Hi everyone! We have had a busy week, and apologize for ghosting on everyone!
Nothing has really changed in the last week. Erinn and I are feeling great about THRIVE. We are both sure that this is having a positive effect on our bodies. We have had a few days that we had forgotten to take a piece of the puzzle, and we definitely notice the difference. I know that I am jittery and unfocused when I skip something. I also snack more.
Erinn and I both think that we might be seeing a few changes in our bodies as well. There is no definite proof yet of this. Our friends and family have noticed the changes in our moods and eating habits.
Before THRIVE, I was a constant snacker. I had multiple mini-meals throughout the day, and did not believe in breakfast. In just three weeks, I have become a 3-4 meal a day lady, including breakfast to start my day. I am so excited for this. I feel like I am more in control of my eating disorder and anxiety lately, which I never thought was going to be possible. I am no longer craving something to help stabilize my mood as I was a month ago. With my anxiety disorder, I was having frequent heart palpitations, which at times was painful. This has become much less frequent. When I do have heart palpitations now, it is only under extreme stress and causes little to no pain.
I really feel that THRIVE is making a huge difference in my life. I truly recommend that others try it, even if only for a few weeks! You never know what your body is lacking or what you are missing until it is placed right in front of you.
Head to emilyaconlin.le-vel.com to place your first order and get more information.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 15
Soooooo. We skipped Day 14. Oops! Our posts/check-ins will become a little less frequent, because our bodies are adjusting, and not much is different these days.
Our 2 week mark was yesterday! Woo! Erinn and I definitely feel more focused and productive, less hungry and snacky, and more awake in the morning. Neither of us have ever been morning people. However, we now have conversations (with each other and people other than ourselves) in the mornings. We don't feel the need to have caffeine throughout the day, or snack frequently. Our parents say that we sound happier and have a better tone in our voices. Personally, I am having less problems with my anxiety and anorexia.
Erinn and I have not seen any differences in our bodies yet. However, we have not been eating healthy or working out like we were a few weeks ago. We are hopefully getting back on track this week as we readjust to our schedules. We are also trying not to waste money on going out to eat, so maybe this will help with our bodies. We are not in it to lose weight or anything like that, but it would be a nice benefit.
We have definitely seen the great things that THRIVE is doing for our bodies and minds. We have both accidentally have forgotten a piece of or the whole THRIVE program at least once, and both had extremely off days. We are enjoying THRIVE, and what it is doing for us.
Head over to emilyaconlin.le-vel.com for some more information on the THRIVE program or to place your order! Try it for 8 weeks, and see what happens!
Our 2 week mark was yesterday! Woo! Erinn and I definitely feel more focused and productive, less hungry and snacky, and more awake in the morning. Neither of us have ever been morning people. However, we now have conversations (with each other and people other than ourselves) in the mornings. We don't feel the need to have caffeine throughout the day, or snack frequently. Our parents say that we sound happier and have a better tone in our voices. Personally, I am having less problems with my anxiety and anorexia.
Erinn and I have not seen any differences in our bodies yet. However, we have not been eating healthy or working out like we were a few weeks ago. We are hopefully getting back on track this week as we readjust to our schedules. We are also trying not to waste money on going out to eat, so maybe this will help with our bodies. We are not in it to lose weight or anything like that, but it would be a nice benefit.
We have definitely seen the great things that THRIVE is doing for our bodies and minds. We have both accidentally have forgotten a piece of or the whole THRIVE program at least once, and both had extremely off days. We are enjoying THRIVE, and what it is doing for us.
Head over to emilyaconlin.le-vel.com for some more information on the THRIVE program or to place your order! Try it for 8 weeks, and see what happens!
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 13
Today's post is going to be all about Erinn.
10 AM - Erinn finally managed to get herself out of bed. She was exhausted from a long week of exams. She, just being completely out of it, forgot to take her capsules or even put a DFT patch on.
1 PM - Erinn went and got us some lunch. She figured maybe eating would help her a little. We got In-N-Out. We know that it isn't the healthiest option, but it is also a better alternative to other foods.
The whole day she did not feel good. She had a really bad headache and just didn't want to do anything all day. She originally thought it was because she had a spider bite on her leg, and is allergic to spider bites. However, we are thinking that it may be because of the lack of THRIVE in her system yesterday. When I got home from work, she started drinking more fluids which did help.
ALSO! Update on the caffeine (all thanks to Tammy and Shane!)! TRIVE has about 65 - 75 mg of caffeine. Tammy commented on my post saying, "That's exactly right, about the same amount of caffeine as a 1/2 cup of coffee. The women's capsules have 20mg of caffeine per capsule, the men's have 25mg. The shake has 25mg, so all together, the women are only getting 65mg and the men 75mg. Another thing about the caffeine in Thrive is that since it's a natural form, it does not attack your adrenal system causing you to spike and crash." Shane also shared the following picture with me to compare between different sources of caffeine and said, "The premium and Ultra DFTs have NO caffeine."
10 AM - Erinn finally managed to get herself out of bed. She was exhausted from a long week of exams. She, just being completely out of it, forgot to take her capsules or even put a DFT patch on.
1 PM - Erinn went and got us some lunch. She figured maybe eating would help her a little. We got In-N-Out. We know that it isn't the healthiest option, but it is also a better alternative to other foods.
The whole day she did not feel good. She had a really bad headache and just didn't want to do anything all day. She originally thought it was because she had a spider bite on her leg, and is allergic to spider bites. However, we are thinking that it may be because of the lack of THRIVE in her system yesterday. When I got home from work, she started drinking more fluids which did help.
ALSO! Update on the caffeine (all thanks to Tammy and Shane!)! TRIVE has about 65 - 75 mg of caffeine. Tammy commented on my post saying, "That's exactly right, about the same amount of caffeine as a 1/2 cup of coffee. The women's capsules have 20mg of caffeine per capsule, the men's have 25mg. The shake has 25mg, so all together, the women are only getting 65mg and the men 75mg. Another thing about the caffeine in Thrive is that since it's a natural form, it does not attack your adrenal system causing you to spike and crash." Shane also shared the following picture with me to compare between different sources of caffeine and said, "The premium and Ultra DFTs have NO caffeine."
So huge thank you to them for giving us some more exact information!
Friday, September 16, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 12
So we missed a day of blogging! But that's okay. Nothing super exciting happened yesterday or today. Basic stuff again today.
I wasn't too hungry for lunch, so I had some croissants for lunch. This was a bad idea for me, as my blood sugar dropped a little low later in the day causing me to have a headache.
