tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32958993228624318902024-02-19T05:35:43.020-06:00Hoot-N-AnnieAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-76959046990583950662014-07-10T09:00:00.000-05:002014-07-10T09:00:03.771-05:00In a Constant State of WAIT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7Chhq0tuTXUJyza-Ap85nRAjlhHCj3K5OsM94cRmpP14YIf9eoEI0nm5VmRbW7SvONBBMQODPcxWKjCMfn2jDDMRjNe8ojF648GdtgN1c_V1rREcZW9mARivC1lnv0UPVyh0FN-Hu_A/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7Chhq0tuTXUJyza-Ap85nRAjlhHCj3K5OsM94cRmpP14YIf9eoEI0nm5VmRbW7SvONBBMQODPcxWKjCMfn2jDDMRjNe8ojF648GdtgN1c_V1rREcZW9mARivC1lnv0UPVyh0FN-Hu_A/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We are always in a constant state of waiting. Waiting to be that person we are on the verge of becoming. We have all done it,and if we are honest with ourselves, doing it now. Waiting to be in grade school, then high school, college, and to finally become an adult!! Or maybe you are waiting to be fit. No matter what you are waiting for, the thought is always the same:<br />
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"When I become______________, THAT is when life will begin!"<br />
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While we are doing all this waiting, our life is actually passing us by! <br />
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Are you waiting for your BIG moment so you can start living that life you have been waiting/dreaming of? We might have a few big moments here and there, but it is the tiny moments that matter. It it is the tiny moments that lead to the BIG moment. These tiny moments might seem mundane and ordinary, but they are just as special! <br />
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It is time that we stop waiting and start living NOW! Start taking in those tiny moments throughout your day. These little moments might be the picnic you take with your family on a Saturday afternoon, or a smile from a stranger you pass in the grocery store when you needed it most, or a long over due conversation with a friend you haven't seen in awhile. This is LIFE my friend in all its glory!!! Let's start living instead of waiting!!! Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-27397660311836025242014-07-09T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-09T08:00:05.073-05:00Yes… But does it really work??? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt65NDv_xd8fpiEy63xFVXGB1Vz5IBuHx80I-_OEud6wzwrCdsv-8qXz3ahlEemDtJlZh-VDln61-6fjpRsXG0y2vx4zRZJFqPOpWJcuX65YHqafNXh_rW2SZtbr649wIcNCy5mCCle_A/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt65NDv_xd8fpiEy63xFVXGB1Vz5IBuHx80I-_OEud6wzwrCdsv-8qXz3ahlEemDtJlZh-VDln61-6fjpRsXG0y2vx4zRZJFqPOpWJcuX65YHqafNXh_rW2SZtbr649wIcNCy5mCCle_A/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Curious to whether you really CAN get in a good workout in the comfort of your own home?? The answer is DEFINITELY!!! <br />
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Yesterday I cranked out a little P90x3 CVX and check out that sweat and calorie burn. I went to the gym for years, but was never able to push myself like I do when I do these programs! The results are real!! Just 30 minutes a day...no driving myself to and from the gym....and no waiting for a machine.<br />
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Believe me, I was a skeptic too. I NEVER thought I had the discipline to stay on track working out from home. Put after I pushed play that first day...I knew I had finally struck gold!! I actually found something I looked forward to doing! <br />
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Are you working out but not seeing the results you want? Just starting out and not sure what to do? Or maybe you have got off track and need a little motivation to get back into the swing of things! If so I would love to talk! Together we can find a program that will work for meeting YOUR needs. <br />
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Interested?? Leave a comment below or send me an email at ambercoxfitness at gmail dot com<br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-54289414635865011492014-07-08T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:00:09.145-05:00Lemon Oil to the Rescue!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyFcj7c_uN8evqmPVthVDfj0VWq6EbfVHejbryDZn8d8tYobBy3FcTm5H3O-ZKyuSDIa_o3K-2kmvtsuVXZytRqyRTPVM8LnHefiyMB-mQOU59QWTlmPMoG7oaGQUFf_ehO99KSAhHEI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyFcj7c_uN8evqmPVthVDfj0VWq6EbfVHejbryDZn8d8tYobBy3FcTm5H3O-ZKyuSDIa_o3K-2kmvtsuVXZytRqyRTPVM8LnHefiyMB-mQOU59QWTlmPMoG7oaGQUFf_ehO99KSAhHEI/s320/photo.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
My poor shoes can really start to stinking, because I wear them every day and sweat like a pig. <br />
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To make them smell pretty in between washes, I like to add a couple drops of lemon oil to a cotton ball. I put one in each shoe and the next day they smell lemon fresh! <br />
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My nose and my feet are now both happy!<br />
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I recently discovered how amazing essential oils are and love using them throughout the day! Do you use essential oils? If so what is your favorite thing to use them for? <br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-5127383089410880582014-07-07T07:00:00.000-05:002014-07-07T07:00:01.028-05:00I failed my way to Success! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR1f8ykQ-5isgeQpj5I5Vnm6z2u8oVwQ52Z_8hVRU0xFZE9UcKH05uT6OGIQ_4TFWd8WWbvu4zPdJX2GbGWSLOzOWtx1S2vsJnXFR-cuARZX9jB159DpWE1mfjr8qVC2pkta2FdDTV_Q/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR1f8ykQ-5isgeQpj5I5Vnm6z2u8oVwQ52Z_8hVRU0xFZE9UcKH05uT6OGIQ_4TFWd8WWbvu4zPdJX2GbGWSLOzOWtx1S2vsJnXFR-cuARZX9jB159DpWE1mfjr8qVC2pkta2FdDTV_Q/s320/IMG_0437.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Let's be honest. My fitness journey has not been easy. I have made so many mistakes along the way but the one CONSTANT force that pushed me along was the challenge groups I joined. <br />
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These private groups put me in touch with some pretty amazing people that I consider close friends now. As a TEAM we pushed ourselves out or our comfort zones, leaned on each other for support, celebrating numerous success, and did not give up. Did we want to? Of course, but there is something about having other people counting on you that makes you think twice about skipping a workout, or eating an extra slice of pizza. <br />
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Are you ready to make a change but afraid of failing? I will be running a new challenge group that will start on July 28 and run for 30 days. We will focus on finding the best program for YOU and your goals and will teach you ways to clean up your diet! There will even be prizes awarded when the challenge is over!! <br />
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Together we will fail (because no one is perfect),but ultimately succeed! <br />
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Want more information?? Leave a comment below with your email address or shoot me a private message at ambercoxfitness at gmail dot com. <br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-40617139739526273382014-07-06T12:50:00.000-05:002014-07-06T12:50:42.667-05:00What the heck have I been up to?<br />
Hello! It has officially been almost a year since I last posted and I can NOT believe it! My how time flies when you are having fun! I thought I would pop on to give you a little update about what has been going in my world and I plan on posting here more frequently!! A year will NOT go by before I post again! <br />
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So how about a recap regarding the year we have been apart:<br />
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*I became a Beachbody Coach and it has been the BEST decision I have ever made! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NhXa-0Ws9fOd9HHibso1o4Z-pbJf-g3iXJ2VCdINbKkdDuGRnN2EBrVTubVKaI3Eeg8Jk0mTRpW7Ml0VW3FaSdab_sOhDD9cWN-Zh_f4U1aDo-AP8OyUtYGW0-beZTggZeOFCHa2HS8/s1600/IMG_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NhXa-0Ws9fOd9HHibso1o4Z-pbJf-g3iXJ2VCdINbKkdDuGRnN2EBrVTubVKaI3Eeg8Jk0mTRpW7Ml0VW3FaSdab_sOhDD9cWN-Zh_f4U1aDo-AP8OyUtYGW0-beZTggZeOFCHa2HS8/s320/IMG_0145.jpg" /></a></div><br />
*I have really cleaned up my diet and recently completed my first round of the Whole30 plan. I will be starting round 2 tomorrow. <br />
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*I have completed Les Mills Pump, Focus T25 (twice!), The 21 Day Fix, and am currently doing P90x3 all in the comfort of my own home! While doing these programs I found my confidence, a zest for life, my energy!! (I seriously thought it was gone for good), and lost 32 pounds in the process! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mM364p326NmiTxOL8WZRzRom5dUvq_9PHUiTM9t8jFTg0b4bnZ3QoswFELvsOHkcQrvDpQuqUuFg_CYNxg1sRkGCDPk9i89lWYQ-Y6Lrf5XN-7isrwI4FeIyOByHVjOboKoSJFXy0gg/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mM364p326NmiTxOL8WZRzRom5dUvq_9PHUiTM9t8jFTg0b4bnZ3QoswFELvsOHkcQrvDpQuqUuFg_CYNxg1sRkGCDPk9i89lWYQ-Y6Lrf5XN-7isrwI4FeIyOByHVjOboKoSJFXy0gg/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" /></a></div><br />
*The thing that I have cherished most over this past year are the friendships I have formed while helping others change their lives! I run monthly private challenge groups on Facebook which help others that were in a rut just like me,find time for working out and eating clean! I also started running a FREE Fit Club, where anyone can come and sweat it out together doing different Beachbody programs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvQJyhQxVjW240IjifJW-5EFAI4PBUCePCwyFxTCnp5ZDiZu2BDm6E-m3RhFoZvfz3e_FeA362xJ3BMPYoRX6usRGWExF8i429_bm4Imn-aLQo5NFwlj3L4jAEJwQqAEVXUdLg9848qo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvQJyhQxVjW240IjifJW-5EFAI4PBUCePCwyFxTCnp5ZDiZu2BDm6E-m3RhFoZvfz3e_FeA362xJ3BMPYoRX6usRGWExF8i429_bm4Imn-aLQo5NFwlj3L4jAEJwQqAEVXUdLg9848qo/s320/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
