SOCIAL MEDIA



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.

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:

  • Buy some hiking shoes and hit Sweetwater Creek State Park. 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.

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.


  • Finish the book Food Freedom Forever that I bought 2 years ago and do a real Whole30 Reintroduction phase by the book. Complete with mini-resets as needed.
DONE - So worth it.

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. 

  • Have a date night with my kids once a month and pick a new place at least every other time. 
NOPE - This turned out to be a lot less practical and budget friendly than I imagined it would be.

  • Go to Michigan.
DONE

  • Lose 30 lbs. This really not that daunting considering that most likely after Whole30 is over I'll be close to halfway there. 
DONE

  • Paint and purge at least 3 areas/rooms of my house that I currently am not fond of. 
PARTIALLY DONE - One room completely, others started but not finished. I consider this one a disappointment. I could have done better here.

  • Practice the One Minute Rule 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. 
GAME CHANGER - I have embraced this and it has had amazing results on just keeping my spaces tidy from day to day.
  • 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.
NOPE - no comment
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.
PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL - I made it for drinks. I'll be back though.
  • Take a one day/afternoon class in something I have never done before.
DONE - Took a holiday cocktail class at Gunshow and it was super fun to learn the actual techniques and tools for proper bartending.
  • Read 12 books or 1 a month.
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.
  • 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.
SUCCESSFUL - No shame in cracking the whip as needed.
  • 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?
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!
  • Take the kids on a surprise weekend trip somewhere unexpected that we can drive to. Southerners give me ideas!!!
WELP - 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!
  • Find a way to organize my shoes. Ugh... this part of my closet is an embarrassment.
DONE - I bought this shoe rack from the Container Store and I love it!
  • Bake a grain free paleo cake. I have this beautiful book on paleo baking and I haven't even made a damn cake yet.
NOPE - I probably would have eaten the majority of it myself so it's whatever. Maybe this year!


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!

Cheers!

Annual Check In - 2018 Goals: How I Did

Monday, December 31, 2018



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.

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:

  • Buy some hiking shoes and hit Sweetwater Creek State Park. 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.

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.


  • Finish the book Food Freedom Forever that I bought 2 years ago and do a real Whole30 Reintroduction phase by the book. Complete with mini-resets as needed.
DONE - So worth it.

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. 

  • Have a date night with my kids once a month and pick a new place at least every other time. 
NOPE - This turned out to be a lot less practical and budget friendly than I imagined it would be.

  • Go to Michigan.
DONE

  • Lose 30 lbs. This really not that daunting considering that most likely after Whole30 is over I'll be close to halfway there. 
DONE

  • Paint and purge at least 3 areas/rooms of my house that I currently am not fond of. 
PARTIALLY DONE - One room completely, others started but not finished. I consider this one a disappointment. I could have done better here.

  • Practice the One Minute Rule 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. 
GAME CHANGER - I have embraced this and it has had amazing results on just keeping my spaces tidy from day to day.
  • 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.
NOPE - no comment
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.
PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL - I made it for drinks. I'll be back though.
  • Take a one day/afternoon class in something I have never done before.
DONE - Took a holiday cocktail class at Gunshow and it was super fun to learn the actual techniques and tools for proper bartending.
  • Read 12 books or 1 a month.
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.
  • 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.
SUCCESSFUL - No shame in cracking the whip as needed.
  • 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?
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!
  • Take the kids on a surprise weekend trip somewhere unexpected that we can drive to. Southerners give me ideas!!!
WELP - 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!
  • Find a way to organize my shoes. Ugh... this part of my closet is an embarrassment.
DONE - I bought this shoe rack from the Container Store and I love it!
  • Bake a grain free paleo cake. I have this beautiful book on paleo baking and I haven't even made a damn cake yet.
NOPE - I probably would have eaten the majority of it myself so it's whatever. Maybe this year!


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!

Cheers!

Hey 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!!


Whole30, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Yield: 6Pin it

Whole30 Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Pot Roast

prep time: 5 minscook time: 75 minstotal time: 80 mins

ingredients:


  • 3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup - 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers drained
  • 5 tsp Primal Palate Organic Garden Ranch Seasoning Mix 
  • 3 TBSP. Bob's Red Mill Arrowroot Starch/Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth
  • salt and freshly ground pepper

instructions:

  1. Season roast with salt and pepper. Place roast in the inner pot and arrange peppers on top.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, arrowroot and bone broth. Pour over roast.
  3. Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Sealing. Set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 45 minutes. 
  4. 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.)
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Created using The Recipes Generator

Whole30 Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Pot Roast

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Hey 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!!


Whole30, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Yield: 6Pin it

Whole30 Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Pot Roast

prep time: 5 minscook time: 75 minstotal time: 80 mins

ingredients:


  • 3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup - 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers drained
  • 5 tsp Primal Palate Organic Garden Ranch Seasoning Mix 
  • 3 TBSP. Bob's Red Mill Arrowroot Starch/Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth
  • salt and freshly ground pepper

instructions:

  1. Season roast with salt and pepper. Place roast in the inner pot and arrange peppers on top.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, arrowroot and bone broth. Pour over roast.
  3. Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Sealing. Set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 45 minutes. 
  4. 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.)
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Created using The Recipes Generator




APPRECIATING

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. 


