I have written before about my struggles with weight, stomach issues, eating habits, etc. BUT, today I feel stronger, leaner and more confident….SO, I wanted to share a few tips, trick, and hints that I have learned recently from various sources that have helped me.  I hope they help you as well~

What is the best source of protein, carbs, sugar combo for after a hard workout?  This question has plagued me for a while…Your body feels fatigued, your muscles are tired and you are hungry…what would the the best thing to cure what “ails” you?

LOW-FAT CHOCOLATE MILK!!!

E.R. physician Dr. Travis Stork stresses the importance of replenishing your body with electrolytes, fluids, carbohydrates and protein after working out. “You’re giving your body the fuel that it needs so that it can fix and repair its muscles and restore energy levels,” he says. “Within 30 minutes [after] a strenuous workout is when you should make sure that you’re refueling your body.”
Pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears explains how low-fat chocolate milk is a great option to replenish your body as it contains the ideal carb-to-protein ratio to assist muscles in regaining their peak potential after a workout.
“Fruit also has a lot of fluids in it, good carbohydrates, vitamins [and] minerals,” Dr. Travis adds. “If you pair [fruit] with protein, what you’re getting is the benefit of the carbohydrates and the protein after you work out.
“When your body exercises, what you’re doing, literally, is you’re creating micro-tears in [the] muscle fibers. The amino acids [in protein] repair those muscle fibers. Those muscles, as they break down and repair themselves, will increase in size or become more defined.”
Dr. Sears adds, “Beyond just the protein in there, [low-fat chocolate milk] is also loaded with calcium and vitamin D for strong bones [as well as] B-vitamins. And it tastes good!”

What are “Super Foods” that help burn fat?

1- Citrus Fruits

2- Wild Salmon

3- Walnuts

4- Eggs

5- Quinoa

6- Avocado

7- Artichokes

8- Lentils

9- Blackberries

10- Yogurt/Kefir

11- Dark Leafy Greens like Spinach and Kale

12- Coffee

Who woulda thunk it?  I LOVE me some coffee!!!

Health

ALMOND Milk

Have you tried this yummy little goodie??

Having a rich, creamy texture, anti-oxidant dense****, yet being low in calories and fats, almond milk is definitely every dieter’s choice. This is a milky drink made from ground almonds and water; hence it is not milk in true sense.  Apart from tasting better than cow’s milk or soy milk, almond milk has numerous health benefits to offer.

Almond milk is rich in Vitamin A, D and E. It is also an excellent source of calcium. It contains small amounts of iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

This drink is heart friendly as it has no cholesterol and saturated fat, low in sodium and it is a source of essential fatty acids. Almond milk helps you to keep a watch on your blood pressure levels. Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus improve bone-health. ***

The Vitamin A and E** present in almond milk are well known anti-oxidants; Almond hull contains sterols which have greater antioxidant capacity than vitamin E****. Together they scavenge the free radicals, reducing the risk of cancers, heart disease and other inflammatory diseases.

This milk is free of lactose and gluten, which are common allergens.

***Side note, why I love it…It only has 40 calories, is Soy and Lactose free, and you can get Sweetened, Unsweetened, or Vanilla***

Caloricious

NOW, to exercises…what are great for those problem areas that you can do at home?

The Gym-Free Interval Workout

No time to rush to the gym for your daily workout? We’ve got you covered. From fab abs to thighs of steel, these easy to try-at-home exercises will have you looking and feeling great. This fun, 20-minute, equipment-free interval workout was created exclusively for Health by Crunch Gym’s regional group fitness director, Marc Santa Maria.

Hoppers Hop

from leg to leg and then hold your jump on the third hop:  Hop, hop, and hold; hop, hop, and hold. Continue for one minute.  After a 30-second break, repeat two more times.

 Power push-ups

 Start standing, bend at the waist, and put your hands flat on the floor. Walk your hands out to regular push-up position, do the push-up and walk your hands back to your feet. Stand back up. Repeat 10 times.

 Step-it-ups

 Find a raised surface like a bench or stairs and count how many times you can step up and down in one minute. Be sure to alternate which foot steps up first. Repeat for a total of three sets, and try to beat your number of steps each time.

