Month: October 2017

About The Life I Live

Happy Halloween, and Happy Birthday to Me!

That’s right, I’m a holiday baby. Want to learn more about me? Here’s 33 Emmy facts for you:

1. I love garlic.garlic.jpg

2. I’m a clean freak.

A clutter-free and clean (but not necessarily scrubbed) house is my fave.

3. I think the best everyday workout would be doing an obstacle course 5K.

4. I love lilacs.

I always imagined my future house having light purple, dark purple and white lilacs. Lilacs are my idea of the first official sign of summer, however, they’re also something my husband seems to have an awful allergic reaction to:(

5. Fireworks are my most favorite thing, therefore making the 4th of July my favorite DSC_5210holiday.

6. I love painted nails, but hate getting manis and pedis. I don’t like when people pick, and cut at my nails, so I do it myself.

7. I love Spanish.

And everything about it. The food, culture, music and language are amazing.

8. I moved to Panama for 5 months with my boyfriend (now husband) in the winter 2013, which happened to be one of the worst winters in WI since we’ve been alive.

9. I’m a five times self-published writer.

Four cookbooks, one wellness tips book, and more to come!

10. I have watched children professionally for over 20 years, that is ⅔ of my life that I spent with other people’s children=) #bestjobever

11. Jazzercise is my favorite workout.

12. I’m a girly girl.12592258_825742764220201_667262404304408035_n

I love to paint my nails, dress up and do my hair.

13. I’m a tomboy, too.

I grew up fishing, camping, hiking and generally outside. I still love all of these activities.

14. I am obsessed with Dawson’s Creek and Sex in the City, and have watched all the seasons of both shows, several times over.

15. I make my own wine.Screenshot_20170410-131303

I would love to do it up big and mass produce my own brand with labels and flavors and all, but for now it is just for me and my peps.

16. My favorite movie of all time is Man on Fire.

17. I like all music except for “Scream-O.” You know, where you can’t hear the words just a lot of shrill screaming? Ya, I don’t like that.

18. I love to walk and hike.

19. I don’t like when people touch my face. Please don’t.

20. Fall is my favorite season and I would love to live somewhere that’s between 50ish and 75ish degrees almost year-around.

21. I’m not a huge sports fan.

But I love baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers.milwaukee-brewers-throwback-logo-patch_1

22. My husband and I spoke of a “pipe dream” a few years ago, to both become remote (workers) and work and live wherever we chose. Less than 3 years later, and we’ve all but made it happen.

23. My hair is the longest it’s ever been. And I love it.

24. Deep fried Oreo’s are my most favorite indulgence. They are beyond delicious.

25. I experienced love at first site.

I don’t even know if love at first site is a thing, all I know is I knew I loved my husband before I even met him. From that very first second, I knew that he was the one I wanted to spend my days with.

26. I love freshwater lakes.IMG_20170818_085239

27. Last year Nick took me to watch the sunrise on the east coast of FL and watch the sunset on the west coast of FL. This was by far my favorite birthday gift ever, and a total surprise, as I once said I wanted to do that in passing and he not only remembered it but made a whole weekend out of it.

28. Essential oils are life. I use them for everything and love them. Best decision I ever made.

29. My favorite Disney movie is The Emperor’s New Groove. If you’ve seen it, I know you Grooveposterlove it, too. If you haven’t, go watch it right away!

30. I want to go to Italy. The pictures, views, and history are amazing and I want to eat everything Italian.

31. I picked out my own wedding ring and never looked back. I knew Nick was the one, the ring was the one, and that was it.

32. We got married in my hometown court house on 8/13/14, the second anniversary of our first date. Awwwwwwwww.

33. Today, I turn 33 and you know what? I’ll probably get carded at dinner, LOL.

Feel like you know me better now? Is there a fun fact you want to share with me?

Oh, wait, I have one more. Nick and I are both holiday babies, so watch for a Christmas Eve edition for 33 things about my hubby=)

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed learning more about me. And Happy Halloween!! XOXO

 

Cardio Lower Body Workouts

Cardio Leg Workout with Short Runs

This leg workout is perfect for a butt boost and it’s easy enough to find stairs to do it if you aren’t at a gym.

These exercises use body weight and also incorporate a treadmill.  So if you wanted to, you could do it with any stairs and running.

Complete five sets through and make sure to do leg workouts on both sides!

Both legs, 10 reps

Both legs, 10 reps

6 mph is a steady speed and “goes” quickly but you can do any speed you want to for 1/4 mile

Ten squats

This workout is great for your legs and body. You can tailor it in all different ways depending on your level of training or how often you’re training.

Make sure to workout 2-3 times a week at the least, even if it’s walking or yoga. Every little bit helps!