RESEARCHING

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 Side Hustle School 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". 


POSTING

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. 


GETTING 

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?


COOKING

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. 



Linking up with Miss Anne today!

Cheers, 

AMY





Currently: November

Wednesday, November 7, 2018





APPRECIATING

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. 


RESEARCHING

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 Side Hustle School 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". 


POSTING

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. 


GETTING 

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?


COOKING

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. 



Linking up with Miss Anne today!

Cheers, 

AMY





This 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.

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.

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.

So here you go....



Yield: 2

Whole30 Twice Baked Taco Potatoes

prep time: 40 minscook time: 1 hour and 30 minstotal time: 1 hours and 70 mins

ingredients:


  • 1 Large Russet Potato
  • 3 T. Ghee
  • Pink Himalayan Salt Coarse Ground
  • 1 egg beaten well, until frothy
  • 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)
  • Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning Blend
  • Handful of Scallions Sliced
  • Salsa, Guac, Green Onions for garnish and topping

instructions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. Add in the prepared taco meat and scallions and combine.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Sprinkle with more chile lime seasoning and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until the outside is lightly browned. 
  9. Top with salsa,  guacamole and more green onions. Enjoy!

NOTES:

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!
Created using The Recipes Generator

Whole30 Twice Baked Taco Potatoes

Monday, September 24, 2018

This 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.

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.

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.

So here you go....



Yield: 2

Whole30 Twice Baked Taco Potatoes

prep time: 40 minscook time: 1 hour and 30 minstotal time: 1 hours and 70 mins

ingredients:


  • 1 Large Russet Potato
  • 3 T. Ghee
  • Pink Himalayan Salt Coarse Ground
  • 1 egg beaten well, until frothy
  • 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)
  • Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning Blend
  • Handful of Scallions Sliced
  • Salsa, Guac, Green Onions for garnish and topping

instructions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. Add in the prepared taco meat and scallions and combine.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Sprinkle with more chile lime seasoning and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until the outside is lightly browned. 
  9. Top with salsa,  guacamole and more green onions. Enjoy!

NOTES:

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!
Created using The Recipes Generator

Hey everybody! I shared this post with my friend and fellow Whole30 coach Judith over on her blog EverydayWhole 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.

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...

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!

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.



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.

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 Mel Joulwan's Chocolate Chili topped with guac, red onion and taco seasoning and it is off the chain delish.



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.


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.

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!!!

Cheers,

Amy




Because Nachos Are Life...

Friday, September 21, 2018


Hey everybody! I shared this post with my friend and fellow Whole30 coach Judith over on her blog EverydayWhole 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.

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...

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!

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.



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.

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 Mel Joulwan's Chocolate Chili topped with guac, red onion and taco seasoning and it is off the chain delish.



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.


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.

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!!!

Cheers,

Amy





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.

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?

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.

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.

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:
  • Improved sleep
  • Clear skin
  • Mental focus
  • Diminished anxiety
  • Even temperament/no mood swings
  • Weight/Inches loss
  • No more bloat
  • No more stomach issues
  • A general sense of calm
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!!

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!

Cheers!

Amy



























September Whole30

Monday, August 20, 2018


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.

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?

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.

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.

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:
  • Improved sleep
  • Clear skin
  • Mental focus
  • Diminished anxiety
  • Even temperament/no mood swings
  • Weight/Inches loss
  • No more bloat
  • No more stomach issues
  • A general sense of calm
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!!

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!

Cheers!

Amy






























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!

So let's get to what is quickly becoming one of the few posts I actually write anymore... Currently:


FOLLOWING


The Deepak Chopra/Oprah Winfrey 21-Day Meditation Experience. 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.


ORDERING

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 barbed wire heart earrings I got from @theholymountainism shop Souvenir Jewelry. They are heavy and absolutely beautifully hand crafted. She has great flash sales too so follow her if you like that sort of thing!



PINNING

Quotes about being a successful business owner. Always learning how do do things better. Never stop winning.




WATCHING

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.

Image result for oitnb season 6

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. 


Image result for shameless season 8

COUNTING

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!!!

Image result for grand summit park city



Linking up with Anne!!

Happy August!

AMY

Currently: August

Wednesday, August 1, 2018




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!

So let's get to what is quickly becoming one of the few posts I actually write anymore... Currently:


FOLLOWING


The Deepak Chopra/Oprah Winfrey 21-Day Meditation Experience. 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.


ORDERING

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 barbed wire heart earrings I got from @theholymountainism shop Souvenir Jewelry. They are heavy and absolutely beautifully hand crafted. She has great flash sales too so follow her if you like that sort of thing!



PINNING

Quotes about being a successful business owner. Always learning how do do things better. Never stop winning.




WATCHING

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.

Image result for oitnb season 6

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. 


Image result for shameless season 8

COUNTING

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!!!

