tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35435674979327893082024-03-18T05:48:38.827-04:00THE CRAZY WISE WOMANAmy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.comBlogger781125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-69193296224449952362023-08-11T16:58:00.004-04:002023-08-11T16:58:36.166-04:00The 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet: How it worked for me<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VCJ7pj4ZyiYGs2YvqQ4Ssaj8AJvg7zQq_cxavRFNbXdtY2FP0AYd2vnJNpGbLExY3k2V-QT2MDOjJc3qEBt7hoqXht_xZ6Pqpb8vbjXoI6I8NwZnUXuShCSz8nUkNFLa2VIQnpDfAEsv5SSO0-tt5ksWt4lmdP7hU4O-Zzpjt-fv3Cy632L0Hk4Qo6HS/s1100/one-big-cabbage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1100" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VCJ7pj4ZyiYGs2YvqQ4Ssaj8AJvg7zQq_cxavRFNbXdtY2FP0AYd2vnJNpGbLExY3k2V-QT2MDOjJc3qEBt7hoqXht_xZ6Pqpb8vbjXoI6I8NwZnUXuShCSz8nUkNFLa2VIQnpDfAEsv5SSO0-tt5ksWt4lmdP7hU4O-Zzpjt-fv3Cy632L0Hk4Qo6HS/s320/one-big-cabbage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The <a href="https://divascancook.com/wonder-soup-recipe-weight-loss-soup-7-day-diet-cabbage-soup/" target="_blank">Cabbage Soup Diet</a> (CSD) ... now there is a "blast" from the past. Ha ha. But seriously, it was a staple in the 80's and maybe 90's I think, but everyone did it at some point if you lived during those years and wanted to drop a few pounds quickly with minimal effort. And spoiler alert, it works! I remember growing up my Dad used to do it in January every year. He , once upon a time, was a pretty big party guy and like someone ese I know treated the holidays like a free for all every year. See, I knew there was a reason, it's genetic. But after all of the Polish family food fests, office parties, neighborhood gatherings and country club shindigs, January 2nd always rolls around with tight pants and regret. So every year I watched him do this diet with discipline and enthusiasm because you get to eat food that tastes good, and he would drop probably 20-30 lbs. in a month. For real. Now first of all, he's a big guy and was a big drinker (helloo water weight) so shedding weight comes a bit easier and quicker than it does for us ladies. But still, he would finish it up looking like a new man and I will always remember him saying how good he felt. <p></p><p>I have been on the post menopause, there I said it, weight loss struggle bus for I don't know how long. It feel like since I hit my 30s but at least the last few years it has become exponentially harder to get that kickstart happening. To be honest my attempts have been somewhat lukewarm and half hearted, falling off the wagon was/is as easy as dispensing wine from a box if you know what I mean. A few weeks ago the old cabbage soup diet came to mind and I though should I? Could it? Can I? After a few days of that rolling around my cabbage I said yes. I went to the grocery store, bought all of the supplies and came home and made a huge pot of soup with a plan to start Monday, July 31st. And I did it. I journaled every day, tracked what I ate and how I felt. In short, real food, no processed chemical laden garbage, alcohol (maybe a smidge) or sugar. One evening meal on Day 4 my girls and I went out to dinner and to see Post Malone so I did not adhere that night. I ate what I wanted and drank reasonably so that I could enjoy the experience with them. Could I have stayed on plan? Sure. Make choices that make you happy. </p>
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/amas-amas-2019-american-music-awards-kaIRoI3K7GdKTnI78w">via GIPHY</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Fast forward to the morning of Day 8 and I step on the scale to see that I am down 15.6 lbs. Can I get a whoop whoop? Now, was some of it water? Sure. Muscle? It's likely. Fat? FO SHO. Is this a sustainable way of life? No. Am I a registered dietitian, doctor, or social media "health coach"? No. I am just a girl who likes to eat real food and drink good booze, not work out too much. I may have a few emotional issues that feed the flames of over indulgence. Stress, sadness, anxiety, pretty much when anything goes wrong I try to assuage it with food and alcohol. I mean it could be heroine or crack so I consider myself lucky. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I am taking a few days off to focus on just hitting my macros, getting my protein in and intermittent fasting, which I also did during the CSD... 16 hours fasting, 8 hour eating window. I will start round 2 soon. I would like to lose 30 lbs. by my birthday on September 8th. Its not going to be easy but with the total amount I need to lose, and it's a lot, I am confident that it is doable with food and movement. </p><p style="text-align: left;">All in all I think this is a great way to get a jump start on weight loss if you lack motivation and need to see results quickly in order to stay on track. It really could not be easier and also serves as a great detox from unhealthy, processed foods. I will continue to report here on how its going so come on back now and again if you are so inclined. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Bye for now...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-43533857475300799602023-08-06T13:30:00.000-04:002023-08-06T13:46:30.390-04:00Hello.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVFOQFaF4P2UT50-hR1CuxDt3J9JazzXNpxQw7gai9ryJXYicKyA7yuxGiQr4J7YiSFp2RUYd5Fi4x1mjD9nE1x0T-GK5cAAMmGJJuHOu1AlFm5G6JFNzT1WOQ9s9M1XUPPRzzw8GoUygUiA1dK-pPLBgwL1HZv9qredNvhlN_62yE28cdh94OTw8i2kA/s800/shirt-1523472626-3c0bb1785c8554648c977acfd18f795b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVFOQFaF4P2UT50-hR1CuxDt3J9JazzXNpxQw7gai9ryJXYicKyA7yuxGiQr4J7YiSFp2RUYd5Fi4x1mjD9nE1x0T-GK5cAAMmGJJuHOu1AlFm5G6JFNzT1WOQ9s9M1XUPPRzzw8GoUygUiA1dK-pPLBgwL1HZv9qredNvhlN_62yE28cdh94OTw8i2kA/w258-h258/shirt-1523472626-3c0bb1785c8554648c977acfd18f795b.jpg" width="258" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Wow, does it feel weird to be back here, banging on the keys to put up some content on the old dusty blog. What the heck am I doing you might ask? Goofing off on a Sunday afternoon? Well, I am not 100% sure which also seems to be pretty much the case way back when I was writing this thing regularly a hundred billion years ago. I really miss writing as a creative outlet for one, I miss the interaction too. Blogging in the early 2000's and teens was all the rage and I met so many cool strangers right here in this space, before social media was like it is today. Social media was kind of like the cherry on top of your blog sundae at that time. It was like a little extra thing you didn't have to have but was an amusing addition. Some bloggers loved it and devoured that cherry and others left it sitting in the bottom of the empty bowl. And then everything changed. The blog sundae started to slowly melt away and the cherry was all you had left so most of us moved forward and started honing our "IG/mini blog post with the emphasis on photos" style of blogging. And the real written blogs, especially in the lifestyle category kind of died or just changed in my opinion. At least that is what I thought.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Turns out people are still writing blogs but mostly as a side bar to what ever social media outlet they have the biggest presence on, most likely Tik Tok or Insta. So say all this to say I am not sure what I am really doing here or where this will go but I have a few things to say about a few things and rather than moving and starting over it seemed kind of nice to think about maybe just redecorating a little bit. After all, all my old content still lives here and the domain is paid for and I don't feel like migrating to a new platform and thinking of a new name and all of that bullshit. Maybe at some point I will but, not today. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The truth is, I have been looking back a lot lately and not in a bad way because I normally don't recommend that sort of thing. Sometime things happen in life that force you to reflect on the past. I'll save some of that for later but for now looking back has me remembering things that made me feel good and added richness to my life. I feel as though the last few years for many reasons, I have lost some of my focus, purpose and drive. I think back to certain times in my life when I really liked who I was and mostly felt good as opposed to loathing all of the things so much. Can we go back in time and experience those times again? No but perhaps if I reintroduce some of the atomic habits I had then that made me better, the same will be true today. I think so anyway, we'll see. </p><p style="text-align: left;">To be honest I don't even care if anyone reads this because it just feels good to dump everything out here that is in my brain. In the old days I feel like blogging really kept me on track and accountable in some weird way. I felt like if I wrote it in my blog and even one person read it then I had to follow thru on what ever it was. It was a good way to track and execute goals, ideas and plans for the future while documenting in real time what was happening in my life. Again, I am sure no one really cares but one thing I know is that if you are going thru something there is a 100% chance someone else is or has too, and you just never know how putting it out there could impact another person. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I am not sure how much I can do here given my job, family and other responsibilities but, we shall see. I just finished a big detox and that is the first thing I really want to talk about, so stay tuned. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-16524684547526796372019-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:002019-05-02T12:54:12.108-04:00Fit To Fat To Fit<br />
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Well hey there! I'm checking in with myself and with all of you as well since I am going to write some stuff here in this dusty old blog space of mine. So it's May 1st and 4 months of 2019 have passed us by. I just started my 7th round of Whole30 because quite frankly the last 3 months have been a free for all. I have been all out of sorts eating and drinking all the things, moving minimally and just generally being extremely unproductive in my health goals and health maintenance.<br />
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I did a January Whole30 and it sucked big donkey balls. I am pretty sure I was in a bad mood for the entire month and I couldn't wait for it to end. And when it did I immediately reverted back to Holiday-free-for-all Amy who still shows up every November like that one annoying relative who stays about two hours longer after the holiday party is officially over. Rude. But I did complete the January Whole30 by the book so there's that. I did not however, weigh myself so I am not sure how much weight I lost. I could tell I lost some but I decided that I didn't need the scale to measure the success of my January Whole30 or at all for that matter. I was wrong.<br />
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I got on the scale today, Day 1 of this round and as I suspected it told me quite a story. I think it actually cried a little too but that's not important. I know that a lot of people say throw out the scale, go by how you feel, your weight fluctuates every day anyway, you can be healthy at any weight and don't let the scale dictate how you feel about yourself, blah, blah, blah. But for me, when I don't get on the scale I can deny what is really happening to some extent. Ignorance is bliss right? Maybe I need to unbutton my pants because I dried them on high heat? Surely it has nothing to do with the nacho mountain that now resides on my posterior region. But seriously, getting on the scale is necessary. And I don't think you can be healthy at any weight as much as the anti-fat shamers would have us believe. Just go visit a nursing home and tell me how many old fat people you see there. You won't because there aren't any.<br />
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I say all of this to say, I got on the scale today and the number was really, reeeeeeallly ugly, but I didn't feel horrible. It doesn't define me. It was not a surprise and I don't hate myself. The scale did not dictate how I feel today. I have been making bad choices and I earned that number with every glass of wine, slice of pizza and piece of chocolate I crammed down my gullet for the last 3 months. But it is OK. I know that every second of every minute of every day that I am breathing is an opportunity for me to make a different choice and that is HUGE!! I also 100% know that in just a few short days of being on Whole30 I will start to feel markedly better. Since I won't be cheers-ing to anything else for awhile cheers to that!Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-23702478711464913362019-03-12T00:00:00.000-04:002019-03-12T00:00:08.702-04:00Current Status....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are currently in the third month of the year, winter appears to be over for the most part and we just turned the clocks forward. This year hasn't gotten off to a bad start for me exactly but, I wouldn't say it's going all that well either. It's just blah. It's blah and it's my fault that it's blah. Somehow, somewhere over the end of last year/beginning of this year I got off track. I lost all of my motivation and my mojo. I went from being super motivated and checking off the goals daily to couch surfing and Netflix binges. I don't know exactly how it happened or why but I have been having a hell of a time righting this ship. So, I find myself here writing it down to see if maybe this will help. Letting go of this blog and checking in at least semi- regularly here is something I regret and it used to help me stay on task if I am being totally honest. If you have ever written a blog, especially the lifestyle variety where you get to talk about anything you want, it kind of becomes your journal, your book of lists, the place where you outline goals and highlight the good, the bad and the ugly sometimes too. It kept me honest but I just ran out of time or maybe I gave priority to other things and the blog just faded away.<br />
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2018 was an awesome year for me. I set out in January with very measurable and specific goals. I blogged about them, wrote them down in prominent places in my home and told people, even the ones that seemed crazy and unattainable. And guess what? I mostly achieved them all, if not exactly, in one variation or another that translated to a win/win for me. It was a banner year for about the first nine months and I was flying high... and then I started slipping. By around month twelve I was looking a little something like this....<br />
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I blew off mostly every bit of side hustle that I had gained momentum on with my Whole30 coaching business, this blog, creating recipes, social media content, the newsletter I kept not sending out and I just kind of hibernated the month of December away like a miserable potato of the couch. My old pals stress and anxiety got the best of me cause you just never know what triggers them (cough, cough, holidays) but I was determined to turn it around with my January Whole30 because that always works for me. Except this time it did not. Yeah.</div>
