If Girls Ran The World 2016

I'm going to keep it real.  I've been struggling lately.  Working a full-time job, sitting behind a computer 8 hours a day is a HUGE adjustment for me.  I haven't done this since 2005.  But I am blessed to be able to work from home and be here for my kids.  However, I have a hard time forcing myself to get up and move throughout the day.  Because of that, I've gained some weight over the past 4 months.  I have been doing great at keeping up with my workouts, but apparently, that's not enough.  Because of the weight gain, I find myself doubting my workout routine.  I often find myself wondering, "What's the point?".  I fight to find enough time in the day to get my workouts in. I run when I don't want to, I go to the gym and lift when I'd rather be going to the movies or hanging out with my family - all for what?  I'm gaining weight anyway!  Might as well just stop, right?

WRONG!  I often want to slap myself when I catch myself going down that path.  I may not look like I want to look, but I still feel strong, I feel healthy and fit, and I am setting a good example to my kids and others by continuing on with my workouts even though I'm working full-time now.  I am working on a better me each and every day that I get up and get moving instead of sulking on the coach and eating cake, cookies, and ice cream.  I am doing my part to ensure that I will be here to watch my children grow up, get married, and raise their own families.  I want my daughter to see that not giving up is the only way to reach your goals.  I want her to understand that looks don't have anything to do with your health.  I refuse to let this crazy world run me.  Instead, I choose to run it!

You can make the dedication to run this world too.  I am blessed to be a #IfGirlsRanTheWorld Role Model, and I have chosen to raise money for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I lost my beautiful cousin to breast cancer, which then turned to brain cancer, a few years ago.  It always hurts losing someone you love, but this young mother of 3 had to leave behind her girls to raised by a guardian.  They will never get to see her beautiful smile, or feel her loving arms around them again because of this awful disease.  I hope to help raise money to find a cure, so no one else has to suffer the pain of breast cancer, or the pain of the loss of a loved one.  My goal is to raise $250.
Please consider donating to my page here.

Do you have a cause that you hold near and dear to your heart?  If so, please consider joining us this Fall in a one of a kind adventure to collectively and virtually run around the world to benefit charities that empower girls globally.  You could be one of up to three lucky winners of a free race entry to join me and a team of other amazingly inspiring women in our mission to raise funds and awareness to empower girls globally.  Enter for your chance below.  


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Shine A Light On Autism

This post is going to be a bit different than most of my blog posts.  But I wanted to let you into a whole other part of my life.

This past summer, I decided that it was time for a change.  I was working as the Head Ambassador for Move More Fitness, but I wasn't able to get the hours that I needed.  Therefore, I had to look for another job to supplement the income from Move More Fitness.  I saw there was a position for a Learning Support Aide available in my children's school district.  I really had no idea what it entailed, but the hours worked out great with my kids schedule, so I applied.  I  was called for an interview and learned that I would be working with children in the Autism Spectrum in grades 3 through 6.  I have to say, I was really nervous and wasn't so sure the job would be a good fit for me.  For one thing, I convinced myself that I have very little patience.  Another reason was because I've never had experience with anyone on the spectrum before.  I didn't think I could handle it.  I had another job prospect that looked very promising, so I was hoping things would work out with that one, but that job fell through. I was offered the position in the Elementary school.  I accepted, because, well, I needed the money.  But I was far from excited.  I didn't know what I would be walking into on my first day.

I was a ball of nerves when I walked into the classroom for the first time.  I had no idea what I would be doing, how much the kids would interact with me, how would I handle meltdowns, etc. My sister also works in the classroom, and I remember her telling me how she instantly fell in love with the kids.  I remember feeling guilty for not feeling the same way.  Probably because of my lack of knowledge and anxieties.  I'm not going to lie - the first few weeks were rough for me.  I was ignorant about Autism.  I was nervous every day for weeks walking into work.  I just didn't know what to expect.  What was I walking into that day?  Do these kids even like me?  I was one of those people that didn't understand Autism and didn't have any reason to research it to understand it before I started my job.  I remember several years ago, my son was on a bowling league.  There was a child there that caused such a distraction - constantly yelling and throwing fits.  I remember saying that his parents needed to get him under control.  I didn't get it.  I was oblivious to the entire world of Autism.  There is no "getting them under control".  Instead, there is learning what sets them off, and learning by trial and error what helps them to get through an episode, or even learning how to prevent them.  They are kids, just like my kids, and just like your kids.  They deserve to be afforded the opportunity to play on a bowling league, play soccer, sing, dance, whatever they desire.

