Good Habits?

I can't believe it is already Week 5 of the Slim by the Summer challenge I joined! I have been able to meet some great ladies and have enjoyed all the encouragement and new blogs to read!

This week's theme is.....

I have to say, lately we have gotten better. I am not big on fast food, but I sure love fried chicken, and my husband knows he can usually just say the words "why not take a break tonight" and we go to our favorite spot for a Taco salad or fried chicken, or my absolute guilty pleasure- chicken fried steak.

Ok. I have to stop talking about all that bad food! So, lately when he says those words I have learned to love... I suggest a restaurant that has something I know I won't blow my workout/goal for the day. We are learning to plan our guilty pleasures for more rare occasions, and when we are both feeling stressed and would rather grab something quick, I try to stick to Thai soups and stir frys, Mexican Tortilla Soup, or talk the hubs into salad at home followed by some Frozen Bananas!  And my little reward system has been a great motivator for myself. My jar is looking nice!

Of course, right now we are doing a juice cleanse...so eating out is just not an option.

On another note...vacations. I know it can be so hard to eat well when on vacation. What I've tried doing there is planning as much as possible before we go. I look for healthy restaurants in the area we will be in, and plan as many meals as possible to cook in our living arrangements. If it is camping, we take a dutch oven and lots of veggies and foil...in hotels I've been known to bring my sandwich press and our water kettle to blanch veggies-but if it is a long term stay we usually get a place with at least a kitchenette.

What are your tricks? And what treats do you allow? Are you a no-drive-thru type, or a sometimes? We've said no to drive-thrus since the new year and I hope to keep it that way!

It is about to get juicy!

I talked my husband into watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead...and before we were half way through he declared "Oh we can definitely do this."

So thank goodness, I don't have to try and do this by myself!

We bought a juicer yesterday, and I can't wait to wake up and drink our first glass of micro-nutrient rich juice!

The funny, and sad thing is...we had been planning on a wine and cheese night together, but while watching the film, we both decided we no longer wanted the wine and cheese!

The plan was to start the 15 day reboot from Joe Cross, but after he watched the film the hubs said he would be fine just juicing, and not starting with a vegetarian spread of foods mixed with juicing the first 5 days.

I recently won Sprouts Defy it with Your Diet, and a gift card to sprouts-so I was lucky enough to be able to use that to start our cleanse with!

I couldn't believe how much it would take for the first few days. I am expecting this amount to last us through Wednesday.

The trunk was full! But since it was full of great things for us, it felt good...I usually feel bad after checking out at the grocery store, but I was actually happy this time.

If you have ever cleansed, or detoxed you know the first few days are the hardest...so I will do my darndest to keep up with the whole ordeal-and if I am cranky, I am sorry. I am a caffeine addict, and that is hard stuff to give up.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you join me for our Juicy Journey! Will you join me?

Some Juicy News

A quick post, today. We bought a juicer! I am so excited! I am currently mapping out our quest for better health and will be back later tonight to share with you the details!

I will be documenting our Juicy Journey, and can't wait to see what happens!

I watched Hungry For Change on Netflix, and then Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, also on Netflix. Talked to my Husband about the desire for us to change our lifestyle, and now he is on board!

We're going to the store now....so I'll be back later with some eye candy for you!

Stay tuned!

My New Favorite Recipe- Blueberry Banana "Ice Cream"

Blueberry Banana "Ice Cream" Delish!

As a part of the Slim by Summer challenge we are supposed to share a recipe. This one is one that I love because it is a treat that is so versatile!

Banana "Ice Cream" 

(this makes just enough to share)

Two frozen bananas sliced, and frozen for at least a couple hours
Almond Milk
Vanilla Extract or Bean

Puree bananas with a food processor until crumbly, add additional ingredients and puree until creamy. Then enjoy!

THAT'S IT! There aren't any measurements because I eyeball the amounts. Bananas are all different sizes, and sometimes you need more almond milk than others. You can make this without almond milk, but adding a splash makes the Ice Cream creamier. All you really NEED are bananas, but I love it with a bit of vanilla, and blueberries. Or peanut butter and cocoa powder....or raspberries and cacao nibs...the possibilities are endless!

