JOURNEY JOURNAL

On Motivation and Risks

2015-03-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Take the RISK

You will be weighed, you will be measured, you will be compromised... make sure the outcome is WORTH IT!

I sit here able to type while my 4 children scream frantically, half playing and the other half fighting over a toy. We just finished dinner and daddy is out late at a dinner meeting.

Usually I’d be getting a migraine stressing over cleaning up all the mess from the tables and floors, washing the dishes and packing the food away. At the same time sticking them in the shower and preparing their jammies for bed. Instead I smile and watch them carefully, big smiles making a mess, climbing on our cabinet and running in circles (oh god please don't make them puke up the dinner). It's not always like this but on the good days when I'm able to let go, God shows me the beauty. How blessed to see the chaos and hear the ear piercing screams. How blessed that they are alive and healthy. I get to enjoy them one day more.

I don't know the intricacy of the path I’m on. I do know it is a scary one. It's far from my structured, well thought out plan... clearing my debt, savings accounts, investments for their college tuition and a thought out career path. It's not that anymore. God has shown me not everyone gets tomorrow and I miss those terribly that I do not see today. This by all means does not mean to abandon your plans but it does mean to let go of the worries, the insecurities and the doubts you have that places stress and strife in your life.

I still plan every single day but I am not as worried as I used to be when the plans don't go my way. Because you see… everything truly does happen for a reason. Finding my purpose has baffled me because I'm being led on a path I had absolutely no idea I’d be on. But it is one I completely relate to. Find your passion, know what you're great at and with every last drop of you FIGHT for it! Pursue it, believe it, act on it and PRAY every single step of the way. If you're reading this and are on that path I applaud you. It's not an easy one and by God, it is the most terrifying (especially if you're a control freak like me). Let go and let God. Truly. Entrust in his plan because it will ALWAYS be greater and more fulfilling than your own. Nothing good comes easy. If you want something great prepare for the fight and don't EVER give up. Live your life with purpose, become alive and ignite that fire within you. Complacency never got anyone anywhere. We aren't meant to be zombies. Every person has a purpose, a talent, a skill, and the will to IGNITE THEMSELVES ON FIRE! Encompass all that you are faced with and let God guide your feet. Your path will be a worthy one, so BURN BABY BURN! :P

If it doesn't CHALLENGE YOU it does not CHANGE YOU

2015-02-25T04:37:00.001-08:00

I have been so busy and working on something bigger with my partner. We've been bombarded with never ending tasks and we've just been b****ed slapped with conflicting news. It took us by surprise yet we began to re-navigate things. I was approached today and I already felt the anxiety overtaking me as the discussions started flowing. I wasn't only on a ship that was about to sink but I was being tied to the anchor that would keep it under water

(or so I was feeling). I forgot to take a moment to pray before the discussion had started because I already knew prior which way it would steer. Not only was I battling my own demons but I was trying to fend off another's. I have this feeling that the train just keeps coming at me no matter how many times I push myself back up. Even before I can get a whiff of air, I get knocked down again! Can a girl catch a break? So I thought, I re-evaluated and took consideration of what was on the table. Did I eat any of it... not even a taste although I was just dying to dig right into it and never look back (sit pretty and live "normally"). I made a promise to myself to keep fighting until I fail 100 times. I always tell myself, "you 'literally' only live once." I can die tomorrow, would I think then, "well damn it maybe I should have just done it." It would be too late and by then, well I would go...

You can't do tomorrow what you promised to do today! There's no maybes or what if's. You either do it or you don't. STOP telling yourself, "tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow." Tomorrow never comes. Opportunities only come knocking ONCE. If you hear it, OPEN the door! Yes, you don't know what's behind it and you're scared as hell! If it doesn't scare the crap out of you, then it probably won't change you. There's a reason for that saying, "Life begins at the end of YOUR comfort zone." That reason is to IGNITE you out of YOUR complacent state and REBUILD yourself into something better EVERY SINGLE DAY! Whether it's in academics, in faith, in parenthood, in self-improvement... I guarantee that there is something about yourself you can improve daily. Allow yourself to take that leap of faith, to do things you've always wanted to do that you've never done!

Stop saying you believe and trust in God or the divine universe and the moment you are under pressure you crumble. Strong people are those pushing through mountains, swimming against the current and weathering the storm when they could easily take the perfectly paved path- and still trusting unfailingly.