*We adopted a new kitty… Ms. Birdy Higgins and she is a handful but we love her to pieces<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWHYreNXHMEUdD1ZGF6mIO8G0z7xXZiOmLNHJjp1pIrlW31_YE8wsQkpX75XTO3mAh1x6hgJ6wOKWdLS6Xj2LdvIgEFRB09_FOqI16uQaqsG7hykXge1zZLyTS6mGDegdkN1e4i8Zikk/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWHYreNXHMEUdD1ZGF6mIO8G0z7xXZiOmLNHJjp1pIrlW31_YE8wsQkpX75XTO3mAh1x6hgJ6wOKWdLS6Xj2LdvIgEFRB09_FOqI16uQaqsG7hykXge1zZLyTS6mGDegdkN1e4i8Zikk/s320/IMG_0504.jpg" /></a></div><br />
*We finally signed up and did the Color Run! It really is the happiest 5k on Earth! No arguments there! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFX6k6OHBylcWNJcqgZkBS3IeT__egyygZApd44uRD3S_DYpN20YTC_X6zPlad3tJc0FKyCMzi00bF9KCl6uO5F1yosYuREfkv0FLFdr7_OMU6kcxT01ZOj3d__q1CmnMYA37ObSIQM8/s1600/TMCI14_20_00468_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFX6k6OHBylcWNJcqgZkBS3IeT__egyygZApd44uRD3S_DYpN20YTC_X6zPlad3tJc0FKyCMzi00bF9KCl6uO5F1yosYuREfkv0FLFdr7_OMU6kcxT01ZOj3d__q1CmnMYA37ObSIQM8/s320/TMCI14_20_00468_L.jpg" /></a></div>* In my spare time you will find me knitting and watching Game of Thrones or Downton Abbey (our current obsessions). <br />
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So what is new in your world? I have missed blogging so much and have finally made the commitment to get back into the swing of things and start sharing a little bit of my world with you again here! I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend! <br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-80533147792777591072013-07-30T18:23:00.000-05:002013-07-30T18:23:59.793-05:00A Healthy Food Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAhZRRZFtgWKxrFyhzNAK-mhbMHOooCuEs8akxJKUYHowUeBvFNk4n9usar4Xe66naISGJWr9DNdToXvIsAWlPH6D3V8WBGaIfPCBPiX-yiX-rdJ_irZI90K2B0VHnpyjRhU1nb8LQdg/s1600/2013-07-24+10.52.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAhZRRZFtgWKxrFyhzNAK-mhbMHOooCuEs8akxJKUYHowUeBvFNk4n9usar4Xe66naISGJWr9DNdToXvIsAWlPH6D3V8WBGaIfPCBPiX-yiX-rdJ_irZI90K2B0VHnpyjRhU1nb8LQdg/s320/2013-07-24+10.52.14.jpg" /></a></div>My super fit and beautiful friend Alex came up with the most brilliant idea....swap a healthy food box with each other! Of course I was on board. Check out her <a href="http://www.greetingsfromnolandia.com">blog</a> for a full review of all the goodies I sent her. Then check back here tomorrow to see what healthy treats I got and my thoughts on them!!! <br />
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I promise I have a list a mile long of blog posts to come! Life has been a little crazy lately in a good way!<br />
XOXO<br />
Amber<br />
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-17206153611406353312013-07-03T09:34:00.000-05:002013-07-03T09:34:55.064-05:00Road trip Granola Recipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5_7MZMvdehc0Xm154NviigVwVeCFUbFj1IbU59YEzaAa8VtvU5T6fMrwPMztOKj-aNySkK4EAcUPhEBQxp4nIsNfCdM5v4-W95rdyJ3ZdShWSJVWN4PiiX1vGgFsKwY9BYeqoMjFtxc/s640/afterlight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5_7MZMvdehc0Xm154NviigVwVeCFUbFj1IbU59YEzaAa8VtvU5T6fMrwPMztOKj-aNySkK4EAcUPhEBQxp4nIsNfCdM5v4-W95rdyJ3ZdShWSJVWN4PiiX1vGgFsKwY9BYeqoMjFtxc/s640/afterlight.jpeg" /></a></div>I recently checked out <i>The Eat-Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook</i> from our local libraryand that is where I stumbled across the recipes for what I like to now call Road Trip Granola. Below are the recipes for the bars and the loose granola! Enjoy!!<br />
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<b>Maple Pecan Granola with Raisins</b><br />
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<b>Wet Ingredients</b><br />
2 egg whites<br />
1/3 cup pure maple syrup<br />
1 tbsp sucanat or other unrefined sugar<br />
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
Pinch of sea salt<br />
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<b>Dry Ingredients</b><br />
2 cups oats (I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats)<br />
1/4 cup pecan pieces<br />
1/4 cup sliced raw almonds<br />
1/4 cup raw unsalted sunflower seed kernels<br />
1 tbsp flaxsee<br />
1 tbsp sesame seeds<br />
2 tbsp raw unsweetened coconut flakes<br />
1/2 cup raisins<br />
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Preheat oven to 275.<br />
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In a large bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Stir in dry ingredients until mixed well.<br />
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Spread mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until dry and golden brown, about 60-70 minutes, stirring once. <br />
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Remove from oven and stir in coconut flakes and raisins. Set aside to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks!<br />
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<b>Honey Nut Granola Bars</b><br />
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<b>Wet Ingredients</b><br />
1/4 Cup Honey<br />
1/4 Cup Sucanat or other unrefined sugar<br />
2 tbsp natural peanut butter<br />
2 egg whites<br />
1/2 tsp pure vanilla<br />
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
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<b>Dry Ingredients</b><br />
2 1/2 Cups oats <br />
1/2 cup raw almonds, coarsely chopped<br />
1/4 cup shelled hemp seeds (so yummy!)<br />
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Preheat oven to 275. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper allowing a little extra to hang out two of the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the ban. <br />
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In a large bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until combined. Stir in dry ingredients until mixed well. Scrape mixture into prepared baking pan and spread it out to the edges, pressing down firmly to compact the mixture. Bake on middle oven rack for about 1 hour, then remove. Holding onto the parchment paper, carefully lift partially cooked oat mixture out of a pan and place it on a cutting board. Using a large knife, cut oat mixture into 12 bars. Mixture should be firm enough to hold shop, but soft enough to cut. <br />
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Holding onto edges of parchment, transfer bars to a cookie sheet. Separate bars so heat can get in between each one, and place them back in oven to bake for another 30-45 minutes, until golden brown and firm. The bars will continue to harden and get crunchier as they cool! Store in air tight container once cooled!<br />
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These take awhile to bake but are well worth the wait! I just mixed mine up and then got to packing. In no time I was done packing and my granola was cooling and ready to eat!! Enjoy!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-54078755664318885262013-07-01T20:40:00.000-05:002013-07-01T20:40:22.799-05:00Staying Fit on the Road....Part 1 (Food Edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcaAZDbyJx103lT-kIocyKF0I_zOw4Al1ReWuQfpeDigKW1bTiRqfE8N7HrtH5g8VCDdERUJrKUXD4NiYedlQqf57cqxp6CsNnzFC8BeXllVhoOIGwhZfzwOAWj3yL9pO5SdxdZFLRnw/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcaAZDbyJx103lT-kIocyKF0I_zOw4Al1ReWuQfpeDigKW1bTiRqfE8N7HrtH5g8VCDdERUJrKUXD4NiYedlQqf57cqxp6CsNnzFC8BeXllVhoOIGwhZfzwOAWj3yL9pO5SdxdZFLRnw/s400/IMG_0683.JPG" /></a></div>Before heading out to Colorado for 8 days, I made sure to plan out my workouts, healthy snacks, and even some meals. Since we booked a cabin that had a full kitchen this was pretty easy to do. I am not a big fan of eating out, especially for every meal on a long vacation. Having the option to cook for ourselves was just an added bonus to our little cabin in the mountains.<br />
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Here are some healthy snack ideas for your next road trip:<br />
**nuts<br />
**homemade granola bars<br />
**quest bars<br />
**stove popped popcorn (nothing beats stoved popped popcorn...although Angie's Popcorn comes pretty close)<br />
**homemade salsa and chips<br />
**hummus<br />
**pre cut up veggies<br />
**rice cakes and individual Justin's Peanut Butter packets<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4AQ5l4Q_zyDvu0UL4ci4Nn2eFWEtJaxeE_-nLb-Nks2bt9A2FnpTJ-DhHbUxnOw_-UuQ2TkAynXWr6kwoFdrRi6_4LK71lc4papSFTeYSyteHOQeFGA-fPSn_3ZoLiezK-xf_eLs_J8/s1600/IMG_2052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4AQ5l4Q_zyDvu0UL4ci4Nn2eFWEtJaxeE_-nLb-Nks2bt9A2FnpTJ-DhHbUxnOw_-UuQ2TkAynXWr6kwoFdrRi6_4LK71lc4papSFTeYSyteHOQeFGA-fPSn_3ZoLiezK-xf_eLs_J8/s400/IMG_2052.jpg" /></a></div>This granola was a lifesaver! We used the loose granola for cereal and took the granola bars with us on our hikes! I will post the recipes later this week. I will definitely be making more soon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrKi5lyThECdWeGH7KhAN7tVT4Y2xTFNaWzUfwUPs_tQz49Px2LLcbQkO9_FMWpgsKEfqCMFmd72YKdHnDavWfrJFavr4lZ_zXeGUHBRailZjQ9aGdiM8Ojb4lkzPS-a8EvHHaLHoFts/s1600/IMG_2132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrKi5lyThECdWeGH7KhAN7tVT4Y2xTFNaWzUfwUPs_tQz49Px2LLcbQkO9_FMWpgsKEfqCMFmd72YKdHnDavWfrJFavr4lZ_zXeGUHBRailZjQ9aGdiM8Ojb4lkzPS-a8EvHHaLHoFts/s400/IMG_2132.jpg" /></a></div>Our hiking essentials along with plenty of water! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY7Pio1I4ZKOxAlPzwYsFHeumTAPI5ZBM0fvIKhl8_ZjwGNvJ0Ams0Fgk5Qrau9KzwrcBfQibpUpAddrw0QelcdPAc-q6AMS6EeXKYZm9IedcfOAm-RbMd_k470gQp5E9BKFmLYImag0/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY7Pio1I4ZKOxAlPzwYsFHeumTAPI5ZBM0fvIKhl8_ZjwGNvJ0Ams0Fgk5Qrau9KzwrcBfQibpUpAddrw0QelcdPAc-q6AMS6EeXKYZm9IedcfOAm-RbMd_k470gQp5E9BKFmLYImag0/s400/IMG_0474.JPG" /></a></div>Couldn't leave home without my Shakeology! I packed a tub full of kitchen essentials which included my Ninja blender, my French Press, and my electric Tea Kettle! <br />
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The few times we did eat out I made sure to choose wisely! Big organic salads, fresh fruit, or gluten free pizza with local organic ingredients:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP3wYuZJtokGsref6f4CsR_pEH3S3j_XMb8_YyT6i_Xmcbsu6HCc-VRWO7OWXQr-iaLWWKHaCX6HYTKmThvvk1DlQvA0W73tYS8mxAVmKAli3tH1mlI7zcpYg029APMEMLM4bCbF9TTU/s1600/IMG_2099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP3wYuZJtokGsref6f4CsR_pEH3S3j_XMb8_YyT6i_Xmcbsu6HCc-VRWO7OWXQr-iaLWWKHaCX6HYTKmThvvk1DlQvA0W73tYS8mxAVmKAli3tH1mlI7zcpYg029APMEMLM4bCbF9TTU/s400/IMG_2099.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-b6XOOfWB1KvBbOU8TiEtAM48KVQ_yOVMrdiEskYPAxjSsUMbRR8lPHe4djy94NRc0X9zeTFViQ7Cbi03tYFR6_0iivhAZyZTjH3TLXHHJINuyO87QFkrKGo7K8EGzM5P6oz4y0cPfE/s1600/IMG_2182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-b6XOOfWB1KvBbOU8TiEtAM48KVQ_yOVMrdiEskYPAxjSsUMbRR8lPHe4djy94NRc0X9zeTFViQ7Cbi03tYFR6_0iivhAZyZTjH3TLXHHJINuyO87QFkrKGo7K8EGzM5P6oz4y0cPfE/s400/IMG_2182.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Most nights we just grilled out back at the cabin! By planning ahead and picking healthy choices while eating out, I didn't feel bad about cutting loose and enjoying myself ... (here's the proof)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2krrvypS3giZdKFsfejzyrlXgqxAbKrxcM6hEiyyjCH6ARi2_OvjpI71TN90jVHeeoLvvcnZuf_9BinUQUjJF1mvUjMQT1SqNnanfAHtGMQdZFbyIJ9YD0hC7VXjmmxX8YR2bG-vbWs/s1600/IMG_2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2krrvypS3giZdKFsfejzyrlXgqxAbKrxcM6hEiyyjCH6ARi2_OvjpI71TN90jVHeeoLvvcnZuf_9BinUQUjJF1mvUjMQT1SqNnanfAHtGMQdZFbyIJ9YD0hC7VXjmmxX8YR2bG-vbWs/s400/IMG_2185.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">: <br />
