"Being a Family" Weekly Wisdom

 

Who are some of your favorite family members?

Each year around the holidays, I always reflect a lot about family. As a younger girl, I used to think family were those people you are related to. I did not know any better, those were the humans I spent most of my time with outside of my Dad, Mom and sister. Until I got older and realized sometimes relatives are an obligation and not really "family."  What do I mean by an obligation?  I mean that blood relatives are people I am to respect as part of my ancestry, because without them, I would not be here. 

But that doesn't mean I have to like them. 

Everyone has their shit. I know this. Things and people happen to each of us during our lifetime that changes who we are and the path we lead. How we handle those happenings, that's the tricky part. Is it going to be positive or negative?  Are you going to grow or stay stagnate?  Are you going to harden or stay kind?  Are you going to lose sight of the life you truly want to live and be remembered for?

What I believed as a younger girl about family completely changed once I realized how some of my family deals with their "shit." Their behavior is stronger and more influential than any drop of blood we share. I have subscribed and unsubscribed to some of my family's behavior - and I have never looked back. I am very grateful for those I am related to by blood who are in my life and I have welcomed in many family members who I do not share any blood with - all of them are my people, my family, my heartbeats. 

Be part of a family you are proud of and if you are not, it is never too late to create one. And you don't have to subscribe to anyone's shit, they have to live with it, not you. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

Yep, this is me! One adorable and badass babe born in February. I am pretty sure it is my favorite month because the world is splattered in glorious shades of pink and there is plethora of chocolate available everywhere. If you are like me and born in February or have someone in your life who is both adorable and badass, you are so lucky!  We are a group of people who have unique characteristics with a little bit of sass. We are original and not looking to copycat anyone.  Always expect honesty from us, no sugar coating a thing! We are very devoted friends, forever, to the very precious members of our tribe. Look for an innovative side from your Februarians, if you need help being creative or are in need for some inspiration, you know who to call. We are strong willed (my mom would emphatically agree with this trait) but tend to be reserved and quiet until we cannot hold back anymore.  And finally, my favorite adorable and badass trait, is that we love hard. We put our whole heart into people, places and things that bring complete joy into our lives. 

There is no love like the love of a badass, adorable, original, honest, innovative, strong willed and reserved babe born in February. 

Weekly Conversation

My conversation today is with Adria Huseth, RD, LD, CPT

Adria took a little different route to being a dietitian. She was not quite sure what she wanted to do in college and obtained a business degree. With strong family ties to health and the medical field, she always found the human body amazing and knew working in the medical field was in her future. After working in marketing research, she decided her love for the human body and food was her future and became a registered dietitian. In her current job with the National Pork Board, she has successfully combined business and dietetics as well as becoming a new mom and Certified Personal Trainer.

Please enjoy my conversation with Adria

Week in Review

This babe started off the month with A LOT of food, family, friends and fun!  I got to spend some time catching up with my previous assistant Erin and her adorable and sweet daughter Grace at Wasabi Waukee. The lunch menu is huge and has such great options. I chose the seared scallops on grilled zucchini with miso sauce, paired with some pipping hot green tea. This is the same place my mom and I had sushi not to long ago and so far, everything has been delish!

New Year Celebration was early this year with my heartbeats!  My mom and cousins Christine and Denis came down for the weekend and seriously, I was completely overwhelmingly grateful for everything they did. My mom did some major hustle in the kitchen. She made my favorite snack mix, homemade muffins, homemade lasagna, a beautiful fresh salad AND, the creme de la creme, my favorite chocolate cake. I am sad I did not get pictures of this beautiful food, but since I have a few leftovers, I plan on celebrating in the near future and will share then. At almost 41 trips around the sun, I still love to be spoiled by my mom. She is too sweet to me, her strong willed child.

Christine brought fun and pretty polka dots and stripes to decorate my pad. She also made these beautifully deep red roasted tomatoes and goat cheese on toasty garlic-rubbed bread (I loved it so much I had to share the recipe below).

The next day was the big football game and I had to get some steps in to burn off some of the eats from the day before. Karlie and I hit the pavement for a walk in the sunny, brisk winter day. It was just what I needed to make more room for more food. 

