Hello Spring Cleaning!

 

Even though it feels nothing like Spring yet, I am sooo ready to open my windows and get some fresh air into my home!! Open windows are a must when I’m spring cleaning. I love making my own cleaning products, I have found a DIY recipe on Pinterest for just about any product you can imagine. But I do work full time, and I’m not going to lie, sometimes I’m just feeling too lazy to make them myself. I’d rather spend the energy I have on checking off my spring cleaning list rather than making my own cleaning solutions.

Whether I buy or make my cleaning solutions, I try to get everything I use at Dollar Tree. 99% of their cleaning supplies work just as good as the name brands, and seriously, it’s a dollar. It makes me sick to pay 3 times more at Walmart to get the same job done!!

Here’s my real secret to getting a lot of cleaning done in a short time: my cleaning caddy.

 

 

It is soooo cute, and handy!! Housework stinks, so you might as well make the most of it J I keep it stocked with everything I could need, so I don’t have to stop and search for something and get side tracked. These are my must haves:

·         “Swiffer” dusters*

·         Magic erasers*

·         Windex*

·         Coffee filters*

·         Disinfectant spray*

·         Spic n’ Span* surface cleaner

·         Carpet & upholstery cleaner

·         Rags

·         Furniture spray*

·         Canned air

·         “Electronics” cleaner**

·         Microfiber cloth

·         “Pledge”

*These products can be bought at Dollar Tree. I was so excited when I found the generic magic erasers, they are the exact same and now I don’t have to use them so sparingly!! I can use them on EVERYTHING J The “Swiffer” like dusters are a steal also!! I haven’t found a carpet & upholstery cleaner that I like very well, so I do go for the name brands on that.

**Hopefully you know that you shouldn’t use any old cleaner on your electronics, but the specialty stuff you find in the electronics department is soooo overpriced. You know what it is?! 1 part rubbing alcohol, 1 part distilled water. Put it in a spray bottle and wipe away with a microfiber cloth!!

I like to use coffee filters from Dollar Tree to clean my windows and mirrors, and I use old white socks or cut up t-shirts as cleaning rags. I also make sure to have these handy:

·         Broom

·         Mop

·         Vacuum

·         Steam cleaner

·         Carpet shampooer

·         Boxes for sorting

I always make sure I have a box for trash, items to sell, items to donate, and items that belong elsewhere. It’s best to just throw everything in the box and deal with it when the cleaning is done, or I get sidetracked and never finish the job I started with.

Only you know what tasks need to be done in your home, but check out my Spring Cleaning board on Pinterest if you don’t know where to start. Typically though, think “Start high, finish low”. Start with dusting the ceiling fan and corners, and work your way down to shampooing the carpet.

You can order my cleaning caddy in 5 different patterns from my Initials, Inc. Creative Partner, Missy Noel (click here for her shop). It’s called the “Get a Grip” and can be used for so much… a diaper changing caddy, craft caddy, clutter catcher, the list is endless!! Personalization is always free and they have so much to choose from, I’m addicted. She does home and catalog parties, so book one now to earn some free products, just be sure to tell her I referred you J

You can follow my blog at http://qcorganizeme.blogspot.com for more great organizational tips!!
Also, check out my Pinterest board for ideas on how to organize toys… the possibilities are endless!!

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It’s All About Perception....

So I have a few things today to share with you guys about fitness and of course a recipe..... AND A GIVEAWAY! :)

