proud. determined. motivated.

My weight loss journey has been something I am proud to tell people, I mean to lose (and maintain) a  thirty-five pound weight loss is amazing. I feel as if it consumes me on some days especially when I am at work. I hear a lot of "wow! you look great for having two kids" and honestly the employees see what I am posting on instagram and help me stick to the diet plan I am currently on by reminding me to stay focused. There are days where I know I can do better but then I am reminded how far I have come in a year. Jim says this is the happiest he has seen me in years and that my confidence level is at an all-time high, I smile and of course know that he's right because I see it. I am excited again to try on bathing suits or even go bra shopping. I don't mind the stretch marks that I got from being chubby vs from being pregnant. It has been a battle for the past four years and I am more than proud of where I am today. Since beginning The Dailey Method last April I have gained a confidence level that I never had. Of course I have days where I don't think I can make it through another tuck and hold but then I get through it and feel so accomplished. I think that's just it, I have been accomplishing these goals with each class I attend and it has made me a stronger person through it all. Just about two weeks ago I began the 60-day challenge that will go right up until my 31st birthday. The first week I don't think I was mentally on board, but this week I have gone full throttle with following the meal plan and ensuring I get to at least four classes per week. While I would love to attend more classes I believe that four to five classes is ideal with my schedule right now. The meal plan is plant based and if you follow me on instagram you've seen all of the yummy dishes that I've been preparing. Jim asked me earlier this week where his wife was and has been laughing that it must be that I am in my thirties now because ten years ago I wouldn't have eaten this way. The great thing is, is that I am loving it and have began craving vegetables right when I wake-up. I even went four days without realizing I hadn't had coffee because I was replacing my morning coffee with a green smoothie! I am so determined to lose these last stubborn five pounds that it is driving me crazy. I cleaned out my closet earlier this week to finally let go of that old me, I figured it was the second step of getting where I want to be. I am so excited and determined for these next six weeks of the challenge. I will be sharing some new before/after pics on Monday. Thanks to all for all the support & love over the last year. 

Coffee House Quality at Home with Gevalia #cupofkaffe #cbias

Mornings for us have gotten a lot busier. It seems like I am finding less time for the day-to-day routines that I used to be able to do without a problem. I blame that on my tight schedule. With having to run errands, pick up the house, prepare dinner before I leave for work and still take care of the kids I am finding it hard for myself to even get breakfast down. Thankfully I was just introduced to Gevalia single serve coffee cups for my Keurig to help me get my morning started so I can make it through my packed daily routines. 

I am usually not one that enjoys straight coffee. I enjoy my roast bold, with a little sweetener and a splash of milk. I've found that most of the k-cup varieties are not strong enough and if they are they tend to be too bitter and have an off taste. The bright yellow packaging told me to hold out hope. 

When I brewed my first cup of Gevalia I was hesitant so I had my Mom go first. She enjoyed it and said it was perfect for her especially since she drinks her coffee black. I still can't go black so I first added in some caramel syrup into my glass and hit brew for a medium sized cup. I finished off my glass with a splash of milk. The first sip was amazing, it tasted so closely to my double shot that I am used to ordering at my local coffee shop. The roast could have been a little more bold but the finish was rich and not bitter whatsoever! Score! I think after having our Keurig for the past few months I've finally found a k-cup that offers what it states. Gevalia has hit the ball out of the park by offering a traditional roast coffee that is easy to use at home yet tastes like a coffee shop. I did notice when I was shopping at Walmart that they only offered the medium roast but other retailers offer different roasts. I can't wait to try out the different varieties. To see my entire shopping trip head on over here.

Bring the taste of a coffee shop into the comforts of your own home! Find Gevalia on:

Coupons  |  Facebook   |  Twitter   |  Website 

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Kraft Foods #CupOfKaffe #cbias #SocialFabric

I'm alive...

