The New Me...Healthy and Fit!

Just for those Tiny Ones! Today ONLY 10% Off

2011-08-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have been battling with back pain for a few months now. My last doctor believes the herniated disk is healing itself and it could take upto 5 years to fully heal! YIKES! I did have an epidural injection about 10 days ago and have been doing physical therapy 2 days a week. I have to say my pain has not changed much. Most days I am at a pain level of a 7 or 8 our of 10. I know, not very good!

It is hard for me to know be working out! For now all I can do is minor walks and my PT! I will say that what has helped me is finding something to keep my mind off of what I can't do for me and focus on what I can do for others!

I have started knitting about a month ago....and I LOVE it! Here is my latest!

Like what you see?

Follow my blog Kuddlebugz Threadz "Like" me on Facebook to get the latest deals! Please stop by my Etsy shop!

Today ONLY (Aug. 5, 2011) Receive 10% off your purchase at my Etsy shop with coupon code AugFF Happy Shopping!

Flower Baby Beanie

2011-07-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I have been having terrible back issues for the past few months. I am currently pretty much on bed rest...I can't do much of anything! I am hoping to get an appointment over in Seattle area soon!

So, to pass the time I have learned how to knit! Here is my first creation!

I will be updating on my KuddleBugz Threadz blog with more new items!

Also, I will be adding items to my Etsy shop soon!

Amazing Recipes!

2011-06-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

So, you are ready to make the switch to the "eat to live" group! Congrats and welcome! First I want to say that if you plan & prepare your foods/menu ahead of time it will help you tremendously! I have found several great sites to find amazing recipes. One that I would like to share will all of you is Recipes for Gals in Figure and Bodybuilding Jenny has so many amazing recipes on there that I could spend all day checking out new foods. My kids love all of the recipes that I have tried (my husband too)! What I love most about Jenny is that she is so supportive and willing to help you out! Thanks!

Do You Live to Eat or Eat to Live?

2011-06-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

I think as American's most would say they "live to eat"! I would would have to say that a few years ago I was in that category as well. Now I am not saying that everyday I make only choices that are in the "eat to live" category, but those that are not are very few and far in between.

When I was driving home from the gym the other day I started thinking about this topic. It amazes me how many people are "cardio bunnies" at the gym hoping to drop a few pounds but they are still in the "live to eat" group. Or how about the ones lifting hard tearing down their muscle fibers, but not repairing then with proper food & nutrition. When we exercise we are tearing out bodies down, we need to be repairing it in order to receive the full benefits of our hard work. We wouldn't let our kids get hurt and not nurture and tend to the injury, so why do we do it to our bodies.

I think for many people it is lack of understanding how importance of proper food & nurtition is for our bodies. We live in a society that frowns upon those who "eat to live" because we are different. Eating out, social gatherings, "treats" are all different for us. At first, it was hard for me to be in this new category, but you know what....I am the one who is winning here! I am not only taking care of myself today, but in 5, 10, 15 years my body will still like me for the foods I ate today. Unlike most American's...their bodies turn on them because they have only poured garbage into them. Or just neglected to give proper nutrients when needed most!

My kids, twins that are almost 5 & my son is almost 3, have never been to McDonald's. In fact, I think they have only eaten fast food maybe a handful of times. I am not say this to say we are better parents, but rather I want other parents to be aware of what they are doing to their kids. Would you had them a loaded gun, or let them eat rat poison? I hope not! But when you let them put junk in their bodies you are handing them the gun, sooner or later it will go off!

This is a subject that I am very passionate about! I have found that with my herniated disk, eating properly is making a huge difference in recovery.

My challenge for you is to join me in the "Eat to Live" group! I promise you will feel so much better & have far less medical complications later in life.

Where are you going?

2011-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Start Today!

2011-05-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

How many of you have dreams of where you will be in a year, six months, or in 4 weeks? What plan do you have to reach those goals? Many of us dream of achieving something, or setting a new record, or actually reaching our goals, but never set a plan of action into motion.

