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Summer BODies Forming NOW!

Now that we’re THIS close to spring…my mind naturally goes to end-of-summer-quotes-pinterest-3SUMMER! It’ll be here before we know it! So…are you ready? Have you pulled out those shorts from last season. UGH! I don’t know about you…but how many times have I tried on last year’s clothes only to find out they don’t fit!!! Is there anything worse than that?

No. There isn’t.

I have spent spring days on my bed, just about in tears, because every article of clothing I pulled out of the box from the basement was either too tight, too small or too short. How could that happen in just 6 short months?! SO frustrating!

But we’ve got time! And where there’s a will, there’s a way! You provide the WILL, and I’ll provide the WAY!

DEAL!?

Maybe you’re worried that you don’t have the time. I get it! I’m a busy mom of 4, and it can be done. You just have to adjust your priorities a little and put yourself at the TOP of your list! Two and a half years ago I stopped putting myself dead last, and my life has done a complete 180! When I spent some time working on me, the result was that everyone got the BEST of me! I’m a better mom, wife and friend, and it’s because I started taking care of myself along with everyone else.

Now it’s YOUR turn!

summer_bodies

Starting Monday, April 6, let’s get down to business!

Where do you want to be in June? Do you have a favorite sun-dress or summer outfit that is hanging in your closet that you are desperate to wear this year? Focus on that, and let’s get to work!

Some fellow coaches and I are going to be hosting a private support & accountability group on Facebook. We’ll be working out, eating clean, and keeping each other on track for 30 days! We’ll be sharing daily tips, recipes and motivation to help you reach your goals.

These groups work so well. Every month I have participants who share such amazing success stories! Losing 10-20 pounds in one month feels incredible. And for many, it’s just the beginning of a new healthy lifestyle! Over and over again I hear the same thing from my fellow busy moms. They tell me that it’s the first time in a very long time that they’ve made themselves a priority and that it feels AMAZING! They have more energy and confidence and just have a more positive outlook on life in general. It’s so empowering!

As your coach, I will help you choose a workout and/or meal plan option that will work best for you! There are some GREAT sales going on right now! Save $90 on Turbo Fire (one of my FAVORITE workouts – helped me lose 16 pounds!), Focus T25, and the brand new option: BEACHBODY ON DEMAND (#BOD)! This month, when you try Shakeology, you’ll get your first 3 months access to the entire Beachbody On Demand library for FREE! It’s all part of the Beachbody Club Challenge Pack offer. I’ve been having a lot of fun with On Demand workouts all from my laptop, phone, tablet and smart t.v.! And we have even put together a 30 day hybrid workout plan for you to use (if you want to) all from different workouts that are available On Demand! 🙂

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There are LOTS of other options too…no matter what you might like (cardio, weights, stretching & strengthening, or all of the above!) So, if you are ready and you would like to join me in my April 6th challenge group and get even more support and accountability to help you reach your health and fitness goals this spring please complete the application below.

 

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This is MY Story a.k.a. “The Scariest Thing I’ve Ever Done”

I have been thinking a LOT about this lately, and I just felt like I wanted/needed to tell this story! Lately, I’ve had some realizations that have put everything into perspective for me. I decided to share this story because I want you to have a better understanding of who I am, and what makes me tick. And even though it scares me half to death to tell this story…if it helps even 1 person, it’s worth it!

I am hosting a “Sneak Peek” into coaching next week, starting Monday, where you can just see what coaching is about, and ask questions, in a NO risk, no commitment, private Facebook group. If you have considered being a coach, and just want to know more before deciding, than fill out the information below and I’ll get you into the group.

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Qurazy for Quinoa & Quale?