“The deepest secret is that life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation. You are not discovering yourself, but creating yourself anew. Seek therefore, not to find out Who You Are, but seek to determine Who You Want to Be.”-Neale Donald Become that person!

Keep me in your prayers. God is already carrying you. Let go.

Blessings,

21 Day Fix EXTREME JITTERS

2015-02-14T06:16:00.001-08:00

COLD FEET... ME?!

So the 21 Day Fix Extreme just arrived and at first I was super excited like this...

then I began to get overly confident and was like this...

after reviewing the plan I was like this...

I'm not going to lie I'm so nervous about starting this next program. I'm excited to see the results but I'm trying so hard to mentally prepare myself for this. (INSERT: sarcastic, disappointed hating myself tone) I tried so hard that I've been eating the crapiest, crap you can imagine! Heavy Ramen, ice creams of every flavor, fried rice all day long, pizza... the list goes on. I do eat my feelings and when I'm nervous like this I kind of go a little crazy. All I can think of is wow, I'm a horrible coach and I'm going to regret this come Monday! So I apologize for not leading by example... I mean granted I am still eating healthy but just cheating every other day (like that's a valid argument). What would life be without cheat days right? The 80/20 rule that I push to make a 90/10 rule. EPIC FAIL!

Well I have one day left and all I ask is that you wish me luck!

Emerald Coach--- SAY WHAT?!

2015-02-14T06:01:00.001-08:00

WOKE UP TO THIS!

My coach has been so inspirational and I've been so driven to advance my health and fitness goals. My Fitness Journey from my postpartum state has been more than rewarding! I jumped on the band wagon and committed to helping to coach others on their journey. Sometimes all we need is just that LITTLE PUSH!

Being a wellness coach has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Everyone I come across I'm preaching the benefits of these programs. It has changed my mentality (about at-home fitness programs), my health, my eating habits, my energy levels, my cognitive awareness, my BODY (lol) and so much more I'll refrain from mentioning. The results are so real and they're achieved in such a short time. If there's one thing that has motivated me it's the people I'm coaching. I am truly inspired by them, their struggles and watching them overcome goals they never thought possible. It doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down... what counts is that you continue to keep getting back up! Cheers to IMPROVING DAILY!

Another Perspective

2015-02-06T05:23:00.001-08:00

Let me introduce you to one my gals... Jasmine! I can't express how proud I am of her accomplishments and her fight to stick to the program every single day! I'm not going to lie, I was her coach but by week 2 I was pulling motivation from her! #coachswap status gave me the butterflies and drive to continue to push her forward. I have to say that I felt more accomplished with her achievements than my own! She's doing amazing and with her journey, like mine we've become so in love with our lifestyle change that we want to share it with others. She's going on Round 2 and is committed to helping others improve their lives as well! The pictures of her posts prove her growth and confidence in herself as she completes her 21 Days. Read her testimony below. P.S. As a religious coffee drinker she was able to wean herself thanks to Shakeology.

MEET JASMINE

I am a 21 Day Fix graduate and Shakeology addict. Well, this is the new version of myself that

has been recently fashioned from the old, unhealthy version. I am a recent college graduate who has spent the last couple of years completely enveloped in my studies. I gave up paddling, meal planning, leisure reading, and focused on coffee and power naps to get me through the days. Now that school was out of the way, I had no reason to continue compromising what I loved to do. The problem, I was so unhappy with the person looking back at me in the mirror; I had gained a lot of weight, had massive bags under my eyes, and had perpetual headaches. I turned this all around in three weeks, thanks to a fitness- and motivation-focused Instagram account. My boyfriend’s cousin tagged me in one of her pictures that had information about a challenge group. I felt like I couldn’t say no because she looked amazing, and my life was not nearly as chaotic as hers being a mom and business owner. I’m not going to lie, a big part of me was intimidated and self-loathing comparing my life to hers, my body to hers…

But, the small part

that wanted to take better care of myself won. I ordered the 21 Day Fix challenge pack, and it has been the best investment of my LIFE! I can’t lie and say this journey was easy. I literally had to sit through my mom’s birthday dinner without a piece of cake that is both of our favorite. I met up with friends at a coffee shop and ordered a tea with honey while they had the creamy frappes right in front of me. I went to Japanese restaurants and got a tofu salad while everyone enjoyed sushi and tempura. Some nights, I just didn’t feel like working out, especially on Cardio Fix days. But, I GOT IT DONE!! Now, Shakeology provides me with healthy caffeine and my headaches are gone. The 30-minute workouts, meal plan, and portion control containers have helped me drop 8.5 pounds and 13.5 inches! I sleep more soundly and I get tons of compliments on how radiant my skin looks. My life has completely changed for the better in THREE WEEKS! I definitely could not have done this without my amazing coach and challenge group.

