Monday, August 27, 2018

Phelan Phamily Pfun Day - Marvel Universe Live


We started our Phelan Phamily Pfun day at Scholz's Garden. As a Army brat who grew up in Germany, I've always wanted to go to this restaurant! Finally we were in a good position to do so and it did not disappoint! The JÄGERSCHNITZEL and SPÄTZLE were delicious! The giant pretzel (it was huge) was yummy too! We'll be back!

http://www.scholzgarten.com/





For those who know Jon, he is a big Marvel fan. Not your typical comic book fan, but like legit, legit fan. Like I bought him a signed Stan Lee Deadpool poster for his 40th birthday, Marvel fan. Jon also has TWO, count'em TWO Captain America shields and Thor's hammer (Yes, I know it has a name), among many other collectibles. So, the Marvel Universe Live was more for Jon and the girls. 



I am not that fan. I am the fan who enjoys the movies but honestly, cant really keep up with all the intricate details. I probably show have made this a Father/Daughters date, but alas, here I was. 


We got alright seats and could see all the action. There were more heroes and villains than I could count. I was introduced to a new hero, Iron Fist. Jon shared that Iron Fist and some other character have their own show on Netflix, so he wasn't new to Jon. The flashing lights and theater fog and flying about and motorcycle tricks were entertaining. My favorite part was the fire show. 


So as a grumpy old, not really into Marvel, I lost interest a few times. I had to remind myself to pay attention. As a young kid, I can't imagine how cool and fascinating they thought everything was! Grace even commented she enjoyed the show mid-way through. 


For me, the coolest part was that my face made it on the big screen!



Overall, yes I would recommend the show to Marvel enthusiasts and young children as that is their target audience! The show is 1:45 hrs start to finish so even if you aren't thoroughly engaged in the show, at least it's short!

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Digging Deeper into Shakeology, Part 8- Vitamins




Here it is, my second to last deep dive into Shakeology. We've spent the last two months reviewing  all the different ingredients in Shakeology that makes it such an amazing nutrient-dense, super-foods meal replacement. The information is here for you and it's up to you to give it a try. I am happy to send a sample to any US resident to try. I understand taste is important for long-term consumption so I am happy to invest in samples for folks to try. BeachBody is also so confident in their product that they offer the  30-day money back guarantee, which starts on the date of delivery. "Bottom of the Bag" means customers may return Shakeology packages that have been opened or used, even if the bag is completely empty.

Check out this quick 2 minute marketing video that is funny and very educational from BeachBody which features one of their original Super Coaches, Tony Horton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqjze4RboUU&app=desktop

The video is a bit dated as the number of Shakeology flavors has tremendously expanded, but the information about the ingredients holds true.


Yet again, I do want to add my disclaimer that I am not a nutritionist or any type of health expert. I am, however, someone who is passionate about being as healthy as I possibly can be and sharing what I learn with others. (I'll be saying this every week just so there isn't any confusion).

I know know we can all scour the internet for information and for these upcoming posts, I will do just that for you. As with anything, you are welcome to do your own research as well. 

The last 2 months, I have shared information regarding the Premium Protein and Amino Acids, Antioxidants and Super-Fruits, and Phytonutrients and Super-Greens,  Adaptogenic Herbs and Botanicals and  Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Fiber, and Digestive EnzymesThis week, I'll share information about Vitamins and their health benefits.

The week we are going to talk about the 
Vitamins - A, B6, B12, C, D,E,K2

Vitamin A: "Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is good for healthy vision, skin, bones and other tissues in the body. Vitamin A often works as an antioxidant, fighting cell damage, but it also has many other uses.
“Through its role with cell growth and division, vitamin A has an important role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys and other vital organs,” Dr. Sherry Ross, women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Live Science."
Vitamin B6: "More specifically, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) — one of the eight — plays key roles in keeping the brain and nervous system functioning properly, says Sonya Angelone, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Vitamin B6 is involved in production of hemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body.”
Vitamin B6 is also needed for proper brain development (in kids) and function (for people of all ages). It helps the body make the hormones serotonin (which regulates mood) and norepinephrine (which helps your body cope with stress). Vitamin B6 also helps the body make melatonin, which is important in helping regulate your internal clock and your sleep."


Vitamin B12: "Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemiathat makes people tired and weak.'


Vitamin C: "Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it's thought to help prevent more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling."


Vitamin D: "Having enough vitamin D is important for a number of reasons, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth; it may also protect against a range of conditions such as cancertype 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis."


Vitamin E: "Some people use vitamin E for treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries, heart attackchest pain, leg pain due to blocked arteries, and high blood pressure.

