It's Here, IT'S HERE!!!

I can't believe we are at the end of April. Here in good ole' East Tennessee we are having what I consider weird weather. Normally we have about a month of spring in March then by April we are moving quickly into summer. Well we are still having spring with 60 degree weather and rain...I hate it! I am ready for summer, I'm ready to plant the garden (we haven't even done that yet since we have a freeze warning last week), ready to open the pool and start to get my tan on! 

This whole having winter in March and spring in April and what looks to be May is for the birds...I think I need to move to FL. If only I could convince the hubs...hmmmmm

Enough about the weather. I wanted to share my weekend review with you before the big Summer AB Challenge that kicks off tomorrow. I am down to 8 weeks before we leave for the beach...only 8 weeks! That really isn't a lot of time in the world of toning your body. Losing weight yes, toning no. Toning takes time and patience...neither of which I have very much of!

The rest of the fitness stuff is for tomorrow and the next 6 weeks!

For now I must tell you about my awesome weekend! 

I have been counting down to packign for Zawadi for months now. I have blogged several times about this ministry and how it tugs at my heart strings so much. Well this past weekend we packed...and packed and packed! It was great! 

Friday me, Cyndy and Muteya (Cyndys son) moved all the items we had collected to the church. We set them up and divided everything by class. That was a JOB. I was on my feet all day long, I even skipped my workout that night! WHAT?! I know but let me tell ya moving all those boxes and walking as much as I did I def got a workout in. Plus I have to be back at the church at 7:30 the next morning...I needed my rest! 

Getting some things ready for David's box that will go over with Cyndy and teh Zawadi items. He will have his "own" container to keep all his items in at the Orphanage...this is very rare! 

Box is packed! Sheets, pillowcases, handmade blanket (well fleece tied blanket) a backpack, shoes, clothes, puzzle, glow sticks, a bible and a photo album of his American family

It's hard to read but I want him to know every time he looks at his box that we love him to the moon and back just as I tell my own children here.

Saturday morning arrived and people just started flowing in at 8. We had around 80 voluteers, Krispy Kreme donated donuts (ehem...I might have ate 1...or 3) and Starbucks donated coffee. People got to work on the bags after we gave directions and in a matter of 2 hours we had over 500 Zawadi bags packed!! 

My favorite part though was getting to see my son pack David. our sponsor childs', bag. The main thing when packing these bags was to pray for each child specifically when you pack the bag. 

Packing David's bag and praying for him

I can't wait to see the picture of David holding his bag!

So that is what he did and it melted my heart to hear him say "Dear God please keep David safe, don't let no one steal his toys, and let him love you". What a blessing to see him serving God and others. Major proud mommy moment. 

So we got all the bags packed up, put in boxes and ready to ship to Africa! Don't worry after they have Zawadi in June I will post the pictures for you to see!! What an amazing site it is!

After all the events of Friday and Saturday we decided that Saturday night should be a Family Fun movie night. We ate pizza (yes I did) we made popcorn and we ate cookies (yep ate that too). Watch Finding Nemo and just enjoyed a relaxing evening together. That is until I got sick from eating too much junk and ended up going to bed. BLEH after such a huge eating style change you really feel it when you mess up!

Sunday morning I still wasn't feeling the best so I stayed in bed for a while longer then got up, ready and hit the town. It was a nasty rainy day so we ran some errands (like getting to VS so I could use my rewards cards before they expired). <SIDE NOTE> Has anyone realized that since losing weight you want nice undies and bras??

 Seriously I have this obession now my my panties and bras matching...WTC? Ain't Nobody Got Time for Dat!

Ugh but I oblige I did get 2 more bras.

The weekend was wonderful and even though the weather was awful the entire time we got to have many memorable family moments and we got to do one more thing in teaching our children how to have a heart like Christ, my ultimate goal!

How was your weekend?? Any memorable family moments to share? :)

If you are joining me for the Summer AB Challenge I will be posting Phase 1 on Instagram today and posting all 3 phases on the blog tomorrow! Be sure to check back and follow me on IG! Let me know you are doing this journey with us! 

Blessings,
~Mel

Sweet Mel's Summer ABs Challenge

<center> <a href="http://www.sweetsouthernmel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Sweet Southern Mel" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8692178995_1db3ebf51b_m.jpg"/></a></center>

Yep, I'm doing it again and won't you please grab this button and join me????

