Friday, October 31, 2014

Crockpot Recipe: Quick Chicken Chili - Clean Eating

You asked and I'm delivering :)

If you know me well enough... you know that I need QUICK and EASY recipes for my family of 7! We are always on the go with church, sports, music lessons, etc... I LOVE my crockpot and need to use it more often! Now that it's already 32 degrees here in the blue ridge mountains, I want something HOT for dinner.

www.facebook.com/ashleycrew


Here is my recipe for Sam's Chicken Chili (of course I'm adding my name to it haha)

2 packs ground chicken
2 T minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 large can natural tomato sauce
1 large can black beans (watch ingredients)
1 large can great northern beans
1 large can of chili beans or pintos
1 medium chopped onion
1 can chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon Mexican chili powder
1 teaspoon pepper

Toppings:
Hot sauce

Put all ingredients (except topping) in crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. Stir occasionally.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Eating Healthy - Weekly Menu To Eat Clean

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!! I told you all earlier HORMONES ARE THE DEVIL! haha I was SO close to my personal goal and now took a step backwards due to the side effects I got from the medication the doctor put me on. So, that means I just need to take my health and kick my habits up a notch to compensate for the added "cushion" I've got now.

www.samaraashley.com


I'm entering the BEAST MODE now and pushing myself to higher standards. No more cheat meals for the next few weeks until I see changes in my energy, weight, and overall health.

Have you ever been there? Had something change and knew you were going to have to make changes to feel better?

Ok here we go!

For the next few weeks, I'm implementing an "eating similar" plan. This means that I will not have ANY guess work into my foods. No questioning "oh what will I eat today?" No going through the drive thru just because I "don't have anything at home". Nope, it's time to crack down on the craziness!

Here are my routine foods this week:

Breakfast: 1/2 cups oats cooked with water, berries of my choice, and topped with a little stevia or honey

Snack: apple or banana (can have a tablespoon of natural peanut butter if I want)

Lunch: SHAKEOLOGY - I have drank this every day for over a year and LOVE how it makes me feel (if you don't know what it is ask me)

Snack: Veggies and hummus or 10 almonds (natural/no salt)

Dinner: Here is my dinner menu for this week

Monday - Chicken Chili - Ground chicken, northern beans, pintos, tomato sauce, spices
Tuesday - Veggie Stir Fry - add meat for my family (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, water chestnuts)
Wednesday - Family eats at church so I will have a Shakeology to be easy since I'll be running out the door
Thursday - Turkey burgers or Venison
Friday - Taco night
Saturday - Grilled chicken with roasted veggies
Sunday - Shakeology for dinner instead of lunch

Make a menu and stick with it. Everything I make takes less than 30 minutes for dinner so even if I don't prep anything during the day.... who cares! It can still be done! Feeding 7 people is no easy task. We NEVER have leftovers for me to eat the next day no matter how much I make. So do what works best for you :) Hope this helps! You can also check out my CLEAN EATING page on pinterest for more recipes.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

OPERATION: Destroy That Muffin Top

Kill the muffin top!!!! Next month I'm hosting a 3 week Belly Buster Group for WOMEN ONLY :)

 


This group will include a 10 minute DAILY ab workout you will commit to at home.

Requirements for the group:
1. Register for a free acct with me
2. Be willing to post BEFORE and AFTER belly pics
3. Commit to doing the workout EVERY day for 3 weeks

That's it!

If you are like me and have a stubborn belly, then I'd love to have you in this fun group with me!
Whether it's due to pregnancies, C-sections, weight fluctuation, surgeries, etc.... it doesn't matter. I need some fun accountability for this one!

We will kick off November 3rd!

Absolutely FREE!

Who wants in? CLICK HERE to register!!!!

Tired Mom - How To Increase Your Energy Level

Last year, I had ZERO energy!

ZERO PEOPLE!!!

I could have easily stayed in bed for days because I always felt sooooo tired! I have 5 kids and they all needed me. I worked a 40+ hour/week RN job, was building a business of my own, served at our church, and was trying to juggle it all on little to NO energy!

Pretty much it made me feel miserable!

Not only that, but I was 40 pounds overweight. I was discouraged. Dragging. Just trying to push through each day.

THEN... one day I stumbled upon a new health program (to me). I had tried EVERYTHING on my own. But, I was missing a KEY link..... ACCOUNTABILITY. I needed support! I couldn't seem to do this on my own.



So, I did it! I sold some "stuff" that I didn't need from my home and had the $$ set aside. I bought the program on my credit card and just went all in. I was scared to death and I was tired of failing. I didn't want to try anything else and not get results. I HATE wasting money and time.

I got my Beachbody package in the mail and started my journey. Within 2 DAYS I had more energy! The feeling was amazing because I was now giving my body the nutrients it needed to make it through the craziness! Within 2 weeks, I was down 6 POUNDS!!! Checkout my facebook page and you will see my transformation.

