Time Will Do the Talking

 

This week I relearned a song called "Time will do the Talking" by Patty Griffin.  I just found out that she is touring and will be coming to Madison, Wisconsin in January.  It doesn't look like I will be able to go but, being that she is one of my favorite artists, I have always wanted to see her live.

I am happy that I decided to dedicate time everyday to playing the guitar again.  It was once a really important part of my life.  I would play every day but since I had kids I found myself playing less and less.  Now, my calluses are forming again, I'm slowing getting better and the kids enjoy it.  You can see them running around in the back of this video.

In other news, a new group begins the T25 10 week challenge tomorrow.  I am anxious and excited for these 5 challenge groupers.  If you missed this group but want to make the next one please send me an e-mail or check out my Beachbody website. 

Top 5 Reasons to Join My Next Weight Loss Support Group

The Holiday season is upon us.  This year lets vow to at least maintain weight!  Join my "Healthy for the Holidays" Weight Loss Support Group is commit yourself to the challenge.  Group starts Nov. 18th, order by Nov 12th.  Here's the good news, the workout is only 25 minutes a day.  Yes, you have time for that!

Pictures from my weight loss journey this year.

3/16/13             7/15/13              11/9/13

Top 5 Reasons to Join "Healthy for the Holidays" Weight Loss Support Group.

1) It WORKS! Many people in my past challenge groups have lost 10 pounds in the first T25 phase alone. Just follow the workout calendar, put the right DVD in each day and Shaun T will train you personally. You don't have to worry about what move comes next and you will never get bored.

2) FAST! It's easy to find 25 minutes. For me it fits right into nap time and still gives me time to shower after.

3) EFFECTIVE! Seriously. New science shows that when you workout this way you don't need to put in an hour at the gym. In fact, you could probably be finished with your workout within the time that it took you to drive to and from the gym.

4) AFFORDABLE! It's cheaper than a gym membership that statistically, you won't get your money's worth out of anyway. Plus, you can redo the T25 program later without having to pay for more membership dues.

5) SUPPORT!! Be apart of something bigger. Join a group of people who are all in this together, working toward a goal of greater health, positive attitude and a happier life. You can do this! We can help you stay on track.

There are two spots left to join.  Email me, comment below or click here to order.

As Cold As it Gets

 

 

 

Last week was Halloween!  John was a race car driver who enjoyed racing to every house for Trick-or-Treat and Edie stayed home with Dad to pass out candy.  Proud Mom moment: John said thank you at every house.                                                                                                                                                                                        

I finished up week two of Body Beast and focused on stocking the freezer.  I'm no stranger to freezer cooking.  It's genius!  What's that? You've never heard of it?  How do you live without it?!  My technique is to prepare dishes ahead of time and fill up the freezer.  Then, I take the next month or so off from working hard in the kitchen because who really wants to be in there longer than they have to?  Yes I still go to the store but I don't have the big cart full and hefty receipt to go with it.  Instead, I just replenish fresh fruits and veggies.  Sometimes people call it Once A Month Cooking or OAMC.

 

 Fully Stocked Freezer                                                

 

When I first began freezer cooking it was in preparation for baby #1.  I filled the freezer with meals I thought would freeze well and were very filling which was... Italian!  I made lasagna, manicotti, baked ziti and stuffed shells.  It was great but... fattening.  After that I expeimented with other casserole dishes for the freezer and read a few cookbooks on it from the library.  Then, I decided to try Slow cooker freezer meals.  When a fried introduced me to this post from savingyoudinero.com my mind was blown!  I quickly assembled the meals in gallon sized freezer bags then neatly stacked them in the freezer.  Each morning, after my cup of coffee, I would select a bag from the freezer, run it under warm water for a few seconds so that I could release it from the bag, then plop it in the slow cooker.  8 hours later... BAM, home cooked meal. 

But, my problem with this method was meat...meat...and more MEAT!  I just didn't want to be that big of a carnivore and it certainly adds up on the grocery bill.  Alas, I compiled a list or vegan freezer meals.  Last week I made multiples of each recipe, one per day.  We ate it for dinner and I put the rest in the freezer.  We have over a months worth of food in there now.  I won't make only these 5 meals the whole month because there will be times that I just want other things.  But It feels so good to know that there is always SOMETHING to fall back on. 

