Saturday, July 28, 2012

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic…Here We Come!!

We LOVE to travel!!

As busy as we both are, that time to unwind and relax is super important for us!!

We both work a few side jobs and save every single penny of it so we can go on one mack daddy vacation every year.  It’s totally worth it to us to work hard, play hard.

We’ve been saving and pinching pennies all year in preparation for some Baby Butler’s (in the future) and didn’t think we would be able to go anywhere this year.

Thankfully, the Lord has really blessed us with some awesome income opportunities and we are so grateful! We have still been very frugal and both busted our tails this summer with lots of side jobs to make sure this didn’t put a dent in our savings…

It definitely helped that we have a rockin’ travel agent who totally hooked us up!!!!

Last year we went to Mexico with some of our BFFs, the Doss’…and had the time of our lives!

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This year (well, today actually) we are heading to the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC with some of our other BFFs, the Adams’….(but not Maggie…she’s staying with her Nana…)

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So we’ll be hangin’ here for the next WEEK….

Ahhhhhh, paradise!!!

And even more than that, I’m looking forward to some SERIOUS quality time with my boo and our BFFs. Jonathan & I have both been so busy with our new businesses. I know it won’t always be that way….It takes a lot of work to get a new business going in the beginning. But, that just makes me THAT MUCH more EXCITED about this trip and spending time with him! I don’t think I’ll leave his side for the next 7 days…

Plus, I make really great “traveling company",” so I’m sure they’re pretty pumped…(you can’t see the drool….but please believe….it’s there!)

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When we get back, it’s back to school time. {That was me whispering it…I try not to say it too loudly}. I know lots of people are ready to get back to work and a “routine,” but I have NO problem with not having a routine. I am ridiculous and PACK my schedule every.single.day, so I don’t even have time to miss my routine.

(That is DEFINTELY something I plan to work on before we have kiddos! it’ll definitely take some effort because I honestly don’t know how to live any other way…)



So, I plan to take FULL ADVANTAGE of a full week of NOTHING before heading back to reality.

 

Hope you enjoy this next week too!!!

24 Day Challenge…Round 2 (FAQs Answered!)

Jonathan & I are going to start our second 24 Day Challenge next week when we get back from the beach! We are PUMPED!!!

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A lot of my friends have asked me to share more info in a blog post and address some common questions, so here we go! (If you’re not interested, you can skip this post.)

Here’s the deal. We are all managing our weight. Whether we are trying to lose, maintain, or gain, we are all ‘managing’ our weight in some way.

Most health/wellness experts recommend for us to cleanse every three months because of all the toxins in our foods and environments.  This keeps your body functioning the way it’s supposed to…It’s almost like hitting “reset.”

One of the things I LOVE about the challenge is that it is a jump start to a healthier lifestyle. This will not replace eating healthy and exercising; however, it can definitely be a jump start to give you the motivation to improve in those two areas. It has helped me personally curb my sweet tooth, have more energy, lose inches, and change my body composition.  I also can work out with more intensity and endurance now, which means I’m a machine in the gym I’m having better results from my workouts. 

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Big Jon says he is “pushing more weight, for more reps, and recovering faster.” (Side note: He also lost 2 inches in his waist, looks more CUT & muscular than ever, AND his ‘slightly elevated’ blood pressure is now down to normal. Yes sir!)

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It is NOT a fad diet, diet pills, or anything of that nature (which means you won’t gain back after as long as you continue with your healthier lifestyle). In fact, that couldn’t be further from what this is. It’s a COMPLETE NUTRITION SYSTEM, and it is the BOMB. Seriously.

We have seen success story after success story (click on Advocare in my label cloud and you’ll see what’s up….), including my cop buddy from FL, Ralph…

So….Here are the answers to a few of the FAQs from our friends:

1. Is this safe?

Absolutely. If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know I am HARD CORE about what we eat and put into our bodies over here in the Butler household. (I want us to both to have the best quality of life, and I know nutrition plays a role in health, which directly impacts quality of life- even if way in the future.) Plus, you just FEEL better when you take care of yourself. Anyway, I did a LOT of research first and loved the science behind it. Advocare is backed by the top science and medical advisory board with over 250 years of combined experience. In fact, the doctor who developed IV feeding also developed the meal replacement shakes and drinks them every single morning. If they’re good enough for him, they’re good enough for me.

