ALL in the name of staying healthy

It's been since January 2012 that I've changed my life for the better. My health and strength renewed, ultimately by my renewed walk with my Lord and Savior, my Father but also with the addition of Body By Vi's 90 DAY CHALLENGE. This was the BEST decision I could have EVER made in my life. There are so many health issues that run through my family; Diabetes, Hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure, High Cholesterol and Cancer just to name a few. Being over weight is a BIG risk factor in most if not all of those conditions so having a Cardiologist tell me the heart condition I had could be resolved if I lost weight was the final blow ... I knew I had to get my health right and my life back!

Yep *proud big full mouth grin* that's me ... from a size 15/16 (or Ashley Stewart 12) to now an Old Navy/Express size 8!! I am VI LIFE PROUD!!! Please believe ...

... if it had not been for the PUSH of the VI LIFE I would not be as healthy as I am today. I worked hard to get to this point so guess what? You have to work TWICE as hard to stay here!!

So here I am with Leslie Sansone at least twice weekly using her "WALK AT HOME" DVD collection, walking the neighborhood and walking the bridges to maintain this new healthy lifestyle AND body!! As of late, I've been walking to Beyonce's "RUN THE WORLD" because the B.P.M.'s are AWESOME for brisk walks/jogs. Don't believe me? Listen ...

... now you tell me!!

Now, with this in mind, you are moving and grooving along to Beyonce and getting a GREAT brisk walk that's generating all kinds of sweat. Oh now I KNOW I am doing something. On this particular day, TODAY, as I am walking and jamming I noticed a man a few feet ahead of me, walking towards me, and his stride had slowed down. I wasn't sure why, was hoping it wasn't to talk to me because I was in a zone. I noticed his eyes were cut to his left, my right so I followed his gaze and there, looking back at us was one ugly unleashed dog! It was black and white with the body of a pit-bull and a long snout like the dog on the Rug Rats cartoon.

At this point there is INTERNAL screaming going on as I looked around for a car to jump on (EVERYONE ALL OF A SUDDEN HAS JOBS NOW) ... NO CARS IN SIGHT! I looked frantically all over the ground for a stick, NOTHING! Are you serious right now??? I am walking very slow by this point with the music turned ALL the way down looking over at the dog

who is also looking back at me and slowly walking in my direction.

This has to be the WORSE walking experience I'd ever had! I don't usually encounter loose dogs on my walks and I've never carried any types of sticks (note to self ... grab stick when you walk the neighborhoods) so this is all new to me. My heart is beating 1000 B.P.M. so it felt and I thought I was going to faint. This could NOT be happening to ME at THIS very moment ... it just couldn't. In my panic mode I remembered being told never to run away from OR make eye contact with a dog and if faced with a "DOG FIGHT" to hit it on the nose hard. I could handle the first 2 but I was PRAYING that the 3rd would remain an unnecessary thing to know. I stopped looking in the direction of the dog and began using my cell phone face as a rear view mirror to watch the dogs movement ... after a few seconds which felt like an eternity it fell back and went up into the yard.

Please believe as soon as I could no longer see that mutt I turned Beyonce ALL the way up and took off!! I had NEVER been so happy to see Cesery end and Merrill begin! I think I made it home in less than 15 minutes from that area and as soon as I hit my door I couldn't do anything but laugh. I imagined not being in the shape I'm in and encountering a loose dog, THAT would've been something serious!! Will I do this again? You're damn skippy I will but I will carry a stick from now on. I can't let one monkey or in this case one doggy stop my health and fitness show! I will say this, it DID give Beyonce's RUN THE WORLD a new meaning ... it is DEFINITELY a literal thing now!

My life is the VI LIFE! Care to join the #1 health platform in the U.S., Canada AND Jamaica??? Http://ChanelVTillman.myvi.net <~~~ get there and then lets talk!!

VITALITY IN VIAMI (MIAMI) - DAY 2

Up early the next morning so that we could get good seats at the arena as well as be seated with the rest of the D.D.T. family (our team is the GREATEST). It was an exciting morning, thinking about what was ahead of us, I mean this was my first (of many to come) big events with ViSalus so I was unsure of what to expect today. I know I needed to be as comfortable as possible, especially since today was an 8 hour day so this was the outfit of choice (simple pair of Lei denim shorts from Wal-Mart, white bra top under a crochet top both from Body Central. OH can't forget my signature Cowgirl hat (that's what I do these days)

The Holiday Inn Express provided complimentary breakfast every morning and since I left my shake mix home on the bed (don't ask how) it was important that I ate something as breakfast is the MOST essential meal of your day. This is how you start your day off the right way, immediately followed by a shot of, yea you guessed it ...

