My most popular post of all time is the recipe for Arbonne Protein Bars. I'm not surprised—they're easy and delicious!

2 of the ingredients, however, aren't compliant with a strict 30 day challenge. While I haven't found a swap to make them fully compliant, I've found a new and improved way to make these with only one forbidden ingredient: honey! They satisfy my sweet tooth and are a way cleaner option than most desserts. I follow the program at about 80% now and honey is one of the ingredients I let slide, especially since I only generally have it in these protein balls.

The chocolate version is very similar to the original bars, using almond butter in place of peanut butter. The kick of cinnamon in the vanilla version makes them equally satisfying. My hubby has been reaching for both since I started making them—let me know which variety you like best!

Since I've already given a specific breakdown in week one, I won't bore you with a detailed play-by-play going forward. Just know that each day involves two shakes, one meal, optional snacks, and lots of tea and water. If you missed it, you can read up here.

Prep has been key for me to succeed and thankfully that involves minimal time in the kitchen. One batch of chicken I made on Sunday lasted me for four lunches this week! I've seen other participants make more elaborate meals which is awesome if you need variety. For me, prepping and having something ready during the work week is more important even if it is redundant.

I started playing around a lot more with varieties this week. Vanilla with lemon/blueberries and chocolate with strawberries are two new favorites!

I bought the huge bag of green apples from BJ's when I started the program and I'm the only one eating them, plus they're delicious! Lots of apple slices with crunchy almond butter, or veggies with hummus as well as the occasional hard boiled egg or brown rice cake with guacamole.

I bought the ingredients to prep some new recipes, but mother nature intervened: we had a birthday dinner for Sean's mom that included compliant crock pot chicken tacos. A weekend snowstorm had all the guests cancelling last minute, so lunch most of the week was leftover chicken with salad, guac, and brown rice. This setup lasted me for four lunches, and on the fifth, I decided to test the waters with eating out at Sweetgreen. I was able to order a compliant version of one of my favorite salads, guacamole greens!

I'll start this by saying my coach recommends doing a weigh-in weekly as it's easy to get discouraged if you do it daily. I see the value in this, but I also have a lot of weight to lose and don't want to waste any time if I'm not doing something properly and right now, the scale helps to tell me that. After two days in a row of minor weight gain (1/2 lb most) after consistent loss, I considered the fact that perhaps I'd fallen into a trap I never thought I would: eating too few calories. I've actually been feeling full enough that I haven't needed to eat as much as I used to. With a few tweaks to the goals in my Fitbit app, I was able to get a better idea of calories in vs. out for me (I don't "work out", but I do walk frequently). By upping the calories just a little bit, the weight loss resumed as quickly as it had stalled and I have a better idea of the "zone" I need to strive for.

It's crazy to think this is the halfway point of the challenge. I was encouraged by the first week's results, both expected and unexpected, and expected that while I'd see results this week, they'd probably slow down since we're past the "water weight loss" people like to talk about. While it was harder for the more surprising reason I just mentioned, I can definitely see there has still been progress: I lost another 2.3 lbs. and 6 inches (overall - chest, waist/hips/belly)!

This week, I continue the plan with a twist: Arbonne's 7-day body cleanse! I've never done one before, so be assured I'll be giving an honest summary of how that went for me next week!

Today is the day.

At the end of last year, I made a commitment to take control of my health and body in 2019 and it begins today with a group of like-minded people as I participate in Arbonne's 30 day challenge.

I'm no stranger to the program; I was a consultant with Arbonne for three years (technically, I am again now because, hello, savings!) and have remained a loyal enthusiast of their amazing, clean products. I've had their shakes and tea and have always been obsessed with their fizz sticks. 

Now, it's time to use them all collectively with especially disciplined clean eating for the next 30 days to boost my help and hopefully drop some pounds along the way. It will be hard, but so, so worth it. I've seen the results of personal friends who have completed the program and know sticking to it will have such an amazing payoff.

For anyone curious, the program focuses on detoxification and involves two shakes daily with clean snacks and meals. Common allergens like dairy and gluten are to be avoided during this time. Tons of resources including recipe suggestions and a Facebook group are ready and available to help keep you on track and encouraged.

Oh, you know. Desk essentials.

I'll be updating with progress and a real look at what I'm eating each week. Wish me luck! My friend Debra can absolutely help you if wellness/weight loss are goals for you in 2019. Let me know and we'll hook you up!

No holiday party is complete without delicious bites to eat. In anticipation of the season, my Facebook feed has been filled with videos of festive punches and appetizers. One particular appetizer featuring brie has appeared time and time again. Delicious as it is, why should brie get all the cheese love? If you're a cheeseaholic like me, take a good look at the cheese section of your local grocer and get creative! One cheesy appetizer is never enough.

My local Harris Teeter is full of Stella chesses. They are easy to use and have an Italian history of traditional cheesemaking almost as rich as it's flavors. I grabbed some organic shredded parmesean and explored pairings to find the best gourmet bite.


I love how it tastes in these puff pastry bites combined with the sweetness of pear and hint of cinnamon. It's easy to make, easy to eat, and looks super fancy. They're the perfect addition to your party hors d'oeuvre lineup!

This post is sponsored by Montchevre but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As the attendant announced that our delayed flight would be further delayed, I texted Aleshea:

"Sorry, but I will be hangry when I land! 4 hours in the airport and 3 more in the air."

"No worries," she replied, "we will get you some food."

Of course, she delivered. I landed in Dallas around 8 PM where she was waiting for our girls' weekend to commence. She drove past all the usual chains before exclaiming "ooh! I didn't know they had one of these over here!", referring to one of the many local street taco joints lining the streets of Dallas.

Tacos had never tasted so good. In Texas, they're all about authenticity. In Maryland, they're all about creativity (either way, your mouth wins!). Take this recipe which pairs an easy crock pot chicken base with fresh mango salsa and a surprising topping: Montchevre goat cheese! The protein, nutrient-rich cheese is made with fresh, high quality goat’s milk collected from local, independent family farms. Pair that with a fresh mango salsa and some chicken on your choice of tortilla, and you've got yourself a healthy, tasty taco!


I picked my Montchevre goat cheese up at Target - super convenient (you can also use the store locator if you aren't blessed with a local Target)! One of you will walk away with $15 to score some for yourself. Enter after the recipe!

Montchevre $15 Target Giveaway