So instead of a boring post about my day, let's talk about caffeine! So the pills and shakes have caffeine in them. It is natural caffeine from black tea. I am only allowed to have a limited amount of caffeine per day. There is not a specific amount, but with my anxiety disorder I try to avoid caffeine. If I have too much caffeine, it makes my heart race and is painful. I was reading the back of the packages a few days ago, and read that the products have caffeine. It was shocking to me. Sure, it makes sense since we are so awake in the morning after having the shakes and pills. However, it didn't hurt my heart at all.
This made me curious, and the next time I called my dad I asked him (because dads always have the answers to random questions). My parents are strict 2 cups of coffee every morning type of people. I've seen my mom have headaches or be grumpy (love you mommy) for having any less than that. Shane and Tammy told them on the first day of the program to go without coffee, and see what happens. My dad said that the caffeine is the equivalent of about half a cup of coffee. He stated that him and my mom are able to have only 1 cup of coffee now in the morning instead of 2. It is just enough caffeine to wake you up!
So there's some information for you. It's not very technical, and maybe Tammy and Shane will have some more technical info for me to post after they read this. ;)
I wasn't too hungry for lunch, so I had some croissants for lunch. This was a bad idea for me, as my blood sugar dropped a little low later in the day causing me to have a headache.
So instead of a boring post about my day, let's talk about caffeine! So the pills and shakes have caffeine in them. It is natural caffeine from black tea. I am only allowed to have a limited amount of caffeine per day. There is not a specific amount, but with my anxiety disorder I try to avoid caffeine. If I have too much caffeine, it makes my heart race and is painful. I was reading the back of the packages a few days ago, and read that the products have caffeine. It was shocking to me. Sure, it makes sense since we are so awake in the morning after having the shakes and pills. However, it didn't hurt my heart at all.
This made me curious, and the next time I called my dad I asked him (because dads always have the answers to random questions). My parents are strict 2 cups of coffee every morning type of people. I've seen my mom have headaches or be grumpy (love you mommy) for having any less than that. Shane and Tammy told them on the first day of the program to go without coffee, and see what happens. My dad said that the caffeine is the equivalent of about half a cup of coffee. He stated that him and my mom are able to have only 1 cup of coffee now in the morning instead of 2. It is just enough caffeine to wake you up!
So there's some information for you. It's not very technical, and maybe Tammy and Shane will have some more technical info for me to post after they read this. ;)
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 10
7:30 AM - I took my pill and had a 8 ounce glass of water. I had a hard time waking up the last few days. I have become more awake after taking the pills and drinking the water.
8 AM - I had some Chocolate Almond Milk with Vanilla Shake Powder. It tasted better than I thought it was going to taste to be honest. I thought the Vanilla powder would detract from the chocolate taste of the almond milk, but it did not. Erinn had a hard time drinking her shake this morning, and we are unsure why.
12:30 - Grilled cheese was the lunch choice for the day, which some pretzel crisps on the side.
7:30 PM - Erinn and I were at an event at my office tonight that ran late and through our plans for the night off. We ended up ordering dinner.
I definitely felt a difference throughout the morning between yesterday and today, which I strongly think is due the fact that I didn't have a THRIVE shake yesterday. After a little over a week, my fear of skipping meals like I used to when my anorexia ruled my life has subsided a little. I have added the THRIVE Experience to my daily routine, without subtracting anything. If anything, I am becoming more consistent with my eating habits as opposed to steering away from food. This might sound crazy, but THRIVE might actually be helping me to control my eating disorder, whereas some previous programs I have tried have made me revert to it.
Erinn has been doing great on the THRIVE program so far. She has been more attentive in class, especially her early 8 AM and 9:30 AM classes that she is usually falling asleep in. I am interested to see if this program continues to help her throughout the semester, or if this is something that starts to fade like usual.
We highly recommend that everyone tries this program, even for a short period of time. Head over to emilyaconlin.le-vel.com for more info and to place your first order! :)
We highly recommend that everyone tries this program, even for a short period of time. Head over to emilyaconlin.le-vel.com for more info and to place your first order! :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 9
7:45 AM - I woke up late this morning. Erinn left out a pill packet for me.
8:15 AM - I decided to have a Breakfast Essentials shake instead of a THRIVE shake this morning. I didn't feel good this morning and thought that the consistency of the Breakfast Essentials shake would be easier for me to drink.
Little did I know, that this would set my entire day off at work.
10 AM - I am already hungry. When I have a THRIVE shake, I am usually not hungry until 12:30 PM at the earliest. Today, I am snacky and hungry only an hour after getting to work. I had a personal sized bag of Smartfood Delight White Cheddar Popcorn. However, I am still hungry. We have candy all around the office. I have been doing better with not eating it, but today I had multiple pieces of candy.
2:30 PM - I had some raviolis for lunch, and a donut. Usually I am full after some raviolis. However, that is not the case today.
Throughout the afternoon, I try to drink more water instead of snacking.
7:30 PM - Erinn grabbed dinner on campus, and grabbed something for me on her way home.
So moral of the story today - if I'm going to have a busy day, I probably want a THRIVE shake. I was hungry all day, and it was extremely distracting. I did not expect to have this reaction at all when choosing to have a different shake this morning. I will definitely be sticking to THRIVE shakes on work days.
8:15 AM - I decided to have a Breakfast Essentials shake instead of a THRIVE shake this morning. I didn't feel good this morning and thought that the consistency of the Breakfast Essentials shake would be easier for me to drink.
Little did I know, that this would set my entire day off at work.
10 AM - I am already hungry. When I have a THRIVE shake, I am usually not hungry until 12:30 PM at the earliest. Today, I am snacky and hungry only an hour after getting to work. I had a personal sized bag of Smartfood Delight White Cheddar Popcorn. However, I am still hungry. We have candy all around the office. I have been doing better with not eating it, but today I had multiple pieces of candy.
2:30 PM - I had some raviolis for lunch, and a donut. Usually I am full after some raviolis. However, that is not the case today.
Throughout the afternoon, I try to drink more water instead of snacking.
7:30 PM - Erinn grabbed dinner on campus, and grabbed something for me on her way home.
So moral of the story today - if I'm going to have a busy day, I probably want a THRIVE shake. I was hungry all day, and it was extremely distracting. I did not expect to have this reaction at all when choosing to have a different shake this morning. I will definitely be sticking to THRIVE shakes on work days.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 8
8 AM - Another morning, another 2 capsules with 8 ounces of water for Erinn and I. This morning was rough for me. I had a hard time waking up and getting out of bed this morning. Once I finally did, it was immediately taking the pills and getting in the shower. These worked together to get me up and going for the most part.
8:30 AM - Chocolate Almond Milk and Chocolate shake mix for me. Erinn had plain Almond Milk with Vanilla shake mix. We both enjoyed our shakes. I placed my patch on the muscles on my lower stomach, and Erinn placed hers on her thigh.
