God's Work on Earth

Have you ever had a life experience that stops you dead in your tracks and you know at that very moment, regardless of how bad or good, you know it is a game changer?

My family recently spent 7 days at Mayo Hospital as we went through the agonizing decision making process of taking my Grandma Ceil off life support.

 

This was the best and worst 7 days of my life.

 

It is clear why it was the worst...

I had to say goodbye to the strongest willed lady I will ever meet, watch my fathers heart break, my uncles, aunt & cousins mourn, and my Grandpa slowly say goodbye to his soulmate.

How could that possibly be any of the best days of your life? 

Because in those 7 days, I got to have 4 hours in the car with my dad each of the 6 days we made the drive, telling stories, giving advice, and talking about all things life. I got to talk to my family about the Lord, hold their hands and pray. I got to help & give back to my family in their biggest time of need, and I got to know and love my Grandpa more than I ever thought possible. I got to watch my family, who rarely agrees, make decisions together. I got to see 4 tough guys showing love and support to one another. I got to stand by the sides of my family members while we cried, laughed and everything in between.

I got to see a real life fairytale of unconditional love that took your breath away. From the very first day we were there, my grandpa carried around her bag with all the documents he might need, and a little notebook of all important phone numbers she made for him {even coupons she cut for him with the expiration dates written larger for him to see}... and most importantly his Bible. He cried tears of joy when he heard the surgery was a success. He talked about her non-stop, what she would've liked to eat, what she would've said if she saw us feeding him loads of sugar & sweets, how beautiful she was, what a strong woman she was, what a great mother she was, how proud of her he was. He sat at her bedside each and every day singing to her, reading her Bible verses, talking to her, rubbing her feet and holding her hand. Although she couldn't respond, he never stopped. The moment we pulled support, he didn't move his hand from her head the entire 4 hours. He sat there telling her how much he loved her, touching her beautiful hair, giving her permission to go be with the Lord. He didn't move a muscle. While he was holding his sweet wife while she took her last breaths, he made sure everyone who was having a hard time had a hand placed on them for comfort... he was still looking out for everyone else.

I got to meet real life angels that were her nurses... I mean these were not just nurses, they were so much more. They held our hands and prayed with us, they gave hugs that warmed your heart, they were so patient, kind, and loving. They answered the phone and talked you through anything you needed at anytime day or night. One special nurse {super Joe, as my dad liked to call him}, even came in on his day off to be with us as she passed. They were BY CHOICE, doing God's work here on earth.

It makes my heart happy to know that she was in the BEST place possible for the last days of her life, and that I can take my Grandpa to the Mayo chapel in days and years to come and have it be a place we can celebrate her life, rather than a place we would never want to return.  And so proud that my family has a bond that has proven it can't be broken.

We cannot thank the staff at Mayo enough for being by our sides and such an amazing support through this last week. You're all angels here on earth.

Adventures in Hair

My poor hair. It has sure been through a LOT over the years. I developed a little OCD in relation to my hair at a very young age. I would spend HOURS getting my bangs {no, not the cute side swept bangs, the curly puffy ones} just PERFECT before I'd leave the house for school... in kindergarten. I'd obviously throw a fit if they weren't just right. Or how about when I was obsessed with slicking my hair back into a perfectly smooth ponytail, if there was one little bump... crisis mode. My poor mom.

When I found out that you could color your hair the OCD even got worse. No one could EVER do it right (or so I thought). In middle school I took things into my own hands and experimented with box colors. This was not a good idea. I have fond memories of my mom yelling at me and my self-proclaimed {now real life} beauty professional friend Rose, for spilling bleach on the carpet or not cleaning up the hair on the floor from her do-it-yourself haircut in my bedroom... I wish now that my mom yelled at me for how hideous my hair looked. My poor hair, my poor mom.

