Determined to make the New Year epic!

Plans are in the works this week as I dream big for 2016 for my family and me!  I am making this last week of this year the most important week of next year!

What are my values? Family, time, health and efficiency.

What are my goals?  Spend quality time with my family and travel to see extended family. Continue to grow and learn to become a successful entrepreneur. Keep my home organized and decluttered. 

How am I going to achieve my goals? Share my journey, leading by example and commit to living a healthy, balanced lifestyle to inspire and help others to do the same. 

My first project is to launch my Facebook  like page to document my health and nutrition journey, share tips and resources along the way. 

https://www.facebook.com/MyMindBodySeoul/

I will continue to work on my blog and am committed to publishing a blog post a couple times a week.

Let's make 2016 epic!

Merry Christmas 2015

This month has been emotionally hard on me.   We gained a couple of angels, battled sickness and even had an overnight stay at the hospital.  So I have been really looking forward to getting over being merry and bright.  

Even with the extra stresses, my family had an awesome Christmas day.  We truly enjoyed our time with each other and were content exploring the new presents that were exchanged with love.  My little family is everything to me.

I have to brag, my Santa took very good care of me!  My favorite gift is my iRobot, Roombu!  It's the closest I'll get to getting a maid.  So I am thrilled!

The most memorable moment this Christmas was definitely one that I want to remember forever.  My 3 musketeers made out like bandits.  My oldest got just what he wanted from his grandma and grandpa, a drone.  He took it outside with his dad, and they were gone for a while.  My husband ran into the house, changed out of his pj bottoms, and grabbed the truck keys.  The drone had flown into a nearby cow pasture, and they had to find it.  It started raining pretty hard.  I noticed my son coming back to the house and greeted him at the front door.  He was drenched; he was crying and his heart was broken because he had lost his new toy.  It was such a sweet, innocent moment.  Thankfully the story has a happy ending.  My husband continued looking for the drone in the rain until he found it, and was able to mend my baby's heart.

 

Happy Thanksgiving with Family

From our family to yours we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  My parents and aunt visited from Florida to celebrate with us.

We had a feast and enjoyed our family!

Jambalaya

I was looking for a dish to take with us for deer camp and wanted a one pot dish.I may have out done myself!  I just found my new favorite comfort food recipe!  Who wouldn't like chicken, shrimp and sausage in one dish?  Jambalaya has always been one of my favorite dishes.  Now I have the perfect recipe.  And it is so easy!

Let me know what you think!  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Jambalaya

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 green pepper diced
• 1/2 red/orange/yellow pepper diced
• 1 onion diced
• 3 stalks of celery sliced
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 lbs chicken, cut 1inch pieces
• 1/2 lbs sausage, cut in 1/2 inch slices
• 1 lbs peeled and deveined shrimp (I take tails off)
• 1 can dice tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups uncookd white rice
• 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Cooking Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat.  Stri in the chicken until no longer pink, set aside.  Cook the sausage, then set aside.  Cook shrimp, then set aside.   
2. Add the onions, bell peppers and celery; season with salt Cajun seasoning.  Cook and stir until the they are soft, 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and dice tomatotes and chicken broth, bay leaves and thyme.  Add all the meats back in and bring to a boil, and then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Discard bay leaves, serve and enjoy!

Speedway in Lights 5k 2015

It was a cool crisp evening with tons of people all around ringing in the festive season with a stroll around the Bristol speedway grounds.  

I ventured out with my three musketeers, was that wise?  
To give them an evening of lights and some rigorous exercise.  

It was a fun evening had by all.  And to top it all off, the proceeds go for a good cause!

Happy Holidays and hope your season is bright!  

Speedway In Lights

Every year Bristol Motors Speedway decorates their race tracks with lights and spectacular holiday scenes to raise money for the Bristol Speedway Children's Charities.  They open the event up with a 5k for participants to run or walk around to take in the sights by foot.  They then welcome vehicles to drive through the tracks throughout the holiday season.  They run midway rides and an ice skating rink for visitors to enjoy.  

