Weekly Workouts

So, I definitely work better if I prepare ahead of time (duh)

Write everything out.

Maybe write it a few times.

Share my plan.

My sister gave me this plan at the end of Summer, and between getting sick, back to school, getting sick again, Joe turning 40...life has gotten away from me!

This is my goal.  I hope to have 2 'rest days' --this doesn't mean I won't or can't workout but it just means no pressure. (I work better this way)

So hopefully I have knocked this workout out of the park by the time you read this.

Legs:

Smith Machine 15 reps 3x

Curls 15 reps 3x

Extentions 15 reps 3x

Press 15 reps 3x

Calf Raises 15 reps 3x

#boom

Hopefully I inspire others too!  

It's never too late to start again.  

Even a 10 minute walk is better than nothing.

Advocare Cleanse Day 1, Fitness & Faith

Hey Monday!

Today I am finishing up my 10th day of antibiotics and starting my 10 day cleanse.  I haaaaate antibiotics and am so grateful for them healing me, but now get that bad bacteria out of my gut. Puhlease!  I should probably wait until tomorrow to start, but timing wise, this is what needs to happen, mmm k?

It's been a hot minute (90 days) since my last cleanse and I found myself picking off the kids plates just a wee too much.  You know what I'm talking about mama, I know you do.  "Just one bite," turns into "just one cookie" or "'I'll eat clean tomorrow" or "Well, I ate like crap all weekend so what's the point of it starting to eat clean now?"

Well the point is that you will feel a million times better and will thank yourself if you stick to and get back into a healthy regime.  If I use the word "diet" I refer to what I am eating.  I am never ON a diet, I will never be on a diet. I like to think of the 80/20 rule because back when my girl Nikki told me about that, my world was changed forever.

I always struggled with eating healthy or staying fit.  I usually carried an extra 10-15 pounds and would not have considered myself fat, but I was never really comfortable.  Unless I starved myself from carbs and worked out like a maniac, it was a challenge.

Enter in Advocare

Finding my groove back in 2013 was crucial.  After having Brooke and having A LOT of extra weight to lose, I was seriously ready for something.

I had no idea how much Advocare would teach me, the friends I'd gain along with the confidence that it brought me.

I am still a MUCH better person today thanks to Nikki for reaching out a hand, and Danielle showing her the way.

While I may not be building a business with it, I certainly fuel my body a lot better because of it.  (And still enjoy my 40% discount FOR LIFE)

At 36 I want to be in fantastic shape to run and keep up with my kiddos.

I want to feel the best in my own skin and treat my body well.

I want to be as hot and sexy as I can for my main man!!

It's true.

So you just gotta find what works for you.


Today I did legs and it felt oh so good.

I started with the probiotics, followed by the peach fiber (YUM) and then I was kind of mad at myself for, A.) Not eating enough breakfast and B.) Not taking a photo!

I had 2 eggs w/ spinach and one pc of dry wheat toast.  I needed more...

Meal 2 was one small chicken breast, a veggie & some brown rice at 10:45 haha.

Then I had to go stage one of our homes & knew I needed some energy to do it...

After my leg workout I hit up the vegan chocolate shake.

I'm not sure if I'll do chicken or fish tonight, but I made sure hubby grilled up chicken and venison yesterday so I will NOT be short in the protein department.

I'm starting to look into the whole Macros thing..still super confusing and do I really need a food scale?!

I also have a new girl crush...I don't watch TV really, but I tend to get sucked into You Tube and following people that I admire.  When I was pregnant, my feed was flooded with other prego mamas. Now I feel like I need to be surrounded by healthy, fit and inspiring ladies! She is hysterical and real.  I love her easy recipes and her dog is adorable too!

I must say that although getting sick kind of made me down in the dumps, now that I'm doing much better, I feel so much more focused and energized than before.

I attribute it to really starting to walk further along in my faith.  With some very knowledgable and intelligent ladies in my life, I feel as though I am starting to reach a place of such peace and serenity.

True alignment with oneself happens when you can pull apart all of the layers of and see the very core, meaning of life.  I will continue to work super hard at this level because I have never felt so good mind, body and soul.  Am I perfect? No.  Am I exactly where I want to be? Yes and No.  But I know I am on my way to getting there.  Slow and steady.

