Whip It Up Wednesday {Pumpkin Spice Latte Shakeology}

Are you not surprised by the fact that I am yet another blogger/female/human obsessed with all things pumpkin during the Fall?

Not surprised? Okay, glad we got that out of the way.

I keep cans of pumpkin on hand from September through December for all kind of purposes. Baking, sneaking it into soups and chili, making my own homemade pumpkin spice coffee creamer--not only is it super versatile, but it's a good source of Vitamin A, fiber, and protein. I'll take it!

This week for Whip It Up Wednesday, I am combining two of my most favorite things: pumpkin and Shakeology! Pumpkin because it's fall and I am painfully #basic, and Shakeology because it really is the best thing I could have done for my overall health and nutrition (for more details on Shakeology, check out this post).

Pumpkin, Shakeology, almond milk, coffee, and spice from cinnamon combine to give you a healthy treat that curbs your need for all things Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Ingredients:
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology (I've also used chocolate with great results!)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup cold coffee (brew it the night before and keep it in the fridge)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon (this is being conservative, add to taste!)
Ice (the more you add, the creamier it is!)

Add ingredients to blender and blend until combined and creamy. Add a dash of cinnamon as garnish.

Enjoy!

Holiday Hustle--60 Days to THRIVE During the Holidays!

October is right around the corner...can you believe it?!

Halloween is just a few weeks away.

And then....

The crazyness of the holiday season will be upon us.

Holiday parties.

Family get-togethers.

Goodies at the office.

Eating take-out a few too many times a week because you are busy.

I contemplated doing a shorter boot camp during the month of December, but by then I feel like the holiday pandemonium has already started, money gets tight, and your time gets crunched--at least I know it has for me in the past. It goes from zero to sixty SO FAST.

That's why I decided to host a monster, 60-day, intensive Holiday Hustle Boot Camp. Starting October 19.

That's right. October. 

I am taking you through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and we'll wrap about a week before Christmas. 

Why so early? 

Starting now, you can set up habits that will carry you into December.

Starting now, you can get ahead of the dreaded holiday weight gain.

Starting now, you can show up to holiday parties and WOW your family and friends with how great you look.

Starting now, you can build confidence and love the body you've been blessed with.

I know money can get tight during the holiday season, but by starting NOW--well, you are already setting yourself up for success AND getting a head start on your New Years' resolutions (yes--I just went there--2016 is coming!). One small investment with a BIG payoff.

What can you expect from ME?

Support, encouragement, and motivation as your free coach.

Tips to ensure you THRIVE during the holiday season--and beyond.

Discussion on goal-setting, nutrition, and building sustainable healthy habits--no fad diets. No gimmicks.

Real relationship-building in a network of support and love.

What do I expect from YOU?

You choose your at-home fitness program. 

You choose to replace one meal or snack a day with Shakeology.

You commit to 60 days of contribution and participation in a private, small group on Facebook.

That you will allow yourself some patience, grace, focus on progress--not perfection, share your struggles, and celebrate your victories--big and small.

Interested? Fill out the contact form below and I will reach out to you within 24 hours. Commitment deadline is October 12 as we start a "pre-season" that day before officially kicking off on October 19.

I look forward to working with you and THRIVING during the holiday season!

Five Friday Faves: Workout Tank Edition

Welcome to Fridays Faves! Picking five of my favorites on the Internet, and this week it's Workout Tank Edition!

There are TONS you can find just about anywhere, but these are just some that stuck out to me--and will probably wind up in my possession soon.

Hope you enjoy! Feel free to share where you find your favorite workout gear!

1. Fueled By Superfoods Tank from Fitspiration Couture

Every Beachbody Coach should have this tank. We've got the best superfoods we can find!

2. Proud Supporter of Messy Hair and Sweatpants Tank from Sadie Jane

It's not just Saturday mornings. It's a lifestyle.

3. Friends Cast Tank from Ruffles With Love

If you know me, you know I have a slight infatuation with all things Friends. Plus the bow! So cute.

4. It Is Well With My Soul Tank from The Spiro Spero

Love the kelly green, love this hymn. Just love.

5. Charcoal - Elle est forte Tank from She Is Clothing

"She is strong". A reference to Proverbs 31:25--She is clothes with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (NLT). The Proverbs 31 woman seems pretty darn elusive to me, but if there is one quality I'd want to aim for--it's this one.