It's a great evening of fun, and I highly recommend it if you're in the Bristol area between Thanksgiving and New Years!

8th Annual Race for Ian

What is hemophilia? It's a blood disorder which a person's blood does not clot properly due to a missing clotting component. Treatment alone cost about 100k a year! 

A Race for Ian is an event hosted by a family affected by the blood disease. All the proceeds raised during this annual event goes to finding a cure for Hemophilia.

I first met the family three years ago while looking for daycare for my son. The mother is the owner of Little Bo Peeps and runs an excellent program that prepares the children for future academic success. The family is the sweetest with hearts of gold. Their son, Ian, battles with the danger blood disorder. 

This was my first time running this annual event and I came in with the time of 38:25. I plan to run this event each year to support this family's cause and will improve my run each year. 

Project: THANKFUL

I am really excited about starting the next Challenge Group!  I am teaming up with some amazing Coaches to tie Fitness and the Thanksgiving Spirit! 

Last year they donated 27 meals to those in need during the Thanksgiving holidays!  For every inch lost, a meal was donated on behalf of the challengers!  That's awesome!  I hope this year is just as successful!   

.....



It's not too late to take advantage of October's promotional Challenge pack offers of 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, and Body Beast!  They are world class fitness programs that you can do in the comfort of your home!  No commute, saves time, and you will love your results! 
 
I love being a Coach and being a part of this culture where I can help people improve their health and wellness.  But, to be able to incorporate helping those in need really ignites my passion to do my best in this venture and share my journey!  I am thrilled to be a part of something bigger than myself!
Click here to join this Challenge Group.

 

A hunting we will go

For me, there is no better feeling than being one with nature and in the elements.  Sitting in a tree and being truly unplugged, listening to the leaves actually falling from the trees and the wind travelling through the woods, it gives me the calmness and peace like no place on earth.

Growing up in Florida, I didn't know anything about deer hunting!  I thought deers were cute and the most famous one I knew was Bambi.  That's about the extent of it.  Nationally, about 5% of the population hunt, and roughly the same percentage actively oppose hunting.  The rest of the population is predominantly neutral.

Once I moved up to Minnesota to be with My Paul Bunyan, I quickly learned about this ever so popular sport that is pretty much its own holiday season.  As a newcomer, I was shocked but the openness and acceptance of it all throughout the whole midwestern region!  And quickly,  I too was swept in by the "buck fever".  

Halloween Costumes

When it comes to holidays and holiday decor, I have a hard time parting with my money and really getting festive with it! I don't know if it's because it's temporary or maybe I'm too broke, or that I lack vision to come up with good ideas!  Whatever the case may be, I know I want to celebrate and acknowledge the holidays so that my three musketeers can get excited about them. Without breaking the bank.

Here are my twins and this year's costume choices.  As you can tell by the photo, they are super thrilled about this idea!

Happy Fall and Chili Season

There's a chill is the air with the changing of the seasons.  Hurricane Joaquin has dumped a lot of rain and is causing some flooding along the east coast.

The season of change at my house is no exception.  The twins have graduated out of their cribs to twin beds!  They were so excited when we were setting up the beds and rearranging their room. But when it came to bedtime, it was a different story and they weren't so sure.  They cried for comfort in their strange new setting and their new beds.  They managed to fall asleep after an hour of getting up and coming out of their room three times.

The next day, we woke up to them in the living room watching TV.  They have learned how to operate the remote at a tender age of not even two.  I think they are loving their new found freedom. Naptime, on the other hand, is a whole other story and is something that we will have to work diligently on to establish a new routine.

Chilly weather and weekends are perfect for crockpot meals!  Add football, and we've got our agenda for the weekend.  My husband grabbed our favorite red chili recipe and loaded up the crockpot!  You would think that it would last a few days, but not so much in this house.  It will be gone by the end of the weekend.

I am really excited to share this delicious chili recipe as my first clean eating entry to my blog!  It comes from our dear friend Tracy who use to be our neighbor in MN.  She is a hospice nurse and is a wonderful person inside and out.  Thank you for sharing this recipe with us, Tracy!