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It didn't work. I did not have enough coaching clients signed up to make an effective support group so I bagged that. Fail. My Williams Sonoma pop ups in December were small but I "hoped" (key word here) people would sign up for the classes I was teaching there in January. Only a few did so I cancelled those too. Fail. I feel like the wheels came off my January Whole30 right out of the gate and I never did quite recover. It was the worst Whole30 of the 6 that I have done. The. Worst. Ever. I stuck to it but after the first week or so I was kind of miserable but I couldn't quit. What kind of Whole30 coach quits a Whole30? Truth be told a human one. Maybe I should have let that one go or maybe it's good that I didn't but either way I did the damn thing. Then it was February and the shit show kind of started up again. <br />
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So here I sit in March, looking over my 19 for 2019 and somehow I have managed to cross one off the list... shocker. Yet I have not even given any of the others a single thought since the day I wrote them down. So this is where I am starting, with my list of goals for the year. I think my biggest problem and the main reason why I get soooo off track is I forget to focus on taking the smaller steps toward achieving the bigger goal. I got really good at that last year for awhile and it worked. I was doing a checklist every day and shit was getting done and I was taking better care of myself because that was on the list too. And I totally thought I had my shit together then, I got lazy. I guess I thought I was a pro.<br />
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I am not. I've been on the struggle bus before and it doesn't last forever. I actually feel better just having written this all out so... mission accomplished. Where do I go from here? I think Sherwin Williams. Paint is 30% off this month and a fresh coat of paint on anything is quite cathartic, plus it's on my 19 for 2019 to do some painting.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-75767239855306090622018-12-31T12:47:00.003-05:002018-12-31T12:47:40.247-05:00Annual Check In - 2018 Goals: How I Did<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I still set goals every year even though I don't freak out over letting them evolve a little or change completely over the year as needed. I mean, it's really hard to say on any given day what might be a priority for you 365 days into the future. I think that is the biggest reason that New Year's Resolutions really don't work for so many of us. We forget that sometimes giving ourselves grace when we fall short or need to drop back and punt should maybe always be at the very top of our goal list.<br />
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Last year I decided to do an 18 for 2018 style goal list and the goals ran the gamut from big to small. I really, really liked this approach and I am going to do it again this year... list is currently under construction. The interesting thing for me this past year is that I did go back and read this list throughout the year and no matter where I was on achieving any given goal I never felt bad about it. I looked at it more like a timing thing or maybe it just wasn't the right goal for me at all. But for the hell of it let's take a look at how I did last year:<br />
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<li><i style="font-weight: normal;">Buy some hiking shoes and hit <a href="http://gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek">Sweetwater Creek State Park</a>. Maybe not just this one but it's something I have wanted to do for awhile. I have come to grips with not really being a gym person at this point in life but I like walking outdoors and nature is like Xanax for me.</i></li>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">NOPE - Ummm this was a big fat no. I did hike a 2 mile trail at like 9800 feet elevation in Salt Lake City Utah with all of my fellow Whole30 coaches though and guess what I discovered? I am not a hiker. As amazing as it was I don't love it. I like walking though so I focused more on that and will continue to do so for 2019. Glad I didn't buy those fancy hiking shoes.</span></div>
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<li><i>Finish the book Food Freedom Forever <strike>that I bought 2 years ago</strike> and do a real Whole30 Reintroduction phase by the book. Complete with mini-resets as needed.</i></li>
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DONE - So worth it.</div>
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<li><i>Take a day trip to Athens, GA and visit <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com/">Creature Comforts Brewery</a>. Because beer.</i></li>
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NOPE - I drank a ton less beer this year because I discovered after my real proper Whole30 reintroduction just how crappy it makes me feel. </div>
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<li><i>Have a date night with my kids once a month and pick a new place at least every other time.</i> </li>
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NOPE - This turned out to be a lot less practical and budget friendly than I imagined it would be.</div>
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<li><i>Go to Michigan.</i></li>
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DONE</div>
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<li><i>Lose 30 lbs. This really not that daunting considering that most likely after Whole30 is over I'll be close to halfway there. </i></li>
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DONE</div>
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<li><i>Paint and purge at least 3 areas/rooms of my house that I currently am not fond of. </i></li>
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PARTIALLY DONE - One room completely, others started but not finished. I consider this one a disappointment. I could have done better here.</div>
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<li><i>Practice the <b><a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/2006/12/need_a_simple_a/">One Minute Rule</a></b> regularly. This is another Gretchen Rubin thing... the idea is to immediately do any tasks that come up if they will take 1 minute or less to complete. Like... hanging up your coat, putting dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink, read mail and toss it, etc. </i></li>
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GAME CHANGER - I have embraced this and it has had amazing results on just keeping my spaces tidy from day to day.</div>
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<li><i>Clean out the side of my garage that is currently not usable as a garage so that when Olivia is home she can park her car in it not in the driveway.</i></li>
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NOPE - no comment</div>
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<li><i>Visit <a href="http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/tours/">Oakland Cemetery</a> and actually take the tour.</i></li>
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DONE - I didn't take the actual tour but it was still amazing and now one of my favorite places to go for a walk.</div>
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<li><i>Have dinner at <a href="http://www.goldeneagleatl.com/">Golden Eagle</a>. 2018 birthday maybe?</i></li>
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PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL - I made it for drinks. I'll be back though.</div>
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<li><i>Take a one day/afternoon class in something I have never done before.</i></li>
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DONE - Took a holiday cocktail class at Gunshow and it was super fun to learn the actual techniques and tools for proper bartending.</div>
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<li><i>Read 12 books or 1 a month.</i></li>
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I DON'T KNOW - I decided that this was a dumb goal. I read for pleasure and when I feel like it. I read a lot of good books this year, I'll leave it at that.</div>
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<li><i>Delegate, delegate, delegate. I have 2 able bodied children living in my house and a huge team of people at work at my disposal. I need to get better about allowing others assist in the big projects so I don't get burned out and pissed off.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
SUCCESSFUL - No shame in cracking the whip as needed.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Host a brunch at my home. As much as I love brunch I have never hosted a fun brunch. I have had family/holiday things like Easter or Baptisms but I want to do a fun friends day drinking event. Maybe during Wimbledon?</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
DONE - This one turned out way bigger than I even hoped when I ended up hosting The Brunch Series Tour with Danika Brysha. There was no day drinking involved but it was an amazing experience and I didn't even have to cook!</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Take the kids on a surprise weekend trip somewhere unexpected that we can drive to. Southerners give me ideas!!!</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
WELP<i> -</i> I tried and I booked the whole thing and paid for it and then came the hurricane and destroyed the panhandle. Good news is I got my money back. Will try again!</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Find a way to organize my shoes. Ugh... this part of my closet is an embarrassment.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
DONE - I bought this <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/chrome-metal-10-tier-rolling-shoe-rack/d?productId=10029931&q=shoe%20rack">shoe rack</a> from the Container Store and I love it!</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Bake a grain free paleo cake. I have <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1628600446/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thcrwiwo03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1628600446&linkId=d4ada73c93c94912bf100e25aa1939fd">this beautiful book</a> on paleo baking and I haven't even made a damn cake yet.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
NOPE - I probably would have eaten the majority of it myself so it's whatever. Maybe this year!<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you have it! I feel great about this list and what it ultimately helped me accomplish. Working on my 19 for 2019 and looking forward to more goal crushing, evolving and self exploration!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cheers!</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-48171362796308603992018-11-14T12:37:00.001-05:002018-11-14T12:37:41.111-05:00Whole30 Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Pot RoastHey there! Just stopping by to drop off a little recipe love for all of you instant pot or slow cooker people. I made this Whole30 adaptation of a classic Mississippi Pot Roast last weekend and it turned out great!I stink at putting recipes into an actual IG post (if anyone knows how please tell me) so here you go. If you don't care about it being Whole30 you can totally search Pinterest and get the original version. You could also easily do this in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. I have to say I am loving the Instant Pot though, a whole roast in 45 minutes is the bomb! Enjoy!!<br />
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Whole30, Gluten Free, Dairy Free</div>
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>6</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Amy Wilcock</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector(".print-options").className="print-options show-print-options"" type="button">Print Recipe</button><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=URLGoesHere&description=Whole30%20Instant%20Pot%20Pepperoncini%20Beef%20Pot%20Roast&media=http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/amy4liv/20181111_193942%25201_zps7dpxtyiy.jpg" id="recipe-pinit"><svg fill="#fff" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 1000 1000" x="0px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" y="0px"><g><path d="M500,10C230.8,10,10,230.8,10,500s220.8,490,490,490s490-220.8,490-490S769.2,10,500,10z M500,938.2c-41.4,0-79.4-6.9-117.3-17.3c13.8-24.2,31.1-55.2,38-82.8c6.9-20.7,31.1-120.8,31.1-120.8c13.8,27.6,58.7,55.2,107,55.2c141.5,0,234.6-127.7,234.6-300.2c0-131.1-110.4-251.9-276.1-251.9c-207,0-314,148.4-314,272.6c0,75.9,27.6,141.5,89.7,165.6c10.4,3.5,20.7,0,20.7-10.4c3.5-6.9,6.9-27.6,10.4-34.5c3.5-10.4,3.5-13.8-3.5-24.2C303.3,569,293,541.4,293,503.5C293,393,375.8,293,506.9,293c117.3,0,182.9,72.5,182.9,169.1c0,127.7-55.2,231.2-138,231.2c-44.9,0-79.4-38-69-82.8c13.8-55.2,38-113.9,38-155.3c0-34.5-20.7-65.6-58.7-65.6c-48.3,0-82.8,48.3-82.8,113.9c0,41.4,13.8,69,13.8,69s-51.8,203.6-58.7,238.1c-6.9,27.6-6.9,62.1-6.9,89.7C172.2,831.3,65.2,679.4,65.2,500C61.8,258.5,258.5,61.8,500,61.8S938.2,258.5,938.2,500S741.5,938.2,500,938.2z"></path></g></svg>Pin it</a><br />
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<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Whole30 Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Pot Roast</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT5M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 5 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT75M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 75 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT80M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 80 mins</span></div>
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ingredients:</h3>
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<br />
<ul>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient"><span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast</span></li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">1/2 cup - 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers drained</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient"><div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5 tsp Primal Palate Organic Garden Ranch Seasoning Mix </span></div>
</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient"><span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">3 TBSP. Bob's Red Mill Arrowroot Starch/Flour</span></li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient"><div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 cups </span><span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">salt and freshly ground pepper</li>
</ul>
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<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
