Thursday, January 31, 2013

My Passion

I am a part of the Beachbody Coaching team. I have been using Beachbody products for some time now and have had excellent results! I have taken 2 fitness instructor courses in the past, so it has always been of deep interest for me. Being a stay at home mom, I was looking for a way to motivate others in reaching their goals while still being here with my boys full time. When the coaching opportunity came to Canada, I knew it was perfect for me. Yes, I can make an income, but more importantly, I can encourage others to reach goals...showing them a product I truly believe in.

My biggest draw to Beachbody, initially, was being able to workout at home. Getting to the gym with little ones is not always an easy task. Having a workout available to me at any time is just what I needed. I wouldn't miss a class, didn't need childcare, a mapped out meal plan, no excuses. The schedule would always work for me! I am about to embark on the 60 day Les Mills Combat program. I have done combat for years and to be honest, it is one of my faves.

I LOVE this journey. It is exactly what I needed to stay focused on my own fitness goals, while motivating others! Some stay at home moms enjoy selling make-up or jewelry, bc that is what they love. I love fitness....Love setting goals, love working out, love motivating others. This is exactly where I need to be right now and it feels good...:)

My website is listed above, if you are like me....with a passion for fitness and a passion for people!


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Taking Pics

I have always LOVED taking pictures. Admittedly, I am not a fantastic photographer, but I do have a pretty fantastic camera that I love, the Nikon D90, so can managed to pop out a few framers...;) I have had it for 3 years and am just learning what to do when I take it out of auto.

My husband bought me a fancy flash for Christmas and it has really put a bug in me to utilize this fancy cam to its fullest. I have a general idea of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc, but to put it into action with my kids is no easy task. That is one of my goals this year: to boost my picture taking ability...without any photoshop...ha!

Kudos to all the photographers of the world. Capturing cherished moments is definitely an art...and not an easy one. But whether they be amateur or pro, pictures help us re-live those treasured moments. I don't think anyone has ever uttered the words, "I wish I hadn't taken so many pictures!" A picture is truly worth a thousand words.






Saturday, January 19, 2013

Sweet and Spicy Chili

One of my fave winter day recipes is chili. Easy, yummy, comfort food can't be beat. You don't need much, including time, to make a hearty chili. So, after reading through a few recipes online, I just grabbed what I had in my kitchen and loosely followed the basics. It's been a staple for about 3 years now...:)

1lb lean ground beef
1 can Hunts spicy red pepper and chilies pasta sauce
1 can light tomato soup
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can dark red kidney beans
Mushrooms
Onion

Seasoning: (to taste)
Old El Paso individual packet chili seasoning
Brown sugar(I like about 3tbsp or so)
Minced garlic
Salt & pepper
Chili powder
Red pepper flakes

Brown meat. I put a little beef broth in for flavor.

While meat is browning you can mix your tomatoes, sauces, soup, seasoning together in large pot. Add mushrooms, onion, any veggies you prefer, and kidney beans.

Drain meat, add to sauce. Simmer over low heat. A half hour is enough to warm, but I like to simmer for 1.5-2 hours for flavors to combine.

We like to add a little cheese to each bowl and the boys like to use tortilla chips for dipping....or of course dinner rolls.


A great way to re-invent your chili leftovers is in a taco salad. Pick up a few tomatoes, tortillas, head of lettuce, cucumbers, shredded cheese, whatever veggies you enjoy! Top with sour cream and/or salsa!

Enjoy!!








Hockey's back!!!

My little dude's been waiting his whole life to get in on the hockey action! This house is looking forward to the game today!!



Thursday, January 17, 2013

Contests

I had never considered myself one to enter contests......until one specific contest caught my eye. It was February of 2011 and John Frieda Canada hosted a giveaway with their Brilliant Brunette line. It was 2 night, 3 day stay at The Surrey Hotel and Spa in NYC, complete with a cut, colour, and style for the winner and guest at the Madison Ave John Frieda Salon. The trip included gift cards to the Henri Bendel on 5th Ave, as well as to the Tao restaurant....PLUS a little spending money. All airfare included. HOW could anyone pass up this opportunity to win such a great prize?! First on my list was to make sure it was legit, so I called the number on my trusty old Brilliant Brunette shampoo, that I truly use consistently...and sure enough it was the real deal.

It was a Facebook contest and with 1500 entries, I was certain I would NEVER win. I had entered the contest late and it was based on votes. The entry required was a photo of yourself explaining why you shine...NOT an easy blurb to write of yourself. I had a really hard time coming up with anything that was not over-indulgent, as I know there are few people who enjoy listening to anyone ramble on about how wonderful they are...and quite honestly that is not me. So, I kept it short and sweet. My photo included a picture of myself and my then only 3 boys with the caption: "These busy little boys make me shine" or something of the sort...which could not be more true. These boys are the reason for my existence.

I am not entirely sure how it came about, but when I woke up the next morning I had hit the first page. I can only credit my wonderful family and many friends who believed I could possibly win this thing. The goal was to make it to the top 10, as then John Frieda would choose the ultimate winner. After a SOLID month of voting EVERY SINGLE day, I had somehow stuck first place and was later announced the winner and it was absolutely, 100% the trip of a lifetime...and I am forever grateful to those who voted. It was for myself and a guest and my husband and I had a much needed mini-vacation that July. I have nothing, but praise for The Surrey, The Tao, Henri Bendel and of course John Frieda for making my experience most memorable. When I am back in NYC..which I most definitely will be, I will make it a point to go back to these locations..I am forever a fan!


Tao


                                                                           The Surrey



Henri Bendel


Having won such a wonderful prize gave me a contesting bug. My most recent contest was also on FB and hosted by an up and coming leather handbag company, Cuore and Pelle. They were giving away 10 of their beautiful Sophia bags and I was lucky enough to be one of the 10 and received my bag just over a week ago and it is stunning..:) I need to add that I am very impressed with this company, so far. Not only do they have beautiful handbags, but being a follower on Twitter and FB, I see how personable they are...this is very valuable to me as a customer. I encourage you to check out their site!


My point: I can't help, but think that of course SOMEONE has to win and I now enter a ridiculous amount of contests, big and small.  I had wondered how legit these "giveaways" really were, but as long as I know the company name and know they have a good reputation, I am all over this new obsession of contesting....and absolutely encourage others to jump on board!