2010 Faves

I wanted to share my favorite photos from 2010!  I am so ready for 2011.  I am going for it all! 

2010 was a fun year, a lot of my goals were accomplished and I am looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish next year!

Wow, that was hard to pick the pictures to put on here, so many good memories.  Thanks for letting me share them with you!

I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!  Thank you friends!

Feb Pinky Promise Challenge Recap

So, it is now the 6th of Feb and I have only earned 2 points so far.  I haven't really blogged about my workouts and eating, so this is the place I will be doing it!  I need some accountability and if I know someone is going to be reading what exactly I am doing, then I will do better than I have for the first 5 days!

Here is my plan:

Diet Plan


b - shakeology
s - recovery drink (after workout if needed) or fruit
l - carb meal
s - green drink/smoothie
d - protein meal

water - 64 oz per day



Workout plan

m - insanity workout
t - am - treadmill/running  pm - fit club workout (slim series for Feb)
w - insanity
th - treadmill/running
f - brazil butt lift or turbo fire
s - yoga/stretching
s - complete rest day (if wanted) or treadmill time



So, I am putting it out there and going to post here daily.  This post may get long, but I'll be staying on track better.  Hope you will join me in being accountable.  Remember, we have the challenge on the message boards.  Check in there if you want to help each other through the month!

2-7-10

I didn't want to workout this morning, but I pushed myself and I was sooo glad that I did!  Burned 138 calories in just the warm up.  This is NOT an easy workout!!!  I was dripping sweat by the end and completely DONE!  Drank half of my recovery drink after workout and added in some extra ice.  I needed it.  I was shaking all over!  My shower was definitely needed.

Meals have gone well.
b - shakeology
s - recovery drink (1/2)
l - veggie chili w/ beans and brown rice, daiya cheese and 1 tsp veganaise
s - green lemonade (SUPER YUMMY!!)
d - not sure yet, hoping Brian will want to go for sushi!

I'll be back tomorrow for another recap!

2-8-11

I had a GREAT day!  Got up full of energy and ready to get a good workout in.  Today is treadmill time and I was ready to see what I could do.  I ran for 30 mins (short warm up and cool downs) and went 2.2 miles.  I was pleased.  I think I will be able to do the 5K at this rate.  Keep your fingers crossed!  Then had fit club last night and we did Slim Series, Firm it up!  I am feeling this today.  My hips are killings me.  Those darned hip flexors.

Meals:
b - shakeology
s - bowl of berries (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries) with a drizzle of agave nectar
l - potato soup with pumpkin seeds and 1/4 avocado  - 6 whole wheat crackers
s - green smoothie (blue dino!)  YUM!
d - veggie chili over sweet onion pasta with pickles and onions, 6 more whole wheat crackers

water - 68 oz.

workout - treadmill and firm it up

Ok, so I'm really sore today.  I should've done Insanity today, but since I was so stinkin' sore, decided yoga/stretching was in order instead.  I'm okay with that!!

2011 Dreams

I can't believe that it is almost 2011 already!  REALLY!  I'm still feeling like it should just now be fall!  So strange.  The years do go by faster and I get older.

I completed my vision/dream board yesterday and want to share it with you all here!  I'm happy with the way it turned out, not as colorful as last year's and not as many pictures, but that is just the way it goes!

On the back of the page, I listed out my goals/dreams for the year. 

I didn't take a photo, but this is what I put on it:

Pray more
Love more
Laugh more
Work harder
Play harder
Get organized
5 Star Diamond Coach
Triple my income
Complete Turbo Fire and Brazil Butt Lift Rotation
Do a Pull up unassisted
Increase readership/participation on the blog
Do more yoga
Travel as much as possible
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Drink more water
Learn Spanish
Have fun!

I think those are all do-able!

I posted the Jan 2011 Challenge on the message boards!  I hope that you will join in.  I love getting to know people better through the message boards.  It will be a challenge, but we can all get through it together!

Discussion:  Do you list out your goals each year?  Do you make a vision/dream board?  If you do, I'd love to see a photo, please share!

Here we are in Memphis

Brian and I have been taking photos of ourselves just about everywhere.  In these photos, you can't tell where the heck we are.  So, it has become a running joke for us and several of our friends.  We are actually at the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, but it may look similar to the one we took in Memphis,

San Antonio

or New Mexico.....

Can you tell a difference???  

Discussion:  Do you take your own photos like this or are we the only weird ones????/

Fit Club Tuesday!

This is a special Fit Club Tuesday!  This is the LAST Fit Club of 2010!!  We are going out with a BANG!

Me and Leah at the P90X video tryouts in Oct!!

