Tasty Treats!

I have been noticing that I have been eating a ton of protein bars as snacks.. the downfall.. these bad boys are LOADED with sugar (which is probably why I have been eating them so much). A lot of people (me included) feel like we are doing good eating a PROTEIN BAR.. its good for you right? WRONG! majority of those bad boys are jam packed with sugars sodium and unnecessary fats! I might as well splurge and eat a 'not so clean meal'.

So why do I eat them? I think i'm thinking that they are healthier and they aren't. I also like the convenience of them. Its a grab n go. Its an easy snack after my hard workout. I could talk all day trying to justify them, but then I'd be blowing smoke right up my own.....

I've been researching healthier alternatives to making my OWN "protein bars" well, tasty healthier snacks.
Yesterday I decided to try out my own little recipe and surprisingly they were GOOD!! As you can see below I was clearly enjoying them..

I threw together
1 cup of Quaker Oats
2 tbsp of pb2 (made with water)  Almond butter would be a better option
1/2 banana mashed
2 tbsp of flax seed
handful of slivered almonds

Mix everything together in a mixing bowl until everything starts sticking together. Spread out on wax paper and cut into squares. Place in refrigerator for an hour (i left mine in there for a few hours because I was running around- tastes better the longer you leave in fridge)

I absolutely enjoyed these tasty treats but will try adding dried fruit in them next time! Ill post another blog and let you know my thoughts!

If you have any other great recipes for at home tasty treats please let me know by commenting below!

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Shakeology Bars

The downfall of being on the reset right now... I'm craving one of these delicious goodies!
SHAKEOLOGY NO BAKE BARS!

Did you know that you can make healthy tasty treats from shakeology.... nom nom nom here how.
8 Tablespoons PB2 (low fat, high protein powdered peanut butter - can get at kroger, whole foods, trader joes, or on amazon)
3 Tablespoons Natural Peanut butter (w/flax seeds is the best!)
½ Cup Shakeology Protein Powder (1 packet)
3 Tablespoons Raw Honey
½ Cup Quick Oats
 
Mix PB2 with water until it’s a paste like consistency. Mix all ingredients, including the PB2 mixture together in a mixing bowl. It make take some time to blend all of the ingredients together. If it's too sticky, sprinkle in additional protein powder so that it's a pretty dry/crumbly texture.
Pour mixture into a square dish and cut into bars, put into freezer for 10-12 minutes and enjoy!!! 

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The Ultimate Reset

In case you aren't following me on my other social media accounts, I have decided to try Beachbody's 21 day Ultimate Reset in which I started (05/19/2013).  I thought I would track my progress week by week to help those of you who may be interested in trying it one day. Think of me as your guinea pig- let me do all the dirty work first and pave the way for you in the future. :) Feel free to post any questions you have through this process or contact me directly:  ashleymstansfield@yahoo.com

What is the Ultimate Reset? 

A 21 day challenge to resetting your body ridding it of harmful toxins that you have put into it with fast foods, preservatives and other harmful chemicals. Within the 21 days you are given a day by day meal plan as well as supplements and a regimen on when to take them. No it is not a detox or cleanse and no you are not bound to the bathroom. 

Why would one do the Ultimate Reset?

Remove Harmful Toxins

Lose Weight Safely

Increase Energy

Lower "Bad" Cholesterol

Boost Mood and Mental Clarity

Reduce Inflammation

Improve Regularity

Why are YOU doing the Ultimate Reset?

Good question, I'm already pretty active and healthy but my eating can ALWAYS improve. For many years I have been addicted to caffeine (no wonder Starbucks is a multi billion dollar business). I have had a lot of medical issues in which drinking Shakeology a day has helped, A LOT! BUT, I still love sugars and CARBS- mm i love my pasta! So I wanted to challenge myself to learning how to eat healthier, cleaner, and rid MY body of the harmful toxins I have put into it. I haven't always been good with what I consume, alcohol, caffeine, sweets, fast food. When I started getting serious about working out and maxing out my results, I did cut back on A TON, I hardly ate out, I limit my alcohol consumption to once every month- if that! Fast food was never an option to me. I did pretty well cutting the crap out of my diet but then I noticed that i was eating A LOT of fruit, cheese, pasta, etc. So NOW its time to kick it up a notch and see what I can do with the ULTIMATE RESET. I want to ultimately live a happy healthy life and if food effects that, then I want to learn as much as I can to assist in taking care of it. To be quite honest with you, the MEAL PLAN is the BIGGEST reason why I wanted to do this. I wanted to learn new meals and recipes to ultimately eat cleaner. The supplements are great too.

Do you have to starve yourself on the Reset?

Absolutely not! Again, one of the biggest reasons I wanted to do this was to educate myself on the meals they recommend you eating. They are all clean! You end up eating 3 meals a day with the option of a snack. I am learning that the meals are soooo delicious, but the portions are smaller, so the first few days are sort of hard because you don't feel full, but that's because I was probably eating too much anyways! I will say there are some meals that fill me up over others so that's something to look at too. I will give you my full report come the end of week one! 

