Monday, December 31, 2012

Time is Short at Hand~

Reflections of Love are what are shown to me,
 as the Close of 2012 fast approaches...
I could go on & on, but my one thought, tonight,
 before 2012 has come to an end
 is
Love Endures...
Remember what has been
 & 
Embrace what is yet to Come...
Happiest of New Years to You...
XoXo
<3

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Something Bigger than Yourself~

Since Thursday, a simple thought,
 has turned into a Grassroots Movement.
  It's known as "A Pearl to Bridget".
  The idea behind it was simple...
If Bridget, or her Story has had an impact on you life,
send one Pearl as a sign that she has had an impact.
In Bridget's final blog
her words that will forever resonate.
                      "I'm going to ask now for just one more favor.
It is time for me to ask each of you to let me go.
 It is time to say goodbye."
For anyone of us that have been impacted by 
her Love, Friendship or Journey with 
Breast Cancer this was heart breaking.
Which did not prepare us for her final 
words to all of us... 
"Please, don't forget about me."
I ask you now, if you would want to join us?
Her time with us is short, and we want her to know,
before she leaves us that her Legacy of Love
will continue...
Here is just one more blog that I felt would 
give you more insight into who Bridget is,
and all she has done with the short time
she has been with us...
She truly is someone who, with her whole
heart believes that one person, can make 
a positive difference in this World...
XoXo
<3



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Finding a Way~

Though I can not change what is, I can make a difference... Tonight, 
255 people have also joined me in making a difference... 
The out pouring of Love is nothing short of Amazing 
and my Heart swells with gratitude,
 as I head off to sleep... 
I Thank each and everyone of you for Believing 
that "ONE" can make a difference!
XoXo
<3

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Pearl of our Heart~

I know that the last few months I have struggled to keep up my posting a blog every day.
  It is not a sign of me not caring, or wavering
 in my conviction for the cause in which I fight.
  It has just been a difficult time for me.
  Today, one of the women that I have had the honor to meet & spend a few precious moments in her and her husband's company broke the news in her blog that she feels her time has come.
  To stop treatments and to live each day to the fullest until she is called home.
  I have read her blog and followed her journey since 
the day we have met.
  Always grateful for her honesty, and for allowing us a window into her world.
  She has educated, inspired and touched countless lives, especially mine. 
 I am never one to "let go",
 but she has asked us all to do just that.
  As I sit here tonight I struggle, 
as I know everyone touched by Bridget is.
  I hope to show the same stregnth, courage and grace
 as I do my best to honor her wishes.
  I will never forget, stop fighting or not remember this beautiful woman
 who has given so much to so many.
  Her light will forever be shining bright in the lives
 that she has touched.
  Please keep Bridget, her Husband, Family & Friends
 in your Prayers.
  Wear your Pearls & Honor this Amazing Pink Warrior... 
Here is a link to her blog if you would like to learn more about Bridget and her Journey.
  Like the tiny grain of sand that over time is worn,
 polished turning into a Pearl...
 So has Bridget through her difficult Journey.
Growing, Changing becoming more Beautiful

 Precious every day.
  She will always be the Pearl of my Heart...
XoXo
<3

Thursday, December 20, 2012

If Tomorrow~

If life as we know it was to end tomorrow,
would you have done all that you wanted to do?
Have you told everyone that you love what they
meant to you?
Have you made peace with your life?
In my heart, I don't believe that the world will 
end tomorrow, but I haven't wasted a moment.
I have told those that I Love, that they mean the 
world to me.  
Not just today, but every day.
I have taken every moment that I have been 
given and made the most of it.
I have made peace with my life.
If tomorrow I am called home,
I know that I can rest easy.
Take each moment that you are given 
and live it to it's fullest.
We are never promised tomorrow,
don't waste even a moment, take the opportunity
to live the life that you dream.
XoXo
<3


Amazing~

When you love someone you will do anything 
to see them smile...
You don't have to spend lots of money,
sometimes it's just letting them know 
that they make your world 
brighter by being in it...
XoXo
<3

Monday, December 17, 2012

Make This New Year's Resolution Bullet Proof

First, I want to thank Malinda for letting me write today's post. Malinda is a dear friend from high school and has really supported me in my Beachbody business. I love sharing my experience with friends (and anyone else who will listen) :) If you want to read about my P90X transformation story, you can check out my website here.

Alright, it's almost the New Year and everyone is getting ready to post their New Year resolution on their Facebook page or Twitter, right?

