Hi Friends,
Sorry I've been MIA for a day or two, I'm in Miami hanging out with good friends, making memories while bringing in the new year with style. 

I'm ready to tackle 2015 with a vengeance by focusing on my business more then ever. 

What's you New Years resolution??? I would love to know. 

Alrighty friends, enjoy the pics... I'm going to bed.

Beautiful welcome sign in Miami airport

Fun in the sun

Silly silly silly girl

Love this piece of art... It speaks to me 

Trying to keep it healthy in South Beach 

Peace & Love,
Mary 


Today's challenges is your own personal choice. I want you to pick your Evolve with Mary favorite challenges, that I've featured over the last 12 months, and complete them. Have fun with it and challenge yourself. 

Fitness Challenge 
I challenge you complete your favorite exercise, whatever it maybe, everyday over the next days 

Challenge Synopsis
Do your favorite exercise everyday over the next 7 days

Why Why Why
  • With New Years around the corner I didn't want to give you guys anything new
  • What's better than picking your own challenge???
Materials
Just yourself 

Directions
Complete your favorite exercise everyday this week
Try to stay in the range of 8-12 reps 3-4 sets
My favorite exercise was featured on 8/4/14
Standing Running Mans
I introduced them to all of you while vacationing in Costa Rica
Not only do they challenge my balance they also work my upper and lower body
I'm usually shaking by the end of my first set


Place all weight on the right side of your body. Lift your right leg hip height raising your left hand to an 90 degree angle pointed up, right hand in a 90 degree angle pointed down.  


**This is a advanced exercise! hold on to something sturdy when trying this

My Take
I love this exercise for many many reasons. There are no suddent movements that can be hard on tendons and joints, it challenges your balance and endurance. Last and certainly not least this exercise tones your lower body which is a must for any routine I complete. 

Nutrition Challenge
I challenge you to pick your favorite nutrition challenge and complete it this week

Challenge Synopsis

Complete your favorite nutrition challenge over the next 7 days

Why Why Why
  • With New Years around the corner I didn't want to give you guys anything new 
  • What's better than picking your own challenge

Materials
  • Whatever the challenge requires

Directions
My favorite nutrition was feature on 2/24/14
The drink more water challenge
at least 9-10 glasses everyday this week


My Take 
Water is a super drink in my book. When I drink the recommended amount of water my skin glows, I feel fuller longer and better about myself. This week I'm going to try to drink at least 9 glasses a day. Give me luck, I think I'm going to need it. 

Self Improvement Challenge 
I challenge you to pick your favorite self improvement challenge and complete it this week


Challenge Synopsis
Complete your favorite Self-Improvement challenge over the next 7 days 

Why Why Why
  • With New Years around the corner I didn't want to give you guys anything new 
  • What's better than picking your own challenge
Materials
Just yourself 

Directions
My favorite self-improvement challenge this year was feature on 8/25/14
The laughing challenge

I challenge you to laugh, play, and be more light hearted for the next 7 days 👻Life can be boring and tedious sometimes
👻Adding pleasurable, exciting, and enjoyable activities to your life makes you feel more accomplished and loved
👻The more you laugh the better you feel
👻Laughter is good for the soul
👻Laughter is an antidote to all your hard work

My Take
The way to my heart is through laughter. If you make me laugh I will can and will hold my attention. I'm also pretty silly and funny myself. There nothing better then a good chuckle after a long day. 

That's all I have for you guys today!
Peace & Love,
Mary 
  






Hi Friends

I spent the day looking for one last present, I wasn't successful in my search so it's a good thing that I have another day. No matter how hard I try or how many lists I make I always end up searching for the perfect gift on Christmas eve. Oh well, it is what it is, I really hope I can figure it out. 

I spent a lot of time making DIY gifts this year and I've shared most of the recipes with all of you. Today is the last recipe I'm sharing and it my favorite one. 

I made S'more kits with homemade marshmallows and graham crackers. I know it sounds like a lot of work but it really wasn't that bad at all. 

This years my marshmallows turned out light and fluffy, 1000% better then last year. I'm still mastering the graham cracker recipe, practice makes perfect and they just aren't perfect yet.

