Final Friday Faves

I'm starting a new series for the final Friday of the month I'll post my faves

:: makeup ::

Nars Larger than Life Long Wear Eyeliner  in Via Veneto

I love, love, love this eyeliner!  My fellow makeup addict friend told me about it months ago, but I only just got it recently because our local exchange has been sold out every time I've looked.  This eyeliner is the best, it actually stays put!  Whenever I line my waterline I'm constantly checking in the mirror to make sure it's not smudged.  The first day I wore this, I did the same thing but I didn't have to reapply or clean up any smudging!  Now, I swear by this eyeliner .  I tell anybody and everybody that wears makeup.  I've recently went back to pick up a second one, {one to keep at home and another to keep in my purse}, but of course it's sold out.  I'll have to keep checking.

:: kitchen ::

NuWave 

My hubs was actually the one who wanted to buy this.  He's been talking about it for awhile.  I've always been opposed because of our limited space in our kitchen.  I didn't want another thing to just sit on our counter tops collecting dust.  I am so sorry I waited so long on this purchase!  The NuWave has totally revolutionized the way I cook.  We initially purchased the NuWave to cook healthier for our cleanse.  I hated baking stuff in the oven, especially chicken because it came out so dry.  Not with the NuWave.  I've made the most moist chicken breasts in here and no frying at all.  Now I use it for everything!  I toast break for breakfast, I bake sweet potatoes for lunch, and then I cook fish and veggies for dinner.  It's so much easier and efficient then using the oven.  An added plus is its less energy then using the oven.  Electricity in Japan is really expensive.  I try to conserve as much as I can.  Using the NuWave is faster and more energy efficient.   Great buy!

:: kids ::

Cartoon HD app

This app is wonderful!  I saw a post in an FB group I'm in, saying that this app is free for the day it's normally $20 .  It's an app that streams movies and cartoons for kids.  My kids love this app!  My daughter , she is so awesome, she loves old school cartoons like Tom n Jerry, Pink Panther, and Sailor moon!  These shows don't show on regular TV but they are all available on this app.  I'll admit I had to watch a few episodes if Sailor moon too, brought me back to middle school! Since I've got this app I unfortunately haven't seen it available .  I tell everyone about this app, I hope it comes back!

:: home ::

Belkin Advance n900 DB wireless router

In Japan we live off base and are fortunate enough to be able to get fiber optic internet.  {I'm really not tech savey at all, but I'm told fiber optic is the fastest internet and it's not even available in the states for personal home use}. The router we used prior was not doing the job.  We constantly had to reset and would get kicked off the wifi.  We have a ton of electronics running on our wifi; tv, 2 iPads, Xbox, PS3, 2 iPhone , and a computer.  It obviously was too much to handle.  We pay a lot of money to get high speed internet and we were just wasting it away with our crappy router.  So I started researching new routers months ago.  Then on a sleepless night browsing the lighting deals {this was during Christmas time} on Amazon the Belkin N900 was on sale!  I bought it for $80, it usually retails for $140.  It has been the best $80 I've ever spent.  Since getting it set up, { I got it after New Years}, I have not had to reset it one time.  We stream Netflix with ease, we don't use up our data plans on our cell phones, our magicjack works perfect.  It's just so great. I know it's #firstsworldproblems to complain about our router, but like I said we pay a lot of money for our internet and we want to enjoy it and use it.

Sapporo {throwback thursday}

Since a lot of the news talk these days is about snow, I thought I'd throw it back to our trip to Sapporo Japan.  We went to the annual snow and ice festival in February 2011.  Amelia was 2 and I was 5 months pregnant with Nolan.  This was the first ever cold vacation that I've taken.  My idea of a vacation is somewhere warm and preferably by some body of water.  We heard so many great things about the festival and Sapporo, so we had to make the trip up there.

Sapporo is located on  Hokkaido , it's the most northern island in Japan.  We took two plane rides and a bus to get to Sapporo.  It was SUPER cold.  Maybe since being in Okinawa we weren't ready for the cold weather.  It was no joke.  I of course packed to look cute in the snow, but that all went out the window when I got there.  I practically layered all my clothes everyday!

We stayed there for 3 nights and 4 days.  It was pretty fun.  Our hotel was located in the heart of Sapporo so we would go see something then come back to our hotel and warm up.  The snow sculptures were amazing!  Theses things were gigantic and had so much detail.  I was literally in awe of every single one of them.  We went to see them during the day and at night.  I suggest going at night!  The way they are light up at night looks so magical.  I remember Amelia saying "wow" the whole time we were walking around looking at them.

My favorite part of the trip was when we went to this parking lot that was converted into a big snow playground.  There were slides, rides, ice sculptures, snow playgrounds.  It was super awesome.  I know Amelia had the time of her life there.  This was the first time she had seen snow and been old enough to play.

