weekly photo dump ~ december {week four}

From left to right:
1. Bella trying out my new pillows for the family room sofa.  She approves!
2.  My vacuum bit the dust on Friday, so Mike got me a new one.  I am probably the only girl who gets excited for a new vacuum cleaner!!  I use them so much they only last me about a year.  Can you say OCD?
3.  My mom got me these slippers for Christmas, and they work AWESOME!  My feet stay toasty warm (my hands and feet are always cold, so if anyone has recommendations for warm gloves, I would love suggestions!!).
4.  I bought my 2015 planner, and this is just as exciting for me as (see #2).  I know, weird!
5.  My mom sent me hand and foot warmers a while back, and I decided to use them when Mike and I went out for dinner on Saturday night (see #6).  They worked great!
6.  Mike and I went out for dinner at Fuddrucker's on Saturday night (this is his dinner pictured, since I had already dug into mine, LOL!).
7.  I bought a new cookbook called "Against All Grain", I am trying to eliminate gluten from my diet, I made the Zucchini Bread on Sunday and it was YUMMY!  Mike even agreed.
8.  New creamer flavor (this is the one item that I allow myself that is not clean eating).
9.  It has gotten cold in North Dakota. brrr!

Enjoy Today!

Merry Pit-Mas from Sophie & Bella

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas 

and a Fabulous New Year!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ december week {three}

From left to right:
1.  Mike and I bought booties for the pups.  We tried them out on Bella (it was hilarious), I am hoping she gets used to them, especially since it hasn't even got cold here yet.
2.  My new favorite breakfast is overnight oatmeal.  It is super easy.  1/2 cup oatmeal (I use the old fashion oats), and 1/2 cup milk (I use coconut milk).  Put in a jar and refrigerate overnight, then I just put it in the microwave for about 45 seconds in the morning and add raisins and walnuts.
3.  I am so happy that I can find the items, I used to find in the grocery store in AZ, on Amazon (with free shipping~thank you Amazon Prime!!).  My Way Better chips arrived this week!
4.  Sophie was guarding her antler under her chin.  She always hides her stuff from Bella.
5.  I was up bright and early on Saturday morning.  Hello Coffee!
6.  All the trees/grass were covered in ice on Saturday, it was really pretty.  I guess that the humidity freezes to the grass and trees.  
7.  Here is one of the oil wells that is located right near out townhouse.  Mike explained the entire process to me, which was pretty interesting.
8.  Mike and I went out for breakfast on Saturday morning.  We were going to try to find another breakfast place to try, but after searching my Urbanspoon App, it looks like Grandma Sharon's is the only place that serves breakfast in Willistion (well, other than McDonald's).  I had GIANT pancakes, that were actually pretty yummy!!
9.  I had a visitor this week.  Flat Stanley, came to Willistion for a visit, I am wondering where he will travel next?

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ december week {two}

From left to right:
1.  The Walmart greeter is so nice, he gives out Twix bars.
2.  North Dakota was actually warmer than CT, but still colder than AZ.
3.  I am addicted to lip balm!!  I had to try this new flavor, and I liked the pink striped package!
4.  This is what main street in Williston looks like, it kinda reminds me of where I grew up.
5.  Mike and I went to a Japanese steak house for lunch on Saturday, it was really YUMMY!!  We had so much food, so we enjoyed it again for lunch on Sunday.
6.  This happens a few times a week.  Hot chocolate and TV.
7.  Mike bought me some new boots to take the dogs out.  They are not the most fashionable (and cost a small fortune), but they are AMAZINGLY warm and have great grip on the ice.  He always takes care of me. 
8.  Made a big batch of stuffed pepper soup for the week.  Recipe is HERE.
9.  This girl is two today.  Happy Birthday Sophie!!

