Island Dreaming

Do you dream of adventure? Have you even had one of those vacations that you just know is an experience of a lifetime? For two weeks, we took just such a trip. Fueled with #coffeeandasmile (if you are a coffee lover you are so going to enjoy Kona) I was able to #learnonthego with my kids, explore and embrace our adventure all the while still earning income through my #sidehustle; now my full time job. Rodan+Fields has given me the chance to travel, write and have #timefreedom. What will it do for you? Intrigued? Let’s chat!

Now, onto Island Dreaming! Over the next several posts, through the eyes of our children, they will take you on our adventure. Ages 9 ,7 and 5, our littles journaled the 14+1 days spent traveling to and around the Big Island of Hawaii. After pouring through their journals and interviewing them separately, they have each listed their 10 ten favorites to do on the Island. Tune in, follow and read all about their favorite destinations, tasty foods and see the holiday through their perspective.

I dare you to grab your cup of coffee, dream be inspired and get ready to smile!

Our Weekly Menu

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms.

Menu

Monday: Chef Salad (E) Pile the veggies on a bed of kale or spinach and enjoy. For protein consider boiling eggs, cutting up deli meat or adding some cheese.

Tuesday: It’s Taco Tuesday! (E), low carb tortillas, tomatoes, black beans and low fat cheese make a quick and easy dinner. 

Wednesday: Breakfast for Dinner (E) Pancakes or oatmeal, kids choice tonight.

Thursday:  Queso Chicken Bake (E) page 123 of Trim Healthy Table. This is a new recipie for us but one that looks mighty tasty!

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: chicken enchilada stuffed spaghetti squash page 132 of the book Trim Healthy Mama a personal favorite a crowd pleasing meal! If you haven’t tried this recipes, grab the cookbook now to create this yummy dish.

Sunday: Piggies in a Blanket (S)  Another favorite for my little ones. This was a request from my 4 year old!

For my Sweet Tooth

Strawberry Almond Ice Cream (S) Found on page 232 of the book Necessary Food By Briana Thomas

Double Chocolate Cookies (S) Page 321 of the book Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Our Weekly Menu

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms. This weekend we are off on a family adventure so we go into THM travel mode.

Menu

Monday:  (S) Loaded Spaghetti Squash (S) Who doesn’t love a cheesy buttery bacon flavored meal?  Add spaghetti squash to the mix and you have a delicious, healthy meal.

Tuesday: Crispy Fish with Green Fries (E) Page 178 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Wednesday: Black Bean Chicken Salad  by Working at Home School (E)

Thursday: Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets from a Mom on Time Out (S)

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Organ Meat for my husband, Liver & Greens

Sunday: Organ Meat for my husband, Liver & Lentil

For my Sweet Tooth

Sticky Buns(S) These look Amazing! I can’t wait to make them tomorrow!

Coconut Macaroons (S) Three Ingredients but so yummy, I’m excited to try this recipe.

Our Menu Birthday Week

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms. A couple snow days had us cooped up indoors the last few days turning the kids stir-crazy.  Next week warmer weather will be back in forecast and the girls back in school.  With more time available, I’ll be able to plan creative lessons for our preschooler.

Menu

Monday: Hot Dogs and Zuk fries (S) Grab the Air Fryer, we are cooking some zucchini fries for dinner!

Tuesday: Beans and Cornbread page 111 (E) page 319 of the book  Trim Healthy Table. 

Wednesday: Chicken Cakes (S) page 237 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Thursday: Loaded Sweet Potatoes (E) Who doesn’t love a loaded potato for dinner.  Now try loaded sweet potato fries!

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Chili Pie (S) page 142 of the book  Trim Healthy Table. 

Sunday: Birthday Surprise! Loaded Spaghetti Squash (S) Who doesn’t love a cheesy buttery bacon flavored meal?  Add spaghetti squash to the mix and you have a delicious, healthy meal.

For my Sweet Tooth

Life by Chocolate Cake (S) page 276 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Cinnamon Butter Bundt Cake (S) page 380 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Our Weekly Menu

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms.

Menu

Monday: Spaghetti (E) Made with Dreamfield Pasta or Spaghetti Squash for noodles and ground turkey with low sugar sauce.

Tuesday: Hillbilly Chicken (S) Similar to bacon wrapped chicken, this is a similar find with a creative yummy twist.

Wednesday: Turkey Chili with a twist * See recipe below

Thursday:  Quiche (S) Click on our link to read our personal recipe.

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Whole Roasted Chicken in the Instapot!

