October Favorites

Happy Halloween! I am so excited to dress up as a family tonight! We are going to have so much fun.  Looking back, I definitely think we made the most out of our October.  We didn't carve a pumpkin, but we may try to squeeze it in later today.  It's tough when she's only 9 months old, and our crazy schedules. 

I decided to share some of my favorite items from this fabulous fall month. .

Also, I found a UK blogger who is doing a "BEDN" Blog Every Day in November. I put the button at the top right corner of my blog. Join in on the fun! I think I'll mix it up and do blogs/videos. I've got this!!

[seriously though, what is with the thumbnail image it picks? sheesh!!]

What are some of your must haves from this past month?

Comment below!

Roasted Apple & Squash Soup

I love everything about Fall, and as much as I love Summer, I do adore the seasons changing.  It's pretty chilly where we are, although it's supposed to warm up again, and so in my opinion? Let the soups begin!  Soups are an excellent way to warm up and easily get your veggies in.  They're really not that complicated at all either, and to top it off they make your house smell amazing!  Oh, and there's usually enough to share with a friend or stock up in the freezer for those lazy and cold winter nights, no one wants to cook!

So today? I roasted up some fall veggies.  This is what I came up with!

Recipe:
1 winter squash {I used buttercup--sweet!}--sliced in half, removed seeds
2 organic sweet potatoes- peeled & quartered
3 organic Gala apples - peeled & cored
2 cloves of garlic (peeled)
2 onions --peeled & cored
Sea salt & Chili powder to taste
1 carton of chicken broth {could use veggie}

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees & roast veggies in evoo for 40 minutes, turning them over at 20 minutes.

I let everything cool {because Brooke woke up!} and then added the broth to a large pot--used an immersion blender and pureed everything.  Brought it to a boil.

Serve warm.

You could add a bit of cilantro and/or greek yogurt to garnish.

Enjoy!

Brooke & Joe LOVED it!! Simple yet tasty fall flavor.

**I had some photos, but my computer is acting all crazy again, and I can't seem to upload or add any.  {Check out my Instagram or Facebook pages to see!}  Looks like I know where all my hard earned AdvoCare income will be going!! Sheesh. I am thinking I need to take the plunge into the Mac world....

But I can add some on my phone-

Start Doing

I have a BIG to-do list today and I don't even know where to start!! I really want to do a "Blog every day" in November or a "Video every day"...do any of you know of someone hosting that? 

I am also starting my 24 day challenge this Friday, so I'm super pumped to just add more to my plate...no really, I just want to push myself and organize my life better. I have a billion ideas all jumbled up and nothing is being executed.  Time to prioritize, put down the phone, and start doing. 

Now that I have enjoyed my Spark, it's time to knock this to do list out of the park. 

I am sending October out with a bang, and I am so ready to welcome November with a grateful heart. 

{Wow, and I even rhymed for ya there.}

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Five on Friday

It's Friday!! I hope you're all enjoying your day.  I decided that since all the cool kids are doing it, I'll link up and share some of my "5 on Friday" with you!

#1

First up? This breakfast.  You could make it for a snack or for dinner, either way, I have been switching it up a bit in the kitchen for breakfast, and this is now in the rotation!! 

1 egg for me, 2 for Joe "over easy" but cooked a tad more...
1/2 of an avocado
1/2 of a large tomato
dash of sea salt & pepper

I don't even miss the toast!! I always have a banana, strawberries, & blueberries too.  It's filling yet pumped full of goodness for us!  OBSESSED

Next:

#2

 I do believe as little miss continues to grow, she is starting to look more like her mama! As a newborn, she was sooooo Joe. Which is cool and all, but come on. Who doesn't like seeing a little resemblance in their baby of themselves? I think she has Joe's eye color, but my eye shape.  Now that I've got my new phone, I can't stop taking pictures of us all day everrry day. 

 PS.  What is with crazy baby hairs that grow all wacky after losing hair postpartum? Gahhh.

#3

On Tuesday I was SO excited to go get a massage.  Our friend Jill is amazing and her prices are outstanding.  I loved how tranquil her room was at the Spa.  I didn't want to even drive home, I was so relaxed!! Talk about a Zen mommy moment.  Definitely need to do another one again soon!

I think it inspired me to add a few changes to our master bedroom. I just love our room; it's so peaceful and I believe that it's important to spruce things up a bit once in awhile. I stopped at Marshall's and got a few throw pillows and a throw to bring out that warm wintery vibe.

#4

Neutral tones for our muted yellow walls.  White down comforter.  Blue curtains w/ brown accents.

And to round out my 5 on Friday? 

