Chocolate What Cookies?

The problem with trying to eat healthy most of the time is the fact that, along with my want and need to eat well, is my insatiable want and need to eat crap.

Pure and utter crap.  Generally in the form of something baked and sweet.

Cookies and breads and pies, oh my!

I've really been trying to limit by sugar and flour intake so that really counts out most cookies and breads and pies.  Dang it.

There are tons of recipes that don't use these things and you can find them all over the internet and in various cookbooks that cater to such things.  You know, the sugar and flourless.

I ran into one the other night that looked both easy and like it might have potential to not totally stink.  And, like something that would be cheap enough considering I already had most of the ingredients, that I wouldn't be upset if they ended up being gross.  So, all the important boxes checked, I set out to make Chocolate Avocado Cookies.

Yep.  Cookies.  With chocolate.  And avocado?  And honey, an egg and a tiny little bit of baking soda.  Oh, and some chocolate chunks for good measure.  Really, that's it.

I found the recipe on the blog The Smoothie Lover.   You can see the full recipe here.

Basically you blend it all together and cook it at 350* for 8-10 minutes.  Mine definitely took at least ten.

She says: they look like coal.
He says: they look like cow poop. 

When they are done they look, well, interesting.  I believe my husband asked who let the cows poop in the house.  So, there's that visual for you.  But, he was brave enough to try them and, wouldn't you know it, actually liked them!

They are super chocolatey and you don't taste the avocado.  Well, I did a tad, but that's me.  Steven
hates avocados and he couldn't taste them at all.

My little gave them a shot and ate the entire cookie, minus one tiny morsel, before declaring he didn't like it.  I think it's a texture thing.

Speaking of, they are extremely sticky and not your typical cookie.  But they're good and I could see making them again when we need a chocolate fix that won't undo any good we've done.  You know, like an Oreo does.  Or a KitKat.  Or a brownie.  With ice cream on top.  Or...

Wait, what was I saying?  

Anyway, this one was a keeper.  A weird-looking, have to stay refrigerated, kinda odd-textured, winner.

I'll consider that a victory.

--Jess

It's going to be a "dry spray" summer!!

So, we are about to get a little personal!!!!! We are talking deodorant today!!! I started using Degree Motionsense deodorant stick the summer before last and I LOVE it!!!! I feel it really keeps me dry and fresh! Plus it smells really good! It says it will last 48 hours but I don't find that to be true but it lasts through my day which is pretty good!

I had no intentions of changing or even trying out any other products until I started seeing the commercials for the new "dry spray" deodorant! I know you've seen either the commercial or the actual product in the stores! It comes in a slim and nifty can- not the traditional bulky can and inconvenient cap!

Both Dove and Degree have the same type of product out now but since I already liked the Degree brand, I figured I would stick with them! All you have to do is shake it and spray it under your arms! In addition to keeping you dry and fresh it goes on DRY to the touch and best off all it doesn't leave white marks on your clothes!!!!! White marks on my clothes has always been an issue for me so this is a major perk!


<3 Rachel

The Best Date Night In

In a round about way, Rachel is responsible for one of the best dates I've ever been on.  True story.

A few months ago she suggested that I begin following Michelle Myers on Instagram.  She's a faith driven fitness pro that helps inspire women in their journey to a healthier relationship with their bodies and their Savior.  She's good stuff and worth the follow.  

Anyway, on one of Michelle's posts she mentioned that she and her husband were having a date night-in using DateCrates.  I followed the link to their Instagram page, @datecrates, and from there I ended up on the website:  https://www.datecrates.co/.  

Here's the scoop:  you choose from a list of pre-planned dates and DateCrates sends you what you'll need right to your doorstep.  Pretty simple, right? 

Steven and I chose the Glamping date and, let me tell you, I was almost stupid-excited for it to get here.  The day that box showed up on our front porch I could not wait to see what was inside.  When
we chose our date, we were given a basic idea of what we were getting into, but all the details were pretty much kept secret.  So it made getting the box a real treat.  