Advocare products are also INFORMED CHOICE, which is why so many collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes choose Advocare.

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2. Why do I need supplements anyway if I already eat healthy?

I answered that HERE. This is what I learned from a training with the doctor’s on the medical advisory board.

 

(Read the post and you’ll understand the “swiss cheese” picture- referring to nutritional gaps in our diets.)

3. What if I can’t take pills?

You can crush them up or open the capsules if you need to. Honestly, it’s worth the extra effort in making it work to be healthier in my opinion. Are you happy with your current health/weight? If not….Would you rather just take the vitamins, or continue living life exactly the way you are?

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4. What do I do afterwards?

That’s up to you! You can stay on the products if you want to (I guarantee you’ll love how you feel and want to stay on them, but it’s up to you!). You can talk to your “coach” to figure out what is the next step. It depends on if you’d like to continue losing, tone up/lean out, or simply maintain where you’re at. I stayed on the second half of the challenge (shakes, MNS-Max C, Catalyst, ThermoPlus, Spark, & OmegaPlex) until I reached my goal. I also took Spark + Catlayst + O2 Gold + Arginine Extreme before workouts. Big Jon takes several products from the Performance Elite line too (Mass Impact is his fave but he also takes Arginine, Spark, Nighttime Recovery, Post Workout Recovery, and Muscle Gain). Rehydrate is a staple in our house as well.

Now that I am maintaining, I am taking CorePlex with Iron, Probiotics, OmegaPlex, and the same workout regiment as during the second half of the challenge that I listed above. (And of course shakes & Spark…duh!). Oh, and we love Clear Mood and Oasis…we have several family members on it!!

Rehydrate vs. Gatorade (Check out this comparison…)

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(Our counter….thank goodness we are up to a 40% discount now!)

 

5. What do I eat and how much do I have to exercise??

Obviously, the better you eat, the better your results. You want to follow basic healthy eating principles. (Like I said, it helps with cravings, so that’s easier than you think.) Same with working out- the more you work out, the better your results. However, you will still see results even if you do not eat perfect and if you don’t work out. (I had a friend who did this after her back surgery, and she still lost weight). It’s all about giving your body what it needs to speed up your metabolism and function properly. But, in order to see MAX results, you want to eat as healthy and clean as possible and start implementing workouts. This is all about a healthy lifestyle change, and it may start with baby steps, but that’s what makes this sustainable for a lifetime. You will look better, feel better, and perform better when you’re fueling your body properly.

This may give you a better idea of what each day on the challenge looks like….24 Day Challenge Virtual Coach (Day by Day)

 

6. Can I afford it?

I’ve found that people find the money for what is important to them. That’s why sometimes you see people who can barely pay their bills, yet have money for beer & cigarettes. For me, my health is an EXTREMELY important investment. My faith, family, and health are the top 3 most important things in my life. Without health, it makes it tougher to share your faith with others the way we are called to do, and I want to be around for as long as possible with my family (and have the best quality of health in my old age). I’d rather put the money into disease prevention NOW than into illness/medicine down the road

Besides, you can sign up as a
MEMBER to get a 20% discount. No monthly minimums, no auto-reorders, and this doesn’t mean you have to “sell.”  Heck, I don’t even “sell” it- I am not any type of pushy vitamin saleslady…I simply share with people who I know are looking for a solution. Becoming a member simply means you get a 20% discount on all products, along with $50 of FREE Spark & Slam for signing up. (It’s a no brainer, really.)

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vs.

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Hopefully that answered the questions for those of you who were asking!!

Now….onto some fun stuff!  Check out my two BRAND NEW product faves!!!!

1. Chocolate Mocha Shakes

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Oh my delish!! Perfect for all my coffee lover friends…

  • Offered in pouches
  • 24 grams of protein
  • 5-6 grams of fiber
  • 26 vitamins and minerals and only 220 calories
  • Contains 50% of the daily value of calcium

2. Pro- 20

P1094

Perfect before or after a workout, or for all my girlfriends (or growing teens) who have a tough time getting enough protein in their diet alone.

