Shakeology Sunday: Thin Mint Inspired

I'm having one of "those" times of the month where I'm deeply craving sweets.  I can pass up a lot of things, but my vice in the realm of sweets is actually cookies.  I already know I can't live without my Shakeology so I thought I would combine the two!

While unlike most people I'm not a Thin Mint addict (more of a Tagalong person myself), I do enjoy them periodically so I thought I would experiment with a recipe that has gotten passed around quite a bit and make myself a "healthy" liquid Thin Mint!

Here is how it is done!

Blend or shake up:

8-16 oz. cashew milk (or other dairy or nut milk)

up to 1 tsp. Pure Mint Extract

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

ice to taste (optional)


It really does taste like a Thin Mint cookie!  This recipe will definitely stay in my rotation!  Stay tuned!  I'll share my "go to" recipe next week which is (surprise surprise) Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (yum my favorite!) or Tagalong inspired!

Enjoy!

Recipe Favorite: Crockpot Fajitas

Ingredients:
3-4 chicken breasts (Frozen)
4 cloves of pressed garlic
2 tsp of chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp. cilantro
4 bell peppers, any color (sliced)
1 large onion (sliced)
1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (Low sodium if you can find them!)

Instructions:
Put all ingredients in the crock pot (chicken down first) and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.  You can slice the chicken or leave them whole and shred the chicken with 2 forks.

If your time will allow it, add the bell peppers to the slow cooker in the last hour so they aren't too soggy. When the cooking time is over, shred chicken with a fork.

To Serve:
Place 1 Red container of the chicken mixed with tomatoes and garlic onto a whole wheat flour tortilla. Top with 1 Green container of sliced peppers and onion. Optionally serve with 1 Tbsp. of Non-fat Greek yogurt, a blue container of shredded cheese or a blue container worth of avocado, i.e. 1/4 avocado (or mix them).

1 fajita is 1 red, 1 Green, 1 Yellow and an optional blue.

Recipe and 21 Day Fix exchanges courtesy of my fellow Beachbody Coach, Carra Theodore!

Weekend in Review - March 20-22

For the first time in ages (or forever if that song is stuck in your head), Mario and I did not have an over-scheduled weekend.  I can't remember the last time we had so much free time!  It was awesome!  So here is a run down of how our weekend went with a few photos along the way and links for more information.

To see photos as I take them, join me on Instagram and if you would like to see my restaurant, hotel, and attraction reviews see me on Trip Advisor

Friday

We did not do anything really special on Friday except I had to do some work for my fathers business which I've been doing every Friday night for over a year now (doing work I've been doing since I was in undergrad) which will be changing soon as I make the transition out of my current job and into his business full time starting next week.  It's going to be an adventure and a challenge, but I'm looking forward to the opportunities that it could create.  More about that later...

Saturday

After relaxing a bit (wait what is this?), we headed to the Chicagoland Family Pet Expo with a friend.  Though we did not find as much as we usually do, we did see a really interesting K9 law enforcement training demonstration.  Usually we unload too many funds finding fun stuff for our furballs, but there wasn't nearly as much this year.  The only real "find" was this amazing clothing company called Peace Love Paws Co.  Not only are their designs lovely, but their mission is truly admirable.  I picked up a signature purple hooded shirt and I have a feeling its going to the first of many pieces that make their way in to my wardrobe!

After the expo, we had a little downtime before we headed to a local restaurant/bar called Spears to see my husband's cousin and his band, Miles Over Mountains.  Mario is related to Steve, the bassist.  MOM has a bluegrass/Americana/jam band type sound and the show was a blast.  There were quite a few of us there to support the band and this was the first time we had seen them play.  Luckily they had their CD release party the night before so we were able to take a recording home.  For the first time in a while, I enjoyed a nice glass of Moscato and we closed out the bar that night talking away with some cousins we hadn't seen in a while.

Sunday

We decided that Sunday would be a nice relaxing "date day".  I actually woke up early (my cat needed his insulin shot) and I booked our FP+ reservations for our May trip to Walt Disney World along with rearranging some of the dining reservations that we had already booked.  I couldn't believe it, but we actually got some great plans with only some minor adjustments and reservations for all of the restaurants we wanted to try this time around.  We are Disney Vacation Club Members and have been for a few years now.  Our actual "home resort" (where our timeshare is based) is Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, but we are working our way around the resort trying different locations.  So far we've stayed at Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, and we stayed a couple of nights at the Grand Californian at Disneyland as well.  This trip, we managed to get reservations at Wilderness Lodge which is perfect for our preferred proximity to Magic Kingdom for this trip.  We were crossing our fingers that there would be another 24 Hour Day this year and we super excited when it was just recently announced.  After our plans were set for May, we were also able change resorts for our September trip for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival to Old Key West also for proximity reasons for the event.  I'll do another post on our Disney Vacation Club membership at a later date to help explain the "ins and outs" of how we plan our WDW time.