Another notable mention of this trip was the FOOD!  Hokkaido is famous for their seafood, crab in particular.  It was so good, I still dream about it to this day.  It was so good I didn't even get a picture of it.  

Update! {Day 15 Eating Clean}

                     

So far I've lost a total of 5 lbs.  I really haven't felt better in my life.  I have a ton of energy and I even feel in a better mood.  I did cheat {again} over the weekend.  We had chicken fajitas, I did add a lil salt , and I had 2 margaritas.  I couldn't help it, I can't have Mexican food without a margarita?!? Who does that?? Lol .  I'm really ahoy with everything so far.  By now I'm used to the food and portions.  I feel like this is a lifestyle that I would live beyond the 3 weeks.  In thr future I probably won't be as strict, but I'll keep on the clean eating guidelines.  One a week left to go and I'm feeling pumped.  Just in time for Super Bowl!

Coffee Creamer {clean eats}

Since I've been on my clean eating kick, I haven't drank any coffee!!!! CRAZY, I know.  To be honest I feel like I don't really need it.  I do so miss the taste and the feeling I have while drinking my morning cup of Jo.  Makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.  Since I've started my clean eating I have switched to green tea, doesn't give me the warm fuzzies.  Now, I know I can drink it black.....hmmm that is no fun. I just cannot drink it alone.  I've tried light roast and it still doesn't work.  I need at least a lil creamer.   So I thought to make my own clean eating coffee creamer.

Coffee Creamer::

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup coconut milk

1 tablespoon agave

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Combine all ingredients in a old {washed and dried} coffee creamer container and shake it.  

Done and done! {Adjust the agave, maple syrup , and cinnamon to your own taste.}

It's so delish and I have no guilt drinking my morning cup of Jo!

Why are you on a diet???

This weekend was jamm packed full of activites.  There was a goodbye party, a kids birthday party, a housewarming party, and to top it off it was a 3 day weekend!  I'm still on the cleanse so I didn't want to attend these parties.  I knew there would be lots of food and adult beverages, the temptation would be too much.  I dint trust myself to go and be good.  So I opted out of ALL the activites.  Since I sidn that I couldn't make it to all of them, I started getting questioned about not going.  I told everyone thr truth , I'm eating clean for 24 days and I really want to stay on tract.  Many people tried to talk me into it, mentioned that I didn't have to drink or eat, said I should just stop by, but the biggest question I got was "why are you on a diet?"  

I'm totally aware of what I look like. I know that for someone to just look at me , me saying that I'm on a diet is pretty laughable.  What everyone doesn't know is how unhealthy I was.  I would constantly drink coke, I hate vegetables, I eat whatever, I snack all the time, and have I no regarard for nutrion. I needed a lifestyle change.  How could I teach my kids too eat well if I didn't practice the same things?  That's when I decided to do a clean eating "diet" for 24 days.  It is strict, however I think it's the jump start I need to make a lifestyle change.  In the week that I have been doing this cleanse I see so much has changed.  Even just going to the grocery store, I read more labels and find myself generally only shopping on the perimeter of the store.  

My meals over the weekend were mostly the same.  I tried a couple new things.  I did buy a NuWave infrared oven!!  We've been trying it out with a couple recipes.  One of my faves was some sweet potato fries.  Even the kids liked them!  So easy and quick to make.

:: New Toy::

:: sweet potato fries | seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, and coconut oil ::

* ketchup was there for the kids :)

I Made it! {Day 5 Eating Clean}

Wahoo!  I've learned a lot these first 5 days.  I should have done more research before starting this journey.  I think after the first 5 days I have a better idea of what I want to eat.  I've made a trip to the grocery store almost everyday.  I'm going to be better at planning this week.  I've been Pinteresting my butt off looking for meal plans and recipes.  Hopefully these next couple weeks will breeze by.  I didn't take many pics today since most of thr food was the norm, but in did make a delish dinner!

Everything I ate today::

Breakfast | protein shake

Snack | 1/2 apple and almonds

Lunch | cilantro lime chicken over greens

Snack | oatmeal 

Dinner |  baked salmon over fried brown rice

 * so tasty I would eat this on the reg*

I CHEATED {Day 4 Eating Clean}

That moment when you are in the car and everyone else is eating McDonald's!!!!! Talk about a moment of weakness! I know some people out there may be disgusted, but I happen to love McDonald's! Especially the McDonald's in Japan!  They have the same staple menu items, but they always have new "featured menu".  The food here, actually looks like it jumped off the advertisement!  Oh and all the employees and restaurants are so clean and polite.   I would rather eat at an off base McDonad's rather then some on base restaurants. Hahaha Sad, but true.  