It's a Christmas miracle, er, a Spring miracle...a post! I know your probably in shock right now. I have been a bad, bad blogger, I have thought about this blog 'o mine everyday and every night as I lay in bed but I just couldn't post. As a blogger I've hit many dry spells, many uncreative days and plain 'ole posting road block. Since returning back to work I have re-prioritized a lot of things in my life. This blog has taken the back burner as I got back into a working routine and I hope you understand that. Hell, I don't even go on Facebook any longer and that in itself speaks for itself. It wasn't until the last week or so when I started receiving e-mails and texts asking if I was ever going to blog again that a "I am alive" post was needed. So, as you can tell I am alive...yay! We have been very busy, the kids are non-stop and I mean non-stop. Days are spent running errands, dates at the park, endless hours of backyard exploration, attempting to get the house in order (keyword attempt) and then I rush off to work. I am working more than I had intended but it has been good for everyone...except for Brayden who has apparently hit the separation anxiety stage so poor Jim has to deal with Brayden running around looking and calling for me. It breaks my heart.

Speaking of Brayden, it's crazy that my baby will be one and a half next week. We finally had his fifteen month appointment last week since we missed it back in January. He is finally growing and has inched away from the teens in terms of percentages to 55th for weight and 95th for height. He is speaking like crazy, everyday is something new and he copies everything his sister says. Our newest words are: "ta-tule" for turtle, "me, me, me", no and Easter. He has started piecing two and three words together and says about twenty-five words. He understands almost everything you tell him and he usually replies with a nonchalant, "yeah". Like, Brayden did you poop? "yeah, mama". We're also getting emotional reactions, cue terrible two temper tantrums, excited woo-hoo's, yeah's and woah's. He loves any cleaning tool and any attempt of me going into the laundry room results in the biggest meltdown ever when he can't "play" with the mop, broom and/or vacuum. I might have to remind him of this when he's fourteen...and I will also have to remind him that pulling up his shirt and sticking his hand into his diaper started way before I had imagined. There is never a dull day with my charming, intelligent, dare devil of a little man.

Payton is no longer a baby in any way, shape or form. I now get "duh" and "are you joking? you're joking right" after many statements. She is more than ready for school and luckily for everyone involved she is finally starting preschool in the Fall. While I am excited for the social interactions I am sad she's growing up. She really is my best friend and I look forward to our conversations everyday. Last week when we were at Brayden's appointment Dr. Martinez and I were chatting about how fast she's growing. She's now a 5T or XS in the big girl department and still a size 10 shoe, Dr. Martinez said that she is the size of a five-year-old and she's not even three-and-a-half. As bad as I want her to get older, I still cannot believe how big and smart she has gotten. Her imagination and memory is incredible...like you can't put anything past her, cue that glass of wine! Last week Mr. Todd (from Peter Rabbit) was secretly hiding in the house and followed me all the way to work, we had to "hurry up" because he was on to us. Or, she will ask to wear a dress she hasn't worn since the Summer and gives you the whole back story on where and whom purchased it. She's crazy, in a good way. She can be found singing her ABC's non-stop, ordering her baby bro around and loving on everyone. She's an angel.

Okay, so as you can see, we're all alive...including Jim who didn't get any spotlight except for this mention and that's only because I am tired and want this post to be published. He's still traveling, not as much as a month ago, but he's closing deals he has been working on for what seems like forever. We're working on small house projects and he is Mr. Mom when I am away. We're swimming with our heads above the water for now...

Bringing Sexy Back...It's Justin Timberweek!

