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Favorite Skin Products
Skin care has always been important to me! My mom always told me to wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun. Although I didn’t listen to her much as a teenager (LOL) I definitely started being more cautious of my skin in my twenties and it has definitely served me well now that I am in my 40’s. While I have tried many products over the years, I have found a few favorites that I have stuck with that have worked well for me. Best part- most of these are at your local drug store!
Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Face Cleanser– I use this morning and night. My skin truly feels clean after using this.
Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Astringent– I use this only at night. It can dry out the skin a bit so using it in the morning is the best for me. You want your skin to be moisturized enough when applying makeup so your skin doesn’t soak up the makeup making it not last as long.
L’Oreal Collagen Cream– I use this at night only. Make sure to apply it all the way down to your neck and chest.
Olay Regenerist Fragrance-Free Retinol 24 Night Serum– I use this on my forehead area only as I feel that is where I have the most lines. I’ll work it down from there to the rest of my face. I have noticed a huge difference since using this!
Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub– I try and use a scrub a few times a week and have recently added this one into the rotation. It’s very light and makes your skin feel great!
Clean + Clear Dual Moisturizer– Perfect for more acne prone/ oily skin. I love using this under my make up to avoid
St. Ives Acne Control Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Apricot Scrub– I have literally used this since Jr High and it is still working for me today! I know some aestheticians have their opinions on this, but I love it.
Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Polish– just started using this and so far I am LOVING it! The smell is amazing!
Younique Daily Moisturizer– The great thing about this is that you can customize it to your needs. Tinted, oil control, pore diminishing, you name it! I prefer the oil control, tinted and environmental protection. If my skin is feeling a little dry it’s a great compliment to my Clean and Clear dual moisturizer. This one also smells really good! Reminds me of a spa! Love it!
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My Fitness Journey
I started dance classes when I was 4 years old and continued to dance through high school. This instilled in me the need to be active. After high school I took aerobics classes in college as well as joined a gym and did workout videos at home. While my motivation to work out stayed fairly consistent, my diet was another issue. I started being more aware of what I ate and started looking and feeling really good about myself! By the time I got married at 20 (almost 21!), while I was a few pounds heavier than my high school days, I was in great shape! However, as most people do when they get married, I started gaining weight and by the time I became pregnant with my first child at 22, I was about 10 lbs heavier than when we were first married. I was convinced I was only going to gain the recommended 25-35 lbs. Well, I gained 50! And being just under 5’4, that is A LOT! Luckily, being so young and along with breastfeeding I lost about 45 lbs by the time I went back to work 3 months later. When my son was 18 months old, I had FINALLY lost the final 5 lbs…then I found out I was pregnant with my daughter!! (God truly has a sense of humor!) Again, I promised myself I wouldn’t gain as much weight. And I didn’t. Instead of 50 lbs, I gained 45. ha! Except this time, breastfeeding was a bigger challenge and the weight didn’t come off as easily. By the time I returned to work 3 months later, I was about 10 lbs heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight. It wasn’t until my daughter was 5 that I was able to FINALLY lose the last 10 lbs! Now remember, I had gained 10 lbs after I was married and then never lost the 10 lbs after having my daughter so really I was 20 lbs heavier than I really wanted to be. I have never been a thin girl anyway so this was a lot. I had always been around a size 6/8, but by this time I was more of a 10/12. How did finally lose the weight…enter Weight Watchers!
In February 2010, one of my co- workers had mentioned that she was starting Weight Watchers. I was a working mom with 2 young kids and a husband with his own very busy business and had no time to attend meetings once a week. So when she told me it could all be done online, I was IN! This was perfect! Several of my co-workers even decided to join us and we bought a scale for us to weigh in each week and keep each other accountable. We shared recipes, brought our own lunches and ate together, talked about what we were buying at the grocery store that week. It was great! By mid-March (my 10 year wedding anniversary) I was down the 10 lbs I originally set out to lose. I was feeling so great about myself and had learned so much about eating and food, I decided to go ahead and lose another 10! It took me longer than it did with the first 10, but by August I was down 20 lbs!! I was so excited and proud of myself for sticking with it. I never felt like I was a particularly unhealthy eater (I didn’t fry very much and used low-fat cheeses, etc. when I cooked) but portion control was the biggest lesson I learned and what has stuck with me and helped me keep the weight off for the last 10+ years. Now that I am 41, I definitely have to work a little harder than I did at 31, but now knowing what I know, helps me stick with the healthy lifestyle I have learned to love.
