Excellence rather than Perfection.

It is so important to remember that in any area of life we are never going to achieve perfection.

I am NEVER going to be a perfect mom.
I am NEVER going to be perfect at working out.
I am NEVER going to eat perfectly all the time.
I am NEVER going to be a perfect wife.
I am NEVER going to be perfect at my job.

I see so many people striving for perfection and then beat themselves up because they have failed. Well, you will always fail when your goal is perfection.

It is okay to not be perfect or not do something perfectly.

What is the purpose in an unattainable goal? Why wear yourself out in a never-ending search striving for something that is impossible? You are only setting yourself up for failure, heartbreak, and self defeat.

Our goal should be progress, excellence, achievement. Our goal should be self love and personal development. Our goal should be anything but perfect.

I am also not saying that we should not strive for excellence, be lazy, or throw out goals all together. FAR FROM THAT.

We need goal. We need something to strive for. These things can fuel us, keep us on track, and make us the best versions of ourselves we can be.

We NEED more of these things and less of worrying about having the perfect body, being the stepford wife, and the A+ mom everyone dreams of.

How will you be committed to excellence instead of perfection today?

When will YOU start throwing away the idea that perfection is attainable?

Summer Slim Down. Are you up for the challenge?

We are starting a new group in just a few short weeks and if you feel like now is the time for you, let me know!  I could not have done it by myself. I am SO thankful every day that I have people on this journey with me to support, encourage, and PUSH me daily to do the best that I can do.

Summer is only a few months away and it is also the perfect time to get a jump start on creating a healthier life for yourself! And what better time than with TWO amazing programs on sale!

Join me!  I will be starting the Ultimate reset soon and I would love a few people who are extra motivated to hop on board with me. 

Message me or email me so we can talk!

In the Blink of an eye

My baby boy is 15 months and 3 days old today. It is hard to believe sometimes that I have a TODDLER. I remember when he could hardly hold his head up, the first time he said da-da, and the rush of joy and love I felt when HE wanted to kiss ME for the first time.

I found this old picture that was taken a year ago. J was barely 3 months old.

and here he is yesterday at 15 months old:

That same amazing smile that lights up his (and everyone else's) face. That same soft face and beautiful brown hair.

The same blue-gray eyes, just like his mommies. The same silly attitude and olive skin like his daddies. 

I love seeing the little boy that he is growing up to be (even if it is a little naughty every now and then!) ;) I wouldn't trade him for the world and I am SO blessed to be able to stay home with him and enjoy every second taking in his AWESOME-ness.

Just needed to get that out. I am a little emotional right now. Why do they have to grow up so quickly?! 

Most Important

Even though your mind can get caught up in eating healthy, choosing the right portions, and finding time to work out - remember to take time each day to reset and remember what is important, what your priorities are, and how you can change your focus back to where it needs to be.

I love that my "job" allows me to take that refocus any time I choose. Because of my husbands job at a private Christian University, he has Good Friday off and that means we have a TRHEE DAY WEEKEND as a family. So we decided to take today to be in the moment and share our time together as a family.

Amidst our busy culture that is always go-go-go, we need to remember that the current moment we are in will NEVER come again - so take the time to slow down and remember this moment. So many people told me when J was first born that "he will grow up fast"and it will go by in an instant. While that is SO true - I don't HAVE to let it go by in an instant. I can milk the moments, the days, the cuddles, as MUCH as I possibly can. It can be hard sometimes, but I do believe that it is NECESSARY.

So in this moment I want to simply stop and love.

What will you stop to do today?

Is it time?

What kinds of changes do you need to make in your life today?

Do you have something that you are working toward?

For me, we have a vacation coming up - and a lot of my energy lately is going into THAT. And I know that I would not be able to meet my goals if it wasn't for my challengers in my support groups. We keep each other accountable AND encouraged. We post when we are struggling AND when we have victories. I AM going to accomplish my goals - and I will do so because of my groups.

I have FIVE SPOTS LEFT for my upcoming online fitness support group officially starting on MAY 5TH. If you have any goals before Summer arrives that you need help with - let me know! You do not have to work at it alone! Some of the best people I know now, have been from people I have met in these groups! We build lasting friendships because we are working toward the same things!

Let me know if you are interested in filling one of the last few spots!

Bring on Round 2!