One of our students does not communicate by talking, but he loves taking walks in the school.  I took him for a walk one day by myself, and he was very specific about which way he wanted to go (by pointing and pulling me).  When I told him it was time to go back to the classroom, he threw himself on the floor and had a full on tantrum.  I tried everything I could think of to get him up and back into the classroom, but he wasn't having it.  I felt so helpless, and so clueless.  How do I get this nonverbal child to tell me what he wants if he can't talk to me?  Thankfully, a toy with music helped to end the tantrum and get him back into the classroom.  I was a nervous wreck taking him for a walk for weeks after that.

A few days later, one of our bigger students had a meltdown, which included hitting pushing, throwing, and kicking.  I remember how scary it was.  This kid weighs more than me and has unbelievable strength. While I was not on the receiving end of his pushing, hits, and kicks,I was trapped in the classroom for about an hour during the entire episode (he was blocking the door).  It was at that time that I started to ask myself if it was really worth it....a paycheck, while risking what could be a serious injury.  We are not allowed to protect ourselves other than trying to block the hits and kicks, so did I really want to risk it?  I decided to stick it out, and let me tell you, I am so glad I did.

Times sure have changed over the past few months.  It just blows me away that I now walk into the classroom each morning and am greeted with "Hi Mrs. Beatty", followed by a detailed description of what is for lunch that day, then greeted by another student who then compliments my hair, and yet another one who comes up, grabs my hand, and greets me with a smile so sweet it could melt the coldest heart around.  Not to mention that same
little grabby hands reaching into my purse to get my gum out and then signing for a piece after prompted.  These kids make my day. Are there still meltdowns and tantrums?  Yes!  But do they stress me out and make me want to run for the hills?  Heck no!  These kids are amazingly smart, and they each have their own funny, adorable personalities.  I love them like they are my family, and quite honestly, I don't know how I am going to make it through the summer without seeing them.  They have taught me patience, understanding, caring, and a whole different level of love.  I am a true believer that I was meant to have this job.  This is exactly where I am supposed to be.

If you are like I was, and never took the time to understand Autism, or have ever thought the kids you see throwing tantrums and meltdowns in public need to be "controlled", then I beg of you, please do some research.  Better yet, meet someone with Autism.  I guarantee you they will change your heart in the best way possible.

Also, please join me and many other Autism supporters by "Lighting it up Blue" for Autism Awareness tomorrow, April 2nd, 2016.  And don't forget that this entire month is dedicated to Autism Awareness!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm


Photo credit:  http://www.ourtimebd.com/beta/2016/03/28/autism-things-we-should-know/

Springing into change!

If you follow my Instagram or Facebook pages, you will probably notice that the majority of my workouts are done wearing dark colors on the lower half of my body.  I have this "thing", where I kind of stray away from wearing bright colors on my lower body.  I feel the darker colors hide the flaws better, not to mention the sweat spots!  So when I was given the opportunity as a SweatPink  Ambassador to choose an item from the PrAna Spring Line to review, I immediately started looking for the darkest color pants or capris that they had.  My husband, however, convinced me to be daring and go with something that I normally wouldn't buy on my own.  I hesitantly chose the Ashley Capri Leggings in Ultra Violet.  Of course, when I say "hesitantly", it's not because I didn't love the style and color.  I really love the look of brightly colored capris on OTHER people.  I just felt like I couldn't pull it off.

When my capris arrived, I instantly fell in love with the look and feel of them.  I tried them on, and was pleasantly surprised as to how the waste fit me.  A lot of my capris seem to fit me wrong in the waist, which leaves some weird lines.  I have a short torso, which may be the issue.  But the Ashley Capri Leggings didn't dig in to my waist, and they also didn't go up to my chest like a lot of my workout pants seem to do.  I'm sure this has a lot to do with the fact that they're Low Rise, which on my 5'3" frame, nothing is truly low rise on me unless it's Petite cut.  While I loved the way the capris looked and felt, I was still a bit worried about how badly they would show sweat stains when I was working out.

I first tried out my capris by doing some yoga.  They were extremely flexible, and felt like a second skin.

Since they seemed to work out so well with the yoga, I decided to take them for a spin at the gym.  Leg Day, to be more specific.  No cardio, but my leg day's are my longest weightlifting workouts, and I break out into a good sweat.  I won't lie - I was extremely self conscious the entire 90 minute workout.  I was afraid that I had sweat spots on my butt and, uh hum, other areas.  But once I finished and checked myself out, I was pleasantly surprised - no sweat spots!  So I thought, "Ok, PrAna, let me try you out on some gym cardio equipment."

Again, I was super self conscious as I was on the stair machine and then the elliptical at the gym.  I expected to walk into the locker room to see some major sweat spots.  But again, to my surprise, this was what I saw.  There was a little mark on my lower back/upper glute area,(right at my shirt line) but nothing that was embarrassing as I expected.  I am assuming this is because the capris are made with Chakara, which is PrAna's most technical fabric that offers superior moisture management.