What it looks like when I can't help but "try" a big spoon!

For future treats freeze in ice cube trays (shaped ones are fun for kiddos)
 and make a bigger batch to enjoy later on! 

Have you tried this? Let me know how it worked out, and your favorite flavor combinations!

~Live in the Rhythm of Love, and share the Bliss!
<3 ~Cassie

I am hungry for change, you should be too!

It's true...I am ready for a change. Since joining the slim by summer group, I've realized that I need to make some core changes. My routine needs some shaping, as does my grocery list.

I've been sick. Really sick, the bulk of this week, and it's been a while since I've been this sick. I think it is partially due to my diet. No, I'm not ON a diet...but my diet is lacking. I used to detox regularly and make sure I got enough fruits and veggies, but now I am more worried about what I feed my family, and just forget to eat most of the time...not good.

I think my body reacts by holding onto everything I give it, and craving carbs...and lots of them.

While I was sick, and not writing my blog...please forgive me, I am sorry... I watched a few movies, and then, this one stuck out Hungry For Change.

If you haven't watched it, please do. If you want to be healthy, then you want to watch it.

Needless to say, I am changing my mornings from starting with coffee and sugar, to a healthy shake, and exercise first thing. No more low fat, or low cal foods in this home...no more processed crap making us fat. I am changing our lives, and filling it with more of the good stuff we need.

Don't diet, don't starve yourself of the good healthy foods you love...fill your body with all the goodness of nature and change with me! I can't wait!

Break the Mundanity

Variety is the spice of life, right?

Oh yes. From the vegetables in your garden and your plate, to the spices in your cooking- variety is key!

So why wouldn't your workout need the same? It does! You can't focus on arms everyday, nor legs...mix it up! Trying to target one area of your body will drive you bonkers, as will doign the same routine day after day....unless you are a heartless robot. Then it is probably ok.

So in honor of the Slim by Summer theme this week, I am breaking the rules and saying NO to a routine! I want to mix it up, and keep it fun. Otherwise, I know I will get bored and so will my muscles!

I've made a Pinterest Board so you can see what I'm doing and Feel the Burn along with me!

This was today's Thinspiration- I did everything on the list!

And tomorrow....

Do you have a routine? Or do you like mixing it up?

Thanks for visiting!
~Cassie

Even Adults Need a Reward Once in a While!

This is day three of my participation in Slim by the Summer with some Lovely Ladies... you can join us too!

After reading Misty's blog that was full of such honesty and inspiration, I was reminded that in this journey we have to figure out a way to keep us going.

What better than a reward system, right? I mean the biggest reward will be when I go and buy that bathing suit and enjoy trying on suits...when's the last time I looked forward to trying on swimsuits? Uh...probably 2010, or was it 2009? I don't remember. What I do remember is that rewards work wonders when trying to inspire our kiddo to do his chores and remember things to help himself. So...here are my ideas:

• Once I hit my 1/4 mark, meaning I've lost a 1/4 of my goal weight...I'm going to let myself, once a week- so something for me. 30 Minutes of reading, or lunch with a friend, or something I've been wanting to do.
• When I hit my 1/2 way mark, it'll be a date with the Hubs! I'm hoping to be at the 1/2 way by April, and that will be just in time for his Birthday! I've got it planned, a picnic at the river, just us and our doggie. Sounds fun, right?
• 3/4 mark-will probably be the beginning of the plateau-so this reward will be something to get me going-spur me on to going that last bit of the way and finishing my goal- so that reward will be a new workout outfit. Shoes and all. (I'm sure I will need shoes my then, with all this jogging/walking I'm doing!)
• And when I hit my goal...we are going to take a trip! It will be just in time for our Anniversary and we've been wanting/needing to get away. Want to know how I plan on making that happen? Well, I'm going to tell you:

The Goal Fund:

In order to hold myself more accountable for my bad habits, and hopefully break them, as well as get my husband in on helping me reach my goal-I've put together a plan of action. 

