Happy Halloween!!! Well a tad early, but close enough. 
My son's preschool class just had their Halloween party. There were some pretty cute little goblins for sure. 

I can't believe it is already the end of October, and now on to November.  I will say that I absolutely LOVE the fall time and Halloween, but there is no mistake I am already super pumped that Christmas is getting close. I think my little guy has me pretty pumped for this year.  

Last year was the first year that I actually put my tree up before Thanksgiving.  (Yes it is like that)  But for good reason, I had the help.  This year is a little different.    

Each year, the holiday season can come with little challenges or adventures, as I like to call them.  Recently several new adventures of course popped up all at once - stressful, exciting, crazy. All the emotions mentioned above x10 during football season.... but of course.  

​Our first fun adventure is trying to sell our beloved 1st home in Louisville.   I love that little house.  There is always something about your first home.   Although, I will be happy to not have to worry about dealing with renting it out or paying a mortgage and rent in the same month.  But, none the less, it will always hold a special place in our hearts.  

Second adventure is that I decided against renewing my past personal training certification with Cooper (which was a great certification that I was super grateful for when it was paid for by the Army during the 10 years I worked for them).  Instead, I decided to go for a different certification.  The ACSM Exercise Physiologist has been the certification that I have wanted ever since I graduated in Exercise Science.  So next spring I will be sitting for the exam.  I am super excited and nervous about it.  Of course working study time in around work, life, and other things will be interesting.  Not to mention I HATE testing.  So I am giving myself plenty of time and resources to get it done.    

Third recent adventure is that right before Thanksgiving I will be in Tuscany, Italy!!! WHAAA???  
Best part it is with one of my BEST GIRLS!  Even better, right?  A mommy trip to the land of good food and wine... Yes, please!  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  But of course this will come with plenty of prep not only for MYSELF.... but, for my home, and most importantly my boys.  I am almost two weeks out from going, and I am still like "Am I really doing this???"  So I think over these next couple of weeks I will be in my list and organization over-planning MODE full ON.  

Lastly, there is nothing like planning for a trip, and knowing that it would be great to feel good before you go.  Granted, this isn't a bathing suite season type of trip.  Nonetheless, you want to feel good in your skin.  Especially when you really haven't for the last couple of months.  So I am BEYOND excited to kick off my November with a 3 Day Refresh, then jump into our newest program, Core De Force, rolling out November 1st. 

3 Day Refresh is really just a kick start to your body to get you ready to start, or possibly finish, a program.  I will be sharing my journey on my FB page, so check it out.  www.facebook.com/fx4fit 

Core De Force is an explosive mixed martial arts inspired total body workout designed to blast fat and carve that waist in 30 days. No equipment needed.   Check out the video below!  Interested in trying it?  Shoot me an email at fx4fitness@outlook.com.  

​Have a safe and Happy Halloween! Till next time!  

​Shannon

Hello October!

Thank you to everyone for all the love and support from my last post.  We are so grateful for such wonderful friends and family during a difficult time. 

So September definitely came and went in a blink.  September can be a month of new things.  Almost as exciting as January.  It is the start to a new school year, back to normal routines, a fresh football season, and the start of FALL! 

So our September didn't quite start off that great.  But I feel it quickly recovered.  We had some of our wonderful friends come up to visit.  She was one of my FIRST mommy friends.  So her visit with her daughter couldn't have came at a better time.    

Shortly after, my little began attending a two year old school program.  I have been SOOO thrilled about this since before I even began teaching fitness classes there.  I felt this was a perfect program to provide a classroom structure, and honestly give me a little bit of a mommy break to work or teach classes.  We are already in our 3 week, and it has been going FANTASTIC!  He loves it!  We had a bumpy first week, as to be expected. Now things have settled, and you can tell he is excited to learn and play.  