One last way I wanted to test out the Ashley Capris was with a 4 mile run, outdoors.  The capris felt great to run in on a beautiful, sunny, 60 degree morning.  And while I was extremely sweaty when I was finished, you wouldn't have been able to notice by looking at my pants.  Oh, and one thing I LOVE about these capris is that they offer a pocket for your key!

Since I bought my first PrAna shirt 7 months ago, I was instantly in love.  I haven't ordered, or received, one article of clothing or yoga mat from PrAna that has disappointed me yet.  I am a HUGE fan of this company.  Not only do they provide amazing workout clothing that will hold up through any type of workout, but they also have casual wear that for me personally, has held up with repeated wear chasing around Autistic students on a daily basis.  My yoga mat and carrier has proven to be just as amazing as their clothing.  I even bought my husband his first pair of PrAna pants for Christmas.  If you are looking for a great brand with amazing customer service, head over to www.prana.com and use the code PSSS16WLMR  to save 15%!  Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this!

To the "Resolutioners"

Congratulations! At this time, you're coming up on a week of deciding that this is your year to get healthy and fit. If you have joined a gym, you've probably been watching those of us that have been members for awhile. Likely, you have seen the look of frustration on our faces, as we are coming to grips with having to share "our" gym. Please know that, at least in my case, this look of frustration is not directed towards you. It's a look of trying to come to terms with sharing equipment that we normally don't have to fight over, having to drive all over to find parking, and dealing with the gym being twice as busy as normal. It's a change for everyone. In a couple of weeks, it will get easier, and we'll be used to the adjustment.

I have heard many people complain about how the gym is busy now. That it will die down in a couple of weeks, because people will give up on their desire to get healthy. Hell, I've been guilty of saying that. But honestly, I don't want you to give up. I would rather continue to have to share machines, because I prefer that you continue to work on you instead of giving up.

Now is the fun time. It's all new to you. Soon enough, you will get tired and want to quit. Don't do it!  I can tell you first hand that 50% of the time, I don't feel like working out. But the thing I had to learn to be successful is that I need to do it anyway. Of course, listen to your body, but if it's just a case of the "I don't want to's", do it anyway!  I guarantee that you won't regret it. Once you get in the mindset that it's not an option to skip, you'll be golden. So please, keep it up. Prove us (and yourself) wrong. Keep moving!  You never know who you're inspiring!

Training For Life....

Believe it or not, it's been a LONG time since I've had to be a member of a gym.  The last time I paid for a membership was 15 years ago!  Since then, I've been lucky enough to work out at the fitness centers on military installations for free.  Due to living in the civilian world now, I had to suck it up and get a membership this past March.  I've learned over the past 8 months that chain gyms are a whole different world than military gyms.

I have extremely sensitive skin (hello, breakouts still occurring at 35 years old).  Because of my sensitive skin, I can't wear my wedding ring or band to the gym. If I sweat with my wedding set on, I end up getting a nasty red, itchy rash.  This means I've been having to go to the gym without wearing my wedding ring. At the military gyms, this really wasn't an issue.  However, now that I belong to a chain gym, I'm learning that one of the go to pick up lines from men is "So what are you training for?".  I've been asked this several times, to the point that it' started to get annoying.  I am not a bodybuilder. I don't really run in races, and when I do, it's not really to compete.  I just don't have the competitive bug in me.   And my thoughts on me competing in bodybuilding competitions - well, let's just say I'll save that for another blog on another day.  But anyway, my response is normally that I'm training for life.  Because really, I'm training to stay healthy and to set a good example for my kids.  And to be able to eat chocolate.  Since the pick up lines and the staring started bothering me (yes,guys, women lift too), I had realized that if I had a wedding ring on, this might not be an issue anymore.

My husband and I considered getting tattoo rings, but quickly changed our minds once I did some research and learned how quickly they fade.  Then I started seeing silicone rings floating around social media.  That sounded perfect!  However, I was a bit unsure if I wanted to put money into them, not knowing if they would be uncomfortable when lifting, or if they would easily rip.  Lucky for me the company I work for, Move More Fitness, was given the opportunity to work with a company called Arthletic to wear and review their silicone rings called FIT[RING].  Not only did they send me one, but they sent my husband one too!  I loved to see that they are hypoallergenic, sleek, and stylish.