I don't want to give too much away--just in case you want to go Glamping yourself--so I will tell you what DatesCrates says about this particular date choice:

(taken directly from www.datecrates.co)

Two words: Glamorous Camping. It’s the new craze and this at home date brings you the fun activities of camping without leaving the comforts of home. Need I say s’more?

We chose a night for our date, sent the little guy off to the grandparents' house and really spent some quality time with each other.  

Because, not matter which date you choose, that's really the point, isn't it?  Being intentional with your relationship and focusing on the person that deserves your attention and time more than anyone else.  And the one that usually gets put on the back burner when the rest of life gets crazy and begins to take over or get out of control.  

It's easy to think that once you get married it's OK to stop dating.  Granted, dating others is seriously frowned upon.  But dating your spouse is amazing.  And necessary.  I won't lie and say that I'm always the best at it or that it even comes as the most natural thing for us all the time.  Things get in the way sometimes--or even lots of times.  But the planning of a date really doesn't have to be one of them.  DateCrates will do it for you.  And you don't even have to go anywhere.  

But you do have to turn off your phone.  The only one you need to talk to is right there.  

So go ahead.  Go on a date.  

And tell Rachel, "thank you."  You might end up going on your best one yet.  

- Jess

  

Monday Motivation: YouTube Channels You Need

Be honest, how many workout DVDs do you have in your house?  Now, how many do you have that are not covered in a layer of dust?  Yeah, me too.  

DVDs are great and they have their uses.  But after a while they can become a tad monotonous and they end up taking up more space on the back of the shelf than they do in your actual player.  It's ok.  It happens.  

I find that I need different workouts to keep me motivated and getting up early in the morning on a regular basis.  I've looked all over YouTube for exercise videos videos and you can easily come across some good ones in varying lengths.  

In the process, I've come across three fitness-based channels full of organized videos to help you find exactly what you're looking for to work you from top to bottom.  You can easily subscribe to each and get updates when new videos are added.  

Take a look at the links below and get moving!  

- Jess

Tone It Up: Not surprisingly, the You Tube channel I go to the most.  You can find me hanging out with Karena and Katrina almost daily to do it all from HIIT routines to individual toning workouts.

LivestrongWoman:  Workouts and recipes geared towards women. Yes, please. The best part of this channel for me?  The how-to videos.  Don't know how to do a Spiderman push up?  They'll show you.  

POPSUGAR Fitness: The workout videos are listed in categories by time.Whether you have 40 minutes are only five, they have a whole set of workouts to get you the results you want!

   

Friday Faith: Riding Waves

Every summer we used to go to the beach with my dad's side of the family. Twenty-something people, all related, all under one roof for an entire week.  It's a wonder we survived.  But we did.  And those are some of my favorite memories.

One thing I really loved to do while we were down at the water was float on my back, head toward the horizon, feet toward the shore.   I would wait for the start of waves to come and push me high into the air, and upright, leaving me in a standing position.  I would do it over and over, floating further and further down the beach.

I don't remember ever being scared of what was below me, or that I might land in a way that left me hurt.

Even though I had no idea when the next wave would come or if it would roll on by or crash on top of me, I was never worried that I would end up any other way than on my feet.  Upright.  Standing tall.

Faith.

That's what it feels like.

The truth is we're all riding waves, moving from one thing to the next.  Today to tomorrow.  Week to week. But when you have faith, you can lay back and let God carry you.  True, you move away from the shore--the safety--but that's where the real living and fun start.  And when you stop fighting the waves, and start letting God lead you, you'll find that you may not end up where you planned, but you'll always end up where you're supposed to be.

There's no telling what's under you while you're floating along.  Troubles, dangers, unexpected changes. But when God is the one that's in control--when you let Him truly carry you--you don't focus on what's below.  Your focus is on the ride--the life itself--that God is providing.

Giving control to God doesn't mean that waves won't knock you done from time to time or that you won't end up in difficult places, far from comfort.  But it does mean you're never alone.  Your God is with you. And He will never leave you as He sees you through the worst to get you to the best.

