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Kerrie

Does plexus really work?!?!?! One story proves it does!

Hey everyone,

If you follow my FB page www.facebook.com/makeupartistkerrie or if you have read my beauty blog www.gorgeousglamblog.com then you have heard me talk about S.W.A.Y Cosmetics and how much I love them. I have gotten to know the owner, Brenda and I really wanted to share her story with you. Everyone has been hearing about this weight loss program called Plexus. Here is her story on how this helped her lose weight. It is a great read and very inspiring!!

My name is Brenda and this is my family I am a private person but it's time to share my story and my struggle cause if I can help one person I will be fullfilled. So here it goes...

I get messages saying where are you? What are doing? Why... haven't you been posting? I have been on a journey like no other. I had to step away from my SWAY business to take care of my health. I kind of left you guys hanging and I sincerely apologize for that. Making your own cosmetics is very time consuming and I've had to make a choice. It was not only taking away from my husband and my kids but also needing to do what I had to do for my health.

I'm a 33 year old mother of 2 little ones a 7 and 2 year old. About a year ago I was diagnosed with a condition that made it difficult to lose weight and I was exhausted all the time but more importantly it made high risk for heart attack and stroke. The doctor wanted to put me on medication but I told him I would find another way. I know to many people that have started taking medication only to end up on several medications. So that was not a domino effect that I wanted or needed in my life. For 6 months I was on a strict diet and exercised 6 days a week to get healthy and lose weight. I only lost 10 lbs. and a few inches in those 6 months and flucuated between 5 of those lbs. My levels weren't going down but I still refused medication even though I was scared because all I could think was "what am I going to do if I have a heart attack or stroke and my son is at school and I'm home alone with my daughter. By the time someone finds me it will be to late. My kids would grow up without a mother and leave my husband as a single father." I was stressed, frustrated, and scared. I would pray and keep doing my diet and exercise routine. I'm not one to ask for help or let on that something is wrong. Sometimes we need someone to interfere and that's what happened to me. One day my mom calls me about a product her and my grandma started using and told me I should try it. I was skeptical, didn't believe it would help because I've tried other things and they didn't work and quite frankly I didn't have the money to waste on it, but I was so desperate and something had to give because diet and exercise alone wasn't working. So I spent $12 and got a 3 day trial. My first 3 days I didn't lose weight (which I wasn't expecting to because that would be unrealistic) but I did have a lot more energy. So I knew there was something to it. I bought a 30 day supply of Plexus Slim, Probio 5, and BioCleanse because I wanted to clean out my entire system including my blood. They have a 60 day money back guarantee, so why not right? I stopped working out for those 30 days, I still ate healthy but didn't deprive myself because I wanted to see if this product really worked. At the end of my 30 days I lost 10 lbs. and 7 inches. I went back to the doctor and had my labs done again. All my levels came back in normal range, so that meant I no longer needed to get on medication. I have been taking these products for 5 months now and I have lost a total of 35 lbs and 22 inches. If you or anyone you know are diabetic, have high cholesterol, want to lose weight, or suffer with pain I urge you to try these products. They have changed my life and the lives of my loved ones. My mother who has suffered with fatigue and pain do to her MS is now pain free and has so much more energy. I know people who were taking up to 25 different medications and paying well over $1500 a month for those meds and are now medication free and $1500 or more richer each month. You don't have to take my word for it. Feel free to friend request me here: www.facebook.com/brenda.lopez.921025 to see my before and after pics and let me know if you want to be added to their testimony group with over 100,000 members and see pics and read testimonies for yourself. You can order products here: www.plexusbalancedbody.com If you have question please feel free to message me. I'm sharing this with you all because I care and I feel it would be selfish of me to not share these products. It has answered my prayers and I know there are others praying for the same thing. One thing that I have learned on my journey to weight loss is that there is no quick fix. We must first fix what's going on inside of us before we start seeing results on the outside. It's about health and sometimes for some of us diet and exercise just isn't enough. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate you all If you feel that this post could help you or someone you love please share it and help pass the message along.

