Starting a Keto Diet

Hey Guys!
   Well, it has been no secret I have struggled with my weight for a long, long, long time! Since having my whole Thyroid removed it has been more difficult. Of course there is that pesky FOOD ADDICTION. But that is a whole different Blog!

So....KETO DIET

What is a Keto Diet? Keto is basically a Low Carb/Low Sugar and High Fat Diet. Instead of your body running off of Carbs, It runs off of the Fat. Or from what I can understand of it.

Now I am in the beginning stages of this and I am no expert what so ever!

What not to eat?

• Fruit
• Potatoes
• Pasta
• Soda
• Juice
• Chocolate
• Bread
• Beer
• Rice 
• Candy
• Some Veggies
• Sugar

What can I eat?

• Eggs
• Cheese
• some Veggies
• Meat
• Nuts
• Healthy Fats

Here is a more detailed list of the foods you CAN HAVE:

• Bacon
• Beef
• Chicken
• Chops
• Ham
• Hamburger
• Pork
• Pork Rinds
• Sausage
• Steak
• Lobster
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Mayo
• Dressing
• Eggs
• Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Unsweet Tea
• Green Tea
• Water
• Almonds
• Brazil Nuts
• Peanuts
• Peanut Butter
• Almond Butter
• Walnuts
• Butter
• Cheese
• Cream
• Cream Cheese
• Sour Cream
• String Cheese
• Yogurt
• Celery
• Green Beans
• Lettuce
• Squash
• Kale
• Bell Peppers
• Cucumbers

If you would like more information Check out the link below:
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb#advice

So while I go on this Keto Trip...I will be vlogging and we will see how it works for me! Don't forget to check out my Youtube Channel and subscribe for my vlogs!
https://www.youtube.com/user/JamieMadroxsgirl

Catherines Plus Size

So in the Plus Size Fashion world more options are becoming available for us "BBW", "Plus Size" or "Chubby Girls". Now in the Town I live in there are pretty much 3 choices:

1. Torrid-pretty much the Younger crowd and younger fashion
2. Lane Bryant-In the middle. Let's call this the Adult Store
3. Catherines-Let's be honest, everyone knows this has the Older Store.

Well, with the Holiday time approaching..You guessed it, HOLIDAY PARTIES! Well, I don't have one single Christmas or Holiday outfit in my closet. So, my Mom and I went to Catherines. Every now and then you can find little jewels!

So, Long story short. I tried on some clothes for the Manager of the Store. (If you want the full Story Check out my Video at the bottom of this Blog)

Turns out Catherines has been doing some work! They have a new line in their stores "The Curvy Collection". Yes! It is for us Plus Size Women who love to show off our curves and body! Now you do have to wear their Shape Wear for these clothes because they hug your curves. Which lets be honest, who doesn't wear some sort of Shape Wear!

 Here is the First outfit I tried:

Top: Curvy Collection Sweatheart Top $54-$60

Skirt: Curvy Collection Statuesque Bodycon $54-$60



This top fit me like a glove and was so comfy! It's pretty much like a Pendulum Top.The skirt is so nice! If you have hips like me, you never wear Skirts..But this one looks great on people that have those "Child Bearing Hips!"

Second Outfit:

Top: Curvy Collection Starlet $54-$60

Skirt: Curvy Collection Statuesque Bodycon

Hands down everyone loved this top and outfit. The top is very soft, comfortable, and moves with your body great!

Another Top that I just loved was this one that I got. It isn't part of the Curvy Collection. But, it was such my style I just had to get it!

Top: Graceful Duet Sweater
$59-$64 





Now If you are anything like me, when I am shopping for Clothes in a Plus Size Store. I want to see Models who are my size. Not a 12 or 14. Yes, those models are beautiful! But clothes are not going to look the same on a 14 size body as it would a 28 size body! 

Thank You Catherines for having this Curvy Collection and appealing to the younger demographic! I can't wait to see what you come out with next!!

