Oh My Cod!

Oh My Cod...cod liver oil that is. Sounds nasty, I know! I started reading a lot about cod liver oil recently. And its like the miracle drug. But its not a drug, its natural and fabulous for you! I have found the best way to take it!

Introducing Carlson's Lemon Flavored Cold Liver Oil....

I wanted to start taking cod liver oil capsules for my acne. But the more I read about it the more I realized I wanted my whole family to take it for all of its health benefits. Some of the health benefits include healthy skin, improved oral health, a healthy digestive tract, and depression and mood disorders. I knew my husband wouldn't mind taking capsules, but my 9 year old and 2 year old daughters would not be able to take them. So, I chose this particular brand because I read so many great reviews about its taste and quality. It obviously has an oil texture to it, but it seriously tastes just like lemons! Well more like the lemon towelette wipes at KFC, but definitely tolerable. I have the pickiest 9 year old in the world and she takes it without too much complaint. I didn't tell her what it was called, only that its a magic vitamin that will help cavities stay away! She shoots it and then chases it with fruit loops. It's the family friendly version of a shooter party! But seriously the fact that I continue to have her take it each day without a melt down is truly amazing! And the 2 year old, well she's kind of like a garbage disposal. So she asks for more all of the time. Which I don't do. I only give her 1/2 teaspoon a day because its only safe in moderation, just like any other vitamin. I take 1 teaspoon in the morning and at night. A few of the places that I know you can by the Carlson Cod Liver Oil are online, Whole Foods and Sprouts. I bought mine at Sprouts because it is like Whole Foods only cheaper. I paid $26 for my bottle. I have only been taking it for a couple of days and have noticed a slight improvement in my skin, but I will report back in a week or two. I did read that the cod liver oil is considered a natural version of Acutane for the skin. I guess we will see...

This cod liver oil has EPA, DHA, vitamins, A, D and E in it. These nutrients are good for...

DHA is a fatty acid that is essential to the health of your nervouse system and eyes.
It is vital to preventing depression. If you suffer from intermittent or chronic depression, you want to get DHA through your diet every day.
If you're pregnant or you plan on getting pregnant, it's best that you eat foods with DHA on a regular basis in order to support proper development of your baby’s nervous system and prevent depression during pregnancy and after your baby arrives. I read that the vast majority of cases of post partum depression can be avoided just by ensuring adequate intake of DHA.

EPA is a fatty acid that promotes a healthy cardiovascular system and decreases inflammation throughout your body. Its anti-inflammatory properties make EPA especially helpful to people who suffer with arthritis. EPA is also closely linked with your emotional health, with many studies showing that it plays a strong role in preventing depression.

Vitamin A is necessary for proper vision, healthy skin, and strong mucosal linings, including the lining of your digestive tract. Many skin and digestive disorders cannot fully heal without adequate vitamin A intake.

Vitamin D is needed to reduce risk of virtually every type of cancer.
Vitamin D is essential to maintaining strong bones and teeth. It enhances the strength and efficiency of your immune system, and decreases your risk of developing autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D helps your body regulate its blood sugar levels, playing an important role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Finally, vitamin D is one of several nutrients that are necessary for preventing high blood pressure. 

I suggest you try it however I am not a doctor and this is only my opinion based on information that I have read. If you have any health concerns, please check with your doctor first!

I would love to hear from anyone that has experienced the benefits from cod liver oil!

Baby Lips

I'd been seeing these baby lips around for awhile and wondered what they were all about. So I decided to buy one. And HOLY COW! I loved it... They should have named them baby butt lips because that's what your lips feel like after you use it.  It's moisturizing like chapstick, but has color like lip gloss. The color and softness lasts a long time too. These have totally become my everyday lip color. They only cost $3.00 and you can get them at pretty much any grocery or drug store.

I have 3 of the 6 colors Maybelline makes these in.  I have grape vine, peach kiss, and pink punch. The color goes on sheer but you can definitely still see the color on your lips. You can even get a clear one for bedtime too.I love love love these! And I think every girl should have one in her purse!

Sweet Valentine Cupcakes

I got this cute cupcake book called What's New,Cupcake? created by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson and have been wanting try making one of the cute cupcakes. I chose the flowers because them seemed great for Valentines Day, which is fast approaching.  And I already had marshmallows and the other ingredients in my cupboard : )

I always make my cakes and cupcakes with box mixes. They are just so much easier. And I think they taste really good too. Here is what you will need to make these flower cupcakes.

