☀️Happy Friday!!

☀️ Good Morning lovelies!! Happy Friday!

I hope everyone is having a superb week so far! It's been on the chilly side, but thankfully, beautiful! I've been working hard, and it helps to have my furbaby at my side! 💕 He is super needy, but adorable! 

It's been a while since I've posted! Life of course gets in the way sometimes 🙃However, there are incredible things in the works!! 😍

Here is a short recap of the last 2 weeks! 

My Milma (Mother-in-law/Momma) came out to spend some quality time all last week with me! She and I both LOVE crafting and hanging out together, and we had such a blast!! The week went by way too quickly!

We went to the gym and spent almost TWO HOURS there!! 😂 I'm not kidding when I say, you can spend all day there! There is so much to do!! 

I'm not going to lie, we went out a few different places to eat - however, we did a really good job limiting it to ONE meal a day and splitting meals! Otherwise, we just ate at home!

A MUST for Knoxville is going to The French Market Creperie! We split a crepe - nutella and bananas. (Normally, I would have eaten a whole one by myself, but yay for control 😂)!

We had some interesting weather changes...snow to Spring in one day!

One of our other "cheat" meals was spent at Yassin's Falafel House! They just opened a second location near where I live, and I've been desperately wanting to go. If you haven't gone yet, GO!!! 

It was absolutely amazing!!

We've been having the most gorgeous sunrises! ☀️

My second 6 Day Eat Clean Challenge began on the 15th! I lost 7.2 lbs during my first challenge, and 3 lbs this past challenge! Since joining Herbalife, I have lost 10 lbs. That is 10 lbs down in less than a month! I'll take it! I've been working out and doing a lot of strength training, so my body is also building muscle. I won't see the scale dip down extremely fast, but with being consistent in eating healthy (Yay, Herbalife!) and working out, I will achieve my goal!!

My friend, Erica, lost 8.8 lbs during her first challenge!! I'm so proud of her!! ❤️ 

The best part for me, is how I FEEL! For the past two years, my health has been at an all time low. I was constantly exhausted, in extreme pain, and just ill. I would drink a TON of coffee each day, hoping it would help me feel less tired. All that ever did was hurt my stomach and my nervous system.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that even something as simple as knitting was painful. 

I'm doing WAY more than I ever thought I would be able to in the past month. I have had only one cup of regular coffee in over a week! More of my energy is coming back, I'm in less pain, and overall feel healthier. My body is getting the nutrients/vitamins/minerals it needs to help keep me strong and healthy. 

With all the results I'm getting (both inside and out), I certainly won't give up! 🙌🏼

I can't wait to see where I am 6 months from now! 😍

The gym has a massive cardio movie theater room! I hop on the treadmill/bike/etc., and before I know it I've gone so much further than I thought I could!

I'm getting better at meal prepping! It's easy when I have the shakes to replace breakfast and lunch; all I have to worry about is snacks and dinner!

Brussel sprouts are a go-to!

I hope y'all are enjoying watching me on this journey! I would love to help others achieve their fitness goals as well! 💪🏼 If you are ready, let me know!!

QUESTIONS:

* Do you enjoy working out at a gym?

* What is your favorite "cheat meal?"

* Is your weather currently more Winter or Spring?

🌷 Dreaming of Spring

Hey y'all! 🌷

Spring is around the corner! Yesterday was an entire day full of sunshine and beautiful blue skies! All around Knoxville, flowers are beginning to make their way up out of the dirt!

Thankfully, the hubs also had the day off, so we could enjoy the much needed sun! ☀️

We cruised up toward Norris Lake area - and found Big Ridge State Park. This park has a really nice playground by the way! It was wonderful to see all the people outside enjoying the weather.

With the gorgeous weather, I started thinking even more about my new weight loss journey! I want to be healthier and more fit by the time Spring actually arrives so I can be out and about - go hiking, exploring, kayaking, and much more outdoor activities!