I also went through a phase of despising my naturally wavy/curly-ish hair, and decided to try an at home leave in straightner (made for African-American hair) {we laugh now}. Well let's just say this led to one of the most traumatic nights of my life. I'll never forget the feeling of my hair literally burning off and falling out of my head in HUGE clumps as I laid over the tub screaming and crying trying to get it out. My dear friend Lauren was by my side trying to be positive telling me it was going to be fine, as her and my mom washed clumps of my hair out. I knew my mom was in panic mode, and trying her best not to let me know she was freaking out. I was convinced I was going to get up from lying over the tub and be bald. My poor hair, my poor mom. Luckily it was only HORRIBLY damaged, and I still had some hair on my head. It however has taken my hair angel Jena and I over 10 years to fix (more on this later).

Like most "love at first sight" stories, my lovely husband has his first image of me burned in his head as "the girl in class who had stripes in her hair"... I went through the extreme contrast phase of bright blonde and dark underneath... then to all dark (horrible), I FINALLY hit rock bottom. It was then, in my freshman year of college that I started to build my relationship with my hair angel, and now dearest friend, Jena.

Jena has been doing my hair since then, and I wouldn't trust anyone else to do it! Best part is she works at Fantastic Sam's so it is SUPER affordable!! {if you're ever in the Blaine, MN area get in with Jena, you'll be hooked!}. She understands my OCD and kindly accepts when I decline her sweet, yet STRONG suggestion that I need a "trim"... and she's also not afraid to let me know I've been neglecting my eyebrows... but that's another story.

My hair angel has the color part under control for me now, unfortunately she can't style it everyday for me. Over the years I've found some AMAZING products that I can't live without.

 

 

 

 

Orbie Texturizing Spray: THE BEST product ever! It helps give my limp, lifeless, thin hair some volume! It can also be used as a dry shampoo. I usually spray on to my dry hair before styling and it helps hold the style for a long time! Best part is it smells AMAZING! Unfortunately not many places in MN sell this product, I either get it online or at POSH salon on Grand Ave in St. Paul.. it isn't cheap, but a little goes a long way.

Alterna Caviar Volume Hairspray: This is the best hairspray! It is so lightweight yet it actually holds a style. It isn't sticky, and leaves your hair touchable! I've seen this line at ULTA, but not the hairspray. Jena gets this for me, I'm sure it can be ordered online as well! {I also use their shampoo and conditioner}

It's a 10 Leave in Conditioner: This was a gift from Jena, they sell it at Fantastic Sam's, it's a leave in conditioner that smells AMAZING and leaves your hair soooo silky smooth!

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play: I'm all about ratting my hair to get some volume, and let me tell you this product is my lifesaver. It holds a good back-combing for DAYS! It's a texturizing powder. I've seen this at many places, ULTA, salons, etc.

I got to see my little hair angel today! Thanks for the AMAZING work, as always!



Fitness Fashion by Allison Mae B.

Hi Sarah's friends and followers! Sarah let me stop by today to chat about fitness fashion! I'm so excited to be here!

First, let's take a moment to oogle at Sarah a second. What a babe! And, she's a fitness coach! I don't know about you, but pretty sure she is the kind of motivation I like staring at me while working out.

Oh - and have you SEEN her wedding? Her husbands a stud, which helps... but her wedding was BEAUTIFUL. And, all DIY! So impressive. Together, let's pester her so she posts about her DIY's in the wedding? Ok?

So, fitness fashion! This was so fun. While I still have a ways to go in my fitness routine, I know I want to look good and feel confident when I work out. Sounds silly, but it's true. If you look and feel frumpy, you won't give it your all. So, I've searched the web and found some of the latest and greatest pieces to add to your fitness wardrobe!

Let's start from the bottom... the kicks. The swoosh has a special place in my heart.

I'm loving these from Nike.

Image found on Maria's blog.

A comfy, quality pair of shoes are essential... not only to a killer workout but for your confidence as well.

We've all heard of Lulu Lemon. Controversy aside, fitness pros are still loving their products.

The lovely Meg Biram swears by these LuLuLemon Wunder Under Pants. (It's ok... I giggled too.)

Another company that's all the range with bloggers - Albion Fit.

I'm loving this mesh top originally found on the darling Emily.

I'm also LOVING their signature hoodie in heather gray.

Did you know, models create blogs to get their name out there?! How do I know... this darling girl in the photo is also a fellow blogger... find her HERE.

But, don't fret! If you don't want to spend a mini fortune on these high end pieces... I've got you.