Whip It Up Wednesday: Tuna Boats in Mini Peppers

This week's Whip It Up Wednesday brings you a simple recipe that makes a great quick snack or lunch.

I am all about simple and easy, if you haven't figured it out. As a full-time working mom, I love recipes I can prep at the beginning of the week and throw together quickly the night before or even the morning of. I cut my peppers in half and prep the tuna, and can quickly spoon some of the tuna mixture into each pepper half for a fresh, light meal.

Ingredients:

Mini peppers
1 can chunk tuna in water, drained and flaked
1 tbsp. diced red onion
1 tbsp. diced sweet peppers
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic

Slice mini peppers in half. Mix together remaining ingredients. Spoon tuna mixture into pepper halves.

Enjoy!

Whip It Up Wednesday {Craft Edition} Gold Gourd Vase Filler

Switching it up a little bit this week for Whip It Up Wednesday, and bringing you the CRAFT EDITION!

If there is one thing I LOVE, it's getting a high-end look for less.

Wanna know what else I love? Spray paint and my hot glue gun.

Crafting is a one of my favorite hobbies, so I thought I'd share a little bit of that flavor here on the blog as well. In honor of authenticity, I thought it would be fun to show more sides to this mama than just healthy lifestyles and fitness tips, so I hope you enjoy it!

When I was perusing the Pottery Barn website a couple weeks ago, checking out the new holiday stuff, I came across this:

The Inpiration: Pottery Barn's Gold Pumpkins & Gourds Vase Filler (source)

I read the description.

They're made of styrofoam.
They're painted.
There are three of them.
They cost $24.50.

Almost $25 for painted styrofoam? I love you, Pottery Barn, but get real.

I knew I could do better, so when I dug our Fall decorations out of the shed, I knew exactly what I was looking for.

I had my own stash of styrofoam pumpkins and gourds that I snagged from the dollar store a couple years ago. And I had a can of gold spray paint sitting in the garage that had been taunting me to use it for weeks.

Mine are obviously smaller than the PB gourds, but I sure do have a lot more of them--and if they're sitting nicely in a vase, the more the merrier, right?

So I went outside, gave them a couple light coats of gold spray paint and let them dry.

And then I threw them into a square vase I had sitting around.

Considering this project's materials consisted of stuff I had sitting around the house already, it didn't cost me a dime. BUT, if you were interested in creating something similar, you could probably find styrofoam pumpkins and gourds at your local dollar store, and a can of spray paint should cost you less than $5 at Home Depot.

For less than $10, you can add a little bit of glam to your Fall decor!

Fit for Fall Clean Eating Challenge Group

Last night I turned off my air conditioning for the first time since June, opened up my windows, pulled out all my fall decorations, and lit some pumpkin candles.

And then it hit me: It's real.

Summer is over.

Back to school is officially in full swing.

Bikini weather is becoming a distant memory. 

Activities are starting back up.

No reason to skip out on our health and well-being! The holidays are coming (yikes!) and I'm here to make sure you hit the holiday season with your best foot forward--starting NOW!

This MisFIT Mama's Fit for Fall Clean Eating Challenge group is a FREE 14-Day health & wellness challenge for anyone who wants to:

-Commit to just 14 days to eating clean, whole foods (no processed foods!)

-Commit to a bit of daily exercise (following a "Challenge of the Day" type schedule with Beachbody On Demand)

-Find daily inspiration that will leave you feeling energized and healthier. 

We start Monday, September 21!

How does it all work?

Starting Monday, September 21, I will share a post and photo each day. As you go through your day, check in with what you're eating for the day. Photos of your meals help too--maybe they can inspire someone else with new, fresh ideas! Same goes for your workout--I wanna see those sweaty selfies! We are all in this group together as like-minded individuals working towards the same goal--eating healthier and moving more, so sharing ideas and asking questions is definitely encouraged!

What's up with this "Challenge of the Day" workout? Beachbody On Demand?

The Challenge of the Day (or Challenge Du Jour, "CDJ") can be found on Beachbody On Demand. 