Fridge Figment was hanging out right below my reminder to get these planning tasks done for our trip!

In the meantime, here are some photos from our short trip this past November.  We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and attended Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  It was a blast and a much needed get away!

Spaceship Earth at Epcot

Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom

Sorcerer's Hat (since been removed) at Hollywood Studios

Cinderella's Castle (frozen over by Elsa) at Magic Kindom

We managed to get a lunch reservation at Be Our Guest for lunch.  We tried the grey stuff.  It was in fact delicious!

Magic Bands and Party passes!

Our last night all decked for the holidays complete with our Santa "ear hats".

We relaxed a bit longer, got a bite of lunch, and headed over to the movie theater to see Insurgent.  Out of all of the dystopian series that are out, my husband actually likes The Divergent Series the best.  It surprises me, but it makes it easier to get him to go!  Since we had a gift card, we splurged and saw it in IMAX 3D.  I'm not normally big on 3D and quite frankly it normally makes me nauseous, but I survived.  I thought it was well directed and it was engaging, but the overuse of CGI was distracting.  I did enjoy it though.  They've done a great job casting for this series and I can't wait to see how they tackle Allegiant (which they are splitting in to two movies like every other final book).  It actually got me motivated to pull out Four: A Divergent Collection again.  It's the only book I hadn't read and I really want to finish it.  I read the Divergent Series over the course of about a week prior to the first movie being released.  If you want to see my ratings for those and other books because I'm a bit of a bookworm as well, connect with me on Good Reads.  

After the movie, we had to go do some major grocery shopping.  Our freezer was already well stocked (even with some dump meals and pre-prepped meals), but we were very low on all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that we needed for some of the recipes we wanted to make this week.  Lately we have been really bad about pre-planning meals and cooking at home.  Since our schedules are changing, we are going to have more time (which should never have been an excuse) and are making meal planning a priority.  

Lots of yummy fresh produce!

So Sunday night, I made the Turkey & Quinoa Taco Bake that I already posted the recipe for.  This time I added a can of Diced Tomatoes (no salt added) and I included extra peppers, onions, and garlic.  I don't typically bake it with the hot sauce, but we add Cholula to our own bowls to taste when serving.  Since the recipe serves 4, this gave me two extra meals pre-made for the week!  As we continue to meal plan, we are planning meals that create extra servings so that we have meals to bring for lunch on the go.

The finished product after baking.

Last Call for April Challenge and Giveaway!

Last Call!   There are only 3 spots left!

You've been following my journey to a healthier lifestyle, and now it's time for YOU to join me! Why? Because you're worth it and there's no better time than now. If you've been wishing and hoping to change your life, this is your sign that the moment is here. Take a chance on your health. Take a chance on your future.

First: We'll get registered for the NEW On Demand service where you can select your own workout (you'll have over $1000 worth at your fingertips!!) and have access to all of the program details including the workouts, workout schedules, and nutrition plans! Best of all, you can stream your workouts anytime anyplace and on any internet enabled device!

Second: You'll replace one meal per day with Shakeology that will provide you with amazing superfoods to help fuel your journey. This is how I start my day!

Finally: We'll have a private group on Facebook to hold each other accountable for all 60 days. If you are serious about this, you will be successful.

AND: if a healthy lifestyle wasn't enough to motivate you, you'll also be entered in a giveaway to win a $25 gift card if you join by 11:59pm cst on March 29th!

If you would like more information fill out the application at http://tinyurl.com/April60DayChallenge or leave your email below!

Recipe Favorite: Shakeology No Bake Balls

Looking for a quick snack on the run that satisfies that "dessert like" craving?  Look no further!  These are amazing and tasty!  Just store them in the fridge for snacks throughout the week, but I don't guarantee that they will stick around that long!

Ingredients:
– 1 Scoop of Shakeology
– 1 Cup of all natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
– 1 Cup of old fashioned oats (uncooked)
– 2 Tsp honey (raw honey preferred)

Directions
Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until mixed well.  Roll in to balls (about ping pong ball size) and then flatten (optional).  Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes and serve.

Why? Because YOU Deserve it!

If not now, then when?

