life lately via iphone

1. Overdosed on diet coke this weekend

2. Running on a perfect fall morning

3. My UVU day planner that holds my life

4. Pretty mountains with pretty fall colors

5. Willie's little brother came home from his mission

6. Sugared mason jars are the best

7. Sharing snacks with my nephew (who is 1 today!!)

Life is good.

work it out

This past winter I really got into my body pump classes at the gym. Before, I was always so intimidated to go to classes by myself (I'm a baby) so I would just do my classic run for hours on the treadmill & abs afterward. I was totally doing my body a disfavor. I wasn't shocking my body with new workouts, which didn't help me tone up at all. I finally bit the bullet and decided to go to a class. Um what the heck was I scared of?? I absolutely loved it and now I'm OBSESSED! There are people of all fitness levels and body types. Plus if you go enough, you start to make friends with the regulars! Now because of these classes, I know a lot of weight training and muscle building exercises that I can do on my own. Weight training 2-3x a week is so beneficial to your workouts and can definitely help you lose those last few extra pounds!

This is a total-body workout that I do on those days I don't want to go to a class or don't have time. It only requires one piece of equipment too- dumbbells!

healthy breakfasts

Eating breakfast is SOO important. I know way too many people who don't eat breakfast & I try to convince them how unhealthy it is to skip. I ALWAYS eat breakfast. I'm one of those people who can't function throughout the day without it. I usually eat the same thing for breakfast. I know how many calories I'm consuming and its super quick & easy to make (toasted whole wheat english muffin + natural peanut butter). But I'm starting to get bored. Every now & then I'll switch it out with some oatmeal or eggs, but even then that doesn't excite me. I found on Pinterest some HEALTHY breakfasts that only take 10 minutes at the most! Score! Plus the blog shares why eating breakfast is so crucial to managing a healthy weight.

1. HEALTHY EATING HABITS – It is well established that people who eat breakfast consume less fat and cholesterol and more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than people who skip breakfast.
2. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT – the National Weight Control Registry reported that people who eat breakfast have an easier time managing their weight than people who skip breakfast.
3. PORTION CONTROL – In general, people who eat breakfast have an easier time controlling their caloric intake throughout the day than those who don’t.
4. REDUCED RISK OF DIABETES – A report by the American Heart Association showed that people who eat breakfast are significantly less likely to develop diabetes than people who skip breakfast.
5. MORE ENERGY – A healthy breakfast can provide your body with the nutrients that you need to stay energized for several hours.
6. FITNESS – It is believed that people who eat breakfast have more energy and therefore may participate in more physical activity than people who skip breakfast.
7. FOCUS – According to the American Dietetic Association, people who eat breakfast have an easier time focusing and are more productive throughout the morning than people who skip breakfast.
8. MEMORY – Eating breakfast improves memory and learning.
9. BETTER MOOD – Skipping breakfast can make you feel grumpy and fatigued throughout the day. Taking just 10 minutes to eat something in the morning can really improve your mood.
10. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL – Help your children to develop healthy eating habits at an early age by encouraging them to eat breakfast. If they see you eating breakfast, they are more likely to eat breakfast too

Organic flax waffles with warm peanut butter, banana slices, and chopped walnuts and a glass of skim milk

A classic (My Fav): peanut butter and jelly on an English muffin (or toast or mini whole wheat bagel)

Whole wheat toast with scrambled eggs (or egg whites/substitute) with fresh sauteed spinach, provolone cheese, and marinara dipping sauce

Whole wheat toast with 2 hard boiled eggs and a half of a grapefruit

You can see more healthy breakfasts & tips here.

colin's 1st birthday party

I honestly cannot believe this little guy will be ONE at the end of the month! He has grown up so fast! He is walking, laughing, smiling, and charming everyone he meets. My sister threw a birthday party for him this past weekend and it was absolutely adorable! She did such a good job and Colin loved all of the attention. He is one spoiled little boy, but we love him to death!

 

1 year

Our first date was camping up Spanish Fork Canyon (hence the s'mores).

A couple days ago marked mine & willie's 1 year of dating. I can't believe how fast that went! But its been the best year of my life. I'm so incredibly lucky & blessed to have him in my life. I love him :)

celeb idol

Not only do I love her as Gossip Girl's queen bee, but her music & voice is amazeee.

Not too mention her personal style is to dieeee for.

I can only dream of being as perfect as Leighton Meester.

why I love general conference

because of messages like this.

over the weekend..

I told ya I'd make it. It was soo yummy & my whole fam loved it! We added some pecans & made a vanilla custard sauce to go on top, which I think added a lot to it! Try it. Please.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding:

1 1/2 cups whole milk (Or 1 cup heavy cream plus 1/2 cup whole milk)
3/4 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs plus 1 yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
5 cups cubed (1-inch) day-old baguette or crusty bread
3/4 stick unsalted butter, melted* (can skip this step if using the second set of instructions)
Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

Instructions: Whisk together pumpkin, cream, milk, sugar, eggs, yolk, salt, spices and bourbon, if using, in a bowl.
Toss bread cubes with butter in another bowl, then add pumpkin mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish and bake until custard is set, 25 to 30 minutes.

Picture Perfect

My sister's little family is adorable.