Making freezer meals really frees up time during the day which is good because my workout program Body Beast is in full swing.  I am also busy forming my next T25 challenge group that is set to start on November 18th.  Any extra time I have now can be devoted to reading books, singing and playing guitar with the kids.  I have continued my journey of learning one new song per week.  Here I am singing my version of Patty Griffin's "As Cold As it Gets" which I think is a perfect title for my prepared winter meals in the freezer. 

 

VEGAN FREEZER MEAL PLAN

 

Raise the Roof Sweet Potato Lasagna.  From Engine2Diet.com  X4

I love this dish.  It's filling, flavorful and unlike any other dish I've had before.  But it's involved and takes me a long time to make.  I multiplied this recipe by 4.  I found that since it takes so much effort anyway I might as way multiply it and have it premade for future enjoyment. 

 

Snobby Joes from Post Punk Kitchen X4

This dish is super easy and just as yummy as the real thing.  My family just calls it "sloppy joes" because we are not that snobby.  After a big pot is made et it cool then fill quart sized freezer bags and lay flat in freezer to stack.  Once frozen you can turn them on there side to fit better if you need to.

 

The 3 recipes were taken from a website called EllensKitchen.com.  You can find them as part of this list here.  I found these recipes to be bland so I doctored them up with added seasoning as I saw fit.

 

OAMC Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Casserole [X3]

(serves 10)

4 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 cups mushrooms, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cups sunflower seeds
1 head cabbage, shredded
4 cups tomato juice or tomato puree
Optional sweet-sour tang:
1/3 cup brown sugar (add to sauce)
3 tablespoons cider or rice wine vinegar (add to sauce)
1 cup raisins (add to rice with mushrooms) In deep, heavy pot saute onion, pepper and mushrooms in oil until tender. Add garlic and seeds. Add rice.
In large pan layer 1 cups juice or puree,then 1/3 of cabbage (approx.) then 2 cups rice and vegetable mixture.
Repeat twice. Pour remaining juice or puree over top. Cover and freeze.
To serve, place directly into 350 degrees oven from freezer. Bake 1 1/2 - 2 hours or more until cooked through.

 

*I made half f the recipe the "sweat and sour" version and half of the recipe regular but I added Italian seasoning.

 

 

OAMC Tamale-Style Corn Casserole [x3]

All the sauce can be prepared at the same time, but because of the difficulty preparing the cornmeal mush, in the home kitchen you should make each recipe of the mush separately:
(serves 10)

3 cups corn meal
1/2 cups soy flour
8 cups water
salt to taste (up to 1 tablespoon)
6 cups whole kernel corn
2 cups chopped olives
1 cup onion
2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cups diced green chilis, or more to taste (optional)
4 cups cooked beans (can be cold, or drained, rinsed canned beans.) Optional (not on shopping list); 2 cups shredded cheese, added as topping last 20 minutes of cooking Mix the cornmeal and the soy flour together thoroughly. Boil water. Add corn meal mix. Cook over medium or lower heat until the consistency of mush, about 40 minutes, stirring very frequently to prevent scorching or sticking and set aside.
Saute onions, add corn, olives, and diced green chilis with tomato sauce over medium high heat until onion is transparent. If mixture boils down too much add water. Stir in the cooked beans.
In foil-lined or oiled casserole dish (4 quart)(or 2 9x13 pans)(or 4 8x8 pans), layer half of the mush. Pour vegetable mixture over this. Top by spreading on the remaining corn mush mixture. Cover, freeze.
Place directly into 350 degree oven from freezer. Bake 2 hours or until hot and cooked through.

If thawed overnight in the refrigerator, the large dish takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

 

*I followed the cormeal mush recipe included on the cormeal container instead.  For the filling I added jalpeno and anahein peppers as well as cumin and cayenne pepper seasoning.  The next time I make it I will use less cornmeal per casserole to allow more filling.

 

OAMC Stuffed Peppers for the Freezer

OK, so everything else is cooked and assembled. This is the cleanup dish: everything left can go in here! Each batch makes 10.