Enjoy and bon appetite!

Chili

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp accent
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp celery salt
• 15 oz red chili beans
• 2 cups celery chopped
• 1 cup onions chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 quart (4 cups) cooked tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• 2 Tbsp chili powder

Cooking Directions

1. Brown ground beef and drain. Then add all the ingredients into your crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours.
2. Optional: Top you bowl of chili with sharp cheddar cheese and diced onions.

Fitness Challenge Group

I just finished another round of 21 Day Fix.  The results are visible and I am happy with what I'm seeing in the mirror.  I am in my mid 30's and I feel great!  I can pick up my twin toddlers, one in each arm and play with them all day long!  That was one of my goals!  Whoo hoo!!

Progress is progress, no matter how small

Working out and having the self-discipline to do it daily is a challenge in itself.  Statistics have shown that people fail when they try to work out on their own.  That is where a challenge group comes in.  

What is a fitness challenge group?  It is led by coaches who share tips and resources to members in a closed fitness accountability group.  Challengers work out to their program of choice and practice clean eating, most drink Shakeology, and encourage one another to step-up every day for 21 days.  It's 21 days of intentional focus, to better your health, to replace bad habits with good ones, and giving your best effort to get results that will keep you going there after, and closer to your fitness goals.  

Each month Beachbody offers a monthly promotion, with a discounted Challenge Pack.  September's promo is PiYo: a low impact, strength training program to sculpt your body, with celebrity trainer Chalene Johnson.  It combines pilates and yoga.  Prepare to sweat and see awesome results! 

   

      

My next 21 day fitness challenge group starts October 5th.  Click challenge group to reserve your spot.

My gift

Celebrate what is right in the world! Take a look at your situation from another perspective. 

This little man is truly my gift. I struggle with confidence: in being a mom, a wife, providing and supporting my family, in my relationships with my friends, and as an entrepreneur.

But no matter how much I beat myself up for not being "good enough", or how much I hold myself back because of fear; this beautiful little boy is my proof that I must be doing something right. 

We celebrated his 7th birthday on the 22nd! I love you B, always and forever. Happy birthday love! Dream Big, Aim High, You can do anything you set your mind to!

P.S. The cake is made with broccoli and asparagus 😏
 

Clean eating

I'm the first to admit that I'm not the best at this clean eating business.  I LOVE food and I really don't want to think too hard about it.  If it's delicious, I want to eat it.  Also, I'm not a nutrition expert by any means; I've never counted calories (pretty sure, I would have failed miserably); and meal prep is not my specialty either (hoping to get better at it though). 

Probably not what you want to hear from a Beachbody Coach.  However, everything I've learned regarding food and nutrition, I have stumbled upon during my fitness journey.  I want to fuel my body with the proper nutrition for energy, and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.  So now I am mindful of what I eat, and what I feed to my three little musketeers.  With that out in the open, I want share some of what I've learned thus far.

I never thought any of quick fix pills or fad diets were safe, effective or fun!  However, a calorie in, is not a calorie out.  A serving of almonds is going to process and fuel your body as oppose to a serving of soda, which is going to make your organs work harder to process the sugars. 

I am a firm believer that you have to work for what you want.  The 21 Day Fix fitness program incorporates a nutrition plan that is in my opinion the best, bar none.  Autumn Calabrese has made eating health easier with her color coded portion control containers and approved grocery list of items.   There is nothing processed and everything is natural.  Makes sense and sounds delicious; it is! 

I haven't given up everything that's bad for me, but I have made huge improvements on my eating habits.  I introduce health substitutes to my family, and sometimes they work, some times not so much.  There is a 'cheat week' between my challenge groups ;)  But I think that starting good habits, replacing bad habits, and moderation on things that I haven't given up yet is a good balance for me.

My goal for my September Challenge group is to track my containers better.  Instead of eating too much or the wrong things, I tend to sell myself short and not eat enough.  I am also testing new recipes from FIXATE, the new cookbook by Autumn, which has 101 clean eating recipes!  Wish me luck!    

