Fresh Produce Delivered to my Door? I'm in!

Thank you Farm Fresh to You for sponsoring today's post! All opinions are my own. 

I am absolutely horrible at eating my fruits and veggies. To be honest, I get most of my daily fruits from my trips to get a smoothie or acai bowl from Jamba Juice or Juice it Up! So when I remembered that my mom used to get Farm Fresh to You, I realized I should probably try it out.

Farm Fresh To You is made up of local farms in Northern and Southern California. They pack up various organic fruits and vegetables and deliver them directly to your house, apartment or, even, office building. Not only is Farm Fresh to You healthy, but it is fast and convenient.

You will receive a box every week, on your doorstep between 8pm and 8am. The delivery window is at night, to ensure your box is delivered while you are home. If you're sleeping, it's much better to leave your box outside in a cool-er night than in the hot day.

Signing up is easy, especially with the refer-a-friend program! If you follow this link, you can begin to fill out the form - which first verifies that you live in a delivery area. Don't forget to use my code: RAEW5859

I didn't know that you could choose different box types, and then customize your box a few days before it arrives. Because I am so bad at cooking regularly, I opted for the "No Cooking" box, which is full of ready to eat fruits and veggies, as well as a few veggies that cook up relatively quick.

I was sort of skeptical about customizing my box, because I wanted to be surprised by it's contents, but I'm such a picky eater I knew I should customize it. That process was easy yet again. I checkmarked the items that I wanted and unchecked the items that I didn't want. You  can even add extra stuff to the package - like organic apple sauce or almond butter.

I added both of those to my box, and anxiously awaited it's delivery. Of course, me being me, they ran into a problem delivering my box to me! My apartment office say they accept any packages for us, so I naively thought things would go smoothly. Because you need a key to our gate, I opted for them to drop off at the leasing office. My management told them they could not accept an open container of food. I understand why, but it was still super frustrating. Luckily, Farm Fresh To You was super quick, efficient and awesome about it. They sent me a couple of emails giving me a few options - including mailing them a copy of the key to the gate. I didn't want the food to get delivered and someone take it, so I opted to change the address to my mom's. Less than a week later, a new box arrived at my mom's house.

I forgot to customize that box, so I was indeed surprised by it's contents. Nevertheless, our tummies are very happy with the results. I did receive ONE item that I know I will never eat, but my dad was really excited to receive them along with his Christmas gifts. (Radishes, I've just never figured out how to like them).

Broccoli, my favorite

Radicchio and Lettuce

Carrots!!

Radishes

Naval oranges, apples, pears, kiwi and a lemon - for my lemon water!

As you can see my box was filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables. The boys and I are very excited to take these healthy snacks to work - especially with our roommate attempting to be vegan. Of course I can't get over how affordable it is for me to get local organic fruits and vegetables. We've tried going to the farmer's market, but I always end up spending way more on less food.

My mom used to get the boxes a few years ago, and I was always excited to see the different things she would receive - like romanesco broccoli, which I had never tried but is absolutely delicious!! If you're looking for an easy, efficient and healthier way to get your fruits and veggies for you and your family, follow this link and use my code. RAEW5859 You can also click on the banner below. Did I mention you get $10 off your first order??

USE CODE: RAEW5859

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Wedding Wednesday: Advocare Giveaway

Hi bloggy land!

There was something that I wanted to write about today for Wedding Wednesday, but I will push that off until next week. There is far too much love in my heart and in my thoughts for me to sit down and write a coherent post. I promise you that it will be an amazing post, I've been working on it for weeks!

I am still choosing to link up though, because I have a fabulous health giveaway, that some brides might want to enter!! :)

Brittney had been wanting to try this Advocare Cleanse ever since Skinny Meg talked about it (& had great results by the way!) and I know so many others have talked about wanting to try it too, but it's out of budget for them. Well... a handful of lovely bloggers and I are here to save your day! THREE lucky winners will get an Advocare 10 Day Cleanse pack! So many people have had amazing results with this!

What is the 10 Day Cleanse? It's a GENTLE cleanse to rid your body of toxins and waste you've been holding up. Think of it as a great start to weight loss, or to get over a plateau. This is NOT to help you lose weight, but to help your body help you lose weight. Does that make sense? You hold so many toxins and extra bloat from bad things you eat. Think of it as changing an AC filter. You have an AC that runs great, but the vent is holding in all this crud that needs to go away in order for it to work right/blow well. When you replace the filter, you get rid of the crud, letting the air flow better. When you cleanse yourself, your digestive system works better and so does your metabolism. I have the weirdest ways of explaining things, ha ha! You can read more about the cleanse here.

Click HERE to join the giveaway!!!

