WIAW

Hello my loves! So today is another what I ate Wednesday post, I've been eating a bit differently lately eating a big meal in the mornings, fruit or veg for lunch, and then a clean protein rich dinner. For breakfast I had Shakeology Chia seed pudding with 1 serving of Jif PB Cereal on top, soooo gooood!! I also ate some frozen berries. My snack was some Quaker cheddar cheese popped chips, and some  beehive cheese curds, I love cheese curds :-P And my other snack was a honey crisp apple! they're so pricey but so delish! They really are my favorite apple. I also had some applegate farms organic chicken breast slices (60 calories). Man, I eat a lot haha. I was able to wake up early and get my run in. I really enjoy the feeling I have after an early morning run, it makes me feel like I can conquer my day, and I'm about a billion times more productive versus when I wake up later. So I'd rather be a bit more sleepy, and feeling accomplished than not tired, and frazzled. I got such a delightful surprise I'm the mail today! I'm like a little kid when I get packages in the mail. I received a package from a company called P28, they're are based in Syracuse, New York which I think is pretty cool since I am from Binghamton, New York! It's no secret that aside from my husband and child, carbs and peanut butter are the loves of my life. So for me a protein bread is like a dream come true! A lot of their products have 28g of protein! Thats so awesome and it's such a fun way to switch up your protein sources. That's what this healthy living lifestyle is all about, making healthy choices fun!!! 

Later on tonight I had the opportunity to do makeup on some girls at our church, it was so fun for me. Makeup artistry really is a passion of mine. And I'd love to expand my knowledge and hopefully someday be able to shadow someone or take some classes. Makeup is so much more than what we put on our face, it's am art and it really can change how someone feels about themselves. I love getting a woman all done up and to see her face when she sees how beautiful she truly is. Because I think as women we don't give ourselves enough credit, beauty truly does come from within. I loved watching the girls reactions after they got all done up. 

I filmed several youtube videos today as well, one of which I already uploaded, all about my new hair extensions! 

Xoxo,

Brittany Marie Powell

#MIMM

Happy Marvelous Monday Everyone!
   Today was a cooking day for me, every year I like to continue my Grandmommy's tradition of Dinner In A Pumpkin :) It's not a very complicated recipe, I'll post the recipe on here soon, but it's pretty time consuming when you are serving a large group of people. I bought 3 pumpkins for cooking, two pie pumpkins and one normal Jack-O-latern pumpkin, the pie pumpkins are slightly sweeter tasting and perfect if you have a small family or if it's just you and your significant other. I also made some Protein Cheesecakes for dessert, which I have a post with that recipe on here.

   I also was able to get some much needed cleaning done today, the clean mama's cleaning charts are so motivating. I am looking for a shoe organizer to take care of the shoe explosion in my closet. I am thinking of purchasing this cute locker style cabinet from Ikea, I would need to figure out a way to set up shelving inside of it though for shoes.

I am also in search for a toddler bed for Grayson, I was going to start him out in a twin bed, but I'm thinking it might be an easier transition for him if we start out with something lower to the ground. Any mommies reading this I am happy to hear your input with this! :) 
  I was able to fit in a run today. 3.5 miles. I am really wanting to start running more regularly again, and have a goal of doing 3 miles every day till christmas. I think that's reasonable, but we shall see, if I start getting knee issues again, I know when to hold back. I just feel like I need to give myself a little challenge again, since hubby and I are looking for a house I have cut back on how many races I've done this year, and in some ways that sort of kills my motivation so I need to find new ways to give me that push. I do think I'll be signing up for some sort of race soon though, even though it's getting chilly!

 I also was able to purchase some of the Suja Juices today, they're $$$ but my body is in need of juicing again I think.... and this just might get me to get in the mood to start juicing again :) 
Anyways, that's all for My #MIMM not much to post today, but just wanted to fill you guys in! :) 

XOXO,
        Brittany Marie Powell

What I Ate Wednesday

What I Ate Wednesday!

