Progress Update: Down 90 lbs, Under 10% Body Fat, and Now a Bucked Up Ambassador 💪

I guess you could say things are going pretty well.

I’m officially down 90 pounds from my heaviest, now sitting below 10% body fat, and recently picked up a small sponsorship from TheFeed.com—plus I’m now a Bucked Up Ambassador!

If you’re unfamiliar, Bucked Up makes a full line of performance supplements, including their signature Deer Antler Velvet Spray, which contains IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)—a compound believed to help with muscle, bone, and tissue repair. I’ve used it before and definitely noticed a difference. Now that I’m an ambassador, I’ll be reviewing their entire product line and sharing my honest experience.

Their pre-workouts are stacked with proven ingredients like:

  • L-Citrulline – for blood flow, vascularity, and endurance

  • Beta-Alanine – for buffering lactic acid and reducing fatigue (tingles included)

  • Creatine, Caffeine, and more – everything you’d want for serious performance

Before Bucked Up, I used to mix my own supplements at home. I’ve got 30+ bags from BulkSupplements, and it takes 5–10 minutes just to blend a comparable stack. It works, but it’s messy, less tasty, and doesn’t include the Deer Antler Velvet. Bucked Up saves time and actually tastes good.

If you want to try it yourself, Bucked Up gave me a special link you can use to pick out free samples and get a free shaker cup (yes, there are pink ones too):

👉 https://FreeBuckedUp.com

More reviews, breakdowns, and progress updates coming soon. I’ll also be uploading a behind-the-scenes video of my old-school supplement routine compared to Bucked Up’s pre-workouts. Stay tuned.

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Pictures

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Supplements and Nutrition I Use or Have Used: A Glossary-Style Guide

This is not a prescription, a plan, or a strict regimen. It’s a breakdown of supplements I’ve bought, used, experimented with, or still take depending on the phase I’m in. Some of these I’ve used consistently during weight loss or training, others are things I’ve kept around for when the timing is right. This list will evolve, but for now—consider it a personalized supplement glossary.


Whey Protein from Bucked Up

While I’ve used plant-based proteins like Orgain in the past, these days I mostly use Bucked Up’s whey protein, which delivers great taste, smooth texture, and solid macros. Bucked Up’s blends are also available through my affiliate link, and you can grab free samples (including protein) and a custom shaker at:

👉 FreeBuckedUp.com
💥 Use code automatically applied at checkout for 20% off sitewide.

 

Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder
Plant-based, mixes well, and doesn’t upset the stomach. Contains extra superfoods and digestive enzymes. A daily staple for general nutrition, muscle repair, and recovery.


Vitamins & General Health

Vitafusion Gummy Vitamins for Men
Tastes good, easy to remember to take. Fills in dietary gaps without overwhelming the system. Not perfect, but consistent.

Matcha DNA Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
A rich source of antioxidants and clean energy. Great for circulation, metabolism, and focus. I mix it into smoothies or drink it straight.


Creatine

Creatine Monohydrate Powder (Micronized)
The most researched and reliable performance supplement. Helps increase strength, lean mass, and recovery. I usually cycle this depending on training phases.


Amino Acids

L-Arginine
Improves nitric oxide production—helps with blood flow, vascularity, and stamina.

L-Citrulline
Great for circulation and muscle pumps. Helps with endurance and fatigue resistance.

BCAA 3:1:2 Powder
Useful during intense workouts or fasted training for muscle preservation.

D-Aspartic Acid (DAA)
Linked to temporary increases in testosterone levels—used occasionally during heavy training cycles.


Adaptogens, Roots, & Herbal Compounds

Maca Root Powder (Organic)
Traditionally used for energy, libido, and hormone balance. I add it to smoothies.

Turmeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids)
Powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Works well post-exercise or during recovery phases.

Fenugreek Powder (USDA Organic)
Can assist with hormone regulation, appetite control, and blood sugar support.

Tribulus Terrestris
Another herb thought to support testosterone and vitality.

Pygeum Africanum Extract
Traditionally used for prostate and urinary tract health.


Other Notables

Glycerol Powder – Promotes muscle fullness and hydration. Great before a big cardio or strength session.

Mucuna Pruriens – Natural source of L-DOPA, which helps dopamine production. Sometimes used to support mood, motivation, and libido.

5-HTP – Precursor to serotonin. I’ve used this at night to help with sleep and mood regulation.


