This past week has been jam packed (just the way I like it)! Sometimes I wish I could be the type of person who can just sit and relax but as time goes on I realize that after a short regroup - quiet time will only give me anxiety! 


See that girl right there? She is 19 months old... going on 21. Baby swing? No thank you - she will DO IT HERSELF. Climb a mountain, up the stairs, pick up every piece of food with her OWN fork: you name, she rules it all. Kelly Clarkson had nothing on this Miss Independent. She terrifies me as a mother but I get so excited think about her growing up and what she will accomplish. 

I hit a rough patch in adolescence and early adulthood for self esteem. My dream is to create a life that shows McKinley how beautiful STRONG is so that she does not experience the same. 

19 Months 

We took the kids to a local amusement park and it.was.EPIC. I have not been there in over 15 years and was pleasantly surprised. Jim is a total roller coaster junkie but after Wyatt's pregnancy any type of ride immediately makes me queasy. Luckily he has found a new buddy because Wyatt wants to ride everything - plus since he is an extremely tall 4 year old, they let him on all of them. Added bonus: everyone in line freaks out when we tell them he is only 4 years old going on the rides. #parentsoftheyear

About to get on a ride

Did someone say date night? What? Those still happen? Thankfully, we live close to family and our kids went to stay with grandparents for a night this weekend. I even pulled out the ole' curling wand (only 2 burns this time!!) and we hit the town! By that I mean: went to dinner, caught a movie, took a walk, and ended up at Barnes and Noble before walking home. Wild ones, right?

It felt so great to spend some alone time with this man I am lucky enough to call my husband. I leave for another work trip this week so this time was even more special. There are times that he may infuriate me (he is the most stubborn & logical person alive) but no one can make me laugh like he does. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day mess of the kids, house, and everything that NEEDS to be done: a couple hours of just being Jimmy and Amy is exactly what I needed. 

Date Night

Hope you had a great week too - anything fun happen in your neck of the woods??

21 Day Fix Extreme - Starting it off Right!

Ever decide that you just need to go all in? 

I have loved pushing my body over the past 8 months. I have said it a few times before but I really would have LAUGHED at you if you told me a year ago that this is where I would be. 

I was overweight, unhappy, and annoyed with myself. I didn't look it on the outside but so many years of weight gain and weight loss and the never ending cycle were just taking their toll on me. 

Fast forward to now and I am ready to challenge myself again. I want to see what I can handle. I want to do more things and prove to myself that there is no limit I cannot reach.

So... I am going to do the 21 Day Fix Extreme. I have been putting it off because:
1. I like the regular 21DF. It works just fine!
2. I get to drink on that one :) 
3. I am scared. 

That changes today. 

1. There are two big vacations coming up that I want to see where I can push my body to beforehand. I have NEVER been on a vacation and felt confident in a swimsuit. Ever. I would love to have this be the year I change all that. 
2. I have watched my kids learn from my actions. They get excited to see me workout and look forward to it. I want to stay excited for my workouts because it keeps them excited. 
3. I would (secretly) love to do one of the crazy-mud-extreme runs that my husband does.. but want to be in tip top shape first!

So here we go. I have come a long way. Here is my game plan for the next 21 Days:

Food:
I will keep it simple. Lots of chicken breast, ground turkey, broccoli, green beans, salads, and eggs. Fruits would be apple or banana. I typically drink my Shakeology (chocolate!) in the AM but may switch that to dinner if cravings are bad. 

Workouts:
My goal is to move back to morning workouts because I just felt better when I got up and started the morning pushing myself. I do love getting the kids involved so it might end up being a combination. Each workout is only 30 minutes long so it will be easy to adjust based on the day.

Motivation:
I am doing the program with a group of amazing women in my challenge group and we are cheering each other on. I need the support and know that the community is what will make or break me in my times of weakness. If you are thinking of trying the 21 Day Fix or the Extreme and want to join a group (or even if you just have a question) drop me a line in the form below... I would love to have you join one of my groups or just chat! :) 

Fill out my online form.

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How to Pack for Your Workouts when Traveling... and Actually Do Them!