If you and your significant other are anything like us...we get lazy and take the easy way out. We try to teach our lil guy that the easy way only makes more work in the end....oh listen to that! I need to follow my own advice! And this jar is going to help me! 

• Every time one of us says-let's just go get....dinner out, or an unhealthy meal...and the other one sticks to the healthy plan of eating, we get to put a dollar in the jar! 
• Each time I choose a healthy snack instead of those cookies or whatever else I made for the kiddos: I put in a quarter. 
• Every week when I make a healthy meal plan, and stick to it...I put in another 2 dollars. 
• If I eat breakfast or my smoothie within 2 hours of getting up, fifty cents. 
• If I reach my exercise goal for the day: fifty cents. 

I figure, with all the money we will be saving not eating out, we will be able to keep this reward system going! We usually cave in at least two times a week and eat out when we could have just as easily made a healthy meal at home. So there's two dollars a week. Every day there is temptation for an unhealthy snack-so that would be at least two more dollars a week. Plus another two dollars each week I meal plan, and 3.50 a week from good breakfasts, as well as 3.50 for working out...equaling 13 a week! Times 23 weeks of the challenge: a whopping $299! Sounds like a good va-cay to me! 

That's gonna be my jar by summer! 

What are you doing to help nudge yourself into making healthier habits? 
Happy Wednesday!
~Cassie <3 <3 <3

 

Let's get Foxy! AKA: It is Thinspiration Time!

Like I said in my last post, I am linking up with some lovely ladies to get Slim by Summer!

I can't wait! There will be a weekly assignment for us to get in on, and lots of prizes! If you want to join (which I highly suggest) we'd love to have you! There is a place on facebook to chat, a pinterest board for tips and inspiration and all the ladies I've had a chance to chat with are pretty awesome!

This is my thinspiration! Who wouldn't love to head to the beach looking like that!? I have the bag, journal, hat and umbrella...and if I reach my goal my reward will be the bathing suit and earrings! ^_^
(I just joined Polyvore, and I think I am in trouble...it seems like so much fun! Send me a request-I want to see what people are doing over there, too!)

Long term, I just want to be healthier. I don't get sick very often, but I would also like to get off the pounds that have accumulated in my happy marriage, and the transition to walking all over the hilliest college campus every day, as well as hours of being on my feet bartending and serving. It really was easy to stay slimmer when I would spend the whole weekend on my feet!

What are your goals? and inspiration? I hope you will link up with us!

Tomorrow, I'll Love ya!

Today, was a dream!

We don't usually get the best weather here...Texas is usually Hot Hot HOT, or cold and bleak. The in-between is left for the other parts of the world. Those four complete seasons are lost on us, as we transition from Hot to Cold Back to Hot, and then Hades.

But today.....oh it was glorious!

A windmill at Jon Darling's newest remodel project

The sky was blue, and the morning had a lovely chill, but the day was warm and crisp. It made me want to bottle up the air and use it on one of those days. Those days which shall not be named...

I found some great inspiration for my projects coming up, and made a connection with some ladies that are forming a challenge!

Presenting....the:

Challenge!!!
It isn't a resolution, I'm not into those-they just get broken. But it will go perfectly with my newest endeavor; a group of my book club friends are starting a workout group! I am so excited, and a bit nervous. I've offered to use some of my knowledge from a boot camp I participated in to get some variety in our meet-ups and hope to really make it something that can grow into a great thing!

So, the Slim by Summer challenge, hosted by these lovely ladies: Anna from www.geekcanbechic.com and Lanaya from www.raising-reagan.com  combined with my work-out group and healthier, cleaner eating will set me on a path for success!

Not to mention the loooong walks this gal looks forward to twice a day

...I think this will end nicely! 


I wanna feel like ME again! ^_^















If you are joining from the Challenge, Welcome! I hope you take a minute to browse, and get to know me! I'm sure I'll be getting to know you on your Blog, Facebook or MyFitnessPal soon!  Tomorrow is the first official post of the challenge, can't wait!

~Living in the rhythm of love, Share the bliss!
<3 Cassie