Shakeology Review

I have actually had this post for awhile now and needed to be written. At the beginning of summer I began the T25 workout but didn't finish it due to the horrible bone bruise I incurred on my shin. I could not work out for a long time, even with modifiers.

But I did try the shakeology that came with my videos. I thought I would give it a try. Now it did NOT say it was overtly gluten free. It is a proprietary mix of things so I was really nervous about trying this out. I did some research on the internet where some other people mentioned it was gluten free. I gave it a try.

I have now tried it multiple times with different combos of fruits to generate different flavors. Overall, the taste and texture is good. Do I feel less hungry? Nope. Actually, I found myself getting hungrier quicker. In either recipe I tried, I was HUNGRY. The company bills its product as giving you more energy, etc. I did not observe any change from my normal diet in having their product. I tend to throw up a red flag when a company promotes their product has so much benefits. As a scientist by day, I tend to be critical and review everything.  Now comes my last thought regarding purchasing this again- the price. For a 30 day supply, it cost $130. That is a little pricey for my budget.

Based on the assessment of my cravings, not knowing what is actually in the mix, and the price my overall consensus is I will not be purchasing this product again. I don't doubt there is healthy items in the mix, or for some people using this as a meal replacement would yield positive benefits. My own personal meals are pretty healthy and I know what gets put in them. And if there is no labeling it just makes me so nervous!!! With me wanting to save for a house, I just can't justify the money spent.

Cheers,
Lauren

Please note that all these opinions are my own and are not that of others. I was not reimbursed in any way, shape  or form for my opinion. Please make your own judgements regarding the efficacy of this product.

Kristina's Dress Challenge, #86

I went on a group thrifting trip (more info coming on this!) and at the very end, my friend Kristina said alright I challenge someone to fix this dress. Challenge accepted. So let's check out this dress.
Well it is big and has an elastic waist.

A lovely metal embellished collar

and a peak-a-boo faux middle placket. This was built in. 

First, I dyed the fabric with pink iDye to change it up. What I got was a purple color with bright pink accents. It was almost like magenta. Interesting. (sorry no pics).

I cut the top from the bottom. Out came the elastic. 

I used this pattern from simplicity 1693, and changed the sleeves to the longer sleeve option. 

The skirt itself had a lot of fabric, even for long sleeves! 

It was an easy sew. I tried to keep the collar but it didn't work. The metal had chewed up the fabric. :( I really wanted to keep the collar part. Instead, I left it as is. Here is my new shirt. :)

Here is the recap. The change in color is subtle but nice. It is an easy blouse for work. :)

Cheers,
Lauren

WTF skirt, #85

When I saw this skirt, I didn't see all of the oddness of the skirt. The hem is weird. It pulled and it had an entire line of hook and eyes down the center of the skirt. And they were real and not for show. Wow.... WTF!!!!

Oh yeah and it was big.

First, cut off that bottom!

Now to sew out those hook and eyes. I disconnected it from the waistband. while sewing it out, I also fitted it.

I connected it back to the waistband, which I also fitted. I then did a simple hem. Done!

The back- which I did not change. 

Here is the recap- OMG this skirt is so much nicer!!!

Cheers,
Lauren

Paisley Cord pants to skirt, #84

Found these fabulous pants made from corduroy, that I scored at the by-the-pound thrift shop. They were from Talbots! But obviously, they were not going to work as pants- too big and too short! Too many toos!!

Time to convert it to a skirt. So undid the center leg seams. Fold having the inseams together. Cut off some of the length.

While starting the the waistline, sew out the inseams creating a skirt. 

Then with a simple hem this skirt was done! I LOVE this skirt! It fits soo well and it is warm! 

Recap. I think that this fabric makes for a skirt. And hey it has pockets! Yay!

Cheers,
Lauren

The blue dress from Iran, #83

This project has been in my closet now for longer than 2 years. It is sooo sad to say. Also this post was also in my blog drafts for a long time as well. These beginning photos are still from Alabama. But now I finally got it refashioned. Glad I did.

So I actually don't have any photos of this 2 piece outfit on. But it was a nice top that fit relatively well but then it had this horrible sack of a skirt to wear underneath that you tied with a ribbon. Yes really. But the embroidery is gorgeous!

The Gold was too much. I don't like bright gold and it was tacky. So I thought I would dye the dress hoping the gold would tone down into some other color. I used my blue iDYE b/c it is good for synthetic dying, crossed my fingers and hoped it would tone it down. 

Since the dye is for synthetics, it did not change the color of the cotton fabric. 

It did tone down the gold! It was a blueish green now in color. Oh I was so happy. 

We still had a long way to go to fix this. I originally wanted a dress but that probably would not get a lot of use. So I went for a tunic top. First, I cut off the bottom embroidery from the top and then cut off the skirt right below the pockets. 

I then connected the 2 together and made a small casing with some elastic to take it in some at the waist. Here is the new top. 

I have already worn it to work with some nice pants and got a ton of compliments with it. I was just too lazy to take a picture. Here is the recap.

Cheers,
Lauren