Women are going to need to lead in 2021!

      Do you wonder "What happened in 2020?"  or "Why did 2020 happen?"  Put the events of 2020 aside for a moment to reflect on Esther.  When she was put into the care of an uncle, then selected to be in the company of the King for a year, then selected to be Queen.....she never knew that any of those events would put her into a place of power.  

     God's hand is not always obvious in our lives.  But, perhaps we have been put in a place for "just a time as this."  It's easy to struggle with times and situations, but who knows! 

     Before Esther made history, she told her uncle that the King could kill her for speaking out of turn.  There are 6 principals that Esther embodies that we all need in 2021, the year of the woman!  We can emulate these 6 charcteristics in business and in life in 2021 for "such a time as this!"

1. Authority - Walk into 2021 with the authority of the scripture. John 15:15....I do not call you servants any longer, because the serant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 

2. Wisdom - Rely on the WORD for wisdom.  My greatest achievement of 2020 was making scripture reading a part of every morning.  For 2021, I'm encouraged by a friend to also write the word every morning also.  

3. Courage -Step out! If 2021 is going to be your year, it's going to take courage.  Courage to ignore the memes saying "Everyone walk in quietly."  Courage to shake off everyone saying that 2020 was a horrible year.  Courage to be the light for others to see.

4.  Boldness - Esther knew the rules.  She couldn't enter the King's chambers unless she was called.  But, instead, she dressed in her royal gowns and took a huge risk to walk before him.

5. Strength - Women are going to need to lead this year.  AND, be a role model for young girls, our girls.  How did we model 2020 to our daughters?  How will we model 2021

6. Grace - receive it.  

SO NOW!  Go Esther!  What do you do first?  Write those bold, couragous, wise, goals:

Habakkuk 2:2  Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.

The Best Pant of 2020...and 2021

     Call it a quarantine lesson or style....but I have aquired a new appreciation for prestige active wear that "works from home," in the yard, and also works professionally.  I've also learned that a CAPSULE Wardrobe is clutch!  Whatever you call it...a few star pieces are worth the investment.

     It is possible to have a comfortable fit and still maintain a flattering silhouette.  These joggers strike the perfect balance of wide waistbands and four-way stretch fabric...blended with a tailored fit that SLIMS your shape.  These are not pajama bottoms or yoga pants that we are trying to wear in public.  The drawstring waist and fitted cuffs make them perfect for even work!  Check me out here ready for yard work, and working at school!

    Size Up or Down?

    I am 5'3 (with long legs) and 158 pounds.  The plum pair are a size large.  The black pair are a size medium.  Look at the photos.  They both fit, but the mediums (true to size), fit more like leggings.  I like the fit of going up.  I like the loser fit of the plum pair.  But, that's just me.  Decide what "look" you are going for and get your first pair.  

https://www.myzyia.com/SUBURBANCHALLENGE/shop/PRODUCTDETAIL.aspx?search=jogger&page=3&prod=498

Mediums....getting ready for yard work.

Medium Black pair

Medium Black pair at work

Large Plum Pair at work

Loser fit of large

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

 I found this recipe from https://tidymom.net/.  I was searching for a specific way to use the GALLON jug of apple cider in my fridge as a Holiday Cocktail.  I found this....tried it last night....and I'm gearing up for an encore performance tonight!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 oz Apple Cider

2 oz bourbon

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

2 oz ginger beer

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Add all ingredients.  Shake for 30 secs.  

Cup Suggestion:

Do you have gorgeous stemware you got as a wedding gift that you never use?  Well, it's Christmas 2020: our parties have been cancelled, we can't see the family we normally see.....GET THE DAMN GLASSES DOWN AND DRINK OUT OF THEM!  Make an ordinary night the truly extraordinary experience it is meant to be.

(These cups were a wedding gift, they live on the top shelf of my kitchen where I need a stool, I absolutely love them, and I think I have used them 5 times in 16 years.)

Can coffee help you lose weight?

 I found an interesting article yesterday published by Natalie Butler, RDN, LD. (A register dietitian who specializes in food allergies and intolerances, digestive diseases, diabetes, fasting, and nutrigenomics.)  Here were the highlights:

1.  It breaks fat: caffeine consumption promotes the release of the hormone epinephrine, which signals fat cells to break down fat in an attempt to increase available energy.

2.  Promotes thermogenesis: the process of heat generation from food, which increases the body's overall energy expenditure and promotes weight loss.

