Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dreaming Big

You know what has been driving me absolutely nuts recently??? It's the negativity I'm getting towards at least one of my dreams. One of my biggest dreams is to be a stay at home mom once I start a family. However, the negativity towards that dream is absolutely stunning. Either some people can't dream big enough, or I dream too big for some people. It isn't, however, too big for me. I know what I want and will do whatever it takes to get it.

I know you might be thinking, but Tamara, look at this economy blah blah blah blah. You know what??!! I REFUSE to let the economy dictate my dreams. That's why I do some of the things I do as I work towards my dreams. Get OVER it. If you can't dream that big, fine. I can, though!

I'm starting to get to the point, even though I don't want to, of shutting these people's negativity out of my life. I only get upset at their negativity because it is so SAD. I'm sorry, but I can't live like that. I'm not one to not at least try and achieve my dreams. However, I do believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that I can make my dreams come true. I'd just like to do it with the encouragement of my friends and family rather than the negativity.

So what if it takes me longer than you think it should?! I won't be giving up, so you can get OVER that. I can guarantee you that I'll be closer to my dreams than you ever will be in your negativity. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I CHOOSE to live differently.

So, if you want to post something negative or tell me something negative about my dream or dreams, how about you "can it." My dreams are not unachievable, and if you think they are, GET A BIGGER DREAM or goal in your life. Really though.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

My Daily Vitamin Regimen (Including the Weight Loss Stuff!)

So I take a good regimen of daily vitamins. Don't get freaked out with how much I do take (it's all important and purposeful), but I'm sharing it with you as so many people ask me about my weight loss and what I do to keep healthy. I'm not putting this up here to debate whether or not you should take vitamins though. I'm pretty clear that I think you should by posting my list. So here it is!

For weight loss (and I've lost A LOT... ask me if you want to know how much, but let's just say I lost a 5 year old.):
Daily-
Slimmetry
Not meant for quick weight loss, but hey, slow and steady is the way to go if you want to keep it off. I started taking this a year and a half ago just to kick off my weight loss. I lost a good amount before I even started adding in smaller portions and exercise (a third of what I've lost on ONLY this).

With High Carb Meals & When I Remember to-
Carb Blocker
It also comes in a handy dandy blister pack if you don't want to carry a bottle.
Does it work? Definitely!!! It's just an additional thing I try and take when I know I'm eating out or going for those Carbs I love oh so much.


Regular Daily Regimen:

Double X
Now this is absolutely the best product you can get. They recommend two doses a day, but typically, I do one dose. So one of these packages will last me 2 months. For those with weaker stomachs (I take the above with milk and/or a meal), I recommend things like the following:
http://tmoney.qhealthbeauty.com/products/product.aspx?itemno=104174 (Regular Daily)

Hair, Skin, & Nails
Ever complimented me on my skin? In addition to an AMAZING skin care system I use, I take this. My hair is stronger, my nails stronger, and my skin clearer.

My Omega 3's 
Ok, I'm not old, YET. But when I do get old I want to have a good brain, so I'm starting now. I only take one of these a day, but will most likely up it to 2/day once I get into my 30s. :) Plus, I don't like fish, so I don't eat it on a normal basis. Thus, this is the best way to get those all important Omega 3's. :)

ClearGuard
Just like the name. It clears things up and guards against things. The main thing being colds. Yea, how often do you really see me sick? Not often. It has to be MAJOR to break through my immune system. ;)

Iron
I have a problem with my iron levels. It's a genetics thing as my Mom has issues with it too. This is just added on to help with that. My daily has a lot in it, but I still need more. Before I took this supplement, I got turned away MOST of the time from giving blood. Now, I ONLY get turned away when I do too much in my workout the day before (due to my muscles storing added iron).

Concentrated Fruits/Veggies
Ok really... how many of us truly get all of our servings in of fruits and vegetables? I don't unfortunately, but I do alright. I just add one of these in daily to supplement my already ok diet. :)


SO, if you are looking to START a vitamin regimen, I would recommend the following:
Men's Daily Pack
Women's Daily Pack
At least with these two, you get to start taking care of yourself in a convenient packet that includes everything you need and easy to take on the go without dealing with bottles!


