Instagram Official

Not sure what took me so long, but I officially have an Instagram account for my blog!

 

This will be more of daily updates (as opposed to my blog posts that aren't daily) and ideas, quotes or whatever else is going on in my life. It's a great way to stay in touch during day to day life and inspiring each other.  I will also post on Instagram when a new blog is up so keep on the look out for those as well.
 

Follow me & join me on my journey.

 

www.instagram.com/passionnbeauty

 

  

Positive vibes,

Jenn

New Loves

Well, I decided it was time to spruce up the blog a bit and made a few changes. Wanted it to be a little lighter, brighter and a place for me to go to write more often then just recipes. I have had an online blog of some sort for many many years. Livejournal and Free Open Diary were once my bff's as kid. I want this bff back again. Here goes...

I have realized recently that I am in major need of some stress relief in my life. Who am I kidding, I have always needed that in my life since I struggle with very bad OCD, anxiety and a super stressful job. But at least now I am finally doing something to control it.

Meditation was something I thought I could never do. When I used to take pilates or yoga at the gym (before I got married, had a kid and actually had time to), meditation at the end of the classes I always struggled with. I couldn't get out of my head and would become restless. Because of that I thought it just wasn't for me and it wouldn't work. I decided to give it another try within this past week, I needed SOMETHING and getting out of my head was necessary for me to have some peace in my mind. I realized after downloading a few apps and listening to these women's soothing voices and what they were saying that it was OK to be distracted and it happens to everyone. I just needed to continue and concentrate to the best of my ability. It wasn't something you had to be perfect at the first time or even the tenth time. You need to practice it like anything in order to be successful at it. So right now, I am practicing and learning. While my meditation isn't perfect, it does ease my body and mind. After doing it I do feel more at peace. Also, for me personally my OCD after is less and that is HUGE. My OCD is the life altering kind, not the clean house kind. Any less repetitive actions or any less chaos in my head means a lot to me.

I have thought recently about trying medication for my OCD and anxiety but the thought of that gave me more anxiety because I have had a bad reaction to medicine for this when I was younger. Sometimes being on medicine for this or other type of disorders is necessary but I wanted to try anything so I didn't need to go that route and it looks like meditation is the new medication for me. Knowing the small changes meditation has done for me in just a few sessions gives me true hope that this could be a life changing practice and that makes me happy. It's a new love of mine and I'm excited for my journey ahead with it.

Another new love of mine has been reading. I don't like to sit and read for hours and hours, nor do I have the time but sitting for a short time has been another stress reliever for me. I lean more towards "self help", self love and awareness books but am also enjoying fiction books as well. Fiction gets me out of my head and deep thinking. So it depends on my mood and how tired I am but a little break from reality, work, tv, etc. is nice sometimes. I am not a reader by any means but I have enjoyed this new love of mine.

Find things you love. You deserve to explore that and do something for you. I have always struggled with doing things for me because of the guilt but I know now it's necessary.


Positive vibes,

Jenn

Cutting Out Dairy

Being a mom of a preemie is a unique experience. From day one life has been slightly different than that of my mom friends. My son was 2 pounds 10 oz and exactly 10 weeks early. He stayed in the NICU for 6 weeks and it was so hard to leave him every day. You think you have a baby and get to go home with them and start this new journey as a little family. Our fate wasn't that, but that's okay, our journey was special. I am so grateful for the amazing hands on nurses, the doctors that made sure he had the best life possible, my family and friends for being their for me and mostly for my son and he was healthy, he just needed to grow. I made it my mission to make sure regardless of him being premature that he wasn't delayed in any way. I worked with him and still do every day to make sure he is always learning and growing. As a preemie mom, growing is something you always strive for and worry about whether it's their size or growing your childs mind.

My son has struggled with very bad allergies and some childhood asthma, has had two surgeries before the age of 3 and we were told he may need a third. I really did not want that to happen so I researched and explored different things to see if they could help and THEY DID!

He has had the tubes put in his ears like so many other toddlers as well as a hernia surgery in his groan. The one tube moved in his ear after almost a year and wasn't working anymore. It was still stuck in his ear and we brought him to the doctor and as suspected he had an ear infection. As soon as the one tube wasn't working, EAR INFECTION. Seeing this and knowing what I knew I immediately thought he would need a new tube put in. We treated the ear infection and made an ENT appointment with his previous surgeon. At the appointment he told my husband he had a lot of fluid in his ear but no infection. He removed the tube that was in the wrong place and told him to come back in 8 weeks. At that time I had it in my head, he had to get surgery AGAIN. I was so upset.