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<ol class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-container" style="background-image: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(26 , 26 , 26); font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 23px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<li class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; list-style: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows-row" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: top;">Season roast with salt and pepper. Place roast in the inner pot and arrange peppers on top.</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; list-style: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows-row" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: top;">In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, arrowroot and bone broth. Pour over roast.</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; list-style: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows-row" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: top;">Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Sealing. Set your Instant Pot to <strong style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pressure Cook</strong> on High for 45 minutes. <span style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px;"></span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; list-style: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows-row" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: top;">When the cooking time is done, press Cancel and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes, then turn the steam release handle to Venting. When the float valve drops down, remove the lid. The roast should be fork-tender. (If more cooking time is needed, continue pressure cooking on High for 5 minutes, then quickly release the pressure.)</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; list-style: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows-row" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: top;">Using a slotted spoon, remove peppers from pot and set aside. Using tongs, transfer roast to a cutting board, cover with foil and let stand for 5 minutes.</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; list-style: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">
<div class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-rows-row" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="m_3832931277201750069gmail-wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="background: none; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; color: inherit; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: top;">Slice roast across the grain and transfer slices to a serving platter. Skim off fat from cooking liquid and drizzle roast with some of the liquid. Arrange peppers around roast.</span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
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if (printOption === 'printWithImage') { c.innerHTML = c.innerHTML.replace('img{visibility:hidden;display:none;}', 'img{display:block;margin: 20px auto;width: auto;max-width:100%;}'); } newWin.document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(c); newWin.document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0].innerHTML = b.innerHTML; newWin.print(); }document.querySelector("#recipe-pinit").addEventListener("click", function (e) { this.href = this.href.replace('URLGoesHere', document.location.href); window.open(this.href, "", "menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=300,width=600"); e.preventDefault(); });</script><script src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ApwXiqXHjzq43IxR9dInYtZZZ8UR4J9n" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- END The Recipe Box -->Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-58159771539753585792018-11-07T12:02:00.000-05:002018-11-07T12:02:06.037-05:00Currently: November<div>
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APPRECIATING<br />
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All of the new opportunities that are coming my way. It's pretty crazy that when you start saying yes to things even more things start presenting themselves. Also appreciating how generous other people can be with their time and resources if only we ask. I have made a concerted effort this year to not only delegate more but just ask for the things I need from people. It is really that simple. You get 100% of what you don't ask for. </div>
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RESEARCHING<br />
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I feel like life is just one long research project sometimes don't you? I guess if I had to pick one thing it might be how to generate multiple streams of ongoing income. I have been listening to a podcast called <a href="https://sidehustleschool.com/">Side Hustle School </a>and I am slightly addicted to it. If you are like me and you can't quit your day job and pursue your dreams because you are an adult and people depend on you, go check this out. It is pretty amazing to hear all of the ways folks make money in addition to their "real jobs". </div>
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POSTING</div>
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Food, food and more food. At least that is what it feels like. But... I have been trying to post more pictures of me lately as sort of a personal challenge and to make my IG feed a little more well, personal. I know I am more drawn to accounts where people actually show their faces, tell their stories , share their vulnerabilities and just be real. </div>
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GETTING </div>
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Antsy and excited about the holidays. Every year brings something new and this year is no different. I am really looking forward to shopping for my kids (99.9% online), putting up the tree, baking lots and lots of cookies, baklava and nutroll, and celebrating the joy of the season with my people. I am entering this holiday season 30 lbs lighter than I was last year at this time and in a really good place all things considered. Can I play Christmas music now please?</div>
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COOKING</div>
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In my Instant Pot and LOVING it. Ok, I have only made a few things but they have been really amazing and I can't wait to make more. Do you have any favorite IP recipes you can share with me? Everytime I go to Pinterest for that reason I fall down the rabbitt hole and get lost. I need help getting focused on a few tried and true standbys.... GO. </div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.anneinresidence.com/">Miss Anne</a> today!</div>
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Cheers, </div>
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AMY</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-41186143962883220262018-09-24T00:00:00.000-04:002018-09-24T00:00:08.113-04:00Whole30 Twice Baked Taco PotatoesThis month during my September Whole30 I have been trying to create some more football tailgate party themed foods. You know, the standard fare... wings, nachos, potato skins, dips, chips, stuff like that. My intention for this particular recipe was to create a taco potato skin but it actually morphed a bit into a twice baked potato which is not surprising at all considering I generally just make shit up as I go along and it usually turns out better than I had planned.<br />
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Before I get to it let's talk about what makes a really good twice baked potato, because the method definitely matters. Once you get that down get creative with your fillings, anything goes. Make sure you buy potatoes that are for baking. Yes, it matters! I like Russets. If you choose the wrong potato you could end up with super thin skins or really starchy insides that get like paste when you start adding other things in. We all love a good twice baked at a steakhouse or even better, homemade. First things first, the skin has to be crispy and really flavorful because I don't know about you but I want to be able to eat it, I love the actual skin! Secondly you have to leave some of the potato in the skin when you are scooping it out, the skin needs to be lined with potato or it completely falls apart and that is not good. So take your time and don't get all over excited, be gentle with your little taters. Thirdly, whatever you fill it with HAS to be rich, creamy, buttery and preferably light and fluffy... otherwise what is your point? The worst thing you can get is a gummy (you over mixed it or you bought non-baking potatoes) or a dry/crumbly (you failed at adding enough fat) filling in your twice baked potato. Yuck. Lucky for you I have been making them for years and thanks to my Grandmother, may she rest in peace, I am an expert twice baker.<br />
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Since I whipped this one up on the fly last week and it was more or less a test, I only made one. The down side to twice baked potatoes is that they are a little labor intensive so I went small to see how this would turn out... spoiler alert... they turned out amazing and a ton of you asked for the recipe via Instagram.<br />
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So here you go....<br />
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>2</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Amy @ The Crazy Wise Woman</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Whole30 Twice Baked Taco Potatoes</h3>
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<span class="prepTime" content="PT40M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 40 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT1H30M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 1 hour and 30 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT1H70M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 1 hours and 70 mins</span></div>
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<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
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<ul>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 Large Russet Potato</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">3 T. Ghee</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">Pink Himalayan Salt Coarse Ground</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 egg beaten well, until frothy</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">3/4 cup taco meat prepared with Primal Palate taco seasoning or home made Whole30 compliant version (I made a 1 lb. batch of ground beef and will use leftovers for other meals)</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning Blend</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">Handful of Scallions Sliced</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient">Salsa, Guac, Green Onions for garnish and topping</li>
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<h3>
instructions:</h3>
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees.<br />
<ol>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Pierce potato, brush the outside with ghee and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 45 min. or until outside is crisp and knife goes through easily. Slice potato open and let cool until you are able to handle it. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">When potato is cool carefully scoop out the inside with a spoon into a separate bowl, careful not to break the skin and leaving a little of the potato in the shell so that it not too flimsy and holds its shape.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Place skins back onto a baking sheet and brush insides with more ghee, sprinkle with salt and chile lime seasoning. Return to the oven for about 10 minutes at 450 until they start to get golden brown then take them out. Reduce oven to 400 degrees.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Mash the potato that you have scooped into the bowl with a fork, breaking up any large pieces. Add in about 1 Tbsp. of ghee (or more if you like), salt and pepper and mash until well combined. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add in the prepared taco meat and scallions and combine.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Next, add the well beaten egg to the potato/taco meat mixture and combine gently. Do not over mix this, you don't want to break up all of the air that you beat into the egg. This is what will make your potato fluff up and get that wonderful puffy crispy outside and be light and airy on the inside.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add the potato mixture back into the skins. You will always end up with a lot more than you started with so if you have extra just pop it into a ramekin and bake it! I like to really heap up the skins though.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Sprinkle with more chile lime seasoning and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until the outside is lightly browned. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Top with salsa, guacamole and more green onions. Enjoy!</li>
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NOTES:</h3>
<pre style="white-space: pre-line;">I don't typically write anything down when I am cooking so this is all based on my best guesses. This recipe would be easily adapted to large batch cooking as there is really no wrong way to stuff a potato. If you are not on Whole30 feel free to add cheddar or cream cheese to your potato stuffing mixture to make it next level!</pre>
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if (printOption === 'printWithImage') { c.innerHTML = c.innerHTML.replace('img{visibility:hidden;display:none;}', 'img{display:block;margin: 20px auto;width: auto;max-width:100%;}'); } newWin.document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(c); newWin.document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0].innerHTML = b.innerHTML; newWin.print(); }</script><script src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ApwXiqXHjzq43IxR9dInYtZZZ8UR4J9n" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- END The Recipe Box -->Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-73077522935213339852018-09-21T15:10:00.000-04:002018-09-21T15:10:13.586-04:00Because Nachos Are Life...<br />
Hey everybody! I shared this post with my friend and fellow Whole30 coach Judith over on her blog <a href="https://www.everydaywhole.com/">EverydayWhole </a>a few days ago so I thought I would share it with you too! We are talking all about one of my favorite Whole30 comfort foods... nachos. Wait, what? Nachos can't be Whole30 compliant can they? Well yes, as a matter of fact they can, and I am here today to tell you how to make the magic happen in the kitchen. With the nachos that is, at least for this guest post anyway.<br />
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If you know me you know that nachos and me are like peas n' carrots. Nachos have been there for me when no one else has. They are undoubtedly the epitome of comfort food for me and aside from that they are just freaking delicious. Who doesn't like piles of crispy chips, spicy chili, chicken, steak, salsa, guac, sour cream, ooey gooey cheese, beans, jalapenos? I mean, if you don't we probably can't be friends, or at the very least we will agree to agree that you are a weirdo. J/k... but you're missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures. Jus' sayin...<br />
