Just a quick update... Back to school, 10k race and etc...

Hi all.... just stopping by to share a few updated pics of LIFE.  The kids went back to school about 3 weeks ago, soccer & football season is in full swing and LIFE is on the gooooo!  So far, so good as far as school is concerned.  The kids are all settled into their classroom routines just nicely and homework is at an all time high for my 4th grader.  We're making progress with it all and managing to keep smiles on our faces in the process.

 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to run my first 10k (6.20 miles) race with Black Girls Run!   I did absolutely NO training 2 weeks prior to running the race so I was unsure about how I was going to complete it.  I did GREAT and had to dig deep to find  some inner strength to get me through that race.  The weather was perfect and we took over the streets downtown with 3000+ runners.  It was a beautiful site to see.  I'm sooooooooo glad it's over, though :-).  I had hopes of signing up for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in the coming weeks but I have yet to register for it.  We'll see.  Here are a few pics from race day:

 That's me running in those colorful tights.  The pics were courtesy of my hubby :-)

 Well, that's all for now.  I have a BIRTHDAY coming up on October 1st so I may snap a picture of my celebration on that day.  It's just a blessing to be alive, healthy and well. 

Kale based smoothie...

The kids and I have been loving our Kale based smoothies throughout the past week.  I now make them a nutrient packed smoothie (with or without protein) before their soccer & football games.  They have endless hours of energy and are not feeling heavy and weighed down as a result. This morning's smoothie consisted of 2 1/2 cups of kale, a handful of blueberries, strawberries, peaches, 2 tbsp of flax seed, pumpkin seed and granola.

Kale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.” Here are ten great benefits of adding more kale to your diet:

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy. 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html

Get creative and go get some kale (or any other green leafy vegetables) and incorporate them into your diet TODAY!!!

Yummy Smoothies!!!

Well, I'm back with a quick post to share 2 smoothie recipes with you all.  I apologize for being so sporadic with my posts/updates but life has me on the GO these days.  We just returned from a weekend trip to Florida and hit the ground running as soon as we returned!  While in FL the kids and I spent time at the pool, shopping and relaxing.  Here is some footage from our pool time; Check out my daughter with the "come from behind" victory! and take a look at some pool acrobats.  Ohhhhh what fun!  On our way back home we stopped and purchased some yummy Georgia Peaches!!!!  I couldn't wait to make a smoothie with them (as well as a few other treats) once we got home.

Upon arriving home (at 7pm), I noticed that my grass had grown quite a bit!  It really stood out because my neighbors (on both sides) had recently mowed their lawns which made mine look a hotttttt mess!!!  So, I quickly changed, gassed up my lawn mower and edger and went to work on my lawn with an hour of daylight remaining.  I managed to complete one side of my yard and the front before darkness hit. I woke up the next morning and completed the back lawn and the other side of my house.  It was quite labor intensive mowing the lawn in excrutiating temps (90 degrees), moving a huge trampoline, lifting heavy equipment and trimming the bushes.  The end result was well worth it!!! 

After completing this out door "cardio" session, I pulled out my Nutribullet and made a super delicious smoothie with those yummy Georgia Peaches!! Here it is:

INGREDIENTS/RECIPE: One LARGE peach, 1/2 cup of low fat milk (you can use almond milk or coconut milk if you'd like), 1/2 spoonful of vanilla protein powder, pumpkin seeds/flax seeds/granola (Nature's Path Organic Cereal), crushed ice and water. 

It was the peeeerfect drink I needed to replenish myself as I still had a long day ahead of me that included soccer practice!  Yes, SOCCER PRACTICE!!!!  It's back and in full swing!  I just knew I would be tired, sore and sluggish the next morning from my intense yard work session so I hit the grocery store before heading home.  I grabbed some veggies and fresh fruit along with the essentials and rushed home to relax for the night.  This morning, I awakened feeling alive and refreshed!  I rushed downstairs to make another delicious smoothie with the fresh veggies and fruit I had purchased last night.  Here's what I came up with:

INGREDIENTS/RECIPE: Kale, strawberries (4), banana (1), frozen blueberries (handful), pumpkin seeds/flax seeds/granola (Nature's Path Organic Cereal), crushed ice and water. 