Both recipes found at www.americastestkitchen.com 

1-1/2 cups graham flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
5 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
Parchment paper 


Adjust oven rack to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 375 degrees
Process graham flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in food processor until combined
I used a mixer and it worked just fine

Add butter and process until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal

Add water, molasses and vanilla and process until dough comes together

Divide dough into quarters, working with 1 piece of dough at a time (keeping remaining pieces covered with plastic wrap) roll out dough between into 11 by 8-inch rectangle, 1/8 inch thick
none of my dough came out in a perfect rectangle so don't worry about being perfect

Bake crackers until golden brown and edges are firm, about 15 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking

Once cooked carefully use cookie cutter to cut crackers

Slide baked crackers onto wire rack and let cool completely 

Repeat with remaining pieces dough

Transfer cooled cracker to cutting board 

Graham crackers can be stored at room temperature in airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Makes 48 crackers




2/3-cup confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup cold water
2-1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
vegetable spray
food thermometer 
foil
Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray
Pour 1/2 cup cold water into bowl of stand mixer, fitted with whisk. Sprinkle gelatin over water. Let stand until gelatin becomes very firm, about 15 minutes


Combine corn syrup and remaining 1/2 cup of cold water in medium saucepan

Pour granulated sugar and salt into center of saucepan (do not let sugar hit pan sides) bring to boil over medium-high heat, and cook gently swirling saucepan until sugar has dissolved completely and mixture registers 240 degrees, 6 to 8 minutes 







Turn mixer speed to low and carefully pour hot syrup into gelatin mixture, avoiding whisk and bowl

Gradually increase speed to high and while until mixture is very thick and stiff, 10-12 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated about 15 seconds

Working very very very quickly
scrap mixture evenly into prepared pan using greased rubber spatula, smoothing top
Cover and let sit overnight or until firm at room temperature until firm

Lightly dust cutting board with 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar mixture and lightly coat chefs knife with oil spray. 

Turn marshmallow slab out onto cutting board Sift 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar mixer over slab

Cut into 1-inch-wide strips and then cut crosswise into 1-inch squares. 

Working with 3 or 4 marshmallows at a time, toss marshmallows in bowl with remaining confectioners sugar mixture, then toss in strainer to remove excess powder

Marshmallows can be stored at room temp in airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

Makes about 90 marshmallows

That's all I have for you guys today,
Peace & Love, 
Mary 

Hi Friends,


I'm in Washington DC with my family having a wonderful time. It's been raining all day and the forecast calls for snow on Christmas Day, I'm pretty excited about that. I can't wait to give everyone their presents, I feel like an elf.


I shipped 15 gifts off last Thursday. I packaged up all of my DIY goodies, gathered everyones address and headed to Fedex. I got my favorite employee who spent the next hour and a half double checking each address and making sure he got me the best rate possible. I've been getting calls and texts of appreciation all day. I'm so happy people appreciate the my handmade gifts, it warms my little crafty heart.

Today I'm sharing my almond brittle recipe. I've never been a fan of any kind of brittle. The fact that it's pure sugar freaks me out plus it always seems to get stuck in my teeth. The flavor and texture of this particular brittle is it's saving grace. 

I gave most of the brittle away in fears that I would eat every last shard. 

The recipe is very simple, easy enough for a beginner to complete then devour.


Recipe adapted from www.food52.com

food/candy Thermometer
1-1/2 cups roasted almonds
1 cup cane sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter or Earth 
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup corn syrup
Garnish with sea salt or cayenne pepper


Butter a cookie sheet and set aside 
Place nuts, sugar, syrup in a heavy sauce pan over medium-low heat 




Stir mixture making sure the sugar doesn't burn, use thermometer and wait until mixture is 300 F - it should take about 8-10 minutes
mixture will turn from sugar to liquid to a thick bubbly liquid


Once mixture reaches 300F quickly remove from stove add butter & baking soda 
*add cayenne pepper if you want a spicy brittle 
Pour mixture onto baking sheet
Garnish with sea salt and let cool