I felt sick throughout the day. I was nauseous on and off all throughout work today. I tried eating and drinking water to make this feeling subside. Erinn had a normal day of classes and studying, and being all pre-doctory.
Nothing exciting happened for me today. I am noticing that I am less hungry and snacky. I used to crave food around 11 AM and around 3 PM. I would keep food in my desk at work in order to soothe the hunger. I no longer have this issue.
Since we don't have much to share today, I would like to share something that Shane (who is one of the people who got the fam started on THRIVE) share on my Facebook this week.
So this image explains why you typically order 16 shakes, despite the fact that there is 30 sets of everything else. It is not necessary to have a shake 7 days a week. This is good news for me, because I tend to get bored of things if I have them too often!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 7
9 AM - Typical start, having our capsules with water. Erinn put her patch on the front of her thigh, and I put mine on my bicep.
9:30 AM - Since we aren't doing much today, and we want to conserve the THRIVE shakes, we have decided to go with other routes for breakfast this morning. I decided to have a Breakfast Essentials chocolate shake, and Erinn decided to start with a banana. We also had fresh croissants.
I had a lot of energy throughout the morning. I was productive (which rarely happens on a day off), and build some side tables for my bedroom and the guest room. I expected to be really tired today since I drove to Phoenix yesterday and we didn't get home until midnight. I was very surprised by my own productivity.
1 PM - We had chicken patties for lunch. We were a little hungry around 12, but weren't ready to eat until around 1 PM.
We went to a baby shower, and had some snacks that we not entirely healthy.
7:30 PM - Everything we thought we had for dinner was spoiled, so we made tacos on a whim.
So here's my thoughts on THRIVE after the first week. While I'm not sure the patch does much, I think the capsules and shakes definitely do. We are getting a lot of vitamins and minerals into our systems. I definitely feel more energized since starting THRIVE. I am also getting used to the new morning routine that includes THRIVE. Erinn agrees. She also thinks that while she is unsure of what the patch is doing, it does remind her throughout the day to make healthier choices, such as eating fruits/veggies and drinking more water.
I am excited to continue on with the program and see what other changes come from THRIVE.
9:30 AM - Since we aren't doing much today, and we want to conserve the THRIVE shakes, we have decided to go with other routes for breakfast this morning. I decided to have a Breakfast Essentials chocolate shake, and Erinn decided to start with a banana. We also had fresh croissants.
I had a lot of energy throughout the morning. I was productive (which rarely happens on a day off), and build some side tables for my bedroom and the guest room. I expected to be really tired today since I drove to Phoenix yesterday and we didn't get home until midnight. I was very surprised by my own productivity.
1 PM - We had chicken patties for lunch. We were a little hungry around 12, but weren't ready to eat until around 1 PM.
We went to a baby shower, and had some snacks that we not entirely healthy.
7:30 PM - Everything we thought we had for dinner was spoiled, so we made tacos on a whim.
So here's my thoughts on THRIVE after the first week. While I'm not sure the patch does much, I think the capsules and shakes definitely do. We are getting a lot of vitamins and minerals into our systems. I definitely feel more energized since starting THRIVE. I am also getting used to the new morning routine that includes THRIVE. Erinn agrees. She also thinks that while she is unsure of what the patch is doing, it does remind her throughout the day to make healthier choices, such as eating fruits/veggies and drinking more water.
I am excited to continue on with the program and see what other changes come from THRIVE.
Younique Makeup - Sample Swatches
So recently I have become a Makeup Consultant for Younique Makeup! I love the products, and with each purchase a donation is make to the Younique Foundation. This Foundation supports women who were sexually abused and educates people on sexual abuse. I have named my business Les Belles Femme which is french and translates to The Beautiful Women.
Erinn and I did some swatches of samples that I received in my Younique Presenter Kit. To get even more information on these product or to place an order, her over to BellesFemmesMakeup.com!
With each swatch that we tried, we used the Shine Eye Makeup Removed Cloths to remove the various makeups. We liked the makeup remover cloths. They removed the makeup with ease for the most part. They left the skin feeling soft, and had a nice scent to them as well.
The first product we tried was the Stiff Upper Lip lip stain. We liked the colors a lot. The lip stains were vibrant. Most of them came off with a little scrubbing, as a lip stain should.
The third product we tried was the Addiction Eye Shadow Palette. The palette I have is Palette 1. We used a spare eye shadow primer that I had on half of Erinn's arm to see if there was a difference in the color when a primer is used. There wasn't a change in the color for the most part. When we removed the eye shadow, we found that it stayed a little longer on top of the primer.
Erinn and I did some swatches of samples that I received in my Younique Presenter Kit. To get even more information on these product or to place an order, her over to BellesFemmesMakeup.com!
With each swatch that we tried, we used the Shine Eye Makeup Removed Cloths to remove the various makeups. We liked the makeup remover cloths. They removed the makeup with ease for the most part. They left the skin feeling soft, and had a nice scent to them as well.
The first product we tried was the Stiff Upper Lip lip stain. We liked the colors a lot. The lip stains were vibrant. Most of them came off with a little scrubbing, as a lip stain should.
The second product we tried was the Lucrative lip gloss. This product had a wider variety of colors. Some were shimmery, and some were not. It was easy to apply, and easy to remove.
The third product we tried was the Addiction Eye Shadow Palette. The palette I have is Palette 1. We used a spare eye shadow primer that I had on half of Erinn's arm to see if there was a difference in the color when a primer is used. There wasn't a change in the color for the most part. When we removed the eye shadow, we found that it stayed a little longer on top of the primer.
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 6
9 AM- Erinn and I take our pills.
9:30 AM - This morning we got to use our new 28 oz Blender Bottles, which we really liked (we've been using 20 oz bottles). They gave enough room to add everything in and still be able to shake enough for everything to mix. We experimented with our shakes this morning. Unfortunately, the box we get only comes with 16 shakes, even though it has a month worth of pills and patches. This means we have to be a little creative with our shakes. This morning we split a Vanilla THRIVE shake mix and a Chocolate Breakfast Essentials shake. I mixed half of each package with about 10 oz of Chocolate Almond Milk. Erinn mixed half of each shake with about 10oz of a mixture of chocolate and regular almond milk. We both liked this mixture and see this as a great alternative to using a full THRIVE shake packet EVERY day, in order to conserve them.
10:30 AM - We had croissants as a second breakfast. They were so fluffy and wonderful.
We traveled to Phoenix for the day, so our day was a little unusual. We had a wonderful day.
5 PM - We had dinner at Olive Garden. We were able to wait until 5 to eat, but got hungry around 4 PM.
Since we don't have a lot to share today, I've decided to share random info on the products.