GO!! I can't seem to live without it these days.

Upon arrival to the American Airlines Arena

you could already feel the electricity in the air! So many ViSalians ALL over the place! All of us there with one purpose, one cause in mind ... FIGHTING OBESITY while becoming HEALTHY AND WEALTHY! I am a big picture taker (my Instagram says it all) so I kept getting left behind and almost lost in the crowds. Thank goodness I could spot Hakim!!

The above picture is a wrap up of the day; the crowds, art, VITALITY posters/marketing and blimp, 20,000 people screaming in excitement, the Speakers (Ambassadors and celebrity appearances from Hulk Hogan, Master P, Lil Romeo, etc), recognition of the new VI model and champions, presentation of the new Vi gear, introduction of the newest product Vi-Defy (equivalent to 6 bottles of Mona Vie), GST roll play, roll out of THE CHALLENGE 3.0, and seeing one of my many BEFORE AND AFTER pictures on the jumbo-tron (yes, mine ... out of all the people on the challenge MINE was chosen). Which one? THIS one ~~~>

The funny part is I was looking down at my phone when the entire team (it started with Will Hayes AKA Pop) starting yelling. I look up and BOOM there I was! That was an awesome 5-6 seconds that felt like 5-6 minutes!

We learned a lot during Saturday's session, the founders have really up'd the game with the program! The Challenge 3.0 was going to be IT! They've added so much more to the promoter kits and gave a "face lift" to the kits customers receive. Knowledge is power and we were DEFINITELY feeling powerful ... now it was time to eat AND shop but NOT before we had our personal photo shoots in and around the arena!!

... as well as on the red carpet outside

I had YET to find my outfit for the ALL WHITE PARTY being held that night so off to the strip mall we went! Marshall's ended up being the place ... cute affordable outfit picked out with the help of Dominique (thanks girl), can't beat that so NOW we could eat. I felt my energy dropping, my GO was going and I had my PRO on deck to keep that energy prolonged. We'd seen a film about the recent Colorado fires and the firemen who were provided complimentary product from ViSalus (what a blessing) and one firefighter took his PRO straight to the head! I felt I could do that too!!

...and I did!! There's a video of this said act and once I can figure out how to embed it in this blog I WILL! It was good stuff too! *smile*

NEXT where to eat was the question for me. While Keem, Nique and Kev had Subway I went across the street to GiGi's and had grilled Tilapia, squash and that green stuff (not sure of what it was but it was GOOD)!

For $16 it BETTER had been!! The excitement is starting to kick in (on top of the PRO) as it was now time to get back to the room and get ready for tonight's party! I was beyond ready to party in MIAMI and couldn't wait!

I won't lie and say I was really comfortable at first with my outfit but after a few encouraging words from Hakim I was better (thanks Keem). THIS was the final product

With my Vi Diva/Sister Dominique ...

Keem and Kev dressed in all white and ready to have some fun!

Now we arrive to the arena and without going into too much detail ViSalus was going to have to re-evaluate how to coordinate a large crowd of ready to dance ViSalians in a 20,000 SEAT arena! The best thing was we were among family ...

Needless to say we weren't at the arena long for the white party and ended up going to South Beach riding the strip, stopped at Sushi Rock (only I ate) and headed back to the room. It ended up being a short night and I was crashing anyways so off to la la land I went in anticipation of what more the founders could give us on this last day of VITALITY.

Day 3 coming soon ...

Affordable Shopping in the Vi Life Part 5

Hey there Vi lifers and non Vi lifers alike! It's been a minute since I've written an Affordable Shopping blog but THIS little number right here DESERVES her own blog!! I am quite the fan of long, slinky, form fitting maxi dresses and when I laid eyes on this dress I knew I had to have her!!

I was in Regency Mall minding my own business when I walked pass Decibel and felt the "SALES" calling my name. Upon entry in the store I saw a pair of sandals that was yelling my name but even LOUDER was this maxi dress that was towards the back of the store.