Now 31 pounds later, I am excited to say that it has made a world of difference not only in my life, but in my family's life. I am that mom that is active. I am that mom that can hop out of bed! I even started to wake up earlier and earlier and now can get up at 5am and get my day going without dreading it.

If you are one of those moms who feels so drained... I would LOVE to help you too! Please find me on facebook. I love new friends and will be glad to walk you through your own transformation!

Make the change today!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

How To Make Liquid Eye Liner At Home

Save your old liquid liner container!!!!

You won't want to continue paying $7 or more for this makeup when you can simply make it at home in an all natural way! When I was researching how to make this.... I wanted it to be with things I already had in my home. I didn't want to have to go buy ingredients!

 


I found this recipe which is super simple....

2 teaspoons coconut oil
4 teaspoons aloe vera gel
1-2 capsules activated charcoal (for black)
OR 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder for brown

mix ingredients and put into your old container.

I haven't needed to make this one yet, but can't wait! Just another way I can help cut cost in my budget!!!!!

Keep following me for more awesome ideas!

Friday, October 17, 2014

How To Make Loose Powder Makeup At Home

Ok ladies! I don't know about you, but I am sooooo tired of paying WAYYY too much money for makeup. Let me say this...I do care about keeping my skin as wrinkle free as possible, but not by lathering all kinds of expensive makeup or creams all over me! :)

So, my 10 year-old had made me some homemade lip gloss back a few months ago and I decided that I would make some homemade loose powder! After all, it's over $11 whether I get pressed or loosed and I don't feel like paying that anymore. What did I do? Oh you know, just decided to make it myself!


 

I used household ingredients to make it and have been using it for a few months now and LOVE IT!

So here is what I do!

Mix BABY POWDER with CINNAMON!!!!

Super easy! I got the containers off Amazon for super cheap and even plan on making this for my family as gifts. Not only does it work, but it smells yummy!

You simply fill the container half full with baby powder then add cinnamon and test on your skin as you go until you have a match!

Now, get to it and let me know how you love it!!!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

7 DAY FREE EAT CLEAN CHALLENGE

I am super excited to be hosting a 7 day clean eating group via Facebook next week! I didn't know what in the world CLEAN EATING was when I got started on my health journey, but I am learning more and more as time goes on.



Over all, I am simply trying to be the healthiest me. I want to help you do the same and show you what a huge difference it makes when you fill your body with clean foods.

So, if you are ready to join this FREE group make sure you sign up on my facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com/ashleycrew and send me a private message to join. Simply type "join clean eating group" and I will get you all the info.

I will be posting all information as we go along with menus and calendars to use in order to prep for the week ahead. This group will solely be focused on eating NOT exercise. Last few days to hop in!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Quick Healthy Snacks

Every need a quick snack on the go and know you REALLY don't want any prep time? Well, here are a few things you can do to have things ready for the quick grab. If you are like me, I don't have enough time in the day to handle everything I need to do and can often leave myself starving and wanting to go through the drive thru.

SAY NO!



Here are some ideas.....

No prep:
Apple
Banana
Almonds - natural no salt (10)
Grapes

A little prep:
- 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, berries, sliced almonds, touch of agave nectar or honey
- hummus and veggies
- Shakeology (keeps you full longer)
- 1/2 wrap (whole wheat tortilla, roasted red pepper hummus, turkey, lettuce)
- mason jar salad (romaine, strawberries, blue cheese, vinaigrette)
- Chicken salad (cubed chicken breast, 2T greek nonfat yogurt, grapes cut, chopped pecans)

So, next time you are ready to smell like a greasy burger... try one of these alternatives!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Working Out With No Results

I've been talking to a friend lately about the discouragement of working out without seeing your hard work pay off. That was totally me last year. I was at the gym numerous days a week and had a trainer. I was seeing some toning, but not weight loss. You know why? One simple word..... NUTRITION!



I was not eating enough AND I was not eating the right foods. What I thought was the "healthier" choices just weren't right for me! That's when I started drinking Shakeology. I realized also my body was lacking the vitamins and nutrients that I needed to get my body on track. I've been drinking this for the last year as a meal a day and have seen amazing results!

This doesn't mean that you have to drink a shake to have results, but for those of you who struggle with food like I do; it was a lifesaver! I am a mom with 5 kids on the go and don't always prep like I should to make sure I always have the foods to make at home. This mostly happens during the day more so than anything. So, it takes me a whopping 30 seconds to make my Shakeology and I go!

As far as the rest of the day, I've found that the small, frequent meals work best for me. Small portions of fruit, protein, healthy fats, and more. Then I top it all off with lots of water... at least 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water every day!