The pills are fairly small, and easy to take. We usually both feel awake within a few moments of taking the pills. This may be because of the water, but we still are enjoying the effects.
The patches sometimes leave a residue when we remove them. It is fine if you leave the residue. However, we usually like to take it off. We have been told a few ways to remove the residue. We typically use nail polish remover, but have been told coconut oil also takes it off easily.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 5
6 AM - Erinn woke up. She took her pills but was running late today and decided not to make a shake. She grabbed a banana to eat on her way to school.
7:40 AM - I took my pills with 8 ounces of water.
8 AM - Erinn's first class is underway. She regretted not having a shake because she felt tired, unfocused, and mainly, hungry. At the beginning of her class it had been about 12 hours since her last meal, besides the banana. She really felt that throughout her day, until she was able to come home around 12:30 for lunch.
8:10 AM - I have 10 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk with Chocolate shake mix. And then spilt some of it in my bathroom trying to open my shaker bottle.
I felt good through the morning. I was not as sleepy as I was yesterday, and did not feel sick.
2 PM - I had snacks for lunch. I was not super hungry today.
I was a little unfocused in the afternoon at work. This could also be because I have the next two days off, which I was excited about.
6 PM - I get off of work, and Erinn and I have some errands to run. We didn't get home until 8:45 PM, and were fine waiting until we were home to eat. We were both getting hungry around 8 PM.
I am excited to continue THRIVE next week. This week was a little off for me schedule wise, so I'm excited to get back into the usual swing of things with THRIVE by my side. I am also excited to see how well THRIVE works while mini-traveling this weekend.
Erinn learned today how reliant she is becoming on having breakfast. Most of our lives we haven't been big on eating breakfast, but now that we have gotten in the habit of it, we feel it when we don't. The THRIVE shakes are a great way for us to start our days off since they have such great amounts of vitamins and minerals to kick start our mornings in a positive way.
7:40 AM - I took my pills with 8 ounces of water.
8 AM - Erinn's first class is underway. She regretted not having a shake because she felt tired, unfocused, and mainly, hungry. At the beginning of her class it had been about 12 hours since her last meal, besides the banana. She really felt that throughout her day, until she was able to come home around 12:30 for lunch.
8:10 AM - I have 10 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk with Chocolate shake mix. And then spilt some of it in my bathroom trying to open my shaker bottle.
I felt good through the morning. I was not as sleepy as I was yesterday, and did not feel sick.
2 PM - I had snacks for lunch. I was not super hungry today.
I was a little unfocused in the afternoon at work. This could also be because I have the next two days off, which I was excited about.
6 PM - I get off of work, and Erinn and I have some errands to run. We didn't get home until 8:45 PM, and were fine waiting until we were home to eat. We were both getting hungry around 8 PM.
I am excited to continue THRIVE next week. This week was a little off for me schedule wise, so I'm excited to get back into the usual swing of things with THRIVE by my side. I am also excited to see how well THRIVE works while mini-traveling this weekend.
Erinn learned today how reliant she is becoming on having breakfast. Most of our lives we haven't been big on eating breakfast, but now that we have gotten in the habit of it, we feel it when we don't. The THRIVE shakes are a great way for us to start our days off since they have such great amounts of vitamins and minerals to kick start our mornings in a positive way.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 4
7 AM - No issues taking my capsules this morning. I am getting used to the new routine of taking the pills and drinking 8 ounces of water in the morning.
7:30 AM - I had 4 ounces of regular Almond Milk and 6 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk, with chocolate shake mix. I placed my patch on the front of my thigh. Erinn woke up and yelled across the apartment that she didn't want to get up for class. But once she finally got herself up she took her pills and within 10-15 minutes she was awake and perky. She went with a chocolate shake with chocolate milk. She put her patch on her thigh again today (the opposite leg though). She ate a banana once she got to school today.
11 AM - I had a hard time through the morning. I was sleepy this morning at work, nauseous, and had a headache. A coworker brought in donuts, and I fell to temptation and had one. I try to avoid sweet treats lately, so I think the sugar threw my body for a loop.
2 PM - I had a 6 inch sub from Subway for lunch, with no sides (which is an achievement for me!). I usually am not even close to full after a 6 inch sub, but today this filled me up.
4 PM- Erinn had eaten a small lunch earlier in the day and was craving a snack. She brought a new snack with her to school today that she was excited to try. She had the Graze brand Whole Grain Banana Carmel Dippers. The Graze brand has great snacks that are low in fat and sugar and are made with minimal ingredients. We have both previously tried the chocolate pretzel dippers. I liked the pretzels, but am not a big fan of hazelnut, which is in the chocolate dip, so I didn't have the chocolate. Erinn really liked the chocolate pretzel dippers and said the chocolate tasted like nutella. Today though, she had the banana caramel dippers. She says they're really tasty. The banana shortbread cookies by themselves do not have a ton of flavor, but with the caramel are amazing! Even with caramel, the entire snack has only 10g of sugar, which is less than many other snack options.
Throughout the afternoon, I had a lot of energy and was focused at work. Erinn felt like she was very snacky today, but thinks this is likely because she ate a very tiny lunch (half a PB&J), a cheese stick, and a couple carrots.
7 PM - I am just getting home from work, and again am not as hungry as usual. We are delaying dinner a little, as neither of us are really hungry yet.
I've noticed that I don't snack as much, and am eating smaller portions than usual. My sleep patterns are a little off this week, which is probably just my body adjusting. However, my work schedule is weird this week due to the holiday which also be affecting my sleep schedule. Today is the first day that I have felt tired after taking my pills and shake.
Erinn has noted she has been sleeping very soundly this week. She wears a fitbit while she sleeps to track her sleeping habits and has had a lot less restlessness during the night. After 4 days she feels like she is starting to fully get the effects of Thrive. She says she is feeling very alert in her classes and having a much easier time paying attention. Taking everything in the mornings is starting to become a morning habit for both of us.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 3
Erinn has class at 8 AM on Wednesdays, so she was up around 6 AM. Her timeframe was a little different than mine, but it followed the same general pattern. To make things easier, I have included her info with mine. She had her pills around 6 AM and her shake around 6:30 AM.
7:40 AM - Today is the first day that we both take 2 pills. Erinn and I both had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, and we don't think the dreary weather helped. We both felt more awake after having our capsules, and drinking water. I again had a 8 ounce glass of water to jump start my body.
8:10 AM - I had 10 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk with Chocolate shake mix again. Erinn tried her Vanilla Shake Mix with Orange Juice. We both assumed that would taste like a creamsicle. Erinn liked the taste but really struggled with the texture. She said it was really grainy this morning with just the orange juice. She plans on trying different mixtures, like adding a banana, because she liked the taste, but just could not get past the texture. Erinn placed her patch on the front of her thigh today, and I placed mine on my forearm.