This little place in Glenwood Springs had wine, truffles, and ice cream! I was in heaven!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGVPKonnKTySro7sJBsVtoBxcCja8nQEtxpYrT8F3hyphenhyphenMLi-pKzSzcRhM2rHrsACBAo-62wAwffqUnGF1l5EYNsGEGZSMg5KN8JQYC3EWLCf3EPHpJGyODI03OlnYJZq62lG2Z7MSuMr4/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGVPKonnKTySro7sJBsVtoBxcCja8nQEtxpYrT8F3hyphenhyphenMLi-pKzSzcRhM2rHrsACBAo-62wAwffqUnGF1l5EYNsGEGZSMg5KN8JQYC3EWLCf3EPHpJGyODI03OlnYJZq62lG2Z7MSuMr4/s400/IMG_2087.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnqKilYmKa-r67VEcc6NoCmQEM0W9tLXcS04YteA_zRcboM0KBpzd7dHYp3vXPRdYqz_UYLZf4AqqXEFUrZfoAQxACHDqdGOEnwTHfKqwGdX5wrug0mwUEEfRVbIUegLsgXiJXXq6igw/s640/IMG_2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnqKilYmKa-r67VEcc6NoCmQEM0W9tLXcS04YteA_zRcboM0KBpzd7dHYp3vXPRdYqz_UYLZf4AqqXEFUrZfoAQxACHDqdGOEnwTHfKqwGdX5wrug0mwUEEfRVbIUegLsgXiJXXq6igw/s640/IMG_2205.jpg" /></a></div><br />
With just little planning and determination you don't have to completely wreck your diet/healthy lifestyle because you are on vacation. It isn't an excuse, it is a choice! I came back from vacation feeling great and missing our daily hikes. <br />
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What do you do to assure you don't get off track while on vacation? <br />
XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-1178144411279728532013-06-26T22:20:00.000-05:002013-06-26T22:20:54.734-05:00Back from the Mountains...Sorry the absence on the blog this past week. We recently got back from a beautiful trip through Colorado and are trying to get back on track. I will be back soon with posts on healthy travel tips, eating clean on the go, and more recipes. In the meantime, enjoy some of the splendor we saw... I miss it all ready!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZBTxIV80yIhzggYThKwGyxS3nsWziCR7U-r0X_l1Yz53z7zwF21Zd5cDM5l2sRIrpINTzAQp22h_rm9QMLMxKa2Q8b4fahFVfzZlMyFjUgUMlzVTBGikLZmK7IhJBcuW5ekCM5fLpvw/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZBTxIV80yIhzggYThKwGyxS3nsWziCR7U-r0X_l1Yz53z7zwF21Zd5cDM5l2sRIrpINTzAQp22h_rm9QMLMxKa2Q8b4fahFVfzZlMyFjUgUMlzVTBGikLZmK7IhJBcuW5ekCM5fLpvw/s320/IMG_2174.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJR_DVOLVVMSh3w8rkW2hpw6HK8ngdEp_8MUx8mCbuVi2mTaQCijHJid5_KerjohRffD8HaYKtjayq_D9jfTr-dqXf9U6r-Txe6_H5lZRirAT0r9je34h-KCY6p9mTWvSVnOuMNiRIkVo/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJR_DVOLVVMSh3w8rkW2hpw6HK8ngdEp_8MUx8mCbuVi2mTaQCijHJid5_KerjohRffD8HaYKtjayq_D9jfTr-dqXf9U6r-Txe6_H5lZRirAT0r9je34h-KCY6p9mTWvSVnOuMNiRIkVo/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7PsqTQaQ1JWHZ_w3DsJaO5nRN0mey8Muv88YEif8BNxI4DABALAgAIDSygXyOTAjV33pnOLvXNwJpW9o-no6sndjdGWAEmYILQen0DSvj7jXr9SJbDkqiYbtvV9TzEQP2weTf3jRmrM/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7PsqTQaQ1JWHZ_w3DsJaO5nRN0mey8Muv88YEif8BNxI4DABALAgAIDSygXyOTAjV33pnOLvXNwJpW9o-no6sndjdGWAEmYILQen0DSvj7jXr9SJbDkqiYbtvV9TzEQP2weTf3jRmrM/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" /></a></div>XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-40498694700154764982013-06-16T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-16T07:00:07.097-05:00Inspiration to make you MOVE!!!I don't know about you, but sometimes I just need that extra push to get me going in the morning. So I though I would share some with you today:<br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lybu7np8hG1rnirkbo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lybu7np8hG1rnirkbo1_500.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUXVMDD4r1xdQCr9mj3zc5rjP8_Lqou-_900f4J2n2X1pf36cO2WSj1cESG1arT2PVZgsv5zwPk0LXwXJA8quD_9cUtye61psIMb5MCGEhpBpC6RmVy9i-CZ4pyuWLvKRZFSeg1hU2K0/s1600/exer7.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUXVMDD4r1xdQCr9mj3zc5rjP8_Lqou-_900f4J2n2X1pf36cO2WSj1cESG1arT2PVZgsv5zwPk0LXwXJA8quD_9cUtye61psIMb5MCGEhpBpC6RmVy9i-CZ4pyuWLvKRZFSeg1hU2K0/s320/exer7.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.jonathanspencer.net/ordinarywisdom/wp-content/uploads//2004/01/tumblr_locucazZJ41qclekjo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.jonathanspencer.net/ordinarywisdom/wp-content/uploads//2004/01/tumblr_locucazZJ41qclekjo1_400.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://cheerblogg.no/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/exercise-motivation-workout-Favim.com-213293.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://cheerblogg.no/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/exercise-motivation-workout-Favim.com-213293.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ericadhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Motivation3-300x255.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.ericadhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Motivation3-300x255.jpg" /></a><br />
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And last, but not least...<br />
<a href="http://www.yoganonymous.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/stretchintro.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.yoganonymous.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/stretchintro.png" /></a><br />
Adam Levine doing yoga! If nothing else that will make you smile! <br />
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<i>**all images found via google search**</i><br />
Now get up and getting moving! <br />
XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-49583456536010073282013-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T07:00:09.974-05:00Clean Vanilla Iced Latte RecipeFor years I was a Starbuck fanatic! Then I did some research into the ingredients they use and have cut way back. I still will get an occasional iced green tea (sugar free of course!), but no more frapp's or latte's for this girl. I love my morning coffee! I don't go a day without it, so I decided to try my hand at a clean version of Starbucks Vanilla Iced Latte. <br />
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<b>Clean Vanilla Iced Latte Recipe</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NpzarHUjTR5Z4qQQC4ge-49cRRyUCw4olY8HDbf6egSysoP2v_RuFoXzvrMlNPNR25y67g6HvGEsVy8KkU44Aqigk_9mYdLp8JUB05s4grSEhlF2TF0fCx3vlJos95xUCqvXY8l99eQ/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NpzarHUjTR5Z4qQQC4ge-49cRRyUCw4olY8HDbf6egSysoP2v_RuFoXzvrMlNPNR25y67g6HvGEsVy8KkU44Aqigk_9mYdLp8JUB05s4grSEhlF2TF0fCx3vlJos95xUCqvXY8l99eQ/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" /></a><br />
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**I really didn't measure anything out, but have a venti sized travel cup from Starbucks so this is made according to that size of cup!**<br />
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Freshly Brewed Coffee<br />
Ice<br />
1/2 Cup Sugar Free Vanilla Almond Milk<br />
Vanilla Steevia Drops<br />
<br />
1. Pour vanilla almond milk into venti size mug.<br />
2. Pour enough coffee in, still allowing room for ice.<br />
3. 4-5 drops of vanilla steevia.<br />
4. Add ice<br />
5. Shake it like a polaroid picture! <br />
6. Sit back and enjoy with out all the harsh chemicals and additives! <br />
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Next time I am going to freeze some leftover coffee in ice trays. That will keep the drink from getting watered down! <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-2140964434089072372013-06-13T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-13T07:00:03.898-05:00Forward from the Heart Guest Post: Pilates Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_JAUqhARRwrIzBxFofudjoJNttLzDz38ihLbUY1tUzYUiZZ3hYs4H5ByouUpAo795yUAFdvH_w4mcRkCkjNnyAlAXHxbUkIsB1ebltbOQXM5lNLKjSQZY8KU8YQA6RI3duGgrQkMy7Y/s1600/IMG_2174.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_JAUqhARRwrIzBxFofudjoJNttLzDz38ihLbUY1tUzYUiZZ3hYs4H5ByouUpAo795yUAFdvH_w4mcRkCkjNnyAlAXHxbUkIsB1ebltbOQXM5lNLKjSQZY8KU8YQA6RI3duGgrQkMy7Y/s320/IMG_2174.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>What is Pilates and why should you do it?</b><br />
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Pilates is an exercise that balances the development of the body through core strength, flexibility, joint health and awareness to promote efficient movement. As a student of Pilates you will learn how to carry your body correctly in order to get through your day with more strength and less aches and pains. Pilates strengthens and tones muscles without added bulk to give students a longer, leaner look. If you are looking to lose inches while gaining strength and flexibility, Pilates is it!<br />
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<b>Why I love Pilates</b><br />
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Doing Pilates regularly has helped me to stand and sit correctly, giving me the best posture of my life. My abs are defined enough that I feel comfortable in form-fitting clothing and even a bikini! I have never liked my thighs and always avoided wearing shorts, but since doing Pilates my legs have become trim enough that I wear even short running shorts! The classical Pilates work follows a specific order and progression that helps me to stay focused and reach my goals.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhBCmjH-mnO2nL-4QCKJE2VZWAMPHtAplu1yC8AZCVKoxA_BM5ofekLn8X424PaIRvFav4rUrBj6kMSoasajk6ar4yQqGfrnqcPVP2Oh3j8IGPpUCyabzuVjbHHgwiTIa3sOmlu55-_Q/s1600/IMG_1564.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhBCmjH-mnO2nL-4QCKJE2VZWAMPHtAplu1yC8AZCVKoxA_BM5ofekLn8X424PaIRvFav4rUrBj6kMSoasajk6ar4yQqGfrnqcPVP2Oh3j8IGPpUCyabzuVjbHHgwiTIa3sOmlu55-_Q/s320/IMG_1564.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Why I love teaching Pilates</b><br />