What's the most popular resolution? Getting fit and trimming the bulge. It's a noble gesture, but the truth is most resolutions are not successful.

We start with good intentions and determination, but left on our own, life gets busy and the effort dwindles. Breaking old habits and taming the unconscious mind takes work. What people need to be successful is support. The kind of support that makes it fun and keeps us accountable.

With the help of social media, we have all but got this problem kicked.

We call them Challenge Groups. As a Team Beachbody Coach, I help organize groups of 5-7 people who are taking a fitness program challenge or an Ultimate Reset challenge.

Whether it's a group that is doing TurboFire or P90X or The Ultimate Reset, it works the same.

I create a Facebook group online where we can all get to know each other, ask questions, share experiences and get support from each other. I have done this with a 60 day program called the Insanity workout and it was a blast. We not only shared in our suffering (Insanity is hard core cardio training), but also in our success. Having friends online checking in with you everyday keeps you accountable and motivated. It also reminds that you are not alone in your endeavor and that someone has your back. Of course, you end up making new friends, so it's a win all the way around.

You can even win cash prizes for your results. Beachbody starts with $500 cash prizes all the way up to the $100,000 grand prize winner for the years most remarkable transformation.

Every day, I am motivated by one of the Beachbody challenge winners. All I have to do is log into the site and see who won that week. Since we started creating Challenge groups, there is never a shortage of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Check out one of last weeks winner, Melanie. Melanie is 42 and a mother of 2. She ended up losing 75.2 lbs. 16.5" off her waist and dropped 6 dress sizes.

Listen to her story and try not to be inspired.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body? * Prior to starting my Turbo Fire challenege in January 2012 I had hit a record (non-pregnant) high for my weight. I hated my body and was extremely self-concious. I was lethargic, depressed and uncertain of what steps to take to get back on track with my weight and my health. I knew I needed to do something, but I didn't have the energy or the focus to layout a plan of attack.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey? *

My children are my inspiration. As I looked at my activity level and their activity level, we were on opposite ends of the spectrum. My 7 year old daughter is a gymnast and can workout non-stop for 4 hours, I could barely workout non-stop for 20 minutes. My 5 year old is a free spirit who needed a mommy who could run free with her, I was too embarrassed to run free because of my weight. Fortunately a friend had found beachbody and shakeology a few months earlier and encouraged me to give it a try. Prefacing it with, this isn't an overnight process. I knew at this point in my life, I needed a program that was long term...... I needed a lifestyle change.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?

Dedication to exercise!!! I have lost weight before, but never through an intense exercise program. I had always focused on dieting and not on my overall fitness. Beachbody, Turbo Fire, Les Mills Pump, ChaLean Extreme and Insanity helped me to realize that weight loss isn't the only goal I should have, thus helping me to adhere to the workout schedule. The workout schedule was a great motivator!!! Without being told which workouts to do each day, I may have easily got off track, but with the great schedules and SuperGym, there was no way to say "I didn't know what workout to do today."

Why did you choose this particular program?

The programs I choose have been based on my goals at the time, weight loss to strength building to toning, each program has had a major impact on reaching my goals! Top priority though is fun workouts that I enjoy doing! Whether it be the great music with TF, the rockin bodies of LMP, the amazingly motivational Chalene, or most recently the overly zealous and fun Shaun T. , they have all made working out enjoyable!

What in particular did you like about the program you chose? I loved the Way the programs integrate cardio workouts and strength training. The variety of workouts and exercises are wonderful, I never feel bored! Exhausted some days, but never bored!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?

I have regained my energy and confidence! I know that I can and will continue this journey to a healthier lifestyle! I am proudest of the dedication that I displayed to the programs and my goals! I am so happy that my children recognize the hard work I have put into this goal and that they are proud of me. Most Importantly my children, husband and family no longer view me as being on a diet, this is my new lifestyle!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program? I have become more focused and active. My confidence is higher and I feel healthy, not just "fit". I love the knowledge I have gained about health and fitness and my ability to share it with others! Plus, I have met a new group of people who share the same goals for a healthier lifestyle!

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?

The challenge group is absolutely great! By having a support group that I am accountable to, I feel an obligation to succeed! Daily reporting is the key to my success!

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program affect any existing health conditions you have?

in January I will have been drinking shakeology for 1 year. At that time I will have my blood work completed to see the changes that have taken place. I had no real documented health conditions however my doctor was extremely concerned about the direction my health and bloodworm was taking. Very excited for that visit!

