Oh My Swing!

Summer is right around the corner! Maybe you have seen these swings on Etsy? I know I have.. they go for about $130 or MORE!! This blog teaches you how to make one for about $26.... and honestly it is SO EASY! You know I love easy...

You better believe I am going to be making Jocelyn one for our house and grandma's!!!

Plus - What a fun summer project! I honestly love having a project to work on!

http://onesassyhousewife.blogspot.com/2012/07/swingin.html

7 Day Cleanse

Much like a detox - a cleanse is going to help remove the bad toxins from your body, clear up skin imperfections, lift up your energy levels, and make you feel all around better. A cleanse is a little different the a detox in that it will drastically start dropping your pounds. It will be up to you to tone up after wards! 7 days of sacrifice for long term results! GET HEALTHY!

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

G.M.’S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.

You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

   1. Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
   2. Club Soda is OK.
   3. Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
   4. Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
   5. Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature’s perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You’re in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.

Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five “quarter ponders”. Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

Get Fit

After having Jocelyn I went into full time "operation lose that belly!" The last little bit, though, I have really been slacking! I am using the holidays as an excuse......... (haha) But with swimsuit season right around the corner, I have officially jumped back in and put my game face on!! Here are snacks and protein solutions that I LOVE! Plus these things really helped me lose the weight since I was unable to breast feed which is most mom's go to workout! So what are some things you can do with your eating habits to help lose the weight? Whether it's mommy weight or just weight put on over the years, these are solutions to help everyone without hating life!!




Workout Power Foods:
Did you know it's extremely important to eat before and after a work out? If you don't do this, you offset your blood sugar levels and your whole body is out of whack. By eating a small snack you are stabilizing your immune system. You need to fuel your body before you energize it much like you need to fuel your car.

If you work out in the morning you need to give yourself extra attention. Your body has been shut down for 6 hours or more. You need to jump start your metabolism to keep your energy up. You should really eat something within 30 minutes of waking. Try your hardest to have a half of banana or something rich in protein. 

If you work out in the afternoon have a light snack. A power food like almonds, banana, small oatmeal, or muscle milk. After your workout you should eat within 30 minutes of finish. If you don't do this your body will start burning muscle. You should eat something high in protein such as almonds, a banana, or peanut butter with apples. 

You should be feeding your body every 3 hours throughout the day to maintain a healthy lifestyle, keep your muscles strong, and keep energy up. Also, if you are doing this it keeps you from purging on your meal and overeating. 

Coffee Lovers:
Waiting in line for you McCafe coffee or Starbucks frap? Please re think the amount of calories you are about to consume. Watching your calories and sodium is one of the easiest ways to keep the weight off. 

Try this homemade Starbucks copycat recipe that has only 2 weight watcher points!

PER SERVING: 95 calories; 0 g fat; 17 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 0 g fiber

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules (regular or decaf)
• 2 tbsp fat free vanilla flavored coffee creamer, powdered
• 1/2 cup fat free milk
• 8-10 ice cubes
• 
  

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender and process until smooth. If desired, sweeten with Splenda.

Preparation time: 2 minute(s)

Entire recipe makes 1 cappuccino smoothie
Serving size is entire recipe (about 1 ¼ cups)
Each serving = 2 Points 

The Power of Protein:

I love a good protein infused shake to get through my day, probably more than coffee. So if you are not big on breakfast and don't like coffee, you are going to love the Lauren Conrad Banana Oatmeal Protein Shake!

Blend together 1 banana, 1 c. ice, 1/4 c. cooked oatmeal, 1 tbs. chopped almonds, 1/2 c. low fat milk, pinch of cinnamon. 

Detox Yourself:

A good 10 day detox is always a great way to start your summer diet. Making a detox drink and taking detox baths will help relieve stress, skin blemishes, boost weight loss, and will help flush the bad toxins from your system - almost like a fresh start.

2 L. Water, 1 medium cucumber, 1 lemon, 10-12 mint leaves = Let sit over night in fridge and drink every day for 10 days - or more during healthy dieting. It's very refreshing so you may not want to stop!

Dr. Oz's Swimsuit Secret Weapon:

Here's What You'll Need:

• 1 Cup Grapefruit Juice
• 2 Tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tsp. honey

How it Works
Apple cider vinegar is a known fat-burner - it helps to break down fat cells, and encourages proper digestion. Just drink it three times per day before every meal, and watch as the fat melts off!  

And now for my absolute FAVORITE:

The GNC Protein - TOTAL LEAN - Shake

Use this as a meal re-placer for say your breakfast or lunch. I love these! Just watch your weight fade away! They are always on some sort of deal at GNC (right now they are buy a pack get a pack half off). They come in a variety of different flavors: Strawberry, Vanilla Bean, and Chocolate.