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But Amy.... I am on Whole30!!! I can't have nachos!!! FAKE NEWS. I don't know about you but nachos are with me for the long haul. However, since Whole30 has increasingly become a bigger part of my daily life I have realized they don't really make me feel all that great after I eat them. Don't get me wrong, the real deal nacho mountain with corn tortilla chips (or Siete at least) will likely always make an occasional appearance in My Food Freedom but for the most part now I make a wide variety of new and improved versions at home. And so can you!<br />
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So, the coolest thing about making your own healthy nachos is that they can be anything at all. This is a fantastic way to use up leftovers which is 100% my jam cause... single Mom budget. All you need is a base, I like potatoes, some type of protein and a whole bunch of toppings. So let me just run thru the tried and true Whole30 compliant nacho making method I have come to count on in my hours of need. Take for example these Buffalo Ranch Chicken Chips I recently whipped up.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13on9KXHWyA/W5g1othA8_I/AAAAAAAAovA/4XLrbU_aLGMDT149y9rClG6RtitlScYgACLcBGAs/s1600/Buff%2BChick%2BChips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13on9KXHWyA/W5g1othA8_I/AAAAAAAAovA/4XLrbU_aLGMDT149y9rClG6RtitlScYgACLcBGAs/s640/Buff%2BChick%2BChips.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
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The base is just thinly sliced (pre-baked and re-baked) oven baked potatoes brushed with a little fat of your choice. Cook those babies in a 450 degree oven though, so they actually become baked chips. For this particular version I had leftover grilled chicken that I tossed with The New Primal Buffalo sauce then drizzled with more of that, Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing and sliced green onions. One of my favorite Whole30 hacks is to bake a bunch of potatoes at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge for other recipes later, like nachos (chips) and crispy breakfast potatoes for hash, etc.<br />
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Another favorite variation of Whole30 compliant nachos is the Sweet Potato Chips and Chili version. This is more of a fall/winter go-to for me so pretty much perfect to start working into the rotation for September Whole30. Unlike white potatoes I find you have to start with thinly sliced raw sweet potatoes and either fry them quickly in the fat of your choice or brush with oil and bake in a very hot oven till brown and crispy. Then load them up. This plate is <a href="http://meljoulwan.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/">Mel Joulwan's Chocolate Chili</a> topped with guac, red onion and taco seasoning and it is off the chain delish.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJxAfmow46k/W5g-oNyvNVI/AAAAAAAAovM/1vB9dXsqMDM65da-wk8PZYMHX4lPh8x8QCLcBGAs/s1600/sweet%2Bpotato%2Bnachos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJxAfmow46k/W5g-oNyvNVI/AAAAAAAAovM/1vB9dXsqMDM65da-wk8PZYMHX4lPh8x8QCLcBGAs/s640/sweet%2Bpotato%2Bnachos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am also a big fan of loaded fries so they are getting an honorable mention here too. Potato wedges brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper and baked until crispy really just beg to be doused in ranch dressing, bacon bits, green onions and tomatoes don't they? Trust me, they do. So don't forget about this as an option either.<br />
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Now, before you go getting all worried about me I am not eating Whole30 nachos and loaded fries every day, but once in awhile they really hit the spot. My kids love these types of recipes too and often they have no clue it's "that Whole30 stuff again", they just gobble it up. And for all of you who love to party and entertain like me, it is football season and the holidays are right around the corner. I promise, make any of these, or your own variation, in a sheet pan version and your guests will be very happy humans.<br />
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I hope this made you drool or at least gave you a few good ideas on how to change up your Whole30 game just a little now and then! Good Luck on your September Whole30 if you are doing one and have a great weekend!!!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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Amy<br />
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<br />Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-50072782445048331192018-08-20T00:00:00.000-04:002018-08-20T00:00:05.145-04:00September Whole30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whole30 does a really cool thing these days. The "National Whole30" used to only happen in January but that is no longer the case. Whole30 has grown so much in popularity, not only with the masses but with Whole30 approved partners who make great compliant foods to help you thru your Whole30, that they now officially run a September National Whole30 as well.<br />
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What does that mean exactly? Well, I'll tell you. It means that unlike the seventy something percent of people who say that they did their first Whole30 alone you can do it with a million other people. Well, maybe not a million, but I would say tens of thousands for sure. A national Whole30 not only offers anyone participating immense support and community but also countless opportunities to get deals, discounts and free stuff from all of the good folks who have products supported by or affiliated with Whole30. Sounds good right?<br />
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It definitely is but let's get back to the support piece for a minute. I did my very first Whole30 alone. I tell this story all the time but my best friend committed to doing it with me. I started on Jan 1, 2015 which was a Thursday, I know, who starts something new on a Thursday? I like starting on the first of the month because you never have to think too hard about what day you are on or how many days you have left. And I wanted to start Day 1 on Day 1 of the New Year. My bff started on the following Monday because you know, Monday is a perfect day for a fresh start too. She was in the drive thru getting a cheese burger by Tuesday lunch.<br />
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Not gonna lie, I was really disappointed. Selfishly, I did not want to go it alone and she screwed that all up for me. But, I was already 5 days in and there was no going back. So I got on Instagram and started looking for accounts to follow, people who had been there done that or were doing it right now, that I could follow along with and commiserate what I was sure was going to be a month from hell. I was overweight, unemployed, filled with anxiety and fear of an uncertain future and I wouldn't even be able to drink wine or eat nachos to make any of that better. Oh, and I was doing this crazy thing all by myself. I was 100% convinced that it would suck all the live long day for 30 straight days. Yeah, I had a great attitude. But something pretty amazing happened after the first week. I started to feel better physically and mentally I started feeling a little like a badass. Not all the way but I definitely was feeling my mojo coming back a little more each day and it was powerful!! That was my most successful round to date all things considered, it was also the hardest because I had to figure it all out on my own and the resources were just not as vast as they are now.<br />
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So, if you are considering or have ever considered doing a Whole30 maybe now is the time to really go for it. In addition to all of the support available out there for you I am running a private Facebook coaching group for $50.00 starting on September 3rd. Instead of going it alone you will have a group to chat with everyday, cheer each other on, provide support and accountability. You will have me too, your own personal coach to guide you through the entire month and your 2 week reintroduction. I will help you figure out what to buy, cook and eat. I will talk you off the ledge when you think you just can't get through day 3 and 4 because you want to kill all the things. I will share recipes and life hacks that have worked for me. I will help you navigate the waters of reintroducing when the 30 days are over. I promise it will be an investment in your health and a pretty small one at that. Some things that I have experienced that you may too are:<br />
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<li>Improved sleep</li>
<li>Clear skin</li>
<li>Mental focus</li>
<li>Diminished anxiety</li>
<li>Even temperament/no mood swings</li>
<li>Weight/Inches loss</li>
<li>No more bloat</li>
<li>No more stomach issues</li>
<li>A general sense of calm</li>
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Those are my faves but there are others as well. You might not experience all of these, you might experience other things altogether, everyone's journey is different. But I can guarantee that you will have so many positive effects during and after your Whole30!!</div>
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If it is something you think you might be interested in, check out my coaching page and sign up. I would love to help you change your life. You can do this. Hit me up if you have questions!</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Amy</div>
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<br />Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-1160225068754041972018-08-01T00:00:00.000-04:002018-08-01T00:00:14.031-04:00Currently: August<br />
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August is upon us already. How did that happen? Ugh, that means the kids are about to go back to school (this Thursday the 2nd) and I get to kiss my lazy schedule free-ish days goodbye for awhile. I just love the slower pace of summer. Not having to set alarms for 3 different people, think about packing multiple lunches, getting homework done, who has practice for what, when, where and how they will be getting there. But this is my life and it has been for so many years now. I am sure one day I will miss paying attention to the school calendar that I used to live and die by. Or maybe not. Anyway, I am heading off to Augusta this week, Park City this weekend, Statesboro next weekend and Columbus the following week... whew. Good times!<br />
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So let's get to what is quickly becoming one of the few posts I actually write anymore... Currently:<br />
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FOLLOWING<br />
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The <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/article/6-oprah_deepaks_21_day_meditation_experience?sso_code=eyJpdiI6IncwbjlmZU9UUXV3NWRBemdMZGZTcXc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiazVhUFZycDVXdGQyWmNHd1dwZ2RCZWZoMlVPdTIyUXg1ZG9vRHZhbUJPMXRZT0hERkp6YklKY1RrUEh1aU02MWJJRkVORzdJSG9XaVpFcWlCNHMxTXpKQ2F2RjFQQVBzVzZ6TTNGVysrOWc9IiwibWFjIjoiMjI0NThhZTBmMDgzOTBiZTg3MTA3YWZmZjE0NmQxNWNiMWY0NWNkYTk3ZjA0ZDFiMTVkZTllNTJkYWYxODQwMiJ9">Deepak Chopra/Oprah Winfrey 21-Day Meditation Experience</a>. You guys, this is my first real experience with a guided meditation and I LOVE IT. I need someone to plan these things for me or I just overthink it and my mind wanders. I love that there is music and they give you some loose instruction and techniques to keep you focused on the mantra. I have been getting up early and doing it sitting up in my bed before I start my day. A couple of times I just played it while I was sitting at my vanity getting ready for work. I am hooked, it feels very good and relaxing. I also feel that it helps me set an intention for the day toward something positive before the madness of life and work come rushing into my head. And, it's free!!! I highly recommend downloading it and giving it a try for yourself.<br />
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ORDERING<br />
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Too much stuff. My attempt to not buy thing I didn't need online failed miserably in July. I don't know what is wrong with me, I just can't seem to control myself lately. Jewelry, books and shoes seem to be the biggest triggers for me. I have found a whole bunch of small artisan jewelry makers (thanks Instagram) and have been adding to my collection all summer long. The latest favorite thing are these <a href="https://www.souvenirjewelry.com/products/large-barbed-wire-heart-hoop-earrings">barbed wire heart earrings</a> I got from @theholymountainism shop <a href="https://www.souvenirjewelry.com/">Souvenir Jewelry</a>. They are heavy and absolutely beautifully hand crafted. She has great flash sales too so follow her if you like that sort of thing!<br />
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<a href="https://www.souvenirjewelry.com/products/large-barbed-wire-heart-hoop-earrings"><img height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0990/5694/products/image_c98109da-f6dd-44b6-8ae6-78795d88fd46_1024x1024.jpg?v=1527219274" width="370" /></a></div>
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PINNING<br />
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Quotes about being a successful business owner. Always learning how do do things better. Never stop winning.<br />
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WATCHING<br />
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Really trying to limit my TV watchig these days in favor of books and creating content for my Whole30 coaching groups but... I am super excited for the return of two of my favorites. Season 6 of OITNB is back and I am loving the first few episodes already.<br />
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And Shameless Season 8 is finally on Netflix. I really missed my favorite dysfunctional family of Irish Catholic drunken losers. Can't wait to sink my teeth into this one too. <br />
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COUNTING<br />
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Down the days until the first annual Whole30 Coaches Summit in Park City, UT. I can't wait to actually meet all of my IG idols, go to "church" with Melissa Hartwig, do a real live TMAC workout with Todd McCullough and just soak up all of the knowledge and positive vibes this amazing group of men and women have to share. I am still totally feeling like "how am I really one of these people"? How did I become one of the first 100 Whole30 coaches in the world? Mind. Blown. Manifesting really works you guys, it is the craziest thing ever! I will be here in just a few days!!!<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.anneinresidence.com/">Anne</a>!!</div>
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Happy August!</div>
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AMY</div>