Enjoy your day friends!

Road Trip Snacks/Foods

We are getting excited about an upcoming vacation to Lake George.  I've been starting to prepare a bit of snacks for our trip.  While I have every intention of enjoying delicious and maybe not so nutritious meals out from time to time, I know our bodies and they crave good for us foods.

First up?  These bad boys!  I remember years ago Joe meeting a guy who had his hands in on the actual making of these.  We had a taste and they were SO good.  Had to grab them when I saw them!

I'm in an amazing accountability group where the girls share food and recipe ideas. I totally hit up Amazon for these!  Brooke likes the fruit bars and Bradley loves the sqaure bars.  I haven't tried the power snacks yet, but I love me some Justin's maple almond butter!

I'm on that mom who believes in eating as healthy as possible, but real life and simple snacks that kids will eat happen too.  Bradley loves these tomato basil lentil bean snacks, the mac and cheese is an SOS meal if the kids don't eat their dinner or are starving.  Quick oatmeal in case of breakfast meltdowns before we leave the hotel.  Brooke loves the chocolate organic pop tarts.  PBJ --because, peanut butter and jelly is always an easy go to.   Rice cakes and quest bars for me.

Apples, mint milanos & graham crackers.

My friend Ann told me about these delicious waters!

We are bringing our Ninja and going to make these happen and sip them by the pool one day. #vacay

Can't leave without this yummy drink!

My sweet friend Shelby gifted me this adorable cooler bag with my monogram.

It will be perfect to keep my cans of rose cold!

I'll also throw in deli meat, cheese sticks & yogurt tubes.  I may be overpacking but I'd rather have too much than not enough.  Been there done that before and it's no fun!!  

Bring on the loose schedule, family time, beach and poolside fun!

What healthy-ish snacks do you bring on road trips?

Cleansing & Thoughts for June

Holy smokes!!

I am not sure how it is June 8th, but here we are folks!   I don't like abandoning the blog, but life happens, I suppose.  We had a great May, filled with some staycation time, date nights, and lots of time with family.  We've been hustling hard, building our real estate portfolio and working diligently on our business.

I felt the need to check myself with my eating, as I could feel my clothes not fitting how I like.  I haven't been prioritizing myself and have been eating more like 50/50 instead of 80/20, so I knew it was time to reboot.

I love documenting my cleanses so that I know what I ate during them...sometimes I get lazy and busy and make excuses as to why I don't eat 'clean' but if I can look back here and see it wasn't so hard after all, it just took a little prep time, it helps!

I started my cleanse Wednesday June 7th.
Starting weight: 137


If you have followed me for awhile, you know I was super into Advocare.  I still love their products and truly believe they help! The 24 day challenge helped me learn how to eat correctly and what foods really make me feel the best.

However, as I get older and my body changes and I find what works and doesn't work for me as well.  As much as I LOVE Spark, with my reflux, I just can't drink it.  Same goes for coffee.  I could cry into my green tea latte, but to be honest I am ok without them.

I did however branch out and try Beachbody's Energize, which doesn't seem to irritate me.  Its main source of caffeine is green tea---which is the only form of caffeine I seem to be able to tolerate well.  I also have switched to Shakeology because quite honestly, I enjoy the taste much better than any of the Advocare's shakes.  I am not here to diss or knock, I am just stating what works for me and my body.

I am also a member of Beachbody On Demand because it is the ONLY way I keep up with my workouts.  I have no desire to drag two kids to the gym.  I can throw on my sneakers or pull out my mat and get to work.

I am doing the 14 day Yoga challenge and I started yesterday as well.

So for this 10 day cleanse, here is my raw, honest and real approach!!