But today it’s about more than just fitness. It’s about what you “think” you are or aren’t. I know I’ve talked a little bit about this but I learned from none other than my daughters recently. We all have these preconceived notions about ourselves because that’s what “they” say. Who are “they” anyways? You know you’ll never get back in shape after kids...They say lifting weights makes you look like a man...They say string cheese causes cancer? Ok I made the last one up because anymore WHAT DOESN’T cause cancer these days? Seriously....some people believe anything. But yes we do to an extent. They say you can’t do that workout...then you get the courage to try and YES you can do it. Just because you’ve never been in a smaller jean size up until this particular point in your life doesn’t mean that will be the only size you’ll ever be. I never thought I would EVER be in a size 6..and here I am, standing in the Target dressing room literally looking at the tag because I had never SEEN my butt get THAT small...Just because you have never been something doesn’t mean you can’t become it. That goes for your body, your finances, ANY dream you have ever had ever...If you THINK you’ll never get to that body, you honestly will never be there because it all starts in your brain. It’s all about perception. It’s funny when I got into AdvoCare I had no self confidence or motivation to do anything other than the average. But I always felt there was something in me that knew I wanted to do something incredible with my life. I don’t want to be 60 still working on my retirement so I can go on 1 vacation a year to an all inclusive resort where everyone else goes. I’m trying not to be a snob but before my mom passed away she told me all these places she would have liked to go and never got to and so I promised myself I will see these places because since she’ll always be with me in spirit..:) She’ll be there too.

The first lesson I learned was just today. Anyone that knows my daughters will know they are DEATHLY afraid of cats and dogs....That’s actually an understatement. I’m pretty sure they almost go into convulsions and have a heart attack, or break the windows because of their screams...My one daughter Bella is the mass panic and sets off a chain reaction to the other two. Anyways, I was visiting a friend who has a cat in their house...OH MY GOODNESS..Who has cats IN their house? As my children would say like it’s a paranormal thing. Sitting at the table and even see the cat from across the room they start to panic and cry and really up to this point we’ve never had animals in the house or I suppose they’ve never been around them so I ask my twin 3 1/2 year olds later..

 

Me: Why are you scared of them? What is it about them that scares you?

Olivia: Well they’re scary. People are just afraid of cats. Everyone is.

Me:?????? People ? What people?

Olivia: You know Mom, the people..

 

Light bulb...ding!! I never actually knew WHY they were scared of animals. All this time they THINK they SHOULD be scared of them instead of trying to just pet them and see what happens for themselves. They love looking at pictures of cats and dogs in a book, but never in real life. What did this tell me? It’s just what people think they should do instead of trusting their gut and doing what feels right to them even if there’s a risk.

 DO IT! You will be SOO proud of yourself What is the worst that can happen? So I start to do this with my business. Just getting out of my comfort zone and talking to people with strength and just sharing more of myself with who ever I’m trying to help. You know what happened? In the past 6 months to a year my business has doubled and is about to triple by summer. I get to be home with my girls and make my schedule out around them. I went from working 4 days a week to one day a week as a massage therapist because I had the choice to do something else. Whatever it is, change your perception of what could happen and put the work into it. It’s amazing what kind of outcome you will have. Another quick story about perception with my girls.

A couple weeks ago we were driving in the car and it was probably around 8 am, you know when the sun is just up and sometimes the moon is still out as well. The twins usually don’t let poor little Bre talk so the twins were on opposite sides of the car and Bella says “Mom, I see the moon!”

Me: Oh Yea, Cool Belle, where’s it at?

Liv: It’s right there in front of you.

Bella: No it’s over here.

Liv: NO it’s in front of you.

Me: Liv that’s the sun. Belle are you sure you aren’t talking about the sun?

Bella: No, mom it’s the moon. It’s right there.

 

Well at this point the girls are getting frustrated and obviously I’m driving and doing my best to find the moon and yes there it was only to be found looking out her window. :)

Ding ding..Another light bulb..Just because “they” don’t see what you see doesn’t mean it’s not there. God puts a different vision and dream in everyone’s heart and sometimes no one sees it except you. That’s where you have to prove “them” wrong.:) Show them with passion and strength what you believe in and can accomplish. Only you know what you’re capable of and it’s actually REALLY fun when you realize nothing is out of reach. It’s just the work to get you there! :)

 WORKOUT/FITNESS ARTICLE- I found this article about how to lose the last 10 lbs. the other day and thought it was pretty interesting.  Try a few and see what happens! :) Have a great Easter!