If you would like to check out Catherines here is their Website:
http://catherines.lanebryant.com/

Also, here is my Youtube Video I did

 

ELF Cosmetics Everyday Lash Review

Hey Rockers! Today I am reviewing the ELF Cosmetic Everyday Lash Set. This set comes with 2 Lash sets in it (One a full band and the other a half band), Lash Glue and Tweezers. 

Now, I have never tried Lashes before so this is my first time. And I have to say that i am pretty pleased with these lashes! They are super light weight and  you don't even feel like you are wearing any lashes. If you want a great first time lash experience def go and pick these up! 

Now, not everything is great in this set. They only thing I don't like is the Lash Glue! Ugh, talk about horrible! It has a pull of cap with a wand on the end...not really great for applying the glue on the lash band. Plus, it is clear you so can't really see where you are applying the glue! Also, it doesn't have much staying power as I would like.

If you want a great Lash Glue check out the brand Kiss. I got the one with Aloe in it, it is more soothing for your eyes and it is Contact Lens safe. It says that it is clear but it is white, which is great for applying on the band of the lash cause you can see where you are putting the glue and how much.

 Kiss also lashes too, and I can't wait to try these out!

 





So all in all. I love the ELF Everyday Lashes just not that excited about the Lash Glue that comes with it. If you wanna see my full review check out my Youtube Channel...Video Below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrHRElItZGM

 

Estee Edit VoxBox Review

*I received the Estee Edit Box complementary from Estee Lauder for Testing and Reviewing*

I have never tried any kind of Estee Lauder product before so I was excited to receive and try out this new line from Estee Lauder! 

The Estee Edit is a new line out that you can only get at Sephora. It is basically a line that is all about Natural Beauty and keeping your skin Hydrating and Moisturizing for the summer time. Below are the products I received and my little Review.


Pore Vanishing Stick  $28

Pore Vanishing Stick

    


This was by far my favorite Item out of the ones that I received. This is a Primer that does what a primer should do! It takes out fine lines, pores and has a blurring effect. I like to apply it in my TZone area and then put my moisturizer or Foundation on. My Skin has never looked more perfect! Def going to be purchasing!






Beam Team $42

Beam Team

This is a Hydrating Moisturizer with a cream highlight. It is good for all skin types. Great for a Natural Glow and a No make up kind of look. Instead of a Foundation you can just wear this for a light feel. You can also pair this with the Pore Vanishing Stick for a soft matte look.

Flash Illuminator

Flash Illuminator $28

This was probably my least favor thing. Maybe because they sent the darkest shade...and as you can see. I am pretty white! LOL 
They have 5 Different shades ranging from White to Peach to the Golden Bronze color. I used mine as my contour. It worked alright, it was a little bit difficult to blend but nothing a little bit of work couldn't handle. You can use by itself or add a bit to your foundation for a little glow.



  

The Barrest Lipstick $22

I am usually a Matte Lipstick kind of girl. But I really did enjoy this lipstick. They have 6 different Shades. It is a Soft, Sheen Lipstick. It does have a faint Rose Scent. It has petal waxes of Rose, Jasmine and Lavender to help moisturize your lips. I received the Darkest color. Since it is sheer you can put it on lightly or build up the color.
 

Peach Dumplings

So, I found this recipe on www.thepioneerwoman.com . Originally it was Apple Dumplings, which are very yummy. But these Peach Dumplings are the Bomb!

Before you put it in the oven

Here is what you will need

2 Cans of Crescent Rolls
1 Bag of Frozen Peaches
1 1/2 Stick of Butter
1 1/4 Cup of Sugar
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla
1 Can of Mt. Dew or Sprite
Cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
2. In a Sauce Pan, on Low, melt Butter.
3. With the Butter Wrapper, Rub excess butter on bottom and sides of Casserole Dish.
4. Add Sugar and Vanilla to Melted Butter. Stir Occasionally.
5. Take Crescent Rolls and roll 1-2 Frozen Peaches in each Crescent Roll. Place in Casserole Dish.
6. Pour Butter/Sugar mixture over Crescent rolls.
7. Take Soda and pour around the Edges and in between Crescent rolls.
8. Sprinkle with Cinnamon.
9. Bake for 40 Min.