When you pass through the waters, 
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, 
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, 
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) 

“Always Off Makeup Cloths"

In the age of using special cloths for specific purposes I had no doubt the concept would start to show up in a more mainstream place I just wasn’t thinking that Wal-Mart would be the first place I saw them! Target needs to step their game up!!! However, on my most recent trip to Wal-Mart I found these “Always Off Makeup Cloths”! They were hanging horizontally in the cosmetic section and for $3 (actually $2.99) for 3 cloths- I had to try them!

They are advertised as “gentle, ultra-soft cloths to quickly and easily remove makeup in one easy step” meaning you can use your regular cleanser with it or just water! The microfiber cloth promises to lift away dirt, oil, makeup and even waterproof mascara in an economical way (since it could take the place of disposable cloths)!

 

My thoughts:

·        Yes- this is the only color choice you have. Within pack of three you get a solid hot pink, teal with pink polka dots and a teal, pink and tan chevron pattern. Maybe a Wal-Mart in a different area might have different color selections!?!?

·        They are not square like washcloths- they are 6x12 rectangles with rounded edges! The shape/size was perfect for the purpose!

·        I have not used them without cleanser (water only) but I really do like them. They are softer than my washcloths and I think my face appreciates that! They really do a good job as far as getting all my makeup off without feeling like I’m pulling the skin too hard especially in the eye area!

·        I feel kind of fancy when I use them- like I’m being pampered in a fancy spa!

·        Do I need them in my life- no but I do enjoy them and I will continue to use them!

·        No- they aren’t anything like the Norwex Brand Makeup Removal Cloth Set- these are microfiber and the Norwex are an antibacterial suede material. I have not tried the Norwex so I cannot compare them other than material! I would be open to trying them though!

 

 

<3 Rachel

Motivation Monday: 2015 Bikini Series!

It's that time of year again!  Our favorite girls over at ToneItUp.com are starting their annual Bikini Series to help us get ourselves summer ready.  Rachel and I both (along with a slew of friends) will be participating in the eight week program to get fit and healthier.

image from ToneItUp.com

I'm especially excited about going through the Bikini Series this year because it was such a game-changer for me last year.  I lost a total of 5 pounds and 15 inches by the end.  Yep, 15 inches!  And I've never felt better.  It really set the tone for how I was going to approach my daily exercise and eating routines.  And the motivation from these girls is really inspiring.  You won't regret giving this challenge your all!

Go the website and sign up so you can join us.  (Bikini Series Sign Up)  It's free and you will receive weekly workout schedules right in your email.  We will also check in with you along the way to tell you how we're progressing and see how you're doing.  

The first step of the Challenge is take your weight and measurements.  I know, no fun.  But if you don't know where you started, you won't know how far you've come in the end.  

If you're like me, you don't really know the right way to take measurements.  And if you don't do them right, you won't get accurate numbers.  And if you're going to work hard to make changes, you sure as heck want to know what those changes really are!  

Here's a video on the proper technique for measuring your body.  This video suggests having a fat caliper, but let's be real;  I'm not getting one of those.  A tape measure and a scale will tell me all I need to know.  

Here we go, Ladies!  Time to sweat it out for summer! 

--Jess

Pintererst Find: Crayon Easter Eggs

I'd pinned a few Easter activities for Jack this year.  Ok, so I pin lots of things for Jack to do all the time.  And I rarely actually do any of them.  The best of intentions and all that...

A few weeks ago I saw a pin for using melted crayons to create colorful Easter eggs.  (Find the original blog post linked here.)

I have no idea why this pin became a reality, but I'm pretty glad it did.

Maybe it was the way it looked so dang easy--a real requirement for me and any art project.  But before I really had a chance to talk myself out of it, I was buying eggs and a new set of cheap crayons for Jack to use.

Here's the scoop:

• Hard boil eggs
• Immediately set them on a cardboard egg carton
• Let them cool about a minute or two
• Take crayons and write all over those bad boys
• Be careful--they stay hot for a long time!

