Insta-spiration II

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Happy Tuesday! How are you all doing today? I had one of those days where I was glad to be back at work and in my "routine". My schedule has been super-wacky lately and even though I love that my work schedule isn't always M-F... today it was welcomed. There's something to be said for having a routine... especially for someone like me. I was thinking about it and there are definitely certain things I do every week that I like to stay exactly the same if I can help it. 1) I always go to the night boxing class at PWG on Monday. I DO NOT like missing my Monday night boxing class. Other days, I'm ok with mixing it up if I need to. 2) I need to make AT LEAST 3 PWG classes per week. Doesn't matter which days outside of Monday. 3) On Thursday nights, I like to cook while drinking a glass of wine to create something a little special. I like to finish it off with a little gelato. (My, how Thursday nights have changed!) 4) On Fridays, I like to have a "rest" day unless I am off from work. 5) On Saturday morning, I like cleaning, going to PWG, and doing laundry. I know, so weird. 

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What are your most essential routines every week?! I'd LOVE to know. Let me know in the comments below.

Moving on, it's time for another edition of INSTA-SPIRATION! 

 

Quit complainin'. Be thankful for what is in front of you.

 

 

Soooo simple and easy. Great to make during this busy time of year.

 

 

These kicks are DOPPPPPE.

 

 

Watch and listen.

 

 

Apparently I'm craving avocado toast...

 

A great stretch for those of us who sit at computers most of the day.

 

 

Butternut & sage are friends forever. Just gimme this. Gimme it right now!

Have a great week! xo

#12DaysofFFF: Day 2

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Happy Monday, everyone!  First & foremost, I'd like to wish my sister a very happy, happy birthday... I hope that this year is full of lots of health & happiness! It is going to be a GREAT year... I can feel it! :)

Sooo... how was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was full of fun, family, & laughter! Mine was fantastic - great food, friends, fam & company. The rest of the weekend was a swirl of fun and hard work! Woof! I work in the shopping center business so I had to be up bright and early on Black Friday morning for an interview with a local news station. The work day was productive and busy (as expected) then -- Kristen & Mark made us a DELICIOUS dinner. It included lobster and champagne... I was in heaven. I worked again on Sat, we got our beautiful tree on Saturday night and then celebrated Stacy's bday yesterday and today!

This weekend was a perfect example of my next TIP for #12DaysofFFF:

BALANCED EATING!

Thanksgiving dinner, dinner with friends, wacky work schedule, two birthday celebrations, a christmas tree lighting. All of the above serve up A LOT of tasty and delicious food. It's ok though, guys... It really is. Here's why: Plan, listen to your body, and think to yourself "Balance". If you have a huge luncheon coming up, eat a light protein rich breakfast such as eggs and an orange. Eat a giant dinner the night before? Listen to your body... are you hungry in the morning? If not, wait a little and then have something light and protein rich. Boozey dinner and another lunch planned the next day? Stay away from the booze the next day and choose a light option. This tip is something I execute ALLLLLL the time. I choose wisely when I'm out to eat or at a party. Eat protein rich snacks first. Choose a meal that has protein, carbs, & veggies. Balance, Balance, Balance... I'm telling you - it works!

Here are some examples:

1. Pizza for dinner? Eat it with a salad. The fiber will keep you fuller and slow digestion.

2. Filling lunch? Eat a light salad OR a protein rich dinner. Example: fish with roasted veggies, grilled chicken with salad, sautéed shrimp with green beans. etc.

3. Big dinner plans? Eat a light but filling breakfast & lunch. Eggs, grilled chicken, veggies, cheese sticks, peanut butter on an english muffin, etc.

There is always room for the good stuff, just be mindful of upcoming meals and how to balance it. Remember, tip #1 was to MOVE MORE. Incorporating more movement and a balanced approach to eating are the two biggest steps to a healthy lifestyle (and holiday season).

Question of the Day: How DO YOU balance meals during busy times?

Have a great week! xo

Giving Thanks

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Good morning, everyone! I hope you are all enjoying a relaxing day off with family and friends. Yesterday while baking a pie with my niece Ella, we got to talking about two things. One: What are we most thankful for this year. The unanimous answer was family, friends, and Stacy being on the road to recovery. Two: Then, we got to talking about what our favorite Thanksgiving Day food is. Mine is mashed potatoes. Everyone else said stuffing with gravy. What is yours?

As I reflect on the past year, I am so grateful for so many things. There have definitely been some rough times, but, today we will focus on the positive. I am thankful for my family and friends - I am thankful for Stacy being on the road to recovery - I am thankful for Rob and becoming friends with each other's friends - I am thankful for my new job and the great people I've met - I am thankful for my health and the health of those I love.

Here's a quick snap-shop of those I am thankful for from the past year. Have a WONDERFUL day! xo