US of A Citizen

For those of you don't know, I "officially" became a citizen of the United States of America on July 23, 2014. Many of you will find this humorous because I have lived here since 3 months old. Let me start from the very beginning so you can all hear the WHOLE STORY....Once upon a time ... I was adopted from South Korea when I was 3 months old. I came here and have lived ever since. Something happened with the adoption agency where they never informed my parents that they needed to submit naturalization paperwork. Years later, my brother going into the Army we found out that even though I have a SS#, passport, US birth certificate....etc. I was not "officially" considered a US Citizen but only a "permanent resident." Yes, this does still mean I'm able to work, go to school, blah blah blah. And yes I did ask if I was getting deported and they laughed and said No. ;)

Fast forward I received my confirmation letter in the mail that my certificate was ready to be picked up. We (as in my entire family, extended family, neighbors, grocery man...etc.- totally kidding about the last parts) came and watched as I officially was sworn in as a citizen of the United States. I have to say, even though the whole thing was pretty comical it was a cool experience seeing what happens when someone does actually become a citizen. I had to stand with my right hand up and take an oath to protect my country and a whole lot of other things and then VOILA I became a citizen. I hope you enjoy my collage of pictures as I was feeling quite patriotic at the moment ;)

Chocolate Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

I woke up Tuesday morning with the intention of cleansing, but I felt so guilty not using up the food in our fridge before we head out of town.  I HATE wasting food, and didn't want to let the food we had in there to go bad while we are away.  So, instead, I decided to make some protein pancakes to use up our "almost TOO ripe" banana, and some eggs!  They turned out pretty good, especially with some chunky peanut butter and honey to top them off!

Ingredients:

2 Eggs

1 Egg worth of whites (3 tbsp of "All Whites")

1/4 Cup oat flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)

1 Scoop vanilla protein powder (I used Vanilla Isalean, purchase at alexfanelli.isagenix.com)

1 Ripe banana

1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1-2 Tsp cinnamon

2 Tsp pure vanilla extract

Let's Cook!

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  I decided to use an extra egg and vanilla last minute, for more moisture and flavor (already included in ingredients ;-) ).

                   

2. Use a non-stick pan at medium heat (level 5 on my stove). Let heat up for a couple minutes.  Drop 1/4 cup servings of batter onto pan.  Let cook until small bubbles start to form on top, and edges solitify.  Flip, and let cook for 1-2 minutes or until cooked through.

3.  Add your favorite nut butter for additional protein, and honey for some natural sweetness.  Enjoy!!

**This recipe makes about 6, 1/4 cup pancakes.  

**Each pancake is about 85 calories with 6g of protein!

**Your additional toppings will change that calorie and protein count.

Manitou Springs- Incline

I recently went down to Manitou Springs (which is near Colorado Springs) with family and conquered, completed, almost died, wanted to cry climbed The Incline. If you have never heard of this place you must look it up NOW and go and visit. And if you feel like being a total BEAST climb up that darn thing and shout from the mountain tops. This is the 3rd time I have completed The Incline and you would think each time gets easier and easier, NOPE. For some reason this was probably the hardest of them all. My cousins were in town so we all packed in the car, with my brothers, and started our trek. I would be lying if cuss words weren't strolling through my brain, tears were wanting to come out of my eyes and whining became my "go-to." Clearly I would be the LAST person to ever be on a deserted island with, well unless it's a tropical island with an all inclusive resort. If that's the case, sign me up! ;)

Truthfully, this workout will push you beyond the limits. Will test every ounce of strength you have and in the end you will feel accomplished and ready to chow down on food. Unfortunately because I'm doing the whole30.com program eating delicious cookies, brownies and FroYo were not an option but chicken and cucumbers sufficed. The incline is almost 1 mile exactly and goes up 2,000 feet in elevation. When you reach the top you can choose to plummet to your death take those stairs back down the mountain or there's a 4 mile trail back to the start. We chose to take the trail as falling down a mountain of stairs didn't exactly sound appealing. I did meet an Olympic Athlete while hiking and may have freaked out for a moment. I have no idea who he is, what sports he competes in, or if he has ever actually been to the olympics. All I heard was that he trains at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and I instantly pegged him as a Celebrity. We asked for a picture and to this day will probably never actually know who he is. For all I know he could just be a random guy hiking the Incline ;) If you are wanting to challenge yourself definitely give this a try! Hurry though, because they will be closing it down for 4 months starting mid-August. If you go, PLEASE let me know how it went and I will air high-five you because you're a rock star.

*pic courtesy of wikimedia.org

Green Smoothies Galor!

These are a few of my favorite "green smoothies" that I like to blend up!  They aren't entirely filled with greens, but they are jam packed full of goodness and flavor!

Tips: 

I purchase my tropical fruit and berries frozen from Trader Joe's

I always have green tea steeping in a large mason jar in the fridge, my favorites are Celestial Seasonings honey lemon ginseng and Trader Joe's green tea.

"Want More Energy" is an energy supplement filled with vitamins A, C, B Complex, electrolytes and other nutrients. 

To order, visit: http://alexfanelli.isagenix.com

I suggest Fage total 0% Greek yogurt

If you freeze your bananas, be sure to peel them first.  This makes for an easier process when it's smoothie time!

Now let's blend!