Jack absolutely loved it!  He was so excited by how easy it was to color on the eggs and had a blast using as many colors as he could to make each one "beautiful!"

This Pinterest find was a definite score and I can absolutely see us doing it again next year.  Maybe we'll even do it sooner so the eggs can be used for decoration.  Or maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself. I am who I am, after all.  Crafty and timely?  Not so sure.  

Here are some pictures of the boy in action and the finished products.  

-Jess

Jack coloring his eggs. 

With some of the finished eggs.  Proud boy.  

I made one, too. 

Melted crayon eggs.

Friday Faith: On Eggs and Resurrection

This past Sunday was Easter.  I've started loving this holiday over the last few years in a way that I certainly didn't as a child or younger adult.

Sure, it was fun for me as a little girl, waiting for the Bunny to come and leave a basket of goodies.  And even as I got older, and the real meaning of Easter began to sink in, it was still always just another holiday that would come in lower on my list after Christmas and Thanksgiving and any other day that allowed me to be off work.

I've always known who Jesus was and had always been told that Easter was about His Resurrection--Him defeating death in a way that not only proved His title as the true King of Heaven and Earth, but would allow me to defeat it as well, some thousands of years later.

Jesus died.  They put His body in a tomb and walked away thinking it was finished.

Except it wasn't.

Three days after they watched Him die on the cross they made Him carry, He rose.  Alive.  The stone was rolled away, and His body was gone.  Not because someone took it and moved it.  But because He was in it.  Alive.

And He still lives.

Because He lives I know that death will come to me one day, but that's when the beauty of my life with Christ in Heaven will begin.  It takes the fear out of dying.  Honestly, it takes the fear out of a lot of things.

Christ did not come and perform the ultimate act of love to leave me in my everyday life.  He's here with me.  All the time.

So now, when Easter comes around, I feel like we get to really celebrate the One that makes my life as good as it is.  The bringer of Hope and Love and true Happiness.

In our home we still open the door to the Bunny and he is welcome to leave goodies for our boy.  There's nothing quite like an almost four year old on a chocolate high.  But we're sure that between the egg hunts, basket giving and overeating (good grief, the overeating), we tell Jack about the true meaning of the day.

About a Savior that loved him so much, before he was even born, that He came and endured all the bad that our world has to offer; betrayal, humiliation, death.  And yet He still willingly took the brunt of all our sins squarely on the jaw and loved us furiously through it all.

Jack won't get it now.  Not completely.  But someday I hope his relationship with Jesus is so strong that maybe Easter becomes his favorite holiday, too.  Where Christmas celebrates the birth of our Lord on this Earth, Easter celebrates His rebirth.  And the opportunity we all have to be reborn.  Brand new.  In the name of Jesus.

Make no mistake, He loves you whether or not you love Him.  He loved us then and loves us now.  And when you really get that.  When it all finally sinks in and you begin to walk your everyday life with Jesus in mind, Easter becomes a time of year you look forward to.   Not for the Bunny.  But for the Son.

Bring on the Easter activities.  The dying of eggs and brunch with friends and family.  The chocolate bunnies and pastel colored Hershey's kisses. And the praise.  Praise of our reigning Savior for the love He not only talked about, but lived out.  For us.

Hallelujah!

Jess

An Awesome Daily Cleanser

It is no secret that I love Neutrogena products. They have been my “drugstore go-to” ever since I first got my first bottle of Oil-Free Acne Wash in my stocking one year for Christmas (I was like 10 or 11 years old)!

 I started using this Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser while I was pregnant, since I couldn’t use my usual Oil-Free Acne Wash due to the Salicylic Acid in it and I am currently on my third bottle! So now you are wondering what makes it so great:

·        It is gentle on your skin but really does a great job of washing the day off of your skin!

·        It removes all my makeup- It will even remove eye makeup on lazy days that the extra step of remover is just too much to deal with!

·        It will not irritate your eyes!