#5

Zumba.  Oh. Em. Gee.  Have I been LOVING it!  I went last week and I got to go again this past Wednesday because my mother in law is amazing and came over to watch Brooke.  I cannot tell you how great it feels to really shake shake shake it!  I will also admit that just going a few times, makes me want to workout more.  I know it's important to move, but sometimes I just dread the thought of working out...which is silly because I never regret it once I do it.  I just need to start doing it every day, consistently.  I think that is Jillian Micahel's calling my name...

Catalyst has definitely been helping me shed the fat and keep my lean muscle mass.  I can see definition starting to form in my arms and legs.  It's amazing!!

I just started getting into the Performance Elite line too, and WOW.  The muscle gain is a great low carb, high protein mix to fuel with after a workout.  I have also begun using Nighttime Recovery and I am not as sore as I was, now that I'm taking it at bedtime!

So there you have it!! What are your top 5 on Friday? 

My First Blate

I had SO much fun in Jersey!! It was a bit of a whirlwind, and the total of 12 hours driving was a little tiring, but incredibly worth every minute. Thank you so much Nikki for letting me crash your party!! And Danielle, you are just incredible for coming all the way up from Georgia. Thanks for such an unforgettable "Blate!" [blogging date]

I made awesome time: 6 hours, not stopping and I even got a little mixed up at the Jersey turnpike. You NJ drivers are craaaaazy!! What the heck is this little confusing ticket all about?  So many choices! ha

I also got yelled at by a little old man, telling me it is ILLEGAL to pump your own gas in NJ. Say whaaa?  So strange.  Only in Jersey!

I plastered notes all over my house so that my husband and mother in law could keep our "routine" as close to normal as possible.   I left a little after 7am on Friday and so Joe and Brooke had a whole Daddy/Daughter day.  They went to lunch, to the mall (for hunting goods!) and over to our friends' house. They had a ball! Saturday he had to work, so my MIL came over and not only watched Brooke, but made us homemade Chicken French (MY FAVORITE!) and banana bread.  I came home to a delicious dinner and my happy little family.  It was heavenly!!
 
I stayed with Nikki and her fiance and was so excited to meet my team!  Yes, those sweatshirts are as comfy and cozy as they look!  LOVE it!

You can read more about our "Blate" on Danielle's blog here and Nikki's blog here.

We had a team dinner, a mixer and some business training.  I am pumped and ready to start having mixers on my own!!

Our goodbyes came too quickly, but this picture captured our emotions well: thankful for blogging, making new friends, and joining together on such an awesome team.

While it was hard to get the courage to leave my baby & husband, drive a lot of hours for a short trip, it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. That, my friends is a great thing.  We get all to comfortable doing the same old, same old, once in awhile we need to get outside of our safe zones and fly a little.  

What's in store this weekend?  Lots of catching up with my husband.  4 years ago he proposed to me, and the month of October has absolutely flown by.  We need some time to relax, unwind, and re-connect.  Balance can be tricky, but you must keep your priorities straight.

Happy Thursday!

Cookie Thief

Hi friends! I am here!!

 I am just a little busy and catching up from my super quick getaway/training that I went to over the weekend.  I thought a lot about, (amongst many others) on my long drive, I thought about perspective and communication.  Two things that are simple, yet overly complicated by our use of many outlets in our society today. While cleaning my kitchen and listening to some Wayne Dyer, I heard him re-tell this poem I had heard many years ago.  Call it the old English teacher in me, but man I love a good theme.

The Cookie Thief

---author unkown

A woman was waiting at an airport one night, with several long hours before her flight. She hunted for a book in the airport shops, bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.
She was engrossed in her book but happened to see, that the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be. . grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between, which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.
So she munched the cookies and watched the clock, as the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock. She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by, thinking, “If I wasn’t so nice, I would blacken his eye.”
With each cookie she took, he took one too, when only one was left, she wondered what he would do.

With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh, he took the last cookie and broke it in half.
He offered her half, as he ate the other, she snatched it from him and thought… oooh, brother.
This guy has some nerve and he’s also rude, why he didn’t even show any gratitude!
She had never known when she had been so galled, and sighed with relief when her flight was called.
 She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate, refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.
She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat, then she sought her book, which was almost complete. As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise, there was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair, the others were his, and he tried to share.

Too late to apologize, she realized with grief, that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

google images

Such a short, but accurate portrayal of how if we just simply open our mouths and talk to one another a lot of misunderstandings or questions will go right out of the window.

It's so easy to assume things in our world and a lot of the times, I am guilty of assuming the worst.  I am going to be better at this, and start picking up the phone! No texts. No email.  If I think something is wrong?  I am going to make a point to simply talk to the person.  I urge all of you to do the same; it's so easy to hide behind our technology and make excuses.  We are human beings; we need social interaction--real live, face to face or voice to voice! Let's make it happen.

