Happy Monday!!

There are FOUR pretty simple rules to starting and continuing a workout routine.

Number ONE is to 

       NEVER MISS A MONDAY! 

By exercising every Monday you set yourself up for a better day and week. Your workout schedule can be set and you KNOW the next time you need to get movin'. You also create a habit that will keep you on the right track! 

Have a NO EXCUSE Monday and get your workout DONE! Whether you walk a mile, run four, lift weights, do ten jumping jacks-- just DO something! 

Anything is better than nothing. 

One Mothers Support

First let me say that I never thought something like this would happen to me. I've read those beautiful stories of other people reaching out by saying a few kind words or paying for someone's dinner. The stories that make me cry and wonder how those people were feeling when someone did that for them.

Tonight I got to experience that. 

Today was a typical day. Brought my daughter to school, hung out with my other two kiddos, cleaned, did laundry-- the list never ends for a mom. My mother in law flew in today so the kids were super excited and really not paying much attention to the directions my husband and I had been giving them. 

Right after picking up my oldest from school I sneaked out of the house for awhile to go for a run. This is my "me" time. I have this new found love for running so I try and make it out at least twice a week. I did really well too! I ran 4 miles and at a faster overall pace. I was so excited!

Anyways, we all decided to go out to dinner for our 4 year anniversary, that happened yesterday. Of course it's a Friday night at 6:30pm so everywhere is PACKED! We landed at Long Horn Steak House and waited for a table. The kids were great as far as waiting. We were all starving and ready to eat. While waiting I noticed a family standing near us. Their little boy was about the age of my middle child and they had an infant. They were quiet and their children really well behaved. Our little buzzer starting going off and we were ushered to our table. 

Dinner was pretty uneventful in the beginning. The kids were being good and actually eating. Everything was coming out fast from the kitchen. Perfect. A smooth family date night, which never happens!

Then it started. My youngest was getting loud and cranky and the other two were just about passed out at the table. As our dinner arrived they informed me that they were out of sweet potatoes for the next 30 minutes so I needed to change my side. For whatever reason I was overly angry about it. Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous. I agree. But all of a sudden the noise my son was making and the fact that they didn't have what I ordered completely changed my mood. Nothing was good enough. My food wasn't that great and I didn't get my damn sweet potato which can arguably be the best thing on their menu. Dinner was coming to a close and my crappy mood persisted. 

My husband grabbed our son and headed to bring the car around. While gathering our belongings, the woman from the waiting area approached me. I hadn't even noticed but she was at the table right next to us the whole time. She was holding her baby girl when she leaned in and very quietly said...

"Hey! I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your family is. You are doing an amazing job. I know dinner time can great rough. I just wanted to let you know."

My face flushed, my heart started racing and I was speechless. I managed to squeeze out a a thank you but not much more. I was in shocked. My body was paralyzed by what had happened that I really couldn't react the way I should have. As I walked away I started tearing up. What this woman just said to me meant so much more than anyone could understand. A stranger noticed my struggle and decided to help. She lifted me up and made me feel better when I was being pretty a pretty lousy human being. I mean come on... Who gets mad over a sweet potato!? Apparently me. Not one of my finest moments.

I should have hugged her and told her that she is my saving grace. She single handily plucked me out of my bad mood and made me count my blessings. She gave me that positive attitude I had lost back at the sweet potato. 

As we drove home I told my husband what had happened and started tearing up again. I doubt he understands just how that woman helped but I will never forget her and what she did for me. This woman touched my heart. I am forever grateful.

This is what mothers should be doing for each other-- lifting each other up instead of silently judging. 

Friday Night Run

Its Friday night, the Hubby just got home from work, and I had an itch to go running. I was feeling great and didn't get in my T25 workout like I had originally planned. So I decided I would have enough time to get in a 3.2 mile run (I'm going to run at least 3.2 each time so my 5K time will get better) before it got dark. It was about 5:30 pm and super cloudy as it had rained all day. Still I went for it. I was TOTALLY wrong about it not getting dark. About half way I realized there was no way I'd make it home. The approaching darkness definitely helped me run harder I can tell you that!! Our neighborhood isn't well lit and its a little creepy running alone in a new neighborhood. 

