Hola!!!

My Spanish is improving every day. We were supposed to pack up and leave tomorrow, but I was successful in convincing my boyfriend to stay an extra day. I do not want to leave paradise and he doesn't either.

I don't have any eventfully stories to share with all of you today. I went to the beach, brought some homemade jewelry in town, and commingled with some locals.

I just finished 'The Glitter Factory' by Pamela Skaist-Levy & Gela Nash-Taylor. The book is about 2 women who took $200 and turned it into Juicy Couture. Now I'm starting #girlboss. I wanted to read inspirational books on this vacation; so when I return to the states I'll be inspired to take this blog to the next level.


The waves ate me alive. There was sand everywhere. 
I rinsed of in the pool waterfall


That's all I have for you today folks. 
Peace and Love
Mary 






Wow!
So much to say...yesterday was crazy fun! 

I started my day out with some yoga. I was the only person that showed up to the class, so I had a private yoga lesson. The teacher was awesome, she centered me and put me into a meditative trance before we started, the class lasted 1 hour - 15 minutes and I enjoyed every second of it. I felt rejuvenated, clam, and ready to face the day.

I joined my boyfriend for a traditional Costa Rica breakfast which included fresh fruit, yogurt, homemade granola, black beans and rice, plantain, 2 fried eggs, 2 pieces of mild cheese and 2 tortilla. I made a few breakfast tacos and carbo loaded for the long day that lay ahead of me.

We decided to take the 10 minute walk into town to go on a 20 minute hike through the jungle to 3 waterfalls. 

I've been on many hikes, but none of them in the jungle. Wow! What an experience. I felt like Tarzan swinging from vines, scaling rocks, while creating my own path. I even found myself a walking stick to assure I wouldn't fall.

We made it to the first 2 waterfalls the 3rd one was just too much for me to get to. It was breath taking, I've never been to a waterfall before and it didn't disappoint. Local residents were scaling rocks and pulling off the most impressive dives I've ever seen. The water was refreshingly cold, which was necessary after that 20 minute hike, the jungle is humid, every piece of clothing I had on was soaked with sweat. 

As soon as we exited the jungle I purchased fresh coconut water, from a street vendor, he used a machete to cut it open and handed it to me with a straw instructing me to eat the pulp when I was finished sucking the sweet coconut  juice. 

When we got back into town we showered and treated ourselves to a couple massage. The massage was in a tent in the jungle, but close enough to the beach that we could still hear the waves crashing. By the time our massages were done I felt like I was in another yoga induced trance. We headed to dinner, then off to bed.

I'm not too sure what's on the agenda tomorrow, but whatever it is, I will keep you posted.




Peace & Love
Mary

Sent from my iPhone
Today I woke up in a dream, we have been in Costa Rica for the past 4 days and this, by far, has been the best day ever.

I love Traveling, but I love going on adventures more than anything. Yep, there is a serious difference between traveling and adventures, at least there is in my world. We travel a lot, pick a destination buy tickets, make reservations, and enjoy our trip. Then there are adventures where you explore, you only stay in one place a few days then on to the next one, exploring your new surroundings, staying in not so common places.

The trip has been as adventure.

We arrived in San Jose Costa Rica, and I'm not going to lie, it was kind of scary. We are in a 3rd world
Country, where they pretty much only speak Spanish. We rented a car and drove 2 hours to Jaco. I was told it would be full of night life and fun times, instead it was full of hookers and drugs. It was pretty dangerous, I didn't feel safe, but that's part of the adventure, you never know what your going to find. 

After staying in Jaco for a few days we ditch the place yesterday and drove 2 hours to Pantreansa, to catch a 1-1/2 hour ferry to next Prisca. From there we drove another 1-1/2 hours to Montazuma, through thick jungle and 10 miles of gravel road. 

GPS does not work well in this country so I had to relay on my iphone map and somehow got us to our destinations.

We are now enjoying Ylang Ylang yoga resort. It feels like something out of a movie! There are no TVs, you are forbidden to play music, all you can do is listen to the powerful waves hit the beach. I feel like I'm in heaven.

Our bungalow was $200 a day which includes breakfast and dinner!!!! The resort is situated on the beach, it feels like we found a hole in the matrix and we are going to enjoy every second of it.

That's all I have for you guys today. I'm heading to yoga class right now. Oh did I mention there are free yoga classes 2 times a day, one at 8:30 and one at 4:30. I can't wait to get my yoga on!!

I think we are renting atvs and checking out different beaches later on today. I'll keep you guys posted!!




PS: my body is still looking good. Thank good I worked for this trip, I don't have a 6 pack but I also don't have a belly, and that's all I really care about! 


