Clean Eating: Peanutty Peanut Butter Bars- Fixate Recipe

So--- I've been raving over these Peanutty Peanut Butter Bars for quite some time.

Sweet.  Not too sweet.  Just sweet enough.

It will satisfy your cravings, for sure.  The only kicker is: You must LOVE PEANUT BUTTER (But, come on.  Who doesn't love peanut butter? Unless your allergic.  And then I'm so sorry).

Here's the recipe.  SUPER DUPER EASY.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all natural PB
1/2 cup raw or local honey
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F

Mix all ingredients WELL.

Pour into a greased 8x8 baking pan.

Bake 20 mins.  They may feel soft coming out, but they will continue to bake.

ENJOY.  Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

If you're interested in getting your hands on the FIXATE cookbook--- message me or click this link for my website!  If you're interested in joining one of my upcoming online health & fitness groups--- fill out my online application and I'll be in touch!

Battling Sinusitis

Life with Chronic Sinusitis.

I'm finding myself writing this post because for the past 5 weeks, I've been dealing with, what seems to be, a never ending cycle of a minor sinus infection.

It's not full blown like I've known some to be in the past, but it's just a full cycle that won't let up.

Sore throat.  Nasal Drip.  Congestion.  Sinus Headaches.  Stopped ears.

repeat that times 5 and see how you feel.

I've realized that unless you've dealt with Chronic Sinusitis then you have NO IDEA what we have to go through on a daily basis.

I haven't felt like myself in quite some time.

Here's a few things that I use to cope with my sinuses when they are acting up:

1. Neti Pot.  If you've been holding off because it scares the shit out of you---- buy it.  You'll be glad you did.  People (doctors, nurses, friends, co-workers) all suggested this and I always ignored them.  I wasn't down for having anything go up my nose.  I wish I would've bit the bullet sooner.

2. Peppermint Essential Oils- I swear it's something about peppermint.  It just seems to open me up--- and it calms me in an amazing way.  I diffuse it at night.

3. A great ENT doctor.  One who will work with you to help give you medication when all else fails.  I have an amazing one who lets me self-prescribe myself with an antibiotic. It's pretty amazing.  No more $$ spent at doctor visits every month!

4. A comfy bed and blanket.  Sometimes it's just acceptable to go to bed at 8PM on a weekend, or week day.  It doesn't matter.  Rest when your body needs rest.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need help or want to talk.  I feel you.  I'm right there with you.  Some days I just wish my head would explode so I didn't have to feel it hurting anymore.


*my next step is a sinus surgery.  I actually may be planning it in the coming months.  i'll keep you posted

::weekend recap::

I follow a blogger who made a post this past week that really spoke to me. She basically said that she didn't care whether you liked her blog or read it. She doesn't blog for you (or me) but she blogs for herself. 

Wow. 

So many times I want to write the perfect post for you. I want that-- because if I can help just one person with whatever I'm talking about, then I feel like I'm making a difference and living for a purpose. But, it really boils down to ME. I can't blog for YOU, because, chances are I don't know you. I need to blog for myself. I want to blog for myself because I feel like it's a huge diary. It's something I can look back one in the future to see where I've been and how far I've come in life. I want to share my triumphs and setbacks. My happy moments and sad ones. 

To start it off-- I'm just going to share what went on this past weekend! My husband, Josh, was home.  That happens on rare ocassion. So- we took advantage of it! 

First up-- we did a little shopping on Saturday and I picked up this S'well bottle. A little boutique in town carries them, and I'd been wanting to give it a shot. So far-- so good. I got the big one-FYI! 

I also HAD to get my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season when my husband ended up at Starbucks! Of course- mine is iced with nonfat milk and no whipped cream. It may not be the healthiest, but it feels good knowing I'm cutting a few calories with my drink choice ;) 

The pups have a love/hate relationship with my phone. I tried taking a photo of Stella and Hudson got a little jealous. Needless to say-- I ended up with Huddy and no Stella pic! Ha. 

We then ended our weekend tonight celebrating my Mom and her birthday. Another year young! It was the perfect evening for Chili and Birthday Cake. Of course, mom requested my famous chili (I'll have to save a post for that another day)! Publix pulled through with the most delicious chocolate cake. Yum. 

That's it, folks. Now I'm going to watch a little Miss America Pageant and get ready for a week of work and a new health & fitness group to kickoff in the morning {goodness knows I need to get my nutrition back in check!} 

What did you do this weekend? 

Oh September.... keep me coming back for more

September.

The first month of what I call F A L L.  I can feel the cool crisp air in the mornings during my daily walk with the pups.  I know it's coming.  It's SO CLOSE.