<br />
Teaching the classical Pilates work on the mat and equipment gives me the ability to train every one from physically fit athletes to those rehabbing injuries to people in their 90’s. While it is very fun and rewarding to see my strongest clients do the advanced work, it is just as rewarding to see a student that has never been able to sit with proper alignment finally do so because we have worked to strengthen their core.<br />
It makes my day when a student tells me that they are walking taller, experiencing an absence of chronic pain, or sleeping better thanks to the work we do together. The Pilates work can change your life and I love that I can teach people the proper way to do the exercises.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYImE0w50UxLy44NepPT9YDHtURxMzXSJuyN2B7bQ0GZAXfcMHlt1-i-7PqkPHQJN-00h-F8oSJ_n8itEedVMdygNeoIagczQFDNElBfJvFqd_Gvk7fQmDdF-5rzuCq5w-P_86itiJKp8/s1600/IMG_1756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYImE0w50UxLy44NepPT9YDHtURxMzXSJuyN2B7bQ0GZAXfcMHlt1-i-7PqkPHQJN-00h-F8oSJ_n8itEedVMdygNeoIagczQFDNElBfJvFqd_Gvk7fQmDdF-5rzuCq5w-P_86itiJKp8/s320/IMG_1756.jpeg" /></a><br />
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<i>**Sally blogs about Pilates and other forms of fitness, as well as nutrition, wellness, family and fun at <a href="http://forwardfromtheheart.blogspot.com">Forward from the Heart</a>. She is a fitness studio manager and, in addition to teaching Pilates, teaches Yoga, Cross Training, and Piloxing. I met Sally through Instagram and now we just need to actually meet up in person. Taking a Pilates class from her is in my near future. I can't wait!**<br />
</i><br />
Thanks Sally for sharing your love for Pilates on the blog today!<br />
XOXO<br />
Amber<br />
<br />
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-68546060365440638372013-06-12T09:00:00.000-05:002013-06-12T09:00:04.409-05:00At Home Gym Essentials<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAmoEGrwOCfiH2kNOB2EAL_V8wWYWaiDL2ZASIlyWPN9YbPqaszoya3iO-ro8RW2Ss9xMr2BVH1-qeYTG450UpwYUba7wOMusJJiGjkCZ9yEwszBAnCV72NcTkiQhQtTf6ltahms7uBI/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAmoEGrwOCfiH2kNOB2EAL_V8wWYWaiDL2ZASIlyWPN9YbPqaszoya3iO-ro8RW2Ss9xMr2BVH1-qeYTG450UpwYUba7wOMusJJiGjkCZ9yEwszBAnCV72NcTkiQhQtTf6ltahms7uBI/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I am blogging over at <a href="http://www.greetingsfromnolandia.com">Greetings from Nolandia</a> about how easy it is to set up a small workout area in your home. Go check it out!! <br />
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<i>**Thanks Alexandra for letting me do a guest post on your blog!!**</i>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-58176009147935523622013-06-11T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-11T07:00:01.764-05:00Greeting from Nolandia Guest Post: Yoga Love<br />
<b>Y O G A// L I F E S T Y L E</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N7xhg0ClmmgXqc7A4-UCU9XbsvDYbp_mp2u5h7jl-o0IXDBycNjos-soOsjgya4ksdCbEK3pg7PKTRuGAjWWUPjnXgqQxeZY1gQU04qBOVWhZ7wZGs-uPzK44Q-5evH-Te-hrIky1VE/s1600/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N7xhg0ClmmgXqc7A4-UCU9XbsvDYbp_mp2u5h7jl-o0IXDBycNjos-soOsjgya4ksdCbEK3pg7PKTRuGAjWWUPjnXgqQxeZY1gQU04qBOVWhZ7wZGs-uPzK44Q-5evH-Te-hrIky1VE/s320/photo.jpeg" /></a><br />
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I have been practicing yoga for the past five years, but did not dedicate myself to making it part of my LIFEstyle until the last 6 months or so. <br />
I always found yoga intimidating; all the poses, their common names and their correct “yoga” names, the inversions, the flexibility… ahhh. Too much. Especially growing up an awkward chubby kid, who was terrible at sports… yoga definitely seemed like a mystical, scary thing. <br />
Then in January, I decided on a major life overhaul. The more I looked back into yoga, the more it became…simple. Yoga is about patience and breath, and pushing yourself through challenging postures (or challenging moments in life)… and then accepting yourself when you are at your limit.<br />
To me, that sounded wonderful.<br />
So, for me yoga is a work out, but it’s also about stretching my muscles, finding calm in moments of chaos, taking myself to the limit…and being patient with my progress. <br />
Let me leave you with some yoga phrases from my previous yoga instructors that have brought me peace but also pushed me to dare try just a little bit harder than I normally would.<br />
“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you ever be polished?” – (that’s a Rumi quote, but I love hearing it in yoga class…I actually had it written on my yoga journal)<br />
“In yoga, we begin where we are”- I love this because it always reminds me that we don’t have to have a certain expertise or skill level to benefit from practice.<br />
“Everyone should be inverted at least once a day”- This saying strikes a chord with me. Sometimes we get so caught up with our perspective on our own lives… we just need to turn our worlds upside down and approach it all in a different way. <br />
Yoga is much more than exercise; it is a path to a healthier, happier, calmer life. <br />
Be well! xx (and wish me luck, because I am in the middle of yoga teacher training right now!)<br />
<i><br />
**Alexandria is such an inspiration to me! She sets goals and goes after them with a full heart! I am so glad we have become fast friends over the past couple of months thanks to our love of a healthy lifestyle and Instagram. Be sure to stop by her <a href="http://www.greetingsfromnolandia.com">blog</a> and follow her and her hubby's adventures, healthy living, and exercise tips!** </i><br />
XOXO,<br />
Amber<br />
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-36279995781606217892013-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-09T07:00:08.018-05:00Sprucing up the ManorWhile Poot was busy cultivating our garden, I brought out some paint and decided to spruce things up a bit. Yard work can get expensive, so I wanted to use what we already had on add, but add some special touches to them. First up was our rusty flower pot stand!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SAtaKwdtBR-UE_55iv4FsaRKsscMNKVUdDMnK8adECUbRe7vJyKsKsL6ak2q2kkU6LvjQT14cNnr3KD7lY0-hynAXzBeUwoacdpEUQkY0tpqFltqHjTHt7HjUwjNyYW3cvEhld_UV8I/s1600/IMG_1876.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SAtaKwdtBR-UE_55iv4FsaRKsscMNKVUdDMnK8adECUbRe7vJyKsKsL6ak2q2kkU6LvjQT14cNnr3KD7lY0-hynAXzBeUwoacdpEUQkY0tpqFltqHjTHt7HjUwjNyYW3cvEhld_UV8I/s320/IMG_1876.jpg" /></a><br />
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I decided my bathroom trash can needed a makeover too. It is amazing what a little spray paint can do:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYAFPfjdMefO_EzMIEyJ7y9oyPdh93KqgKa9IWAkQUa8H-vu9JmqUWiEMpRrui459z6Aig43RGUWd7gaWbioBBU1fGTHHZHkbESObwkTbTA1I0GX8tp3hENWmvoYAPjo3clo9uXaSPIg/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYAFPfjdMefO_EzMIEyJ7y9oyPdh93KqgKa9IWAkQUa8H-vu9JmqUWiEMpRrui459z6Aig43RGUWd7gaWbioBBU1fGTHHZHkbESObwkTbTA1I0GX8tp3hENWmvoYAPjo3clo9uXaSPIg/s320/IMG_1881.JPG" /></a><br />
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I love the green color of the stand with my pink flowers!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyuaMTmdRErbm5Gs86WEhjw5cQZsuE4-hghMFLmrDVWkKsNxjCqFQmsv1J6pGrxsm2xFLJBFrfs4Le4Pm-_jKPSoRIlBvDglL8sdzhMjL9R54yTaX7eeB9EXsLGqVs2Cdl9Skg9AyPmQ/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyuaMTmdRErbm5Gs86WEhjw5cQZsuE4-hghMFLmrDVWkKsNxjCqFQmsv1J6pGrxsm2xFLJBFrfs4Le4Pm-_jKPSoRIlBvDglL8sdzhMjL9R54yTaX7eeB9EXsLGqVs2Cdl9Skg9AyPmQ/s320/IMG_1929.JPG" /></a><br />
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Next I thought it would be fun to paint some simple designs on old terra cotta pots we had laying around. Now I do not have the painting talent of my <a href="http://catherineholmanfolkart.blogspot.com">mom</a>, AT ALL...but they didn't turn out too bad. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBlh9tCotXNrnmnVVVnCVhXQDdFOPPza0PbtsOVx9HIb1IY7GSRNxEyIqxnrXhNbwMGQ8Z4i-Fk9enkP0DmSSo95nX7_y4KWTQOyAhBbYnnZOq67Nd2ztxKEBfLuCt4hpVzS0iYdQSoo/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBlh9tCotXNrnmnVVVnCVhXQDdFOPPza0PbtsOVx9HIb1IY7GSRNxEyIqxnrXhNbwMGQ8Z4i-Fk9enkP0DmSSo95nX7_y4KWTQOyAhBbYnnZOq67Nd2ztxKEBfLuCt4hpVzS0iYdQSoo/s320/IMG_1939.JPG" /></a><br />
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The garden is coming along and we have added some blueberry bushes. I love the idea of going out in my yard to grab fresh blueberries!! <br />
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Poot has been working so hard on the flower beds and adding rock pathways! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3oSteA43GQywqLzh7MGhTCgO136WfwU6Na2BO6sLk1yfigIBJdiWX1HstCbYH_qC5xdUy05ICG0JB-xI25dFjuOxlDScHgLB4ShcBEW_w83csoSV4MdZk0mDVvggMws-m6ADNZ4L1MA/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3oSteA43GQywqLzh7MGhTCgO136WfwU6Na2BO6sLk1yfigIBJdiWX1HstCbYH_qC5xdUy05ICG0JB-xI25dFjuOxlDScHgLB4ShcBEW_w83csoSV4MdZk0mDVvggMws-m6ADNZ4L1MA/s320/IMG_1997.JPG" /></a><br />
We just can't seem to get grass to grow in our small front yard, so Poot drew up a design to turn our yard into a cottage garden! I am thrilled!<br />
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I will make sure to keep updating our progress as we make headway!<br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-61235685404080666292013-06-07T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-07T07:00:02.009-05:00Les Mills PumpSince March I have been going to the gym 4-5 days a week, along with one hot yoga class. Going to the gym for me means hitting the cardio circuit hard for an hour and then maybe doing some ab work. I am terrified of the weight area. Even the machines scare me! I can't really explain why, other than the fact that I am pretty clueless when it comes to lifting. <br />