Don't be a a cookie thief!!

Just some food for thought on this Tuesday.  That's all!

 

I Confess...

...Remember that time just the other day when my husband told me I was the girl of his dream?  Yeah, well #wifeyfail up in herrrr.  Ya heard.  So, I didn't realize one truly needed to pre-order an overpriced gaming system that comes out November 15. So guess who asked for one for Christmas? Guess who's not on a list?  How did I miss that memo, amidst all the poopy diapers I have been changing!? No really, I feel like an ass.  The man never asks for much, so I am a tad upset our communication skills failed.  I'm hoping I can somehow fix this mess {maybe wait in line at midnight November 15 at Game Stop...who's with me? :/ }

 #isthisevenwhatitlookslike

...I'm equally parts nervous and excited to be traveling to NJ this weekend. I will be driving (6 hours) alone because my amazing team is getting together! Danielle and her beautiful family are coming all the way from Georgia. 

 {Her awesome blog here} 

...Even though 6 hours in a car (alone) is long, they are really making an effort, so I can make mine.  We are going there because my incredible friend Nikki {who just got engaged--yay!} lives there and the rest of our Advo fam! The training will be well worth my time I am sure, but....

Her fantastic blog here

 
...I'm scared to death to leave Brooke Lynn that long! Now, she's already quite independent: walking, talking, brushing her teeth, putting herself to bed...bahaha not quite, she does love her alone time, but she is also used to me. All. The. Time. Well, okay, the occasional date night or mommy time out---but, I'll leave early Friday and come back late Saturday, so....I won't really see her from Thurs to Sunday. Whoa.

...successful people must do the things that unsuccessful people won't {or don't.}  It is out of my comfort zone to drive that long, all by myself and to leave my family behind.  I know they'll be fine, but it's still going to be hard!  We must do things that push ourselves, and that will lead to a higher being. I believe that the more uncomfortable we are, the more growing we do.  The better we become in life.

...I looked like a hot mess on my afternoon walk with Brooke.  She was really cranky, wouldn't sleep, didn't want to play, wouldn't finish a bottle...so we walked. And walked. And walked.  In my neon sneakers.  An animal print top. Hair half up, following out of ponytail.  My awesome Gap boyfriend jeans I scored a fab deal on?  They get waaaaaaaaaaay baggy. #poorme #Iknowright No, but for real. My husband told me the butt was so saggy, they looked like clown pants.  Thanks AdvoCare!!

...Speaking of, it's been about 90 days (come November) and know what that means?  You can {and should} cleanse again!! I prefer to stay on the MNS all the time, because when I don't take these vitamins, I can tell that my body is lacking the proper amounts of nutrients! It's crazy, I know.  I was nervous of being "a pill popper" but then I started taking these vitamins and I realize, if I don't take these supplements, I am actually doing my body a disservice.  It feels better running on FULL instead of E!  It's unfortunate that "pills" get a bad rap because there are a lot of junky ones out there, but these are certainly high quality. Amazing. I fall in love with them a little more each month.

...I had a bit of interest on Instagram, and so far I have at least 5 people committed to doing it with me.  The start day is flexible; I know some Halloween parties are that weekend, so obviously start when you're ready. That's half the battle; you have to want it.  I can only help those who want to be helped.

...I'm pumped to see these next results now that I am already to my "pre-pregnancy" weight, this will be like legit taking it to the next level...I am going to KILL it!!  I have a goal in mind and cannot wait to do this challenge with like-minded people!

...that I do challenge you to 24 with me. No more excuses; let's look back at our family holiday photos and feel proud at how great we looked *and felt!

Enjoying October: Pies!

I think it's safe to say, lil miss is enjoying her first Fall just fine!! We are soaking up as much of Autumn as possible.  We love taking our walks; they've been on the warm side {fine by me!} but sometimes we bundle up a bit if it's cooler.  The leaves are really turning colors and falling so it's a nice change of scenery!

We've been visiting Daddy up at his Tent Sale---he's working his crazy long hours again, but it's almost over soon. 

We had a little play date Saturday with Blake and his mommy.  We met at Panera for lunch, visited our men at the sale, and hung out at home.  It's been too quiet and too clean without Daddy around. We miss him!

Yesterday I was feeling a little "sorry for myself" [I believe I said, "Pity Party for One"] and my husband laughed at me.  I am a pretty emotionally high maintenance person, and reeeeeeeeeeeally miss our family time with him.  Everyone on Facebook seemed to be doing fun Fall activities with their families and here my hubby {and a lot of others who work for the company}had to go into work on a Sunday.  I just love him and really don't like when he's not around....but he had to go into work yesterday, and it seemed as though everyone else had plans...