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ december week {one}

From left to right:
1.  My Mom sent me a care package (thanks Mom!!), my tootsies are staying nice and warm with my new wool socks.
2.  I made a big batch of THIS soup (thanks Ashley for the recipe!!).  Let me know if you try it, it makes a lot and is so YUMMY!
3.  Mike and I went out for breakfast on Saturday morning at Sharon's Restaurant.  There are no big chain restaurants in Williston, I like the idea that we are supporting local business.
4.  It was 30 degrees on Saturday (which didn't feel too cold to me, I must be getting used to the cold), so we took the pups on a very short walk. 
5.  I also found a grocery store that I really like (hooray!!).  It is clean and organized and also has an organic section.  Bonus: I don't have to fight the crowds at Walmart!!
6.  Another goodie from my care package (see #1).  This is my FAVORITE!
7.  I made energy bites for a snack.  Recipe is HERE.  They are pretty healthy and taste like cookie dough!!  YUM!
8.  Another doggie ball bites the dust!  Crazy pups!
9.  I got a new jacket to brave the FREEZING temps.  I am thankful that Ashley helps me to stay stylish :)

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump - November week {four}

From left to right:
1.  Just my morning coffee, I love my colorful Fiestware, it is so cheery in the morning.
2.  This is what it looks like on Sunday morning at Walmart in Williston, ND.  Lots of Carhartt and a line to get in.  I am still adjusting to my lack of shopping options.
3.  I was excited that I found this New England brown bread at (where else?) Walmart.  Unfortunately it was a FAIL.  Mike did not like it, and since I don't eat bread, it ended up in the garbage.
4.  Thanksgiving day...we got snow...They do not plow and sand the roads like they do in Connecticut!!!  I was having a little anxiety on our way to our friends house for dinner.
5.  Just Bella helping me do some online shopping (see #2).
6.  (See #5) I was shopping for some doggie sweaters and booties, since Bella has been shivering in the cold.  Poor baby!!
7.  This was the temperature on Sunday morning.  And it isn't even the coldest months yet, what???
8.  This is Sophie does when it is too cold outside (see #7), she takes a little nap, inside, where it is warm!!
9.  Ashley told me about this creamer, and I was delighted to find it at my Walmart!!  It is really yummy!! Not too pepper-minty and a hint of sweetness from the white chocolate. 

Enjoy Today!

weekly iPhone photo dump - November week {three}

I am alive!  We made it to North Dakota!!

Of course things did not go as planned (do they ever?), 

but we are settling in and trying to get things organized.  

1.  This guy had to take a trip to the emergency vet the weekend before I moved.  He enjoyed a giant bone the day before, unfortunately it got stuck in his tummy.  Luckily he didn't need to have it surgically removed.
2.  Mike and I went out with the kids for dinner before we left.  We went to a few places near Ashley and Nate's new house (downtown Phoenix). I really enjoyed my Tuxedo Latte.
3.  Thursday morning Mike, the pups and I set out for our LONG drive to ND.  It took a day longer than expected due to some snow in Wyoming.
4.  This girl did not sleep during the ride.  She sat up and looked out the window for most of the trip.  She was exhausted when we finally arrived at our new home.
5.  Soph was pretty worn out too.  They are both adjusting to the cold/snow pretty well.
6.  It is quite a temperature difference from AZ...brrr!  I am adjusting though.
7.  I think hot chocolate will be an everyday thing around here.
8.  It snowed on Sunday, and I even ventured out to get some groceries (see #9)
9.  I went to Walmart on Sunday morning to get some groceries (I really miss my shopping options from AZ, but I am making the best of it).  Can you believe that they don't open until noon on Sunday's??  And there was a line to get in...What???  It was definitely an experience.

Enjoy Today!

SB BOGO! (the red cups are back)

LOOKIE, LOOKIE Friends!!  YUMMY Goodness is BOGO!  

Just thought I would share the love.

I am definitely going to take advantage of this before I leave next week for North Dakota, since Starbucks will be 2 hours away from me. *boo*

Enjoy Today!

weekly phone dump ~ October {week 4}

From left to right:
1.  Just crazy Pete helping me pack.
2.  Halloween is a big deal at my work.  I managed to pull together a costume in the midst of packing.
3.  I bought THIS product a few weeks ago (I saw it in my Cesar's Way Magazine), and I have to say, it has worked really well helping the pups with their jumping!!
4.  I was missing my weekend coffee partner, so I drank out of his cup.
5.  Just a close up of Bella, she likes to jump up in my lap when I am on the computer.
6.  I snapped a photo to show Mike the garage packing progress, let me just say...WORST ROOM TO PACK!!  I am so happy Ashley came to help me!
7.  Sunday I decided to treat myself to a PSL, it was so yummy.
8.  I had to swing by the Uhaul store to pick up some more boxes...unfortunately, I don't think it will be my last trip.
9.  Lately I have been snacking on pumpkin seeds, random, huh?