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However, in order for me to tone up my trouble areas, I know that lifting is essential along with my cardio. Enter <i>Les Mills Pump.</i> I have heard many people talk about P90x and Insanity, but didn't think I was mentally or physically ready for those programs. After many discussions with my Beach Body Coach, Laura, we determined that Les Mills Pump would probably be the best thing to start with! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsBFlC6nc2SE5e0detiS7aEUh2K5i90bzYa6fqawB656smOmTbSgGgoYFU7EhNDQJHgr-e6y22EZaUd8gsUtgcxOsG7c5hYBKTKh3Tp2no4vB6mowVqERidAPWGumU3bvHp97OWWxhio/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsBFlC6nc2SE5e0detiS7aEUh2K5i90bzYa6fqawB656smOmTbSgGgoYFU7EhNDQJHgr-e6y22EZaUd8gsUtgcxOsG7c5hYBKTKh3Tp2no4vB6mowVqERidAPWGumU3bvHp97OWWxhio/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmHad_3NnPqfZntaNwlj-Uv-DlfJe7iNxPgNAsMM5GP-stkEZIycgJsPUx3WGXERD583zXbiek7ueqBGMFcq9h-ngpfusoQq95Ad7XLpSpIP-ratYX1T1XOw0cNCiUK3RARJA-o4QUT8/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmHad_3NnPqfZntaNwlj-Uv-DlfJe7iNxPgNAsMM5GP-stkEZIycgJsPUx3WGXERD583zXbiek7ueqBGMFcq9h-ngpfusoQq95Ad7XLpSpIP-ratYX1T1XOw0cNCiUK3RARJA-o4QUT8/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" /></a><br />
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The program comes with several dvds, a 90 day workout program, a meal plan, barbell, and 5/10 lb weights. I am currently on the start of my 3rd week and loving it! There motto is low weights with a lot of reps. That I can handle but man do you feel the burn, and the best part is that the videos are between 20-55 mins. Plus I can do them at home, and take them with on vacations! <br />
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Take a peek here to see what it is all about:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f-ocLvpbBsQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I am tracking my progress and will make sure to post my results here after my 90 days! Here's to feeling confident for swimsuit season!! <br />
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Do you like to work out at home? Do you have any favorite videos? I have several that I have been working out to and will give my reviews here from time to time on the ones that I really love. I would love some suggestions on other videos/programs to try. Who knows... after I complete this I might just be ready for a little Insanity!!<br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-81003918883725084482013-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-06T07:00:10.786-05:00Fail to plan...Plan to Fail...I am a planner. <br />
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Just ask Poot. I am always making lists of things that in his eyes are way too long (and if I am being honest they are). I have learned over that past year, with the help of Scott, that I don't have to try and do it all in one day. So now my lists are more for the week in general, instead of one day. <br />
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When we decided to change our eating habits and to start exercising again, I knew that if I didn't plan ahead I was going to fail. Life gets busy. Life can be messy at times, and the first thing to go is cooking a healthy meal or getting that workout in. This means that every weekend we plan out our meals for the week. Breakfast, lunches, and dinners. We rarely eat out anymore, so to keep us from wanting to run through a drive-thru to pick up dinner... we HAVE to plan. By knowing what we are cooking every night, I am able to get things ready ahead of time if needed. It also ensures I have all ingredients on hand. <br />
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We also always pack our lunches for work. It saves us money and keeps us on track! Lunches usually consist of leftovers from meals the night before, salads, or chicken, egg, or tuna salad. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSZBVCIhiR-QQawdgJxX7cOaWETc1LcOAGmKN8WshQcWq1asly6T6itOteSqBf0TEblgbwAmQHSlNjwDybwPWN7bAY75iEve-oi9CzRjujfAe4TB8PupDeUlDbcmDxCppQs2lHu9GlUM/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSZBVCIhiR-QQawdgJxX7cOaWETc1LcOAGmKN8WshQcWq1asly6T6itOteSqBf0TEblgbwAmQHSlNjwDybwPWN7bAY75iEve-oi9CzRjujfAe4TB8PupDeUlDbcmDxCppQs2lHu9GlUM/s320/IMG_0950.JPG" /></a><br />
There are days when I feel like I am taking everything but my kitchen sink to work and that we are keeping Ziplock and Rubbermaid in business, but it is worth it. <br />
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The same planning is a MUST when scheduling my workouts. I am the worst at coming home and finding something else to do. Isn't it funny how cleaning a toilet sounds better then going to the gym? Getting there is the hardest part, but once I am there I don't usually want to leave. Since I like making list, I utilize the good ol' fashion day planner. I picked up a couple of cute ones in the Target clearance section to help map out my weeks. I keep a separate one for fitness, and kind of use it as a journal too. I keep track of:<br />
*what i did at the gym<br />
*how many calories were burned<br />
*monthly measurements<br />
*weekly weigh ins<br />
*and my WW points (when I was still counting them)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLUd6-Pc2jjLzDF64qKMAWkoRNdLt6y-Q08ceoF3Rne7ABl0o-Rny9Z5cbqugtonPTdzDgVwxrtTb8x6ixYC3jiRYHPCcAlUG5Gox-W6q27PxFn4BUPdudDMHXhsyFkAp4klNiFISafg/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLUd6-Pc2jjLzDF64qKMAWkoRNdLt6y-Q08ceoF3Rne7ABl0o-Rny9Z5cbqugtonPTdzDgVwxrtTb8x6ixYC3jiRYHPCcAlUG5Gox-W6q27PxFn4BUPdudDMHXhsyFkAp4klNiFISafg/s320/IMG_1993.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq04rOJ63-n2lKKKKy1PdHm7rP5T1vOSDPJF34z4w9TOBgRiidsM_665gd_nskwLclUv8YoMa1u-tISnp5so16EIf5EQdfzzl1HcrGF7J3B5aNJwKL3bhY852VbLcQ39l3HKVH1koU6s/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq04rOJ63-n2lKKKKy1PdHm7rP5T1vOSDPJF34z4w9TOBgRiidsM_665gd_nskwLclUv8YoMa1u-tISnp5so16EIf5EQdfzzl1HcrGF7J3B5aNJwKL3bhY852VbLcQ39l3HKVH1koU6s/s320/IMG_1965.JPG" /></a><br />
** The stickers indicate when I worked out. It makes me feel like I am back in grade school getting my gold sticker for the day**<br />
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With our upcoming road trip, I plan to continue on my workout schedule. I sat down over my lunch break and was able to map out my workout schedule for the entire month of June to hold myself accountable! I don't like canceling my workouts, so if something needs to be shifted or moved around for a unexpected event, I am able to do so. <br />
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Fail to plan, plan to fail! It really is true! All it takes is just an hour or so a week to get yourself mapped out and you are on the road to success!<br />
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How do you hold yourself accountable? Do you schedule your meals for the week and workouts? I would love to hear some different tips,etc.<br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-73303594564724134132013-06-04T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-04T07:00:12.314-05:00What's on my needle??Thought I would pop in here occasionally to show you what I am knitting/crocheting in my free time. (Man do I wish I had more time for that!)I can't have idle hands for too long,and whether I am knitting or crocheting, it calms my body and my mind. That my friend, is why I am always carrying yarn with me. If there is ever a free moment, yarn is usually in my hands! <br />
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I recently finished a yoga mat bag:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTifeZvbVha0GexKIK7d_8wBmEeWgk1T5exGNUgWc58NOxSpPb3qK45hOiaKozulwGqKqHZhVJKLVrRK8940RVYoCWst7NVefQletjraluIO6eqG3fEfXDhuzEFZyJoSZQmKiG9XlA3I/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTifeZvbVha0GexKIK7d_8wBmEeWgk1T5exGNUgWc58NOxSpPb3qK45hOiaKozulwGqKqHZhVJKLVrRK8940RVYoCWst7NVefQletjraluIO6eqG3fEfXDhuzEFZyJoSZQmKiG9XlA3I/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M3Jams30xrfoOWz0ubCFBiOU2LTS7ltqVKNt29KMWO2KIdCpKfaGbl6O0QGYAJw8GTeUlFfYN1ZPiv_uFPR2SLI6ltrpUFVjxupIYS3WHrtI-AznP4EPejMtOMrzFJv9x6g2c0QrM6c/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M3Jams30xrfoOWz0ubCFBiOU2LTS7ltqVKNt29KMWO2KIdCpKfaGbl6O0QGYAJw8GTeUlFfYN1ZPiv_uFPR2SLI6ltrpUFVjxupIYS3WHrtI-AznP4EPejMtOMrzFJv9x6g2c0QrM6c/s320/IMG_1479.JPG" /></a><br />
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This was my first crochet project I have worked on in awhile.It was quick, easy, and fun! <br />
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Currently on my knitting needles is the <i>Honey Cowl</i>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA1wg5w3JnY1__d0h8r2QygcOfBQ4xoNnLVzjvU7TLlQs3vN90mXaVPHYezfJ0YI1cyrJT3b4t3YVmAuzEE99d3grYdQN9WRYtVHzxh6-9wwntvcqsy0EidKoPKbBRlFIKc6fqA_1F4I/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA1wg5w3JnY1__d0h8r2QygcOfBQ4xoNnLVzjvU7TLlQs3vN90mXaVPHYezfJ0YI1cyrJT3b4t3YVmAuzEE99d3grYdQN9WRYtVHzxh6-9wwntvcqsy0EidKoPKbBRlFIKc6fqA_1F4I/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEd952XH_I3Og6eRuTz4KVEytQ2hUPSmwWaidQKuJUZRi9PIOvOqscQPRf8baeNxZsoSEDGobW0wmOxoKnJah9xA3SB1J_QY23yl0xWRFl2wZBj2lwmwk4YHhs3Ng5-D5mSZzdMqK5MIs/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEd952XH_I3Og6eRuTz4KVEytQ2hUPSmwWaidQKuJUZRi9PIOvOqscQPRf8baeNxZsoSEDGobW0wmOxoKnJah9xA3SB1J_QY23yl0xWRFl2wZBj2lwmwk4YHhs3Ng5-D5mSZzdMqK5MIs/s320/IMG_1806.JPG" /></a><br />
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I have had this project in mind for awhile and it is the perfect thing to work on while catching up on the dvr! <br />
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We are heading out on a road trip soon, so of course I had to plan my knitting project for that. I will be working on my first sweater! I am a little nervous about this, but am up for the challenge! (See I told you that challenges motivate me!) I did some online yarn research and called several local yarn stores, trying to find the right yarn, but no one in the area had the right amount or color I was looking for. I finally ended up ordering it from <a href="www.jimmybeanswool.com">Jimmy Beans Wool</a>. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTNYwYclvaZphG3Sb4XV4W9vlVc6nIApjLOUdok-rdxfTGzkPbItg3n5Maxr0F5EQQ5l8ETTn-QQvbMzoVe07_2JWNYt3j8kIaNx7KxfqFG9r-J0y2NJH_m20yj9O8TDIObl4e2B6QfU/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTNYwYclvaZphG3Sb4XV4W9vlVc6nIApjLOUdok-rdxfTGzkPbItg3n5Maxr0F5EQQ5l8ETTn-QQvbMzoVe07_2JWNYt3j8kIaNx7KxfqFG9r-J0y2NJH_m20yj9O8TDIObl4e2B6QfU/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" /></a><br />
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All eight skeins are successfully wound and ready to head out on the road with me!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KwRpjzXg5BweBJnE-fTzxlZulGI9ePBWFMkjHWbsOqyQzKdmRDNIjSBiA98u9Qj5C7xOgTAQH8o_NVLCrVlrVIzHmKccEOH66xsLzs8THH8_gaMQxg3urWcZYeZ3D4C11iQobnNQl0s/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KwRpjzXg5BweBJnE-fTzxlZulGI9ePBWFMkjHWbsOqyQzKdmRDNIjSBiA98u9Qj5C7xOgTAQH8o_NVLCrVlrVIzHmKccEOH66xsLzs8THH8_gaMQxg3urWcZYeZ3D4C11iQobnNQl0s/s320/IMG_1925.JPG" /></a><br />