I waltzed on to the back to find this beautifully patterned colorful dress looking back at me. As our "eyes" met I grabbed her and ran to the fitting booth! OH ME OH MY ... she did my body right! I had to take her home so to the counter we went.

I thought the yelling would stop but to the front of the store was the sandal I'd stopped to look at upon entry. I asked for a size 9 and was told the largest size they had was an 8.5. *shrugs* Why not try them, everything else is smaller and VOILA ... I could fit those size 8.5 shoes! *in Ice Cube voice* TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY!!

Lord I have a COKE bottle shape AND a booty ... do you see this?

Ready for the cost: Maxi DECIBEL dress: $9.99

Sandal: $12.99

TOTAL: $24.59 after tax AND it was ALL paid for with my ViSalus card ... how grand is that??? Want to know more about ViSalus? They are ALWAYS hiring and the great thing is you set your own hours and make your own schedule!

For more info ~~~> ChanelVTillman.myvi.net

Contact me for more info: Dahostess1057@gmail.com

My ViSalus 90 Day Challenge "WHY"

When I started my 90 Day Challenge, back in January, I was asked what my "WHY" was for beginning. Initially it was because my cardiologist said I needed to lose weight which would help with my heart condition **NEWS FLASH: I AM MEDICATION FREE NOW - THANK YOU FATHER** Then I thought about my incarcerated son and my daughter, who are both now adults. They will need their mother regardless of what age they are so I needed to get right! THEN I thought about

SPECIFICALLY those 2 ANGELS my FATHER placed in my son to give as a gift to the world and I thought THIS IS FOR THEM! Today was an AWESOME reminder of "WHY" I did what I did and continue to do what I do! I want to be able to give them ANY AND EVERY THING their hearts desire!!

The feeling I get from those 2 is like no other feeling in LIFE ... it even surpasses the feeling of becoming a mother. There is something SO different about being a NANA ... IT JUST CAN'T BE EXPLAINED! My "WHY" continues to be Daysha and Mi'Jael because I want to see them have the BEST OF THE BEST and they will!! It is written and claimed IN THE ALMIGHTY NAME OF THE FATHER ... they will!

*MY MOOD: EVEN MORE DETERMINED* Ever heard of the 90 Day Challenge by ViSalus?

Check out this link ~~~> ChanelVTillman.myvi.net <~~~ and transform your life!

VITALITY IN VIAMI (MIAMI) - DAY 1

The weekend of July 13-15 was one AWESOME weekend! It was the annual celebration of PROSPERITY HEALTH and LIFE for ViSalus, the company that gave birth to the 90 DAY CHALLENGE! As a Promoter who recently achieved the rank of Director

I knew it was imperative that I attend this event if I wanted my business to grow ... and GOD am I glad I did!

I am a big social net-worker which has contributed to a lot of my success at sharing my personal testimony with my 90 Day Challenge and looking at all the posts about how HYPE and EXCITED everyone was about VITALITY I knew I'd made the right decision to be there. Preparing for my Journey to Vitality was SO fun ... hats, minimal make up (thank GOD I don't need a lot), clothes, shoes, etc. SEE FOR YOURSELF!!

I had so much fun picking out clothes to take to VIAMI (Miami) but did not have an all white outfit for the VITALITY ALL WHITE party. Yes there are 2 pictured BUT they were from my old size *sigh* but my sponsor came through SHOPPING IN VIAMI I went!

The morning of I could hardly contain myself! I've lived in Florida for over 10 years now but had NEVER gone to MIAMI let alone gone to a ViSalus event on such a large scale. I was more than "crunk" when Hakim (1 of my up-lines and dear friends) arrived, it was TIME TO GO!! Suitcase, hats and VI nutrition on deck NOW LETS GO!!! Lets make our way to Kevin's to link up with the rest of the Vi fam!!

Up the street and around the corner we go to our newest Regional Director/Bimmer Club member Kevin's house to link up with he and new Director Dominique. Upon arrival shakes were being made and excitement was IN THE AIR! It was now time to pack the rental, a Chevy Impala but NEXT YEAR we will be in a BIMMER CONVOY! You can BET THAT!!