I pretty much woke up and had cake and ice-cream for breakfast, snack mix for my midday snack, and then Christine whips up this. Fresh oysters, topped with a homemade compound butter and breadcrumbs, broiled in the oven. Damn. I don't know what else to say. So good.  Let's just say my pants were a little tight on Monday and it was all completely worth it!

Workout Playlist of the Week

Early New Year Celebration = major need for my Badass Babe Playlist to un-snug my pants. If you need some major workout motivation, let these songs get ya moving! Also, I included a fun song for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday for your cool down.  

Listen to Badass Babe Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music

What I Love Right Now

The tomato appetizer above is a must make for your next party. They are rich in flavor and pair well with goat cheese (mascarpone would be tasty too). I snapped a picture of the recipe Christine brought and just had to share. The tomatoes would be a great addition to pasta or pizza too!

For those of you gearing up to celebrate Valentines Day, this takes the top of my list of "something sweet" to give your special person or people. Ghirardelli has their milk and dark chocolate squares made special for the holiday with sweet messages embossed on white chocolate hearts in the middle. And how can you not LOVE the adorable pink packaging?  

XOXO

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

It is week 2 into 2017, how is it going so far for everyone?  In anticipation of my new year starting on February 17th, I am absorbing all the information and inspiration from all of you and gearing up for my own amazing start to another trip around the sun.  I challenge all of you to please not set resolutions (because we all know how they are usually complete BS and quickly fade) but to view your "New Year" with "Intention and Purpose."  What are your intentions and purpose this year?  What words describe what you want to do with this precious life you have on earth?  I am asking myself these same questions and deciding how this trip will be different than the past. Dig deep and choose 2 or 3 action words to give your 2017 the most meaning and add the most value to your life. Breath them in, be them and achieve them everyday as best as you can. 

Weekly Conversation

Jen is known nationwide as the Down to Earth Dietitian and I couldn’t agree more. I have been lucky to be a Nutrition Communicator for Midwest Dairy with Jen for the past 4 years and getting to know how her personal life has really influenced her professional life as a registered dietitian. She has come full circle with her passion of gardening, nutrition and nourishing the lives of others, especially her family and moms. As long as I have know Jen, I had no idea how deeply rooted gardening was in her life. It is wonderful how she is sharing her love for growth from the ground with growth at home around the dinner table. She has been a clinical dietitian at Mayo, a retail dietitian, and a media expert. She is now in her current role,  impacting the lives of children's health with school food service, becoming a newly published author with the writing of her first book The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden and a list of other exciting adventures. I am excited to share her story, thus far.

Please enjoy my conversation with Jen.

Week(s) in Review

Christmas Eve day started off with homemade banana muffies (made with love), freshly brewed coffee, beautiful flowers and peace and quiet. It was nice to start the day solo, have a great workout and prepare for a weekend at home with my family.

One of my joys was to get a picture of this little booger in his new abominable snow man slippers.

My mom and I lit our Christmas tree together this year, with a few tears and a lot of hugs. This was the tree my sister had in her room every Christmas. When I would drive up the street for a visit, I could see it all lit it from her bedroom window. My sister LOVED Christmas. So of course, she had her own special tree in her room. When she was in the hospital, my mom brought it down to her with some of her favorite ornaments and the star we have had on the top of our tree since I was little. It was great to have it on and present during the holiday season and it brought Kate's spirit and love for the holiday to the weekend.

Christmas morning tradition is mom's homemade Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Raisin rolls. YUMMMMMMMMYYYY!  I was so happy she mad them and kept a tradition going even with all of the changes we have had in the past couple of years. This year, I felt pretty special because she put golden raisins in the rolls and they are my favorite. This might have been the best roll I have ever had.

Why?  Because as I was on the couch under my blanket, all cozy, she warmed one up and placed real butter strategically on top. The butter melted perfectly into every little part of the soft, cinnamon bread. Paired with a warm cup of coffee and it was the best start to Christmas Day.

In the past, we have always had pretty amazing Christmas meals and this year was no different. My mom made the most amazing burger on homemade bread. Gramma joined in the burger fun. This is why I love Christmas at home. We do not have an set schedule or agenda, no major stress from a planned extravagant meal. Just simply homemade goodness and just being together.

That's what the holidays are all about.

Workout Playlist of the Week

Slowly but surely I am getting back into the routine of my week. This includes waking up and getting my fitness on. So hard!