   I haven't done one of these in ages! Mostly because I have #strangebutgood food choices! haha This morning I made egg white chips, which my husband thinks is the oddest thing on earth! But I think they are a good low carb option, and high protein, and great for when you're craving something crunchy. Plus you have so many options when making them, you can make them sweet or savory. What I do is spray a few muffin tins with a non stick spray and pour a tiny tiny amount of egg whites in each muffin spot. And then I let it bake at 350 for however long it takes them to get crispy, I am weird and like them to be a bit burnt... haha.

egg white chips

I also ate some carrots with Grayson (side note: he LOVES carrots, he always tells me when we eat them "MOM bunnies eat carrots!" haha funny boy) in bed while he watched a show and we both tried to wake up a bit. I then made his breakfast too which is usually Eggo waffles, not the healthiest thing, but he's so picky when it comes to food. I'd like to make him a healthier alternative such as spinach banana pancakes, I know he would probably like those since he loves 'nana's.  I went running after I ate my egg whites I like to eat something light if I know I am going to go running after. 

  After my run I made myself shakeology, I love the chocolate it tastes just like a frosty. Then Grayson and I got ready for the day. We went up to the mall so I could return some shoes that ended up not fitting... I was trying to be frugal and decided to buy some boots that were children's size which normally that works out for me when it comes to certain boots like Uggs or Hunters but these were some Steve Madden zip up boots and they wouldn't fit around my calf, haha I think I have large calfs... But I was happy to see that Burlington Coat Factory had the same ones for $35! And I had paid $75 for the ones that didn't fit so it was sort of a blessing in disguise in a way. I've wanted these boots for years, I just love the red zipper and tan color, I can't wait to wear them with skinny jeans. 

  And for dinner I had a Garden lites souffle, more egg white chips haha, and butternut squash. 

XOXO,
Brittany Marie Powell

   

Three Things Tuesday

I finally was able to go to the doctors today to get anitbiotics, I am not a happy camper when I am sick! I have so many projects I need to get done and now that I am feeling better I can finally tackle them. I went on pinterest and printed out a cleaning schedule courtesy of cleanmama.net  she has a bunch of free printables, I love her blog so much! It is my dream to be even half as organized as she is. 
   

 I don't really have much to say today so I am just going to share a few Pin's on Pinterest, that have caught my eye. I really am Pinterest Obsessed. I've had many sleepless nights due to spending way too much time on Pinterest! haha Anyways, I very much want to try this Ben Nye Banana Powder, I've heard nothing but good reviews about it, and look how flawless of a finish it leaves! 
   I am thinking about applying for a few makeup jobs, I'd love the opportunity to learn more and enhance my skills. And we could also use the extra income right now since we are finally starting our search in House Hunting again! Ahh! IT is sooo nerve wracking, and I wish houses weren't so expensive where we live but such is life! I know that we will find the perfect home for our family and that everything will work out. 

How adorable is this arm party?! I am looooving Tortoise Shell jewelry right now. This Tortoise Shell Michael Kors watch is so chic, and timeless. I love looking at all of the fashion posts on Pinterest. I looove this Lilly pumpkin printed skirt! <3 data-blogger-escaped-font="">

I am going to now try and find the energy to work out. I don't feel well, but I think I can work out today. I've gotten better at listening to my body I think I am even more paranoid now to when my body needs rest or when it doesn't. I've fell off the wagon lately, I feel like, with eating and working out. So I really need to get my right mind set back, and stop letting my stresses affect my food choices....which happens! 

To Do's &amp; Goals For the Week:
-Film and post at least 3 Youtube Videos.
-Stick to my daily meal plan and calorie goals.
-Wake up early for cardio.
-Get back into my lifting program.
-Drink more water.
-Focus on the positives, don't let the little things stress me out.
-Get Grayson Mickey Mouse Flashcards, and practice with him.
-Be better at Potty Training with Grayson. 

XOXO,
Brittany Marie Powell

#mimm

Happy Marvelous Monday my Lovely Readers!

   Today was a "Cinderella Day", as one of my friends would say. Which really means I just did domestic wifely duties. Which consisted of laundry, dishes and making jam. I made some appricot pineapple jam, and I also made some Chia seed jam with it. I can't wait to try it out tomorrow.
   For today's workout I ran 3 miles and did Body Beast Bulk Back. I like the back workout because it is only 28 minutes long 8-). Both my husband and I needed a quick workout this evening because our son was getting pretty fussy. My post workout snack was something new to me. I had egg whites topped with a horseradish mustard and salt&vinegar almonds, it was delish!