I am doing Advocare's 10 day cleanse (includes probiotics in the AM along with a fiber drink and then cleanse tablets PM)

Eating clean-aka-

• No alcohol
• No processed foods (other than protein powder)
• No refined carbohydrates
• No extra sugars
• No green tea lattes from the 'bux
• Drinking lots of water all day long (1/2 my body weight)
• Eating 5-6 small meals a day
• Getting good sleep

Day 1:

MEALS

Meal 1- I had 2 eggs over easy, ezekial toast, avocado spread on top, few tomatoes
Meal 2- 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 cup of cashew milk, dash cinnamon & a few strawberries (overnight oats)
Meal 3- Vegan Cafe Latte Shakeology w/ cashew milk, 4 ice cubes, 1/2 banana & a tsp of pb
Meal 4- Chocolate Protein shake w/ ice and water after my yoga sesh
Meal 5- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap (cube chicken, grill pan, season, mix with broccoli, almond butter & Braggs liquid aminos (I dont have coconut aminos and lime juice. Sounds weird; trust me, it's good!)
Meal 6-  I felt a little hungry after dinner so I diced up turnips and sweet potatoes, evoo and seasoned in a pan.  They satisfied my salty tooth!


I saw this on the Advocare Facebook page and may have to try them! Use whatever protein powder you have.

Tip or trick:

Hardboil some eggs and always have easy fresh fruits and veggies on hand.  I ate these on Monday, as I was trying to prep for my meal prep haha.  I know that is the hardest thing for me as a busy momma of a 2 and 4 year old, plus having to cook separate meals for Joe because he cannot eat too many vegetables or whole grain/whole wheat items.

Lastly:

I constantly feed my brain.  I'm always listening to motivating podcasts, audiobooks, and looking at solid quotes.  Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  We as a society have learned to settle for average.  We continue to live our lives with tunnel vision, no expectations, not pushing ourselves over and beyond.  Sometimes I wonder if I push myself or my kids too much, but then I realize that's silly.  Joe and I work very hard to create our exceptional life and there is no better way to live.  Whether is being healthy, making more money, fueling your mind and spirit with good thoughts, prayers and words, you must make efforts every single day.  There is no rest for this; we have got to face our fears, push our limits and never, EVER settle. Each and every one of us is worth more.

...more to come on that topic.

For now, Day 2 of my cleanse has commenced and I am ready to take on the world. Happy Thursday!

3 Day Juice Cleanse

Happy Monday! 

So, I wanted to share my thoughts and feeling now that I'm all done with my Juice Cleanse.  First and foremost, I am NOT a Dr, nutritionist or anything of that nature!  I am just a girl who loves her body and wants to feel the best she can!

I used Instagram, "Instastory"{Styled_by_Jenn} to kind of keep a daily log of my thoughts etc.  I discovered that you can just save the whole story from the day, so I did that (which case now you see random's of my kids etc, hey that's my life!!) 

I did forget to document a few times when I drank my juice, but I think it's a decent overall impression.  Overall I would give myself a 97% (haha! The old teacher in me!)  I drank so much water and kept a fairly good attitude; there was one point on day 3 where I was getting a little absurd and mad over nothing at all.

The hardest part was cooking meals for my kids and my husband, while sipping on juice. I love food SO MUCH and enjoy eating healthy, so to not be able to nibble here or there at all for 3 days was tricky.

I chose Breathe Yoga's 3 Day Juice Cleanse program.  It was $112 which worked out to about $6 a juice, and for that price I figured it was well worth the money.  Buying all organic fruits and veggies and then making the time to juice them may have prevented me from doing all three days.

3 days

6 juices or smoothies a day

I picked up at 7 or 9am and again at 3pm.  

I chose a 3pm smoothie because I know my body well enough to know that is when I crash. I had something to look forward to and it was always a delicious drink!

I found it SUPER convenient to just go grab the juices, other than being an idiot and dumping the second morning's juices in my truck.

Would I recommend the cleanse to anyone? Yes and no.  If you've NEVER cleansed before, I highly suggest you checking out Advocare's 10 day cleanse. I still find that one to be way easier mostly because you can eat real food! It also taught me what foods are best for my body and honestly it's more practical for every day life.

Simply drinking juice for 3 days straight is not teaching you anything about how to live healthier.  Sure it will give you a sense of what juices you may enjoy and what I learned is that maybe when I am eating one of my 5 or 6 small meals, I could replace one of my meals with a juice and probably be totally fine.

At the end of day three, I gave in and ate some plain Kale with lemon squeezed on it. I also had a banana with my very last wheatgrass drink.