Anyways, I digress .  I couldn't help myself!  I had a moment of weakness and ate 1 chicken nugget and a few French fries.    I know it's not much, but I felt so guilty and dumb about it.  Ugh I need to train I myself better.  I need to get it together!  Time to put on my big girl panties!!! Lol

Everything I ate today::

Breakfast | chocolate protien shake with a handful of almonds, 1/2 banana and 1/4 avocado

 *it was super tasty*

Snack | 1 hard boiled egg and baby carrots

Lunch | avocado egg salad over spinach! chard and baby kale

*found the recipe for the egg salad on Pinterest, SUPER tasty*

Snack | Apple and cucumber

Dinner | I liked my egg salad so much I had some more with some left over cilantro lime chicken 

Phew day 4 down...

Day 3 Eating Clean

Today has been glorious!  I wasn't hungry once!  Haha sounds crazy?? Maybe I'm getting used to the portions and healthy food.  One thing I did notice was that I wasn't tired.  Usually I have a tough time getting up and need a nap by the time the kids take a nap.  Today that wasn't the case, I was able to just do my thang.  I even did some running around, so I had to pack a few snacks.  I'm so used to packing snacks for the kids, it was like second nature packing for myself.  I also started packing Morgan's lunch.  Keeps him on track.

Support system::

One of the biggest aspects on why I will be successful at this lifestyle change is my support system.  Morgan and I planned to do this about a month ago.  We felt like our health and our overall wellness was not at a high point.  Plus I just turned 30 and thought a lifestyle change was in order...I'm not getting any younger. Sad but true.    I'm happy that we decided to do this together.  Also, our good friends the B fam is joining us.   They actually did this cleanse last year and have always tried to talk us into doing it with them.    Its nice to be able to someone about any questions , thoughts, or concerns.  I think it's important to have a good support system.  I know it's only been 3 days, but there is no way I would have got this far without a support system. It's comforting to know that there is someone going through the same challenges you are.  

Everything I ate today ::

Breakfast | oatmeal

Snack | avocado slices with mustard

Lunch | broiled tilapia seasoned with paprika, green onions, pepper, and Mrs. Dash garlic herb 

             brown rice

            sautéed spinach with garlic

Snack | 5 oz protien shake

Dinner | grilled chicken breast marinated in cilantro, lime, and onion

             avocado slices

             homemade salsa, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, onion

             brown rice

             greens 

The chicken looks a lil crazy but it was delish.  I made the marinade in my vitamix, it was more of a sauce.

Day 3 down for the books! 

Day 2 Eating Clean

Well day 2 is down for the books.  I think it was a lil easier.  We stayed at home all day so I had all my snacks and food readily available.  Not a shabby day...

Everything I ate today::

Breakfast | 2 egg omelet with 1 yolk, filled with spinach, tomatoes, and red onion

Snack | 1/2 apple sliced with a side of almond butter

Lunch |  baked tilapia with lemon juice, green onion, and Mrs. Dash garlic -herb seasoning

             brown rice

             green beans and mushrooms

Snack | 5 oz protein shake

Dinner | flank steak season with Mrs. Dash spicy southwest

             sautéed bell peppers and onions

             brown rice

And 40 oz of water throughout the day.

Day 1 eating clean

Wow, first day has been rough!  We didn't really clean out our fridge and pantry like we planned.  Our weekend accidentally got busy and we forgot about it.  So there is temptation all over.  I can't really be ok with throwing all that food away either.  It's not that we have a ton of processed food,but we do have a lot of snacks.  I'm a snacker!  I didn't realize how much process food and drinks I consumed in a day.  Kind of disgusting! 

Everything I ate today::

Breakfast | 1 hard boiled egg and oatmeal

Snack | 1/2 banana and almonds 

Lunch | hard boiled egg with a salad

Snack | 8 oz protein shake

Dinner | baked tilapia seasoned with pepper, lemon, crushed red pepper, paprika, and topped with green onions.  With a side of green beans and mushrooms 

All in all,  it was a big adjustment.  This is the cleanest I've ever eaten, it's a total 360 from where I was the day before.  I've been on Pinterest all day looking up meal plans and recipes.  Some people are so creative with their plans.  It's very inspiring ! It helps to see all the recipes, I thought that eating clean would be eating boring.  I have been proven wrong! 

On to day 2...  

24 days of clean eating

Welp, the time has come for me to actually go on a diet. Morgan and I have planned this since December, w're going on a 24 day cleanse.  I know what you are thinking.....why are they starting in the middle of the month and not on the 1st??  The reason we are stating this diet in the middle of the month is because my birthday and we planned a cookout for Morgan's junior sailors , taking up the first two weekends in January.  