  I also had to take Grayson to his 2 year check up today. He is 35 inches tall and 26 pounds. The Nurse and Doctor both thought he was a very well behaved toddler and that he was pretty tall! I am happy to see that he is developing good. 

   It was my Mom's Birthday today. Times like this make me really miss my family. They live in Upstate New York, while I live in Utah. I wish I could have been with her today to celebrate. She had a Marvelous Monday birthday celebration, which included a massage and hot yoga. Whenever I visit we do hot yoga together, it is for sure a good workout, HOT and challenging. She is considering doing Piyo and shakeology. I think that she would really enjoy both, seeing as how she is busy with her job, and on-the-go a lot. Plus Piyo seems like it would be right up her alley. 

   My quote for the day is: "Prepare for the BEST." I think often I naturally prepare for things to go for the worst. I am trying to be more of an optimist. 

   Well I am going to get ready for bed, I am hoping to wake up early and run. I REALLY want to get in the habit of doing that again. I am NOT a morning person unfortunately. But I am striving to change that. What do you early morning exercises do to motivate yourselves not to hit the snooze button in the morning?

  I've been lusting after this Alex&Ani bracelet. I just love the message behind it and feel that it really pertains to my weight loss journey and to my running training.
  I also REALLY want a wonder woman shirt. How cute is this one?!

Xoxo,
   Brittany Marie Powell

Me Party Of One!

   Well, Grant went to the movies with a friend so I decided to have a ME party, as the Muppets Movie would say! Which really just consisted of having a sugar free Rita's Italian Ice...watching trashy girly reality TV shows and reading blogs. Livin' it up over here. ;-)

   We are on the bulk phase of Body Beast. I've really enjoyed Body Beast, and even though it is tough it is worth it to me because I can see and feel the changes. I can even see myself doing another round of this! I'm starting to enjoy lifting more. I still don't think I get quite the same endorphins/stress relief as I do with running. 

   

   Lately Grayson just thinks it is hilarious to cover himself (and mommy) in stickers. It's so funny to see what he thinks is funny. He's developed such the little personality. He's my boy<3 

   Tomorrow for dinner I am hoping to make a turkey meatloaf. The body beast nutrition guide came with a recipe book for one. I am also thinking of trying to make a key lime cheesecake or maybe a Carmel one or maybe a cookies and cream one. Or I might just get the church lazy's and not make a dessert haha we shall see. Church wears me out sometimes (my service is 3 hrs).

   

^ I like this quote a lot. For me personally, I think I let fear win when it comes to things I want to do. I think, I think I won't succeed and that scares me. But honestly I have come to the conclusion that I would rather try and fail at something, than to never have tried at all and spend my life wondering. Anyways that's my "deep" thought for the day haha getting sleepy now. Good night everyone! 

Xoxo,

Brittany 

   

   

I'm SO excited, and I just can't hide it....

B r i g h t  N i g h t  E v e n t TOMORROW !!!! Yippee! I've been so busy today. I had to get my little business cards ready so people will remember me. Haha. I made sure all of my sites were perfect, I did a lot of work on here, although it still has more to be done. I am a little nervous, I hope to make friends at this shin dig and not be a loner. And I still don't know what I'm gonna wear. A fashion blogger I am NOT! Hah. Anyways, I'm going to try and sleep, I can't wait to have a Me Party Day, with no mommy duties to tend to. :)

Xoxo,

Brittany 

#MIMM

Happy Marvelous Monday Everyone! 

  So here's one of my most marvelous eats of the day, which was breakfast of course. I made vanilla shakeology protein waffles and they were DELISH!!! 

I also ran today for the first time in a whole and it felt marvelous. I needed it. It's funny how good it can feel to get back into it after you've taken a break. As much as I like body beast and lifting I feel like running will always be my first love. I always feel so much better after I do it and have some of my   best thinking while I run. Running truly is therapy!

