The Heart of the Matter

Last week, I wrote a blog post about WHY I sell wraps (and other It Works products), but I want to reiterate today what I have come to love about these "Ultimate Body Applicators" and why I would love everyone (no matter what size or body type) to at least try one!

First, I love the fact that the wrap's active ingredients are all natural!  When you wear a wrap, you are bathing your skin with botanicals and herbs.  You are feeding it amazing nutrients.

That leads me to the second thing I like about the wraps -- what those natural ingredients do for your body on the INSIDE.

*Detox and help remove toxins
*Break up fat cells
*Reduce inflammation
*Improve circulation
*Stimulate the metabolic process
*Fight bacteria
*Renew cells
*Regenerate skin tissue
*Moisturize and hydrate

And those things can lead to better heart health, lower blood pressure, and basically good overall health in general!  Way more than a quick fix.  Not a gimmick.  A TRUE HEALTH SOLUTION.

What more could you ask for?

Well, there is still the third thing I like about the wraps -- what they do for you on the OUTSIDE.
*Reduce appearance of cellulite
*Reduce appearance of varicose veins
*Reduce appearance of stretch marks
*Tighten loose skin
*Tone and firm
*Reduce appearance of scars
*And MORE!!!

So, once again, that is why I have come to love the wraps.
It's not just about getting into a smaller jean size.
For me, the heart of the matter is HEALTH.
And the wraps can certainly help anyone with that!!!

I would love for everyone I know to at least try one wrap!!!!

If you want to get a wrap from me, let me know!!!  You can come to me, I can come to you, or I can mail you a wrap!

If you want to get an even better deal, you can get a box of 4 wraps for $59 (instead of paying me $30 for just 1) when you order on my website!

If you have questions or want to know more about the wraps or any of our products, please let me know!!

Diseases and Diagnosis

Yesterday, I watched on NBC Nightly News how obesity is now officially a disease.

Today, I read an article about a mother who was concerned about the snacks provided each afternoon at her daughter's summer camp.  Seeing as how fresh fruit or vegetables were not even choices, the mother asked about what could be done to accommodate her daughter.  No, her daughter wasn't allergic to the snacks offered.  No, she didn't have any dietary restrictions preventing her from eating them.  She was just a "healthy eater."  The nurse assured the mother she could send whatever snacks she would like her daughter to have to be kept in the nurse's office; then, each afternoon her daughter could come to the nurse's station for her "specialized" snack.  The mother was somewhat taken aback -- first, that healthy snacks weren't even an option and second, that her daughter's healthy eating was diagnosed as a "specialized diet."

Unfortunately, healthy eating is not the norm these days.

Sadly, I have personally been given "the look" as I withheld cookies or ice cream or cake or some other dessert from my young children.  I have been told, "Let them live a little."  Or reminded, "They only live once."  Others have suggested, "A little sugar isn't going to hurt them."

And they're right -- a little sugar IS okay.  After all, I did just treat my girls to an ice cream shake at Sonic this afternoon.

BUT, the three of us split one shake, and my girls knew this was a special treat.  My 3.5 year old can tell you how you shouldn't eat ice cream or cake or cookies every day, that if you do you will get sick.  She also knows that we need to eat foods that will keep our bodies strong and healthy.  She knows that meat and fish and beans have protein.  She realizes that fruits and veggies are not only tasty but also good for us and help us not get sick very often.  On her own accord, she will ask to make a smoothie with me, request oatmeal for breakfast, or want carrots and hummus for lunch.

Yes, she also likes to make muffins and cookies and cakes.  However, when we bake those things, we talk about how it's a special treat.   We use gluten-free flours, applesauce instead of oil, honey instead of sugar, and other such substitutions to make even our treats as healthy as possible.

And I also agree "we only live once" and that we should enjoy the one life we get to the fullest.  But that doesn't mean we should stuff our faces with sugar and shrug it off, thinking that a little sugar here and a little processed food there isn't going to hurt us.  For starters, we are flat out lying to ourselves.  Not to mention that we are slowly killing ourselves, taking years off our lives and preventing us from going and doing lots of fun, enjoyable activities -- hiking, biking, horseback riding, parachuting, para-sailing, zip lining, caving, skiing, and more (as many of these have weight limits or are not possible for those with health issues).

So, yes, I am "that mom."  The one whose child has only eaten at McDonald's a handful of times (and not by my choice those few times).  The one whose child doesn't know she can get a free cookie every time she goes to Hy-Vee.  She sure knows about the free slice of cheese though!  I am the mom who scrapes the mounds of icing off the slice of birthday cake my child is given at a party.  I am the mom who packs carrots, grapes, pickles, and cheese slices for a picnic lunch.  I am the mom who cringes when my child is offered fruit snacks or cheez-its or something of the like.