Her transformation is amazing, but her story is not unlike most of ours, which means that we are all capable of succeeding with our New Year's resolution and getting the results we want.

Make this year's resolution bullet proof with a support group.

If you have any questions about Challenge groups, fitness programs, Shakeology, or you need a recipe for the best christmas cookies, please contact me here.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Remember...we are all in this together.

Motivational Monday~ Getting Back

I have been absent for about 9 days. 
 Between being sick, having my last two Browns Games that I was working 
and the tradegy in Conneticut. 
It has just been too much for me. 
 New week, new goal... 
Going to get back to my blogs, as I have never neglected it this much...
Ever...
I decided to have some guest bloggers come by and share some things.
Trying to look forward into 2013.
Make some changes 
hoping to make things even better...

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Fruit Parfait

The Harvard School of Public Health recommends that most people should have at least NINE half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables per day. So you can see that if you skip breakfast, you're really putting the pressure on the rest of your meals. A diet high in fruits and veggies lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and blood sugar problems, as well as offering many other health benefits. This recipe layers yogurt with three different types of fresh fruit. You can substitute any other fruit (preferably seasonal) for one of the fruits in this recipe. (For anyone thinking of hitting the drive-thru at McDonald's® for its version of this recipe, you could do worse in an emergency, but this is way healthier.)
  • 1-1/2 cups plain low-fat yogurt (or soy yogurt)
  • 1 Tbsp. almonds, chopped fine
  • 1 Tbsp. flaxseed, ground
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup cantaloupe, diced
In a tall glass, layer ingredients in the following order: 1/2 cup yogurt, followed by a sprinkle of almonds, flaxseed, and blueberries; repeat process with apples and cantaloupe (or whatever order of fruit you choose). If presentation isn't that important to you, you could just mix it all up in a bowl and eat it. (I live alone. No one's watching.)
Preparation time: 10 minutes (more or less depending on what needs chopping)
Nutritional information (per serving):
CaloriesFatCarbsFiberProtein
45316 grams57 grams9 grams27 grams

Found at Beachbody website

Thursday, December 6, 2012

In Moments of Adversity~

Just a simple thought tonight...
Seek to find the beauty in your world,
don't let the darkness consume you.
XoXo
<3

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Remembering our Pink Angels~

Over the last year we have lost many of our Pink Warriors.
Several in the past few days.
Wanting to remember them and all of the beautiful 
memories that they have left with us,
I wanted to honor each and every one of them.
I found this little girl, her name is Connie Talbot.
She has been singing this song since the tender age of 3.
Hearing her angelic voice brought tears to my eyes.
I hope that you enjoy this as much as I have 
and that this song brings some peace to 
all of the family & friends that are remembering 
their loved ones that have earned their wings.
With much love, I am sending this song to you...
XoXo
<3

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Holding back the Tears~

I have been struggling for the past few weeks with a respiratory infection, borderline pneumonia.  
I have taken a break from Zumba, as I can't take in a 
full breath of air without coughing up a lung.
My energy level is at an all time low
so is my patience for people.
I know that during the Holiday Season 
it is to be full of loving moments 
spent with family, friends and those that you love.
Me, I am just becoming increasingly frustrated.
Over the last few weeks I have lost some friends
due to breast cancer & one to suicide.
At a time that should be so joyous and filled 
with happy moments, I am struggling to keep a 
smile on my face and remain positive.
Truthfully,
 I want to cry...
Cry for the Children that are without their mother,
the family that has lost their only son.
The Families & friends that are left behind to 
pick up the pieces and carry on.
Today I sent a friend 100 cards to be delivered to the Troops.
Before Tristin left for school he handed me 3 pictures.
He said, " I know it's not much, but I tried".
As he left for school I choked back the tears.
I think we all try,
 some days have better results than others...
So, tonight I may be in tears,
but I will try again tomorrow...
XoXo
<3





Monday, December 3, 2012

Motivational Monday~ Think About it

I have to be honest, I was struggling today.
It always annoys me when people presume to tell you 
their feelings about things when they were not asked.
To poke their noses into places that it dosen't belong.
I honestly believe that if people took half the time they 
spend worrying about other people, & spent it 
on taking care of their own problems... 
We would live in a much better world.
I read this and I was given clarity on the situation.
Deep Breath...
XoXo
<3