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Determined, Fresh and Easy Love and Being Resourceful

Everyone always tells me "Oh my gosh, how do you work 3 jobs / sleep only 4-5 hours a night / stay skinny / always be happy / etc" and it always comes back to one thing. You could say it's my attitude and my positive outlook on life, but I think on an even deeper level it is determination.

I am determined each day for different things. If I am determined to do something I will do it. Isn't that how life works? Some people claim not to have the drive or determination, when really it is just that they don't care about that one thing they are doing. It's not wrong, it's just why they don't have that drive.

I've been trying to eat healthy but by trying I mean I've been talking about doing it, eating healthy maybe once a week, exercising once a week and calling it a day.

This is my determined face earlier today. And my weird arm. 

But suddenly I am determined. Maybe it's because I am back to working one job (mostly, I am working at Bdubs sometimes, too). Maybe it's for some unrelated reason but I'm doing it!

Having a set schedule makes it easier. When I never knew what I was doing I would not be planning ahead for food, exercise, etc. But now I have a set schedule.

Drinking water like a person who drinks water (note, that person is not usually me)

Mon: Leave for work by 545, work 8-4, chiropractor at 6 and then go home. This week I've been asleep by 11, but I know that I will probably start falling asleep earlier.

At school, I have to stay for lunch, forcing me to pack food. If you know me you know I don't like to cook and I don't like to prep (unless I am super motivated) because I never know what I am going to want to eat, it takes too much time, wah wah wah.

Then there came Fresh and Easy. If you don't have a Fresh and Easy, I am actually sad for you. You don't know what you're missing out on. Also, Fresh and Easy is not paying me for a post like this, I am just obsessed. It is like the song, Effin Easy!

It's been my favorite grocery store for awhile, and often I will stop by on my way home from the chiro and pick something up to pop into the oven when I get home. Oh yeah, did I mention it is all preprepped stuff!! Most of it isn't cooked but it is prepared in seasoning/sauces, etc and all you have to do is put it in a cooking vestibule, set a timer and cook! I particularly love their stuffed salmon...2 pieces prepared for 8 bucks.

From the F&E website

I'm in.

On Sunday, I went determined to get some food to prep. Then I found the lunch section. I knew it was there, but I thought it was like most places and you could only get lunch specials at lunch time. Heck no! Fresh and Easy is EASY so you can get it for anytime and stock up.

I did and then some. I got dinners for the week, drinks, etc. I spent about 60 bucks but so far it has way been worth it.

Monday: Mom packed me a lunch cause she's cute, but I sent Iman to work with a wrap and some snacks. I cooked BBQ pork (F&E) and Smokey Corn on the Cob (F&E). I added in Velveeta Mac and Cheese but for the day that was about $15. Dinner fed 4 of us btw, even though it said serving for 2.

Tuesday: I packed Iman and I each a lunch special. One salad, one side, a drink. I added in some extra fruit for me and hummus for Iman. For dinner we had Herb Chix (F&E), green vegetable medly (F&E) and mashed potatoes. Once again, it said serving for 2, but we had enough for 4. My brother had school so I get to take a portion today for lunch. Total: $20

Wednesday: I packed us each lunch specials again. Iman bowls so he will eat something at the bowling alley. I got stuck in LA so I stole internet from Ihop and ate an omelette. Our total is still only probably around $30. Considering it would usually be more and Iman doesn't usually eat at work...this is a total plus!

Today: My lunch is leftovers from Tuesday and Iman has the day off. He is going to a friend's graduation so he will probably eat with him. Dinner is going to be salmon burgers (F&E) and some side dish.

Friday: I have the day off so I will probably bring Iman some lunch and maybe we will go out for dinner.

Saturday: We will probably eat out.

Sunday: Football food, my mom will probably have something amazing cooked that we will eat Sunday night.

It's not all healthy all day, but hey! It's something. My sweet intake has gone down too. WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?

Anyway, in addition to being in love with F&E, I also am excited about taking a Vanpool. I have decided to pay to ride in one of these because it will be cheaper than the 80 miles a day driving JUST to work and home equaling 4 or so hours in traffic. Vanpool time = 2.5 hours. I love the carpool lane.

As if that wasn't cool enough, it drops off about 2 miles from my work 45 minutes before work. Early morning cardio? Heck yes! Look at me being all active. Then I'd just take a 20 minute bus ride back to the drop off stop.

I am so resourceful.

Also, got a totally awesome notebook to make a lesson plan folder. Can't wait to show you!

How is your Thursday?



P.s. Sorry for the almost 1000 word ramble, I just LOVE this place. lol

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My Favorite Workout / Unhealthy Excuses

Today's meeting of Workout Haters Anonymous (WHA) is now in session. Our topic will be your favorite workout excuses. Who'd like to speak first?

