Kick Cravings To The Curb With Healthy Snack Options

Cravings happen...PERIOD...even to the healthiest of us!! When your hunger, energy and cravings are out of wack, a whirlwind of out of control taste buds are sure to follow.  So be sure to keep yourself in check with these delicious and nutrient packed snack options to FUEL your body, instead of crash it!

Often, when a craving hits in the afternoon or in the evening after dinner, we get the urge to snack. Snacking can be a bad habit to get into, because the snacks we choose are often junky, un-nutritious, and high in calories, sugar, or fat.

The trick to snacking without piling on the pounds is to find healthy alternatives to the regular snacks you might normally reach for.

Usually, when we get a craving it is for either something sweet (chocolate!), savory (potato chips!), creamy (ice cream!), or crunchy (crisps!). Obviously, my examples are foods you shouldn’t eat all the time if you are trying to loose fat and be healthy. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight your cravings for the rest of your life. Instead, you just need to substitute.

Next time you get a craving for something sweet, why not try:

• fresh, whole fruit
• apples and almond butter
• dried fruit
• green smoothies
• banana “ice cream” (peel a banana, freeze, blend in a food processor with nuts, berries or  raisins ,and serve)
• dates stuffed with almond butter or other nut butter
• organic dark chocolate chips or carob chips

For your savory cravings, try these healthy alternatives:

• olives
• pickles and pickled vegetables, such as carrot, daikon, beets, and lotus root
• hummus
• steamed vegetables with tamari
• freshly made salsa or guacamole
• salted edamame

Your creamy cravings can be met by eating:

• smoothies
• avocados
• rice pudding
• dips and spreads, like hummus
• puréed soups
• mashed sweet potatoes (also a great sweet craving snack!)
• coconut milk

Finally, don‘t cave and reach for the Pringles, when you can eat these crunchy (but still healthy) snacks:

• apples
• frozen grapes
• rice cakes
• light popcorn or plain popcorn
• carrots (particularly the sweet, organic baby carrots)
• celery and nut butter
• raw, unsalted nuts like cashews, almonds, and walnuts

Don’t fight your craving. Instead, listen to what it is your body wants specifically and choose the healthier option that will be good to your waistline and will keep your hungery and cravings in check!!

3 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Health Today

Can I tell you something, and let's be honest...

There’s something that I didn’t realize when I first started working with people who want to make their health and wellness a priority.  People are sick of feeling less than amazing, and people are confused about who to listen to for advice...

BUT

Most of us already know a thing or two we need to be doing to improve our health and are not doing them!!

There is a lot of information (and mis-information) when it comes to the foods we eat. Just look at the variety of books in the ‘diet’ or ‘health’ section of your local bookstore. But when it comes down to it, we still know the basic things we should be doing to improve our health.

If I were to ask you, “What are three things you think you could be doing, to improve your health?” I'm almost positive I would get responses similar to these below:

1.    Be more active.

2.    Stop eating junk, stop drinking soda or stop smoking!

3.    Eat more vegetables.

We intuitively know how to make ourselves well, but when it comes to following through, that’s where we fall apart. I know!! I have done it, too. I still do it, we are all human! I eat chips, I drink wine, and sometimes I don’t eat as well as I know I can. The most important thing to remember is that it is ok to let yourself induldge some, just know how to get yourself back on track! Follow the 80% : 20% rule! 

For the next week, I’d like you to think about the obstacles that are stopping you from living your healthiest life. Think about it, journal about it, reflect on it.

What obstacles are standing in your way? Maybe you work long hours and cooking a healthy meal seems too time-consuming, or maybe you feel that the price of healthy food is too high. Perhaps you're too tired to get in a workout when you get home in the evening.

Your job for the next week is to simply think, reflect, and journal on these obstacles and come up with some ideas to knock these walls down. Knowing your obstacles, habits, and patterns will help you figure out how to work around them!!

I would love to hear your comments below. Tell me what is stopping you! Let’s work it out together!  You've got this!!