So instead of starting a Second round of 21 Day Fix - I am going to do Round 2 of Focus T25!

I had such great results with it when I first started and I am ready for that again.

I loved everything about that program. It is funny, because at first, my husband and I did the first video "Alpha Cardio" when we first got it - and WOW. We were so sweaty and exhausted at the end of it!!

I took a moment after that first time and so many thoughts came into my mind:

You can't do this.
That was just the first one, imagine how hard the other 11 are.
You should give up.
It is going to take you forever to reach your goals.

Why do we do that to ourselves? Negative self-talk can bring you down FAST and HARD.
But I am SO glad I had the support of my challenge group, because I stuck with it and I completed Alpha and Beta. AND I lost 25 pounds doing so. I loved the energy in the videos, I loved how Shaun T makes you feel like he's in the room pushing you harder if you stop or want to give up. But most of all - I loved that it WORKED.

So because of that I am facing on ROUND 2. I am so excited! I know that I will have a great outcome and I will start to feel stronger every day again.

So who's with me?!

My husband, son, and I are going to California in THIRTY-TWO days and I will be READY! The program is 90 days - and I will finish them again - but I know that even the first 30 are going to be life changing.

I have a support group coming up at the end of this month and I would LOVE for you to be a part of it. We motivate, encourage and help one another through the excited and difficult times of creating healthier lifestyles for ourselves. PLUS the T25 challenge pack is on SALE right now. Contact me if you are interested in joining this group and want to start T25 with me. Let's do this.

Are you ready?

Ten Foods to Boost Your Immune System (with recipes!)

As sickness circles and circles around my house over and over again - I think to myself that I need to do something about this today!

Even though I am regularly washing hands and wiping down doorknobs, we can't seem to fight every sickness that comes our way. SO I thought to myself

"What better way to get better - than putting the BEST kinds of foods in our bodies?!"

So, lucky you.

I found a great list that I wanted to share with you that I know I will put into effect in my house when the "sickness season" flows through again. On top of drinking shakeology, I believe these ten things will be great for helping you (and your little ones) boost your immune systems and fight off those bugs!

PLUS - since I love cooking - I figured I would throw in an added bonus of actually giving you RECIPES for EACH food! Because what good is the list when I know I am not going to walk around eating raw garlic... unless you're into that sort of thing.

BUT for those of you who aren't - here is my list of TEN IMMUNE BOOSTING FOODS (+recipes):

1. OATMEAL: is always a perfect, healthy, easy breakfast but it’s also full of beta-glucan, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities that are as strong as those found in Echinacea. Eat your oatmeal (or whip up some of my favorite overnight oats) and you will notice wounds healing faster and antibiotics working better.

Oatmeal Recipes

2. TEA: I could go on and on and on about tea. It is the BEST. Especially because it fights viruses and soothes sore throats - but also according to Prevention.com, a Harvard study shows that people who drank 5 cups of black tea for 2 weeks had more of the immune boosting protein interferon in their blood than those who didn’t.

Tea Recipes

3. BRUSSELS SPROUTS: YUM!! These help nourish the thymus gland, which controls much of your immune system function. Eat two servings a day of these beta-carotene rich sprouts for optimal health.

Brussels Sprouts Recipes

4. STRAWBERRIES: are the perfect sweet treat and come packed with vitamin C—a common cold remedy most people turn to when they start feeling sick. Vitamin C battles viruses before you even get sick, it also breaks down stress hormones. 

Strawberry Recipes

5.MUSHROOMS: are my go-to veggies for SO many meals. What is ALSO great is they promote white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off an infection. According to the director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine, people have been using mushrooms as immune boosters for centuries.

Mushroom Recipes

6.CHOCOLATE: Just when you think chocolate couldn't get any better (yeah right). It does. DARK chocolate is one of the best sources of zinc, which will decrease your risk of infection and promote the growth of white blood cells. 

Dark Chocolate Recipes

7. CARROTS: and other yummy orange veggies are members of the beta carotene-rich family. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells and it’s a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminates free radicals, according to Ask Dr. Sears. Studies have shown that beta-carotene can also lower the risk of heart disease.

Carrot Recipes

8. CHICKEN SOUP: comes to mind for practically everyone who gets sick. AND there is a reason for it. It helps to reduce inflammation and thin mucus the same way cough medicines do, according to a study from the University of Nebraska. The amino acid cysteine, which is found in chicken broth, is similar to a chemical in an antibiotic that fights bronchitis.