Vitamin E is also used for treating diabetes and its complications. It is used for preventing cancer, particularly lung and oral cancer in smokers; colorectal cancerand polyps; and gastric, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.


Vitamin K2: "The main function of Vitamin K is to activate the calcium-binding properties of proteins. K1 is mostly involved in blood clotting, while K2 helps regulate where calcium ends up in the body."


 
**If you have made it this far, you can see WHY Mom's cardiologist and GP felt confident removing FIVE supplements from her daily medicine regime because she is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals from her daily Shakeology. **


Ok, so what ingredients are NOT in Shakeology? Artificial sweeteners, Artificial flavors, Artificial stimulants, Artificial colors, soy, or high fructose corn syrup. Yup, all the no-no's are NOT in Shakeology.

Well hot damn! So I can can get in all these super foods without the no-no's in one scoop of Shakeology? Wow!! Well, or you could take 5 trips through a totally amazing salad bar. There's that option.

Interested in trying out a sample and you reside in the US? 
Fill out this quick google form and I'll get one out to you!

Who is Ready to order?
Great! Comment below, check out my business page, or contact me via my Facebook Page! 

Want to find out how to get your Shakeology at a 25% discount or even for FREE?
Contact me and I will tell you! how!

Do you have a bag and now need some help with how to make a delicious recipe?
Check out the video I posted on my Facebook page! Pinterest has amazing ideas as well!


Friday, August 24, 2018

To all the Strong and Courgeous Women in My Life

When I started my blog, I initially thought I would flip flop between highlighting a famous woman and then a personal friend in my blog. I then realized some friends may not want their lives highlighted for the internets to see. Also, I didn't want to inadvertently leave anyone out. However, today I was inspired to write a post to all my strong and courageous friends!

Growing up,  I wasn’t surrounded by lots of women (or men) to look up to for guidance and advice. Dad was an only child and Mom had one sister who we weren’t able to see often due to living far away. Dad was uber social and had a lot of friends, but Mom was not, so I didn't have pseudo aunts and uncles to offer guidance in my life either. As an adult and Mother,  I have made it a point of surrounding my girls with positive role models. 

Since I cannot highlight one particular friend, I will highlight many, as I am amazed every day by the strength and courage of these women. A woman who every time I talk to her has another health issue but continues to muster through to do her best. Another woman who had the straightest moral compass if anyone I know. A woman, who despite over a decade and half of working on her marriage with her alcoholic husband, has said no more for her and her children. A woman who struggles to be the best step-mother possible. A woman who gives her all to her teaching career and loves her girls with a love like no other. A woman who truly delights in my girls. A woman who hasn’t yet been able to have her own children but gives her own heart to loving others. 

Thankfully, I could go on and on. Are these women perfect? Heavens no. No one is. I certainly am not. I am ever so thankful for these women. I am thankful for the love and care they bring into my life and even more, I love that they are in my daughter's lives. I love that in time of need, my girls have multiple women they can turn to for love and guidance. 


To all the strong and courageous women in my life: I know some moments are more difficult than others, but know that your everyday strength and courage is seen, appreciated,  and I thank you! 


Thursday, August 23, 2018

Essential Oils 101: Blue Tansy


Since we've gone through the Top 10 Essential Oils, I have been reviewing the oils alphabetically, but I have to be honest, I am so excited about Blue Tansy, that I have skipped ahead!


I just received Blue Tansy and a few other higher priced essential oils using credit from doTERRA Loyalty Rewards Program, so I am excited to learn more too!

Five reasons you want to get some of your own Blue Tansy to incorporate into your life!
1. Invoke a sense of peace, calm, and relaxation
2. Reduce discomfort from inflammation
3. Soothes dry, reddened, sensitive skin
4. Respiratory Support - Clears Congestion, breathe easier
5. Alleviate seasonal respiratory symptoms



Blue Tansy Tanacetum annuum

Blue Tansy essential oil, which comes from the annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant, is high in chamazulene and sabinene. An important oil in the doTERRA Deep Blue blend, Blue
Description
Blue Tansy, also referred to as Moroccan Tansy, is an annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant found in northern Morocco. Chamazulene, a chemical component in Blue Tansy, provides the characteristic indigo color and is recognized for its skin soothing benefits. At the same time, the main chemical component Sabinene helps diminish the appearance of blemishes. Uplifting to the mood, Blue Tansy provides a sweet aroma to fill any room. It’s perfect for massaging into skin with fractionated coconut oil or lotion after a long day of work or intense exercise to aid the body in the natural recovery process.

