Pink Cosmopolitan Martini

A couple Fridays ago I found myself home alone with a new season of Queer Eye to watch. I was excited for an unexpected girl night and decided a cocktail was in order. This version of a Cosmopolitan is light, refreshing, and has a beautiful blush color. The secret, Pink Cranberry juice. I also used orange extract and fresh lime to keep the sugar low. I shook it up with some vodka, added a lime garnish and began my evening of binge watching. Hope you enjoy. Cheers.

Recipe:

1 shot vodka

2 oz cranberry juice (I used Ocean Spray Pink Cranberry)

1/4 fresh lime squeezed

1/2 tsp orange extract.

Add to shaker filled with ice, shake and pour into martini glass, garnish with lime.

Cal 132, Fat 0, Carb 6.5, Sugar 6

Integrity

This post has been on my heart all day. In the last few weeks, I have heard of co-workers breaking blantant rules in pursuit of class numbers. It undermines us all as fitness instructors. To me, it is not, can I get away with it, can I talk my way out. It is, the answer was no, end of story. More shocking to me is alot of this behavior is coming from people who are parents. I don’t know about you, but when I tell my kids no, I mean no. Not, don’t get caught. Not, as long as I am not looking. No means no. If you are not living life with integrety, how will your children learn integrety. As I see this behavior, I remind myself to stay in my lane, to choose the right path. I take my job to help people reach their health and fitness goals very seriously. I am not interested in being “fitness famous”. I want the people who trust me to take a class to be able to play with their grandkids, strengthen their heart, make their brain stronger, enjoy a physically fit life outside the gym. If that goal includes getting into that summer body, that is great too. But it is not about packing my class by bending rules, getting YouTube followers or putting the safety of my class at risk. Making decisions that make me popular but my class unsafe, is just not an option for me. I worked hard to get certified. I do my research all the time on how to make my classes more effective. I am honored for every person that walks into class trusting me. I feel beyond blessed to get to watch the community of love and support that happens in class, not just between the regulars, but how they embrace new people to make them feel comfortable and part of our fitness family.

I am inspired by the integrity of my co-workers that mentor and give the best of themselves every day. I am inspired by class participants that come to to lift each other up to become better. I am beyond grateful that I can choose integrity. That I live a life I am proud of and I never have to worry who is watching. I am watching.

St. Patrick’s Day Care Packages

When my daughter left for college and was too far to come home for weekends I embraced care packages. I love decorating the inside of the box and adding a few things to remind her of home. This year, not only is she at school but my son is in the Military and this is the 1st Holiday he is able to receive a care package. When the kids where little I left cut out shamrocks with clues on where to find the next one, leading them on a scavenger hunt to find the “treasure” they left. Always a box of Lucky Charms and a black pot filled with gold wrapped chocolates.

So for this years boxes I wrapped the inside with gold paper, added shamrock stickers and fun, twirly ribbon. They are filled with funny glasses, Kiss Me headbands, green bead necklaces and of course Lucky Charms and gold wrapped chocolates. Even far away I know it will be bring a smile to their face. I still have my youngest at home so I am hoping having a bowl of Lucky Charms with your mom will still be cool this year.

Strong And Powerful

Each one of us has a quality or strength that makes us powerful in our own way. Today, before walking into any room think of a strength you carry that makes you uniquely you. It can be your compassion, kindness, drive, ability to listen, organize or inspire others. Your past experiences have shaped you into the incredible person you are. Believe in the power inside you and share it with others to help them build and find the power inside themselves.

Hurricane Smoothie

picsart_03-05-021438216637.pngHappy Fat Tuesday! Today’s post is inspired by the fabulous people that take my fitness classes and the beautiful 78 degree, sunny weather I am getting to enjoy in AZ. I woke up to a text from a friend looking for smoothie recipes. I shared some recipes I have posted here and my basic favorite ingredients I keep on hand. Once I arrived to teach my classes, I had several people tell me it was Fat Tuesday. I did not think to include any special music in my classes to celebrate, but we drummed and danced our hearts out, so good way to start the day none the less. I came home looking for a way to mark the day and celebrate in some small way. I already had chili in the crockpot so (thank you meal prep Sunday) making a Cajun inspired dinner was not going to happen.  Then it hit me, why not make a smoothie. I went through my fridge and realized a fruity, hurricane inspired smoothie to enjoy outside while I write this post was the ticket! Wanting to keep the carbs and sugar low, I used one of my favorite hacks, tea in place of juice for the liquid. I have to say, I love how refreshing and light it turned out. This will be making many comebacks by the pool.

Ingredients:

Pomegranate White Tea (or passion fruit tea)

Fresh squeezed juice from 2 oranges

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1 container Key Lime flavored coconut yogurt

1/2 lime juiced

Place all ingredients in blender and mix well. Add ice if needed.

To make this taste like a more authentic Hurricane you can add rum extract or just add some rum. Relax and Enjoy20190305_141818_hdr1215843166.jpg

 

Vegan Coconut Cinnamon Coffee

20190304_065941_0001915216147.png If you are following a Keto diet or are Intermittent Fasting, this Vegan version of Bullet Proof/Butter Coffee can be your delicious start to the day. The healthy fat from coconut oil and coconut milk will keep you full and in your fat burning zone. The cinnamon helps regulate your blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Perfect cup of love to take on the go with no dairy and added health benefits.

Brewed Coffee

Coconut Oil

Coconut Milk (canned/full fat)

Cinnamon

Stevia (optional)

Blend together in blender or use an immersion blender until milk is nice and frothy.

Bulletproof coffee calls for pretty high concentration of fat from oil and butter. For me I find 1tsp of coconut oil and 1tbsp of full fat coconut milk is enough to tide me over and give me the energy I need for my morning classes. You may need to add more depending on your needs. I also use Ceylon Cinnamon but you can use regular cinnamon as well. Whip up a cup and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Nut Butter Cups

Happy National Peanut Butter Day.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter are a match made in heaven. These cups are easy to make, only 3 ingredients, vegan, gluten-free, low sugar, paleo and all kinds of happiness.

Easy Peasy Directions:

Melt your favorite chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 20 sec increments, stirring each time until melted.

Spoon into bottom of candy or mini cupcake liners. Freeze until solid. (Approx. 30 min)

Add your favorite unsweetened nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) and freeze again (Approx. 15 min)

Add melted chocolate to the top, freeze until set.

Then, Enjoy!