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What crafting things are you currently working on?? <br />
<br />
XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-49443360621955070582013-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-03T07:00:14.290-05:00June Ab ChallengeMy sweet friend Alexandria from <a href="http://www.greetingsfromnolandia.com">Greetings from Nolandia</a> posted a challenge this week on her blog! It seems that these days challenges are what I need to stay motivated, so I am jumping in!<br />
<br />
<b>Here are the rules (and they are simple!):</b><br />
<br />
Starting today (I started Saturday, June 1, but just start today and go for 30 days), decide on a number of crunches you want to do. Each day add 5 more to that total! It is as simple as that! And yes that means crunches every day for 30 days!! Hello fit tummy!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb-LlT-8lakTq4M_ylevtJwBrU2zZXhDMHLe_WZgGH2suW3vdzJlqnwiA6T75SgfQp6aeknBUy08tDiTNv9f2yHZKiKYgCcb9d62bjHpUZWaTDotbW2uvcC3X8YjMQIf2rl3G7ux5pe8/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb-LlT-8lakTq4M_ylevtJwBrU2zZXhDMHLe_WZgGH2suW3vdzJlqnwiA6T75SgfQp6aeknBUy08tDiTNv9f2yHZKiKYgCcb9d62bjHpUZWaTDotbW2uvcC3X8YjMQIf2rl3G7ux5pe8/s320/IMG_1762.JPG" /></a><br />
For me, I am starting out with 30. That might seem low, but by June 30 I will be doing 175 crunches! Being the list maker and planner that I am I wrote out how many crunches I need to do each day, and I mark it off once completed!<br />
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So who is in? If you are please leave a comment below. I would love to check in with everyone after you complete the challenge! <br />
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How about some inspiration to get you crunching...<br />
<a href="http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com/files/imagecache/topic_pages_prominent/article_rotator_images/workout-pins-ro.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com/files/imagecache/topic_pages_prominent/article_rotator_images/workout-pins-ro.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://femmefitaleblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/2012-03-03_0712_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://femmefitaleblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/2012-03-03_0712_thumb.png" /></a><br />
<br />
And this one because we all need some humor in our lives...<br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/192x/0b/1a/90/0b1a90fe44f104ab98cc05f8480fecb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/192x/0b/1a/90/0b1a90fe44f104ab98cc05f8480fecb9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Are you ready to get crunching??? <br />
XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-16238377897397571132013-06-02T12:33:00.000-05:002013-06-02T12:33:05.257-05:00Cauliflower Pizza Crust RecipeI love pizza... A LOT!!! And when I first started eating gluten free I was determined to find that perfect crust. While this is my favorite gluten free pizza crust mix:<a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/1000/Bobs-Red-Mill/Bobs-Red-Mill-Gluten-and-Wheat-Free-Pizza-Crust-Mix-039978003942.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/1000/Bobs-Red-Mill/Bobs-Red-Mill-Gluten-and-Wheat-Free-Pizza-Crust-Mix-039978003942.jpg" /></a><br />
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I heard a lot about cauliflower crust pizza's and wanted to give it a try! Now, I guess I should be fair here and say that when "I" wanted to try it, that meant that Scott would be the one actually making it. Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am to have a husband that loves to cook and cook healthy eats at that?? So blessed!!<br />
<br />
I searched several different recipes and they all seemed to be pretty similar in their ingredients. We finally decided to settle on <a href="www.recipegirl.com">Recipe Girls</a> recipe. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwsGTK9-_Zz6nhyphenhyphene9FQ-sEz64HD8IohGv_GJhV9QO_BTzwr1eQlDgmgYBTxJrNeEFAvkCsz0GCNpJlnjV0h8ENWW0DUzrYemWXmkYZhe-prvU2VnyBcgiDV_EJ8fWsqTplA5fmU1xfHI/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwsGTK9-_Zz6nhyphenhyphene9FQ-sEz64HD8IohGv_GJhV9QO_BTzwr1eQlDgmgYBTxJrNeEFAvkCsz0GCNpJlnjV0h8ENWW0DUzrYemWXmkYZhe-prvU2VnyBcgiDV_EJ8fWsqTplA5fmU1xfHI/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Cauliflower Pizza Crust</b><br />
<br />
1/2 large head of Cauliflower (equals 2 plus cups of shredded cauliflower)<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese<br />
1 tsp dried oregano<br />
1/2 tsp dried or fresh minced garlic<br />
1/2 tsp onion salt<br />
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1. Shred the cauliflower into small crumbles. You can use a food processor, or do like poot did and use a cheese grater to "rice" the cauliflower. You will want around 2 cups of riced cauliflower.<br />
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2. Place the riced cauliflower in a large bowl and microwave them dry (no need for water) for 8 minutes.<br />
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3. Allow the cauliflower to cool some. <br />
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4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray cookie sheet or pizza pan with non-stick spray. (We prefer Spectrum's Coconut Oil spray.)<br />
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5. In a medium bowl, mix the riced cauliflower in with the remaining ingredients. <br />
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6. Place mixture on the cookie sheet and pat the crust into a 9-12 inch round or square. Spray the crust with a little non stick spray (again why we like the Spectrum Coconut Oil spray because it is clean).<br />
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7. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. **you want to make sure the crust is done in the middle other wise you will have a very flimsy piece of pizza**<br />
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8. Remove pizza from oven and turn the oven to broil setting. <br />
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9. Top with whatever your heart desires. <br />
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10. Broil pizza 3-4 minutes until the toppings are hot and cheese is bubbly.<br />
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We made two pizza's since we like different toppings and I didn't want much cheese. I topped mine with pizza sauce, local sausage from <a href="www.thelocalpig.com">Local Pig</a>, mushrooms, red onions, banana peppers, and fat free feta cheese. It was so good. I even heated the leftovers up the next day and the crust was still tasty. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmuQasIALYlH1fksg3b_HHfp1tnzLNe1VtyB2mP_wRzWKsiFxOlGrZ276pM-nJMzVAUuks0T5hwUWv33cGb7MK79yzZ2Zpp2vEz4FMCIz5LP7KPm8iUjuwgNAW1m-fELCcK_xqJ6MDOI/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmuQasIALYlH1fksg3b_HHfp1tnzLNe1VtyB2mP_wRzWKsiFxOlGrZ276pM-nJMzVAUuks0T5hwUWv33cGb7MK79yzZ2Zpp2vEz4FMCIz5LP7KPm8iUjuwgNAW1m-fELCcK_xqJ6MDOI/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" /></a><br />
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The crust was Poot approved! Seriously... I was a little skeptical but it was tasty and we have made it several times since! <br />
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Happy Eats! <br />
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**If you try this recipe I would love to know how you liked it!**<br />
XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-50801461562917718822013-05-31T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-31T07:00:04.221-05:00Gardening Love...Spring in KC has been a little cooler than normal this year, so we are a little late in getting our garden planted. This past weekend we gave our existing garden a little face lift and extended it some. Here is what it looked like before we started our work:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAalQXUUWM4M3wFeIZ9KlYflLumCjnXv8K9ClrrDNOf2rGTFNdZTaBm2HfON6iqWYVPzkFEYFYdv6R4xiGQ5Zv93P2ggTbG23jXu-C2Elkqhl8wY_yR4Tlo1cOhrg_sKl3NhVJGXXKamk/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAalQXUUWM4M3wFeIZ9KlYflLumCjnXv8K9ClrrDNOf2rGTFNdZTaBm2HfON6iqWYVPzkFEYFYdv6R4xiGQ5Zv93P2ggTbG23jXu-C2Elkqhl8wY_yR4Tlo1cOhrg_sKl3NhVJGXXKamk/s320/IMG_1869.jpg" /></a><br />
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After lots of cultivating...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E0ctF06skiisPB1Yjx0_0c3hyphenhyphenjiNdrPixi8PCiSjVGGQWyIjdMZ9hr_6lTzASr5PeOL5XpXY1PJn_fvPiJX1GnA5LEGC4Ivr863RglzyLhdYNXyDf1JLl9YUShudlPZ6IuXn5Tzpd6g/s1600/IMG_1872.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E0ctF06skiisPB1Yjx0_0c3hyphenhyphenjiNdrPixi8PCiSjVGGQWyIjdMZ9hr_6lTzASr5PeOL5XpXY1PJn_fvPiJX1GnA5LEGC4Ivr863RglzyLhdYNXyDf1JLl9YUShudlPZ6IuXn5Tzpd6g/s320/IMG_1872.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HMm3UhW-Nlib87VkondKCauYS8mELmsC94B3JYosyNCUhSzuo78NMPd3npRmM8XgIcKEe07I12yTaUUfO4i_CfcfYio0mKBUT1P_5-LCk5sT88GrVH296xv10Sn58OgVJRW0N13-bzY/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HMm3UhW-Nlib87VkondKCauYS8mELmsC94B3JYosyNCUhSzuo78NMPd3npRmM8XgIcKEe07I12yTaUUfO4i_CfcfYio0mKBUT1P_5-LCk5sT88GrVH296xv10Sn58OgVJRW0N13-bzY/s320/IMG_1870.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
we planted:<br />
**2 cherry tomato plant varieties<br />
**tomatilla's <br />
**3 tomato plant varieties<br />
**red peppers<br />
**sweet banana peppers<br />
**jalapeno's<br />
**strawberries (these are back from last year and I can't wait)<br />
**2 basil plants<br />
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We still have a few things we would like to add to the garden in the next few days, if the weather cooperates! I love being able to step out our backdoor and grab fresh vegetables for dinner. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9y8d9WF7z9ewS4pnabZkwIMqAQoNt-ll7VkvkyFoMy3SwvY85VNgjgPRC1LYq-WlwCFl4r6Pmscyrkwi-uuBcV6Ch6fNxQX_qZiqGlS3KeWQQebbUC7mKM_j4qaBAwuCUYPZA1zpccM/s1600/IMG_1873.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9y8d9WF7z9ewS4pnabZkwIMqAQoNt-ll7VkvkyFoMy3SwvY85VNgjgPRC1LYq-WlwCFl4r6Pmscyrkwi-uuBcV6Ch6fNxQX_qZiqGlS3KeWQQebbUC7mKM_j4qaBAwuCUYPZA1zpccM/s320/IMG_1873.jpg" /></a><br />