This smoothie made 2-8oz glasses and I drank every last drop of it!!!  Give it a try!

Morning Breakfast

Hi All.... my life is on the go, go, Gooooo but I wanted to take a minute to post a pic of my morning breakfast.  It's quick, simple and delicious!!!  I wanted a change from my normal smoothie :-)

2 egg Veggie Omelet (spinach, zucchini, onions, peppers, fat free cheese, salsa), 2 strips of turkey bacon and a nice warm cup of Orange Passion Fruit Jasmine Green Tea.

 After cleaning and chopping my veggies, I seasoned them (a little salt/pepper) and sauteed them with extra virgin olive oil.  I left my baby spinach raw because I wanted a little crunchiness/texture in my omelet. I sprinkled in a little fat free cheese as I folded the omelet over during the cooking/assembly process. I  topped it with a little salsa and paired it with 2 strips of turkey bacon.  My baby daughter and I indulged!!!  It was delish!!!

 

SMOOTHIES!!! Yummy DELICIOUSNESS!!!!!

Hey guys!  Just dropping by to share my latest and greatest find.... THE NUTRIBULLET!!!!! For months I researched and compared several blenders, juicers and such in search to find something that would help me make awesome smoothies. I finally settled with purchasing the Nutribullet!  You've probably seen the informercials, ads and etc... It compares with the Ninja.  I chose it because of the reviews, quality, price, size and convenience.  It doesn't require peeling (apples, pears and etc...) and you can throw in your fruits and veggies pretty much anyway you'd like. I prefer to purchase my fruits and veggies at the beginning of the week... wash, cut, peel and FREEZE whatever i'd like.... and take the portion out that is needed whenever I want to make a smoothie.  I am sooo in love with my Nutribullet that i've been making them every morning!  I make one for me and one for hubby.  I've even made a few to share with the kiddos.  Here are two smoothies i've made over the past week or so. I'll add more pix and recipes in the days and weeks to follow. Give them a try!!

  A handful of Pineapples, Blueberries, Strawberries, Bananas (all pre-cut and frozen), Organic Spinach, Granola, Chi Seeds, Coconut, Crushed Ice, Water (fill halfway).... add a teaspoon of Stevia if needed.

Pineapple, Banana, Strawberry, Kale, Granola, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Crushed Ice and Water

 The recipe for this green smoothie is written on the actual picture..... enjoy!

 

It's my 13th Wedding Anniversary and my baby girl's 6th Birthday!

Today, I celebrate the day I said "I DOOOOOOOO" to the love of my life! These past 13 years have been full of wonderful, WONDERFUL life changing memories and I wouldn't change them for the world! You are my EVERYTHING and I loooove you sooooooooo much! On this special day we're also celebrating the 6th birthday of our baby girl, Jaida! She is the smartest, happiest, most energetic, super athletic, multi talented, funny little 6 year old ever!!! Most importantly she knows how to PRAY and how to get a message to God like no other!!!! We thank God for her and for all that she brings to our family. Also, Happy Birthday to my loving Grandmother (who passed away a month after we got married) and to our dear Uncle Robertlee (who passed away just weeks ago). We love and miss you sooooo much! Lastly, Happy Anniversary to my wonderful Aunt & Uncle Daisy and Alex We celebrate your wonderful union along with you!!! Love you both!!

Happy 6th Birthday to our baby girl....

Just a little inspiration for someone....

