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THE LIVE WELL NOTES
CYBER MONDAY EDITION
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I couldn't have planned this any better. Last week, as I was planning out these emails, I thought Monday would be a great day to talk about soup because I had a hunch I'd need to make some to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. First of all, yes, I was right and I'm headed to my kitchen after I publish this email. Second of all, the temperature has dropped and it is finally appropriately cold. Hello December π. Perfect soup weather! I don't know if you've got leftover turkey to get creative with or if it's cold where you are but good, hearty soup is always a good idea right? So I've collected a few recipes that I'd like to try this winter! My original plan was to share five. Then I got carried away π
Here we go!
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WORKING OUT
Okay so a bunch of those soups are cream based and while there is no shame in a few holiday pounds, I'm fed up enough with my current weight that I'm determined to counter my holiday calorie intake with movement. Not necessarily to lose significant weight but to at least stay where I'm at π.
I'm kind of all over the place when it comes to working out. I get bored easily and I want to do multiple things cause there are so many cool ways to work out! So I've decided to give myself options.
Step Aerobics: I've been seeing really cool videos on IG on step aerobics. I remember it being a thing way back when and apparently it's still a thing or has become a thing again??? Anyway, I bit the bullet and bought a step platform...thing. YouTube has a bunch of free workouts and I'm really excited to get started!
Shuffle Dancing: I've been following Shuffle Mamas on IG for a long time - they're so fun to watch! I bought one of their courses awhile back, started it, and fell off. I need to get back into practicing!
Sweatin to the Oldies: I know I'm not the only one who had this on VHS back in the day. It was my mom's but nevertheless, I learned every move and every song and remember it all to this day. I was doing this every day for awhile in the summer and dropped off π I no longer have it on VHS but you can watch it for free here!
The Firm - I'm not talking about John Grisham. I'm talking about the body sculpting workout that will take me a looooooooong time to be able to get all the way through. I found and bought the DVD earlier this year and it's one of my 2026 goals to be able to do it well! Anybody else remember these too?
Tae Bo - Remember this craze? Another one I did as a kid and still remember how to do! These will kick your butt!
So the bottom line is that my problem isn't access or lack of tools - it's consistency and not making excuses. I'm not going to restrict myself too much this month - I'm going to enjoy the calories here and there. But I'm also going to move my body and have fun doing it! I've got a mix of familiar workouts that are easy cause it's all muscle memory as well as some new stuff to try! I'm excited!
βHere's my fitness Amazon list if you're interested. I have the step platform, The Firm DVD, and the jump rope. I want to get the vest and the weights!
βHere's my YouTube playlist of workouts cause I will use a free workout wherever I caaaaaaaaaaan!
And Sweatin to the Oldies again in case you missed it above.
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25 DAYS OF PLANNER TIPS
For all my planner friends, you may be interested to know that the annual planner collaboration, 25 of Planner Tips, began today! It's such a fun series and your girl has the privilege of participating once again! Watch the first video below, subscribe and follow along!
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MORE ADVENT
Yesterday, I gave a list of free Advent plans and studies and I received an email with another suggestion! Thank you Bonnie!
βProverbs 31 First 5 Advent Planβ
Also, I completely forgot about this but I saw it a week or so ago and planned to get it for myself cause it's so darn cute. American Greetings has a Peanuts Digital Advent Calendar. It's not free but for $10, it looks pretty awesome!!! Anyway, incase you love Peanuts, check it out!
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CYBER MONDAY DEALS
Last but not least, let's talk about deals!
AMAZON:
I put together several lists on Amazon in the last several days. Here are my favorites. I've added several new products as I've found them!
COCONU:
βTheir entire site is still 30% off (better than Amazon),free shipping on orders over $49 and a free gift with orders over $79! Seriously, if you're looking for all natural intimacy products - these are it! Don't miss out!
βDWELL APPAREL:
Check out their super cute Christmas tees and sweatshirts! Use code ELYSSANALANI for 15% off your order!
βLOVE IN FAITH:β
Seriously, their Christmas collection has some super cute pieces!
βTHE DAILY GRACE CO:
They're still giving a free gift with every order while supplies last! Here are some favorites I recommend:
- βThe 2026 Prayer Calendar. This calendar is really neat because it includes the church calendar and church seasons, 3 Bible reading plans (cover to cover, chronological, and the New Testament), monthly goals, weekly verses, and daily prompts. Highly recommend if prayer is something you want to be more consistent about!
- βPrayer Handbook. This is a gorgeous book, y'all, with so much great information about prayer! Again, if prayer is something you want to get better at in 2026, this is the resource you'll want! But you know, at this point, just check out all the prayer resources π
- βYear in the Bible. If you've been on the fence about it, today is the day to get this set!! I talk about it in this video and give a tour of it in this video.β
- βFresh Start Bible Study: This is THE perfect Bible study for the New Year! If you're feeling any anxiety or trepidation about the year ahead, this 2-week study will point you in the direction of the truth and beauty of the Gospel and how we find peace in Christ.
There are so many other amazing tools so go explore and I'm sure you'll find either great gift ideas or something for your 2026 spiritual growth or both! Remember, code ELYSSAT10 for 10% off your order!
βCULTIVATE WHAT MATTERS: Have you decided on a planner for 2026 yet? I know planners are such a personal choice - not every planner works for everyone! If you're still shopping around, I highly recommend PowerSheets for staying on top of your goals! This is the best time to grab them cause they're 60% off! I also recommend:
Again, so much to choose from! All I can say is happy shopping! And use code ELYSSANALANI for 10% off your entire order!
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Okay, this email has taken me way longer than anticipated π I hope it was helpful! And let me know what other soup recipes you like! Or if you're thinking of going back in time with some ol' fashioned workouts!
Have a lovely rest of your Monday!!
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