Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

PSL on Monday! :-o

Okay we've all been hearing about how the Pumpkin Spice Latte has already made it's grand appearance at Starbucks this year. I'm not going to lie, I love Starbucks. And I love PSLs. {{and I was there Monday morning to get my 1st one of the season}} But, I also know that it's not healthy AT ALL. So I limit myself to once a week - and sometimes I even skip that.



I am off work on Wednesday's and decided to make my own healthy version for when I have time at home! It was actually super quick and easy!! - always a plus!

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

* 8 oz brewed coffee (or 1-2 shots espresso)

* 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

* 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree

* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

* 2-3 drops liquid stevia (or sweetener of choice)

* sprinkles of cinnamon

* fat free whip cream topping (optional)

1. In a saucepan, mix together almond milk and pumpkin. Cook on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until heated and blended thoroughly.

2. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, spices and sweetener. If you have a frother you can also froth the mixer to give it that Starbucks texture. 

3. Pour coffee into a large cup, add the pumpkin milk mixture on top. Top with whip cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. 

Enjoy! 

All for approximately 70 calories (depending on which brand of ingredients or sweetener you use).

And yes, I also decorated my house for fall this morning! I know, I know there are still a few days of August left and it is still summer but now that the kids are back in school, vacations are over, and no more pools days, - I am ready for fall weather and all things pumpkin and skinny jeans and cute sweaters and FOOTBALL!! :)

21 Day Fix Approved Stuffed Peppers

So last night I made Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers and they were delicious!! Seriously even my kids loved it. My 9 yr old was skeptical at first and said "Wow mom, this is great!"

Recipe:

~ 1/2 lb lean ground turkey

~ 1 cup frozen corn (uncooked)

~ 1 cup canned beans rinsed (I prefer kidney beans, some like black)

~ 1/3 cup chopped onion

~ 1 cup cooked brown rice

~ 1/2 can tomato sauce

~ 1/2 can fire roasted diced tomatoes

~ shredded cheese

~ 4 green peppers

~ spices to taste {I used garlic, pepper & southwest Mrs. Dash blend}

1. Cook your rice per directions on the box. 

2. Preheat the oven to 375.

3. Brown and season the ground turkey. I used garlic, chili powder and Mrs. Dash southwest blend. Drain off any grease. Add onions.

4. Cut off the tops of the green peppers and remove any seeds & insides with a spoon.

5. Combine all ingredients minus the cheese in a bowl. 

6. Spoon mixture into your peppers. Place on a foil lined pan. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. 

7. Place in the oven and bake on 375 for approximately 40 minutes under the pepper is tender and bubbling. 

*You can also add additional cheese into the mixture before spooning into the peppers. 

**If you are following the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan, use 1/2 blue container of shredded cheese on top of your pepper. Your container measurements per pepper (1/4 of the recipe) would be equal to 

1 red, 2 green, 1 yellow and 1/2 blue.

*****************************************

I have been doing the 21 Day Fix and loving it! This is such a unique program. You are given color coordinated portion control containers (green, red, purple, blue, yellow, orange) and based on your weight the book tells you how many of each color you eat each day. It includes a list of what foods go to which color (think green=most veggies, red=protein, purple=fruit, etc.) The book has gives some recipes. Then there are 30 minute workouts each day. Everyone can fit 30 minutes into your day to burn 300-400 calories! 

You can lose 10-15 lbs in just 21 days! 

Of course you can continue the program past the 21 days and do as many rounds as needed. If you are interested in learning more, send me a message! Either comment here, or email, facebook, etc. (links are on the side). 

You can view and purchase the program here. 

Or this one is the challenge pack (includes a month of Shakeology!!!)

Set Up a Life You Don't Need to Escape From...

I recently came across this quote and I really loved it.

"Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from."

So true. It hits home. I often find myself wishing that I was on vacation, wishing it was the weekend instead of the beginning of the week, wishing this month was over because I have something better planned in the future. What kind of life is that? Wishing your life away? Because you're not "happy" with the present? I don't want to be that person anymore.

Truth is: I have a wonderful life.

I have 2 amazingly perfect kids. They might drive me crazy sometimes, but I just need to stop and breathe. And realize that they are only going to be kids for so long. I really don't want to wish that away.
I have a great job. So even though it always sucks getting up early on Monday mornings, it's not bad. I've got it good. At least I'm going to a place I love with people I enjoy.

I think the key to "setting up a life you don't need to escape from" really all boils down to one thing.

happiness.

And being happy with yourself and your surroundings will make you love your life.

If you aren't happy with something, change it. 

I see all over the internet people complaining over & over about the same things.  If you don't like how you look, change it. If you don't like where you live, move. If you don't like your job, find a better one. If that means you have to go back to school, then do it. If that means you have to change your hairstyle or lose some weight, do it.

*My goal for myself this week is to focus on the happiness -learn to be more positive and love my life & those around me.

Brazil Butt Lift - One of August's Specials!!

I wanted to take today to give some info about Brazil Butt Lift in case anyone was interested!!

What is it?

Brazil Butt Lift® uses cardio, dance, and a unique training method to work 

your rear end from every angle. You’ll shape your gluteal muscles into that 

perfectly round Brazilian bum bum (that’s Brazilian for booty!). You’ll lift your 

butt to look great from every angle, and you’ll firm your butt and thighs and 

melt away those stubborn saddlebags.

A native of Brazil and a former ballet dancer, Leandro Carvalho developed 

his signature training techniques to help sculpt some of the world’s most 

beautiful bodies. Top supermodels (think VS!) count on him to get their bum bum

in shape for a lingerie photo shoot or a revealing runway show. 

Why is it so effective?