Chicken Soup Recipes

9. YOGURT: is another go-to breakfast meal or snack and it is a natural probiotic, which means it replaces all the good bacteria in your system. According to a recent study, those who fueled their body with probiotics had 33 percent less sick days than those who didn’t

Yogurt Recipes

10. GARLIC: is so good when added to many meals. Plus it contains an ingredient called allicin, which fights infection and bacteria according to Baseline of Health. AND as gross as it sounds (to me) eating these cloves raw has shown to decrease the chances of catching a cold. But if that doesn't appeal:

Garlic Recipes

Which of these TEN are your favorite?? Or what others would you add to the list? What do you SWEAR by when you and your family gets sick?

Garlic It Up. (Immune Booster #10)

GARLIC!
Garlic is so good when added to many meals BUT have you ever had it be the MAIN ingredient? Plus it contains an ingredient called allicin, which fights infection and bacteria according to Baseline of Health. AND as gross as it sounds (to me) eating these cloves raw has shown to decrease the chances of catching a cold.

I am a sucker for soup when I am sick - so here is yet another SOUP recipe! Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil or EVOO
30 garlic cloves, peeled
6-8 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
nutmeg, as needed
4-5 egg yolks
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
6-8 slices country bread, toasted

Directions:
Melt the oil in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic and shake over gentle heat so the garlic cooks without browning. It should just melt in the oil; letting it brown is fatal as the flavor turns bitter.
Add the chicken stock and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grate a tiny bit of nutmeg in, if desired. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, and then force through a sieve or food mill to purée the garlic.
Reheat the soup. Beat the egg yolks and stir in the olive oil. Stir some of the hot soup into the egg yolk mixture to temper them, and then stir it very gently into the soup and heat until warmed through. Do not under any circumstances let the soup come to a boil, or the yolks will curdle. Serve in large soup plates, ladling the soup over pieces of crisp toast, one to a plate.

Simple Yogurts (Immune Booster #9)

Yogurt is another go-to breakfast meal or snack and it is a natural probiotic, which means it replaces all the good bacteria in your system. According to a recent study, those who fueled their body with probiotics had 33 percent less sick days than those who didn’t!

Since Yogurt is good plain Here are some simple recipes:

YOGURT, FRUIT & ALMOND PARFAITS

Ingredients
4 ALMOND COOKIE OR MACAROONS, COARSELY CHOPPED (1/2 CUP)
2 CUPS OIKOS® GREEK 0% PLAIN OR VANILLA YOGURT
1 CUP DICED FRESH FRUIT (BERRIES, PEACHES, APRICOTS,)
2 TBSP. SLICED ALMONDS, TOASTED
2 TSP. HONEY

Directions
PLACE 2 TABLESPOON OF CRUSHED COOKIE IN THE BASE OF TWO SUNDAE OR PARFAIT STYLE GLASSES.
LAYER WITH: 1/2 CUP YOGURT, 1/2 CUP FRUIT AND 1 TBSP MORE OF THE COOKIES.
TOP WITH 1/2 CUP YOGURT, REMAINING COOKIES, TOASTED ALMONDS AND A DRIZZLE OF HONEY.

OR here is a yummy sauce recipe you can use with yogurt too:

CREAMY AVOCADO YOGURT DRESSING

Ingredients

1 RIPE HAAS AVOCADO, PITTED AND MASHED

1 CUP OIKOS® GREEK % PLAIN

1 TBSP. LIME OR LEMON JUICE

2 TBSP. MINCED CILANTRO

1/2 TSP. GROUND CUMIN

SALT AND HOT PEPPER SAUCE TO TASTE

Directions

IN A BOWL COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS AND MIX UNTIL BLENDED.

USE AS A DIP, SANDWICH SPREAD OR CONDIMENT FOR GRILLED MEATS OR VEGETABLES.

both from oikos.com

"Sickie" Chicken Soup (Immune Booster #8)

Chicken Soup comes to mind for practically everyone who gets sick. AND there is a reason for it. It helps to reduce inflammation and thin mucus the same way cough medicines do, according to a study from the University of Nebraska. The amino acid cysteine, which is found in chicken broth, is similar to a chemical in an antibiotic that fights bronchitis.