Bucked Up Products

Woke AF Pre-Workout – High-stim pre-workout that includes ingredients like L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Caffeine, and more. Strong, reliable, and full of what I used to mix manually with raw powders.

Deer Antler Velvet Spray (IGF-1) – One of Bucked Up’s signature products. I’ve used it on and off for years. Promotes recovery and lean tissue repair.

They also offer single-ingredient products like standalone L-Citrulline if you’re into mixing your own formulas. Use my link FreeBuckedUp.com for free samples and 20% off sitewide.


A Note On Consistency

Right now, I’m not taking all of these. Sometimes I go through minimal phases. Sometimes I experiment. This is a toolbox, not a checklist. I’ll continue updating and reviewing each of these in depth over time.

Stay Tuned

I’ll be reviewing each of these products in more detail soon with links, tips, and video content. If you’ve got questions about any of them—or want help picking your own stack—reach out.

Everything here is stuff I’ve used personally. Nothing on this list is fluff.

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Time Lapse From Mountain Farm Magnificently Captures The Milky Way

I didn’t choose the title on this one but if they’re gonna feature my videos I’m cool with it! This is another time lapse composed of like a thousand RAW photos. These types of photos allow me to use the camera sensor on the gopro to it’s fullest for the largest possible resolution while also giving me more freedom to edit. It takes a lot more time to do it all, but I think it’s worth it and sets me apart. I load each photo in to Adobe Lightroom, edit and export them all at once. How I edit them will probably have to be another article. I feel that I am still guessing and changing things up to however I see best or want to try out. After all I don’t even have a 4K TV or monitor here. I have a 2K monitor that is faster for gaming and I am shooting this in 5k! This leaves a lot of guess work and this type of video gets so big that I cannot actually watch it at all on my computer, it just will not load.

Milky Way season shall be upon us soon. The sun shall no longer block the brightest part of the milky way in a month or so and for several months. June or July may be the best time to take photos and hopefully I’ll be around to do just that. Heck I might even buy some real astrophotography equipment.

I hope you enjoy this video, let me know what ya think!



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Our Surprise Lamb Boom (With Bonus Stars & Snow)

Like humans, sheep don’t always plan their pregnancies. And judging by the situation here on the farm, ours may have made a pregnancy pact — nearly every ewe is birthing twins right now.

We raise Katahdin sheep, a hardy, hair-coated breed originally developed in Maine. They’re well-suited for colder climates and don’t require shearing like traditional wool sheep. That makes them ideal for low-maintenance flocks — but even they prefer to lamb in warmer weather.

It would’ve been better to separate the rams ahead of time to control the breeding season. That way, lambs would arrive during milder months, giving them a stronger start. But nature had other plans. Right now, we’ve got six newborn lambs on the ground — and likely more coming soon.


Life on the Snowy Pasture

Back of a wooden cabin with sheep in a snowy field under a cloudy winter sky
View from behind the cabin as Katahdin sheep graze in the snow.

Snowy pasture with Katahdin sheep and a wooden house in the background under an overcast sky
Katahdin sheep graze near the cabin as snow blankets the pasture.

These sheep are adjusting surprisingly well. Katahdins are known for their parasite resistance, strong maternal instincts, and adaptability to pasture-based systems. They shed their winter coats naturally, making them a great option for rotational grazing and small farms.


Meet the Lambs

Close-up of young Katahdin lambs in a snowy paddock with ear tag visible
Newborn lambs adjust to life in the snow, one standing alert while the other rests.

Here’s a clip of one of our newborn lambs calling for its mama — it doesn’t get much more real than that.


Time-Lapse: Cabin Life & Sheep Shenanigans

We’ve also captured a few time-lapses of the sheep doing their thing outside the cabin. One even includes a brief shot of the night sky — though clouds and snow eventually took over and buried the camera lens.


Moving Day — With Stars

In our last time-lapse, you can see us carefully moving the flock to a new paddock. We’re using a temporary fencing setup for now since the sheep are still settling in. Bonus: the stars make a cameo.


Why Katahdins?

If you’re researching breeds for your own homestead or farm, Katahdins are worth considering. They:

  • Require no shearing (hair sheep),

  • Have excellent maternal instincts,

  • Perform well in pasture-based or rotational systems,

  • Tolerate cold and heat surprisingly well,

  • And are ideal for those looking to reduce labor and vet bills.

They might not be as flashy as some heritage breeds, but they’re practical, efficient, and resilient — just like a good sheep should be.