As I mentioned, now he is in school twice a week.  I wanted to do something too!  Last year, I teamed up with our local city park and recreation and provided a fall series of a mommy and me fitness bootcamp.  This year, I opened it up, and introduced PiYo in the Park.  Of course, putting something out there new can always be scary.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  
I started out providing two free classes, and was amazed at the turn out.  On the 20th, I was excited to kick off a 6 week fall series of PiYo in the Park.  We are already talking about extending it later on.  We are going into our 4th week, and it has already been such an absolute blessing to work such an awesome group of ladies.  

Although September didn't quite start off like we had hoped, it turned out to be a awesome month of exciting new adventures for our family.  Excited to see what else maybe in store for us. 


I also wanted to share that I recently had some professional photos done with one of my other mommy/mompenur friends - Arising Light Photography.  Here is a quick sneak peak.  

Make it a great one! Until next time!

​Shannon 

I know for many football families that time of year when the kids begin to come back in can be different for everyone.  Ours began last weekend.  Last Sunday, we kicked off our big welcome for the guys and their families.  Even though we are still a couple weeks out from camp.  This can still be a super busy time. 
But when camps starts is when it is truly the early mornings and late nights - hello single parenting mode in full effect.  From this time and going right into season can be really crazy and sometimes stressful, for both sides.  The coach side with all the stress for the year, players, and recruits.  Then of course the other side for us, who feel like we are the taxi, doctor, handyman, you name it.  Because it never fails that something will break or go wrong during the season.  LOL
So I wanted to share a few healthy and budget friendly tips that my coach and I make sure we try to incorporate into our  weekly grind to keep our sanity during the season.  In reality, these are great tips for ANYONE during those crazy seasons of life ;).
-Mommy night - Yes! A long bath, facial mask, with a good glass of wine and a book. This makes the perfect time to just RELAX and UNWIND!  Dishes done, baby to bed, low lights, with a few candles.... do it up right.  Plus all the goodies can be found in every mommy's  favorite store.... TARGET!!!  This makes for a super easy inexpensive splurge - little mini bath bombs, facial mask, wine, dark chocolate, and a good book or magazine.  HUGE WIN!
-Home Date night - These are usually Friday or Saturday night, or whatever night after the game during the season.  Anything from ice cream and a movie to a bonfire, drinks, and smore's.  Kids are always welcomed, but I will say we maybe little greedy with this time.  So we make sure the little man is down before home date night ;)
-Family Pizza Night - These night are sometimes added with home date night.  LOL  No need in making it too difficult.  It is whatever works easiest for your family.  But this is one of my coach's favorite nights.  There is something about getting fresh pizza dough (Trader Joe's in my personal favorite - although we tried Aldi's recently and it was VERY yummy) rolling it out, making homemade pizza sauce, then adding whatever yummy toppings you want to make it special.  Our favorite is meat pizza with pepperoni, ham, and bacon.  Side note:  Right now I am currently doing 21 Day Fix, so I will make them a huge pizza and then make one just as yummy that is 21 Day Fix approved - check it out below!

I hope you will check out the fun tips, and share your experience with me.  I want to hear about it!
Feel free to comment or email me at fx4fitness@outlook.com. 

Till next time!
Shannon

3.  Enroll in an activity class.  In our area we have several options available to get out and about with little ones and provide alternatives for active play time.  One class we enjoy the most is our library group.  This is FREE.  So check your local library.  A few others we have tried or heard about are a musical toddler class, toddler gymnastics, and (my favorite) a mommy and me fitness bootcamp or class. 
I hope you will find these tips helpful. 
Also if you are looking for some new fresh workout ideas - Check out this simple BOSU total body workout! 
I have several more awesome quick and easy workouts with simple meal plans available. Or if you are looking for a little support or accountability, I run fitness groups almost each and every month, feel free to email me at fx4fitness@outlook.com for more information. 

Have a great one!  Till next time!

Shannon

Now comes spring ball.  We are less than one week out.  