My most recent FAVORITE Chicken Soup Recipe is:

Crockpot Chicken Rice-Lentil Soup

1 small onion
1 cup celery +/-
1 small bag of baby carrots
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. thyme
4 chicken bouillon cubes
8 cups water
Pink Himalayan salt and white pepper (to taste)
4 cups cooked shredded turkey -or- 2 cooked chicken breasts (i shredded the chicken too)
1.5 cups brown rice
1/2 cup of lentils
Put all ingredients in slowcooker on high and cook for 3 hours. Put brown rice in 1 hour before you serve. Lentils in 45 minutes before. I also use Pink Himalayan Salt versus iodized white table salt which is far healthier for you. Black pepper can be substituted for White Pepper. Use less rice and lentils if you prefer more of a ‘broth’ consistency to your soup. This recipe is great with either chicken or turkey.

SOOO Good.

Chocolate makes everything better (Immune Booster #6)

Just when you think chocolate couldn't get any better (yeah right). It does. DARK chocolate is one of the best sources of zinc, which will decrease your risk of infection and promote the growth of white blood cells. 

Something Simple: Buy a dark chocolate bar if you’re taking a sick day, and treat yourself to a square or two. Just make sure you buy it unsweetened, because extra sugar surely won’t help a cold.

Another recipe to fall for when you are sick:

Recipes received from bhg.com

Simple and healthy (in moderation of course)

Dark Chocolate Banana Nut Pops

Ingredients

4 teaspoons almond or peanut butter
1 banana, cut into 12 equal slices
4 6- to 8-inch white round paper lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
2 ounces unsweetened dark chocolate melted
2 tablespoons finely chopped unsalted dry roasted almonds or peanuts

Directions

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of the almond butter onto each of the eight banana slices. Place half of the almond butter-topped banana slices on the remaining half of the almond butter-topped slices to make four stacks of two banana slices with almond butter between and almond butter on top. Place one of the remaining banana slices on top of each stack. Push a lollipop stick or wooden skewer all the way through the center of each banana stack.
Place melted chocolate in a shallow dish. Place finely chopped almonds in another shallow dish. Roll each banana stack in the melted chocolate. Use a thin metal spatula to spread the chocolate into a thin, even layer over the stacks. Immediately roll in finely chopped almonds. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Freeze banana pops about 30 minutes or until firm. Serve straight from the freezer.


AND ANOTHER ONE... Because who doesn't love chocolate...

Dark Chocolate Chip-Granola Cookies

Ingredients

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate pieces
1 cup granola with almonds
1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Gradually add flour mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces, granola, and oats.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons or a small cookie scoop 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack; cool.

Must-Have Mushrooms (Immune Booster #5)

Mushrooms can go on almost anything - and they should!
Because they promote white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off an infection. According to the director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine, people have been using mushrooms as immune boosters for centuries.

Here is one wonderful side:

from foodandwine.com

Mixed Mushroom Ragout

1. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
2. 1 pound shiitake mushrooms—stems discarded, caps sliced 1/4 inch thick
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 1 pound mixed mushrooms such as cremini, sliced 1/8 inch thick, and oyster mushrooms, caps quartered
5. 1 medium onion, finely diced
6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
7. 1/4 cup dry white wine
8. 1 cup chopped canned tomatoes, drained
9. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
10. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11. 1 tablespoon harissa
12. 2 teaspoons white or blond miso
13. 1 tablespoon golden raisins (optional)
14. 1 tablespoon capers
15. 1/2 cup chicken stock
16. 
    

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shiitake and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until tender and starting to brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in the skillet. Add the mixed mushrooms and cook over moderately high heat until any liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms start to brown, 5 minutes. Add the onion and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cover and cook over low heat, stirring a few times, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 4 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk the coconut milk, mustard, harissa and miso. Add to the skillet with the shiitake, raisins, capers and stock. Simmer over low heat, stirring, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Brussels Sprout Sides (Immune Booster #3)

Brussel Sprouts!

These help nourish the thymus gland, which controls much of your immune system function. Eat two servings a day of these beta-carotene rich sprouts for optimal health.

These are amazing veggies that can be roasted to go with anything!

Here is a lovely recipe I found that is delicious and the colors look simply amazing!

