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.