As the opportunity to coach comes my way, I will work hard to give you the support that helped

me succeed so you can too!!

21 Day Fix Program Review

2015-01-29T05:16:00.001-08:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I just watched the 21DF Extreme launch video and I don't know if I'm more scared or excited! I'm so excited to start this program. The 21 Day Fix has been completely life changing for me and I'll review it in just a bit! I just need to get this excitement out of me! TONE, SHRED, and SCULPT! This is definitely taking things to the next level and I can not wait to see the results from here! Email me at fitlodown@gmail.com because I know this has you scared or excited!

I started the 21 Day Fix last November. To date I have lost a total of 18 pounds! It has been extremely life changing for me. I started 6 months postpartum and I couldn't budge my weight no matter what I was doing. I have 4 kids so finding time to go to the gym was difficult. The 21 Day Fix helps with portion control, nutrition, weight loss, and lean muscle building. I have not seen results like this in my life. I am a very active person in sports and I wasn't too bad at eating... or so I thought! For nutrition this program helped me know how to eat clean, balance my intake and EAT!

When I first opened the pack I almost died staring at how small the containers looked. I thought, "Okay this isn't going to work. I breastfeed and I have a huge appetite." Don't let those containers fool you! I literally eat so much more than I ever did! My first round I couldn't even finish my daily recommended because it was just too much food. The thing that amazed me was that I was eating more but I was still losing weight. This photo to the right was taken just going into week 2 of the program (and oh my goodness I know it's ugly as hell so please spare the judgements). Granted I've had four kids my stomach is still being worked on. I don't have it sculpted yet but I definitely feel my muscle building. Progress!

This program has been so ridiculously easy to follow. 4 Purple, 4 Green... I wasn't weighing anything when I ate, I wasn't counting calories, and I wasn't looking up the ingredients on processed foods. The plan comes with a simple easy to read guide that literally lists what you can eat for each container. I live on an island so of course I added in our local fruits and vegetables. It also came packed with Shakeology which I swear is my crack at the moment. This thing (crazy informercial writing entering) has totally packed in nutrition desperately needed in my diet. It detoxes and provides so much nutrients it's almost unbelievable. It's taken away my headaches, helps regulate my stress levels, it satisfies me, it's the best daily vitamin, it helped me with my weightloss and helped me to build lean muscle.

Excuse my funky pictures. Visuals always help me. On top of a nutrition guide, portion containers, clean-eating recipes and meal plan and Shakeology it came with the workouts. I'm not going to lie I was so out of shape I was gagging through some of the workouts. I felt so ridiculous but it showed me how much work my body needed. The workouts were only 30 minutes long leaving me with very little excuses not to do them. Plus they were at home the only thing I needed to do was pop in the player and press play! The workouts included cardio, strength training, pilates, yoga, and interval training! I was so happy it wasn't one set workout routine the whole time. I get bored so easily and I'm not highly motivated so the diversity of workouts was encouraging.

The reason why I loved the 21 Day Fix is because it came with an awesome coach. Someone to scold me and hold me accountable. Someone to tell me to get off my daggan (that's butt in CHamorro) and get with it. I couldn't find time to pee and I couldn't do anything really for myself. Everything was I can't, I couldn't, it's too difficult... It's helping me with time-management. It's helped me to put myself as a priority to better serve my husband and children. It's helping me to ORGANIZE MY LIFE! There were so many improvements I needed to (and still need to) make. The program has helped me realize that if I want to improve the bigger things I needed to start with the root of it all... ME! It's still challenging and I'm still learning but the most important part of it all is I'm progressing. I'm doing it! I'm not just sitting on my ass now saying I want to lose weight, I want to eat better, I want to have a better schedule, I want, I want, I want is turning into I AM! So I'll cut it short here you get the picture.

