This post is sponsored by Yoplait but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.


Be sure to make your #SweetSummer by checking out the latest Yoplait Yogurt and coupon!

I’m so excited to tell you that I am now only 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight! I am so thankful, but I must admit that I have been working my tail off and it has not been easy. People have been asking me if I’ve been “wrapping” or doing Advocare, etc. but I am SO not a gimmick girl. I am a firm believer that the only way you will lose weight and keep it off is if you change your lifestyle.

Exercise – I have been exercising (almost) every day. Whether it’s a 3 mile jog or a 10 minute yoga video, I am making sure to move every day. When I plateaued about six weeks ago, I noticed a huge difference once I started exercising again. The weight finally started coming off.

Diet – I have started watching what I eat again. I am not going to sit here and tell you I’ve been perfect, because there is a slice of cookie cake from last week that will tell you I haven’t been. I am trying to eat healthier but I won’t be so strict to where I can’t enjoy life’s pleasures. One way I do this without totally ruining my diet is by eating yogurt. Yoplait has a new yogurt that has 25% less sugar in it! I have loved eating these and I even feel good about giving them to my son without worrying that he will be super hyper.

Determination – My husband will be the first to tell you that when I get an idea in my head, I won’t be satisfied until I do it. Some may call me stubborn, but I call it determination and dedication. 😉

Scheduling – I am a natural planner, but I have started making sure that I have written in my calendar when I will work out from day to day. Most of the time it happens at night or late afternoon when Ryan can watch the kids. Sometimes I take Hampton on my runs and leave SR with Ryan while she is taking a nap. Planning ahead will make it seem more important and you won’t have an excuse to not do it.

Giveaway Time!!!

Don’t forget to print your Yoplait Coupon and enter to win $15 by visiting their website HERE and leaving me a comment telling me which flavor and recipe you would like to try!

This post is sponsored by Fiber One but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It is no secret that I have a huge sweet tooth. It is my greatest weakness when trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I’ve tried to trick my body into eating healthier foods that are low in calories as “dessert” or when I’m having a weak moment so that I don’t ruin my diet.

Here are 3 ways I indulge my sweet tooth without compromising my diet:

1. I make a smoothie. Depending on my craving, I choose to make my chocolate banana smoothie, or a fruit smoothie to satisfy my sweet cravings. It’s healthy and low in calories.

2. I go to Publix and grab a Fiber One Cheesecake Bar. These little goodies are delicious and only 150 calories. They also have 5 grams of fiber in every bar! They satisfy my craving without giving away all of my calories. It’s a win/win.

3. If it is still early in the day, I like to grab a cup of coffee. I love coffee and I have been drinking half caf for a while now so that I’m not overdoing it with the caffeine. Because I am breastfeeding, I like to make sure I’m not drinking too much.

Fiber One is giving away $15 paypal cash to one of you to try the new Fiber One Cheesecake Bars for yourself! Enter in the rafflecopter below!

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How do you indulge your sweet tooth in a smart way? Don’t forget to check out these great recipes on Fiber One’s Facebook Page!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OutshineSnacks #CollectiveBias

When thinking of snack ideas for our play dates, I like to think of a satisfying treat that both the kids and mothers will enjoy. This week was my turn to bring snacks and so it dawned on me to stop by Walmart and grab some Outshine Bars! My family has been snacking on Nestle Outshine Fruit Bars for over 18 years, and now we are enjoying the new Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars.

I love these bars because they are made with simple, honest ingredients that make you feel as good as they taste! I don’t know about you, but I need a snack that is going to satisfy my cravings. I know after a full day of swimming, my son does, too.

After taking the Outsmart your Snack quiz and receiving my $1 off coupon, I realized all the wonderful things Outshine is doing for our communities. I got really excited because I love supporting brands that give back. Outshine provides fresh fruit and vegetables to communities in need through Feeding America. Through July 31st, for every specially marked box of Outshine Simply Yogurt bars purchased, one pound of fresh fruits and veggies will be donated to a local food bank. How awesome is that?

My son and his little friends absolutely loved the NEW Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars, and the moms were a big fan as well. They come in strawberry and blueberry flavors. I love them both. It is impossible to choose a favorite. We were pretty popular at our swimming pool play date. My husband still prefers the fruit and fruit and veggie bars and I love to eat the coconut water bars after an afternoon workout! They are so satisfying and the protein in them is the perfect post-workout fuel that my body needs. 


I am all about better for you snacking, and these bars were such a huge hit at our playdate, that I will definitely be bringing them again. 

What snacks do you bring to your playdates? What flavor of the NEW Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars would you like to try? 

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #QuakerRealMedleys #CollectiveBias

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it is also the meal most often skipped. I am guilty of this even though it is probably my favorite meal. I can’t begin my day without coffee, but eating a good breakfast can help kick start your day and also get your metabolism going.