So now it's time to hit the road, so much excitement in the car. Everyone is buzzing with expectations of this event, of ourselves and during this time we all developed a HUNGER! PEOPLE please know and understand when you are on the challenge is it most important that you eat! We are taught to eat 6 small meals daily ... of that 6 you are replacing 2 with shakes and then 1 sensible meal. Those other 3 should be healthy snacks that make you feel "content" after eating, not full or stuffed but content. All of your meals, VI life or not, should have you feeling content. FOOD RUN!!!

Back on the road with LOTS of fun

extra silly moments

and lots of VI excitement! Like this right here

, getting CRUNK off of that GO because it was GO TIME!!! *dies laughing* It did get worse from there once we started seeing traffic and these signs ...

... MIAMI WE'RE HERE!!!! Now its time to hit the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS directly across from the airport to shower and change! It's a must that we look the ViSalus part (SN: Dress $3.99 from Body Central clearance)!!

Upon arrival to the American Airlines Arena, I have to say, a surreal feeling rushed over me! I didn't know what to expect, the true magnitude of this event but that was shortly put to rest! My expectations were no where NEAR what they should have been! This was an event on a MUCH larger scale than I had imagined! IT WAS REAL Y'ALL!!!

Registration lines were LONG

but long lines mean NOTHING when you have your VI family with you!!

The first night was MAGICAL and the arena was PACKED!!

There is NOTHING like being in the midst of 20,000 VISALIANS all there for the same reason ... to aide in the battle against the #1 HEALTH ISSUE IN THE WORLD ... OBESITY! The opening event had EVERYONE amped and ready to RUN THE PLAYS!! Day 2 would HAVE to be even better!

We all left VITALITY Day 1 with thoughts of putting in work AS WELL AS the thought of hitting the MIAMI streets! Those thoughts had me feeling a bit out of character, had me putting on things to go out that I would NEVER wear or was that the Vi life that had me feeling like that? Good question ... needless to say we did not go out since we had to be at the arena so early the next morning but THIS would have been South Beach wear right here!!

Time for bed ... DAY 2 was going to be a LONG day! TOOTLES!!

Affordable Shopping in the Vi Life Part 4

When I went home in June (Hampton Roads, Virginia) for my 42nd birthday AND to share the VI LIFE with my home town I came upon a new clothing store with what I call "boutique styles at Rainbow prices" called Papaya. This is the day I was supposed to have gone to Kings Dominion and DC, this trip had been planned since I made the announcement to come home but as GOD would have it I went shopping instead (FATHER KNOWS BEST)!

We went to the Williamsburg Outlet and after eating, the first store I went into was Charlotte Rouse. I was NOT impressed AT ALL! Thank goodness 2 stores down was Papaya. I walked in and IMMEDIATELY fell in love! I looked at several items, put a few on over my dress but THIS shirt was the first item I was serious about but someone had cowgirl jokes, especially since I was wearing my cowgirl hat.

Even though the shirt wasn't totally sold it was time to pick out the jeans. Papaya did not have many options for me but the 2 I had to choose from made picking a pair EASY, dark vs lighter denim and we both decided darker looked better! Funny part is, he came back and asked if I really liked the shirt and once I tried it on IT WAS A WRAP! That was birthday gift/outfit #1!

Jeans: Size 11 $22.99

Shirt: Size M $17.99

Entire outfit: $40.98 before tax

And you STILL say losing weight is too expensive? When I was larger my jeans alone was $40, some tops were as high as $34.50!! Don't let the thought of the cost of a new wardrobe prevent you from living and being healthy!

Learn more about the 90 Day Challenge that IS "BODY BY VI" by going to CHANELVTILLMAN.BODYBIVY.COM <~~~ find out how to obtain optimal nutrition and achieve the health and wellness that will take you a LONG way AND how you can get the product for FREE THEN contact me for more details and to become a member of the VI LIFE!

Chanel V Tillman

Dahostess1057@gmail.com

Affordable Shopping in the Vi Life Part III

This outfit came as a TOTAL surprise! It was an unscheduled bout of "retail therapy"! I had never shopped in Express before because of all the stories of how true to size their clothing run. So, for fear of getting my poor little feelings hurt I stayed away from there!

