Mommy Monday

Happy Monday!!

We are still on vacation mode and playing with toys. I'm going to be taking down our tree and packing up the last of Christmas.

Magic Tracks were quite the hit! We misplaced the blue car and haven't even gotten to use it; I'm hoping that I discover it when I clean the living room and tear down the tree.

Mr. Potato Head is a hit too!

Before Christmas, I got to take this sweetie to get her nails done for the first time!! It was fun, even if she had ants in her pants and asked five million questions.

She was super excited to pick out a color.  I laughed so hard because she kept saying she was going to pick out blue, but when the time came, she chose pink!

Christmas Eve on the way to Grandma's house.  Brooke was full blown Christmas mode and singing every song she knew the words to.  This may have meant Joe had to play Rudolph over and over again until we could no longer take it.

Friday we had our friends over for one final gift exchange/Christmas gathering.  

Their daughter is 9 months old and I can't wait to see them all really play together one day!

Saturday brought lots of snuggles because Brooke started not feeling well and we canceled NYE plans.



I'll tell ya, it felt good to feel great on New Years Day!  I ran to Starbucks with my little man.

I even made a little menu plan for the week!! My goal is to get back to eating 100% clean all day and then come dinner, I make a meal everyone will enjoy.  I tend to load up on veggies/swap out for brown rice or quinoa, spaghetti squash for pastas.  Or, I'll enjoy a small side of the pasta and fill up on protein/veggies for my meal.

It's easy to get frustrated with the lack of routine, but we really enjoyed just going with the flow and spending lots of time together.  Hubby has off today, so he's out at the land rabbit hunting. Not sure how that will go!  I'm going to put on The Food Network and work on de-Christmasing. :)

Have a wonderful week!

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

Sunday Sweats

I found that above "fitspiration" awhile back and I don't really 100% agree with it right now.  I wanted to feel that way before, but now I just want to keep working out and feeling well.  I know how to eat super clean, but at the moment, I don't want to feel pressured if I do have a slice of my warm, homemade bread with olive oil.  I know now a lot more about moderation and give and take.  Regardless, I will kick my old me's butt when it comes to working out and getting stronger!!

Last week I worked out Sunday-Friday.  

Every day. Did not miss a single day!  These two can vouch for it! 

Sunday- upper fix

Monday- PiYo Sweat

Tuesday- Total Body Cardio Fix

Wednesday- Piyo Strength Intervals

Thursday- Upper Fix

Friday- PiYo Core

Saturday- "rest"

I was supposed to do legs Saturday, but I just didn't.

I WILL do it today though! ;)

Menu for the week:

This week I'm trying to keep it SIMPLE, as I have my scope Tuesday and we seem to be a little busy.  I found the newer site "Chef in Training" so I linked that below for a few recipes. 

I never made my tilapia last week and we did end up with a pizza Saturday night.  I like to over plan regardless, as we sometimes have our "dinners" as lunches because we are home all the time and some days Joe can come home and eat too!

Linguine-Pork-chicken-Lasagna-tilapia-enchiladas

Thoughts:

I cannot believe what one little thing (working out each day) can do for my body.  More than anything, I think it's the self-discipline.  Once I told myself I had to sweat once a day, and likened it to a shower, it really became easier.  There are days I do not want to, but I just pushed through and made it happen.  No I don't have a six pack yet and really, this journey is more about my overall health and wellness. I just feel a lot better already, even with some tummy issues still happening.

Sunday Sweats

2 years ago my friend Nikki and I hosted a workout linkup that was really quite helpful! We had a bunch of people who would link up and share there workouts.  I need to start this again.  Even if I'm the only one, I need to hold myself accountable and not be a quitter.  So? Every Sunday, my goal is to post my workouts and my weekly meal plan.

I also know my girl Holly shares her Sunday Sweats here, so I can cheer her on as well!!

BOOM.

I've used every excuse in the book as to why I haven't been working out.  Wanna hear them?  Maybe you're using them to...just saying...