Kale (not quale!) –  I took that joke TOO far! 😉

I was in the mood for a Mediterranean salad the other night, and didn’t really feel like looking for recipes on-line, so I just made this one up! And oh MAN was it delicious! My husband and I gobbled this up and fought for the left-overs. (Slight exaggerations occur on this blog from time to time). Oh! And this is super easy, too! And I’m all about easy!

kale_quinoa_greek_salad

 

Here’s what you’ll need:

 

Greek Quinoa Kale Salad

Makes 8 servings

  • 1 c. Quinoa (I used red and brown – for fun!)
  • 2 c. water
  • 3 c. chopped kale (I used curly leaf for this recipe)
  • *1/4 t. kosher salt (optional)
  • 1 long cucumber (or 2 regular)
  • 6-7 roma tomatoes (or whatever tomatoes you like!)
  • 1/4 C. chopped red onion
  • 2-3 T. chopped fresh parsley (or 1 T. dry)
  • *Optional add-ins: kalamata (or black olives), light feta cheese

Dressing:

  • 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 T. red wine vinegar
  • juice from 1/2 fresh lemon
  • 1-2 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 t. Mrs. Dash, Spike or any other all-purpose seasoning
  • salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions

Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool. While the quinoa is cooking, place the chopped kale in a large bowl. *Sprinkle with kosher salt. IMPORTANT STEP: Massage the kale! WHAT?! Yep…I promise, it makes ALL the difference! Simply rub together, smash, toss and smash for a few minutes and the texture becomes much softer and better for salads! Chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and parsley. When the quinoa is cooled, transfer to a big bowl. Add kale and chopped veggies. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over everything. Toss gently. Add optional mix-ins like olives and feta cheese.

Tell me that’s not delicious!

If you’re following the 21 Day FIX…one serving counts as 1 yellow, 1 green, 1 orange (olives), 1 blue (feta), 1 t. (olive oil)

If you’re NOT following the 21 Day FIX, but you’re interested in doing the 21 Day program that’s helping people lose 10 – 15 pounds in just 21 days, than you’re in luck! I’m starting a new 21 Day FIX group on Monday October 6 where you’ll learn how to incorporate foods like this, as well as daily 30 minute workouts, and get GREAT results in just 21 Days! Fill in the info below, and I’ll tell you how to get started.

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Time for a GIVEAWAY!

Giveaway

Who doesn’t love a giveaway? I’m excited to share 3 flavor samples: (chocolate, strawberry and vanilla)

plus a handy shaker cup with 2 lucky winners!

Just enter below to win!

You have until midnight on Sunday to enter. Winners will be announced on Tuesday.

*Offer not available to coaches, or anyone working with another coach.

So, IF you’re not a coach, and don’t currently have a coach, you’re eligible to win! 🙂

Just click the link below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Bringing It!

Ok…holidays are finally past us, and I might be able to find a spare minute or two to blogging again! Especially now that I started P90X3! With workouts that are only 30 minutes, I should start to have a little more spare time.

Yesterday was my official Day 1! I’m working with a test group with 9 other X-ers hoping to get some killer results in HALF the time it took with the original P90X! So far so good!

So here’s me BEFORE the workout! This is how I look the first thing in the morning, looking a little disheveled! But hey, it’s one of the many reasons I love my home workouts! No need to get pretty to go anywhere (although I guess it defeats the purpose when I record myself and then post the video for everyone to see…Oh well!)

 

So Day 1 was TOTAL SYNERGISTICS: a total body, core-focused workout. I love how efficient this workout is! You will move from one exercise to the next, no jumping or high-intensity moves, but my heart rate was really UP there! I also love the variety! For 30 straight minutes there wasn’t a single REPEAT exercise! Since this happened yesterday, I can tell you that today I am definitely feeling it in my core, as well as my legs, back, shoulders and arms. TOTAL body goodness!

Here is me AFTER:

Today is Day 2 and the workout is Agility X! I’m ready to get to it and then I’ll tell you what I think. 🙂

The P90X3 Challenge Pack is on sale through the month of January. Click HERE!

And if you’d like to join my next challenge group, click HERE!

 

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Let the Cleaning Begin!

I’ve got some cleaning to do! Wrapping paper, boxes, and my belly!

If you’re like me, you had a great holiday with your family and loved ones. And maybe that included eating some foods that you don’t normally eat…or more of them than you normally do. Either way, you may have that bloated, full of regret feeling today. I know my husband is regretting the 3 1/2 cinnamon rolls, box of chocolates and the countless cookies and other goodies he enjoyed yesterday, and is moaning about today!

