So today the dudes are not feeling well and their being a handful!!! But really keeping these two down resting...I would rather wrestle a lion. I was trying to come up with something fun that would keep them resting. We deiced on a sandwich party! They absolutely loved the idea. They helped me choose the toppings and get it all set up. I made sure both incorporated some honey because it really helps with their cough ;)
You can use whatever ingrediants you want but here is what we did:
- Sourdough bread
- Jelly
- A variety of nut butters (we got it at our farmers market)
- Coconut
- Dark chocolate chips
- Cookie cutters (we ended up using hearts)
- Strawberries
- Honey (we used raw local honey from our farmers market)
Once we had all our ingredients laid out I gave them each a butter knife and let them spread there toppings. Once they finished with their toppings they chose their cookie cutters and made shapes. This is really fun way to get your kids to try different types of sandwiches too or if they hate crust.
They were really proud!
We had a lot of fun eating them and the boys compared what they chose to put on theirs!
All you need is a Love Sandwich
I hope you have just as much fun as we did! Comment below with pictures or toppings you used and/or the shapes you made :)
Sometimes we need a little something quick because we are short on time! Hey remember any movement is better then nothing and this will get your heart rate up and get sweaty! Here is a video of the moves and above is what 1 round looks like!
Enjoy and remember to show up in all you do today,
Finding that oh so sacred and sought after balance between being a wife, a mom, and me is exhausting, exhilarating, trying, and sometimes maddening.
I heard it called recently in an interview with Jada Pinkett Smith (below) a paradox and that really stuck with me. On one hand I have to think about each of my sons and what they need from me. Then I think about okay what does my husband need from me. Now, if I am being real with you all, often times in my past that is where my thinking would end. My life revolved around the wants of everyone else and I put myself last, or really, less then last. There would be times where it would be 2pm and I would realize I hadn't eaten. A day would go by and I would realize I hadn't drank water. A month would go by and I would realize I had done nothing for me. Now don't get me wrong being a wife. Being a mom. Those two things are my most sacred job, gift, responsibility, and passion. They truly are what I put above all else. There are so many joys. I have learned to play, be present, love unconditionally no matter what, and to grow and change each day.
However, I noticed as the years went by that I was feeling drained, cranky, not confident, and just plain not like "me". That brought up even harder questions, "who was me? What had I become? Who did I want to be?" I think as moms we so easily forget ourselves and what I have learned is when you forget yourself you're not the only one to pay the price. I have seen my life change in the last year. How my kids see me, how my husband sees me, how we interact, how I see myself, and how I feel about myself.
This process has been long and is forever evolving. Do I think I have it perfectly figured out? No. I do however see a bigger picture, and strive for a better balance, with the understanding that at certain times one piece of all that I juggle may need more of my time and that is okay, as long as I am conscious.
The key for me: Communication, time, and understanding. Communication is really just the foundation of all healthy things. It took me really talking out my concerns with Bryan (my husband), counseling (which I always highly recommend for everyone...it's a game changer), and personal development. No one is going to help you if you don't ask. If you don't communicate your needs to your husband, yourself, and your kids.
We need to remind ourselves that these changes are slow and are a fluid journey, not a destination. Be gentle with yourself. Also, understand that what works for one mom may not work for all. You need to do some soul searching and dig deep into your goals, reconnect with passions, set out on a path to rediscovering yourself.
When we lose ourselves and we don't take care of ourselves, that causes us to get out of balance. When we are unbalanced and lost in it all, we really can't, as effectively, take care of others. When I had kids or when I started thinking about the balance in my life, you want to know how I felt? SELFISH.... I feel like our society today makes us feel like we are selfish for taking care of ourselves and putting us first sometimes. I believe however that it's my responsibility to take care of me. What I do and what all the mothers I know do takes an immense about of strength, heart, and mental capacity every single day. If I'am not on my own game, if I'am not feeling good, then how in the world can I expect to model, take care of, and provide for everyone else at a level that they deserve and that I deserve. So, I actively seek and work hard every singe day to take responsibility for my own happiness. I don't put that expectation on my husband or on my kids. I choose happiness and balance every single day. Is it always pretty? Heck no..life is messy but what I am working on reminding myself of is that there is a small win in those moments to be thankful for and guess what? Tomorrow is a new day, with new potential, to try again. So take time for you. That can look different for all of us. Below is my list and stay tuned for what each of these looks like in my life, how I make it work, and why I feel it's important.
Ahhhh can you believe that Spring is coming? Ya, me either!!! I have been debating between these 4 swimsuits for like 2 weeks (I am a planner people) and while I was looking at suits to wear for an upcoming trip, I was reminded of what my life was like just 1 year ago.