Adding one more thing to my already strenuous workout but hey, a great body and healthy lifestyle wasn't born by only doing the minimum.

I'm halfway through the Squat Challenge and I am seeing HUGE changes in my booty! WOOP WOOP! 

I begin Phase 3 of Jamie Easons LiveFit Program next week plus I am still doing some running! 

With all the changes I have seen in my body over the past couple months I am least satisfied with my abs. I have def lost weight and inches around my tummy but there is not a lot of definition...that MUST change!

A girl from my ever-loving fit camp group on FB sent me this AB Challenge that her boot camp instructor gave to her. I was instantly in love!

It looked TOUGH

but

it wasn't TOO long

& 

it was broke down into 3 parts!

Perfect-O~ 

A HUGE thank you to Crystal Britton for making my life 1000x easier by sending me this! 

Ok so here is how it will work!

It will be 3 Phases, each 2 weeks.

The first week you will repeat the set of exercise 1 time, the second you will repeat it 2 times. *Meaning Week 1 & 3 you will do 2 Sets of the exercise, Weeks 2, 4, 5 & 6 you will do 3 sets* (this will be on the pics for you all)

It will get tough but take your time. Do NOT sacrifice form for speed. This isn't a race, its about working those abs muscles and gaining a defined tummy just in time for bikini season! 

Do NOT forget though...You CAN'T OUT TRAIN A BAD DIET and that belly fat is mostly diet! This is just to help form those muscles underneath and if you diet right they will start showing in no time!

I will post all 3 Phases on the blog on Wednesday along with a beginning weight, measurements and before pictures! 

<INSERT> Here is Phase 1 so you can get an idea of what we will be doing... 

If you would like to help motivate someone to start this please  share share & share!! Also email me your before picture, you don't have to include your face, bottom or name just a picture of your abs! I will share it on the blog and IG and then we can all compare our "After" pics in 6 weeks! 
Sometimes you might not want to share your before on your personal IG or FB page but still need the accountability! I will do it for ya and promise...no namsies realeased! ;) email me them at sweetsouthernmel@gmail.com

One more thing...just to clarify I am going to complete the Squat Challenge 

& 

I will complete JE LiveFit Program as well. I just need something to get my abs working overtime before summer!

If you are on IG follow me @sweetsouthernmel and #SSMelsSummerAbs for the challenge

If you are participating post your Instagram name in the comments below and lets try to link everyone up!! 

THREE DAYS!

~Mel

Jamie Eason Weeks 5 & 6

Well we are on to Phase 2 of the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program. Guess what?? It's time to add some cardio back into if you gave it up. I must say I am loving it so far! 

I fell off the bandwagon on week 6 so I did a repeat last week but never fear I'm back and in beastmode the rest of the way! Not too mention I also started the DOUBLE Squat Challenge (come join my team) last week...what was I thinking? 

Oh yeah that I wanted a nice hiney for the beach! To the squats I go!

Pretty much the equipment stayed the same but I went and bought some hanging ab straps for my pull up bar. They were only like $7 at Wal-Mart and def worth it!

Day 29 & 36 BACK & CARDIO
*Wide Grip Overhand Pull-Ups 3x10
SuperSet
*Bent Over Barbell Row 3x8
*Bent Over One Arm Long Bar Row 3x8
End of SS
*Wide Grip Lat Pull-Up 3x10
*One Arm Dumbbell Row 3x8
*Squat Dumbbell Row 3x10
*Hyper Back Extensions 3x8

30Minutes Medium Level Cardio

Day 30 & 37 CHEST, ABS, CARDIO
*Wide Grip Barbell Bench Press 5 x 8
*Push Ups (Close Wide Hand) 3 x 15
*Decline Dumbbell Flyes 3 X 10
*Incline Bench Press 3 x 10
*Side-To-Side Push Ups 3 x 10
SUPERSET
*Toe Touches 3 x 20
*Crunches (legs in air) 3 x 20
END of SS
*Hanging Knee Raise 3 x 10
*Standing Crunch 3 x 10