AND if you want to try the supplements that have aided me in my weight loss:
Slimmetry
Carb Blocker


One last thing I'll mention is something I supplement my workouts with.
I had no clue how much I was pushing myself with my stamina and endurance until I started eating half a pack of these gummies:
Endurance Cubes: Berry- my fav
Endurance Cubes: Fruit Burst
Especially, if you are a major worker-outer (lol on making up words) or if you want to just help give yourself a boost to feel good while working out, you HAVE to try these. One package is two workouts. I can't believe how easy it is for me to continue working out for 1-2 hours after having these. In fact, yesterday, I forgot to eat my serving of these cubes and my workout was terrible! I was tired after just pushing myself for 30 mins on the treadmill running. You WILL notice a huge difference when you add these to your workouts. It helps give you a quick energy boost, fuel prolonged endurance, and help your body replace key electrolytes lost during prolonged exercise (2 hours worth minimum). I ate a whole package of these before the Krispy Kreme challenge, and if you hadn't heard, had amazing race results! :)


Ok, so why did I post this? As I mentioned, several people have asked me what I do to lose weight and stay healthy. In addition to my diet (which isn't really all that good to be truthful) and exercise, these supplements have helped me tremendously. It is important for me to take care of myself now so that I don't have a drug store on my nightstand when I get older. I'm averting the health issues of the future by taking care of myself now. It is never too early to start!

Ask me any questions you might have. I can get you some samples too if you want some. I have more than just this in my repertoire of supplements. These are just what I take and I can help you figure out what you need based on what your health needs are.

 
The best ever! All natural and the #1 All Organic Vitamin Brand in the World!

Monday, March 01, 2010

On my mind on I-85...

Other than dodging pot holes today on my 3.5 hour drive from Richmond, VA, I actually authored a blog. :)
So, without further ado...

Wandering Ponderer

The Road Ahead and Behind
Have you ever just sat down and pondered over the paths and roads you taken in your life? Then, you realized that every road you have taken has lead you exactly to where you are now... Seems silly to write it that way, but really in every decision we've made in our life, the consequences (good and bad) have brought us to exactly this point in our life. For me, I know I wouldn't change a thing as I know that every choice I've made in my life and every event, person, and thing has happened for a reason. Sure, things could be different if I had taken different turns along my journey. Would I really go back and change that? No.

Something good, even though not always obvious at first, has seemingly come from every choice I've made. I just wouldn't be who I am today without the people who have journeyed with me and the road I've decided to take. It's when you step out on faith that can be the most scary moment but also can lead you down the most rewarding path.

Frodo puts my thoughts it in very choice words from Lord of the Rings: "Remember what Bilbo used to say: 'It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door,' he used to say. 'You step onto the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.'"

It's hard sometimes, though, because you can feel so broken inside when the people around you don't understand the choices you make along your journey. However, when you know for sure, prayerfully and meditatively, that you are walking your journey the way it was meant to be traveled, a sense of peace waves over you.

Happy & Holy!
I believe in my heart that Holy AND Happy living can be combined. Why would God design it any other way? We get one chance to live for Him on this earth and sometimes doing what's best for your path may not appear to be one or the other or both even. Ultimately, though, I'm a firm believer that it is important to have both in your life.

I'm not perfect. I admit that fully, nor do I live under the premise AT ALL that I am even close to perfect nor do I claim to be "experienced in life." Far from it, in fact. I just do my best to live the best way I know how and love unconditionally. Love comes in many different forms as well. Sometimes you just have to make the tough decisions that will ultimately be the right or best decision later, even if they don't seem like it now.

Rather than live "resigned," I choose to live "designed."
I also feel like when you resign yourself to a way of life that isn't ultimately designed for you and your path, that it can be hard to live a fulfilled and Holy life. Many times that leads to resentment of the situation and people involved. Personally, I feel that interferes with my unconditional love philosophy for my life.

Cliché
I would rather hurt sometimes than feel nothing at all. Yeah, that's totally cliché, but it is a reminder of when I'm curving off from what is really designed for my journey. This goes for life, love, and business.

Against the flow?
I always remind myself that to be a part of one direction decisively will not be understood by those going in the opposite direction. It is, however, my hope that, in time, my journey will be looked upon and, in the end, viewed and seen by my Lord and Savior only as the best way for me to live Holy and Happy for Him. I'm not living my life for other people and I have to constantly remind myself of that.

Conclusion?
You can agree or disagree, but this is where I'm at right now. Sometimes the harder path right now will turn out to be easier long term and vice versa. It may not seem fair that it is, but yea, that's life.


Enjoy the calm moments of life and meditate over your own journey...