Around Christmas time these were accidentally mailed to my house. I waited for months with the intentions of returning the package to GNC in hopes they would find the rightful owner. But after waiting until February I decided to just open the box and see what was inside. I felt like it was a gift from GOD to have sent these to me! He must have known I was slacking for the holidays!! After using up the pack my mom and I both lost so much weight we went back for more!  Believe me when I say these are delicious and worth your money!

Maximize The Volume!

I am always seeing these people with this flawless big hair. Whenever I try to add volume I always work at it for sometimes 20 minutes trying to get it perfect. Teasing, hairspraying, poofing, the works! Then my hair is feeling dirty, weighed down, and it still usually doesn't look the way I want!!

Exhibit A:

Not really what I had in mind! Plus once I take this outside it will go completely flat! Also, for some reason my hair doesn't want to hold volume after it's freshly washed. So I usually always have one to two bad hair days before I finally get the look I want.... Just to re wash it again!

So I have been researching big hair and finally found a look I was willing to try!

Exhibit B:

***

Fabulous?
I thought so! So I just had to give it a try! I started by washing my hair- I use Wella for color treated hair. Bought at the beauty supply store for a steal of a deal; $20 for to 32oz bottles.

Then I used mousse- I ALWAYS use mousse!! My hair is completely useless without it. I like the Pantene "For Normal to Thick Hair"

Then I normally don't use a volumizer but I decided to use one today because I was going out with some friends and wasn't sure if this would work out! I like the So Gorgeous line from Sally's Beauty Supply. It's basically generic Big and Sexy Hair. Their shampoo and conditioner is affordable and AWESOME... And I am on love with the volumizer!

Now I am not saying you have to use all this stuff... But I would at least use mousse if nothing else!

I let my hair dry almost completely. I like to use this time to apply makeup, get dressed, pack my diaper bag, and get Jocelyn ready if she is awake.

I used a hair dryer to completely dry the rest of the hair. I then sectioned and clipped all of the hair on top of my hair from the crown up.

Then I lightly teased the hair all around the mid section of my head. And spritzed with hairspray. I use Chi Farouk because I think hairspray is worth the extra dollar.

**DON'T BRUSH THE HAIR OUT!!**

then I took the rest of the hair except the little bit around my natural part and lightly teased that as well. Added some more hairspray and laid the last bit over the birds nest. Then I lightly combed just over the spots that had spaces or a knot. Sprayed the final bit of hairspray.

It took about 7 minutes of my time.

Then, with my curling iron I curled only the hair from my chin down and used my straightener to smooth out some of the crazy end pieces. I combed it out with my fingers and ta-dah!!

It lasted until the next morning!

Amber XO

Makeup Duplication!

Can I just remind everyone we are all here because we are budgeting?

Well I have been doing some research on makeup... because in all honesty I buy expensive makeup! I use expensive primers, Clinque, Bare Minderal's, Sephora, MAC, Makeup Forever, Stilla, etc. etc. etc.

Now, I am not necessarily saying out with the old pricey stuff - because I genuinely believe sometimes the extra $15 is going to be more beneficial in the long run. I kind of feel this way about Bare Minerals foundation powder. It goes on so light and airy plus minimizes pores. For some reason I have really large pores and oily skin, so for me (where I am naturally prone to breakouts) I am probably not going to cash in my powder... but as far as eye shadows to lipsticks to makeup primers (please read my previous post) I think I am willing to save a buck!

The Following Information Is All About Makeup Duplication!!!

Expensive name brand product with the same color/ingredients/concept as general store brand names. LOVE!

^^ Revlon Stormy Pink VS. MAC Pink Nuvoeu ^^

^^ Revlon Pink Pout VS. MAC Snob ^^

^^ Benefit Hoola VS. NYC Sunny ^^

^^ Wet n Wild 908C VS. MAC Rebel ^^

^^ MAC Satin Taupe VS. Loreal Infallible Bronzed Taupe (or NYC Iced Mocha or Wet n Wild Nutty) ^^

^^ Benefit Highbeam VS. Boots No 7 Illuminating Lotion (sold at Target) ^^

^^ NARS Orgasm VS. Milani Luminous ^^

^^ MAC Girl About Town VS. Covergirl Spellbound ^^

^^ MAC Creme D' Nude VS. ELF Natural Nymph

^^ Wet n Wild Pinkerbell VS. MAC Viva Glam Nicki ^^

^^ NARS Turkish Delight VS. Loreal Color Riche Gloss Baby Blossom ^^

AND MY PERSONAL FAVE!!