For me, I had big goals and dreams that I was going to step onto my first Figure Competition stage this summer. Well, God had a different plan for me at this moment. In March I had terrible back pain to where I could not dress myself. I went to my doctor and had an MRI right away, then off to see the Neurosurgeon....well I have a herniated disk. It is quite a naughty little bugger! I am in pain every day. Somedays are better than others, but it takes almost everything in me just to do the dishes or laundry and take care of the kids, not to mention getting to the gym. So, despite my little set back this year I still have my eye on a Figure Competition. I am sticking to my diet plan and thanking God that I am still able to walk! There are so many people out there that would do anything to be in my situation.

On top of the herniated disk issues, I also found out that I have extremely high cortisol levels, which is making dropping the extra weight more difficult. I am using this time to grow closer to God and my children. I know that everything happens for a reason and I know that God would not give me these dreams if He didn't have them in His plan for me. It will all come together in His timing!

So, I encourage you to START today! Whether it is a new workout plan, a class you have always dreamed about taking, maybe you want to write a book! Get started today! Each day we all have the same 24 hours, will you use yours to take you one step closer to your dream or take you one step further away from it? You have to decided to decided today it the day!

We Afford what we Value!

2011-05-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

How much do you value your health? Let's get started today! http://www.sparkmomentum.com/

12 Weeks to a New Physique Contest

2011-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Entry Dates: May 18-June 4, 2011

How to Enter: Purchase your 12 Week New Physique Advocare products. (Product package information at www.sparkmomentum.com) Take 3 photos (two-piece swimsuit or sports bra & shorts for women, shorts for men) of you holding a current newspaper (full body front, full body back, and side views.) Take measurements and body fat % (most gyms will do this for FREE with a consultation). At the end of 12 weeks, do pictures, measurements, and body fat % again. Write an essay of 250 words or less of: How Advocare has transformed your life!

Register: Before photos and measurements must be sent to tonistoothoff@hotmail.com no later than June 4, 2011 at midnight. After photos and essay send to tonistoothoff@hotmail.com no later than August 26, 2011.

How do I win: Based on overall transformation and essay. Winner will be announced August 27, 2011

Prizes: 1st place $100 cash

2nd place $50 cash

3rd place $25 cash

Everyone who completes the 12 week transformation will receive an Advocare shirt.

Don’t miss the Kick-off! Measurements, product information, and eating guidelines and so MUCH MORE!

JUNE 4, 2011 @ 11:00 am
2 South 10th Street
   Selah, WA

For More Information Contact tonistoothoff@hotmail.com

Don't Give Up!

2011-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Dream Outside the Box!

2011-05-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

I am sure most of us have heard, "think outside the box." But how many of you have dared to "Dream outside the box?" What would happen if you did just that? Who could you touch and inspire if you dared to dream bigger? Too often we feel that we need to just be adults and deal with life as it is...I want to tell you NO it doesn't have to be that way!

I could have just accepted the fact that I would be chubby and overweight because I am a mom now. I mean after all, I had twins so I should be allowed to have some chub, right? Or what about the fact that I now have a herniated disk that is causing so much pain I shake at times and have trouble walking, sitting, standing or even getting dressed...most people would just accept the fact that they should be inactive. NO, I am daring to DREAM OUTSIDE the BOX! I want to be a role model for other women, moms especially! Being a mother is such a huge and awesome responsiblity, but I don't see anywhere in the Bible where God tells us to forget about ourselves and only care of others. You are important! You are important to your children, your spouse, your friends! Dream outside the box...I dare you!

It could be so easy for me to just give up since I have a herniated disk and for the most part my training is on hold. I will not be ready for the first competition I was planning for, but that's ok...I am flexible. I will not give up my dream. It may take a little longer to get there and the path my not be as straight as I had hoped for, but I will get there! Every single day when I wake up I make sure that I am doing at least 1 thing to get me closer to my dream. And I know that today it may seem like a long ways away, but I know that if I keep having the Slight Edge on my side I will someday be living my dreams! My dream is to someday have my Pro card in Figure, to be a healthy role model for my daughters. They already want to know if they can compete and I haven't even stepped on stage yet. They see the importance of being healthy! I will be an endorser for the world's best nutritional company...Advocare! I will bring hope to mothers and wives who think "this is as good as it gets." I will be a Diamond distributor and will be blessed to bless hundreds of people that I have not even met, yet.