Hi, my name's Raewyn and I hate working out.

This is the dialogue running through my head right now because all I can think of are excuses as to why I absolutely  cannot, for any reason work out. Let's face the reality - I'm bad at staying motivated and listening to my dialogue. But last night I got my back adjusted and I'm using it as yet another stop for me to get back on my working out train. I just want to be healthy. Do you hear that brain/body/workout hater inside of me? I just want to be healthy!!!

To get them out of my head, and as a laugh...here are my favorite workout/unhealthy excuses.


1. I'm making healthier decisions. That count's, right?
2. Wearing heels to work counts as calf exercises, right?
3. I'm serving tonight, so I will just run around the restaurant acting like we're really busy!
4. I have a really fast metabolism, so I can eat this 1,000 calorie burger.
5. It's easier to eat food at Buffalo Wild Wings.
6. We went to Ohio State - We walk everywhere! (Mine and Ari's old fave)
7. Working out doesn't give me endorphins.
8. Warrior Queens love themselves as they are
9. I didn't charge my mp3 player.
10. I don't work out.




Aaaand now let's think about how silly all of those are!! I should be making healthier decisions and applauding myself for them, not using them as an excuse to be unhealthy...Okay...the heels one, I actually semi-believe to be true...When I serve and it's slow I definitely stand around on my phone instead of running around the restaurant...fast metabolism or not, that burger is not doing anything positive for me...It is easier to eat at bdubs, but I could get a salad...I don't walk everywhere anymore. I want to, but I do something else instead...I bet if I truly tried to work out I would feel those mothereffin endorphins...loving myself as I am and wanting to make myself feel better go hand in hand, Warrior Queens...My mp3 player is my 2nd weakest excuse...and the weakest? The flat out refusal to work out.


Now that we cleared the air...today is a new day. Time to get crackin'!







P.S. Did I happen to mention that one time when I had a 24 Hour Fitness pass my friend and I told this guy we couldn't go to the beach because we were working. The two of us decided to go to the gym and were happily ellyptical-ing until we saw him there (he was a personal trainer). We then hid behind the machines, laughing hysterically for 2 minutes before peacing out to get 99 cent cupcakes down the street. Total Gym Time: 10 minutes. Cupcakes: 1 Raewyn: 0

Being a Warrior Queen Means...Me

It's never been my intention to make this blog about looks or anything like that. When people hear I want to start my own magazine they say "Oh! Like Seventeen?"

No.

I don't want my magazine/blog to be about looks, fashion, getting the guy, mainstream things, etc...there are already countless magazines that do that.

I want my magazine to be more similar to BYou [which, pardon me for a moment but scared me because I want to change the world, I don't want someone else to...]. But then I stopped having my little hissyfit in my head and realized that...I just want to change the world anyway I can.

I join and volunteer with nonprofits because I want to help. I write articles that I think are meaningful, and I try my best to be supportive in everything. There is a niche for me - even though the magazine may have the same ideas as me, we are not one and the same, nor would our magazines be one and the same. [[Thanks daddy for reminding me of that!!]]

While coming to that realization, I also realized that avoiding talking about looks and body image did not benefit me or my readers. I am still a human being - a female human being who has spent her life being bombarded with society telling me to care about my looks. So, of course I do. Ignoring this is like pushing it under the rug.

I was skeptical at first about posting about my journey to getting healthier [[think of the wording. Not losing weight or being fat...those are the words they want us to use. No, I'm using this warrior queen word called HEALTHY. It is different for every person.]]. But I posted my Wanted: An Accountability Partner post on Friday because I was fed up with my own lack of motivation.

I got some support for it! Woooo hoooo!! Then today I saw Brittney's Reality Check and decided to just go for it! Do it!

Of course, I'm starting this my bday week and when I'm going to Vegas, but that's okay.

I am holding myself accountable for all of my choices and actions. Only I can make changes in my life, only I can control the outcome because I control my reaction. 

Raewyn

From Hot Mess to Organized Challenge: Week 3

I hope you have had better luck keeping your car clean than I have. It technically is an accomplishment since there is not very much in my car, and no trash but there still is a slight mess. My big problem is that I work 6 days a week and keep my work clothes in the car. Often I change in the car too, so I have about two outfits in my car. That's better than before!

This week, I wanted to tell you about how I keep my eating habits organized / healthy-ish, considering I work at a restaurant who mostly sells wings and other bar foods. The trick [for me] is to eat something healthy for breakfast.

Women's Healthcare

The latest vlog on Women's healthcare and birth control!