But after the research I did and the advice I received, things got better. I believe removing the tube had a good part of it as well. We think maybe since it was in the wrong place, but didn't fall out yet that it was preventing the flow of the fluids and it was making it build up. Along with that being removed, we stopped ALL dairy milk. Started him on coconut milk since he's had that before and then changed to unsweetened almond milk. The transition went good and we had no issues. He still eats dairy like cheese and yogurt but when it comes to milk, NO cows milk.

You hear about how dairy can affect congestion and mucus etc., well he is proof that is TRUE. With having no cows milk along with putting an essential oil mixture on his feet twice a day he is doing much better. His coughing, asthma issues and nasal congestion has decreased drastically. I am so happy we tried these two remedies and we will continue to do them in order to prevent things going back to the way they were. My son was sick all the time. Granted germs and other things have been factors since he does go to daycare, but this has limited those circumstances in a big way and for that I am grateful. He will get sick again of course but if by doing these two small things limits that even the littiest bit I am all for it! Anything to help my "baby".

We go for his follow up appointment in two weeks and I am very hopeful that he won't need surgery again. Fingers crossed!


Positive vibes,

Jenn

I Get Knocked Down, But I Get Up Again

Sometimes you get to a point where you've gained too much weight or got too out of shape that you think you could never turn it all around. I've been there. A million times. It's OK. You CAN still lose the weight and get back in shape. 

I was at that point. Even my mental health was getting to a very unhealthy point. But then on Monday I started a new challenge group and workout program. After even the first workout I felt better and knew I was on the right path again. The endorphins kicked in, depression left my head and I felt better about myself. 

To think something so little as a 30 minute workout can completely change how you feel and alter the chemicals in your brain to feel happiness again is truly amazing. 

Yes, the workout is hard. Yes, you will struggle. Yes, you will curse out the trainer on the tv. Yes, you will drip sweat all over including on your toddler under your feet. And YES, you will be sore the next day and days to follow. 

But also, YES it will all be worth it and YES you WILL feel good in the end. I realized no matter how hard or how much weight I put on, getting back on track is one step and day at a time. You have to start somewhere. 

Also, YES you will mess up, have a bad cheat meal or day. It's reality and human nature. But don't let that mess up your week or your mind set. Have it end then and there and move on to healthier decisions. 

Think ahead, to the next workout or next healthy meal and how you will feel after. I actually love feeling sore. It shows I did something. I did something that is good for my body and what I did is working. 

Chug that water, press play and change you! You won't be sorry. 

One day at a time, one healthy choice at a time. That's enough.

I received this email over the weekend from Beachbody about my weekly workouts I did. I REALLY needed this!

Positive vibes,
Jenn

Light is the New Black

Starbucks is so much more than coffee. It's a special world. A different vibe. I look around and see all these unique human beings as they read, write, talk and create. It's really a special thing and a warm place to be especially when sitting on their patio, taking in all the sunshine. Light, it's the new black after all. More of that below. ;-)

It's been a very rainy gloomy week, BUT on Wednesday it was beautiful out so I went to Starbucks on my lunch break to read a new book I just started. I got a peppermint mocha. It's not just a holiday drink, it's a feel good drink. For me anyways...cheers!

The new book I started is called Light is the New Black. I am not even half way in, but it's already been a life changing book for me. I know this will be one I go to from time to time to read certain pages or chapters depending on what's going on in my life at the time. I highly recommend it and that is saying a lot from someone who isn't a big reader. I am ready to shine my light in this world.

Here is a link to a video of the author and a look into what this book is all about.

https://youtu.be/X7GVU-S7LgM


Postive vibes,
Jenn

Squat Challenge

Sometimes you fall off the wagon and sometimes you fall WAY off. I don’t recognize myself lately and it’s not a good feeling. I needed to do something about it and waiting for “the new year” wasn’t going to work for me.

Trust me when I say that my last post “Feel Good Food” is a real thing and I need to keep reminding myself of that. What you put into your body really does change you in one way or another.

Yesterday I started a one week challenge with five other ladies doing squats. You have to start somewhere and this is where I am starting to get back on track. It helps to have other motivating you too. Additional to that I am really concentrating on water intake this week in order to get rid of bloat, to feel more awake and energized and to keep me full so I don’t over eat. I kept it pretty light yesterday with food for the first day and was really hungry at night so made some healthy quinoa porridge to fill me up. I also did some grocery shopping for the week to make better decisions.

Squat Challenge Day 1:

 

Ø  12:30am – 25 squats

Ø  6:30am – 25 squats

Ø  10:30am – 25 squats

Total: 75 squats

 

My goal for the 7 days is to complete 1,000 squats! It’s a good goal and doable if I push myself. I wasn’t feeling too great last night so I didn’t do any so that is why yesterday’s number is lower than I wanted. But today, I will do better.

Whose's with me?

 

 

Just checking in...

How's everyone doing this week so far? It's only Tuesday, but we have to make the best of each day we are given. My plan after work is to try the Country Heat Beachbody workout dvd with my son. I think he will enjoy it. I hope at least so it will be easier for me to get a workout in while he's still awake. Once 8pm bedtime comes around I am so tired and it's harder for me to workout at that time. After I get him from school, I will prep the turkey meatloaf I am making for dinner and while it's in the oven dance to some good ole country music. :)

Yesterday started a new Beachbody group with my coach Valerie. I haven't been in a group for a couple months. It was so important to join the October group. The timing couldn't be more perfect. I need this now more than ever. I have done good in some of the past groups and I plan to have another one just like those. With the holidays coming up, I want to enjoy them without the stressing of "dieting". This isn't a diet which is what is great about it. It's a lifestyle and with that lifestyle I always feel better and look better. The people in the group are all so motivating and inspiring that it makes every day a little easier. Getting into a regular routine again will help me feel good, be happier and feel less guilty when I want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and all the Christmas festivities.

My grocery shopping over the weekend was a good start to getting on track and ready for the next 28 days with the group. I didn't get a workout in or drink shakeology on day 1 but day 2 is different. First thing this morning after I showered I blended up my latte shakeology.  Here are the ingredients:

1 scoop latte shakeology
1 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 frozen banana
1 tbs vanilla protein powder

YUM! I am ready for what today brings. Love my superfood shake!

Water, water, water...I usually thrive at this but lately with being so busy at work and LIFE that this has been slacking. Some days an entire day at work can go by and I have only drank coffee, not okay! Today, I will be back on track with this as well. Skipped my regular coffee order this morning since I made latte shakeo and I am working on water bottle number one now. I see a jug challenge in my future this week!

I brought leftovers from a healthy dinner over the weekend for lunch today, Lasagna Stuffed Peppers. Click the link to check out the recipe! It's a winner.

That's all I have for now. More recipes to come!


good vibes,

Jenn

Start Each Day With Gratitude

5 things to think about each morning...

1.) Smile, because you're alive and living is what you are meant to do.

2.) Begin your routine. Routines aren't boring, they keep you organized and sane. Follow your morning routine daily. It will make all the difference in your week. It will make you feel productive, keep you on time and keep stress away. Everyone's routine is different but everyone needs that structure if you have a busy life or family. One thing I am trying to add to my routine is emptying the dish washer. It's helpful to have that done already when I get home from a long day. Have a night time routine too that you follow daily. Pick up the toys in the living room, prep lunches, pick out clothes for the next day, etc.  

3.) Keep the tv off. Tv is simply a distraction, unnecessary and will get you out of your routine in the morning. Instead turn on some tunes to get you moving! If you don't want to wake the kids, just enjoy the silence. Collect your thoughts. 

4.) Again, get moving! If your time is limited then dance to those tunes or better yet wake up a little earlier so exercise can happen. You may not think it but exercise gives you more energy. During that chug some water. It will awaken you! 

5.) Enjoy something every morning before starting your busy work day or hectic mom life at home. It could be a cup of coffee with an adult coloring book, putting smiles on your kids face by making a yummy breakfast for them or  listen to an old cd while reminiscing in traffic. Not everyone has a lot of time before heading out for the day so this enjoyment for YOU could also be done on your lunch break or during nap time.

Another week at work, for most of us, completed now it's time to enjoy the weekend. I was off the past two days with my sick son so needless to say I am exhausted. Looking forward to the next two days!

Good vibes,

Jenn

Bring On 2015, Off Goes the Baby Weight!

I am starting this year off on a great start! Prior to the new year and the typical new year's resolution diet that everyone starts, I lost 5 pounds during the holidays. That is something to be proud of! I have so much motivation to lose this baby weight and have a healthier lifestyle like I used to have in the past. I have some great support and if anyone needs help let me know. I am more than willing to be your motivator and/or help you with recipe ideas. Bring on 2015!

Here are a couple quick and easy dinners I prepared this past week, more recipes to come.

 

This recipe calls for:  whole wheat pasta (portioned out to be 350 calories), 1 can of fire roasted garlic tomatoes, garlic powder, steamed broccoli & parmesean cheese (optional)

-- Cook pasta per directions on the box, steam broccoli, mix the tomatoes, broccoli & garlic powder in a sauce pan & simmer for a little. Add the pasta to the sauce once cooked. Top with parmesean cheese if desired.

 

Side note: Fire roasted tomatoes are to die for! Officially obsessed with them!

 

 

This recipe calls for:  1 pound ground turkey, 1 bag of mixed frozen corn, black beans & peppers, 1 cup of salsa, pepper & minced garlic

-- Cooked the turkey in a non-stick pan, add to the crockpot with all the other ingredients. Cook for about 4 hours on low.

 

Elizabeth Gilbert, a well known writer best known for Eat, Pray, Love posted on Facebook an amazing tradition that I am going to start this year! Check out the link and make your own jar!

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=751739328241518&substory_index=0&id=227291194019670

I am going to call my jar, "Jar of Happiness". This will be things that make me smile and laugh.  Little surprises. Special moments. Adventures. Memories I want to remember for a lifetime. Motivational and inspirational findings. Anything that just brings happiness to my days in 2015.

 

 

A goal, not a resolution for me this year is to become more crafty and have more of a natural lifestyle!

100 Days of Happiness

I have been seeing people post on Facebook things that make them happy lately with the hashtag #100happydays but I never looked into it until one of my friends posted the link to the website explaining what this challenge means.  It is really inspiring!  Sometimes we forget to live in the moment and make every day a good day.  I am definitely not the most postive person in the world, I worry a lot and tend to think of negative things that could possibly happen, but since being pregnant I am really trying to be more postitive.  I want to be the happiest I can be to enjoy this special time in my life and stress as less as possible.

The challenge is a great way to incorporate more positivity in my life and I signed up today and will begin the challenge TODAY.  What better day than today?  I will be posting my 100 happy days on my Twitter account, username SickestJenn.  A link to my account is on the righ side of the website.  It is going to be a great next 100 days for me!  You deserve to make them great too.  Check out the link explaining what the challenge truly is and how it could help you be a happier person.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE!!!

 

To start this off, here is my post for today:

 

"Today is going to be a good day.  #Starbucks has my favorite pumpkin bread again.  I got the last piece.  #100happydays" 

Baked Potato On The Grill

HAPPY MONDAY!

Did you start grilling yet?  I have!  Here is a smiple recipe for making a baked potato on the grill...

The recipe calls for:
potato
olive oil
spray butter
fat-free greek yogurt

-- Clean the potato and poke a few holes in it.  Cover with a paper towel and microwave for 3 minutes, more if it's a bigger potato.
-- Spread some olive oil on the potato and wrap in foil.  If you want more of a grill taste skip the foil.
-- Grill the potato away from the fire while cooking everything else on the grill.
-- Slice it open, spray a little butter and a dabble of greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt is the perfect substitute for sour cream. It's way more healthy, has zero fat and is a great source of protein. I really don't taste much of a difference surprisingly. I bet you could even fool the kids or your husband by just telling them it's sour cream.



The Start of Clean Eating

Goodbye processed foods, hello fresh healthy food!

I've come to realize I need to start consuming less sodium during this pregnancy.  I am going to mainly do clean eating.  Yesterday I stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables and I am excited to start putting even better foods into my body and for my little baby boy.  Other great foods to eat are whole grains like quinoa, healthy fats like avocados and salt-free assorted nuts.  All which are now in my pantry/fridge.  I ate a lot of vegetables already but adding fruits and other things I am not used to eating will be great for me and help my body out in the long run.  As a former vegetarian I am not a huge meat eater but I bought some fresh beef, low in sodium and a great protein for the baby.  I need to broaden my tastes for at least the next few months.  I also want to find some great recipes with quinoa.

So far I made a yummy fruit salad I can have for the whole week, bring it to work and have for a healthy snack.

I am starting to try to do some DIY crafts more, need to be more of a crafty mom for baby Parker...

Easter Egg Decoration

Mason Jar turned into a Decorative Q-Tip holder

Happy Spring!

If you didn't start Spring cleaning there's no better time!  I know I still have a lot to do.  It is officially Spring and I couldn't be happier.  It's supposed to be about 50 degrees today and sunny later, I'll take it!  Make sure to get outside today for a little!

Don't forget to head to Rita's for your free water ice!

 

Indulge today.

Enjoy it.

Celebrate Spring.

Brand New Year

I have definitely been neglecting posting on here, sorry for that.  I have had a lot going on, but what better time to get back to updating you all on healthy recipes and healthy lifestyle tips than in a new year.  Everyone should do their best to make good choices all year though.  If you make resolutions try to stick to them, it will make you feel good about yourself.  Don't give up.  I personally don't really make resolutions exactly, but I have told myself I want to better me this year.  Each day to do my best to be the happiest and healthiest. Healthy isn't always what you eat, it's more than food.  It's more than just exercise.  It's how you see life and how you live it.  Less stress and worry is my main goal.  Life will happen no matter how much you worry so why not just live life and be content with what you have and who you have in your life.

Around the holidays my dad ended up in the hospital.  He has had heart attacks in the past and since has done a lot of good for his body, but in the past year or so didn't work as hard at it.  He didn't have another heart attack, but he needed open heart surgery, triple bypass.  My family history and the want to live a long life is what makes me want to be as healthy as possible.  It's not something that is easy for a lot of people, it's work and commitment.  One thing I do know though is once you become healthy and get into a routine you crave healthier things and it becomes a lot easier.  It's a lifestyle you need to make for yourself.  I'm not saying you can't indulge and enjoy amazing food because you can and I sure do, but it's doing that in moderation and making little substitutes in your every day to better what you are putting into your body.

Recipes and more posts to come, but today...

Susan G. Komen, Race for a Cure

My whole family and some friends did the 5k on May 5th to support the Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure.  It was a beautiful day surrounded by beautiful inspiring people.  I made some homemade trailmix for everyone with raisens, cinnamon almonds, unsalted cashews/peanuts, dark chocolate covered pomegranate pieces and pink m&m's.  I had a semi bad food weekend so it was nice to eat a healthy breakfast and get some exercise (3.2 miles) to burn some calories.

  

Our team Fit for Tits raised more than last time, so that was amazing!  For anyone who wants to donate to this cause at any point go to their website here.  My mom is a survivor so this cause is very close to my heart, every dollar counts!  I hope a cure is found in my lifetime.

In Honor of Earth Day

A 6 mile hike on a beautiful Sunday morning...

    

  

Wow, My Day Is Made!

Bethenny Frankel is such an inspiration to me and I am a huge fan.  Seeing her reply to one of my tweets is amazing to me.  Thank you to her!  Having famous chef Fabio and Foodie Nick reply to tweets and even do an interview with me is one thing, but this is a dream.  So happy today, life is good.  Keeping positive thoughts.

Little Things That Make A Difference

-- Do 50 jumping jacks before showering.
-- Wear a cute/comfortable outfit.
-- Eat breakfast.
-- Park farther away.
-- Bring your lunch instead of going out.
-- Take a couple 5 minute breaks for yourself.
-- Go for a walk before dinner.
-- Do something that makes you happy.

NYE

Forget new year resolutions and just make everyday the best possible.  Every day is a gift and every day should matter.  A new year may be a fresh start to some, but taking care of yourself should be all the time not just after the ball drops.  So be the healthiest you can all year round, don't just have a resolution to do things different, put so much pressure on yourself and then be discouraged when you don't follow through.  Just do your best every day, that's all we can do.  Even if it's just eating a healthy breakfast or going on a walk on your lunch break.  Every little bit matters, you matter.

I hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy new year!

30 Day Ab Challenge

So whose ready to challenge themselves?  To make a goal and stick with it? I know I am! I am not one to work out all the time or be a gym junkie. It's harder for me to get motivated and stick with a work out regimen then it is to eat healthy. But this is something I think I can do, NO, that I WILL do.

My friend and I are going to partake in a 30 day work out challenge. It concentrates on your abs. Every day for 30 straight days we will be doing 300 ab reps. You could simply do 300 regular crunches/sit ups every day if that's what you like or you can add many different variations to the 300 reps.  You can do them all in the morning, all after work or at night. You could spread them out a little, do 150 in the morning and 150 at night. Do whatever works for you and whenever works for you. I like crunches, but I definitely think throughout the month I will try a bunch of different ab exercises. Crunches/sit ups don't work out your whole stomach so its best to do different variations so that your sides and lower stomach benefit as well as your core.

You won't have a six pack or look like some famous athlete after 30 days, but you will see results. For me it's more about setting a goal for myself and following through. I rarely challenge myself in this way and it's about time I do.

Try to go through this 30 day journey with a friend or co-worker to help you if needed.  I know my friend will help me succeed within the next month. Tomorrow our challenge begins, JOIN US!