I'm on ROUND 3 and coaching now! I'm loving it! It's so inspiring helping people but even more inspiring when the people you're helping is motivating and teaching you! I know the best lessons in life come from those you are impacting. It's been such a rewarding journey and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it for anyone looking for a positive and energizing outlet in their lives. Don't get me wrong I still have those bad days... the one where I'm down in the dumps, look like crap, have everyone beating on me, estranged household, pouring rain, unending workload, struggling through the eating plan, etc. but we are all human and this is my POSITIVE OUTLET. It's the one thing I can look forward to that not only helps me health wise, physically, emotionally, and mentally but it also makes me FEEL ACCOMPLISHED after. Now if a workout can do this, imagine what Jesus does in my life! Had to throw that in there. God is Amazing and I thank him everyday for being ALIVE.

***excuse any typos or grammatical errors juggling is still an art I'm trying to master

Clean-Eating Caramel Popcorn

2015-01-29T03:46:00.002-08:00

CLEAN-EATING CARAMEL POPCORN

Disclaimer: I have no time for fancy pictures and I'm horrible at plating dishes. I'm a mommy of four and I hope you'll pass by them and just take the content. Thanks for your understanding. Ha ha.

3 INGREDIENT CLEAN-EATING CARAMEL POPCORN

I love caramel popcorn and I wanted to shoot myself in the foot when I found out how easy this was! You're telling me I could have been eating healthy caramel popcorn for years?! Truth is you can eat just about healthy anything these days... just ask the oracle.

My kids loved it and couldn't tell the difference. Don't you love healthy recipes that trick them? My husband took the whole pan (I quote him a lot because he's picky and he's always on some new diet he concocts himself. Must be a male trait. Thank God he'll never read this).

I'll stop typing because I hate finding recipes and hearing a novel just before I get to it. This recipe only tastes good fresh... at least to me. You might feel otherwise, that's fine. Tip: Use a large spoon or spatula to mix. It will be hot so do not mix with your hands.

Ingredients (Prefer Organic if you can find):

- 2 Bags Popcorn (If you like your popcorn heavily coated use 1 bag).

- 1 Cup Honey

-1/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

Directions:

1. Pop your popcorn (Air pop, stove, or microwave) and set aside.

2. On medium-high heat, heat the honey and bring to a boil until it rises about an inch. Remove quickly from stove (do not over boil) and mix in peanut butter with a whisk until well combined.

3. Transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl and pour sauce over popcorn and mix until popcorn is well coated. (It will be hot please use a mixing spoon and not your hands, you won't be able to sue me if you get burned) I place it on a baking pan to cool down faster.

4. Enjoy, and let me know if you like it!

French Toast Roll Ups with Strawberries

2015-01-25T05:24:00.001-08:00

FRENCH TOAST ROLL UPS

Now who said cheats weren't allowed? This is a delicious and not too guilty treat. It's so simple to create and my kids loved it! Of course they still wanted a syrup dipping.

Ingredients:
-8 slices of whole wheat bread
- 13-15 strawberries depending on size (8-10 for larger ones)
- organic peanut butter for filling (nutella or cream cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- cinnamon sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Trim the crusts from the bread. Flatten the slices of bread with a rolling pin.

2. Prepare french toast mix by whisking eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combines.

3. Slice strawberries in 3-4 thin pieces. Spread peanut butter or desired filling onto slices. Lay strawberries and roll them up.

4. Spray skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium.

5. Dip rolls into french toast mix and coat on all sides then place them seam part down. Cook in batches until golden brown. Add cooking spray as needed.

6. Dip and roll the hot, cooked rolls into the cinnamon sugar and coat completely.

7. Serve with syrup or desired dipping sauce.

Healthy Apple Pie

2015-01-19T22:35:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

6 Green Apples
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Pecans, Toasted & Chopped
1/2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp. Rum Extract (optional-tastes great without it too)
Pie Crust (Refrigerated, if Boxed add 1/4 tsp vanilla extract)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter (healthier: olive oil margarine)
Cinnamon Sugar to Sprinkle

Directions:

Preheat over to 375*F Degrees

Slice the top off 4 apples. Using a spoon or melon baller carefully remove the inside of each of the apples. Be sure to have a sturdy shell for filling. Peel the skins from remaining two apples and chop the apples thing for filling.