8-10 large green peppers (or tomatoes or onions if you prefer)
4 cups cooked grain, rice, barley, millet, quinoa
4 teaspoons parsley
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 cups tomato sauce (half for stuffing, half for topping)
1 cup jicama, chopped (may substitute 2 cans drained sliced water chestnuts)
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 peeled cucumber, chopped
4 green onions, chopped (green and white parts)
1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 cup sunflower seeds
Hollow peppers (or tomatoes or onions); steam until semi-soft. Steam by placing colander in heavy pot over 2-3 inches of boiling water. Put green peppers in colander to cool.
Mix remaining ingredients with half of tomato sauce. Stuff vegetables.
Place in zippered plastic freezer bags to freeze. Freeze remaining sauce in separate zippered freezer bag bag. To serve, place stuffed peppers in oiled casserole dish, thaw overnight in refrigerator. Cover with remaining sauce. Cover dish. Bake at 350 degrees, just until hot.
Try this at least once with the cucumber, even if you have not had cooked cucumber before. The cucumber provides a little moisture, which is a benefit in cooking, adding to the moisture of the mixture in the pepper.

 

*I added extra sauce and Italian seasoning

 

I like to put these meals into smaller casserole dishes.  Often times I buy the set of 3 small foil containers from the dollar store.  The smaller servings work better for my family because I don't like having all of the leftovers from a big lasagna that we have to eat for 3 days. 

 

Now that the freezer is full I am all set to continue the Body Beast program without having to fuss over dinner and I have time to form another T25 challenge group set to begin on November 18th.  E-mail me if you would like to join.  It's the perfect time to start a new workout routine and help prepare yourself against any holiday weight gain.  I am only taking 5 people for the group.

 

 

Brave Moms Make Brave Kids

 Jack and I in Venice (Sept 2013)

It's been two months since I last blogged.  What have I been doing?  I spent 2 weeks parading around Europe and returned home to catch and recover from the flu.  Then, I visited family in the Ohio Valley and most recently had the pleasure of attending Momcon, a convention for members of the faith based group, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).

I'm not sure what the proper blogging protocol is.  Do I go back and talk about these great experiences or move forward?  Today I move forward. 

When I moved to Minnesota I joined a local moms group called MOPS.  It stands for Mothers of Preschoolers but it is for any woman who is the mother of a child ages 0 to 5 years old.  MOPS has been a great way for me to meet new people and share stories with others who are also going through this crazy roller coaster called mothering.  Last winter it was a lifesaver for me and one of the only times that I got out of the house during the week.  At the end of the summer I was contacted by the steering committee and asked to fill the role of Publicity Coordinator.  I was happy to join steering and I feel blessed that I was also able to attend MOMcon last weekend. 

Our New Ulm MOPS crew at MOMcon

A highlight for me from MOMCon is something that speaker Jen Hatmaker said, "Brave moms make brave kids."  She also said that "we need to parent diligently but not fearfully because fear can make an already hard job of mothering harder still."  I think that so much if being a mom today can involve worrying about everything in our children's lives.  We spend much time trying to make our children feel safe and comfortable but we forget that we don't want them to grow up to be safe and comfortable, we want them to grow up to be BRAVE, to go forth in God's power and not be scared to make a difference in the world!

So I'm not going to worry so much for my kids anymore.  But I am going to show them how I am not afraid because fear hold us back and I am all about moving forward.

New Goals:
1. PLAY one new song every week.
2. CREATE one new art project every week
3. EXERCISE 6 times a week
4. LEARN something new about myself by reading personal development and devotional books daily
5. PRACTICE everyday to be a better person and set a good example to my children

As it turns out there was a MOPS meeting this morning but the kids and I woke up sick so we stayed home and learned this new song instead.  We are in love with the album "Good Morning my Love" by Vered.  Here am I singing the song "Sunday."  Like I said, I'm sick, so my voice is scratchy and it has been so long since I played guitar that I no longer have calluses on my fingers.  But, oh well!  I can only get better and I have to start somewhere. 

 

 

Check out our MOPS- New Ulm Facebook page and click "like" to get updates about events and meetings.

Shakelogy Explained

www.KelseySchott.com

When I first started Insanity I thought that I could complete the program without drinking shakeology.  Being the frugal person that I am, I didn't want to have to purchase anything additionally.  So I set off on my Insane fitness journey thinking my healthy breakfasts of oatmeal and berries would be enough but it wasn't and I failed fast.  My energy level was so low that completing the workouts was nearly impossible.  My form got sloppy and I ended up injuring my ankles.  My first insanity attempt lasted 2 weeks before I quit.

After staring at the DVD set for a few months and moving it around from various clutter piles to other piles.  I decided that I was tired of looking at the pictures of the crazy sweaty people on the cover because it was an example of something that I had quit.  I hate quitting!  So I set the goal to finish the program and do it right.  I wanted to limit my risk of failure so I finally purchased Shakeology. 

