Juicing and Green Smoothies

So I knew a few months back; that starting in 2014 I would replace a meal or 2 with juicing and green smoothies and today I signed up for A 30 day green smoothie challenge starting Jan. 01, 2014. I've never don't a 30 day commitment so this should be fun. I realized that I really don't eat enough leafy greens and this is a life still change I can commit to.

My normal green smoothie consist of Almond Milk, Bananas, spinach, and peanut butter topped with chia seeds. According to the Simple Green Smoothies site they will provide me with 5 recipes a week and a weekly shopping list. I'm excited to see and taste the flavor possibilities.

In addition to my smoothies I'll throw in a few juiced drinks for healthy snack with or meal replacement. I've stopped making New Year resolutions awhile now so this new adventure just gets added to my Life change guide as I eat healthy in these coming years.

DIY body scrubs

I picked up 2 of these solid wood chairs from craigslist for $15 a piece. I can see the potential maybe painted black or a dark cherry stain, with new upholstered seats.

But while I think about the future of my new chairs. I decided to make body scrubs and body butter.

 

Body Scrubs

3 cups Epsom salt

1 cup coconut oil

peppermint extract

the zest of 1 lime/ zest of 1 orange

 


3 cups Epsom salt and 1 cup coconut oil mixed until  all the salt was saturated.

This made three batches then I added the zest of 1 lime to a container the zest of an orange to another and left the 3rd with the peppermint. The coconut is the over powering scent here but my body thrives on coconut oil.

 

Batch 2 Body Scrub

2 cups Brown Sugar

1 Cup granulated sugar

1 cup olive oil

eucalyptus essential oil

vanilla essence

 

 

Painting a umbrella stand

So as I visited my parents' home this week I saw the perfect weekend project, this cast iron umbrella base.

Project took me about 30 minutes I sanded with 80 grit sandpaper and sprayed this baby with Harris quick drying rust eliminating enamel spray from home depot in copper.

This is my first attempt at spray painting and I really like the finished product.

One of those days

So I'm the Queen of putting on a "Government Face"! What is a government face? It's the face I dorn when all is wrong about me; but I have to face the public anyway. I've never afforded myself the luxury of allowing people to see when my chips are down. Nothing is ever wrong in Niquie's world when I walk out my front door and touch the government streets!

I thought this blog would be a good step in the direction of expressing some of the pain i'm holding inside, however as I try to write this entry something inside of me isn't allowing me to put my pain on front street.

So maybe another day, but for today i'll end with saying RIP Cedric it's about to be 3 years and as I celebrate my sisters' 30 birthday with her and face the world with a smile, i'm dying inside as I miss everything about you.

randomness

Reason #1 why I must live alone!!

I don't care if you leave the toilet seat up, just drop the little shower thing when you're finished showering

See tonight i'm sleeping by the boyfriend; i turn on the water in the tub and HE LEFT THE SHOWER ON!!!
No big deal you say and I see you looking at me side eyed ^-^

For me it's a huge deal
I hate cold water I do not bathe in cold water unless
1. I'm taking a bucket bath (yes people still do those when WAPA plays hide and go seek with your water)
2. Power is out yes again I'll thank WAPA

See unexpected shower head mishaps can cause you a hair style or it can cause my body to go into shock and nearly kill myself trying to get away from the cold water.
You know the people that are famous for leaving the shower thingy up after they shower my mom and my best friend. See those 2 I think they do it on purpose like it's some plot to drive my insane.

Today is the 1st time in about 6 years since I've experienced it and when Chris arrives home i'll give him that side eye how could you do that to me look......and i've been reminded why I'll live alone whenever the kids move out that is

Made it back

So here I am a few months later I really gave up the diet. I lost 27lbs in a matter of 2 months. I'm trying my best to get back on target and stay committed to my diet.

My starting date was November 01, 2011 @ 206lbs



On Jan. 1st 2012 @ 179lbs



-27lbs later in such a short period of time I got a little COCKY or over Confident and started easing of my diet so here I am at 186lbs and ready to fully commit myself to my success. I fell of the diet right after the new year and I've tried unsuccessfully to return to full commitment but somehow always give in to temptations when there is food around. I've regained 7 pounds in the 2 month span but managed to still keep 20 off and success is a success in my book. Back on my journey!!

The MisEducation of NiquieG.......

I am way more than what meets the eye! I am way more than what the naysayers say, I am way more than any box you choose to put me in! You may know my name but you don't know my story....