Life Is Full Of Obstacles…Now Go Out And Overcome Them!

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

Life Is Full Of Obstacles

Now Go Out And Overcome Them!

By: Ilyana Castaneda

Overcoming Obstacles Life Is Full Of Obstacles...Now Go Out And Overcome Them!

Life is full of obstacles. There’s ups and there’s downs. Sometimes we tend to forget that no one is perfect! When you have a goal, expect things to get in the way and when they do ask yourself this…Are you going to let that stop you? OR Are you going to keep pushing forward.

I have a few questions I would like you to ask yourself:

1. What is your goal?

2. What will it mean for you if you achieve your goal? Is it worth your dedication and success?

3. Are you willing to give it all you got so that you can reach your goal?

When an obstacle gets in the way of achieving your goal, remember what your goal is, and how you will feel when you achieve this goal.

Obstacles and struggles are a part of life. The great news is….

You are not the only one!

Everyone who is aiming to achieve a goal is experiencing obstacles and struggles.

Even the most successful people have struggled. In Michael Jordan’s famous quote he said "I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Do you think missing those shots and losing those games were obstacles he had to overcome in his career? YOU BETCHA!!

Look at the BEATLES, they struggled. When they first started in the music business a recording company said, "We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out."

REALLY, THE BEATLES!!!

Did they quit? NO! Did they let others dictate whether they would achieve their goals or not? NO! They continued to believe in their goals anyway, and they are still super famous today.

When I was in high school, my school counselor laughed under her breathe when I told her I wanted to apply to attend the University of San Diego. She said it’s so expensive and it’s not like state, it’s more competitive. I replied, "Okay, I’m applying anyways". The last laugh was on her because I did get accepted into U.S.D. Not once, but twice!! The first time I attended U.S.D. was for my undergraduate coursework and I went back a second time for my graduate coursework! Wait, there’s more…I received a scholarship and grants. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to her!

My point is…

When you have a goal and you know what it’s worth to you, keep pushing forward and strive for it! Don’t let anyone stomp on your dreams or anything get in your way! It will take hard work and you will face obstacles. However, when you reach that goal. You will feel amazing!!!

You are worth the effort. You are worth every moment of the time and dedication. Overcome those obstacles and knock them down one by one. Each one will make you stronger.

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO!

DON’T FORGET THAT!

What are you going to do to help encourage or inspire others?

Please comment, share, and post if this has helped you or can help anyone else.

Posted in Goals, Life | Tagged life obstacles, life struggles, obstacles, overcoming obstacles, setting goals, struggles | Leave a comment

Quick and Easy Gelatin Dessert | Great for Birthdays, holidays, or just for fun

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

Are you looking for something different to send to your child’s school for their birthday?

Or just a fun super quick easy dessert to take to a party?

232005818274934680 6tzTDbEe c(1) Quick and Easy Gelatin Dessert | Great for Birthdays, holidays, or just for fun

These gelatin desserts were super quick and easy to make. I’m sending these gelatin desserts to my nieces school for her birthday since she doesn’t really care for cupcakes and her school is no longer allowing cupcakes at school.

So here’s what you need:

Jello or your favorite brand of sugar free gelatin. Look at the servings to determine how many you need for your party or child’s class.

5 1/2oz cups with lids (Lids are optional)

Lids

A toothpick

Preparation Steps:

1. Just follow the recipe on the sugar free gelatin box. I made one box at a time and filled the cups so that everything mixes well and I don’t have a lot left over.

2. Then refrigerate the gelatin.

3. When the gelatin is ready put the lids on the gelatin cups.

4. With a toothpick poke a tiny hole through the lids.

5. Insert the umbrella!

You’re all set!

Where can you buy everything? :

You can buy sugar free gelatin at your grocery store.

The 5 1/2 oz cups you can buy at the grocery store or a party store. I actually bought these at Smart & Final along with the lids.

The parasols/tiny umbrellas can be found at a party store or also Smart & Final.

When you try this will you please post here and let me know if it was a hit with your kids or at the party?

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Salsa Recipe| Home-Made Salsa

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

salsa 1 2 3 Salsa Recipe| Home Made Salsa Salsa Recipe: Home Made Salsa

My Mom’s Home Made Salsa

I don’t know about you but I LOVE SALSA!!! It’s pretty great for you too.