Uses

  • Diffuse to uplift mood and create a positive atmosphere.
  • Add a drop to one or two ounces of your favorite moisturizer or cleanser and apply topically to help reduce the appearance of blemishes or soothe skin irritation.
  • Include one or two drops in lotion for a restoring massage after a stressful day or extreme workout.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use one to two drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity or temporary staining.

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. May stain surfaces, fabrics, and skin. Tansy is soothing to mind and body.


Ready to order some of your very own? Check out my website to learn more about Blue Tansy and the many other essential oils!






Wednesday, August 22, 2018

SUP'ing with the Girl Socuts


Have I told you lately how much I love Girl Scouts? Its been a few seconds? Ok! I LOVE THE GIRL SCOUTS!! Why? Well for many, many reasons! But for the sake of simplicity and brevity, for this post, I love the Girl Scouts because of the many exciting, fun opportunities they provide to my girls.



Truth be told, I am not a strong swimmer so I don't seek out adventures that involve swimming. I was over the moon excited when I saw that my local Girl Scout Council had already planned an activity with a Stand Up Paddle board company in Waco. So all  I had to do was drive them there and let the professionals do their magic. 


Thankfully my girls ARE strong, confident swimmers so they immediately felt comfortable and at ease SUP'ing. It looked like so much fun, I think I may just find some time for us to go SUP'ing as a Phelan Phamily! Wearing a life jacket gives me the extra confidence I need.


So how did I find a Girl Scout activity 1.5 hours away from my house? I went to my local Girl Scout council's website https://www.gsctx.org/  , selected Events, Event Calendar, selected Junior 4th and 5th grade, and here's where the magic happens - I leave the area blank! Doing so, gives me ALL the Junior activities in the entire Central Texas council. By not limiting us to Austin, we find so many more fun activities to experience! I encourage you to do the same!



Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Be the Woman you needed as a Girl


When I saw this shirt on Facebook, I didn't think twice about ordering it. I don't love the thickness or that its a crew neck, BUT I adore the saying - it's my mantra in life. Not to say that I had a horrible childhood or a horrible mother, but I needed more. I longed for more. I needed more open communication. I needed more guidance. I needed more understanding of my feelings and insecurities. I needed more stories of her childhood and what she felt and experienced. 

Did my mother do the best she could? Is she currently doing the best she can (Alzheimer's aside)? Only she can say. 

I know my driving force in life is to be the very best mother I possible can be. For me that means being physically, mentally, spiritually, and cognitively healthy. That means I choose to be physically active so I can (God willing) have a long, healthy life. That means I choose to be actively engaged in activities with the girls (I may not play with my girls but I bring them to activities where they can play). That means I ask questions as I am truly interested in hearing what they have to say. 

Am I perfect? Heavens no. I am reminded often that what I needed as a little girl is not necessarily the same as what my girls need. Thankfully by demonstrating open communication, my girls tell me when they need more. Grace is amazingly aware of her emotions and articulates them in a way that I still can't do and for this I am grateful as it keeps me in check. Sometimes it's like a gut punch. For example, when we picked her up from one of her camps, she said one of the counselors was mean to her. I thought she was being over dramatic and poo-poo'ed her feelings. One of my friend's daughter's was also at the same camp and her daughter said the same, that the counselor was not kind to Grace. Oh my GOD! I had not believed my child! I apologized to Grace and her reply was "When you didn't believe me, I thought will you believe me if a child bully's me'? Oh my sweet baby girl! 

So, needless to say, despite my mantra in life being "Be the Woman you needed as a girl" I still fail. But I keep trying. I will always keep trying. I am confident I am raising amazing little souls who will in return raise even more amazing little souls. So on and so on. 

I leave you with, do something today, anything at all, where you can be the woman you needed as a girl!

Monday, August 20, 2018

Girl Start

GirlStart. Yup I said that correctly. GirlStart, not Girl Scouts. I mean, I can see why there would be confusion since I am totally in love with Girl Scouts, but GirlStart is pretty spectacular too!

We discovered Girl Start a few years ago as they have a monthly STEM event and twice a year STEM events for.free. FOR. FREE. I love for free activities with my girls. I especially love for free activities for my girls where other people do the heavy lifting and all I have to do is bring them there. With Girl Start I bring them there and let them loose.

The twice a year events, the Back to School, and DecSTEMber (isn't that the cutest?) have 15-20 hands on STEM activities for the girls run by trained volunteers. The monthly events are all themed and have 4-5 hands on stations.

Every time we go, I am so thoroughly impressed with the quality of the STEM experiments and the volunteers engagement with the girls. They don't just "do" the activity for the girls. They ask questions. They guide them. They let them fail and then try again. They allow the girls to figure it out themselves! OMG. A dream come true learning environment!