Sunday: Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with THM Just Like Red Lobster Biscuits 

For my Sweet ToothFor my Birthday Cake: Life by Chocolate Cake (S) page 276 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Fudge Brownies (S) page 404 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Insta-Pot Pizza Chili

• 2 pound ground turkey

• 1 medium onion diced

• 1 tsp butter

• 2 cans RoTel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies

• 2 cans of the following beans (Black, any kind of White & Kidney)

• 1 – 2 Tablespoons chili powder (depending on how spicy you like your chili)

• 1 Tablespoon cumin 

• 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup chicken stock

• Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup chicken stock low sodium

• 3 ounce can of tomato paste.

• 2 cans of sugar-free pizza sauce

Press Sauté button and add butter and onion and ground turkey. Once the onion and turkey has been cooked, turn off Sauté mood and add the rest of the ingredients. Close lid and pressure cook on chili at High Pressure for 30 minutes, followed by Natural Release. Open the lid carefully.

Year in Review for Kids

Our 2018 story may be over but our new 365 page book for 2019 is just in it's beginning. This weekend we took some time to reflect on last year and forecasted some 2019 fun. If you are looking for a simple project to ring in the new year and draw a close to 2018, just print and have fun!

For the past several years we have chosen a word to focus our goals. Here are the past words we've used.

• 2016: Love

• 2017: Pray

• 2018: Grow

• 2019: Abundance

This year we decided to let the kids choose their own focus word. Now to find some create some project to help them develop their word for the year.

• 9 year old: Keep Going

• 7 Year old: Snuggle

• 5 Year Old: Try

• My Word: Abundance

• My Husband: Intention

  2019 we are ready to write your story!

Our Weekly Menu and Word of 2019

Our Weekly Menu

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms. Happy New Year!  Our word of the year is Abundance!!

• Abundance of Kindness

• Abundance of Faith

• Abundance of Consultants whom are ready to take the leap of faith.

• Abundance of Orders

• Abundance of Positivity

• Abundance of Money that flows our way.

• Abundance of joy as a family and as a couple

• Abundance of business

• Abundance as a leader!

• Abundance of words to write.

The list could continue to be ABUNDANT!  We are using this word to build on our year and our goals. What word speaks to you in 2019?

Menu

Monday: New Year Eve!  BBQ Ribs  with Saffron Cauliflower (S)- to keep this THM, I will have to substitute the apple juice.  Instead I may go with a Zevia or Bai flavored water drink.

Tuesday: Sprouted Wheat Rolls  with  White Bean Soup (E)

Wednesday: Snatch ’em up chicken tenders (S) page 238 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Thursday: Creamy mushroom Chicken Casserole (S) page 141 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday:Millionaire Spaghetti Squash (S) Lasagna flavor with a tasty twist!

Sunday: Creamy lemon chicken and quinoa soup (E) page 147 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

For my Sweet Tooth

Life by Chocolate Cake (S) page 276 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Cinnamon Butter Bundt Cake (S) page 380 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Elf in Training Day 25

Merry Christmas

We conclude our advent adventures with Day 25. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training  and Workout Challenge.

Day 25 Tasks:

Elf in Training

1. Pray for Someone

Today we will be intentional about our thoughts and pray for others who needs an extra boost of love.

Family Holiday Activity

Celebrate Christmas

Today is Christmas!!!  We are thankful for our faith in the Lord and the blessings He has provided our family. Many wonderful wishes to you and your family!!

Workout Challenge

25 pushups, 25 burpees, six 25 second side planks, six 25 second bridges & 25 jumping jacks

Head into overtime and blast out this short but sweet, challenge .  Today is the conclusion of the Workout Challenge!

Elf in Training Day 24

We continue our advent adventures with Day 24. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 24 Tasks:

Elf in Training/Family Holiday Activity

1. Put Extra money in a Strangers Parking Meter

Treat someone to some extra time on their parking meter, today add an extra quarter or two.

3. Make a New Friend

Say hello and strike up a conversation today make a new friend.  Looking for location to meet someone new, head to a local dog park, dine in a warm coffee shop,  strike up a conversation doing some last minute shopping or message someone Merry Christmas wishes on Facebook.

Holiday Family Activity

Read the Night Before Christmas

Today is Christmas Eve and what better time to read Denslow’s Night Before Christmas?  A tradition that has been in my family for as long as I can remember, this book classic tale is a favorite for our family.  With stunning pictures and a sweet story, The Night Before Christmas is sure to captive your little elves.

Workout Challenge

24 Pile Squats, 24 pushups, 24 skaters & hold 6 stretches for 24 seconds

Short but sweet, add this challenge the holiday season.  Only 1 day until Christmas and conclusion of the Workout Challenge!