He wasn’t alone, I did my share of tasting this week too! 🙂 I can avoid sweets and treats pretty well, cause I don’t really like them much. But the french bread, pasta and various dips and snacks sure tasted good!

So today is a new day, and I am definitely feeling it!

So, I started the day with a good old-fashioned detox smoothie! Detox_smoothie

Ingredients

  • kale
  • spinach
  • green apple
  • blue berries
  • strawberries
  • pineapple
  • 1 C. water
  • 1/2 C. ice

BLEND! (I have a Blendtec, so I keep the peels on the apples and throw the kale in – stems and all!)

You might find this surprising, but it was actually quite tasty! Plus, it just tastes clean and healthy! It was JUST what I needed this morning. I’m sure I’ll be enjoying this several more times this week, and whenever I’ve had a little TOO much fun.

 

Of course nutrition is KEY! But add daily workouts, support and accountability and you have the perfect recipe for SUCCESS!

Check out my upcoming groups if you have some health & fitness goals, and you’d like some help and support to reach them.

CURRENT GROUPS

What’s on SALE this month?

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A Recipe for Making TIME!

make-Time

This is a recipe that ANYONE can and should make! You’re going to want to hang this it up, and refer to it daily, to remind yourself that you CAN make this recipe! We all have the same ingredients! You don’t need to go to the store. You won’t need ANY special tools or gadgets. You can cook it up anywhere, anytime! If you make it, you won’t regret it! After you’ve made it, you’ll feel full and satisfied! There is no other recipe that has the potential to change your life quite like this one. Are you ready?

TIME

Ingredients

  • 24 hours
  • Goals (1 or more)
  • 1 Plan
  • 1 BIG desire to change
  • 0-2 feet
  • 1 dose of creativity
  • 1 large batch of discipline
  • A dash of passion
  • A splash of positive thinking
  • 1 or more accountability partners
  • Various sized cheerleaders

 

Directions:

  1. First, leave your excuses in a drawer. You won’t need them for this recipe.no-excuses
  2. Next, take your 24 hours, and your calendar, smart phone or other scheduling device, refer to your goal(s), and set aside at least 30 minutes/day, 5 days week to be active (you can even divide into 2 – fifteen minute portions if necessary). Studies show that this amount of time is proven to be effective for weight loss and health benefits. An alarm clock is extremely useful for this step. This recipe turns out very well when made first thing in the morning, before you do anything else.
  3. Make sure you mix in enough desire to begin shaping your goals.
  4. Now, Put on 0 to 2 shoes, and move vigorously. You’ll notice the temperature rising, as well as a quickening of the heart and pride will start to bubble up from inside.
  5. Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Some variations include: stairs at work, long walks across parking lots, extra vigorous house-work, etc. Ask the kids to join you. Maybe your significant other would like to join you, too. This recipe is best when shared with others. The t.v., computer, and/or telephone can sometimes interfere with the outcome of this recipe. I suggest turning them off.
  6. Sometimes, this recipe needs a little extra attention and will require a large amount of discipline. Stay on task, don’t give up at this point. If you want to get the best results, refer back to your goals, and recommit.
  7. A little dash of passion will go a long way!
  8. Add a splash of positive thinking, and the results will amaze you! You can make this recipe…just keep telling yourself that!
  9. Do you know someone who could use this recipe, too? Share it with them, and work on it together. Before you know it, you’ll have made time, and enjoyed it too!
  10. You’ll make your friends and family members so proud, they’ll begin cheering for you to make more! And you’ll feel so amazing…that you will!

Enjoy! Makes unlimited servings for the rest of your life.

 

WHAT’S ON SALE THIS MONTH?

 

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Ice Cream to the Rescue!

Sit back while I tell you a story about the best laid plans…workout_done

I was feeling pretty awesome today when I got up, and hit the ground running. I had a busy day, and knew that if I didn’t get my workout in first thing in the morning, that it wouldn’t happen. Among other things, our five-year old had his FIRST ever soccer game tonight. He’s been talking about it and planning it for over a month! It was all going down at 6:30, so I planned the whole day around it! I also wanted make sure that we had time for dinner and time to clean up and get out the door on time!