The struggle is real. But I got this, you got this!  I will report on how well I am "getting it" next week.

Listen to Anne Elizabeth's Workout Playlist of the Week on Apple Music. 

 What I Love Right Now

Soooooo, it has been a little bit cold out. Just a little. Over the holiday, my cousin Christine made this adorable basket with all the makings for this delicious drinks in honor of my sister.

Not only did it make me smile and think of us two playing on the beach in Hawaii when we were younger, but it make me think about somewhere tropical!

Take me away!!!! Please!!!!

I had to share the recipe with you all for the Honolulu Lulu. It is totally worth the splurge for the umbrellas to whisk you away to a tropical island full of ocean, sand and sun. 

Each sip I took made me forget I was in blustery cold Iowa. 

Worth every sip and every sweet memory of my sister and Hawaii that I have. 

One last thing I love I want to leave you with. I started out this weeks Wisdom Wednesday with 2 words, intention and purpose. If you are on board with living 2017 this way, I really want you to give this documentary a watch. You can view the trailer here and the entire film is on Netflix. 

The greatest message from this film is to ask yourself:  Does it add value to your life?  I hope you give it a watch and let me know what you think!

Happy 2017 to you all! Let's make this the best damn year yet!

~AE

A Wisdom Wednesday For My Sweet Big Sister, Kate

Tomorrow it will be a year since my sweet sister left this earth and we are reminded how short life really is and how lucky we all are to have had Kate touch each of our lives. With this being a very special time of the year and one of her favorite times of the year, how could it be any more radiant than celebrating the life of our dear Kate? When this Angel came into this earthly world and left this earthly world, she embodied sweetness, purity, grace and determination. 

Kate and I golfing in the Special Olympics Tournament September 2015

We all cannot help but think of her beautiful blond curly hair, dashing blue eyes and the sweetest smile you've ever seen. She was so proud to be the daughter of Dad and Mom, the most amazing Big Sister a girl could have to me and she nestled perfectly into the lives and hearts of the extended Huebert and Wegner families. 

Our family celebrating Kate's 40th Birthday

Her love for all things sports was contagious and she could get anyone to watch a game with her. She was and always will be a tried and true Iowa Hawkeye fan, Denver Bronco fan and a fan of anything her cousins were playing. But what she thoroughly enjoyed the most was playing golf with her favorite fan, her Dad, every Friday that she could. 

Kate Celebrating her birthday at Casey's

Kate and Ally cheering on the Hawkeyes

Kate was an inspiration when it came to her devotion to her work and her home.  She worked hard everyday, always trying harder than the day before, never missing work and always carrying a smile on her face.  She loved and was proud of her home. When she was home she could be found jamming out to her favorite music, hitting golf balls in the backyard, playing with her kitties or having a beer with Dad and Mom on the patio. It is those times when Kate would show her funny and silly side. She would sit back and take in the conversation, just because she loved to be a part of it and loved the people she was with.  She had the most amazing quick whit and impeccable timing. Kate would make you laugh with her genuine contribution to the conversation at just the right time. 

Kate and I with our first kitty, Guy

One thing that I want to share with you today that maybe you do not know about Kate, is that she could see and knew her guardian angel. Because Kate was so special, so loved and such a gift to each of us, God gave her this gift in return. Her angel has guided her, protected her and has been with her through so many trials and triumphs in her short but profound life. On December 22nd, Kate saw the open arms of her angel and the open arms of her Dad and knew it was time for her to go home. 

Kate and I at Thanksgiving 2013

All of you have unique and special memories of Kate, because each of your lives she has touched was uniquely yours. Please hold those memories close to your heart and keep her alive in all that you do. Our angel is watching over each of you, wrapping her wings gently around you and whispering to you that you are loved and blessed by her everyday. 

Kate celebrating her 40th Birthday!

 Miss you every day Big Sister. 

Always hug your loved ones super tight. 

~AE

Anyone else's pants tight right now?  Tis the season to be happy! Just be happy, however you define it. Who cares if your pants are tight. What matters are the meaningful relationships and simple joys you have in your life. Time is precious and if you are pre-occupied with shopping, eating and a bunch of other exhausting happenings, you are missing out on priceless moments with people. Put your credit card away, stop shopping online and put your phone away. Grab a cookie, unbutton your pants and engage in a conversation with the people who mean the most to you as 2016 is slipping away. 