I could tell my body was almost in shock by day 4, as I woke up so hungry and almost lethargic.  I couldn't wait to get the eggs into my system for some protein! I am a HUGE protein believer and with all of the running around I do, I firmly believe our bodies need it.

**TMI**

With a cleanse you worry about "going" too much or not enough...I just went once in the morning.  Nothing to worry about there!

I did lose 4 lbs in those three days, but they all came back.  I did not cleanse in hopes of losing weight, I really wanted to reset my body and see if it helped with my Reflux issues.  While I had no tummy troubles at night, sometimes my stomach aches when I lay down to go to sleep, I still had the 'caught in the throat feeling' every day, if not worse than normal. (lack of stomach acid?)

So if you're looking to challenge yourself and have always wanted to try a juice cleanse, by all means go for it!  I would probably have been smarter to do it in the Summer, as I mention in my video I got pretty cold one day.  I am craving juices now and certainly am not taking for granted my ability to eat healthy and real foods again.  

If you're looking to lose weight and firm up, then certainly just start eating better and working out. Nothing beats the gold old fashioned way.

PS. I could totally go for a hot apple and cinnamon drink; that was so yummy!!

If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to ask below.  I would love to answer them for you!

Top 10 Health Tips

I am by no means an expert, but I thought I'd share a few important health reminders.  As I've mentioned before, we really put a huge emphasis on our health because of Joe's Crohn's and we value our bodies so much!! We only get on body, so we should treat it like gold.  That said, I know that it's impossible to be perfect 100% and I'm totally guilty of enjoying a glass of vino every now and then.  Heck, I even give my kids McDonald's every once in awhile.

However, it's 90% of the time where we try our best to do the following.

1.  Sleep

I find that I work best on 7-8 hours.  It's not always easy, but man when I don't get my sleep--I feel awful, I act terrible and I just can't think straight.  Getting enough sleep would be my BIGGEST suggestion if you're irritable.  Mama I know it's tough when the babes are small and not sleeping through the night; it's insane.  DO NOT load up on coffee and other caffeine drinks. Simply try to get more sleep.  Get a sitter. Have your husband get up.  I wish I had taken my sleep a little more seriously with my second kid.  I definitely feel like I got a little nutty with no sleep.  Now we are BLESSED to have to babes sleep through the night.  It was a lot of tough love and work, but we never co-slept or even had the babies in our room. Personal preference, but man I am so thankful we did that today.  Our kids sleep 12 hours a night now, most nights.

2.  Drink Water 

I mean only water.  I learned that you should drink half of your body weight in water daily, and I swear it helps me stay alert, my skin is clearer and I don't eat too much junk.  Play around with the water to see what you prefer; I like mine ICE cold and Joe likes his water room temperature.  I'll add grapefruit essential oil to give it a new flavor.  Lemon or strawberries can be added to give it a different taste too.  I also have found how amazing products like Yeti or Corkcicle can keep your drinks super cold all day and all night.

3.  Move

I hate to say you have to exercise, but we really should try to sweat for 10-20 minutes (if not more) daily.  Get outside, get some fresh air, walk the dog. Chase your kids. Jump rope. Go on you tube and workout for free.  Find something that you enjoy and do it. A lot.  If you just make it a habit to do 10 minutes a day, I bet you'll surprise yourself and end up moving even more.  It's so good to keep our bodies stretching, moving and sweating.

4.  80/20

I personally feel my best when I don't eat packaged or processed junk. I know it's easy and convenient, but it's not worth the price of feeling like garbage.  I think our plates should be mostly veggies/greens, fruits--basically anything that has been grown! Also focus on lean proteins like organic chicken, pork, and lots of fish. I know it's so tempting to eat pizza, burgers and fries all the time but it's just not good for us.  The more veggies and fruits you eat, and reduce the starchy carbs, you'll be amazed at the energy and awesome feel good vibes you will have!

5.  Limit Sugar 

It's a tricky one, that sugar! It sneaks into everything we eat and drink, even if we are trying to be aware.  Watch those expensive Starbucks drinks; I am guilty as charged.  Just had to reign in my bad habit with over 40 grams a pop for most of them, it's not good for our guts OR bank accounts. Just sayin.  Sugar is so addicting and really does a number on us.  I try very hard to limit sugar going into my kids' mouths and will definitely be donating or throwing away most of their candy after Halloween.  2 & 4 they don't need all that junk! Enjoy the holiday, but don't overdue it. That's my motto.