30Minutes of Medium Cardio


Day 31 & 38 LEGS
*2 Sets of No Weight Squats 30 (Warm Up Legs)
*Wide Stand barbell Squats 2 x 15 Light 2 x 15 Heavy
*Leg Press (I use a barbell and have the hubs holding it for balance for me) 4 x 8
*Walking Barbell Lunge 3 x 20
*Walking Step Ups 3 x 10
*Plie' Dumbbell Squat with Weight 3 x 15
*Standing Calf Raises 3 x 20
*Donkey Calf Raises 3 x 20 (last set to failure)

Day 32 & 39 ARMS, ABS, CARDIO
*Barbell Curl 3 x 10
SUPERSET
*Standing Inner Bicep Curls 3 x 10
*Hammer Curls 3 x 10
END OF SS
*Alternating Hammer Curl 3 x 10
*Bench Bar Dips 3 x 15
*SkullCrushers 3 x 10
*Seated Tricep Press 3 x 10
*Tricep Push Down 3 x 10
*Air Bike 3 x 25
*JackKnife Sit Up 3 x 10
*Hanging Leg Raise 3 x 10

30Min Medium Cardio

Day 33 & 40 SHOULDERS, CARDIO
*Military Press 3 x 10 
SUPERSET
*UpRight Dumbbell Rows 3 x 10
*Standing Dumbbell Military Press 3 x 10
END OF SS
*Incline Bench Front Dumbbell Delt Raise 3 x 10
*Rear Delt Dumbbell Flyes 3 x 10
*Lateral Raise 3 x 10
*Rear Delt Raise 3 x 10

 30 Minutes of Medium Intense Cardio

Day 34 & 41 LEGS
*Clean DeadLift 3 x 10
*Barbell Squat 3 x 10
SUPERSET
*Barbell Lunge 3 x 20
*Lying Side Cross Leg Lifts 3 x 20
END OF SS
SUPERSET 2
*Romainian Deadlift from Deficit 3 x 15
*Thigh Master (HECK YEAH I PULLED THIS PUPPY OUT OF THE CLOSET) 3 x 15
END OF SS 2
*Stiff Legged Deadlift 3 x 10
*Single Leg Barbell Squat 3 x 10
*Standing Calf Raises 3 x 20
*Standing Barbell Calf Raises 3 x 20

Day 35 & 42 - REST

WHEW It is starting to get tough now but we are halfway through Phase 2 and halfway through the whole program! How are you doing?? 

I can really start to see a difference in my body so I can only imagine what the next 6 weeks will do! 

Does Your Love Reach Around the World?

If you are reading this then I am sure you have heard of Operation Christmas Shoe Box. You know the event every Christmas where thousands of churches and organizations all over the USA participate in filling shoe boxes for poverty stricken areas of the world.

Let me say I am not "dissing" OCSB. I think it is a wonderful event that teaches us along with our children how to give to those in need. However I have heard from people who have worked with this event before that not everything that gets put in those boxes makes it to the children. Not from the volunteers stand point but from going through customs in other countries. Items get taken out, sold or who knows what. It truly is a sad world we live in.

This does not mean that we should stop giving because we shouldn't and my children will always fill a shoe box each year for a child in need however I would like to put more of my time and emphasis in a group where I can see more first hand that every single item is going to where it is supposed to. One where every penny donated is used for the children, their education, their health and their safety.

I love this little boy to pieces and it warms my heart
he is wearing one of Kinleys shirts!

If you have been following my blog for a while now then you have read about the Christian School and Orphanage that has my heart, Orbit Village. There is so many reason why I love this ministry. It is where my sponsor child David it, I personally know the founder of Orbit, Cyndy Waters. And just recently I have been asked to join the Orbit Village Board as the Zawadi leader. What a huge blessing and undertaking all at the same time. This means that 500+ children who look forward to Zawadi every year are counting on me to make Zawadi better than the last.


Zawadi is a ministry where each child receives a personalized bag full of school supplies, a book, a toy, lip gloss for older girls, flashlights for the older boys, a stuffed animal and other goodies. Most importantly though when the children receive their bag there is some one there to talk to them about Jesus. To show them that Jesus loves them and uses other people to show them love too.

Here is the difference between those children and the 500+ children at our local schools. Those children don't long for Ipods, TV's in their rooms, four-wheelers, IPads, etc like what our children here do. The children at Orbit long to know that they are loved, even by those who have never met them before. They want the comfort in a teddy bear and the softness of just 1 new pair of socks. They would love to have shoes that have a sole in them still and just a single matchbox car MAKES THEIR DAY.  All the while though even without all this they go around with a smile on their face, making the best of each day God has given them.