Elf in Training Day 23

We continue our advent adventures with Day 23. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 23 Tasks:

Elf in Training

1. Thank a Service Member or First Responder

We are so thankful for all our first responders and service members so today we are giving back to our community.  A simple thank you wi help but we wish to bring some treats for them to enjoy.

2.  “Dress you Best Elf” Contest

Along with Christmas Caroling, we will have a Dress your Best Elf Contest.  Ugly Sweaters, Elf Ears, Adorable outfits are all welcome.  Awards will be given for the most creative, best dressed, craziest and silliest.

Family Holiday Activity

Sing Christmas Carols with your Family

Time for a little song and a whole lot of family fun adding music for a fun sing a long. Looking for the lyrics to Christmas songs, check out a couple of these websites.

NorthPole.com

Christmas Carols 

Workout Challenge

23 Jumping jacks, 23 butt kicks, 23 frog jumps & one 23 second plank

Short but sweet, add this challenge the holiday season.  Only 2 days until Christmas and conclusion of the Workout Challenge!

Elf in Training Day 22

We continue our advent adventures with Day 22. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities. The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 22 Tasks:
Elf in Training

1. Double Tip at a Restaurant or Coffee House
Make a service workers day, give them a treat this holiday season and add a little extra to their tip.

2. Smile at Someone Today ~ Kindness is Contagious!
Family Holiday Activity
Make Cookies for Santa
We have arrived at the Grandparent house and tonights we prepare Santa’s treat! Time to make some delicious cookies! Looking for a healthy option for this year’s plate? Try this delicious version of Trim Healthy Mama sugar-free “sugar” cookies from Mrs. Criddles Kitchen.

Workout Challenge
22 Crab Toe Touches & 22 Spinal Balance Stretches
Another core day to strengthen and stretch your abdominal muscles . Only 3 days until Christmas and conclusion of the Workout Challenge!

Elf in Training Day 21

We continue our advent adventures with Day 21. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 21 Tasks:

Elf in Training/Family Holiday Activity

1. Pack up Old Blankets and Towels for an Animal Shelter

Remember those sweet pets and animals in need this Christmas!

2. Give Flowers to a Random Stranger

Grab a couple flowers from your local florist and sprinkle some kindness by giving away a bouquet of love.

Family Holiday Activity

Start Christmas Vacation

Yesterday was the last day of school their Christmas vacation. Their excitement is evident in their smiles and their way to early morning wake up.

Workout Challenge

21 Burpees  & 21 Pushups

Today is a workout in itself cardio and strength in one fun round.  Only 4 days until Christmas and conclusion of the Workout Challenge!

Elf in Training Day 20

We continue our advent adventures with Day 20. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 20 Tasks:

Elf in Training/

1.  Learn to wrap a gift.

Then race to see who can wrap a gift the fastest. A fun event challenge on our first day of winter break.  A little tape, a bit of paper and a lot of laughs for this fun event.

2. Pray for someone today!

See someone in need of a love, send them a little prayer today.

Family Holiday Activity

See Christmas Lights

Track down a fun display or light show in your area and enjoy a festive ride through town checking out the holiday cheer.

Workout Challenge

Six 20- second wall sits & Six 20-second planks (any style)

Today add legs and core to your daily routine!  Only 5 days until Christmas and conclusion of the Workout Challenge!

Image from UrbanWired

Elf in Training Day 19

We continue our advent adventures with Day 19. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 19 Tasks:

Family Holiday Activity/ Random Acts of Kindness

1. Write down what you most love about each family member

Paper, pens, stickers and notecards are ready for this fun family activity.  Today we are writing what we love most about each family member.  What better way to show you care then a handwritten note to make them smile.

2. Create a special thank you for a military member, law enforcement, teacher or a  community leader. 

We did a little shopping spree for a few goodie bags for the local police, fire, front office ladies at school and our front gate guards. Treats of coffee, water, chips, nuts, gum and jerky fill buckets for each group as a special thank you!. 

Workout Challenge

19 Skaters Bounds & 19 Squat and Press

Add a little weights and a smidgen of cardio for a quick addition to your routine today.

Elf in Training Day 18

We continue our advent adventures with Day 18. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 18 Tasks:

Elf in Training/Family Holiday Activity

1. Give a Random person a Christmas or Holiday Card

The kids each grabbed an extra Christmas card to fill out and leave in the neighbors mailboxes.  In addition, we wished random people a Merry Christmas on Face Book Messenger! Everyone loves a little morning cheer. 