Yes, I am VERY passionate about health and fitness. It all started about 16 years ago when I first joined Kelly's Gym in Kodiak, AK. From Kelly, I learned that my health is important and that too many wives and mothers put everyone else before them. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but when you completely forget take care of yourself...that isn't such a good thing!

I am looking for 3 motivated and passionate people to lock arms with me and DREAM OUTSIDE the BOX! If that is you, contact me today! Enough is enough...today starts the rest of your life! Where do you see yourself in 2 years, how about 5 years, or even 10 years? Do you like what you see? If not, I am here to help! I am happy to help you will setting goals, nutritional and fitness consultations are FREE! I am here for you! What is holding you back? Be the best, healthiest, fit mom, wife, sister, friend...you can dream of!

DARE TO DREAM OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Things Can Be Different...Just Make the Decision to Start!

2011-04-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

What an amazing night! I am so proud to be part of a company that is in the business of changing lives! Tonight I was moved to tears from the personal stories of how Advocare has impacted so many lives just here in Yakima, WA!

Are you in pain, depressed, feel like this is all you will ever have? I have good news! You can have healing, health, hope, freedom... All you have to do is decided to decided! Advocare is all things to all people. Do you need energy, help dropping those unwanted pounds, maybe you are in time debt or financial debt! Do you feel that deep down there is more in you that where you are in life today? Do you want to be a stay-at-home parent? Do you want to travel the world? Do you want to give to mission and be able to give hilariously?

Do you want to HELP people? If you answer YES, Advocare is for you! All I do is help people!

So many people are in time debt, they don' have time for their spouse, their kids, or even themselves; or health debt, as Americans we are overfed but undernourished...no wonder we have so many diseases; and others struggle with financial debt! Maybe you have all three...there is HOPE! We can improve your future! But first you must make the step to say "yes I will try"!

Are you tired of running in the hamster wheel round and round hoping to somehow improve your situation? Are you tired of being sick and tired?

Contact me TODAY! tonistoothoff@hotmail.com I am here to help you change the legacy for you and your family!

Bird Nest Cookies

2011-04-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have had some requests for the recipe! I hope you have as much fun making them with your family as I do!

Cream together: 1/2 cup butter
                          1 cup sugar
                          1 egg
                          1 tsp vanilla
                          2 tbsp cream
Stir in:               2 cups flour
                         1 tsp salt
                         1 1/4 tsp baking powder
                         1/2 tsp nutmeg
Chill at least an hour. Roll out on lightly floured board. Place on ungreased sheet, bake in 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

Frosting
Cream:             3 tbsp butter
                        4 cups powdered sugar
                        2 tbsp orange juice
                        2 tbsp lemon juice
                        drops of green food coloring

Frost cookies, dip cookies in coconut that has been colored green with food coloring and a few drops of water. Put 3 jellybean in center.

I got this recipe from Marilyn Stoothoff, my wonderful mother-in-law. She says her mother found this recipe in a newspaper over 50 years ago she enjoyed making them for years!

Yesterday I brought some of our cookies over to Mom's and she said they were very yummy and that she doen't think she had ever eaten a Bird Nest Cookie made by someone other than herself. It was a very proud moment for me!

Is it Really Time for Bird Nest Cookies?

2011-04-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, it seems like we just made these. Once again, it is time to make the famous Bird Nest Cookies and this year the girls decided we needed to make Bird Nest Cupcakes too!

I had no clue what Bird Nest Cookies were before I met my wonderful husband. The recipe is actually one from his mom and she got it from her mother. The first year I experience the cookies it was a family affair! It was so much fun to make the cookies with everyone!

This year I had to experiment and made a gluten-free batch. Tori and I are both gluten-free in our family, but since I am not eating cookies due to my training I wasn't going to make them at first. After I thought about that how could I take away a family tradition just because she is not eating gluten. She actually loves the cookies made just for her!

Do you have any Easter family traditions?

Gluten Free Protein Pancakes

2011-04-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been trying to find some new ways to have my eggs and oatmeal! This is great since I am gluten sensitive I feel like I am having pancakes with the rest of the family plus still eating "clean." I am going to try adding a bit of nutmeg next time for flavor!