 

How to Lose the Last 10 Pounds

Written by Tony Schober

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably undergone a successful weight loss effort, but need a little help trying to figure out how to lose the last 10 pounds. Or maybe you’re just trying to educate and prepare yourself for when the time comes. The truth is, great progress can be made at the beginning of a new fitness program, but the drastic body transformations start to slow down as there is less body fat to lose.

Figuring out how to lose the last 10 pounds can be just as difficult as losing the previous 50. If you need some ideas for losing that last little bit of body fat, implementing one or more of the following tips can help you reach your goal.

Increase Activity Levels

I don’t like to increase workout frequency any more than what’s necessary, but extending your cardio sessions or adding in some interval training can help push you over the top. In addition, just getting out and being more active can burn just enough extra calories to get your progress moving forward again.

Lower Your Carbohydrates

Nearly every competitive figure athlete/bodybuilder implements some sort of carbohydrate restriction over the course of their fat loss. Try dropping your carbohydrate intake down a bit. Don’t go too low though. You want to make sure you still have enough energy for your strength training. Drop it by 25-50 grams/day and see how that goes.

Read more about how many carbohydrates you should eat to lose weight.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting can be an effective strategy for losing the last 10 pounds. I don’t really like the name because the word “fasting” conjures up all kinds of unhealthy food restriction images. Intermittent fasting is simply the process of moving your food intake to within a smaller eating window. For example, you can undergo a 16/8, 18/6, 20/4 fasting schedule, where the first number is the number of hours your don’t eat, and the second number is the number of consecutive hours you do eat. Don’t change your calorie intake or food choices. Just move all your calories to within your eating window.

Remove Dirty Cheats

Cheat meals are a great thing. They can be implemented as part of a healthy lifestyle and still be beneficial. Sometimes though, they can inhibit progress if not used correctly. If you need help losing the last 10 pounds, getting rid of the dirty cheat meals in favor of a healthy carb-up could be just what you need. Try to find creative whole food alternatives that are still delicious enough to satisfy your psychological cravings, and will still provide you with the physiological benefits of a cheat meal.

See what your cheat meal guidelines should look like.

Cycle Your Calories

Most people that undergo weight loss input their numbers in a calorie calculator, determine how much weight they want to lose every week, and then set their daily calories at that amount. There’s no need to keep your calories consistently the same day in and day out. Weight loss is not a day to day event. It is a cumulative effect over the course of time. Look at your calorie intake over the course of a week. Try changing your daily calorie intake so that you have low, medium, and high calorie days – with your total calories still creating a deficit over the course of a week. Calorie/carbohydrate cycling is a highly effective method for losing the last 10 pounds.

Read more about how to implement calorie cycling.

Implement Nutrient Timing

Did you know that when you eat certain macronutrients can have an impact on your body composition? By eating certain macronutrients at certain times, you can manipulate your natural hormones to better compliment you fat loss efforts. One of the most effective methods of nutrient timing is moving your carbohydrate intake to around your workouts. Try having carbs in only your pre and/or post-workout meals, and have protein/fat/veggie meals the rest of the day. Doing so will keep your insulin levels low – providing a good metabolic environment for fatty acid mobilization, while at the same time still giving you the glucose necessary to fuel high-intensity exercise.

Find out the best way to use nutrient timing for better fat loss.

Remove All Sources of Sugar

Sugar, even it its whole food form, can work against your fat loss efforts. Fruit and dairy, which can usually be included as part of a healthy lifestyle, can also cause issues if eaten in large amounts. If your weight loss has plateaued, and you’re still trying to figure out how to lose the last 10 pounds, cutting out all sources of sugar could be just what you need.

Try Fasted Cardio

Not everyone is a morning workout person. However, doing cardio on an empty stomach has shown to be an effective method for losing body fat. The combination of low insulin, low blood glucose levels, and exercise has the potential to burn more body fat, as well as teach your body to use fatty acids more efficiently.

