Blooming where you are planted

My mom has always said to me that small opportunites lead to bigger ones. Where ever you are in life, you are there for a reason. When I was a little girl I dreamed of becoming a Victoria's Secret Model. I obviously realize now that this was unrealistic. So... I set my sights on similar, yet completely achieveable dreams...like modeling around Ohio, and competing for Miss Ohio Teen USA. I feel that whatever goal you have in your head is there because God put it there based on what you are capable of doing with the talents, or qualities he gave you. Where you live, and who you have around you are all part of the plan... use the people and places to help you learn something each day. Go with your gut feelings on what you want to do, and bloom where you are planted...even if it is in Delaware, Ohio. Today was the first job opportunity I have been faced with since signing with a modeling agency in Ohio. It was something new, exciting, and I had no idea what I was expected to do, except show up on time, wear closed toe shoes, and come with a photo I.D. I walked into the casting site ( a large warehouse that makes swimwear) to see a model standing at about 5'11 going for the same job. I thought, "Great". I wasn't fully discouraged until I walked into the shooting room to see 5 other models aboout the same height. I then thought, "Wow, why would they pick me out of all these girls who look so professional". My name was called after about 10 minutes in the waiting room. I followed the photographers out to the dressing room and they told me to put on my first look. It was a pink athletic bikini that definitley did not give my already small chest any justice! I came out to be shot and as soon as I stepped in front of the backdrop something changed in my head. I knew I had a lot of experience in front of the camera, and around people. I joked and made the photographers laugh as we shot. Each outfit I came out in I felt more and more comfortable. The final look was a fitness outfit. I definitely felt great in it because I spend about 80 percent of my time in similar clothes. When I was finished I thanked the photographers for their time and left a little worried and anxious, not knowing if I was going to get the job or not. We had driven 2 hours down there , so I didn't want to waste my dad's gas money or time, and fail my agency. I started to pray because I know to never underestimate God's hands in all your plans. I prayed how thankful I was for the new opportunity, and that I was trusting in whatever happens, does so according to the timing of God's plan for my life. Today is just one example of how I am trying to live with a different mindset. A mindset of stronger faith and surrender.

Live each day according to what you are chasing for in life

Alot of changes have been made the past few years of my life. I went from attending one high school then another, switched from an athlete to a pageant girl, and changed my attitude from lost to driven. I've made mistakes, had ups and downs, and have made some choices I regret, but I have not given up. When you want something in life, no matter how big or small of a dream it is, you cannot give up. To realize who you are and what you live each day for is not easy. Being a teen, obviously things are going to change. I wanted to be a master chef... I read books on different culinary experiences and everything I read sounded so artistic and interesting. When I started my hosting job I soon figured out the reality of the Chef life (sweaty, cursing men working long hours all night in one small kitchen). I quickly changed my mind on that one, although my passion for cooking was still there. It took many months of having no idea what to get into next, to soon find out what I want to pursue. Being in modeling and pageants, you are expected to look "fit". This being so I started to pass up the fast food for real, healthy, and whole foods. Luckily my love for cooking triggered a new passion for turning boring diet meals(like grilled chicken, salad, and fruit) into dishes that taste and look unhealthy for you, but actually are clean and healthy. Now I know that I want to be a nutritionist and help people learn how to take care of themselves with the right foods....but it took alot of mind changing to figure out a plan for myself. I think it is so important in life when you feel lost to just think about what you truely love to do...and do those things!!! To reach your goals you may have to give things up, including people who hold you back. I have heard the negative and positive remarks about what I choose to do. In the end the only people who will accept you for who you are, are your family members, and few friends. "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." - Oprah Winfrey Something else I have realized out while figuring out how to pursue my dreams is that there is ALWAYS competition. People may share the same dreams as you, and you must except that. But what has kept me from not giving up is that fact that I am who I am, and I am not competing with others, but myself. This is a great thing to think when it comes to school, sports, pageants, and your job because you can feel so low when someone else gets the A+, the starting position, the crown, or the promotion, even though you may be just as qualified for whatever you are competing for. Everything in life happens for a reason, and only god knows what is meant for every individual. I know I have a special purpose, along with every other person. I choose to live based on what I love and what my dreams are, but I keep in the back of my head that some opportunites are meant for others, and even if I am not given the chance I wanted, to never stop pursuing what I love to do. I hope the people who read this post will agree with some of my thoughts and not give up on their dreams! -Ivy

My Ebook is published!

