Out With the Old, In With the New...

MY GOALS FOR 2017

I honestly cannot believe 2016 is coming to an end.  I mean, where in the world did the time go?!  

Oh, yeaaaahhhh. I remember now: raising two nutso cutie-patootie kids, building a home, moving twice, running a business, and starting a new part-time nursing job.  Yep, that's where it went. HAHA!

Even though it's been cray, it's been a GREAT year.  I am so. stinkin. blessed. y'all.  I have a feeling 2017 is only going to bring even MORE blessings -- if that's even possible!

Now I know everyone always has "resolutions" for the new year.  Personally, I don't like that word.  Come January 1st, everyone is gung-ho about their resolutions.  Come February 1st, they're tossing those same resolutions out the window.  Instead of making temporary resolutions, I say make measurable, realistic, ATTAINABLE GOALS and work towards em!  

So what are MY goals for this next year?  I'm so glad you asked!  I have thinking hard about how to make this year the best ever, and I think these 5 goals are going to make it just that:

1) GROW

By this, I mean grow EVERYTHING.  Grow as a person, grow spiritually, and grow in knowledge. We can always be a better version of ourselves, and I want to be that just that for my God, my hubby, and my babes.

2) TRAVEL MORE

Over the last 3.5 years, there have been so many changes going on that B and I haven't had time to travel and explore like we did before.  This year we are going to take a few trips (both with and without the kids), mark some places off our bucket list, and just LIVE! 

3) EXPAND MY BRAND

This goes along with #1, but I want to grow my business.  I mean, I'm not trying to be Kayla Itsines, Jr. or anything, but I have so much passion for what I do as a personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist, and I want to share it with as many people as possible!  I hope to learn even more over this next year and, in turn, teach and motivate you all.  After all, YOU are why I do what I do! 

4) BLOG MORE

With business growth comes blogging.  I have been suuuuch a slacker when it comes to blogging lately -- sorry, peeps!  My measurable, REALISTIC goal is to blog twice a month -- but even more would be great!  I have so many blog ideas...recipes, workout tips, food intolerances, gym must-haves, etc.  I can't wait to get all of these ideas floating around in my brain down on paper (or the internet...you know what I mean).

5)  GAIN MUSCLE

I know it may sound like an odd goal, but these are my goals, so just go with it. This year, I'm growin a booty, y'all.  My muscle gains were postponed by my last pregnancy, breastfeeding, the stress of building a home/moving, and then the holidays.  But now? It's on like DONKEY KONG.  Ms. New Booty, here I come!

So there you have it: my dreams for 2017.  I can't wait to see these goals met -- and surpassed.  You know, because I'm an overachiever and all. ;) 

What are some of YOUR goals for the new year?  I want to know!

Blessings,

XOXO

Coconut Cacao Bliss Balls

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DELISH BALL VARIATION...

Much like the original Energy Ball, this tiny snack packs a delicious -- and NUTRITIOUS -- punch.  

The perks about this recipe are that 1) it uses less ingredients (win for both your time AND your wallet -- especially if you're making 12 batches of these a month).  And 2) you can "build" off of the original recipe and add in pretty much anything you like.  

The only con I can think of is that...it doesn't have any nut butter in it.  I know, right?  You're flabbergasted.  I, the Nut Butter Addicted, have created a treat without the use of any nut butter.  I am almost ashamed of myself. 

EXCEPT.  It has whole nuts in it.  So that's basically nut butter, right??  Whew.  Ok, now I feel like I can show my face again.  

This bliss ball recipe is adapted from Cameron Diaz's site: www.ourbodybook.com. I just happened to stumble upon this site and fell. in. looooove. So many yummy ideas and good motivation for life in general.  

Sorry -- back to those balls.  I took the original recipe and just tweaked it a bit more.  You could really add any "mix-in's" you'd like in there (mini chocolate chips, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, dried fruit)...or coat them in melted organic, fair trade chocolate if you REALLY wanna get all fancy-dancy. 

COCONUT CACAO BLISS BALLS

Cook Time: 40 min (30 min setting in freezer)

Servings: about 15 ping-pong size balls

Ingredients

1 C nuts of choice (I used almonds, but cashews or walnuts would be work just as well)

1 C pitted medjool dates (about 9-10 dates)

2 Tbsp Navita Naturals cacao powder

pinch pink salt

1-2 Tbsp water (add a Tbsp at a time till the mixture sticks together)

1 Tbsp ground flax seeds (optional, but I like the texture and added nutrient boost it gives them)

1/4 C unsweetened shredded coconut for coating at the end (or not -- as you can see, I left a few un-coconutted for B)

Instructions

Pulse nuts in food processor till coarsely chopped.  Add in dates, cacao powder, salt, and 1 Tbsp water.  Pulse till mixture binds together, adding another Tbsp of water if needed.  Roll into balls.  Place coconut in a bowl and roll each ball around till thoroughly coated.  Pop into the freezer for 30 minutes to set.  

Store in airtight container for up to a week or freezer for up to 4 weeks. 

I hope you + yours enjoy these as much as we did!  I also hope you all have a very BLESSED Christmas holiday celebrating our Savior.  Later, babes!  <3

XOXO

Changes...

...they are a-happenin'!  

Sorry I've been so MIA on zee blog lately, y'all.  Our lives are ever evolving and getting crazier by the day, it seems!  

If you follow me on Instagram (What--you don't?! You should. IJS. Find me at @fit_n_clean_mama. ;) ), you know I just started a new job at the hospital as an Endoscopy nurse twice a week.  I know, super exciting...if you like colonoscopies and such. Haha

As well as taking this new job, I'm also picking up more online clients, balancing my commitments with companies that I rep (which is also a huge blessing!), working out to keep deez baby muscles growin, building a house across town (which should *hopefully* be done in about two months), and (most importantly) keeping my family fed and happy.  Whew.  I'm tired just typing all of that out. 

With that said, I might be hit or miss on the ole blog for a bit.  But if anyone has any questions or would like me to post about some specific, pleeeeease feel free to send me an email (through the contact tab at the top right of the screen)!  I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner--usually within 24 hours.  

I love EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU GUYS, and I am so blessed to be able to share my crazy life with you all!  Thank you for supporting me and being so dang AWESOME!

Blessings,

XOXO