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To celebrate our hard work, we had some homemade salsa and chips with a beer! I will be sure to post some pictures when it is completed! Have you planted a garden this year? What are you planting? I would love to hear about it!<br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-86589488220080183882013-05-29T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-29T07:00:12.796-05:00Primal Pit Paste: Product Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWdQOmFSlKdfK16KfegEQ8l76J2IjdfuCS13betbhHV73JxCrt2y9W4nTFIIXidLSD5V0Cc5Z8S1GQmFQv6MRKCzXvfsulyjlQbhW3jwf9kMYJL4KLv0tUelHf29IoJUQuhnAYSIFifQ/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWdQOmFSlKdfK16KfegEQ8l76J2IjdfuCS13betbhHV73JxCrt2y9W4nTFIIXidLSD5V0Cc5Z8S1GQmFQv6MRKCzXvfsulyjlQbhW3jwf9kMYJL4KLv0tUelHf29IoJUQuhnAYSIFifQ/s320/IMG_1487.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Now that we are eating a clean diet, I am slowly replacing products around The Manor with clean products. First up was my deodorant! I had heard that aluminum was the main ingredient in women's deodorant, but honestly never thought much about it. I figured why would companies put it in their product if it is bad for you?? Well, after learning about the food industry, nothing surprises me anymore. Of course ingredients that honestly shouldn't be there are in most beauty products we use daily. <br />
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Aluminum is put into our deodorants to temporarily plug our sweat ducts, preventing us from sweating. It prevents us from doing something our body naturally needs and wants to do! There have been several studies (I won't go into detail here but if you are interested/concerned get out there and read about it)that have linked the use of aluminum deodorant to breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease,and kidney disease. Ummm...no thanks! <br />
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After doing research for days it seemed, I happened upon Primal Pit Paste. And like I always do, I spent hours reading reviews and decided this was the one for me! I chose the lavendar paste in the jar because it was a few dollars less then the stick and I really wasn't sure if it was going to work or if I would like it. I received my jar very quickly and was anxious to try it.<br />
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I have now been using Primal Pit Paste for a month and really like it! I won't lie, it took some getting use to! I am that girl that immediately hops out the shower and puts on deodorant because I can't stand that "wet" feeling. This was what I had the hardest time adjusting to,but within a few days I was use to it. Just because I am not dry doesn't mean I am stinky! Ha! This still allows my body to sweat, which we need, but I smell good while doing it! I have used this while doing my 90 minute hot yoga class (the room is over 100 degrees folks!) and came out smelling just fine! That was the true test and it passed!! <br />
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I am so happy to know that there are companies like this out there making such amazing products!! I will definitely be a Primal Pit Paste user for life! If you are interested in what goes into to Primal Pit Paste or want to read more reviews for yourself you can check them out <a href="http://www.primalpitpaste.com">here</a>.<br />
<br />
**I was not asked or paid by Primal Pit to review their product**<br />
I will periodically post product reviews of items that I strongly stand behind, so stay tuned!!<br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-11321779405306508062013-05-28T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-28T07:00:10.316-05:00Around our Neighborhood...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2A3yk6UrgiLkMFVucSw9hdsHha6KkAvB9Bb-hrP5N-gXNeQvfttG4qpQtFxjIwfcK75UyfnuK6BRUU6wcxkV_qS8iyhvQdrWS7ttro7pDzBoTX1Gy2i7Whvh1M1MDxZU7k3iExvf43o/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2A3yk6UrgiLkMFVucSw9hdsHha6KkAvB9Bb-hrP5N-gXNeQvfttG4qpQtFxjIwfcK75UyfnuK6BRUU6wcxkV_qS8iyhvQdrWS7ttro7pDzBoTX1Gy2i7Whvh1M1MDxZU7k3iExvf43o/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" /></a><br />
Some nights I just don't want to work out inside. My body begs me to get out and get some sun after being cooped up in an office with no windows all day! When this happens, Scott and I head out to walk the trails that were put in near our neighborhood last year. Instead of driving to the trail head, we walk from our house because it is an amazing workout. We live in a very hilly neighborhood and those hills have my buns screaming by the time we are almost home! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRneqR6L_ImGyGWiZoVSigNF4yGVVjnO_Ew0IIVPW2rPLpCmAeP7kkc6o9KhjROiMM802jGwoM79c7GbtWqGCSzC7wTEJMMkvOs7I9a7x9Peieon-4PtSSjRSG9x7SiQgvKA-P52xq3iE/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRneqR6L_ImGyGWiZoVSigNF4yGVVjnO_Ew0IIVPW2rPLpCmAeP7kkc6o9KhjROiMM802jGwoM79c7GbtWqGCSzC7wTEJMMkvOs7I9a7x9Peieon-4PtSSjRSG9x7SiQgvKA-P52xq3iE/s320/IMG_1574.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTHCLn2BXNzvFcUE5wJcxMKGvpBk4sMN549y9FTeWeGcwPvt730NkCS7l8cGubK5AG4KT3pMVWx3mSRrCOm53gb3HGXVj6OtHSs4AZImlQlNLMJZ7r3vWNQJgsgEyc-iKmACCVLcR8C8/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTHCLn2BXNzvFcUE5wJcxMKGvpBk4sMN549y9FTeWeGcwPvt730NkCS7l8cGubK5AG4KT3pMVWx3mSRrCOm53gb3HGXVj6OtHSs4AZImlQlNLMJZ7r3vWNQJgsgEyc-iKmACCVLcR8C8/s320/IMG_1575.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4UiySkVmwwkKI3jPcthlJzknxsMbroy2EKjbF78yo_uJFW7lgXP706SNKm9x2atrcghFA8lnzRcQ5CCpnehGYfNxhtxKH9K5mV-YVLY8kwX-hi-rO6jCaUUGkT8Yz7O5pLwUJlvNQys/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4UiySkVmwwkKI3jPcthlJzknxsMbroy2EKjbF78yo_uJFW7lgXP706SNKm9x2atrcghFA8lnzRcQ5CCpnehGYfNxhtxKH9K5mV-YVLY8kwX-hi-rO6jCaUUGkT8Yz7O5pLwUJlvNQys/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" /></a><br />
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Even though we live in Kansas City, our neighborhood feels like we are in the country! I love it! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L6Xdp620KJZhNeMnZ-whK6imHBGYUDV0hOWjrwuurfJUDEfIirazT9dL26Yo82lNgZLx6k4lQR3AVtf_D6lw_FKr6GJphxJEnz9qtGkkdOvEVkYUF8lcWGuyGq0mQA29Tt8170PLh4A/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L6Xdp620KJZhNeMnZ-whK6imHBGYUDV0hOWjrwuurfJUDEfIirazT9dL26Yo82lNgZLx6k4lQR3AVtf_D6lw_FKr6GJphxJEnz9qtGkkdOvEVkYUF8lcWGuyGq0mQA29Tt8170PLh4A/s320/IMG_1814.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYPalRd81ueAaTUVKjh0yw9-ExhrqP2_RowiiZoLPA8N8OVGEqbkW9qYlKziSEW7x-KeVeGZhsk2j9QL6rzFyqJbhipqbxlV6KQOnlkQrSnRvz_trSKFYd5NzlqEnggFezTAOX8epm-Y/s1600/IMG_1817.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYPalRd81ueAaTUVKjh0yw9-ExhrqP2_RowiiZoLPA8N8OVGEqbkW9qYlKziSEW7x-KeVeGZhsk2j9QL6rzFyqJbhipqbxlV6KQOnlkQrSnRvz_trSKFYd5NzlqEnggFezTAOX8epm-Y/s320/IMG_1817.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The trail cuts through the woods and opens up behind my dream garden! I seriously could look at it for hours. Dreams are usually discussed the rest of the way home after looking at this beauty...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2wD2UtKMPfkIrfFbH8OYaMHq8Dpu9qV_8FdfyTKgUi8DuKCv6iuVx_7GsH0Ok8GBXIr5jccGwmmQ_3yHJz2XVRJYLrrJPBlnAB2_MqCsJDnfmORuDTbq9n30trG03D0EY-rp08nGAJQ/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2wD2UtKMPfkIrfFbH8OYaMHq8Dpu9qV_8FdfyTKgUi8DuKCv6iuVx_7GsH0Ok8GBXIr5jccGwmmQ_3yHJz2XVRJYLrrJPBlnAB2_MqCsJDnfmORuDTbq9n30trG03D0EY-rp08nGAJQ/s320/IMG_1822.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
With us having three acres we know that it can be attained with lots of hard work, research, and dedication. Two Poots Friendship Farm will be established in our future!!! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcN1wqJgy6v21j342JsCZ819RcoyAqEP2qo_T_z0scwFn6BvcfF3XIRzjhTIYpPN9vVkmuyjZfoGlMhi2GMMpRT0W4Y9zGGSCJv1iLQatGFQ2fvhcuDKyFNQYClXAEddOpJtOR5ZbC1g/s1600/IMG_1819.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcN1wqJgy6v21j342JsCZ819RcoyAqEP2qo_T_z0scwFn6BvcfF3XIRzjhTIYpPN9vVkmuyjZfoGlMhi2GMMpRT0W4Y9zGGSCJv1iLQatGFQ2fvhcuDKyFNQYClXAEddOpJtOR5ZbC1g/s320/IMG_1819.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MdxkuLCi1tec5OQ4faHFTejkQOCotSQksUMmuYQuWXfkAMh9tqA4LiGTFhHEGt_NVSYCsulhzF9ym4GbAVoQib3vmfvA1o7pJoM1mLhlAkl80lz_hrm9liggP24FCt1iGvVDn9J6bTU/s1600/IMG_1816.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MdxkuLCi1tec5OQ4faHFTejkQOCotSQksUMmuYQuWXfkAMh9tqA4LiGTFhHEGt_NVSYCsulhzF9ym4GbAVoQib3vmfvA1o7pJoM1mLhlAkl80lz_hrm9liggP24FCt1iGvVDn9J6bTU/s320/IMG_1816.jpg" /></a><br />
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I love these walks because Scott and I are able to catch up while getting fit! Plus there is nothing like getting outside and seeing all the beauty that surrounds us! So what are you waiting for?? Get out in your neighborhood and start exploring! <br />
<br />
XOXO<br />
Amber<br />
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-125968816465567002013-05-27T11:21:00.000-05:002013-05-27T11:21:50.228-05:00Happy Memorial Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHU6TnFCNV5Gvp5sY3oWK3R5pXYORkZ6P46fb-xrzMpHAg06ZEWj3-TeNoukN96FH07elLG9l-4OEXUe6jbj5Pq93dzOaHSQMOTebAyHimQmwm9YARDub3r2uRCchBnz0OkZd8Rjwuzg/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHU6TnFCNV5Gvp5sY3oWK3R5pXYORkZ6P46fb-xrzMpHAg06ZEWj3-TeNoukN96FH07elLG9l-4OEXUe6jbj5Pq93dzOaHSQMOTebAyHimQmwm9YARDub3r2uRCchBnz0OkZd8Rjwuzg/s320/IMG_1890.JPG" /></a><br />
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It has become our tradition to kick off Summer by heading to Celebration at The Station. It is a great way to honor those that serve and have served our country, and to honor those that have passed while serving. We always pack a picnic dinner and head out early enough to enjoy the weather and catch up with friends while listening to the KC Symphony. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nl9Odple-1tCa5NodVyWUMO9Hj-u2IjNXj_x1bkdZ599_uH43yAK9mRL9LrG7gh-qhfWG0VgiA99aLZdjMkjgDiGTpHJMHGIrAmnKKu4RgxmtYx4oP0c_0QIRNSPlIDiTFsx0W6SbIc/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nl9Odple-1tCa5NodVyWUMO9Hj-u2IjNXj_x1bkdZ599_uH43yAK9mRL9LrG7gh-qhfWG0VgiA99aLZdjMkjgDiGTpHJMHGIrAmnKKu4RgxmtYx4oP0c_0QIRNSPlIDiTFsx0W6SbIc/s320/IMG_1888.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUbRE72J4-HkTUHYlhrwGBOjapJcJNr7E4ilan5C0SJ7yqdQRGwPTAle5Izv8Gw5C9dtyn9eBMQDmjDoZuf9wcdtG0cumVfW8HkUYjHIfBmRV97vevRxoCaZ0Ko-G8AjGs4SmdPuAIhs/s1600/IMG_1894.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUbRE72J4-HkTUHYlhrwGBOjapJcJNr7E4ilan5C0SJ7yqdQRGwPTAle5Izv8Gw5C9dtyn9eBMQDmjDoZuf9wcdtG0cumVfW8HkUYjHIfBmRV97vevRxoCaZ0Ko-G8AjGs4SmdPuAIhs/s320/IMG_1894.jpg" /></a><br />