My weight loss journey began February 1st, starting with my first 6 day eat clean challenge. Within the 6 days, I lost 7.2 lbs! I've learned over the years not to always go by what the scale says though. There will be days where it says I've gained weight - yet, I fit better into the clothes that I couldn't fit into days before. Remember how you FEEL.

Herbalife products have been a game changer for me! The shakes bring me the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that I would normally miss out on eating different meals.

The next 6 day eat clean challenge begins on March 1st! You still have time to register! I'm anxious to see everyone's results!!! 💪🏼

As if I didn't think the shakes could get any more delicious, I made a Pistachio shake!! Seriously, hands down, the BEST SHAKE EVER!!!!! 🙌🏼

Pistachio Herbalife Shake: 2 scoops french vanilla formula 1, 2 scoops vanilla protein, 1 tablespoon pistacio (sugar free) jell-o instant pudding mix, 1 cup of water, ice cubes (as desired).

Remember, contact me if you have any questions about the Herbalife products and/or the 6 Day Eat Clean Challenge!! 

QUESTIONS:

* Do you have cabin fever?

* What are your favorite outdoor activities?

* Have you tried the Herbalife shakes yet?

Baby, It's Cold Outside ❄️

❄️

Brrr...It is a cold start to this Sunday morning! A chilly 24 degrees outside right now!

I LOVE this cold weather! Knoxville actually had some decent flurries on Friday!

Chilly days call for hot cocoa!

This past week has been a lot of fun. I've been able to do a little exploring around Knoxville and check out some places that I have been wanting to go to for a while now! Here's a recap of this past week!

First off, I'm super excited that I can finally make smoothies again! I got a Ninja blender for my Birthday last week, and I've been making a smoothie practically everyday!

To get my chocolate cravings in, I've been making more banana, chocolate smoothies. I add the ground flaxseed because of the health benefits, but mostly because it helps keep me fuller, longer. 

1 banana, chocolate almond milk (about 1/2 cup) , 1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed, and ice!

Speaking of chocolate cravings...

Last Monday was NATIONAL COOKIE DAY!!

I picked up these gluten-free cookies from Aldi! The brand is Live G Free, and these cookies were double chocolate brownie. Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprising, the cookies tasted really good! I liked how soft and chewy these cookies were. The only downfall is how tiny they are! 2 cookies = 120 calories. Two cookies isn't bad though when you just need a little bit of dessert!

Cat cuddles!

Now, for the exploring Knoxville restaurants/shops bit:

I enjoy my days off with the hubby, especially since it doesn't happen often enough. I was ecstatic when we had Thursday off together.

Nathan and I have a nice long list of restaurants we want to try out. 

We decided to go to Tandur Indian Kitchen for lunch!

Tandur Indian Kitchen was sooooo yummy!! I certainly love Indian food, so when I heard about Tandur Indian Kitchen arriving in Knoxville, TN, I was extremely excited! When you enter the restaurant, I was greeted by the friendliest staff, offering to explain the menu. I already knew the majority of the menu, so I ordered right away! 

I love Saag (creamed spinach), so I ordered it with chicken. My meal came with either basmati rice or brown (I ordered brown rice), and regular Naan bread.

We ordered vegetable samosas to start out - the mint sauce is delicious! I have to learn the recipe!

Samosas!

Saag with chicken, brown rice, and plain naan!

After an incredible lunch, the hubs and I needed to walk it off. Just down the road is Bearden area, and there are so many local shops that I haven't been to yet!

Fig & Co. is one of the many places that I had been really wanting to check out. I can't believe it has taken me this long to go into Fig & Co.! They had the cutest home decor and very reasonable prices! This is the place to go to get your Christmas presents for everyone!

The staff was extremely friendly, as soon as Nathan and I walked in, we were offered to try some chocolates (we were too full from our lunch), and they also gladly answered any questions we had! I really appreciate genuine customer service; that's exactly what you receive at Fig & Co.!

I bought an adorable fox trinket box, a little "puzzle" reindeer! I plan on going back very soon to get some more Christmas gifts!

Right next door to Fig & Co., is another interesting boutique/shop - Ironic.  Ironic had really one of a kind pieces that I absolutely adored! This advent calendar was super cute (move the mouse to each day of the month)! At Ironic, there was home decor, clothing, some jewelry, chalk paint, and more!