It can happen. That is the first step. Packing for a business or family trip is stressful enough. Throw in the extra thought of "work out clothes" and it would be easy to give yourself a break from your schedule. 

WRONG - you have worked so hard - and you do not need much! 

1. Assess your trip- Where are you staying? Will you be able to run outside, use the hotel gym, or need to bring your own DVDs? How much time will you have to work out?

2. Check the weather - the goal is to bring as little as possible for working out so that you have more room for all your necessities.

3. Pack all of your favorite outfits! When you are away from your typical routine it turns to a mental game to get your rear in gear and decide to start moving. Having loved outfit that makes you feel great about yourself is that extra kick in the pants to get you going!! 

Two full outfits, sneakers plus my pre-workout take up barely any space!

5. Start stacking! I travel for work a lot. My tried and true method for packing (and not forgetting anything) is to stack everything on the bed before you put anything in a suitcase. Take a deep breath before you begin to put it in your luggage (or maybe pour a glass of wine!). 

I am not pictured, mainly because I am busy pretending like my bag is already packed and someone else will finish this...

What works for me:

• I always bring my laptop so I can workout in the hotel room. This means that if nothing else, I can pop in a quick 30 minute workout and get sweaty before starting the day!
• When I am headed out for just an overnight trip - no need for sneakers! At home, I do not use them (I am always paranoid the jumping will wake up my kids) so it is no big deal to work out barefoot in the hotel room. 
• A sports bra and gym shorts will get you by if nothing else! Oh the benefits!!! 

What do you pack when you head out of town? I do bring more when I know I have enough time to get outdoors and enjoy a new city - I would love to hear what you suggest also! 

3 Ingredient Gluten Free "Stir Fry"

When I walk into the kitchen I feel a sense of dread. Please tell me I am not the only one? I believe there is some sort of biological piece of me missing that is supposed to love putting together entire dinners and 4 course meals of my family but... it is just not there. 

I do love baking delicious desserts - hello: the reason I am here now! HA!

However, I am lucky enough to have a husband that does 80% of the cooking and he is damn good at it. Unfortunately the other 20% of the time I have yet to reach the status in life that would warrant me cavorting around with a personal chef so I must fend for myself.

• In and out. 
• 10 ingredients or less
• Prep time of 30 minutes - nothing more!
• Can I pronounce everything in the recipe? No - you are out!

These are the rules I follow when I am looking for something new to cook. Sometimes though, I will just go rogue and open up the fridge and to see what my options are. Enter in: 3 Ingredient Gluten Free Stir Fry. 

Now, liberties are taken on this.. but the ease portion totally wins!

Ingredients:

Bag of Gluten Free Meatballs (or you can make your own - you badass you)
Bag of Steamable Vegetables (no shame in your game)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (because, obviously!)

Mix them all together and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Yum! So simple and ready to eat in under 5 minutes. Enjoy :) 

Monday Musings: 

This past week has been insane. I had a packed week at work (conference style!) and Jim brewed every single day. Basically - each day was a 12-14 hour work day for these kids but we still managed to find some fun in the mix :) 

I am starting to see McKinley's personality come through a little more and y'all - she is a force to be reckoned with! I know everyone says that each child will be different and that could not be more true for our two. McKinley's stubborn streak baffles Jim and I daily - although I have to respect the girl's eating style: Back off biotch, if you want to keep your handz... 

Anyone else getting that message? Just me? Oh, okay... just checking.

Before the week started I got to head out for a little "Amy-time" and get some new black pants. I know, nothing exciting right? Normally I would be annoyed to have to shop for clothes instead of something fun but this time it is because all my pants are just too big. 

That's right - even my pre-pregnancy pants have gotten too big at this point! I am still in shock really but it feels so good to see the results from hard work and consistency. Don't get me wrong.. I take days off and have my cheat meals but I chose real foods and to dedicate 30 minutes a day to working out and it is paying off. (insert self high five!)

Finally - on Saturday we had a pretty packed family day. Jimmy was adamant about us getting out of the house early and enjoying the beautiful weather so we packed up and headed to the local farmers market at the beach. 

