DIY: Non-toxic paint

I was so excited to get my son into painting and artist work. This paint was a success, he knew exactly what to do. It was fun enough to play with and yummy enough to eat.
He is probably going to get his art skills from him mom.
Anyway here is the recipe I used to make it. I put them in leftover baby jars I had to store them. When I want to use them I just warm it up and tada!! Fun arts and crafts day.
I had to add a little more corn starch to make it more thick like paint.

What you'll need:

• 3 Tbs sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 c corn starch
• 2 cups of water
• Food coloring

What to do:

Mix everything in a pot and heat till warm and well mixed. Transfer into used baby jars. Add any color to each baby jar and shake. I mixed colors to make purple and other ones. It was fun:). 

These are the results I got from my son. He had so much fun with it. When he was done he picked up his paper and said "see" it was so cute!!. 

Next time we are doing it outside. 

HAPPY SPRING!!!

No bake protein balls

These are so delicious and healthy for you. I like to eat them before and after my workouts. It was so easy to make them.
When I made them I doubled the recipe, I wanted a lot. I also had to add a little more almond butter to make it all stick together. Make sure all ingredients are organic :)

 I also added crushed almonds to the recipe. I like a little crunch to my snacks.

What you'll need:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of almond or peanut butter ( I have to use almond butter, my husband is allergic to peanuts. I prefer almond butter anyway)
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips ( I had huge ones and I crushed them up and it was a lot nicer cause you don't get a huge chocolate chip)
• 1/3 cup of chopped almonds (optional)
• 1/3 cup raw honey ( make sure its real honey
• 1/4 cup of flaxseeds or chia seeds.

What to do:

Mix all ingredients well; roll into balls and freeze.

Fitness Journey

" The hardest thing about exercise is to start doing it. Once you are doing exercise regularly, the hardest thing is to stop"

For most of my life I have despised working out. I admit I was lazy and had absolutely no motivation what so ever. I never indulged in over eating, nor did I gain a ton of weight at one time. I new I needed to work out to keep my health up but I just didn't want to. I was more into video games, eating, being lazy, and watching movies than working out. 
I have had a hard time with my weight for a long time now. All of the seizure medication and other junk that was put in me from having them didn't help. I knew I had to do something. 
When I started having seizures again I had so much regret for not taking better care of myself. I could not do anything at all for 5 months, not even leave my bed for more than 20 minutes. I was depressed and gave up on life. Than I started having less and less a day. The doctors finally diagnosed me and started treatment. I got my strength back up and I started to run on my parents treadmill. Oh the freedom!! it felt so good to run, 30 minutes a day did so much for me back then. 

Lets fast forward a couple of years. Graduating college and about to get married all in the same month. Now that's a lot of stress. Wow did calories and weight love me this year. This was when I had the excuse of " I have nowhere to workout so I can't". During this time I moved to North Dakota and worked at a gas station. O man did I gain weight. The food was so good there. I also got free food and drinks where I worked. It was terrible!!. My neighbor in our apartment complex was going to start a workout class. It was free and we would just do a video she had with her. The video was Brazil Butt Lift. Going to the class was so much fun. I meet a lot of new people and made new friends. We would all make fun of each other and complain. Then I moved back to Utah and got pregnant. 

" A baby is a reason not an excuse"

O man did I come up with a ton of excuses when I was pregnant. All I did was walk... while I was pregnant and when I had my son. That wasn't enough.
After the delivery of my son I was so lazy. Although I did have a hard, long and very painful delivery. I tore everything; I waddled around for a month or so. But when I started to heal thats when the excuses got bad. I didn't want to do anything at all, except sit on my fat ass all day and eat. I came up with a ton of excuses not to workout; like "I don't have time" or " I don't have the motivation or energy to do it"

"No time. Tired. Sore. Dirty workout clothes. Blisters. It's too hot. Don't like sweating.

My kids wont let me. Hard day at work. Need a break. Great day at work. Need a reward.

Just one day off. No motivation.

Excuses will always be there for you.

Opportunity won't."

About a year after I had my son my husband bought me Beachbody on demand. Beachbody on demand is a all access pass to the most popular fitness programs on your laptop. This includes all P90x, all Insanity, Brazil Butt lift, and much more. I was interested in finishing Brazil Butt Lift since I wasn't able to finish it in North Dakota. I asked my husband that's what I wanted and he got me that and more. 

Brazil Butt lift results. Left is day 1,
Middle is 3 months right is last day. 

I admit I was kinda like aww man I have to workout now. But once I started I could't stop. 