MUST READ: The Definitive Guide for How to Lose Weight 

 

AdvoCare Product Spotlight-

24 Day Challenge!!! The average weight loss is 10 lbs and 11 inches in 24 Days!!!

It’s safe, effective and will either jump start your weight loss or get rid of that last 10 lbs to your goal.

check out www.advocare.com/24Daychallenge

www.advocare.com/10032350

 

 

Recipe-

cauliflower crust pizza

 

Serves 2; Adapted from Your Lighter Side.

 

ingredients:

 

1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp crushed garlic

1/2 tsp garlic salt

olive oil (optional)

pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*

 

directions:

 

To "Rice" the Cauliflower:

Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes (some microwaves are more powerful than others, so you may need to reduce this cooking time). There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.

One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To Make the Pizza Crust:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).

Enjoy!

*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.

Comment "Win It!" below for your chance to win this weeks great Advocare giveaway!

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Our Story by Jessica White

You know how people say your life can change in an instant? Well believe me, it is true……………..

 

May 25, 2011 my husband Jason and I had two beautiful sons…Peyton was 5 and Preston 3. We were also 29 days away from giving birth to our third child, another son, Parker. We got the most devastating news. Our oldest son, Peyton was diagnosed with a progressive degenerative brain disease called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy or MLD. There is no cure and we were told he would likely die within 5 years. My heart was ripped from my chest that day.

After a lot of discussion with doctors and specialists, Jason and I decided that we would try the only known possible treatment option available which was a bone marrow transplant. The doctors said at best we would only slow down the progression of his disease and he would likely still die before adulthood.

Peyton had an unrelated Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Transplant on September 7, 2011. Within weeks we watched our son lose the ability to stand, walk, sit up, swallow and talk. We have watched his oxygen supply decrease, he has developed osteoporosis, and his feet and ankles have turned inward to the point of not being able to even wear shoes. One day we woke up and life was “normal” and then all of our dreams and hopes we had for our son were shattered.

 Over the last year and a half we have had thousands of hours doing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, water therapy, and now our latest is Neurofeedback therapy. Peyton has made huge improvements. He can sit up with assistance. He is difficult to understand but he does speak. He swallows solid food ok but requires thickened liquids to drink but requires about half of his daily calories and liquid through a G Tube that goes directly to his stomach. Peyton can move his legs. He can move his arms. But above all of the rest……..He can smile at my husband and I and he can say I love you.

Today life is so much different than it was 2 years ago.  Peyton is 7, Preston is almost 5 and Parker will turn 2 in June. I would have never chosen this MLD life. But I am glad God chose my son for me. He has taught me more about life, love and perseverance then an entire lifetime without him would have. Like many other parents with special needs children, we struggle every single day, but somehow we make it.

With Hope

Jessica White

 

 

For more information about MLD visit

www.mldfoundation.org

You can also follow our family’s journey on Facebook

www.facebook.com/promisesforpeyton

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Comparison is the Thief of joy... (Libby)