Essential Oil Skin Care DIY Recipes

We LOVE trying out new skin care recipes with essential oils and wanted to share some of our favorites with you!!  To make your own recipes, choose a base oil and add other carrier oils and essential oils and blend together.  I always add rosehip oil and carrot seed oil to my recipes.  They are high in vitamin A and stimulate cell turnover.  When you make a blend, store it in a dark colored bottle.  Buy small amounts of oils at the time.  Try to use the oil within 3-6 months.  If you buy larger bottles of carrier oils or the weather is hot, store in the refrigerator to prevent the oil from oxidizing and becoming rancid. (I store all of my carrier oils in the refrigerator just to be safe)  Blend up a recipe to last a couple of weeks.  Use the blend when you’ve washed your face or when you get out of the shower while you are still WET!  The water allows for the oils to be absorbed better. A lotion is and oil and water emulsified together.  This eliminates the need for an emulsifier which often times is harmful to the body. 

Normal Skin

Base Oils

• Almond, Hazelnut, Apricot, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Argan

Additions to Base Oil

• Evening Primrose, Carrot, Jojoba, Borage Seed, Rosehip

Essential Oils

• Chamomile, Geranium/Rose, Lavende, Frankincense, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang

Dry to Normal Skin

Base Oils

• Almond, Avocado, Apricot, Argan

Additions to Base Oil

• Jojoba, Borage Seed, Evening Primrose, Carrot, Rosehip

Essential Oils

• Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Geranium/Rose, Rosemary, Frankincense, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang

Oily to Normal Skin

Base Oils

•  Almond, Hazelnut, Apricot, Fractionated Coconut Oil

Additions to Base Oil

• Borage Seed, Evening Primrose, Carrot

Essential Oils

• Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Geranium, Ylang-Ylang, Melaleuca

Our Favorite Recipes!!

Face Oil:

2 TBSP Base Oil (Argan)

1 TBSP Rosehip Oil

10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil   

10 drops Geranium Essential Oil

10 drops Myrrh Essential Oil

5 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

Blend and store in an amber colored bottle. 

Body Oil:

Almond Oil

Carrot Seed Oil or Rosehip Seed Oil

2 drops Geranium Essential Oil

2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

2 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Mix together in hands and apply over wet body!

Eye Serum:

2 TBSP Rosehip Oil

5 drops Evening Primrose Oil

3 drops Carrot Seed Oil

3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

3 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil

5 drops Vitamin E Oil

Blend and store in a dark bottle.

If you would like to know how to get the best essential oils on the market into your daily regimen, contact us at sandawellnessduo@gmail.com and we will get you set up to discover your best skin yet!!

XOXO~S & A

Essential Oils for Skin Care

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their toning, regenerating and healing properties.  They are easily absorbed through the skin and will help you to have luminous skin in no time!  Mix with carrier oils to create you own anti-aging blends!! 

Do you want glowing skin??  Here are essential oils we love. 

Roman Chamomile

• Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, calming and relaxing
• Increases the ability of the skin to regenerate
• Calms skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, rashes and sensitive skin

Geranium

• Geranium can be used in place of Rose Oil. (not rosehip carrier oil)  True rose essential oil is very expensive and geranium essential oil has very similar properties.
• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
• May balance sebum secretions in the sebaceous glands to keep skin supple
• Good for skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema and acne
• Improves skin elasticity and tone

Lavender

• Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic
• Calming to the skin so great for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rashes
• Aids in cell turnover so it helps minimize scaring

Frankincense

• Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anticancer
• Decreases the appearance of pores and evens skin tone
• Helps protect existing cells and encourages new cell growth
• Reduces wrinkles, tightens skin and reduces the appearance of scars
• Soothes dry, chapped skin
• Our favorite essential oil!!