I am looking for 5 - 10 women who are looking to lose 5 - 20 pounds by June!

You are following my journey to a healthier lifestyle, and now it's time for YOU to join me! Why? Because you're worth it and there's no better time than now. If you've been wishing and hoping to change your life, this is your sign that the moment is here. Take a chance on your health. Take a chance on your future.

First: We'll get registered for the NEW On Demand service where you can select your own workout (you'll have over $1000 worth at your fingertips!!) and have access to all of the program details including the workouts, workout schedules, and nutrition plans!  Best of all, you can stream your workouts anytime anyplace and on any internet enabled device!

Second: You'll replace one meal per day with Shakeology that will provide you with amazing superfoods to help fuel your journey.  This is how I start my day!

Finally: We'll have a private group on Facebook to hold each other accountable for all 60 days. If you are serious about this, you will be successful.

AND: if a healthy lifestyle wasn't enough to motivate you, you'll also be entered in a giveaway to win a $25 gift card if you join by 11:59pm cst on March 29th! 

If you would like more information leave your email in the comments or send me a message and I'll send you all the details!

Recipe Favorite: Turkey & Quinoa Taco Bake

Mexican food is a huge hit in our house and especially when it is something that I can use for meal prepping for the week.  This amazing recipe has been passed around the coaching community (it was not created by me) and is beloved by 21 Day Fix participants (and even nonparticipants because my husband LOVES this dish).  You will use a 9"x13" dish and the serving size is a quarter of the pan!  We aren't big veggie eaters so I sometimes add extra green containers adding more jalapeno or bell peppers.

Turkey & Quinoa Taco Bake
Makes 4 servings
21 Day Fix Plan = 1 yellow, 1 green, 1 blue, 1 red

Yellow Container
1 cup uncooked Quinoa 

Red Container
20oz package 93% Lean Ground Turkey 

Green Container
Tomato Sauce (low Sodium) 2 cups
Chopped Red or yellow or green peppers*
Chopped onion & Jalapeno* 

Blue Container
Shredded Cheddar (4 Blue containers worth) 

Free Ingredients
Juice of 1 lime
Garlic 3 cloves minced
Chili Powder 2 Tbsp
Cumin 2 Tsp
Onion Powder 1 Tsp
Chopped Cilantro 1/3 cup
Hot Sauce to taste (optional, but we like to add it)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9X13 baking dish with cooking spray (I use coconut oil spray) & set aside.
2. Rinse your Quinoa and follow the cooking instructions on the package.  If you buy in bulk, here are some basic instructions: add it to 2 cups water in a saucepan & bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn heat to low & simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat & fluff with a fork. Cover quinoa & set aside.
3. Spray frying pan with non-stick cooking spray or add some EVOO (if needed or skip if the pan is nonstick). Add onion, garlic & jalapeno & sauté over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for about 5 minutes & add the peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes more, or until meat is no longer pink.
4. Add the juice of 1 lime, cumin, chili powder & cilantro. Stir to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Remove from heat & add the quinoa to the meat & veggie mixture. Pour in the tomato sauce & hot sauce (if using or you can add it as a condiment later) & stir. Add 1 blue container of shredded Cheddar Cheese.
6. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 3 (blue) containers of Cheddar. Cover with foil & bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil & bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted & edges are bubbling. Remove from oven & let cool for 10 minutes.

*These veggies should total 2 Green containers when mixed together.

Shakeology... Why pay retail when there are discounts available to you?

It's no secret that I believe Shakeology is the key to my successful results and has changed my health for the better.  As a result, I've been getting a lot of questions about purchasing Shakeology and if there are ways to get it at a discount.  While I believe the full retail price of $129.95 is worth every penny, I (like most people) like to get things at a discount.

So here is an overview of the different ways you can enjoy Shakeology at a reduced rate!  Make sure you read all the way to the end to see the amazing deal being offered in March with one of our newest offerings!

There are three ways you can get Shakeology at a discount:

 1. Become a Team Beachbody Coach.  A 25% Savings!

 2. Become a Team Beachbody Club member.  A 10% Savings!

 3. Order Shakeology with auto ship aka Home Direct (HD), just pay $2.00 Super Discount Shipping.  A Savings of $12.95.

Option 1, Beachbody Coaches get 25% off all personal product purchases, which saves about $30.00 per month on Shakeology alone. The cost for a coach account is $39.99, a one-time sign-up fee (which is waived if you buy a Challenge Pack, are an Active Military Member, the spouse of an Active Military Member, or are a Military Veteran). Challenge Packs include a Beachbody program, Shakeology Home Direct, and a free 30-day trial of Team Beachbody Club membership (which gives you access to additional fitness and nutritional tips, the NEW Beachbody On Demand Service, and information including a personalized meal planner.)