You can share her message here

https://www.facebook.com/SwayCosmetics/photos/a.144422569014829.3559.128482537275499/246495142140904/?type=1&stream_ref=10

PLEXUS-

http://plexusbalancedbody.myplexusproducts.com/

You can follow her S.W.A.Y Cosmetics facebook page here https://www.etsy.com/shop/SwayCosmetics You HAVE to have the setting spray before summer hits, it will save your face from melting off!

Brenda and I have become friends and I am really proud of her for all she has accomplished and for sharing her story, such a brave thing to do!

- Kerrie

Sping & Easter ideas for kids.

Hello guys,


I have seen some good ideas lately of fun things to do with kids for Spring. They are not my own, just wanted to share. Click the links and check them out. Hope you have fun with some of them.


Growing beans Almost any kid of any age would enjoy this. 3-6 would probably be the most fun age for it.
http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/04/growing-beans-on-cotton-balls.html


This would be adorable for a grandmother for Mother's day from the kids, she would love it.
http://spoonful.com/crafts/bee-bouquet




EASTER:
Colored eggs:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/252131279113242303/


Button Easter Egg 4,5,6 year old girls would go nuts for this!
http://club.chicacircle.com/button-easter-egg-ornament-craft/


How cool are there? I love deviled eggs!
http://www.welke.nl/photo/kaylie/leuke-vrolijke-paaseieren.1363602548


Easy Bunny cake:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/252131279113299513/


Make your basket into a bunny
http://bubblynaturecreations.com/2012/04/bunnybaskets.html


Or a milk jug turned into a Easter basket
http://www.allthatscrap.net/2011/03/what-to-do-wednesday-milk-jug-easter-basket/


THIS IS AWESOME:
Water Mat- How cool is this?!?!
I want to walk on it myself!!!
http://www.homemadetoast.com/2013/07/how-to-make-leak-proof-water-blob.html


Well, sorry I didn't think of any ideas on my own. Some of these I have done with kids before, but it was easier for me to just send you a link this time. Enjoy


Kerrie

Weight Loss Journey

Well, as you know, this has been a very, very long journey of mine. I am so  sad to not have a post for such a long time. I have been focusing on so many other things.


 I am very happy to report that I finally have found what is going to help me shed this weight for good. As you know the only thing that will help you lose weight and keep it off is a lifestyle change. I have learned so much through this time that I can't even begin to share it all right now. There is a book in my future and I will be blogging regularly about this again now.




When I was on WW, it really helped as you know. However, it is hard to follow. I never thought I would be a calorie counting person, however, I have lost 10 pds since starting this (1 month) and that is a good amount of weight loss per week. Some people lose it too fast and that is not healthy at all. Do most people take as long as I have been?? Of course not. Don't ever ask me when I started this journey because I may cry!! However, UN-doing a life of bad habits with no nutritional training is not easy to do. I am actually a very healthy person, just have to get this weight off and I will be even more so. You already know if you read my blogs how much confidence I have, this is not about that, although I am sure it will improve even more!! Watch out world!!!






  Do I recommend everyone do this?? No way. It isn't the healthiest way to live for sure. You need to eat "normal" foods for the most part. You see (I will write more about this later) but what I am learning, is some of these foods that I am eating so save calories, have other things in them that aren't good for you. Yes, everything seems to be good and bad for you (don't Google anything unless you are ready to get totally confused about what is good and what is bad for you!!). If a food has lower fat, it may have higher salt. Things of this nature. This may be common knowledge to you reading and you may be thinking "OK has she never learned anything?" but we didn't eat very healthy growing up, since I was home schooled I never had any nutrition class and so this has been a process. I am still learning and will share as a go. The point is, this is what is working for me. The good thing is too that a lot of the bad foods are high in calorie so they stay off my plate, for the most part. I will counting to count calories and blog about this. I know I have found my path now. I will not quit.  Please watch my Face book page and my blog for more healthy recipes, OK maybe some aren't the healthiest but for the most part, they will be. I will keep posting low calorie foods on my page as well. I am sorry for those who cheer me on and I have failed so many times, but really, this is for me and my future baby, I am doing it for her/him. As much as I have learned, to not be on blood pressure med anymore (been over a year!) and to live the lifestyle that I now live, I guess I haven't failed too much.....I plan to lose at least 60 pds by Christmas....