People are obsessed with what they weigh..Honestly who cares? I weigh..drumroll......153!! I said it! 1-5-3 and proud. I birthed 3 babies. Pretty much invincible. Like any woman that is pregnant and gives birth to a mirable. Yes, I’m not exactly toned as I would like but it’s okay. I think when I stopped worrying about things and becoming the most comfortable in my own skin was after kids. Well that’s when all modesty goes out the window anyways isn’t it? The doctor and staff of nurses were there when the girls were born and you know at “that” point it doesn’t matter what’s hanging out, coming out, peeing, pooping, whatever...(sorry for the imagery) just get that kid out!!!
Also, I stopped comparing myself to others. Everyone has a different body type, metabolism, eating habits, chemistry, allergies, etc. I mean, I wish all my booty would migrate to my boobs but that’s not happening so I’ll have to deal with it. Ok, I don’t judge anyone’s body, big, little, short, tall. I look at their character as a person. It’s not really fair when a girl talks about another girl and says, oh she’s so skinny, what a “bleep”. Why do we do that to each other? Ya know, I work my ass off..literally for my body. I don’t get to indulge in the foods I want because that’s not going to get me to my goal. And really you can make ANY food into a somewhat healthy meal with a little creativity and Pinterest. :) So why do girls hate on others they really want to look like? If you want it, you can do it, but don’t complain when you didn’t do the work to get there.
I feel like these posts are more rants but I believe we are so strong that drama and jealously get in the way. If you can honestly be happy where you are, but want to be a different size then try this. It worked for me. Ok, stand in front of the mirror naked...eeek..scary. This is pretty honest stuff for me right here. So I went through a divorce this past year and didn’t realize how much stress there was until I caught myself in the mirror naked and I was like WHOA! Where did all that extra stuff come from back there? It doesn’t take long for me to lose muscle tone if I don’t watch it. A couple months of falling in love and comfortable eating out later and this happened. I wasn’t happy until one day it had to change. AdvoCare is my business and if people don’t see me healthy, how am I supposed to help others get healthy? So I had to stand in the mirror and say..I love myself and what this body has done. I’m not going to binge eat and workout like a maniac and think that will help. It took a couple months to get to look like this so it may take just as long for it to come off. So I tried a whole different mind set. I wasn’t just running/working out to lose weight. But just to literally be nice to me emotionally, physically and mentally. Just try it to look in the mirror and say, “I love you” and I’m going to do everything to make you(body) feel, look the best I can. Just like what you would do for your children. It will make a huge difference. Then take a picture as much as you don’t want to from a few different angles. It’ll give you a new perspective on your goals and what’s realistic for you. Then get something for motivation. I just finished one of AdvoCare’s 24 Day Challenges and lost 6 lbs and a dress size! Down to a size 6 and feel amazing. So last night I ordered a Victoria’s Secret swimsuit in a size smaller than what I’d usually wear...Motivation at it’s finest. Also I bought a 40 lb dumbbell and I was pretty excited about it...I’m weird..FitGeek for sure. But it’s the challenge of what I can to  do to get to my next goal that is really exciting and how better I’ll feel when I accomplish it.

So this week’s workout is easy. Circuits again. If you have some sort of weight..Even a child will do...
Set a timer for 30 min and do
1 min plank(on elbows)
1 set of 15 squats
1 set of 15 kettle bell swings
Lay on back and do 1 min of bridge (lifting butt up in the air)
10 push ups.

Do as many rounds as you can. Start with 3-4 and go up as you get more endurance.
I started with a 20 lb kettlebell and it got too easy and I wasn’t getting sore so I bought a 40 lbs dumbbell.

Recipe

Mini Meatloaf

1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1 egg
I cup Mozzarella Cheese
A little coarse sea salt

McCormick Gourmet Seasoning Mix(Garlic and White Wine Chicken Scaloppine)
Whatever kind of veggies you like. I use bell peppers, celery, avocado, etc
Mix in a bowl and put into muffin tins..I actually used the silicon ones from the dollar section of Target. No stick means less dishes and they keep their moisture as well.
I sprinkle cheese on top as well and they get a nice crunchy top. The girls eat them and get their veggies too.
I love the McCormick Seasoning! It gives it soo much more flavor without having a ton other ingredients on hand!
Bake at 375 for 30 min or until inside is done.
Enjoy!
Other ideas I like is to put salsa in them and give them a kick.

Dessert!!! I LOVE THIS ONE!

Ok I have our AdvoCare Muscle Gain which is our protein. We have Vanilla and Chocolate and I get a canister of vanilla and make sooo many different things other than just shakes.

So I cut up 1-2 apples (leave skins) and put them in a glass dish. I use one scoop or two depending on servings. I just do one because it turns out so good I would eat it all! Anyways one scoop of protein powder into a separate dish with one cup Old Fashioned Oats and 1/4 cup slices almonds or walnuts. A tsp of cinnamon and Add milk until it’s an oatmeal consistency. Then pour honey over all of it. Probably at least 1/4 cup.  Pour it over top of apple and pour a little more milk into the bottle of the pan so it doesn’t burn and Bake for 20-30 min on 350..Ok yum. When it comes out it tastes like baked oatmeal. I made some and put it in the fridge over night. The next day it tasted even better. Exactly like apple pie filling with out the crust! No sugar, no flour, sooo easy and I have also tried this and it’s honestly successful with any fruit. I have tried frozen peaches, and frozen triple berry! Blueberry, Rasberry and strawberry! My girls went gaga over it!