My mom was pretty generous to share her ingredients with me so that I can share with you. The best thing is that all of these ingredients can also be grown in your home garden. So if you’re ready to learn learn how to make an awesome home made salsa recipe here you go…

salsa ingredients Salsa Recipe| Home Made Salsa

Ingredients that you will need:

tomatoes
cilantro
green onions
chili
garlic cloves

Now what you add next all depends on how hot you want your Salsa to be so here’s some tips from my mom…

salsa before blending Salsa Recipe| Home Made Salsa

Mild:

2 chilies

3 large tomatoes

2 Green onions

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup of finely cut cilantro

Add about 1/4 cup of water and blend. If you feel you need more water go ahead.

Once everything is blended add 1/2 of a chopped onion, and another half a cup of cilantro and mix it with a fork. Do not blend.

Pepper to taste according to how you like it.

Hot:

Add everything above and add 2 or 3 more chiles.

We don’t use salt but depending on how you like things you can add a teaspoon of Knoor®
for flavor.

If either recipe is too hot for you add more tomatoes.

Enjoy this on your food or as a salsa/dip.

Coming soon….Salsa Fresca recipe from my mom! Subscribe to my newsletter by clicking here or on the top left corner of this blog.

Message me I’d love to hear how yours turned out and how you liked it!

Ilyana Castaneda

Posted in Healthy Tips | Leave a comment

Exercise Your Freedom

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

Exercise YOUR Freedom

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! I hope you have a wonderful day. I’m going to hang out by the pool and relax and just enjoy my family. I hope you enjoy this holiday and think about PUSHING towards your Independence and don’t let anything hold you back towards reaching for your goals!

We all have the ability to pursue our health and fitness goals. That’s awesome, isn’t it? Are you doing this? If not, what’s holding you back? You can do anything you put your mind to!

My personal goal as a fitness consultant/coach is to help as many people as possible reach their goals…that includes YOU…so that you can continue to live a more healthy and fulfilling life. I really want to help YOU!

You’re call the shots in your life, you are in control. So take it! We are in the 7th month of the year…Don’t wait until 2013 to get started. Make today the day! You have the freedom to do this! My wish is to see you reach the fitness goals you’ve been aiming for. Let me help you! I want to invite you to join my FREE accountability group on Facebook. Just click here to get started

I’ve been so amazed to see how many of my family, friends, and fellow coaches have been able to get the results that they want by completing a Beachbody® Program. Do you already have a program? Have you started it? If not, let’s open it up and get started together. I have a Fit Crew Challenge group starting on July 16th, 2012 and also an accountability group! Let’s get you moving…2012 isn’t over yet. If you haven’t started on a program yet let me help you choose a program that’s going to get you the results YOU are looking for. Just reply back to me by clicking here.

My Challenges,Fit Crew, and "Say I Do To Health & Fitness" accountability group have been doing AMAZING!! Challenges are filling quicker. The group is getting pumped and energized. Let me help you get started and share this with you…Commit to a Challenge Pack and get into my "Fit Crew" for FREE!!! Get the daily support, motivation, and accountability to help you through a Beachbody®
Challenge Pack that gives RESULTS!!!

This is only for the 3 programs in the picture. I can only get you this Trial Challenge Pack offer until July 31st, 2012. So what are you waiting for?? Get started by going to http://ilyanacastaneda.com, click shop, then click on trial Challenge packs. If you want to learn how to join my team and also continue to get discounts off of Beachbody® Products for helping others contact me first by clicking here!

Have a wonderful 4th of July! Celebrate your freedom to have choices in your life…SO EXERCISE THAT RIGHT!

Posted in Fitness and Workout Tips, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What Is Your Health Worth To YOU?

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

What is Your Health Worth To You?

What is your health worth to you What Is Your Health Worth To YOU?

The first question I’m going to ask you is…Are you willing to change you? If you are please continue reading. If not, that’s okay too. Everyone has a right to make their own decisions. You can always continue reading on and bookmark this so that when you are ready you can take action!

Do any of these apply to you, either all the time or sometimes?