Weekly Conversation

I did this crazy-ass thing this year and started doing a podcast. It has been one of the most exhilarating things I have done. I have enjoyed every conversation I have had with the people I love the most, the people who love food and care about health:  Registered Dietitians. As I am getting ready for 2017 and more adventures, I wanted to share the one podcast that started it all. Number one, numero uno, my first. It is even more crazy that since I had my conversation with Jena, she is now a new mother!  Time flies people, don't waste a single moment. 

Please click here to head over to iTunes and listen to my conversation with Registered Dietitian,

NEW MOM, and my friend, Jena Hunt.

Week in Review

I have some amazing friendships and this week was a great celebration of them. My friend Erin married the love of her life, James. It was a little dicey at the beginning of the day with a snowfall, but love prevailed and it all cleared up by the afternoon. They had a beautiful wedding and I know they will have a joyful life together. This picture says it all. 

The tribe also got together and had a cookie and cocktail club. Thankfully, we had a responsible member of the party to maintain motivation for the task at hand. Stacey, Cyril and Hollis manned the kitchen and created some delicious eats. 

Our theme for the party was to make a holiday cookie that reminded you of your childhood or something you made with your mom. My mom made a ton of cookie delights when we were kids. I know we tried to help, but I am guessing we were much of a help by licking bowls and spoons and eating cookie dough. I do remember my Dad loving all the treats my mom made and sitting at the table during the process sneaking bites. I made these peanut butter blossoms with Cyril helping me roll the dough and then dip them in sugar. This was my sissy Kate's favorite holiday cookie, so it only seemed appropriate to make them. 

Jason was in charge of making the cocktail, which seemed appropriate to have cranberry juice, with a splash of vodka for the cookie party.

Justin made some delicious peanut butter cookies with chunks of peanuts in it. Kevin got after it and made sugar cookies (with sprinkles!!!) and black raspberry jam cookies. He would not give me the recipe for the jam cookies, but they were delicious and sooo pretty. 

Workout Playlist of the Week

Listen to Anne Elizabeth's "Pants are Tight" Workout Playlist of the Week on Apple Music.

What I Love Right Now

I got a pretty kick ass package in the mail this past week.  Thank you Sierra!

About 6 months ago, I was out shopping with my mom and we saw a cool display of beautiful soaps at a local retailer. What was even better was the luxurious smells coming from the display. I was drawn to the lavender and the lemon poppy seed bars coming in all shapes and sizes. There were actual poppy seed in the soap. As we did more investigating, the company Pacha Soaps did not only have an impeccable message and mission, but were locally made in Hastings, Nebraska. (Side note:  for those of you who do not know, my college roommate, well-known organic chemistry guru and potato and vinegar loving, Katie Hervert Thomas is from Hastings). I love supporting locally created products and businesses and I love great smelling and beautiful personal products. 

"We are dirty hippies with a clean purpose."

"Pacha Soap is on a mission to provide the highest quality products, to promote health and well-being around the world and to implement sustainable solutions to the poverty cycle....all with veracity and love!"

Pacha Soap also gives back, number three of why I love their products. They have their "Raise the Bar" campaign to help someone in need. For every bar purchased, a bar is donated to a variety of people, including children in developing countries. This campaign also supports developing careers in soap making  for men and woman in developing nations. 

These colorful, fragrant and handcrafted soaps come in a variety of versions:  handouts loaves, bars and moons with scents like Ruby Red Grapefruit, Frankincense Myrrh and Pocket Full of Cozy; logs that are moisturizing and exfoliating with flavors of avocado, carrots, rosemary and eucalyptus; and soaks and scrubs for the bath. 

Their new product is this bar soap variety pack. You get a great selection of their scents in a smaller bar than the normal size. The bars last a long time and fill your shower or bath with scents reminiscent of essential oils. My mom loved the variety pack so much, she places a different bar underneath her pillow each week just to have the lasting and relaxing scents fill her slumber. 

I got these as stocking stuffers for all members of my tribe this year, head on over to Pacha Soap to explore their great products, learn more about their great mission and find a store closest to you to purchase a unique, made in the Heartland gift for those who make your heart beat. 

~AE