Patchouli

• Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, astringent
• It’s anti-inflammatory properties make it great for irritated skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema
• Promotes new cell growth and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Ylang Ylang

• Antiseptic
• Controls oil production and minimizes breakouts
• Helps regenerate skin cells reducing fine lines and improves skin’s elasticity

Sandalwood

• Antiseptic, antitumor, astringent, anti-inflammatory, calming
• Similar to frankincense in their action
• Contains antioxidants that reduce free radical damage
• Soothes and tightens and cleanses the skin

Myrrh

• Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitumor, astringent
• It’s anti-inflammatory properties make it great for eczema, psoriasis, acne and dermatitis
• Increases cell turnover helping to smooth the skin reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Also may help with chapped, cracked skin and dryness

Melaleuca

• Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic
• Promotes cleansing and purity
• Antiseptic properties helps to heal acne
• Helps to relieve eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis

Get our favorite essential recipes for skin!!

XOXO~S & A

Our Favorite Carrier Oils

We have been obsessed with natural skin care since we learned that there are so many toxic chemicals lurking in skin care products that can have an adverse effect on our health.  Carrier oils are wonderful for keeping your skin looking healthy and hydrated.  They protect the lipid layer against environmental stresses while deeply moisturizing the upper layers of the skin improving the skin’s softness and elasticity.  These oils are loaded with vitamins, minerals and an array of fatty acids, omega 3, 6 and 9, that deeply moisturize and nourish the skin.  Use a combination of these carrier oils to dilute essential oils to provide your skin with the best care to stay young looking!!

Here are our favorite carrier oils!

Jojoba Oil

• Slightly nutty aroma
• Shelf life:  2-5 years
• High in Vitamins B, and E, minerals
• Fatty Acids:  Eruic, Gadoleic, Oleic
• Uses:  Skincare, hair care
• Great for dry skin conditions!  Great for inflamed skin, acne, eczema and psoriasis, Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, Similar to the sebum in our sebaceous glands and is very effective skin softener because it is highly penetrative.  Great for removing makeup!  It’s said to help to dissolve oil collected in clogged pores, Can be used on a dry scalp before shampooing, can be used in the hair before blow drying to add moisture

Evening Primrose Oil (Borage Seed Oil has similar properties)

• Nutty aroma
• Shelf life: 6 months refrigerated
• High in vitamin E, omega 3 and omega 6
• Fatty acids:  Gamma Linolenic, Linoleic, Oleic, Palmitic, Stearic
• Uses:  Skincare, hair care massage, dietary supplement
• Healing, Helps skin retain water, helps skin cells stay plumped, Improves moisture, elasticity, firmness and roughness of skin, great for eczema, and rashes

Carrot Seed Oil

• Earthy aroma
• Shelf life:  1 year
• Often considered an essential oil
• High in vitamins B, C, D, E, minerals and beta carotene, provitamin A
• Fatty acids:  Stearic, Palmitic, Oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic
• Uses:  skincare, hair care
• Use small amounts because of the bright orange color, Great for cell turnover due to the beta carotene (vit. A), Great for premature aging, itching dryness, psoriasis and eczema, antioxidant and antiseptic properties

Rosehip Seed Oil

• Earthy aroma
• Shelf life: 6 months refrigerated
• High in Vitamins A, C, K, (trans-retinoic acid)
• Fatty acids:  Oleic, Palmitic, Linoleic, Linolenic
• Uses:  skincare
• Contains super-antioxidant lycopene that helps repair sun-damaged skin
• Trans-retinoic acid (vit. A) encourages cell turnover and diminishes discoloration, anti-inflammatory benefits, Helps skin retain water, decreases sun spots, improves appearance of fine lines, and encourages a smoother skin texture, Deeply moisturizing, removes redness and irritation so may be beneficial for rosacea 

Sweet Almond Oil

• Sweet, nutty aroma
• Shelf life: 1 year
• Rich in protein, vitamins A, B, E, glucosides and minerals
• Fatty Acids:  Oleic, Palmitic, Linoleic, Linolenic, Stearic
• Uses:  Skincare, hair care, massage, makeup
• Good for all skin types, helps skin to retain moisture, non-comedogenic
• Helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation
• Great base oil for adding other carrier oils

Avocado Oil

• Nutty aroma
• Shelf life:  6 months
• Rich in vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, Panothenic acid, lecithin
• Fatty acids:  Lecithin, alpha linoleic, linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic, palmitoleic
• Used in skincare, hair care
• Great for dry, dehydrated skin; eczema; improves skin elasticity, increases collagen, removes impurities from the skin, blends well with other carrier oils

