My Get In Shape Must Haves

I really can't even believe it.  We are FIVE weeks away from Memorial Day which has typically been my mental benchmark for the start of swimsuit season.  I just finished my 3 day cleanse and while I may have gotten skinnier, I can also tell you that I was rushing for a doughnut and a brownie in the teacher's lounge promptly this morning.  Not so certain this is the best route for me as a kickstart, but hey, I'd definitely try it again pre-vacation ;) 

Anyway, the meal plan is ready and it's business time.  If you haven't started your prep yet, don't worry, I've got your back. We can do this together and yes, we need to start now.  I keep having to remind myself of this because I used to be able to just diet the week before vacation and everything was exactly how I wanted it to be.  Apparently kids change that... or age... I'm not sure which, but i certainly have a ways to go.  So let's get started shall we??

1. A plan.

If you want to make changes in your body, you have to have a plan.  No, you can't just wing it and see what healthy stuff you feel like eating, because chances are if it's not on the plan, it won't get eaten.  I can't even count the number of celery stalks that have gone in the trashcan this year because I bought them thinking, hey maybe I will feel like eating celery one day.  No.  I won't.  Nobody comes home from a long day going "man I could really go for some celery right now!"  Who am I kidding?? It has to be pre-planned, pre-chopped, and of course with delicious dipping sauce.  Let's be real.  

If you want to follow my meal plan for the week, click here.  It's nothing fancy, but ain't no mama got time for fancy anyway ;) 



2. Accountability partners.

If you can get your family/spouse on board, this will be easier.  Luckily my husband and I sort of have similar goals the same beliefs in balancing the "healthys" with the "worth its" ;)  But if you're going to get real about your goals, you're going to need a community elsewhere too.  And there are a million of them thanks to social media in our faces 24/7!  In fact, I would personally like to invite you to my personal empowerment group filled with positive motivation, ideas, challenges, and people who are ready to cheer you on!  By the way it costs NOTHING and you do not have to purchase a product to be a part of it either.  All you have to do is request to join and show up with a positive attitude!   Click the link to join my Bar Nunn Bombshells group and get the support you need to conquer your goals!



3. A great supplement.  

Is there only one good supplement on the market?  No.  There are many of them.  Is there such thing as a bad supplement? Yes there is.  Do your research, try a few, and find the one that works best for you and that you can keep up with.  Shakeology, Isagenix, Arbonne... it's all good stuff, but you have to use them consistently for them to work.  If you're only drinking it twice a week, I'm sorry, you're not going to see many results.  Now true these can be pricey, but there are ways to buy at a discount (ask a distributor) if you know this is the route you want to go.  If you're looking for a great product at a great value and zero auto renewal programs, I recommend IdealFit protein.  They have flavors that I've never even heard of before and the few I've tried are beyond delicious (a main requirement for me when it comes to sticking to a diet).  Follow my link to purchase 40% off today! 


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LipSense Shipping Materials

When I started my business, I already had a pretty good idea of what I wanted the essence of it to be about.  I knew I wanted to help people to be the best versions of themselves - to feel good, look good, and do it all simultaneously through a genuine heart and taking the time to actually listen and care.  On the surface, a lip color may seem trivial, but it's really not about that. It's about the conversation, the relationship, about genuinely finding a color to match the customer's needs and not just based on what's in stock.  If there's one thing I pride myself on it's authenticity, and I like to say what I mean and do what I say.  You feel me?

That being said, I also value experience.  There's a reason people love a great vacation or spa experience and it's not because they're taking something home with them.  They may not get to live on vacation forever, but they always keep that feeling in their heart.  Make your product an experience and your customers will appreciate the gesture.  Trust me, the additional cost on your part is nominal compared to the way it will make the customer feel, which is important, valued, and special.  And since your business is depending on them, that's exactly what they are.  So treat them accordingly.  Agree?

Attached I'm sharing the packaging I use to make my product stand out from the rest.  Keep in mind these are sized to package lip gloss, but surely you could readjust to meet your needs.  I just truly believe that presentation matters when it comes to being legit.  And you want to be legit don't you?

I'm telling you, you definitely need...

1. Pretty colored packaging.  I use these bright pink bubble mailers for my Lips Kits.  Perfect size and exactly the color the reflects the inner glamour of my brand.  Could I send them in a simple brown envelope?  Yea, but isn't this more fun??


2.  Sheer drawstring organza bags.  These are absolutely the perfect size for lip gloss.  Like couldn't get any more exact!  Plus with the delecate, lacey feel, they also deliver that touch of girly beauty I want to get across.  I get the white ones, but they come in lots of options, so take your pick!



3. Business cards.  I got my design from Etsy and printed at VistaPrint.  Easy Peasy.

I could go on, but literally that is ALL you need to get going and make your product look like a present!  Let's be honest, everyone wants to feel special as much as they want to look like a million bucks, so don't lose this chance to stand out from the rest! What do you do to make others feel special and cared about?  Post in comments below!