"Once you see results it becomes an addiction"

As soon as I got the program I started immediately. I noticed big, huge results just from Brazil Butt Lift. I did it for 4 months and I could not believe the results. Within a month I noticed my butt was really being lifted and more firm.What really got me going was his saying " don't settle for less", that kept me going. I only lost about 5 pounds but I lost 3 pant sizes. From a 13 to a 10. What an amazing feeling!!! For finishing this program I got a shirt and a pair of booty shorts.

"You aren't fat, you have fat. "FAT" does not define you."

Once I finished Brazil Butt Lift I wanted to do more. I had to do more to get more results. My husband talked me into doing P90x, I said hell no, I am not doing that workout... its scary. From watching the infomercials about it I would always think I would never do that workout. I was more into stretching and muscle building than cardio. I HATED cardio!! I was thinking that's all it was; no it wasn't. I started it and I actually had fun with it. The instructor made it even more fun. He even made the cardio workouts fun. Yes I had to give it 50 min to an hour of my time, but it was all worth it in the end. With this workout I wanted to quit so bad, but I remembered that there was a little someone watching me. So I kept going,and the "bring it" saying Tony would say also the " do your best and forget the rest". I love it!!

After

Before

 I finished P90x strong by loosing 11 pounds and dropping 2 pant sizes. From size 10 to size 8. I was on a role. 
For finishing P90x right at the end of the year I got a bunch of cool stuff. First I got my P90x shirt for finishing the program. Than I got a 21 day fix cookbook, another shirt, and some Beachbody performance drinks. I received a lot of stuff just for finishing it.  The pictures you see are my results from P90X

P90X  is my partying

Never ever had abs in my life. I now have them (some)

Whey protein is my beer

the warm up is my shots

adrenaline is my buzz

and the pain the next morning is my HANGOVER.

I think the hardest part in all this was squeezing it into my busy mom schedule. Being a full time mom, wife, and a full time job takes a lot out of ya. Yet there is that drive that gets me going. Its like a little voice in my head saying if I stop now I will probably never start again and gain all that weight back... ha who needs a personal trainer when you have that. Whenever I miss a workout I always thought my abs would go away and I would gain like 10 pounds... Don't worry I didn't.

I WORKOUT FOR

Confidence

Strength

The feeling after a workout

The feeling of Accomplishment

Health

My loved ones

Happiness

Stress relief

ME

After P90X I started looking for another program to do. I looked into P90X3 and started it right away. This one was much more easier than the first one. It was 30 min for 90 days. The only thing was that the workouts were more intense. You have to fit all of that workout in 30 min and Tony Horton makes it work. I think the workouts in P90X3 were a lot more fun that the first one. For P90X3 my favorite workouts were the yoga, dynamics and eccentric lower. They were so fun and the eccentric lower works your lower part of your body. I call it leg day cause its all about your legs and I love it!!!. I loved how it made my back more toned than ever and tightening up not only my legs but my stomach and butt too. 

This program took me a while to finish. I missed 2 weeks of it. I kept getting sick and we went on a

week long cruise. After all of that I had such a hard time getting into my routine especially the cruise. I had the flu for a week and that took me a while too because I had nothing to burn. All my energy was going into getting rid of this sickness. I got way behind on this program, but I was determined to finish it strong. I did finish strong and more accomplished with my body than ever. I didn't get major results from this workout but I'm proud of my results I got. I lost 6 pounds and built a lot of muscle and toned my body.  I feel more flexible and toned.The pictures you see to the left are my results from P90X3.

Celebrating one year on Beachbody

All this working out made time go by way fast. I have been a member of Beachbody on demand for a year now. I have only done these 3 workout programs. But I have had amazing results.  I've seen pictures of me a year ago and I can't believe how sloppy I was. A lot can happen in one year. I am so excited to see what this year has to offer me and Beachbody. 

During my workout programs I admit I have not been on a diet. I love to eat and that was my biggest weakness. I didn't eat a whole lot. I just ate in portions. Mainly my soda intake and sweets. I would drink a ton of tea and water; over 52 ounces of water. I would make sure I drink a ton of water everyday. I know I should follow the diets that the workouts provide you, but I just couldn't. I am watching what I eat and I do make sure I workout everyday. I know I would loose more weight if I was on a strict diet. Yes, my weight would go up and down, but I'm still getting toned and loosing weight... slowly.

"I workout because it's good for me

Also, because I like to eat. A lot."

Once I was in my 12th week of P90X I have noticed a lot of people noticing me more and more. I have had people say " you look amazing" I've had a bunch of college students and vendors from work talk to me and than I mention my son and they ask "how old are you?" and I'll answer and they'll say "wow you look way younger than your age".  I work at a gas station bakery and I can't wear my wedding ring. I have tried and it rips a hole in my glove, I'm also afraid of it falling off. Since I've been loosing weight my wedding ring doesn't fit me anymore. Me being noticed makes me feel like all my hard work is doing something. Even my husband is amazed. He told me I'm the only one he knows that has finished P90X.  I'm not trying to brag or anything but I'm trying to say that people notice and think what is she doing to get amazing results. I have been asked that and I tell them what I do.