During the time I was starting Weight Watchers, I continued to exercise at home with my videos that I updated frequently. I took a jazzercise class here and there and really loved the idea of exercising in a class setting, but again…time was always an issue. I could go to jazzercise on Saturdays when my daughter was a dance or maybe catch one during the week with my best friend. She has kids the same ages so I would pick them up from day care and they would play together in the play area while a college student supervised them. It was a win/ win for us! But, as life does things got busier as my kiddos were becoming involved in a lot of activities so I continued to wake up at 5am to get a workout in at home before we started our day. In November 2017 I saw an ad about a free Pure Barre class in my area. A new studio was opening up and I wanted to give it a try. I LOVED it! I was sore for a WEEK afterwards. I knew I had to join. I purchased a small package to get started to see how I could make it work in my schedule. At this time, my mom was retired and helping with the kids and I had taken a job downtown. I had previously worked closer to home and with this longer drive I wasn’t sure how I would make it work, but I knew I had to. This workout was like nothing I had ever done (I was the video workout queen, remember!?!?) and wanted to continue to do it. 3 years later I am still very happy with that decision. I feel I am definitely leaner and in better shape now than when I was in my 20’s. My body is no where near the same since having kids (both C-sections) but I am by far in better physical condition. This past summer I added running to my routine. I have NEVER liked running and always joked you would only see me running if someone was chasing me! But, my daughter, now in high school, had been given some challenges to complete over the summer as part of being on the drill team. This was to keep the girls in shape until school started. The goal was 1 mile per week. I tagged along with her and discovered that I actually really enjoyed it. I started running 1 1/2 miles, then 2 and now I am at 3 miles. I can go almost 2 full miles now without stopping. The last mile is the hardest! But, each week I get better and continue to push through. I never thought running would be something I enjoyed or looked forward to in my 40’s!
My health is something I have really learned not to take for granted. I am continuing to learn each day about different foods and supplements that are good for me. I started taking Plexus supplements a few years ago and through that process learned a lot about gut health and what having a healthy gut can do for you. I’ve also learned about the benefits of collagen and what that can do not only for your skin, but for your bones, muscles and joints. Now that I am running, that is definitely something to be mindful of. I’ve always been told that you learn something every day or you never stop learning and that could not be more true! I may not know everything about health and fitness, but I learn every day!
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Making Weeknights Easy
Getting dinner on the table quick is always something we have struggled with in my house. Trying to make a meal that is homemade and not using a lot of prepacked ingredients can be a challenge. I always read labels and have found some really great products over the years that I can feel good about feeding to my family. Here is a list of my favorite pantry staples that I keep on hand for an easy meal. (Plus, they’re WW friendly!) I primarily shop at Kroger and linked the items here, but you can certainly use any brand you prefer.
Favorite Seasonings:
Simple Truth Everything But the Bagel– add to avocado toast, boiled eggs or even to meats to add great texture and flavor!
Simple Truth Salt Free Garlic Herb Seasoning– This blend is so versatile and can be used on so many things and I love that it is salt free! I use this as a dry rub on meats as well as marinades. My family really loves when I add this to French fries. Just sprinkle it on your favorite frozen French fries and bake or air fry according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, just season with salt. Definitely a family favorite!
Private Selection Herbs de Provence- I first learned of this blend from Giada deLaurentiis. She uses it on so many things and with good reason…it truly goes with anything! It contains savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano and lavender. I cook with venison a lot and it pairs well with the lavender and rosemary. Even if I am using a pre-packed seasoning mix (such as taco seasoning) I use this as a base flavor and it compliments it well. I also add this to steaks right before we cook them and on roasted potatoes. Just add a little salt, pepper and olive oil and you’re good to go!
Mrs. Dash Salt Free Taco Seasoning- Speaking of taco seasoning, this one is my favorite. Again, it’s salt free so you can control the amount of salt in your food.
Pantry Staples:
Simple Truth Chicken Broth– Chicken broth adds great flavor to so many things. From soups and stews to rice, you can’t go wrong having this on hand. I prefer the low sodium option, but there is also a fat free option that is good, as well. I really like that this brand is organic and made from free range chicken!
Mission Carb Balance Flour Tortillas– There are a few variations of these tortillas, but I typically buy the fajita size. They’re a little smaller and are only 45 calories (or 1 WW pt!). I love how soft these are and you don’t feel your missing out on anything with these. From fajitas to breakfast tacos, we always have these on hand. You can also use these to make personal size pizzas. Just add some tomato sauce and your favorite toppings and back at 400 for 8-10 minutes!