   We also went mini golfing as family tonight. I am by no means an expert golfer haha but we had fun anyways. And it was so fun to watch Grayson try and do it and he loved looking at all of the glowing fishies and sharks :) 

   

   Now that the kiddo is in bed, Grant and I are going to get a great chest and tri workout in body beast style! It's weird but I really do kind of look forward to doing these some days. Although the body best cardio was INTENSE! So many weighted squats! Lol. 

Happy Monday readers :-D 

Xoxo,

  Brittany Marie Powell

Sunday Funday.... Or not ;-)

I CUT MY HAIR!!! It's gone, #shorthairclub now. 

   This weekend has been crazy with two sick boys on my hands (Grant and Grayson). It's hard being a mom sometimes. I'm tired haha. But I wanted to talk about a long time pipe dream of mine...

   I've always wanted to do a healthy meal delivery service. It'd be a lot of work but I always think of how great it would have been for me, and even sometimes now to just have meals/snacks ready! And HEALTHY. I think it takes so much of the stress out of dieting, especially when you're first starting. It's hard to have 5-6 small meals a day, and track your calories and make sure you're hitting your macro goals. I want to help myself and others do this! I think shakeology has helped me a lot because that's one meal I don't have to think about and really helps energize me. 

   My game plan for this week and the next for weeks really is to give myself a sort of mock trial with this. I want to start cooking and preparing creations. Freezing them and seeing how they hold up. I just have so many ideas, and I really want to help others with nutrition. I want to take the guessing and stress out of it. I want to show others that it doesn't have to suck, and that it really can be easy and fun! Some of my meals/snacks this week are going to be:

Vanilla shakeology waffles 

Quinoa with a twist

Protein cheesecake

Homemade protein bars

Salmon burgers

Broccoli

Stir fry

Crockpot chicken

I'll be sure to post what I make each day this week (if it turns out good) ;-) I'm also BEYOND excited for bright night event this week!!!! I really can't wait I need a Me party day haha.

Xoxo, 

   Brittany 

Happy 4th of July!!! :)

Happy 4th y'all! 

  We had a lazy morning together as a family. I made a chocolate shakeology with frozen berries and it was really good!

  Grant and I then proceeded to do our workout. Today was Body Beast Build Shoulders. It was hard, but I am really like the style of these workouts. I love doing the super sets and some of the moves Sagi has us do. We worked out with Nani there and that was a challenge, a lot of pausing happened to help him with a toy or kiss his hand cuz he pinched it, but we got it done. "WHATEVER IT TAKES!" I've been SO sore. It is different than running sore. In fact I really have only ran a few times since my race because I've been putting my all into these Body Beast workouts. I want to get back into my running tho. For a while my knee was hurting but it's been feeling better now. It was especially sore after leg day! I like the structure that comes with this workout. And how each day we are focusing on diff body parts. I also like watching Grant lift ;-) haha.

   Tonight we have a little family get together we are going to. I wonder if Grayson will like fireworks this year, last year he was a little bit chicken, and cried. Well that's all for now you guys! Enjoy your days :-) I know we will. 

Xoxo,

   Brittany Marie Powell.

   

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

  Today I got a ton of cleaning done around the house. I also went to the gym and did the cybex machine. No running today because I'm waiting for my knee to cooperate. Tonight's Body Beast workout is back and bis :) I really like these workouts so far they're hard but I like it. 

   I made Cauliflower Pizza today, and I filmed it. It's kind of a complicated process but very worth it if you're trying to lose weight and want something Pizza-esque. So hopefully, my subbies will like watching that. youtube.com/theianuzified
I'm also going to post some pics of the process and the recipe on here. :)

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower

Egg

Any seasonings you'd like

Toppings of choice

Sauce of choice

-I used my Blendtec to pulse the cauliflower into a sort of rice-like mixture. 

-Using lots of paper towels, I did my best to squeeze out all of the cauliflower juice/liquid. You could also use cheesecloth but I didn't have any. 

-Next I added an egg and blended. 

 -I put my mixture in a mixing bowl and added Mrs.Dash onion and herb, garlic and herb, and Italian medley.

-I let my crust bake at 420 for about 40 mins or so.

-I then topped with my toppings of choice which included: tomato sauce, cheese, chicken, bacon, celery, fire-roasted red peppers, and jalapeños. :) 

-I then let it cook a few more minutes to heat up all my toppings and make the cheese all melty and delicious! 