On top of the dark I made a quick decision to go down another street. There were tons of Christmas lights that made the homes look beautiful so I took it. So here I was lost in my new neighborhood in the dark. I found a way to cut back to the main street by a drainage thing (lol I have no idea what you call those things!). I hopped on the phone with a friend so at least I could listen to her chat. Best idea ever! 

The plus side of wanting to get home as fast as I could was that I pushed harder than I ever have. Also by running down a wrong street I added some distance onto my run. Overall my splits were the best I've ever had for that distance of run so I'm happy I went but I probably won't ever cut it that close again :)

Once I got home I was relieved. My body was feeling great and still on the running high but I knew that I needed to stretch. I'm always so sore after a run and I wanted to make sure to give my muscles a good stretch. I got out my mat and started. Of course my babies joined in. I have to say its absolutely adorable when my son crawls under to give me a kiss. Aw makes my heart melt!

One stretch I discovered from PiYo is called the Pigeon. Its a stretch where your leg is bent ahead of you while the other is extended fully backwards. This stretches needs to be gotten into correctly so here is how I do it. I start off in a plank position, move to down dog and then bring one of my legs through my arms and sit down on my butt. This move can get a little difficult if you aren't flexible so take it slow and don't push yourself too much! I hold the pose for 30 seconds and go back into down dog. Repeat with the other leg. 

Next time you workout, go for a run or even just need a good stretch try this one out! Its awesome and totally stretches you out! 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all that you are grateful for. I know in my family it is a time where we all gather, cook and just enjoy each others company. I love that sense of family and it was something I was definitely missing when we lived in Oklahoma alone. Having my mom close is priceless and I am forever grateful that her and her husband were able to join us yesterday. Not only did we have my mom and her husband over we got to spend our very first Thanksgiving in our new home. That's right... we bought a home on the 12th of November and it has been the most exciting and nerve racking experience. I LOVE that we now are home owners and in our home prior to the holiday season.

This Thanksgiving was FULL of firsts for my family and I. Another FIRST happened yesterday as well! I participated in the 5K Turkey Trot!!! 

So at 6:30 am I jumped out of bed and started getting ready. I was so excited and nervous all the same time. I couldn't believe that one of my goals, set back in June, would be accomplished! When I started running I couldn't even make it a full mile without stopping. I had to do intervals of running and walking along with sticking to the T25 program but soon built up my endurance and speed. My time per mile was over 11 minutes!! But I DIDN'T give up. Each time I went for a run I would push myself a little more. I will post HOW to made it from couch to 5K so you can see! It wasn't easy but totally do-able! 

The race started at 8 am so we all piled into the car and headed downtown. Once we got there I could feel the energy. There were so many people walking around, all ready to rock this race. There were people with kids and jogging strollers, dogs, teenagers and seniors ALL prepared to run the 5K. I was amazed to see the variety of people. As we all lined up and waited to hear the starting shot, I was filled with gratefulness and determination. Grateful that my heath and fitness has allowed me to do something like this and determined to do my absolute best. 

The race went a lot faster than I imagined it would!! For most of the race I was able to keep pace with my best friend, Amanda. She can run faster and longer than I can so it helped me keep a steady pace instead of sprinting in the beginning like I wanted to! My adrenaline was definitely to blame for that! Near the end I could feel my energy slipping and my pace slowing. That's went I decided to change my mindset. I KNEW I could do this. So I started running faster. I picked someone ahead of my and made it my goal to catch up and keep pace with them. It was a woman about my age and although she doesn't know it, she pushed me harder that last .50 miles than anything else. I didn't think of my legs feeling like jello or my side screaming because of a cramp. I just went for it. My time for that last little piece of the run was faster than I've ever run before. 

A sense of accomplished and pride went rushing through my body has I passed the finish line. I was so proud of myself for all the hard work I put in over the last few months and happy that my official time was UNDER 30 minutes. 

Here was my final stats:

-Official time 29.22 minutes 
-30th out of 90 runners in my age group (25-29)
-199 out of all 753 females
-537 out of 1411

I can't wait to participate in another 5K and continue to train so I can one day run in a 10K, hopefully this spring ;) !!

I hope you all had an AMAZING Thanksgiving!!

Your Dream is Worth it.