3.  Increases basal metabolic rate: which means you'll burn more energy than normal in a sedentary state, ONLY in younger and leaner individuals.

4. Suppresses Appetite: great!  Especially helpful if you are during a fasting phase.  Make sure coffee is black during these phases.

Coffee can help you lose weight  - but you also need to eat right and stay active - DUH!  Try not to exceed 4 cups of coffee per day and avoid at least 6 hours before bed.  

So the moral of the story....wake up, drink your black coffee (not your mocha frappuccino), get your day started, and feel great about making healthy choices for the rest of the day.  It has really helped me get through intermittent fasting phases.

UnPacking the Zyia Starter Kit

 I know a good deal when I see one....AND, as a fitness professional for 20 years, I appreciate high quality performance wear.  I guess I'm officially a High Maintenance Bruh Girl, LOL.  See the previous post.  

In the starter kit.....I got:

• Black Pocket Light-N-Tight Hi-Rise 7/8  24" leggings  (the best ever!  I wear a medium.  These are the most popular leggings with a firm compression that feels oh-so supportive whether you plan to run or just rest.)
• Black Unwind Jogger (Sorry, these are the best ever.   I now own a large and a medium.  I like the looser fit of the large.  The medium has more of a legging look/feel.  Is it possible to have a comfortable fit and still maintain a flattering silhouette? Duh!  They feel like pajama bottoms masquerading as workout wear..or work wear.)
• Navy All Star Bra (I got a medium and should have sized up..kinda tight.  This is not my favorite bra.  This bra was designed for long workouts.  It's got a high-fit neckline for big breasted women and mesh panels in all the right places to keep you cool.  The wide back panel offers additional stay-in-place support. I am in need of all new sports bras, so I'm going to use my consultant discount to buy them all up.  I'll let you know which is the best!)
• White Twist Tank (Definitely a style mandate. I got a large because I like a loose fit around my bigger belly.  The subtle detail of the twist in the back is sexy.  Not too much, not too boring.)
• Zyia Hat....mine came with a corduroy hat.  Now the starter kit comes with a mesh hat for spring.)

These 5 items came with a $100 gift card to spend on more Zyia, a stack of catalogs and sales slips to start a business.  What a great deal for only $295.  

The clothes alone would have cost $250.  So you are getting $60 in free Zyia with the potential to start a little business.  Make success simple - even if you're new to direct sales.  All the shipping is done at corporate!

Want to try the products first?  I totally get that and recommend that.  I was a customer first, fell in love with the quality, and then decided I need to help others fall in love with it.  Explore any new piece that I'm sure will inspire your next personal best.

My advice:  TRY ONE PIECE FIRST!

https://www.myzyia.com/SUBURBANCHALLENGE/shop/catalog.aspx

Joggers are perfect for Saturdays in the yard.......

but I also wore the Joggers to work!

Leggings, Bra, and Tank

That HAT!

Bruh Girl? What is it? High Maintance Bruh Girl? ......I'm going to go ahead and claim it!

      Urban Dictionary Time:  We all know a Bruh Girl and most of us have all got a little bit of bruhness to us. The Bruh Girl is your girl who never takes things seriously, can be guaranteed to bring the fun and will happily make a fool out of herself. ... They're both down to earth chill girls who are basically one of the boys.

     But then I saw a TikTok that introduced the High Maintenance Bruh Girl.  The girl who is down to earth, but spends a ton of money on skincare and wears $60 leggings.  Do you relate?  My hand is raised!  This is me...minus the cuss words.  (We all know that I don't say those words.)  And instead of "eyelashes and nails" its "earring and eyeshadow" for me....with my flawless skin and $60 leggings!! 😂

Watch It Here:  (Warning!!!  Language)

https://www.tiktok.com/@theirongiantess/video/6901417775475002629?lang=en

     

Getting Control of Cystic Acne...My Top 5!

     Cystic Acne is the most serious type of Acne. It develops when cysts under the skin create painful bumps that will not go away. It is deep within the skin, often times never coming to the surface, and is most likely to cause scaring. Bumps are tender to touch and (in my case) had their own heart rate, lol! They are most noticeable on the face, but I've been known to get them on my chest and back, and one time behind my ear. 

      Due to the severity of this type of acne, and the fact that half of the time it is caused by hormone irregularities in teens or in women with PCOS....cleansers are not enough. I have spent the last 20 years fighting and educating myself about this type of acne. I have had doctors recommend and try many different things. Here are my favorites based on fewest side effects and most results. 