 And Voila! Cauliflower crust pizza! 

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy. 

Xoxo,

   Brittany Marie Powell. 

#MIMM

   Today was a typical Monday around here. I went and got some groceries for our week, and Grayson an adorable "How To Train Your Dragon" shirt. And toy. Because he had a canniption over it lol. He's sucha cutie and has been relatively good lately. *Knock On Wood*

   I came up with a pretty good little lunch today. Instead of having my shakeology in shake form. I simply mixed my chocolate shakeology with water to make a 'pudding' like consistency, I also added 1 tbsp. of Hershey's sugar free chocolate syrup. I then topped my Carmel flavored rice cakes with the mixture. It was so good, and fudgey, and decadent. It felt like I was eating a dessert :-P I also ate some cherries with them. #cherryaddict #ilovefruit

   For dinner we went out to eat, as we do most Mondays. I chose a healthy option of salmon and steamed veggies cooked in olive oil. It was really good! I love salmon, it's my favorite fish. I've been really making an effort to focus on my nutrition, and making sure I'm making good choices. It's not always easy, but it does get easier. When I am tempted food wise, I like to think of the quote "don't give into what you want now, for what you want most." I also try and wait it out usually, if I have unhealthy craving, I'll chug some water. Like I said, it's not always easy, but it gets easier. And the results are so worth it :)

     I CANT WAIT TILL BRIGHT NIGHT EVENT!!!! You have no idea how much excitement I have for this event. I love all of the bloggers blogs who are hosting. Especially, LivyLovesToRun. She's such am inspiration to me. :) I feel like this event is going to be so much fun and I can't wait to listen in on the seminars, and learn new things, and hopefully my awkward self can make some new friends. Haha. And I'm excited for the food and diet coke of course ;-) 

   I'm  really liking body beast so far, my husband and I are doing the Lean version. I hope to gain some muscles from this program. I'm determinded to give it all I've got this time. I want to prove to myself that I can be the best version of me. I also did the cybex machine at the gym for an hour. 

Happy #MIMM everyone, 

Xoxo, 

   Brittany Marie Powell.

   

   

Funnnay

   Just wanted to take a break a post some "funnay" pictures, because that's how Grayson says funny. Today was a crazy #mommyproblems day. So I'm tired. And tomorrow is leg day for body beast.

                      

     

    He's learned how to take selfies with his ninja turtle camera. Haha!

Xoxo,
   Brittany Marie Powell.

Is Shakeology worth it?

   So as some of you may or may not know, I am now indeed a BEACHBODY COACH. Yes, I've joined the masses. Never in a million years did I think that I would be doing something like this. Some of the "coaches" I have come across have been so pushy that I think it turned me off to the idea of it. Also, my lack of ever completing P90x :-P But a close family member of mine convinced me to do it, so here I am. 
   I have chosen to do the program Body Beast. What I like about this is it's mostly lifting and that's what I aim to do/learn is how to lift weights. I am extremely uncoordinated so sometimes something like plyo can really challenge me and not end up being much of a 'workout' because I spend half my time trying to do what they're doing. haha! SO I think being a coach is going to push me to DO THIS. To see what i've made of so to speak. I also would love to get Grant on board, for him to get healthy and maybe gain some bigger biceps in the process ;-)
   I've wanted to try Shakeology for a while. It has loads of stuff in it. And I like feeling confident that I'm getting an adequate serving of veggies via a chocolate shake. I was SO skeptical that it would taste good. I thought for sure since it was "healthy" and had so many good things for you in it, that it wasn't going to be some delicious treat. BUT it actuallly is. Oddly, I get happy in the mornings when I get my shake ready, cuz its that good you guys. It's become something I CRAVE now. I'd have to say that Shakeology in and of itself is worth the investment. Even if you never plan on doing any of the Beachbody workouts I think Shakeology is something everyone should look into, young and old! haha I know that I'm not making this up in my head or trying to get myself to like it (which trust me I have done with certain foods throughout my weightloss journey) it simply isn't something that takes an acquired taste. I knew I wasn't fooling myself when my husband had his first shake and said "its pretty good, for a health shake."In fact, he even just the other day said "yeah, the shakes aren't bad." You guys, this is monumental for my red meat loving husband to like it.  And Grayson likes it. So yeah overall Shakeology is a win-win at our house. 
   To me it is worth it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to shell out the cash for it, but I'm honestly happy I did because of the energy and impact it's had on me, I plan to do a follow up post talking about body beast too. Don't worry just because I'm a Coach now I won't bombard you with Beachbody things. When it comes down to it you have to decide what you want. Not to toot my own horn, but here's my beachbody coach link, just incase you do decide to become a coach, buy a challenge pack or shakeology. Just so you know the challenge pack is the best deal, which is something I wish I would have known at the start! 