Breathe in...breathe out...It's here! It's Justin Timberweek! The last six years have been the longest for us JT fans. Whether your a full fledged JT fan or a closest fan you understand very well how long the past six have been without a new track from the hilariously sexy Justin Timberlake. I can remember where I was for every album drop. The first crazy experience was making my Mom take my sister and I to pick-up No Strings Attached, running through Target only to see that most of the displays were empty. I was so crushed, mad at the moment that my parents made me go to school vs. waiting outside of Target for the store to open. Luckily for everyone involved we found a display with some CD's left. The cellophane was ripped off so fast and soon we were listening to Bye, Bye, Bye in our GMC Safari.  Justin and I have grown-up together, secretly the boy of my dreams, shh...don't tell my husband. My high school days were filled with N'Sync, I was never really a BackStreet Boys fan, because hello, they didn't have Justin. When Justin branched off I couldn't have been happier, his voice was sexier, soulful and more confident, the collaborations were also amazing. Back in '02 when Justified dropped I was in the same predicament as my awkward high school days, this time I could drive but I had a lame midterm in my anthropology class. While I was answering questions on human evolution all I could do was think about Cry Me a River, coincidence, maybe. I couldn't wait to finish that exam for a class I didn't need so I could get my hands on the CD. Why does this keep happening to me? You would think that after 1997 I would have learned my lesson. I finished that damn exam and made my way through campus to my car but instead I was greeted by my boyfriend (now hubby) who was blaring Like I Love You. He got out of his class early to bring me the CD, seriously, a total keeper...

That CD was by far my favorite but then Future Sex / Love Sounds dropped. He just gets better and better with age. Each song has a memory, My Love, played over and over as I was planning our wedding invites. Damn Girl still makes me giggle as I sing along and who can ever get over the infamous 2009 SNL holiday skit of Dick in a Box. I still laugh just thinking about that skit. Justin should be a resident SNL or Jimmy Fallon guest. The shows are just so much better with him, meaning they're actually funny and memorable.

I think I have been pretty clear that I am obsessed. When I heard Suit & Tie for the first time I wanted to cry, I know, way extreme but overjoyed that he finally and I mean finally gave his fans another album. After seeing his performance on The Grammy's I sent a text my friend and told her that we had to go to the concert, we agreed and didn't care how much money it would cost because it's a bucket list item. Two weeks ago the tickets went on presale and we were trying to figure out how we were going to get tickets and then with the luck of the JT fairies (also known as my aunt & uncle) we now have tickets to the July 28th show. July cannot get here any sooner but before that concert happens the CD needs to be released. Thanks to Jimmy Fallon for dubbing this week as Justin Timberweek I have gotten ahead of the game after learning the hard way for the past CD releases and have ordered my copy of the 20/20 Experience from Walmart.com for just $7! I think that price is a little crazy! iTunes has the pre-order price listed as $10.99. Don't wait too long to take advantage of this great price because it's only valid for one-week, the price is valid online and in-stores!

With the excitement of Justin Timberweek well underway I decided to throw a mini pre-release party where I invited a few friends over. I baked cupcakes, cake pops, had JT's fav ice cream and had chilled bubbly awaiting. I also gave each friend a Walmart GC so they could order the CD for themselves.

The spread was simple. I wanted to go crazy, but JT's fav's would have my caloric intake out of control for a month. I opted for a dessert spread because a girl loves a good bite of something sweet all washed down with some sparkly bubbly. Plus, I figured it was simple and sleek like the 20/20 experience. 

I baked vanilla cupcakes but with a hidden surprise in the middle of the cupcake, a caramello chocolate square. This is JT's favorite candy, well, according to the all-knowing Internet anyhow. I went for gold sparkle sugar and vanilla buttercream. All topped off with a fondant cupcake topper I designed with the first CD single, Suit & Tie.  

Fresh white tulips added a touch of class plus it looked nice on the black table cloth. 

I also wanted to add some ice cream. JT's fav, again according to the Internet is Graeter's, which also happens to be my hubby's fav. I opted for the toffee chocolate chip to compliment the cupcake. 

Since JT makes all us girls feel like a girl again I wanted to bake cake pops because there is just something magical about them. I went with vanilla cake, black candy coating and gold sprinkles to tie the theme together. I searched and searched for the box with all my CD cases in them to have on display but in the madness also known as our third car garage you will just have to trust my obsession. 