Have you ever had a dream or a goal in life that you felt so strongly about but it all faded in an instant? Maybe someone shot down your idea, you hit a bump in the road and decided it wasn't for you, or maybe you just lacked the confidence to follow through with it. There is a reason why you had that dream or goal in the first place. It was put in your heart so it could be fulfilled. Do not let someone deter you from it. Block out those negative opinions of others. No one needs to see the vision but you and when you do succeed they will see it and realize why you fought for it. 

People are wildly successful at the things they love so why can't you? WHY couldn't you be that person? All it takes in consistency, persistence and hard work. Start small and enjoy the every day so called "boring" activities that will get you closer to your dream. The time will pass no matter what you do. Why not work towards your dream?

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

I was so sick of eating chicken and beef when I decided to check out some clean eating recipes for pork. My husband loves pork so I knew it would be a welcomed change. When I found this recipe I just had to try it! It did get a little messy trying to get the mustard and the parmesan onto the pork chops but WELL WORTH IT! I served this with steamed green beans and roasted potatoes. Needless to say this dish was a SUCCESS and I will be making it again so I just had to share it with you all! 

You will need:  

• 3/4 c parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp basil leaves
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried orgeno
• 1 dash black pepper
• 1/4 tsp thyme leaves ( I didn't have this when I made it and it was still great!)
• 1/4 cup dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs pork chops

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
• In a small bowl whisk together mustard, oil, and spices.
• Season the 4 pork chops with pepper, then brush both sides of the chops with the mustard mixture.
• Press the grated cheese into both sides of the chops.
• Place the chops on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.  The coating should be browned and slightly crispy and the pork should be cooked through.

This recipe would be GREAT with chicken as well!!

Taco Casserole

I don't know what it is but I could eat tacos at least once a week. I love the simplicity of tacos and how most of the ingredients are fresh. My absolute favorite is to use avocado instead of cheese. There is something about it that totally allows me to not crave having shredded cheese drowning my taco. Here is a recipe for healthy taco casserole that will definitely fulfill your taco cravings!

You will need:

1 lbs lean ground turkey or lean ground beef, browned and drained.

1 small onion diced

1 serving of my clean eating Taco Seasoning Mix

8 oz jar of taco sauce

2 roma tomatos, diced

Iceberg lettuce, chopped

Plain Greek Yogurt 

Low fat Cheddar Cheese (you can omit this!)

Whole Grain Tortilla Shells (Hard ones)

Directions:

-Brown the meat and onion in a skillet over medium high heat. Drain off the liquid and add taco seasoning mix with 1/4 c water.

-Stir until combined.  Then add taco sauce and stir. 

- Layer a baking dish with crunched up taco shells

-Then put a layer of ground meat, thin layer of greek yogurt, tiny bit of cheddar cheese (if you use it), then layer with shells, ground meat, greek yogurt and cheddar cheese on top.

-Heat in 350 Degree oven for 15 minutes.

Top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, avocados or anything else you normally top your tacos with! 

You can serve this with a vegetable side such steamed green beans or broccoli! 

Taco Soup

So I started out making taco soup but the recipe I used really didn't come out like "soup" there wasn't a ton of broth but it was yummy none the less. I did change a few things so I thought I'd post it for you!

The entire family loved this quick ONE pot meal!

Ingredients:

1/2 to 2 pounds ground turkey or beef (I used a lean ground sirloin beef)
1 serving of  Homemade Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans-- drained and rinsed
1 can ( 10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz.) Crushed tomatoes
1 package (10 oz) frozen corn (you could use canned too)
1 serving of Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing Mix

Directions

-- In a pot cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
--Return beef to pan and add taco seasoning. Stir to combine; mixing well.
--Add the remaining ingredients into beef mixture and bring to a boil.
-- Reduce heat and let simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Optional Toppings:
-Avocado
-Lettuce
-Green Onion
-Plain Greek Yogurt in place of Sour Cream
-Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Homemade Ranch Mix

I never really thought about making a homemade dry ranch mix to replace the packet from the store UNTIL I wanted to make this recipe that required it. I scoured the internet and found this one from This Italian Family. I added it to the recipe and it was yummy! I have yet to make this into actual ranch dressing but that will be next!

