Call me the "Comeback Kid"

My last post was February, as in 8 months ago!  How did that happen?  I have been driving around town, taking kids from place to place daydreaming about posts for months.  I say to myself "when I get home I am going to write about this, or write about that, blah blah.  I guess when you arent the best writer in the world, it comes a little harder to motivate the fingers to type the words.  After 8 months, there are many lost words I wish I have written, but as for now all I can do is move forward with whats in my head today.

This week is an important one for me.  I marks my one year anniversary with Rodan and Fields Dermatology.  If I knew how awesome this journey with R+F would have been for me a couple of years ago, I would have jumped in head first then!  And because I like lists so much, I am going to make a list of the reasons I love working for an incredible company.

1. The BEST skin of my life!  Who knew I could actually have even skin tone, soft moisturized skin, smaller pores, and firmer skin all at once?  I know this sounds like an infomercial or something, thats why I say, "who knew"? Wait, I will be right back....going to go wash my face....

2.  Amazing friends.  I really wasn't looking for new friends, a new network, or reasons to get out of the house.  I was pretty satisfied with my social life.  Or so I thought.  I have met some of the most incredible people this year.  Women who inspire me, bring me up, make me feel more confident about myself.  I would never have reason to meet some of these people any other way.  I am truly grateful each and everyone of them are in my life.

3. Not gonna lie, I like the money.  A few months back, I walked into RC Willey (a local furniture store) and literally waved my finger in the air and chose new couches for our home.  As if I were the belle of the ball.  I have NEVER made a purchase like that on my own.  All funded my R+F!  That was the most exciting moment!  And every month I get a little grin on my face when I see that bluish green check in the mail.  Having additional cash in my pocket to get some of the things I really want without having to dig into the family budget is liberating.  Whether its a pair of shoes, maid service, or piano lessons for my daughters.

4.  I love working on my terms.  I like to work, but I really never enjoyed the idea of having to "clock in".  Working my business around my schedule is perfect.  And my schedule is always changing, so for me it really couldnt get better.  I can take my kids on "playdates" or to the park and still work my business, if I choose.

5.  The best part for me is inspiring others to improve their skin and their lives.  I find it fulfilling and empowering in a way I never knew was possible!  I hear story after story about changed lives.  And more confidence in having a clearer, or smoother complexion.  And it never gets old!

Since this is my anniversary, or RODANniversary,  I am giving away free product to celebrate!  All you have to do is take a very short quiz (as in 6 questions)  and share it on your facebook page.  You can enter once, but for every friend of yours that also takes the survey, you can get another entry!  Help me celebrate! Go to evelynmc.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/Perskinality  and be sure to leave your email address so I can track it!

Spinach Ice Cream for Breakfast?

Here is a semi-new recipe. I have made it a couple of times before, but recently discovered it again....and I am in love! I am generally not a breakfast eater. It actually makes me kinda nauseous, breakfast I mean. So when I find something that makes me smile in the morning, I make it every morning. Here is my newest concoction....made in the Blendtec of course!

Spinach Ice Cream

8 oz Vanilla Almond milk

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1 Cup fresh Spinach

1 Cup crushed ice

Layer in order and push the smoothie button. Bon appetite!

You can add more ice if you like it really thick. I like it to be more like a milkshake consistency.

For Keeps

I have been mulling this topic in my mind for awhile. I reflect on where I am right now, and how I got here. In Highschool my best friend had a quote on her wall, "Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are". This one sentence has been a powerful force in my life. Especially when I was younger. I have spent many a lesson telling the young women at church how important it is to choose your friends wisely. What I failed to realize is that it really still applies today.

I see the importance of this quote in choosing a husband. My husband has influenced me more than anyone in my life. He makes me a better person, and I am thankful to be surrounded by his loving arms and support.

The last few years I have flailed around trying to figure where I fit into this life I have chosen. Many friends have come, a few have gone, and those who have stayed, are for keeps. The relationships we choose to have with people around us have the force to influence us...and the direction we are going. I choose to share my life and friendship with those who lift me up, encourage me, except me, and love me unconditionally. Funny side note...I am writing this while the Reunion show of The Housewives of Beverly Hills plays. I would not want any of them in my life...but I digress...I finally see the importance of the people I choose to spend my time with. I never really thought as an adult this would still be something for me to think about, or deal with. But it is still just as important as when I was in highschool. I dont know about you, but my time is limited, and precious. Those who I want to be around should fit the criteria, or I should be home with my family. I guess this is a little bit of a shout out to the girls in my life who are my dear friends, now...and for keeps. You live near and far, but you are cherished my friend. You bring me up, empower me, make me a better friend, wife, and mother. Thank you for the unconditional love! Thanks for speaking my Language!

