Start with Yourself

If you want to save the world, you've got to start with yourself.

I've spent a good portion of my life trying my darndest to help: people, animals, causes, even creepy bugs; whatever it was that needed help, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I could have made an impact.

I became a yoga teacher for that very reason -- to share a practice that helped me with others, to guide them through the process and be there when they needed me. Even though the desire to help everyone and everything has always been natural to me, I'd often forget one pretty big piece of the puzzle -- MYSELF.

Sure, I could lead a class about patience and strength but behind the scenes, I was quite possibly the worst example of both. I would submit to the requests of adding more classes to my schedule, even though I was already overwhelmed. I had to help, and I couldn't find it in me to say no.

No matter how much time and effort I put into my classes, no matter how far I traveled, how much time I spent away from my family, I could only reach so many people -- and it never felt like enough.

I had a wake up call when a freak accident in the kitchen left me unable to use my hand for a few months, forcing me to slow down. Instead of welcoming the break, my inability to live up to my own expectations had driven me into a dark place.

It took me far too long in life to realize that I NEEDED TO HELP MYSELF FIRST.

With the goal of a strong, healthy body and strong, healthy mind; I set aside 30 minutes each day for working out, stretching and mediating. It didn't take long to notice a change. I was finally able to live my truth and lead by example.

I am so grateful that my BeachBody support group found me when it did, because I don't know where I'd be right now without them.

Now that I'm able to care for myself, I have found that I can expand my reach to help more people by coaching and running online support groups. If you struggle to find the time or motivation to care for a healthy body and mind, message me and we can get there together.

You can't save everybody, but you've got to save yourself.
#TransformationTuesday

Pesto Chicken Roulade

This pesto chicken roulade was super easy to make and insanely delicious! Everyone cleared their plates, including our 3 & 4 year olds!
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PESTO CHICKEN ROULADE
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Start with chicken breast, and cut them in half lengthwise so they lay thin. Put them in a freezer bag and pound until about a half inch thick.
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Spread pesto (I made mine easily with basil, almonds, parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice) along the inside, then stuff with a few chunks of fresh mozzarella. Roll up tight, secure with a few toothpicks.
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Dip roulade in egg wash (just crack a couple eggs and beat in a dish), then coat in bread crumbs. Bake in a pan at 375 for about 45 minutes.
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Pan sauce is easily made with 2tbsp butter, 2tbsp flour, 2 cups chicken stock, half a lemon, and a tablespoon of pesto.
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Serve with roasted veggies, a salad, rice would be nice. 😀

Meal Prep Saturday!

Killin' it on a Saturday afternoon!

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The boys went grocery shopping, the baby is napping (after being up every 2 hours last night), and my girl and I just got our workout on and are meal prepping for the week.
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I don't know how I'd get through the week without meal prep! On today's menu: turkey meatballs, mini muffins, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, and marinating steak for tacos!

10 Minute Flourless Mini Muffins

I promise you that these will be the easiest muffins you will ever make! Literally just toss everything in the blender, pulse a few times and they're done. They are super easy to customize, whether you want to top them with chocolate, nuts, coconut--whatever you like!

My 3-year-old LOVES mini muffins (yes, ONLY muffins of the mini variety will do). After reading the back of the package and not being able to pronounce half of the ingredients, I couldn't keep buying them. 

I found this recipe on Pinterest and adapted them to fit my mini muffin tin. I feel MUCH better giving her these secretly healthy, totally delicious muffins instead. 

10 Minute Mini Muffins

yield: 3 dozen mini muffins | prep time: 5 minutes| cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashioned oats
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
2 Tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 2 tsp cocoa, chopped pecans or walnuts, chocolate chips or blueberries

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 400ºF. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.

Combine the oats, bananas, applesauce, yogurt, brown sugar, egg, honey, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a blender. Pulse 10-15 times, or until the batter is smooth. It doesn't need to be completely smooth, just well combined.

Fill mini muffin tins with 1 TBSP of mixture. You want them to be about 3/4 the way full. Add toppings if desired to the top of the batter.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean.

Essential Oils + Restorative Yoga Workshop

When: October 8th, 2:00-3:30PM
Where: Kula Yoga, 1205 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove
Register online at KulaYogaLifestyle.com

Essential Oils and Yoga have been used for thousands of years. Both are powerful tools used to bring balance and healing to us mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

This workshop is thoughtfully crafted to encourage the release of stress in the body and mind with a calm and therapeutic approach. A restorative sequence focused on opening the hips stimulates the kidney and liver meridians to clear energetic and physical blockages. Students will have the opportunity to experience the power of aromatherapy as a way to stay with intentional breath and focus, to facilitate releasing and softening into their practice.

Come join us for a 90-minute workshop and experience therapeutic applications of essential oils while rejuvenating your body and mind through a deeply relaxing, balancing, restorative yoga class.