Sara Lee Delightful Healthy Multi-Grain Bread– When I started WW, one thing I really looked for was a good option for bread. Naturally, I started looking in the organic section of the store first, but soon found that some of those breads had tons of extra calories added to them. This bread is simple, delicious and only 45 calories per slice. (2 WW pts!) Perfect for avocado toast, French toast or just a PB&J.
Quaker Quick Cooking Oats– I have learned to LOVE making homemade oatmeal! The options are endless! My favorite is blueberries and cream with banana. (Recipe is linked here!) With oatmeal now a 0 pts food on WW, you bet I have been trying my best to whip some up that stay as low on calories and WW pts as possible! It cooks in the microwave in 1-2 minutes and is a good heart healthy breakfast option!
Barilla Whole Wheat Pasta– Another 0 pt WW option I keep on hand. My family even eats this and has no idea they’re eating something super healthy for them!
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray– This spray is 0 calories and is perfect for cooking scrambled eggs, fried eggs or for roasting veggies in the oven or air fryer.
Tostitos Avocado Salsa– If you have not tried this…what are you waiting for?! It’s like guacamole and pico de gallo mixed together. We eat it with chips, add it to salads or sandwiches in place of mayo. Definite must have!
Cream of Mushroom Soup/ Cream of Chicken Soup– I like having these on hand to whip up a quick meal. I use the mushroom soup with my Chicken with Mushroom Gravy recipe and it’s definitely a family favorite! The cream of chicken adds a nice thickness and creaminess to my Chicken Tortilla Soup.
From the Freezer:
Frozen Veggies- Frozen veggies are the next best thing to fresh and keep really well for a long time! Frozen corn is my family’s favorite and is always on hand, but I also like to keep edamame and potatoes on standby. While my family enjoys French fries with our burgers, I will typically opt for plain sweet potatoes as my side dish. While the traditional fries are delicious, they’re typically loaded with added fat and calories. On the WW plan I follow, potatoes are now 0 pts! I know, right!!?!? Such great news! I like to cook mine in the air fryer with a little avocado oil spray and some good ol’ salt and pepper. They’re perfect every time and totally worth having in the fridge!
Simple Truth Organic Brown Rice– I am sure you’re wondering why this is not listed as a pantry staple. While I do keep some brown rice in my pantry, the frozen kind is just so quick and easy to make! Another 0 pts food find, I will typically have several bags on hand to add for a quick lunch or with dinner. Regardless of the meal we’re having, if it calls for rice, this is what I will opt for. For taco night, I will just steam the rice in the microwave, spray with some I can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray, add salt and pepper and a little salsa. I will often have a Chipotle style bowl with this rice, beans, salad and some protein for a quick lunch. It truly is a great alternative to traditional rice if you’re looking for a lighter, healthier option!
Simple Truth Flame Grilled Chicken Strips– Grilled chicken is a great go-to for just about any meal. I love adding these pre-cooked chicken strips to salads, to have with some rice and sweet and sour sauce for a little Chinese inspiration. It’s a great way to add some protein especially for a single serve meal.
Simple Truth Peeled and Deveined Jumbo Shrimp– Quick cooking and delicious shrimp is always a crowd pleaser and perfect for weeknight meals! Sautee in a little olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice and some red pepper flakes until cooked and then add to either pasta or rice. So simple, yet light and filling!
In the Fridge:
Dannon Light & Fit Greek Strawberry Cheesecake Nonfat Yogurt – Yogurt is a great source of protein and is only 80 calories a container! Mix in some fresh fruit (I love strawberries and blueberries) and a little granola for quick breakfast or even dessert!
Wholly Guacamole Classic Guacamole – I LOVE avocados!!!! Only issue is they’re either ready to eat when you buy them or not quite ready…and then when you’re ready, they’ve gone bad! These are the perfect option and are pre-portioned to make tracking calories, points, etc. easy! I spread it on toast and add some Everything But the Bagel Seasoning or on a tortilla with some chicken for a quick wrap for lunch.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray– Perfect for adding to rice or veggies without all the extra calories and fat of regular butter.
Kroger Fat Free Vanilla Coffee Creamer– I’m fairly basic when it comes to coffee. Just a little vanilla creamer and some sugar and I am good! While I always have vanilla creamer in my fridge for coffee, I use it for lots of other things, too! Recently, I started adding it to my oatmeal to make a blueberries and cream style oatmeal as well as to make the custard to dip bread in for French Toast. It has tons of flavor without adding any extra fat.