6.  Don't stress

Stress kills.  Slow down and breathe.  Take some time for yourself; if I'm getting worked up, I try to stop and ask myself, will this matter in 5 minutes? 5 days? 5 months? 5 years? Most likely, no.  Chill out and stop stressing.  Find some good habits like taking a walk, a bubble bath or reading a book to take your mind off of whatever is bugging you.  Essential oils helped me a lot; I breathe them in, do some yoga and move on. #namaste

7.  Personal Development {PD}
Kind of becoming a trendy thing, and I'm super excited about this! I think EVERYONE should listen or read something motivational every single day.  Just like our bodies, we have got to take care of our minds.  What we think about, becomes.  What we believe, we can achieve. If you can learn to train yourself to "not go there" down the path of worry, stress, anger, madness...and focus on positivity, gratitude, and becoming better than yesterday, life gets so much better. I'm not perfect. I still get upset, yell, become frustrated, but I know each day I work at it to become a better version of myself. (see these posts for more)

8.  Laugh

I do believe laughter is the best medicine. Once I learned to stop taking life so seriously, I've become a happier person. Watch more comedies. Hangout with people who are funny.  Enjoy being silly and goofy with your kids. Lighten up. Life is too short to get all twisted over a bunch of garbage; so just laugh it off. I am so thankful my husband taught me this 9 years ago.  I was so uptight and worried about so much, it's a wonder I enjoyed much of anything!  Pull up some funny memes, go to you tube, whatever makes you crack a smile, go do it on the daily.

9.  Vitamins/supplements

Obviously work with a Dr. or healthcare professional.  I strongly believe in taking some supplements to stay healthy.  I think vitamin D is super important up here in NY because we never see the sun from October until pretty much May it seems.  I know that omegas help immensely with a lot.  A solid multi-vitamin is also key to staying healthy.  Probiotics have got to be my #1 recommendation if nothing else.  Good gut bacteria is essential and with all of the "food" we eat, it's not always helping our guts.  Find a good probiotic or two and add them into your diet. Kombucha is also really good, along with Kefir.  Even yogurt in moderation is awesome.

10.  Green Tea {matcha}

Since my reflux, I just can't do anything that has a lot of caffeine.  I've always enjoyed green tea, so I usually have a cup of that.  I have however, found a new love: Matcha.  I've talked a lot about it lately, but I can't stop raving about it.  It gives me a slow released energy all day. No high. No crash. It's just a subtle calming energy.  Google it; there are TONS of benefits!  Sure I love one from Starbucks but it is loaded with sugar and it's $$.  Here is my homemade recipe; I ordered the matcha powder from Amazon. 

Letter to my Younger Self...

{Disclaimer}
As I thought about writing this post, the "younger self" that really came to mind was when I was 26. It was right before I met Joe and I owned my own house, worked full time as an English teacher and was going to school to finish my Master's Degree.  I had a pretty crappy love life and was quite involved with school. I had a few really close friends, but I was definitely a little lost and missing something (or someone ;) It's kind of funny because I remember as the new year approached in 2008, I was telling myself I had no time for boys and to focus on my teaching and grad classes. That's really funny, looking back now, as January 2008, I met my now husband.

Dear Jenn,

You have got to give yourself some major slack.  You are far too hard on yourself; no reason to stress and worry so much.  You tend to make mountains out of mole hills and there's really no need for that. You'll learn to let go and let live eventually, but if you could do it sooner than later, I bet it'll save you a lot of heartache...

Speaking of, all those guys you tried dating and it didn't work out?  There's a huge reason for that. They weren't right for you.  You should spend more time alone. Go outside. Read more books for fun. Keep doing all that you are doing for school; you are a great teacher and those kids need you.

Eat better. Lean cuisines and diet mountain dew are not healthy.  Skip processed foods and eat real living fruits and veggies.  You'll probably ward off lots of germs. PS probiotics are really good for you!

Enjoy your time with Sadie lady; she was brought into your life for a reason and you'll miss her crazy ways one day.  Snuggle in bed with her as long as you can; pretty soon you'll meet someone and won't need the dog in the bed too.