Use knife and mallet or meat hammer 

That's all today folks!
Peace & love,
Mary






Fitness Challenge


Elevate your squats


Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to complete Squat Holds with Arm Lifts 12 reps, 4 sets, everyday this week

Why Why Why
  • Squat holds is an isometric exercise 
  • Adding arm lifts to squat holds challenging balance, upper body, lower body, core and that booty
  • This exercise improves flexibility, strength, mobility and balance while building tendon and ligament strength
Material
Just yourself

Directions
Squat Holds with Arm Lifts
Complete 12 reps, 4 sets, everyday this week 


Start with feet slightly wider than hip width apart
Keeping chest high, eyes straight forward 
Move hips back and down into a comfortable but challenging squat 
*this exercise is advanced, if too advanced for you complete basic Squat holds or wall sits 
Squat down until hips and knees make a 90 degree angle, or wherever comfortable yet challenging 
If you feel any pain in your knees soften your stance
Once in squat hold this position
Extend hands straight out in front of you
Keeping chest up extend right hand down and touch outside of right foot, return hand to starting position
Extend left hand down and touch outside of left foot, return hand to starting position
Extend both arms down, up and down again
Stand up
That’s one rep 
*holding squat above a 90 degree angle will make this exercise easier
**if this exercise is too advanced for you start with wall sits

My Take
I’m in the air heading to DC right now, then it’s off to Miami & Delray New Years and a wedding. I going cardio crazy over the next 7 days along with multiple planks and abdominal exercises. These squat holds with arm lifts will help lift and shape my tootie fruity. Can’t wait to share the pics, I hope I’m able to pull off my bikinis because I didn’t bring a one piece.

Nutrition Challenge 

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge to exercise a little restraint around all of yummy Holiday goodies

Why Why Why
  • It’s the holiday season and it’s easy to get off track 
  • Exercising some restraint is hard but very rewarding both physically and mentally
  • Because I said so!
Materials
Some serious will power

Directions
Try exercising some restraint around your favorite calorie rich foods for the next 7 days

My Take
This challenge is a little different from all of my other ones. Why you ask... Because it’s the holiday season silly. Everyone has there favorite Holiday treat, I love sweet potato pies. No matter what you enjoy, sweet or savory, try exercising a little self control over the next 7 days. Make sure to indulge when needed, try keeping yourself to one cookie or one slice of ham. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. 

Self-Improvement Challenge

Challenge Synopsis

  • I challenge you to call or visit a friend, family member, anyone you have lost touch with over the next 7 days
  • NO TEXTING ALLOWED

Why Why Why
  • Texting is one of the main sources of communication and it can be very impersonal
  • By reaching out and actually having a conversation in person or over the phone you connect with that person on a deeper level
  • It’s the most wonderful time of the year… a surprise call or visit from you can brighten somebodies day
Materials
Just yourself

Directions
Make sure to call or visit someone special to you over the next 7 days

My Take
I haven’t talked to my former BFF in a couple of months. She did something that pissed me off so I created some distance between us, which of course effected the relationship. Even though I was disappointed in her actions I plan on calling her within the next 7 days. I’m hoping a simple phone conversation can rekindle a friendship. 

That’s all I have for you guys today!
Peace & Love,
Mary 
Happy Friday!

Today has been a strange day, my stomach is acting funny and I am extremely tired for no reason at all. Well maybe there is a reason, the boyfriend and I staid up until 3am, I promptly got up at 8:30am, had a killer workout and started the daunting task of cleaning my house. I think that's the source of my tummy ache and bad attitude. Oh well, this too shall pass.

I got an awesome response to the detox tea and hot chocolate mix which warms my little crafty heart. 

Next project....