 1. Oral contraceptives are a viable option for cystic acne in some women. This method is especially effective if you tend to develop acne cysts during hormone fluctuations related to your menstrual cycle. Although I hate the idea of birth control as a treatment for PCOS...during my early 20s, it was very effective in getting the cycst under control. Then I stopped the contraceptives (because of all of the other side effects of birth control) and moved onto other forms of maintenance. Therefore, I say again...great treatment for SHORT TERM USE. 

 2. Chemical Peels from a dermatologist including Glycolic acid or Salicylic acid or both. During peak times of bad acne, this is a great treatment. I drove home from college to get these during my 20s. After a peel, you will look like you have a mild sunburn for a few days following treatment. Your skin will peel just as it would following a sunburn. I got 3-4 per year. Search local dermatologists or plastic surgeons near you who perform chemical peels. These will be more potent than peels from an esthetician. 

 3. Chemical Peels at home for maintenance. I found an over the counter chemical peel in Glycolic Acid that I use every Sunday night to stretch out the time between dermatologist visits....and to eventually prevent them with at home maintenance. There are no side effects from the at home peels. When you first apply the "lotion like" cream, it will tingle for about 3-5 minutes, and then allow it to soak in to the skin for at least 12 minutes. You wash off easily with water. Buy Here: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/all/timewise-repair-revealing-radiance-facial-peel-300524 

 4. Topical retinoids are also derived from vitamin A, like Accutane, but do not require a prescription and have fewer side effects. The over the counter version is going to be Retinol. Find a good moisturizer with retinol at night. Because of the vitamin A, you will need to use a day cream with sunscreen because all retinoids make you a little more sensitive to the sun. By itself, retinol or retinoids, are not powerful to fight cysts. But they are good to use as lotions and creams after the skin has been treated. Here is my retinol cream: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/all/timewise-repair-volufirm-night-treatment-with-retinol-100904 

 5. Diet. Although there is still a lot of conflicting information out there about the relationship to diet and acne....I have personally noticed a connection with foods that create insulin inflammation with increased PCOS symptoms. Since cystic acne is often linked to PCOS, by reducing the inflammation in the body...you reduce the body's reaction to it's side effects. Foods that increase insulin resistance are white bread, gluten, sugars, dairy products. Although still uncertain if cutting all of these foods out can/will reduce acne...it's not a bad idea to reduce the intake of gluten rich foods, dairy products, and sugars. Your waistline will also benefit. 

 For more support on fitness and wellness from a PCOS Queen, follow my private instagram account @suburbanchallenge.

Holiday Makeup..... Mom Edition

 No time to watch 20 minute long Youtube tutorials that are impossible to recreate?  I took the most popular Holiday Look for 2020 created by makeup artist Luis Casco, and simplified it for the “uninfluenced mom,”  lol!  Whether celebrating at home or out on the town, this look is everything!

1. Get your foundation on like normal….don’t use foundation?  Hit up some CC Cream for a more balanced look, it’s just a tinted moisturizer.  I also never leave the house without an undereye corrector to hide the dark circles under my eyes.  Need help finding the perfect foundation shade?  Here is a Foundation Finder quiz that is spot on!  

https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/tips-and-trends/beauty-extras/games-and-quizzes/timewise-3d-foundations-shade-finder-quiz

2.  Eye Primer is next.  This keeps eyeshadow on longer and prevents it from creasing up.  

3. Start with Emerald Noir (#1 in picutre) eyeshadow over the entire eyelids.  Then apply Hot Fudge (#2 in picture) to the creases of the eyes with a crease brush.  Apply black eyeliner (5 pictured)...then smudge it with a small brush.

4. Brush Sand Castle (3 pictured) eyeshadow in the corners of the eyes and under the brow bones.

5. FInally, lightly apply liquid eye shadow in Meteor Shower (4 pictured) in the middles of the eyelids to add a touch of highlights.  Finish off with your best black mascara (6 pictured).  

6. Get a holiday glow on the cheeks with Wineberry (7 pictured).

7. For a subtle lip to complement the dramatic eye, use a lip liner in Deep Nude and then a semi-matte lipstick in Bashful You (8 and 9 pictured).

8. Then I highly recommend spraying down with Finishing Spray so your hard work stays on ALL night.

WIth the right colors...this look is so easy that I fit it into a 1 minute TikToK.  Enjoy!

Shop the look here: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/

Watch the TikTok......careful, I only have like 23 followers, lol!

https://www.tiktok.com/@breestillings/video/6904593157137222917

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Pudding rich in protein and antioxidants.

      Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, PUMPKIN is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.  

     Check out my post from Nov. 27th, 2013 to see how I take a Halloween decoration and turn it into many family meals. (In the search bar at the top of the page…..enter “pumpkin” for all the resources) 

     Last weekend, I finally removed our Halloween pumpkin, froze some squares for stew, steamed the rest of it, and purred it for recipes.  (I’ll admit though,  it was looking real cute next to the Candy Cane decorations, LOL!)  I tried a new recipe last night for Gluten Free Bread Pudding rich in protein and antioxidants.

All these ingredients were found at Aldi.

Ingredients

2 cups pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

4 eggs

½ cup coconut oil (melted and then cooled)

½ cup coconut milk

3 ½ cups Almond Flour
2 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon pumpkin spice seasoning

1. Heat the oven to 350.  Lightly grease 2 metal loaf pans or 1 square 8x8 pan.

2. Palace the pumpkin, eggs, oil, and milk in a large mixing bowl and blend.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, boda, powder, salt, and seasonings.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

5. Bake for 60 minutes.  Allow to cool.

6. Scoop and serve. 

Served in the picture with a scoop of Almond Ice Cream

Perfect Legging for a PSOC Belly

      Women with PCOS have more of an apple shape.  Because weight gain is triggered by an increase in androgens, the weight is typically in the abdomen....giving us an apple shape instead of a pear shape.

     I have found 2 features that have now become mandatory in my leggings (and there are pockets!)

• Hight Waisted: they stay up and over my belly while working out instead of rolling down
• Compression: I feel this feature sucks in all that extra belly fat and keeps me firm while exercising. 

     You can find both of these features in 2 different leggings in high-quality activewear:

1. The "Light n Tight" legging 
2. The "Brilliant" legging

I've posted a picture of myself wearing my favorite Light n Tights in Pink.  For reference, I am 5'3 and 158 pounds.  I am wearing a 8/10 which is a Large.

To shop:  https://www.myzyia.com/suburbanchallenge

PCOS Voice Up!

      Diagnosed in 2009 with PCOS was 12 years too late. I had already battled cystic acne as a college student with the scars to prove it and I had already had every hair removed from my face with electrolysis. ⁣  Like many women, I thought that my conditions were normal.  I thought every woman had a 7-day period.  I thought every girl had to begin waxing their upper lip at 12 years-old. I thought every woman would pass blood clots the size of potatoes.  Because women are not encouraged to talk about their “issues,” I thought I was just like everyone else. Voice Up Ladies!

     Talking to your doctor is the first step.  However, if they try to put you on birth control...find another doctor.  Getting on metformin would help with fertility, but it came with a ‘bucket full’ (or toilet full, lol) of GI issues.  I finally found, at 40 years of age, a holistic way of “managing” symptoms.  I’ve now had my beautiful beard completely and permanently removed through electrolysis.  Since I’m no longer of child bearing age I’ve had a wonderful procedure known as an Endometrial Ablation.  I no longer need to wear a tampon and a pad at the same time.  I’m still currently researching the best foods to eat and exercise formats for impaired insulin reactions. 

     There is no better time, than our era, to get on Instagram and connect instantly with a Dietician or Personal Trainer who specializes in PCOS.  Why can’t we lose weight? Because our body does not function like “every other woman.”  We are exceptions.  We are beautiful and we deserve to know how to treat our bodies within the syndrom.  We deserve to know that Gluten Free, intervals, and weight training might be the best way to lose weight.   Ladies, Voice Up and find your community!

     My specialty is skincare.  Due to my own struggles, I have researched in depth hormonal effects on the skin.  No doubt about it, hormones and your skin are connected...so what factors are at play when those hormones are affected by PCOS?  I had no idea, until 3 years ago, that other women did not get cysts on their face that were painful and never grew to a “head.”  I had no idea until 5 months ago that acne on the chin area is another feature of PCOS.   I feel like life with PCOS is an uphill challenge, not excluding finding the right anti-aging skincare regime that is also going to address scarring on the chin area. ⁣ I have created a FREE handout where I detail the best 5 products I have discovered to transform my skin.  Get the handout here:  https://myanchorcard.com/breestillings/

Voice up Ladies!

Time Managment Workshop

Stop letting your schedule control YOU!  I have now put together my time management hacks into a 3 Day Workshop.  Register for this free workshop and take back control of your schedule.

https://bree-stillings.mykajabi.com/pl/232866