<br />Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-73616342020022152912018-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:002018-07-30T00:00:07.649-04:00Overcoming Imposter Syndrome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite life mantra's is Fake It Till You Make It. I have lived by this for most of my life and definitely at the onset of any new challenge, job, role or endeavor. Mostly because everytime I achieve a new goal or accomplishment I feel just a bit like a fraud. Like someone is going to find out that I really don't know exactly what the hell I am doing and call me out on it. Imposter Syndrome was actually named in the 80's and it's a very real thing for both men and women but I think especially women. I have graduated high school and college. I am raising 3 kids and have been parenting for 2 decades now. I have been married and divorced. I have had umpteen jobs. I have tons of life experience at all kinds of things. Guess how many times anyone has ever accused me of being a fraud? Zero. Yet at forty something years old I still feel those feelings of being an imposter. I bet a lot of you know exactly what I am talking about too.<br />
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For me it actually is much less now than it used to be. The truth of the matter is that no one pays anywhere near as much attention to you as you do. We think everyone is scrutinizing the way we do our jobs, parent our children, the clothes we wear, what we do in our spare time, and the reality is they couldn't give a rat's ass. They are too busy worrying about their own lives to give that much brain power to what the heck anyone else is doing and whether or not they are really capable of doing it.<br />
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I bring this up because even though I mostly feel like an expert in my own mind the imposter stuff creeps in now and again and I have to consciously squash it. I use this technique for a lot of negative thoughts in general, it's something that Danika Brysha teaches at the Brunch Series. Everytime I start thinking "what the hell am I doing, I can't do this and people are going to see that I am a fraud" about anything I consciously say a word or phrase out loud (if I am alone) or in my head to shift my thought pattern. It could be any word at all but just something to get your mind focused on what you are doing that is not serving you and cueing a mental shift. Seriously it works. Like right now my personal favorite is "Jimmy Choo Shoes", don't ask me why but it rolls off the tongue and makes me think of success. Pick a word and try it the next time you are having negative self thoughts, if nothing else you will start laughing and releasing some endorphins.<br />
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So here's the good news about Imposter Syndrome. Only high achieving people actually experience it. Those who set the bar really low and just skate by rarely feel like a fraud, they don't give a shit. So if you occasionally feel like this, congrats! It's because you likely aim high and are committed to giving your all in most everything that you do. What I have learned is that you don't have to achieve perfection to be worthy of a title, a promotion or an accolade. We are so hard on ourselves. You can be a work in progress and be an asset to many, a positive force, an important part of your team or a role model for someone else. How cool is that?<br />
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So, next time you start second guessing yourself just know that no one but you is likely even thinking about it. Own where you are, because you can be anywhere you want to be doing whatever it is that makes you happy. You should be an expert at that because one thing is for sure, no one else can be. Keep your head high, keep setting goals and when in doubt fake it till you make it.<br />
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Happy Monday!</div>
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AMY </div>
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<br />Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-71025958274537150502018-07-15T00:00:00.000-04:002018-07-15T00:00:08.787-04:00Doing A Whole30 Mini Reset - 5 Tips To Get You Through<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have done 4 complete Whole30's to date but just one real mini-reset this past May. I have tried many times to figure out where I could squeeze in another complete Whole30 throughout the year but for one reason or another it never seemed to fit. Newsflash... a mini reset turns out to be just as effective a tool for me at this point in my food freedom. If you have never done a Whole30 I wouldn't necessarily recommend this abbreviated version for a few reasons... 1.) if you are currently eating all the things it takes a good 30 days to get it all out of your system and start feeling the changes and 2.) it's just not enough time to effect change and plant the seed of real habit forming behavior. I am tentatively planning to do the national Whole30 in September but I need a little check right now so it's time for a mini... starting the 15th or 16th... TBD!<br />
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Fifteen days is not a long time. We all know 2 weeks zips by in the blink of an eye. So if you are going to do this mini reset thing you really want to maximize the benefits of it. That means the exact same hard core approach that you would have with a traditional Whole30. Here are a couple of tips for getting the most out of your mini reset. Just because it's a shorter amount of time doesn't mean you should relax the rules because then it wouldn't be a real Whole30 inspired anything now would it? So don't plan to mini reset but with creamer in your coffee... that's not how this works.<br />
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Here are a few things that you should definitely do to make your mini reset as successful as any traditional Whole30:<br />
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KEEP IT SIMPLE<br />
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Ok, so this is really my mantra for everything in life but especially this. The rules are there for a reason and following them to the letter actually makes life a whole lot easier. You don't have to use your brain too much when there are only 5 to remember. No sugar, dairy, grains, alcohol or legumes. Ok 6, DO NOT GET ON THE SCALE.<br />
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PREPARE<br />
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Here's a great benefit of the mini reset... you can probably grocery shop/meal prep one time for the whole thing. Don't skip this part either. You can't use the excuse that you don't have time for all of the cooking because you already cut the program in half. Also, it's hot out there right now, focus on making a lot of cold meals like chicken salad, hard boiled eggs, sliced roast beef, homemade slaw... these types of foods lend themselves to meal prep quite nicely and frees up a lot of time for other fun summer things! The Whole30 Instagram actually has a whole saved story on cold lunch ideas, check it out for inspiration!<br />
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BE SUPER CONFIDENT<br />
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You are a BOSS. It's not a Whole30 but it's something and you should be just as proud of doing this for yourself as anything else. Stay the course and fight the urge to throw in the towel because "it's not like you're really doing a Whole30 anyway", that's bullshit. You are doing something just as important, it's a commitment and you should take it seriously.<br />
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RESET YOUR SELF CARE<br />
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When I start allowing too many "worth it" foods back into my diet (I'm looking at you wine and cheese) I find myself <i>doing things</i> that are not as good for me either and neglecting my self care. For example; staying up late watching Netflix <strike>drinking wine</strike>, going out even though I know I should stay in, spending less focused time on my goals and daily check-list. One of the greatest things about the mini-reset is it just naturally resets everything else too. When you cut the crap you are putting into your body your mind becomes clear and you can refocus on everything else too. Bonus!<br />
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TRY SOMETHING NEW & SPECIFIC<br />
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Make some recipes you have never tried before, incorporate some type of new movement, start that book you have been meaning to get to. I find that having a finite period of time as a framework helps me actually check things off my list. For example... Somehow planning to take a 10 minute walk with the dog everyday for 2 weeks seems more inspiring than just saying "I am going to start walking my dog more". Or "during this mini reset I will cook 2 recipes from my new @thewholesmiths cookbook" instead of "I am going to cook some new recipes" and then falling down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest. Make it measurable!<br />
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These are just a few things that work for me and as I said if you are a Whole30 alum the mini reset can be a really great tool in your arsenal. I will never get as far off track as I once was but I can slip and slide with the best of them. Interested in joining me for a mini or for the national Whole30 in September? Check out my coaching packages or just shoot me an email and we can talk through what your personal goals are!<br />
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Cheers!!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-66344345770416217472018-07-04T00:00:00.000-04:002018-07-04T10:29:13.770-04:00Currently: July<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Well Hi there and a big old Happy Fourth of July to all of you!! I am not quite sure how we got half way through the year in the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">blink of an eye but here we are. I like this time of year, the half way point. It's a really good time to look back, pull out those annual goals you set in January and see how you are doing. It is also a hopeful time for me. If there is something I have yet to complete or even start I know I still have time to do it, it's only July after all!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Its never too late, we can get started, start over or completely change gears right this very minute. So I encourage you to take a minute and think about the rest of your year because now is when it really kicks into high gear. So let's get to what is happening over here currently...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmm... let's see... the Independence of our great nation of course because today is a great day in the history of the USA. Aside from that though, the anniversary of the birth of my only boy child 16 years ago on July 1st. Sixteen years ago I birthed a 10 lb. 10 oz. baby boy and lived to tell about it. Not by C-section... True story. Midwives are freaking amazing folks. He is also quite an amazing, kind, compassionate, smart and handsome young man and I am so proud to be his Mom. Behold the face of a guy about to destroy some cheesecake and a delirious dog. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif;"><br />This month Macon, Savannah and Augusta for work. Because let's send Amy to the hottest places in GA during the month of mother effing July. On my trip to Macon in a few weeks I plan to squeeze in a tour of the Hay House which is one of the most historic and distinguished structures in GA. Built between 1855 and 1859 it became a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and has only been lived in by two families. You can read all about it <a href="http://www.hayhousemacon.org/history/historic-home/#">here</a>. These pics show what it looked like in 1910 and what it looks like today. Looking forward to my little side trip. One of the perks of travelling around my own state is I get to really see the local treasures. I love the history and beauty of the old South!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well... most notably, the best triple berry cheesecake I have ever made in my life possibly. Two out of three of my children request cheesecake for every birthday. Number three has not figured out her favorite kind of birthday fat-assery yet but she's about to be a teen so it won't be long. This one is for the books and shall go down in history. Original recipe <a href="https://www.willcookforsmiles.com/mixed-berry-cheesecake-aka-red-white-blue-cheesecake/">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;">I bought the most comfy and perfect pair of mules ever this summer and I have been wearing the heck out of them. Check out the <a href="https://www.thefryecompany.com/melanie-gore-perf-mule-d-79197">Melanie Gore Perforated Mule</a> from Frye in light blue which is actually grey and not light blue in my opinion. I know, a bit pricey but beautifully made and they feel like air. Seriously I can't stand hot feet in the summer but sandals aren't always appropriate for even business casual. These are chic and cute at the same time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;">The Staircase on Netflix. You guys know I am a true crime whore. This. Is. Good. The story of American Novelist Michael Peterson (just how many murderers are named Peterson anyway?) who was convicted of murdering his wife in 2003 and granted a new trial in 2017. So, so good. If you love the most bizarre true crime shit that you couldn't make up if you tried, watch this. This guy is guilty AF but let me know what you think. </span><div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;">And that's about it on the currently front for me today. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;">Linking up with the amazing <a href="http://www.anneinresidence.com/">Anne </a> and her pal <a href="http://www.thequeeninbetween.com/">Shelly</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GOD BLESS AMERICA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AMY</span></div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-70194626584583062352018-06-29T00:00:00.000-04:002018-06-29T00:21:33.498-04:00Oh Hey Friday<br />
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This. Is. Me.<br />
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So I am never ever going to apologize for not being here anymore. This is my space and the coolest thing about it is I get to be here when I want to be. But ... LOOK... I did just a little bit of housekeeping here. The blog looks a bit cleaner... right? You can look at my coaching page but just know that it's not quite done. It's there but it's evolving. I'm thinking. If you are asking yourself what the hell I'm talking about... see this....<br />
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This is pretty much my biggest personal goal for 2018. My life is soooo not perfect but things this year are going so perfectly. Does that make sense? I am longing to write more and I am trying to figure out how I am going to fit that in and what that looks like. I hope you all hang with me until I get back to some sort of schedule here.<br />
