Biggest Winner Challenge Update {Weight Loss with Plant Based Living}

Good morning, loves!

I hope you have not forgotten about our BWC {the Biggest Winner Challenge} participants! I just received an update from them.

Our three [3] month challenge was completed in the beginning of August.  The first month and a half we met on a regular basis [weekly], thereafter communicating through e-mail.

The whole group: Diana, Dan and Barb, did fantastic.  They have gotten rid of numerous physical ailments; we discovered that some of the ailments were caused by gluten intolerance in Diana and Barb.  Barb went on to confirm it with her physician as well.

Now, are you ready for the weight loss total?  Drum roll, please...

In 3 months our participants have lost a combined of 76.5 lbs!  Diana lost 44 lbs, Dan 10 lbs [he does NOT need to lose any more!], and Barb 22.5!!! Isn't that fantastic?!  They had lost [and will keep losing] extra weight and gained so much: better health, better sleep, better mental function, etc.  They truly are THE BIGGEST WINNERS!

Congratulations, Diana, Dan and Barb!  You did what you thought was impossible and I am so proud of you!

I am hoping to still get a couple of quick interviews with Diana and Barb before moving out of the state.  when I do I will make sure to post them here for your enjoyment.  If you have any questions for any of the participants, please add them in the comment section.

Mango Peach Smoothie {Vegan} on a Hot Summer Day

While I was wediting [a photographer's way to say editing a wedding ;)], I had a craving for a smooth, cool, sweet drink.  In a minute I whipped up a delicious smoothie that I absolutely must share with you.  It does not only taste good, but it is great for you!  Loaded with enzymes, minerals and vitamins it will satisfy you and help you achieve better health at the same time. 

Mango Peach Smoothie
serves 3-4 people

Ingredients

• 1.5-2 cups filtered water
• 2 ripe oranges, peeled and seeded
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted
• 1 large ripe mango, pitted [I peeled skin as well]
• 2 tbs raw honey

1. Blend until smooth
2. add 2 cups ice and crush in a blender

Enjoy!

I Am Now Sweet {Ripe Organic Fruit Storage}

I spent most of the day peeling ripe organic fruit so it can be frozen to be used later on, when the season is over. I got a huge box of oranges, peaches, mangoes, cantaloupes and other delicious fruit. While I was peeling and cutting the juices were running over my hands and, I think, it marinated me ;), so I am pretty sweet ;)

Have a fabulously sweet Sunday!

{how about this sweet looking honeycomb? ;) local and organic!}

Our Breaking News: WE ARE MOVING!

Well, the title pretty much said it all. Yes, it is true, and it is finally official--my sweetie and I packing, as I am typing, and getting ready to make the big move! On 8/31 we will board a plane to relocate to Westerville, OH.

We are sad. Most of my family lives in or around Longview, so it will be very painful to leave them. We also had met wonderful people while here: clients, friends, church family, co-workers, and have been influenced by many in a wonderful way.

But we are also excited about what the future holds for us. Columbus and the metropolitan area around it is a huge metropolis compared to Cowlitz County [only 100K people population] and boast sover 1,000,000 people. The diversity, which we miss so much, is wonderful.

We moved from Ohio to Washington 2.5 years ago and many of our friends still live in/around Columbus, which will make our transition less painful. Thanks to our friends there, namely Cindi R, a good friend of mine, we were able to find housing and to start making other prepartions.

As for now I still have two weddings to photograph in the next two weeks, and work as second photographer at one more wedding. Once we relocate I have meetings lined up with wedding planners, photographers and other wonderful folk to get Elena Photographers booming in the Columbus metropolitan area. I will stay specialized with Weddings, Engagements/Couples, and Seniors. In my free time... when there will be some ;), I am going to be a Group Fitness Trainer, teaching Power Yoga + Pilates [I am studying for my certification now] and teaching people good nutrition and cooking classes. So, if you are in/around Westerville/Columbus OH area and want to meet me, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk beautiful photography, fitness and nutrition [separately or at the same time, which has happened many times ;)].

Have an amazing day!

Now Make Your Skin Wrinkle Free By Botox Treatment.

Botox is a non surgical treatment to reduce wrinkles. Botox is a trade name of a protein Botulinum toxin. This protein is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.

This toxin when injected into the muscles, it weakens the muscles by blocking the transmission between the nerve endings and the muscle fibre. It paralysis the muscles that cause wrinkles for a period of time. As a result the process of wrinkle formation is reduced.

The procedure is very simple.The botox is injected with a very thin needle. It requires no anesthesia, instead an ice can be used to numb the area.

The treatment can be done every 4 months. Repeated treatments provides longer lasting effects and so later on the frequency of injections can be reduced to twice a year.As the toxin wears off, the wrinkles will reappear gradually, but thet wont be worse than they were before the treatment.

The time taken to complete the treatment depends on the number of areas being treated.So it may take as less as 10 mins and as more as half an hour or even more as I said depending on the number of areas.

The effect can be seen within 5 to 7 days depending on the severity of wrinkles and the strength of muscles.