Touch & squeezes

 Get in push-up position. Bring your right knee up to touch your right elbow, and squeeze your abs in. Hold for a few seconds and do the other side. Repeat each side 10 times.

Chorus line

 Stand on one leg, raise the other leg, and bend at the knee, making the thigh parallel to the floor. Straighten the raised leg and hold. Repeat 10 times, making sure to point those toes. Then do the other side. For more stability, put one hand on a wall.

Dip baby

dip Sit on the floor and place your palms down by your butt, with your fingers facing your butt and your feet out in front of you. Lift your body off the ground, keeping your knees bent and your arms close to your torso.
Lower your butt down to tap the floor by bending your elbows. Lift your butt off the ground again by straightening your elbows. Repeat 15 to 25 times.

 Plank & groove

 Come into a plank position (the “up” part of a push-up position, but with your forearms on the floor). Pull your abs in, and tap your toes side to side—first with the right, then with the left, coming back to tap at the center each time. Do it to the beat of your favorite song and repeat until the song is over.

 Squat claps

 Stand with your feet together. Hop your feet out wide and touch both hands to the ground in line with your feet. Jump up and bring your feet together and clap your hands two times. Repeat with consistent speed for three one-minute intervals.

Health

Sometimes for me, it is nice to have a quick routine to do at home while the kids play, you feel better when you are done, and haven’t had to pack everyone up to go to the gym.

Lastly, my favorite place these days to find great recipes, yummy snacks, great tips and fun new exercises is….Drumroll please….

Pinterest- Shocking right.

You have to be careful what you “listen” to but for the most part, there are some great things on there.  I am gonna share with you my quick workout at home that I like to do from Pinterest.

Happy Fabulous Friday…or Fabulous Fitness Friday as I am calling it this week! 

Have a great weekend lovelies!!! 

XOXO

I mean really???  How cute is this little gift for Daddy?  Kids DO say the darndest things…I love to hear their perception of US as Mommy’s and Daddy’s.   

Daddy and Me sessions coming June 4-9th at a location of your choice.  Details coming SOON! 

We love our Daddy’s! 

Sweet baby girls + Beautiful, Kind Parents = One GAWgous family!!!

<3, <3, <3

Peanut Butter & Honey Lego Lunch Sandwiches

5 slices soft whole wheat bread (or desired sandwich bread of choice)

peanut butter

honey

1. Make two peanut butter and honey sandwiches with 4 of the bread slices. Cut off the crusts and cut the sandwiches into 2 x 3-inch rectangles.

2. With the remaining piece of bread cut out small circles to serve as the top of the lego. I used an apple corer, it makes perfect circles! Swipe the bottom of each circle with a little bit of peanut butter and press them gently on top of the bread. Serve!

Babble

Cute, Cute, Cute!!!!

Ice Cream Cone Sandwich 

I love this little sandwich!  The colors of bread, simple ham and cheese filling, and veggie sprinkles on top!

What fun!  Makes me want to eat a sandwich!

What, What!!! A Donut Sandwich!!!

The Donut Sandwich

I’m just gonna go ahead and tell you that if there was EVER a sandwich I would eat (and I don’t typically) THIS would be it!!!  Peanut Butter and Jelly, Sprinkles, AND in the shape of a Donut.  I am in Sandwich heaven!!!

Super Healthy Kids

Sandwich on a Stick..Genious!!!

Such a smart idea…not sure about in my closet, but LOVE that it is hidden.  We have some kind of device being charged all the time and it can be an eye sore when you have company coming over.  Kindles, Ipads and Phones…OH MY!

 This jewelry drawer organization is wonderful for two reasons…if you are like me and don’t really have room where your jewelry lives to hang one of those beautiful jewelry frames, then this is perfect, AND this insert can be used for many other items…such as small supplies for your home office, in your children’s drawers for barrettes, hair clips, etc.  Or for all of those tiny little DS/Leapster Games.  We are notorious for losing those little items.  My point is you can use this for many other things besides jewelry!