That is why part of my heart lies in Africa.

I long to go there and see the smiles cross their faces when they open their Zawadi bags.

For the first time since Zawadi began we are packing the bags right here in Sevierville, TN then air shipping it all to Africa. Cyndy, the founder, travels with and has a team waiting in Africa to get the bags and take them to the school.

All the items go directly to the kids!

I would love for you to get involved! You can sponsor a childs' bag for $25. This covers items in the bag and shipping. If you sponsor a bag you will also get a letter back from the child who receives your bag!! What wonderful blessings all around! Go check out the website here and help me spread the word about this awesome ministry!
(when going to the form on the website to donate, in the box for prayer requests please type "for Zawadi" in it)

Will you let your love reach around the world? I'm sending mine, you should send your too!! 

**These pictures are from the children receiving their bags last year Zawadi**

Join our facebook group here to see the pictures and get updates from the happenings with Zawadi.

We are packing the bags this Saturday so look back next week for pictures from Packing Day! 

~MEL

Weekly Goals Link-Up Party

GOOD MORNING FELLOW PEEPS!! I am awful happy and chipper for it to be a Monday morning. No reason, just happy to be alive and well!

Today I am going to link up with Jess over at Operation Skinny Jeans and set my weekly goals.

I set a main goal, 130 by May. Yikes that's only 8 days away and sadly I don't think I am going to make it. I knew it would be a tough goal to do since my normal plateau is 134. I always always always have trouble dropping below that number but here lately I have become a workout junkie. Not a bad problem to have I guess.

Like Jess said in her last blog, we all have bad weeks just as long as we don't let them turn into bad months then we will keep moving forward.

I had a bad week 2 weeks ago and I am determined to not fall off the bandwagon. Summer time is always the hardest for me since there is so much I do outside and with the kiddos I just don't make a lot of time for myself to workout. That WILL change this year.

So in my quest to stay on track I am going to set weekly goals for myself then rehash them out here every Monday to see how well I did!

Here is my weekly goals:

1. InstaGram more of my food pictures for accountability (crap I already ate my eggs this morning....starting that at lunch time)

2. Do NOT miss a single workout - this one can be tough come the weekends because there is a hundred other things I can think of that need to be done.....6 days-none missed Getter' Done

3. Spend more quiet time with the Lord. This is a personal one but one that has been convicting my heart pretty hard here lately.

Goal Check out some of these other awesome bloggers over at Operation Skinny Jeans!

Thanks for the great Link Up Lady!!

What Next?

While driving in to work this morning I was jamming out to K-Love. They were talking about  the explosion in West, Texas. I had already read a little this morning so I knew the basis but not many details. My heart broke as I listened but then they said something that got me thinking.  What next? What can we be "POSITIVE" about? 

This week has been a sad week for so many people for sure. Those effected by Boston and now those effected in Texas, not to mention all those being effected everything single day by all the awful diseases around. 

I'm proud to know that there are so many people out there reaching out to help those in need during these hard times. What can I do to be someones "positive" in a time where it seems we are surrounded by negative? 




What can YOU do?



What can WE do?






I want to encourage you to be a Positive for someone else today. It can be anyone, anywhere. Just show an act of kindness and let the world know that even among our troubles there are POSITIVES all around! 

Come back and share with me how you were someones positive or yours plans to be a positive! I'd love to hear about it and maybe we can get ideas from each other! 

My positive for the day will be to surprise an unexpecting mother & father with telling them the gender of their baby! (FYI I do OB ultrasounds for a living if you were wondering) Now I'm off to find me some parents to surprise! 

~MEL

Team "Lift A Booty"

Two posts is 1 day....again?! 

YEP YEP

This time I bring ask if you would join my team? We are "TEAM LIFT A BOOTY" 
#teamliftabooty for IG

So I started to squat challenge yesterday (I know on the 16th, no specific day, I just got excited and decided to bust it out). Plus I ordered myself a new bikini this weekend so that might have given me the extra boost. (Pics to come as soon as I get it)







Here is the Squat Challenge that I, along with many other people,
are doing now.