However, the universe heard me, and my mother in law called up asking what I was up to. Turned out her plans were canceled, and wanted to know if I would like to make apple pies!

Of course I said yes!  We had a bunch of apples from Grandma's trees and so we peeled, sliced, cored....

Some cinnamon & sugar

Homemade pie crusts.

Messy kitchen goodness!

We ended up with a total of 5 pies! I have 2 in our freezer [we baked one last night] and my mama in law took two home.  We are all set for the holidays, in the apple pie department!!

I know that pies are not "clean eats" but as always, everything in moderation.  I also believe in the goodness of homemade foods, and the tradition of baking with family.  No chemicals, no garbage.  Just pure ingredients and lots of love!!  I want to instill within my daughter that you can enjoy all aspects of life, just don't overdo any one particular part!! I had so much fun bonding with my mother in law, talking and getting a little messy in the kitchen.  I look forward to the days when Brooke can bake with us too!

Plus it's very awesome to hear my husband tell me, as we're watching the Red Zone for the 49ers game, eating our slice of warm pie, "You really are my dream girl."  #awwwwww

I have to say that my 'unofficial Fall bucket list' is really getting checked off this year! Also? 

I'm in love with our front porch. 

What Fall fun have you been up to?

In Good Health

I love sharing information with people and helping others attain their health goals.  Most of the time it's people who want to lose weight, but sometimes?  It's just to feel well again.  The typical American diet is really full of garbage. While I hope that this isn't being consumed daily by any one person, it is definitely a problem in our society.

google images

Obviously I am a firm believer in proper nutrition, but also taking the right vitamins and supplements.  There are a few that I know that if I stop taking for a few days, I see a HUGE difference.  While my absolute favorite is the MNS Max 3, [there is just so much packed into that daily strip pack; it's a NO excuses way of getting what we need daily!] there are a few other products you'll see in my cupboard and anyone who will listen to me and know how good they'll feel after taking these!

Probiotic Restore

• Helps maintain normal beneficial intestinal microflora*
• Supports healthy intestinal function*
• Enhances weight management*
• Improves nutrient absorption*
• Aids in good digestion*
• Provides immune system support*
• Helps relieve symptoms of occasional constipation* 

Some people may not want to "talk about" some of these TMI issues, but let's be real. We are all human and sometimes our bodies can get a little wacky.   Basically that whole nether-region down below could benefit from introducing probiotics into our system.  Have you thought about using Probiotic Restore?
 
 In some of my research, I stumbled on this nugget: "Of the products tested, AdvoCare’s Probiotic Restore is one that contained the amount of CFUs promised on the label."  I LOVE reading that the company I work for, has really top of the line products. 
Dr Oz here


I've raved about the importance of OMEGAS here...I still swear they're making my hair, nails (grow) and skin glow!!

Not to mention little miss Brooke had a cold and my husband and I both got it...however, it's interesting that he is waaaaaaaaaay more sick than me.  I'm talking, constant runny nose, chest congestion, etc.  I have a little tickle in my throat and a few sneezes here and there. Could it be all the fabulous vitamins packed into the Coreplex multivitamin?? 

It comes in the MNS Max  3, so I have been diligently taking them every day!! 

I just ordered some of the Immunogaurd--- I only wish I had known about this stuff back when I was teaching! I was constantly getting sick.  My teacher friends swear by it!  I am happy to have it on hand come cold/flu season!

• Provides support for a healthy immune system*
• Enhances antioxidant activity*
• Provides heightened responsiveness of the immune system*
• Supports occasional respiratory challenges*
• Combats the effects of stress and fatigue*
• Excellent source of vitamins C and D

IS THIS YOU?

• Someone who wants improved immune support and/or has respiratory challenges
• Someone concerned with general health and well-being
• Someone who suffers from frequent sickness and/or high stress

 I am always here and definitely want to help!  It's not always about losing weight, but feeling great should be on the top of everyone's priority list. I know that when I'm feeling well, everything in life seems to go a bit more smoothly. 

Enjoying October: Pumpkins

Last week I took Brooke to her first pumpkin patch. She just LOVED it.  Since everything is so new, I just love watching her. The way her little hands grab a hold of the pumpkin, or her fingers feel the straw.  She is so curious and just soaking all of it right up.

It was a super unusually warm day, so it was nice to enjoy the sunshine.  We just picked up a few gourds because I knew I wanted to pick out our "family pumpkins" with Daddy. 