  • Hydrolyzed protein for fast absorption
  • Supports building lean muscle mass*
  • Helps improve reaction time and agility*
  • Helps increase power output and accelerate gains in speed and strength*
  • B vitamins for energy*
  • Electrolytes for recovery and maintenance*
  • Contains alpha-GPC

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If you have any questions, you can e-mail me as always. rainey.danielle@yahoo.com

If you want to order, you can shop here:

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If you want to become a member for your own 20% discount, you can do that here:

BECOME A MEMBER

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Relax & Let God Lead

I have made it no secret that Jesus Calling (Sarah Young) is my FAVORITE devotion ever! Dana & I discovered it on our couple's retreat to the cottage back in 2010. Being the precious friend that she is, she got Jon & I a copy for Christmas that year, and since then we have gotten one for lots of our friends and family members. I still read it every day and cherish it. It is truly a beautiful way to start my mornings, so if you’re looking for a new devotional, I definitely recommend this one.

Check out today’s devotion which I desperately needed to hear…

"Relax and let Me lead you through this day. I have everything under control: My control. You tend to peer anxiously into the day that is before you, trying to figure out what to do, when. Meanwhile, the phone or the doorbell rings, and you have to reshuffle your plans. All the planning ties you up in knots and distracts you from Me.

Attentiveness to me is not only for your quiet time, but for ALL... your time. As you look to Me, I show you what to do now and next. Vast quantities of time and energy are wasted in excessive planning. When you let ME direct your steps, you are set free to enjoy Me and to find what I have prepared for you this day."

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Pictures from our Weekend in TEXAS!

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This is how I save money & keep my appetite satisfied…snack on a big bag of nuts throughout the day. Big Jon probably paid $10 for that grilled chicken sandwich in the airport!

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The cool thing about this business is that you get to do it with your friends!! Ashley & Laura waiting to board the flight….aren’t they gorgeous?? And they’re both even more beautiful on the inside!

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Big Jon keepin’ it real…He was pumped!

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The energy was unbelievable….loved hearing the motivational speakers and leadership training. That will truly benefit in ALL areas of life!

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Some of the new products…..bomb.com!!Success School 076Success School 077

Texas shaped waffle, yes ma’am! Thank goodness for Carb Ease!

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Hey single ladies….have you thought about joining Advocare??

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Next time I’m bringing my boots!!

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I even got to see my BFF Dana!!! I mean really, does it get any better??

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A little scary, yes, but it was around midnight & we were exhausted. Still smiling though, no doubt!

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Ready to go back in February to hear George W., Dree Brees, & Michael W. Smith!!!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

You Asked, I Answered

I get a lot of great questions in my comments, and I think a lot of people would like to know the answers…SO, I went back through them and am going to attempt to answer some of them! All types of questions….here we go!
What do you do with flaxseed? Do you put it on oatmeal? How do you incorporate it into your meals? Same with steel cut oats?
**I put flaxseed in oatmeal, veggies, salads, casseroles, protein bites, etc. Basically I try to sneak in a little wherever I can. Sometimes I use steel cut oats and ground flaxseed to give the feel of “fried” veggies, the healthy way.


Can you share how you marinate your chicken?
**I cook it in olive oil (use the mister) and use Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and cracked black pepper. I either cook it in a frying pan OR on the George Foreman grill. If I ever use salt, I use sea salt, but that’s mostly for my hubby.


One thing I struggle with are healthy lunch and breakfast ideas for my children. Can you recommend something?
**Obviously I don’t have kiddos yet, but this is something I’ve thought a lot about. I like natural peanut butter & Ezekial bread (maybe use cookie cutters for fun shapes), carrots & other raw veggies they like, fruits (make fruit salad and let them decorate a container to store it in), etc. I have a few things pinned on Pinterest to help with this in the future (you can follow me on Pinterest in the upper right corner….pinned under the Baby Butler’s & Delicioso boards). I also found a great article today about this very subject- check it out here.
20 Lunches for Kids


What do you eat with your hummus?
**Raw veggies! YUMMM!!! I try to avoid crackers, pita chips, pretzels, etc., just because they’re processed. The more real, whole foods, the better!!


How tall are you, Danielle?
** 5’5 1/2” (I think I look taller than I actually am.)
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Where did you get your blue maxi dress (pictured above)? I can never find one long enough and I think you are my height!
**TJ Maxx. They have GREAT dresses! I love Marshall’s too.