Justin is an icon, a household name and honestly the one musician that will stand out always for my generation. I cannot wait for Tuesday to get here so I can introduce my kids to Justin, even though they've already heard Suit & Tie on repeat. Brayden totally appreciates it, Payton will one day...

Are you just as excited as I am for the new album? What's your fav JT song or memory? 

Stay connected to JT on Facebook  and Twitter 

Visit Walmart on Facebook or Twitter for more info on the release! 

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and #JT2020  #cbias #SocialFabric. Regardless, all opinions are my own.

brother & sisterly love

The love they have for one another is a magical thing. Their personalities compliment one another, they run to one another when the other one cries or is placed on a timeout. They play well together. The eldest explains when he is doing something wrong or when she is irritated it always begins with a "Budddd-yyyyy!" When she wakes in the morning it's usually from hearing him talking and she immediately wants to run to him, usually shutting the door in my face so she gets to hear "SISSY!" first. They play in his crib, the laugh, they play peekaboo, they push each other on their cars, each teaching one another on daily basis. She is the first to exclaim, "buddy pooped...again!" She knows when to duck from his already straight shot of an arm. He watches every move she makes and wants everything she has. They both have a major sweet tooth, but love their veggies the same. I pray that their love never fades, I pray that they don't go through the typical brother/sister feuding, I know that is wishful thinking but one can hope. These two beautiful blue-eyed children are my life. I cannot imagine  a day without them and I am pretty sure they couldn't go a day without one another either. The bond that siblings share is such a wonderful thing to witness. I am blessed that they call me mom. 

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get The Sillies Out! Tour is coming to San Diego on Saturday, March 9th!

The sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out! DJ Lance Rock and everyone’s favorite cast of colorful characters are calling all fans to get ready to jump, shake and shimmy them out at the new live tour Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out!. The Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get The Sillies Out! will visit more than 50 cities across the U.S. in 2013.  Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! is touring in support of their first national beverage launch, a new line of toys, a new line of kids sportswear and a DVD/ CD collectors edition.

For a complete list of tour dates, cities and show times, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com 

Yo Gabba Gabba! is an award-winning, live-action television series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base, making it one of the most popular entertainment properties among preschoolers, parents and indie music lovers alike. The television show, now in its fourth season, airs several times a day on Nick Jr.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! marks the third tour for the successful Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! concert series. The first tour, Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: There’s a Party in My City!, launched with a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a performance at the White House in 2010.  Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! 2010 tour played to sold out venues in 60 cities. Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: It’s Time to Dance! enjoyed repeat success in 2011, energizing audiences across North America at over 120 shows.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! San Diego: 

What: Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: Get The Sillies Out! Tour

Where: San Diego Civic Theater

Date: March 9th - 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM

Cost: Ticket prices start $22 

Children under 1 year old do not require a paid ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.

                                       

   Ticket information for the San Diego show

HERE

Disclaimer: I received a family pack of tickets in exchange for this post. Regardless, all opinions are my own. 

Banana Chocolate Chip Bakery Muffins

I have two completely opposite breakfast lovers in this house. Payton could survive off of eggs (cooked anyway) but Brayden will not touch an egg in any form, disguised or not. I rotate between pancakes and waffles paired with handfuls of fresh fruit and hard boiled eggs most of the time. Last week I wanted to mix it up and decided to try out a recipe for bakery muffins. Most muffin recipes leave flat tops which is always a disappointment. I have been on the search for the perfect muffin recipe and I found it here. You can switch it up however you like as long as you keep the wet/dry ingredients the same. For these muffins I added in one smashed banana and I decreased the milk to a half cup and increased the oil to one cup. The crisp top, the tender crumb, the silky chocolate and subtle hint of banana will impress a muffin novice. Add to a basket for a neighbor, drop off to a friend or serve for breakfast throughout the week.

What if your favorite muffin variety?