Ingredients

2 Tbsp  Dried Parsley
1 tsp. Dried Dill
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. Dried Basil
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use as needed!

This recipe is the equivalent to 1 packet!

Homemade Taco Seasoning

You know those little spice packets you can buy at the store? Those typically are filled with junk and 50 times the amount of salt you actually need. I FINALLY found a homemade taco seasoning recipe that I love. It is perfect and most of the ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 Tbsp. Chili Powder

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp. Onion Powder

1/8 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper (You could up this amount if you wanted it spicier!)

1/4 tsp. Oregano

1/2 tsp. Paprika

1 1/2 tsp. Cumin

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and YOU'RE DONE!

How simple is that?!?! 

This recipe makes the equivalent to 1 seasoning packet!

-- To use for ground beef tacos...

Cook beef fully and drain grease.

Return beef to skillet and put on med-low heat. Add seasoning mixture and 1/4 cup water. 

Stir to evenly distribute seasonings and cook until water is gone. Stirring frequently.

You don't have to struggle...

**

I've learned a lot over the past few days. I've learned that it's SO easy to be happy and motivated one day all to have it completely different the next. I've been in a slump of bad moods, lacking of energy and letting other people effect my self worth and confidence. I wasn't being the mom, wife and person I am striving to be. It was time for me to step up and get back to what I knew would help me. 

The thing is-- the more negative you are the more you will hate life. Once you let that negative creep in, you have to pull yourself out or it will bring you down. 

My plan is pretty simple. Work on myself by exercising daily, eating clean, reading personal development and constantly feeding my mind and soul is positive affirmations.

I really don't like sharing my struggles publicly. We all like to hide behind our computers and put on a good face but sometimes it's worth going out of your comfort zone. If I can help just ONE person from this, it will all be worth it. 

I will tell you that it is not easy; there will be ups and downs but it's the best thing you can do for yourself. If you want to join me and think this group is something you would benefit from, I urge you to message me for more details. 

If you want to make a change in your life but unsure how to do it.
If you feel trapped in a spiral of negative thinking, bad food, and lack of motivation. 
If you want someone to coach with your health and fitness while working on improving your mindset.

THEN THIS IS FOR YOU.

I know it's hard making a change and stepping out of your comfort zone, but this is life changing if you just give it a shot.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette (Focus T25)

3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. raw honey or agave nectar

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

-Combine vinegar, lemon juice and agave nectar in a bowl; whisk to blend.

-Stir in mustard; mix well.

-Slowly add in oil while whisking; mix well.

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing (Ultimate Reset)

½ C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

¼ C. Apple Cider Vinegar

3-5 cloves of crushed garlic

3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

 1 tsp. Himalayan salt

½ tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tbsp. agave nectar

-Put all ingredients in blender and blend. 

Refrigerate after use. 2 tbsp.= 1 serving.

Citrus Vinaigrette

Homemade Citrus Vinaigrette

3 tbsp. fresh 100% orange juice

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. raw honey or agave nectar

2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

3 tsbp. Extra virgin olive oil

-Combine orange juice, lemon juice, and agave nectar in a bowl; whisk to blend.

-Stir in mustard; mix well.

-Slowly add in oil while whisking; mix well.

Pumpkin Chocolate Granola Bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Granola Bars

Who doesn't LOVE pumpkin in the fall?! This recipe is the perfect healthy treat with all the comforts of Fall and CHOCOLATE :)

Ingredients:
• 3 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate
• 2/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 by 8 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• Chop your dark chocolate into small pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine oats, spices and salt together. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the oats and stir well, until all of the oats are moist. Stir in the dark chocolate and almonds.
• Evenly press oat mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. The pumpkin keeps the bars moist, so make sure they are golden and set-you don't want them to be under baked. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
• Using a sharp knife, cut into bars. Remove from pan and let cool completely.
Makes 10-12 granola bars.

--Recipe and picture courtesy of Melanie Mitro--

Priorities...

I know it's not easy.

Its not easy for me to make time to workout but I do because I've made it priority in my life. I actively try to create and look for times when my kids are happy to play together so I can concentrate on me for a second.

I know that between keeping up with the house, raising kids and working on this business I'm creating for myself that I will have to sacrifice somethings in order to get everything done. And you know what-- many times things don't get done. I'm not perfect and never will be.