9 AM - Erinn had a bagel at school with some orange juice.
Throughout the morning, I tried to steadily drink water. I have a water bottle that has a Brita filter in it, which makes it easier for me while working. Erinn said she felt very attentive during her classes today and wasn't sleepy during her 8am like she usually is.
1 PM - I took my lunch break at work, and came home and made some food. I started feeling hungry around 12:30.
2 PM- Erinn ate a california roll and some watermelon for lunch.
Throughout the afternoon at work, I felt more focused than usual. I didn't crash mid-afternoon like I usually do.
7 PM - We have already started making dinner, but I am just now starting to get hungry.
We were supposed to make it to the gym tonight, but Erinn's homework load is more than expected. We hope to start going back to working out regularly tomorrow. We both tried to drink more water than usual, as this has been something we have struggled with.
I had a hard time going to sleep again last night. I stared at my ceiling for about an hour before finally falling asleep after 11 PM. I think doing nothing all day adversely affected my body. On days off from now on, I will be attempting to do more throughout the day, even if it is just going to the gym or pool for a little while.
7:40 AM - Today is the first day that we both take 2 pills. Erinn and I both had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, and we don't think the dreary weather helped. We both felt more awake after having our capsules, and drinking water. I again had a 8 ounce glass of water to jump start my body.
8:10 AM - I had 10 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk with Chocolate shake mix again. Erinn tried her Vanilla Shake Mix with Orange Juice. We both assumed that would taste like a creamsicle. Erinn liked the taste but really struggled with the texture. She said it was really grainy this morning with just the orange juice. She plans on trying different mixtures, like adding a banana, because she liked the taste, but just could not get past the texture. Erinn placed her patch on the front of her thigh today, and I placed mine on my forearm.
9 AM - Erinn had a bagel at school with some orange juice.
Throughout the morning, I tried to steadily drink water. I have a water bottle that has a Brita filter in it, which makes it easier for me while working. Erinn said she felt very attentive during her classes today and wasn't sleepy during her 8am like she usually is.
1 PM - I took my lunch break at work, and came home and made some food. I started feeling hungry around 12:30.
2 PM- Erinn ate a california roll and some watermelon for lunch.
Throughout the afternoon at work, I felt more focused than usual. I didn't crash mid-afternoon like I usually do.
7 PM - We have already started making dinner, but I am just now starting to get hungry.
We were supposed to make it to the gym tonight, but Erinn's homework load is more than expected. We hope to start going back to working out regularly tomorrow. We both tried to drink more water than usual, as this has been something we have struggled with.
I had a hard time going to sleep again last night. I stared at my ceiling for about an hour before finally falling asleep after 11 PM. I think doing nothing all day adversely affected my body. On days off from now on, I will be attempting to do more throughout the day, even if it is just going to the gym or pool for a little while.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 2
One day down, many more to go! When Erinn and I took our patches off, we both had a little residue from the edges of the patch. Erinn used some nail polish remover/acetone, and the residue came off easily.
8 AM - I took my pill with 8 ounces of water. Erinn was up and going before me this morning, but she said that she had hers with about 4 ounces of water. We both feel more awake after this. However, this may be due to the water that we drank.
8:30 AM - I had the chocolate shake mix again, with 10 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk. Erinn used half of a packet of chocolate shake mix, with around 10 ounces of regular Almond Milk. Erinn said that with half of the powder, the shake was thinner, and she thought it was easier to drink. We only have 20 ounce Blender Bottles right now. We are buying bigger ones, so we can put more liquid in the drink. I think this will make it less grainy. Erinn has placed her patch on her forearm today, and I put mine on my bicep. I didn't have any strange feeling in my head like yesterday and Erinn did not have the sensation in her muscle that she did yesterday.
10 AM - I am starting to want food, but I am not hungry. I think this is more out of boredom than being hungry.
1 PM - I am just now starting to get hungry. This is surprising because usually I am starving around 12.
2:30 PM - Erinn ate lunch after her class. She says that she got hungry around 1 PM. She's not sure if she was hungry or bored of her class when she started getting hungry. She reports that she ate less than she typically would for lunch- less snacks on the side of her sandwich.
5 PM - I am feeling a little tired. I slept 2 hours less than I usually do last night. I am not nap-level tired, but I am not as energetic as I was yesterday. I also have been sitting on the couch for most of the day instead of being active. Erinn is in her last class of the day and is having a much easier time paying attention in it. She says its a very dry class and by this point in the day its nearly impossible to pay attention to the professor, but she was actually able to maintain her attention span for most of the lecture.
6 PM - We are making dinner. We are hungry, but not famished.
Overall a weird day for both of us. We both felt really awake this morning after having our pills and shakes. Throughout the day, Erinn felt more energetic than usual, while I did not. Tomorrow will be my first day at work while using the product, so we will see how it goes! We are both enjoying the products, and think they are offering benefits for us.
10 AM - I am starting to want food, but I am not hungry. I think this is more out of boredom than being hungry.
1 PM - I am just now starting to get hungry. This is surprising because usually I am starving around 12.
2:30 PM - Erinn ate lunch after her class. She says that she got hungry around 1 PM. She's not sure if she was hungry or bored of her class when she started getting hungry. She reports that she ate less than she typically would for lunch- less snacks on the side of her sandwich.
5 PM - I am feeling a little tired. I slept 2 hours less than I usually do last night. I am not nap-level tired, but I am not as energetic as I was yesterday. I also have been sitting on the couch for most of the day instead of being active. Erinn is in her last class of the day and is having a much easier time paying attention in it. She says its a very dry class and by this point in the day its nearly impossible to pay attention to the professor, but she was actually able to maintain her attention span for most of the lecture.
6 PM - We are making dinner. We are hungry, but not famished.
Overall a weird day for both of us. We both felt really awake this morning after having our pills and shakes. Throughout the day, Erinn felt more energetic than usual, while I did not. Tomorrow will be my first day at work while using the product, so we will see how it goes! We are both enjoying the products, and think they are offering benefits for us.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Le-Vel THRIVE Experience - Day 1
So today we start a new journey! Erinn and I are starting the Le-Vel Thrive Experience. Our parent's neighbor got them into it, and they are getting us going on it!
I was apprehensive when my parents told me about the program. Due to my history with my eating disorder, I am always a little nervous when people tell me about programs that use chemical reactions in the body. I have had previous experience with using meal replacement programs that have sparked my eating disorder. My parents guaranteed that this will not have that effect on me. The shakes do have hunger suppressants in them, but not to the point that it will make me avoid eating.
