Pinterest love.....I could spend hours on there and come up with so many ideas for the holidays.  The issue is finding the time to actually implement all of them.  I did come across one this year that I knew I just had to put my spin on.  We have a space on our porch that just calls for something festive and I always struggle with just the perfect thing.  So, I spent a few minutes hours on Pinterest and found a super cute welcome sign that was made using chalkboard paint.  I love the look of writing on chalkboard, but I do not really have the most consistent handwriting.

In the mornings I sometimes feel like I am lucky if I can get out of the house with matching shoes on, let alone to eat breakfast.  In order to get my protein as well as have something that is easily portable I usually end up making a shake.  Some days I like a fruity shake other days something with a little chocolate.

On this 30 Day Challenge there have definitely been some hard days.  The thought of another chicken meal can be a little daunting sometimes.  But, getting back on track is easier when you can look forward to a great meal.  I have found a ton of resources online and I love Jamie Eason's recipes on bodybuilding.com.  She has some really easy recipes made with ingredients that you have at home and best of all.....they are clean!

We love things a little spicy around our house so naturally these meatloaf muffins are a huge hit.  You can change the level of heat by adjusting the chipotle pepper, making this a family friendly meal.  When we make these muffins there are always leftovers and I think that they taste even better the next day.  Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Eating clean is all about portion sizes, eating 5 small meals, and choosing a lean protein with a complex carbohydrate at each meal.  At first that seems fairly easy.....and then you start thinking about it and trying to figure out what exactly falls into what category, things can get confusing.  Luckily for us the Eat Clean Diet has come up with this handy printable to help keep us on track.  So go print it off and put it on the fridge and  keep eating clean.

So I know it isn't the first of the year and it is definitely past worrying about swimsuit season.....but I am starting a 30 Day Challenge. It isn't a challenge to lose X pounds in Y amount of time, it is truly a challenge to focus on my goals and become fully educated on eating clean. 

Over the next 30 days I am going to be better equipped to start this journey and really focus on what I want to achieve.  I have also started to really kick it up a notch in the gym.  (This may or may not have anything to do with a certain San Francisco trip coming up.)  I really want to push myself to accomplish my goals of getting fit and healthy.  Here is my inspiration board to help keep me motivated and focused. 

I love bread and the smell of bread baking in the house.  There is something so "homey" about it.  Now I don't have a bread maker and I am not really sure if I want one....but I do really like the taste of homemade bread better than store bought bread.  There is something about all the parts you have to clean up with a bread machine that really turns me off.  Today I am sharing a recipe that is easy, clean, and doesn't require too much time in the kitchen.  Enjoy!

Making the switch to clean eating has been a gradual change for our family.  While most meals were easy to convert and we were already pretty healthy in our food choices.....sometimes I just didn't have the ingredients I needed.  If you are like me you really can't just waste food and throw everything out and start fresh.  And let's face it most of us cannot afford to do that either.  So, as I was making the switch I bought  new ingredients as I needed them and made the change gradually.

Here is a list of the items that I use in my pantry and what I consider to be my staples.  I compiled my list from various websites, recipe books, and Tosca Reno's suggestions.  While this is in no way a complete list and I still find myself running to the store here and there, it is a good start.  Most of these items, especially the grains, I buy in bulk to help cut down on the cost as well as the number of trips to the store.  As you start to build your clean pantry remember to think whole foods with no added sugars or preservatives.

Happy Shopping!

It's summertime and nothing is better than grilling out and eating outside.  I sometimes struggle with what I can make as a clean side dish to go along with our summertime meals.  I have always thought that making homemade fries would be difficult or that they would only taste good if you fried them.  Let me tell you, I officially stand corrected.  I am in love with these sweet potato fries!  It is quite possible that I could eat them at most meals.  Good thing they are packed with a lot of fiber and are a great clean alternative to their greasy counterparts.  So, if you are like me and looking for an easy side dish try whipping some of these beauties up and your family will love you.

Sweet Potato Fries

Serves 4.

Ingredients

·         1 pound sweet potatoes

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 teaspoon minced garlic

·         1/4 teaspoon sea salt

·         1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1 .    Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, combine garlic and olive oil; set aside.

2 .    Clean potatoes and remove any blemishes. Cut potatoes into approximately ½ inch lengthwise strips.

3 .    In another bowl, toss sweet potato strips with garlic and olive oil mixture and coat evenly.  Spread potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping half way through. Continue baking until lightly browned. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Nothing makes me feel better than a "clean" smelling house.  I love the smell of a freshly cleaned kitchen or bathroom but I don't always like the way cleaners smell.  There are many ways to use vinegar as a natural and safe way to clean your house.  I just really despise the the way it makes the house smell.  So, here is one of the easy and safe ways to clean in the kitchen and leave it smelling yummy.  

Simply mix 2 cups of water in a microwave safe dish and 1 Tablespoon of vanilla.  Place in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes and simply wipe out when done.  I don't know about you but somehow I am the only one in my house who cares to clean the microwave after each use.  Needless to say sometimes there can be some gunked on stuff.  This makes clean up a breeze even if it has been a few days since someone has cleaned up.....the warm vanilla smell is just a bonus.

This time of the year it is so easy to come up with excuses to get together and grill out with friends. Usually that means there are lots of tempting foods to try and keep you from staying on track.  Here is our go-to meal plan for that impromptu gathering.  Like most of the recipes that we tend to make they are very easy and take only a few minutes to put together.  That way you can enjoy the company and get back to what matters most. 

Menu:
Grilled Chicken on Salad
Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 8-10 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Divide salad greens among serving plates; top with tomato, olives, mushrooms (or any veggies). Slice chicken; arrange over salads. Serve with Italian dressing on side.

Welcome to What's For Dinner Wednesday......I will be sharing recipes that I love to cook in our kitchen and sharing how easy it is to take recipes and make them "clean".  Starting out going clean can be very intimidating, but once you get the hang of it things can get really fun in the kitchen.  This week I am sharing a recipe using a new found favorite in our house....spaghetti squash.  Enjoy!

img source Martha Stewart

It has been pirates, maps, and treats galore around our house.  We recently celebrated our little man's 4th birthday pirate style.  The past few weeks I have been scouring the lovely world of pinterest trying to come up with the perfect ideas. So, we ended up with water balloon cannon balls, pirate treasure hunt, and the ever popular pinata. It was such a fun night filled with family and friends.  It was definitely one to put down in the memory books.