This summer, the girls were old enough to attend GirlStart's day camps. I had high expectations because I had experienced first hand their STEM experiments and well, it was the most expensive day camp for the summer. My expectations were satisfactorily met, plus some! 

"Girlstart's Island Adventure Summer Camp. Girls channeled their inner conservationist as they learned about and constructed habitats for endangered lemurs, investigated and modeled coral reef formation, and discovered the environmental impacts of deforestation. Campers built disaster shelters to survive on a remote island and designed a prototype device to safely airdrop supplies to hard-to-reach places." From GirlStart!! What? Who gets to design these camps?? My girls are so stinky lucky!

I'm just going to copy and paste the rest of the wrap it up newsletter because it's just so amazing.

"Girls used the Sphero SPRK+ robot to survive on the land and ocean surrounding the island. Campers first explored the properties of density to engineer a Sphero attachment that could rescue lost rubber duckies off the coast of Madagascar. Then girls created an all terrain vehicle and programmed it to safely traverse across the island’s rough terrain"

"Girls experienced the unique qualities of Madagascar through Google Expeditions’ virtual reality system. On their expedition, girls visited different towns and learned about the people, their culture, and their relationship with the surrounding environment. Girls then brainstormed and mapped out how they would design their own personal virtual reality expedition."

Are you local and want to experience some of this amazing goodness yourself? You are in luck! the Back to School STEM fair is this Saturday and it is AWESOME! And Free! I do recommend getting there early because there can be quite a crowd. Yes, boys are welcome too!

https://girlstart.org/event/austin-tx-back-to-school-stem-saturday/




Saturday, August 18, 2018

Digging Deeper into Shakeology, Part 7- Digestive Enzymes



Ok, ok! So at this point I am like a broken record, I know. "Nutrient-dense" and "super foods" and "meal replacement". It's difficult not to want to share the excitement about something I have incorporated into my life and have seen such tremendous health benefits! Same with my mom! Not only did her cardiologist bless the ingredients, but she has now come off of FIVE supplements and looks and feels great! 

Don't you want to feel some of the same? Don't you want to start your day off with a meal that takes seconds to minutes to make (depending on the recipe)? Don't you want to start off your day with a burst of energy? Don't you want to start your day off not craving sugar and processed food? Don't you want to start your day off feeling light and regular? Shakeology isn't just limited to breakfast. You can easily replace your lunch or dinner with a shakeology and get all the same benefits.

We've spent the last 2 months reviewing the individual ingredients in the shakeology and we are almost done. We have digestive enzymes and Vitamins left to review. Let's get to reviewing!

Yet again, I do want to add my disclaimer that I am not a nutritionist or any type of health expert. I am, however, someone who is passionate about being as healthy as I possibly can be and sharing what I learn with others. (I'll be saying this every week just so there isn't any confusion).

I know know we can all scour the internet for information and for these upcoming posts, I will do just that for you. As with anything, you are welcome to do your own research as well. 

The last several Saturdays, I have shared information regarding the Premium Protein and Amino Acids, Antioxidants and Super-Fruits, and Phytonutrients and Super-Greens,  Adaptogenic Herbs and Botanicals and  Probiotics, Prebiotics, and FiberThis week, I'll share information about the Digestive Enzymes and their health benefits.

The week we are going to talk about the 
Digestive Enzymes - Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Glucomylase, Alpha-Galactosidase, Invertase


Amylase: According to Intergrative Therapuetics, "Amylase is responsible for the breaking of the bonds in starches, polysaccharides, and complex carbohydrates into easier to absorb simple sugars."

Back to our friend, Dr. Axe who lables Amylase as "The Anti-Diabetes Digestive Enzyme that Boosts Energy".

Cellulase, "are enzymes that break down the cellulose found in plant cell walls into simple sugars that can serve as the raw materials for biofuels, as well as many of the biobased chemicals, plastics, and other materials discussed above," according to Science Direct.

Enzymedica tells us cellulase is essential for digesting fruits and vegetables.


Lactase, Enclyopedia Brittana tells us that lactase is needed for digesting milk sugars into the simple sugars glucose and galactose..



Glucomylase, "(also known as amyloglucosidase or AMG) is an important digestive enzyme that helps us absorb nutrients and create energy from some of the most common plant foods that we eat. It does this by breaking down the starch that occurs naturally in most vegetables that we eat. This starch is present in high amounts in common foods like potatoes, corn, rice, and wheat. It’s also added as a filler or processing additive in prepared food products", according to Global Healing Center.


