Weekly Wisdom and "What the h*ll winter?" Top 5 Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One. Wisdom.

The only other 2 things I like about winter is the FIRST and ONLY the first snowfall and the Winter Olympics, but that doesn't happen often enough. Seriously, what the hell winter?  Sorry, but I think we need to break-up because I am exhausted.  I am also concerned about your inability to make decisions. For example, last week all you brought was ice and this week, it's going to be 60 degrees. Maybe it's me and not you? 

It is this time of year where I kind of start to lose my cool. I am done with winter and ready for spring. Done and done. I am tired of everything being a different shade of brown or grey and I cannot wait to go to work AND leave work while the sun is still shining. These are all the reasons why I think it is more me. I need a season of brown and grey. I need a season of cold and dark. I need this season to pause and recharge me for the rest of the seasons full of sun, shades of green and warmth. 

Even though it is time for winter to be over, I need this season to quiet down, reflect, grow and come out of it a better version of me. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation. 

Conversation 63:  Top 5 in 5: Up Close and Personal Conversation with Anne Elizabeth

Each week, I put out my Weekly Wisdom Blog which includes my Top 5 Nutrition Noshes: Wisdom, Weekly Conversations, Week in Review, Workout Playlist of the Week and What I Love Right Now. At the end of each month, I want to get more up close and personal with you all on the other side of the airwaves. I will be recapping my crazy, delicious and random as hell adventures as well as having a conversation with you all on this side of the mic.  

I hope you enjoy reliving my favorite month of winter, February

Connect and let me know what you think by emailing me or connecting with me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Nosh Three. Week in Review. 

Going with the theme of winter, I wanted to share with you another one of my winter woes, my skin. Is there anyone else out there struggling with winter crazy skin?  My skin has been a little crazy as I entered my 40s. A new decade has brought a whole new onset of skin issues and if you don't know, I am a little particular about my skin.

In my teens and early 20s, it was acne. It my 30's it was acne and wrinkles. Now, it is all about wrinkles and being itchy. When in the world did I get so itchy?  I never had a problem with rashes, eczema, dermatitis or anything like that when I was younger. I could use almost any makeup, lotion, bar of soap and had no problems.

It is a completely different story now.

Just this past year, I have had to change my 7-step skin care routine completely because I was not tolerating the products I had used for years. The more things I tried to put on my skin, the worse my skin got irritated. I pretty much had to go with these two products, along with my Dove Sensitive Soap. I use Cetaphil lotion all over and Aquaphor has turned into my fancy new lipgloss because my bottom lip was getting irritated. I have come to realize, I have got to slow my roll on products with a lot of chemicals and go with more naturally-derived ingredients. It really does fall right in line with my #lessstuffmorelife mantra. 

This is going to be a challenge. I am a researcher and have been heading out into the interwebs to start finding solutions to my skin care needs as I transition out of some of the products I have used and loved for years. I have started with the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetic Database to get an idea of what is out there and I am cross referencing it with the beauty experts from a variety of publications. It will be sad to say goodbye to some of my favorite products, but I know my skin will be so much happier. 

I am also trying to teach myself a little bit more about essential oils and how I can start incorporating them into my skin care routine. I am excited to give Iowa based Aura Cacia products a try. I have learned my poor hair has not only been suffering from hair loss because of 2 rounds of Accutane and a new onset of changes in hormones, but also from using shampoos with sulfates, which are found in A LOT of shampoos and cleansers. I am on the quests for a new shampoo and some head massages with Argan Oil mixed with Rosemary, Sage and Cedarwood essential oils. If you have any advice or knowledge to share with me on this new adventure, please reach out!  I would love your expertise. 

Ok, the other crazy thing I did this week was cut my hair. Why is this crazy? Well, I take comfort in having longer hair. It is easier for me to style (believe or not) and I also fall back on putting it up (which is bad because I do it all the time). I have this ridiculous idea I will someday have long, this luscious locks anddddd I never will. My poor hair has really suffered this past year. With my intentions being "Scared and Stunning" I made an appointment to get my hair cut. Then I vacillated with not cutting it, just getting a trim, maybe getting bangs...all the things I do to talk myself out of something when I am scared to do something. Saturday, I put my big girl panties on and marched into the salon and told Tracy to cut it off. She talked me through it to make sure it was what I wanted. 4-5 inches later and it was stunning. Cross my first "do it scared" item on the list. 