Missouri Team Beachbody Event

Tuesday, December 28
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Carl Junction Community Center
303 N. Main ∙ Carl Junction, MO

Join us to learn how Beachbody, the creator of the popular fitness programs — P90X, Insanity, Brazil Butt Lift, Slim in 6, Turbo Jam, Power 90, Hip Hop Abs, and Shakeology "The Healthiest Meal of the Day" — is reversing the obesity epidemic.

7 PM - Team Beachbody Business Briefing Leah Reding will share information about Beachbody's amazing fitness programs, nutritional supplements, support community and incredible business opportunity.

8 PM - P90X Workout   Dana Moritz will lead us all in a fun workout from P90X. We will be doing Cardio X.  This is a great overview of all the cardio workouts and yoga!  LOVE IT!  Please come in comfortable workout clothes, with towel and bottle of water.

8: 45 PM - Shakeology Tasting  This ultra-premium health shake provides antioxidants to fight free radicals, a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and enzymes for better digestive health, and 15 grams of protein to keep you full—all in 140 calories. Replacing just one meal with a Greenberry or Chocolate shake can help you achieve optimal health, increase your energy, and lose weight.

Contact Information:
Dana Moritz 417.434.4871 dana@missourifitclub.com
Leah Redling 402.610.6447 leah@bigredgym.com

Decide. Commit. Succeed.
There is only 3 days left for the FREE Beachbody coach signups.  We need YOUR help!  Get fit physically and financially and help others to do the same!  Let's ALL work TOGETHER to end this trend of obesity!  JOIN NOW! 
 

 
FIT CLUB RECIPE: 
 
Since the weather is so stinkin' cold everywhere, soup is on my mind.  This is a GREAT recipe that is made with things from the fridge!  Enjoy!
 
Rustic Vegetable Soup - Quinoa 365:  The Everyday Superfood by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming
 
1 tbsp butter ( I use Earth Balance)
4 cups chopped white button mushrooms ( can use a any type)
3/4 cup diced Spanish onion
3/4 cup halved and thinly sliced leek (white part only)
1/2 cup diced celery
1 tsp minced fresh garlic
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
3/4 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/4 cup quinoa
2 tsp minced fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried
freshly ground black pepper (optional)
 
Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat.  Saute the mushroom, onlin, leek, celery, garlic and salt until the begetables have softened, about 12 mins
 
Add the stock, carrots, zucchini, quinoa and basil and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer,  cover and cook for 20 mins.  Season with pepper (if using) and serve.
 
I like this with a good crusty bread or cornbread.  Enjoy!
 
 
 
 

a big sigh

That is how I feel today.  Just a big sigh!  Christmas is over, I still have to put away the tree, probably will get that done next weekend and I think I'm done cleaning up after the big day!  *sigh*

We had a GREAT Christmas.  Our family is ever growing, but we managed to get a family photo!  I really love getting to spend time with my family.  Nothing better!

The Whole Gang

Our family

So, I am now looking forward to the new year!  2010 was a good year for us, many great things happened.  Brian got off his crutches and is walking fairly normally!  Nick and Lauren got engaged, I reached several of my goals, we traveled as much as possible and had a blast at just about everything we did! 

I'll be making my dream/vision board this week, I'm planning my workouts and my goals for 2011!  I'm going to be doing a FULL round of Turbo Fire.  I started yesterday.  It is one of my favorite workouts and I know that I will see amazing results!

This is my vision board from last year. 

Many of the things I wanted accomplished were marked off.  I did more yoga, I had more fun, we got a RV and traveled, I cooked more, ate healthy most of the time, spent time with family and friends.  I didn't run a 5K, I have tried running on several occasions and my knees just won't cooperate.  I'm okay with that.  I still can't do a pullup without assistance, and I don't have the body of my dreams - yet!  I know what I need to work on this year!

Make your own vision board, it is really easy, I highly encourage it!  Just cut out photos, sayings, anything that you like, whatever you are drawn to.  Then get a poster board and glue or tape the items on.  Then I frame mine and keep it on the fireplace in the family room.  This way I am looking at it daily and reminding myself what I want to accomplish!  Last year I was mostly family oriented after Brian's accident.  I was all about having fun and living life.  I'm not sure what this year's journey will be, but I know it will be good!  I'll be posting a photo of my new board as soon as I get it done this week!  I'd love to see yours!

Discussion:  Do you feel relieved when the holidays are over?  Do you use a vision board?

Merry Christmas to one and all!

Merry Christmas to you all!  I am so thankful for all of you!  I wish you the best Christmas Ever!!

I have opened one gift, Brian gave it to me before everyone got here this morning.  It's absolutely beautiful and means so much more to me since he made it for me!  I love it!

I filled it with candy this morning, so everyone can enjoy it as well!!

Food is cooking, family is here, kids are on the way.  All is right with the world today! 