In a large bowl, mix sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pecans, and rum extract to make the Apple Pie filling. Fill hollowed apples with prepared apple pie filling.

Using a pizza cutter, slice pie crust into even strips (about 1/4") and lay in lattice fashion across the top of each apple. Trim excess pie crust around the edges with a knife. Brush melted butter on top of pie crusts and sprinkle pie crusts with cinnamon sugar.

Place apples in a deep baking dish. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the dish to just cover the bottom of the apples. Cover with with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes (do not over bake your apple shell will fall apart). Apples are done when crust is golden brown along the edges and apples are soft to slice.

Serve warm and if you want get guilty serve with vanilla ice cream.

Photo taken from Pintrest: delicioussrpinkle.co(We ate it so quickly I didn't get a good picture)

Why I Committed to Coaching

2015-01-19T22:03:00.002-08:00

COACHING 101- WHY:

I love being a coach because it pushes me to work harder and become that inspiration for those I’m coaching. I feel it’s easier to slack off if I’m only relying on me but if others are relying on me then there is just no way I can come up short. It’s also awesome leading challenge groups and seeing everyone’s lifestyle and mentality change. First it’s bitter fits about the struggle but towards the end of the program everyone is motivating and pushing to stay on track. Now the plus of it all is I’m getting paid to be healthy! Like where can you go wrong? Seriously!

I started coaching a month ago. I started it to help add value

to my business (maternity/nursing boutique). Nutrition and fitness was a component I wanted to add but I wanted to be able to live what I was preaching. Who would listen to someone that isn’t doing with they’re preaching, right? So I needed to ensure that I wasn't being that hypocrite. In turn I discovered even better things for myself. My lifestyle changed from "trying and pushing" so hard to get things done to now being completely motivated and WILLING to go out there and get it done! Not to mention my 6-month after birth postpartum body and juggling now a total of 4 babies all under 7. You can imagine my poor eating habits and disgusting "jelly" body from head to toe. So I do not regret signing up to be a coach plus I get discounts on all the amazing products that the beach body program provides not to mention my "drug," shakeology. I'll spare my infomercial-type alter-ego. :P

I know you want to improve your lifestyle and your health. Being fit, healthy, happy, motivated, and willing to help others is never a bad thing to strive for. If you want this and to get paid doing it, then coaching is for you! If you’re committed to taking care of yourself and motivated to help others then I’d love for you to join my team! Email me at fitlodown@gmail.com

Tell me your struggles or interests in the comments below.

What is this and Who are you?

2015-01-15T02:11:00.006-08:00

If you had 21 days to improve your life would you?

I’ve come a very long way from what I like to call the “old me.” I am a wife and mother. I have four beautiful babies, ages 7 down to 9 months. I co-own and operate my business with my wonderful college buddy (also a mommy). My lifestyle is the definition of chaotic, busy, overwhelming, etc. I am a momBOSS. By that I mean I am a full time mom and have a 24/7 job but I answer to me (I smirk when I say that and will explain in one of my other blogs). I juggled and tried so many different methods in scheduling mommyhood and work. I was becoming drained and literally beat to the point where I was sleep cooking. I was a walking zombie and I couldn’t stop. There was too much to do and so much to get done. My checklists were getting checked off but they were also becoming longer. I’m sure you mothers can relate, you check one item and five more pop up! Yup we women are blessed! Thank God we are able to multi-task and juggle. The thing is once we start our juggling act we tend to forget that the juggler needs to be alert and calm or the act will come to an end with balls falling from every direction.

That was me being pounded down by the tasks I was juggling. Sure, I was getting them done. Sure, I was trying my best. Sure, it was not perfect. So I couldn’t figure out why it never ran smoother. Until I looked in the mirror- staring back at a completely beat down image, eye bags for days (which I still sport), crap hair, and a postpartum body that was screaming for mercy! That is just how I looked can you imagine how I was feeling… yup, ugly as hell! So my wonderful friend, business partner, and mommy confidant proposed a challenge for us to help better care for ourselves nutrition and fitness-wise. Of course, I jumped at the offer screaming “Yes! Let’s do it,” but inside was screaming “Where the hell are you going to find any time to do that. You barely have 2 minutes to pee. Good luck with that!” As always my stubborn self shot that inner screaming voice down and we signed up for the 21 Day Fix. Humph. I hate “at home,” work out programs and I absolutely have NEVER and would NEVER do “diets.” But whatever. So that challenge began and I was little out of my comfort zone seeing everyone posting their meal prepping and workout selfies and I thought to myself “THANK GOD my packet hasn’t arrived yet!”