This past winter, I also did something for myself. Back in the day, I would hit up the tanning bed during the winter for my Vitamin D high. I am a true believe in seasonal affect disorder and light therapy, totally helps. I also think we are mentally wired to think bronzed skin is healthier skin, happier skin. We think of summer, beaches and warm weather. After having melanoma, I stopped tanning immediately and was on the quest for the perfect sunless tanning lotion. I found one I liked, but I always wanted to get a customized spray tan. In the Des Moines area, there was only one place that continually got recommended and that was Bronze515.  I have had 2 appointments this winter and it was just what I needed to beat the winter blues. The owner Leah, is top notch. She is personable and I was very comfortable getting in the buff for her to spray me. Not intimidating at all! I got the perfect color to go with my complexion and it lasted over 10 days. She uses the highest quality eco compliant DHA and I did not look like a carrot at all.  And to make it even better, I received a discount for having skin cancer. How awesome is that?  If you live in the 515 and you are in  need a little winter pick me up, go see Leah and get your glow on. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week. 

My playlist this week are all winter, ice, snow and cold infused jams. This might be one of my favorite playlists so far this year. It got me up on a few icy days at 4 am baby!  Find the playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now.

As I am embarking on this skin and hair care quest, of course I have to take a nutrition angle. Vegetables, fruit, protein are all key components in keeping your skin and hair healthy and I am working to increase all three in my day. Part of increasing my protein intake is through Collagen Peptides from MOCU Health*. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides the building blocks (amino acids) or structure to our skin, hair, nails, joints and tendons.  There are many claims of collagen powders:  reducing wrinkles, glowing skin, growing hair and nails but unfortunately, there is not a lot of science or research backing up those claims. However there is some research on arthritis and gut integrity showing some great promise. I am going to give it a whirl for 3 months and taking 20 grams a day to see what I notice. If nothing else, I will get some additional protein. I mix this flavorless powder into my smoothie and tea/coffee each day at two different times for maximum absorption. MOCU even has Collagen drinks like Blueberry Lemonade and Pinneaple Greens, which I just ordered and I am excited to try. If you would like to try this along with me, it is currently on sale as well as a special discount code of ANNE20 and you can receive 20% of your order (order more things too, their products are great). 

Maybe we will all have supermodel hair in 3 months?  

~AE

*MOCUHealth did not sponsor this post but did provide products for me to review. I do not receive an money associate with this affiliate link or discount code. In other words, I really love their products and am grateful they send me some to try every now and then. 

**No other products or businesses listed in my blog have compensated me in anyway. I just want to share everything I say #hellyeah to!

Weekly Wisdom and Happy New Year to Me Top 5 Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One. Wisdom. 

Happy New Years!  

No, I am not losing my mind. 

February 17th, marked my New Years. 

Before this day arrives, I seriously contemplate my intentions of what my focus is for the next trip around the sun. I take this very seriously because I want to live an intentional life based on what I want my life to be. Mornings in the shower, drives to work and home, lazy Sundays, during lunch at work were all consumed with thoughts of what my intentions would be for this fresh year. 

This year, I am going to do things scared. I always play it safe so I don't lose my shit and feel out of control. Guess what?  My life has already been in a place of out of control x3000. Why would I play it safe now?  Why would I not take the leap, knowing I could lose it all?  Because it's scary and sometimes scary is exactly the right way to live your life to have the life you want. 

While I am doing things scared...I will be stunning. I will dress the part, walk the part, eat the part, drink the part, breathe the part. I will be confident, composed, selfless and stunning in this new year. 

Here we go!  I am ready!

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation. 

Today’s conversation is with Beverly Price, an entrepreneur with a passion for owning her own practice, serving the eating disorders community and yoga.