I love to explore new breakfast ideas as a way to mix things up from the typical eggs and pancakes. The other day while I was shopping at Walmart, I stumbled upon the new Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups. Real Medleys are yummy blends of yogurt and multi-grain granola with real fruit and nuts. I’ve seen nothing like this before in stores – probably because it didn’t exist until now. These are found on the dry cereal aisle and is dry itself until you stir in cold milk. 

Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups are not only satisfying and delicious, they are also extremely convenient. Just stir in cold milk and you are good to go! No standing over the stove making pancakes and eggs. This single serve cup is great to take on the go for those morning errands as well. I don’t know about you, but with two kids, convenience is everything for me right now. 

I absolutely love to make breakfast bowls using Real Medleys® by adding additional fruits such as blueberries and raspberries. This delicious breakfast bowl will make you say: “Crunchy. Cool. Yum!”

Be sure to stop by your local Walmart for a product demo of Quaker Real Medleys between July 7th and July 12th! Also, download the Blippar app on your phone to scan your package and receive information tutorials on Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups.

These delicious yogurt cups come in Apple Cinnamon, Raspberry Pecan, and Strawberry Almond. Which Quaker Real Medleys flavor do you want to try?

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #V8EnergyBoost #CollectiveBias

During this first month after becoming a mother of 2 under 2, I have learned the importance of “me time.” My “me time” is very rare. In fact, it hasn’t happened more than a couple of times this month. It is so sacred and precious. During my “me time” I will go out to lunch with my bestie, or simply stay at home and enjoy a cup of coffee in silence or while I read my latest novel. It is rejuvenating and it always refreshes me to get away for a few minutes.

I haven’t been cleared to workout yet, but as soon as I do, I can’t wait to pick up an exercise routine again. I have missed it more than words can say. I have always struggled with anxiety, and for me, exercise has been so important in coping with that and relieving some of the stresses that anxiety brings. Until I can exercise I have been trying to watch what I eat. Coffee isn’t always the greatest choice for me because I load it with cream and sugar (no artificial sweeteners for me). Because I am also breastfeeding, I have to really watch my caffeine intake as well.

I am so excited to have discovered V8 V-Fusion+ Energy Drinks! They are a much healthier choice and are full of vitamins from a combined serving of fruit and vegetables. They are a natural energy drink, powered by green tea and Lord knows I need all the energy I can get. I grabbed a 6-pack of the V8 V-Fusion + Energy Drinks while shopping at Walmart the other day in the Orange Pineapple flavor. It did not disappoint. While I do not ever have plans to give up coffee, because I love and need my coffee, it is nice to drink one of these Energy Drinks as an alternative every once in a while or as an afternoon pick-me-up. They taste like fruit and only have 50 calories per 8oz. serving. Pretty awesome if you ask me!

V8 V-Fusion+Energy #V8EnergyBoost $2,500 Sweepstakes

What is your go-to pick-me-up? Which flavor of the V8-V Fusion+Energy Drinks would you try?

I seriously forgot how breastfeeding makes you so hungry and thirsty all the time. It is crazy. I thought I was hungry during my pregnancy? It doesn’t even compare! I quickly gathered all of my favorite snacks that keep me full without sacrificing my health. Here are some of my favorite breastfeeding snacks:

Almonds
String Cheese
Yogurt
Granola Bars
Energy Bites
Fruit
Trail Mix
Smoothies
Kind Bars
Raw veggies and Hummus
Kozy Shack Rice Pudding

Kozy Shack Rice Pudding is only 90 calories and is gluten free! I absolutely love eating this as a quick snack especially when I am craving something sweet! My son also loves these. It is great bonding time when we are able to sit down and enjoy our pudding together.

Giveaway Time! Leave me a comment below telling me what fun fact you learned about Kozy Shack from visiting their site HERE. I will randomly choose one winner and Kozy Shack will send you 2 VIP coupons as well as a Kozy Shack Simply Well package! Enter in the rafflecopter below:

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Don’t forget to check out Kozy Shack on Instagram!

My mornings are about to drastically change around here. Soon, I won’t know my mornings from nights again, but for the last few months, this has been my morning routine:

Wake up
Make Coffee
Read my bible/pray
Check emails
Eat breakfast
Shower (if I have time before Hamp wakes up)
Promote Blog Posts
Go on a walk/exercise

Pretty simple, right? It doesn’t always go in that order and some days I don’t have time to shower until lunch or even right before bed, but hey, that’s part of motherhood! Last time I tried to take a shower with Hampton in there with me, he shattered our (glass) scale, threw all of our toilet paper rolls in the toilet and basically destroyed our bathroom. Not doing that again any time soon.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote on the benefits of eating breakfast and how I am trying to improve my habits. Some mornings, all I crave is coffee. I don’t even want to think about eating. That’s where Liberte Mediterranee cappuccino saved me. A cappuccino flavored yogurt! And, it is delicious! I’m seriously addicted. So much so, that I noticed Publix was having a deal on them (10 for $10) and so guess how many I bought? Yeah.

