a-midnight-snack-wedding?ref=shop_home_active_20

Coke and chocolate chip cookie wedding favors

Coke and chocolate chip cookie wedding favors

Love is sweet take a treat

Love is sweet take a treat

 

 

Decor

Apothecary Jars ideas

August 10, 2015
apothecary jars

Apothecary Jars ideas

When it came to decorating with apothecary jars, I had a hard time trying to find what I should put in them! I searched all over Pinterest but really didn’t find anything that wasn’t holiday related. So I decided to get creative and fill them up with some of my favorite things!

Here are some of the ideas that I came up with.

apothecary jars apothecary jars apothecary jars

The bouquet, flowers and lemons all came from Hobby Lobby.

I decided to put another jar inside one of the apothecary jars for a different look. I got the blue vase from West Elm.

The fake artichokes came from Overstock.com.

Let me know what you think!

Baby Shower

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… How we wonder what you are

August 7, 2015
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How We Wonder What You Are

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… How we wonder what you are

Here is a gender reveal party idea or a baby shower for someone who doesn’t want to find out the sex of the baby! “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… How We Wonder What You Are”

Here are the invitations:
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How We Wonder What You Are

For the party we set up a game where everyone had to guess the size of the mother-to-be’s belly. This was done with some string and then to go with the theme I had stars cut out that the guest wrote their name on and cut the length of the string they though was the size. Here is the sign for the game:
Twinkle Twinkle Littler Star How We Wonder How Big You AreTwinkle Twinkle Littler Star How We Wonder How Big You Are Twinkle Twinkle Littler Star How We Wonder How Big You Are

Another game we played was to guess the day we thought the baby would come! I got a baby’s footprint stamp and then the guests stamps the date they think the baby will come! Then they write their name by that stamp. This is something the mom can keep!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How We wonder When you'll ComeTwinkle Twinkle Little Star How We wonder When you'll Come

 

Now to the important stuff.. the food!
When the guests came in they had to choose either a pink or the blue drink stir. They choose the color of what they thought the baby was!
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How We Want You Are boy or girl drink sign Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How We Want You Are boy or girl drink sign

This party was a brunch so we set up a Mimosa and Coffee Bar, a Yogurt Bar and a Cravings Bar that featured the mother-to-be’s cravings.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Fill Your Cup up at the yogurt bar Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Fill Your Cup up at the coffee bar Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Fill Your Cup up at the cravings bar Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Fill Your Cup up at the cravings bar

 

Family

The Happiest Dog In The World

August 3, 2015

The Happiest Dog In The World

Just wanted to share some photos of the cutest happiest dog in the world! That would be my little Yorkiepoo named Tallulah Mae Ackerman or LuLu for short. She is now 4 years old and still as happy as can be.

Enjoy 🙂

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Pregnancy

Meet Baby Matthew Scott Gilpin Jr. (aka MJ)

August 1, 2015
Newborn Baby MJ

Meet Baby Matthew Scott Gilpin Jr. (aka MJ)

Seems like my family is just popping out babies lately! My sister, Jessica who has been supplying the Baby Bump photos went into labor 2 weeks early on Thursday, July 30th. Matthew Scott Gilpin Jr. was born at 7:35am weighing in at 6lbs 11 oz and is 20″ long.

After getting to spend a lot of time with baby MJ, we have discovered that he is super duper strong! Also, if he’s upset and you give him back to his momma he calms down!

We are very blessed to have another baby to love!

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