While attending FNCE last fall, I decided to participate in the Entrepreneur Spotlight during the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group Networking Event. There were a plethora of fantastic RD’s sharing their product and services, with a few catching my eye and Beverly was one of them.  She was showcasing her private practice specializing in eating disorders but more specifically her Mindfulness-Based Yoga Therapy Training in Eating Disorders. I did not get a ton of time to talk with her there, so I knew I had to have a podcast with her.

Please enjoy my conversation with Beverly

Upcoming Training:  Mindfulness-Based Yoga Therapy Training Retreat in Eating Disorders for Professionals, October 27-November 3, 2018 - Tucson, Arizona, for more information and to connect with Beverly, go to her website.

Nosh Three. Week in Review. 

New years week started off pretty damn great. I was home early on a Thursday, taking care of a few things at home and I heard my garage door open. It was a little weird, but a few of my peeps do have the code in case I need them to watch Lil g. There was Amanda, shocked I was home because she wanted to surprise me with this bouquet of pink loveliness. It was such a nice surprise!

Friday, I had a quick day of doing some work at a local elementary school, podcasting and then a planned dinner with my Mom and Christine. I was so excited they were going to come down and spend the afternoon with me, so I made sure to have a signature AE cocktail ready and waiting for them when they arrived. 

AE's Pink and Bubbly

Makes 2

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1 cup of ice

3 oz of Chambord

2 oz vodka

1 small can of pineapple juice

1 can Klarburnn Raspberry sparkling water

1. Divide frozen raspberries and ice into 2 glasses

2. Mix Chambord, vodka and pineapple juice

3. Pour mixture over raspberries

4. Divide and pour Klarburnn Raspberry sparkling water over mixture and ice

We then headed to Table 128 Bistro and Bar for dinner. This has turned into one of my local favorites. From the website: "Table 128 is a neighborhood restaurant that is a destination for locals and travelers alike, featuring eclectic, modern American cuisine with local, seasonally inspired ingredients."  This place is quaint and uses local foods to create their ever-changing menu. 

We went around 4 pm, which was the perfect time. It was quiet so we could have a great conversation.

It was also Happy Hour!  They have a fun menu of appetizers and craft cocktails on special from 4-6 pm, Monday-Friday. We each tried a couple different cocktails but this one was our favorite, the Valentino. There are also nice beer and wine offerings. 

On the Happy Hour menu, we chose the Mussels and Clams in a chorizo, tomatillo, mescal sauce served with crostini and Rosemary Parmesan fries served with truffle aioli. I haven't had mussels and clams in a long time. My Mom said my sister and I loved them when we were little living in Hawaii. They would bring bags of fresh clams home and we would yummy them up. It was great to have them again because I am a fan. I also love Rosemary and will need to start using this herb more at home. Such a great flavor.  

After we sauntered home, Christine surprised me with one of my favorites, the Pink Champagne cake from Let Them Eat Cake in West Des Moines. 6 perfectly pink individual cakes all for me to wish upon. She even brought cute white candles dipped in glitter. I brewed some coffee, Mom and Christine so sweetly sang "Happy Birthday" and I blew out my candles for another beautiful year ahead. 

Saturday rolled around, I got up and made it to the gym before the next day of festivities. After the gym, I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat with Lil g to read all the wonderful joys in my joy jar from 2017. I know I say this every year, but Amanda, this is one of the best gifts I have ever gotten. I cannot thank her enough for giving me the ability to find joy in everyday. It has changed my outlook on each day and at the end of the year, it gives me a sense of hope for all the good things happening in my life everyday. 

Early afternoon, these two heartbeats strolled into town from the west and we knew we had to have a little food before we headed out for an evening of fun. As we were deciding were to dine, we needed something fast, delicious and classy. 

Hardees it was. 

We all could not recall the last time we went to Hardees but it was delicious!  Carlena got herself a big burger and Brenda and I enjoyed a slider box with french fries and a chocolate chip cookie, while we shared a side of onion rings. I couldn't think of a better birthday dinner and the laughs while we were there made it even better. 