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Springtime is officially here and in full swing! The weather has been so beautiful and WARM (finally!!!) this week! Warm weather makes me want to do two things: swim and go on a picnic! Hampton and I went on a picnic last week and had so much fun, but this time we included Ryan! We had the perfect afternoon snack-time picnic yesterday, and really enjoyed being together. Of course, savings at Publix (more on these savings later) and Klondike Ice Cream Bars added to that enjoyment! Ryan actually got me hooked on these after I met him. What a bad influence he is! haha They are definitely one of my guilty pleasures.

For healthier snack alternatives, we  also pack:
-Yoplait
-Fiber One Chewy Bars
-Nature Valley Breakfast Biscuits
-Fruit

Publix is hosting a Snack Share and Save Event where you will save $5 on your purchase of $25 or more on participating snack items when you share with your friends! Find out more details here.

Giveaway Time!! Enter to win $15 paypal cash by entering in the rafflecopter below! I will choose a winner on April 23rd. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. Check out my post on How To Have The Perfect Picnic!

What do you like to take on your picnics? Don’t forget to check out these great savings at Publix!

There are so many stages of pregnancy. First you’re sick and don’t want to eat anything, then you’re craving everything in site, and then you are sick and so big and full with baby that you don’t want to eat very much again. While I am definitely in the later stage, I do still have an occasional craving for something sweet. So, why not these delicious Easter treats?

During my second trimester, I was still able to run a little bit and I allowed myself a few splurges here and there. One thing I figured out was that if I ate one bite of ice cream to get that craving fix, I found myself always wanting more. I decided to try Kozy Shack Simply Well Pudding because it is actually  rice pudding in disguise. My mind and taste buds think I’m eating that sugary goodness of pudding, but my body isn’t getting an overload of sugar and is getting a much healthier alternative. Did I mention these are only 90 calories and gluten free? I can’t get over it! That’s less calories than the yogurt I usually eat. But it’s pudding. Mind blown.

Yesterday, I decided to spice up mine and Hampton’s snack time by adding a few things into our pudding to make it fun and festive for Easter! Needless to say, Hampton loved it! He giggled and thought I was crazy for letting him eat this for his snack. What he doesn’t know if that I’m totally okay with this snack for him. I try to feed him healthy foods only (of course we splurge every now and then) and this snack did not compromise his healthy diet.

The additives aren’t the most healthy of choices, but with Easter coming up this weekend, I thought it was okay to give Hampton a fun treat.

Giveaway Time! So that you can experience Kozy Shack Rice Pudding for yourself, they are giving away 2 VIP coupons worth up to $4.99 each! Just stop by here and leave me a comment telling me a fun fact you learned from visiting Kozy Shack!

* Giveaway is for US residents only. Coupons are not valid for redemption in California.

Good luck and don’t forget to check out Kozy Shack Simply Well!

I received product and compensation from Gerber and Mom Select, however, all experiences and opinions are 100% my own.

Saturday was one of those days. You know the ones I’m talking about? Where nothing seems to be going right? You think you have it all together and then all of a sudden, you realize how far behind you are? I had that moment on Saturday afternoon. I saw Hampton’s Easter basket, and while I have all of these wonderful Easter basket ideas for him, the only thing I have actually purchased is his Big Brother shirt. That’s it. Poor baby. So this is what his basket looked like at this moment:

Kind of sad. I also realized after he woke up from his nap that he had no snacks. He was completely out of snacks and I really really needed to go grocery shopping. So, what did I do? I loaded a fussy hungry toddler into the car and we drove to Target because Target is the cure-all.

Now for the happy part of the story. I had a win-win moment standing in the middle of Target. I went straight to the baby section to find all of his favorite Gerber Graduates snacks and hit the mother load. He was literally cheering as I picked out his favorite snacks. Happy baby, happy mommy. Then it hit me, I bought extra snacks to fill his Easter basket with! Genius! Now, he has lots of snacks that will get us through at least a couple of weeks and he also has more snacks that he will get in his Easter basket and be super excited about. I even bought a couple of their little entrees to keep around for lunch on the go when we are at play dates or grandma’s house!

Guess what? Gerber is giving away a free gift set when you purchase 10 Gerber Graduates products and upload your receipt to their site! How awesome is that? I uploaded my receipt and can’t wait to receive Hampton’s goodies! It doesn’t get any sweeter than free food and baby products for your little one.

Thank you, Gerber, for saving the day and Easter and for giving this weary mother her win-win moment of the week!

Have you had a win-win moment recently?