I fall over fall.  It's my favorite.  It's what makes me happy.

Football.  Family.  Boots.  Sweaters.  Chunky, big sweaters.  Pumpkins.  Apples.  Coffee.  Blankets.  Snuggles.  Fall.

I'm a sucker over it.  Today makes me happy because it's the first step to turning the corner into fall.

When it comes to seasons-- what is your favorite?

XO,

National Dog Day

Yep.  I realize I am a day late.  If you follow me on Social Media-- of COURSE I didn't forget to post a snapshot of my two favorite {fur}babies.

I joked that Hudson is like "HUH? It's National DOG DAY?  I thought I was a HUMAN??!!"

Some days, I swear, Hudson is more emotional in a days work than I am in a whole month.

I SWEAR he's a female trapped in a boys body {SHHH... don't tell Josh that!!}

Regardless of that, our dogs are our HEART and SOUL and I can't imagine our life without them. 

It would be boring.  SO SO boring.  and lonely!

:::Here are our babes:::

 

XO,

Mac-N-Cheese with Broccoli & Chicken

Let's talk about Mac-N-Cheese for a minute here.

It's the best.  Like, my favorite meal.  I think I could eat it breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

But--- it has to be GOOD.  You know.  Those Mac-N-Cheeses that are bland and blah?  Not a fan of THAT.

So, anyways, there is a new cookbook out called FIXATE.  It's designed to highlight 101 recipes that all fit into the 21 Day Fix portion control Program.  If you don't know what that is-- then hang on and I'll explain.

The 21 Day Fix is a workout program AND an amazing portion control meal plan system that really brings together ALL of the food groups and teaches you proper PORTION SIZES so that you're not stuffing your face with carbs all day long and not getting any veggies in.  It's all about balance.  And portion.  And mixing up the food groups!
So-- the creator of The 21 Day Fix put together a collaboration of 101 recipes that ALL FIT IN THE FIX plan.... it's AMAZING!

Mac-N-Cheese was, OF COURSE, my first meal out of it.

It didn't disappoint.  I am used to whole wheat flour and my Husband isn't.  So, If you're NOT used to it, then the texture may be a LITTLE OFF in the sauce.  It doesn't matter to me, though.

So- here's the recipe!

Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli and Chicken

 

Ingredients:

 

4 oz           dry whole wheat macaroni (or any pasta)

4 tsp          organic grass fed butter (or extra virgin coconut oil)

2 TBSP     unbleached whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1 1/4 cups freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese

3 cups       cooked chopped chicken breast, boneless, skinless

4 cups       chopped broccoli florets, steamed

1 tsp          sea salt (or Himalayan Salt)

1/2 tsp       ground black pepper

 

Directions:

 

1.  Cook macaroni according to package directions. (do not use salt or oil if suggested).  Set aside.

2.  Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

3.  Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until brown (don't let it burn!).

4.  Slowly whisk in almond milk; cook, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, or until mixture thickens and there are no lumps.

5.  Reduce heat to low.  Add cheese; cook, whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until melted.

6.  Add chicken, broccoli, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute, or until heated through.

7.  Serve immediately.

 

 

High Five! It's FriYAY!

High Five! It's FriYAY! 

Today our office is closed in honor of Independence Day tomorrow---- so for that itself--- I'm thankful. With the wedding this year, honeymooning, and just a few other mini vacations, my "leave time" is slowly running out. So any paid vacation off work is A-OK by me ;) 

I'm also so proud of myself for keeping up with my workouts. This week I did Focus:T25, a little Turbo Fire, 21 Day Fix Ab workout, and also kept up with my Couch 2 5K schedule. Whew. Thats just about as exhausting as it sounds, but I'm so proud of myself. It's not easy getting in workouts daily when working full time among other things, but I'm so glad I'm in a place where it just comes natural and not forced!! Schedule those workouts, peeps!! It works!! 

This was me after the gym last night. We've had rainy weather, so I went with my Husband to our local YMCA so that I could use the treadmill for my C25K! I even ran 6 mins longer than I was supposed to.... Small victories! 

Thursday evening Josh and I rode to the town I live in to ride through the neighborhoods looking for houses for sale. We are in such a fun stage not READY to buy anything... We have a town home that fits us perfectly right now... But it's fun looking out for the future and figuring out what we want and what we don't want! 

Hudson even came along for the ride--- he can't pass up a good car RIDE!! Don't ever say the "R" word when you come over or you'll find yourself riding around the block with a dogs head stuck out the window. 

In a nutshell that's what sums up my week. It's been a good one but I'm physically exhausted and looking forward to a 3 day weekend to rest up!!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Have fun & Stay SAFE! 

XOXO,