Turn Dreams Into Reality

Don't be afraid to chase your dreams! Is there a career route that you're dying to get into? Or even a hobby that you want to try but are afraid to take the leap? DO IT!

Too many of us are too scared to take a risk that we aren't living to our full potential. We can do anything we put our minds to; it just takes hard work, dedication and to believe in yourself 100%.  

SELFspiration: Better You

"What can I do to better myself this year?" As we start 2013, this is a question that is being asked by millions of people today. But, this shouldn't just be part of our New Year's resolution; instead, we should be asking ourselves, "What can I do to better myself today?"

Here are some tips to live by each day and help start the year off with a bang! 

• Scribble down your thoughts - I know many people who have tried to keep a journal, but can never make it over a month. Bored? Try blogging! 
• Be thankful for three things each day and write them down - If you write down all the things you're thankful for, it helps keep things in perspective
• Make healthy choices & partner up - Are you looking to run your first 5K or even quit smoking? Keeping yourself accountable can be hard, so choose a friend and help each other train for that upcoming 5K or ask that they help you kick your bad habit to the curb
• Goal it up - Set one goal per month and try to accomplish it. NOTE: Be sure to set realistic goals! (It might be tough to lose 25 pounds in a month.)
• Follow through - This rule applies to everything: goals, promises, and even work! Show your commitment to yourself and others and follow through. 
• Don't be a quitter - It's so easy to quit! I have so many unfinished projects and side businesses that I've quit doing halfway through. (This is all changing this year.) Stay determined and keep your eye on the prize. 
• Don't be afraid of what others think - The best way to conquer this fear is to prove all the haters wrong!
• Live, Laugh, Love - This saying can be so cliche, but it's totally true! Live your life to the fullest and be spontaneous, because tomorrow it could all be gone. Laugh till you pee your pants; it makes life so much better. Plus, people who are too serious are SUPER boring. Love until your heart feels like it's going to burst. Love conquers all. 

As for me, I've got a big year ahead of me. I think I've finally figured out what I want to do. I've been chasing so many different dreams just to be my own boss, that I almost forgot who and what I really love to do. This year is going to be a true testament to what I'm capable of as a person. It's make it or break it time, people! So start living and chase your dreams with me!

“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drowned your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

–Steve Jobs

New Year. New Adventures.

Ended 2012 in my hometown, Fairfield, CA, and will start 2013 back in Long Beach, CA. Cheers to a new year, and many new and exciting adventures!

Xoxo,
Jen, Kohl and Tank

LOVEspiration: Humbled By True Love

This year marked my parents' 26th wedding anniversary, and spending the weekend with them inspired me to share some of their secrets to making it last. Note: almost 75% of their friends (and my family members) have been divorced or are currently separated from their spouse.

• Find someone who brings out the best in you. My dad cancels out my mom's timid nature and my mom's tough spirit pushes my dad to be a fighter.
• Make smart decisions together. The key to a healthy relationship is to make smart decisions. My parents hardly ever make decisions without consulting one another.
• Never fight in front of others. I've seen a lot of my friends' parents bicker in public and in front of their children. If my parents ever had beef with each other, we would have never known. BUT don't get me wrong - fighting is healthy and normal, just be sure to do it behind closed doors.
• Surprise each other! When you are constantly buying material things for each other, it can become routine - presents are no longer a surprise, they are an expectation. Be sure to mix it up and surprise each other with non-materialistic things. 
• Communication. Don't keep things bottled up inside, talk them out. I know it can be challenging to bring sensitive things up, but if you don't talk them out they could add up and lead to a full-on melt down.
• Explore your fantasies! It is OK to explore your deepest fantasy - it is a great way to keep things spicy!
• Always love. Sneak him or her an unexpected kiss from time to time. Leave sporadic love notes laying around the house or in an unexpected place. Send "Just Because" flowers. Love is always best when your significant other doesn't expect it - you can never overdo your love for one another! 

"So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day…"

- The Notebook

FITspiration: Wahh Wednesday WOD

First off, my days have been a little off this week due to Labor Day, but now we are experiencing rain? I’m calling shenanigans! On days like this, I always look for a quick pick-me-up treat or workout to get my mind going. Today I’m going to share a quick workout that will instantly boost your energy and get your endorphins kickin’.

Wahhh Wednesday WOD (Workout of the Day)

This is a great workout to do after you’ve warmed up at the gym. If you’d like to do this in the comfort of your own home, be sure to run in place or jump rope for 5 minutes.

Five rounds:

•          15 push-ups
•          15 burpees
•          15 squats
•          10 box jumps (most gyms should have a box that you can jump on; if at home, use stairs, a planter, your retainer wall in the backyard – JUMP ON ANYTHING THAT MAKE S YOU TIRED!)

After you are done with the WOD, end with 100 sit-ups

Good luck getting’ that derriere of yours in shape! Happy Hump Day!!

FOODspiration: Zucchini Spaghetti with Sun Dried Tomato Meatballs

I have been cutting out most carbohydrates from my diet, but have had an intense craving for spaghetti and meatballs. Last night I decided to make the carb-free, paleo-friendly version using zucchini in place of the pasta - it turned out to be a hit and had Kohl and Drew running back for more. Check out the recipe below.

Meatball Ingredients
2 lbs. lean ground beef
2 tablespoons chives (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh basil (minced)
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil (minced)
2-3 garlic cloves (crushed and minced)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 jar gluten-free tomato sauce
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Zucchini Noodle Ingredients
6 zucchini
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Julienne peeler

Zucchini Noodle Preparation

1. Wash zucchini
2. Cut a thin slice off the bottom so they don't roll around
3. Use the julienne peeler to create the noodles
4. Put aside until meatballs and sauce are ready


Meatball Preparation

1. Preheat over to 375 degrees
2. Mix all the ingredients together (except the coconut oil) and shape into small balls
3. Heat skillet (if possible, use an over safe skillet) and coconut oil over medium heat; add meatballs when hot and brown on all sides
4. If you have an oven safe skillet, bake in oven for an additional 7-10 minutes. If not, transfer meatballs to a baking pan and bake for an additional 7-10 mins.
5. Warm tomato sauce in stove and add meatballs when done; simmer for 5 minutes. If you have an oven safe skillet, pour sauce over meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes.

When the meatballs are done cooking, put the zucchini in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Add meatballs and sauce on top and enjoy! 

Monday.

Feelin' blue today? Think again.