Sugar Scrubs... All day all night

This year I made 3 different kinds of sugar scrubs

1 cup White sugar
1 cup Brown sugar
3 tbsp Nutmeg
3 tbsp All spice
3 tbsp Cinnamon
3 tbsp Ginger
1/2 melted Coconut oil
*Makes 4-5 1/2 pint mason jars

Combine ingredients with hands
I suggest using gloves to protect your manicure 
Add more coconut oil if needed 
Scrub should have a wet sand constancy
*add more sugar if too wet
*add more coconut oil if too dry 


2 cups White sugar
1 tbsp Red food coloring
2 tbsp Vitamin E oil
1/2 melted Coconut oil
2 tbsp Pepper essential oil
*Makes 4-5 1/2 pint mason jars

Combine ingredients with hands
I suggest using gloves to protect your manicure 
Add more coconut oil if needed 
Scrub should have a wet sand constancy
*add more sugar if too wet
*add more coconut oil if too dry 


2 cups White sugar
2 tbsp Vitamin E oil
1/2 cup melted Coconut oil
1-2 tbsp Almond essential oil 
*Makes 4-5 1/2 pint mason jars

Combine ingredients with hands
I suggest using gloves to protect your manicure 
Add more coconut oil if needed 
Scrub should have a wet sand constancy
*add more sugar if too wet
*add more coconut oil if too dry 

That's all today folks!!

Peace & love, 
Mary


Hi Friends!

I'm back in action and ready to attack. I successfully put together over 300 DIY Christmas presents. It was a huge undertaking but I pushed through and I'm thrilled with the outcome. Now I have the daunting task of handwriting holiday cards and shipping everything off by Friday. If I wasn't organized I wouldn't have been able to pull this off. Thank God for lists and my math skills, I did more math equations this week then I've done in years.

I made:
60 Mason Jar Cookies for Santa mix
60 Mason jar Hot Chocolate mix with homemade marshmallows
60 s'more kits with homemade graham crackers and marshmallows
60 mason jar herbal detox tea
60 peppermint, gingerbread, and almond sugar scrubs
30 bags of homemade almond brittle 

I can't believe I actually pulled everything off. 

Today I'm sharing the recipes to my detox tea and Hot Chocolate mix 

Both of these projects were made in mason jars for easy assembly. Make sure to layer your ingredients, it looks super cool when your done.



This herb tea is actually tasty, with a little honey 
 
I purchased all of my herbs from local Good Earth Store, you should be able to find everything at your local bulk herb store.

I also included 4 empty tea bags just to make it easier on peps

Place 2 tablespoon of each herb in a pint sized mason jar

Dandelion Root
  • Used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, muscle aches, eczema, bruises, increase urine production, laxative, skin toner, blood tonic, and digestive tonic 
  • Likely safe for most people when used in amounts commonly found in food 
  • Use caution if pregnant and or breast feeding 

Burdock Root
  • Used to increase urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, purify blood, treats colds, cancer, anorexia, nervosa, gastrointestinal complaints, joint pain, gout, bladder infections, complications of syphilis, acne, psoriasis, high blood pressure, hardening of arteries, liver disease and increased sex drive 
  • Safely used as a food in Asia
  • Use caution if pregnant and or breast feeding 

Orange Peel
  • Used to increase appetite, reduce phlegm, treats colds, coughs, intestinal gas, acid indigestion, and cancerous breast sores. Also used in treating kidney stones, high cholesterol, and preventing high blood pressure, prostate cancer, and stroke.
  • Safe for most adults
  • Use caution if pregnant and or breast feeding 
Hibiscus Flower
  • Used to treat loss of appetite, colds, heart, and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling, fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm, as a gentle laxative, and as a diuretic to increase urine output
  • Safe for most people, possible side effects are not known 
  • Unsafe to take during pregnancy and breast feeding 
Rose Hips
  • Used to prevent or treat colds, flu, and vitamin C deficiencies, stomach disorders, diarrhea, constipation, gallstones, gallbladder, ailments, lower urinary tract and kidney disorders, fluid retention, gout, back and leg pain, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss, high blood pressure, chest ailments, fever, increasing immune function during exhaustion, increase blood flow to the limbs, increasing urine flow and quenching thirst 

