Eating Clean...

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Liz and I met Jenna while she was living in Nor Cal. In the two years I lived near Jenna we probably tried 10 different work out routines/new sports, and 5 different diets. Nothing we did really ever stuck. In fact, we just got really confused! At one point I had convinced myself that it was not ok to eat Bananas but it was ok to eat artichokes dipped in Mayo. Hmmm....

Anyway, I want to thank Jenna for trying one more time! I love this book. I love this way of eating. I would be a liar if I told you I am following it to a T because I am not. But, it has made me a better decision make when it comes to food. So many days I sit at my desk and say "What should I eat for lunch" than someone asks me if want a burger or mexican and I say "OK"...because its easy. But, now I feel like I have total control over what I eat and I love it.

The book is so easy to read and it gives you day to day menus making it really fool proof. I still go out to eat (and sometime eat desert!) but for the most part I am "Eating Clean". I got mine on Amazon for $11.00.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-5127050-9445425?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=eat+clean&x=0&y=0

Just for fun...

I just framed this and put in my kitchen. It makes me smile every time I see it!

Sugarboo Designs

I just opened another account for cheaper prices with Sugarboo Designs. Here are some of their products. They are to die for!!! I love them SO much. If anyone is interested email me at jillypilly15@hotmail.com

A 'Green' Tip

This isn't the green we are all hearing about these days....it is just the real color green. Bringing green, or basically greenery, like plants or faux plants, makes a room more inviting and comfortable. Think about it, every person is used to the color green because it is a predominate color in nature, therefore we like it in our homes. Also, did you ever notice in model homes they ALWAYS have a million fake plants?? Well they do that on purpose. It it because of the inviting, homey feel that it gives. I myself am not a plant kind of person, so I fulfill my green with topiaries, which I love dearly.

When Did J Crew get Ridiculously Expensive?

Although I am truly in love with some of their stuff. They have really stepped it up with their jewelry this last year, and I am in love with almost every single piece! But seriously....$250 for a necklace! Not unless it has some diamonds on it! But its fun to look at!

just for the halibut: a summer dish

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 (8 ounce) steaks halibut
4 sprigs fresh marjoram, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
Mix together grapefruit juice, olive oil, 2 teaspoons marjoram, salt, and pepper, in a shallow glass dish. Add fish, turn once to coat both sides, then cover dish. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, turning once or twice.

Preheat barbecue or gas grill.

Reserve marinade, and place fish in lightly oiled wire basket. Place fish 4 to 6 inches above hot coals. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once and brushing twice with reserved marinade, until steaks are barely opaque in thickest part. Arrange on a platter, scatter grapefruit sections around steaks, and garnish with sprigs of marjoram.

Recipe can also be found here.

When I googled Chicago...this is what I found! Just a little windy! Note to self...purchase fashion tape so this will not happen to me! At least she can run in her pumps!

Kangen Water... Have you heard about this...

last week at school, they had a lady come in to talk to us about ph balance in our bodies, and our water that we drink today. It was really interesting. She represents this company called Kangen Water. It is basically a water filter system you can buy to have in your own home that turns all your tap water, everything into Alkaline water, with adding the negative ions into your water. She tested a few drinks like Propel water, Gatorade, Dasani water, Aquafina water, and soda. I was stunned to see that the Dasani water, and Aquafina water, and the propel had just as much acid in them as the soda! Grosse! But who do you think produces those bottles of water? The Coke company! That makes sense. I had her test my water bottle, which is just the Kirkland brand of water bottles you can buy at Costco. Mine was right in the middle, at a 7.0, meaning that it was pretty good, but not totally alkaline. She said that the Kirkland water bottles are probably one of the best water bottles you can buy. Good ph balance is important for our skin, and bodies to stay healthy. To much acidity in our bodies can cause us to have breakouts, cravings for fried foods, sweets, and ice cream, and can then lead to headaches, and other problems in our other body systems. Alkaline water has a lot of calcium in it, which is so good for us women, for our bones. I also helps with keeping our bones, muscles, and endocrine system healthy, and working right. For all you moms, I heard of a story about a mom with two little kids with bad eczema. When she changed over to Kangen water, she said that after three days her babies rashes, and eczema went away. Go to the website, www.kangenwaterUSA.com and read more about it. This definitely something I want to invest in for myself and my family. Read the testimonials, they are pretty cool.

it's the most wonderful time of the year

hope you all can make the nordstrom anniversary sale - it is christmas in july!

Which hat will you wear this summer?

I love the big one with the red fabric but it won't fit in my suitcase! I guess I will go with Rachel Bilson's hat. It is fedora at Urban Outfitters. The only thing about this hat that I may not like is coverage from the sun.

Regular Soda vs. Diet Soda

I work with two female Doctors who are always teaching me how to live a healthier life. I use to think they were a little on the EXTREME side with how they ate, but as the months go by and I conduct my own research I am starting to think like them.

