Smoothie Recipes

2016 has been self-proclaimed as the year of me getting my mojo back. One of the things on the list was for me to become healthy and buildup my energy, and lose weight. March 18th I started my journey and as of right now I'm 24 pounds down. I have my good days and I have my not-so-good days but one thing that I have learned to do better is eat. I'm one of those people that doesn't eat much and because of that metabolism sucked. So I have learned to not leave the house without eating.  A big helper has been making smoothies. Below are some of the smoothies that I've been deliciously devouring lately.  Enjoy!!!!

Monkey Flip Recovery Smoothie

           

12 ounces of pure, unsweetened coconut water
1 banana
1 tablespoon Peanut/Almond butter
2 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt
Ice, to preference

Low-Calorie Chocolate Almond Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder (I used Vega Performance Protein)
8 raw almonds
3 ice cubes

Cinnamon Apple Smoothie

8 ounces coconut water
4 raw almonds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped apple (about 1 medium Granny Smith apple)
1/2 scoop unsweetened protein powder
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed)

Cinnamon Bun Smoothie

1 frozen banana, cut into four pieces
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup

Morning Workout Protein Smoothie

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 banana
Dash of cinnamon
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I used one packet of Tone It Up's vegan vanilla protein powder Perfect Fit)
Ice

Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie

1/2 cup pure coconut water
1 1/6 cup local, organic strawberries
1/4 medium-large local, organic lemon
1 handful of organic spinach
2 to 3 small pitted, local Deglet Noor dates (optional and can be used to sweeten according to taste)
2 scoops ice

 The lemon helps the body naturally cleanse, while the strawberries provide well over the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which has been shown to help burn fat. And not only that, the added spinach helps regulate your digestive system.

PB&J Smoothie

2 cups fresh strawberries
1 frozen banana, chopped
2 teaspoons peanut butter
4 ounces fat-free plain Greek yogurt or fat-free milk
1/2 cup ice cubes

The Reminder

In this life you can allow a lot of things to discourage you from working on things that are important to you and I must say I myself, can easily get caught up in everyday life and get overwhelmed and deter myself from my plans.

 This past weekend I participated in an overnight ladies night inn at The Hyatt Lodge McDonald Campus with my Just 4 Wives  (Real Wives of Chicago aka RWOC) group and it was very enlightening. I was reminded by my sister friend, Alice, that my story is not unique. That there are a lot of women out there just like me that would love to hear my story; that would love to hear how hard it was for me to wake up in the morning, go through it but still persevere;that it will make women feel like they are not alone.  At that moment I made a mental promise to myself that I would try harder to not get discouraged and shut down, that I will not worry about what others think and let my fears win, but at the same time I will do what I can, and show the love that I have for myself and require that love and respect back. We're in this together Goddesses, and I can assure u that we got this! Here's to the bad and good days! Love yourself!

This Moment

I'm back!!!!!! I promise I won't write this post, and not see you again for another 2 years.  I've learned that writing or reading is needed in my life in order for me to feel like me so, I'm determined to write, but at the same time not feel overwhelmed and pressured by it.

So anyways...

There is so much going on that I don't even know where to start!  Let me just start with the moment...(be more in the moment it helps)

Have you ever wanted to prove something to other people, (and yourself) so bad that you develop tunnel vision and you can't see anything else?

Well, I decided after designing for 15 years and not doing a fashion show of my own, that I was going to make it happen come Spring, but today I just realized I just have to much going on!

1. I'm working on strengthening my relationship with God. I've found a church with Pastors that I adore, and I've joined a bible study with my Just 4 Wives group aka Real Wives of Chicago Sisters, and because of the wonderful movie, War Room, I'm developing my own prayer closet/prayer book. 
2. I recently finished taking a class with a Chamber of commerce retail pilot program that helps Entrepreneurs with resources to open their own storefronts.  Although I'm finish with the class, I still have work to do in making this happen; like networking, scouting locations, working on my inventory, keeping in contact with current clients, trying to get new clients, etc., and did I mention that I just changed the name of my business from The Isis Collections to Enchante and there's so much I have to update, and re-register with the name change.
   
3. I recently applied to graduate school. Hopefully I get accepted (Pray that I get accepted Gods & Goddesses), and if I do I'll be starting September 2016, but there are 2 prerequisite classes I'll need to take before I start. 
4. My oldest son is starving for his parents attention, and I have to make away to give it to him.
5. My youngest son is starving for his parents attention, and I have to make away to give it to him, as well as potty train him, and get him ready and registered to start school in September 2016. 
6. Last but not least I have a husband that is starving for my attention, and I have to make a way to give it to him as well.
7. One more thing, I have to not forget about me, and take care of myself.  Do things that I want to do.  Relax!  Relate!  Release!

So because of all of this, I've decided since I'm getting closer to getting my storefront location, I will just wait until my grand opening and have a fashion show then.  I know many of you, I have reached out to because I wanted you to be apart of my fashion show, and I still want to be apart of it, but it won't be happening in Spring.  I promise I'll keep you updated.  Sometimes you have to make hard decisions and cancel things before they turn how to be a problem.

Pull It Together Tuesday!