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This time we made sure to pack our picnic clean and healthy. With just a little planning it was easy to accomplish. In our picnic basket we had:<br />
*Mary's Gone Crackers (gluten free,yummy, and made with no oils!!)<br />
*homemade egg salad<br />
*organic tortilla chips<br />
*homemade salsa<br />
*chai pudding<br />
*preserved peaches from last year<br />
*some beers (okay well not clean but we were celebrating!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SD9C6hV-zBC30jkPpZIJoEsOiOFF8zwcYQS7hfOHcEIoueVdKfBlEPPYUxl312mn4UTMbkHeGn7yvGvY50wSRuP1SVaDDOX8uiMQYdXm94YZGkqPlYyFxyAzNCnNHKTHjM9YYdCPxSs/s1600/IMG_1898.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SD9C6hV-zBC30jkPpZIJoEsOiOFF8zwcYQS7hfOHcEIoueVdKfBlEPPYUxl312mn4UTMbkHeGn7yvGvY50wSRuP1SVaDDOX8uiMQYdXm94YZGkqPlYyFxyAzNCnNHKTHjM9YYdCPxSs/s320/IMG_1898.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwzo8Z-NEde_SLLZvNj2cZpq6wfcYsOtKgDkOIJyrKYKo8u4KRmvZAfqsZlXR5nF7_u0wlpBMZyO8I_7xpNeAdwb_wvwi892dE6bt26sMbOBb_Ba0Aazua7Xp2nJ911WgMAF0G5coxt0/s1600/IMG_1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwzo8Z-NEde_SLLZvNj2cZpq6wfcYsOtKgDkOIJyrKYKo8u4KRmvZAfqsZlXR5nF7_u0wlpBMZyO8I_7xpNeAdwb_wvwi892dE6bt26sMbOBb_Ba0Aazua7Xp2nJ911WgMAF0G5coxt0/s320/IMG_1893.jpg" /></a><br />
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My favorite part of the night is when they start the light display on Union Station...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jTxC8hJ2GP6_zzIxusFlyo4fV-CNLzMYioI_iEo5DJaTnORGUdwGZfOTENlVa-VccOuR18J7bhYFOVie9wt46Gdzp12CRMcyal5CFQfIUSHdwLzPH26YpMr72_S796FsoxVWdhyphenhyphenc8XU/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jTxC8hJ2GP6_zzIxusFlyo4fV-CNLzMYioI_iEo5DJaTnORGUdwGZfOTENlVa-VccOuR18J7bhYFOVie9wt46Gdzp12CRMcyal5CFQfIUSHdwLzPH26YpMr72_S796FsoxVWdhyphenhyphenc8XU/s320/IMG_1903.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT1mD8tPfSdcwmCoTydyutRvopK5W40vc1zU3KMq-OWIpuAdE7B5c4d9RBW_Jk8CGT5muH5MqOdt0vvH5XFfPA1UGmdVIuZWYY2WNITyDNEbPY_lBGDIg91xTvNBzLa8sJSQ1yVFhZRE/s1600/IMG_1905.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT1mD8tPfSdcwmCoTydyutRvopK5W40vc1zU3KMq-OWIpuAdE7B5c4d9RBW_Jk8CGT5muH5MqOdt0vvH5XFfPA1UGmdVIuZWYY2WNITyDNEbPY_lBGDIg91xTvNBzLa8sJSQ1yVFhZRE/s320/IMG_1905.JPG" /></a><br />
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And it always ends with the most spectacular fireworks display over Liberty Memorial...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvG6PAGxlFpfn4K7wT7fN-IvzVWchlTr-pm9iZA3qxsZhv5cZbiSfFZ1TREDpAgqkp6AuMKoGTa3mtxP27OuGwIA7WGFFrzMPqGQOU39vui8GmJY9quj4WU_g5HHIRL-REZFFI5KTfQ8/s1600/IMG_1910.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvG6PAGxlFpfn4K7wT7fN-IvzVWchlTr-pm9iZA3qxsZhv5cZbiSfFZ1TREDpAgqkp6AuMKoGTa3mtxP27OuGwIA7WGFFrzMPqGQOU39vui8GmJY9quj4WU_g5HHIRL-REZFFI5KTfQ8/s320/IMG_1910.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaKA-hnZ7KXuTor8N3TjvQekkNb2VrHn46kuLAHW0rvwCyo5VgAzMcqPCQmklEz4MFoB_wljU-VEWiu4_iPclMkQJy_N7zc6CXHfxgaBUAhciIOOyKHCJHQv4Vyf5K0WMkq9zvQw4M78/s1600/IMG_1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaKA-hnZ7KXuTor8N3TjvQekkNb2VrHn46kuLAHW0rvwCyo5VgAzMcqPCQmklEz4MFoB_wljU-VEWiu4_iPclMkQJy_N7zc6CXHfxgaBUAhciIOOyKHCJHQv4Vyf5K0WMkq9zvQw4M78/s320/IMG_1911.jpg" /></a><br />
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Happy Memorial Day!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9zYJ9CMpt_aEVa6nnHWgMU0PZYNSwEikkf7N70UOnaA6MsNLfJyFJpx6lS_nr5LIctZV4Y3NqWY96FEzDmwio8GW7bKGVs9SBm-A0jshuQuzIX43riKHqS7a0KBLr8KD5sFV__32tD0/s1600/IMG_1896.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9zYJ9CMpt_aEVa6nnHWgMU0PZYNSwEikkf7N70UOnaA6MsNLfJyFJpx6lS_nr5LIctZV4Y3NqWY96FEzDmwio8GW7bKGVs9SBm-A0jshuQuzIX43riKHqS7a0KBLr8KD5sFV__32tD0/s320/IMG_1896.jpg" /></a><br />
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XOXO<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295899322862431890.post-21177982085255050192013-05-19T12:34:00.000-05:002013-05-19T12:34:43.691-05:00My thoughts on Weight Watchers...In March I decided that I was serious about getting fit and joined Weight Watchers. At that time they were running a three month special and after doing a lot of research on the program, I joined! I tried several free apps on my phone that I could log my calories, etc, but found that most them did not have any of the items I was eating. This would result in me spending hours adding these foods to the program just so I could log what I ate that day. Of course after a few days of this, I gave up.<br />
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Weight Watchers online makes it very convenient and easy when you are on the go. I have their app downloaded to my iphone so that I can log my food at every meal and almost everything is in their database. If it isn't it just takes a few things you plug in to get the point calculation. Point counting just seems easier! They also have an extensive recipe collection that has been a life saver. My favorite thing about Weight Watchers online though is the scanner app. All you do is open the app, scan the barcode on your food, and bam you have your points! It really couldn't be any easier. <br />
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My three months will be ending in June and as much as the program has worked for me, I won't be rejoining. I made this decision because I really do feel that I have learned what I can from it. There are things that I absolutely love about the program and things that I am not so keen on. I thought I would break it down for you here, in case there are some people out there on the fence about the program.<br />
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<b>Benefits to the program:</b><br />
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**<i>Portion Control</i>.... This was a HUGE eyeopener for me. I never paid attention to the serving sizes on items EVER! I would start my morning out with 3-4 servings of my coffee creamer, which of course was just packed with sugar. Meat was another area that I would just consume mass amounts of. Heck who am I kidding? I consumed big portion sizes in everything. That is how our society runs... Bigger is better... get more for you money...and of course this applies to our food industry. Take a look at the actual portion sizes below:<br />
<a href="http://topsytasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Serving-Size-of-Common-Foods1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://topsytasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Serving-Size-of-Common-Foods1.jpg" /></a><br />
I am definitely more conscious of my serving size at every meal now and I never have that "stuffed" feeling anymore which is awesome.<br />
<br />
*<i>*Is it really worth it?</i>...Why I never asked myself this question before joining WW is beyond me? But once I started counting my points I really thought about the point value to everything and 99% of the time would put down the candy and have some yogurt instead. It honestly felt like a game I was playing and the best part was that I was winning! It felt good to see that I stayed within my points at the end of each day and felt full. Most days I feel like I actually eat more than what I did before joining WW. Now instead of opening a bag of chips and consuming half the bag, I reach for strawberries! <br />
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**<i>Activity Points</i>... I loved that anytime I did yard work, cleaned my house, or hit the gym I could log my activity points. This gave me extra points that I could consume during the week. Honestly, I never really dive into these points that often, but it is nice to know they are there for special occasions. Or when you just really, really need that glass of wine!<br />
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**<i>Online Community</i>...I found so many friends through Instagram thanks to WW. It such a nice strong community who really supports your goals and are there for you during your struggles too. I found so many great food ideas and recipes this way and so much motivation!!<br />
<br />
<b>Drawbacks to the program:</b><br />
**I was never able to actually use their website on my home computer to log my food, etc. I tried contacting the company several times and they did reply back, but I was never able to find a resolution. Since I could access it through my iPhone and iPad this really wasn't that big of an issue for me. However, for someone that just has a home computer it would be a major setback obviously. I am sure if I would of taken the time to call them and have someone walk me through the errors it would of been resolved, but it wasn't that big of a deal to me. <br />
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**The biggest drawback for me is the suggestion of using low fat and fat free foods when available. By doing this you are obviously lowering your point value, but adding so many "extra" non-clean ingredients to your diet. So many recipes call for fat free cool whip or fat free pudding, but have you looked at the ingredient lists on these foods? It is terrifying!!! I wasn't putting these things in my body before WW and was a sucker and bought some fat free cool whip and felt like crap immediately after consuming it. <br />
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With all that being said, I am so thankful for Weight Watchers. I have made a lifestyle change and really that is what it is all about. It is not a quick fix or a fad diet that is going to get you in that bikini. It is a lifestyle change that will be used everyday forward. I have not been counting points for the past three weeks and mainly sticking to a clean paleo-ish diet and am still losing weight. I am now always conscious of my portion size and what I am putting into my body! To date I have lost a total of 11 pounds and several inches! So it does work! It gives you a great start to a new healthy way of life and for that I will forever be thankful for Weight Watchers!<br />
<br />
XOXO<br />
Amber<br />
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10641884560529180864noreply@blogger.com1