The Most Delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Fudge and Random Bits

Hey there!

Ohhhh myyyy gosh.  Do I have a recipe for you!  This recipe is low in carbs and sugar, but not low in healthy fats.  However this type of fat actually speeds up your metabolism for two hours after you eat it!  Yep, I'm talking about coconut oil.  I made the most scrumptous fudge everrrrr.   Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Fudge.  Ugh, I die.

To be frank, this fudge does not like the camera.  It gets gun shy when I try to nicely pull it out of the glass container.  If you chose to make this, maybe try to put foil down on the glass, then pour the batter on the foil.  Leave some foil hanging over the edge so you can lift it out of the glass easily once it solidifies.  That way you can get your pieces out in whole chunks rather than botch the whole thing like I did.   See below for proof.... can you spy my little finger prints on the top there?  I started to get anxious and impatient.

Whatever, I just won't serve it to anyone.  I will keep it all to myself.  Literally- because Mike hates coconut and swears he can taste the coconut immensely whenever it is used in cooking.  Little does he know I use it half the time in our sautéed veggies.... never says a word.  In fact, he compliments the dishes!  Shhhh.  ;)

To be honest, I didn't even try to capture a good pic of this because I thought- whats the point!  If you don't care what your visual outcome looks like, I highly recommend you make this as a little "pick me up" during those times of crisis.  You know, when you desperately need a little treat.  It is ridiculously creamy... it seriously melts in your mouth.  Another piece of advice- leave it in the freezer until you are about to eat it or it will slowly start to melt.  I would eat this whole entire dish if each piece wasn't 200 calories.  Don't be afraid of those healthy fats, ladies.  They are good for your brain and body!  Plus, who doesn't love chocolate and peanut butter together?!  Actually, I do know some of those crazy people.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Fudge
Makes 12     Prep time 5 minutes    Freeze time 20 minutes

1 cup natural peanut butter
3/4 cup coconut oil
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Stir together peanut butter, coconut oil and vanilla extract until completely blended.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Place in a small pyrex dish (try the tin foil trick if you wish).  Stick it in the freezer for 20 minutes.  Then, it is ready to be served!


Random Bits-

Now that the summer is here, it looks like my personal training schedule will be calming down a little.  (Ahem... at least that's what it looks like for now).  Since I had more time on my hands than usual today, I did quite a lot of wedding stuff.

I visited my friend Courtney who is a great hair stylist and is graciously doing my hair (and bridal party) for my wedding present!  We had an awesome trial run!  I am happy with the outcome and I even left her house with nice bouncy curls ;)  I wish I had a date.

Things are finally falling in to place with all the wedding planning.  My goodness there is a lot to do. For the life of us, Mike and I can not agree on our "first dance" song.  We have pretty much all the other music picked out which I am beyond thankful about.  What did you dance to?  I would love Ray Lamontagne, "You are the best thing."  But no dice on his end.  

Chicken Thai Lettuce Wraps and Wedding Advice

My Chicken Thai Lettuce Wraps were insanely good last night!  I apologize for the less than stellar photo.  The lighting in the kitchen was terrible and unfortunately we had to resort to that because mother nature was not sharing her natural light during dinner time.

I was craving these babies so badly (along with chinese food lately) so I decided to make a pit stop at the store to retrieve the ingredients.  Chicken Thai Lettuce Wraps are super simple and you can basically put whatever you want in them.  I forgot water chestnuts and baby corn which I was a little bummed about.  I was too much in a hurry and didn't make a list.  That's what I get....

Side note- whenever you think of baby corn, do you think about the movie, Big, with Tom Hanks?  Love that scene.

Here is the recipe for you.  It will feed 3 starving people or four people people that are just ready for dinner.  Haha, I don't know how else to put it.  Wait, here we go.... Serving size 3-4.  Tada!

Prep time: 15 minutes  Cook time: 25 minutes

12-16 oz chicken
8 cups of bib lettuce
1 cup julienne carrots
1 cup julienne orange peppers
1 cup button mushrooms
1 cup chopped string beans
1/2 avocado
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 lime
1/2 cup soy vey sauce
Hot pepper flakes to your liking

Cut up chicken into small chunks and sauté them in olive oil on medium until fully cooked through.  At the same time, sauté all of the vegetables in a pan with the remaining olive oil on medium-high heat.  I waited until the veggies were cooked half way until I added the mushrooms.  Saute veggies until the texture is right for you- mine was about 10 minutes.  Mix together the honey, lime and soy vey sauce.  Pour half the sauce over the chicken and let it marinate a couple minutes.  Drizzle the other half over the vegetables.  Once ready, marry the protein and veggies.  Sprinkle a little hot pepper flakes on the dish if you'd like.  Ladle the chicken and vegetable mixture into lettuce bibs and top with avocado.