After my workout, I got dressed, packed up some food, water and snacks for the day and took the whole chicken – that had been marinating in a dry rub all night – out of the fridge and put it into the oven to slow-roast for 4.5 hours while we were gone. <sigh> Then I herded up the kids, blended up my Shake and hit the road.

During the day there was a lot of speculation about how the game would go. Excitement was building.

So we came home and I had just enough time to cook up some acorn squash, potatoes and broccoli (all from our csa farm)to go with the aforementioned chicken. Everything was going according to plan. We sat down, to eat our family dinner – that was quite delicious by the way! We had time to clean up, pack up, gear up and head to the big game. Now the excitement had bubbled up to pure giddiness!

He skipped and smiled all the way to the field, just in time to see the game ending. Apparently this isn’t a very well run or organized program, because it turns out that only 2 of his teammates knew what time the game was, and even their coach didn’t show for the game. Well, to say that he was devastated is an UNDER-statement! Poor kid. I didn’t even know what to say to him! Thank goodness DADDY was there and in a moment of brilliance declared, “Ice Cream!” Yes ice cream! Why didn’t I think of that?

ice_cream_dq2There were just a few more sniffles and we were on our way. He ordered his ice cream cone with sprinkles, and smiled for the rest of the night.

And yes…in a show of family solidarity, I partook in a mini blizzard – Heath if you must know! But I did it for him!

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While I Sit and Wait…

I’m sitting here watching my daughter at gymnastics and can’t help but wonder…

Are kids being pushed TOO hard to be more, do more and compete more? Just wondering. I’m going to pull the ‘old lady’ card again. MAN! I swore when I was a kid I would NEVER say…”when I was your age…” But here goes:

When I was a kid, we played sports with our friends, after school or in summer recreation leagues (note the word “recreation”). We played sports on the weekends ONLY when we decided to play a game of pick-up ‘whatever’ in someone’s driveway or backyard. RARELY did we have a school-organized weekend game or tournament. A “travel team” meant that our moms drove us to someone else’s house to play for the day.  In school, we were encouraged to play multiple sports, because when one sport season ended, it was over – until next year. We had practices for an hour or so after school and 1-2 games/week during the season. I feel like we just had more free time. We had time to call friends and neighbors over on weeknights and weekends, to play ‘kick the can’ and ‘ghosts in the graveyard’. Sure, we played sports, but we also just PLAYED!

So back to gymnastics for a minute. We’re trying a new gym that’s a little closer to our house, but I’m not so sure we’re going to stick around. This place is run sort of like a military style boot-camp, which I’m not so sure is what my 7-year-old daughter had in mind. You see, she has natural ability. She’s incredibly, disgustingly flexible, and she thinks it’s FUN to tumble around the backyard and down the hallway and everywhere! But this is the type of place that could quickly make a kid forget that they ever thought gymnastics was fun. And that is precisely what I DON’T want!

Obviously, physical exercise and health are very important to me and my family, but not at the expense of family time, and free time. I want them to be able to enjoy physical fitness, doing what they find fun, exploring their talents, etc…but I don’t plan on any of my kids getting ‘free rides’ to college on a sports scholarship OR becoming professional athletes. Certainly, if that IS what they wanted to pursue, I’d be their biggest fan! But, I don’t think a young kid has all of that in mind when they join a gymnastics class or a pee wee soccer team. I just want my kids to be active, get exercise and have fun. Whether that’s in a gym, a field or our backyard.

I hear a lot conversations that go on between parents in the waiting room, or on the bleachers. Parents are already discussing the fact that “Abby” will never make it on the high school cheer team unless she gets started – at the ripe old age of 3-  in this competitive gymnastics class. Or that “Bobby” won’t make the school team unless he plays the travel team over the summer. And even then…it’s NO guarantee! The competition has never been more fierce than it is now!