I am not out to ruin my child's life.  My goal is not to deprive her of fun.  My intention is not to make her "different" or "special."

Rather, all my "rules" are made in love -- deep deep deep love.  A love that longs for my child to be as healthy as possible, to live as long as possible, and to enjoy the years she is given to the absolute fullest.  And if that means my daughter can't have ice cream every day or isn't given cheese puffs as a snack choice or drinks water instead of sugary juice, then so be it.

I am not out to offend anyone or step on anyone's toes.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and can choose for themselves how they want to live their lives.  I just want everyone to understand WHY I am the way I am, why I strive so hard to teach my children from day one how to eat healthy, how to incorporate exercise into daily life, and how to make good choices in general.  I just want everyone to realize WHY I am a "health nut" and why I want my kids to be nutty too.

Health is such a passion of mine, and I could write about this for days.  But I think you get the idea...

Setting the Record Straight

Being an It Works distributor and working for a company whose top-selling product is a body contouring wrap, some people may get the idea that I am all about making people skinny and sexy, that I am obsessed with my jean size, that I think you have be thin to be beautiful.  All those people would be dead wrong!!!

Yes, I do sell body wraps.  (and a host of other great products)

BUT, the reason I am a distributor has absolutely nothing to do with dress size or helping people "get their sexy back."

Rather, I LOVE how the wraps benefit your body from the INSIDE out.  These wraps are made with natural bontanicals and herbs that help to moisturize, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin.  These natural ingredients also help penetrate your cells to break up toxins and remove them from your body. As a result, the wraps can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, some pretty amazing health benefits.

 
Yes, the wraps also help tighten, tone, and firm.  Yes, they can reduce the appearance of cellulite and varicose veins and stretch marks.  Yes, they can help get you in smaller jeans.  And those are all very nice things, BUT they are NOT the reason why I have come to love the wraps.

In the past 4 months, I have come to realize how much these wraps can help improve someone's overall health.  Since I am passionate about health, it makes sense that I would love for everyone to at least try a wrap.  Since I am all about helping people invest in their health and make changes that will allow them to enjoy life to the fullest and make memories with their loved ones, it makes sense that I sell wraps that can help people do just that!

While the wraps are simply amazing, It Works has so much more to offer people to help them develop and maintain healthy lifestyles.  Yet another reason (or multiple reasons as each product makes me love my job all the more) why I became a distributor in February.

My favorite product by far is the greens!  So easy to use -- just add 1 tsp of powder to water, juice, kefir, a smoothie, etc.  So affordable too -- costing about a $1 a day.

And SO beneficial to your health in SO many ways -- boost your energy, curb your appetite, strengthen your immune system, balance your pH levels, alkalize your body, and get 8+ servings of organic, non-GMO fruits and veggies.

So tasty -- available in both orange and berry flavors.

Because the greens are just fantastic, I am on a mission to get everyone to try them and then use them daily!  If something so easy, so affordable, so tasty, and so good for you is out there, why not take advantage of it and all the ways it can help YOU and your health!

I would also love for people to give the other It Works health products a chance.  They are all naturally based and benefit your health in a variety of ways.

Skin care products.

Defining gel to help with acne, rashes, scars, burns, eczema, stretch marks, cellulite, varicose veins, and more.

Supplements to help with joint relief, colon health, menopause/hormones, muscle tone, stress relief, good nutrition, and more!

Well, I hope that sets the record straight.  I hope you understand WHY I am a distributor for It Works, why I advertise body wraps, why I talk about the greens all the time, why I invite others to join me in my quest to spread the passion for health and wellness.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the wraps, greens, or any of our other products, please let me know!  You can check out my website as well!

If you think you might be interested in joining the team and becoming a distributor too, I would LOVE to talk with you about how we can get you started and your business flourishing!

A DIY Morning

Yesterday, I cleaned and did laundry and a bunch more housewifey type stuff in the morning.  Getting so much done before lunch felt great, and I had grand plans of checking off even more on my To Do List, but my little girl and daycare baby didn't get that memo and only took an hour nap!

So, this morning I tackled my DIY projects: making my own personal care products.

I made deodorant.

And toothpaste.

Shampoo. (forgot to snap a picture)

And body wash.

All in all, it took me about 15 minutes.

Not only am I chemical free and doing my body good, but I saved some money and did my wallet some good at the same time!!!

I feel like I've got quite a bit done already today, and it's only 10:23.  Leaves me plenty of time to enjoy my precious girls, make supper, call people about camp, and invite people to take advantage of my Customer Appreciation Week for It Works!