The topic that we are always debating about is Diet Soda really healthier for you. My first day of work we all order our lunches and I order a Diet Coke. My doctors then began to tell me about the long term causes diet drinks have on a person.

This is one of many articles I have found and read. I just can't believe what is really in Diet Soda.

http://joi.ito.com/weblog/2002/10/26/is-diet-coke-ba.html

Its best not to drink any soda but if you have to, regular is the better choice.

Eating Clean Food

After having Davis I have been doing a lot of research on the right way to eat. Do you realize 80% of what your body looks like and overall health is due to what you put in your mouth. The other 20% is fitness and genetics!

I found an amazing book that I would love to share with anyone that needs help staying healthy or losing weight. This book is laid out better than any other nutrition book I have read. Tosca Reno (the author) also has a monthly column in Oxygen magazine. She has great tips and amazing stories to tell. This is a great way to be healthy and to teach your family how to be healthy. She makes suggestions for kids meals as well.

This is not diet! You won't have to make crazy recipes, or get a juicer. This is choosing to have a healthy lifestyle. You will be eating all the foods that were put on this earth to make you healthy and happy.

You will truly feel a difference in your energy levels, skin, hair, and your physical appearance. Try it for at least 6 weeks. Check back to get recipes and tips. I promise it will change your outlook on nutrition if you follow the guidelines. Remember: Habits form after 30 days!

Let me know if you would like more posts on this!

Smudge Proof your look

A few key products to keep your make-up smudge proof!

During summer months our skin battles all types of conditions. The most essential skincare product is sunscreen. I love skinceuticals and neutrogena.

After sunscreen is applied these key products will lock in your make up for a fabulous smudge proof look.

Benefit She-laq- If you use this your makeup will stay put! Apply this clear liquid makeup sealer to shadows, mascaras, and liners and your makeup stays put... no matter how many tissues you go through. Comes with a complete set of mini brushes. I love this for eyebrows!!

Sephora Eyeliner Sealer- Comes with a liner brush for easy application. Rainy and humid days can't make your liner run any more!

Face Atelier Lip Lock- Apply Lipstick and then this great product. Let dry for 30 seconds and you just created your very own long lasting lipstick

Make-up For-ever- Apply this to set your make-up after foundation is applied.

i.D liquid filled cotton swabs- Allure ranked these bad boys #1, try them!

I found these on Bakerella's Blog. She is so amazing Martha Stewart found her and had her on the show to teach America how to make these amazing mini cupcakes!

Kid's love them!

New Project

Found at the container store. I'm thinking about doing this for Davis's room in Chicago.

Do you have any better ideas? Let me know!

A Must!

I recently purchased some nike+ shoes and decided to get the magic little accessory that goes in your shoe and I have to say- it's amazing!! I've been running outside because I'm not too fond of putting Luke in the gym daycare just yet and for someone that has a hard time running 2 miles now-a-days and thinks it's been 20 minutes when it's only been 5- this little device is my little trainer and keeps me going. I love the little voice that comes on and says "You're half way there".

Any other "Musts" to get back in shape after baby?

It can be very challenging to find a dress that is at that perfect length. Check out all the different styles they offer. Pair a dress with one of Vintage Hem's slip skirts.

There is a new baby accessory that is practical and fashionable, it's called the sprout shell.

If you have wrestled with keeping a blanket in place to shield your baby from the sun or outdoor elements this is exactly what you have been waiting for.

The Sprout Shell easily attaches securely over any size infant carrier, and gives your baby a tent-like enclosure. There is an opening for the carrier’s handle that lets air in, while giving Mom or Dad a secure grip and a view of the Baby inside. With many fabrics to choose from you won't have to sacrifice your style. You can buy them here for only $35 SproutShell.com.

Add a Splash of Color

You can customize an inexpensive wall clock and make it stand out from the crowd of generic black-and-white faces by turning it into a piece of art.

1. Remove the clock’s plastic front or back and detach the hands from the battery mechanism.

2. Using the existing face as a template, trace the outline on the back of a piece of wallpaper or gift wrapping, an enlarged photo, or any other graphic design.

3. Apply an adhesive (such as 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive) to the original face, then affix the new one. Reassemble and hang for an eye-catching design that makes a statement time after time.

shooting fireworks

last week in my photography class, i learned to expose for photographs using my digital slr camera. in manual mode, decrease your shutter speed to "bulb" and using a tripod and a remote for your camera, shoot away. experiment with your fstop and manual focus for clarity!
more pics from the fourth are here and here.

lovin' the summer look

hallelujah for forever21! who doesn't love creating a new summer look for under $100?

• vest: $18
• jeans: $30
• bag: $25
• scarf: $8
• sunglasses:$8

i love the scarf (as a hair accessory) and the vest to spice up the classic tshirt/jeans combo.