What does the food you eat say about you?

Fear Surrounding Food

Have you ever taken a look at how much fear you have surrounding food?

This has been a focus of my new program, which is completely different than anything I've ever done before-- I am hopeful that it will work. I don't want to share what it is until I'm completed with the program and can give a full opinion of it. It is costly, so I don't want anyone to spend money on it if I don't feel it works.

But really, I cannot believe how much fear surrounds my food choices and body image.



I am afraid of foods that I label as "bad".

I am afraid of having some foods in the house

I fear that I will be out of control.

I fear that I will always be overweight.

I am afraid I don't have enough will-power.

I am afraid others will judge me by what I'm eating.

I am afraid others will judge me by my size.

I am afraid others will judge me by what's in my grocery shopping cart.

I am afraid I will be too heavy to participate in some things.

I am afraid I won't fit.

I am afraid of being unattractive.


And this is just the beginning! I am living in a lot of fear, fear about things that most people probably don't even think about. This isn't normal, and I don't believe we have to live this way.

This is just food for thought (no pun intended)!


How does fear affect your food choices or body image?

You're invited!

I am hosting a launch party for my new Thirty-One Business! It runs today through tomorrow at 8:30 p.m.!

I'd love for you to check it out!

You can join the event on Facebook here. You can also shop direct by going to my website!

There are so many great products to take a look at. If you're interested in booking an online party with me, just let me know! My hostesses are earning lots of free products!

Update on my Binge Eating Disorder Journey

I was happy to step on the scale this week and see that I had lost a significant amount of weight from where I was the previous week. Whew. Thank goodness, otherwise I would have been in a really bad mood. I'm sure you know what I mean. Isn't it funny how the scale can dictate our moods so much?

Anyways, I discovered a woman who has an online program for helping people beat binge eating disorder. I did my research and felt like it might be something that could help me. I've seen good things. She used to struggle with it herself so she knows what it's like.

Hubby and I discussed it and we decided I would make the investment and give it a try. I kept thinking, "what if it doesn't work?"... but then I began to think, "what if it does work?". I have to at least try!

I will try anything and everything to overcome this! So for now, I will not be going to therapy but will be focusing on this program.

The last little while I have just been eating "whatever", which isn't exactly ideal. I've been out of most of my shakes and such and have just been eating what was convenient-- not all bad stuff. But it does seem like I struggle to find that "satisfied" feeling.

So that's where I'm at right now!


How is your journey going?

Who loves Thirty-One bags?

I have decided to become a consultant for Thirty-One bags! I'm really excited to add this to my business ventures.

Would anyone be interested in hosting an online party? These are traditionally held on Facebook, but we can always work it out other ways too! This would really help me get off to a good start and I would so appreciate it! Just leave a comment on send me a note.

There are some great hostess specials too, including some involving backpacks. If you're ready to get started with back to school shopping, check out these backpacks, which are available in a variety of prints. I love this one.

Thirty-One sells more than just bags. They have these super cute pillows, for example.

Anyways, I'd greatly appreciate anyone who is interested in hosting an online party or even if you just want to shop yourself! You can check out my website here!



Do you like Thirty-One bags? What's your favorite one?

How well do you know yourself?

We put a lot of time into relationships simply to get to know the other person better. We want to learn all about each other-- all of the likes and dislikes, whether it be simple things like hobbies, food, music, or books, or more serious matters like religion, world view, or ethics. It's an important part of every relationship.

But how well do you know yourself? Have you spent that same amount of time getting to know what you really like or dislike? Are you opening yourself up to new experiences so that you can get to know yourself better? Are you allowing others to dictate who you are and what you like? Are you passively living life?

Last year, my life hit a very low point due to depression. I was at rock bottom, but found that I had the strength to pull myself up and keep going. The experience changed me. It changed the way that I perceive the world and it completely shattered my sense of identity. I was left feeling like I didn't know who I was anymore.

Over the past year, I have worked on self-development. I found courage to experience the things that I was once too afraid to do. I developed a new appreciation for the struggles of others, no matter what they may be. I realized that health and happiness were a precious gift. I put myself out there and cautiously made new friends and learned that not everyone had malicious intent towards me as it had been in the past.