Peace and love friends
Blessings
Mary 


Challenge Monday

Fitness challenge
I challenge you to complete Inchworms everyday this week

Challenge Synopsis
  • Inchworms are great for a warming up your entire body 
  • I'm not going to lie inchworms are hard, but they strengthen your entire body, that's worth a little pain
Why Why Why 
  • Inchworms target arms, chest, core, shoulders, lengthens leg muscles, stretches glute muscles (butt muscles), stretches hamstrings, and works your calves
  • Inchworms are a functional movement that allows multiple muscles to work together while strengthening and challenging your entire body
  • You don't need any equipment for this exercise it's all about body weight
Materials
  • Will power
  • Water
  • A little extra time
  • Disciple
  • Strong body
  • Strong mind

Directions
Inchworms 
Complete 12 reps everyday this week

Stand with feet slightly apart
Tighten your core, bending at the hips lower your upper body towards the floor

Place palms on ground in front of your feet and walk your hands away from your body until your heels raise and body is in a plank position, 


Hold in this position for 1-2 seconds

Keep body tight as you walk your feet towards your hands until you are back in a forward bend position 

That's one rep
To ramp up this exercise complete a push up when in plank position and a squat at the end of each rep

**Inchworm tips:
  • Focus on slow and controlled movements 
  • Try to keep you spine flat and your head-neck aligned during the entire exercise

My Take
I've been doing inchworms for the last few years, it gets my heart pumping while challenging my core. I like to use these bad boys to warm up my body, getting me ready for my killer workouts. After the first few inchworms I usually get pissed off and mad at myself because they are soooo hard, but well worth it. Try them out and tell me what you think.


Nutrition Challenge 
Eat more exotic fruit


Challenge Synopsis
  • I challenge you to eat more exotic fruit this week
  • Apples, bananas, and oranges don't count,
  • I'm talking about papaya, mangos, dragon fruit, goji berries, really anything tropical you can get your hands on 
Why why why 
Exotic/tropical fruit can be hard to find and costly, but the healthy benefits are worth the trouble
  • Scientists believe antioxidants in some tropics fruit can kill cancer cells
  • Avocados, mangos, papaya, and tropical berries are rich in Vitamins and nutrients and can prevent common birth defects
  • Coconut juice (the water from a fresh coconut) has the same electrolytic balance as human blood
  • To get the full benefits of these excotic fruits consume whole, nautral, organic, fruits. Not excotic infused fruit drinks, supplements, dried, concentrated, or chemical enhanced versions
Material 
Any exotic fruit you can get your hands on 

Directions
It's pretty simple - EAT MORE EXOTIC / TROPICAL FRUIT  

My Take 
I finally made it to Costa Rica and it's breathtakingly beautiful, more then I could have ever imagined. There are a few things that will guarantee my return to this Central American Paradise. Number one the fresh produce!

There are vegan, vegetarian, and seafood options everywhere. Yesterday I was out shoping in the town of Jaco when I stumbled upon a modernly decorated  restaurant with white walls and natural wood tables. I walked by the restaurant and didn't get 10 feet without deciding to turn around and look at their menu. I couldn't believe it was a naturally substainable vegan restaurant, that had some of the best fruit I've ever tasted. Mangos, papayas, star fruit, even the bananas tasted tropical, full of flavor and sinfully sweet. I had to inspire all of you to add more tropical/exotic fruit into your diet this week. I'm already full steam ahead on this challenge. 

Self Improvement challenge 
RELAX

Challenge Synopsis
  • This week I'm challenge you to really relax, take 15-30 minutes to yourself, turn off the tv, iPad, phone, and xbox
  • Dim the lights focus in your breath, try to clear your mind and truly relax.

Why Why Why
The benefits of actually disconnecting and relaxing has incredible and slightly unbelievable benefits
Deep relaxtion can:
  • Relieve stress
  • Relieve mental tension
  • Strengthen immune system 
  • Stimulate the body's natural healthily abilities
  • Can widen restricted respiratory passages
  • Can reduce the need for insulin in diabetics
  • Can ward off disease
  • Can lower Blood Pressure and Cholestrol levels
  • Can stimulate and improve the cardiovascular system
  • Can relieve chronic pain 
Materials
A little extra time

Directions
  • Carve out some extra time
  • *I suggest putting everyone to bed including your significant other
  • Find a comfy spot on the couch, bed, or floor
  • Dim the lights
  • Close your eyes and try to empty your mind by focusing on your breathing
  • Set an alarm to make sure you don't fall asleep
  • Stay like that for the next 15-30 minutes depending on your schedule 
  • *deep relaxation has life improving effects. Not watching tv "relaxing" or Instagram "relaxing" your brain and body  needs time to rest and recharge.