Best if served with Vanilla Ice Cream, of Course! Enjoy!

Finished Product!

Chicken Ranch Tacos....

I found this recipe on Pinterest and I tried it and I have loved it since! This is a yummy dish that you can serve in a taco shell, over rice with veggies or with Mash potatoes. Plus it is healthy!
I hope you enjoy it! If  you try it please leave a comment and let me know!

The stars of the show!

Place your chicken breast in the crock pot

Sprinkle Taco seasoning over chicken breast

Sprinkle Ranch Seasoning over Chicken

Pour enough Chicken Broth to cover the chicken

Place lid on Crock pot and don't open it up!

Cook on Low

for 6, yes 6 Hours! You can do it!

After 6 long hours, this is what you have

Shred the chicken..It's so tender you don't even need a fork!

Yum!

Warm up some Taco Shells

Make your tacos!

Enjoy!

 

 

Chicken Ranch Taco's
2-3 Thawed Chicken Breast
1 Package of Taco Seasoning
1 Package of Ranch Seasoning
2 Cups of Chicken Broth

1. Place Chicken in the Crock Pot
2. Sprinkle Taco seasoning over chicken
3. Sprinkle Ranch Seasoning over chicken
4. Pour Chicken Broth enough to cover all of the chicken
5. Cook on Low for 6 Hours
6. After 6 hours, shred chicken
7. Warm up some Taco shells and Enjoy!

Thyroid Issues

    So most of my family and friends know that I have a Thyroid Issue going on. This has probably been something I have had over time and it has gotten worse and worse. I didn't really know about it until a couple of years ago when I got a blood test, and my Thyroid Levels were crazy!
    Then I had some sort of Scan done on my body and it showed that I had 2 masses on my Thyroid. So I had to start having Biopsy done on my Thyroid every 6 months. Let me tell you, having needles stuck into your neck is surely not a fun way to spend an afternoon. Usually i have to get stuck 10 times in my neck. The last Biopsy I had came back suspicious for Cancer. So I am waiting to have surgery to get my entire Thyroid removed and see if it is Cancer and then see what my next option is.
    I just kind of want to let people know how I feel and what I have to go through with having Thyroid Issues. I have always had weight issues since I hit puberty. It doesn't help that I take after my Dad's side of the family, who are all "Big Boned People". Yes, I know I am extremely over weight. What people don't see or understand is that...I don't eat a lot. What I do eat is pretty much healthy stuff. I can eat Chicken, fruit and veggies, drink a ton of water and workout everyday. I will still end up gaining weight and not losing. 
   I wish people would give me the benefit of the doubt and be like.."Maybe there is a reason why this Overweight person, is overweight." People think it's so easy to just diet and exercise and lose weight. My family (Mom and sister) see me struggle with this for years now and they can't even understand it. I just hate the perception that people have of me. Thinking that I am just a fat slob of a person that doesn't do anything. It doesn't help that I am tired all the time from the Thyroid Issues.
   Sometimes you just need to put yourself in that person's shoes and realize that not everything is quite as easy for you as it would be for another person and we don't know what people have going on or what people have to go through. I can't tell you how many times I have cried and cried because of my weight and it's like no matter what I do...It doesn't matter. It is so frustrating to want your body to do something and it says Nope, we are not going to be doing that any time soon. 
   All I can hope is that I get to have my surgery soon to get my Thyroid removed and maybe then it will be easier for me to lose my weight.
   Just remember to be kind to one another and try to understand what everyone goes through. Just cause someone looks a certain way doesn't mean that they wanna be that way.