    1.    I do not have or know which workouts to do at the gym to yield results.
    2.    I do not have a program or I am not working on a program to meet my fitness goals.
    3.    I have a workout program or Beachbody® workout program. I just do not do it.
    4.    I do not know enough about eating right or making healthy choices.
    5.    I know how to eat healthy. I just do not do it.
    6.    I have not really taken responsibility for working out.
    7.    I have not really taken responsibility for learning how to eat healthy.
    8.    I’m lazy when it comes to disciplining myself to eat healthy or workout.

I’m not saying that I’m perfect or by any means trying to make you feel bad. I just want you to take a real hard look at some of the habits you currently have and if you’re willing to work on these habits .

Change can be difficult but with the right support, motivation, and dedication you can do anything.

Now answer these questions:

Are you willing to take full responsibility for eating healthy and working out?
Are you willing and ready to commit to yourself to make the changes necessary to enjoy your health, be fit, and eat right?
Do you feel that you would be successful in changing habits 1-8 , if you had someone to hold you accountable, and to guide you in the right direction?

If you’re willing and ready then GREAT!! It’s never to late to make changes within your lifestyle to embark on a life of being fit, eating healthy, and becoming a healthier you!!!

Now, where do you start right? It’s not just about the physical journey. It’s about your mental journey as well.

One book that I would really recommend to everyone is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. It will really help you with developing yourself, goal setting and readjusting your thoughts. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy is totally the book that will feed your mind and help you rework through developing positive habits to help you reach your goals.

Now to help you with your fitness and eating habits I offer a Fitness Challenge every month that sets plan. if you’re willing to commit to it? Are you ready?

I want to invite you to join my next Beachbody® Fitness Challenge where we will work together to help you start with the right fitness program to meet YOUR goals within your physical abilities, work on developing and learning healthier eating habits, while getting the support that you need to be successful. We will work together along with the other Challengers in an exclusive Facebook group to support you daily in your journey. You will connect with others who are working on their fitness goals and ready to take action!!

If you’re ready to do this. Click here to see when my next upcoming Challenge is starting. Make sure you contact me by clicking here to save your spot and talk more about how to get started.

I know that with dedication and commitment to your goals you can do anything you put your mind to!! Now let me help you take action and get started on your fitness journey!!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Get In Shape| 7 Day Shake It Down Challenge|

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

Online Ticketing for 7 Day Shake It Down Shakeology® Challenge powered by Eventbrite

Posted in Fitness and Workout Tips, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Useful Fitness and Health Apps Websites and Tools

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

IMG 0325(1) Useful Fitness and Health Apps Websites and Tools

Useful Fitness and Health Apps,

Websites, and Tools

By Ilyana Castaneda

Do you ever search the APP, websites or tools to help you with your health or fitness goals? Here are a few that I think are really cool. I hope this helps you on your fitness journey!

Free Apps:
MapMyWalk by MapMyFitness - I use this APP every week with my walking group. This app tells us how many miles we are walking, what our time is, speed, pace, and calories burned. This App is free and you can tweet or Facebook your walk. It also shows a map of your walk. You can friend others or create a profile. Really i just use this to keep track of time and miles with my walking group and every mile it announces your distance, time, and pace.
They also have an app called MapMyRun, MapMyHike, MapMyRide and a few others too.

Fooducate™- This APP is even fun for the kids to use also. You can use this APP at the grocery store. There’s a scanner where you scan the product barcode and it will rate your product an A, B, C, or D it even includes pluses or minus and it will offer recommendations for healthy alternatives. You can also make a shopping list and get tips by reading the daily tips. There are even little contests where you can scan different products. I always forget to check that but it is a pretty cool app. It’s available on the iTunes® and Android® Markets.