My take
I'm building a business on social media and it's very time consuming. Every second of my day is spent reading other blogs, researching for upcoming blog posts, instagraming, updating my website and social media profile. A lot of times my relaxing includes Instagram, but that's not really disconnecting. Ever since the tv challenge I was tv 75% less then I used to. Being in Costa Rica has inspired me to completely disconnect from everything and everyone while try to reconnect with my mind, body, and soul. This challenge is perfect for me this week. Besides all that: FRANKIE SAYS RELAX. 

peace and love friend!
Blessings
Mary 


I'm in Costa Rica and having the time of my life, soaking up the sun and the local fare. Today is the end of detox week and I'm pretty happy with all of my results. I feel fresh, rejuvenated, and super charged. 


We went over detox baths, smoothies, teas, today we are looking at pre-made detox products that you can purchase at your local grocer.
Suja is an awesome product, the juices are specially designed to cleanse your entire body and give it an added natural boost. 
3 day Juice Cleanse
Glow - Green apple, cucumbers, celery, collards, spinach, kale, spearmint
Fuel - Carrot, apple, pineapple, orange, lemon, turmeric
Purify - Carrot, apple, celery, cucumber, lemon, beet
Fiji - Apple, celery, cucumber, spinach, kale, collard greens, lemon, ginger
Green Supreme - Kale, green apple, lemon
Vanilla Cloud - Almond milk, coconut milk, vanilla bean, honey, filtered water

This product is based on solar nutrition. Solar nutritionist believes consuming foods certain times during the day enhances your health mentally, emotionally and physically
7 juices per day for 3 days straight
Sun Salutations, Tropic Powder, Citric Boost, Veggie Marius, Berry Merry, Green Clean, Funny Beets
You can get this detox/cleansing product at local pressed juicery cafes or by mail
They have a few different detox plans 
Go to there website and check it out
None of these products are cheap, that's why I usually always go the natural Do It Yourself route

 That's it guys! You successfully made it through detox week. I hope you tried a few recipes and continue to try them throughout the year. 

 That's all today folks
Enjoy your weekend!
Blessings,
Mary 


 Smoothie Detoxes are the most common natural detox that I know. I like to mess around with different fruits in my smoothies, different combinations effect the body in different ways. 

 Smoothies are delicious and pretty easy to make, they take more prep than detox waters and teas, but they are worth it. Check out these recipes and the benefits of each detox concoction below. 
*Try all recipes at your own risk

Lets get to Blending 


Mint Lime Detox Smoothie

1/2 of a lime, peeled
2 frozen bananas
Juice of 1 orange
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/2 cup coconut water
Blend and Enjoy

 Benefits of this detox smoothie

  • Can lower cholesterol naturally
  • Prevents formations of kidney stones
  • Has anti-aging properties
  • Prevents certain cancers
  • Naturally purifies blood

Blueberry Spinach Detox Smoothie
1 cup blueberries
1 cup spinach
1 banana
1 avocado
1 cucumber
Blend and Enjoy

 Benefits of this detox Smoothie
Pineapple Detox
1 cup cubed pineapples
1/2 cup spinach
1 inch nub fresh ginger
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp honey or agave nectar
1/4 cup coconut water
Blend and Enjoy


Benefits of this detox smoothie
Strengths internal organs
Helps detox and cleanse your body
High in natural sugars
Promotes healthy digestion system
Kale Baby
Handful of Kale
1 apple
1 cup coconut water
Blend and Enjoy

 Benefits of this detox smoothie
High in fiber, iron, vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, 
Good for cardiovascular support
Has natural anti-inflammatory properties
Berry Smoothie
1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries - blue berries, raspberries, blackberry mixture
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup water
1/8 cup rolled oats
Blend and Enjoy


Benefits of this detox smoothie
Full of antioxidants
Can prevent cancer
Can prevent heart disease
Has Anti-Inflammatory properties
Full of healthy fats

 This was a fun week. Tomorrow I'm sharing detox drinks that can be found at your local grocery store. Sometimes you don't have the time to purchase fresh ingredients. You can get some of the same result by purchasing detox juices. 