Spend more time with your youngest sister; she is troubled, but maybe more time with her would help.

Maybe take some time and see a counselor a few more times about your sister and also for your parents' divorce.  Try and see both sides and view it from an outside perspective.  It'll get really ugly and being the daughter is never easy with a messy divorce.  Find some more support here; you'll need it.

Spend more time with your grandma & grandpa.

Take more trips.

Don't go back to any of your exes. They're your exes for a reason.

Your laundry and housework is a joke; wait until you have two kids, a husband and a 2000 square foot house.  A little dog fur and a few dishes is really nothing...

Learn to do things asap and not procrastinate.

Start wearing eye liner; it makes a huge difference!

Keep up the brunch tradition with your friends as long as you can. You'll miss it.

You should try to find a few families to babysit for on the weekends or weeknights. You could make some major bank!

Don't worry about what people say or think of you. It really doesn't matter.

Bagels for breakfast are not healthy.

Spend more time with your mom.

Go out to eat alone. Go to the movies alone. Do things independently.

Start listening to self improvement books, or reading them. It will change you.

On the other hand?

Don't do anything I mentioned, because everything you're doing will bring you right to where you need to be...

You, my dear, are living one hell of an amazingly awesome life.

Love,

Your 35 year old kick ass self.

Thankful Thursday

{Joe snapped this shot in his tree stand on our land!}

I have so much to be grateful for and it's no joke that the more I focus on what we have, the happier I am.  It's easy to look around and have a million wants and get frustrated when all I think about is what we don't have...and then it usually spirals down and makes me grumpy.  So I've been trying very very hard to not think about what we don't have and focus on what we do.  Gratitude brings in more light, more riches, more abundant and radiant love---try it!

I'm thankful for...

...two healthy and strong children

...for both a little girl and a little boy.  I've always wanted one of each!

...a hardworking husband who can provide us with our lifestyle, especially for me to stay home.

...a man who really understands me, teaches me, and grows along side of me.

...my sisters and so grateful my youngest has been given a second chance at life.

...warm green tea; soothes a scratchy throat!

...my morning and night walks with our little Holly.

...a really comfortable bed to snuggle into each night.

...our really reliable babysitter who allows me some free time when I need her!

...avocados because they make clean eating SO much easier.

...girlfriends.  We may not get to talk and hangout as much as we used to, but when we do, my heart is so happy!

...for my mom to come visit again really soon!

...the preschool teachers Brooke has--they are old school and amazing and I adore them.

...books. I am so happy to have my mind travel places I never expected it to.

...my grandma owl having a relationship with my daughter; that's pretty special.

...my health.  I have a few annoyances, but overall I'd say I'm pretty healthy.

...this breakthrough with Crohn's Disease. Hopefully they'll have a cure soon.

...probiotics.  I am fairly certain they've helped Joe more than we even know.

...my salt lamp. I swear I've been less anxious since I plugged one into our office.

...Fall.  The leaves are starting to turn and it's so pretty.

...our land! I cannot wait to build a house. 

...time and patience.  Sometimes you just need to wait things out.

...my side hustles. It's so nice to make a little extra money on my own!

...firewood so we can make lots of cozy fires this Winter.

...makeup & accessories to feel a little more put together even I when I'm not.

...my life.  It's beautiful and messy and creative; full of love and happiness.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Recipe Share: Matcha Latte

I thought I'd share a drink recipe today!  Since I kicked my Coffee (and Spark) habit, stupid reflux, I still craved something in the morning a little more than just a cup of plain old green tea.  I knew matcha was powerful, but I didn't know how amazing.  Check this out!

 I kept hearing about "Green Tea Lattes" and finally tried one at Starbucks---wow! Total game changer. Now of course, I've gotten some flack because it's got quite a bit of sugar in it, and the powder they use is not like anything I have found in the store (or Amazon)  But I really watch what I eat (typically) and try really hard to limit sugary items.  I found myself venturing out for these almost daily, so my wallet and health needed an intervention.  It's taking me a few months to figure out the best way to make these, but finally I found it!

Here is how I make my matcha lattes.