2. Do Something Sweet for Someone

h what fun this adventure will be, the choices are endless! Will we treat someone to coffee, draft a fun letter or plunk extra change in the Salvation Army Bucket? Today we get to be creative with our combined family activity and Random Acts of Kindness!Looking for some ideas, check out a couple of these resources:Friendship About is filled with easy and simple Acts of kindness, this website is sure to fill your Kindness ideas bucket!This BuzzFeed Post is chalk full of 101 ideas to do something sweet for someone!

Workout Challenge

18 Pilate Roll-ups or 18 Sun Salutations

Elf in Training Day 17

We continue our advent adventures with Day 17. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 17 Tasks:

Elf in Training

1. Write friendly messages on sticky notes and pass them out to friends, family or strangers.

Everyone loves to hear a friendly word or kind thought so today we will write little messages of joy on sticky notes and pass them around.

2. Volunteer to Babysit or Clean for Free

What’s better then a little help around the house or a surprise gift of babysitting. Today we challenged our little elves to clean or pick up without being asked, and sprinkling this kind and helpful act throughout the day.

Day 17 Tasks:

Family Holiday Activity

Stay up Late

Tonight our children will enjoy staying up late past their normal bedtime as we read books, play games or sing songs. This is a huge deal since Monday is a school night for our girls and wake up is at 5:45. Wish us luck for Tuesday morning!

Workout Challenge

17 Bicep Curls & 17 Tricep Extensions

Our Weekly Menu

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms. The holiday festivities have begun and with it an excitement in the air.  The kids are thrilled for Christmas decorating and baking.

Menu

Monday:  Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Casserole (S) page 132 of the book Trim Healthy Table.

Tuesday: Taco Pie (S) Page 119 of the book Trim Healthy Table 

Wednesday: Bean Soup (E) 

Thursday: 3 Wise Guys Christmas Pies (Wise Shepherd's Pies) Page 134 of the book Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Trim Mac Salad (S) page 181 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Sunday: On the Road for Christmas 

For my Sweet Tooth

Low Carb Fudge –This treat is back on the menu!  The kids ate them all!

Low Carb Almond Joy Bonbons-I didn’t get a chance to try this recipe so back on the menu it goes.

Cinnamon Rolls –These were amazing!  They were so very easy for a quick breakfast when 5:00am is my alarm clock!

Elves in Training Day 16

We continue our advent adventures with Day 16. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 16 Tasks:

Elf in Training

1. Make someone’s day- tell a friend why you appreciate them.

Call, text or Snapchat a cheerful greeting to a friend.  Why are they special, tell them!

2. Take some time out to spend with a family member.

Today is Sunday and we are going to take opportunity to attend church then play a game or take a walk through the woods.

Day 16 Tasks:

Family Holiday Activity

Have a Pajama Dance Party

Cue the tunes, grab the PJs and Dance! 

 

Workout Challenge

16 pushups & 16 Mountain Climbers

Elf in Training Day 15

Random Acts of Kindness

We continue our advent adventures with Day 15. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 15 Tasks:

Elf in Training

1. Laugh with Someone

Smile, Giggle, guffaw just enjoy the company of others!

2. Thank someone today.

Has someone been kind and courteous?  Have my children received a special treat or surprise? Has someone held the door for me?  Today we will practice the art of being thankful!

Family Holiday Activity

Attend a Holiday Party

This afternoon our neighborhood has a huge Old Fashion Christmas Under the Stars Event!

Workout Challenge

15 elevated split & lateral lunges & (left and right)

Elves in Training Day 14

We continue our advent adventures with Day 14. Click here for a full copy or to print your own advent activities.   The categories we choose for 2018: Family Holiday Activity, Elf in Training and Workout Challenge.

Day 14 Tasks:

Family Holiday Activity/Elf in Training

Free Choice

Our activity today for both categories is a free choice on Radom Acts of Kindness.  Today I challenged our family to do as many Radom Acts of Kindness as we could.  Ideas that I gave my kids: smile at people, hold the door for others, give compliments & and just be kind to those around you.  In other-words I want them to have a positive filled December day.  Click here for other Random Acts of Kindness ideas. After my little Elves in Training have completed their task, I’ll update the post!

Workout Challenge

14 Star Abs & 14 Back Extensions

More Core work today!!  For back extensions, lay on your stomach, place your hand on your head, elbows out. Lift up from your core, leaving your legs on the floor.

Start abs: start with your legs and arms tucked in.  Extend your arms and legs in a star formation (similar to a jump-jack position but while laying on the floor). Draw you legs and arms back in to start and repeat for 14 rounds.