• I'm a sahm "I HAVE NO TIME". Yeh, okay Jenn.  You have time to scroll FB, Insta, and do a bunch of other time wasters.  Get off your butt.
• I don't have a gym membership.  Ummmm what about all of the workouts in the drawers? On you tube? 
• I don't want to waste nap time.  Ya hear me. It's the most precious time of the day! Some days I don't want to use it working out. Ok, workout with your kids and show them what healthy means.
• I want to workout alone.  Ok, then if you do feel like working alone, do it during nap time!
• I don't feel well.  This is a huge one lately.  I really haven't been feeling myself and it sucks.  I'm telling myself that if my Gerd or whatever I have is acting up, do yoga or piyo.  Listening to my body will be key.
• I don't want to get sweaty.  Get over it.  They invented showers.
• I want new sneakers.  You have a pair that work just fine; maybe use that as a goal for motivation after completing 4 weeks of a program!
• I am fitting into my skinny jeans.  Yup.  This is now an excuse. #lame  Just because I'm thin doesn't mean I'm healthy.  Do it for even better reasons, real reasons this time Jenn. And STICK to them.
• I'm too tired.  I bet if you workout, you'll get more energyyyyyyyy~
• It's too late.  Do it anyway.
• I don't want to.  Suck it up buttercup.

And there you have it!! This will be my rationale whenever these stupid thoughts come into my head.  I was actually going to start tomorrow, but I thought eff it and start today.  Why waste and put off what I can do right now.

So I did.  And I didn't die. I did realize how weak I have gotten and how much further I need to go.  I also really felt gross when I was doing the ab work as the stomach acids were gurgling up in my throat. I learned not to eat lunch and then do my workout now and maybe not do so much bouncy stuff until I get this reflux situation figured out.

My plan is to do a hybrid of PiYo & 21 Day Fix workouts because I have them and those are my favorites. I need to do this for me.

On a healthier note, I am also going to meal plan better and share it.  It's a little wacky with everyone's dietary needs around here.  Brooke is totally normal and can eat anything, but is picky...Joe has Crohn's so does best on a low fiber diet, mainly pastas, lean proteins, fish.  Bradley has issues with dairy, so he is tricky in that regard.  Any now me?  Oy.  I find anything rich, spicy, or eating too much really triggers me.  Bananas seem to bug me.  Tacos were really dumb to eat along with pasta red sauce.  I'll figure it out as I go....

But for next week, this is what I came up with!  Links below.  *I'll be using ground chicken for my meatloaf muffins, as I have to use it up!*

Meat loaf muffins. Pork Loin. Tilapia. Pasta. Thighs. Sirloin Burgers.

This.

Here is to an amazing week!  Stay beautiful. xox

Weekly Menu Plan

I only have 4 more weekly grocery shops until my due date!  Holy. Moly.  It's getting harder to plan out meals and shop for them, as I just am over food haha.  I remember this happened with Brooke too.  My creative and zippy kitchen prep is non-existent. I just try to think of as many easy/healthy meals as I can for the weekly menu and get in/out of that store!

I try to have lunch ideas on hand too, as sometimes Joe comes home for lunch. Sometimes he does not. Leftovers are usually around, but in case they're not, pasta and sauce, sandwiches…and that's about it.  Any quick lunch ideas for my hubby??

Menu:

Monday- Pork Tenderloin in a Jamaican Jerk Beer Marinade (Tastefully Simple mix)
Tuesday- Lasagna Rollups
Wednesday-Pasta Caprese
Thursday- Crockpot Tortellini Sausage Soup
Friday-Cheddar Garlic Chicken

Not gonna lie…Sat/Sun I'm gonna wing it and maybe even see if Joe feels like cooking!! I'm all ears for any ideas you may be cooking up lately…I will not deny I am in a total cooking rut. Boo!! I love cooking, but right now, but aching back, tired feet, and big old prego self just want to throw in the dish towel haha.  I know I can't, but man I am tempted to try one of those services like Plated or whatever.  The act of thinking of what to make sometimes takes more energy than cooking! ;)  Baby boy will be here soon, I know, and life will become a new normal.  

Menu, Quote, and a Song

Well June is more than halfway over and I haven't been sharing my meals too much; oops...

Here's what is happening in my kitchen!

Monday- Leftover sauce & meatballs w/ spaghetti and a salad
Tuesday- Pork Tenderloin (Bourbon Maple--store bought marinaded) w/ fresh asparagus
Wednesday- Pasta w/ turkey and broccoli {recipe here}
Thursday- Kabobs on the grill {steak, chicken, veggies}
Friday- Sushi or Fish Fry

What's being served to your table this week?