Wow! It actually worked.  I had enough energy to keep pushing play everyday.  I was filling my body with necessary nutrients that in our society we can't help to be lacking.  I had more energy and I was losing weight quick!  Only 3 weeks into the programs I was already into my pre-pregnancy jeans.  I hadn't worn those things since 2011!!

Something else was happening too.  I realized that it was actually easier for me to make a shake in the morning than to cook myself breakfast.  Mornings can be super crazy here.  I am nursing one baby and fixing (and forcing) food to the other oh yeah and you can't forget the dog.

My next new discovery was the shaker cup.  Yes, you can get fancy in the blender adding fruit or nut butters and I really like having the 30 day calendar with a whole months worth of recipe ideas, but truthfully I just want to eat first thing in the morning.  I don't want to deal with a bunch of extra dishes to wash and I especially hate cleaning the blender.  So instead I put 8 ounces of vanilla almond milk and one scoop of Shakeology in the cup and bam!  Breakfast of served.  It's quick, it's sweet and it's filling. 

So what makes Shakeology different?  Because I know what you are thinking. "Why can't I just go to Sam's club and buy the giant jug of generic protein powder?"  The difference is not in the amount of protein. It is in the health benefits of super foods like chia seeds, acai berry, pomegranate and wheat grass. It is also organic with no GMO's with probiotics which aid digestion. You would have to spend a lot of money on exotic fruits, vegetables and supplements to compare to Shakeology. 

So what is Shakeology?
Shakeology is the most delicious, nutrient-dense, superfood-packed protein shake on the planet. It’s made with the healthy stuff you should be eating every day, but typically don’t. Shakeology’s the perfect combination of proteins, phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. Plus, it also contains many rare ingredients, including adaptogens, camu-camu, and sacha inchi—things we can’t get from an ordinary diet. So whether you use Shakeology for weight loss, or drink it to optimize your health, this powerful and delicious shake is your daily dose of dense nutrition.

See what doctors are saying about Shakeology.  Watch this video "100 Doctors Don't Lie."

New this month is a brand new Shakeology flavor...Vanilla!  My mother is so happy about this because sometimes you just want plain 'ole vanilla! 

 I am eager to learn what the response is to the new vanilla shakeology.  I invite you to take part in the Vanilla Shakeology test panel that is set to begin on July 15th.  Details are below or you can try it out now and get me as your coach!  I will offer you a customized meal plan because losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  If you put good foods into your body you will have a good quality body.  Shakeology will be your answer to the much needed healthy and quick breakfast but together I can help you get the rest of your meals in order too!  If you are nervous to try Shakeology because you are afraid you won't like it remember that it comes with a bottom of the bag money back guarantee.  Even if you have finished the bag but you are not happy with your results you can send it back for a full refund.

To order or for more information go to:
www.myshakology.com/kelseyschott

When you purchase Shakeology HD you get:
- a month's supply of Shakeology
- a calendar of 30 different ways to make it for each flavor. (Chocolate Regular, Vanilla, Greenberry, Tropical Strawberry or Chocolate Vegan.)  
-free shipping when you sign up for home direct

 

VANILLA SHAKEOLOGY TEST PANEL

 

Beachbody is doing this test panel to get feedback on the new vanilla flavor

 

I am looking for 10  people who are serious about getting healthy and fit!

Must commit to 30 days of drinking Shakeology, by replacing one meal a day.
Must commit to eating clean for 30 days (meal plan provided).

Must commit to tracking measurements, weight, and before/after picture.  The pictures and measurements don't have to be disclosed unless you have great results but must be taken for motivation.

Must be willing to answer a few questions about their experience at the end regarding what you liked about the challenge, how you felt, changes you noticed, how you liked the flavor, texture, smell, etc.

Participants will be in a private online group for support.

For those who are ready to lose weight, feel more energized, & change their health.

At the end of the 30 days, if a participant is NOT satisfied with their results, they can then return their empty bag for a FULL refund! So there is absolutely zero risk to join!

If this sounds like something for you, please email me at kelseyschott@gmail.com

Subject line “Shakeology Panel”
We begin Monday July 15!

You can download the PDF of the ingredients and supplement facts at the bottom of my site,
www.myshakeology.com/kelseyschott