Paid Apps:

P90X® APP-For P90X® fanatics. You can take P90X® anywhere with you to do P90X®. This APP provides customization, convenience, personalization, portability and motivation. You can chart your progress, auto-schedule P90X® Classic, lean, or doubles, track your sets, log your personalized nutrition journal, track your sets, reps, or weights as they go up. This APP gives to Live guided video demos by Tony Horton.With this app you can earn achievement badges and share your results online on Twitter and Facebook, You get audio guidance as well. You also get access mobile logins to the Team Beachbody® WOWY SuperGym™ if you have a Beachbody® Account. No worries if you don’t just click here for a free one. Here’s a tip: You have to make sure that your email for your Team Beachbody® Account matches your email on your iTunes Account. Check it out

On the Internet:
This is one of my favorite tools that I use everyday. Click here for a little peak of my profile just click on the view my workouts. I log them live instead of schedule them automatically just look on the right hand side and click view my workout calendar. I log my workouts in the Team Beachbody® WOWY SuperGym™. This is a complete online and fitness community. Get tips on how to Get Fit, Eat Smart, Watch Success Stories to keep you motivated, check out the online community of people who are working on their health and fitness goals too. Under the Eat Smart tab you can check your Body Fat, Healthy Weight, and Caloric Needs Calculators. Get a free account and your own personal fitness coach, me, Ilyana Castaneda check it out here

If you want to upgrade to the Team Beachbody® Club Membership you get access to the Team Beachbody® Meal Planner where you can plan your meals according to your caloric needs, get a tailored meal plans, a shopping list to take the guess work out of the ingredients you need to purchase, recipes, and nutritional values. You can also edit your food preferences to exclude foods in up to two categories: Pork, Fish, Chicken, shellfish, Red Meat, Whole Eggs, and Nuts. With the Team Beachbody® Club Membership you also get 10% off of Beachbody® Products, and access to the Beachbody® Celebrity Trainer live chats for more info click here

Posted in Fitness and Workout Tips, Healthy Tips | 2 Comments

My Les Mills Pump Fitness Journey Week 7

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

My Les Mills Pump Fitness Journey–Week 7

By Ilyana Castaneda

Hi, I’m into week 7 of my Les Mills Pump Journey. I totally love this program. It’s great for me because I am a single mom and I want to work on my fitness goals without having to leave my son. Using the Beachbody Programs and being a Beachbody Coach has really helped me to do this because I can wake up early and get my workouts done while my son is sleeping. This is really great because I don’t have to leave the house, or drive to the gym, which can also save on gas money too.

I am still enjoying this program. A few things I do to get myself thourgh this in the morning is that I make sure that I have my DVDs that I need for that mornings workout either in the DVD payer or next to it so it’s ready to go. Honestly, sometimes I even workout in my PJs and I put my shoes right outside my bedroom door. Check out the video below for my update on Week 7!! Wahoo bring it on Week 8!

If you need help with your fitness goals and are looking for a coach click here

http://bit.ly/oIp0BD for a free Beachbody Account with me, Ilyana Castaneda as your coach. Also fill out this contact me form http://designingalifestyle.com/contact for more information on my next upcoming Challenge or Accountability Group

For more information on Les Mills Pump Click here

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Are you looking for a great liquid eyeliner that lasts? | This Liquid Last Eyeliner Is A Must Have!

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

Are you looking for a great liquid eyeliner that lasts?

Okay, so sorry but this post is mostly for my female friends out here this time. I don’t know about you but it’s pretty tough sometimes to find makeup that will last and look great.

I’m always looking for makeup that will last and I don’t have to keep applying it all day. So I thought I’d share this tip with all my friends. I know I’ve mentioned this before but for those of you that are just getting to know me. I’m a mom and I’m also a teacher during the day so that doesn’t leave much time for me to reapplying makeup over and over during the day. I also have oily eye lids ugh..LOL so I needed to find an eyeliner that I feel works best and I think I’ve found it. Just incase you’re wondering, you can consider me one of those girls that goes to the gym with her eyeliner on.

This past weekend I bought the MAC Liquid Last Eyeliner this stuff works great. I can put it on in the morning like at 6am or 7am and it will stay until I personally take it off. It doesn’t crack, smear or smudge. I’ve found the perfect eyeliner for me. Whether you’re super busy or looking for a long lasting eyeliner this one is awesome. I’ve tried other liquid eyeliners and really by 3pm if not earlier that stuff is already cracking or ready to come off but not this stuff I can keep it on all night.

I usually use makeup wipes to take off my makeup but even with makeup wipes I’m still rubbing it off a bit so when the person at the MAC counter asks you if you want the makeup remover to go with it BUY IT! I actually went back to the store to buy it.