New Year, New You

Hello everyone! My name is Rachel. I am a Licensed Esthetician and a proud follower of the Warrior Queen movement. I fully support the idea of being yourself and loving every part of what makes you, YOU. I am going to share with you some of my knowledge of skin care in order for you to continue the self love. Please enjoy this post from my beauty blog, Upon Glamour Creations. :)

The New Year is a time of reevaluation, revamping, and reorganizing yourself! Most of us make resolutions at the end of the year to try and accomplish in the upcoming year. If we stick to those resolutions or not, is a whole other story. :P

This year make a resolution to better yourself! What better way to kick start that self conquest than to take care of your skin. Nothing is more powerful than feeling confident in yourself. With clear skin, you will have an advantage.

Skinny Bitch

Today my eyes were opened up to an ad that was recently published in Ralph Lauren featuring a very skinny and very disproportionate model Filippa Hamilton. Obviously this ad is drastically photoshopped because she is 5'10 and weighs 120 pounds.

This photoshop job seems to have brought up MANY issues that girls have to deal with thanks to the bad part of the media - something that I intend to fight for the rest of my life. (in typical me fashion...a list)

1. Photoshopping in the media
2. Ralph Lauren firing her for being "overweight"
3. Too skinny girls!!

1. Now don't get me wrong, I looove to photoshop things. Photo editing is so much fun, but I really don't understand the point of photoshopping models. I really don't see any positive outcome from this - everyone knows that the models are CLEARLY photoshopped and not that tiny in real life. But some people have such distorted self-confidence and views of themselves that they believe that people really can look that way - that a Barbie really does exist. (I linked this to the column i wrote about Barbie in my journalism class)

2. IDK about you, but 120 at 5'10 is definitely generally considered UNDERweight not OVERweight. Wayyy to be good role models Ralph Lauren!! But really, I don't understand why models have to be so skinny anyway? It would make sense if the general population was that skinny but no matter how many ads they print with girls who definitely need to eat a sandwich the vast majority of the population is NOT getting skinnier...

3. Skinny girls - go eat a sandwich. Seriously. If you have an ED talk to someone. There's always going to be someone willing to help, someone who loves you. And if you're like me and just can't gain weight...well...there are ways if you REALLY want to. Just be healthy!! Size shouldn't matter as long as we are HEALTHY.

Alright, enough ramblings for tonight. <3

How Healthy is the food we eat?

I'm not particularly well informed on this issue, however I would like to become more aware and more informed. In my opinion, part of being a strong Warrior Queen is being aware and informed of the world around you. It's quite difficult because of all of the hoops governments make us jump through to gain awareness, but this is why we have investigative journalism.

Last night, I went and saw Food, inc. with a couple of my guy friends, one of which works at Whole Foods, so he is slightly more informed than the rest of us and gave us information about Whole Foods after we watched the movie. I highly recommend watching Food, inc. It is not graphic like many of the videos can be, and it is also not as biased as many documentaries are (of course there is no way to cut out bias in documentary film but it is generally easier when the companies comply and allow interviews - which they didn't). So know that there are no big company point of views in this film, save for Walmart, which does offer a nice view on how the consumers shape what products Walmart sells.

My favorite movie quote has always been from Death to Smoochy, "You can't change the world but you can make a dent." I've always tried to live by that in everything I do, knowing that small changes will bring the big changes. However, when it came to food I could never stick to it. I always thought, "If i were to be a vegetarian it's not going to change the food market because someone else is just going to eat the food that I'm not." Which, I still believe is semi-true. However, this flick made me see the impact it does have, in not being a vegetarian but for eating healthier. Eating healthier isn't just eating fruits and veggies, it's eating the fruits and veggies not treated with pesticides or genetically altered, it's eating the meats from animals that have eaten grass and been raised as they should be, not like the beef that comes from any of our fast food chains where the animals are pumped with corn which is what causes E. coli in the cows and thus giving it to us. Obviously, not all of these animals end up with E. coli.

I'm not saying that we should cut fast food out of our diets - I would die without my greasy, bad for me hamburger from Tommy's Burger. But I've realized my efforts to eat "healthier" are not, in fact, much healthier for me. So I think I shall start shopping at Whole Foods and the Farmer's Market. I'll try my best to be involved in this movement toward better farm conditions for both the animals AND the workers (Exploitation is my biggest pet peeve). In doing all of this, by just making small changes, I can do my part in diminishing this exploitation and even, help end the diabetes epidemic. If organic food is more available, the number of people developing diabetes will diminish in some way, although it is a lot to do with personal choice.

I just found this an interesting topic. If you want to read more about it, of the websites I've discovered:
http://www.foodincmovie.com
http://www.foodincmovie.com/get-involved.php
http://www.takepart.com/
http://www.takepart.com/lists/hungry-for-change-get-involved/17056
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/