After our deluxe dinner, we headed over to my heartbeats Kevin and Ryan's house for cocktail club. I chose the Passion Royale because I wanted something pink, yummy and bubbly. 

It met all 3 requirements. 

My other heartbeat Jason even brought pink napkins for our cocktails. I was pretty much in heaven. Kevin even made some of his amazing cookies that I may have eaten more than 3 of?  I cannot confirm or deny this. 

This year, I thought it would be good to mix it up and do some activities for the New Year. So I decided on a few hours of bowling. At Air Lanes Bowling Center, you can get 2 hours of unlimited bowling and can reserve lanes for an evening of fun. All my heartbeats were there and it was a blast!  After we bowled we continue the party with a few more cocktails and a lot more conversation. It was a great way to ring in the New Year of 42!

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week. 

What would New Years be without a playlist?  February 17th is worthy of a playlist. I hope you think of your intentions for your next trip around the sun and during your time moving to these great tunes! Find the playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

A few years ago, my Mom got these amazing shoes for me. I use them all the time and I had to tell you about them. Sloggers are the best thing ever for wet weather. They are easy to slide into, are warm and protect your feet from rain, mud, snow, slush, all of it. I use these each morning when I head to the gym and don't want to get my workout shoes wet.  I love my rain boots too but these are so easy to wear. They come in a ton of fun prints and of course mine has pink flowers on them. 

Love, love, love! 

~AE

Weekly Wisdom and Top 5 Be My Valentine Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One. Wisdom. 

Happy day of hearts, love, pink, red, flowers, candy, balloons, gifts, special dinners, romance and all the mushy good stuff. What are you doing today, for the ones you love AND for yourself?

One of my best Valentine's Day was when I was in 2nd grade. I came home from school, ran up to my bedroom and there, on my bed, was the Care Bear Love-A-Lot. I still remember the love I felt that day, my parents and sister were the best Valentines. I love this holiday, but not because of the reasons you may think. Valentine's Day has been a bit dicey in my world when boys were a thing in my life. The numerous"expectations" I had in my youth of what my significant other should do for me on this holiday really never happened. It was my expectations that let me down, not the other person. 

It was then and there, I told myself to stop the notion of expecting others to give me what I want and what I need. I started doing things for myself, loving myself and stopped expecting people to love me a certain way or being anything else in my life but along for the ride. So on this day, these are my plans because I love me the most.  This is the best love you can ever have. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation. 

Today’s conversation is with Lucas Sjostrom, a farmer and passionate professional working for

Minnesota dairy farmers

Last September I was fortunate to attend a RDN Farm Tour Summit hosted by Midwest Dairy and the National Pork Board in Minneapolis, MN. I was very excited because I had the opportunity to tour both dairy and pork farms to learn more about farming practices in the Midwest. Part of the tour took me to Sjostrom Farms, a dairy farm in Lafayette, MN where I met Steve and his son Lucas. Not only is Lucas a Lucas is a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a part-time farmer, the Industry Relations Director for Midwest Dairy, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, and last but not least a tour guide at Redhead Creamery, which his wife is the President and CEO.

Please sit back and enjoy my interesting conversation with Lucas

Connect with Lucas by email at Midwest Dairy and on Twitter @Lucas_MN_Dairy

Nosh Three. Heartbeats in Review. 

Ok, I really do love Valentine's Day because I get to celebrate all the important people in my life and tell them how much I love them. Each year, I send out valentines to my heartbeats, so if any of them are reading this before they get their mail today, surprise my loves!  Today, I am not going to review my week. I am going to give a more formal and as short as possible introduction to my heartbeats. 

My #1 Valentines are my family, specifically this beautiful lady, my Mom, Ruth. This woman is the most important woman in my life with my sister, Kate being a close second. My Mom and I share many similarities and many differences, which I love about us. I have been her strong-willed child from day one and she just kept loving me harder to be the woman I am today. I admire her for being an Air Force wife, moving all over the world with little kiddos, staying home with us to make sure we had a great childhood, cooking with love every day, putting up with my teenage attitude, encouraging me through college and just being there as much as she could for me. She is strong, funny, gorgeous, stubborn, savvy, hardworking and embracing life. What more could I ask for in a Mom? Today, I know she is missing the other 2 loves of her life, but I am very grateful for us today. 