1.  I enjoy soy milk, and I prefer the reduced fat only because of the taste and consistency.  I've tried vanilla soy and that's okay too.  I've also invested in a milk warmer/frother---TOTALLY worth every penny.

2.  I bought this kind off of Amazon. Use 1/2 teaspoon.

3.  It's very clumpy so I mix it with a tiny bit of hot water to help smooth it out.

4.  This thing does all the work with one button--you can get it super frothy or just a little, I love that it has two options.

5. Pour and mix the green tea & water with the milk.

Here is what the warmer looks like. I am not a kitchen gadget person; I find that too many tools are a waste of space, but this is super easy to clean.

You'll get a little bit of film from the milk, (which I was getting waaaaay more from heating in the pan, and then the mess of boiled milk spilling over!! Oh, it was bad!!)  You just use the handy little brush and scrape it out.

I do it right after I use it and it looks brand new.

So again, here are some awesome perks of drinking this fabulous latte!  You could just make it with water, add a little honey, but I prefer it straight up with my soy.

I haven't tried any of these, but you could add it to your juicing recipes, smoothies or even bake with it!  I have read you don't want to take too much, as with anything.  I try to limit my use to once a day and sometimes I will just go for a chai instead.

If you follow me on instagram, you'll see these in my instastory quite often!  Even if you're a huge coffee drinker, you may surprise yourself and enjoy a cup of this.  I love how mellow I feel and truly get no crash or high off the caffeine.  It's a slow and steady awake feeling and I appreciate that.  I still stop at Starbucks now and then and definitely enjoy them at fancy coffee shops, but I am so happy to have found something to replace my coffee habit.  Sure I miss it and especially this time of year with all things pumpkin spice etc, but when you listen to your body, and find something that makes you feel better instead of worse, you listen to it.

Let me know if you've tried  Matcha! 

I'd love to hear your favorite recipes.

Day 2: stop the comparison game

Happy Monday friends!

I am a little anxious today, so any extra positive energy can be sent my way!! I am really trying to focus on all good things and to get myself to stop comparing my life to anyone else's. 

I am truly happy with my life, but there's always that wish of ....just a little bit more!  

----breathe----

Maybe you too struggle with being at peace with what you have and are a little harsh on yourself.  We need to stop being so hard and just love ourselves.

Here's my unedited day two video!

xox

I confess...

...I've been waking up with a scratchy throat--allergies still?? #overit

...I'm not sure how a week has gone by again already; I feel like I JUST wrote my confession post!

...We had a freaking ball at the Luke Bryan concert. For a few minutes I almost felt 21 again!

...I still find it amazing how time does help us grow, change, heal and move forward.  

...I've been leaning into this guru/gem lately.  She helps me fill my heart with radiance

...Super excited to mail out some goodies for my friend Rachel to host a Stella & Dot trunkshow! We will have to facetime but it will be super fun.  Well, let's be real; it'd be more fun to fly out there to Cali, but we can't have it all, can we?

...Joe's got his tent sale again this weekend and so we are having a pool party today at one of the other wives' houses.  Kids and momma time!

...I still haven't gotten back into the swing of working out on the reg.  I got up and out of bed to walk the dog before 7, but I know I need to move more.

...sometimes I really wish we were having a 3rd...but then I realize how much I didn't love being prego! haha No, but really...I love our two little ones and I think we have the perfect combo.

...I've been drinking tea like it's my job.  Herbal. Green. Chai. Earl Grey. I love them all!

....I decided to give my skin a break with the whole fake tanner (it was becoming a bit layered) and wow. I can't believe how little sun I've gotten this hot sunny summer! (yay for not burning either!)

...I'm nervous about my sister, as she approaches the end of her hospital stay. Extra prayers, healing love and energy are always welcome.

... I reeeeeeeeeally wish we lived on our land.  Like, yesterday.

...my three year old is really starting to voice her opinions; what a balance between allowing her to find her voice and teaching her to be respectful!

...I rocked baby boy last night before bed; I didn't want to let him go.  He bumped his head and shut his fingers in the drawer right before bed--poor little guy! He's so tough, but still my little bubs.

...Joe told me a "sad statement" as he put it.  He heard, "One day you will pick your child up and put him down, and never pick him up again."  Cue the tears.