Maria encourages us to try Marshalls! Yes, Marshalls! She found this great sports bra and hoodie there!

I am loving THIS LIST Chelsea made on her blog. I totally need to pick up one of these the next time I am at my home away from home... aka Target.

Find it HERE.

For ALL things fashion I head to my girl Kimberly over at Penny Pincher Fashion. She did not disappoint. Check out her ensamble... it's ALL FROM OLD NAVY! I've mentioned it before and I will say it again, Old Navy is having a moment. They are not about extra large sizes and flag t-shirts anymore! They are worth a look, promise!

Oh, and if you haven't noticed yet, THE color this year for fitness... PINK!

A huge thank you to Sarah for letting me stop by today! Ladies, I am telling you, we have A LOT to learn from her. I am so excited to follow along in her new journey.

I will be over on my small piece of the web at AllisonMaeB. You'll find everything from daily musings, book/restaurant reviews and gift ideas. You'll find my mom and I have a small company here in the Twin Cities called The Personal Concierge. We do everything from party and event planning, pet sitting and personal shopping! So, all you ladies working on your fitness... we can help stock your kitchen with all the healthy food. Imagine, an early evening workout, sporting the adorable outfit above, with the amazing Sarah and coming home to a stocked fridge! I can see it now. :-)

Thanks again, Sarah!

Cheers to looking and feeling fabulous,

Allison

Do you have 21 days??

Enough with the excuses... give me 21 days of ALL you got, 30 mins a day!

Beachbody launched their NEW amazing fitness program: 21 Day FIX! and I couldn't be more excited! There is SO much interest in this program I will be running 2 different challenge groups, one in February and one in March!

The workouts are 30 minutes long and it’s only 21 days….everybody has time for that! The workouts combine yoga, pilates, HIIT, strength, cardio, plyo, and so much more! AND all you need is hand weights OR a resistance band. It is an awesome workout for anyone from beginners (there’s a moderator) to advanced athletes. The cool part is this particular workout comes with 7 color coded portion control containers so that if your food fits in these containers you eat it and if it doesn’t you save it for later. You even get a little wine cup too cause it’s all about moderation!

The best part about purchasing a challenege pack with the 21 Day FIX is you're automatically added to my personal, private accountability group where you will recieve support, encouragement, and daily check in's to kee you on track! The challenge pack also includes a month's supply of Shakeology!

This program is SO AMAZING it SOLD OUT in one week! ... but no worries you can still pre-order and get it in time for our March accountability group!!

Go to www.beachbodycoach.com/sarahgaub   > shop  > challenge packs to pre-order!

You would be amazed at what can happen in 21 days!

Preview of the workout just so you can see what it's all about!

http://youtu.be/O_5g5rh1ezY

 

Our DIY Kitchen Remodel

Like most couples do, we began looking for homes while John was away playing baseball and I went home to home by myself with my trusty camera hoping and praying that the photos would do each home justice. John was awfully trustworthy sending me on this mission alone! Although I had our {my} dream pinterest home envisioned in my head with perfectly light grey walls, crisp white trim, brushed nickel hardware, beautiful chandeliers and rustic wood floors, I was realistic knowing that much of that list was not going to either fit in our budget, or be found in our preferred area.

I could look past most things, knowing I could either re-build it, fix it, paint it, or just call my dad.

One thing that made me cringe despite all of the above was honey oak. I HATED honey oak. Shortly into our home search my realtor and I stopped at our last house of the day, and immediatly when we pulled into the driveway I knew it was our home. It just FELT like home. Then we opened the door and the home was COVERED in honey oak!! I felt like the only thing NOT honey oak was the ceiling. Ok I'm exaggerating, but still. Somehow I still LOVED this home. This has got to be the one if I could look past all the honey oak!

Shortly after we moved in, ok immediately, my DIY list started to grow! I debated over and over about painting all the honey oak in the house, and then decided to just live with it... for now. In the mean time I had to do SOMETHING about all this honey oak, so I decided to start with the kitchen. I had painted cabinets in the past at our old condo, but wanted to do these with stain because they were such awesome quality cabinets I wanted them to last forever. Here is the kitchen BEFORE.