^^^^ MAC Vegas Volt VS. Revlon Coralberry ^^^^

Amber xo

Picture Perfect

You are going to think I am crazy... but I think everyone needs to go to the store RIGHT NOW and buy Monistat Chafing Cream......

Do you have one of the following problems?

-Oily Skin

-Makeup That Wipes Off Easily

-Makeup Creasing

-Red Skin

-Blemishes

And do you find yourself either considering or actually buying expensive primers for makeup?

Well buy no more!

***

Recognize this? Or maybe you've heard of it?

Smashbox Primer: Photo Finish

Okay.. you are probably thinking I am crazy... but I have been researching this for over a week to see if it was legit before I posted anything about it! Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - Supposedly the best primer ever to be made (Retailing at $40) has the exact same ingredients as Monistat Chafing Gell... (Retailing at about $7)

By using the chafing cream as a primer, you are going to get this glamorous streak free, completely sealed, beautiful, photo ready look! 

At a price that seriously can't be beat!

This is ground breaking!!

No matter what primer you are buying right now- STOP!

And if you are not even using a primer- START!

Primer helps the makeup better coat your skin without being too harsh on your direct skin. It almost creates a protective layer. And this layer also helps those oils stay inside nourishing the skin rather than melting away makeup and creating yucky lines. Most primer's on the market today retail for at least $30 or more! So you can imagine my excitement to find out that there is a product retailed for under $10 with the same ingredients as some of the most well known brand names!

The chafing cream goes on super light an airy! Plus- a little goes a long way! It will last 10x's longer than a department store product for a fraction of the cost! The powdery finish also keeps it from feeling packed on or heavy.

I read an article about the product and viewers are telling writers to use Cetaphil moisturizing cream with the chafing gel (almost like creating a "cocktail" face potion). 

Mix the two in your hands and use your fingers to apply. The warmth from your *clean* hands will make a little go a long way and really create good coverage.

Then apply normally with your foundation. I think it is always best to use a foundation brush to get the cleanest lines and flawless finish. Plus the oil from your fingers does not always mesh well with the oils in your makeup.  Some readers even said to mix some of your foundation in with the "cocktail" to almost create a tinted moisturizer for days you are just working or running errands. Then save your separate foundation step for nights when you're going out on the town and need a heavier look or have more blemishes to cover up.

I think this is the greatest thing I have ever read! So I had to share! Enjoy!

Amber xo

The "Better" Bun

Are you ever in a HUGE rush and you just throw your hair up in a pony tail? Well this bun is seriously so easy, fast, and classy that you are going to never put your hair in a pony again! I don't know about you, but I am honestly ALWAYS in such a huge rush... 

Lately, Jocelyn has been attached to my hip! She just wants me to play with her and she has kind of learned how to crawl around... which has resulted in her following me around all morning while I am trying to get ready! This has made it so hard for me to make time to get us both ready! So I have really fallen back on this bun and I seriously do it every single day!

Some days I even give Jocelyn a little mini "better" bun to match mommy!

This bun is perfect for me because it honestly takes 5 minutes, works with my layers, and makes it look like I have WAY more hair then I really do. After having Jocelyn I really thinned out, so something like this makes me feel like I have ton's of lush hair!

I found the tutorial from Pinterest and instantly fell in love!

I have not only fallen in love with this easy up-do but I have also fallen in love with the person responsible - Demanda. Follow her blog for more fun tutorials - http://www.lifeissodemanda.com/

Amber xo

Swimsuit Fun

Where do you plan to buy your little diva's swimsuit this year? 

I vote Amazon! What amazing deals you will find! And these are things you won't see in most stores! I always like and try to be different. Plus, I don't know about you but I am NOT a Disney fan. Movies-I love. Clothing Line-I hate!! I feel like everywhere I go I see cute Minnie Mouse, Tinker Bell, and Lion King outfits. I also see a TON of Hello Kitty, Cars, Princess, and Dora the Explorer. I personally, am not a fan! So if you feel the same way you will love the Amazon selection! 

These suits range from $10-$60. $60 for a child's swimsuit? Hear me out. You can play this one of two ways. 1. Play it my way and buy enough swimsuits for your fashionista to wear a new one every time she goes to the pool ($10-$15 price point) OR 2. Buy one good + well made + stylish suit to last the summer. Either way you are going to end up spending about $60. The choice is yours! 

**If you are looking for something you can pick up at a store and know what you're getting yourself into beforehand - I found that Babies R Us has the cutest selection so far. Target also has a nice selection - but they have about 3 sizes in each suit and they have gone fast!

Amber xo