Spring ball is always a fun time.  The weather gets warm, and we get to enjoy time outdoors watching practice.  
It's a time where the coaches get a chance to see what next years team may look like, get a jump start on installing new systems or plays, sharpen the team's skills, and build next year's squad.  

If you have been following along the last couple blog post, this past week was also my final week of my 60 Day fitness program. This was bitter sweet.  Yes, I was finally glad to be done.  But I am ready to do it again.  

I love that not only do I get to keep my challenge group accountable, but they keep ME accountable.  

Here is quick video about it.  
​

Overall results - 

                             Beginning                   End
Weight                     124                          121.4
Chest                        32 1/2                     32 1/2
High Waist               28                            27 1/2
Low Waist (Booty)  38                            37
Legs                          21 1/2                     20 1/4

I cannot wait to kick this program off again.  This will begin the second week of April.  If you would like to join me or want more information, feel free to email me at fx4fitness@outlook.com.  

I will share that my the secret weapon here was no doubt my Shakeology!  Seriously, using this to curb the sweet tooth was my saving grace.  Along with maybe a few batches of 3 ingredient PB cookies (will share this recipe soon).  

If you are curious about Shakeology, I have now set it up where you can purchase a 3 day or single Shakeololgy sample packets right off my website under the Shakeology tab.  Super simple!  Check it out.  

Around the same time that I kick off my second round, I am pumped to also share that my Fit Mama Bootcamp will be going back outside the first week of April.  So if you are a local mama, registration is open.  Warm weather always makes taking the workouts outside fun not only for mom, but tot too.  

Here is one of my favorite 'go-to' outdoor stroller workouts:

As April nears, I am super excited to introduce my Fit Mama Project.  This is a support group I have created to provide support, encouragement, and information to all the soon to be, new, and post baby moms.  This group will share information on fitness, exercise, nutrition, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, making baby food, emotions, hormones, and many other important topics when it comes to motherhood.  For some of my local mommies, I will begin my next Fit Mama Bootcamp beginning Tuesday April 5th at 9a and run for 6 weeks.  For more information on either, feel free email me at fx4fitness@outlook.com. 

So what are some of your favorite activities during the springtime?

I am pretty pumped for only being 39 days in.  

The main focus has to to stay on track with the nutrition.  The fam has been a great help.  This makes it a little bit easier when it comes to sticking to the meal plan.  I will admit, there have been a few treat meals (i.e. Fat Tuesday homemade Gumbo and Valentines date dinner with dessert) The workouts are really a nonnegotiable.  It is my mommy me time.  
I did run into a minor set back this week with bronchitis and a sinus infection.  Of course the worst timing possible right after you are seeing some great results.  So I will be going hard to finish out the last couple weeks.  No worries, I will keep you up to date with the final progress pics.  For more information on my program, feel free to email me at fx4fitness@outlook.com.

Being sick in the winter, ALWAYS calls for comfort food.  One of my clean comfort food recipe makeovers is smoked turkey sausage sweet potato bake.  This is seriously one of my family's favorites.  The kid LOVES it!  
So whenever it is chilly, or you have the winter sniffles give this recipe a try! 

Turkey Sausage Sweet Potato Bake

1 Lb of smoke turkey sausage links (love Butterball)
1 med onion sliced
1 small or medium bake potato (optional) (washed and sliced)
2 medium or large sweet potato (washed and sliced)
1 bag of frozen or fresh carrot chips
1 bag of frozen or can whole corn
2 cups of broth (I have used beef and chicken)
Drizzle of EVOO on the top
Salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat over to 425 degrees.  For the potatoes, I do a little pre cooking in the microwave or oven to soften them.  Then peel and slice, set to the side.  In a glass, 9x11 throw your corn, carrots, sliced sausage links, onion all in the glass dish.  Then add the potatoes, Mix all the ingredients so everything is evenly dispersed.  Then add 2 cups of broth, drizzle EVOO over the top, and salt and pepper.  Cover the top with foil bake 15 min, stir, bake another 15 stir again, then leave foil off for the last 15 minutes.  Possibly stir one more time.  Total bake time 45 minutes.  We enjoy with salad or steamed broccoli.  