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump - october week {three}

from left to right:
1.  Crazy pups sleeping together on the sofa.
2.  This is my packing face.  I am not a fan of packing!!
3.  Soph likes to sleep on all the pillows.  She is such a princess!
4.  Bella exhausted from all the packing (notice her ball is nearby, she doesn't like it out of her sight).
5.  This is my view at the moment.
6.  Bella graduated from her puppy class on Saturday.  She did so great!  I am a proud pet mama!!
7.  I had lunch with Ashley on Saturday (before we tackled the garage), this was my fortune.
8.  Since Mike has been out of town, and he usually puts gas in my car and washes it, I decided to take it through the car wash.
9.  Just some yummy strawberries.

Enjoy Today!

Five words I never (ever) thought would come out of my mouth...

"I'm moving to North Dakota"

 
Yes, it's true. A few months ago, Mike was throwing around the idea of working in the oil industry, since he was not happy in his current job.  I gave that idea a big FAT NO!!  But, after really thinking about the opportunity (and a fresh start), and knowing that I could visit my kiddos in AZ, the idea seem a little "OK." 

Mike was offered a job and drove up to ND.  He has been working up there for about a month and a half.  I have been here in AZ with the pups.  Thankfully we were FINALLY able to secure a place to live (that is another crazy story).  

Have you heard of BSL??

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a law that bans OR restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as “dangerous” breeds or types of dogs (usually pit bulls).

Well in AZ, there are very few BSL bans (only Sho Low), but being the responsible pit bull owner, I did some research on North Dakota, only to be disappointed to see that most of the cities in ND ban pit bulls.  So, that put a little crimp in our house hunt.  I then learned that if your dog is registered as a service dog, you cannot be discriminated against because of their size or breed.  Luckily we were able to do that with Sophie and Bella, and Mike found a townhouse that was OK with our dogs (and 2 cats - we are a renters nightmare, LOL!!), and luckily the townhouse is located right outside the city limits of Williston (so there are no BSL bans in that part of city). 

Mike and I pride ourselves as responsible pet owners, and want to follow the rules. Mike has been in contact with the police station and as long as we carry Sophie and Bella's Service Dog Certificate, we can bring them anywhere other dogs are allowed.  Let me say, this has been very disheartening, to think that the entire state does not like pit bulls, but I have found that there are lots of pit bull owners in ND.  I hope that my 2 dogs can change peoples minds about the misconception of pit bulls.  They really get such a bad rap!!

So, after housing was secured, I told my manager that I would be moving and giving in my notice.  (I was planning on working part time after I moved to ND once I was settled in, because I would most likely be bored at home all day long).  Well, what happened next REALLY surprised me....I was asked if I would like to stay with the company and work remotely from home in ND, um...YES,  please.  I am super excited that I don't have to learn a new job, and can change my wardrobe from business casual to yoga pants (can I get a woot woot!).

So with everything falling into place, Mike ordered some u-haul storage pods, that will be dropped off on November 1.  He also hired some guys to load them up for me.  But that means I have until 10/31/14 to get this entire house packed (what?!). 

We are going to lease out our house in AZ, so if you know anyone in the Ahwatukee area that is looking for a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath house with a pool, let me know!!  We are also going from 2200 square feet to 1,000 square feet of living space.  So throw into the packing craziness, I am doing some downsizing.  I am excited to get rid of stuff and hopefully live more simply!!

Here are some things I found interesting about my new city of Williston:

 1.  Businesses cannot find enough people to work, Walmart starts people off at $17 per hour.

2. The population of Williston is 21,000 (compared to Phoenix's 4.3 million).

3.  Williston is the sixth largest city in ND.

4.  Mike tells me there is a Walmart, JCPenney and Albertson's (this will be interesting!! It is a good thing I am an expert at online shopping!!).  Oh yeah, Target and Starbucks are 2 hours away (what?)