-Kerrie

Kerrie's Strawberry & Cherry Trifle

You guys know that I love healthy dessert!!!


I made this last week and it was so good, I could hardly stay away from it. and I didn't feel guilty eating it, that was the beauty of it. It is so good and creamy, you won't be able to stay away!! I would think the worst thing in it is the heavy whipping cream, fail.

 My husband, Mitch doesn't like overly sweet desserts and I can't really eat much of them since I was on that cleanse a while back, overly sweet stuff doesn't taste right to me now. I've made this 2x and the first time, it only tasted good the 1st or 2nd day, the 3rd day it was getting runny. However, the 2nd time I made it, the 3rd day it was delicious! Who knows why that happened!!



This is the site I found the recipe that I followed, but of course I had to add my own touches:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-trifle



I) I used my kitchen aid mixer, I beat the milk, yogurt, pudding mix (use the powder, do not mix it up) on low speed until it was thick.
Set to the side.

2) Again, in my mixer, I whipped up the heavy whipping cream, half a teaspoon of vanilla (a little less is fine too, vanilla just brings out your flavors but too much gives that ober-powering vanilla taste, yuck! ) and a teaspoon of sugar. It takes several minutes for it to thicken unlike the videos that I watched that said it only takes a minute so don't give up right away!
Fold into the pudding mix. 
(GENTLY stir in)

*I didn't know how to make up whipping cream and the instructions aren't here for that but I found one online. I added a hint of vanilla (like half a teaspoon) and a teaspoon of sugar while it was whipping up.

The key to making your own whip cream is that your bowl and the attachment from your mixer is very cold. I put mine in the fridge for about 15 minutes. The freezer, I would do maybe 10. Make sure it is complete dry if you use the freezer!
*** With the mixer, Look at this:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=kitchaid+mixer+parts&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=kitchaid+mixer+parts&sc=8-19&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=5D5935CFDF1A29A904DA56B8F1312C0A4DE53C34&selectedIndex=31
The part on the top left, is the one to use for the whip cream.
The part on the bottom left, is the part for the pudding mix.



INGREDIENTS:
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped up.
Almost 1lb strawberry's, washed and cut into halves.
Chopped walnuts, half a cup. High in calories but good in Omega 3. http://cholesterol.about.com/od/treatments/a/walnut.htm
Half a 10oz jar of Maraschino cherries, no stem.
8 cups cubed angel food cake (any will work). Bake it and let it cool, then cut into small cubes.
Sugar
Vanilla
I did not use the orange peel.
You need a mixer!

Use a Trifle bowl if you have one and add layer by layer. I started with a layer of the whip cream mixture on the bottom
Next, I layered the fruit, nuts and cake. Repeat, repeat! Don't forget the cake like I did the 2nd time, then you have to make more whip cream to make those layers pretty!
I like a layer of the whip cream mixture with a few nuts and fruit on top to finish it off. Chill for a hour an serve

Tips:
You can add/use other nuts or fruit. I am going to mix up sugar free chocolate pudding instead of the vanilla pudding mixture next time to see how that taste, Yum!!

I wouldn't add more sugar or it just makes it unhealthy. If you feel the need, just add half a teaspoon at a time. To taste.


I absolutely loved this and so has everyone that I have served it too. I will be making it again very soon. Come over and have some!!

Kerrie

ADOPTION HOMESTUDY COMING UP!!

Hello,


 Well we finally made it to the home study part of our adoption.
   This mean that all paperwork has been approved and the state has to inspect our home for safety and that we will be fit parents. I am not really nervous although I may be a little right before she gets here. I am sure most people have a lot of thoughts- Is the house clean enough?? What should I wear?? What if she asks something that my husband and I answer differently?!?! ANXIETY!!! I haven't and don't plan on being stressed. I am cleaning a little today and running to Home Depot for a few things that I know they require (Fire Extinguisher, update our carbon monoxide detector and maybe a screen for the fire place!) but I am not going to stress. I know Mitch and I will be fantastic parents even if our house isn't perfectly clean (well, clean it is, organized is a different story, I am working on that!) I already talked to her on the phone and she seems very nice, and relaxed. Her main priority is just making sure the home is safe. I know they will ask a lot of questions. I think they interview us together and separately. 