...I cannot believe how hard it is for us to put ourselves first sometimes.  I was helping a lady with a 24 day challenge she just ordered, she just has a hard time justifying taking the time (to cut up healthy fruits/veggies/meal prep...) and I explained to her that it is really the best investment for herself and for her kids.  Once you start taking care of your health, it's a win win all around! Then I found myself staring at myself in the mirror, thinking that while I have my physical health under control, I really need to continue working on my emotional well being.  It's not selfish to want to be happy and to learn to rid feelings of guilt, when no wrong has truly been done.  On that note, I am working on meditation and yoga...still working on those chakra centers!

...You can't pour from an empty cup. So fill 'er up!

Happy Thursday and embrace today. 

What I Ate Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!

I've had a few requests asking what I've been eating, so I figured I would share.

I've really been playing with my diet, mostly because of my reflux. I've found triggers that really bother me and try my best to avoid them.

Meal 1-

Breakfast:

2 eggs scrambled with a handful of spinach cooked in.

Sprinkle of feta cheese, a few tomatoes, & 2 slices of organic turkey bacon.

Matcha Latte with soy milk

Meal 2-

This has been a lovely in between breakfast and before my workout snack!

I just drizzle a little of the plain Kefir, not sweetened, 

over whatever fruits weren't finished at breakfast. 

Meal 3-

Post workout protein shake.

Meal 4-

Lunch today was 2 big red leaf lettuce leaves

-leftover whole chicken from dinner

-mix in a little bit of mayo (I like the evoo mayo) and a little avocado

-some grapes mixed in too with a dash of sea salt

Meal 5-

Dinner:

Tonight was man pleasing chicken thighs & steamed broccoli with sea salt and lemon.

I didn't have any brown rice and I feel like too many carbs bother me.

I'm really listening to my body and if I don't feel like having something, I don't.  I really hate having to watch every little thing at first, but my mood and my physical body feel so much better when I eat like this.  

I still have days where we have pasta or ice cream cake, but I try very hard to keep it to a minimum so that I feel my best.

What are you eating lately?

Weekly Workouts & Menu

OK.  So my 'break' wasn't much of break, but I feel ready and have lots to write about, so write I shall!  I believe I have come up with a decent calendar of writing ideas and although I may not get to write every post, I have a solid foundation of what I would like to say and use this blog for...so stay tuned!! I hope you enjoy what I plan on using this blogging space as.

Sundays I'm going to stick with trying to keep weekly menu ideas (it really helps me stay on track!) and I'll even share some of my past week eats too.  

This weekend I was so lucky to get some much needed girl time in with some good friends.  Carbs/coffee and girlfriends seem to go hand in hand, am I right? ;) 

It's not often I get to enjoy days like this, so when I do? I cherish them!!

Easy tip:  

Buy butternut squash already cut up.  Toss with sea salt & evoo and roast in a 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes.  I sprinkle it in salads, eat it by itself, or you could throw it in a soup & pureé!  Baby boy loves it and he gobbles it right up.

Tuesdays date night was so fun & I totally didn't take any photos because we were sitting at a table with others and I really just devoured the food.  The drinks were too strong, but super fun to try (sips) of.

I'm such a wino and bourbon and cognac just aren't my thing.

I did enjoy this cup of champagne punch.  It was the only drink I really could drink!

My menu this week is fairly simple.  My goal is to eat 90% clean all day, and then eat with Joe for dinner. I hate "dieting" but I do need to up my veggies and lean proteins during the day.  As you will see, I have pasta on my menu a few times. I find nothing wrong with a little pasta; I don't like or use whole wheat, but I do limit how much I eat.  Everything in moderation.



Can I tell you how excited I am to try this Mango Lime sauce out? It's so yummy!!

As for workouts last week?

Kind of lame...

Tues- Upper Fix
Weds- Walked/pushed the kids in the stroller 2.5 miles.


Up this week?
Today (Sunday) I took a nice long almost 2 hour walk with a friend and pushed Bradley.  Tomorrow I am scared out of my mind to start this:

I hope I don't die. Haha.  22 minutes, how bad could it be?  #famouslastwords

What's on your menu & workout plan?

Stay beautiful xox