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Things you should know about me-Lindsay

I own two businesses, work at the Y two days a week, take college classes two days a week, am a full time wife, and mommy to 3 amazing kiddos!

I have worked in banking, restaurant management, insurance and childcare...I consider myself to be extremely well rounded lol

I changed my major in college 4 times and am now back to my original choice, again, well rounded!

I have a serious Cherry Pepsi addiction

I am not the most organized person in the world so I have to write reminders for everything. I would not know how to function without my calendars (yes calendarS)...organizational suggestions are welcome!

My kids are my whole world and I can't stand being away from them

I love to travel and have been so lucky to have traveled internationally to Mexico, Dominican Republic, France, and the UK.

I met my hubby while working at Abercrombie 10years ago

I cheered for the Steam Wheelers after high school

I love the sunshine!

I got married at the haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

My favorite color is pink

I feel like I should have an AA meeting to attend for Pinterest, I literally have to stay away from it or I get lost in it for hours!

I like even numbers and unlike Carly do most things in even numbers, lol

Speaking of Carly, I live about 8blocks from her and agree that that first cup of coffee in the morning is the best

I have one sister and three brothers

My favorite quote is "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

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Win it Wednesday!!!

Win this just in time for St. Patty's Day!!!

 

All you have to do is comment "Win It!" below. Winner will be chosen at random and must be available to meet to receive this headband.

 

Luck of the Irish to you!!!

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Things you should know about me...(Carly)

...if we are going to be BFF

(another blog that I follow did a post like this last week and I loved it...I was able to learn fun lil tid bits about her life...stuff that her bff's know so here's my version)

- I feel like I have to knock on wood after using the phrase (and if I can't find wood, I will knock on my head)

-I do most things in increments of 3 (its my favorite number)

-My mom used to tell me that nightmares wont come true if you tell them to someone, so to this day I will wake my hubs up to tell him my nightmare in the middle of the night and it makes me feel better

-Its impossible for me to be in a bad mood when its sunny and warm outside

-I share a birthday with Zach Morris

-My hubs and Lindsay's hubs have been friends since they were 10 and were college roommates. Needless to say, they have HILARIOUS stories about eachother and the pranks they pulled. PRICELESS!

-I have never been very competitive (maybe thats why I'm no good at sales, haha)

-My hubs and I have had a zombie apocalypse plan for awhile now (def started talking about it as a joke but the plan sorta makes sense...haha, we are weirdos)

-I really enjoyed the hospital food both times I have been in the hospital

-I'm sort of high strung but def not high energy (thank you Anemia)

-I want to believe in mediums and I used to watch John Edwards all the time (remember that show?) but I can't help but be a little skeptical of the Long Island Medium

-I love hearing about my hubs upbringing in a small town/farm bc I spent my first 18yrs of life in Chicago (like the city not the suburbs)

-I believe in "live and let live"

-It takes me awhile to warm up to new people

-I was a child welfare case manager before becoming a SAHM and I still think about some of the kiddos on my case load...and sometimes even google their parents to see if they are staying clean and out of trouble

-I love Diet coke and the first cup of coffee in the morning

-I have a craft cave (no man cave in this house)

...and that's all folks...I would love to learn a thing or two about you. We love our fb fans and blog readers...leave a comment with something that your BFF should know about you!!!

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Win it Wednesday!

 

Yeah, it's Win it Wednesday again!... Just another perk to Hump Day!

 We have something really great for you today and we are so excited to share! TCOT's favorite health and wellness lady, Libby, is giving away an Advocare goodie bag. It will include a Blender Bottle, Spark(my absolute fav!), Snack Bar, and Meal Shake.