What are some of your favorite winter time clean comfort food recipes?  Please share!  I would love to hear!

Till next time!  Stay warm!

Shannon 

So college football season has officially come to a close until September with the finale of National Signing Day this past Tuesday.  We always know that following Signing Day is really the last football season hurrah know as the Super Bowl Sunday.
It is one of the few games that my Coach will get to sit down and watch.  Although I know he will be going over some Xs and Os probably in his head.  One thing I request while we watch is that he doesn't pause it, and replay like he is trying to cut up film.  Huge pet peeve when we watch games together...

But my favorite part about Super Bowl Sunday is the food!!!!  There is no other way to do it up, but an all out tailgate foodie style spread.  Yum!

Although one minor hold up, I am 24 of 60 days, and going strong in my Hammer and Chisel fitness program.  Yes!  So what is a tailgate foodie to do????  We are doing it up the same with some of our favorites, but going the healthy and fun route! 

For most of my recipes I try to keep it as SIMPLE and EASY as possible.  So what is on the menu for our Super Bowl Sunday foodfest.  I provided some of my healthier tailgate go to recipes with the links.  Here we go:

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip
http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/skinny-buffalo-chicken-dip (seriously one of my favorite sites)

-Baked Zucchani Chips
http://www.jocooks.com/healthy-eating/baked-parmesan-zucchini-crisps/

-Bake Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2015/01/29/best-oven-baked-chicken-wings/

-Loaded Sweet Potato Skins
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/09/15/loaded-sweet-potato-skins/

- Veggie and Hummus Platter - 
Of course any of your favorite veggies - bells, cucumbers, carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, any veggie you like.  Set on a platter with some yummy hummus in the middle.  Viola! 

-Apple Nachos -
A sweet favorite of my husbands!  I have made this several times for some of our coaches friends, and it never last long. 
Apples washed cored and sliced (whatever slice thickness you prefer).  Placed on platter or plate in thin layer across.  This is the fun part, where you can be as creative as you want (but still remember we are trying to be somewhat healthy). Some of my favorites include chocolate chip minis, Reese chips, crushed dry roasted peanuts, pecans, or almonds, and some drizzles of chocolate syrup and caramel. SO DELICIOUS!  

Hope you have a healthy and fun Super Bowl Sunday!  Cannot wait to get my gameday grub on!

What are some of your favorite recipe make overs for foodie days like Super Bowl Sunday?

Shannon

Also for this year, I committed to starting a new fitness journey that I have been super pumped to get going every since I heard about it back in the fall.  The winter time can be a struggle coming off the holidays.  My goal for this year is to stay the same weight, but gain more muscle and definition.  
On Jan 11th, I began a new fitness program called Hammer and Chisel.  This program was just released this past December.   I am finishing my second week, and I am already down 3 lbs.  I am amazed so far.
I have always enjoyed my gym time and lifting weights.  With being a coaches wife and toddler mom, however,  I had to quickly realize that my gym time was non-existent.  
Hammer and Chisel provides that perfect balance of heavy lifting and sculpting.  The workouts are never longer than 50 minutes. That includes the added 10 minute ab work following the workout.  One great thing is that you do not have to have a basement or huge weight room with a bench to do this program.  I use my stability ball and stairs to modify some of the exercises.  
To me, the best part about the program is that it is includes a simple, clean meal plan you can customize . I use the proportioned containers to keep me on track.  I will continue to provide updates on my journey.  If you would like to join me, or want more information, feel free to email me at fx4fitness@outlook.com.    
I cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store for us.  We are just getting started! 
What are some of your 2016 goals?  How are you holding yourself accountable for them?