LOVE this wall display!!!  That is a struggle for me so many times beacuse I want it to be perfect!  I love this one because the TV blends, and the photos are all like prints, as well as same color.  There is nothing better than a Black and White display.

Of course you know I dig these book shelves and their display.  I love old and new photos together.  I think there is nothing better than displaying your family and friends..past and present.  It is conversational, timeless, and holds so many memories!!!

Finally…childrens rt work, special art pieces, or artwork from yourself…no matter the signifigance, I love the color this displays, that you can mix and match vertical and horizontal, and use “real” artwork and children’s together.  Lovely!!!

 All Images courtesy BHG.com

I hope you all have a FANTABULOUS Mother’s Day!  Spoil your Mama’s and be Spoiled!!!

Much love

XOXO

Steph

I thought it was fitting to share some breakfast in bed ideas for your little ones with you…maybe you could drop a few hints…to the Hubs! 

• 1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoon(s) sugar
• 2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup(s) milk
• 2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for sauteing banana slices
• 2  bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add egg, milk, and butter; whisk until combined but still slightly lumpy.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 5 banana rounds in pan, about 3 inches apart. Spoon one tablespoon batter over each; cook until large bubbles cover surface, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip, and cook until bottom is golden, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a baking sheet, and keep warm in the oven.
3. Repeat with remaining banana rounds and batter. Saute extra banana slices in butter until golden; serve with pancakes.

ooey, gooey, Yumminess

 The Gracious Pantry

Clean Eating Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
(Makes 4 servings)

(Note: the egg whites were my addition in order to get more protein. They are optional.)

Ingredients
1 cup dry oats, cooked
1/2 cup pumpkin purée
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (no sugar added)
4 egg whites (optional)
1/4 cup pecans per serving
Maple syrup to taste

Directions

Step 1 – Cook the oats according to package directions.

Step 2 – In the last 5 minutes of cooking (just take a guess, the oats should basically be pretty much done cooking), quickly stir in the eggs, being sure to stir vigorously so they get well-distributed. Then, stir in the pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice.

Step 3 – Put some oats in a bowl and top with pecans and maple syrup.

Eat and Enjoy!

No matter if you treat your Mama to Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner…just spending the day with her is enough.

 Love your Mama’s deeply, madly, unconditionally…that is how they love US!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing Mama’s out there!

Much love!

Steph

Free Printable for your Mother’s Day courtesy of  Paper Coterie

So, as we all know Mother’s Day is quickly approaching.  It is a day to be pampered as a Mom and honor the woman who has done so much for us, been there for us and loved us unconditionally…our own Mothers!

I decided today I would feature some really great gifts for Mother’s Day!

Great for the beach! Comes in various fun colors with monogramming!

This bag is super fun to me…kinda retro, vibrant, and super cute!

whimsees

Adorable way to personalize your ipad

I love this!  A great way to show Mom how much you love her…a personalized ipad sticker.  You can design your own with photos of your family!

erin condren 

Lovely!!!

A special way to honor Mom, Grandmother, God-Mother, etc.  Lisa Leonard has beautiful designs, great quality and such special meaming!

lisa leonard 

Yummy!!!

Does your Mom love to cook?  (I sure do)   Maybe a fun way to present the book to her is to make something from the book for Mother’s Day, and present the book to her at her place setting.  Wonderful photos to show you step by step, delicious recipes, and all from an everday Mom! Love that!

The Pioneer Woman

I am quite certain anything you get your Mom will be special because it came from you.  I hope you all enjoy your Mother’s Day with your families!

XOXO

Steph

 Campfire Delight

MMMMMmmmmm, that is what comes to mind!!!

My absolute FAV cookie paired with a delish cupcake...Heaven!

• 18.25 oz box yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist)
• 20 oz can crushed pineapple in juice  (do not drain)

Combine both ingredients in large bowl

Mix on medium speed with electric mixer. Pour into lined cupcake tins about 2/3 full. Bake in accordance with cake mix directions or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

• 8 oz Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese
• 20 oz can pineapple in pineapple juice, DRAINED – SQUEEZE WELL
• 3/4 cup fluff marshmallow spread

The remind me of a cake my Nanny makes..it is my FAV!