beachbodycoach.com/GBPOWELL
beachbodycoach.com/GBPOWELL
shakeology.com/GBPOWELL

my coach ID # is: 422548


P.S.- I've already lost 5 lbs since starting Shakeology!!!
Xoxo,
   Brittany Marie Powell.

New Blog, Same Blogger.

Hey Everyone,
So I am switching my blog over here. It was just easier to do through my primary email. Plus I am fairly certain that nobody was reading my other one anyways hah! If you're curious to see any of my old posts you can go on over to: 
http://ianuzified.blogspot.com

My hopes are for this to be a fresh start though and for me to be more consistent with my blogging! And youtubing! Lol people don't realize how much work it is to keep up on social media! My youtube channel is:
youtube.com/theianuzified


Okay, so now that you can fully stalk me... 8-) I want to talk about Mommy Life for a little bit. Grayson has seriously been such a sweetheart lately, (at times haha) and it makes me so happy. He is such the little mama's boy lately, and I am loving how cute he has been with me. He is growing up so fast and he really is my best friend. Having a baby has been one of the hardest and best things of my life. I never was one of those women that was "excited" about motherhood, I knew I'd have kids one day but I guess I never really thought I'd enjoy it as much as I do. Having this little person in my life is such a blessing. I can see why people have more kids. :)

As far as running goes, my mileage hasn't been where I want it to be lately. I've been doing more cross training with the stair master/elliptical. Prior to going to new york, I was having heel issues, so I decided to take it easy for a while, because I didn't want to injure myself any further. I hate getting injured. I really would like to start training for a full marathon. I really need to get new shoes! I want to go to a runner's store and have them fit me I'm nervous I still don't feel like I qualify as a runner. It's funny how with weight loss... at least for me... Idk if your mind ever fully catches up. I still sometimes feel like I did 85 lbs ago. I've done a lot of research on these mizuno stuft mama has talked about them on her blog. I want to try them on, but I will probably end up purchasing them online, since I've not seen them in any stores. It's going to be my hubby's christmas present to me haha I just know about it 8-) And aren't the colors so fun?!

I just found out that Urban Decay is coming out with a Naked 3 pallet. I am ABSOLUTELY obsessed with the naked line. I have both the first and second pallet plus the basics pallet and the flushed pallet. I really would like to try their foundation as well. I am excited that my area is getting an Ulta. I can tell I will probably spend way too much money there. I got a catalog in the mail the other day and was drooling over this Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette. I think it is such a good deal ($433 value!) And I've been wanting to try this line for a while now. I also would love to get their amazonian clay foundation. Now that it is winter, my skin is SO pale. I need to get more lighter foundations because I only have two that really work for me right now. I also really need to get a spray tan hah! The other product I actually got a chance to play with at Ulta when I was in new yorkwas the Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder. I think this product is great for it's versatility because not only can you use it for it intended purpose, but I think it would also do a great job as an eyeshadow or hilight, and it is a product that would last you a LONG time, it's huge! And I also want to get a good makeup setting spray, do any of you have one you are in love with? #buyallthemakeup #makeupjunkie #addicted #beautyguru

Anyways, I am going to go run now, I've been procrastinating all morning, it's funny. At least my house is super clean now, and my laundry village has been folded. Having my little has made for SO MUCH laundry, it is seriously never ending. I want to start with my early morning workouts again. Or just working out before I eat breakfast. I've been really good with my workouts and eating clean lately. I've been stressed and I think now I just turn that into motivation, where before I'd just eat all the things. haha 8-) self made.

xoxo,
brittany