This awesome Liquid Last Eyeliner is only $18.50 plus tax. I think that’s pretty great and it definitely is worth every penny. I’ve bought other high end brand liquid eyeliners before that were more than $18.50 that do not provide long lasting wear or state that they are water proof and come off or smear during the day. I’m keeping my vote for Mac Liquid Last. The name totally fits. You can bet that MAC Liquid Last Eyeliner is my new liquid eyeliner of choice. I know this summer when I go swimming this liquid eyeliner is staying on for sure!!

Posted in Beauty | Leave a comment

Getting Your Child Ready For Testing | Preparing Your Child For Testing

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Ilyana Castaneda

Getting Your Child Ready For Testing

Kid testing Getting Your Child Ready For Testing | Preparing Your Child For Testing
It’s that time of year again as if there aren’t already enough tests for students to take in school now in days. I’ve been teaching middle school for 8 years now so I have also served as an test examiner for State Testing for 8 years. Before that I substitute taught and assisted with the administration of C.E.L.D.T. (California English Language Development Tests).

I know this time of year may be a bit stressful for your child. Schools are really focused on high test scores and having students do the best. If your child is in middle school and on their way to high school this can also determine their class placement at the high school and whether or not they need to add in extra support classes or they can be placed in Advanced Placement or Accelerated/Honors courses. Either way this can be a lot of pressure for your child to do well. This is when having a balance in their lives can be so important. Yes testing is important in the world of academics but your child’s growth and personal development as a happy, healthy, and prosperous individual is even more important. Teaching them or assisting your child to find that balance is key especially at this time during the year.

During testing season and really anytime during the year it is really important for your child to get a great nights sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before they go to school. Students who are well rested can generally focus more on their tests and not feel to sleepy. Eating a healthy breakfast also helps them to concentrate. It is so hard to concentrate and do well when your stomach is growling and making noises.

The morning and the night before testing encourage them. Let them know that you believe that they can do anything they put their mind to and that no matter what the results of the tests are you love them no matter what. Feed them the self-confidence they need. Remind your child that this test is important to academics and it is great for them to try their best but it does not evaluate what sort of placement your child has in your heart as a parent. Attitude goes a long way and so does having the right mindset. With the right attitude, mind set, and goals your child can achieve anything the are willing to put the time and handwork into!

I understand that they day can get pretty busy, trust me I’m a full-time teacher, a mom, and a fitness consultant am I busy too? You bet! Schedule in some time with your child without interruptions. Make sure they know that even though you have other things going on in your life, they are one of your top priorities. Schedule this time together and call it your “Quality Time” or whatever you like. Knowing that you both have this time together will be awesome. Talk to them ahead of time and plan what you are going to do during your “Quality Time”.

Try talking to them before testing and doing something fun after school with them to ease the tension. Fun and inexpensive things to do would be go for a walk, they need that fresh air after testing, go outside and play catch, soccer, basketball, football or whatever is your favorite sport together. Have a nice home cooked dinner or take your dinner and eat outside and enjoy the air. Get that fresh air in and that exercise in because as much as we need to exercise as adults so do children.

Posted in Parenting, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Designing A Lifestyle | A Fit Life | Get In Shape | Secret to a Fit Life | A Fit Lifestyle | Setting Goals

Life Is Full Of Obstacles…Now Go Out And Overcome Them!

Quick and Easy Gelatin Dessert | Great for Birthdays, holidays, or just for fun

Salsa Recipe| Home-Made Salsa

Exercise Your Freedom

Exercise YOUR Freedom

Happy 4th of July!

What Is Your Health Worth To YOU?

Get In Shape| 7 Day Shake It Down Challenge|

Useful Fitness and Health Apps Websites and Tools

My Les Mills Pump Fitness Journey Week 7

Are you looking for a great liquid eyeliner that lasts? | This Liquid Last Eyeliner Is A Must Have!

Are you looking for a great liquid eyeliner that lasts?

Getting Your Child Ready For Testing | Preparing Your Child For Testing

LET’S CONNECT:

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Exercise YOUR Freedom

Happy 4th of July!

Are you looking for a great liquid eyeliner that lasts?

LET’S CONNECT:

Categories

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