"It takes 4 week for you to see your body changing

It takes 8 weeks for your friends and family

It takes 12 weeks for the rest of the world

KEEP GOING!!

Ever since I had my son and when I was sick for so long I have been so uncomfortable in my own body. I felt so loose and like everything was so jiggly. I couldn't wear certain pants or leggings cause my butt and legs would jiggle so bad and the "cottage cheese" was horrible. Working out got rid of my cellulite, my jiggly butt, and extra body fat from child birth and pregnancy. All of my baby weight is gone!!!! I have never loved my body till now. I feel so comfortable; I started taking more pictures to show everyone that anyone could do it. All you need is a little push and motivation and BOOM!! Hot ass body for the world to be jealous of.

" There is nothing better than feeling exhausted after a really great workout

and then falling into bed knowing that you worked your ass off"

One year ago
165 pounds
size 13 

Now
!39 pounds
size 8

 I lost a total of 25 pounds and dropped 5 pant sizes in a year. It feels really nice to be able to keep up with my toddler instead of huffing and puffing while chasing him.

I have a instagram account for my blog. I post blog updates and other things. I've also been posting updates on my workouts. If you are interested in looking at it or if you would like to follow me its @averagebloggermom. Lots of motivational posts and life, parenting, and cleaning hacks. Check it out.

UPDATE: 4/25/17
I have now completed Brazil butt lift carnivale, brazil butt lift master series, 3 week yoga retreat, insanity, insanity max 30, and focus T25.
I look and feel so much different than the last time I posted. Below are all my results from all these recent programs ( except 3 week yoga retreat.)
As you can see I have been toning a lot from the first time I posted this. I have been the same weight for about 6 months now and Im gonna stick to it. 

Princess cruise: Ruby Princess 2016

I do not take credit for this pic

First of all, all people are different and all cruise lines are different and experiences. These are my thoughts and experiences with the Princess cruise line on the Ruby Princess.

This cruise went to the Mexican Riviera, 7 days.

Sailed out of Seattle, Washington.
The places included:
Puerto Vallarta
Cabo San Lucas
Mazatlan

I admit I was scared.... afraid of the boat sinking, getting lost at sea, swimming in that cold water, getting sea sick, getting left at the ports, and leaving my 2 year old for a week.
Well I got scared for nothing I had the time of my life!! ( My son had so much fun at his grandmas I don't think he even missed me and his dad)
From eating anything I wanted to enjoying the beautiful ocean and landscapes in Mexico.
On the first day I did get a little sea sick, but a little bonine did the trick. I only took it a couple times and the swaying didn't really bother me.

The Ruby princess was a beautiful ship. The decor, art galleries and shops were very enjoyable.
On this ship you will find:
Fitness center
4 pools
showrooms- theater room and night club
Bars
Kids and teen centers
art gallery's
shops
wedding chapel
poolside screen for movie under the stars
Pizza and burger bar
ice cream bar
Buffets
cafe
fine dining - 3 were included and 2 were extra
And much more!!!
The food was amazing!! Everything was beautiful! I could not believe the quality of the food and how they prepare it. Me and my husband got the soda package that included unlimited soda, coffee, tea, and specialty non alcoholic drinks. Now that was worth it!!
Now eating... what was really fun was to go eat at the fine dining during lunch, its just like formal nights at dinner but you don't have to sit in the same spot everyday. Also you can just dress casual.
Each port we stopped at there were excursions you can pay for and sign up to go on. It was mainly tours of the city and interesting facts about it. Or you can just get off and walk around. They give you a certain amount of time on each port so keep track. Also keep drivers licence and cruise card on hand when exiting and entering the boat.

This was a No-Jito. This is all I drank the
whole time. 

As for the rooms.. it was perfect. I swear we would leave for like a couple of minutes and we would get back and our room would be cleaned. It was epic!! My mom got a balcony room. It was so nice and fun to go over and sit on her balcony enjoying fresh fruit. Our room was an interior room which had no windows. I didn't mind we were hardly in our room anyway. I liked where our room was, it was right next to the the pool at the back of the boat. So we would just take a few steps and ta da drinks, view, and pool all in one. Luckily it was one of the adult pools.
For entertainment they would give us a paper every day that would show whats going on that day. It included shows, movies, crafts, tutorials, and more. There was literally something to do every hour. In the Piazza there were bands playing and games. There was this one where you learn to make cosmos, that one was fun. Even though alcohol cost extra that didn't stop me and my family from having the time of our life.
The crew on the boat were more than amazing. You can tell they enjoyed what they did. I made sure I said my please and thank yous to them. They leave their families for long periods of time to live on a boat with thousands of people to do whatever it takes to make us happy.