Fate brought us together..

There is no other explanation of how a Minnesota native meets a Floridian beach bum by chance and they fall in love.

We lived our individual lives in different states when we received our orders to report for Active duty to the US Army for Operation Iraqi Freedom III from our Inactive Ready Reserves (IRR) status.  It was a difficult year for both of us in so many ways, but it brought us together.

My 'Paul Bunyan' and I have come such a long ways in the 10 years we've been together.  We have so much to be thankful for!  We started our journey in a country with bare minimums, and have created a life together filled with love, a family with three amazing boys, and have grown so much personally and professionally.  Nothing compares to the support he gives me.  He believes in me more than I believe in myself and encourages me to catch my dreams.

Our story is FAR from over and we have so much more in store for us!  I am excited to see the next chapters of our lives together.  In the meantime, I want to savory ever moment!

What is love?..  It's supporting one another no matter what, because their happiness is what you wish for them more than anything else.

He isn't perfect, but he's perfect for me. June 21, 2008.

My Values

My Fitness Journey

I don't have a huge compelling transformational story, but after carrying and birthing twins, I didn't know what my body and midsection were suppose to look like.  I just didn't like what I saw in the mirror. I would jiggle my unattractive loose belly around and wanted to do something about it.  My sweet friend who has 4 children shared her transformation story through Facebook.  She invited me to join her Beachbody Coaching team.  I jumped on board and started my fitness journey with 21 Day Fix and I got awesome results!  

6 months pregnant with twins and stretched out! 

What I love about this fitness journey is that it's not a diet, it's not a fad, it's a lifestyle change.  It incorporates working out, eating portion size, clean meals, and offers support and accountability to keep you on track.  

I started in March 2015 and each round was in 21-day increments.

I've tried different Beachbody fitness programs and I really enjoyed all of them. I've done 21 Day Fix, Insanity, Body Beast, and Cize. I love my fitness library! I know, I'm a weirdo, fitness nerd.  Each has offered something different and mixes up my routine a little bit.

Since beginning my fitness journey in March 2015, I lost 13 pounds, my arms and legs have definition, and my stomach isn't hanging over my pants. I'm making healthy food choices to fuel my body. I have more energy to chase my twin toddlers and six year old.

I have participated in two 5K races and have 4 more races in the books in the next few of months. It's a new love affair of mine.  I'm not good at it, but I love doing them, especially with friends!

I have met some inspirational ladies during this venture.  They motive me to be better in every facet of my life.  I am so glad that this opportunity crossed my path and I know that my future has so much more in store for me.  

If you would like to get started on your fitness journey, click on the link to fill out a quick questionnaire and I will contact you to get started.  Start your fitness journey

What kind of Coach am I?

I am the kind of coach who provides informative fitness and nutrition information.  There is a ton of information out there regarding health and wellness; the good, the bad and the ugly. I am funneling through it all and want to share what I've learned along my fitness journey.  I have no formal education in fitness or nutrition; but I am in the business to better my health, and the health of my family and friends. 

I believe in the Beachbody Mission Statement: To help people achieve their goals and enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives.  I believe in their culture to grow personally and professionally, surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people, who inspire you to be your best.

I believe in living a balanced life around core values; family being number one.  I practice making healthy choices on a daily basis, believe in moderation, and celebrating the little step along the way.  As a Coach, I want to help people reach they goals. The speed and intensity in which they get there is up to them.  I will guide and encourage them every step of the way. 

I believe in the Beachbody fitness programs and nutrition plans.  It takes hard work and discipline, but the results are worth it!   

If you're a fitness nerd like me, you'll want to start a collection of fitness programs.  Each one offers a different objectives and styles to mix and match your mood and goals.  They are all good and will get you to your fitness goals!  

If you are "normal" and just need that one program to get you started, I can help you figure out which one will work best to get you to your goal.  It's important to find the right program for you so you stick with it, even enjoy it, and it's less of a 'chore'.   

Here are some of the Beachbody fitness programs in my collection!