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Big News! I am heading to Park City, UT in August for the first annual Whole30 Coaching Summit. Whaaaattttt? How could I not go? I can not wait to share all of that with you guys but first I have another month of life, work, dealing with kids, crazy ex, a new puppy (that's not even mine), the love life, figuring out what to eat, my self care check list and how to keep living my best life. Part of the reason I have not been writing as much is that I have been feeling a little "what do I write about?" So I am going to ponder that a lil bit. Suggestions welcome... what do you want to hear about?<br />
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I hope you guys are all killing it!!!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-1353139756608258692018-06-06T08:50:00.002-04:002018-06-06T08:50:22.791-04:00Currently; June<div style="text-align: center;">
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TRAVELING<br />
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Getting ready for a quick weekend in Asheville, NC for a lacrosse tournament. Unfortunately I doubt I will get to see too much but we are going to try to get in a tour of the <a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiyr7-Dib_bAhWVPYEKHXSSCGcYABAAGgJ5dw&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESEeD2AyCWO_i002G38PgiSYgr&sig=AOD64_1isxps1wRbBV3tpM_vxrKTMg7Ytg&q=&ved=0ahUKEwiX5reDib_bAhXHqlMKHQGCAa8Q0QwIJw&adurl=">Biltmore</a> and a visit to <a href="https://www.wickedweedbrewing.com/">Wicked Weed</a> Brewing. The most exciting news is that while everyone else on the team is shelling out $279.99 a night for the Hilton Garden Inn, Ava and I will be AirBnB'ing it for $89 a night on the lower lever of someone's mountain house. I am super excited not only to be saving some money but also to have a whole apartment to ourselves for the weekend!<br />
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GRILLING<br />
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Not a damn thing because my grill has officially died. I priced out all of the parts to fix it and I could almost buy a new grill for the same amount. It wouldn't be as nice of a grill but I just can't decide what makes more sense. Honestly my tolerance for heat and bugs is so low at this point in my life I almost don't give a shit about having a grill. If I had someone else who liked to grill different story. Me not so much! My air conditioned kitchen is fine by me.<br />
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EXPLORING<br />
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The idea of regularly scheduled Whole30's. I have really been struggling lately with the weight loss piece of the puzzle. I am doing just enough to stay exactly where I am and that is not what I want. I want to drop a pants size desperately. I am so frustrated by how hard it is at this stage of my life to lose weight at all. Once you hit your 40's it is brutal ladies. I think that just scheduling Whole30's and/or Whole15's will help me to that end. I have been a little down about this lately. It's in my head big time more so in the summer when we wear less clothing and I just feel gross.<br />
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PLANTING<br />
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All I am doing this year is my front porch and I did it before the Brunch Series. Someone told me to feed my ferns plant food and Epsom salt and oh my goodness are they growing like gangbusters! Done.<br />
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PLAYING<br />
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<li>Post Malone's new album Beerbongs & Bentleys on repeat. I LOVE it</li>
<li>The Lottery... well thinking about it anyway</li>
<li>Mind games with myself... visualizing a healthier body, multiple streams of income, a meaningful relationship </li>
<li>How many days can I go without sleeping in? What ever happened to lazy summers? Why am I setting my alarm clock for Saturday and Sunday activities? I do not like this.</li>
<li>Not much tennis because I jacked up my right knee doing... wait for it... absolutely nothing. It just hurts, because I am old most likely. </li>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.anneinresidence.com/">Anne</a> for Currently...</div>
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<br />Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-74536079262389534002018-06-05T10:10:00.001-04:002018-06-05T10:10:32.223-04:00The Brunch Series: Atlanta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you may now know Memorial Day weekend I hosted the Atlanta stop on <a href="http://www.danikabrysha.com/thebrunchseries/">Danika Brysha's Brunch Series Tour</a> and to say that it was a bit of a life changing event would be totally accurate. I am so in awe of her path to transform her life into the life of her dreams but also in the way she connects with others and has chosen to try to help them do the same. Not too long ago she was 6 figures in debt and living in her parents garage but since then, one day at a time, with purpose and intention she has been steadily building a new life for herself. Her business is thriving, she met a fantastic life partner, she is totally living her passion and it radiates from every fiber of her being. And also... she is just super cool, insanely beautiful and feels like your best friend from the first moment you meet her.<br />
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I know... you may be thinking this all sounds a little hippy dippy woo woo for me. Well, I have experienced for myself how life can begin to change for the better when you just reframe the way you think about things. I really believe the control your inner dialogue has over every aspect of your life, and that you can change the direction you are going by implementing certain things into your daily routine. It is something that I have been working on for some time albeit a little half-assed, trying to silence the negative and think and act like the person with the life that I want... a lot of fake it till you make it but I know that it works when you do specific things consistently. I am just never exactly sure what the best things are to be doing. Enter Danika...<br />
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The Brunch Series event itself is about creating the life of your dreams and finding authentic happiness. These are women only events because so many of us spend our lives putting everyone else's happiness before our own. Danika talks about creating your own self-care checklist to help with daily accountability towards healthy habits and crushing all of your goals. Built into this work are the following topics:<br />
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<li>Self-love</li>
<li>Healthy Relationships</li>
<li>Finding your passion</li>
<li>Creating income through doing what you love</li>
<li>Body positivity</li>
<li>Mindfulness</li>
<li>Affirmations</li>
<li>Manifestation tools and</li>
<li>Food Freedom</li>
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So here is how it all went down...Danika, Billy and Kingsley (their 200 lb. English Mastiff) came over Saturday afternoon and we had some time to hang out, get set up and discuss the schedule for the next day. She is totally one of those people that you hug and feel like you've known forever. Good, easy energy and so is he. What a sweet couple (and they met on Tinder of all places, maybe there is hope for me yet)! Getting to hang a bit with them and just be relaxed was super cool.<br />
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Sunday was amazing, a bit of a blur, so much fun and really life changing. Women came to my home from all over GA and 2 even came from Tennessee to join us. We started the day off with coffee, matcha lattes and light bites prepared by Chef Bill Haley and his sous chef for the morning, my daughter Ava. Fresh fruit, dairy free coconut yogurt parfaits and egg bites welcomed my guests to the kitchen. A few people came in pairs but I was pretty surprised by how many came solo. Considering the format that was pretty brave I thought. My great room was set up in a circle and draped in yellow and grey Mexican blankets which actually made it feel like a big meditation room and that was awesome because everyone felt comfy and relaxed.<br />
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We started off the workshop with a secret sharing exercise that was a little scary but a good ice breaker and so insightful. With eyes closed everyone sat and listened while our secrets were passed around the room and we each took a turn reading one. I was not prepared for the emotion to ramp up so quickly. Seriously, tears were shed by a lot of us just hearing the things that other women keep secret, have shame about or just plain don't' like about themselves. Mostly because so many of us share the same secrets and I know if I was hearing myself in so many of those little pieces of paper being passed around then others must be too. It was shocking to hear how many of us feel that we are just not enough (this was the most common by far), unhappy in our relationships, dysfunctional with food, miserable in our jobs, hate our bodies. And afraid... afraid to do any number of things for any number of reasons... also a common thing. Experiencing the courage and the vulnerability it took to share and the emotions that spilled over as a result was pretty moving. Over and over women said this was so out of their comfort zones but they felt like if they were going to make the effort to come they were going to be all in.<br />
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We learned about the self care checklist that Danika swears by. This is the one thing I was really curious about. I feel like I have always sucked at it. I also feel like I waste a lot of time because I am not focused enough... squirrel. The whole idea of taking some time first thing upon waking every day to focus only on myself, goals, to-dos, gratitude, scheduling, meditate... is something I feel is much needed in my life. I want this to be a habit. I've been up at 5:30 every day this past week going through these steps and checking the little boxes and I am really loving it. It's only supposed to take about 10 minutes so it's not like some big ordeal, just an action plan to take daily steps toward your big picture, whatever it may be. At the end of the day you revisit the list, go through your night time routine and set up a new checklist for the next day. Ideally you should take one day off a week from the checklist, which doesn't mean you don't do any of those things, just a break from the actual list part. I made a template in Evernote and plan to write another post on that at some point but would be happy to share if anyone is interested.<br />
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In between the morning and afternoon parts of the workshop we of course had Brunch!!! Chef Billy is not only gorgeous, funny and charming, but Chef can throw down in the kitchen too. We had a complete paleo/whole30 style dairy free, gluten free, grain free brunch and it was delicious. Sadly I lingered in the house a bit too long and by the time I made it out to the buffet it wasn't really picture perfect but damn was it good! The afternoon was spent talking about strategies to find your passion, set goals and crush them, improve relationships. I felt very much like as the day went on we were all becoming friends, supporting and encouraging each other all day long. Women empowering women and lifting each other up was one of THE best parts of the day.<br />
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I am so super excited to keep on this path to becoming the best version of me I can be. I highly recommend attending one of these events when they make a stop in your town. It was a very unique and worthwhile experience. I am so glad I said YES. Speaking of saying yes and being intentional does anyone remember my <a href="http://www.crazywisewoman.com/2018/01/goals-part-deux-18-for-2018.html">18 for 2018 post</a> from the beginning of the year? Well, one of the things I said I wanted to do was host a brunch in my home because I hadn't ever really had a real one. Well, the universe delivered me up 35 women friends, one man to do all the cooking and a big English mastiff. See... I put it out there and I got it back.<br />
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I cannot stress enough... If you have the opportunity to go to this event near you... GO!!! You will not be disappointed!</div>
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Cheers to making memories and crushing goals.</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-77034993300420120492018-05-24T18:37:00.000-04:002018-05-24T18:37:40.844-04:00Slip N' Slide Logic: Mini Reset TimeSo I have been thinking... summer is, for all intents and purposes, here and I've fallen a bit short on a few of the goals I set for myself this year. I have had a sort of mental/emotional setback (aka STRESS) just dealing with general life stuff and I feel like it has me slightly derailed and unfocused. I have definitely been on that slippery slope from a Whole30 food stand point and I want to get it dialed in now before this happens... or I face plant into a plate of nachos.<br />
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Because you know, a lot of times you are on the slip n' slide of life and thinking "hey I'm sliding and I know it but I am also in total control". Wrong.<br />
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Sometimes you are sliding so gracefully that you can even fool yourself into thinking you are doing it maybe not exactly the right way but hey... it's your way. Wrong. That's not how this works.<br />
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And then there are those other times when you are doing it the wrong way. You're not really slipping but really you are still slipping. You played yourself.<br />
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My point in this gif story is that even when you think you screwed up so bad that you might be about to actually lose it, you can recover...<br />
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Except maybe from this, but thankfully THIS is not THAT. </div>
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So.... I am doing something I have never done because I want something I've never had. More than one thing but for the sake of this post let's keep it simple. I am going to do a real Mini Reset the Whole30 way. Basically a Whole15 because I think that will be enough to get me back to where I need to be. I am just not feeling my best and I know it is because I have let dairy, sugar and alcohol creep back into my diet in quantities that are dangerous for me personally. And that doesn't mean I am having a bottle of wine, a block of cheese and a pint of sea salt carmel gelato every night. It just means that it's getting a wee bit out of control and the best way for me to check it is to lock up the brakes and stop slippin and slidin.<br />