First stop:
 Puerto Vallerta.
We paid and signed up to go on a tour to the tequila factory and to learn how its made. The bus took us around town and the guide was telling us a little bit of history in the city. He was so funny and I enjoyed learning about the town. We get to the factory and they

This is the plant that the tequila comes from

 started the tour. We learned about the plant and the process that tequila goes through. At the end of the tour we did sampling.... ya you heard me free sampling of fresh tequila that they made. It was so smooth and amazing!!! They had 6 different kinds. The first 3 I forgot what kinds they were but I did not like them. The last ones I like a lot. They were peach, almond and chocolate coffee. Ya I know it sounds weird, but it tasted so good. After the testing, they let us shop for a bit and eat. They did sell the tequila, in big and small bottles. After we ate and shopped we got back on the bus and headed to downtown for some sight seeing. I loved seeing the city and the beach, it was amazing. We headed back to the port and did a little more shopping at the little shops they had right at the port and we boarded the ship.

Tip: Bring your own water bottles. You are allowed to bring a bag off board. Also wait until you get back on he boat to enjoy a cold soda. It costs a lot to have one off the boat. (Drink package needed). If you must eat share something with someone than when you get back on the boat you can go to the buffet.

Cliff divers

Second stop:
Mazatlan







This place was a bit more crowded but the beach was a lot closer. We stopped in town and went to a little bakery that had delicious sweets and not a bad price for them. Than we looked for lunch. There was this man who said if we eat lunch at his restaurant we get free margaritas. So we headed in and oh my was the food amazing. The price was actually not that bad either. The man was very nice to us and took really good care of us. After lunch we headed to the beach..... oh how I missed the beach. My husband and brother swam the whole time we were out there. Than my husband had the idea to go parasailing!!! I was like hell no!!! Than my brother and the instructors talked me into it. Oh boy was it worth it. I could see all of Mazatlan!! It was beautiful. The landing was actually quite fun. The instructors were so nice and helped me so much. After that we enjoyed the ocean and the beach for a while than we  slowly headed back to the port.  On our way we went and stopped to see the cliff divers. O man are those guys crazy. I think I really enjoyed Mazatlan the most out of all of them.

Tip: Be careful of people and scams and people can screw you over on money. This was a good place to get free margaritas and tequila (for us) also watch belongings.




Last stop:
Cabo San Lucas
This place was just amazing!! some of the buildings were built up against the hills it was beautiful. Since we only had a few hours here we just walked around and shopped. If we did have time I would want to swim with dolphins or whale watching. There is more to do to besides shop.  My mom owns time share here so her and my dad come here a lot. So she gave us a tour and what to do here. We found a Starbucks and walked and shopped a little more. The beach was further away and it cost extra to enjoy it. We were a little sad that we couldn't enjoy the beach. Also in order to even get to the beach you would have to take a taxi and that would cost a lot of money.
  I wouldn't mind coming back here to shop it was way fun.





Tip: There are sighs everywhere saying do not give the children money or follow them at all. They could lead you somewhere dangerous where other people could steal from ya. So just be careful and watch your belongings.

Every night for 5 nights we would dress up nice and go eat. They sit you at random with random people and that's who you are with for the rest of the cruise. Our people were from England, Kansas City and Las Vegas. They were amazing people!! very nice too. I asked the people from England a lot of questions and they asked me a lot of questions haha. We actually all had something to talk about every night. There was never a dull moment. There are only 2 formal nights and the rest is smart casual. I just wore dresses most of the time, I loved dressing nice. I really enjoyed picking anything I wanted from the menu. Every night was a different menu. I would always have 2 appetizers, a main course and 2 desserts (depending on what it was). The last night I had the best lobster I have ever had. I also tried escargot, I wouldn't eat again but it was interesting. It is very hard to explain all the dishes and what they tasted like, but I have never had that much food ever and I was not disappointed.... neither was my husband. Oh ya we had the same waiter every night and he was amazing!! He was from the Philippines and he new exactly what we wanted every night. He was so funny and sometimes would tease us.


Here are some pictures of the boat.

Movie under the stars. This is where they played movies.

Adult pool with the spa thats above it.

One of the kids pools

Me and my husbands favorite spot. The other adult pool
 at the back of the boat.

 If I could rate Princess Cruise Line I would give it a 10/10. For quality, cleanliness, kindness of the staff, delicious food, amazing entertainment and no dull moment ever.
We will be returning again to this cruise line.
"Come back new"