Motivation Shaker, Ashley Tabb

My baby turned 4 last week and I wanted her to get items she could use during the summer and not just toys because we have so many already.  So I went to my Facebook friends for ideas and got a great response!! Several of the ideas were items my daughter received and others will be ideas for other holidays and future gifts!! Rather than keeping the information to myself, I decided to post about it here on my blog for other parents of toddlers to use as a reference.  Plus I'll be able to come back here when Caroline is invited to a party and get ideas for gifts for her friends.  Although as I was cleaning out the gift closet in my basement last week, I realized I already purchased several items for other kids. I 'd rather find good deals throughout the year and grab gifts rather than scrambling to shop for gifts at the last minute.  The I pull out 3-4 choices for the girls to "shop from the closet." This limits stress of shopping at the last minute and allows our ...

I received this recipe from a friend and wanted to share it with those in my current challenge group and other looking for healthy summer recipes. I haven't tried it myself but will likely include it on my meal plan next week!! What about you...will you try this one?!? Ingredients 20 ounces Ground Turkey Burger (I buy 99% Fat Free) 6 Large Peppers – makes 12 servings (some might eat 2 halves) Pint of Cherry tomatoes Pint of fresh mushrooms Half a jar of tomato sauce or jar of salsa Corn – optional Black Beans- Optional Spinach – chopped and cooked in with burger *Use whatever you have fresh in the fridge and pantry. Cooking Instructions: While Turkey Burger is cooking on stove top in skillet, prep the rest... 3 large Green Peppers 3 mix red, yellow and orange peppers (1 of each) *Cut them in half and clean out. So they are like small bowls. Heat in microwave 2 bags of 90 second Uncle Ben’s Brown rice. Slice Cherry tomatoes in half Chopped container of mushr...

So I went shopping recently and noticed clothing has shrunk for the summer season?!?! REALLY it has!! Don't get frustrated when you shop for shorts and capri pants....know that it's the retailers changing the sizes!! I was SOOO excited in the winter that I was in the smallest size of my life, but I think it was just the retailers making me feel good and buy more in the winter!! It was nice getting that smaller size, but then when I shopped a few weeks ago everything had shrunk!! I KNEW it wasn't me....while I've had a few more cheats than usual and only followed my meal plan 70/30, I have stayed consistent with workouts measured myself regularly. But then it got me second guessing myself, so when I got home, I asked Matt to take measurements of my waist and hips AGAIN. Sure enough, I was right!! I was the same size that I was when I shopped 3-4 months ago, but now I have to buy 2 sizes bigger. I am sharing this for others to know...