Fractionated Coconut Oil

• Mild coconut aroma
• Shelf life:  2-4 years
• Fractionatedoil contains only the medium chain fatty acids (long chain fatty acids removed)  Raw coconut oil is not best for dilution of essential oils. Long chains may interfere with absorption of essential oil.
• Contains Vitamin E, Squalene, Sterol, Tocopherols
• Uses:  skincare, massage, hair care, food, great oil for general essential oil dilution, great to use on children when diluting oils
• Fatty acids:  Caprylic, Capric, Lauric, Linoleic, Myristic, Oleic, Palmitic, Stearic
• Strengthens and softens skin, eliminates dead skin cells on the surface, High in lauric acid which has some antimicrobial activity that may be useful in treating acne, Long shelf life and blend well with other oils.

Grape Seed Oil

• Mild, sweet aroma
• Shelf life: 1 year
• High in Vitamin E, Tocopherols, Omega 6, Omega 9
• Fatty Acids:  Linoleic, Linolenic, Oleic, Palmitic, Stearic
• Uses:  Skincare, massage, food
• Penetrating, reduces skin aging, does not agrivate acne, non greasy, antioxidant properties increased in blood, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, great for oily skin and sensitive skin

Marula Oil

• Sweet, nutty aroma
• Shelf life:  1 year
• High in Vitamins C, E, proteins, tochotrienol, phenolic compounds, flavonoids
• Fatty acids:  Oleic, Linoleic, Alpha-Linolenic, Palmitic, Stearic, Arachidonic
• Uses:  skincare
• Fast absorbing, for all skin types, Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness and blotchiness, Improves elasticity, promotes collagen and elastin production, Reduces water loss, hydrates deep layers of skin, anti-inflammatory

Hazelnut Oil

• Sweet, nutty aroma
• Shelf life:  1 year
• High in vitamin E, minerals and protein, high in catechins and tannins that give the sensation of dry oil when applied
• Fatty acids:  oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic linolenic
• Uses: skincare, hair care
• Good for all skin types, moisturizing and emollient, softens and soothes the skin, recommended for treating irritation of dry sensitive or damages skin, antioxidant properties reducing free radicals, helps to filter out suns rays, antibacterial so it helps treat oily skin and seborrheic dermatitis and acne, helps to tone and firm skin, can be applied to hair before shampooing to moisturize hair, Blends well with other carrier oils

Kukui Oil

• Light, nutty aroma
• Shelf life:  1 year
• High in Vitamins A, C, E
• Fatty acids:  Linoleic, Alpha Linolenic, Palmitic, Oleic
• Uses:  Skincare, hair care
• Great for dry skin, Highly emollient, Excellent antioxidant properties, Helps relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, no greasy feel

Baobab Oil

• Light aroma
• Shelf life:  3-4 years in cool. dark area and sealed tightly
• Rich in vitamins A, E, D, protein
• Fatty acids:  Oleic, Palmitic, Linoleic, Linoleinic, Stearic
• Uses:  Skincare, hair care, massage
• Quickly absorbed, great for dry skin, Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Smoothes out fine lines by possibly stimulating collagen and elastin, Calms itchy skin of eczema and psoriasis and dermatitis, Helps reduce scaring

Argan Oil

• Faint aroma
• Shelf life:  up to 6 months
• High in vitamins (A,E)
• Fatty acids:  Oleic, Pamitic, Linoleic, Linolenic, Stearic
• Uses:  Skincare, hair care, cosmetics
• Very hydrating, absorbs quickly, very moisturizing, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves elasticity, anti-inflammatory, minimizes scars and stretch marks, reduces sebum production in oily skin, helps heal acne

Apricot Oil

• Faint aroma
• Shelf-life:  6 months
• High in vitamins A, C, E, and protein
• Fatty acids:  Oleic, Palmitic, Linoleic, Stearic
• Uses:  Skincare, massage, hair care
• Good for all skin types especially prematurely aging, sensitive, inflamed, dry
• Good for skin rejuvenating 

Check out our favorite essential oils

for skin care!