Family dynamics are always interesting. I am one of the youngest grandkids on both sides of my family and some of my cousins are 10+ years older in me. Growing up, I did not have a lot in common with many of them. Mostly, I was just a spoiled little brat who was annoying. In 1989, I was scheduled to be confirmed and I was to choose a sponsor and confirmation name. This was a pretty big decision but I instantly knew who I wanted it to be. It wasn't because I was really close to Christine, but I admired her and looked up to her. She was so smart and in college, she was pretty (and still is and I loved her blonde hair), she was athletic and she was spunky. I think when she became my sponsor and I took her name, her and I really started to develop our friendship. When I was in college, she graciously opened her home to me for a place to live. She was a young professional, bought her first home and let a crazy college kid move in. Who does that? She has given me tough love when I needed it, she has listened to happy, frustrated and sad times in my life and she has given me a friendship I am so lucky to have. 

Next up are my Galentines!  And this particular one, my frista Carlena. Back in October of 1997, I was a junior in college and looking for a part-time job. My friend Jennifer was working at a Dermatology clinic and knew of an opening in Medical Records. On my first day, there was this adorable blond (what is up with me having crushes on blondes) with curly curly hair who also would be starting in Medical Records. As we were going through orientation, we were allowed a break and she looks at me and says "do you smoke" and the rest is history!  There are not many people who you are not related to that makes you feel like family. Carlena has been family from day one. I feel I was meant to meet here as if it was our destiny. I never really knew how much I enjoyed laughing, until I met Carlena. We laugh and laugh and laugh. We share the same humor and we know what each other is thinking without saying it. We worked together for almost 10 years, every day, and would call each other after work or go to each others homes in the evening. We don't get sick of each other. How crazy awesome??? This lady has been my biggest cheerleader, my biggest supporter, my therapist at many times and my rock. I can't wait to be her roommate when we are old and gray, in the retirement home to continue our shenanigans. 

You know that song by Train, Hey Soul Sister...well this is Brenda and I's song. In 2000, I was doing my internship and was placed at Creighton University Medical Center with this beauty as my preceptor. I kind of recognized her from some of my dietetic classes I took but I never officially met her. I remember her in those classes and she always looked gorgeous and put together. We instantly clicked during my internship and I learned a ton from her. When I was hired toward the end of my internship, we became co-workers and were at-work friends. A few years later, Brenda took a different job and I didn't speak with her anymore. She received a phone call at work one day that I thought was important and I called her at home. Little did I know this would start our outside of work friendship. We discovered each other at very important times in our lives, which we related with each other on many different levels. Those adulting levels that not everyone understands. Occasional phone calls became regular phone calls and then we started spending more time together. I always say Brenda and I's friendship was a bit of a surprising one resulting in us both needing each other in many ways. There is always a reason for everything and I can't wait to spend our winters together on a beach, boating and going to live music as often as possible. 

In 2008, I rocked my whole world and moved to Des Moines, Iowa knowing a total of 2 people. On my first day at my new job, this handsome fella in a yellow dress shirt and matching tie passed me a few times in the managers office. I finally was introduced Jason, the guy to go to if I had a question about something. I thought he was so nice.  On a side note that I found out later was he thought I was fake and didn't know how to take me. Hilarious!  After a few months of being the new kid on the block and a few more encounters with Jason, he came to my office and asked if I wanted to get together outside of work. 10 years later with many fun times at and outside of work, this guy is a huge joy in my life. Not only did he make my transition to moving to a new city easier, he is one of the kindest most genuine people I have ever met. He would do anything for anyone, including me. He and his partner Justin, have welcomed me repeatedly into their lives and include me as one of the family.  Seeing him at work each day is the best and I look forward to all the adventures we have with our other mutual friends, Kevin and Ryan. 