To be honest, I am skeptical of how these things work. I tend to believe that most of these products are just placebos that companies put fancy labels on. At the same time, I am excited to see how this goes. I am trying to be a healthier person. I don't necessarily want to lose weight using this product, but I am unhappy in my body right now. I want to get to a place where my body is more toned and I am more comfortable in my clothes.
So Day 1, here we go!
9:33 AM - Since it's our first day, we will only take 1 pill. We have the Le-Vel Premium Lifestyle Capsule-THRIVE W (Formulated for Women) pills. We split a pack (since 2 come in a pack). The glasses that we own are 8 ounces, so we filled the glasses up and drank 8 ounces of cold water with our pill. This is not really necessary, but most doctors recommend that you start your day with an 8 ounce glass of water anyway.
10:08 AM - Since everything is a chemical reaction, the most effective time to have the powder is 20-40 minutes after you take the pill. I have the Le-Vel Premium Nutrition: Ultra Micronized-THRIVE MW Chocolate Lifestyle Mix. We used about 4 ounces of regular Almond Milk and 6 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk with the powder. The powder is very fine, and mixed well (we used Blender Bottles with a circular ringed blender) with the almond milk. While drinking the shake, the powder was slightly grainy, but overall tasted good! It was very easy to drink, and only took us about 5-10 minutes to drink the shake.
10:15 AM - We put our patches on while finishing our shakes. We use the Le-Vel Premium Nutrition: Derma Fusion Technology-THRIVE Premium Lifestyle DFT. They have many designs and colors to choose from. Mine are pink camo colored! Erinn put hers on her bicep, and I put mine on the front of my hip. It is important to keep rotating where the patch is placed from day to day.
10:20 AM - Erinn started to feel some tingling in her arm in the muscle she placed the patch on, and my head started to feel a little "swimmy." My eyes were a little blurry. We called our dad concerned and messaged Tammy who is our go-to person for Le-Vel. It was nothing to worry about. With the new stimulants in our bodies, there are some adjustments that our body has to make. Tammy sent us a message saying, "There is a pepper extract in the DFT (patch) that helps your skin absorb the nutrients and that's where the tingling came from. As for the blurred vision, I would guess that's just the rush of pure vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc getting into your system and your body was going "woah, what's going on, what is this?!?"." Erinn's tingling only lasted a few minutes, as did the feeling in my head. However, we both feel super awake and energetic. We are both excited to see how this goes today!
11 AM - I just went to the bathroom, and had forgotten that I had the patch on my hip. I was startled for a moment, but in a good way. The patch is not hindering my day. Erinn and I were both hungry before taking the pill and drinking the shake. After the shake settled, we are no longer hungry.
1 PM - We were a little hungry around 12, but personally I thought I was less hungry than usual. We are just getting actually hungry around 1 PM. Erinn stated that she is hungry, but not "starving." We both could go longer before eating, as neither of us are craving food as we usually do around this time. Both of us have forgotten that we have the patches on, other than we look at them. I'm also usually about ready to take a nap around this time, and start to drag at work. I have the day off, so that may be contributing to why I am not so tired, but I am not as sleepy as I usually am around 1 PM.
1:45 PM - We made 2 chicken patties for each of us for lunch. Usually Erinn is still hungry after eating 2 chicken patties. Today, she felt full around being halfway through her second one! I usually eat both and am full, and today at about one and 3/4 and couldn't finish. Again, this could be because of other factors or activities today, but we both think that it is because of THRIVE.
5 PM - Usually I start to get hungry around this time. If I'm at work, I'm starting to become unfocused. I just looked at the clock and didn't even realize what time it was, partially due to me not being hungry. This is surprising to me. I have also just realized that I haven't snacked at all today, which I usually constantly do.
7 PM - I am just now getting to be actually hungry (which works well because dinner is just coming out of the oven!).
Overall, our first day of the THRIVE experience has gone over well. Erinn and I both felt more energetic and less hungry throughout the day. We are excited for the next few weeks to see what happens and how our bodies feel.
For more information on the specifics of how everything works, go to this website and read all about it!
I was apprehensive when my parents told me about the program. Due to my history with my eating disorder, I am always a little nervous when people tell me about programs that use chemical reactions in the body. I have had previous experience with using meal replacement programs that have sparked my eating disorder. My parents guaranteed that this will not have that effect on me. The shakes do have hunger suppressants in them, but not to the point that it will make me avoid eating.
To be honest, I am skeptical of how these things work. I tend to believe that most of these products are just placebos that companies put fancy labels on. At the same time, I am excited to see how this goes. I am trying to be a healthier person. I don't necessarily want to lose weight using this product, but I am unhappy in my body right now. I want to get to a place where my body is more toned and I am more comfortable in my clothes.
So Day 1, here we go!
9:33 AM - Since it's our first day, we will only take 1 pill. We have the Le-Vel Premium Lifestyle Capsule-THRIVE W (Formulated for Women) pills. We split a pack (since 2 come in a pack). The glasses that we own are 8 ounces, so we filled the glasses up and drank 8 ounces of cold water with our pill. This is not really necessary, but most doctors recommend that you start your day with an 8 ounce glass of water anyway.
10:08 AM - Since everything is a chemical reaction, the most effective time to have the powder is 20-40 minutes after you take the pill. I have the Le-Vel Premium Nutrition: Ultra Micronized-THRIVE MW Chocolate Lifestyle Mix. We used about 4 ounces of regular Almond Milk and 6 ounces of Chocolate Almond Milk with the powder. The powder is very fine, and mixed well (we used Blender Bottles with a circular ringed blender) with the almond milk. While drinking the shake, the powder was slightly grainy, but overall tasted good! It was very easy to drink, and only took us about 5-10 minutes to drink the shake.
10:15 AM - We put our patches on while finishing our shakes. We use the Le-Vel Premium Nutrition: Derma Fusion Technology-THRIVE Premium Lifestyle DFT. They have many designs and colors to choose from. Mine are pink camo colored! Erinn put hers on her bicep, and I put mine on the front of my hip. It is important to keep rotating where the patch is placed from day to day.
10:20 AM - Erinn started to feel some tingling in her arm in the muscle she placed the patch on, and my head started to feel a little "swimmy." My eyes were a little blurry. We called our dad concerned and messaged Tammy who is our go-to person for Le-Vel. It was nothing to worry about. With the new stimulants in our bodies, there are some adjustments that our body has to make. Tammy sent us a message saying, "There is a pepper extract in the DFT (patch) that helps your skin absorb the nutrients and that's where the tingling came from. As for the blurred vision, I would guess that's just the rush of pure vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc getting into your system and your body was going "woah, what's going on, what is this?!?"." Erinn's tingling only lasted a few minutes, as did the feeling in my head. However, we both feel super awake and energetic. We are both excited to see how this goes today!