I was really struggling. I was struggling with by confidence. I was struggling with my appearance. I was not comfortable in my own skin and it didn't only affect me. My poor husband would tell me I was beautiful and I would laugh. He would touch my tummy area and I would wince. I was about 15-20 pounds over weight after my second son, but more important then that, I was tired, defeated, and felt disgusting. That made me really sad because I wanted to feel great, to set the example for my boys, to be receiving of my husbands loving gestures, but I was in a bad place.
You know what helped me? What started turing things around? Someone reached out to me that cared. Some one just asked what my goals were and if I wanted to join them in a private online accountability group where I could workout and check-in from home....Say WHAT? Slowly but surly I looked forward to my workouts, my check-ins, my progress, and my attitude shifted. This all changed my life so dramatically that I decided to become a coach.
Answer me this:
- Do you feel uncomfortable in your bikini? - Do you have a "mama" tummy? (Yep, I did too. Sometimes I forget how hard it was for me to tone up my stomach after having 2 sons. I tried it ALL: running, gym membership, fitness classes…. I would plateau or quit. I remember telling my husband that I didn't think it was possible to “fix”. I even started researching surgeries. I just felt uncomfortable in my skin. Always “tucking it” into my jeans. Is my tummy perfect now? Nope I work on it though and I will always have the tiger stripes that make me a warrior in motherhood and I am okay with that, I EARNED those!) - Do you have Spring break trips coming up where you want to LOOK GOOD and FEEL GOOD? - Do you want to become more confident and healthy? ** If you answered YES then keep reading**
So What can We do? How can I HELP?
I am looking for 10 ladies who want to:
Eat like you love yourself
Move like you love yourself
Speak like you love yourself
Act like you love yourself
What's included in the group?
A month supply of Shakeology (your one quick meal a day where you don't have to plan it and you know you are getting all your superfoods and daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals)
A complete at home fitness program
Portion control containers (depending on the program you choose)
Nutrition guide
30 day free trail of Beachbody on Demand (think Netflix for Beachbody)
ME as your coach
Access to ALL my challenge groups
Weekly meal plans
Recipes
So lets DO THIS:
-1 week prep (set ourselves up for success)
-3 weeks goal smashing
How does that sound?
Let’s have fun, win some prizes, and get ready to ROCK our spring break bikini’s….We CAN do it.
YOU just have to MAKE THE CHOICE to START. Are you READY?
I can't wait to chat with you and get you all set up to join the February 15th group! Spots will go FAST so get your application in to RESERVE your spot ;) This is the year we will be STRONGER, braver, KINDER. and UNSTOPPABLE. This year we will be FIERCE.
I am home from my amazing trip to Pittsburgh feeling on fire about life and what I do! It was soooo cold there so I have been craving soup all week! That got me thinking about hosting a free group. So this month I am hosting a FREE soup and squat challenge group.
I am always getting asked about what someone can do to build a bootay. If you follow my journey, you know that is one of my fitness goals this year. So let's DROP it to get HOT together! Then we can go make delicious soups for our family... if we can still walk ;)
What's included you may be wondering:
- At least a soup recipe each day
- Daily squat challenges
- Interaction with others who may post fun ideas and encouragement
So here's to a fun week of building that bootay and keeping warm with some delicious soups!
Want in? Fill out my contact form below or email me HERE!
The boys in this house are pretty much obsessed with pasta...like seriously they ask for it for Breakfast! I like finding new sauces and making my own! Here is the newest sauce and it was really good. It's creamy with hints of basil and zestyness!
Ingredients:
- 15oz Pasta (I used whole wheat Penne from Costco but any kind works)
- 2 avocados (pitted and peeled)
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions
2. While pasta is cooking combine avocado, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and oil in a food processor or blender until smooth.
3. Stir tomatoes, salt, and pepper into the sauce.
4. Drain noodles and combine with sauce.
5. ENJOY :)
Holla New Year! But really can you believe that 2016 is here? Now, I have never been a huge fan of New Years resolutions or New Years if I am being honest. Don't hate me, I have just had some really run ones, but I am hoping to start changing that this year! I am however a huge believer in goal setting and personal growth.
I have two health and fitness groups starting this month because my January 4th group is FULL and I make it my mission to encourage and help anyone who has decided-committed-and are ready to succeed. New Year means new possibilities.
I want to focus on becoming the BEST you not the NEW you because you are special and unique. However, I believe everyone can improve. That's why this is a life long journey. NOT a fad or a diet but a commitment to become the healthiest and best version of yourself.
Finding the right Beachbody program for you can and should be fun! You can fill out my application below, email me here, or Facebook message me so that we can chat via email, messenger, or phone about what best meets your needs. Once you have decided you will receive a welcome email!
The New Year New You challenge group in-tales:
Nightly Facebook check-in's (done in a private group)
Weekly one-on-one check in's with yours truly
Motivation
Support
Accountability
Prizes
Recipes
I CAN'T wait to chat and get you started on your journey,