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So with that I am starting my Mini Reset on May 29th because I personally like starting the day after a holiday. I know this is exactly what I need and there is a slim chance I may actually turn it into a Whole30 but I am not sure yet. These are my main goals for the 15 days (aside from the obvious food related ones):<br />
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<li>Get back on a regular sleep schedule, I have been staying up way too late</li>
<li>Cut way back on caffeine intake, I suspect it is adversely affecting me and I want to test it</li>
<li>Finish my Whole30 Coaching test tracks. Sleep + Focus and this will fall into place.</li>
<li>Spend some time revisiting the goals I made in January, assess and re-work a bit if necessary.</li>
<li>Make time for self-care, I have been really bad at taking care of me for about the last 4 weeks. Enough of that.</li>
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Two weeks flies by and doing this reset now won't impact any of my summer plans, the 4th of July, trip to Asheville, concerts, etc. I should probably really do this more often. So... anyone care to join me? You don't have to do what I am doing but of course if you want to I can totally help and hold your hand. But you could commit to 15 days of something important to you...healthy eating, exercise, no booze, no Starbucks, no spending, no eating out... anything. What do you need to work on? Just having a plan makes me feel better already.</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-36163259058650646962018-05-07T11:46:00.000-04:002018-05-07T11:46:01.797-04:00Mondays Are For Gratitude<div style="text-align: center;">
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Lately I am humbled by all of the good things in my life. Is everything perfect? Nope. Does it matter? Also nope. I have been trying to remind myself every day to look at the little things and be as grateful for them as I would be for winning the lottery.<br />
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So today I am grateful for a few things in no particular order.<br />
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My oldest child returned home safe and sound from her first year away at college. Thrilled beyond words to have her home for the summer... even though I had to get her to move her car at 7:30 this morning. My house and my heart feel full again.<br />
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I had a little fender bender last week and thankfully walked away. A little sore for a few days and my car needs some repair but it just struck me how quickly life can change. And how stupid Atlanta drivers can be. Grateful that it is just a minor inconvenience in the scheme of things.<br />
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My ex and I are getting a long so well it's scary. Making the decision to just not fight with him has been a huge turning point. We just co-exist, like friends. Who knew?<br />
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The guy I have been dating is so NOT what I was looking for but turns out he's perfect for right now. Neither of us want serious but we both want someone to do stuff with. I mean, this is perfect, he's willing to go anywhere I want to go. Plus he helped me paint my kitchen, trimmed some hedges and is fixing my gas grill. Also he exceeds my height requirement and we laugh a lot. Oddly grateful for Tinder.<br />
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So grateful that I got the opportunity to coach another friend through her first Whole30. Her results were amazing and I feel that much more confident in knowing that I can achieve this goal of being a successful Whole30 Coach. Now to finish my testing!!<br />
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My own health goals for the year are still on track and we are 5 months in.This is a record for me I think. Grateful that I'm finally in a place where I can give myself a little grace and know that it's not about being perfect every day.<br />
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And then there is the beautiful spring weather, all of the flowers and trees blooming, my amazing friends and family, my good health, happy kids, cauliflower crust pizza, Perfect bars and wine. I am always grateful for wine.<br />
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Happy Monday!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-31866481662522039342018-04-24T00:00:00.000-04:002018-04-24T00:00:18.352-04:00Weekending & A Big Catch-Up...<br />
I haven't been here in awhile so I am just going to write. I'm not sure why I haven't blogged in forever and a day, I guess it's harder to fit into my days these days. But I miss it so how about we catch up for just a minute here? How the hell are you guys???<br />
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I never thought I would be a blogger that only used IG but apparently that is what I have become. Aka not really a blogger that writes an actual blog. Hopefully you all follow along and see that I am alive and well. Really well actually. It is almost the end of April and I am still taking good care of myself. My Whole30 journey continues to be the best it has ever been for me. I applied and got accepted to the coaching program and am currently studying to take the first track of tests toward certification. Track 1 is a 100 question multiple choice test. You guys, I am scared. I can't remember the last time I had to take a test like this, I mean, we are talking a long ass time. And I know this stuff backwards and forwards but still, I can stump myself just by overthinking it. If I make an 80 I pass and if I don't I get one shot at a re-take. But how could I fail? See... overthinking. It's the finer points and the science-y stuff behind Whole30 that I don't think about every day that worry me. So what do I do... just pick a day as my "test day" and commit to take it that day? A weekend, evening, first thing in the morning? Give me your best test-taking strategies people.<br />
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Aside from that I am actually kinda-sorta quietly "coaching" someone I know from the blogosphere of yore on her first Whole30 and I have to say she is freaking killing it. I don't know how much I am helping since I don't even know what I am doing but just trying to be available to her for support and Q&A, food/recipes and motivation. This has helped tremendously to see that I have to have a plan. So in addition to all the test taking going on over here I am trying to come up with ideas for running this business like coaching packages, how and when I will be available, private FB groups, meal prepping/planning and maybe some one-on-one options for locals. If you have used any type of online coaching I would love to hear your thoughts on anything you loved, found really helpful or even didn't like at all.<br />
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Aaaand... I just had the most awesome weekend like ever. Sweetwater 420 Fest rolled into Atlanta and all of my favorite bands and music came with it. One of my besties and I stayed at my friends condo in Inman Park for free all weekend long rather than doing the hotel thing and it was sooooo much better. I'm telling you, airbnb is the way to go y'all. This was a little different since I know the owner but I just love having a place and not just a room somewhere. We had great food, drinks, music and weather, until Sunday when it rained. But... it always rains so I was prepared with my trusty <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60283421/">Ikea poncho</a>. I swear to God you guys this is one of the best investments I have made. I have used this thing countless times for kids sporting events and now a festival.<br />
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<img alt="KNALLA Rain poncho IKEA The poncho folds into its own pocket and easily fits in your backpack or briefcase." height="320" src="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/knalla-rain-poncho-black__0477410_PE616995_S4.JPG" width="320" /><img alt="KNALLA Rain poncho IKEA The poncho folds into its own pocket and easily fits in your backpack or briefcase." height="320" src="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/knalla-rain-poncho-black__0243419_PE382713_S4.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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I am so proud of myself because I was uber prepared this time with all of my festival needs. You can laugh if you want to but I went to the dark side this year and wore a fanny pack all weekend long and it was glorious. Having something on your shoulder, back or cross body gets old after a day or so of sweating and rubbing on your skin soooo I went there. I opted for this super festive <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYDKMX7/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thcrwiwo03-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LYDKMX7&linkId=22c114d5725f5b650c7e448125617163">Sojourner Festival Fanny Pack</a> and it was perfect. I crammed a lot of crap in it too and it worked like a charm.<br />
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The other best idea I ever had was to purchase a super compact fold up blanket because I am old and I like to sit on my ass when I am watching concerts. I mean I'll stand a bit but mostly festivals are for popping a squat on the grass and chilling. And I don't do grass or damp ground or bugs so the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072QD1RPY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thcrwiwo03-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B072QD1RPY&linkId=e2b68ef2a0aa4cdd90d4cebd6039a4b5">Mighty Monkey</a> blanket was worth every penny and then some. Seriously, if you go to outdoor events this thing is the bomb.<br />
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And on that note I'll leave you with some pictures. I saw A LOT this weekend. This 420 was one of the best ever from a music standpoint and the fashion was undeniably epic. I hope you saw my stories but just in case you missed it... go back, I saved a few good ones.<br />
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The nights were magical by the fountain.</div>
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Food and drinks did not disappoint either...</div>
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But mostly the stages and the music were just out of this world. Hard to choose favorites but Sturgill Simpson, Tedeschi Trucks, Anders Osborne, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters probably topped my list. </div>
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Oh and then there was this kid... Brandon "Taz" Niederauer who played his own set and killed it but the proceeded to jam on stage with all of the acts that followed him. What were you doing when you were 14?<br />
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I have so many pics I might have to do another post but that's it for now. It was a fabulous weekend and I am so glad I went. And that I took Monday off. I am still pooped so I am gonna leave this right here. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Time for me to go study!!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-51971696127607763502018-04-02T11:43:00.000-04:002018-04-02T11:43:10.103-04:00Monday Motivation - Here's What I Know<div style="text-align: center;">
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What could be more motivation than stepping on the scale on a Monday and finding 5.5 more pounds got kicked to the curb in the month of March? Well for me that is pretty damn motivating. I think I laid out my goals <a href="http://www.crazywisewoman.com/2018/03/are-you-done-with-your-whole30-yet.html">here</a> for the next few months but for a mini re-cap I basically decided to shoot for 5 lbs. a month to reach -30 lbs by June 1-ish. I say "ish" because the key for me so far this year has been reasonable expectations. In the past I think that one of my sources of weight loss frustration has been setting really specific goals. Maybe not totally unattainable but frustrating for me when I missed the mark. I don't want to be crazy strict about every little thing I eat or drink 24/7. When that is what I need I have Whole30 to turn to and I know it works every time.<br />
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So.... I have lost 22.5 lbs so far this year. I have gained a lot too, a lot of insight that is, into a way of eating that I really think I can maintain long term. What I have learned this year is that a shift in perspective seems to be making a difference for me. I proved to myself this last month that I can eat whatever I want and I don't have to plan super far ahead, write everything down or track it in a fitness app. I just have to decide if it's worth it. This has been pretty life changing if you want to know the truth because I am a planner. It's part my personality but also, when it comes to food, part not trusting myself to make those decisions in the moment. I am not sure why exactly but as it turns out I can make those decisions in the moment and I can be satisfied with whatever I decide and not beat myself up over it. Who knew. After January Whole30 and February Re-Introduction I made March all about not planning a damn thing to see if I could do it and still stay focused.<br />
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And what I mean by that is I didn't predetermine what I was and wasn't going to have for the month. I didn't scour menus before heading to a new restaurant, I ate girl scout cookies 2 at a time, I drank black and tan's on St. Patty's day, I shared an order of blue cheese chips with a friend at a bar and each of these times I stopped and thought... "do I really want this and is it worth it?" I know there were other things I passed up that weren't, like pizza, chicken biscuits and donuts. On my radar but still, didn't feel like pulling the trigger in the moment. Having what I want and completely letting go of the guilt has been 1000% liberating.<br />
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Here is what else I know. On the positive side...My pants are loose, like all my favorite jeans are constantly needing to be pulled up. My tennis skirts are looser and way more comfy, also the undershorts stay put instead of constantly rolling or riding up. Shocker. I have more bras... that fit. I don't miss beer anywhere near as much as I thought as I thought I would. On the other hand... not gonna say negative because anything you learn along the way is positive, I can clearly identify some slippery slope/no brakes foods for me and they are not changing AT ALL. Wine is a biggie, I have to be really careful to stop myself at a certain point. Gluten free crackers/chips are another one. Just as easy to eat a bag of those as it is Doritos Jacked. Maybe not exactly but still. Dairy free cream-type cheeses are also like a trigger. Is it somehow better to eat dairy free if you still eat the whole tub in 2 days? That would be a no.<br />
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In other news my application to be a Whole30 Certified Coach was officially accepted and I am really excited. I also am anxiously waiting to see who the New Primal chooses to receive the scholarship toward the certification fees and praying I win! That will be announced this Wednesday so send me all the positive winning vibes you can muster.<br />