·        It is oil-free!

·        It has a light and relaxing scent so it makes it great for washing my face before bed!

 

And the best fact about this awesome cleanser is that it only costs $9 and it will last you a very long time!!!!

 

 

***MAKE SURE YOU GET THE FOAMING FORMULA, THEY HAVE A HYDRATING ONE THAT IS A CREAMY FORMULA (SEE IMAGE BELOW) AND THIS ONE DOSEN’T LATHER UP****

 

 

<3 Rachel

Monday Motivation: Healthier Muffins

Figuring out what to eat for breakfast that is quick, healthy and will not taste terrible is a bit of a challenge.  I need something that won't start my day off on the wrong foot and have me making more poor choices as the day progresses.  I mean, let's be honest, a cinnamon roll is fantastic, but once I eat one all I want all day is more and more sweet stuff.  

I love a muffin.  Yeah, love.  There are some days I'd take a muffin over a cupcake.  True story.  But I've noticed that muffins don't always love me back.  Maybe it's all that sugar and flour and chocolate chips.

What, chocolate chip muffins aren't a staple in your house?  Weird.

Anyway, I found a recipe on Pinterest (shocking, I know) that promised to be a healthier version of the muffins I love.  I was willing to give them a try, but I wasn't sure if either of my boys would be remotely interested.  They love muffins, too.  And generally anything that I make a healthy version of is met with turned up noses and flat out refusals to even test them out.  

So I didn't hold my breath when I tried out two recipes that called for overripe bananas and not one tiny bit of flour.  None.  They both used honey to add sweetness as opposed to sugar and were super easy to make.  

The first is from AverieCooks.com--a food blog that I've come to really enjoy getting recipes from.  Are they all healthy?  Not so much.  But, sometimes, who really cares?

This particular recipe happened to be. Score.  It's for mini flourless peanut butter muffins.  

Basically you combine the following in a blender and cook at 400* for 8-9 minutes.   Done.

1 ripe banana, peeled

1 large egg

1/2 cup creamy penaut butter

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup chocolate chips (added by spoon, after everything else has been well combined)

Notes from when I cooked them:

• I used a regular sized muffin pan, because I don't have a mini muffin pan.  I got 10 muffins out of it and cooked them about 18 minutes.  
• I used milk chocolate chips as opposed to semi-sweet.  Call me crazy, but if I eat a chocolate chip, I want it to be sweet.  Like, all the way. 
• I used an emulsion blender and whirled it all up in a bowl, instead of my big blender.  It was just easier for me.  
• The muffins rose quite a bit while cooking but quickly flattened as soon as they were removed from the oven.  
• My little guy couldn't be persuaded to try them despite his love for bananas, peanut butter and chocolate chips.  He's not a mixer, that kid.  My husband did bite the bullet and gave them a go.  He actually liked them!  In fact, he's eaten them several mornings before work instead of his usual bagel/cream cheese combo.

Inside

Flourless Peanut Butter Muffins
Recipe from AverieCooks.com.

The second kind of muffin I made was an oatmeal banana muffin that I happily added chocolate chips to.  What can I say; I was on a roll.

This one is from the blog Fit and Healthy with Debbie. 

Combine the following and bake at 350* for 18-20 minutes.  

2.5 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup plain, low fat Greek yogurt

2 eggs

1/2 cup honey

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tbsp ground flax seed

2 ripe bananas  

(Link to full recipe here!)

Right out of the oven

Oatmeal Banana Muffins

These were pretty straight forward from the online recipe.  I didn't tweak anything for the most part and they went over well with the husband.  The three year old?  Nope.  Wouldn't touch 'em.  Welcome to our life.

Both these types of muffins freeze really well. I keep large batches in freezer bags and take them out one or two at the time and heat them in the microwave for about a minute.  Add a yogurt and you've got a really good--and filling--breakfast.

Oh, and the peanut butter ones?  Not half bad as a little something sweet for after dinner.  Just sayin'.
Hope you enjoy!

--Jess