I love this water bottle and use it all the time:

 

Recipes The Life I Live

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

It’s Fall, right? Are you sick of pumpkin yet? Let’s hope not.

This pumpkin protein shake is a healthy, delicious start to the day and if you’re anything like Nick, you’ll want it all the time.
Pumpkin Pie ShakeIMG_20171009_094447

  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Blend everything together in a blender and serve. You can also store (I only do it overnight) it in the freezer, ready to go in a jar as pictured and take out first thing in the morning to thaw.

Do you love this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Dairy Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live Vegan vegetables

Chinese Lime Broccoli

Lime and broccoli create a fresh, light combination. This broccoli recipe is quick and easy, with a Chinese twist. A little pinch of red pepper flakes finishes off the dish with a little spice.

 Chinese Lime Broccoli

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli, choppedIMG_20171003_145102
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon coconut aminos (soy sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (or vegan preference)
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • sesame seeds (optional)

Steam the broccoli. (If you don’t have a steamer, I “steam” by adding about one inch of water to the bottom of a sauce pan with the broccoli, and turning the heat on high. Once the water is boiling, I stir the broccoli a couple times and cook until you can pretty easily insert a fork.)

To a medium -sized bowl, add the ingredients and stir. Finish by tossing the broccoli with the sauce. Shake some sesame seeds on top and enjoy=)

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Dairy Free Gluten Free Meats Paleo Recipes The Life I Live

Chinese Food: Homemade Teriyaki Shrimps

I love Chinese food. My favorite restaurant is one from back home in WI. When I’m home, I want to eat there.

Moy’s Restaurant of Elkhorn, WI, serves crispy egg rolls with surprise ingredient, peanut butter. And their house rice is exactly what you want in a fried rice and filled with shrimps, chicken, and pork. **My mouth is watering.**

My homemade Chinese makes it into our weekly menu all the time. This recipe is delicious and easy. Enjoy with fresh vegetables or a salad and dinner is ready!

Homemade Teriyaki Shrimps

  • 10 ounces prepared and thawed shrimpsIMG_20171007_193518 (1)
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup OJ
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper (for shrimps)
  • sesame seeds (optional)

In a skillet, add the oil and heat for two minutes. Add the shrimps and sprinkle salt and pepper over top. Cook the shrimps until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients and add to the hot pan. Cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken a bit, and add the shrimps back to the pan in the last minute of cooking. Serve with sesame seeds sprinkled over top. Yum.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Dairy Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live Vegan

Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Nick loves pumpkin everything. So, pumpkin everything it is!

Have you ever baked pumpkin pie pumpkins at home before? The effort is well worth it and my blog How to Make Pumpkin at Home for All Your Fall Favorites (Starting with Pumpkin Seeds) will get your pumpkin roasted and your pumpkin seeds toasted.

Now for the grand finally..  Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Pumpkin Seeds! Why don’t we see these more? Try this recipe at home and enjoy these today.

Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Pumpkin SeedsIMG_20171008_102749

  • 1 cup dried pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut sugar (or preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Line a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of a baking sheet. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, oil, and seasonings. Add the pumpkin seeds to the lined pan and cook at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Explorations The Life I Live

Walking Dead Fans: Senoia GA is a Must See!

Do you love the Walking Dead as much as I do?

Did you know that the Walking Dead is filmed in Senoia, Georgia? Did you know that Georgia is the biggest filming location, for TV and movies, in the entire US?

While escaping from Irma, my husband and I stayed in Peachtree City, Georgia. The city sits a short 20 minute drive from the filming location of the Walking Dead and you bet we couldn’t wait to take the tour!

Want to see some pictures? Of course you do! Here they are:

Question 1
Remember this building? It’s the generals apartment up there!
Question 2
The Walking Dead store
Question 3
This is look from the back of the Governor’s apartment. Do you remember when he kissed Andrea back there?
Question 4
In front of this wall where Enid got separated from her parents.
Question 6
This house is where Carl sat on the roof and ate the can of pudding.
Question 7
Carl crossed the street to this house and puked in the front yard. It wasn’t scripted like that but because he ate the whole can, he got sick and the director loved the footage and kept it.
Question 5
Recognize that wall? This is Alexandria!
Question 8
This is a post office and the only building that refused to shut down during taping. To “block” it out, they parked a box car on the train tracks in front of it for the back of the scene.
Question 9
You can see this garden center in some scenes of the show.
Question 10
I know you know what this is! My favorite picture and coolest thing to see was the entrance to Alexandria!
Question 11
And these tracks led to Terminus. Don’t believe me? It’s because they edited in a tunnel in the show, something you cannot see in real life.

This Walking Dead tour is $25/person and about a mile walk around “the grounds.” It takes a couple of hours because the guide gives you insights, behind the scenes talk, and lots of spoilers along the way.

