Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Starting off the new year!!

Tomorrow starting off the new year, I'm going to track 30 days of paleo living. Map it out and see what the results are. I have decided to do this starting tomorrow January 1, 2014. After 30 days of tracking every little thing I will see what results will be like. 

I have also decided to get back into the gym after not going into one in over 4 months. Because of working full time now, along with my business and with the kids, I have thought it has been to hard, but that thought is now out of my head! I will make it a point to get into the gym at least 3 times a week! I have also decided to hire a personal trainer to work with me once a week and then do a cardio kickboxing class that my PT puts on at the gym. There for doing 1 workout on my own, 1 with a trainer and 1 class. :) 

I also thi that is I track my eating and paleo life style on here then it will also keep me accountable. Although I haven't totally fallen off the wagon, I know that I have had way to many 'treats' over the last few months and especially with the holidays. This time of year is always a struggle with everything that is out there when it comes to yummy goodies! My pants fell a little tighter and I don't like that. Even though I haven't been on a scale I know I will need to step there to track all of this. 

I hope that each and everyone of you that is reading this has a wonderful new year and everything you hope and dream for comes true! I will be tracking my story through my blog for all those to see and share! :)

Till next time...

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial weekend


W had such a great weekend. The kids where mainly over at their dads. But on Saturday Ellie had her debut clogging performance. And I must say the girls from her group did an excellent job! 
They did their clogging dance to the song, I will follow him and for all the girls being 7-8 most in their 2nd year of dance, they staying pretty on que and in sync with one another.  

Ellie has informed me that she would Ike to audition for the 'stars' groups at her dance academy with is the groups that do the competition dancing. So, in the next few weeks, she will be auditioning for that! I'm exciting to see where she goes with all the dancing she is wanting to do! :)

Till next time.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Chili Rellanos 'Casserole'

So, here we go....Chili Rellanos 'Casserole'

8 Anaheim chilis (because that's what I had on hand)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 pound spicy sausage
1 onion diced
1 c shredded cheese
6 eggs
3 T almond flour
1/2 c almond milk
...
Slice chilis length wise and arrange on the bottom of the casserole dish so the whole bottom is covered. Sprinkle the cheese over top of the chilis. In a bowl whisk together eggs, almond flour and almond milk. Pour mixture over top of chilis and cheese.

In a large skillet cook up sausage until done. Add in onions and saute until just tender crisp. Add in can of tomatoes just long enough to mix all together. Take skillet and add all the sausage mixture on top of the casserole dish.

Bake in a 350* oven for 40-45 minutes. Serve warm.

I ate as is, hubby used tortillas to 'scoops it all into. It was yummy!!! :)
 
Till next time...

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Bountiful Baskets

Today I wanted to share a great co-op that I have discovered a few months ago. As some of you may know. I am the one always looking for deals and ways to save money. I clip coupons, shop the ads, etc. So, when I came across Bountiful Baskets I had to check it out. Who would be able to get fresh fruit and veggies for only $15? It was to good to be true!

I set up my account and signed up. Spending my $3 for a first time basket, $1.50 for handling and $15 for my basket of produce. I ordered on a Monday. I got my confirmation email, printed it out and hung it on the fridge as a reminder to pick it up on Saturday at the location specified. I was yet to be impressed. Feeding a Paleo family, can be spendy this time of year because so much produce wasn't in season. My kids loved certain fruits and veggie. I spent at least $50-75 a week on produce alone for the family to eat.

Saturday rolls around and I headed up to the location with my receipt and small little bag to bring my produce back home. I get to my destination and there are several people moving about. In a line, looking at produce in baskets, others 'coordinating' everyone and showing them just where they needed to go and what to do. I get in line and wait my turn. Once up to the front, I get asked my last name (and show my receipt) and to initial. Before I can say anything, she says, 'I see you are new to the co-op so let me explain how it is done.'

She explained that the baskets are lined up in groups of 2, fruits and veggies. Browse the line and pick the pair of baskets that appeals to me. I thought, easy enough. But with if I am to take a pair of baskets, I'm going to need a bigger carrying case! My little bag wasn't nearly big enough for the amount of produce that was divided amongst the baskets. She said not to worry they have extra boxes if needed and to grab one, which I did.