 This is God's plan for our life and I know He has it under control. I know the kind of parents we will be. We will be good, loving parents who sometimes make mistakes but teach our kids how to be good people, love others, and make a difference in this world...those are the things that matter. We may not be perfect, and there may be a little dirt on the floor that I missed but I promise you, our child will never want for love or affection! We are eagerly awaiting for our approval letter!!!




 In the state of Texas, you need a updated Home study every year, so we may have to have one again before the baby comes (let's hope not!) @ $500.00 a pop, I'd rather not..plus I want a baby before I need another home study! Keep that in mind if you are thinking about adoption. They also come out several times (I think) after the baby is in our home, before adoption is final, but to my understanding, those fees are included.


 Adoption cannot be final (Texas) until 6 months after the baby is born. I can't even imagine the day when the judge finalizes the adoption. WOOP!! WOOP! I GET CHILLS THINKING ABOUT IT.


Adoption home study checklist:
* Make sure all meds are put up out of child's reach.
* Buy a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector and fireplace screen.
* Make sure all smoke detectors have working batteries (uhmm, you should anyway!).
* Don't "plan" what your going to say during your interview questions but discuss with your mate and make sure you are on the same path about how to raise/disciple a child. Hopefully you discussed this a long time ago!
* Go around the house and look for any safety issues. We do not have to have all the outlet plugs covered, however we will when the child reaches that age. Look through a child's eye and see what they might get into to that could harm them. Safety is priority 1 with your baby/child.


A good link for you to read if you are considering adoption:


https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Foster_Care/homestudy_guidelines.asp




I've got to make sure all the meds are put up safe and there are no cleaning supplies within a child's reach! - Kerrie

Saltine Toffee Recipe & Tips

Saltine Toffee

Not healthy, but delicious!!

 The lady I work for made these a year ago and boy was I hooked!!! At first I was really put off by the idea of toffee and saltine crackers, but trust me… it works! As I was attempting to make them, I tried to use light brown sugar and "healthier butter". It didn't go so well. I may try that again in the future now that I have the technique down, however I only seem to be making them once a year so, how bad could it be?!?! I made these, but since I can't tolerate as much sweets as I use to, (I put myself on a homemade cleanse to help me cut my sweet tooth and it worked!), I gave quite a bit away, and I think some may go to waste. They keep for about a week or so in the fridge, you can eat them a bit longer- but they lose the freshness!

 You can find a million recipes online but here is the one I used and some tips that may help you:

http://candy.about.com/od/toffeerecipes/r/saltine_toffee.htm

* If you’re debating using the foil, DO!!! Cleaning up the pans after, well let's just say you don't want that mess on your hands!

* Definitely make sure the crackers are right next to each other; this helps a lot. If not, you lose a lot of the toffee that you’re going to make and pour over them.

* When making my toffee, I brought it to a boil and then let it boil for about 8 seconds… stirring the whole time. If you just bring it to a boil and remove it from the heat, it seems the crackers are too chewy.

* The recipe says "don't worry if you don't spread over all the crackers" but really, you need to pour it over as much of the crackers as you can. It won't "spread to cover" quite like the recipe says. An uncovered cracker, is just a saltine not a toffee saltine!

* After I put the chocolate chips on the crackers, I stuck the pan back in the oven for about 10 seconds. Otherwise, it is hard to spread them across all the crackers. A regular spoon worked the best.

* These taste better the next day. I don't know why, but trust me.

 You can top these with any kind of nuts you want, or just with crumbled up crackers.

I used some almonds that I had for salads.

Walnuts would be healthy, full of Omega 3!

 I would like to make these with dark chocolate chips. I am sure they will be just as good!

If you want you can use dark brown sugar instead (haven't tried it!)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Saltine-Toffee-Cookies/

Hope you enjoy. Sorry, Blogger is still not letting me post pictures within the post so please look to the right for a photo. Hopefully this will be fixed soon.


Kerrie