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Gopro 9 Raw 5K

Gopros have a setting to capture your photos in the fullest size it offers, 5568 x 4176 for the gopro 9. That’s 5K, more than the 5K option for video as well. No sharpening, color or temp changes, nothing. This is a few levels above the normal 4K options you have for time lapses etc and leaves you the most room to make those edits yourself. I recently just bought this 5 TB external HDD and it came with 4 months of adobe photoshop and Lightroom for free. So I am going to try to take full advantage of that trial. Basically I am shooting the time lapses and having them all saved as separate images, opening them all in Lightroom, exporting them, putting them back together in shotcut and exporting as a video. Maybe I will write more about how I do that stuff, but for now here are some photos and a video I made from this process.

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Fortnite Gifs

No scope through a tree.

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My Favorite Protein Smoothie Recipe For Muscle Gain And Weight Loss

This is more than just a smoothie—it’s a strategy.
I’ve used this simple recipe through weight loss phases, heavy training blocks, and daily routines. It’s quick, filling, customizable, and delivers everything your body needs in one easy blend.

I first built this out of necessity while living on a farm, and it’s still a go-to for me when I want convenience without compromise. It’s helped me lose over 90 pounds and stay under 10% body fat. Whether you’re bulking up or trimming down, this smoothie hits both marks.


Why Smoothies Work

Webster doesn’t really define “smoothie” the way I do, but here’s my version:

“A blended cold drink designed to build muscle, support fat loss, and give you energy—with almost no cleanup.”

When done right, a smoothie can be:

  • A powerful meal replacement
  • A source of clean calories
  • A digestion-friendly, nutrient-rich blend
  • A supplement delivery system
  • A time-saver with long-term rewards

My Goals with This Smoothie

Protein

Protein is the base of everything. Whether you’re trying to build muscle, burn fat, or stay full longer, it starts here.

🧃 Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder – This plant-based option mixes easily, doesn’t bloat, and includes extras like digestive enzymes and greens. For whey-based protein (which I now use more), Bucked Up’s Protein delivers flavor, smoothness, and results.

Creatine

Creatine is one of the most studied and effective supplements ever.

💪 Micronized Creatine Monohydrate – Helps with strength, recovery, and brain function. I’ve tested it on myself and seen real results. It’s cheap, safe, and massively beneficial.

Fruit & Fiber

I don’t eat much fruit outside of smoothies. But inside one? It’s magic.

  • Bananas: add creaminess, potassium, fiber

  • Blueberries: antioxidants, flavor, and digestive balance

  • I use frozen fruit for cost and convenience

Calories & Satiety

You can’t recover—or gain—without enough calories. These make it count:

  • Peanut Butter: healthy fats + calories + flavor

  • Whole Milk or Almond Milk: adds richness and texture

  • Honey: natural sugars + antioxidants + anti-microbial properties

  • Cinnamon: may support blood sugar control, anti-inflammatory

Smoothie Ingredients

  • 1 scoop of protein powder

  • 5g creatine (approx. 2 tsp)

  • 1 banana

  • ¾ cup blueberries (or other fruit)

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 1 tbsp peanut butter

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

 

How I Make It

  1. Add frozen fruit and banana to the blender cup.
  2. Pour in the milk (adjust for thickness).
  3. Add protein powder, creatine, cinnamon, peanut butter.
  4. Finish with honey on top (helps it blend faster).
  5. Blend in a Magic Bullet or similar single-serving blender.
  6. Drink straight from the cup or pour into a shaker. Clean up immediately—it’s easier.

Why This Works

I’ve lost 25+ pounds in just a month before using this exact smoothie while rucking and avoiding booze. It gave me steady energy without crashing, helped retain muscle while cutting, and saved time.

You can sub:

  • Almond or oat milk for whole milk

  • Hemp seeds or almond butter for peanut butter which is preferred due to the omega 3 content.

  • Whey for plant protein

  • Or just water if you’re keeping it lean

This recipe is flexible—and effective.

Stackable Add-Ons (Not Mixed Into the Smoothie)

While I don’t blend these into the smoothie itself, I often stack them around the same time—especially before a workout:

  • Woke AF Pre-Workout – My go-to for serious training days. High-stim formula with L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, and Caffeine to boost blood flow, endurance, and focus.
  • Deer Antler Velvet Spray (IGF-1) – A Bucked Up staple. I’ve used it for years to support muscle repair and recovery between workouts.

