Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Shakeology Frappucino

I don't know about all of you but I love to mix up my Shakeology flavors depending on my mood, needs for the day, etc. I have been trying to cut back on my morning coffee mostly because I can only drink it with Bliss Vanilla Coffee Mate creamer which isn't the best for you. So on the mornings that I still want my morning coffee fix but not the creamer, I choose to make  Shakeology Frapuccino. There are numerous ways to mix it but a very easy recipe is 10 oz water, a packet of Starbucks via instant coffee, chocolate (or vanilla) Shakeoly, a bunch of ice and blend! It tastes great and you are having your healthiest meal of the day. Feel free to share some of you favorite recipes. I would love to hear them.

 
 
Nicole Link
Team Beachbody Coach



BLT Bacon Weave

Okay....let me just say this is one of my all-time favorite pins from Pinterest. My husband requested BLT's for dinner and although it isn't the healthiest dinner option I wanted to cook him something that he really wanted. I remembered seeing something on Pinterest that had to do with BLT's and how to cook the bacon so I went searching and I came across an online article from the Huffington Post.

Here's how to make the PERFECT BLT. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Cut bacon pieces in half. Using 6 halves of bacon weave them into a square shape.  Repeat this process for all bacon pieces (each BLT will use 3 full pieces of bacon).


Place in oven for 25-30 minutes watching them towards the end until they are to your desired crispness.

 Remove from oven, place between paper towels to remove excess grease, place on toasted bread and top with lettuce, tomato and avocado if you wish. With the bacon weave you don't have to worry about the bacon falling off the bread and you get bacon in every bite. YUM!!


Thursday, October 3, 2013

My Sister's Wedding

This past weekend I had the pleasure of standing next to my sister on her wedding day. My sister was my Maid of Honor six years ago when my husband and I got married and I got to return the favor last weekend as her Matron of Honor. The wedding was in La Jolla, CA and we could not have asked for a better day, better weather, better people or a better couple to celebrate. My sister was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen and the reaction her husband had as she walked down the aisle said it all. He was beside himself and she literally took his breath away. I felt so honored to be a part of their special day.

This is the view she and I woke up to from our ocean front hotel room the morning of the wedding.

My sister and her bridesmaids

 
I can honestly say that I have never felt more beautiful than I did that day. The pretty dress and getting my hair and makeup done helped quite a bit. But it also had to do with the fact that I have never been in better shape in my whole life and I felt confident standing in front of 85 people because of the hard work I put in to get to this point. I love my sister with all my heart and I was so honored to stand next to her on her big day. 


 I mean really?!? She is GORGEOUS!

And my babies got to be a part of the wedding too. The ring bearer and flower girl did a fabulous job and were as cute as can be!!

Vanilla and Peanut Butter Shakeology

Vanilla and Peanut Butter Shakeology
 
 
As many of you know, Vanilla Shakeology was released in the last few months and initially I really liked the flavor but then I found myself comparing it to my beloved Chocolate and I wasn't really feeling it. UNTIL....I found this recipe. Oh My Gosh!! I love this recipe and it is my go-to recipe when it comes to vanilla.
 
8 oz water
2-4 oz of almond milk
1/2 banana
1 Tbsp all natural peanut butter
Blend with a LOT of ice
 
If you are struggling with the taste of vanilla I suggest you try this recipe. You will not be disappointed!