almond butter protein balls

 

I visited a wonderful new place here in Kansas City called t. LOFT.  Some of the RHOSTM and I gathered there on Wednesday morning to “catch up”.  Our resident “foodie”, Anna, planted the seed in mine and Kristen’s mind a couple of weeks ago when we started this amazing 28 Day Detox Boot Camp journey together.  So we called Courtney and Beth who also believe in a healthy and clean eating too.  Oh were we excited and pleased.  First its any kind of tea you could want and the couple that owns the place live a completely Gluten Free lifestyle.  SCORE.  There is no gluten what so ever on the premises. The best part for me is that a fellow Alpha Phi from Washburn, “J”, is doing all the baking and cooking there.  What a blessing to run into “J” that morning.

I sat there looking at the menu like a kid in a toy store.  Gluten Free, Clean and Paleo choices awaited my decision.  I couldn’t believe it I felt like God had planted this little sanctuary right in front of me.  I decided on the suggestion of “For Her” decaf tea and a protein ball.  I love that even had the ingredients listed so I could check and make sure that all items listed were ok on the Detox.  It was an amazing little protein ball.  I thought right away I know I can make these at home for Mr. Miller and I.  So here is what I came up with and added the Fit Essentials Vanilla Protein Powder.

 

 Almond Butter Protein Balls

  
1/2 c. almond butter

1/4 c. raw agave nectar or less

1 scoop chocolate Fit Essentials Protein Powder*

1/4 c. ground flax seed

1 c. dry gluten free oats

1 tbsp. coconut oil

Heat the Almond Butter, Coconut Oil and Agave Nectar together. Add protein powder, oats and flax seed. Mix well. I use my food processor. Use Pampered Chef small scoop and make balls. It should make 18 bite size balls.

*may substitute with Vanilla Powder

Put in sealed container keep in fridge.

day 14 and still losing…

 

Drum roll please….

I lost another 11 pounds this week plus 9 inches.  That my friends is a total of 17 pounds and 19 inches.  Mr. Miller lost another 4 pounds and 4 inches. His total is 10 pounds and 14.5 inches.

We are rocking it here thanks to Arbonne.  Are you ready yet?  I can help you customize to budget and plan that suits best to you.

Head over to my Face Book Page and message me.  What are you waiting for?  What do you have to lose besides unwanted pounds and inches.  I promise you will thank me!

 

Here is our menu for the week:

Detox Week 3 Menu

Monday

Taco Salad

Tuesday

Salmon Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Brussels Sprouts

Wednesday

Tomato Basil Soup, Grilled Cheese (made with GF Bread and Cheese Sub.)

Thursday

Sweet Potato Hash, Eggs

Friday

Shrimp and Fried Rice, Salad

For Fried Rice: Sauté spinach, onions, broccoli, carrots in coconut oil.  Add 1/2c cooked brown rice.  Scramble 1 egg into side of frying pan.  Add some Earth Balance if you want.

Saturday

Dine Out

Sunday

Porcupine Balls, Green Beans and Salad

clean chicken tortilla soup

 

I just had to share our dinner with you last night.  I made a Clean Chicken Tortilla Soup.  We added brown rice to make it stretch and oh my!  We are loving our newly adapted lifestyle of clean eating thanks to the Arbonne 28 Day Detox Boot Camp. The evening meals are so amazing.  You wouldn’t know you were on a Detox plan.  Clean eating is really the way to go.  Last nights menu called for Chicken Tortilla Soup so I cruised Pinterest and picked up some ideas and then put a little Green Acres love in it.  Boy it was amazing, I will say “slap your Mama good”, sorry Mimi I couldn’t help myself.

Clean Chicken Tortilla Soup

1lb Organic Free Range Chicken

32 oz. organic Chicken Broth

1 can Organic Diced tomatoes with juice

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

2 tsp. cumin

2 garlic cloves crushed

1 tsp. onion powder

1 cup fresh salsa (no vinegar)

1 cup cooked brown rice

fresh spinach – about 2 handfuls

guacamole

Rinse chicken add to crockpot.  Combine broth, tomatoes, beans and spices.  Pour over chicken.  Add Salsa.  Cook on high 5 hours or low 7-8.  Shred chicken when done cooking.  Add cooked brown rice and spinach.  Let set in crockpot for 20 min.  Serve with Guacamole on top. 

 

green diy silver cleaner

How many of you have a Silver Set that looks like this?

First I will say I love Silver Service Sets and I have several in boxes still that someday my “mansion” will have enough places for them to show.  This particular one came from The Deacon and Pops.  It was given to them over 40 years ago as a Wedding Gift from a dear family friend.  I received it a few years ago at Christmas and have loved it every since.  I particularly love the little pineapple on the top. 

 

Well it sits out and tarnishes and I hate, let me repeat… I HATE to polish silver.  I am not sure if it came from helping my Grandmother’s and my Mother polish theirs as a child but I LOATHE it!  That being abundantly clear now I noticed it needed a little attention.  I set out on Pinterest to find a “greener” way to polish the old silver.  Pinterest of course had the answer, I swear it is like the Helpful Heloise of the New Millennium.  Here is goes, you won’t believe how easy it is. 