1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 pound red seedless grapes

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 375° F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the Brussels sprouts and grapes with the oil, garlic, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Turn the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and roast until golden brown and tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Recipe taken from:

Realsimple.com

Accountability Check!

Accountability check!

It's always a point of mine to be real. Especially now - and especially with this. It can be really hard to stick to this new lifestyle! It is SO easy to fall behind, miss a few days, and lose track.
Want to know why?

BECAUSE NO ONE IS PERFECT.

All of those fitness models aren't perfect, your heroes and the people you look up to aren't perfect - and I'm sure not either!
and guess what!? YOU won't be either.

I was doing a great job with my first two weeks for 21 DAY Fix. I was on top of things - and then comes the challenges. Life.

Of course, my son and I get the stomach flu for a few days and then I simply fall back into the habit of not wanting to work out. Luckily, I have been doing decent with my nutrition since we got sick so I haven't gained any weight.

And you know what I am going to do next??

I am not going to sit around and mope.
I am not going to beat myself up about it.
I am not going to wish I wouldn't have gotten sick.
I am not going to dwell on this.

I AM going to move forward.
I AM going to finish my last 10 days.
I AM going to evaluate and set new goals.
I AM going to accomplish what I want to.

It is OK to fall behind, get sick, and just not feel like working out or eating right. But what isn't ok is to let it effect you or pull you down. IT HAPPENED. Move on and keep pushing forward.

A busy week - Day 8,9,10,11

These last few days have been great - and I am making a lot of progress..
I have been eating clean and sticking to my workouts - at least once a day. Hubby has still been doing his Upper Fix every day. I missed it yesterday but luckily I was able to get in Dirty 30 and 10 minute abs twice.

Here are this weeks stats. The scale went up, but the inches are going down.
-8 inches so far! NICE!

So funny how I was just talking about how the scale doesn't define progress. I can already see a difference in the progress pictures - and like I said especially the fact that I have already lost a total of 8 inches so far.

So for today's workouts: Upper Fix and Pilates (my fav!)

Clean eating has been spot on today. I was even able to make a yummy homemade pizza - with lots of peppers, mushrooms, and spinach - on whole wheat pizza crust. YUM.

Halfway done. Love it - and feeling great.

The first weekend - Day 6 and 7

This weekend has been pretty great. I took the time off from my business to spend the weekend with my family. It was a wonderful reset to be able to get focused again for the week to come.

But along with that came struggle. I had lots of meals outside the home which made clean eating difficult but I tried to stick to it as best as possible.

Workouts were not perfectly on schedule either. I was able to get one in for the whole weekend (rather than four) but I am pleased that I was able to spend so much time with my family.

I am ready for a strong week - And stats on Tuesday!!

How do you stay on track during your weekends?

Everything you got - Day 5

Day Five is now in the books.

I was SO spot on with my water today - which was good because i didn't quite squeeze all my containers in today. And the water really helped fuel me for my workouts. I did upper fix and cardio fix for today. AND I did them one right after the other. Yikes.
I may not do it that way again. HA!

I usually take my time and do upper in the morning and then when J is down for one of his naps, I will do the other one. Wellllll, I let the day fly by and when J got to his second nap I decided to go for it - because I knew I would not do them - especially not the second one - if I didn't do both NOW.
Then I just got a huge burst of energy. And I was able to push hard through both - but man was I beat at the end of the second one.

Here is a little something I found that I LOVE about 21 Day Fix. Autumn says it in almost every video and it really pushes me - EVERY TIME.

GIVE EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT....

AND THEN JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE.

YES! Isn't this how every aspect in life should be. We always have "a little more" that we can give - especially when we are pushing for something that we want to accomplish. In everything I do - I never try to do something and only do it halfway. I always try to give it EVERYTHING I've got. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing. And this is something that I want. I want to be healthy and be able to BE an EXAMPLE for him not just a spokeswoman.

So in this, and in everything, I will give it everything I've got. AND just a little bit more.

First Year Pictures

I just wanted to take a little time to give a shout out to our Photographer for J's first year pictures!

We did this the day of his birthday and birthday party and it was quite hectic but they turned out amazing. 

It was so much fun being able to celebrate his first year of life in so many ways that day.

Plus if you ever need a photographer in Portland - I suggest visiting Climbing Vine Photography page to check her out.

Here are some of our favorites: