Simply Living a Fit Life

Originally I saw this enchanting fairy jar on Etsy by CJSDesignsandApparel and immediately thought of a couple special little girls that would adore this. I absolutely love the color and the fairy selection but I have always been that girl who just has to figure it out and create it myself!! Please tell me I am not the only one!?! Keep reading to see how I created my own fairy jar night light and see how it turned out. Fortunately I had already owned a Cricut Maker, as I was hoping to create personalized jewelry tags however intimidation set in and I never started😳 Well the time has come and I decided to just GO FOR IT!! I mean really what's the worst that could happen? Failed attempt? So my first attempt with my Maker will be a vinyl project. Voila...my fairy jar night light was in the works AND I finally overcame my crazy apprehension🙄 I searched design space for a perfect fairy cutout however I ended up using one I found from Scotties Designs and best of all...it...

Creating a Birthday Party to Remember When it comes to birthdays, I am all about the experience.  The way you make someone feel lasts so much longer than what's in the wrapping paper or gift bag.  I have had such a blast creating a treasure scavenger hunt for my nephew for the past two years.   Youtube video in the works for additional details.                                                                                       Love that smile:) I was even able to save on party decorations since I utilized some fun Halloween props I had on hand.    Check out the little clip below that I put together of this great day.   Thanks for stopping by and please  drop me a line or comment if you would like for me to continue sharing this c...

If you landed on this page then I guess you LOVE the outdoors as much as I do.  The sights and sounds of nature never cease to amaze me.  In the original planning stage we were looking to add a tiki bar to the pool area however space was absolutely non-existent. I kept tossing around ideas and NO, transforming the garage was vetoed, absolutely NOT in this lifetime.😏😂  So the decision was made to go above the pool.  Not exactly what I had pictured in my mind but as construction progress was made, I found it to be...EVEN BETTER!  Oh my gosh, the way the deck spans out into the treetops TOTALLY feels like my very own tree house.  I know...Do you have the childhood memories flooding in your mind right now?!?   I remember as a child, going to Grandmas and thinking how cool my uncles were because they had a treehouse built by my grandfather of course ❤💗 Yes...the swing is my favorite spot to hang with a good book.   I hope by sharing my cre...

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup  I must say I am starting to like this whole staycation thing!!!  Day 2, round 2...in the kitchen!!  Boy can I just say....how good it feels to be back in the kitchen!!!  It really has been a while, and I didn't realize how much I missed it!!     I have no idea what is up with me and the soup, but I LIKE IT!!  Today I decided to go with a lightened up favorite...potato soup!  I figured what better choice, since I had some left over produce from Thanksgiving that needed used up!  Give it a try and let me know what you think! Ingredients:  1 3/4 c organic chicken bone broth 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots 1/4 cup finely chopped onions 1/4 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup ham, or more if desired 1 3/4 cups evaporated skim milk 3 Tbsp cornstarch 1/2 c (2 ounces) finely shredded fat free cheddar cheese 1/2 c (2 ounces) finely shredded reduced fat sharp c...

Once in awhile right in the middle of ordinary life, love gives us a Fairy Tale.

Tonight's dinner...PIZZA!!  I'm almost positive you couldn't have guessed...lol!!  Anyways, I noticed a head of cauliflower in my fridge tonight and since I really hate wasting produce, I did what any frugal female would do...I got cooking in the kitchen!!   This recipe comes together pretty quick and it’s really simple. Ingredients: 1 head of grated cauliflower ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp oregano ½ tsp basil 1/3 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese ¼ c mozzarella cheese 1 egg, slightly beaten Directions: ·         Place grated cauliflower in lint free tea cloth and squeeze to drain liquid.  Place grated cauliflower in a heat-safe bowl and microwave for 3-4 minutes.  ·         Place cauliflower in a bowl and fluff with fork.  Add the basil, oregano, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella and egg stirring to blend. ·      ...

Last weekend I decided to make a small pan of lasagne to surprise my fiance for his birthday.  When I was done, I realized I had mixed together enough ricotta and hamburger for a large pan, so I had to come up with something???  BUT WHAT???  Looking in the fridge, I noticed I hadn't used my portabella mushrooms yet, so I thought...why not???  OH MY GOODNESS!!  The things you can do with Portabella Mushrooms!!!! AMMMAZZINGG!!!! Give it a try and let me know what you think <3     Portabella Mushroom Lasagne Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (93/7) 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried oregano 26 oz of grandma's sauce 1 (15 oz) container of Ricotta 2 Tbsp chopped  fresh parsley 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 15 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese 4 Large Portabella Mushrooms Cook and stir ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano in a large skillet over medium he...

Couldn’t think of a better side dish to go with a nice medium rare steak and it's from fixate.    Zucchini Bake 1/2 c   grated Parmesan cheese 2 TBSP  freshly grated lemon peel 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise 1 TBSP  olive oil    Preheat oven to 350   Combine cheese, lemon peel, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic in a small bowl; mix well.  Set aside. Place zucchini skin side down in large baking dish.  Brush with oil, covering all of zucchini.  Sprinkle evenly with cheese mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!!

Every where I go lately I see farmers markets and produce stands, so I decided to combine my love for fajitas with my love of stuffed peppers. Talk about a delicious weeknight dinner that can be pulled off after the office!!!  Say what????   You heard me right...with a little prep you can pop them into the oven and dinner will be ready in 30 min or le ss.  Chicken Fajita Peppers Ingredients: 1 boil in bag brown rice; cooked 5 peppers 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp coconut oil, divided 1 1/2 lb chicken; cooked and diced 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 can tomatoes (no salt added) 1 cup black beans (drained if using canned) 1 cup frozen corn 2 tbsp Thai chili sauce 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice 4 oz shredded Monterey jack cheese Directions: Preheat oven to 375 Prepare the rice according to package and set aside.   Cut peppers in...

There is nothing my fiance loves more than grilling...well except for me of course!! lol.  My first attempt at chipotle kabobs and I must say they turned out amazing ! I mean easy to throw together and clean up was a cinch, which makes it the perfect weeknight dinner!   *I recommend using metal skewers. Clean Chipotle Chicken Kabobs Ingredients: 2/3 c rice vinegar 1/2 c olive oil 6 cloves of garlic, minced 3 Tbsp Chipotle Pepper juice of 2 limes 4 chicken breasts 2 small zucchini's cut in 1 inch pieces 1 package of cherry or grape tomatoes 1 onion cut in wedges 2 peppers (red & green) cut in chunks Directions: Mix the first 5 ingredients together  Divide in 2 portions-1 to marinade and the other for basting while cooking Marinate chicken for 1-3 hours or overnight.   Remove chicken from marinade, discard the left over marinade and cut chicken into bite sized pieces Alternate the chicken and vegetables on skewers Lightly oil gri...

Seems like every weekend is a party that revolves around FOOD!!  So what is one to do when you are trying to get healthy and everyone else wants to PARTAY?? Through the years I have learned that with a little planning you can join in on the fun without stretching your waistline. Here are 3 tips to help you in reach your goals and join in on the fun!! 1.  Eat a small healthy snack before you go so your not as tempted to overeat. 2   Take a healthy lightened up dish. 3.   Eat off of a plate, don't graze at the table. Check out a few of my favorite healthy dishes to make and take to your next cookout. Spicy Sweet Slaw -- from the Health site. Loved this dish.  I always liked cole slaw but not the fat laden mayo that it generally contains. The recipe contains heart healthy apple cider vinegar and honey and antioxident rich red peppers.  Did you know that red peppers contain more than 200 percent of your daily vitamin C intake? Really what...

Chicken Fajitas When the sun is shining and it is in the 70's,  I feel the need to dine outdoors!!  Now the question...what to make??  Something quick obviously...So what ?!?!?   Fajitas and margaritas immediately came to mind yesterday!!  Love me some Mexican!!! Hard to believe I didn't have my camera in hand, but I didn't!!!!  So for now you will have to look at today's left over pic from my lunch!  You can't get a more unprocessed meal than fajitas!!  I don't use those seasoning packets loaded with crap, I only use real spice.  Check out my recipe below!! Ingredients: 2 tsp coconut oil 3 medium peppers, sliced 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced 1 large onion 2 cloves garlic 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut in strips Seasoning mix: 1 tsp Mexican chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt tortillas, warmed Toppings: Greek yogurt salsa Cheddar Cheese chopped fres...

Grilled Pepper Jack Chicken Isn't everything better with cheese?!?!?  Well everyone at this house thinks that it is!!  The one thing that I learned over the years is that when you place restrictions and focus on what you CAN'T have... you will always feel like you are depriving yourself and setting yourself up for challenges.  You need to focus on Moderation!!!  By following an 80/20 rule of thumb, you will feel satisfied and find it easier to stop the yo yo effect.  Chicken doesn't have to be boring! Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts 2 sweet peppers, chopped 8 pieces of Colby 5 alarm cheese Mrs Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend 1 tsp Himalayan salt 1 tsp black pepper Directions: Preheat grill Combine seasonings  Butterfly Chicken Breasts Season chicken, both sides Place the cut peppers in foil on the grill  Place chicken on grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes Top the chicken wit...

Skinny Peanut Butter Banana Bliss      Can I just say...everything is better with Peanut Butter!!  I am a chocoholic but sometimes I wanna change things up.  I had some vanilla shakeo, PB2 and bananas on hand and after working on my flower beds, I needed some fuel.    Let me know what you think!!   Ingredients: 4 oz almond milk 4 oz water 2 tbsp PB2 8 Oz ice 1/2  banana   Mix in blender until smooth top with chocolate sprinkles. enjoy!!   

This week my meal planning revolved around produce that needed used up and cuts of meat from the freezer.  I typically meal prep on Sunday but this past weekend was so gorgeous I wanted to spend every last minute outside getting my flower beds in order.  So tonight with some careful planning I was able to make a scrumptious dinner of tuna steaks, parmesan roasted cauliflower and strawberry salsa and prepare tomorrow's lunch and dinner at the same time!   I even managed to get out and get the grass cut, something I have been trying to do for almost a week!  So I would definitely consider tonight a complete success!!  You have to try this delicious recipe for strawberry salsa!! Ingredients: 2 cups Strawberries, chopped 1 small jalapeño, chopped Good squeeze of a lemon Cut ingredients and mix well.  serve over fish or as a side dish with chips!  would love your feedback... let me know how you liked!!

Roasted Red Pepper Dressing Love this dressing from the Rations for Results Nutrition guide.  Served it over this awesome salad which happens to be meat free.  Ingredients: 8 oz                Roasted red bell peppers, packed in water, drained 2 cloves         Garlic, finely chopped 3 Tbsp           Red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp           Dijon Mustard 1/2 tsp           Himalayan Salt (or sea salt) 5 Tbsp           Extra Virgin olive oil Directions: Place bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, mustard and salt in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Slowly add oil; blending until smooth. Store in the refrigerator, tightly covered, until ready to use. Fix counts; 1 orange (makes 8 servings, about 2 Tbsp each)

I came across a recipe the other night for Applesauce Chia Muffins and thought perfect!!  I knew I had some applesauce in the fridge that I needed to use up and I hate wasting food, so it was the perfect option for Sunday breakfast!!  The muffins were very tasty and can be made quickly.  I loved that it called for maple syrup instead of white sugar but I usually use applesauce in place of oil.  So I will be trying to clean up this one a little more by finding a replacement for the oil without losing the texture and taste.   Baking Tip:  I baked only 20 minutes and they were very moist.  Make sure when testing them the toothpick comes out crumby not wet and they will be super moist.   Get complete directions here!

    pic from fixate cookbook Grandma's Tomato Sauce I am so looking forward to gardening this year and doing some canning!!  It's so hard to find healthy options in the local market these days but leave it to Autumn Calabrese to bless us with this natural sauce recipe from her Fixate cookbook and it only takes about 40 min to prep. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp            olive oil 1                     medium onion, chopped 4 cloves          garlic, finely chopped 1 (6-oz) can    tomato paste, no salt added 1/2 cup            red wine 2 cans             whole peeled tomatoes (28-oz ea)       (San Marzano or Cento) Crushed                        or pureed in blender 2 Tbsp            agave...

So as a beachbody coach one of the things I absolutely love is the fact that I get to try such a variety of workouts!!!  Sometimes I like to get in and get done...face it we are all busy!!!  Right now I need to make the most of my time!!  I WANT RESULTS and I don't have hours to work at it!!  You don't need tons of equipment for this one or a lot of extra space so it will work for anyone!  The great thing about this program is that is was created by Tony Horton and his no non sense approach to fitness.  This program will get you results in only 22 minutes per day, 6 days a week!!  Seriously who can't find 22 minutes?? Tony said The men and women of the United States military inspired him to create his latest masterpiece.  During the last 15 years, Horton has toured dozens of bases all over the world, helping troops in every branch of the armed forces maximize their physical potential. “I have tremendous respect for our troops,” says...

I feel weekend mornings should always be a little extra special.  So this morning called for some turtle pancakes!!  I totally felt like I was indulging in a decadent dessert! Give it a try and let me know what you think!! Turtle Pancakes Prep time 5 mins Cook time 15 mins Total time 20 mins Serves:  4 Ingredients 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Organic High Fiber Pancake & Waffle Whole Grain Mix 2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce 2 eggs 1½ unsweetened almond milk 2 tsp caramel ext 1/2 tsp almond ext For toppings/mix-ins: ½ cup pecans ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Instructions Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat while you make the batter. whisk together ingredients just until combined and add the topping mix-ins. Using a ladle, spoon batter into the pan, making any size pancakes you like cook for 2-4 minutes or until bubbles appear in the center, then flip and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Serve with...