11 AM - I just went to the bathroom, and had forgotten that I had the patch on my hip. I was startled for a moment, but in a good way. The patch is not hindering my day. Erinn and I were both hungry before taking the pill and drinking the shake. After the shake settled, we are no longer hungry.
1 PM - We were a little hungry around 12, but personally I thought I was less hungry than usual. We are just getting actually hungry around 1 PM. Erinn stated that she is hungry, but not "starving." We both could go longer before eating, as neither of us are craving food as we usually do around this time. Both of us have forgotten that we have the patches on, other than we look at them. I'm also usually about ready to take a nap around this time, and start to drag at work. I have the day off, so that may be contributing to why I am not so tired, but I am not as sleepy as I usually am around 1 PM.
1:45 PM - We made 2 chicken patties for each of us for lunch. Usually Erinn is still hungry after eating 2 chicken patties. Today, she felt full around being halfway through her second one! I usually eat both and am full, and today at about one and 3/4 and couldn't finish. Again, this could be because of other factors or activities today, but we both think that it is because of THRIVE.
5 PM - Usually I start to get hungry around this time. If I'm at work, I'm starting to become unfocused. I just looked at the clock and didn't even realize what time it was, partially due to me not being hungry. This is surprising to me. I have also just realized that I haven't snacked at all today, which I usually constantly do.
7 PM - I am just now getting to be actually hungry (which works well because dinner is just coming out of the oven!).
Overall, our first day of the THRIVE experience has gone over well. Erinn and I both felt more energetic and less hungry throughout the day. We are excited for the next few weeks to see what happens and how our bodies feel.
For more information on the specifics of how everything works, go to this website and read all about it!
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Mental Illness
Lately, I have started to speak out about some of my struggles, only (once again) to be met with ridicule.
I have had an eating disorder since fourth grade. I was always active and playing soccer or dancing as a child, and never saw my weight as anything but normal. In the fourth grade, bullies suddenly entered my life and I didn't know how to handle them. My teacher used to have meetings with me every day after lunch to make sure that I ate my lunch that my mom had prepared that morning. I was constantly monitored by the cafeteria staff to make sure I wasn't throwing my food away or giving it to my friends. Well, after a few weeks my parents started noticing that I was suddenly losing weight. Little did I know at the time, I was also doing other harm to my body. Around the same time, I started having migraines and had to go to Syracuse for testing and to get put on medication for the migraines.
After everyone found out what was going on and it was explained to me by school staff what I was doing to myself, I started eating again. I didn't have any issues with my eating disorder until my freshman year of high school when I went through a traumatic time. With the help of my parents and a counselor, I got set on the right track again....until college. Since starting college, I have had a constant on-and-off relationship with my eating disorder. Most of the people that are close with me know my history with this specific disorder, and now help me to stay on the right track with it.
Consequently, I also have suffered with depression. If you have read one of my previous blog posts, then you will realize that I have been through multiple traumatic experiences in my short 20 years. Some of these experiences have caused me to sink to the darkest corners of my mind, and have thoughts that I did not think someone like myself was capable of having. Again, with the help of my amazing family and multiple counselors, I have been able to push through these times.
I also have an anxiety disorder. I find myself unable to control my body and thoughts at times. I may know that I shouldn't or should be doing something, and cannot change my actions in order to fit what I want to do. There will be times when I am paralyzed due to fear, to an extent that most people cannot understand. I struggle at times with simple everyday tasks, like choosing where to eat when going to dinner with friends. To this day, I am still learning about what this truly means and what my options are in order to be able to handle every day tasks.
On Facebook, I have started sharing articles that truly communicate how I have been feeling while struggling with these disorders lately. Let me say this first-I do not share them for pity or to have people pay attention to me. I share them because I have felt so alone struggling, and to feel like there are other people in the world that understand me is just a breath of fresh air. I share them for myself, and for people who may also be facing the same struggle.
However, there are people who have said that I shouldn't be sharing posts like that because it makes them "uncomfortable" or "it isn't something that I should be proud about." If an article makes you uncomfortable, you do not have read it folks. And to say I am proud that I have mental disorders? I am not "proud," but I am no longer ashamed that I face these struggles. If someone chooses to stereotype me because of the way my brain works, I am no longer going to let it affect me. I have been so afraid of what people think about me for the longest time, and it only makes the "symptoms," for lack of a better word, of my disorders worse.
There are people that do not have the support system that I have, or can get the care that I can through my medical insurance and amazing counselors at school. There are people that have the same disorders as me, but have them 10x worse and cannot leave their own rooms because of it. I am lucky that I can attend school and have two jobs while trying to figure out ways to control my disorders to have a normal life.
Mental illness is not a topic that should be swept under the rug and ignored, it is something that people need to discuss. The people that struggle with mental disorders need their friends and family to be accepting and ready to assist them in any way possible. Otherwise, they may never seek help. And please realize, it is not the person's fault that they think the way they do or act the way they do because of their disorder. Do not blame them for their disorder. From my experience, they hate it just as much as you do.
I have had an eating disorder since fourth grade. I was always active and playing soccer or dancing as a child, and never saw my weight as anything but normal. In the fourth grade, bullies suddenly entered my life and I didn't know how to handle them. My teacher used to have meetings with me every day after lunch to make sure that I ate my lunch that my mom had prepared that morning. I was constantly monitored by the cafeteria staff to make sure I wasn't throwing my food away or giving it to my friends. Well, after a few weeks my parents started noticing that I was suddenly losing weight. Little did I know at the time, I was also doing other harm to my body. Around the same time, I started having migraines and had to go to Syracuse for testing and to get put on medication for the migraines.
After everyone found out what was going on and it was explained to me by school staff what I was doing to myself, I started eating again. I didn't have any issues with my eating disorder until my freshman year of high school when I went through a traumatic time. With the help of my parents and a counselor, I got set on the right track again....until college. Since starting college, I have had a constant on-and-off relationship with my eating disorder. Most of the people that are close with me know my history with this specific disorder, and now help me to stay on the right track with it.
Consequently, I also have suffered with depression. If you have read one of my previous blog posts, then you will realize that I have been through multiple traumatic experiences in my short 20 years. Some of these experiences have caused me to sink to the darkest corners of my mind, and have thoughts that I did not think someone like myself was capable of having. Again, with the help of my amazing family and multiple counselors, I have been able to push through these times.