We didn’t have travel teams, or off-season conditioning. We didn’t have to limit ourselves to playing one sport either. Now, it seems a kid has to pick a sport and devote their entire life to being a STAR at it! They practice after school, sometimes before school, and on the weekends, all year round! Even Mother’s Day isn’t sacred anymore! If you’re a mom, with a kid in a sport…you’re going to a tournament on Mother’s Day…and you’re going to be there ALL day! And it’ll probably be freezing and rainy! Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂 When one season wraps up, they’re on to a travel team, and then it starts all over! Parents are buying RVs to follow these kids around the country! What about free time? What about time to just be a kid, hang out and play!

Having been involved in team sports my entire childhood, I DEFINITELY see the value in playing team sports. Kids DO learn a lot about teamwork, dedication, reliability, being a good sport, winning, losing, etc…And it’s fun to be part of a team! I just wonder if we’re not sucking some of the fun out of it with all of the pressure that kids feel to be better, do more and WIN!

I dunno…the jury is still out on this gymnastics class. But if she says, it’s not fun…we’re outta here! I know there’s a lot of people who disagree with me about all of this, but it’s just something I think about and talk about. What are your thoughts about it? I’d love to hear.

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Free Shakeology?

Sept_challengeOne year ago, I took the plunge! The Shakeology plunge! I was SO curious about all of the hype, that I finally decided that I needed to try it for myself. I’m not going to lie though…I was skeptical! I was making my own shakes every day, and doubted that it would be that much better or different from what I was already doing.

Well, I was so pleasantly surprised, that I can’t imagine a day without it now. I feel so much more energy, less bloated, less cravings and haven’t been sick ONE time since I started drinking it just over a year ago! My husband was a doubter, too…and now he loves it! My kids come running every time they hear me fire up my blender. We’re all hooked!

So if you’ve been wanting to try Shakeology, but are worried about the cost, check out the deal this month! You can get 2 popular Shaun T programs. You know Shaun T? Focus T25, Insanity, Asylum? Ring a bell? Well before all of that, he did Hip Hop Abs and Rockin’ Body. People love these programs because they’re fun. This month you can get the challenge pack for $140. You’ll get BOTH of the exercise programs AND Shakeology, which normally costs $129 plus shipping by itself!!! So you’re kinda getting it for free!

Check out this quick video preview of the programs that are included:

Ready to get started?! You can order HERE!

On top of that, any time you opt for a challenge pack, you are automatically invited to join my FREE 30 day, on-line support group. You’ll get the support and accountability you’ll need to get started on your new programs, and start getting results!

Have you been wanting to try Shakeology, but feel like you can’t justify the cost? It will cost you about $4.00/day. When you consider that you are replacing a meal with it – it’s less than a ‘value meal’ would cost you. And SO much more nutritious! For the price of that value meal, you’ll get the healthiest meal of your day! You won’t likely need that fancy Starbucks drink to keep you going throughout the day either. Not to mention that the money you invest in your daily health NOW will prevent you from needing to spend money on health care later! I haven’t needed a single over-the-counter medication or prescription antibiotic this year! That’s REAL savings! For me, and our family, it’s totally worth every penny!

What’s in it?

Shakeology contains over 70 ultra high-quality ingredients conveniently located in one glass, to deliver nearly all the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy diet. It’s good for you—and good for everyone—because everyone’s diet is deficient in some of the key nutrient groups packed into just one Shakeology serving.

  • Protein from whey, which is highly absorbable, gives you 8 essential amino acids that help you build muscle, lose weight, support brain function, and keep your skin and bones healthy.
  • Vitamins and minerals support optimum health.
  • Antioxidants boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure, and stroke.
  • Phytonutrients support immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties. Many phytonutrients have antioxidant properties as well.
  • Prebiotics support digestive and immune health.
  • Digestive enzymes help in the digestion of foods and increase the absorption rate of those foods for optimum health.

Want to save even more money? If you sign up as a coach, you can save 25% on your monthly Shakeology. You don’t need to do anything else! If you’re not interested in coaching, FINE! Enjoy the discounts off ALL Beachbody products and programs. If you’re interested in covering the cost of your Shakeology each month and then some, I can teach you how to build your own successful business. SO MANY OPTIONS!

Want to learn more about being a coach? Provide your information below, and I can answer all of your questions.