Single Serve Salads– These are great for a lunch on the go! You can have a different one every day and never get bored! If you’re tracking calories or macros, the nutrition information is on the back making it easy to stay on track! My favorites are the Crispy Apple Dijon, Avocado Cheddar Ranch, Sante Fe Style Chicken, Cranberry with Feta and White Balsamic Vinaigrette. Warm up some of the chicken from the freezer for a little extra protein!
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Steve Madden
I have always loved shoes from Steve Madden! I have been buying shoes from them for over 20 years and they never disappoint! I recently noticed a pair of mules that is part of the Nordstrom Sale, however, I did not have the appropriate access to the sale until later into August. Worried they would be sold out, I searched the Steve Madden site to see what I could find. I didn’t find the exact ones, but these are a great alternative! Plus, if you sign up for their emails you can receive discounts which came in handy for me with this purchase! I had a $40 off coupon I hadn’t used and thought this was the perfect opportunity to use it. They are regularly $69, but once I used my coupon with tax, etc. they were only $37! Definitely a win for sure!
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Not So Boring Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of those things you either love or hate! When I was growing up, I mainly had cold cereal for breakfast, but learned to love oatmeal when I started working and would eat it at work at my desk every day. Obviously, this was the instant version since I didn’t have access to a stove at work, but it was relatively low in calories and I was able to work it into my WW plan. Now that oatmeal is one of the zero points food options, I started making coming up with a few combinations that I really enjoyed and stayed within a low point/ low calorie range. These recipes all start with the same basic ingredients and stay around 3 WW points. All of these are a wonderful and filling way to start the day! I would love to know which is your favorite!
Maple Syrup/ Brown Sugar
1/2 cup quick cooking plain oatmeal
1 cup water
3 tsp brown sugar
Drizzle of Sugar Free Maple Syrup (any brand is fine, just make sure it’s around 10 calories per serving)
Add the oats and the water to a microwave safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Once cooked, add in the brown sugar and maple syrup until desired sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Brown Sugar
1/2 cup quick cooking plain oatmeal
1 cup water
1/2 container unsweetened applesauce
3 tsp brown sugar
Cinnamon to taste
Add the oats and the water to a microwave safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Once cooked, add in the brown sugar, applesauce and the cinnamon. If you prefer it to be sweeter, you can add in a little Truvia without adding any extra calories.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Oatmeal
1/2 cup quick cooking plain oatmeal
1 cup water
3 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp semi- sweet chocolate chips
Add the oats and the water to a microwave safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Once cooked, add in the brown sugar and mix together. For a more chocolate flavor, let the chips melt into the oatmeal while it’s hot. I prefer to let it cool slightly and then add the chips on top.
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French Toast Breakfast Sandwich
Breakfast has always been one of my favorite meals! Since changing my WW plan a few months back, I started coming up with new ways to enjoy my zero point and low point foods. I’ve always loved eggs and eat them almost daily, but sometimes you have to mix it up! One of the influencers I follow on Instagram, Kait Davis, inspired this recipe. Instead of coffee creamer, she uses a protein powder as the “custard” to dip the bread in. I didn’t have the protein powder she uses on hand, so I thought coffee creamer would add great flavor without adding too many extra calories. If you’re counting WW Points, this sandwich comes in at around 5 points, but even if you’re not, it’s still delicious! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
2 slices of bread (I prefer Sara Lee Whole Grain 45 calorie per slice bread)
3 whole eggs
2 tsp Sugar Free or Fat Free Vanilla Coffee Creamer (any brand- just make sure it’s 15-25 calories per serving)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cooking Spray
4 slices Hormel Natural Choice Smoked Deli Ham
1 slice Sargento Ultra Thin Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Sugar Free Maple Syrup (Just make sure it’s 10 calories per serving.
Start by warming up a small skillet with some cooking spray on medium high heat. Whisk together 2 of the eggs with the coffee creamer and cinnamon. Dip the bread in one slice at a time fully coating each side. Once the skillet is warm enough, place the bread to the skillet for 1-2 minutes until browned, then flip to the other side. Do the same with the second slice and set aside on a plate. Add a little more cooking spray to the pan and begin cooking the last egg until desired doneness. (I prefer mine between over easy and over medium.) Once the egg is fully cooked lower the heat to low and start assembling the sandwich by adding a slice of bread back to the skillet, the cheese, the ham, the cooked egg and then the last slice of bread. I cover the sandwich with a lid and flip after only a few seconds to avoid browning the bread any further. You just want to melt the cheese at this point! 🙂 Once the cheese is melted, add it back to the plate. I like to slice it into fours and then drizzle on the maple syrup. Enjoy!