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Christmas Eve!!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more". ~ Dr Seuss

It has taken me so long to get in the Christmas spirit this year, I don't know why,  it just hasn't seemed like Christmas to me, maybe more like the 4th of July!!  But, I think I'm finally there!  I'm so ready for my family to get here today.  I just wish that my brother and his family could join us. 

I've been enjoying a little Christmas music and looking at our tree.  I love each and every ornament on it and they all have a meaning behind them.    We don't decorate our tree to look fancy or a theme, we just have special ornaments.  The cross ornament above was made by my grandma.  She hasn't been with us for a while now and I treasure all the ornaments she made for me!  She loved making them and it took so much time!  These are a few of my favorites:

Ornaments from mine and Brian's childhood.  Love these!  Hard to believe they are still in one piece (yes, we are old!!)

Antique Santa from my Grandma, Madelyn loves this one!  She talks about "inta" all day long!

Chase

Nick

Jake

The newest addition this year, since we love to travel in the RV!  A whole string of airstream lights!  Brian saw these and had to have them!

Discussion:  Do you have a theme or decorated tree or do you do like we do and have special ornaments only?

Wrapping it up!

I have been busy the last couple of days, trying to get everything ready for Christmas.  Gifts are purchased, wrapping has begun.  I have 5 more presents to wrap and then I'm DONE!  Several years ago, much to the kids dismay, I started using brown wrapping paper and putting beautiful ribbon on the packages.  Now the kids are used to it and I think it really makes the tree look so pretty!

However, my wrapping station doesn't look quite so pretty!!

I actually think I am feeling a little Christmas spirit today!  I'm getting excited!  My family is coming!!!!!

The Christmas meal has been planned and today I am going to brave the crowds and get the last few items I need.  The thought of the grocery store today is almost more than I can stand.  But stand it I will!  I'm going to go with a good attitude and plenty of time!  A HUGE smile on my face.  I may even take a video LOL!!! 

Yesterday was a great day.  I got some things done in the morning, my favorite girl went to lunch with me (we took her mom too!), met Grumpy and a friend and then I had a little girlfriend time while Brian was working.  We then went shopping and ran a few errands and ended up at the Mexican place for some guacamole and a margarita! 

We both feel like we are fighting a cold or something, so we called it a night and came home to veg out a little.  Top Chef anyone?  I love that show.  I also loved that the vegetarian dish was the winner! 

It sounds sooo good!
African Groundnut Soup

by Carla Hall

Ingredients:

Spice Mixture
3 tablespoons cumin (ground)
1 1/4 tablespoons coriander (ground)
5 tablespoons chermoula spice blend
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, cayenne and chermoula. Set
aside.

Broth & Potatoes
3 tablespoons cold-pressed peanut oil
3 large onions, roughly chopped
1 bulb garlic, peeled and smashed
6” ginger, peeled and sliced 1/4”
1 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes (can)
4 quarts vegetable stock
2 fresh bay leaves
3 pounds sweet potatoes
Cold-pressed peanut oil, to toss
Sea salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup peanut butter, fresh and unsalted
1 pound Adzuki beans, cooked in water with 2 bay leaves until tender
2 poblano peppers, roasted peeled and diced
3 red peppers, roasted peeled and diced
10 plum tomatoes, roasted peeled and diced
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch mint
Lime zest, to taste
1 cup peanuts (salted & roasted), roughly chopped
1/4 cup sea salt
1 lime wedge per serving, juiced per serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Heat large pot on high heat. Pour in peanut oil, and then add onions. Sauté for 4-
5 minutes, then add garlic and ginger. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook
until soft and translucent, another 10 minutes.

3. Sprinkle in half of spice mixture, salt to taste and stir until mixed well. Pour in
crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, stock and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer
for at least 1 hour. Strain broth, then puree solids with 2-3 cups of broth until very
smooth. Strain through fine strainer.

4. While broth is simmering, reserve 2 sweet potatoes for garnish and dice
remaining potatoes into 1/4” pieces. Toss in peanut oil, salt and pepper, and roast
in 425 degree oven until just tender. Set aside to cool.

5. Place peanut butter into medium bowl and slowly whisk in 1-2 cups of broth until
mixture is smooth. Pour mixture back into pot with broth.

6. Toss together cooked beans, sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, parsley and
mint. Season with salt, spice mixture and lime zest to taste.

Assembly:

1. In shallow bowl, pour broth, then spoon vegetable mixture into the center.
Garnish with chopped peanuts, lime juice, lime salt (zest of 2 limes mixed with ¼
cup Malden sea salt), and sweet potato chips. (Cut whole sweet potatoes into ½“
thick pieces. Use peeler to make thin ribbons. Fry in 300 degree canola oil. Salt to
taste.)

Discussion:  What is your favorite family Christmas tradition?

the best lunch partner!

Cheese!!!

Had a great lunch!