On this particular day I was waiting for my barb_her to arrive to the barber shop and happened to walk by Express. I told the young lady I'd lost 40 plus pounds since January 12th and all I wanted to do was see what size pants I would wear in their store. She walked me straight to the back of the store where the clearance section was. I was not even offended since I'd not planned on buying anything anyway BUT SHE KNEW the deal! If I'd have tried on a regular priced pair of jeans I most certainly would not have bought anything, she felt that, but the clearance prices were so good I couldn't pass it up (great salesman ship and attentiveness)!

She explained the different styles by name and cut. I picked up a pair of "STELLA" jeans (how ironic the name - LOL) at which time she told me I should try on the 8's as Stella's have a lot of stretch. I ignored her and tried on the 10's ....

This fit was ALL too perfect but they were a little loose. I should have tried on the 8's but I am seriously NOT ready for an 8...next time though! So with the look, feel and price of those jeans I couldn't very well leave those in Express, could I? Heck no ... they were on clearance for Pete's sake! My size 10 boot cut Stella's ended up being $25 after tax. I did not see a top in Express that really jumped out at me so I walked down to Decibel and found a back & front crop top on clearance for $9.99! Total price for this outfit = $34.99 before tax!

How can you possibly say it's too expensive to lose weight because rebuilding your wardrobe is costly? Well it CAN be but thank goodness I am a Vi Lifer that gets paid EVERY Monday and on the 15th of EVERY month! YEP ... that's how the Vi life works!

Want to know more about the 90 day challenge that IS "BODY BY VI"? What are you personal weight loss or fitness goals? Would you like to get your product for FREE? Would you like to make money and get a BMW paid for by ViSalus? Answer these questions then make your way to ChanelVTillman.bodybyvi.com to find out what the challenge is AND JOIN! It's a decision you will NOT regret! I know I haven't! Don't stay on that "THINK ABOUT IT CHALLENGE"

Contact me when you're ready! I'll be waiting!! Chanel V Tillman Dahostess1057@gmail.com

Affordable Shopping in the Vi Life Part II

I truly enjoyed wearing this outfit! It is chic, fun and ONE of my favs (I have many)!! Part of it happens to come from my newest FAVORITE clothing store, Papaya! I swear that place is like a boutique with Rainbow prices! OHEMGEE...

I love how the blouse 1 button crosses in the front and drops low in the back. This particular pair of skinny jeans really showed off my curves ... not every pair does that and I LOVE IT! ^__^

This outfit is an awesome blend of pieces from Papaya, Wet Seal, DOTS and Ashley Stewart:

Rust color blouse: $15.99 from Papaya

Ivory tank: $9.99 from Papaya

Light wash denim skinnys: $15 from Wet Seal

Hat: $12 from Dots

Sandles: $14.99 from Rue 21

Grand total for the outfit (hat and shoes not included) = $40.98 pre tax

You can NOT beat that! When I was larger I paid that much for a pair of GOOD, QUALITY jeans ... JUST ONE PAIR OF JEANS! So glad I chose to get healthier and cut costs on food, clothing and prescription medications! I did mention I was seeing a cardiologist in a previous blog entry, right? Well if not, I was!

I was paying $20 per office visit (twice monthly) and $15 co-payment per prescription (no more than 2 monthly) which added up to $70 monthly!! WHOA ... now that's an extra $70 in my pocket to direct elsewhere... SHOPPING FOR NEW CLOTHES!!

So at this point, I know you want to know more about the Vi Life. It's not just for weight loss but also weight gain, leaning/sculpting muscles, beneficial in lowering Blood pressure, cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels for Diabetics due to the nutritional value it provides to the body. This health and wellness program is designed with EVERYONE in mind ... men/women/children, young/old, EVERYONE!!

Join me in the Vi Life, why don'tcha? ~~~> HealthyTrouble.bodybyvi.com <~~~ that's the link! Watch the video THEN click "JOIN THE CHALLENGE"! It'll be a decision you won't regret!

Chanel Tillman Dahostess1057@gmail.com

Why is toning/firming so hard for me?

My 2nd 90 Day Challenge is for continued toning and firming after the 1st challenge. After losing more than 40 lbs deeper firming is necessary. My problem is I am an "activity" girl. I love to stay moving thus cardio/aerobics are my thing. The repetition of toning/firming exercises do not stimulate my ADD *yes I have it*!!