Ingredients

1/2 cup Bob Red Mill's Gluten Free Oatmeal

1 cup liquid Egg Whites

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp Splenda

Put in blender and mix together. Pour onto hot griddle. Top with sugar-free syrup or fruit. (not included in nutritional info.)

Nutritional info per serving

Cals 316 Carbs 38 g, Fat 4 g, Protein 31 g, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 1 g

Gluten Free Baked Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal

2011-04-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been eating alot more oatmeal and egg whites...well, I thought I would change it up a bit! The kids love eating their oatmeal this way. In fact, they ask if they can have it for lunch and dinner too! I used frozen rhubarb which I think made it a little soggy, so next time I will thaw the rhubarb or use fresh! I doubled the recipe to feed me and the kids.

Ingredients
1/2 cup Bob Mill's Gluten Free Rolled Oats
1 cup water
1/8 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp Brummel & Brown Butter made with Yogurt Spread
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup rhubarb, diced
4 strawberries, diced
2 Tbsp liquid egg substitute

Mix all together and pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees until knife inserted comes out clean 35-45 min. Optional: Sprinkle with brown sugar the last few minutes and broil to create a crunchy top. (not included in nutritional info.)

Nutrition per serving
Cals 272, Carbs 38g, Fat 7g, Protein 13g, Fiber 7g, Sugar 3g

I am Writing a Song

2011-04-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today, as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I noticed Trista sitting at her desk writing something. I went over to see what she was doing and I asked her if she was working on her letters. She replied, "No Mommy, I am writing a song."
It was so adorable because she started singing her new song only to stop and say "no that's not right, I need to change that." She then told me that when she grows up she wants to be a singer on stage in church just like Emilee!

Trista loves singing the songs on K-LOVE! Her favorites right now are JJ Heller, What Love Really Means and Natalie Grant, We Are Human! I am amazed that she knows most of the words and she is only 4! So, parents, what music you play or tv shows you have on really do influence your children!

Salad Challange!

2011-04-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have been loving making new creations each day with salads! I have had mandarin oranges and strawberries on a salad before, but today I thought why not grapes! So, here is my creation!

Mixed Organic Spring Greens, Grilled Chicken Breast, Almonds, Grapes, and a Hard Boiled Egg!

CHALLENGE...April 6-18, 2011 Leave a Comment on my Blog with your FAVORITE Salad creation! I will put all the names in a drawing and 1 lucky person will be receiving a FREE product from Advocare! Be sure to leave me your conntact information.

Results from 10 Day Herbal Cleanse

2011-04-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, all I have to say is that Advocare ROCKS! People have told me that most of our cravings and such come from crud in our gut and once that is cleaned out...those bad cravings are gone. I am one that likes to learn on my own. I have to say before this last cleanse I was a BEAR for CHOCOLATE! In fact, one night I made my husband run to Wal-mart and get me some hot chocolate because I already eat the large bag of Robin Eggs he bought. I thought I was going crazy...and so did he!

I just finished the 10 days of the cleanse on Monday and I am happy to say...the crazy lady for chocolate is GONE! I look forward to having healthy snacks such as almonds, fruit, and hard boiled eggs! NOT robin eggs or Cadbary eggs! I am also happy to report that I lost a total of 4.25 inches in 10 days! Oh and an added plus...my skin looks better! So STOP going to the dermatologist and take care of your body with the worlds best nutritional products. I struggled for years and I have found my answer with no negative side effects!

If you have not done an Advocare Herbal Cleanse in the past 90 days, lets get yours ordered today! Trust me, you will feel so much better! I am here to help coach you and find the right products for your goals and budget!

The Herbal Cleanse comes in Citrus or Peaches and Cream! If you are not very regular, I highly recommend the Citrus. Order Today! http://www.sparkmomentum.com/

My Journey!

2011-04-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures on my journey to the New Me...Healthy and Fit! Please "like" my page and follow my journey to the stage!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=63782&id=209434182416973&l=b2d7a7bb4e

2011 NPC Vancouver USA Championships

2011-04-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today was suppose to be my first day on the stage! I am the only one to blame. I was slacking in my training and majorly slacked in my diet! Wow, I am really feeling like I am missing out and I don't want that to happen again! Starting today there is NO MORE SLACKING!!!