Since we were still in Bearden area, we went into Nadeau (furniture with a soul).

 The staff was also extremely friendly and inviting! 

There were SO many pieces of furniture that I just wished I could take home with us! The prices were surprisingly reasonable for the majority of the pieces of furniture!

I will certainly go back after the holidays, and pick out the beautiful pieces of furniture I want/need for the home!

It's always exciting exploring new restaurants and shops. I have a list of more places so it won't be long till I check more places out! 

❄️

Oh, apparently, the Nutcrackers couldn't handle all the nuts...😂

QUESTIONS:

* Do you enjoy snow?

* Have you had snow/flurries yet?

* Have you finished your Christmas present shopping?

Birthday = "ME" Day

Happy DECEMBER lovelies!

As soon as December arrives, my Birthday comes along with it! 👑

I had been looking forward to having a relaxing "ME" day, and my Birthday was the perfect excuse! 

A large cup of coffee with cream from Dunkin' Donuts helped me wake up, as I headed over to the hair salon!

My first Birthday gift to myself was getting my hair colored. Every time I get my hair done, I go to Natural Alternatives Salon & Spa to see Sunshine. Everyone at the salon is genuinely friendly; they make you feel welcome. Christmas decorations were hung up beautifully, and I enjoyed looking at the cute Aveda Christmas gift packages they have available for purchase!

Getting my hair done was the best way to start the day; it was relaxing, yet fun (as always)!

Sunshine surprised me with the sweetest and cutest Birthday gift!

Now, you can SEE why getting my hair done by Sunshine was EXACTLY what I needed to begin my Birthday!

Photo Credits by Sunshine Carter

Sunshine is incredibly talented! She did the most stunning transformation with my hair with her painting skills. The chestnut tones flow through my hair and are bright, yet natural!

After getting my hair done, I drove over to The Southern Market.

The Southern Market is a great place to check out when you want a large variety of items to choose from! Many of the little shops inside are local artists; which I love looking at handmade, local items!

Most of the time, I could take a long while, looking around at everything, but with their open house it was very busy! Feeling a little too cramped, I decided to head out without any items in hand (this time). However, I'll be back on a less busy day! 😊

Next, I decided to check out Knoxville Soap Candle & Gifts

This was my first time checking out this little shop in Bearden, and it looked gorgeous and smelled wonderful! Knoxville Soap Candle & Gifts has been around for TWELVE YEARS! I couldn't believe I hadn't been there yet!

 Gregory's Greenhouse Productions was stationed in front of the store. His displays of greenery was beautiful! 

How cute are these Christmas trucks?!

Inside the cute and fragrant shop, I met Debra van der Hoeven, the founder of Tiny Treasure Jewelry. 

Her earrings were so unusual, and it's because she uses Kombucha SCOBY! Kombucha is brewed and when it ferments it creates SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) on top. Debra re-uses the SCOBY to make these earrings! The earrings are colored with different things types of paint (from food coloring to water colors) and then dried out!

There were other types of earrings as well, not just the Kombucha SCOBY; but I found them fascinating!

Make sure to check out the website for more earrings!

Kombucha SCOBY earrings by Tiny Treasure Jewelry

Knoxville Soap Candle & Gifts

The decor all around the store was beautiful! I just adore Christmas time!

I was too distracted to take more pictures. There were handmade candles, soaps, jewelry, and more! I really enjoyed this shop! I'll definitely take more pictures the next time I go back!

I had an incredible day of pampering and shopping! My Birthday was a perfect "ME" day!

When Nathan got home, I was FINALLY able to open up my Birthday present! 

An electric fireplace to put in the master bedroom! It's the perfect piece to make our room a little Utopia!

Riley loves it too!

Hygge on point!

We didn't have the energy to mount the fireplace on the wall, but that will be on our to-do list for today! 😃 I can't wait!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

* What do you do for your "ME" days?

* Are your Christmas decorations up yet?

* What is your favorite part of December?