What is your goal to look like? Are you interested in getting into body building? Just curious and please don’t take this as a mean post! Just a compliment and question :) also, when it comes time for babies are you still going to take these supplements?
**My goal is to get in the BEST shape of my life before babies so I can bounce back quickly, have a better delivery, and be in the best possible health for my baby. I know pregnancy will change my body and I may not look like I look now, but I believe in being healthy for HEALTH reasons….not for vanity. And yes, I will continue to take multivitamins, omegas, probiotics, etc. when I get pregnant.
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Do you have a company/source in mind that you'll make your blog into books through?
**www.TheCutestBlogontheBlock.com
Use this coupon code to save 10%…..expires TODAY!!
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(Thank you, Emily, for sharing!!)


I just looked at your wedding pictures and I absolutely love your dress!Would you mind telling me the designer?
I don’t know anything about designers, honestly, so I had to really search for this one! I found it in the Spring 2010 collection from Maggie Sottero….It’s called Adorae. You can check out the link Here!
Large View of the Adorae Bridal Gown
Here’s me in it!!
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If anyone has any other questions, feel free to comment and ask away and I’d be GLAD to answer!!! I hope those of you who asked those questions read this post!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Ohhhh, Texas!!

I LOVED Texas!!!!

I didn’t get to see nearly as much of it as I would have liked because we were so busy learning all weekend….which means that I am DEFINITELY heading back in February and hope to check out more of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area!! It was AWESOME! I caught a little glimpse of why all the Texans are so proud of their home state.

We really learned SO much and had an incredible weekend! I LOVE learning about health, nutrition, supplements, and leadership, so this was right up my alley! The motivational speakers and the chapel service this morning were all phenomenal as well.

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{Big Jon & I were on stage….it seriously felt like the Miss America pageant and all my dreams were coming true! Hahaha…Really though, we earned a sweet all inclusive trip to the Biltmore in AZ this fall….we are pumped!}

So, for those of you who asked, yes I did plan on wearing my boots, but it didn’t happen in that 108! (I LOVED that weather though- I’m a hot weather kinda gal, so it was PERFECT for me!! Not complaining…)

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So no boots. However, y’all WILL be proud. My hair was larger than life while we were there!!!! Hahhaa….(no, really…) This was my first time “carrying on” (I don’t know HOW to pack other than like I’m moving in somewhere!), so I didn’t have my normal shampoo/conditioner or other hair products. So I just let all my hair do it’s thang, and it was HUGE. Definitely made a statement!

I WISH I could post some pictures to show you, but get this…

I LEFT my i-phone on the shuttle from the hotel to the airport!

I realized as SOON as we walked through security and there wasn’t much I could do at that point. I was bummed, but I can always get a new phone, right? It wasn’t the end of the world, so I tried to keep a good attitude. Big Jon helped me focus on the positives and was really sweet the one time I *almost* started to cry. (Okay, maybe I did just a little!) I was most upset about not having my pictures!!! You’d think I’d be super tech savvy and have everything backed up and whatnot….but not the case. Lesson learned.

I did at least remember that I could track it though! My sweet Mama tracked that thing and stayed on the phone with the shuttle company while we were getting on the airport (yes, she is the BOMB! but no, I didn’t say that out loud to Jon in the airport)……and guess what….they found it!! Woo hoo!! One of our friends is still in TX and going to pick it up for me in the morning!

I did learn that I have a ridiculous attachment to my phone, so this might have been a good little break for us. Really…I felt like I was having withdrawals. I’m a texting freak, and I feel LOST without it!

Here is the only picture I have (so far) after ALL DAY of traveling…so no, I wasn’t rockin’ my big hair yet. But, I LOVE how adorable my precious hubby looks in this! I mean, he’s a totally stud (duh!), but he just looks so cute in this one!

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Overall though, we LOVED Texas and CANNOT wait to go back!!!

Like I said, We are heading back in February for THIS….and we are pretty pumped because we get to see some special guests like Michael W. Smith, Jason Whitten, Drew Brees, and George W. Bush!!!

Maybe some of you pretty Texan ladies can join us for the conference (seriously, it was phenomenal!) or come meet up for dinner one night?!?  Sounds like a plan to me!!