::*::sweet:smoothie::*::

Apple Pie Smoothie

Lately, I've been seriously craving a mountain size amount of sugar - now if you know me, you would think that this is absolutely bizarre because I don't like sugar! I don't like anything remotely sweet! But in the last 6 months, I've done a complete 360 and all I want is apple pie, Turtles, Ferrero's, ice cream, cake, cheese cake, cookies, muffins...you name it, I want it all!!!! And no, I'm not pregnant, lol. 

But, with my current training going on and eating hella clean, apple pie is just not in the cards for me. :( Sniff Sniff. 

That's why I am always ecstatic when I find new smoothie (or health-conscious recipes in general) that satisfy my new-found sweet tooth. :) 

This recipe is one I stumbled upon on the MBG site - enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

5 raw almonds

1 red apple

1 banana

3/4 cup nonfat strained yogurt

1/2 cup organic nonfat milk (or almond milk)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

-S.*

{Image: LeanItUp}

::truism::

So much has been happening so far this year ~ and not in a bad way! I remember beginning the new year so many times with the mentality of "New Year, New Me" as I am sure you have probably seen or heard of a million times so far this past January from social media, TV commercial, radio shows, etc etc etc bombarding you every which way you are able to turn. 

I always did a list of things that I wanted to accomplish that year, but somehow, most of the time, I never got around to it. For example, in 2012, I told myself I would try creme brulee. Something so simple...and guess what? I never did. 

To put so much pressure on oneself with these "New Year's Resolutions" and then to allow something as trivial as trying creme brulee to ruin the way you feel about yourself and what you have accomplished thus far is ludicrous in my opinion.

Of course, this is not to say that I don't have goals this year, but that's just it. They're GOALS. And I will strive and work towards these goals no matter what. 

I've come to the realization that we must do things that make us UNCOMFORTABLE in order for us to grow. I learned that in the second half of 2015. 

I know this sounds so cliche and when you hear it you kinda just want to say "SHUDDUP!" but it's so true when people tell you that "baby steps" are important. I hate the word "can't"...so when you tell me I can't take leaps and bounds, that frustrates me, as I am sure it does with others too. But it's truth...and I guess the only way you'll learn is if you make your own mistakes and go on your own journey, but baby steps REALLY are important. 
It's hard some days when you sit there and think to yourself "WHY am I not any farther?!" but you need to give yourself credit. You're probably a heck of a lot farther then where you were on Day 1.
It's hard, but it's worth it. It really is! 

Anyways, no promises on this blog for this year. I'll get to you all when I can. But just wanted to impart these little words of unvarnished truth. 
I sorta needed to get it offa my chest since I feel like I've hit a wall myself. And it's only the 25th of January! So, let's keep pluggin' away, shall we? :)

-S.*

::onto:2016::

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!! 

Wow...what a year 2015 has been...

First off, want to begin by saying that yesterday was pretty awesome! I worked for half the day, trained, got home, made a delicious & healthy dinner (baked whole organic chicken, potatoes and salad), had a Star Wars marathon (1-3!) and had another workout (cardio, baby!) and more Star Wars...and King of Queens....then bed at 12:01am! LOL. It was nice, honestly. 

This morning I woke up and decided to start my year by journaling - 

I decided I'm not going to make any resolutions for 2016 at all. I, first of all, cannot believe that's it's 2016 already. It's insanity how quickly time flies these days. I don't even know where 2015 went! And even though I say to myself now that 2015 wasn't as eventful or exciting as I wanted it to be, it definitely was a year of firsts. I got a new job, I finished school and graduated, I began training...among a multitude of other things. So I should be proud and give myself a pat on the back. I feel like I'm on the right track - and that there ARE good things to come...

But I can't stand the "NEW YEAR, NEW YOU" slogans that are being smeared all over social media and advertisements the last week or so. Driving me BONKERS!! 

I know that sounds terrible - but it really is! I don't like resolutions, because if you don't follow through with half of them, then you feel like a failure! I started my new years resolutions, a long time ago! I just think that we shouldn't put this incredibly amount of pressure on ourselves, for no reason! We should just take it as it comes, a day at a time! 

We need to sent lifestyle goals, little tiny things that will make a big impact...pack a huge punch! 

So...that's what I'm doing. No resolutions, just little changes...that'll become big ones...

Also, positivity. That's a big thing for me as well right now. 

So....Happy New Year to all of you! 

May 2016 be the best year yet! Or...just take it as it comes! The good and the bad. :) 

But regardless, I am:

And here's to another year with The Darling Miss G - please stay tuned for LOTS more!! :) 

-S.*