More than anything, I have learned that you can always change. You're not stuck being someone you are not happy being. You have a choice. Life can happen to you, or you can make life happen. You cannot play the victim in life because that is what limits you.

You cannot grow if you are stuck in self-pity--it may definitely be a part of the journey (and that's ok), but it's not the destination. If you remain there, well, you won't be going anywhere in life. This is a lesson I'm still learning.

After taking time to be cognizant of my thoughts, feelings, and actions-- I began to get to know myself better. I began to learn what made me tick, what made me anxious, and what made me happy. I began to recognize when I needed to rest, and when I needed to live a little, instead of just being lost in the emotions of it all.

I learned to be introspective in times when I felt overwhelmed and didn't know why. And I've learned a lot. Here are just some of the things I've learned:


I've learned that I enjoy painting. I find it therapeutic. Prior to this, I never painted because I didn't think I was artistic.

I've learned that sometimes I just need to be alone in silence, and that's ok.

I've learned that I don't have to be perfect at something in order to do it.

I've learned that I thrive on a clear cut plan and become anxious without a plan.

I've learned that a change of plans is like a curve ball for me, for whatever reason.

I've learned that most moms are struggling in some way and that I'm not the only one who doesn't have it all together--and that's ok too.

I've learned that dieting isn't going to work, the problem is much deeper than that and controlling external factors will not heal the internal problems.

I've learned that I don't know what I might enjoy, or be good at, until I've tried it. I can't just assume that I'm not good at something.

I've learned that I don't have to fit into just one label, and maybe who I am will change throughout the years.

I've learned to be grateful for difficult experiences because they cause me to grow.

I've learned that my thoughts are the determining factor of my happiness-- and so they must be controlled.

I've learned that I'm actually not that bad at decorating cupcakes, even though I told myself I was horrible at it.

I've learned that too much noise makes me anxious.

I've learned that my creativity is my gift--and yes, I've learned to acknowledge that I am creative.

I've learned that I am a great mom, even if I'm not perfect-- no one is.

I've learned that I listen to the words of a song more than to the music itself.

I've learned that I enjoy being with a small group of people, but that I will need to recharge later.

I've learned that sleep is almost always the medicine that I need.

I've learned that I can feel an emotion without knowing why and that digging deeper is the only way that I can figure it out.

I've learned that I have so much more to learn.


There are a million things that I want to try and a million things that I want to learn. But even so, these external activities are simply ways to expand my knowledge of who I am. There are a million more things that I could learn about my internal being, as in what's in my heart, mind, and soul.

I believe that with frequent introspection and analysis of our behaviors, we can learn more about ourselves and ultimately become better people who are more in tune with God, ourselves, and can then be more empathetic of others. It's about having the humility to admit when we're wrong, and be willing to make a change--because change is always possible.



How well do you know yourself? What's something you've learned about yourself lately? What are you doing to open yourself up to more experiences?

Weight Loss Tracker Free Printable

I have been playing around and learning how to make printables. It's a lot easier than I thought! 

Since most of us are currently trying to lose weight, I thought I would create a weight loss tracker. I have this available as a free download for you all! 

Make sure to click on the download button below the picture of the printable-- this will ensure that you get the best quality!

Tell me what you think! Is this a printable that you will use? Would you like any other printables?

4th of July Weekend {Pictures}

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Our little town has fun festivities and there's always so much to do. Plus, my family usually comes to visit.

This year, my parents brought along my niece and two nephews. Little Miss Sunshine absolutely loved having other children to play with. She was so excited about everything going on. It was pretty cute.

We kicked off the weekend with a trip to hubby's parents' farm. The kids love to go out there and experience it all since they live in the Chicago area. It's not something they get to do often! Little Miss Sunshine was very happy to show them everything.

We had a delicious home cooked dinner and then spent time outside keeping the kids entertained! Hubby took them on four-wheeler rides.

And they requested a ride on the old tractor. They wore their bike helmets because they said they would get in trouble if they didn't. Hubby drove slow and everything!

It was a beautiful and cool evening and fun to be outside.

It's always nice knowing that it's a safe place to run around. Lots of open areas to explore without having to worry about cars and what not.