 Blessings,
Mary 
I like teas because they are easier to put together than smoothies, plus you don't need any extra equipment. Tea is warm and yummy especially if you put a lot of honey in it. I was pleasantly surprised with how tasty these detox teas were. 
Time to dig in
Natural  Liver Detox

2 tbs freshly minced ginger or powdered ginger
2 tbs freshly minced turmeric or powdered turmeric 
pinch of black pepper
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
1 tsp raw honey
1/4 cup almond milk, or any other nut milk
Boiling water
Fill mug 1/2 way with boiling water
Add turmeric and ginger
cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes
Stir in cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla, honey
Fill rest of mug with almond milk

Benefits of this detox tea
  • Treats ovarian cancer
  • Prevents colon cancer
  • Helps with morning sickness
  • Reduces pain and inflammatory issues
  • Helps prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms
  • Can relive migraines

Green Tea Detox

2 slices cucumber
1 slice lemon
1 tsp ground or freshly minced ginger
1 tsp ground or freshly minced turmeric
2 strawberries
1 tsp honey
1 green tea bag
Seep green tea for 3-5 minutes
Add cucumber, lemon, strawberries, honey and ice
Enjoy!
Benefits of this detox tea
  • Has fat burning properties 
  • Aids in digestion
  • Can alleviate headaches
  • Alleviates congestion



2 lemons
1/2 cucumbers
10-12 mint leaves
3 quarts filtered water
Add all ingredients to a pitcher and allow to brew overnight
Enjoy!

 Benefits of this detox water
  • Helps flush impurities out of body
  • Helps maintain a flat belly
2-3 slices of lemon
2-3 slices of orange
Place ingredient in mason jar 
Fill with water
Allow to seep for at least 1 hour

 Benefits of this detox water
  • Aids in digestion
  • High in vitamin C
  • Protects immune system
  • Can alleviate heartburn
Cucumber Citrus Detox

3-5 Slices cucumbers
2-3 Slices of limes
2-3 Slices of lemons
2-3 Slices of grapefruit
Add all ingredients to mason jar
Allow to seep for at least 1 hour before drinking


Benefits of detox water
  • Helps with weight management
  • Aids in digestion 
  • Helps bloating
  • Hydrates the body

 That's it guys!
Enjoy these yummy recipes and your detox week.
Notice I'm not giving you any crazy instructions about fasting or only consuming these detoxes. Since we are naturally  riding our body of impurities there is no reason fast or stop eating. I would suggest consuming a clean diet consisting of lots of water, salads, raw fruit, raw veggies, and lean protein. I would stay away from carbs or anything else that makes your body work to digest it. 

 Tomorrow is Smoothie Detox Day!
Blessings,
Mary 
It's Detox Week
We are starting with detox baths because I like soaking my toxins away. I workout a lot and my body is always sore, I've been using epson salt to relive my aches and pains for the last few years, that's what got me thinking about bath detoxes. The recipes below naturally rids your body of toxins. 


 Detox Bath Tips
  • Hot water opens up pores of the skin and will make you sweat
  • Keep a towel handy to wipe off excess sweat
  • Do not soak for longer than 30 minutes
  • Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your bath
  • Your body might continue to sweat after your bath
  • Don't be surprised if you keep sweating after your bath
  • Detox Baths are very relaxing make sure not to fall asleep in the tub
  • Detox baths help remove toxins from the body while allowing you to relax in a nice hot bath
  • Detox baths have been around since Shakespeare times
  • Detox bath encourages the body to efficiently flush out toxins
Salt Detox Bath

1/4 cup sea salt
1/4 cup epson salt
1/4 cup baking soda
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

Dissolve salt, epson salt, and baking soda in 2 cups boiling water

Store in quart sized jar while you fill the tub with hot water
Add apple cider vinegar and salt mixture
Soak up to 30 minutes

I found this recipe on www.wellnessmama.com

 Benefits of this Detox Bath
  • Good for irritated skin
  • Boosts magnesium levels
  • Relaxes the nervous system
  • Soothes aching muscles
  • Aids in muscles strain
  • Helps cold and sinus congestion
  • Reduces inflammation 
  • Relieves cramps
  • Helps circulatory system
Oxygen Detox Baths
2 cups (or more) Hydrogen Peroxide
1 tbsp fresh ginger minced

Add peroxide and ginger to a hot tub

Soak up to 30 minutes


Benefits of this detox bath
  • Helps clear congestion
  • Alleviates body aches
  • Good for allergy relief
  • Improves skin
  • Helps with cold and flu symptoms
Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Detox
Add 1-2 cups of pure apple cider vinegar to a hot bath
Soak up to 30 minutes

 Benefits of this detox bath
  • Good for arthritis
  • Can alleviate gout
  • Aids Inflammatory issues
**I am not a physician, try all detoxes at your own risk. If you feel lightheaded get out of the bath immediately. 

 Tomorrow I'm sharing some tea recipes.