Summary

This smoothie is reliable, simple, and adaptable.
It helped me go from overweight to ripped—and it tastes better than most “health” food you’ll find. Add your supplements. Adjust the flavor. Track the calories. Repeat.

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Gopro 9 Horizon Leveling And Hyper Smooth 3.0 On A 4 Wheeler At Shamblen Farms

Here I am testing out the GoPro 9 Horizon leveling and Hyper Smooth 3.0 with a 4 wheeler on and between Shamblen Farms etc. I would like to have filmed more but the 4 wheeler didn’t seem to be running as well so I had to throw together what footage I had. There is far more land and better shots to take, which hopefully I will be able to do later. Surely I will! I also have footage with a UTV etc so stayed tuned for more! This camera is amazing, without these features the video would seemingly be unwatchable and extremely shaky, even on a paved road… the tires are very knobby and bikes generally vibrate quite a bit. Thanks for watching , subscribe to my youtube for more and have a great day!

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5K Purple Sky Lapse With The Gopro 9

New Time Lapse of the sky and milky way in 5K with the GoPro 9. I played around with editing for once. I made 3 versionS of the time lapse, back to back, the last one is just the original with just a bit of sharpening. Thanks for watching, have a great day!

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New Sky Lapse Videos Up. Too Cloudy Tonight To Shoot But Got Some Good Stuff En Route.

New sky lapse videos up. Too cloudy tonight to shoot but got some good stuff en route.

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Gopro Hero 4 Night Lapse – See The Milky Way

So the GoPro Hero 4 Silver, has a 12 Mega Pixel camera just like the GoPro 8, or much like it. Before the GoPro 8 and 9 I had this GoPro hero 4 silver available, so I thought I would test out it’s NightLapse mode. It seems to have turned out better than some of the other night lapses with newer GoPros. Though I am also just getting better at doing this stuff, I think.. Y’all let me know! Lol. The Hero 4 Silver also does 4k at 30 fps and 2.7k at 60 fps. I guess since they haven’t made them in awhile the prices aren’t that cheap on Amazon, but if you happen to find one else where for pretty cheap… you can make pretty good night lapses and other videos.

Here’s my Amazon affiliate link to search results for the Hero 4 https://amzn.to/3iMxHRY

For settings on this thing I used:

Night Mode

ISO 100-800

The lowest white balance(3000 I think)

30 second shutter

Interval: Continuous

Color: Flat

Sharpness: low.

Have fun shooting. Thanks for watching, please consider giving a thumbs up and/or subscribe. 🙂

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New Time Lapse Should Look More Like This. Better Each Time. That’S The Milky Way Btw. Full Size And On Pc It Looks Even Better. #4K #Gopro9

New time lapse should look more like this. Better each time. That’s the Milky Way btw. Full size and on pc it looks even better.  #4k #gopro9

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Milky Way Test Photo With Gopro 9

Click here to see full size

Just a sneak peak of what the next GoPro night time lapse should look like. Well, before the moon comes and drowns out the light from the stars.

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Gopro 8 Night Mode Shot Of Cabin, Moon, And Stars.

📸 Shot on October 6th, 2020 — from the farm in West Virginia.

This was one of my very first night shots using the GoPro Hero 8. I had just picked it up and wanted to test out the built-in night photo mode. The moon was bright that night, almost too bright, but the scene still came together: the cabin I lived in, the stars peeking through, and the soft glow from inside.

Even though the GoPro 9 and newer models are out, the Hero 8 still holds its own — especially if you find one at a good price. It’s got built-in night mode and handles long exposures surprisingly well for the size and age of the sensor.


🔧 Settings I Used (and Recommend)

To take a shot like this:

  • Go to Photo Mode > tap it > scroll down to Night.

  • Shutter speed: Set it to 30 seconds if you want to capture more starlight.

  • White Balance: You can leave it auto, or adjust in-camera or during editing for a warmer or cooler vibe.

  • Sharpness: Turn it down.

  • Color: Set it to Flat for more flexibility in post-editing.

Keep in mind:
If the moon is in your shot, it’ll likely drown out a lot of the stars — just like in this photo. But it can still make for an awesome mood if you frame it right.


💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t need the latest gear to capture something beautiful.
This was taken with an older camera, on a quiet night, on a patch of land I called home. The tools matter — but where you are, what you see, and how you choose to capture it… that matters more.

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