Running 101

It started with an idea. I made a decision. Then I told somebody...not just somebody, my trainer. I was feeling inspired after watching an episode of the Biggest Loser the night before. This group of obese people, ran a half marathon. One girl was from the Boise area and ran it at the Idaho Center. I thought to myself, "if she can do it, then I CAN do it". Vocalizing my goal made me accountable to it! And I certainly wasnt going to disappoint my trainer, or embarrass myself for that matter!

The first run was part of a crossfit inspired workout. The run was on a quarter mile. And I thought I was going to die! I couldn't make it without stopping...the first 2 times. Then by the third time I did it. The fourth time again I did it. This started it all. Because a light bulb went off for me. It is more mental that physical.

I started running at home. My goal was to get up a huge hill in my neighborhood, and then run the perimeter of the neighborhood. This was a total of one mile. It took me one week. My husband ran it with me, and I had to talk myself out of stopping the entire time. Literally, out loud, talking to myself! My husband laughed at me. But the next day I actually ran up the hill and kept going.

I continued this way. I would make several small goals that lead up to one major goal. The first major goal was to run a 10k. The ultimate goal was to run a Ragnar race in Arizona. For those of you unfamiliar with Ragnar, it is a 200 mile relay race. You take turns running with 11 of your friends. The race lasts around 30 hours...you run all day and all nite!

I can remember every milestone, the moments that I completed each small goal that led up to this ultimate goal. Remember it started with 1/4 mile, then 1 mile with a hill walk, then 1 mile with a hill run, then 1.5, then 2, then 2.5, then 3, then 4, then 6....and so on.

For me I have to take off and commit to the run. I dont run, then walk, then run. I visualize the run for hours before I take off. I know my route well ahead of time. For me, once I give into walking once, my concentration is broken. I wont hold myself accountable to run the rest of the way. Thats why I made so many small goals.

A couple of things that I always run with is an Ipod, special shoes only for running, and my Garmin. The Garmin changes the way you train. I love it, and cant go without it! I logged over 700 miles on that thing this year! It will keep my pace, distance, heart rate, and all my stats for all my runs! You can even map out your run and it will give you directions! It helps me know if I am on target with my goals. I would recommend it to anyone. I need good tunes too. It helps drown out all the negative thoughts that creep into my mind when I am feeling fatigued. A good play list is essential. I went to a running store and got fit for shoes. I spent a pretty penny, but it helped with my shin splints, and form. I only wear those shoes to run in. I wear other shoes for crosstraining.

I hope someone finds this helpful. I am not an authority on running, and I have a lot to improve on. But it has been a life changing journey for me. I am a healthier version of me. Even though I am not a fantastic runner, I enjoy it. I enjoy the personal challenge. I dont run for anyone else, I run for me. I always tell people that if you want to be a runner, just make the decision to do. Anyone can....seriously. If I can do it, anyone can!

Fullfilled

This may be the very first time in my life that I have been able to say this word! Not just say it, but mean it from the depths of my soul.

Let me tell you, since I became a mom 5 years ago, I have done some soul searching. Dont misunderstand me either. I have always been "happy", I think I am by nature. I have tough days just like everyone else, but I am "happy". But this is different. I feel FULFILLED!

Over the past 5 years I have been trying to find my path. Being a stay at home mom was something that I have always dreamed about. But it wasnt everything I thought it would be. How could I not be fulfilled when the biggest dream or wish that I had ever prayed for came true? For me it was only part of the equation.

I struggled for years with insecurities and self doubt. That is when the running came to light. The biggest gift I was ever given, was by my friend and trainer Amanda. She believed in me, and in turn I chose to, for the first time believe in me as well. Breaking down barriers of self doubt thru excercise helped me grow. I became a more patient and loving mom, a more supportive, understanding, and loving, wife, and more the person I want to be. I have spent the last two years running, biking, and swimming my way to accomplish the goals that seemed unattainable...and this empowered me!

But still something was amiss. But what? After the races are over, the kids are at school, I am left to wonder if there is more for me? Staying home and cleaning, cooking, facebooking, not something I wake up looking forward to! It has its days.....but when the house is clean, the laundry is put away, what then? For me it is to work again! To be passionate, and excited about something again. I LOVE being a stay at home mom, but it doesnt have to define me. I can also be a business woman, an athlete, a wife. And those as a whole can help define me...almost. Finding this new opportunity to work out my home while still being able to juggle the things I love like, being a mom, a wife, an athlete (I can believe I just used that word to describe me), a maid, a cook, a friend....has left me feeling fulfilled. It is healthy for my soul. It is the missing piece to my intricate, and almost complete puzzle. But just like a puzzle it takes all the pieces working together to make a beautiful picture. For the first time ever I have found all my pieces, and I am loving putting it all together. I sit back and look on my now life, and think...if this is it....I like it!

OMG Plantains!

