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.

Currently Cooking [cleansing]

Happy Monday!

I'm sitting down to eat my lunch: (leftover chicken, rice, greens and a little salsa) and so I wanted to share what else I've been cooking up! We had a nice little weekend; a much needed day of rest yesterday after a whirlwind of <crap> that happened last week.  We played with the kids, had a nice fire, and just watched football.  I'm really taking a good look at a lot of things in life, and one of them is our food. Boy, do I know how much work it takes to cook meals for 4 people all day long, but it's so worth it to hear my husband say how great his body feels this morning.  I feel awesome too, which I knew I would because Advo is the best.

So with the chilly temps upon us, I am truly getting into better shape, mentally, emotionally and physically.

So yesterday I was in the mood for some "comfort food."  I had a spaghetti squash, so I made some homemade sauce.  I just EVOO, onions, garlic powder, crushed tomatoes for the sauce and let it simmer.   I baked the squash at 400 for 35 minutes.  And I basically used this recipe for the meatballs [here].   Now of course my Italian hubby ate regular penne pasta, but he actually did enjoy the meatballs!

Earlier in the day I threw a whole chicken in, some onion & garlic on the bottom, herbs on top.  Slow cooked that bird til she fell apart!

Other news-I really try to buy organic chicken, but I had a coupon and lately I've been eating my weight in poultry, so I grabbed these in case of emergencies.  WINNING.  You can add any flavor you want, microwave, warm up in skillet, whatever.  I like that I have them on hand in case I get hangry and have nothing else.

I lived off of hummus chicken last week.  Totally honest: I didn't mind it. I used garlic hummus, but it still could have used more seasonings.  I ate it all week, but I'm not that picky…Joe didn't like it and neither did Brooke.  Noted.

My breakfast is pretty standard. Some days I throw in spinach, others I just do 2 eggs, scrambled or over easy. A little avo. 1 piece of ezekial bread.

I also had turkey chili a lot last week.  Brooke liked it, which shocked me because it was a little spicy.  Joe can't eat it because of all the beans.  I just dump in tomatoes, canned and fresh, whatever I have.  Spices. Beans. Ground turkey.

So while the babes are still napping, I'm off to menu plan for this week! I'm craving soups because it's chilly! I'm a few days out from the Max phase, which I'll ease up my eating a little bit….like I've been #onfleek haha ok, on point with my eating no joke.  I haven't even used honey…so I am going to make some overnight oats and energy bites.

Any recipes out there that are fairly clean you wanna share?? I love new recipes.  Have a great day!

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.  

All about Food: Easy Fall Recipes

It's no secret I love to cook and bake, but when the temps start to dip, I feel like it really inspires me to break out of our summer routine and cook up a storm!! I have tried some new recipes and some oldies but goodies, and I figured I'd share them with you.  Since Brooke and I are home all day and we eat 5-6 small meals a day, I'm constantly looking for healthy ways to provide.

I know the importance of protein for all of us, but especially while I'm pregnant I'm being super aware of how much I'm getting and the more I eat, the better I feel. Not surprising!!  I just make sure my protein is the best quality I can possibly get.


Pumpkin Protein Shake:
2 scoops Vanilla Muscle Gain Protein 
1/4 cup pumpkin pureé
1 1/2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
1/2 of a frozen banana
a few dashes of Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice (or even just cinnamon if that's all you have!)

The frozen banana gives it that frosty/frothy feel and perfect for warm Fall days!

Sweet Potato & Apple Soup

I saw an insta-friend post this one, so I looked into the cookbook--good stuff!

Recipe HERE

I did do up some organic nitrate free bacon to top--and I did make some paninis to go along with it {because my hubby believes soup is not a meal}

Bacon, Apple, Cheese Toastie:

2 slices of bread
1 apple peeled/thinly sliced
1-2 pieces of bacon
1-2 slices of Cooper cheese (any sharp cheese would work)

Used a grill pan or panini maker!  It was sooooo good! The sweetness from the apple and the smokey-bacon flavor OMG. Delish and I will be making it again!