The name may be fun, but the results are serious. The secret of Brazil Butt

Lift is Leandro’s proven TriAngle Training method. TriAngle Training works 

the three major muscles of the buttocks—the gluteus maximus, gluteus 

medius, and gluteus minimus—to reduce the hips, slim the thighs, and lift, 

contour, and shape the perfect behind. 

“It’s all about the angles,” as Leandro likes to say. TriAngle Training works the 

butt muscles from multiple angles, including your hamstrings and the “heads” 

of the muscles, the parts that attach to the pelvic bone (which provides 

support between the upper and lower parts of your body). This is what gives 

the lift and curve that every woman wants. And unlike other exercise 

programs that develop the butt muscles, Leandro’s won’t bulk up your thighs.

This will not just tone your thighs and butt, but also will help tighten your core !!

The Base Kit comes with

• 6 different workouts on 3 DVDs
• BOOTY BASICS: Learn how to perform Leandro's signature moves and get the most out of the program. (20 minutes)
• BUM BUM: Fat-blasting cardio is combined with the best butt-sculpting moves you've ever tried. (35 minutes)
• HIGH & TIGHT: Leandro's secret weapons- the Booty Band and ankle weights- lift your butt to new heights! (35 minutes)
• SCULPT: Leandro's "no bulk" training techniques tighten and tone your entire body from head to toe. (50 minutes)
• CARDIO AXE: Feel liek you're dancing in t he streets of Brazil with this fa-burning dance-based workout. (30 minutes) 
• TUMMY TUCK: This is Leandro's surefire way to get flat, sexy abs in no time. (20 minutes)
• 60 Day Booty Makeover Guide
• Bootylicious Meal Plan
• 6-Day Supermodel Slimdown Plan
• TriAngle Training Workout Cards
• Wall Calendar with Measurement Tracker & Tape Measure
• Yellow beginner Booty Band
• 2 BONUS DVD's for ordering through me!
• BUM BUM RAPIDO: This express version of Leandro's trademark workout lifts your butt when you're short on time. (10 minutes)
• LEANDRO'S SECRET WEAPON: In this 20-minute precision toning workout, Leandro takes aim at your trouble zones. The routine is short, but you'll feel the burn and see dramatic, visible results.

and the Base Kit is on sale right now for $39.90!

The Challenge Packs are always the best deal. With it you get everything that is included in the Base Kit as well as a month's supply of Shakeology. {Read more about Shakeology below} The Challenge Pack is on sale right now for $140!

A month of Shakeology by itself is normally $129 so this is like getting the dvds for only $10! :)

When you buy a CP, after completing the program you can send in your Before & After Pictures to Beachbody and you will get a FREE t-shirt 

WHAT IS SHAKEOLOGY?

Shakeology is the most delicious, nutrient-dense, superfood-packed protein shake on the planet.

It contains more than 70 natural ingredients derived from rich, nutrient-dense whole-food sources from around the world. Shakeology is so incredibly healthy, no other single food item out there can supply you with all the nutrients, vitamins, proteins, and minerals in the amounts you need the way one delicious shake can. Shakeology is NUTRITION SIMPLIFIED. You can mix in a little fruit, ice or other add-ins to create amazingly delicious recipes!

SHAKEOLOGY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH BY HELPING:

• Curb cravings for sugar and junk food
• Promote weight loss
• Increase energy levels
• Improve digestion and regularity
• Support your immune system
• Support cardiovascular health

Some like to argue that Shakeology is expensive. It is not - think of it as buying in bulk from Sam's or Costco. At a little over $4 a shake, it's less than you would spend at Starbucks or McD's AND it is so full of healthy nutrition and benefits that it makes it SO worth it !! 

Links:

• Sign up for a FREE teambeachbody account! This will link me up as your "coach" and give you access to the website & message boards. http://www.teambeachbody.com/en_US/tbbsignup?referringRepId=422783

I would LOVE to be your "coach" what that means is basically just your online motivation & support. I will help keep you accountable! I am apart of a larger team that has several private Facebook groups that you I would add you to. It's great to have that extra motivation and see others who are also on their own healthy lifestyle journey. You also get helpful tips & recipes.

•  Brazil Butt Lift Challenge Pack: http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPBBL160?referringRepId=422783

•  Brazil Butt Lift Base Kit: http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BrazilButtLift?referringRepId=422783

  

If you are interested in becoming a coach yourself for the discount or even to make some commission, let me know and we can talk about it!

Website link for everything: www.beachbodycoach.com/casimoore

Accent Vlog Linkup!!

Today's linkup was a pretty neat idea!! Allie, Faith, Juliette & Lindsay came up with the idea to do an Accent Vlog Linkup so you can hear everyone's accents! I, of course, always think I do not have an accent but then when I talk to someone not from North Carolina they tell me I do! :(

The idea is for everyone to film themselves answering these questions, post it to your blog and then linkup so everyone can see!

Here are the questions:

1. Your Name
2. Where you're from.
3. Pronounce the following words: Aunt, Roof, Route, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Pajamas, Caught, Naturally, Aluminum, Crackerjack, Doorknob, Envelope
4. What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
5. What is a bubbly carbonated drink called?
6. What do you call gym shoes?
7. What do you call your grandparents?
8. What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
9. What is the thing you change the TV channel with?
10. What is the bug that when you touch it, it rolls into a ball? How about the one that lights up at night?
11. What do you say to address a group of people?
12. Do you speak any other languages? If so, say something in that language(s).
13. Do you think you have an accent?
14. End by saying any 3 words you want.




Alright and here is my vlog. I forgot to record it yesterday like I originally planned so I did it this morning at work! Before I had any patients of course. I had my door shut so my coworkers wouldn't hear me and think I was crazy but they still probably think I was in here talking to myself saying words like "mayonnaise" and "pajamas"...

Alright now it's your turn!! Video yourself and link up! :)