So here we are on the verge of this diet/ cleanse.  To be honest I have never dieted or worked out.  I've been blessed with an incredibly fast metabolism .  After both kids I just breasted them and the weight literally melted off.  But I know I'm getting older and they way I eat is super unhealthy.  I want to change my lifestyle.  I keep reading about people changing their diets and they feel so much better and their health has improved dramatically.  Morgan was originally going to do this on his own, but I wanted to be supportive and do it with him.  What better time to change things then in January and after your birthday??

Our diet is about eating clean and portion control.  We are going to plan out weekly meals , hopefully that will increase our success.  A couple of my biggest challenges will be soda and wine. Haha sounds nuts?!  During this diet there will be no alcohol, no juice or soda, and only 1 cup black coffee a day.  Just typing that out freaks me out.  I just have to keep in mind that I want to be healthy.  I don't think I can abstaine from those for the rest of my life, but I do want to cut down.

To keep accountability and motivation, I'm going to write a diet journal here.  Maybe even post recipes and meal plans.  Hopefully that we keep me honest.  Wish me luck!

Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe

What you'll need::

 1 9x13-inch dish

 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells

 1 eggs

 1 container ricotta cheese

 1 bag Italian cheese mix, divided

 2 tablespoons pesto

 2 teaspoons salt

 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

 1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce

 1 package a frozen spinach, thawed and drained 

How to cook::

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a little salt and a little olive oil . 

Add pasta and cook per package directions; drain.

In the 9x13 baking dish pour some of the pasta sauce on the bottom, just enough to cover the dish.

In a large bowl, mix egg, ricotta, half the cheese, pesto, spinach, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in baking dish.

 Pour the rest of the sauce over stuffed shells.

Top with the rest of the cheese. 

Cover dish with alumni foil.

Bake for 30 min

Take off foil and bake for an addition 10 min or until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.

Right before baking::

Done and Done::

So long to my roaring 20s....

It happened! I turned 30!  Geeze, when I was young it felt like 30 was 2 lifetimes away.  Now it's here....it's really here.  I'm really thankful for this birthday.  First off, thankful I made it to this age.  Tomorrow is never gauranteed so another day is another blessing.  I'm thankful to have a wonderful husband who is loving, helpful, and that provides a comfortable lifestyle that gives me the opportunity to stay at home with our children.  I'm thankful for my 2 beautiful and healthy kids.  Some days they make me want to tear my hair out, but they always find a way to melt my heart. 

Life is good.  I'm at a good place and I'm loving life.  During my 20s. I learned a lot.  I changed so much from 20 to 29!  A lot happened...I learned a lot.  I lived in Washington state, we bought our first home, we short sales our first home, I had Amelia, I moved to Japan, I had Nolan, changed my last name, got into credit card debt, got out of credit card debt, traveled to Hokkaido, traveled to Thailand, traveld to the states, and many more experiences I can't think of.  If you asked me 10 years ago how i thought my life would be at 30, I would haven't even been close to where I am now.   Here I am a full fledge adult!  I understand it's all the rage these days. Haha. I'm really looking forward to the next 30 years of my life.  If time keeps flying at this rate I'm sure it won't be long.

Well the plan for my birthday was pretty low key.  I just wanted to go out to dinner with Morgan and then the night after a dinner out with the ladies.  So I went to my friend Melliza's house to drop off the kids for her to babysit and there it was a SURPRISE PARTY!!!  All our friends were there.  I was so shocked, I didn't expect anything like this.  I even was tearing up.  I'm such a sap.  I had an awesome time, couldn't have asked for more.  It was a great way to bring in my 30s.  

Reflection..

I seriously blinked and 2013 was over.  So much has happened.  Definable was a blessed year for my family. Some notable mentions this 2013; Morgan and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary, Nolan turned 1, and Amelia turned 4.  Morgan and I each turned one year older too! *wink wink* We were fortunate enough to take two trips back to the states to visit our families.  One of the best things that happened this year was taking our kids to Disneyland for the first time!!

I know that today is just a Wednesday , but it is the first day of 2014.  I want to take this fresh start and try to be a better person, better mom, and better wife.  I don't normally do resolutions but I have a few goals in 2014 that I want to accomplish.  A friend of mine mentioned in her Facebook status that this year she was going to slow down and take more time for herself, for her daughter, and her husband.  It really inspired me.  I just mentioned that I felt liked I blinked and 2013 was over.  To be honest, I'm wound up pretty tight.  I need take a page from my friend's book and slow down.  In the grand scheme of things it's not that serious, no need to worry, you still have tomorrow, your kids are only young once, they grow up so fast.... I mean there are a ton of sayings out there.  I'm going to slow down this year, im going to stop and smell the roses.  I have a pretty wonderful life and I need to fully take it all in. Happy new year!  Hope 2014 is just as great! *cheers

Our first family picture of 2014!