I browsed the produced, each one being equally the same in every basket. I picked the baskets that appealed to me and started to load everything into my box. To my amazement I was finding all sorts of goodies! Bananas, pears, apples, a BAG of oranges, bell peppers, carrots, asparagus, tomatoes, butternut squash and butter lettuce. This was unbelievable! So much produce and all I paid was $19.50 after all was said and done?
And it looked amazing!!!  I started thinking... Well, the bunch of asparagus runs about 4.99 a pound at Safeway. The bag of cutie oranges run about 5.99 and the butter head lettuce about 3.99. There was my $15 of produce right there. And look at all the rest that I got! This is awesome!! :)

I am still getting my Bountiful Baskets every week. Sometimes I do the 'add ons' that they offer. Herb packs, Asian theme veggie pack, Thai themed pack, etc. There is always something new and intriguing and well worth the money! And as the weather is now getting warmer and produce prices tend to go down, there seems to be more and more in the baskets. We are seeing broccoli and cauliflower now, Anaheim chilies, avocados and this last week mangos and honeydew. :)

The kids, husband and I have been going up there the last few weeks and actually volunteering during the process. It's been a ton of fun and with volunteering we get to choose and 'extra' fruit or veggie for our services! What is nice about a co-op is there are no employees, it's all a volunteer basis, so therefor all the money that is contributed into the produce for the location, goes right into the location site for the produce. It goes no where else!!

Check it out!! It's amazing and well worth it!

Till next time...

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Crockpot beef and broccoli

Here is another recipe for you all. My 2 little ones loved this. My 2 older ones still don't care for broccoli but said they loved the taste of the meat! :)

2 pounds boneless beef, sliced
1 c beef stock
1/2 c coconut aminos
1/3 c honey
1 T sesame oil
3 cloves garlic
Fresh broccoli

Place beef in crockpot. In a small bowl mix stock, coconut aminos, honey, oil and garlic. Pour over beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Add broccoli, and cook 30 minutes on high.

Serve over rice or quinoa.

Have fun with this one!
Till next time...

Monday, April 22, 2013

Best bok choy recipe

I love getting my bountiful basket each week from the co-op. There are so many great things that come each week. This week was no exception. I always take everything out of the basket and the wheels just start to turn in my head on what I can use this amazing produce for. When a few weeks ago I ended up with some Bok Choy. Never had it, never cooked but I need to try and find something. I started hitting alley favorite recipe sites and blogs. When I found a good looking recipe from www.foodnetwork.com! It's called Best Bok Choy! There was only a few little tweaks that I needed to do to it to make it completely Paleo, and so that's what I have done! :) I have now made this 2 times and it goes each time I make it! Full of delicious and nutrition veggies! :)

Coconut oil for wok
1 medium red onion thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper
1 1/2 c green beans trimmed and cut into 2-3 inch lengths
2 c mushrooms, sliced
Head of bok choy
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon coconut aminos
Salt & pepper

Heat up you wok with oil in it. When it is hot and ready add onions and bell peppers. Sauté stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Add in green beans and mushrooms and cook for about 2 more minutes. Add everything else and cook until bok choy is wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You can add a meat into this and make it a meal or just use as a side dish! :)

Hope you enjoy it just as much as we do!

Till next time...


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Cabbage roll casserole

Honestly I don't even know why I call it a casserole because its all just in 1 huge pot! :) this was a hit, something I will totally be making again for the house of people!

1 head cabbage shredded
2 lb ground beef
1 large red onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
2 (15 oz can) diced tomatoes
1-2 cups water
3 cups quinoa

In a large pot on med-high heat, cook the meat, onion and bell peppers till meat is completely cooked. Add in shredded cabbage and cans of tomatoes and sauce. Turn heat to a low-med and let it cook, stirring occasionally. Once cabbage is cooked through (till its tender and turning almost clear) add in quinoa. Making sure that there is plenty of liquid, you may add water, but only if it is needed. Keep temple true on a low-med, stirring occasionally, adding liquid if needed, until quinoa is cooked thoroughly (about 30 minutes). Salt to taste and enjoy!

