Black Friday Shopping Tips

BLACK FRIDAY!!! It is almost here!!! Are you ready? Do you have your favorite items picked out? Do you have a plan of attack?? If not, you need one. Here are my tips for Black Friday shopping. Have fun, but don't over do it. 

• Do your RESEARCH
• By now, almost every store should have their Black Friday Ad out. If you can't find your favorite store's ad on their website, check these websites:
• Dealnews.com (click on the Black Friday tab)
• BlackFriday.info 
• Bfads.net
• Get a head start
• Some companies are starting their Black Friday sales early. If some of your favorite stores have started their sale early, go ahead and do your shopping there so you free up some time on Friday.

• Snag extra discounts
• Sometimes there are extra coupons available on top of sale prices. Be sure to capitalize on those. And don't forget about early bird specials!

• Split up
• Most stores have limited quantities available. If you are shopping in a group, split up so that you have a greater chance of getting low quantity items and so you can take advantage of more early bird specials.

• Make a list
• Since most ads are out by now, be sure to make a list of the places you need to visit and the items  you NEED to purchase.  Doing this will help you save time and prioritize based on your shopping needs.
• STAY ON BUDGET
• While Black Friday shopping is a blast, it is still important that you make a spending budget and stick to it. Just because there are tons of great deals doesn't mean you need to break the bank. Since you have already made a list, staying on budget should be relatively easy to do. STICK TO THE LIST - sticking to the list will help you stay on budget by not picking up random items that you don't need and it will help you save time by not browsing. 

• Shop Smart
• Finally, be sure to shop smart. If it is in the budget or you can swing it in your cash flow, think about birthdays, anniversaries, and other holidays. If you can go ahead and purchase items for these occasions during the Black Friday sales, you will save money in the long run.

I hope my tips have been helpful!! Remember to count your blessings this Thursday and everyday!

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!!

SHOUT OUT!

This is a special SHOUT OUT to one of my friends that has done such a great job improving her health and fitness. She is one determined lady and she let's nothing stand in her way. Not only does she own her own business, but she also has 2 precious little ones. This girl never uses time as an excuse and often gets her workout for the day in between 9-11pm. If she gets to do it early, chances are her kids are doing it with her. Way to be an awesome example for your kiddos and teach them how to lead a healthy and fit life!! You rock!! Keep up the hard work!!

The picture on the right is from 6 years ago - before my friend had her 2 children. With the help of 21 Day Fix and PiYo she is now more healthy and fit. The picture on the left is from last week. She has the same dress on in both pictures! What a great transformation!

Staying on Budget During the Holidays

If you are like me, then when it comes to the Holidays, you completely BLOW your budget. I am nowhere near perfect when it comes to my budget and I would never claim to be, but I do give it my best. I blow budget every year and I hate when January comes and I realize I have over done it. This year is going to be different. I am going to be prepared.

To prepare myself, I have done some research on how to stay in my budget. Below are some tips I plan on using myself!

• Christmas gifts: If you have a talent such as knitting, painting, crafting, crocheting - share it with your family. Instead of purchasing an item that my blow your budget, consider making one or 2 gifts this year. It may cost more time, but we are looking at dollar signs here. Besides, handmade gifts have sentimental value and they often mean more to the receiver than something that may be a rush purchase.

• Holiday Food: Make a list and stick to it. Don't make extra things and when applicable, purchase the off brand.

• Decorations: If you are crafty, make your wreaths, garlands, and stockings. You will save tons! Stores like Hobby Lobby always have items 50% and extra coupons. Take advantage of the savings.

• Don't use your CREDIT CARD. This will force you to spend only what you have. Also, this will prevent you from hating yourself for overspending in the month of January when the bill rolls around.

If you have some good tips you can add to the list, PLEASE share them in the comments! I am always looking for new tips to help me out!

Fit 4 Christmas

Can you believe it is already the Holiday Season?! This year has flown by. It is that time again...time for all the Holiday parties. There are Christmas parties galore! Work parties, family parties, Christmas with the in-laws, church parties, parties with your closest friends, Christmas Day...we haven't even made it to New Year's Eve yet! This time of year is so busy that it is SO easy to get off track; however, THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO JUMP ON THE BAND WAGON! What band wagon??

I am talking about joining an accountability group that will help you get on track and stay on track with your health and fitness. I am talking about a group that has helped me become healthy. A group that has helped me become fit. A group that contacts me when I haven't checked in daily. A group that holds me to my commitment.

I will be leading a small group beginning December 1st. Based on your current needs, I will help you choose a program that will allow you to successfully reach your goals. In this group, I will teach you how to eat healthy, how to fit in a daily workout, teach you how to plan your meals, and help you stay accountable to a program that can and will change your health and fitness if you will let it. Ultimately, it can change your life.

If you would like information concerning the group I will be leading, please fill out the form below.

21 Day Fix Stir Fry (Single Serving)

This recipe is fantastic. It is quick, easy, healthy, and DELICIOUS! Use the recipe below. Please note that this is single serving recipe, so if you plan to cook this for your family you will need to make the proper adjustments by doubling the recipe or what have you.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped asparagus spears
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 tsp All Purpose Seasoning.

Directions:

• Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat.  
• Combine asparagus, pepper, carrots, onions, and seasoning.
• Cook veggies in skillet, mixing frequently for 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp tender.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

As I am learning to eat healthier, I am also learning to try new food and recipes. One that I have come to fall in love with is Stuffed Bell Peppers. They are so good - I have to share. The recipe below comes from cleaneatingmag.com.

Ingredients:

• 4 large red and/or green bell peppers
• 1 1/2 tsp safflower or olive oil, divided
• 8 oz extra-lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp chipotle chile powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15-oz BPA-free can unsalted black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 tbsp unsalted tomato paste
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. With a paring knife, carefully trim bottoms of peppers so they stand upright; do not cut through flesh. Slice off tops and remove and discard stems; finely chop tops and set aside.
2. Carefully insert a paring knife into cavities of peppers and trim away seeds and membranes from insides. Wrap each pepper in foil and arrange upright in an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake until slightly softened, about 20 minutes. Remove from foil and set aside until cooled slightly. Reduce oven heat to 350˚F.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp oil on medium. Add beef and sauté, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove beef from skillet, cover and set aside; keep skillet on medium heat.
4. To skillet, add reserved chopped pepper tops, onion, cumin, coriander, salt and chile powder. Sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Stir in beans, corn, tomato paste, lime juice and beef. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, for 5 to 6 more minutes.
5. Brush bottom of 8-inch square baking dish with remaining 1/2 tsp oil. Stand peppers cavity side up in dish. Spoon beef mixture into peppers, packing tightly. Cover with foil and bake until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, about 35 minutes. Garnish with cilantro (if using).
   
   
   
   

Pumpkin Pie Shakeology

In honor of Thanksgiving and for all you pumpkin pie lovers, I thought I would share a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Shakeology!! This is sure to fix those pumpkin pie cravings AND it is a very healthy option!!

1 Scoop Vanilla Shakeology
12 oz water, almond butter, or milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped raw pecans
1 tsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
 Add a few ice cubes and....
BLEND until ice is finely crushed.