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.

Beast Mode.

Make Mistakes.

Happy Monday!

Tank.

My everything.

77 Candles.

Grandma Viring [gran-mah vir-ing]: mother. grandmother. great grandmother. breast cancer survivor. fighter. lover. stubborn. hard worker. entrepreneur.

Today my grandma celebrated her 77th birthday today. Fortunately, I was able to spend her special day with her, family and some of her dearest friends. It was a special day and I'm so lucky I got to share it with her. 

"The secret to living a long and fulfilling life - never sit down."

-Virginia Pundamiera

Cheers to a long and happy life!

Inspired?

FITspiration: AMRAP at Home.

For those of you who are familiar with Crossfit, you know what AMRAP stands for - AS MANY REPS AS POSSIBLE. I've been going to Crossfit 5150 for a little less than 6 months and am really enjoying the workouts. I was an athlete growing up and enjoy the gym, but have a hard time pushing myself. Crossfit provided the perfect solution - challenging workouts, a coach to push me, and great friends. 

(Courtesy of Self.com)

Today's FITspiration is inspired by some of my favorite WODs. Try this at home, on your break, or even the gym. The goal is to challenge yourself.


AMRAP
Time: 20 mins


20 squats
20 push ups (chest must touch the ground)
20 burpees


Repeat this set of exercises as many times as you can - ENJOY!!!


xo,
Jen

Enjoy Life.

FOODspiration: My Favorite Stuffed Bell Peppers.

A serious case of the Monday's = inspiration to cook something delicious.

Meat mixture

 Cleaned out bell peppers

 Tenderizing bell peppers :)

Deliciousness!!!!

Ingredients (Below is the recipe for a household full of growing men)

- 1 pound organic ground turkey

- 1 pound free range ground beef

- 1 tablespoon coconut oil

- 4 cups water

- 6 bell peppers (any color works)

- Onions

- Garlic

- Tomatoes (chopped)

- Mushrooms (chopped into fine pieces)

- 2 (8 ounce) cans of tomato sauce

- Cheese of choice

- Worcestershire sauce

- Garlic powder

- Seasoned salt

- Salt and pepper

Directions

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

- Remove tops of bell peppers, and remove seeds and membranes. Add to boiling water. Boil until tender.

- Heat coconut oil over medium high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.

- Add garlic and sauté with onions. Be careful not to burn!

- Add ground turkey and ground beef and cook until little pink.

- Add salt & pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt.

- Add chopped tomatoes and chopped mushrooms and cook until pink is gone. Turn off stove.

- Add half a can of tomato sauce and stir.

- Sprinkle cheese into meat mixture and set aside.

- When bell peppers are tender, drain water and arrange in baking dish. Sprinkle salt on the bell peppers.

- Add meat mixture to bell peppers, top with tomato sauce (add water to make a soupy consistency), and top with cheese. 

- Place in over and bake for 25-35 minutes depending on 

Cook to feel inspired. Eat to fuel motivation.

ENJOY!

HAPPINESS.

How Many Colors?

Font Type.

Happy Thursday!

Seize the Day!

Mind Traveller.