21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme with celebrity trainer Autumn Calabrese.

Body Beast with celebrity trainer Sagi Kalev

Beachbody On Demand is also available and is offers a FREE 30 days trial.  There are literally hundreds of Beachbody workouts available to stream and do anywhere there's a wireless connection! Click on link to get started on your free 30 days trial BOD.

Beachbody on Demand!

Benefits of Shakeology

I love drinking Shakeology everyday because I know I'm getting healthy from the inside out! I want to fuel my body with the nutrients I need to keep up with my busy stay-at-home mom of three boys schedule! Time is against me! I blend it and I go. I have found that it gives me energy, improves my mood, it's a quick meal in a cup and it's delicious! 

With 6 different flavors and tons of recipes, I get the healthy nutrients that I need.

Listed below are some it's ingredients and benefits:

• PROPRIETARY SUPER-PROTEIN BLEND: Whey, Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Pea. Helps build lean muscles, improve skin and hair, support mental clarity, and reduce cravings.

Are you regular? Do you have a problem with regularity? No, this is not an Activa promo. Shakeology ;)  
• PROPRIETARY PRE- AND PROBIOTIC/DIGESTIVE ENZYME BLEND: Yacon Root, Chicory Root, Lactobacillus Sporogenes, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Glucoamylase, Alpha-Galactosidase, Invertase.
Helps increase nutrient absorption, promotes regularity, and improves digestion.*

Antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases and limit cardiovascular damage!
Does your family have a history of heart disease? Are you afraid that it's in your future? Drinking Shakeology everyday helps your heart! My baby is stealing a sip and enjoying greenberry with mango blended. 
• PROPRIETARY SUPER-FRUIT/ANTIOXIDANT BLEND: Camu-Camu, Açai, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Grape Seed, Green Tea, Luo Han Guo, Pomegranate, Rose Hips. 
Provides antioxidant support and helps promote a healthy heart and optimal blood pressure.*

He stole my heart and my Greenberry Shakeology!

When I drink my Shakeology, my favorite benefit is that it improves my mood! Stress happens! But I know that I'm a Shakeo away from energy and it just tastes so good that I look forward to it! Today, I added frozen mangos (1 cup) and almond milk (1/2 cup) into my strawberry Shakeo and it was delicious! Cheers!  
• PROPRIETARY ADAPTOGEN BLEND: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Ginkgo, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra, Tulsi (Holy Basil).
Helps protect the body from stress, support the immune system, and balance the endocrine system which helps regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and among other things.*

• PROPRIETARY SUPER-GREEN/PHYTONUTRIENT BLEND: Moringa, Chlorella, Spirulina, Spinach, Kale.
Helps alkalinize the body and promote detoxification for health and vitality.*

Check out my Shakeology website for more information:  Shakeology

Family pictures

What is it like to take family pictures with twin 22 month old toddlers and a 6 year old?  It's like orchestrating a symphony with monkeys.  Crazy!  There is no such thing as perfect timing. It's all click, click, click and hope for the best.  Definitely hire a professional if you want clear pictures.

Photo by Andy Jackson

Photo by Andy Jackson

Welcome

Welcome to my blog! I have big hopes and dreams for this site as I grow and tinker in this new adventure as a blogger.

I am a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) and Beachbody Coach who wants to be the best version of myself: mind, body and soul. I want to inspire my three little boys, my family, and friends to Live a healthy lifestyle, to Laugh often, and above all Love. I am living my life by design as an amateur entrepreneur, blogger, cook, gardener, and creative director. Life is all about balance, and finding that balance is the secret sauce.  Being my own boss is so liberating, and I am living my life by design.

This blog is a documentary of my little journey, and I hope to add value to those who seek it. Let me know how I can help you.

Shakeology

How are you fueling your body?

Shakeology is a dense nutrition protein shake packed with superfoods, vitamins, pre/pro-botics and is the healthiest meal or snack of the day!

There are so many health benefits to this all natural patented formula that helps your body get and restore the daily nutrients you need for energy, stay regular and helps you lose weight.