First time I made it, my husband sat down and ate 2 bowls of it. That shows me it was a hit! This recipe makes a lot so it's great for left overs or a potluck! :)

Till next time...

Sunday, April 14, 2013

All sorts of new things on the horizon

I know I haven't been good about blogging and I'm sorry for th st. I need to sit down and make it a priority at least once a week!

So many things that have been going on lately. I've had some great new clients hire me and I've been doing lots of meal planning, a little bit of prepping and I also was able to work with a local restaurant in town to creat some new healthy options for their menu. That was fantastic!

Last night my husband and I along with a group of friends and family went down to papa's casino, restaurant and lounge and had a great meal. Almost everyone ordered something new off the menu! I of course got my awesome salad! (Pear and walnut) along with a balsamic vinegrette I created for Papa's. everyone that ordered the new items, LOVED THEM!!! So gratifying!

I have been recently approach by another restaurant here in town to help them with their menu. Wanting some more meals that are more 'women friendly' so I will hopefully start creating for them!

In the mean time I have been doing a lot of creating here at home! Trying new things, making new dishes, etc. I have started to get Bountiful Baskets, which is a co-op run fresh produce program. They are delivered every Saturday for $15. And there is A LOT of produce in the basket for that amount! Some produce that I have never tried before and don't typically buy, but in turn it has become a wonderful thing, because it gets me into a creative mood! A few weeks ago I got bok choy which we have never used so I found a great recipe and made it and we loved it! Today I am going to experiment with a cabbage roll casserole. Totally 100% paleo and super excited to get it going! But I need to head to the store to get 1 thing!

So, with that being said...... Till next time!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

My life as of today... :D

This blog is totally off the normal beaten path... Maybe..... I just wanted to get it down in words since I'm sitting here thinking about it....

I truly love my life!! Completely, totally, unconditionally!!! No joke!!! I love my life!!!

My wonderful family first!

My husband whom I have only been married to for a little over a year, but I've been with for over 4 years now. He is truly my friend, companion, cheerleader, supporter and anything else you want to classify him as. We may have our typical disagreements and 'discussion' that all married people have but he is always right behind me supporting me in anything I want to do. He gives me pointers from perspective other people may not have, and he doesn't get mad if I shoot one down. He is truly amazing!

My children.... All 4 of them! With them, I don't think I would know the love that I feel for that word 'family'. Of course my son, Nic, is just a little love bug! I will always see him as my baby and I will always want him to be mama's boy and hope he never ever out grows that fact at almost 11 he still wants to sit in my lap and hug me! And Ellie, the love a mom has for her daughter is absolutely amazing! She may irritate me and push my buttons (like I always did to my mom and dad) but she has made me learn patients (and breathing control)! She is my little girl and the light in my eyes. Aaron and Wyatt my not be biologically mine, but since Chris has brought them in my life, I couldn't imagine life without them. They have the most genuine attitudes. Aaron is not afraid to show his emotions and tell you what is wrong! Wyatt is so compassionate and has a love for anyone and everyone round him!

My parents..... My mom has been and always will be my friend! She will listen to me and tell me exactly what she thinks and lets me know just how she thinks something should be done. She has always been there to support and encourage me with anything I wanted to do as a child and as an adult. She compiles ideas with me, lets me use her as a sounding board, throws out suggestions and let's me know just how she would do it if she were in my shoes! I love her for that!

My dad is that man that everyone wants in their life. To give advice, listen to (and lecture). But doesn't get offended if the advice he gives isn't taken (although followed most of the time). Loves a good debate and will almost always take the devils advocate side just to be sure I have done my thinking or research when it comes to a topic..... And has changed my mind a few times doing that!! :) has a great sense of business therefor can answer questions about small business start up and give me answers in terms I will understand.

I love them both for so many of the same reasons and so many different ones, too!