Alpha-Galactosidase, Also from Global healing Center we learn alpha-galactosidase helps us with the gas and bloating we get from some of the foods we eat.

Invertase Back to the Global Healing Center regarding "Invertase’s ability to break down (hydrolyze) the bond between fructose and glucose makes it a vital part of the digestion of complex sugars into blood sugar (glucose) which can be used as a ready fuel source by the body."


Who is Ready to order?
Great! Comment below, check out my business page, or contact me via my Facebook Page! 

Want to find out how to get your Shakeology at a 25% discount or even for FREE?
Contact me and I will tell you! how!

Do you have a bag and now need some help with how to make a delicious recipe?
Check out the video I posted on my Facebook page! Pinterest has amazing ideas as well!





Saturday, August 4, 2018

Digging Deeper into Shakeology, Part 6 - Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Fiber





Shakeology is truly an amazing super-food nutrient dense meal replacement shake. Done. I mean, really. The more I research the ingredients and learn about the health benefits of the specific ingredients, I am happily surprised and amazed. I drink a Shakeology on a daily basis and feel great! So does my mom. In fact, her cardiologist reviewed the ingredients and gave his blessings! Mom's daily Shakeology has replaced her morning Boost, oatmeal, and 4 vitamins and supplements. Mom's home health nurse raves about her vitals being good and her skin looking healthy. I have noticed a huge improvement in mom's mental state, particularly in the morning; she is more alert and happy. I know for myself starting the day off with a Shakeology gives me the natural boost to start my day! Plus, knowing I am choosing healthy foods makes me want to continue to make healthy choices throughout the day. It takes me 5 minutes to make both Shaekology's for me and Mom in the morning. Five minutes well spent. 

Could I buy the ingredients at my local HEB Store? Possibly, but I honestly don't think so. I would definitely have to hit up Sprouts and Central Market and even then I may not find everything. Would it be costly? Oh heaves, yes!! Could I eat all the ingredients in one seating? No, I could not. Another solution, of course, is to have ONE Shakeology for the low price of $4.30 or $3.23 if you are a coach! What? That is a steal!! Yes, it is! $4.30 (or $3.23) for 70 super-food ingredients in one scoop! $4.30 (or $3.23) for amazing health benefits! Mind blown!

Yet again, I do want to add my disclaimer that I am not a nutritionist or any type of health expert. I am, however, someone who is passionate about being as healthy as I possibly can be and sharing what I learn with others. (I'll be saying this every week just so there isn't any confusion).

I know know we can all scour the internet for information and for these upcoming posts, I will do just that for you. As with anything, you are welcome to do your own research as well. 

The last several Saturdays, I have shared information regarding the Premium Protein and Amino Acids, Antioxidants and Super-Fruits, and Phytonutrients and Super-Greens, and 
Adaptogenic Herbs and Botanicals . This week, I'll share information about the Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Fiber and their health benefits.

The week we are going to talk about the 
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Fiber- Yacon Root, Chicory Root, Bacillus Coagulans  and their health benefits.

Yacon Root  Starting off with the folks at Livestrong and they state the health benefits of eating the Yacon Root is possible weight loss, reduced cholesterol and triglycerides, and improved digestive health. 
https://www.livestrong.com/article/411828-yacon-root-health-benefits-side-effects/
From our friends at Organic Facts: "The health benefits of yacon include its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, lower “bad” cholesterol, help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, improve the health of the liver, prevent certain types of cancer, boost digestive health, and strengthen the immune system."
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/yacon.html
It is also used as a “tonic,” to increase urine production, to protect the liver, and to balance the stimulant effect of coffee."


Chicory Root

From our trusty friends at WedMD: "Chicory is used for loss of appetite, upset stomachconstipationliver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and rapid heartbeat.

From a new source, Dr. Purlmetter, who says the chicory root is 65% dietry fiber. We love fiber! Cleans out those pipes!


Bacillus Coagulans
This was a new one for me - always learning, I say - and turns out Bacillus Coagulans is a bacteria, but a good one. I guess my context glues should have clued me into this being a bacteria. This bacteria helps aid digestion.

Information from Huffington Post regarding the bacteria and it aiding with digestion.



Who is Ready to order?
Great! Comment below, check out my business page, or contact me via my Facebook Page! 


https://www.facebook.com/healthjourneywithliz/
Want to find out how to get your Shakeology at a 25% discount or even for FREE?
Contact me and I will tell you! how!
Do you have a bag and now need some help with how to make a delicious recipe?
Check out the video I posted on my Facebook page! Pinterest has amazing ideas as well!