But me being the Overachiever that I am decided that 1 Squat Challenge, plus Jamie Eason wasn't enough...let's do 2 Challenges!! WHO's WITH ME?! 

Come on ladies we have a very short time before we are in shorts and bathing suits full time! Let's make these legs rock!

My second challenge is very similar to the first but instead of regular Squats I am doing Plie' Squats. It progresses a little slower than the first challenge and at the end of the 30days you are up to 200. 

If you are doing these with me join my TEAM and use #teamliftabooty on IG!! I wanna see you guys workin it! ;)

I'm only on day 2 so hope on in and join us!

~Mel

Jamie Eason Week 3&4

Her Awesome Set Up

This past weekend was a blast, even with two sick kiddos. My BFF and I took all four of our kiddos on a road trip to NC to stay with my cousin. Melissa did a ThirtyOne party for my cousin and it was phenomenal! She had a great turn out, lots of sales and 1, possibly 2 recruits! 





Saturday we took the kiddos to the Asheboro Zoo. I grew up going to this Zoo and I LOVE it! If you are within driving distance you MUST take your kiddos there! No other Zoo compares! Honestly though it really is a two day zoo. Our kiddos were wore out by 3 and we hadn't made it completely through! 

Here is a few cute pictures to sum up the weekend! 

Best Buds doing a little elephant watching

She wanted to see too! 

He had to take a picture on the Rhino

The Dinosaur Exhibit was AWESOME!! The kiddos loved it!

Now on to the workout! I partially wanted to post this today to help motivate me. Last week with planning to go out of town I didn't work out wednesday-sunday. This was teh longest I have went in 2 months without a single workout. Not to mention I totes pigged out on yummy food, cookies and wine. Oh my did I feel it though. 

This week I am back on track and repeating week 6 on the JE12WP since I didn't complete it last week. One thing I have come the realized is that even if I fall off the bandwagon for a few days I'm not going to let it stop me. I will get back up on the horse and keeping on riding until I reach my destination = Great Health and a fit body! 

I am so sorry this has took so long! 

Here are my at home conversions for the Jamie Eason LiveFit 12 Week Program for weeks 3 & 4. 

You can find Weeks 1 & 2 Here.

Same equipment that I used for weeks 1 & 2.

All Sets are 3x10

Day 15 & 22 LEGS 

* Jump Rope 45secs x3
* Wide Stance Barbell Squat
* Walking Barbell Lunge
* Single Leg Barbell Lunge 
* Clean Deadlift
* Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises
* Standing Calf Raises on Step

Day 16 & 23 BACK & BICEPS

* Hammer Strength Lay Pull Up 
* Pull Up
* Dumbbell Incline Row
* Bent Over Barbell Row
* Back Extensions 
* Barbell Curl
* Incline Dumbbell Curl
* Alternate hammer Curl

Day 17 & 24 CHEST & TRICEPS

* Wide Push-Ups
* Incline Dumbbell Press
* Flat Bench Flyes
* Decline Flyes
* Bench Dips
* Lying EZ Bat Triceps Extension
* Dumbbell Triceps Kickbacks
* Overhead Two Handed Tricep Extension
* Reverse Grip Tricep Pushdown

Day 18 & 25 LEGS

* Jump Rope 45x3
* Wide Stance barbell Squat
* Walking Barbell Lunge
* Single-leg Kettlebell lift
* Deadlifts
* Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
* Standing Calf Raises

Day 19 & 26 SHOULDERS & ABS

* Seated Dumbbell Press
* Push Press
* Seated Front Raise
* Seated Arnold Press
* Dumbbell Lateral Raise
* Seated B-O Rear Delt Raises
* Crunches
* Bottoms Up Crunches
* Oblique Crunches on floor - 10 per side


Day 20-21 & 27-28
REST


I hope you are enjoying this workout as much as I am!
~MEL

Here is a current Link up Party if you are looking for some more awesome health & Fitness blogs! 

Running Will Never Be the Same

Well I had some plans for a post today but as I sit here at the computer it just doesn't seem right to post about weight loss, exercise and the fun weekend we had.

Tragedy has once again struck our country yet this time, as of now, we are oblivious of where it came from. That scares me more then you could know.

I have yet to run a half marathon yet but I often daydream when running about crossing the finishline. I dream of having my family there to hug and congratulate me. This be proud of such a huge accomplishment. Never EVER dreaming that in the midst of such a honoring moment that it could all come tumbling down.