 For those of you who have not found the amazingness that is Advocare this is for you!!! Even if you have tried Advocare you can play along too :) All you have to do is click "subscribe" to this blog AND comment "win it" below. Make sure to do BOTH to be eligible to win. You will have until tomorrow (Thursday) at 11:59pm to do this! Winner will be posted first thing on Friday morning.

 BIG thanks to Libby for sharing these wonderful products!

Let the games begin, GOOD LUCK!!!

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My Trip to Florida -Carly

So Lindsay and I totally didnt plan it this way, but my family took a trip to Florida a week after Lindsay had gone...different cities but warm nonetheless.

The hubs, kids, and I decided it was time to make the trip back to Fort Myers, FL to see old friends/family, get some sun, and RELAX! We havent been back to Florida since our son was 3mo old (he is now 2.5yrs old) so we had lots of catching up to do.
We kept it a low key vacation with no plans set in stone. This help set the tone of zen and relaxation rather than rushing to get things done or get the kids ready. We went to the pool almost everyday, visited the beach, did lots of shopping (too many good outlet shops!), lots of eating and visiting with friends!

The MIL (mother in law) lives in the condo that we stayed in while we lived down there so thankfully, we had a place to stay that was already baby proofed...although her chihuahua is NOT exactly baby friendly (thank goodness my kids still have all their fingers and toes).

My kids love the SAND, WATER, and the elevator buttons...yep, you read that right...It was a cinch to get MJ out the door by merely mentioning the elevator and pushing the button. SCORE 1 for the parents!

Here are the highlights from our trip:

-Seeing MaryBeth (and her sweet lil baby bump) and Adam and see them intereact with MJ. They were his first baby sitters EVER! The hubs and I had NO family in Florida when we lived there so these two were the next best thing. We are so lucky to have them as friends! They are going to be phenomenal parents!
Oh and Adam cooks a mean pork chop...mmmm!

-Visiting with my old coworkers (fondue with teachers/counselor friends AND chik fil A with my old child welfare cm friend) It was just like old times...except now we are older and don't drink as much (haha)

-Meeting up with an old student that was close to my heart. She has grown into a very mature and responsible adult. It brought tears to my eyes to see how far she has come!

-Watching my kids play at the beach and in the water at the pool

-Eating the best BBQ at Sonny's BBQ ( I miss that place)

Good times Good people Great Trip

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Health Nut..Or just plain nuts.. (Libby)

Health Nut..Or just plain nuts..

I’d like to be real today..So everyone sees me as this health nut and maybe I am but I really don’t label myself as that. I just eat the food that makes me feel the best and according to my goals. Don’t get me wrong ..I LOVE FOOD..let me say that again..I LOVE FOOD..any food.  Not picky at all. 3 kids means always on the go and I won’t lie, sometimes we have to go through the drive thru..French fries..seriously I could make it a food group. BUT... I don’t eat them. I look at them and this is how I changed my views on eating “the bad stuff”. Every food, every meal, every time I am tempted. It’s hard. Are those fries going to get me to my goal and make me feel comfortable in my swim suit in 2 months?...unfortunately no. It’s not worth it..It’s JUST food. It’s hard to always think before you eat something. I indulge of course but I’m saying this is how I have to look at food otherwise I give it too much power over me. I used to be and sometimes still think..I don’t want to waste that, I feel bad I didn’t finish my plate, just one won’t hurt, I deserve this chocolate, goals? what goals?..I’ll start Monday..

It’s a battle everyday with the “other” girl inside me that wants to eat all those Hershey’s Kisses from Valentine’s Day. Come on. Carmel ones?! Really?!

I think we get so hung up on food that it takes over..What’s my next meal? How many carbs are in it? Seriously who cares! I despise counting calories. My Motto..If it goes bad, eat it, If it has a shelf life than more than a week or two, don’t eat it. Because there’s something in it that’s not natural keeping it from going bad. Eat for the body you want, not the body you have. Move your body. You don’t have to do go all out and join a gym and pay hundreds of dollars. Find something that you enjoy and do it..A LOT..