Image result for grand summit park city



Linking up with Anne!!

Happy August!

AMY




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.

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.

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.

Image result for loud noises gif

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?

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.

Happy Monday!

AMY 












Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Monday, July 30, 2018




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.

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.

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.

Image result for loud noises gif

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?

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.

Happy Monday!

AMY 













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!

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.


Image result for dont do it gif


Here are a few things that you should definitely do to make your mini reset as successful as any traditional Whole30:

KEEP IT SIMPLE

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.


PREPARE

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!


BE SUPER CONFIDENT

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.

RESET YOUR SELF CARE

When I start allowing too many "worth it" foods back into my diet (I'm looking at you wine and cheese) I find myself doing things that are not as good for me either and neglecting my self care. For example; staying up late watching Netflix drinking wine, 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!


TRY SOMETHING NEW & SPECIFIC

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!

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!

Cheers!!





Doing A Whole30 Mini Reset - 5 Tips To Get You Through

Sunday, July 15, 2018


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!

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.


Image result for dont do it gif


Here are a few things that you should definitely do to make your mini reset as successful as any traditional Whole30:

KEEP IT SIMPLE

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.


PREPARE

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!


BE SUPER CONFIDENT

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.

RESET YOUR SELF CARE

When I start allowing too many "worth it" foods back into my diet (I'm looking at you wine and cheese) I find myself doing things that are not as good for me either and neglecting my self care. For example; staying up late watching Netflix drinking wine, 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!


TRY SOMETHING NEW & SPECIFIC

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!

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!

Cheers!!





43 Examples of Well-Designed Typography https://www.designlisticle.com/typography-designs/

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 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! 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...

CELEBRATING


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. 



VISITING

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 here. 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!



BAKING

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 here.


WEARING

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 Melanie Gore Perforated Mule 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.

Melanie Gore Perf Mule

LOVING

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. 

Image result for the staircase


And that's about it on the currently front for me today. 
Linking up with the amazing Anne  and her pal Shelly

I hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July. 


GOD BLESS AMERICA



AMY











Currently: July

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

43 Examples of Well-Designed Typography https://www.designlisticle.com/typography-designs/

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 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! 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...

CELEBRATING


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. 



VISITING

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 here. 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!



BAKING

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 here.


WEARING

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 Melanie Gore Perforated Mule 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.

Melanie Gore Perf Mule

LOVING

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. 

Image result for the staircase


And that's about it on the currently front for me today. 
Linking up with the amazing Anne  and her pal Shelly

I hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July. 


GOD BLESS AMERICA



AMY












Focused



This. Is. Me.

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....


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.

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?

I hope you guys are all killing it!!!


Oh Hey Friday

Friday, June 29, 2018


Focused



This. Is. Me.

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....


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.

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?

I hope you guys are all killing it!!!


Peonies hit their peak in May and June. Here̢۪s how to make your lush arrangement last longer.



TRAVELING

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 Biltmore and a visit to Wicked Weed 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!

GRILLING

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.

EXPLORING

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.


PLANTING

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.


PLAYING
  • Post Malone's new album Beerbongs & Bentleys on repeat. I LOVE it
  • The Lottery... well thinking about it anyway
  • Mind games with myself... visualizing a healthier body, multiple streams of income, a meaningful relationship  
  • 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.
  • 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. 
Linking up with Anne for Currently...




Currently; June

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Peonies hit their peak in May and June. Here̢۪s how to make your lush arrangement last longer.



TRAVELING

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 Biltmore and a visit to Wicked Weed 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!

GRILLING

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.

EXPLORING

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.


PLANTING

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.


PLAYING
  • Post Malone's new album Beerbongs & Bentleys on repeat. I LOVE it
  • The Lottery... well thinking about it anyway
  • Mind games with myself... visualizing a healthier body, multiple streams of income, a meaningful relationship  
  • 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.
  • 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. 
Linking up with Anne for Currently...





As you may now know Memorial Day weekend I hosted the Atlanta stop on Danika Brysha's Brunch Series Tour 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.

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...

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:

  • Self-love
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Finding your passion
  • Creating income through doing what you love
  • Body positivity
  • Mindfulness
  • Affirmations
  • Manifestation tools and
  • Food Freedom

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.


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.


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.

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.


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.

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 18 for 2018 post 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.


I cannot stress enough... If you have the opportunity to go to this event near you... GO!!! You will not be disappointed!
Cheers to making memories and crushing goals.


The Brunch Series: Atlanta

Tuesday, June 5, 2018


As you may now know Memorial Day weekend I hosted the Atlanta stop on Danika Brysha's Brunch Series Tour 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.

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...

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:

  • Self-love
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Finding your passion
  • Creating income through doing what you love
  • Body positivity
  • Mindfulness
  • Affirmations
  • Manifestation tools and
  • Food Freedom

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.


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.


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.

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.


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.

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 18 for 2018 post 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.


I cannot stress enough... If you have the opportunity to go to this event near you... GO!!! You will not be disappointed!
Cheers to making memories and crushing goals.


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