Spruced ~ Goods for the Home is a company that my Aunt and Uncle started.  They are crazy talented and hand make most of these items.  The candles are divine, and made of all soy and natural fragrance oils. They are made from your own wine or beer bottles (BYOB as they call it)  or one that they have provided.It is a special way to remember a significant day in your life.   The bowls are from oveseas and are cleaned and hand waxed to bring out the beauty of these incredibly unique products.   The burlap pillows are hand sewn and can be customized to your liking.  I am just in love with these products! 

 Do you have a beauty routine, or products that make you feel beautiful?  A little known fact about me…I am a product junkie!  I love anything that has to do with make-up, lipgloss, *smell goods*, shimmery, sparkly, wonderful products.  So, for this fabulous Friday I thought I would share some of my favorite beauty products that I use daily. 

*Beauty is whatever gives joy*
Edna St. Vincent Millay

 1- Rodan+ Fields  is my new FAV!  I have been using these products for almost a year now and my skin has never looked better.  I use several different ones at one time.  Mainly the Anti-Age, and Renew (for discoloration).  I have recently started using the sunscreen which smells wonderful and is not sticky!  I love these products because they were created by women, for women (and men) and are very specific in their goals for your skin.  My wonderful consultant Natalie Kempker in Gainesville, Ga. is THE BEST!  I would receommed these products to anyone and use mine everynight!

2- Mary Kay has been around forever and has lovely products.  I have many favorites from this line as well.  The Tinted Moisturizer is another fav (not pictured) that I use everday.  When I take my girls to school, go run, or just want to have a little color it is great.  It has sunscreen in it so I have coverage on days when I forget.  My MOST favorite products from Mary Kay are the lip glosses and lipsticks.  They pair well together.  I put the sheer lipstick on, and then put the gloss over it.  It gives just the right shimmer and color to my lips, since I usually do heavier eyes, I like to have a more nude lip.  My consultant for Mary Kay, Tara Miller, is not only my friend and neighbor, but a fantastic consultant.  She keeps me up on all the latest beauty news and trends for the season!

( colors shown are L-R Cream and Sugar, Sheer Blush, and Starry)

3- Elf Cosmetics has been around for a while also.  It started out as an internet only company but is now sold in local retail stores, mainly Target.  I am a sucker for these products because they are low cost, high quality,and super fun!  They have something for everyone. Shimmery, Matte, Smoky, anything you are looking for depending on the look you are trying to achieve.  These sets come with eyeshadow, eye pencils, and liner for $5.00…YES, I said $5.00.  Gotta love a beauty deal!  The brushes and mineral powder are equally as fabulous! 

4- Bath and Body Works Who doesn’t love this company!  I have a few favorites as you can see.  My favorite line is the True Blue Spa line.  The Paraffin Hand lotion(hot pink bottle)  and sugar scrub are perfect for dry flaky hands in the winter and to keep them young looking in the summer.  I am a bit picky about my hands.  (They are one of my favorite parts of a humans body! )  I use the Paraffin Hand lotion every night before I go to bed.  My other new fav is the Malibu Body Scrub and Cream.  It smells just like the beach.  My piece of heaven!  It leaves me feeling soft and smelling yummy!    And you certainly cannot forget the sanitizers in all the fancy, schmancy smells and of course C.O Bigelow lip treatment…what else but Coconut!

5- Aquaphor is a miracle cream for us, or *magic cream* as my girls call it.  Truly, we use it for everything from scraped knees, chapped lips, diaper rash (when we had them), stitches recently, paper cuts, burns,cuticles,  underneath eyes at night…and the list goes on and on.  We live with Aquaphor in every room of our home, purse, car, school bag, overnight bag…can you tell we like this incredible product?  We could be advertisers for all of it’s amazing uses.   It does not burn, sting, or hurt…only heal! 

LOVE THAT!!

I hope you have enjoyed checking out some of my favorite products.  I had a blast sharing them with you!