4 DAYS later--- It was staring me in the face and after 4 days of watching everyone posting and complaining about their challenges to eat better and workout out it actually sparked a little excitement in me. I took the Shakeology, followed the little containers as best as I could (it took about 2 days to really get the hang of it) and finally did the workout. It killed me like a mother! FASTFORWARD 2 MONTHS LATER >> I’m now coaching other people just like me willing and wanting improvement and I am so glad I am! I have people thanking me and telling me how it is making improvements in their lives and they’re making strides forward. I tell you this story because you can get a little insight to who I am, how I think, and how estranged my life seems. On this program that I started in November of 2014… I have (to date which is January 15, 2015) went down 2 sizes, I have lost a total of 18 lbs. (in less than 2 months), I look in the mirror with confidence and motivation to continue improving, I am the alert, calm, and training to be “master” juggler. I can fit in time for work, coaching, my children, house chores, cooking meals, and yes BATHROOM time. It’s all because I learned that the juggler needed better training and care to have the stamina, strength and most importantly confidence to juggle better.

I’d be selfish and crazy if I sat back and enjoyed this new rediscovered love for life for myself. I want to SHARE it with EVERYONE. And trust me ask anyone I’m close with, I go around like an infomercial pushing this program to people I know who are looking for that POSITIVE outlet, that motivational PUSH, that NUTRITION guidance, that task manager, that WEIGHTLOSS remedy, that FITNESS trainer, that CLEAN EATING meal plan, that inspirational COACH, and that new found glory in LOVING themselves and their life again. Who says there can’t be more than ONE honeymoon?! So excuse my enthusiasm, my uncoordinated writing, and my random tangents. I am on this journey to constantly POUND forward and I hope to take you with me. There is no way in heck you can say no to wanting to improve your life in 21 DAYS! And if you don’t… well as my inner crazy person would scream out “Good luck with that.”

P.S. If you’re ready for this- email me at fitlodown@gmail.com, sign up below, and subscribe.

Love and Blessings,

IMPROVE DAILY

2015-01-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

Guys,

I’m so excited I was chosen as an apprentice coach and I have an amazing team under me that is ready and committed to doing the 21 Day Fix! Now ask yourself the following: If you COULD IMPROVE your life in 21 days would you do it? Do you want a positive, healthier lifestyle? What would give you a positive, healthier lifestyle… good job, fulfilling relationships, money?

The next question is what do you need to do FIRST? The answer is “IMPROVE YOURSELF!” You can’t be happy in anything unless you work on YOU first! You need to improve your mood, your health, your mindset, your habits, and the way you FEEL about yourself. If you can feel it, you will believe it, and you WILL achieve it! I started the 21 day fix as a way to eat better and lose my postpartum baby weight. Only half way through the program I lost 4 lbs. and at the end I lost 6 lbs. By the second round I lost a total of 12 lbs and went down a size! I have NEVER seen results in such a short amount of time. To top it off I was eating healthier, my mood was a lot better, and positive things continued to flow my way! This is no joke. I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction. When you’re living in a positive, motivating mindset and DOING it your lifestyle will literally change! Like it’s said God can’t help those who won’t help themselves. We can’t sit around feeling sorry for ourselves or making excuses not to improve. If you don’t have time for it, it’s because it’s not your priority. Invest in yourself and surround yourself with positive, motivating people. You will become the 5 people you are around the most so choose your circle wisely. Get rid of relationships or things that weigh you down, bring you stress, or pile on negativity. Schedule, plan, PRAY, and ACT! It’s about progress and improvement. Make an excuse to improve yourself in something every single day!

Blessings and love,

Banana Bread Recipe

2015-01-08T17:13:00.002-08:00

Banana Bread and then SOME

I love banana bread but I don’t like it plain. I get a little overly excited adding in things like chocolate chips, different nuts, apple sauce, and more. This recipe is perfect if you don’t like all the additions. My husband loves it so much he practically finishes the whole loaf and I’m not over exaggerating either. It’s sensual and preserves all the natural flavors you love in your traditional banana bread. My dad grows his own produce at our family ranch and his local bananas are always the best. If you’re from an area that has local bananas I highly recommend utilizing local bananas. They’re so much more flavorful and most are organic!

