Positive Advertising Verses Competitive Bashing

Here's my thought for the day; and I see this all the time, which is what inspired me to write about it. I think there's such a significant difference in marketing your business, verses bashing your competition. If your product or service is worth investing in, you shouldn't have to highlight the flaws of your competitors. This goes the same for politicians. I don't care how good your policies are, or your records...I will have so much more respect for you and a willingness to vote for you if you are concentrating more on showing the public what good qualities you can bring to the people, instead of bringing out the opposing team's dirty laundry. 

I am a consultant for Arbonne, and I love the company and the products. I stand behind everything Arbonne believes in because I have seen the high standards Arbonne stands by. Their integrity seems to be unmatched. We have no animal products or by-products, and it is 100% vegan certified. I could go on for hours on why I believe Arbonne is scientifically second to none. That difference is what made me start using the products in the first place- long before I made the decision to join the company. We have no rendered products, and I have personally seen life changing results in myself, my family, and my clients. I am tremendously proud of this company, and love sharing the products and what I have learned with others. 

Because of the biased opinion I've developed for Arbonne, it is safe to say you will not catch me buying other popular brands for very specific scientifically researched reasons. I do not, however, feel the need to point out those brands on my facebook posts, or mention the companies in my presentations. Arbonne International stresses greatly to we consultants a high code of ethics, another reason I love Arbonne. They do not want us pointing out flaws of other companies. We have products that speak for themselves, and there's just really no need. 

I tell you this, not to promote my Arbonne business, (but hey, if you want to check it out, who am I to stop you?)  but to show you that when you are truly passionate about whatever product you are selling, or service you provide, that is enough. Your passion shows. I am truly in love with Arbonne, and I believe that when I talk about Arbonne, the positive light will have more of an influence on my sales than if I went around bashing other companies. Sure, it can be tempting, but it is not as effective. Doing what is right always wins in the end.

Baked Crispy Brussels Sprouts

This is such a easy recipe. 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 
2. Cut Brussels Sprouts  in half lengthwise. 
3. In a bowl (or ziplock bag), add olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 
4. Roll the brussels sprouts around in your mixture, and lay flat on a baking sheet. *I always put aluminum foil down, less to clean up later!
5. Bake around 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven! I like them a little brown on top, it doesn't mean they are burnt! I also turn the pan around about halfway through, just because my oven cooks a little uneven. 

So yummy and healthy, I normally eat them all right away!

Why You Experiment with smoothies!

So the other day when I got home from the gym, I started making my protein shake, and decided to mix it up a little. I love trying new things, and sometimes when you mix weird ingredients together, you get something amazing. Other times, your drink is nasty and you swear to never tell a soul you tried such a horrid combination. That's what I thought I would have the other night. Here's how my smoothie started:

• A lot of the time, I will put greek yogurt and almond milk as my smoothie staples. 
• I've been seeing people add oatmeal and decided to give it a go.
• I've never put pears in my smoothie, but had one in the fridge so I cut it up and added it.
• Sometimes when I make smoothies with oranges, I'll add in ginger and I love it, so in it went. I use a ginger paste, by the way. So much easier.
• Then I got to my last ingredient- another must-have staple. My chocolate vegan protein from Arbonne. Pears, chocolate, and ginger? I would have bet my first-born child (if I actually had kids) that it was be disgusting and going down the drain.

End result- it was AHHHH-MAZING. It definitely tasted different, but I will for sure make it again. Don't be afraid to try new things- you never know what you're missing out on!

Easy Breakfast Ideas- Egg Whites on English Muffin

As much as I love to meal prep, I do love a good hot breakfast. But who has time in the morning? I just got this egg cooker from Pampered Chef. It. Is. AWESOME!!!! 

1. Pour your egg whites (or a whole egg, whichever you like) in one side of the bowl. Yes, I know it looks like a dog bowl! Cracks me up! Anyways. In the other side, put another egg or water- but definitely don't leave it empty or it will crack. 

2. I put salt and pepper, but you could get creative...whatever you normally put with your eggs! Peppers, mushrooms...and microwave usually about a minute- more time for more eggs. Makes sense.

3. And voila! Toast your english muffin and you have a sandwich! Who needs McDonalds? I can make this quicker at home than sitting in line, and way cheaper too! And who knows how much more healthy.

Enjoy!

Why I love English muffins- 

• No cholesterol
• Low in saturated fat
• Good source of folate, thiamine, manganese, and selenium
• Provide a small amount of protein

Why I love egg whites-

• Lower calorie, fat, and cholesterol content than whole eggs
• Great source of protein- and same amount as in a whole egg

*The whole egg is where you find your vitamins B2, B12, D, and iron! I do still eat whole eggs as well!

Cheesy Kale Chips

One of my all time favorite snack recipes! Anytime we have a movie night..or I'm just in a snacking mood, I turn to this simple snack! It's healthy, and has that salty satisfying taste like potato chips give you. You can play with different variations (roasted red pepper flakes, garlic...) but here's my favorite- garlic and parmesan cheese!

• Set the oven to 350 degrees.
• Spread the kale out on a sheet pan (I like to put aluminum foil down so there is less mess!) and use BIG pieces! 
• Spray/drizzle with olive oil evenly over kale
• Use a little bit of salt/pepper
• Cover with fresh parmesan (you can use the other kind too but it doesn't bake quite as well!)
• Sprinkle with a bit of garlic salt
• It depends on your oven, but I usually bake mine about 12 minutes, check often! I also rotate mine half way through.

YUM!

The cross before me

Awesome worship this morning at my church! When I lived in Oklahoma, I was a member of my perfect church.  The pastor, the congregation, the music, Awana, my sweet, beloved Sunday school class. It really was perfect. When I moved back to North Carolina, the hardest thing was leaving my church. I remember my first Sunday back, sitting in the back of my parents' church crying and having to leave early because I missed my old church so much. That was my other family I left behind. As terrified as I was that I would never have that experience again and find a new church home as good as in Oklahoma, I knew God had called me back to North Carolina, and he wouldn't leave me hanging. I've prayed and prayed over the last year for God to bring a new church home into my life. I went to a few churches here and there, but it seemed I was always searching for Todd, my Oklahoma pastor. I was expecting to see Amye on stage singing, and Keith, my neighbor and  my Sunday school teacher, playing the guitar. The messages were always worth waking up early on a day off, but I never felt at home.

Just over a year later, I visited what is now my new church home. God finally brought me to Richfork. Todd and Keith aren't there, but Michael is- my new pastor. And he's hilarious. And his heart is bursting with love. And his messages leave you thinking about them hours and even days after church is let out. I have to write about that this morning because I feel so incredibly blessed. No, this doesn't have to do with eating healthy, detoxifying, or exercise. But this is the most important thing we can do for our bodies and our minds all week is to spend time with our Lord and celebrating Him. He is my refuge and my strength, and without Him, I have nothing. If you don't truly know this feeling of being loved by the Lord, message me. I'd love to talk with you or pray for you. God bless.