So, if you need help let me know and I can help walk you through changing your eating habits.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Why I Quit My Job - A Mom's Journey To Stay At Home Life

For 10 years now, I have worked the HARDEST job of my life....motherhood. Nursing school was CAKE compared to life as a mom. Sure I didn't have to go to class, study books, take tests, and pass a hands on program, but I sort of wished I had all of this to help guide me. :)

When I was 23, I had my first daughter. Hailey was a strong willed and difficult baby and sure gave me a run for it as a new mom. She was colicky for 3 months and screamed from 5pm until she would finally wear herself out. After that, I'm surprised I wanted another. It was such a hard road as a new parent and I had MANY times where I would just cry or scream in my pillow. My poor mom had to guide me through this time as a new mom and I am so thankful she was there with me.

At 25, I welcomed Avery Lane. She was the total opposite. She was easy to get into a routine and was very laid back. After she was born, I desired even more to stay at home full time. I had quit my job in Florida when we moved to Tennessee (at 8 months prego) and didn't really have a need for a second job. Unfortunately, I didn't have a "choice" in my current situation and was back working at Johnson City Medical Center 3-4 days a week while the girls were in daycare right next to the hospital. Of course, it was a great plan since they were so close, but I just really wanted to be mom and not leave them for the long shifts with someone else.

Then, my life took a drastic turn. I went from married mom of two to a single mom. I went from the blanket of security to diving into the scary unknown. Not only did I desperately NEED a good job, but now I depended on it. I moved out to the mountains of NC, but had a really hard time finding work. I would pick up whatever nursing job I could find. Still through it all, I longed for a break. I wanted to be home with my girls.

As time passed, I later found myself falling in love again. Steve and I had so much in common. Both parents of 2 kids with the same "story" of brokenness. After merging from a family of 3 to 6, once again I was reminded that my dreams of staying home were slim to none. After going through loss of jobs, unemployment, and major health crisis, I was glad to have a good nursing job to hold us up through it.

A few years went by and we added onto our family and became the "Yours, Mine, and Ours" family. Levi was born in May 2012. After a few months, it was time to return to work. By this time, I worked from home, but still had a set schedule, time clock, and set breaks. Even though it was the best job and I got to be home, it just wasn't the same. I had to continually push my kids aside to be on the phone or computer. I couldn't have "interruptions" on my work time.

One day, a few months ago, my hubby came home. He said with a very serious voice "we need to talk." (Men don't ever do that to your wife) He said he felt like God was telling him it's time for me to stay home full time. Believe me, I was so excited, but scared to death at the same time. After all, we had a family now of 7!!! The amount of medical debt was growing rapidly and the bills were coming in. BUT... I knew that if God was behind this then it would all work out.

So, I gave my 2 week notice and started my life at home. I had a small side business that had grown through health coaching which I really enjoyed. So, I would work that business in the early morning hours before anyone would get up and late at night when they would sleep. I had all of these dreams of what stay at home life would be like. Clean house, laundry done, dishes done, meals planned, etc... little did I know that a 2 1/2 year old little boy needed my complete and undivided attention at all times.

When he gets his nap, I have to work quickly to try to get as much done as possible, but honestly some days I am so exhausted from chasing him that I just take a nap right with him! I don't know how people do it with daycares or multiple small children. My older 4 kids are 8, 10, 11, and 14 so they are super independent.

Why am I saying all of this? Because I want moms to know that it is OK that we don't have it all together. I don't need to be a perfect mom. I want my kids to know they are loved. I want to make sure I am helping provide the best for them that we can. I want them to know how to grow in their walk with the Lord first and foremost.

We all fail.

We all fall short.

But, I can say that this has been by far the best decision for my family. Whether you work or stay at home... both are super important. There are all types of moms. This is just what we felt was right for our crew. Don't beat yourself up over what's not getting done. Take the time to implement life long lessons. Tell them how much you love them. Guide by example. Be the best mom you can be!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fall Into Fitness

As we all know, Fall can be a trying time to stay on the healthy kick. With pumpkin spiced everything, pies, and all the baked goods and candies.... it's so hard to say no! So why not combat all that food with a fun exercise group on Facebook to keep you accountable?



I along with a team of health coaches are going to run a larger accountability group. It's a test group for the new P90 Beachbody workout. This program is AWESOME and can be used at any level of fitness.

The group will start October 20th and the cut off date to join is the 13th!

What does the group involve?

  • It's a daily post with motivation and encouragement to keep you going.

  • It's healthy food tips and fitness tips.

  • A team of health coaches who have done these programs themselves and love to help others reach their own fitness and health goals.

This is exactly how I lost my first 30 pounds and have kept it off for the past year!

Ready to make a change? Don't fall into the foodie trap! :) Email me at ashleycrew7@gmail.com for more info!