INGREDIENTS:
3 ½ (mainland) or circa 15 small (Local)	Very Ripe Bananas
2	Eggs
½ cup	Crushed Pineapple
½ cup	Oil
2 Tbsp	Sour Cream
1/3 C	Coconut flakes
1 tsp	Vanilla Extract
2/3 cup	Walnuts, toasted and chopped
2 cups	All-purpose flour
1 tsp	Baking soda
1 cup	Brown sugar
½ tsp	Salt
¼ tsp	Ground cinnamon
Dash	Nutmeg

Directions
Set oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, dash of nutmeg and salt. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Drizzle in oil. Add mashed bananas, sour cream, pineapple, coconut, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients and nuts. Pour into a lined loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Garden Veggie Soup Recipe- Slow Cooker Style

2015-01-08T02:01:00.000-08:00

SLOW COOKER GARDEN VEGGIE SOUP

This recipe is so simple and easy. Who doesn't love a slow cooker recipe? Throw it in and forget it! I attempted to make homemade bread sticks to go with the soup. I like to keep things as simple as possible. I'm a mother of four so time is minimal. Tailor the recipe any way you like. I used a compilation of recipes to create this. Hope you enjoy this recipe!

Throw everything in your slow cooker on high for 4 hours and it's ready! I like my veggies a little crunchy so if you like them softer cook until you're satisfied.

VEGGIES
Zucchini	2 C
Spinach, Fresh	2 C
Carrots	1 C
Celery	1 C
Red/Green Bell Pepper	1 C
Garlic	4 cloves
Onion	1 C
Tomatoes, diced	2 (14.5 oz) can

CANNED
Kidney Beans, Dark Red	1 (14.5 oz) can
Vegetable Stock	4 C

SEASONING & SPICES
Basil, Fresh (or dried if have)	2 tsp
Bay leaves	2
Oregano, dried	1 tsp
Thyme, dried	½ tsp
Rosemary, dried	½ tsp
Parsley, Fresh	1 tbsp
Salt/Ground Black Pepper	¼ tsp
PASTA
Shell Pasta	1 1/3 C

Postpartum Fitness... over and over again

2014-12-20T21:49:00.003-08:00

Postpartum fitness…It’s my favorite and most challenging time. I look forward to it because it’s like rebuilding myself all over again. Literally! My pregnancies are fragile and I have been high risk for all my pregnancies (which is four by the way) so I always have to “take it easy.” I absolutely hate this because obviously my fitness suffers. My body goes through a complete transformation in just 9 months. It’s a painful and tedious process. Don’t get me wrong it’s such a beautiful, blissful gift and I sometimes feel like I’m glowing but the times I’m not “glowing,” I’m struggling. I had four children in the span of 7 years so my body has been through some beating.

I have always been motivated after pregnancy to get back to “normal” or “feel” normal again. I have joined in volleyball, soccer, jiu jitsu, yoga, pilates, Zumba, and cross fit teams/classes. I was never consistent. Also, it was very hard to get away. My youngest was just 6 months when I started my 21 day fix you can only imagine my “break times.”

I was invited to do the 21-day challenge and I fell in love… with myself! Sure I have been active and pushed to be fit again but I was never healthy. I can honestly say that this short 21 days I have experienced a transformation not just in my body but in my lifestyle. I’m not only losing weight but I’m growing leaner muscles and I am making better choices. I never chose poor foods but I did eat poorly by not getting the right amount of proper nutrition in. I didn’t even realize this until I started the challenge. I used to applaud myself on my “good” eating habits. Boy was I wrong! Being in the challenge group and seeing other mothers meal prep and complete their workouts was very motivating for me. I’m making better, healthier, and SMARTER choices for myself and my family.

I am consistent with my health and fitness and I’m loving it! To be honest I never liked working out at home. It never felt “real” for me but this challenge has really changed my perspective on things. I still do get out and join in on classes but being a part of beach body has held me accountable.

I feel energetic, healthy, stronger, and ALIVE! I have 4 kids, run a business, and I have never felt better about my health!