I love this picture of my parents!

I woke up Sunday feeling sick and that lasted all weekend. I was still able to enjoy the holiday though. I just didn't eat much-- which isn't a bad thing!

The festivities began Sunday evening. We started with the kiddie parade. Hubby and I walked with the kids as they scootered and hubby pulled Little Miss Sunshine in the wagon.

They all enjoyed playing at the park after that. Each of them got a free ticket for a ride, so they took advantage of that.

And then it was time to relax a while. All of the grand babies just love Grandma!

We didn't participate in the 5K this year, maybe next year. We started the 4th of July watching the parade.

The older kids got way too much candy! They had a lot of fun and the competition to get to the candy first was fierce!

The kids spent the majority of the day at the celebration in town. They were spoiled by the grandparents!

We tried out a Star Wars volcano toy and it was cool for a couple of seconds. It was like one of those science experiments where you use vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap to make the volcano "erupt".

While we waited for it to get dark outside for fireworks, the kids painted!

I have started painting a little bit and I love it. I'm no artist, but it's really fun and is therapeutic. Here is a piece I'm currently working on.

Once it was dark, we enjoyed the fireworks! The kids had fun playing with their glow sticks and sparklers. Little Miss Sunshine loved the fireworks. She was so excited and Oohing and Ahhing the whole time.

It was a very busy weekend! We had a lot of fun.


How was your holiday? Did you do anything special?

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

A year ago, I would have never thought that my struggle with food would be labeled as Binge Eating Disorder. I imagined bingeing as eating an entire pizza, or a whole cake by yourself-- something I have never done. However, while this is one example of Binge Eating Disorder, it is certainly not the only type of eating that is considered binge eating.

Binge Eating Disorder is not simply overeating either. It was recognized as a medical condition in 2013 and is more common than Bulimia and Anorexia combined. The only difference between Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia is those with B.E.D. do not purge afterwards or exercise excessively to burn the calories. It can affect both men and women and research suggests that it may run in families.

To be classified as binge eating, an episode generally takes place once per week for a period of three months. A binge eater would eat more than a typical adult during a period of about two hours-- as mentioned before, this doesn't always mean consuming huge amounts like an entire pizza or cake, but simply eating large amounts of food--even if it's several normal amounts of different foods. The binge eater would feel out of control and would feel extremely upset by it.

If you struggle with binge eating, you may be so upset with yourself that you vow to stop but feel a compulsion to binge eat and can't resist it. This leads to more self-hatred. The cycle is shown in the image below. (source)

Binge eating episodes include three or more of the following criteria:

• Eating extremely fast
• Eating beyond feeling full
• Eating large amounts of food when not hungry
• Eating alone to hide how much one is eating
• Feeling terrible after a binge
• Feeling abnormal

Research shows that there is a correlation between perfectionism and eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder. Social perfectionism is the feeling that one never meets the expectations of others. This indicates the emotional complexity of Binge Eating Disorder, showing that it is caused by far more than a lack of self control.

Those with B.E.D. are often desperate for a sense of control which also correlates with perfectionism. Food is something that can be controlled and provides an escape from whatever feels "out of control" at the time of the binge. It is an escape from confronting uncomfortable emotions.

Triggers for bingeing can include stress, poor body-image, food, and boredom. Those with B.E.D. have often been lifelong dieters. Dieting or restricting calories during the day may lead to bingeing in the evening. 

Those with B.E.D. may isolate themselves, feel extreme shamefulness and guilt, be self-loathing,  experience anxiety and depression, and be obese. However, not all people with B.E.D. are obese.

How to help someone with Binge Eating Disorder? I think this quote sums it up better than I could myself: 

"Binge eaters feel bad enough about themselves and their behavior already. Lecturing, getting upset, or issuing ultimatums to a binge eater will only increase stress and make the situation worse. Instead, make it clear that you care about the person’s health and happiness and you’ll continue to be there." (source)

A binge episode is often followed with restriction or dieting in an effort to gain control. However, these behaviors are more damaging than helpful for someone with B.E.D.


Hopefully this helps you understand what Binge Eating Disorder is.


Do you have experience with B.E.D., either with yourself or someone you know?