Has anyone ever cooked with Plantains? Ya, me neither! Until now. I took the challenge last week and quickly took to it. I found that eating a raw plantain was.... blech. But if you fry it up and throw it on top of a bean dish or in a chicken wrap.....DELISH! I found so many yummy recipes for this scrumptious fruit, but felt guilty because most of them called for frying them. Here are a couple of pictures of the things I made this week! If you want a recipe, just message me.

The top 11 in 2011

The end of a year brings much reflection. As I look back upon my year in always seem to find a theme. This past year was a year for travels and firsts. So in no particular order, her are the top 11 moments of the year 2011:

1. Getting the gift of perfect eyesight! Thank you PCLI and Vision One! Lasik eye surgery is life changing!

2. Taking the family to Pheonix AZ. We loved our time eating and shopping all around Pheonix. And nothing can replace the time we spent with my Brother Larry and his family.

3. Watching Ruby and Macy in their first Dance Recital! Ruby was amazing, confident, and polished. Macy ran off the stage crying. haha

4. Taking a Valentines trip to Seattle, one of my favorite cities!

5. Running Ragnar Las Vegas with my amazing, inspiring, and talented friends. While competing with Brian and my brother Larrys team!

6. Going on a cruise to the Bahamas with my sweetheart, then exploring Disneyworld and Universal Studios.

7. Partnering with the Doctors of Proactiv to expand the Boise market with their new anti aging market! The best investment I made all year!

8. Watching Ruby begin Kindergarten! She walked in and never looked back. I cried a little. Bittersweet. So proud of her, so sad to let her go.

9. Running Sawtooth Relay with a fantastic team, which my husband Brian was on with me!

10. Going on my first 12 mile, 25 mile, and 30 mile bike races. And I was absolutely how shocked at how well I did!

11. Gaining the confidence to live up to my potential. Thru the love of my family and surrounding myself with amazing friends.

This year treated us well. Very well. But I cant wait to see what 2012 brings! Happy New Year!

The Easy Bake Oven

This afternoon it was time to open up some more of the Christmas gifts. I know what you are thinking, its the day AFTER Christmas! The truth is, we got way, way, way, too much stuff for our kids this year! In fact, they have some unwrapped gifts that they dont even know about! Yes. Unwrapped, and still in the boxes, hidden under and behind all the other loot that is littering my home! It looks like a toy store threw up in my living room! So anyway, we were opening some of the unwrapped gifts today so we could play with them. One item in particular was causing all kinds of squealing and excitement.....The Easy Bake Oven!

Could it be hereditary? Are my girls simply a product of there environment, as was I? The mere idea of making their own goodies in their very own oven! I chuckled to myself and reveled in the excitement swirling around me. Really, I still kinda feel the same way when I am cooking something new in the kitchen! And then I thought about my mom yesterday. She had made a new goody for Christmas (btw, my mom is kinda of famous in the inner circle. She makes the most delish treats every year! Really, she should sell them!) she was so excited about them she was practically shoving them in my mouth while I was washing dishes! This is years of baking and cooking, and creating, and she is still excited and giddy about food!

So again, I propose the question.....hereditary or not? I am not sure. All I know is that those treats you make in the Easy Bake Oven should be a lot bigger! Nickle sized cupcakes and dime sized cookies aren't going to go very far in our house! Not with all these foodies! But the kids had no objection about the size whatsoever! Baking with this little oven brought sheer joy, because it was something they could make all their very own.

I am sure it won't take long before the girls get bored of the Easy Bake Oven. But when in happens (and it WILL happen), I hope I am ready to have a sous chef or two! I am sure the tradition of "the love of cooking" will prevail!

Food Challenge Revisited

Three weeks ago I announced a challenge. A food Challenge. Fifty two ingredients I have never used. One per week. I took right to it, but couldn't follow up because my computer was on the fritz, and then the holiday hit and I just didn't get back to it.

The first ingredient was parsnips. I made a parsnip, potato, carrot mash. It was wonderful. The great thing about parsnips is that they can pretty much take the place of the starchy potato. I cooked it exactly the same that I would a potato. Peeled it, chopped it up, boiled until soft, then mashed it with some garlic, butter, and half and half. Delish.

I know that I used those parsnips a couple of other ways, but I digress. It was 3 weeks ago. Cant remember. I do know that I will be incorporating this spicy little veggie into our dinners more often!

This week, I am going to be cooking with plantains. The plantain is related to the banana family. It is starchy and low in sugar. It is used cooked or baked more often than it is raw. It is referred to as the pasta and/or potato of the Caribbean. Plantains are used more in savory dishes as a vegetable. It is longer and thinner than a banana, with a thicker skin. They are highly nutritious. High in fiber, potassium, vitamin A & C. And, they are a an energy booster because they are high in carbs. I think I will be making plantains chips, plantain mojo (to go with cuban beans), and something else.....so stay tuned.