I can't image the fear, stress, anxiety, sick, gut wrenching heartbreak and pain that all those affected are feeling. I'm sad that they have fallen victim to yet another gruesome act of evilness.

That is all this is, pure evilness.

Trials and tribulations define a lot of who we are. They make us or break us. They can turn us cold and bitter or make us love that much harder.

I pray for all those effected of by this horrible tragedy  I pray that they will not become bitter. That families will come closer together and not fall apart. That comfort will envelope them. I pray that neighbors and communities will reach out a loving supportive hand. I pray justice will be served. Most of all though I pray that God will give those families peace. In their darkest hour may they turn to the healer of all hearts.




Running will never be the same. Not for me or the other millions of runners around the world. One thing is for sure though I will never run again without thinking off all those affected. My runs will begin with prayers for them all and then prayers for my safety.

We live in a fallen world friends....I don't know about you but I'm ready for Jesus.

The End of The Cleanse and a WINNER

Well yesterday was the official end of the 10 days cleanse however I ended it myself on day 8.

Actually I even kinda slacked off on day 5 then it was a downhill battle the next 3 days that left me feeling defeated, agitated and grouchy. I finally threw in the towel, got back on track with Paleo and feel good now.

First let me say that I LOVED the product. The Fiber Drink mixed with some Trop50 I thought was awesome! I am notorious for not getting enough fiber in my diet leaving me bloated and constipated which then plays forward to hemorrhoids...you get the picture. So this fiber drink really helped to regulate my system. I wish I could just buy the fiber drink.

The Herbal Cleanse tabs also felt natural to me. I never once had stomach cramps or any other problems that go along with a cleanse.

I'm am and have been for a while now a huge advocate of Probiotics. So adding these into the cleanse was a no brainer for me! I LOVE my Probiotics!

My problem came with the diet.

As most of you know I have been about 80% Paleo for almost 2 months now. My body was used to very little grain, very little dairy and very very little sugar. The cleanse diet has you incorporating some grains back into the diet. I chose to not do this for fear that it might bloat me up since I was accustomed to not having it.

I did food prep for the first 4 days but by day 4 I was OVER what I was eating and left feeling like I didn't have many other options. I had ate my fill of chicken and fish but I could have the pork or red meat I had been allowing myself to have.

I believe that is when the downward spiral started. Friday I pack for Zawadi almost all day and didn't stop at all for lunch. I had took some good snacks but by Friday evening I was starving and exhausted therefore for dinner we had...pizza.

I vowed to be good on Saturday. Got up, ate my eggs, went and ran a 5K with my SIL came home starving so what did I have? Pizza...tsk tsk

*Let me say though that I was rocking out to Jamie Easons Phase 2 all week still yet which could have contributed to my hungriness as well*

After that it was downhill. I found myself wanting food I hadn't even wanted before the cleanse began then I would feel bad and try to get back on track through the day but still so hungry by evening time that I would binge.

On day 8 I threw in the towel. Staying on the cleanse routine was not working for me. I have decided that a 3-5day cleanse would be better for me and honestly I might even do the 10 day cleanse again but break it up into 2 parts.

Oh and I tried Spark for the first time. Spark is Advocare Energy Drink mix! Holy Moly that stuff is the bomb! I am ordering a big tub of that. It left me with tons of energy but no racing heart, no jitters and I didn't "crash" after a few hours either! You MUST try Spark!

So I have been dreading today. I got on the scale once during my cleanse and it had went down but that was before my downward spiral.

Here are the stats from the beginning in case you forgot (because I know I already did)

Starting weight 10days ago:

138.4

MEASUREMENTS:

Arms: 11 1/4

Booty: 39 1/2

Lower Waist: 33 3/4

Upper Waist: 29

Thigh: 23

Todays Weight:

136.2

MEASUREMENTS:

Arms: 10 3/4

Booty: 38 1/2

Lower Waist: 33

Upper Waist: 27 

Thigh: 22

Total Weight Loss: 2.2lbs

Total Inches Lost: 5 1/4 inches

To say I am happy with this is an understatement! I am ecstatic! I never would have thought that I would have lost that must. Especially since half of the cleanse was me being a tyrant food pig! 