I also have an anxiety disorder. I find myself unable to control my body and thoughts at times. I may know that I shouldn't or should be doing something, and cannot change my actions in order to fit what I want to do. There will be times when I am paralyzed due to fear, to an extent that most people cannot understand. I struggle at times with simple everyday tasks, like choosing where to eat when going to dinner with friends. To this day, I am still learning about what this truly means and what my options are in order to be able to handle every day tasks.
On Facebook, I have started sharing articles that truly communicate how I have been feeling while struggling with these disorders lately. Let me say this first-I do not share them for pity or to have people pay attention to me. I share them because I have felt so alone struggling, and to feel like there are other people in the world that understand me is just a breath of fresh air. I share them for myself, and for people who may also be facing the same struggle.
However, there are people who have said that I shouldn't be sharing posts like that because it makes them "uncomfortable" or "it isn't something that I should be proud about." If an article makes you uncomfortable, you do not have read it folks. And to say I am proud that I have mental disorders? I am not "proud," but I am no longer ashamed that I face these struggles. If someone chooses to stereotype me because of the way my brain works, I am no longer going to let it affect me. I have been so afraid of what people think about me for the longest time, and it only makes the "symptoms," for lack of a better word, of my disorders worse.
There are people that do not have the support system that I have, or can get the care that I can through my medical insurance and amazing counselors at school. There are people that have the same disorders as me, but have them 10x worse and cannot leave their own rooms because of it. I am lucky that I can attend school and have two jobs while trying to figure out ways to control my disorders to have a normal life.
Mental illness is not a topic that should be swept under the rug and ignored, it is something that people need to discuss. The people that struggle with mental disorders need their friends and family to be accepting and ready to assist them in any way possible. Otherwise, they may never seek help. And please realize, it is not the person's fault that they think the way they do or act the way they do because of their disorder. Do not blame them for their disorder. From my experience, they hate it just as much as you do.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
A Girl Without A Bow "Wipe Case"
So there's a company that I love to buy my bows from called A Girl Without A Bow! Actually, I love it so much I became 1 of 10 Campus Representatives for the company in September 2014, and am currently the last one still working for the company.
For those who don't know about the company, it is run by one amazing girl named Aimee. All products are handmade by her. She has worked so hard to make her dream of the company become a reality for herself.
She is actually introducing a new product, and I got to be the guinea pig for it (which I always love)! What is the new product? Keep your mind open-its a wipe case! She takes a plastic case that you would put a travel wipes into, and covers it in padding and fabric and makes it really cute (see below!)!
"Em, what in the world do I need a wipe case for? I don't have kids or babysit or anything." Great question! Since it is an empty plastic case, you can use it for whatever you want! You can put pens and pencils in it and throw it into your backpack. Or small items like chapstick and hair ties or bobby pins and put it in your purse so you can easily locate these items!
While traveling from New York to Wisconsin last week, I put tampons in the case and threw the case into my travel bag. When going to the bathroom, you can simply grab the entire case and bring it into the bathroom with you instead of digging through your bag for a single tampon. And if you are shy about that sort of thing, it helps you out. Since the plastic case is padded and decorated, it sort of looks like a clutch and nobody suspects anything!
Want to find out more about this product or A Girl Without A Bow? Check out her website or Instagram account! And if you choose to make an order, use the code EMILY10 for 10% off of your order! In addition, until the end of March get 21% off of your order, $3 bows, and free shipping on orders over $21! Just be sure to mention its the March deal. :)
Back edge of the case
Front edge of the case
Friday, March 13, 2015
What people don't see when they look at my letters....
Being from a small town and going to college in a small town has taught me one thing-people love to stereotype. Especially when it comes to fraternities and sororities.
Anyone from my high school would probably tell you that I was the "stereotypical cheerleader" in high school. Bubbly, loud, slightly obnoxious, had a boyfriend on the lacrosse team, was named captain of the team senior year. However, I also was on the honor roll, a member of the National Honor Society, a competitive dancer, was actively involved in the music program, a member of Jazz Rock (the select choir at my high school), and all of my best friends were active in the drama department. Oh, and I had a part time job from the moment I had a license. Doesn't seem like your stereotypical cheerleader anymore, now does it? I split my time between my family, job, dance studio, academics, cheerleading, and my friends. I also went through a period of depression in high school, was sexually assaulted, fought an eating disorder, was in an abusive relationship, and had a dad in the army who unfortunately had to deploy over sea every other year.
I was pretty much anything but your "stereotypical cheerleader."
Now, I'm in college. My freshman year, I joined a sorority. I did a lot of research on the Greek life at Plattsburgh. Researched the history of the campus and all of the organizations. When the time came, I had my heart set on Alpha Phi, and it was the only organization I considered joining. Their GPA was the highest on campus, they don't haze, they do a ton of community service. I was set.
And I got in. I was so excited to be a part of something bigger than myself, and be able to contribute to the community through philanthropy and community service. My parents were proud of me, my family was excited for me.
I went home a few weeks after receiving my bid, and constantly wore letters while I was home. I mean, obviously I did, I was excited. I immediately received ridicule from my friends, past teachers, and family friends. "What did you have to do to get in?" "How badly did you get hazed?" "I didn't realize you were a dumb srat girl, Em." I was blown away by what people were saying. Where did any of this come from?! What were they even talking about?! I was beyond confused. I had never experienced anything but love, acceptance, and gifts from my new sisters. We were a group of intelligent, caring, strong young ladies who all wanted to impact the world in a positive way. Why did everyone see that as such a negative thing?
Because of the stereotypes they had about members of Greek organizations, despite knowing me for most of my life.
Ever since I received my bid and put on my first set of letters, I have been fighting to be seen as me, and not as a stereotype, just as I did in high school. This battle is harder though, and is a constant struggle. I'm not just fighting this battle for myself, but for members of Greek organizations all over the world.
Currently, I work 20+ hours a week as a hostess at Texas Roadhouse, pay for my own housing, food, clothing, and more, will soon have a lease for a car in my own name that I will pay for with my own money, have a marketing internship at the College Suites at Plattsburgh, am the Social Media Coordinator for the SUNY Plattsburgh chapter of the American Marketing Association, and am the Red Dress Gala Director for my sorority. Did I mention that I'm also taking 15 credits of classes in upper level classes, despite it only being my second semester in the Marketing program? Add preparing for Relay For Life at SUNY Plattsburgh and for the city of Plattsburgh, coordinating travel plans to see my parents who live in Wisconsin, friends, my boyfriend, 20+ hours of community service a semester, and trying to stay on top of my academics to that list.
Last time I checked, thats more than most of the kids I know who aren't in Greek life do.
So the next time someone wants to make a comment to me about how I'm just a typical "sorority girl" who pays for her friends and who's parents pay for everything, don't. I'm more independent than most people my age, and am more involved than a lot of people on this campus. Can you say the same for yourself?
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