On My 32nd Birthday…

My Mom said she could always tell when I was getting sick because there would start to be a trail of used kleenex all over the house. While I am not as bad as I was about leaving my germ infested kleenex all over, I knew that the week leading up to my birthday, I could possibly be coming down with a cold. Not from the trail of used kleenex but because of my worsening sore throat. Then I was congested and then I admitted to myself that I should probably go to the doctor after having symptoms for a week. I really wasn't super bummed about having a cold. In the past year my anxiety and overall outlook on life has gone through a major overall. As my birthday was quickly approaching I was just super thankful that my family was not showing signs of stuffy noses and coughs. Last Thursday, the day before my birthday, I made an appointment with the doctor. He said if my symptoms got worse to call and he would call in a prescription for me, but he was fairly confident that by the next day … [Read more...]

6 Ways to Pray for Your Husband

I recently joined a women's bible study and at our first meeting one of the ladies shared 6 Ways to Pray for Your Husband with the group. I was so encouraged and want to share this prayer with you. There is so much darkness in our world today. Our husbands are constantly being tempted and as wives we need to continually be praying for them. Marriage is not always easy but it is worth fighting for. God's word is powerful and I love that these prayers include the scripture references. I hope this blesses you as much as it has encouraged and blessed me. These could also be used to pray over your children. I pray that my husband may seek first Your kingdom today. Help him to live righteously. And as he seeks you, Lord, I pray that You will provide everything he needs today. And show him what his true needs are, compared to what the world says he needs. Thank you for providing for every one of his needs, Lord! Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will … [Read more...]

The Anywhere Pyramid Workout

Disclaimer: Not all exercises are suitable for everyone and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce this risk of injury, please consult your doctor before beginning this, or any other, physical fitness program. Any user of this workout assumes the full risk of injury resulting from performing the routine. Pyramid training is highly effective, challenging and can be tons of fun! When pyramid training you focus on completing certain amount of reps and recording how long it takes you to complete the circuit. In this anywhere pyramid workout you will be moving from one exercise to the next quickly, with little to no rest in between, so there is no need to then do additional cardiovascular exercise. The anywhere pyramid workout can be done just as the name implies, anywhere. There is no equipment needed. Get ready to get sweaty! THE WORKOUT Complete the entire circuit as listed below by doing 4 reps for each exercise. Go back and repeat the circuit but now … [Read more...]

Natural Grocers Scottsdale

This weekend Josh and I were invite to a sneak peek tour and shopping event at the new Natural Grocers in Scottsdale. While normally we wouldn't drive 15 miles north of our house to grocery shop we were both intrigued and wanted to check out this new store. Now after visiting and shopping we are hoping and asking that they please open a store in Chandler. Please, please, please. The Scottsdale store is Natural Grocers 100th store and is a specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care, and dietary supplements. Natural Grocers has stores in over 17 states and this year they are opening 18 new stores. The Scottsdale store features a community room with free wi-fi, complimentary coffee and tea for shoppers, and contains a kitchen that will be used for cooking demos and lectures. Why we are really hoping they open a store in Chandler... In the grocery department: Natural Grocers does NOT carry products that contain artificial colors, flavors, sweetness, or … [Read more...]

Gluten Free & Egg Free Banana Pancakes

Since being on the elimination diet I have discovered that gluten and eggs don't react well in my body. Before we started I would eat eggs almost everyday for breakfast in some way. Scrambled, omelets, pancakes, waffles, donuts, muffins, and the list could go on and on. If you have been reading this blog for several years you know I love my breakfast foods. Sadly we have not been eating any Quinoa Blueberry Pancakes around here and won't be anytime soon until I figure out how to tweak the recipe. Yesterday morning I really, and I mean really, wanted a pancake. I wasn't about to make them with eggs because my skin rashed up and broke out so bad the last time I ate them. Instead I decided to get creative in the kitchen before the kids woke up. I am so glad I did because WOW! I might have just made the best pancake I have eaten since being on this elimination diet in April. I happily present to you my very own Gluten Free Pancakes made without eggs. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 … [Read more...]

The Drop & Squat Workout

I am fairly certain I won't be able to move this morning. The last two days I have been at Yoga Sculpt Training for CorePower Yoga and I think I might have squatted myself silly. I can't remember the last time I did that many squats at once. It has been awhile and my legs are letting me know. Learning a new format has really taken me outside of my comfort zone. It is humorous to hear yourself try to teach knowing where you want your class to go but being unable to verbalize it effectively. In honor of the insane amount of squats and pushups I have done over the last two days I wanted to share the love with you! Here is a fun workout that has just the right amount of squats and pushups to get your heart rate up with a fun little cardio burst thrown in at the end. Have fun and remember to drop low into each and every squat. Keep your chest up and those hips back. Hope you all have a great weekend! Just curious, has anyone taken class at CorePower Yoga? Would love to hear … [Read more...]