Ill keep you posted! 

Here goes nothin.... 

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Shakeology Cleanse

On May 19, I will be participating in the Ultimate Reset, to reset my metabolism.

However, for those who don't want to commit to a 21 day cleanse, I am hosting a 3 day Shakeology Cleanse.

What is a Shakeology Cleanse?
3 days designed to rid your body of toxins, chemicals & junk that you have been eating lately, while providing you with the proper nutrients your body needs. The KEY goal of the Shakeology cleanse is to optimize your body's performance.

Will I lose weight during a Shakeology Cleanse?
For those who don't typically watch what they put into their body, yes, you will lose weight. The average is anywhere between 5-7lbs in the 3 days. If you are already fit, and eat pretty well the likely hood of you losing weight is slim. BUT that doesn't mean that you won't benefit from the cleanse. You will still detoxify your body, rejuvenation your body by replenishing proper nutrients, and overall will fee great at the end of 3 days!

When & why should I do the Cleanse?
- feeling bloated?
-tired all the time?
-just got back from vacation and ate and drank like crap?
-have something coming up where you want to be a few lbs lighter?
-have that sluggish feeling and need a little pick me up?

These are all reasons that would be great for you to do a cleanse. I typically do one once a month and a friend of mine asked, why? Why do you feel its necessary to do that? My response: there are many. Usually its because I eat well 80% of the time. The other 20% is specific weekends when I'm celebrating, vacationing, and usually drinking or eating out for a weekend. Now splurging one weekend a month isn't going to kill me, but it doesn't leave me feeling clean and good! Usually struggle and feel bloated afterward. THIS is why I usually do one. I have had weddings, photoshoots, special occasions where I wanted to be a few lbs lighter so I would do the cleanse 3-4 days prior to it. There are several reasons. I most often encourage those who have been thinking about trying Shakeology by starting out with a cleanse first.

Do I have to starve myself to do the Cleanse?
Absolutely not! It actually gets you into the habit of consuming more often which will in turn boost your metabolism. You will consume a shake for breakfast & lunch, salad with chicken or fish for dinner and a shake for a snack. You can consume Green Tea and fruit in between to fight cravings!

How do I sign up for the Cleanse?
Contact me, ashleymstansfield@yahoo.com
I will walk you through the 3 days if you would like. You can purchase a 30 day supply of shakeology if you want to continue drinking a shake a day after the cleanse or you can purchase a 'trial' of 9 packets just for the cleanse through me directly! http://myshakeology.com/AshMarie2689 Read up on the ingredients in Shakeology!

** Here is a photo of me after a cleanse, I was 6lbs down and you can clearly see the difference in my tummy!**

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Define Success

I took initiative to host a book club to read Push by Chalene Johnson. It was a way for me to stay accountable with reading a chapter a day and write down the goals that I want to achieve this year. In addition, it is also helping others by checking in daily with their "homework" that the book suggests you do.

Today was Chapter 7- "Success- IS MY ONLY OPTION"

This really hit home for me and it was just what I needed in this very moment. The truth is I am not happy with where I am at today. Although, I have made huge strides, I am not happy with the financial debt that I have. I am not happy with 'workin' for the man'. I so desperately need change.

The first step is to define success: My definition of success is the accomplishment of

goals that you set for yourself. It is not defined by how much money you have in the bank or the amount of "stuff" you have in your home. Its the ability to live a healthy, happy & stress free life.

That being said, I have made a list of goals that will get me there; out of debt and working solely for ME. Living and leading a healthy, stress free, debt free LIFE!

I need to succeed, I have to succeed, I WILL SUCCEED! There are going to be bumps in the road, and days when I want to say 'the hell with it" but at the end of the day...

SUCCESS IS MY ONLY OPTION, FAILURE IS NOT!

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Feminine Muscle

I hear from so many people that they want to lose weight but not "build muscle". The truth is, you won't burn fat if you're not building muscle.

I get it ladies, you want to stay looking girly as possible. But listen, you won't get that Victoria Secret body if you aren't lifting heavy! Take a look at some of my photos! Flexing I have muscle, but relaxed.... Still girly, feminine arms!

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Maxim

In 2010 I made Maxim Magazine & their website for Hometowm Hottie.
This year, I plan on doing it again and going for the GOLD, baby lol. I want a featured layout in the magazine. What do you say? Vote for me?!? :)

Here's my video from 2010. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkrp8d_ashley-stansfield-holland-s-hometown-hottie_lifestyle#.UTlyBDD_mSo

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Cropped

It's March! Warmer weather is approaching, or so I hope! Spring apparel is hitting the stores and I am so excited!! Check out this outfit that I HAD to have, Hudson Ginny Cropped jeans and Bailey 44 Malaga top! The best part take these cropped jeans and pair with a sweater and cute ankle boots for the chilly weather!

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Do you know the muffin man?!?