Green Energy Smoothie

1 Cup pineapple
1/2 Banana
1 Cup kale, no stems
1/2 Cup vanilla almond milk
1 1/2 cup green tea
1 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Scoops orange "Want More Energy"

Pineapple Green Smoothie

1 Cup pineapple
1 Small green apple
1 Lime (Juice only)
1 Cup vanilla almond milk
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1/2 Cup green tea

Post Workout Green Smoothie

1/2 Cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Banana
1 Cup spinach
1 Cup kale
1/3 Cup pineapple
1/2 Cup green tea
2 Scoops orange "Want More Energy"

Birchbox

Ok ladies... get excited! I'm sure many of you have heard about subscription boxes?? They are the new craze right now where you pay a monthly subscription (anywhere from $10-expensive) and a box of items are sent to you directly. These items can be anything from beauty products, hair, nails, make up, clothes, DIY, kids stuff, crafts, home...etc. This site mysubscriptionaddiction.com gives you a list of all the different boxes and prices. I personally find some of the prices a bit too much to commit to each month but then I found Birchbox!! 

This subscription box is only $10/month!!! They send you the latest beauty samples and the box is different each month! You fill out an online profile that way your boxes are tailored to fit what you are looking for! I signed up towards the end of July and will receive my July box in the next couple days and my August box will ship out on the 10th! Once I receive my boxes I'll definitely be sharing on Instagram @ajlifestyleblog what I got!!! The women's box is $10/month and the men's box is $20/month. Make sure to check out their site: Birchbox to sign up and see what products they have to offer. They also have a store on their website where you can purchase items from there or also build up reward points and get credit towards items as well. I'm so excited to get my first box! Check back on Instagram for my goodies!

*Pictures from Birchbox.com

 

Norwex by Laurie

Have you heard about Norwex? I'm just learning about it from my friend Laurie, and I know those of you with small children, or looking for alternatives to chemical cleaners and personal products will love this company! Watch this, so cool!!

Norwex has a great mission: "improving quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in household and personal care products."

Every day we expose ourselves to toxins through our foods, our cleaning supplies, being out and about breathing in emissions, and our personal care products.  Supplementing standard products with a more natural option is a great step towards a healthy lifestyle.  

Here are some notable global changes that were listed on the Norwex website that were interesting to me, you may be interested too:

• In the last 50 years, the global production and use of manufactured chemicals has increased substantially. More than 80,000 new chemicals have been created.
• Indoor air pollution is one of the top five highest-ranking environmental health problems in America.
• Evidence shows homes have chemical levels up to 70 times higher than outside.
• Most of the chemicals that people are exposed to every day have never been assessed for their impact on human health.
• Parabens utilized in personal care for decades have been shown to have potential harmful effects.

-http://www.norwex.biz/pws/home2999999/tabs/our-purpose.aspx

In order to offer these products to you all, and to support my friend Laurie's business, I'm hosting an online catalog party.  Order August 1-30th and receive your products at your doorstep!

View products and place order at: www.laurierichter.norwex.biz
1. Click Shop Now
2. Add your items to the cart
3. Click Proceed to Checkout
4. Click Check out as guest
5. Click Yes, help me find my host and search for Alex Fanelli. When you get to the point, be sure to click the little box to select my name. Happy shopping!

For more info, contact Laurie at: lrider_richter@hotmail.com

F.U.E.L-Focused, Unlimited, Extraordinary, Life

Earlier this year I was feel incredibly "down" like I was having a quarter life crisis or something.  Silly I know, but I'm nearly 27 and I haven't started my career (or a family, which I thought I'd begin in my early 20's since that's how my parents did it).

Let's just say there's been a lot of self reflection and an attempt for growth in the last year!  I've realized that I am conquering a huge goal of progressing my education, and becoming a teacher.  I will end up with two incredible degrees that I should be proud of and not regret that time it's taken me to get here!! (BA in speech pathology & audiology w/minor in special ed, MA in elementary education…wahooo!!!).  I'm also realizing that my life will happen the way it should, not how it happened for my parents or how it's happening for my closest friends.  So I try my best to go through each day focusing on my goals and path ahead of me, and give thanks to what I have accomplished and who I have supporting me along the way. (Best family and boyfriend I could ask for!!)

I approached a good friend of mine about a journal she'd been using to help herself stay on track with goals, reflect on her blessings, and to focus on what she wants in life.  She kindly gifted me my own copy, and I've found it to be such an amazing tool.

My friend Christine, is friends of Trish Gibbons, the creator of this amazing journal.  It is called F.U.E.L - Focused-Unlimited-Extraordinary-Life 

This journal is set up to be used how you want to use it.  There are sections to record your goals, affirmations, bucket list items and so on.  But, the most important part (in my opinion) are the workbook/journal pages.  On these pages you can keep track of your intentions, record what you're grateful for, things that you want in your life, and more.  

My lovely journal, started January this year!

I found that when I was feeling exceptionally "down,"  I'd journal on a daily basis.  This was like self therapy/counseling, haha!  I was able to put everything into perspective, and see how attainable my goals are.  I felt like I was on track and more confidant about where I was in life.  Now that I'm feeling much more level, I don't use the journal every day, but only when I need it.  Of course when I do use it after skipping a few days or weeks, it feels so good to get my intentions and gratitude on paper again!

An unclear glimpse on the journal pages (visit Trish's FB page for detailed images!!)

I had the pleasure of meeting Trish at the salon (Christine does both of our hair :-) ) & though I still know hardly a thing about her, I do know she is a hardworking mom (like so many of you) who started this journal for her own well being, and learned that so many other people were looking for the same thing.  Congratulations on such a great accomplishment Trish!

**Christine and her business partner are opening a salon in a few months and are focusing on the F.U.E.L values and are promoting a positive atmosphere based on Trish's journal model!  Such an exciting time for everyone…more about FUEL salon & spa to come in a future post!!**

How to get connected with Trish, the F.U.E.L. journal, FUEL Salon & Spa and more:

www.FUELMyMindset.com

Purchase the journal on Amazon!

Follow fuelmindsetjournal on Facebook

Follow Fuel Salon on Facebook