Make the cupcakes according to the directions on the box. I prefer to add a 1-2 cap fulls of vanilla to my batter. It adds just a little more vanilla flavor. While the cupcakes are baking, you will want to make the flower petals. Its very easy, just a little time consuming. You will need 1 bag of mini marshmallows and either white sugar or colored sugar sprinkles to color your flower petals. After you decide what color you want your flowers, place 1/2 cup of sugar or colored sprinkles in a ziplock bag. Then cut all of the mini marshmallows in half on the diagonal and place in the ziplock bag. Now shake shake your booty...I mean your bag... until all of the cut side of the marshmallows are coated with the sprinkles. Set aside for later.

Once your cupcakes have baked and cooled, you will need to frost them. Don't overdo the frosting or it will ooze out the sides of the petals.

Starting along the outside edge of the cupcake, place the edge of the petals into the frosting, one at a time. Working your way around the cupcake until you reach the top. I chose to use petals on the entire cupcake, but you can also leave a space at the top to put a round dollop of frosting or candy as the center of the flower.

TA DA! You have your super easy flower cupcakes and everyone will think you are a master cupcake artist.

I also had my daughter's help me. This is how my 2 year old decorated her cupcake. She liked the sugar!

7 Day Raw Food Challenge-Day 7 Final Day

Today is the final day of the raw food challenge. But the beginning of a new way of life for me! I recommend everyone give raw food eating a try. You can try the 7 day challenge like I did. Its a great way to test the waters. You really don't have much to lose. If you don't like it, you can always go back to the way you were eating before. Although, I'm betting you won't. I want to thank Brad's Raw Chips for the encouragement and support throughout this challenge. And especially for their FABULOUS kale chips.

Day 7- Final Day

Weight: 113 lbs (down 3.4 lbs. total)
I lost 3.4 lbs in this 7 day challenge.

Zit Count: 5 (down 14 total)
I have lost a lot of zits during this challenge. I am very excited about that.

How I feel today:
Today, I woke up with lots of energy and I am excited to continue to eat healthy.

Things I've eaten and plan to eat:

For breakfast I had a raw protein bar and an orange. For lunch I had some kale chips, almonds and a dry salad. For dinner I'm going salsa and kale chips and a veggie plate. And to celebrate, for dessert I'm going to have raw brownie coco-roons!

7 Day Raw Food Challenge-Day 6

For the last few days, I have been out of snack foods. I've only had fruits/veggies and almonds. It's been so cold in Salt Lake, like 15 degrees That I haven't wanted to go out to replenish my food. My husband tells me I'm like a hibernating bear. He can't get me out of the house when its cold. That's where the trouble started,  the hunger snuck up on me last night, hard and fast! I seriously turned into Joe Pesci in that Snickers commercial. My poor family. I hadn't taken my own advice and I let myself get hungry. I was almost ready to throw in the towel. For what, 20 minutes of being hungry. I gave myself a pep talk on how good I had been doing. I told myself that I would be able to make it for 10 more minutes while my husband ran to the store. So I'm sure he drove to the store like a mad man in fear that I might eat my own young while he was gone. He returned with 2 bags full of groceries to make a great salad. After I got done eating, I felt like a whole new woman. Phew! I was so glad that I hadn't given up. So again, I tell you. Don't go hungry. I'm putting my gloves,scarf, and coat on as we speak to go to the store. I will return from Whole Foods with plenty of foods to keep Joe Pesci at bay.

Day 6

Weight: 114 lbs (down 2.4 lbs. total)
I have maintained the same weight for the last 3 days.

Zit Count: 7 (down 12 total)
I'm happy to wake up each morning and see the improvement in my skin. Aside from the zits, I have noticed an overall improvement in the way my skin looks. I've noticed less fine lines around my eyes.

How I feel today:
Today, I woke up with more energy then I have had for the last 2 days. I was excited. That made me feel very positive and hopeful. I feel like I can really keep going with this lifestyle.

Things I've eaten and plan to eat:
For breakfast I had strawberries and almonds. For lunch, I will eat an avocado with salsa, like I have had for the last few days. I really like it and look forward to lunch each day. Last night for dinner I had a really great salad with 4 kinds of lettuce, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli-sprinkled with almonds. Then for a family dessert we had a yummy green smoothie.

I know I'm a crazy person when I'm hungry. Do any of you have funny stories from when you haven't eaten for awhile?