Cast of Players:

Dirty Silver

Baking Soda

Foil

Salt

Boiling Water

 

Line your sink or shallow wash basin with foil.

 

 

Next add silver.  Pour 1/2 C Baking Soda and 1/2 C Salt over top.

 

 

Last pour boiling water over top to submerge.  Wait 2 minutes, Rinse and dry with Clean Dish Towel and Ouila’!

 

 

My camera doesn’t do it justice.  It really is shiny and sparkly.  Took me all of 10 minutes.  Wow!  If I would have only new that in 1977.

Day 8

 

 

Wow!  That is what I can say at the start of Day 8 and Week 2.  Mr. Miller and I cannot be more impressed by this Detox Boot Camp.  I am down 6 pounds and 10 inches overall and he is down 5 pounds and 10.5 inches.

We feel great and can’t be more excited to see what week 2 brings.  I will admit we had a few “rocky” moments.  You know irritability, hunger, frustration and all that comes with a Detox plan.  I have learned so much about my body this week and that I really shouldn’t have gluten in my life.  It is evil for me.  I don’t miss the sugar, I will admit that I do miss my wine and Diet Soda still but I know it will fade.  I have discovered my new love for sleepy time tea at night before bed.  Mr. Miller and I have our tea and actually a conversation.  NO TV!  Who would have thought it.  We are in bed before 10 and feeling good in the morning.  I am excited for this weeks menu plan.

DETOX WEEK 2 MENU

Monday: Salmon Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad

Tuesday:  Chicken Tortilla Soup, Spinach Salad

Wednesday:  Anaheim Turkey Wraps, Apples

Thursday:  Blackened Salmon, Rice, Asparagus

Friday:   Grilled Tomato Basil Sandwiches, veggies and hummus

Saturday:  Eat Out

Sunday:  Left overs

We have a few challenges this week such as Cameron’s 10th Birthday and Party, Family from out of town and all that comes with it.  I am going to remain strong and adapt as I can.  I know with prayer and willpower we will endure and overcome the cravings. 

If you are interested in learning more please visit my Facebook Page  and I will be glad to answer any questions and help you get started.   I can customize a plan for you and adapt to your budget as well.  While you are there give me a like.  Don’t forget the Green Acres Page while you are there

14 years

 

14 years ago in Topeka, a little Church called Grace Cathedral I said “I Do!”.  I haven’t looked back since.

I have the honor of being married to my best friend, lover, father of my children and amazing partner on this journey of life.   We have had some ups and downs, twists and turns but it has been one heck of a ride so far. 

I feel so blessed to be married to you Mr. Miller.  I love you more today than ever before.  You have given me unconditional love, respect, honesty, passion and two amazing little boys.  What more could a girl ask for.  Thank you for asking “Where I had been all your life?”.  Look where one little question that ended in a kiss that night took us.

LOVE YOU and Happy Anniversary.

day 1 down, 27 to go…

 

 

Mr. Miller and I have embarked on a new journey in life. ..  The 28 Day Detox Boot Camp 2014. 

We started our Boot Camp yesterday and will continue for another 27 days, at least this go around.  I have a lot to loose so this is a true “Life’s Journey”.  Many of you know that I became a Independent Arbonne Consultant in September.  I am loving it.  This company follows all the product values and views on clean living that we believe in here at Green Acres.  Pure, Beneficial and Safe ~ how can you not love that?  I am so lucky that I have a few partners on this journey ~ Mr. Miller, Anna, Karolyn, Elizabeth, Kristen and Mandy.  We can do this!  I am remembering everyday Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.”

We are following a strict plan of NO Sugars, Gluten, Dairy, Alcohol or Caffeine.   Eating all natural and organic with replacing 1 –2 meals a day with our Arbonne Fit Essentials Protein Shakes.  These shakes are the best protein shakes I have ever had.  They have 20 grams of protein, Gluten and Soy Free, Dairy Free and Certified Vegan. Nothing artificial either.  We follow a simple plan.  Our menus and grocery lists are made and posted every Friday for us.  This couldn’t be easier.  Last night I made Chicken and Rice soup with Carrots from our own garden and a spinach salad.  The boys went to town on it.

 

 

Our dinners this week look like this:

Monday: Chicken and Rice Soup, Spinach Salad

Tuesday: Taco Salad (no cheese) with fresh Pico De Gallo

Wednesday:  Spaghetti with Rice Pasta, Mixed Greens and Lemon Garlic Dressing

Thursday:  Salmon over Rice with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Friday:  Veggie Wraps with Hummus and Vegetables

Saturday:  Turkey Chili and Spinach Salad

Sunday:  Left overs

Day one is over and in the books.  Did pretty well.  A little nauseous at times but I know that is part of the detox.  Did you know that Sugar/Aspartame withdrawals are  very similar to detoxing from Illegal Drugs?  Scary, isn't it.   Follow me on this journey.  Who knows you just might want to join me in November.  If you have any questions about the product let me know.