How am I going to make the changes needed? Well, I am going to start doing something everyday to help me get closer to my goal...standing on stage! If I make small changes every day I know that within a year there will be dramatic changes that have transformed.

Here are a few baby steps that I am adding to my life.
1. Spending personal time with God daily
2. Plan my meals
3. Sharing my dream with others to keep me accountable
4. Making a 30 day goal...then reward myself when I reach that goal (new workout outfit)
5. Read more books
6. Track my meals & workouts

#1 Be consistent and persistent! Do not get discouraged by the little set backs. Use those opportunities as a learning process to grow into a better wife, mother, and friend! God has given me this dream and I know without a doubt that He will give me the strength to persevere!

No Surgery Needed

2011-04-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my second visit with the Neurosurgeon. He had me do xrays of my back to see if I have Lumbar Instability! Praise God that my spine is strong and healthy! Now that we know it isn't the bone causing the problem, it most likely is the herniated disk. Now what do I do...well he doens't recommend we rush into surgery because I am so young and I am planning on having more children in the future. He said that if we do surgery to repair the disk I will have relief, but in a few years I many need a more major repair because the disk will be weakend. Right now we have decided to just chart my pain each month for the next 6 months and then reevaluate.

I am thankful that I am not going to have to be rushed off to surgery. But I am still in pain! Not as severe, but I really want to be able to get back in the gym and focus on my training for the competition. Just doing housework yesterday and today I can barely move!

My doctor recommends that I strengthen my back muscles, which should help with the nerve pain. He said biking...so I think I really need to get a Spinning Bike now, swimming and rowing, along with yoga.

Wish me luck in my recovery!

Dr. Oz #1 Supplement

2011-04-01T13:51:00.001-07:00

Good morning Spark lovers,
On a recent episode, Dr. Oz revealed the #1 supplement that we should take, that we've never heard of. This supplement had the following benefits: Anti-oxidant properties, fights the aging process, supports joint health, provides nutrition for the skin and supports cardiovascular health.
That ingredient is called Astaxanthin and this red algae is a powerhouse of nutrition.
Lucky for us, AdvoCare is always on the cutting edge of nutrition technology. In AdvoCare's wellness line, we have Amplify A.T., which contains Astaxanthin. The extra bonus is that this is our product of the month!
From now through April 5th, 2 bottles of Amplify A.T. is available for the special price of $60. Each bottle contains 60 capsules.
To find out more about this product, go to: www.sparkmomentum.com As always, your membership discount will still apply to the special pricing if you order it through your website.
Amplify your nutrition with Amplify A.T..
Have a great day!

Toni Stoothoff
Advocare Advisor
Making a difference in the lives of others!
Shop now, become a distributor or read my story http://www.sparkmomentum.com/
509-834-3443

Day 5 of 10 on the Herbal Cleanse

2011-03-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am feeling great! I am on day 5 of 10 on the Herbal Cleanse. I am not having the overwhelming chocolate cravings that I was having a week ago! Thank goodness! I am also adding Catalyst, Spark, Slim, Meal Replacement Shakes, and OmegaPlex to my routine. Right now I am unable to workout due to my back, so I am trying to watch what I eat more carefully.

The cleanse is very gentle and uneventful. It is like changing the oil or cleaning out the lint trap. We need to clean out our lint trap every 90 days for optimal health. When was the last time to did a cleanse? If you have questions I am here to help!

Looking for Gluten Free ideas?

2011-03-30T16:08:00.001-07:00

You need to check out my friends site! She has so many amazing recipes and links to other sites!
http://maidinalaska.squarespace.com/

Gluten Free Banana Blueberry Muffins

2011-03-30T14:55:00.001-07:00

Such a YUMMY treat! I have to admit this is the first recipe I have tried to convert to Gluten-free and it turned out pretty good!

2 ripe bananas, peeled

1/2 cup egg whites

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter or margaine, melted

1 cup blueberries

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups gluten free all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

In medium bowl, combine bananas, eggs, sugar and butter until well blended. Stir in blueberries and vanilla. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture until evenly moistened. Spoon batter into well greased muffin pan. Bake 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted comes out clean. Serve warm. Makes 18 muffins.