Here is the link to purchase my Ebook! Second edition coming soon...it will be desserts only;)

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/soul-food-clean-eating-recipes/13995719

I haven't been able to update my blog in awhile because I have been so busy with getting signed up for college classes, running a 5k, modeling, creating my clean eating Ebook, and crowning a new Miss Heart of Ohio Teen USA (I won this pageant last year). I wanted to use this post to share a few photos from the past few weeks. This summer has been the best! I've used the extra free time to make connections, prepare for some upcoming events, and of course TRY NEW CLEAN RECIPES. I am so excited to publish my Ebook. I hope those who support me, and want to change the way they eat will purchase it.

 Here is a sneak peak shot from my first shoot as Miss Teen Captivating

 Rick, Lindsey, and I before the Color Run!

 My sister queens and I during out first shoot with the wonderful director/ photographer, Rick Martinez. This day was such a blast. I love the relationships you can build because of pageants. All summer long I have been texting, visiting, and working with my pageant sisters. These girls are all goal oriented, and have big things ahead. My next few appearances are super exciting! I will be sure to take lots of photos so I can update my blog for those of you who follow my journey as Miss Teen Captivating!

<3 Ivy

Raw no bake cocoa cookies!!

Ingredients:
In a food processor or blender put

-2 handfuls of walnuts, almonds, or cashews

-2 spoonfuls of cocoa powder..or more

-2 spoonfuls of pure maple syrup, no sugar maple syrup, or agave nectar. I chose sugar free maple syrup..I know it isn't exactly clean but its all I had:(

-1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut

-2 tablespoons of coconut oil

How to make:
grind everything up, form into little cookies, freeze for 30 minutes, and then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Sweet patato bun sliders,grilled peaches, and turkey patty!

I've been experimenting alot with making clean buns because I've been craving a good burger, but even the gluten free buns can have added sugars, and other ingredients that aren't "clean". So here is a good recipe that I made up for those who are sweet potato lovers, like myself :)

Ingredients for the bun:
-1 egg
-2 heaping tablespoons of almond flour
-1 whole cooked sweet potato

How to make:
Put everything into  a food processor or blender, then spoon out small bun shaped balls on a frying pan, flatten them down a bit, and cook on medium temp. Make sure you spray down a non-stick substance.

Other:
I put a lean turkey patty, and grilled peach in between.


ENJOY

First appearance!!! Watching Ohio's Outstanding Teen

Yesterday was my first appearance as Miss Teen Captivating!

 My mom and I traveled up to Mansfield to watch Ohio's Outstanding Teen. This was something new to me because for the most part, all the pageants I've competed in have been USA system pageants. I loved the show, especially the talent competition. I believe I am talentless, so that made it even more impressive for me to watch girls my age do all that! It was so amazing to see such a variety of talents; singing, dancing, playing the harp, and more. It was also great to know some contestants. One of my friends Amelia Hitchens, was awarded first runner-up! I got to see another friend who actually competed with me at Ohio Teen USA, Cecili Weber! It was a great show, and a really fun night.

Protein packed Turkey Burger :).....and you don't have to pick off the bun!

I am still working on this bun recipe so I might be changing up the ingredients in the next few weeks but here it is! Hope you try it out

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BUN        <--------- I used my hands to roll the dough together into circles, then press down on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 until they are golden brown

-3 cups of coconut flour

-3/4 cup of 0% Greek Yogurt

-1 egg white

-Salt

-Pepper

-1 tsp of baking soda

Other

- 1 lean turkey burger

-mustard

-1/2 baby bell light cheese circle

-lettuce

-Water Melon on the side

Clean Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Recipe!!!!!! Get in my tummy because you lookin yummy

Woahhhh just made clean Strawberry Banana Cheesecake!!!!!!! Here is the recipe and directions. Time to stuff my face yo.