XOXO~S & A

The Big Question: To Dilute, or Not To Dilute Essential Oils

If you are new to the essential oil scene, you’ve probably heard lots of talk about the need to dilute essential oils with carrier oils.  On the other hand, you will hear many saying that some of the oils can be used “neat”, or by themselves.  So what is right?  The answer is, when in doubt, DILUTE!  Always dilute essential oils if you have sensitive skin.  Always dilute if you are putting oils on children.  Always dilute “hot oils” like oregano, cinnamon, clove, thyme and cassia.  These "hot oils" are common skin irritants and can cause skin sensitization.  Initially, they can be tolerated being used neat, but then all of the sudden, cause a disproportionately strong dermatitis reaction.  When the dermatitis has cleared, even a small amount can cause a reaction. Low quality, adulterated oils, even ones that say “organic” can cause skin sensitization as well due to the impurities that can be in the oil.  So, always dilute "hot oils" to prevent this kind of reaction.

This is one of the main reasons why we only use essential oils that are Certified Pure, Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) to ensure that we are using the highest purity and quality of oils on the market. 

So, what is the difference between essential oils and carrier oils? 

Essential oils are the volatile liquids (they evaporate quickly) that are distilled from the plant’s seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, etc.  They are not “oily” like carrier oils.  Their molecular size is very small and they are lipid soluble and can easily penetrate the skin’s lipid bilayer.  Essential oils contain the chemical constituents that allow them to be therapeutically beneficial.  Within twenty minutes, essential oil constituents have entered the blood stream and have the potential to affect every cell in the body.  In the cell, they have a therapeutic benefit, and then, metabolized like any other nutrient, unlike synthetic chemicals, that are not metabolized easily and tend to be stored as toxins in our bodies.

Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant, usually the seeds, and they are used to “carry” the essential oil into the skin.  These are full of fatty acids that also provide nutritive benefits to the skin.  Unlike essential oils, carrier oils can become rancid so they need to be stored in cool places.  They do not evaporate like essential oils so they can be used to dilute the essential oil and prevent it from evaporating too quickly allowing more essential oil to enter the body.  It only takes a couple of drops of an essential oil to have a therapeutic benefit.  The carrier oil allows the couple of drops of essential oil to be distributed over a greater part of the body and it also prevents wasting the essential oil.  Because of their larger molecular size, the carrier oil does not penetrate enough to get into the blood stream like the essential oils.  They penetrate the top layers of the skin and nourish it with their fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.  There are so many carrier oils coming into the market that it is hard to decide which one is the best.  They each have a different fatty acid profile and some are more suitable for dry skin and some are better for oily skin.  So which ones do you choose?  Play around with different oils and blend carrier oils that provide different benefits to the skin.  First, make sure that you purchase carrier oils that are organic and cold pressed. These are the best to use on the skin.  They are richest in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that nourish the skin.  Avoid using cooking oils that you typically buy at the grocery store.  They are highly refined and may contain solvents and petroleum residues. 

Check out our favorite carrier oils!!

XOXO~S&A

How To "Paleo-On-The-Go" In 5 Simple Steps

Learn how to keep up with your Paleo lifestyle and your busy life all at once.

 If you’re like the majority of the American population, you’re always out and about running errands, commuting to work, taking the kids to practice, getting groceries, etc. Such a hectic schedule lends itself to crappy eating, and crappy eating lends itself to sabotaging your new lifestyle completely.

I don’t want this to happen to you. It’s happened to me before, and it took me a few days to get back on track. Some people never get back on track. Therefore, I want to provide you with the tips and tricks I learned for keeping up with a Paleo lifestyle in the midst of a busy life and where i find the best deals on products!

1.     Always, always, always keep Paleo friendly snacks in the car or in your purse (you may need a cooler). I recommend things like a bag of nuts or a bag of seeds, granola bars (Paleo-approved, not the sweet, half-chocolate kind), a bag of vegetables or a bag of fruit. You can take fresh fruit or even dried fruit.