If you need any Advocare I have to help "my lady" out because she has been so awesome with me throughout this whole process! Go check out Susans website here! She is phenomenal wealth of knowledge when it comes to this stuff! 

So who's ready for the winner of the Strong Confident You Contest? The shirt I have received from Ilona at SCY is by far my fave workout shirt. I really need to get me some more because I am wearing the life out of that one! 

Don't forget it's ok if you didn't win because you can still get a shirt at a discount using the coupon code SWEETMEL10. 

CONGRATULATIONS SELINA B. 
Email me at sweetsouthernmel@gmail.com and I will get you hooked up with Ilona over at STY for your shirt! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I want to take a minute to thank each of my readers. My accountability to you helps keep me going and your encouragement and support means more than you could ever know! 

You Guys ROCK MY SOCKS OFF!!

60 Ways to Make Your Marriage Rock-from facebook

So what is up with the recent recipes, short stories and inspirational "likes" taking over facebook?!

Is this driving anyone else as batty as it is me?? 

Seriously, that's what pinterest was created for, move your stuff to there! Problem is I see recipes I like but I do not want to be one of these people who "share" it to my page and continue the vicious cycle of clogging up the news feed with all my recipes, etc. 

Lucky for me (and you) I have a blog and I think I might start documenting some of my finds here so that I can go back and find them easily, esp since you cannot pin from facebook! So be on the lookout for random yummy looking posts! 

Here is my first that I really liked and wanted to keep for myself! 

60 Ways To Make Your Marriage Rock

**Let me say I DID NOT write these and I am not taking credit for these however just documenting them for easy accessibility.** 

60 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE ROCK! 

1. PRAY TOGETHER ALWAYS 


2. READ THE SCRIPTURES TOGETHER ALWAYS 

3. Go on regular date nights


4. Hide notes in secret places

5. Go to bed at the same time

6. Listen to music together-share ear-buds (not so sure this would work lol but would be funny to try)

7. Buy him gifts he will love

8. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates

9. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse (ain't no way am I getting my hubby in one of those shirts but nice thought)

10. Praise your spouse to other people **I PERSONALLY THINK THIS IS HUGE**

11. Read a marriage devotional

12. Sleep in his t-shirts

13. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories

14. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly  *On the calendar for 2 yrs for us!*

15. Go away together at least once a year  *We try to do this atleast twice a year*

For Women Only

16. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house

17. Make his favorite dessert

18. Make sex a priority   **Another biggie in my opinion**

19. Spend time apart occasionally

20. Learn to enjoy something he loves

21. Surprise each other

22. Meet him at the door

23. Text each other from across the room

24. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week

25. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him

For Men Only

26. Leave work on time and come home early

27. Engage every day in meaningful conversation

28. Compliment each other

29. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus

30. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”

31. Kiss every day

32. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining

33. Forgive quickly

34. Be honest.

35. Get on the same page: plan your budget together

36. Look your best as often as you can

37. Guard your marriage

38. Laugh together

39. When you are together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)

40. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it


Both

41. Make each other breakfast in bed *My husband will do this for me and he has no idea the effect that it has on how I view him*

42. Do her chores for her

44. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately

44. Dance together-soft music (both of you alone) or rocking music with the kids

45. Exercise together- hikes, bike riding, etc

46. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behavior/disappointment from your spouse

47. Thank your spouse often even for the least reason or gesture

48. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking

49. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc

50. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall

51. Support each other’s goals

52. Bring her flowers/gifts (even when she says they are too expensive)

53. Wear something your spouse loves

54. Share furniture-sit in his lap

55. Fight for your marriage  **So many ppl do not do this nowadays, divorce is too quickly brought up**

56. Make a point to eat dinner together most days of the week.

57. Never let your spouse feel like they come second place to your career or any other 

thing.

58. Talk about your dreams and aspirations. Be supportive of each other and dream big 

together!

59. Maintain a united front as your motto: Meaning- “Me and you against the world.

60. Speak well of your spouse

While some of the things on this list might be a little bit of a reach I find it a very good starting point. I will make it a challenge to knock atleast one of these off the list each day. 60 days of committing myself to my marriage. Will you do the same? 

Think of the difference that can be made by just trying! 

Happy Hump Day Ya'll!!

Look for the END OF ADVOCARE CLEANSE Post tomorrow!