I am so proud of my sister. She just joined Kosama because she needed something that would be drastic and make her accountable..I absolutely love hearing how much she enjoys it. She used to make fun of me for all the different workouts I did. Now she’s excited. Don’t think you’re not “that person” that works out. Be the best you there is. I honestly love the feeling of accomplishing something that only I did. My body is so important and that doesn’t make you selfish or vain. I think as a mom, or even as a woman sometimes you get stuck in this persona and never get to do things for ourselves. I know I’m such a better mom when I feel good about myself and strong and confident. I think I am awesome..I literally grew a life in my belly and pushed it out. There is just something awe-inspiring thinking about that. If you can do that, You can do anything! 

What I’m trying to say is we need to care more about what we do with our body because honestly we only get one. Why not make it as strong as possible. You just may surprise yourself. I doubt you will be mad when you have to go shopping for smaller jeans. I’m really not sure what this post was about but it has been on my heart and had to share:) 

This recipe is one of the best chicken recipes I've ever had. It makes the most tender chicken that falls apart, the kids love it and it's EASY!

Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Total Time: 4hr, 10 min

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 4hrs

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

6 boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup butter

1 (1 ounce) package dried Italian salad dressing mix

1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell's Golden Mushroom soup

1/2 cup white wine (may substitute water or broth)

4 ounces cream cheese with chives and onions

angel hair pasta (cook according to box directions)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in crock pot.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan.

3. Stir in Italian salad dressing mix, can of soup, cream cheese & wine(or water or broth). Pour over chicken.

4.Cook on low in the crock pot for 4-5 hours.

5.Pour over cooked angel hair pasta or other noodles or rice. Enjoy!

Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-angel-chicken-163705?oc=linkback

Workout for Week 1-March 1

I get soo bored with any workout after about the 2nd or 3rd time so I’m always doing something different. Whether it be running with a friend, going to a class, going for a bike ride, a DVD or lifting, I have to mix it up. So I know you some of you guys have heard of “Deck of Cards” workout. Basically you take a deck of cards..Imagine that..anyways you assign each suite to a different exercise and whatever number on that card is the number of reps you do of that particular exercise. Face cards and aces are 10. Also if it’s a joker I do 50 jumping jacks or 1 min plank.

It comes out to doing 85 reps of each exercise..not too shabby for 30 min!

For example this was mine the other day.

Spades- Push ups

Hearts- Kettlebell Swings

Clubs-Single Leg Lunge with dumbbells

Diamonds- Burpees...eww I Know 

Other examples of exercises to do

*Squats

*Planks---Whatever number I add a 0 and that’s how many seconds I do.. so 5..you will do a 50 sec plank, 10 would be a 100 sec plank. It comes out to over 14 min of planking so switch it up and do side planks, on elbows and hands, also holding a plank and lifting your leg up...good stuff..:)

*Deadlifts

*Squat Jumps

*Jumping Jacks

• Tricep Dips
• Curls

The possibilities are endless and honestly if you push hard it doesn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. Get your kids involved..I’ll be honest, sometimes it’s frustrating because they want to be on you but it’s better than doing nothing. 

I put a timer on for 30 min and usually I can get it done. It’s good to have this first of all so you’re not sitting there taking too long of a break and also it gives you a little competition with yourself. I always am trying to beat the time and even my daughters love to do it and flip the card. I just noticed yesterday how much they really observe and listen. They get down and try to do push ups and planks and it makes me proud that I’m being that healthy role model for them. One tip is shuffle the deck good because it really is not fun doing 38 burpees in a row...This workout is great because you can tailor the exercises to your level but if you feel like it’s too easy, throw in a exercise you hate doing because honestly those are the ones we need to do the most and work the best. 

I hope you enjoy it and love to hear back what you assign to your workout! :)

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Email me or Facebook message me with the subject..Sample me!

elizabethcarstens@hotmail.com

Watch for a GIVEAWAY next week!! :) 

Thanks for your time, have a great weekend!

Libby

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