2.     If you don’t have anything on you at the time the hunger hits, you can visit a grocery store with a fresh foods section (Hello, Whole Foods), and grab a healthy salad, a cup of fruit, a bag of trail mix, etc.

3.     If you failed to bring any snacks with you and you cannot make it to a grocery store, you can visit a fast-food restaurant if you need to. If you must do this, order a salad with just veggies, protein and a healthy fat (if they have it). For example, you could order a side salad from Wendy’s and a grilled chicken sandwich without the bun or sauce. At Subway, you can order a salad with protein and a side of avocado (when it’s in season). You should also probably skip the dressing at fast-food restaurants unless you can get just fresh olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice.

4.     For sit-down restaurants, what you order will depend on what type of restaurant you’re visiting. Here are some examples of meals:

• Bar & Grille: a turkey burger without the bun or sauce and a side salad with boiled eggs and no premade dressing; a chicken sandwich without the bun or sauce with a baked sweet potato on the side (I find coconut oil is a great sub for butter on the potato); or, just a healthy salad loaded with veggies is great too (if they have avocado, that would be even better to add to your salad)
• Breakfast joints: Eggs, eggs and more eggs with some veggies and avocado would be a great option; a large fruit cup would be a nice snack
• Chinese: Grilled veggies and seafood/veggie combos; sushi (if you don’t go crazy on the rice)
• Mexican: Beef or chicken fajitas without the fajita and loaded with veggies and a side of guacamole
• Italian: Stick with a bare salad with a protein on top
• Steakhouses: Fill up on the steak and veggies and a sweet potato; if you’re feeling dessert, opt for a fruit cup
• Deli: Any type of salad with protein; a protein-filled lettuce wrap; other wraps not made of grains (spinach or tomato, for example)

5.     If you’re searching for snacks for your busy life, be sure to check these out from the Thrive Market, one of my FAV sites to shop!!

Finally, I just want to mention – it’s so important not to over-complicate this lifestyle. If you do this, you will stress yourself out and not enjoy the process of becoming healthier. Sometimes, it just isn’t possible to eat Paleo-approved, so do your best with it and remember – every little step in the right direction, no matter how small, is still a step towards optimal health and your best self.

XOXO~S & A

Mindset Is Everything: One Thing That Could Be Holding You Back

We all know, all too well, the “If I can just (X), then I will (X)” daily mantra that seems to sneak into our daily thoughts ever so quickly.  This is always the first thing that pops out of our mouths when we are visualizing our goals, what we want to do in life, weather it be personal, career oriented, health & wellness related or anything for that matter!!  For example, I used to think, “If I could just be in the best shape of my life, ALL the time, then I would make a great fitness instructor”, or “If I can get my hypothyroidism, and diet, and fitness under control AND be able to maintain all those things, then I can help others who have the same issues as I do.”

[sidenote: this is such a crazy thing to even say out loud, I just have to laugh at myself sometimes!!  Anyone with these issues knows what I’m talking about]

Seriously, what was I thinking? 

This type of mindset is a never ending cycle and one you will never win.  Just when you think you are where you want to be for that If-Then statement to become a reality, it will change.  You will want to be in even better shape, or have everything under better control, and you will never fulfill what you’ve set out to do.

So for me and my health & fitness journey, I always have to remind myself, our bodies are capable of anything.  It’s our minds we have to convince to back off and let us get there!

So what to do about it?  Stop competing with others and start competing with yourself.  Are you closer to your goals today than you were 3 weeks ago?  Are you getting stronger?  Are you more motivated to kick down the excuses than you were on day 1?  Are you having fun?  This is your story and your journey, no one else has a story exactly like you.  In order to take strides towards what ever it may be you want to reach, you first must love and appreciate yourself and stop feeling that you're not ready.  You have to value where you are right now and why you are starting on this new journey; you have to enjoy the process, and for goodness sake, give yourself some credit!!  I love this saying, "I never lose. Either I win, or I learn".  You are never going to know everything right this minute, so stop expecting that from yourself.  Mindset is everything!

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fi-yaaa!!

XOXO~Anna