Celebrating “Galentine’s Day” with M&M’s® Strawberry Blondies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendSweetness #CollectiveBias Growing up I was always sorely disappointed when Valentine's Day rolled around and I felt the crushing loneliness that only teenage hormones can bring on when you don't have "someone special" to celebrate with.  There was always pressure (I'm sure most of it … [Read more...]

Easiest Ever 10 Minute Broccoli Beef (and a Giveaway!)

This post was sponsored by Blue Dragon as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. Having grown up in small town America my whole life I have kind of missed out on that whole "takeout" experience.  The closest that I get is to order a pizza from the local joint, but sometimes you just get a craving for an amazing meal … [Read more...]

Gameday Playbook Brownies

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine. It's no secret that I am a die hard football fanatic and I am so excited that it is almost time for the big game, even though my beloved 49ers had a rock bottom year. There is something so exciting about watching two teams battle it out knowing that there can only be one … [Read more...]

At Home HIIT Workout (No Equipment Necessary!)

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TryALittleGoodness #CollectiveBias Every time that I scroll through my Instagram and FaceBook feeds I am so amazed and excited by all of the healthy hashtags I see floating around and all of the friends who are encouraging and inspiring others to take the steps necessary to live a healthier … [Read more...]

How to Make a $5 Coffee Filter Wreath

After redoing my mantel a few months back and changing my decor from a large mirror over my fireplace to instead using a pallet sign with an old wooden window leaning in front of it, I am in constant need of new wreaths to spruce up the window.  And that's a good thing for me...I love wreaths.  This has given me the opportunity to make multiple new wreaths and quickly update my decor for each … [Read more...]

How I Went From Hating Running to a Half Marathon in 3 Months (& my Weekly Running Schedule)

I should preface this entire post by telling you that I am not a runner.  I'm not one of those graceful creatures you see just gliding through the air on the side of the road.  Nope, I'm more like that person that you see that looks like they could be in slight pain who is going slower than your cat on a leash. But that's okay.  I'm still doing it. About five years ago, when I realized that … [Read more...]

8 Places to buy Affordable Workout Clothes

Who is still going strong with their New Year's resolutions to be a fitter, healthier you?  I have received so many emails and messages lately from readers who are feeling great and enjoying working out and I love it so much!  You guys encourage and inspire me! On that note, one of the best ways that I have found to stay with any new change in life is to reward myself.  Say I log a set amount … [Read more...]

Healthy, Nutritious & Delicious Blueberry Smoothie

For Christmas this year, my husband and I decided that instead of more toys that our kids don't need, that we wanted to give them the gift and experience of travel.  We are both huge fans of world traveling and just love that we are able to share that opportunity with our kiddos.  The kids could not have been more excited when they opened their gifts on Christmas (a few pieces of tropical … [Read more...]

Tips for Organizing a Weekly Planner

I know that it may sound like I am in a bit of a rut by telling you all that I write every little thing down (after sharing the meal and fitness trackers, but it's totally true.  I do.  Mainly because I can't trust my three kid addled brain to remember anything on its own and I hate my phone.  Long story...just trust me on it. So today I am back to share with you my tips for organizing a weekly … [Read more...]

Free Printable Meal Tracker

On Monday I shared a free printable fitness tracker to help you achieve and stay on top of your fitness goals, but in my world, that goes hand in hand with how I fuel my body.  I am most certainly one of those people who justifies all sorts of crazy meals and treats to myself.  Like, "Well, I ran 5 miles today, so I can absolutely eat an entire pizza and then have a handful of cookies for dessert. … [Read more...]

Free Printable Fitness Tracker

Hey guys, how was your Christmas?  Mine was so great, and it was super to take a few days off, but now I am back and ready to ring in 2016.  Can you believe that the New Year (and all of its resolutions) are literally right around the corner?!  I'm sure that, like me, many of you are refocusing on your health goals this coming year and I hope that this free printable fitness tracker can help you … [Read more...]

White Hot Chocolate

This post was sponsored by Libbey as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. Hot chocolate basically becomes a food group in my home during the colder months.  It is such a comforting, yummy treat that we fully take advantage of.  My kiddos get downright giddy when we roll up to Starbucks, ordering their own kid … [Read more...]