Why is it that we often look for a way out in the midst of a storm?  Most often you’ll find that your blessing comes when you ride through the storm.  We often say “God get me out of this one” or “It’s time to quit, cut my losses and move on”.  We throw our hands up, give up and run from those issues that challenge us instead of standing firm on God’s word and allowing him to guide us.  God won’t place you in any situation you’re not equipped to handle. He will always provide an answer whether you acknowledge it or not.  I don’t know who this is for but I know that it is for someone. Don’t be hasty when making life changing decisions.  I know that life is tough.  I know that there are many nights you’ve cried and questioned God.  I know that it hurts and you find it hard to face another day in your current situation. Trust God through it all, good or bad and stay committed to his word.  He knows what’s best and he’s already working on your behalf :-)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler

Just dropping in to share a quick recipe that a friend shared on facebook tonight.  I changed it up a little and added some love to it.  Feel free to make it your own... it tastes much better that way :-)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler

1 Stick of butter (1/2 cup)

1 egg slightly beaten

1 cup of milk

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 cup of sugar

2 teaspoons of baking powder

½ teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of vanilla

2 quarts of strawberries (capped and washed)

4 ounces of cream cheese (cut in small pieces)

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 quarts whole strawberries, capped and washed
4 ounces cream cheese, cut in small pieces 1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 quarts whole strawberries, capped and washed
4 ounces cream cheese, cut in small pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter and pour into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, flour, vanilla, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour directly over the butter in the baking dish, but do not stir.

Add the strawberries, arranging in a single layer as much as possible. Sprinkle cream cheese pieces over strawberries. Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. (Crust rises up and around the fruit, but fruit will still peek out of top.)

Quick Icing (optional)

Confectioner’s sugar, vanilla and a splash of milk (to desired consistency)

2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 quarts whole strawberries, capped and washed
4 ounces cream cheese, cut in small pieces

A Night Out~ Gala

Soooo, i'm still recovering from last night's Gala but I wanted to log in to post a few pics of our fun night.  Hubby and I decided to support the kids' school by purchasing tickets ($100) to attend the Gala.  All proceeds went directly to our school building fund and teacher enrichment programs.  There was dinner, dancing, live auctions, silent auctions and giveaways.  Some people spent as much as $5700 for a single brick to be placed on our new school building.  It was an awesome night for a great cause. 

I spent quite some time trying to find a decent, inexpensive dress.  Just when I found "the one", I drove to the store (Dillard's) to purchase it only to find that they didn't have anymore!! I was devastated!!!  So, I spent the next 3 hours frantically walking from store to store trying on every dress I thought I could squeeze into until I found something.  It was shorter, tighter and more revealing than any dress i've ever worn but I thought it was different sooooo I went with it.  Hubby loved it of course AND I received many compliments as well as some uninvited stares (from other men) but that was to be expected. 

The Gala was held downtown on a roof top overlooking the city and the football stadium.  It was a bit chilly but is was GORGEOUS!!!  We had a great time!  I later had to take off the heels and slip into my slippers by the end of the night.  Here are a few pix...

Happy 9th Birthday to my Daughter!!!

Well, this past weekend was packed full of soccer (3 games) and my eldest daughter's birthday.  I spent the entire week, leading up to her big day, shopping!!!!  I must've gone to party city about 6 times!!  Everytime I turned around there was something else that needed to be added, made or created.  The theme for her party was SOCCER, of course.  However, she wanted to have a pool party centered around that theme.  So, we tied the two themes into one and went with the flow.  I decided to bake her birthday cake and cupcakes this year.  I made everything from scratch and topped it off with soccer ball decorations..... very simple.  We had chocolate and vanilla cupcakes (a vanilla cake) with homemeade cream cheese icing.  YUM!!!  I dyed the icing green with hopes of using it for the soccer field.  I was then going to draw the field on top of the cake with a soccer ball in the center.  That didn't quite go as planned soooooo I went with plan B, kept the field simple and placed 4 soccer balls in each corner.  I got candles that said "Happy Birthday" with her name and the #9.  Here's what it looked like:

The kids munched on pizza (sausage, pepperoni and cheese)...

Annnnnd then we headed to the pool for some fun!!!



After the girls swam for an hour we closed out the party with cake & cupcakes!!!

All of the guests left with these handmade gift bags (my by me) with smiles on their faces and laughter in their hearts :-)

She had a blast opening up all of her gifts once we got home.

I was one exhausted momma but seeing the smile on my daughter's face at the end of the day was well worth it.