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Eggs - Not JUST for Easter!

Hey peeps!  Happy almost Easter!  By now you've probably hard boiled a batch or so and maybe dyed if you have children.  My kids are currently obsessed with cracking and peeling the outer shells and stare in pure amazement as I cut the egg in half to reveal the yolk within.  It's a mesmerizing world isn't it? 




But I'm not here to talk about toddlers or egg colors.  I'm here to tell you why you should be eating these magical little nuggets of nutrients on the regular and what it can do for your health.

I honestly don't think I started consuming tons of eggs because I love them.  I think I did it out of pure laziness.  Because when you want something healthy but you don't feel like flavoring, trimming, and preparing and entire hunk of meat, it's pretty darn quick and simple to just crack an egg into a pan and voila, you have a hot cooked meal in a matter of minutes.  But in case you need more convincing about WHY you need to add more eggs to your diet, here are a few darn good reasons to keep your fridge stocked with them well after this Easter season...

1. Eggs are bursting with vitamins and minerals - vitamin A, folate, vitamin B (several of them), phosphorus, selenium, even trace amounts of vitamin D, E, K, Calcium, and Zinc.  All of these packed into 77 teeny weeny calories and 6 grams of protein, you really can't get much better when it comes to getting the most bang for your nutritional buck.

2. Eggs can lower your risk of heart disease.  This might sound backwards since eggs are high in cholesterol, thus many people avoid them.  But please know, not all cholesterol is created equal.  There's a difference between cholesterol in your diet and cholesterol in your blood, and eggs tend to raise your HDL, the "good" cholesterol.  Studies have shown that people with higher levels of HDL are linked to a reduced risk of many diseases and that it can even help to change your LDL cholesterol for the better.  

3. Eggs contain all of the essential amino acids your body needs to function... and those you need to stay fit and trim for summer.  I'm throwing that in because it's probably the reason you're reading this blog, so yes, it will help you with that too ;)

4. Eggs help you eat fewer calories.  I don't know about you but I try to finish just 2 eggs and I often am struggling.  I feel so full I can barely consume more and often end up throwing the last few bites away out of pure fullness.  Eggs are incredibly satiating.  On the flip side, I can down 2 doughnuts easily and will be quickly looking for more after.  

5. Eggs are affordable and they last.  Ok, besides the benefits to our body, I equally have to weigh the benefits to my sanity, and the truth is, breakfast for dinner nights are my saving grace when it comes to having little time or energy and still feeding my family a good meal.  If I shop on the weekend, I might have to be wary of my meat or veggies going bad by week's end, but not eggs.  And at 69 cents a dozen at Aldi, who says eating healthy has to be expensive?  

If you want to get in shape and improve your health, eat more eggs.  If you want the best eggs, buy organic or omega-3 enriched.  And if you want to say duck it and work on that belly, go try the chocolate covered pretzel doughnut at Dunkin' because it's 100% delicious and you must have one under your belt regardless of your fitness goals.  Either way, I won't be making judgements.  Just spreading from food for thought!  Have a great holiday! xo


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First Family Zoo Trip!



Spring Break is here!  I'm so excited and the weather is BEAUTIFUL.  I mean, it doesn't get much better than this, and I plan to take full advantage of a week with my peanuts, and evenings with the hubs.  Yesterday we used our zoo membership for the first time.  I know it will be one of many, but here goes the rundown while it's still new and exciting for the babes!

We started with the walk from the entrance area up to the main zoo area.  There's a shuttle you can take, but with our large double wide stroller, we decided walking was the way to go.   Every once in a while a zoo employee would zoom by us in their golf cart and I have to say, I think the girls may have been more impressed by this than any of the animals.  Every time one passed they pointed and shouted "WOW"!  I guess Daddy's hopes and dreams of raising future golfers is off to a promising start.  Now let's get to the zoo part...

Unfortunately the penguins did not feel like swimming today although we could see them sunbathing on the land part of the exhibit.  Luckily the girls seemed just as impressed by the fact that they could look into the water, even without animals swimming in it.

Next we checked out the ape house, the lions, and giraffe.  The giraffe was the most impressive this trip because we were very close.  You can even feed the giraffe for a small fee!  We didn't feed him this trip because just being this close seemed to be enough for the girls, but it will definitely be on the to do list later in the year.  



Did you know you can buy beer at the zoo and just walk around with it?  Well you can.  See, you can bring your husband and he'll feel right in his comfort zone.  See how easy it is being a dad of twin girls?  Piece of cake.



Finally we walked all through the children's zoo.  We skipped some things that seemed un-stroller friendly or better for big kids but we DID get out to brush the goats.  The animals are super friendly and Ry even got a kiss from one.  Super adorable and perfect for everyone!




Looking forward to many more zoo trips in our future and a summer of adventures to come!  What are your favorite things to do with the kiddos??


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