 

 

After much pinteresting I decided to go with General Finishes gel stain in Java. After cleaning all the cabinets with Dawn, the sanding began! SO much sanding! This part was NOT fun but it is important to ensure it lasts! Once they were all sanded and wiped down with tack cloths it was time to STAIN! Here are some photos of my life in shambles! (not only was our kitchen a disaster zone, but all 52 doors and drawers were spread out all over our basement!).

 

I kind of freaked out after the first coat because it was super streaky and ishy looking, but I stuck to the plan and completed 3 coats, and topped it off with a coat of gel poly (also from General Finishes). I'm SO glad I did because I just LOVE the after!

 

 

 

 

We also did the backsplash DIY and got an amazing deal on granite counters and new appliances! This whole project took me about 2 months working 2 jobs at the same time. 

 

Slowly but surely we are making this house OUR home! And nothing better than doing it YOURSELF and on a budget!! :)

 



My Journey from Mt. Dew to Green Tea...

 

Pretty sure I inherited the addiction of Mt. Dew from my dad. Growing up, it is gross to admit, he and I would go through a 12 pack in less than 2 days. I think he metabolizes sugar like most people do protein. Anyways, not only was I addicted to this green can of poison for many years, but it became a comfort food for me, kind of a bonding between my dad and I. He always knew EXACTLY how much ice I liked in my pop, he understood that you cannot drink it warm out of a can... and you can ONLY drink it out of a can if it is ice cold, and even a little slushy. He would always bring me a pop exacly when I (thought) I needed it, in my world at the time, Mt. Dew could cure any bad day.

 

Then I learned Mt. Dew is basically poison. It has ingredients in it that I don't know HOW they pass the FDA. I made up my mind to quit cold turkey. BRING ON THE HEADACHES!

 

Before my departure with my precious Mt. Dew I did not ever have a sip of coffee or even tea for that matter. I then began working overnight shifts in an ICU and let's just say coffee became my best friend. I remember calling my mom fresh off the buzz from my first cup of black magic saying "Mom! NOW I know how you did it all those years in daycare! It was all that coffee you drank!" she quickly reminded me that this wonderful buzz would not last and I would eventually drink a pot without flinching. She was right.

 

As I warmed up to this new Starbuck's addiction (was not brave enough to make it myself yet) I began to try tea. This was around the time I did a total lifestyle change and ditched the 4x/day bagels and Mt. Dew for REAL, CLEAN food. This lifestyle change came with a LOT of learning, reading and researching. I quickly learned about how AMAZING tea is for the body! Here are just a few benefits from green tea!

 

Benefits of Green Tea

1. Boosts energy
2. Lowers cholesterol
3. Protects against heart disease...
4. Helps prevent diabetes
5. Aids in healthy skin
6. Loaded with antioxidants
7. Antiviral agent
8. Aids in weight loss
9. Hydrates better than water!
10. Lowers stress
 

 

I've tried to drink Mt. Dew again, go figure I was with my dad, and I couldn't even swallow it. SUCCESS! Although there are some days where I still feel it might be necessary to have a continuous IV running of coffee, I opt to go for a tea first!

 

Have you had your tea today??

 

 

 

Benefits of Water

SO as you may know, I am running a FREE 7 day clean eating challenge on FB right now with over 180 people ready to make some changes and start to learn to eat clean!

 

This group of people is SO incredibly motivating and inspiring. I woke up today to all of their posts all fired up about this challenge and it just made my heart smile. ALREADY so proud of them all and it is only day 1!

 

Each day of the challenge I am sharing some tips on some common things in our diets, and their benefits that you may or may not know that they have! Today: WATER!

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Water

2/3 of the human body is made of water, muscle is made up of 75% water and the brain a whopping 90%!

1. Helps to maintain proper pH balance of the body ...
2. Removes toxins
3. Transports nutrients and oxygen to our cells
4. Helps with metabolism
5. Regulates body temp
6. Protects and moisturizes our joints
7. Protects vital organs
8. Helps control over eating by helping you feel full
9. Maintains good bowel function
10. Makes skin look amazing!

Did you get your gallon today??