January Beauty Box Five

Today, I received my November Beauty Box Five.  This is a beauty product monthly subscription that I have signed up for.  It costs $12 a month and that includes shipping. Each month I receive a little Tiffany blue colored box filled with surprises.  Are you ready to find out what was in it?

1. Perfumies Solid Perfume Stick scent text me (retail price $7.00)
This perfume stick smelled similar to those lemon hand wipes you get at fast food restaurants. Don't get me wrong it had a baby powder perfume scent to it, but a lemony one. Also, every time I put the lid back on it would scrape off the side of the perfume. Just like chap stick does. I see the convenience in having a non liquid perfume in your purse. I just wouldn't spend $7.00 on this product.

2.Ferro Cosmetics Blush in Desert Rose (retail price $17)
This blush 100% vegan and a pure mineral, which I like. It came in a loose powder pot without any type of guard. Which means unless you go slow and are careful you will spill it everywhere. Most of us put our makeup on in a hurry and don't have time to be careful. The color is very pigmented and went on easily. The color is pretty but after I applied it, I felt a little like I went back in time to perform in my childhood dance recital. It was that kind of color. They have tons of other colors to choose from on their website, and the full size product is 4 grams, which is actually a lot of product. But,  I will probably never go buy it.. www.ferrocosmetics.com

3. Global Goddess Coconut Hair Treatment (retail price $20.99)
In the November BB5 I got these same samples. The card that was included said that these samples were back by popular demand. But  I think the marketing department is just trying to be creative with the leftovers. Here's the same review I gave it in November. They sent 2 samples of this hair treatment. This product can be used many different ways. It can be used as a body oil, overnight hair treatment, or a 30 minute hair mask; which is the way I used it. After its sits for 30 minutes you shampoo and condition as normal. Because I take my baths at night I let my hair air dry. I didn't use any other products on my hair like I normally do. When I woke up my hair was very soft and shiny.

4. Pencil Me In Eye Pencil in Pink Lady (retail price $6.99)
Pink eyeliner? I was so surprised how much I liked this eyeliner pencil. The color went on really well and it was soft and creamy. I didn't feel like I was scratching my eyeball off when I applied it. I didn't think I would like pink as eye liner. But after I applied it, I htought it looked really pretty. I also lined my lips with it. It's suppose to be a healthy eye liner infused with vitamins and anti-oxidants. It also has a built in sharpener. How handy is that! The liner comes in 30 different colors. www.pencilmeincosmetics.com

5.Model Co Colorbox Lip Pencil in Pomegranate (retail price $18.00)
I've gotten ModelCo brand lip gloss before and have been really impressed with the product. This lip pencil was a very pretty color. It's one that I would use everyday. It went on really well and also had a built in sharpener. I liked it a lot but I would probably not spend $18 on a lip pencil.

Overall, I just haven't been that impressed with the Beauty Box Five. I had been thinking about canceling my subscription, but then last month I got a great make up brush that I liked so I kept it. This month I'm back thinking about canceling it. So maybe I will give them one more chance and then decide...
www.beautybox5.com

7 Day Raw Food Challenge-Day 5

Now that I'm reaching the end of this challenge, I find myself thinking a lot about whether I will change my everyday eating to a raw lifestyle. It would be so easy to go back to unhealthy eating. But, I have seen so many improvements during this raw eating challenge, that it would just be dumb to go back. I think that I could start out on a 75 raw/25 regular diet and try to increase that eventually to 90/10. I do know that the unraw food I eat will be healthy food. I'm not going to go back to eating processed fattening food anymore. I don't like how it makes me feel. It's so easy to get use to feeling tired and sluggish. I prefer getting use to feeling energetic and healthy. I know that I will need to do a lot more research to find recipes that will give myself and my family a variety of meals. Luckily, there are a ton out there. It may be a little more challenging trying to sway my daughters from their beloved chicken nuggets. However, if I succeed with that, I deserve a gold medal!

Day 5

Weight: 114 lbs (down 2.4 lbs. total)
I haven't lost any more weight in the last 2 days. I think the coco-roons might be to blame.They have the most fat out of all of the things that I am eating.

Zit Count: 8 (down 11 total)
I'm happy to wake up each more and see the improvement in my skin. Aside from the zits, I have noticed an overall improvement in the way my skin looks. I've noticed less fine lines around my eyes.