Bon Appétit!

Random bit- 

Wedding Advice- Wedding favors or no wedding favors?   People are now saying they are a waste as people forget to take them with at the end of the night.  Also, if you are saying yes... what did you give out?

I am thinking m&m's as that is what my Mom did for my bridal shower.  They were adorable and had our heads on them!  Oh man, I need lotion... my hand looks tight or something.

xoxo.

Random Bits- What I Am Doing To Get Prettified For The Wedding

Hi, Girlfriends!

I am sure from the title of this post, no guys are clicking on this blog today ;)

It's FRIIIIIIIDAY!  I am most likely going to take Fridays as a time to post random bits about my personal life and possibly stir up conversation.  Or ask advice.  I need more advice down below!

Before I start, I want to wish everyone an amazing weekend!  I hope you are Treating Yourself with something fun!  I am beyond excited for this weekend because I am taking 3 days off!  Well, I have to deep clean the gym and coach Spartan practice, but that doesn't really equate to work.  And I shouldn't even say I coach Spartan on Sundays because I do the workout with them and I am worth nothing when I am in pain, sweating and tired.  Sunday Spartan workouts revolve around running hills.  I never run and I hate running.  And I hate hills.  I really should hire someone to coach that segment because if you ask me what is next in the workout while we are running I will answer in this muffled, exhausted half ass answer while gasping for my life.  I am not exaggerating.  And I think the crew cheers me on more than I them.  I give out high fives because I can't talk.  That's what I do.   Anyway.... let's get to it.

Wedding Chatter....

If you know me, than you know I am a simple gal.  I don't do my hair often, I don't wear much makeup (even though I am secretly in love with makeup), I barely ever wear dresses and I NEVER wear pumps unless I have to.  Which is three times per year.  Yes, it is pathetic, I know.  But I do have a great team around me who is willing to help a girl out.  You know- to help me go relatively outside of my comfort zone for the big day.  "Relatively" because if I don't feel like me, I would not have fun celebrating our marriage.  I want to feel like a "polished me" as my client puts it.

So first, let's tackle that skin issue.  Remember when I asked for your advice?  Well, a couple people offered recommendations to their own dermatologists which I am beyond thankful for because I have no idea where to start in that department.  Up until recently, I have been blessed with decent skin.  Don't get me wrong, I definitely had my rough patches growing up, but the past couple years my skin has been sweet to me.  And then stress hit.  Stress is a mother.  It has completely thrown me for a loop and now I feel like I have chicken pox on my jaw line.  I am going to use a toner my awesome client/friend/"older sister" (that's what I like to call her) is giving me to try and balance out my pH levels.  In the past, I use to juice greens all day long and my face would clear.  This time around, everything is being stubborn.  I also made an appointment at one of my other client's dermatologist office, but it won't be until mid-June.  One of my trusty fitness pals reminded me that many bodies do not like dairy so I am trying my hardest to shy away from that to see if it helps with my breakouts.  I am crossing my fingers and toes this works out for me in the mean time.  

Hopefully I will have a clear canvas to go ahead and paint my face with makeup in September!  Kelly (my group fitness instructor and friend) introduced me to this chick, Jaclyn Hill on Youtube.  Can I tell you.... I am obsessed with her.  Not only is she gorgeous and does a phenomenal job with makeup, but she is hyyyyysterical.  Her personality is the complete opposite of mine and I think that is why I love her (I am a sloth in personality land compared to her).  She has been a makeup artists for many years now.  Although she does put many layers of ahem... everything... on her face, she does throw out some great pointers that I am going to use for my rehearsal dinner.  You better believe I am getting professional help on my wedding day though.  I can't stick false lashes on for the life of me.  (I only want the ones on the ends of my eyes though- the ones that wing out)  And to apply liquid eyeliner?  Forget about it...

My hair is going to be thrown up in a romantic, messy, whimsical look.  My great friend offered to do my hair and the bridal partys' hair as a wedding present.  How sweet is that?!  I have complete faith in her work.  I was originally going to have my hair down, but Mike requests an up-do.  Done.  I will also have my hair freshly highlighted in August- a couple weeks before.  There is a salon that I love in Rittenhouse Square called Richard Nicolas.  Joe has been doing my hair for a little while now and he does amazing work.  Another refferal/present from a client.  Did I mention that I love my fit family!?  They are wonderful to me.