 That's all folks
Blessings,
Mary 

References:
www.healthylivinghowto.com
www.examiner.com
www.mindbodygreen.com


Fitness challenge
I challenge you to complete my 
360 plank exercise everyday this week

 Challenge Synopsis

  • Planks are hard and they target your entire body 
  • You will complete planks, side plans, and kneeling planks in this one simple exercise
Why Why Why Why

  • Planks strengths shoulders, chest, abdominals, glutes, quads, and endurance, it pretty much targets your entire body
  • Planks keep my stomach tight and flat, need I say more?
Materials

  • Will power
  • Water
  • A little extra time
  • Disciple
  • Strong body
  • Strong mind
Directions
Complete my 360 planks 
5 times a day everyday this week
Start on elbow or hands positioned directly under your shoulders, balancing on your toes shoulder width apart,
Hold in plank position for 10 seconds
Rotate to the left, lifting your left hand towards the sky stacking your feet, 
Once you find your balance hold side plank for 10 seconds
Rotate to the right, lifting your right hand towards the sky stacking your feet
Once you find your balance hold side plank for 10 seconds


Bring arms down, make sure they are still under your shoulders
Bring both knees in and out, complete 10 reps
Hold in plank positon for 10 seconds
Done!

My take
I love planks and being this close to my beach vacation I'm pulling out the big guns. I've been doing this plank exercise for the past year and it works. What else is there to say about this awesome results driven exercise. 
Nutrition Challenge
It's detox week

 Challenge Synopsis

  • I challenge you to participate in my detox week
  • I'm leaving for Costa Rica in a few days and I'm ready to knock out the extra toxins inside my body
  • I want to glow from the inside and out 
  • There will be no crazy sickly detoxes on this blog, I'm not going to starve you or put your health in danger
  • We are going to naturally detox our bodies slowly and safely 
Why why why

  • Why detox
    • Long night
    • Long week
    • Jump start for diet 
    • Realign your body, mind, and spirit
    • Getting your body ready for the beach 
    • Improve skin, hair, and nails
  • Detoxing can boost your energy, rid the body of excess waste, strengthen your immune system, and help jump start weight loss
Material

  • Detox recipes - I will be featuring recipes on this blog all week
  • On open mind
  • Willpower and disciple 
Directions

  • Different ways to naturally detox
    • Smoothies
    • Drinks
    • Baths
    • Tea
My take
I like the idea of detoxing my body, but detox has become a four letter word in the healthy and wellness community. There are too many dangerous detoxes to count. Good thing I won't be featuring any of those on this blog. We are going to naturally detox our bodies over the next 7 days. Are you with me?
Self Improvement Challenge 
I challenge you to create a new, positive, habit

 Challenge Synopsis

  • We all have habits, good ones, bad ones, and terrible ones
  • This week I challenge you to create a new positive habit, one that will help you become a better person

Why Why Why

  • Most successful people have successful habits, they create and maintain religiously, like exercising everyday, or eating healthy
  • Self improvement doesn't come over night, you must adopt disciple to improve your life
  • Habits = disciple = success

Materials

  • Open mind
  • Patience
  • 21 days
Directions

  • Scientific research proves it takes 21 days to change a habit
  • Write down a few "good" habits you would like to adopt
    • For example:
      • Drinking 3-4 cups of water a day
      • Eating fruit and vegetables daily
      • Getting up early
      • Exercising daily
      • Cooking 
      • Saving money
      • Positive thinking
  • Take it one day at a time and slowly change your current routine to reflect your desired outcome and stick with it for at least 21 days


 My Take
I had a horrible habit of eating at McDonald's everyday. The drive thru was on my way home from work, and I love french fries, enough said. When I made the decision to change my life and become healthier I knew I was going to have to cut back on my McDonalds visits. Since I was going 7 days a week I challenged myself to indulge only 5 days a week, once I was used to that I went down to 3 days a week, then 1 day a week. It took about a month for 0 days to actually kick in and I hated it, it was hard, I actually cried when I passed McDonald's for the frist few weeks. It took a while but I successfully changed my McDonald's habit, and I haven't been to through a drive thru in over 6 years. It was hard, but it helped me become a better person. Take this challenge seriously and change something in your life for the better.

 That's all today folks!
Blessings,
Mary 

 References:
www.huffingtonpost.com
www.99u.com

About

My name is Mary! I was obese for most of my life, around 7 years ago I decided to take control of my life and successfully lost over 150 pounds. But that's just the beginning of my journey. Join me as I evolve into the person I was born to become. I love to cook, craft, read, and make people smile. I'm happy you've stumbled on by. Let’s Evolve Together.

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