Races and Fundraisers

I am passionate about being a good example for my children and contributing to my community as much as I can.  As a Beachbody Coach, I wanted to incorporate fundraising by running races and helping causes that I believe in.  I am a new runner and it's not easy for me to practice everyday.  But I am committed to race and raise.

My ultimate goal is to build a team of runners to join me in these races to raise more money for these fundraisers.

Here are 3 upcoming events that I plan on participating in.

Color Me Chemistry 5k

Saturday, October 10, 2015

ETSU Campus • 807 University Pkwy Johnson City, TN  37604

• RUNNING•
 
• 5K•
 
• BEGINNER•
 
• JOHNSON CITY, TN

REGISTER NOW

8th Annual Race for Ian: November 7, 2015, 5k in Jonesborough TN 

Bristol, baby!

August 20, 2015
Night Race 5K, Bristol Speedway

Race week in Bristol is a pretty big deal around these parts.  When I heard about the 5k in Bristol for the Speedway Children's Charities during race week, I got really excited!  It was my 2nd 5K ever and as a new runner, I hadn't practiced running since my first race two months ago!

I always get the pre-race jitters!  The race went through the Drag Race Track, up through the parking lot and into the main race track!  

This is the start and finish line for all the race cars in at this venue!  

  

I love the feeling of accomplishment after the fact!  I am not the best runner in the world, I need to train and practice to get better.  But I love doing these runs and I think I'm hooked!  I can't wait for the next event in September!  

My story

I always lived my life in "that moment".  I wasn't a planner or a dreamer, and I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up.  I joined the Florida Army National Guard to pay for my college tuition, and started college after high school and basic training.  I didn't have enough passion or drive to finish my higher education and see it through.  I was a nomad, a hippie and lost in a superficial world that I surrounded myself in with my insecurities and need to fit in.  

I did not enjoy living my life serving others.  I bounced from job to job in the hospitality service industry, got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and I made some horrific decisions that haunt me still, and rightfully so.

But then, my "time-out" in life happened.  What I thought was the worst thing that could happen to me, ended up being the break that I needed to re-evaluate my purpose in life.  I received a letter to report to active duty from inactive ready reserves (IRR) status to serve in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.  I was scared, I was depressed, I thought I was going to be a walking target.  But I felt obliged to answer the call because I was the best candidate - I was single, didn't have children, and I was in good health.  I made a commitment to serve my country and I had to honor it.

I learned so much during my time away from the states.  We take SOOOO much for granted!  Here are some examples.  Shoes for instance, we have them, we wear them; there are tons of children in Iraq with no shoes.  Air conditioning in +100 degrees temperatures, they didn't have it in public places like the town hall.  The natives are hospitable; it's an insult in their culture to refuse food or drinks when offered.  It just proved how ignorant I was, and how very fortunate and blessed I am to be a citizen of this country called the United States!  

I was renewed and driven to better myself once back in the states.  I fell in love with my Paul Bunyan and moved to Minnesota.  I finished college and got married and started our family.  I started my career as a medical support assistant at a Veterans Affairs medical center.  That is when I realized that I truly loved helping people.  Especially the Veterans, they sacrificed for our country, and it was an honor to help them get great healthcare.  They were humbled, grateful, and had inspirational stories.  The experience gave me a servant heart. 

My life is filled with my family now.  Three children later, with twin toddlers, I have the privilege of being a stay at home mom and raising my children.  I want my three boys to have a servant heart, compassion, patience and wisdom.  I want them to learn from my mistakes and not to repeat my history.  I want them to be the best version of themselves today and every day.  I don't want them to feel entitled and ignorant to what's going on around them.  I don't want them to be judged by society and told that they are at a disadvantage for any reason.

I am putting myself out there to share my story and document my journey.  I know there are people out there just like me; who are comfortable but not totally fulfilled.  There is something they want to be a part of that's bigger than themselves.  And that is where I am in my journey of life.  I want to continue to help others, to help them find their confidence, their voice, their strength and their passion.  That is my new mission.