Acorn Squash:

It's Fall so I make TONS of squash!! Easy recipe HERE   You can play around with the flavors.  Add or don't add butter, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, honey or a drizzle of maple syrup.  So good!

Roasting veggies:
Broccoli, carrots, turnips….EVOO and some spices (garlic, onion, sea salt/pepper)

Roast at 375 for about 40 minutes, turning over a few times.

Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker- (You can 'use this recipe' but it's so simple, just throw it all in a crock pot on low for 8 hours and it will fall apart.)
1 onion
5 or so garlic cloves (leave whole)
3 lemons cut up
Poultry seasoning

I fill the cavity and under the chicken.

I even took it a step further and used the bones to make a broth, which I then froze and have on hand for soups/risotto.  Bone Broth Recipe

Applesauce in a Slow Cooker
I just peeled and sliced up a ton of apples and added cinnamon and a little water and let it go on low.  I peel them because my husband doesn't do well with skins of veggies/fruits...

(OR you can follow this recipe)

This book is really very inspiring, simple to follow and great for those who don't even know how to start eating "real food."  I have been eating mostly 'real food' for awhile now, so a lot of it is second nature, but I can see where people are intimidated by the kitchen and don't always know where to begin.  Start here! It's really not as hard as you think it is. You and your family will feel, look, and be so much healthier with just a few adjustments.  I cannot tell you the last time we stopped at a fast food joint for dinner.

Sunday I made Sauce.  Again, simple ingredients but it tastes SO much better than store bought marinara.

You could do this recipe  but I just used canned whole tomatoes and pureé them instead.

Another snack I've recently made are these quick and easy protein packed bars!

No Cook Protein Bars
4 Scoops Vanilla Muscle Gain Protein
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Stir, lay on parchment paper, freeze 30 mins and slice/refrigerate or freeze.

I will probably add some cinnamon or pie spice…maybe even some pumpkin for a little extra flavor next time, but these are SO handy for me to grab and go, especially when I run out of my Drew Brees Bars! (and patiently await the Gingerbread bars to come back!!)

Weekend Rewind

Hello October! 

I must say we said farewell September in a fun way.

Saturday I had my girl K over for coffee, bagels & girl time!

Since school started up for her, we have been a bit busy

and it was nice to catch up.

She also painted my nails

because mine look like a 5 year old does them when I paint

Then I got ready for our dinner date...

I was in a country mood and I just love that song "Cruise"

it reminds me of my hunny!!

I decided to try and look casual yet fun.

Insert that rap...in my white tee...

OOTN:

Bangle: Premier Jewelry

Watch: MK

Wrap Bracelet: Stella & Dot

White T-Target Liz Lange Maternity

Faux Fur: Arden B

Jeggings: Love by Heidi Klum @ Motherhood

Booties: Target

I curled my hair with my Chi Straightener!

We had reservations for a newer Italian joint downtown

Benedettos.

It was good!

Hubs didn't know my parents would be there

and he didn't know we'd sort of be celebrating his birthday.

Since his tent sale for work always falls in October around his birthday,

they never get to celebrate it with him.
So we made it happen a few days early!!

Caprese Salad--most amazing purple tomatoes

My healthy beet salad

My husband doesn't love attention, so it's fun to embarrass him a bit.

Surprises.

Balloons.

Presents.

My bump made it a tad uncomfortable to sit for too long...

but it was so so fun!!

Step-mom & Dad

My dad always calls him that...

I think he loves having another 'son'!!

Of course I ordered the pizza...

I gave it a 8.5 out of 10.

10 being pizza in Rome.

Sauce was great, good basil, dough was yummy--

just a tad too charred on the outside for my liking.
I usually eat all of the crust, but I left the burnt pieces...

Joe ordered the Bolognese.

I just think for an Italian place,

your serving size should be MUCH bigger.

Just saying.

Joe loves to sing "Happy Birthday" at the top of his lungs,

so my dad made sure he picked up the slack for him...

sorry to the other eaters!

Candle in a canoli!

He received many tools and was so excited about a flashlight.