Work seems to be a common theme to where I have met my heartbeats, which seems crazy to me but the story continues with this lovely, Amanda. It was the fall of 2009 and I can't remember if it was an email or a phone call, but Amanda was a dietetic intern looking for a preceptor for one of her rotations. I had never met her before she showed up for the finest 2 weeks of her internship in December of that year. I am not sure I really taught her anything but I do know we had a great 2 weeks!  Amanda and I just connected and little did we know we would create a friendship like ours. After she finished up her internship, we stayed in contact and started meeting each other to catch up. This lead to booze and giggles, walking and even a short stint of her living with me. Amanda and I have laughed our assess off together and we have cried our assess off together. Her dog Brody is my boyfriend and she is one of the few humans gangster kitty comes out to see when she is at my house. I would do anything for this one! 

Finally, I had to mention my date for Valentine's Day. This little shit has given me a run for my money (literally and figuratively) the last month and half. 9 years ago, a stray kitty by the name of Gypsy had 5 babies on my parents deck. 1 calico, 2 black, 1 tuxedo, and 1 tortie adorable little furballs were graciously welcomed into my parents home because my Dad is a sucker for baby anything. Cold weather was soon approaching for these 8 week olds and my Dad decided to build an insulated cat house to keep them comfortable while they lived outside. Well, it didn't last long and the cat house with momma and babies moved into the connected garage. Kitties are sooo fun and so damn cute.  I would love to go home and visit the little stinkers. It was getting to be time to find them all homes, there were 2 boys that went to a farm, 1 girl who went to a friend of mine from work and 3 remained. Gypsy, tuxedo and tortie kitty. I already had Grace, who was also a tortie. After much contemplation, I became the crazy cat lady (still holding strong) and Lil g became my fur baby. The past few weeks she has been sick and we know now she has bladder stones. I am being the best cat mom I can be and I am hopeful she will not need surgery. Tonight, we will dine on a special fish dish and snuggle in for a movie. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my evening. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week. 

There is nothing really romantic about this playlist, so maybe not appropriate for a special dinner or evening with your heartbeat. There are a million songs about love and relationships that are very serious and then there are some adding the element of fun, which is how this playlist was created. Find it on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

Because of the massive amounts of snow, I had to stop at Menards and pick up some oil for the snowblower. As I was wandering around trying to find it, this deliciousness caught my eye. I think these chewy, sweet cherry lovers candy hearts were made just for me. If you're a lover of cherry, you must try these from Gimbal's. Wild cherry, cherry vanilla, black cherry, bing cherry, cherry cheesecake, kiwi cherry, cherry daiquiri and cherry chocolate are all the flavors in the bag and not one of them disappoint.  I might have to stop by tonight and grab one more bag....

The other thing I love this week is Midwest Dairy's recent blog:  The Secret to a Cheesy Valentine's Day is Easier Than You Think. If you are last minute to plan for this special day, go to the link about for a variety of these adorable prints (like the one below). You can print off or share on social media for your loved ones. In the blog, there are fun party and food ideas too. 

I adore you all for sharing in this day o' love!  

~AE

Weekly Wisdom and Top 5 February Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One. Wisdom.

Have you ever heard of the wives tale, 90 days from fog will bring snow?  My cousin always brings this up. Finally, after years of her saying this, I tested it out. 90 days ago, I put a reminder in my phone of fog and this week would bring snow. And it did...A LOT of snow. 

February may be one of the most dreary and coldest month of the year in the Midwest. It is about this time of winter, everyone wants to run away to a tropical island and never come back. February is also the month of by birth and one of my favorite months. In the midst of all the frost and cloudiness is pink and red and white and hearts with longer days and a shorter month, bringing us closer to the highly anticipated new life of spring. 

It's a month I celebrate my New Year, another trip around the sun. I also snuggle in closer to the ones I love, have pink and red sprinkles daily and breathe in the cold air. It is this month that gives me new life and another chance to live a life worth living. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation.

Today’s conversation is with Monica Salafia, a registered dietitian, personal trainer and side hustle guru.