When they arrived, they came in a cute little clear pocket with our names on them.  I ordered the Lilac Purple, and my husband went with the Space Black.  Let me just say, these rings are everything I hoped for and more!  They provide you with and easy Ring Size Chart to help you quickly and accurately find your size.  Based on the results of their sizing chart, the rings were a perfect fit for the both of us.  I never hit the gym or the pavement without wearing mine, and my husband has actually replaced his wedding band with his FIT[RING] permanently.  He's a chef, so it makes his life so much easier when cooking and cutting up food.  And let me also say, I haven't been asked, "So what are you training for?" since I started wearing mine to the gym.

If you are looking for something to wear in place of your expensive wedding set to the gym or work, I highly recommend these silicone bands from Arthletic.  Now is definitely the time that you want to purchase them, because you can get 20% off by using the code TURKEY15 if you purchase before November 30th!  So hurry up and head over to http://arthleticgear.com/collections/fitring and place an order!  I have a feeling I just may end up with one in every color......

Mighty Nut Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bread

Dark chocolate has been my favorite treat for a couple of years now.  I have a few pieces of chocolate just about every day.  Tonight, I was craving some peanut butter as well.  I was sent a bottle of Mighty Nut regular peanut butter powder for being a #SweatPink Ambassador, so I thought I'd try out my favorite dark chocolate peanut butter bread recipe and see how it turned out substituting the peanut butter for the Mighty Nut regular peanut butter powder.  Try it out and let me know how you like it!  If you don't have any Mighty Nut on hand, you can go to their website, www.mightynut.com and place an order now!  And don't forget to enter for you chance to win a bottle from my blog! (See my #EatMighty Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies blog post to enter.)


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Mighty Nut regular peanut butter powder mixture (1 1/2 cups powder mixed with 3/4 cup water)
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (plus extra to sprinkle on top)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease 9 inch loaf pan
• Using an electric mixer (or mix by hand) cream butter and sugars.
• Add peanut butter, then egg, then vanilla.
• Continue to beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Add yogurt and milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
• Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix until just moistened. (batter will be thick)
• Fold in chocolate chips
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top.
• Bake for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached.
• Let the bread cool completely before cutting into the pan.
• Enjoy!

#EatMighty Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're anything like me, then you LOVE chocolate, and you LOVE peanut butter.  I love them even more when they're together!  I had a craving the other night, and decided to try to make some chocolate peanut butter cookies.  We all know that cookies aren't the healthiest item to grab for a snack, but I decided to substitute the peanut butter with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mighty Nut by Peanut Butter & Co. Since Mighty Nut has 85% less fat calories than traditional peanut butter, and only 1-1.5 grams of fat, I felt much better about satisfying my cookie craving!


To get started, I gathered all of the ingredients and preheated the oven to 350 degrees:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups Mighty Nut Chocolate Powdered Peanut Butter mixed with 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (Make sure to measure exactly)

It was way too easy to make the Mighty Nut chocolate peanut butter mixture!  I took 1 1/2 cups of the powder, and mixed it with 3/4 cup water.  I stirred the mixture until it became creamy like peanut butter.  That's it!

Next, I combined the butter, Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter mixture, sugars, egg, and vanilla, and blended them together.

While the mixture was blending, I grabbed another bowl and mixed the flour, baking soda, and salt together.

Next, I slowly added the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture until it was well combined.  My mix was a little bit runny, so next time I think I will try chilling it for a couple of hours in the refrigerator.  I was hungry, so I decided to try it out even though the dough was a bit runny.

I used a cookie scoop to make round balls and placed them on top of a Silpat lined cookie sheet.  If I would have been patient enough to chill the dough, I would have used my hands to roll them into a ball and then a fork to create the criss cross pattern of the traditional peanut butter cookies.  But like I said, I was hungry and impatient. Ha ha!

I baked the cookies at 350 degrees for 9 minutes and let them cool completely on a cooling rack.

These cookies were every bit as delicious as I expected!  They definitely fulfilled my chocolate peanut butter craving, and I have to say that I am a huge fan of the Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder!

As a SweatPink Ambassador, I was lucky enough to receive a container of the regular and the chocolate Peanut Butter Mighty Nut for free, as well as a branded scoop for measuring!  Now is your chance to win a free bottle of Mighty Nut and a branded scoop!

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MIGHTY NUT CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups Mighty Nut Chocolate Powdered Peanut Butter mixed with 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (Make sure to measure exactly)

DIRECTIONS:

•  Mix 1 1/2 cups of the Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder with 3/4 cup water. Stir until mixture becomes creamy like peanut butter.
• Combine the butter, Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter mixture, sugars, egg, and vanilla, and blend them together.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture until well combined.  Optional:  Chill in refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
• Use a cookie scoop, or roll the mixture into balls and place on top of a Silpat lined cookie sheet. If dough is chilled, use a fork to make the traditional criss cross pattern of a peanut butter cookie.
• Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 9 minutes