Ingredients:

Crust- 
1 Cup of Almond Meal
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened Coconut
1 3/4 Tablespoon coconut oil

Directions:
I just mashed everything together in a bowl with my hands, and then pressed it out against the bottom of the pan...I am not into using cooking equipment.

Ingredients:
Filling:
1 Large egg
1 egg white
1 cup of lowfat 1% cottage cheese
3/4 cup of 0% greek yogurt
4 oz Cream Cheese(fat free) you could also use strawberry
1 scoop of Vanilla Cream Whey protein powder
1/2 fl oz of fresh lemon juice
1 cup of blended or pureed Strawberries and bananas
Stevia to taste

Directions:
Put everything into a bowl and mix it well! Pour over the crust on the bottom of the pan. Finally just stick it in the oven! You will want to have it cook at 375 degrees for 30-35 min.Then take it out and let it cool in the fridge for about an hour. I put some extra strawberries and bananas on top for decor because I'M FANCY.

Serving size is 1/10 of the cheesecake:) ENJOY

Hanani Taylor- The best singer I know

http://youtu.be/O9H-MyEysq4

Yeah..so this girl is amazing. Her name is Hanani Taylor. She performed live this weekend at Miss Captivating, and holy crap did my jaw drop. Her voice was so powerful it gave me goosebumps. She is going somewhere!

I have found much easier way to do the famous sock bun:) I love this look because it's super simple, classy, and doesn't damage your hair....as long as it is a clean sock

Love this girl! XOXO

Power Bowl for dinner :P

For dinner tonight I made myself a "power" bowl. It included salmon, avacado, peppers, carrots and hummus; all steamed and grilled! I like these types of meals because they're so healthy and easy...you literally just throw everything into a bowl.

"Women who get what they want get it because they refuse to settle for anything less"

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3120154

This is the main reason I support M.A.D.D. (mothers against drunk driving)

My Aunt Ellen and cousins Bronson, and Ellie were killed in a drunk driving accident when I was in 6th grade. They were hit head on at a stoplight by a stranger who was intoxicated with alcohol, and killed instantly. Fortunately, one of my cousins, and uncle survived the crash.

My aunt is the blonde beauty, Bronson is the handsome boy, and Ellie is the littlest angel being held. I will never get to see them again.

This was what was left of the car. Please guys do not drink and drive!

-Ivy

My look on healthy fitness prep

Winning a pageant takes major preparation. Any goal in life that you want to achieve does. I eat clean year round. The definition of eating clean is not putting anything man made or processed into your body. I eat whole, organic, real food. My favorite foods are sweet potatoes, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and salmon. Ever since I made the switch to this healthy lifestyle, I have felt so much better. Though I do have the occasional cheat meal every few weeks just to keep me sane! This is an example of what I will be diving into this weekend..maybe ;)

or maybe I will create a clean version! It is 80 percent diet and 20 percent excercise. My workout is weak.. -Run 1 mile -50 sit-ups -50 lunges -50 sqauts. By eating clean, not restricting calories, and doing that weak excercise I lost 20 pounds this year!!!!!!

Okay soo I am so excited to be the new Miss Teen Captivating. This title for me is about making a difference. I want to inspire and motivate others. I'll start out by listing some things about myself...I am a GO GETTER. Once I have one goal accomplished, I strive for the next. I love traveling, family, health+fitness, pageants, meeting new people, public speaking, and cooking! My favorite food is oatmeal with a bunch of healthy stuff added into it. I plan on posting a ton of recipes for clean eating. My favorite place I have been is Savannah, Georgia. My favorite holiday is Halloween. My favorite thing to do in my free time is to dance. I just wanted to give some info about myself in this first post!

-Ivy <3