Monica was a registered dietitian who caught my eye on social media with first, her stellar meal planning skills and secondly, with adorable photos of her pets. Since she was a teenager she has always been interested in fitness and found herself lifting weights with her brothers. It was one of her brothers who suggested nutrition and dietetics as a career to her and the rest is history. She has married her two passions into many different sources of income. Not only does she work a full time job as a health coach but she also has her own side hustle and business providing her nutrition and fitness expertise within her community.

Please enjoy my conversation with Monica

Connect with Monica on her website Mind on Nutrition and follow her on Instagram

Nosh Three. Week in Review.

I am not quite sure where January went....seriously. I had a stack of packages sitting in my living room for about a week because I really didn't know up from down the past few weeks. I also think maybe the mailman got a little irked with me because I also hadn't gotten my mail.  Anyway, it was fun thought, kind of like Christmas all over again.

Banza Pasta sent me this adorable little package and I thought it was appropriate to bust it out in February to celebrate my New Year!  How cute is this spoon?  I love getting coupons to share with my clients of products I love and use myself. 

I teach a Diabetes Prevention class and I like to introduce new foods and recipes to my group. Out of the 13 participants, we have 2 individuals with Celiac Disease, so I am always mindful of gluten-free recipes. Banza is perfect for those with Celiac Disease. I whipped up this easy pasta salad all because of a salad my Mom made a lot when I was a kid. 

Italian Pasta Salad

1 box of Banza Rotini, prepared

1 cup of cubed colby jack cheese

1 cup of mini turkey pepperoni

2 cups of broccoli slaw 

3/4 cup of prepared light Italian dressing (Wishbone is my favorite, you could also make your own)

1. Prepare pasta as directed on the box. Rinse, cool and set aside. 

2. Place cheese, turkey pepperoni and broccoli slaw into the bowl with the pasta and refrigerate, adding the salad dressing 1 hour before serving. 

After class that evening, one of my customers did the most amazing thing for her other classmates and I. It brought tears to my eyes. She made everyone in the class a jar to write down "good things that happen to you throughout the year and read on December 31st all the AMAZING things that happened to you."  Since I have been doing my joy jar, I really have started to realize all the good things happening in a year. We always tend to remember the not so good things. I think this was a beautiful gift she gave the class. 

I have never been a lover of pancakes. We would have them for a Sunday breakfast on occasion and everyone would yummy them up with maple surple. I would pass or have a small one with applesauce on it. I would never order them at a restaurant. However, as time has gone on, I do not turn down a delicious homemade pancake anymore. This one was make special for me with peanut butter and bananas, protein powder, love and no maple syrup. 

One of the people I follow on Instagram shared a great idea. She did the 23andMe ancestry test and based on the results, is going to travel where her ancestry is. I thought it was a great idea!  I ordered myself a kit and now patiently am awaiting the results. In 6 weeks, I will know where my adventures will take me in the future. Have you done one of these tests? What did you learn?

Well my Lil g went into the vet a second time and had a second round of antibiotics and pain meds. I thought we were in the clear but Sunday night, all her symptoms sadly returned. I am trying everything to make her comfortable until we head to the vet tomorrow. While surfing the internet for ways to reduce stress for your cat, I came across using sound and music. Yep, I have turned into that crazy cat mom!  I went to Apple Music and low and behold, this popped up, no joke!  At this point, I will try anything!  

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

I LOVE this snow blower. Seriously. A couple of weeks ago, my Mom lovingly brought this beauty to me. For the 9 years, I have been using my Grandpa's snow blower and it took a poop. I usually am ok with scooping by hand because it is a great workout, but this week have gotten 9 inches of snow (SO FAR, with more on the way) and it would have been a little difficult scoop without it. We all know what happens when the snow plows go through, double the amount at the end of the driveway--EEEKKKK!  Another reason why I love this right now is because my Dad used this every winter. I can picture him in his Air Force coat and warm cozy hat. I know he was helping out his baby girl Monday night when it started right up for me. Love you Dad!

~AE