We had fun with our friends though!

And of all times she's been standing, she refused to stand up for me to take a picture here! haha

Little stinker.

So while I had grand visions of frolicking through the pumpkin patch, happily picking out pumpkins, we ended up quickly just getting them after work and before going out to dinner last night...

That's the thing about parenting {life} is that we have expectations or big ideas, and sometimes you just have to do the best you can with what you have. 

Brooke has had a cold the last few days, and well now my husband and I aren't feeling that well. However, his work schedule is crazy the next few weeks and we won't have time to go other than last night.  I knew I wanted to get some cute photos of us, so I curled my hair.

But then I steamed up the bathroom with a hot shower running so I could give Brooke a bath since she's been a little stuffy and needed to be cleaned up. 

So there went my hair!  And taking care of a sick baby makes one mommy not feel so hot & pretty.  But that's ok...this is real life and I don't have a nanny.  And I don't have makeup and hair artists to swoop in and make me look like a supermodel.

We still had our first pumpkin picking experience as a family and it was fabulous.  My runny nosed little angel is so beautiful, and even though I can see it in her eyes she didn't feel her best, she still put on some smiles.

Life isn't a photoshoot;  It's so much more than that.

We celebrated with some family last night, as today is my hubby's birthday!!  We had sushi and hibachi.  Miss Brooke was a big help opening gifts.

Happy Birthday baby!!

I love you more.

Weekend Fun: Fall Finds!

We had a fabulous first weekend in October; how was yours?!  Hubs had the whole thing off, so we took advantage and had my mother in law watch baby girl.  We had the whole day and night (Saturday) to do whatever we wanted.  Of course we hit up a mall!!

I needed foundation.

I prefer the mineral version instead of ready.  {$27}

And I ended up getting Blush (The Secrets Out) as well...

{$22}

I also ended up getting Mineral Veil

{$22}

But I ended up getting ALL THREE and an adorable silver bag to keep in my purse, for only $55!  I  was so happy with that deal.  Plus I had a gift card still from my hubby, [last Christmas!] and so it was an awesome save!

Yay!!

Unfortunately, I did not have any great deals at Aldo. But I now own the most beautiful pair of taupe boots.  Say hello to them; I am so in love! They fit well and I did buy the inserts to make them even more comfortable.  I cannot wait to style them with my wardrobe!!

Beautiful Boots here

I had some fun in Express too; a few shirts and some jeggings---those babies are on sale! They're so comfy and so I had to buy two.  Plus, the sale buy one get one for $29!

Jeggings

I will admit that I don't love the 80's rocker look that has come back.  I don't want high tops, faded wash jean jackets, and I can only handle so much lace...So I was hoping for a few more cute shirts; I'm talking about flirty fun tops that don't scream mom. Any suggestions?!

After the mall, we had dinner reservations at 7 at our favorite restaurant.  Someone had opened a car door into my husband's car, so after we dealt with that, we didn't have time to go back to our house and get back to the restaurant on time.  

So?

We ended up stopping at the hotel we were at a few weeks ago, and changing into a few of our new items, and just going to the dinner.  Luckily I had a whole new outfit and makeup!!  I couldn't stop laughing and I wondered if the front valet guys noticed we just went in and changed our clothes....they did say, "Welcome back" which made the whole situation so darn funny.

Only us.

After dinner we met my sister and brother out for a few drinks...we need more photos!

Sunday Baby Brooke was still stuffy, sneezing, runny nose and coughing.  It was mostly a rainy dreary day, but it cleared up and we ended up taking an nice walk in the tropic-like weather!

I made a simple dinner: Romantic Chicken Mushroom & Artichoke and a side salad.

Simple yet tasty!  Recipe here. I'm not sure what makes it "romantic" other than me whining to the hubs, "I don't know what to maaaaaaaaaaake."  Then coming out of the kitchen 45 minute later with this.  One of the reasons he loves me so much! haha

And last, but not least...

I love everything about this.  Except? I'm not a runner.  I have an elliptical in the garage that needs to be used and some weights. I have DVDs.  I have the internet.  I have a  workout bench/set in the basement.  What I do need?  MOTIVATION.

So my girl Rachel out in Cali {who is nursing her beautiful baby girl and doing AdvoCare} and I are going to keep each other in check.  Daily text messages stating our workouts.

1 thirty minute workout 4 times a week. [thank you Nikki!]

We can do this!

I know once I make a habit out of it, much like I did with clean eating, I will be all set.

Anyone else care to join in on the fit mama train? We're going to hottieville.  Ok yes, I'm a dork, but for real. It's time to keep our hearts pumpin and keep on lookin like hot mamas!