But one thing I'm never willing to sacrifice is my family. They will always be my number one priority. So instead of reading a book or watching my favorite TV show or taking a nap-- I work on myself. That is were my priorities comes into play.

Now I'm not saying all this to make you feel bad. I want to give you hope that it is possible. That I understand and want to help you find ways to work on your health while making it work for you and your family. Everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. Not just for them but for their family as well.

Message me if you are willing to try, I know it's not easy but it will be worth it.

Halloween Candy DETOX

Halloween candy have you craving sugar and feeling guilty!? 

I know I have some major will power issues with not indulging a little too much when there is candy around. Those "snack" sized candy surely add up fast! 

If you are looking for a way to detox from all the sugar, kickstart your weight loss and feel better than you ever have before-- I have just the Challenge Group for you!!

Like, message or comment below to save your spot!

Trail Mix

Need a good homemade trail mix!? This one has 4 ingredients and is perfect for a quick easy snack! 

Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. 

Measure out 1/4 cup of the mixture and place in plastic bags for quick, easy to grab snack!

Serving size 1/4 cup (makes 6)--130 calories per serving!

Are your needs met?!

When I woke up this morning my plan was to read 15 minutes in my personal development book then workout. Needless to say, that didn't happen. I got so caught up in this new book that I just couldn't stop reading!

One of the things that stuck out to me in this book, Fearless & Fabulous by Cara Awill Leyba, was this notion of unfulfilled needs. I think this is totally true for everyone, especially moms. I know when my needs aren't fulfilled I am a mess. My mind is scattered an...d I'm not reacting to situations the way I should. When I do things that make me happy and bring me joy; I FEEL differently and everyone around me can tell.

As moms, it's so important to feed your soul things that make you happy so you can pass it on to your kids. Yes, we are here to taking care and nurture them but there is no reason why we shouldn't take care of ourselves too. Our health, mental and physical, is just has important as theirs.
Do yourself a favor and take 30 minutes a day to focus on YOU. Maybe it's before everyone wakes up in the morning or during nap time. Whenever it is, forget about the house chores, the kids, or the unpaid bills and focus on you. Read a book, workout, write in a journal. Something-- ANYTHING that makes you happy. You deserve it.

Portobello Mushroom Cap Pizzas

This whole thing started when I saw a post from one of my friends of the mushroom cap pizzas that they made. I am definitely a mushroom lovers so this was something I just had to try. After visiting my local grocery store TWICE, they finally had the BIG portobello mushroom caps I was looking for. I chose to make these on a night when I knew my husband wasn't going to be home since mushroom cap pizzas probably wouldn't be his cup of tea. The kiddos got some baked chicken and apple slices for dinner so I was FREE to pick something that I wanted! How awesome is that?! If your a mom/dad/care giver you totally understand what I'm talking about ;)

Anyways these are super easy to make and are pretty tasty because the pizza sauce has a very bold herb flavor.  As with any pizza these are so versatile. You could really add whatever you wanted for toppings! I just did a simple cheese and spinach one!

If you like this recipe, feel free to share, like and/or comment!

Ingredients:

- 2 large portobello mushroom caps

- 2 T homemade pizza sauce << check out my recipe :)

- Handful of baby spinach leaves

- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese

--Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

--Take the gills and stems out of the mushroom caps. If you use a spoon to scrap the inside of the mushroom the gills come out very easy!

--Place mushroom caps on a baking sheet top down. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over each mushroom cap and place in oven for 10 minutes.

--After the ten minutes is up, take out the mushroom caps and soak up the water left inside the mushroom with a paper towel.

-- Assemble your pizza by first putting the sauce (1T per cap or to your liking). Next place a layer of spinach leaves. I like to add quite a few as they cook down. To finish off the pizza add a layer of cheese. You can put this on as heavy or light to suit your tastes.

--Place mushroom pizzas back into the oven for 10 additional minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

ENJOY!!!

                



Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

My kids go nuts for those Chewy granola bars that you can buy in the store. Every single time we walk by them, they beg and plead to buy them. I knew they must be SO simple to make at home and that's when a good friend of mine showed me this recipe! I've tweaked it a little to our liking but its so versatile that you could do so many variations of it!