5.  The temperature varies from -0 to 85 degrees 

(Me and the pups are going to need to buy the hoodie-footie!!).

So, the blog may be a little quite for the next few weeks, but I am planning on being more consistent with my posts once I am moved and settled in!  I want to get back to my Monday, Wednesday and Friday posts.

I am excited to learn about a new area, and will be taking lots of pictures to keep my family, friends & blog readers updated.  

Enjoy Today!!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ october {week two}

From left to right:
1.  I have been eating a clean diet for a few months and feel great, however, I HAD to get some Pumpkin Spice Coffee Mate!!  It is my cheat item!!
2.  Bella is loving the cooler temps, so she can look out the window and bark at the neighbors dogs.
3.  Hello Saturday morning!!
4.  I am in desperate need of a pedicure!!  I took the polish off my toes (I hate wearing flip flops when my toes are naked), so I am sporting the Converse.
5.  Just Sophie (and her ball) chilling with me on the couch.
6.  Mike and I registered the dogs as service animals.  More on that in the next week or so.
7.  Bella was due for some shots, I took her on Sunday.  She was pretty sleepy most of the afternoon (I didn't mind at all!!).
8.  I bought some honey crisp apples this week.  These babies are gigantic!!  And so YUMMY!!

Enjoy Today!

iphone photo dump ~ october week {one}

From left to right:
1.  I am not really a hot tea drinker, but I really enjoying iced tea.  One of my new favorites is Tazo Bramblewine.
2.  Just a selfie while waiting at the stoplight on my way to work.
3.  Now that fall is here (hello October), I am back to drinking coffee...Oh how I have missed you!!
4.  Sophie and her new ball (of course Bella got one too, but they always seem to want the one the other one has...just like kids!!).
5.  Friday night was zoodle (topped with ground turkey and organic spaghetti sauce) night = YUM!!
6.  Bella is half way through her puppy class, she is doing so well (she is surprising me).  She likes to ride in the front seat.
7.  Saturday was busy with puppy school, some shopping at Old Navy, errands and grocery shopping.  Chocolate cherry protein shake for dinner...so yummy!!
8.  On Sunday, I was finally able to do some random things that have been on my to-do list.  The chewed up doggie toy was packaged up to be returned to Goughnuts for a new one.
9.  Sophie is finished with her antibiotic, and Bella goes to the vet next week to see if her Valley Fever is gone.  I am hoping I don't have to do doggie meds for a while (although the pill pockets work like a charm!!).

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ september week {four}

From left to right:
1.  I had to get a crown on my wisdom tooth (yup, I still have my wisdom teeth) this week (blah).  My dentist was having a hard time getting back there, I didn't realize until the Novocaine wore off that my tongue was bruised...OUCH!!
2.  Just Bella waiting for me to throw her the ball.
3.  Saturday morning coffee, while I plan out my list of things to do and make my menu for the week. 
4.  Bella had her second week of puppy class.  She did so well (even with "leave it")!!  I LOVE the trainer too!  She has a pitbull and has really given me some great tips that are working AWESOME with Bella.
5.  Seriously!!  I think we have gotten enough rain this month!!  
6.  I took Sophie to the vet for a re-check on her skin on Saturday (we drove in the torrential down pour, see #5).  She is on another round of antibiotics just to make sure her skin infection is totally cleared up.
7.  What do you do when you don't want to wash your hair on Sunday morning and it looks like a hot mess after you were caught in a crazy downpour on Saturday afternoon (see #5)??  You put your hair in a sock bun.
8.  Well, Bella finally go to the red part of her Goughnuts toy.  I am so glad they guarantee them.  I am Sending it back for a new one (thanks Goughnuts!!).
9.  I have finally been getting the itch to take this bad boy back out again (I have been really lazy using my iPhone camera).  I am kinda excited about it!!