As far as my fitness and nutrition go, I am going to amp up my PiYo about a month before the wedding.  I just love what it does for me.  I am also going to do sprints about two times per week.  Have you seen my instagram video on carb cycling?  I am going to carb cycle about 4-6 weeks before the big day as well. At least, that is the plan.  I am going to drink a ton of lemon water and get as many greens, protein and healthy fats in me as I can.

Has anyone gotten a spray tan before their wedding?  I have gotten a spray tan before, but for some reason, I am nervous to do it with my dress.  I am petrified some tanner will rub off on the dress... Thoughts?

So that's that my friends.  I would love to hear any feedback.... Also, I hope that everything I write one here can help you in some way or give you ideas :)

How To Get YOUR Best Bridal Body in 5 Simple Steps

A bride wants to look good on her wedding day.  But don't you want to look good everyday even if you aren't a bride to be?!  Stay tuned because this information may just help you more than you think!

I am getting married in four short months.  Time is flying by and it is a little nerve wracking.  Not only do I (and every bride) have to worry about invitations, food tasting, cake tasting, flowers, photographer, guests, bridal party gifts, reception details, DJ/band - my face is turning blue just saying it all in one breath - but I now have to worry about how I look too?!  It is a very overwhelming time in life.

I made a list of 5 simple tips you can do to ensure that you will be "bridal ready" when your perfect day arrives!  Let's face it... you want to feel good.

1.  Drink a ton of warm lemon water!  Warm lemon water is a natural detox.  You should drink this every morning before you do anything else.  Are you ready for all the benefits?!  It aids in digestion so you do not get bloated (let's face it, we don't feel cute with a balloon belly), amps up your energy for your days and workouts, balances your pH levels in your body to help your skin glow, reduces inflammation so you shed extra water weight, aids in digestion so you produce less gas.  I mean, girlfriend... I can go on and on.

2.  Get your sleep and stop being anxious.  Do you remember my previous post about rest and recovery?  Well, it is so important for your body to get 8-9 hours of sleep per night so your body can repair itself from your hectic day, busy mind and tired body.  If you don't get enough sleep (especially during the most stressful time- plaining a wedding) your cortisol levels can rise and that may make you gain weight.  Anxiety makes your blood pressure rise as well which can take it's toll on your body.  Take a deep breath and count your sheep until you are counting your zzzz's.

3.  Run sprints.  Have you ever heard of high intensity interval training?  The concept behind HIIT is that you work as hard as you can for a short period of time so that your heart rate is soaring/you are out of breath, and then you recover, and repeat.  This helps maintain or builds muscle while shedding body fat.  I find that running sprints whips your body into shape fast.  If you have bad joints, hit the pool and sprint in place or sprint laps.  Best part about HIIT is that you only need to do it for 20 minutes.  I promise you will feel like you ran 5 miles and will be drenched in sweat.

4.  Work your body (especially your arms/shoulders) in very awkward movements with light weight.  Have you ever done a tricep push up?  I know you probably have done a normal push up, but try placing your hands right next to your chest and pinch your elbows into your sides, then press up.  You have entered a whole new ball game now.  Keep doing those push ups and the back of your arms will firm up real quick.  Also, take 2lb weights, hold your arms straight out to your sides and perform small circular movements.  Backwards and forwards.  Now with your arms still out to your sides, pump your palms towards the front of the room, to the back of the room, to the ceiling and to the floor.  Aim for 30 seconds each way- very very tiny pumps.  You will want to scream from the muscle burning and fatigue!  Repeat a couple times per week.

5.  Go lean and green at dinner time and then close down the kitchen.  Carbohydrates are great for you because they give you energy.  But you don't need much energy right before you go to bed.  Cut out the heavier carbs like potatoes, rice, beans, noodles, bread, etc at dinner time.  Focus on protein like fish, chicken, turkey, pork and pair it with vegetables.  You can get really creative in the kitchen.  Also, google is at your finger tips.  Use it!  Afterwards, shut your kitchen down.  The best feeling in the world is waking up in the morning feeling nice and light.  If you do this, you will lose some lbs pretty quickly.

That's it my brides!  I hope this helps and I give you a huge congrats and hug!  xo.