I love to travel and we actually found this (tour and city) while looking for an AirBnb, something else I love. Having to leave because of Irma was no fun but finding this place and touring the show set was awesome.

Also, we had lunch at Nic and Norman’s, a restaurant owned by Greg Nicotero & Norman Reedus. The food was delish, so go eat there after the tour, too.

Need snacks and goodies for your trip? Check out some of my favorites!

Coconut LaraBars are less than ten ingredients and so good!

These Pressed by Kind bars are kind of a new find and favorite for me, you have to try them!

Recipes

Use No Sick to Help Your Family Stay Not Sick!

No Sick you say, what’s that? Well, it’s an essential oil blend, and one of my favorites.

Want to stay healthy? No Sick. Feeling off and don’t want to get more sick? No Sick. Feeling fine and want to stay that way? No Sick.

If you want one made, contact me and I’ll be happy to send one your way. Otherwise, use the mixture below to make your own. Either way, if you want wellness, this oil blend will help get you there.

No Sick Blend

  • 25 drops Oregano oilIMG_20171008_182337
  • 25 drops Thieves oil
  • one ounce of carrier oil

To use, remove the cap and swipe on your skin. A good place is the side of your foot or on your wrist where your skin is thinner.

That’s it. And it smells like Christmas, and I love that.

Having blends (or single oils) in roller bottles are great because you can carry them around easily and one swipe is all you need. For preventative wellness, use it daily. If you’re feeling sick, use it every three hours or so until you’re feeling better.

If you liked this wellness article, check out my wellness book!

Want a paperback copy? Comment and I will send one right to you!

Disclaimer: I use Young Living Essential Oils and based on my research, I believe these are the best, safest, and most pure oils on the market. PLEASE do your own research and determine which oils are best for you and your family. 

Dairy Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live Vegan vegetables

BBQ Rub Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are filling and delicious, we eat them several times a week in our house. Raw and roasted are my favorite (seriously, try a bite raw sometime.)

For something new, I added BBQ rub to the oil and sweet potatoes before the oven and yum. I cannot wait to make them again. Here’s the recipe!

BBQ Rub Sweet PotatoesIMG_20171003_145521

  • 1 sweet potato, skinned and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons dry BBQ rub

In a small bowl, combine everything and lay on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. So easy, so good. Enjoy!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Dairy Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live Vegan

How To Make Pumpkin at Home for All Your Fall Favorites (Starting with Pumpkin Seeds)

Pumpkin Spice or Apple Cinnamon, forever the Fall debate. Our house is both, I’m #teamapple and Nick, #teampumpkin.

But just because I don’t love (or really even like pumpkin) doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the season. In fact, I love Fall. But here in South Florida, we’re lucky if it “feels” like fall by January. So anyhow, we do fall things while overheated and sweating instead of in flannel. Such is life.

Back to it. Let’s make pumpkin! It’s easy to do and eating fresh pumpkin is beyond healthful. Here’s how and a recipe for those seeds:

How to Make (Bake) Pumpkin at Home

  1. First, cut out the stem and discard. IMG_20171007_082515 (1)
  2. Next cut it in half. (If you have a problem cutting all the way through it, you can pull the pieces apart at the end.)
  3. Next, take out the guts. Yes, this is the gross part. But you can roast the seeds and yum, you should.
  4. In a glass pan, place the pumpkin halves and 1/4″ water, flesh
    IMG_20171007_085239
    Ready for the oven

    side down, and bake for 1 1/2 hours at 375 degrees. You know when it’s done because the skin is a little burnt and the you can easily pierce the inside with a fork. (It should be a mashable texture.) Let cool.

  5. From here, you scoop out the insides, separating flesh from skin and mash it. (Use a food processor or a masher for this.) Prepared pumpkin lasts 6-8 months in the fridge and can be frozen too, for the off season.

Homemade Baked Pumpkin Seeds

You know those nasty guts you just pulled out of the pumpkin? Well those seeds, those seeds are yummy. Here’s how to clean them up and prep them for the oven:
IMG_20171007_083223

  1. First, rinse them in a strainer. Try to get most of the orange pumpkin slime off, but honestly, a little is good IMG_20171007_090855for flavor.
  2. Next, lay them out on a baking sheet that’s covered in parchment paper. (Pumpkin seeds are very sticky.)
  3. Let dry for several hours, overnight if you can.

 

Sweet Pumpkin SeedsIMG_20171008_094646

  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut sugar (or vegan preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For baking, again line a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of the pan. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, oil, and seasonings. Add the pumpkin seeds to the lined pan and cook at 300 for about 30 minutes.

For Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Pumpkin Seeds, click the link. Yay, Fall!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!