Enjoy today!

weekly phone dump - september week {three}

From left to right:
1.  When it is cloudy and 88 degrees in Phoenix, you break out the sweaters.  I am ready for fall!!
2. I am addicted to Trader Joe's Pomegranate White Tea, so yummy (I drink mine iced).
3.  Since I have been cutting out all processed foods from my diet, cereal had to go (BOO!), but I am currently loving quinoa with apples, walnuts and cinnamon and a splash of coconut milk.
4.  Bella started her puppy classes at PetSmart on Saturday morning.  We want her to get the AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate (just like Sophie).  I think she is the smartest one in class, LOL!!
5.  And just because I love pretty food!!  Greek yogurt with berries and walnuts.
6.  Just some puppy playing.
7.  I stopped at Target on Sunday morning and was thrilled to find some Applegate products.  
8.  It had to happen!!  Pumpkin candle melts are in the house...they smell so yummy!
9.  We went to the BP (bark park) on Sunday, it wore out Soph, LOL!!

weekly iphone photo dump~september week {two}

From left to right:
1.  Monday started off with a huge rain storm.  It was CRAZY!!  I finally made it into work around 10am.  My backyard and pool took a while to clean up.
2.  Mike is out of town for a couple of weeks, so Ashley went to the bark park with me on Wednesday night (Sophie, Bella and Kodi all had a great time!! even though Kodi wouldn't smile for the camera, silly pup!!)
3.  see #2
4.  see #2
5.  Since Sophie was still itching, I dropped her off at the vet on Friday morning to have some tests done.  They called me at lunch time and said that they were not going to run the tests, because she has a skin infection (poor girl!!).  
6.  We came home from the vet with a goodie bag of antibiotics and medicated shampoo.  Soph seem to be less itchy already *smile*
7.  My mom sent me some oil and vinegar from the town she lives in.  I cannot wait to try it!!  Here is the link.
8.  I am finishing up a 9 day cleanse, that gave me awesome results and I feel great.  I wasn't even hungry, since it included real food that was yummy!! 

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ september {week one}

From left to right:
1.  I had last week off from work.  I got to snuggle with the pups quite a bit.  I loved it!!
2.  I had to see what all the hype was about.  Cotton Candy grapes...they were good, but I think I prefer regular old grapes best.
3.  I made THIS recipe for dinner last week (which was yummy), and turned the leftovers into a southwestern salad that was so DELISH!!
4.  Sophie got a hold of a stress ball, I guess she was having some stress, LOL!
5.  I am such a creature of habit, an apple with almond butter is my afternoon snack, pretty much every day.  YUM!
6.  Sophie is having an allergic reaction to the grass that Mike planted in the back yard (I think), so I looked online for ways to help her not to scratch. I found an article that said to put a t-shirt on them, it worked like a charm, and she looks super cute (and I think she likes it)!!
7.  I have Kodi this week while Josh and Jess are on vacation. I like snuggling with him too!!
8.  Sometimes my snack looks so pretty, so I have to take a picture of it.  1/2 banana, 4 strawberries, 1 kiwi and a teaspoon of chia seeds.  
9.  This was Sophie and Bella after their swim on Sunday morning.  Sleepy pups.

Enjoy Today!

yummy stuff for fall {clean eating}

It is hard to believe that it is fall!

Although it doesn't quite feel like it here in AZ  

(it is still in the triple digits here). 

I thought I would post 

some of the fall recipes 

that I have pinned on Pinterest that I want to try.

*link to website and recipe is below each photo*

Pumpkin Oats

Source

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Source

Sweet Potato Hash

Source

Stuffed Sweet Potato

Source

Tortilla Soup

Source

Mexican Quinoa

Source

Of course I had to include a recipe with Zoodles 

(zucchini noodles, they are my FAV!!)

 

 Beef Bolognese Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

Source

 Turkey Veggie Meatloaf

This looked yummy  

(such comfort food!!).

Source

And for dessert ~ Pumpkin Oat Cookies YUM!!

Source

 

 

 

 

 

Eat Healthy :)

Enjoy Today!!

September Special {21 Day Fix}

 September Special!!! 

I wanted to share with you...that for the month of September

 the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on special. 

 If you have wondered what this program is all about 

NOW is the time to check it out. 

Great for anyone at any fitness level 

and the perfect foundation to create a healthy lifestyle. 

The eating plan is so easy to follow 

and the workouts are only 30 minutes a day 

and a new one for each day of the week.  

As you know, I LOVE this program!! 

 I am starting my 2nd round of it.  