Join us just before the workshop on Saturday, October 8th at 1:00PM for a *FREE* educational class on how to begin empowering your health with the gift of essential oils.

This complimentary 50-minute class is designed to introduce you to some of the ways essential oils can help you live a happier, healthier, more balanced life.

Walk-ins are welcomed although space is limited.

Reserve your space now at KulaYogaLifestyle.com.

This Little Shake of Mine

This little shake right here... ❤😍❤

I often hear that the superfoods shakes I drink are too expensive. But here is how I pay for them at a little over $4 per day...

✅ It feeds me for one meal each day, replacing my groceries or takeout for that meal

✅ I no longer feel the need to drink $4-5 lattes several times per week because my energy levels are up

✅ All the supplements I was taking are ingredients in my shakes so I don't have to buy 5 separate supplements every month, including a multivitamin

✅ I'm not buying bags of chocolate with the intention to have one per day and next thing you know the bag is empty 2 days later because I don't crave the sweets and junk food anymore

✅ Drinking it while running errands prevents me from spending $6-10 on fast food

✅ It keeps me from buying the entire grocery store because I am not running in there hangry

The first month was an investment, but it came with a 30 day money back guarantee if it didn't work for me. Now it just becomes part of my monthly grocery budget.

Isn't your health worth that initial investment?


Ready to get started with Shakeology? Visit My Coach Page to get started now!

Motivation Monday

As a perfectionist and a procrastinator, I'm constantly at a crossroads of wanting to get things done the right way yet delaying them until I have the time to commit to perfection (aka sh*t never gets done).

As a reminder to myself and hopefully someone else who needs it, remember that small steps add up to big results. One small step at a time, you'll be surprised at how much progress you can make. A little progress each day yields big results.

Breakfast Tacos

I'm OBSESSED with breakfast tacos, and this is my favorite way to eat them.

+ white corn tortillas, warmed in a pan

+ 1 tsp jalapeno cilantro hummus smeared on the bottom

+ shredded cabbage w/ a squeeze of lime
+ 2 eggs over easy
+ sprinkle taco seasoning
+ top with cilantro
+ eat, smile and love life

Never Miss Another Bedtime Story

As soon as we developed a nightly routine with our 'big kids,' reading a bedtime story has always played an important part of our day. Every night after teeth are brushed and PJs are on, Dad tucks the babes in and I read them a story. We take weekly trips to the library to ensure that each day we have a brand new story to read.

When I began teaching yoga after Miranda was born, my nights were often busy and I'd miss out on our special time together. Sure, Dad can read the kids a story just as well... but it never felt right missing our special time together. Plus, I'm a pretty awesome storyteller

As silly as it may sound, THIS is WHY I decided to coach and help people online -- so that I don't miss out on bedtime stories.

If this resonates with you, head over to my Coach page to read more about how you can earn money just by helping people achieve their health goals!

21 Day Fix: Before & After

These pictures are taken 3 weeks apart. Only a 4 lb difference in between the two. But it's not about what was lost that's important, it's about what I've gained.

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The girl on the left was mentally and physically exhausted. She was struggling with bouts of post partum depression, trying her best to hide from the world. She could barely find the energy to get up out of bed in the morning, especially after nursing a 6-week old baby all night. She was running on 6+ cups of coffee most days, then countering with multiple glasses of wine in evening. She was short-tempered with her kids once the caffeine wore out and just plain angry. Angry that she couldn't unroll her yoga mat because she couldn't focus. Angry that she had no time for herself.
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Three pregnancies had worn hard on my body. Strangers would often stop and ask if I was feeling ok because of the way I carried myself. "Are you limping? Are you hurt?" Not consciously, no... But I WAS in fact hurting.
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When I began this journey, I didn't care about the number on the scale or even the state of my body. It wasn't about that. I just didn't feel good, and I knew I needed help. Everyone deserves to feel good, right? But I knew I couldn't do it alone.

With the help and support of my sister, she coached me through the 21-day fix and incorporated Shakeology into my diet. Even though I was skeptical, it was all 100% guaranteed, so what did I have to lose? She was with me, motivating me and supporting me every step of the way. She was helping hold me accountable to finishing what I started.

And here I am 3 weeks later.
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The girl on the right MAKES time for herself every day. She feels GOOD in the morning and doesn't rely on caffeine or alcohol to get through the day. She doesn't feel sore, doesn't make excuses, and she walks with more confidence. She has more patience with her family. She is stronger, physically and mentally. She sets goals every day and she crushes them. She has only begun her journey, and she may have a long way to go; but she's finally headed in the right direction.
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If any of this resonates with you, shoot me a message or comment below and I'll get in touch with youl!!
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Your health is your greatest wealth. The first steps are the hardest. Know that you DON'T have to do it alone, and please know that I'm here with you every step of the way.


Are you ready to get started? Pick your Challenge Pack and let's so this TOGETHER!