That's my man!!

Thanks to my family for making it an extra special night for my husband.

Sunday he spent his only day off helping our friend Chris out,

then Chris returned the favor and helped him stack firewood.

I spent the day baking and cooking up a storm!

Sausage Potato Soup: Recipe here {served w/ garlic knots}

Homemade Applesauce: Recipe here

And those Pinterest Pumpkin Muffins: Recipe Here {yes, 2 ingredients!!}

I added the chocolate chips because, well, I am obsessed with sweets.

The powdered sugar was a nice touch.
Joe LOVED them.

We watched the niners kill the Jets

:::my lucky shirt did the trick:::

And I made Joe's favorite 

Bacon Pasta: Recipe here

for dinner.
He was asleep on the couch before 8.

Today's opening day of hunting and he has to work,

but tomorrow we will get up at 4 to head out to my dad's land so he can get his hunt on.

I'm going so I can hang out and chat with my step-mom Tricia.

Maybe we'll get some Fall baking done.

Tonight I'll go over to my in-laws and work on baby girl's bedding.

Fun stuff I tell ya!!

What'd you do this weekend?

Life Lately

June has always been a crazy month.

When I was teaching, it'd be the end of the year, wrap everything up insanity.

On top of that, my husband works two weeks straight, 9am-10pm at his job each June.

It's a huge Tent Event at the mall where lots of cars are for sale for the dealership he works for.

I miss him dearly, but I know how important it is to him, so I support him as much as I can!
On Sunday, he actually got home a little after 5, so we were able to have dinner together!

I spent the morning in the garden, still weeding away!

And then worked in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of homemade hummus,

Vanilla Cupcakes 

{the ones I made for V-Day, hubs kept requesting again!}

Homemade Over the Rainbow Mac & Cheese {Seriously, hands down best ever.}

It was on Oprah Winfrey as one of her favorites, it's Patti LaBelle's recipe

I also threw together one of my famous salads.

I picked up some hormone/antibiotic free babyback ribs from BJ's

and we decided we were going to try them a different way.

Smoking them for a bit:

Then tossing them on our fire pit with charcoal:

 It was so nice to have my husband home with me before sunset!

Yes,  I was totally rocking the housewife look.

{Apron from my friend Alison! So cute!}

My brother & husband loved the ribs.

I should have gotten a snapshot of their faces covered in BBQ sauce.

Dinner was fantastic.

Over the Rainbow Mac & Cheese 

 Blurry salad pic.

I still prefer them in the oven, slow cooked all.day.long.

 Just 5 full days left of the tent sale!!
I'm getting my niece later today, and we're going to visit Uncle Joey & Uncle Ty Ty...

and a clown.
We'll see how this goes!!
It's raining here today, which is quite a reprieve from the 92 degrees we got up to yesterday!
My flowers needed the water, and now I don't have to do the work!

What have you been up to in the kitchen/grill??

Have fabulous Tuesday.

Weekly Menu Ideas

via

It's that time of the week again.
What will we be eating??
I got off pretty easy last week...back to work Mrs!!

I'm starting to make a lot of lunches now too;

hubs isn't really a sandwich guy, so I try to be creative.
Sometimes it's hard!
Here's what I found for this week:

Mozzarella, Tomato, Pesto Paninis 

Pulled BBQ Chicken Panini

Taco Night

Home made Sloppy Joes with ground venison

Oven baked Chicken Tenders {Joe would eat this every day if I let him!}

Sundried tomato Pesto Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Rounds *Paleo Friendly

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Bacon Pasta

Chicken Caesar Salad--check out the Kraft video--

just bought this to try out. 

I will put Joe's into a wrap so it's more of a meal. Have you had this before?

And I haven't tried any pinned recipes in awhile..
Chicken crescent roll casserole:

Source: tastebook.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Roll Ups

Source: ivillage.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I want to make breakfast for dinner too!

Source: foodnetwork.com via Analisa on Pinterest

Do you plan your meals? 

Leave me a link! I

 love getting new ideas.

 I hate eating the same things over and over!