Milk Thistle Seed
  • Used for liver disorders, loss of appetite, heartburn, gallbladder complaints, diabetes, hangover, diseases of the spleen, prostate cancer, malaria, depression, uterine complaints, increasing breast milk flow, allergy symptoms, and starting menstrual flow
  • Milk thistle is likely safe for most adults, sometimes causes a laxative effect, less common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, intestinal gas, bloating, fullness or pain, and loss of appetite. Avoid use if pregnant and or breast feeding 
Cinnamon Stick
For taste 



1/2 cup non-fat powdered milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup raw cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Layer ingredients in the order listed above for visually effect and man does it look classy


That's all I have for you guys today 
Peace & love, Mary







Hi Friends, 
I've been super busy getting my DIY Christmas gifts in order. I staid up all night and finished everything. Designing & Printing labels and decorating hundreds of gift was taxing but it was worth it, everything looks great. 

That's only half of the table!!! 

I have lots of pictures, crafts and recipes to share.

Time for bed!
Peace & Love,
Mary




Fitness Challenge
Standing Side Crunches

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to complete 4 sets, 12 reps of Standing Side Crunches, each side

Why Why Why
  • You can get a serious abdominal workout while standing, you don't always have to lay down while targeting your abdominals
  • Standing side crunches challenge cardio endurance why toning obliques, lower - middle - and upper abs
Materials
Just yourself

Directions
Standing Side Crunches
Complete 4 sets, 12 reps each side


Start with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent
Right hand on head, left hand on left hip
Placing all weight on right side of body
Simultaneously lower left hand while lifting left leg around hip height
Elbow and knees should connect 
*If they do not connect that's ok
*Make sure to use abdominal strength to lift left
That's one rep

My Take
Christmas is almost here and I want to look GOOD! These standing leg crunches raises your heart rate, challenges your endurance, while working your obliques, upper and lower abdominals. What more could you ask for in one exercise?

Nutrition Challenge

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to eat and drink something green everyday this week

Why Why Why
  • Green foods are packed with vitamins, nutrients and are an important past of your diet
  • Green foods are rich in phytonutrients and have healing powers
  • Green foods can revitalize your health, they are lower in sugar, and packed with water and fibers
  • Green foods can help regulate blood sugars throughout the day
  • Green foods also 
Materials
  • Lots of green food like 
    • green smoothies
    • green juices
    • green apples
    • kale
    • spinach
    • swiss chard
    • celery
    • broccoli
    • green beans
    • peas
    • artichoke 
    • bell pepper
    • cucumbers
    • mint
    • zucchini
    • fresh herbs
    • greens
    • kiwi
    • avocado
    • seaweed
    • grapes
    • okra
Directions
Incorporate green foods into your daily diet
It's as easy as that
My Take
Your week should include lots of fresh green fruits and vegetables, as well as soups, smoothies, and juices. Get creative with it and try something new. 

Self Improvement Challenge



Challenge Synopsis
  • Complete random acts of kindness everyday this week
  • Do kind acts for random people, That's right... help out strangers
Why Why Why 
  • Research has proven doing good deeds for random people can make socially anxious people feel better
  • When you are kind to others you feel like a better person, more moral, optimistic, and positive
  • Random Acts of Kindness release a hormone called nitric oxide a "carido protective" hormone that protects your heart by lowering your blood pressure
  • Random Acts of Kindness motivates and inspires others to do good kind things for their fellow man

Materials
  • A kind heart
  • An open mind
  • A little extra time

Directions
  • Here are some examples of Random Acts of Kindness
    • Fill someones expired meter
    • Pay toll for the person behind you
    • Buy a coffee for someone you don't know
    • Get extra food and pass it out 
    • Complement a stranger
    • Pay buss fair for the person behind you 
    • Let people merge in traffic
    • Send a letter to a friend
    • Call everyone you know and tell them you love them
    • Give old clothes to the homeless or needy
    • Bring donuts to work
    • Let someone sit on a crowed buss or subway 


My Take
This is an old challenge but always a goodie. The holiday season tends to bring out the best in people, what a perfect time to help others. Have fun with this challenge, get creative and help make somebodies day. 

That's all today folks
Peace & Love,
Mary


Reference:
www.cooks.ndtv.com
www.tinybuddha.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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