As you know I love pancakes! They aren't the fastest to make when you want breakfast on the go. So what I have done is taken that pancake batter add some dried fruit (I prefer cranberries) pop in the oven and BAM! Muffins!!! They are easy grab n go as a snack or breakfast! Try out the recipe, tell me what you think! :)

Per-heat oven 350

3/4 cup Oates
1/2 banana
2 eggs
1tsp of vanilla
1tsp of brown sugar
Blend into liquid form
Then:
Add Dried cranberries (or other fruit)

Pour batter into a muffin pan and bake for 10-12 minutes!

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Arm Candy

Do you wear arm candy?!?
I'm obsessed with bracelets to pair with my Michael Kors watches (dont worry I only wear one at a time)! Unfortunately, I left the house without putting on my accessories! I feel completely nude today! :( Stopped by a store called Vivian Kate and found some amazing bangles and bracelets! Check out their website www.viviankate.com

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My Favorite Healthy(er) Snacks!

I eat every 2-3 hours and I TRY to eat healthier at all times! Now, I'm not a nutritionist, nor am I saying that these snacks are fat free, calorie free, sugar free, sodium free, etc.... Because then I would be eating air!

Here are some of my tasty healthy(er) snacks!

1) Cinnamon Apple: take a Granny Smith apple, cut it up, sprinkle water on it, followed by sprinkled cinnamon. Pop in oven on 300 degrees for about 5 min!

2) Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, add your fave fruit (love blueberries), add slivered almonds, sprinkled with cinnamon!

3) Rice cakes: 90-100 cal per cake, take a plain rice cake and spread natural peanut butter like pb2 OR I love the Carmel flavored rice cakes (only 100 cal).

4) Shakeology: you can make any tasty treat with Shakeology depending what flavor! With strawberry or greenberry flavor I love smoothies; blend shakeo, plus 1/2 banana, 3 cut strawberries with water and ice! Or make. Chocolate almond shake with 1 scoop of chocolate shake o, 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk, 1/2 banana, handful of almonds, water, Ice And blend!!

Again these are some of my fave! If you try them of have a few of your own! Comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

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The Sock Bun

Everyone has asked WHAT THE HECK IS A SOCK BUN?!?! So here it is, a video to show you how to create a sleek up-do with a SOCK!

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Marky Mark

Ok, so I have been obsessed with the Wahlbergs since I was in diapers! Crushin' on Donny Wahlberg during his NKOTB days and then later for Mark during his pants dropping, criminal record, "Good Vibration" days. I can honestly say that 22 years later and Mr. Mark Wahlberg is still FINE AS CAN BE! He's like fine wine & gets better with age.

What are his secrets? Well clearly he takes care of himself, and does a great job doing so!

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Eating clean doesn't have to suck!

I hate the word DIET! Diets are usually fads. Successful at first, but then you miss eating the foods you love so you regress and go in junk food overload to make up for loss time! Never good- so stay away from the dieting!

Try to making healthier choices when eating the foods you love! I found I have not had to deprive myself of anything I love, just learn to make them with healthier ingredients!

Like these pancakes for instances: soooo yummy and made healthier:

3/4 cup of Oates
1/2 banana
2 eggs
1tsp of vanilla
1tbsp of brown sugar
Blend into liquid, heat pan, and cook!!

I don't use syrup I use tsp of brown sugar, 1 tbsp of honey with a squirt of water, melt together in microwave and drizzle over pancakes! Add fresh fruit and enjoy!!!

Try it and email me your thoughts ashleymstansfield@yahoo.com

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Scarves

So I woke up to attend church today. Feeling tired and lazy I wanted to put little effort into today's outfit so I stuck with the #sockbun updo, paired with pearls, black BCBG Max Azria VKE dress and leggings but accessorize with this amazing navy, black and white printed scarf (which is also BCBG Max Azria)

You can take any outfit and jazz it up with a scarf to completely wardrobe your outfit!

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Just Me :)

Hey all, my name is Ashley & this is my new blog! I am a fitness & fashion-ista. I work in the fashion industry for a high end woman's clothing retailer, assisting women (and men) stay up to date with the current styles and trends. I've done everything from personal shopping, to styling, and revamping closets!

I also am a Beachbody Coach, being that part of my job is to stay current with the fashion trends, it is imperative that I fit in them; therefore, being a coach allows me to focus on my fitness and nutrition. The best part about being a coach is that I get to help others do the same! :) We use one another as motivational support to stay on track with meeting our goals!

When I am not at the gym or styling, you can find me hanging out with my beloved yorkie, Penny Lane. I'm a  music guru loving everything from Louis Armstrong to Lil wayne. I love attending concerts of all genres of music. I enjoy traveling, although I dont travel as often as I would like. There are several places on the bucket list that I WILL be attending, just a matter of time! I live to laugh- therefore if you're a comedian, lets get to know one another!

Overall, I love working and meeting new people. If you are interested in help or advise with fashion or fitness feel free to reach out ashleymstansfield@yahoo.com

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