Fit Club Tuesday - Body Gospel Edition!

It's another Tuesday Fit Club!  I love Tuesdays and getting to share health and fitness with everyone!  LOVE IT!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT:

Body Gospel:

I love this workout.  It is not a super hard workout, but it is a HUGE calorie burner.  When I got to meet Donna Richardson-Joyner, I absolutely loved her.  I felt like we had known each other for years!  She was so sweet and took her time chatting with me. 

The inspirational Body Gospel workouts, set to chart-topping gospel music, combine the power of your faith with your desire to lose weight and get fit.

Body Gospel is a comprehensive fitness program that connects the power of your faith with your desire to lose weight and get fit. It includes fat-burning cardio workouts set to uplifting gospel music, muscle-firming resistance bands, and a complete nutrition plan created by inspirational fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner to help you transform your body, mind, and spirit.


Order now and get Donna's 3-Day Jump-Start Plan to help you lose up to 3 pounds and 3 inches in just 3 days—guaranteed!

6 glorious workouts for a slimmer body and stronger spirit


Body Revival  Lift your spirit, slim your body, and feel energized all day long with this calorie-blasting cardio workout. (Approx. 35 mins.)

Power & Praise  Tone and define your muscles while you burn fat in this interval training workout that uses Donna's specially designed resistance bands. (Approx. 35 mins.)

Gospel Glory  Shrink your hips and thighs and flatten your tummy with this advanced body-slimming cardio workout. (Approx. 45 mins.)

Strength & Spirit  Sculpt and tone your body from head to toe. You'll alternate between strength and cardio training for maximum fat and calorie burning. (Approx. 55 mins.)

Core Revelation  Lose those love handles and define your abs while slimming and trimming your thighs and backside at the same time. (Approx. 20 mins.)

Stretch in the Spirit  Increase your flexibility, reduce stress, and breathe new life into your healthy temple. (Approx. 10 mins.)

Tools for tracking your progress

Total Transformation Guide  Track your progress with a 30-day workout calendar and inspiration journal, and read daily scripture to help strengthen your faith in God and yourself.

Feed Your Body, Feed Your Soul Nutrition Guide:  Lose weight, stay satisfied, and have more energy with Donna's delicious and filling recipes for meals and snacks.

Body Gospel Basic 10 Training Cards  Get a quick workout on the go—anytime, anyplace.

Body Gospel Bands  Sculpt and define long, lean muscles with these pro-grade resistance bands.

24/7 Online Access  Get training, nutrition tips, and amazing support from Donna and the Body Gospel community.

Plus 3 FREE Gifts

Bonus Workout – Stepping in the Spirit  Enjoy an inspirational walking workout set to uplifting gospel hits. (Approx. 20 mins.)

3-Day Jump-Start Plan  Lose up to 3 pounds and 3 inches in just 3 days with this safe yet effective quick-start program.


Bonus Workout – Body Gospel LIVE!  With this energetic, fun-filled workout to a live gospel choir, you'll be sweating in the spirit in no time! (Approx. 30 mins.)

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee  You have 30 days to try Body Gospel for yourself. If you don't get the results you want, simply return it within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price (less s&h)—no questions asked. But keep the 3-Day Jump-Start Plan, Stepping in the Spirit, and Body Gospel LIVE! as Donna's gifts.

Consult your physician and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program.

Body Gospel Bands contain natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions.




FIT CLUB RECIPE:

Chocolate Shakeology Pie

2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
1 container tofu, silken or firm (approx 12 oz)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 Tbsp. milk (skim, soy, almond, rice)
1 premade pie crust (whole-grain or graham cracker)

Preparation:

Place peanut butter, tofu, Chocolate Shakeology and milk in blender; blend until smooth and creamy, adding a bit more milk if necessary.  Pour into pie crust and refrigerate until firm, atleast 1 hour.

Chocolate Mocha Mousse

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 TBSP instant coffee
1/4 cup blueberries
2 egg whites
1/2 cup water

Preparation:

Mix water, blueberries, 1 scoop of Chocolate Shakeology and instant coffee in a blender.  Beat egg whites (with a whisk or electric beater) until stiff.  Fold chocolate mixture slosly into egg whites, keeping as light and airy as possible.  Pour into a small bowl, garnish with more blueberries and eat with a spoon (Serves 1)

There are so MANY recipes for Shakeology.  If you want to have yours in time to start Jan. 1st.  You MUST order today!  Last day to order to guarantee delivery by 1/1/11. This goes for any Beachbody order.  Head over to Missouri Fit Club to get your fitness program started on Jan. 1.  I will be there to help you on your health journey!

Merry Christmas to me!  This just came today!  Can't wait to get started reading it, but alas, gifts MUST be wrapped!

Discussion:  What do you REALLY want for Christmas this year?