I'm loving this quote...

This song is stuck in my head:

I have some reviews coming up soon, so stay tuned for some of my opinions ladies!! {We're talking hair and energy here, two things most women care a lot about!}

And I'm gonna go hop on the elliptical hopefully get a quick workout in before Miss sleepy head wakes up (again)!

Have a lovely Tuesday dolls!

Weekly Menu & Vacation Day 3 Re-cap

Today I wanted to work on my goal of "Menu Planning" by linking up with Nichole!!  My mom comes into town Thursday, so who knows how accurate this will be, but at least it's an idea! She's gonna cook for us too next week; I can't wait.

Monday- Chicken Broccoli & Cheese w/ orzo

Tuesday- Turkey Beer Chili 

Wednesday- Girls' Night---I need an appetizer idea!!??

Thursday- Pineapple Chicken w/ Rice

Friday- Shrimp Scampi

And I want to keep sharing our first little family vacation...we spent Wednesday just hanging around Lake George and hit up the Outlet Mall. 

Cheesy selfie. Sidenote: LOVED that the hotel had Keurig machines--totally addicted to the Starbucks one right now.  

We scored some MAJOR Memorial Day Sales and with the perk of it being only Thursday, no crowds!! It was perfect.    Joe picked up some much needed work pants from Banana Republic, I got a few dresses/skirts from Guess, Banana, and The Gap.  And of course we got baby Brooke some cute fashion finds at Carter's.

I also was on a hunt for a cute wristlet--I get so disheveled from purse to diaper bag, I wanted a place to hold my credit cards, cash, phone and keys. DONE.  Love it!!

We had some down time to just relax and hang out which was so nice.

hotel view

Silly time with babes.

We then took Brooke SWIMMING!! OK, so it was more like dipping her in the water, but it was a first!

Of course she had to have this adorable cover-up.

She wasn't too sure about the whole thing.

She looked pretty darn cute in her swimsuit though! {Even though it's already tight?!}

We had the pool all to ourselves; it was perfect.

Oh yah, for dinner?  I went out and picked up BBQ. Shocking, right?!

My Week in Meals

So here are my thoughts.
I find it hard to always keep up with the meals I hope to make.
So, I figured I could at least share what I do end up making.
Here's what I made last week as far as food...
Or what we ate as meals.

10.28-11.4

Sunday:

Pretty lazy day!
Joe baked chicken wings in the oven w/ homemade BBQ sauce

I just made us (organic) chicken in a can sandwiches for dinner.

[sorry no photos of that pathetic meal day!]

Monday:

 Potato Cheese Soup

{Recipe}

Chicken Bruschetta

{Recipe}

served with Garlic Knots

Tuesday:

Baked Oatmeal

 

{Recipe}

I drizzled some maple syrup on it. 

This is great to make and re-heat too!

Homemade Applesauce

 {Peel, core, cover with water, a little sugar, boil, & smash.}

Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast

 {Recipe}

Great for leftover sandwiches!!

Gourmet Mushroom Risotto

 {Recipe}

The risotto was good, I still prefer Giada's lemon though.

I made a salad & served canned cranberry sauce with it.

Mini-Thanksgiving.

Wednesday:

Halloween
Only 'new thing' I made today was gravy.
Take the drippings/juices from turkey and place in fridge overnight.
Skim off fats/run through a strainer.
Bring the juice to a boil, add a few tablespoons of water & flour.
Stir.
Serve with leftover turkey on open face sandwiches.
White for him.

Whole Wheat for her.

Served with a salad & leftover mushroom risotto.
Easy peasy!

Thursday:
I just wanted cereal...
I made Joe "Bacon Pasta" for lunch.

{Recipe}
I didn't feel too hot today, so I ordered a pizza.
Friday:
I had avocados on their way out,
hamburger to use up,
and some tortillas...
So?
Tacos it was.

My husband is the most meticulous taco maker, ever.

Saturday:

  My friend came out for my baby shower, so we went out for sushi
{I had hibachi}
Sunday:
My baby shower--
so I ate there and we just had PB&J for a later dinner.
This week??
No clue.
I'll make a menu plan up, grocery shop and see what I come up with.
My hips are KILLING me.
So, super easy and tasty is most likely on the menu!
Any suggestions?