side effect: when using this kitchen tool, you can't help but smile.

For all of you curly Qs, you must try the Spiralizer!

A friend texted me earlier today asking me what I knew about spiralizers. Quickly, a smile came across my face, and texted her the information that she needed. However, this prompted me to dig through those old kitchen cupboards (you know, the cupboard that hold all the tools that you rarely use) and dust off my spiralizer.

This gadget is a fun little one! It takes no time at all to zip through a half dozen zucchini's to make a wonderful noodle looking dish. It's a great tool if you are a noodle lover - every meal looks like noodle heaven but it surely is not! You can make a full spaghetti meal topped with a pesto or a marinara sauce using only zucchini noodles - a great healthy alternative! Think about how light you would feel after a full plate of zucchini pasta. Amazing!

I bought the Parderno Spiralizer from Amazon, last year. This machine is much more than a kinky zucchini transformer - you can make thick, thin, or curly noodles. You can also make some really creative, beautiful looking fruit art. Apple chips, carrot chips, shredded cabbage, curly potato fries, and so much more. It comes with 3 blades that have different functions for you to explore. And, bonus - it's easy to clean!

What's cooking in your kitchen this week? Any kitchen gadgets that you can't live without? Do you own a spiralizer?

A 5 minute salad dish

The one I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/World-Cuisine-A4982799-Tri-Blade-Vegetable/dp/B0007Y9WHQ

For you Pinners out there - - look up spiralizers - lots of fun!

Temptations...

How do you handle Social Temptations?

Okay, I have the goal written down. I have the vision board made (a new post coming up on this strategy), I have a kitchen stocked with clean food, I have the new fitness clothes, I have the time, but, do I have the strength to endure the temptations around me?

I am a sucker for temptations. I would like to think that I am a strong woman, however, the more I continue on this path of wellness, the more I realize that may not necessarily be the truth. I struggle with social temptations......and I struggle immensely.


My mother-in-law's cookies!


With the wedding being 4 months away, I am preparing myself for the temptations of a lifetime! I have two bridal showers, a bachelorette, a baptism celebration, get-to-know the bridal party Party, a 'parents finally meeting' luncheon, and many more events! In addition to my personal celebrations, I have two other weddings to attend, a trip to Atlanta, Easter celebration dinners, bridal showers, baby baptisms, a confirmation, and a couple baby showers! All exciting events that I can't wait to attend, but the temptations are endless....I need strategies!


I am a strong warrior in my home. I eat clean and have amazing willpower! However, take me out for a social event and I don't last 10 minutes. You can find me mowing down on anything and everything that tantalizes my taste buds....I'm truly an 'out of sight, out of mind' kinda girl. When it's in sight, all my goals and desires go flying and I can't seem to catch them....

So, what works for you? How do you survive social events? What makes you stick to your health goals? I need a game plan! Game's on and I have no defence!

The Last Meal...

Hello!

Happy March Break to all my teacher friends! I hope you found some time to relax and rejuvenate with your friends and family. I absolutely love this time of year, because it feels like we're going downhill....Spring colours paint the malls, the time change energizes, birds reuniting with one another, and the weather slowly gets warmer and warmer.  However, this year, I feel like I'm still climbing an enormous mountain....the famous Mt. Wedding.

Yes, in 4 months, I will be a MRS! It's crazy how quickly time flies. I remember thinking '8 months till the wedding' and now I am thinking 'holy amazeballs - only 4 months!'. I've been checking off the to-do list (cake, bomboniere, DJ, music, etc.) but there is one that I have not yet checked off - the wedding weight loss.

This past week, I was in full beach mode! Think sun, sand, sea, and many Spring Breakers flaunting their neon 2 pieces. (yes folks, the 80s neon is back in!). As I sat with my cover up, covering all my problem areas, I was mad at myself. Why haven't I done what I need to do to feel and look better? I'm not comfortable in my own skin and yet,  I've done nothing about it. Yes, I pay for Weight Watchers - and yes, I try and do the smoothie thing daily -  and yes, I have the home gym -  and yes, I know what I need to do....but I just have not taken it seriously until....tonight.

Yes - everyone hear me loud and clearly. I have 4 months to accomplish my goal. I want to rock the wedding dress but more importantly, I want to FEEL comfortable and confident on my wedding day. This is not a superficial thing. This is a wellness and confidence thing. When I was in Florida, I had a little taste of my beachy honeymoon! And, I didn't like it. I want to feel fantastic on the beach in Hawaii...I want to walk along the beach feeling confident in my own skin....I don't want to cover up my entire body.....I want to have the strength to eat well while on vacation

....I've said this before. (So much that my fiance doesn't entertain any of these conversations any more), but this was my last meal. A yummy disguised heart attack mess....and it was fantastic.

I devoured my naughty bliss, knowing that tomorrow is a brand new day....a new fitness schedule.....and a new meal plan. This is it, folks! I'm serious....I'm committed.....I've got 4 months. I could do a lot of damage in 4 months - I'm ready!

And, to add to my motivation, I need to fit into all my new Florida purchases. Yep, I bought adorable dresses, maxi skirts, tanks, etc. all in a SMALLER SIZE, PURPOSELY. Was this a crazy thing to do? Stupid of me? Or wise? Creative? Clever? I think the latter, my family thinks the first one. HA! I'll prove them wrong.....and I can't wait!

Thank you for reading! Making my mission public feels good! Keeps me in check. Keeps me honest. Any advice on how to stay strong is encouraged! I'd love to hear from you!