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Precious Gift~

You never know how truly blessed you are until you are faced with something that rocks you to your core.
With the holidays upon us many are happy 
with the chance to get to spend time with their 
loved ones, while others are just praying for 
a little bit more time.
Participating in the 3-Day I have come 
to realise how precious life really is.
Each day is a gift.
Even with all that is wrong in our world,
I still give thanks for every day that I am given.
So as you gather with loved ones,
catch up with friends across the miles.
Take a moment and give thanks...
Life is our most precious gift.
XoXo
<3

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Savvy Saturday~ Rainbow Turtle

Today I want to introduce you to an amazing company.  
It is owned & operated by a wonderful family.  
      They truly are an example of an American Success Story.                   They started their business in 2003 
with little to nothing after Dwight had lost his job.  
They have worked hard as a family and as a business 
to get to where they are today.  
They take care of large companies as well as individuals, but they have never lost sight of the importance 
of the little guy that orders.  
I was really impressed when I called to ask a few questions and had the opportunity to speak with Rainbow.  
She was gracious and helped me to find exactly 
what I was looking for.  
I am excited to work with them and spread the
 word about their company.  
In a day in age where the corporate business seem to rule, 
I love working with individuals and family owned business's.  
I hope that you can find just what you need for your crafting at Rainbow Turtle.
I know that I will be doing lots of business with them 
in the near future.
If you get a chance, read about the 
1000 Marble Story
on their site.  
It will leave you with a new perspective about life,
and what is truly important.
I can tell you that I came across Rainbow Turtle 
by accident, but now I have the feeling that I 
was meant to find them 
share their story with all of you.

Contact information for Rainbow Turtle

~ Email:


~ Telephone: 1-503-788-3396 

or 

1-866-788-3396
                                      They are located in Portland, OR
XoXo
<3

Friday, November 30, 2012

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Rosemary & Sweet Potato Tart

Have I ever mentioned how much I love making tarts?
 They're easy, create a full course meal in one and look oh so pretty 
when they come out of the oven.

Ok so this one didn't turn out as pretty as I had hoped, but tasted 

absolutely delicious all the same.  I caramelized slices of sweet potato 
with a little white wine, garlic and brown sugar.  
Sounds strange...translation = most amazing combination EVER!  
I was inspired for this by Miss Martha Stewart herself and decided to make
 a tart using her caramelized sweet potato recipe.  
I sprinkled grated gouda cheese on top along with some toasted walnuts, 
fresh rosemary and a bit of thyme.  
To keep it simple I used a sheet of puff pastry, 
but you could use any dough you'd like!

Just a quick disclaimer, 95% of the time I share really healthy recipes 

on my blog while the other rare times I simply just like to share a recipe 
that I really enjoyed.  
I'm well aware that puff pastry isn't exactly the healthiest 
and no this certainly won't help you lose weight, 
but it IS a delicious Fall tart that was just too good not to share.

Plus the servings are small so win-win.
Now hopefully that will steer the negative comments away.

Eh, probably not.    


_________________________________

Servings: 10
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Fat: 11 g
Carbs: 12.8 g
Fiber: 1.2 g
Protein: 3.8 g
Old Points: 4.3 pts
Points+: 4 pts
_______________________________________
Here are your ingredients:
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart 
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Flour, for surface
1/2 cup grated Gouda cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Fresh rosemary and thyme, as desired
For caramelized sweet potatoes:
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
1/2 cup of dry white wine
3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken stock
1 Tbsp packed dark-brown sugar
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  
Open pastry sheet, remove paper and folk back up.    
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out pastry street (still folded) 
into an 8-by-14-inch rectangle.  
Trim edges with a pizza cutter and transfer to a baking sheet.  
Place in freezer until ready to use.

For the sweet potatoes, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  
Add sweet potato slices, turning occasionally, and cook for about 3 minutes.  
Add garlic, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.  
Add wine and chicken stock and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes, 
stirring occasionally, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.

Add brown sugar and salt and cook for about 10 minutes, 
carefully turning sweet potatoes to brown both sides.  
Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.

Using a sharp paring knife, score a 3/4-inch border around pastry 
(do not cut all the way through).  
Sprinkle cheese inside border, then add walnuts, rosemary and thyme
and top with sweet potatoes, overlapping and pushing them into
the dough in places.  Bake until pastry is golden, about 30 minutes.  
Enjoy!


1


Enjoy dahhhlings!!


Found in the Blog~ Eat Yourself Skinny by Kelly