How I feel today:
I feel good again today. I have actually been surprised at how I feel good each day. I expected to have a few hard days. I haven't deprived myself of things, so I think that's what has kept my energy level up. I have been eating a fairly rounded raw diet so my body isn't trying to fight me. I also haven't had any bloating for the last 2 days, so I think I am over that bump in the road. Or should I say "bloat" in the road!

Things I've eaten and plan to eat:
For breakfast I had a really delicious fruit salad that had grapes, watermelon, strawberries, clementines, and banana. For lunch, I will eat an avocado with salsa, like I had yesterday. Last night for dinner I had a really great salad with 3 kinds of lettuce, snow peas, cucumbers, and carrots-sprinkled with almonds  I might make that again tonight because it was great! For dessert I had a banana with cinnamon sprinkled on top. I really like those.

If you made the raw lifestyle switch with a family, I would love to hear your advice and get any kid -friendly recipes!

January Glam Bag

January Glam Bag

Today I received my IPSY January Glam Bag.  This is a beauty product monthly subscription that I receive. It costs $10 a month and that includes shipping. Each month I receive a cute little makeup bag filled with surprises. This month the bag was a dark navy blue. I thought it was a little boring, but then I opened the bag and BA BAM! Check out the lining...

Find out what came inside...


1. SoHo Beauty Concealer Brush (retail price $7.99)
I love this brush. Its from SoHo Beauty's Get A Grip line. The shape of the handle, made it so easy to hold. I felt like I had a ton of control. They have 14 more brushes in their line, I plan to go buy more. http://www.sohobeauty.com

2.Pacifica Body Butter scent Tuscan Blood Orange (retail price $15 8 oz./ $7 2.5 oz.-the size I got)
This lotion smells really good. It is very moisturizing and not greasy at all. It's 100% vegan and cruelty free. I noticed on Sephora's website they had a tube of coconut crushed pearl bronzing butter made by this company. I might have to get that...

3. Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Hairspray (retail price $18)
This hairspray works well. I use to buy it regularly. I only stopped buying it because I liked trying new brands. It doesn't smell the greatest, but I guess thats a trade off for keeping your hair staying in place. I got a sample size which works great for me. I will keep it in my purse!

4.Nailtini in Frappe (retail price $13)
I was so excited when I saw this nail polish in my bag. I have gotten this brand in past beauty subscriptions and I really like it. I got a cute sheer pink nude color. I thought it was perfect for my toes. I normally prefer bright colors. But I am in love with this nude color. It's perfect! I recommend this brand. Its a great quality nail polish.
http://www.tinibeauty.com

5.Joise Maran 100% Argan Oil (retail price $48)
I have used other brands of argan oil in my hair. I really like argan oil in general. It has improved the damage of my hair and has helped it grow. I'm not sure what I think of it for my face as it recommends. I know the quality of the oil will make the difference in my face breaking out or not.  I have heard that Josie Maran prides herself in the great quality of her products. The other uses are for this oil are hair, nails, body or added to a bath. This oil didn't really have a smell. It went on almost like a dry oil. It wasn't thick or greasy. I liked that. The side of the box says it balances sebum production to help fight acne. I may have to give it a try on my face. I will give you an update and let you know if I breakout.

My overall opinion this month is SUPER satisfied! This is the 4th month that I have been receiving this subscription and I would recommend it to everyone. It gets better every time I get it. It has great products and I think it is a really good value. I am impressed how many full size products that you get!

7 Day Raw Food Challenge-Day 4

I have noticed since first starting the raw food challenge, that I have been dreaming consistently every night in between toddler wake ups. That leads me to think that I am getting a little bit more quality sleep. Who can complain about that? Now I just have to get the toddler to sleep through the night and I would be a whole new woman! Aside from the great sleep and other benefits of raw eating, I have noticed if you don't keep a variety in your meals, its easy to get bored and harder to stick to the raw diet. So, today I made salsa to spice up the variety in my meals. I just used tomatoes, a green pepper, cilantro, a jalapeno, garlic, and an onion. I chopped it all up and voila! I was done. Raw eating has been a little more simple than cooking meals. You use just as many ingredients, but there is not as much waiting time.

Day 4

Weight: 114 lbs (down 2.4 lbs. total)

Zit Count: 10 (down 9 total)
My skin is still improving each day. I'm halfway through the challenge and half of zits have disappeared. By my calculations...I might have clear skin by day 7!