Beachbody is the same company behind P90X, Insanity, and (one of my personal faves!) 21 Day Fix--and Beachbody On Demand (BOD) is a NEW streaming service that gives you access to TONS of fitness programs at the tip of your fingers.

Have a smart phone? Tablet? Laptop? SmartTV? Roku, FireTV or Chromecast? You will be able to stream hundreds of top-notch programs in their entirety like P90X, INSANITY, and TONS more from the library, including sneak peeks of the more popular programs like T25, 21 Day Fix, and CIZE--all from your living room.

Sign up is free for 30 days, so even after the challenge is over you still get TWO more weeks of free access to the library of fitness programs. I will let you know when your 30 day trial is almost expired so you have adequate time to cancel and avoid being charged if you don't wish to keep the service. 

Ready to commit? Follow these three steps (easy peasy, I promise!):

FIRST STEP:

Let me know you're planning on joining in by joining up with this event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1499890446970297/

Sign up for your free trial of Beachbody On Demand so you can access the Challenge Du Jour, with me (Brittany Hiller) as your free coach: https://www.teambeachbody.com/tbbsignup/-/tbbsignup/club?referringRepId=401022

SECOND STEP:

Add me as a friend on Facebook:

THIRD STEP:

Invite some friends, and let's make this a party!

On Friday, September 18, I will send the link to my private health & wellness group on Facebook to all confirmed & registered challengers where we will begin planning and prepping for the next couple weeks. 

What will you get from the group?

Tips

Support

Encouragement

Recipes - including crock pot recipes for those busy weeknights!

Learn how to sustainably incorporate healthy living into your busy lifestyle.

**I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or personal trainer. I am just a mom who is passionate about helping others embrace healthy lifestyles and supporting them in the process. Please consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise or diet regimens. Thank you!**

September Goals

Holy moly, ya'll! It's September! Three days into September!

I feel like August didn't even happen. The progress on my August goals is proof that I felt like August didn't even happen. But, I will say this: for the last unofficial few weeks of summer, I regret nothing. My baby is starting Pre-K today, so soaking up those last blissful, spontaneous, summer-filled weeks was priority, and now that we are going to have a little more structure and order to our lives, I can redirect some energy to pushing further along.

But of course, accountability. So here's how I did in August:

Save $500.

Nope.

Declutter one room.

I cleaned out my kitchen last week! Planning on a yardsale during the last weekend of September. Downside: all the junk from my kitchen is now residing in my dining room until said yard sale. I need a better plan for storing all this stuff.

Help 5 people build self-esteem and love their bodies via Boot Camp.

I have three awesome ladies in my CIZE Boot Camp. They are awesome to work with and I don't mind having the smaller group this month! It is way more intimate, and I feel like I can really devote time to them if they need it.

Lose 3 pounds. 

Nope.

Grow the This MisFIT Mama Club

The This MisFIT Mama Club is my free, invite-only fitness and wellness group, for which I have a vision of strong, fierce women who are sharing their vulnerabilities and struggles, inspiring and lifting up others, and celebrating daily victories. Building this group is a slow but steady process. This is the future home for all of my free challenges, and I will also be tracking my #BODathon training there (what is #BODathon? Check out September's goals!). 

Build the foundations of my team.

I have a good mental picture of and what my team will stand for and a solid vision for our culture. Once I get this ball rolling, it is going to be EPIC.

Start the newsletter.

I have a MailChimp account. It's a step in the right direction.

Explore other types of social media platforms--and not be afraid to use them.

I am still mystified and stumped by Periscope. It has so much potential. Need to get on that.

REGISTER THE DOMAIN ALREADY.

Gosh, I really was the WORST in August.

And now, here are September's goals:

Personal Goals

Encourage a smooth transition into the new school year for Peyton me.

We made a really hard decision to switch schools for Peyton this year. She seems fine, but I am a ball of nerves. 

Commit to a CIZE LIVE! Instructor Training Course.

There is one in October and November. I have to pick one and register. I need to brainstorm a list of potential dance studios to which I can bring CIZE. There are hardly any CIZE classes in South Jersey! People need to know how awesome this is!

Buy Peyton's Halloween costume at some point in September and not wait until two weeks before Halloween.

Do you know how hard it is to find something that satisfies a tiny diva two weeks before Halloween? It's impossible, FYI. I learned this the hard way last year.