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Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-38446844744606640532018-03-22T00:00:00.000-04:002018-03-22T00:00:25.794-04:00Thursday Thoughts & News<div style="text-align: center;">
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This week flew by for me. Anyone else? We are having one last cold snap I guess here in the South and it feels like we are back to winter so while I am hibernating tonight I thought I would kot down a few random, totally random, thoughts.<br />
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Remember when I said I needed to reevaluate some of the ways in which I currently spend my time <a href="http://www.crazywisewoman.com/2017/12/i-am-not-available-goals-for-2018-part-1.html">here</a>? So yeah, I have been doing a heck of a lot of that and also doing some different things too. New places, new faces and all of that. God, this is great!!! Why did I not ditch some of this crap sooner? I declined summer women's tennis and handed off the baton of captaining my summer mixed team. Whew... what a relief. A couple people were like wait... what are you going to do? Who is going to captain?<br />
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It's March 22 and I have officially dropped a pants size this year. Halle-freaking-lujah. I have to say I am feeling pret-ty good about myself right now. Momentum is super high and not stopping anytime soon!<br />
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I have decided that this is also a year of yes for me. So instead of waiting for the right time I am just saying yes to a lot more because who knows if the right time will ever come. Sooooo... I put in my application to be a <a href="https://coach.whole30.com/">Whole30 Certified Coach</a>. I was thinking maybe I should wait until I have accomplished all my health goals first but then again... nah. This part I got so why not maybe help others and create a little business around it? Hopefully I will be accepted, but I should find out in a few days. Then the process is about 4-8 weeks of testing plus a 30 day mentorship. The kicker is that <a href="https://thenewprimal.com/">The New Primal</a> is offering 2 scholarships for the certification fees right now and that was what really sealed the deal for me. I am applying for that too so everyone keep your fingers crossed. This would be so huge and a chance for me to really do something I am so very passionate about as another aspect of my career!<br />
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My other big news is that I applied for and was accepted to be a host for <a href="http://www.danikabrysha.com/thebrunchseries/">The Brunch Series Tour</a> with <a href="http://www.danikabrysha.com/">Danika Brysha</a>. This was another one of those "omg should I really do this thing" moments for me and I just said yes, doing it. And well, I'm really doing it. Danika is a curve model with IMG, Model Meals founder, wellness, body positive, selfcare coach in CA. She and her chef/boyfriend are going on the road for 8 months across the country hosting these events that focus on building the life of your dreams and finding authentic happiness. I am beyond excited to be part of this. I am sure I will be sharing more as the date approaches but if you are anywhere near Atlanta and want to come to the event at my house click <a href="http://www.danikabrysha.com/thebrunchseries/lasvegas-mpgw3-wtjla-647sf-hknmf-7dc9z-sdfys-g7hhy-g7hns-sg3br-4b87n-bjn6e-j57gh">here</a>. <br />
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Happy Thursday! Peace...</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-36736439771634864692018-03-14T09:24:00.001-04:002018-03-14T09:24:36.591-04:00Are You Done With Your Whole30 Yet?<div style="text-align: center;">
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I am getting to the point in the year when I usually start slipping a bit with my new year health and fitness goals. I would say in most cases, by about Easter, when the weather is warming up, patios are opening and brunch becomes a weekend requirement that I start preparing to take a flying leap off the proverbial wagon. And also people are asking me "Aren't you done with your Whole30 yet?" which is hella annoying. Umm yes I am, because it's a Whole30 but that doesn't mean I am done done ya know?!!!<br />
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The first year I did a Whole30 I actually stayed on the wagon until about May and then I met that one guy and all we did was eat and drink and go out all summer and that was that. So here we are in mid-March and I am about at the 20 lb. weight loss mark. Wooo Hoooo!!! When I say I have been here a bajillion times before I am not exaggerating. But for the sake of this post I wanted to list out some of the good things that seem to start happening to me around the magic 20 lb. mark. I don't know why, it's just magic.<br />
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Looser Clothing - All clothing is noticeably looser, to me anyway, unfortunately not to 99.9% of everyone else. This leads to increased time spent in my closet trying on things that don't fit to see how close they actually are to fitting again. Which leads to planning to stick with it for another however much longer I think it will take for those clothes to fit again. Does anyone else play these mental closet games? I am still annoyed that no one else can tell I've lost 20 lbs though. Jerks.<br />
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Diminished Appetite - Don't get me wrong, I still get hungry. I definitely think that something about eating garbage food just makes you crave more garbage. To the point where you physically feel hungry when you are not, like all the time. I am sure there are psychological and chemical reasons for this but all I know is I am less starving. I am consistently more satisfied and able to really discern hunger from craving. #HUGE<br />
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Sense of Accomplishment - I think up until I hit 20 lbs. I feel like "I'm not even sure this is working". For some reason in my mind 20 lbs is legitimate weight loss and anything less is not significant. I know, I know that's not right but this is about me so... sorry.<br />
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Renewed Commitment -Something about losing 10 pounds twice makes me feel like hey, I can really do this like multiple times because I actually just did. Good thing too because as I said before this is where I sometimes want to fall off the wagon.<br />
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Exercise Gets Easier - Honestly, this is when I start to notice a difference in my tennis game. Dragging 20 more pounds around on the court is a big deal. I notice that getting to tough shots where I really have to hustle is just a bit easier. Not only can I get there and execute, I feel less winded/tired and able to recover quicker for the next point. Why this always sort of surprises me I still don't know.<br />
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The other not so magic-y part about losing 20 lbs. is that here is when I start thinking about all the times I quit and gained it back instead of pushing myself to keep going. In my mind I feel like anyone can lose 20 lbs., it's not that big of a deal but we all know it is. I am just the last person to actually give myself credit for it. I am trying my best to stay off the scale except on the first of the month so I won't really be able to report for sure until then but I am sitting at 18.5 to 19 pounds last weigh in so I am confident that by Easter I will hit and surpass 20. My next goal, just putting it out there, is 30 by June 1 and/or fitting into this one particular pair of white jeans that have been hanging in my closet for 2 seasons. White jeans.... what was I thinking? They always look so cute on other people and dammit I am going to wear them at least once, comfortably for sure.<br />
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Thanks for listening to me ramble:)<br />
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-86675662975850825842018-03-09T11:34:00.000-05:002018-03-09T11:34:28.938-05:00Five Things Friday - Fresh Looks For Spring<br />
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I don't know about you guys but spring makes me want to buy new things. New clothes especially because you can still get away with covering up a bit before it hit 100 muther fucking degrees in GA. This year I am also a bit obsessed with new things for my house. Things that look lighter, airier, fresh and modern. Here are 5 things currently on my spring radar.<br />
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MY UNIFORM<br />
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I live in black pants and simple tops. I am sure I have at least 25 menswear inspired denim, light blue, French blue and/or white shirts to go with my 99 pairs of black pants. So why wouldn't I want more? This<a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1088716&pcid=1088716&vid=1&pid=209968012"> Marinwood Stripe Poplin Shirt</a> from Athleta is seriously calling my name. I love the ribbon detail down the back, so different and super chic. These <a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1088716&pcid=1088716&vid=1&pid=210237022">Stellar Crop Pants</a> claim to be the only pants you need for spring. I'll be the judge of that but they do look mighty comfy. One thing I am diligent about is retiring the black pants the minute they start to fade. Nothing looks worse than faded black anything. Don't do it. I totally think these would be Friday friendly for work with some crisp white Adidas or a pair of fun flats.<br />
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Enter <a href="https://rothys.com/">Rothy's</a> fun flats. Has anyone bought these yet? They are made of recycled plastic water bottles and are cute, comfy and sustainable. Oh and machine washable... whaaaat? I have not taken the plunge as they do carry a steep price tag for a ballet flat... $125 for round toe, $145 for pointy, but I hate most of the cheap flats I own. They are just not comfy at all and usually if I find a pair that is comfy they look sloppy or slipper-ish. I have my eyeballs on both the leopard because I consider that a neutral and the camo. </div>
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EAMES CHAIRS<br />
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You might think I am nuts but these classic <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LDR8SDO/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thcrwiwo03-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LDR8SDO&linkId=c71a4293fd637494ebeeab07ce5e0aec">Eames Chairs</a> are currently in my Amazon shopping cart for my kitchen. I want to get rid of the wood/upholstered seat chairs I currently have and freshen up with something light, bright and modern. Ten years ago the thought of keeping these clean would have been daunting with peanut butter and jelly fingers everywhere but now I am pretty sure we can manage.<br />
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CHANDELIER<br />
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I keep going back and forth with a new light fixture over the kitchen table and I saw this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N51M9UU/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thcrwiwo03-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N51M9UU&linkId=ac3c0dba9345dbe1d6b43dc5515da3d1">Sputnik Chandelier</a> in a magazine photo and I am kind of thinking it might be the one. Lighting can be so expensive but since I do not plan on this being my home for too many more years I don't want to break the bank. For $112.99 this might be the perfect solution, a pretty upgrade for me that I will have no heartburn over leaving behind.<br />
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Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543567497932789308.post-90356950451826490422018-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:002018-03-07T09:54:50.066-05:00Currently; March<div style="text-align: center;">
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Spring is definitely in the air here in Atlanta. The cherry trees and pear trees are blooming. Daffodils and tulips are everywhere. I am bracing for the impact of all the horrendous yellow pollen that is about to rain down upon us.<br />
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Time for a little catch up with <a href="http://www.anneinresidence.com/">Anne</a> and <a href="http://www.foxysdomesticside.com/">Sarah</a> for what I am up to <i>Currently</i>...<br />
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PLANNING - My calendar for the next two months. It's jam packed with lots of fun stuff and lots of work... I hope. Fun stuff this month including the start of spring tennis for 2 teams, mixed and ladies. I said I wasn't going to play two in one season again but ... last time I swear. I'm going out for St. Paddy's Day this year too. I have not done that in I don't know how long but it is a Saturday after all. My local bar is having a dueling pianos show. It's been at least a decade since I've been to one of those. Also there will be $2 green beers, $5 Jameson shots and $6 Irish Car Bombs. Crap.<br />
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SEEING - This really tall guy. He's 6'-4". I gotta say, no offense to the shorties out there, but as someone who has always been painfully aware of my own size in terms of feeling too big I am in hog heaven. I actually feel LITTLE when I am with him. It's glorious. He's really sweet too, I like him. Or maybe he's just tall, not sure yet.<br />
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MAKING - Brussels Sprouts like they are going out of style. I seriously can't get enough of them. My current favorites are balsamic roasted so they get that sweet crispy caramelized action and <a href="http://www.thedefineddish.com/warm-brussels-sprout-bacon-caesar-salad/">Warm Brussel Sprout Bacon Caesar Salad</a><br />
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PRETENDING - That I 100% have this Whole30 life in the bag forever. That I am ready to sign up to be a coach because I am a success story. That I will never go back to my old ways of eating/drinking. That I have my shit together finally... because #fakeittillyoumakeit. It really works.<br />
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WEARING - Glasses. I finally went to get my eyes checked and got a prescription for distance and driving at night because apparently I am middle aged and in need. I don't actually have said glasses yet, they are on order but they are really cute and I will share later. Why in the eff didn't someone tell me how many thousands of pairs of cute designer glasses are out there??? Prada and Tiffany had me crying over their price tags. I went Costco. It's fine.<br />
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Cheers.</div>
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Amy @The Crazy Wise Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09874810213852628465noreply@blogger.com7