How I feel today:
I still feel good today. Not quite as energetic as yesterday but still good. I've started having a few more cravings for non raw food. When that happens, I will make a smoothie or have a few almonds and then the craving goes away.

Things I've eaten and plan to eat:
Today I'm still trying to stick mostly to fruits and vegetables. For breakfast I had a banana and almonds. For lunch I had salsa and an avocado with raw crackers. For dinner I will have a dry salad and a smoothie.

Last night, I ate a little salad, while my husband ate beef and broccoli from one of my favorite Chinese restaurants. It didn't bother me at all. I surprised myself at how content I was eating the salad. Although, I have been craving my favorite...a Tiffany roll from that same restaurant. I may have to find a raw sushi recipe   For those eating raw... What are your most desired cravings?

January Birchbox

Today I received my January Birchbox . This is another beauty product monthly subscription that I have signed up for.  It costs $10 a month and that includes shipping.  It comes in a little brown box. The contents were...


1. My Prime Multi -Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer (retail price $68)
I was skeptical of this primer actually of all primers in general. I just don't think there is anything that great about them and they generally clog my pores. I only put it on half of my face so that I could see the difference. I actually did see a difference, my skin was tighter and cleaner looking. Its $68 for 2 oz. of product. It's very expensive, but it does work!

Without                        With

2.Amike Color PHerfection Shampoo (retail price $22)
This shampoo smelled amazing. If I could bottle that shampoo as a perfume. It'd be mine! But the shampoo itself wasn't that impressive. It didn't lather at all. I felt like a just wiped a glob of "Something About Mary" in my hair. And for 22 bucks, NO WAY!

3. the Balm Cosmetics Blush in Hot Mama (retail price $20)
I have gotten this brand a lot in all of my beauty subscriptions. But, that's a good thing because I've been impressed with ever single product I've gotten. This blush was a golden pink coral color, that I would never have picked out for myself but it is a gorgeous color. I love it!

4. Harry Prince Perfume scent Skinny Chick  (retail price $21-55)
This perfume smells so good. It has a very familiar smell that I can't put my finger on. The package says it has a crisp green apple, sweet min, and warm amber aroma. It also say a spritz a day keeps you feeling young, slim and beautiful. Wow! All of that in a perfume..hmmm. All joking aside, I seriously may go buy this perfume because it really is one of my new favorites!

5. Deborah Lippmann The Stripper To Go (retail price $12 set of 6)
This is a little nail polish remover  finger mitt. It worked great. I even had glitter nail polish and it removed it really well. These would be very handy for traveling. You wouldn't have to worry about having ugly chipped nail polish or having a bottle of remover spill all over your suitcase. They'd be great for your purse too!

My overall opinion this month is pleased. This is the 3rd month that I have been receiving this subscription and I will continue to receive it. It has higher end  products that are a sample size. I think it's a good way to see which expensive products are worthwhile.

http://www.birchbox.com/

7 Day Raw Food Challenge-Day 3

Yesterday I was busy running errands. I ended up snacking on the kale, raw crackers, and almonds mostly. I had a few smoothies, but I lacked eating the fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm kind of feeling guilty. I feel like I am falling into my naughty ways of eating, even though I am sticking with the raw snack foods. I normally tend to avoid eating fruits and vegetables. I'm not really sure why because I like the taste of them. Maybe I just need to "spice" them up, make them more exciting. I have also been doing a lot of research and finding raw food recipes. I might attempt to make a yummy snack food. Chips and salsa has been sounding good. I've also been surprised, I'm realizing that there actually are a lot of food options for eating raw.

Day 3

Weight: 114 lbs (down 2.4 lbs. total)

 Zit Count: 13 (down 6 total)
My skin is improving a little each day

How I feel today:
I feel good today. I definitely have more energy. I woke up today feeling ready to get things done. I normally wake up feeling like I got hit by a train. (I have a 2 year old that doesn't sleep through the night) I even got my hair and makeup done before 2 o'clock!

Things I've eaten and plan to eat:
I will continue to drink a ton of water. I will try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables today. I will have a smoothie because those are really great at filling me up. I also like to cut up a banana and sprinkle cinnamon on it. Feels like dessert! Kale and almonds are my staple throughout the day.

I'm still happy eating raw. I really do suggest it to everyone. It would be a great lifestyle change or just a great way to jump start a healthy eating lifestyle. If anyone has a great raw chips and salsa recipe, I would love to get it!