Then there’s a $15.95 per month coach fee (waived if you are an Active Military Member, the spouse of an Active Military Member, or Military Veteran).

Even with these fees you, Shakeology will be cheaper than buying at regular price.

You can also earn 25% commission for referring customers who purchase products through your coach website.

Option 2, Team Beachbody Club Members get 10% off all purchases, including Shakeology, and receive online personalized nutritional planning along with other premium club membership services and information such as trainer tips and recipes PLUS access to the NEW Beachbody On Demand Service. Club members pay $38.87 per quarter, an average of $12.95 per month.

Option 3, the last option is Home Direct (Auto Ship) Customers get Super Discount Shipping $2.00, which saves them $12.95 per order per month. Home Direct places you on a 30 day auto ship program, where you receive the product automatically each month.

Let's do the math:

Retail Customers: $129.95 + S&H $14.95 = $144.90. This comes to $4.83/serving.

Retail on Home Direct: $129.95 + tax ($2.00 Super Discount Shipping.. save $12.95) = $131.95. This comes to $4.40/serving.

Club Member (10% discount): $116.95 + S&H $14.95 + $12.95 (Club fee charged as $39 every 3 months) = $144.85. This comes to $4.83/serving.

Club Member on Home Direct: $116.95  + $12.95 (Club fee charged as $39 every 3 months) + $2.00 Super Discount Shipping = $131.90. This comes to $4.40/serving.

Coach Account (25% off): $97.46  + $14.95 S&H + $15.95 (coach fee)= $128.36. This comes to $4.28/serving.

Coach Account on Home Direct: $97.46  + $15.95 (Coach Fee) + $2.00 Super Discount Shipping = $115.41. This comes to $3.85/serving.

NOTE: The figures above do not include tax.

So in summary, the cheapest way to order Shakeology is as a Coach on Home Direct, as well as by buying a Challenge pack, which waives the one-time coach fee.  You can still get good deals purchasing in other ways, but to get the biggest “bang for your buck” coaching is something to seriously consider.

Shakeology also has a “Bottom of the Bag Guarantee”. If you don’t like it you can return it. Shakeology is sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The guarantee period starts on the date of delivery (about 2 weeks after the product was shipped from our warehouse). You may return Shakeology packages that have been opened and used, even if the bag is completely empty!

I must admit, I had signed up as a Coach at first to just get the Shakeology discount since I liked it so much and I quickly learned that I came to Beachbody for a reason.  I love their products and I love to share them!

On to the good stuff, I mentioned that if you purchase a Challenge Pack that your one-time coach fee will be waived.  Well March has quite possibly the best deal I’ve seen yet!


Special Offer!

The NEW Team Beacbody Club and Shakeology Challenge Pack for $140!  This includes a 90-day premium membership to Team Beachbody Club and Beachbody on Demand plus a 30-day supply of Shakeology.  This NEW service gives you access to over $1000+ worth of programs including the following (with the addition of more in the future):

• P90X^® & P90X Deluxe
• P90X2^® & P90X2 Deluxe
• P90X3^® & P90X3 Deluxe
• P90X ONE on ONE^® Volume 1
• 10 Minute Trainer^®
• INSANITY^® & INSANITY Deluxe
• INSANITY: THE ASYLUM^® Volume 1
• TurboFire^®
• Brazil Butt Lift^® & Brazil Butt Lift Deluxe
• ChaLEAN Extreme^®
• Hip Hop Abs^®

UPDATE - These additional programs have been added!

• Tony One-on-One Volume 1
• Tony One-on-One Volume 2
• Tony One-on-One Volume 3 
• INSANITY: THE ASYLUM^® Volume 2
• Hip Hop Abs Deluxe
• Tai Cheng
• Rev Abs
• Rockin Body
• Shaun T Dance Party
• TurboJam
• Total Body Solution
• Yoga Booty Ballet
• Ho' Ala ke Kino
• Power Half Hour
• Great Body Guaranteed
• Get on the Ball
• Power 90
• Project You

You don't just get access to these programs!  You will also have access to all of their nutrition plans, workout schedules, and guidebooks to help you achieve your optimum results!

How to get it:

To get your hands on this amazing deal, email me at jkarena@me.com or visit www.beachbodycoach.com/jkarena.