You can read my review  HERE.

One thing I have learned in my "getting healthy" journey...

is that it is mind over matter! 

Do I want to work out everyday?  
NOT really, but I always feel so much better when I do.

Do I want to eat healthy? 
Yeah, I really do!!  I have noticed that since I have cut out processed food 
and sugar, when I do cheat, I feel awful.

Do I want to sleep better?  
YUP!!  I never really had trouble in this area, but I feel so much more rested when I wake up in the morning.

Do I want to wear a smaller size? 
Heck YEAH!  All my pants are too loose and I have to wear a belt, 
which is such a great feeling!!  

I would love to help you in your journey as well!!  

If you are ready to make a change please message me 

and I will be happy to help and share more about the program.  

It has made a huge difference for me!

To purchase, click HERE
21 Day Fix Challenge Pack (includes Shakeology) $140 reg $160 (you are getting the 21 Day fix for $10).
21 Day Fix Essential Pack $59.85 (does not include Shakeolgy).

Enjoy Today!!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ august week {four}

From left to right:
1.  We had Kodi for the weekend, so I made sure to stock up on doggie treats (and kitty treats too).
2.  Mike and I went to Sweet Tomatoes for our Saturday lunch.  So yummy!
3.  Every week my hubby gases up my car and takes it through the car wash for me.  He takes good care of me!
4.  On our way to the BP (bark park).
5. 3 excited doggies see #4.
6.  Sunday night I decided to have a "cheat meal" and for me it was a big bowl of  cereal (yeah, I know, most people would cheat on something like pizza or burgers, but I LOVE cereal!!).
7.  I thought things were cooling off around here...I guess I was a little hopeful.
8.  I know I have said this before, but I LOVE Ezekiel English muffins!!  This was my lunch.
9.  I took the plunge and signed up to be a  Beach Body coach, so if you want to get started with an awesome exercise program, just let me know!!  I am getting ready to start my second round of the 21 Day Fix, and it is on special this month. 

What is the 21 Day Fix (part 2) my review

FITNESS REVIEW: 

I LOVE the layout of these workouts. 

• Different workout every day.
• 30 minutes long. 
• Active recovery day is YOGA (I am a little awkward with this one).
• The workouts are broken up into a series of SETS. So... for instance... {in one workout} you will do 8 rounds total. In each round there are  2 exercises... and usually you repeat each exercise twice. It’s simple. You have a 10-30 second rest period in between exercises. 
• There is a GREAT modifier and ALWAYS an option to STEP it up for a greater challenge.
• Autumn is the PERFECT mix of motivator & cheerleader

 NUTRITION REVIEW:

This is the most GENIUS meal plan I've ever followed.

(The containers are one of my favorite things!!)

• You eat regular food!
• Container portion control system is EASY.
• You can have wine and chocolate ;)
• You do NOT go hungry.
• You LEARN how to maintain your results and FUEL your body!
                               Click HERE to go to my site.

 The food is not complicated at all (it is clean eating-which just means you can pronounce everything in the ingredient list), I asked my husband what he thought about the food I have been feeding him and he said it is really good!
(believe me, he has tried all kinds of plans with me, especially ones that have bombed, 
He would TOTALLY tell me if he hated it). 

Here are some examples of what I have been eating:

(the colored hearts coincide with the containers). 

Turkey burger with lettuce/tomato/avocado

Meatballs with zucchini noodles (zoodles) and tomato sauce.

Greek yogurt with blueberries/strawberries 

(my morning snack EVERY day).

Steel cut oatmeal with coconut milk/berries/raisins/nuts.

Grilled chicken with zucchini/carrot zoodles.

Salad with turkey bacon 

(I did forget to add the orange container to this photo for the dressing  

1 tbsp olive oil, squirt of dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar)

.

Sunday breakfast with my hubby 

1 egg with peppers and onions/half an Ezekiel English muffin/2 slices of turkey bacon/avocado/salsa.

 

My afternoon snack  
(EVERY day-I am a creature of habit). 
Apple with 2 tbsp almond butter


 

If you have any questions let me know!!  
I would love you to join my group!!  
If you are interested - message me or email me
 (link to my email is under the contact tab above).

Enjoy Today!