We are headed to Rhode Island bright & early tomorrow morning to visit some family. Ava is SUPER excited so see her cousins.

As for Valentine’s Day, we have nothing crazy going on. I have some plans to make Marc & Ava breakfast and then maybe we will watch a movie or something.

I figured I would share some things i’ve been loving this week so that we can end this week on a positive note!!

If you have read my blog before my dad is a huge Costco fan so I go with him on occasion to stock up on some big items and find new treats to test out. We stumbled upon AUSSIE BITES and let me tell you, Costco has outdone themselves again. Aussie bites are my new favorite cookie, treat, snack whatever you want to call it. It’s healthy and nutritious and I secretly wanted to hide the container so I could have them all to myself.

RX bars. I know I have mentioned them in several posts these past couple of weeks, but I need to restock. I’m almost all out and I’m finally starting to favor certain flavors over others. My 2 favorites are Coconut Chocolate and Chocolate sea salt.

I also like coffee and blueberry but I can’t eat those every day. Clean ingredients in bar form is amazing for this busy mom. I am constantly looking for new healthy snacks to throw in my purse, diaper bag, gym bag, car you name it!!

I did some CARDIO this weekend on a machine. While machines aren’t my favorite form of cardio, it felt great to sweat and not have to lift weights for a change. I actually felt a lot stronger during my cardio session which was interesting to me since I’m pregnant but it did get me excited

I made a trip to Marshals this week and I told Ava we could buy a new toy. This girl started loading the cart with all the toys she can find. Ummm sorry Ava I said 1 toy. She’s funny though and at least she tried. I ended up spending $100 in Marshals, How? I’m not sure. I bought a new rug for the front door, a new baby outfit, some random snacks, a candle, a toddler gift, a mug, I pretty much bought one of everything but I was super happy with this decorative Valentine’s day saying that I found. My house is pretty simple, plain and not filled with decorations but I love to put something small out for each holiday and this just seemed right!

My mom’s chicken cutlets are pretty freaking awesome and she made them for me this week. I guess that’s a perk to being pregnant, or having a mom that spoils you. I literally will eat these every day even cold. If there’s one thing I enjoy the most of my mom’s cooking it’s these chicken cutlets and this picture doesn’t do them any justice.

Maybe because I rushed to take it so I could devour it

With Valentine’s day this weekend I questioned what to get for Marc, Ava and my parents. Marc and I have agreed not to buy anything crazy, we have everything we need but I want to get him a little something and I’m stumped.. I am taking suggestions so please send me some.

Ava and I will be putting together little gift bags for my parents filled with some of their favorite candy. It’s just something small but I know they will appreciate a little card and candy from Ava.

If  there’s one thing I’m not really into it’s candy. I know hate me, roll your eyes, its just not my thing. Give me a brownie, a chocolate covered strawberry or a lava cake and I will love you forever!! Give me a box of candy and it will sit in my pantry for a year, no joke ask Marc.

SOOO you can bet I will be treating myself to a chocolate covered strawberry or two this weekend!!

Do you have any Valentine’s Day plans this weekend?

What’s something you are loving this week?

I actually woke up this morning at 6am and thought it was Wednesday and was mentally preparing myself to teach Group Power. I was super happy when I realized it was Friday, my body is in need for a workout rest day today!!

I wanted to share with you today some of the THINGS I’M LOVING THIS WEEK:

This past week I have gotten in some great workouts, including this short full body circuit that I shared with you in yesterday’s post. We did part of it in my boot camp class on Tuesday night and everyone had mentioned how sore their legs were, it’s a good one!

On Tuesday night after teaching Boot Camp I came home to find that the movie ELF was on TV. I felt like a kid and got all excited. Marc made a bowl of popcorn for us and we laughed watching my favorite Christmas movie!

I’m so honored that Made In Nature sent me some goodies to try this week. Yesterday I had no urge to eat veggies, but these Kale Chips with Rosemary Truffle intrigued me so I opened them up! They were crunchy tasty and I was super excited that I was able to get in a serving of veggies, WIN!

This isn’t a great picture of my chicken salad sandwich (probably because I rushed and wanted to eat it) but this was the best thing I ate all week. I bought this chicken salad from Citarella, it’s a healthy salad and I ate it 2 days in a row for lunch! I’m definitely going back for more!

My dear friend and client Sheila bought me this awesome mug from Green & Tonic. It says on the inside: EAT MINDFULLY, LIVE PASSIONATELY, GROW INTENTIONALLY, LOVE ABUNDANTLY. I absolutely love the quote and I honestly think that’s how I try to live my life. THANKS SHEILA For the thoughtful gift

Sometimes I don’t feel like cooking, okay I guess I don’t feel like cooking a lot but usually I force myself to. The other night I was in the mood for soup. Probably because it was rainy out and the thought of soup was comforting. I am a huge fan of Amy’s Organic soups. Especially this one. There’s tons of protein fiber, and vitamins. Plus you get in some veggies!

Last but never least, this picture of Cooper made me smile. This guy has been so cuddly this week I couldn’t not post this picture of him.

Your turn!!! What’s something you are loving this week? Are you all ready for the holidays? I have TONS of shopping and wrapping to do this weekend, but I’m ready to tackle it!

Have a great weekend

Kale… I have had Kale probably 3 times this week. We had it with Chicken Sausage at dinner and I have had it as a side with my lunch sauteed in olive oil. It is so good and super healthy!

Bananas… my days don’t seem to be complete without one! I usually have them as part of my snack mid morning. They are super easy to eat in between clients and on-the-go!

Protein Shakes… Now that I am back to lifting a bit heavier, I have been having protein shakes more as a post-workout snack. They always seem to do the trick and fill me up!

Peanut butter PUFFINS… sometimes we need a little crunch in our diet and the peanut butter flavor makes them ever better!

I mentioned this the other day but VEMMA antioxidant supplement! love it

Chobani Plain Greek yogurt. This yogurt is my favorite PLAIN yogurt, its so creamy and smooth. I love throwing berries in the mix for a high protein healthy snack.

And of course.. A picture of Ava, I love that smile!

Happy Friday

I am so happy the weekend is finally here. It has been a fast but long week.. I don’t think that makes sense but the week somehow flew by, even though we have had some long nights with Ava! She has been sick with a cough that has been keeping us awake at night. We have been running low in the sleep department and I am looking forward to a weekend of rest!

Here are a few things I have been loving this week!

Apple with peanut butter.. it is refreshing and filling at the same time. I have eaten this almost every day this week as a snack. I have even used almond butter to change it up.

Protein/meal replacement shake yesterday pre & post workout I tried this bode shake. It was thick and filling, I had the vanilla flavor.. and I’m thinking the chocolate flavor will be better because I prefer chocolate any day over vanilla!

Veggie Chips.. When I am looking for a crunchy salty snack these hit the spot.

Coconut water… did you know coconut water is high in potassium? This container has 510 mg of potassium! It is great post workout and also for extra electrolytes throughout the day.

Cranberry trail mix.. I love the yellow raisins!

Last but not least.. this morning I had some green tea with lemon in my favorite mug from Ava!!

 Have a great Friday!