On this pull it together Tuesday,  I'm sorry to inform all of my Gods & Goddesses that I am taking a much needed hiatus from blogging.   From time to time, if there is something I absolutely have share with you all, I will.  I was so looking forward my son starting school, with the potty training, and pacifier fairy, it was hard but my son passed all of that with flying colors, only to be put in a class with teachers that are not a good fit for him, and because of this I've decided to keep him home with me for a year, and that involves me teaching him myself. I also need to push forward on my business plan, and I just have to much on my plate right now, so something has to be pushed aside, and blogging is going to be it... temporarily. 

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this:  If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else!

ALSO

Want FREE Jewelry?  Contact me, to Book an online Jewelry Party Today!  Here are the details!  To Shop NOW, CLICK HERE!!!!!

Pull It Together Tuesday! (I Need an Assistant!!!)

As a Mompreneur work never gets done!  There is always something to do!  Fun time with my Son, windexing, pledging, sweeping, mopping, laundry, vacuuming, fun time with Husband, shopping, paying bills, creating, sales, marketing, vending, etc.

Right now as I look around my apartment at the pile of business plan papers, catalog papers, ideas of new projects, laundry, dishes, mirrors with finger prints, dusty figurines, toys spiradically placed, and juice spots on the floor and carpet I can only shake my head, and feel the pounding in my head that is screaming I NEED AN ASSISTANT!!!!

She would be perfectly fine being  paid with Jewelry and food, she would love kids, and love beading new creations.  She would know how to put together a successful business plan.  She would love to go on walks with me during down time and throw ideas off of one another.  She would be a fashionista, in the loop of different events and parties going around Chicago, New York and other fabulous places, and know the next spot to go to Spread the word of The Isis Collections.  She would be a social networking queen!  She wouldn't mind baby sitting at least once a month so hubby and I can get our groove back.  She would not only be a value to TIC, but she would be my good friend...


*sigh* In a perfect world that would be great!  However  its back to reality!

What do you need to pull together?

Pull It Together Tuesday!

Happy Pull it Together Tuesday! 

I know I just came off of a wonderful vacation at Wisconsin Dells with my family, but I admit, that I had a little bit of a breakdown last night.  I'm so used to doing this and that, but when it comes down to me chilling out and resting I feel so guilty about it, that I just have a crying fit, and my husband looks at me like, "not this again!"  So since I wasn't successful at resting yesterday, I'm determined to do it somewhat today ;-).  I've made a couple important phone calls, and I'm going up to my sons preschool, to finish registering him, but other than that I'm pulling nothing together, until probably about Thursday!

How do you moms out there handle the guilty mom blues?

Music Monday: Do my ladies run this!

Keep it going ladies, I'm still trying to empower the ladies!  Had a really productive, busy weekend, and trying to keep the momentum going.  You keep it too ladies!

Fine Jewelry Friday!!!!! (HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU GODDESSES OUT THERE!!!!

THIS FINE JEWELRY FRIDAY I'M PROMOTING MY MOTHERS DAY BASKETS

PERFECT FOR ALL OCCASIONS, BUT GREAT FOR MOTHERS!!!!

IT'S TO LATE TO ORDER ONE AND HAVE IT SHIPPED IN TIME TO ARRIVE FOR MOTHERS DAY, BUT SHE CAN HAVE FOR MONDAY OR TUESDAY, A BIRTHDAY OR AN ANNIVERSARY!

HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

Baskets are fashioned with colorful, chic tissue paper, basket plastic, and ribbon. The content of the basket includes:

- 1 scented candle

- Scarf Choice (Pashmina, 100% Silk, and Silk-Like)

- Jewelry Choice (Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace, Ring, Jewelry Set)

- *Custom Item

The Total Basket Price ranges from $20-$75 with an average cost of $45-$50

To make a Custom Basket order you may call as at (773) 988-5781 or email us at shawnte@theisiscollections.com with your scarf choice, Jewelry choice, and any other request

*Baskets can be filled with any custom item of your choice, such as a custom Mommy & Me Bracelet, a hair piece, etc. Additional charges may apply to these types of orders.

Pull It Together Tuesday!

So I'm getting off of my Birthday festivities high, and now I'm trying to figure out should I pull together on my list of things to do, or should I continue to relax.  Some of you understand that just one month ago I was a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry busy lady. Mentally and physically I still can't get used to the fact that I can do whatever the hell it is  that I want to do.  Whether its go crazy pushing my business, The Isis Collections, go crazy being a stepford wife, or sit down and watch T.V.  Whatever I choose will be perfectly ok, but I still can't help but feel guilty about just sitting down and doing something for myself, like read a book, or watch t.v. or go for a walk by myself.  So much so, that I get headache about just thinking about doing something for myself.

So this is my dilemma, after making myself sit back and let others do things for me for my birthday, I'm struggling with feeling selfish and wanting more, or going to my to do list. Am I alone feeling like this?

Music Monday

Good Morning Gods & Goddesses.  I had a wonderful time this weekend, hanging out with the ladies for Ladies Night, and today I have to admit that I can barely keep my eyes open!  Maybe this will help out.  Have a wonderful week people!