My BFF Metzi, the one friend I have kept Close(yes pun intended) for so many years. I have many friends that I have had longer, but she is the one that has been right there for the last 10+ years, almost every day, in and out, good times and bad. We may have our arguments and disagreements (what friends don't?) At times not see eye to eye but, all in all we will both always come back around. When it comes to that friend that you can tell anything to and not worry bout anyone else finding it, she is that friend! Se loves my family just like her own and I with hers as well. She is the one person that I see as my friend for life. :)

I love having my new business. I love being able to help people. I love all the support I have around me. I love being involved with my kids' school and all the cool new things I'm doing it he community as a volunteer and a small business owner. I can oneself say I have never been in a happier place in my life!

Till next time... :)

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Little miss Ellie

Several things going on in the last week, but the most important event happening was Ellie's debut dance performance. This was the first one for her to do this year and she w nervous and excited about it! She did fantastic. She was totally into her performance and seemed to have just a blast doing it! She will have 2 more performances in the next couple of weeks then she will be gearing up for her performance at spring fest and of course their recital which this year is 2 days worth! Can't wait for all that!

Other news.... Business is going great! Have a few new clients and I'm really enjoying meeting with them and discussing food and healthy eating with them all! I am also involved with a community health challenge in Moses Lake that about 40 people have joined in efforts to lose weight and eat healthy. I've had several phone calls and a few consultations from it. First weigh in is Monday. S we will see how everyone has done for the first week. The challenge this week was hydration. The person who drank the most water this past week will get a free shopping trip with me. That should be a ton of fun! :)

Business expo is Tuesday evening and I'm totally stoked about that! Can't wait to introduce myself to so many people coming through the doors and explaining my cause and what I do. I'm hoping to gain a few more clients with that. I have some great cards and coupons to give out and a drawing for a chance to win a free meal plan with 2 hours of prep time! I have a gorgeous vertical banner to display as well! Super exciting!

Till next time.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

New recipe

So I have been testing out new recipes on the family and on friends as well. I love having the variety of feed back on my new recipes. It helps me make adjustments where they need to be. Last night I tried a new one out for some out of town friends that came over and it was a hit. I made a coconut mango chicken crockpot meal. I have a few little tweaks to make to it before it will be a recipe to share.

I'm trying to find a good app for my iPad to load my personal recipes on in a simple manner. I have one that I'm using right now and I like it, but I want to see if anyone else may use one that they really like. :)

Not to much going on at this point in time. I do have a new client that I am so excited about to work with. I have my consistent and continued clients that I love working with too. I have a lot of things coming up in the next couple of months that I am super excited about. 1 is the community weight loss challenge that starts tomorrow and will run for 6 weeks. I also have the business expo coming up and several network and community meetings over the next month I have been invited to attend. Looking forward to exploring all my business options and different ways to get my business out there and recognized by the community! :)

Till next time!!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Here's to a new year!

I haven't blogged in about 6 months and decided that I will get back into this year. I usually don't like new year resolutions but, I think this is one I can live with. I don't have the resolution to lose weight because I'm already doing that and have been for 18 months now. I will always be on my Paleo lifestyle!

As of right now, I have personally decided to do the 21 DSD. I have had an awesome holiday season with my family! From Thanksgiving, cookie exchange, wine & appetizer parties, company Christmas parties, grant county idol and of course Christmas and New Years!! With all of those I did have so many treats! I decided it was time to get myself back on the wagon and detox my body! What better way then the 21 DSD that I have had so much success with in the past.

Business has been soaring and people are wanting to become healthy! Even my next door neighbor has asked me to help out! :) I have a handful of clients that I work with on a regular basis and it has been so much fun teaching and showing them just how healthy eating and cooking can benefit themselves and their family. Business wise I have several things going on. I now belong to a wonderful network group that meets twice a month. I am doing the annual business expo here in town in a couple of weeks and I was invited to check out the monthly community forum! I think that is going to be another great way to get my name and business out there.

I am also working on a giant selection of recipes. It has been so much fun created and testing all this food. My family is the best taste testers out there. With 4 kids you are always going to get an honest answer out of them. Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss, but that is what you need! Of course putting together a collection of personal and original recipes, I want to make sure they are the best. That way I can share them with friends, family and clients! :)

Well, expect to hear more from me! I will be blogging from time to time again about the happenings in life and in business and of course with family, friends and adventures!

Till next time!