Teach 'Em While They're Young

I am passionate about health, but not just for myself.  Much more important is the health and wellness of my entire family.  Since I am the primary cook/chef/baker in our family, I get to decide the majority of food we eat in our house on a regular basis.  And while it's great that my husband and small girls are eating lean meats, yogurts, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and whole grains every day, I know that someday my children will be making their own food choices.  When that time comes and I'm not there to hold their hand and make the decision for them, I want my kiddos not only to know what's healthy but to WANT to eat those things as well.

And so I teach them now while they are still young -- very young -- what's healthy, how to take care of our bodies, and WHY that is so important.

Today, I had a proud mommy moment, two of them actually!

First, my 3.5 year old daughter asked if she could make a smoothie with me.  So, that's what we had for lunch this afternoon!

Recipe so you can enjoy one with your kiddos too:

*Greek yogurt (I used both plain and raspberry)
*Vanilla yogurt (I used Danon All Natural)
*Big handful of spinach
*1-2 tsp flax seed
*Frozen strawberries
*Frozen blueberries
*Frozen raspberries
*Juice from one orange
*1 scoop It Works Profit (protein powder with no added sugar!)
*2 scoops (1 tsp) It Works Greens (made of 38+ superfoods, organic, and non-GMO)

Absolutely delicious!!!!  (This recipe made enough for her cup seen above and a big ol' cup for me too)

As we were sitting down to enjoy our smoothies together, my daughter asked if we could have some carrots and hummus for lunch too.  Why yes, my dear child, we can.  Second proud mommy moment in a matter of seconds. :)

I LOVE that my young daughter is already aware of what is healthy for her and that she ENJOYS eating those foods all of her own accord!

My small children are actually one of the primary reasons I joined It Works and became a distributor in the first place.  \

1) I want to be able to stay at home as a full time mom, but still HAVE to contribute to our family income and It Works is letting me do just that.

2) I want to teach my daughter's the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  I want them to see that lived out in my life and to see how we can help inspire, support, and encourage others so they can do the same thing.

Before I joined I questioned what my young daughters would think of me wrapping people.  Would they think I was promoting the false idea that you have to be thin to be beautiful.  That is certainly the last thing I want to convey to them!!!  And so, if my oldest daughter (age 3.5 years) ever asks me why I am wrapping someone I am careful to explain to her how the wraps help make our bodies healthy -- getting rid of toxins and making it possible for our bodies to perform at their fullest potential.

Wrapping people has never been about getting someone into a size 2 pair of jeans!!!!  Nor is it about looking sexy in a swimsuit!!!!  At least not for me...

When I wrap, I encourage people to eat right and exercise as a part of their daily routine.  Wrapping should never place that healthy lifestyle, but it sure can compliment it!!!  Bathing your body with natural herbs and botanicals is extremely beneficial, both inside and out.

And when I wrap, THAT is what I focus on because BEING HEALTHY is my passion.

For me.
For my girls.
For everyone I know, and don't know for that matter.

If you would like to learn more about It Works, our health and wellness products, or how to teach your kids to make healthy choices from a young age, I would love to talk with you!

You can visit my website to see all the amazing products we have available to help you reach your health goals, whatever they may be!!!

FREEEEEEDOM!

It Works' motto is "Friendships, Fun, Freedom."

We believe those 3 F's can change your life!!!

I have made many new friends through my It Works "job" and reconnected with some old friends from back in my high school and college days.

I have certainly had quite a bit of fun the past 3.5 months as I develop these friendships and help people see how enjoyable healthy living can be.  And I'm not going to lie...it's fun to get my paycheck every month too.  Especially when I am making more than I could have imagined so early into this gig.  It's pretty fun to pay for things with cash that I get from selling wraps or bonuses I earn too.

In fact, that's where the FREEDOM part comes in.  But financial freedom is just a small part of that particular F in our motto.

Yes, we offer a $10,000 bonus, available for people to earn if they sign up by July 19....

Yes, we show you how you can make $800 in your first month, running your company for free for 3 months and then how to continue to make profit each month so you are able to keep running your company for free.

Yes, extra income is nice and can help pay off debt, leading to financial freedom and the opportunity to save for special vacations or bless people's socks off or whatever you may want to do with the additional money that you make through It Works.

But, today I want to talk about a different kind of freedom.  Before I do that though, I can't help but include a video clip that comes to mind every time I hear the word FREEDOM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr_OpFxCx-A

Okay, now that you're all inspired...

The freedom I have been thinking about lately is the freedom of TIME.

What would you do if you woke up tomorrow morning and could decide how to use your time?  If you could do whatever you wanted, the whole day?

*Take your kids to the park or zoo or library or the pool

*Meet your friends for lunch

*Get a manicure and/or pedicure

*Go shopping

*Take a trip to visit friends on the other side of the state or country or world

*Go on vacation with your family

*Explore on a new hiking or biking trail

*Take a float trip or go kayaking

*Clean and organize your house

*Run errands

*Decorate a room in your house

*Scrapbook

*Go to garage sales or thrift stores in search of bargains

I don't know what would make your "I can do anything I want today" list.  My point is that you COULD have that list and actually do the things on it.  Any day you want.

This week I am watching a little girl every day and another little girl just 2 days.  Next week, I am also watching one little girl on Monday and Tuesday.  BUT, come Wednesday, I have no "job obligations."  I don't remember the last time I actually had the freedom to leave the house with just my two girls, to go and do something fun with them.  Can you guess what we will be doing Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday?!

Well, hopefully you can read sideways.  That's my Summer Fun list, and I hope to do everything on it between now and August when I start watching daycare kiddos again.  I called yesterday to set up our tour of Shatto Milk, but they didn't have any openings until August 1, so that's what we are doing then.  If the weather cooperates on Wednesday, we will be heading to Deanna Rose since it's free Monday- Thursday (just because I have money doesn't mean I need to spend it if I can do something for free! :)

Even more exciting to me though is the reality that I won't have to do daycare forever.  Sooner than I thought we will be able to replace my daycare income with my It Works commission.  I will actually start making MORE through It Works than I could with daycare, and It Works is just part-time!!!  Daycare means 4 kiddos (in addition to my 3 come January) 7 am to 4:30 pm, 5 days a week, 11 months a year (since I watch teachers' kiddos and take July off).

Not doing daycare full time (when that happens) means I won't have to wait until June or July to get out and about and do fun things with my girls.  I won't have to wait to fulfill the desires of my Mommy Heart.  I enjoy daycare and staying home, but I miss going to the library, park, zoo, nature center, story time, and more.  I miss the ability to go and get groceries or run errands other than on Sunday afternoon or late in the evening when I would rather be at home with the fam.

Granted, having 3 small children means I don't have complete freedom nor will I ever again in life, but I don't mind.  Freedom to me right now means I can have the opportunity to make special memories with my girls and Lawrence.  Freedom means I can "just" be a stay-at-home mom.  Freedom means we will have a little extra money to spend on those special memories I want to make.  Freedom means we will be able to give to others and bless people just as God has blessed us.

What does freedom mean to YOU?

Maybe It Works can not only help with your financial freedom but with freedom of TIME as well.  It might be your ticket to freedom in the area of health too, but that's for another blog and another day.

Right now, I am going to take advantage of nap time and the freedom I have at this moment to read books to Coralyn and spend some one-on-one time with my little girl who is growing up way too fast!

Mighty Tasty Muffins Recipe

This morning was a bit on the chilly side for June.   45 degrees when I went for my walk at 6:15!

When I got home, I was in the mood for some "oatmeal," so I made a bowl of my gluten-free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal.  I added some cinnamon, honey, and blueberries.  Mighty tasty! :)

On the back of the bag, I saw a recipe for Mighty Tasty Muffins.  What a perfect thing for Coralyn and me to do while Kellah and my one daycare kiddo for the day take their afternoon nap!

And that's exactly what we did:

Here's the recipe so you can try them out too:

*1/2 cup sugar (I used honey)
*1/2 cup applesauce
*1 1/2 cups milk (any kind -- cow, rice, almond)
*2 Tbsp oil

Mix all those together in one bowl.

*1 cup White Rice Flour (I used brown rice flour since I had that)
*1/2 cup Tapioca Flour
*1/2 cup Potato Starch
(I used 1 cup of All Purpose Gluten Free Flour since I had that)
*2/3 cup GF Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal
*2 tsp baking powder
*1 1/2 tsp Xanthum Gum
*1/2 cup cranberries
*1/2 cup walnuts (I didn't have any so added another 1/2 cup of cranberries)

Mix the dry ingredients in bowl, then add the liquid mixture.  Fold in the cranberries.

Fill a sprayed muffin tin with batter.  Makes 12 muffins (ours made 15 though).

Bake at 350 for 22-25 minutes.

We'll have them for supper, alongside our homemade chef salad!!!  Yummy in our tummies!!!

Best part -- I know my 3.5 year old daughter will gobble up the muffins AND the salad!!!  I love that she enjoys eating healthy and is learning from a young age what it means to take care of her body!