Here is what you will need...

2 1/2 cups rolled oats (I've used both quick oats and old fashioned)

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter (you can use smooth peanut butter too OR almond butter!)

1/3 plus 1Tbsp cup local honey

1/8 cup butter
2  tbsp. coconut oil (I use Spectrum Organic Virgin Coconut Oil)

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened organic coconut

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

--In a medium bowl put the oats, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate chips. Set aside.

--Melt the peanut butter, honey, butter, and coconut oil in sauce pan on medium low heat. Keep stirring it so it will not burn! 

--Once the peanut butter mixture is well combined, pour it into the bowl with the oats. Stir immediately until the chocolate chips are melted and it is blended well. The warmth of the peanut butter mixture will melt the chocolate chips!

--Line an 8x8 casserole dish with plastic wrap and dump the oats mixture in. Smooth it out and place in the refrigerator for an hour so it can harden. 

-- After an hour, take out the dish and lift out the mixture by pulling up the ends of the plastic wrap. Place on a plate and cut into 16 squares. Keep in the refrigerator in a air tight container!     

Variations:

Add 2 tbsp. of wheat germ, ground flax OR chia seeds. You would add it into the oats mixture before pouring in the hot peanut butter sauce!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Make Your Own... Pizza Sauce!

Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

-1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste, no sugar added (I used organic tomato paste that I found at my local grocery store!)

- 1 cup water

-2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

-1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

-1 tbsp. garlic powder

-1 tbsp. onion powder

-1 tbsp. dried parsley

-1 tbsp. dried basil

-1 tsp. cumin

-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Put all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk together until blended. Use immediately or store in a container for up to 1 week.

                 

*SHAKEOLOGY SPOTLIGHT* --Kamut Grass

**Kamut Grass**

Kamut is a type of grain that is known for its sweet and nutty flavor. This grain has been around for centuries and used to be called “King Tuts Wheat”.  Although Kamut is closely related to wheat, it is far superior. Kamut is FULL of protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, lipids and complex carbohydrates making the nutritional value very high compared to other grains. Another major plus to this grain is that it is cholesterol FREE!!

One of the main health benefits of Kamut is that it is an excellent source of four minerals that greatly improve body function. Selenium and Manganese both function as antioxidants that protect against genetic mutations and cell membrane damage caused by free radicals. They also contribute to balancing your body’s hormones.  The last two minerals found in considerable amounts are Magnesium and Zinc. Meganesium strengths bone tissue and activates certain enzymes that your cells need to function. Zinc promotes healthy thyroid function as well as boosts your immune system. 

Perhaps one of the best parts of Kamut Grass is that studies have shown it to be less allergenic than wheat. Generally people who suffer from a wheat allergy do just fine with Kamut making it a healthier and safer grain! Isn’t that AWESOME!!

Kamut grass has so many health benefits that it’s no wonder it is a part of Shakeology’s line up!!

Chicken Fajitas

I love chicken fajitas but hate using those seasoning packets. Yes they taste great but I would rather not eat all the extra salt and whatever else that is in there. My struggle has been to find a recipe where there was a bold flavor. This recipe definitely helped me reach that bold flavor without all the extra yucky ingredients. 

INGREDIENTS:

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves (about 1 pound total) cut into ½ inch strips

1 medium bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 tsp. chili powder

½ tsp. sea salt

½ tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided use!

1 lime (quartered) 

Whole wheat or 8 small corn tortillas 

½ avocado, thinly sliced

Fresh Salsa (for garnish, optional)

The first thing I did was get out 2- 1 gallon plastic bags. You could use containers that have lids or whatever but you need to be able to mix the ingredients and put it into the refrigerator. In the first bag, I put the sliced bell pepper and the sliced onion. In the second bag, I put the chicken. 

Into each bag I put:

1/4 heaping teaspoon of chili powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 heaping teaspoon of cumin

1/4 heaping teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of olive oil

A squirt of lime juice from a fresh lime

Then I sealed the bags and gentle shook and massaged the seasonings around until evenly coated  

                               

Put both bags into the refrigerate for 15 minutes or until you are ready to start dinner! I left mine in there for about 30 minutes. 

Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Empty the contents of the veggie bag into skillet and cook, stirring frequently for 3 or so minutes. I like mine cooked longer so this is why I add mine before the chicken. 

Once the veggies have softened a bit, add in the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink on the inside. 

Remove from heat. Serve on warm tortillas and top with avocados and salsa.

**This recipe could be EASILY adapted for different proteins! Try beef sirloin or shrimp! You can also use ground chipolte chili powder instead of regular chili powder! **

Sorry I totally didn't take a picture of the finished product! We were starving so it was gone in a flash! 

                                      

Pumpkin Spice Shakeology!

October starts tomorrow and let me tell you, I AM SO EXCITED! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love dressing up, the spooky decorations and the crisp fall air that comes with this time of year. 

Here is a blast from the past...   

                   

Along with the excitement of the holidays and the changing of the seasons is that temptations are greatly increased when it comes to FOOD!

I don't know about you about I love the Fall comfort foods. Hot chocolate, apple pie, cranberry bread, pumpkin pie... need I go on? Perhaps on of my favorite tastes of the season is pumpkin spice. I pretty much go pumpkin over load when Fall hits. Anything I can make pumpkin, I'm going for it. I even have a pumpkin roll Sentsy bar for my warmer. 

SOOOO I was on the hunt for a pumpkin spice Shakeology recipe because I had to find a way to turn my favorite meal of the day into my favorite Fall comfort food. Here is what I found!

 A Honey Pumpkin Spice Shakeology and not only will it give you that wonderful pumpkin taste but it will give your body a dose of dense nutrition that will help keep you fuller longer, cut your cravings down, and help you lose weight!!!! HOW COOL IS THAT?! 

Never tried or heard of Shakeology before? Check out this video to learn more!

Someday.

Today while reading my personal development I came across a very eye opening message about the idea of "someday, I will..." It hit a cord with me so deeply that I thought I'd share a little of it with you. It goes like this...

**
"Some day my prince will come..." Good old Walt Disney. Well, that may have worked out for Snow White. Back here on Earth, it's a recipe for disappointment. In flesh-and-blood life, waiting for "someday" is no strategy for success, it's a cop out. What's more, it's one that the majority follow their whole lives.

Someday, when my ship comes in...
Someday, when I have the money...
Someday, when I have the time...
Someday, when I have the skill...
Someday, when I have the confidence...

How many of those statements have you said to yourself? I've got some sobering news for you: "some day" doesn't exist, never has, and never will. There is no "some day." There's only TODAY."

-Jeff Olson (The Slight Edge)
**

After reading that passage I thought about how many times I've put things off or thought "when I have the money" or "when I have a plan". Do you want to guess how many of those things I have actually accomplished in my life? NONE. That's right. I have never gone back. I have never been READY for those things. It's not because I'm too poor or don't have a plan its because I'm scared to take that leap of faith.

Here's some tough love for you on this Sunday and I know its not easy to hear. I feel the same way but nothing can change unless you are willing to stop saying someday and start saying TODAY.

Your MILLION DOLLAR IDEA...

How many times have you come up with an idea but ignored it because others thought it was "stupid"? 

At a conference that my husband attended the guest speaker spoke about exactly that. It all started when one of the brothers was hanging out at a bar with his friends. The song "I'm sexy and I know it" came over the speakers and he started to freestyle it into "I'm farming and I grow it". Thinking it was a great idea, he went home to tell his brothers of his idea. Only his brothers were less excited about it and thought it was stupid, but he wouldn't hear it. He made them do the video with him and within 2 weeks that video was viewed 6 million times!! The Peterson Farm Bros have gone on to make many other parodies that all talk about their life as a farmer. They have attracted so much attention that they get to travel all over the WORLD talking about agriculture and spreading awareness for how important farmers are. 

In the beginning, the brothers idea may have sounded incredibly stupid but he must have had a gut feeling that this was a GOOD idea. Only he saw the vision and in the end, that "stupid" idea was a HUGE success! 

So I'll ask you again. How many times are you doing to let other people shoot down your ideas? Your goals? Your dreams? 

Don't let your fear hold you back from something great. Those people don't need to see your idea in order for it to be a success. Put yourself out there and show the world who you are and what you care about. Remove your fears and go for it. 

It may just be YOUR million dollar idea.