I've been attempting since April, at the completion of my 1st 90 Day Challenge, to get this toning/firming together but it's just not working. I am still losing inches, weight is fluctuating between 168 - 170, my newest apparel is getting too big, etc etc. Am I complaining? HECK NO but I am frustrated!

There is some difference there, I can see a decrease but it doesn't seem to be moving fast enough and I know why ... I AM NOT MOTIVATED TO TONE/FIRM! *sigh* What can I do to make this fun? To make it so it's something I always want to do EVERY chance I get?

I appreciate any comments/suggestions given.

Want to know more about the VI LIFE? Visit HEALTHYTROUBLE.BODYBYVI.COM and watch the video THEN contact me! You WILL want to join the BIGGEST health and wellness program after viewing that video!

Chanel Tillman Dahostess1057@gmail.com

Affordable Shopping in the Vi Life Part I

I have to admit, the thought of having to buy an entire wardrobe DID have me feeling some kind of way when I started losing weight. I wasn't sure how I was going to fund a new wardrobe without picking up a "sponsor". *chuckles*

As I began my "new look" shopping I realized that the smaller the clothing the less it costs (dependent on where you shop). I am a HUGE fan of Body Central/Shop, Wet Seal, Rue 21 and Forever 21 which I have found to be QUITE affordable. It wasn't until I visited home for vacation (June 15-24) that I discovered a NEW clothing store called Papaya. THIS has become my new favorite place! It had boutique looking clothing at Rainbow prices! IMAGINE THAT!!!

I will be sharing an outfit per blog entry to show how fashionable you can be at a fraction of the cost! This outfit is a mixture of Wet Seal and Dots:

Light wash denim: $10 from Wet Seal (yes these are a pair of my FAVS)

Brown Cami: $7.99 from Wet Seal

Shoes: $16 from DOTS

Coral Jacket: $20 from DOTS

Accessories: ASHLEY STEWART

Necklace/earring set = $14.50

Bracelet = $12.5

Losing +40lbs since January has been a MAJOR step in my life, towards better health and wellness as well as adding longevity to my life and if this is something that interest you visit HEALTHYTROUBLE.BODYBYVI.COM then contact me for more details. Join me in the VI LIFE!

Chanel Tillman Dahostess1057@gmail.com

Work out regimen

When I decided to take the ViSalus 90 Day Challenge I came on board with a mission in mind. I knew getting healthy was the ultimate goal as well as being able to actively play with my grandchildren without getting winded and not wanting to see my cardiologist anymore (who was really nice, I just wanted to live without her) but what my mind was really set on was getting into my FIRST EVER 2 piece bikini for my 42nd birthday in June. I started January 12th on my first challenge and right out the gate began exercising so that I could see results quicker.

Since I've never really been athletic or physically fit in any way I had to start with something I knew would be relatively easy for me to keep up with, maintain and most importantly for me FUN! Anything fun I'll be sure to keep it up. This is when I visited Wal-Mart's exercise section and MAN were there a LOT of exercise DVD's to choose from. There was YOGA, PILATES and KICKBOXING just to name a few. I was unsure of what to choose until I saw

Leslie Sansone's "WALK AT HOME" collection, FAST & FIRM, the simple way to lose weight. Hmmmm...sounds good enough to me! Walking at home, how hard is that? I'd already started walking the Main St and Acosta bridges so I was very in tune with the walking for exercise process. Man oh man how wrong I was about her work outs! They were not intense or very heavy BUT they were (and still are) excellent work outs, especially if you are just beginning your journey to better health and wellness. For the first 30-45 days Leslie and walking became my best friends!! Here is the end result of my first 30-45 days:

Notice how the mid section is slowly but surely decreasing? That is ONE of the many things I love about Body By Vi, it goes directly to those really fatty areas and does it's magic! I don't recall ever not having an "18 wheeler tire" of some sort around my mid section but I can honestly say I don't have one now.

Are you ready to join the challenge? Visit ~~~> http://chanelvtillman.bodybyvi.com/ <~~~ and watch the introduction video and then call the Vi Info line at 507-726-4054. These will help to answer some of the questions you have and of course you will want to know more so by all means contact me!!

Email: Dahostess1057@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaturallyChanel

Twitter: www.twitter.com/U_luv_my_name