Prep for cold-weather gardening.

My summer garden was a horrendous flop. Crab grass took over everything and it gave me a real case of the sads. I need to clean out the garden, prep, and plant for a nice Fall harvest. I probably need to do this sooner rather than later.

Attend Q4 Super Saturday

Super Saturday is an awesome quarterly event for coaches held throughout the country during the same weekend. It's a time to learn new info, celebrate accomplishments, and get in a solid workout in a team atmosphere. I haven't been able to attend a Super Saturday in a while, so I am looking forward to this one!

#BODathon

I originally was going to start and finish 21 Day Fix EXTREME. I know, I've been saying it a lot. But then CIZE happened, and I am in love with CIZE. But we are coming to the end of the four weeks, and some time a couple weeks ago, Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler made the announcement that he was training for his own personal challenge, the BODathon, which is going to be a 2.5-hour, 4-workout marathon that is taking place on Saturday, October 31 (yes, Halloween!). And since then, about 5,000 people have committed to training with him. I love a challenge. A goal. Something to look forward to. So, once CIZE is wrapped, I am jumping headfirst into the two-month training plan. If you are interested in training along with me (with free access to the training workouts for your first 30 days), shoot me an email. It is going to be downright NUTS. Check-ins and accountability will be taking place in the This MisFIT Mama group page, so you won't want to miss out!

Help 5 people build self-esteem and love their bodies via Boot Camp.

September's Boot Camp will be another 60-day fitness party! You choose your program, we work together to reach your goals. This group will be starting on September 19 and running until early November, so this is a GREAT way to get yourself ready for the holiday season.

Wrap up my Editorial Calendar for the year.

I have post ideas that will take me well into October, but now I need to turn my attention to November and December. With the holidays coming up faster than I can possibly deal with, having a plan in place will be all the more helpful.

Advance to Emerald by the end of the month.

This may not make any sense if you aren't a coach, but reaching Emerald rank means I am advancing my business and utilizing my leadership skills by building a team of my own. I have been focusing so much on the helping-people-physically aspect of this business for so long, but it's time to start helping others realize their potential as a life changer and the possibilities behind having their own coaching business. I am SO excited to find my wellness warriors!

Read 20 minutes a day.

Personal development reading OR book club reading. Looks like this month we will be reading Reconstructing Amelia, and I'm looking forward to getting in some good old fiction this month! If you want in on the Book Club action, click here for the link and to sign up!

For the most part, I am really looking forward to the month of September. The order-loving part of me is relieved for more structure and routine in our weeks, and the other part of me is really just excited for all things Fall. 

Did you set any goals for the month? I'd love to hear about them!

Whip It Up Wednesday: Banana Ice Cream

Today's Whip It Up Wednesday is totally awesome because it requires one ingredient.

That's right--just ONE.

Banana whips (or banana ice cream, as Peyton likes to call it) is an awesome treat that is dairy-free, has no added sugar (depending on your add-ins), and can be totally customized with toppings or add-ins based on your preferences! For a dairy-sensitive family like ours, this recipe is the BEST during the summer months or as a quick treat. I might have even whipped up this batch for breakfast one morning. And added Christmas tree sprinkles because I couldn't find anything else in the pantry.

#bestmomever

Here's what you'll need...and once your mind is done being blown at how easy this is, you can thank me. I accept gifts of pumpkin spice coffee and books.

2 bananas, broken into pieces, frozen
Food processor.

You're welcome.

Throw your frozen banana chunks into the food processor. I have the Ninja Master Prep and I am kind of obsessed with it.

Crank up the food processor. I pulse at first to get the banana pieces broken up and crumbly, and then run that sucker until it's smooth and creamy. It will look like the photo above for a minute, but keep going! You may also need to take breaks to scrape down the sides.

Eventually, you'll get a creamy mixture. You can add some almond milk if you want it thinner, but I find that I've never really had to do that.

Optional add-ins/toppings:

Peanut Butter
Dark Chocolate Chips
Sprinkles
Shredded unsweetened coconut

And there you have it, a quick and easy sweet treat that takes all of five minutes! I keep my super-spotted or browning bananas in the freezer so I always have some on hand.

And now, the true debate: are they called "sprinkles" or "jimmies"?