Then this happened y'all. I am not going to lie - it was hilarious and I am so glad we did it. Wyatt LOVED it (he is named after Wyatt Earp after all!) and I burst out laughing every time I look at it. 

Easy Healthy BBQ Appetizer - Cilantro Salsa

Ever have a hard time going to parties and events? I know that choosing to eat healthy when it seems like everyone around you is eating whatever they want is tough... and part of life when you make the commitment to put your own health first.

Bringing an appetizer that you can enjoy and is delicious is an easy way to knock out those feelings and be a great guest. We like this salsa for summer BBQ's and usually make a double batch! It is perfect to top on chicken, fish tacos and SO much more for the rest of your week. Remember - I am all about making meal prep as easy as possible: 

Easy Cilantro Salsa! (adapted from allrecpes.com)

1 can yellow corn, drained

1 can sweet corn, drained 

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 bunch chopped cilantro (to taste  - I love it, throw a ton in!!)

5 green onions, chopped

1 medium white onion

2 red peppers, chopped

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1/4 cup lime juice

(optional) - 1 chopped avocado - do not add this if you plan on using any for leftovers

Stir everything together and serve with corn tortillas or sliced raw veggies :) 

Top 5 Meal Prep Tips for Beginners

Meal Prep Fun

If you owned a time machine and could go and visit Amy of 10 years ago you would balk at the amount of fast food and carbs that I regularly shoved into my mouth. I blame it on the fact that we never went out to eat when I was young and fast food was a novelty. Every chance I got - I ran to McDonalds or Burger King because "ooo, its a treat!!"

Yea... about that. I may have been a little off the mark on that one. Now that I have been introduced "not treating my stomach like a garbage dump" I follow the 80/20 rule for intake.

This means 80% of the time I am eating clean, whole foods, following the 21 Day Fix portion guide. The other 20% of the time I am open to where life may take me. :) Sometimes this means that I stay on the path or it might mean that I indulge with a little ice cream or a plate of nachos as a treat... but I have worked hard to get to that point.

To make sure that I keep my ratios where they need to be I 100% of the time have to meal prep each week. Nowadays food is available everywhere you go and chances are it it just will not meet the nutritional value that you need. Prepping your meals ahead of the time so you are not in a bind and heading to the Golden Arches is the key to any foolproof plan!

Here are my top tips for Meal Prepping Gone Right:

1. Sunday Funday
Always prep on a Sunday. I say this because my workweek is Monday-Friday and this means I have fresh food ready to go. Meal prep should only take you 1.5 - 2 hours, if you plan ahead! Do you grocery shopping the day before or earlier in the week. If you try to do everything in one day you will get burnt out!

2. Be Picky
Choose 2-3 meats that you will eat throughout the week and stick to them. Find recipes that use these meats and do not deviate. The goal is that you can prepare the meat in bulk cut down on your cooking time. Think roasted chicken on Sunday and chicken fajitas on Wednesday. One batch of chicken knocks both of these out!

3. Cut it Out
Dice, dice and dice! Cut allllll your veggies and store them in easy grab and go containers when you get them. You are much more likely to pull pre-cut veggies for a snack than a giant cucumber that you have to clean and chop up when the hanger pains creep up on you.

4. Looks Aren't Everything
Tupperware and containers are prime real estate when you are meal prepping so make sure you have a ton on hand. I recommend getting ones that can easily stack into themselves when not in use so that you free up some cabinet space. I am fan of the Rubbermaid ones that you can find just about everywhere and recently have started using Pyrex as well. Anything works really!

5. Who has Time for This? 
Umm.. You? I sure hope so? Trust me... the first time is going to feel awkward. Your palms will sweat. Things will be weird and messy and you will want it to just be over soon. BUT it gets better! Each week - you will figure out the timing a little more... throwing the chicken in the crockpot as soon as you wake up + hard boiling eggs in the oven while chopping veggies = saving an hour!!

Hope these tips help! I like to keep things pretty basic in "prep land" and then season during meal time when I know what I am in the mood for :)