Rosario 2015 in Review

Wow - 2015 came and went faster than I can even believe.  I just spent some time going through pictures and reminiscing and can't help but be so thankful and feel so blessed! I would summarize 2015 as a year of travel, fun and firsts!  It may just be my favorite year so far!  Here are some of the reasons why...

We kick started 2015 with a trip to Aruba with my favorite humans. It may was definitely the best week ever! We had SO much fun, the kids loved it there (they still ask when we are going back!) and we were with great company! What could be better than that?!

We had birthdays, as usual.  Jaxon turned 4 in April and Anya turned 3 in September.  (And Nate and I keep getting older too)!  Jaxon chose a bowling party and Anya chose a merry-go-round party.  For both parties our kids were surrounded by people that love them and we are so thankful for all the great friends we have in our lives! :)

Then there were the day outings and fun Fridays.  I am so thankful to be able to share this time with the kids and do fun things with them.  They are always excited about what our next adventure is.  Some of the fun included the zoo, splash parks, apple picking, strawberry picking, petting zoo, Big E, museums, Disney on Ice, Falcons game, pool days with friends, the air show (that included a 2.5 hour car ride to go 15 miles - just don't want to forget about that)! Then of course there was slip and slides, lots of s'mores, play dates, pizza parties, pool parties, cookouts, sand boxing (is that a word?), feeding ducks, red light green light, duck duck goose, swinging and sliding, running and diving, car driving, bike riding, smoothie dates and I could probably keep going.  (I am realizing these kids have it good!) Oh, and we can't forget mini golfing and ice cream cones! :)

Disney in May was a great time! Between pool days at the hotel and park days we had the perfect fun and relaxing balance. The kids even had their first hibachi experience! A wonderful week as a family! 

July was our annual trip to Maine with my Dearing side of the family. A whole week with family, good seafood, the beach a few steps away and a lot of R & R.  It is one of my favorite and most relaxing weeks each year!

October, we were fortunate enough to have an adult vacation to Jamaica with some best friends! It was an Amazing and unforgettable time! We spent many hours in the ocean, had many many frozen beverages, relaxed (I even read a book for the first time since having children)!! We also did kayaking, paddle boarding, a booze cruise, the slide at Margaritaville and did I mention frozen beverages? ;)  (Bring me back!!)

We came home from Jamaica and went on a family trip to Naples, FL with the kids. It was also a great week exploring an area that my parents have fallen in love with.  We realized why they love it so much! We also saw the most beautiful sunsets I've seen in my life!

Of course we can't forget about the firsts!  Jaxon's first day of Pre-K (which included many many tears from Mommy)!!  Anya has her first big girl bed! And I can't leave out our trip to the ER with Jaxon for stitches in the chin (the trip to the ER is not a first, but the stitches are).

Then there is our basement project that will be completed the very beginning of 2016! Nate has spent so much time working on the basement this year and learning all on his own how to do it. He has done 90% of the basement on his own and it is amazing!! I am SO proud of him for all his hard work and thankful that we will have this great space for our family to make more memories! :)

And to finish up the year, we made the announcement on Christmas that Rosario party of 4 will be Rosario party of 5 in 2016! We are excited for this new addition to come into our family.  The kids are so excited (thankfully)!  It's so fun to see their excitement and hear their curiosity - the questions I'm getting already are so funny.  Like "if there is a baby in your belly, does that mean you ATE the BABY?!"  And, "sooo, does the baby just slide out?!?!"  Those are just a few. I'm sure I'll have more good ones in 2016! :)

We even had some date nights throughout the year which are much needed after all this kid activity! :) 

We are so thankful for all we have been blessed with and our opportunities and experiences.  We are also so thankful for our family and friends that are like family. 

Since 2015 was so great, I'm up for the challenge of making 2016 even better! <3

I hope that you had a wonderful year and that 2016 brings you all happiness, love and good health!

~Erin Leigh

No More Excuses!

My next trip (yes a trip, not a vacation - ever read that article? If you have kids and you have not read it, you must) is in just 7 weeks. This is usually the best motivation for me and my workouts, but for some reason, this fall it has been much more difficult than usual to get into the swing of things.  Maybe it's the shorter days, cooler weather, early mornings?? Regardless of what it is...NO excuses allowed and I am going to re-start my disciplined mentality. This week was practice week...I worked out 4 out of 6 days.  Sounds good right? Well the 21 Day Fix is actually 7 out of 7 days...technically 21 days straight.  So, 4 out of 6, if I was being graded is actually 66%...a failing grade.  Not great.  That's why I say it was a good warm up week.  Getting back into the swing of things (ish) and preparing for next week - week 1 of the full 21 Day Fix.  I did eat healthy minus a few chocolates here and there, but Halloween candy is hanging around and sometimes is just too hard to resist.  I did resist probably 90% of the time, which is a passing grade so I'll take it!

So....21 Day Fix is upon me...21 days straight.  Right through Thanksgiving.  I am excited for the challenge. Love the workouts. I did stop drinking Shakeology so I'm interested to see if I get the same results without drinking it this time around.  So...I guess this post is all about me blabbing to motivate myself and get me ready for my upcoming challenge. When I put it in writing, I'm more apt to stick to it! ;)  So here it is.  I'm hoping I pass!

What's your plan to battle the holiday bulge? ;)

~Erin Leigh

Crockpot Chicken and Spinach

Ok the title doesn't sound super appealing but I couldn't come up with anything creative right now. The other day I needed to make a meal and didn't feel like going to the store so I created something with what we had. It was quick, easy, healthy and delish (my favorite combo)! I'm thinking of adding it to my freezer meal list! Here it is! 

Crockpot Chicken and Spinach 

Ingredients: 

4 boneless chicken breasts 

1/2 bag spinach (you can also use 1 package of frozen spinach) 

8 oz corn 

1 can black beans 

2 cups salsa 

1 teaspoon paprika 

1 teaspoon chili powder 

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

Directions: 

Throw everything into the crockpot. 

Cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4).

Shred Chicken. Mix everything together. 

That's it. You're welcome. ;)

I ate mine on top of salad with a little shredded cheese on top. My hubby ate his as tacos with taco shells and salsa. 

We had plenty of leftovers for a few lunches so you can also half the recipe if you don't want as many leftovers. 

There you have it...my first fall concoction of 2015! More to come! 

I meant to get a picture of my perfect looking plate of food but I dug in too quick...so this will have to do! 

~Erin Leigh

A Project on the Horizon

This month has been such a great month!  I was looking forward to it for quite some time! My mid month birthday was sandwiched between a trip to Jamaica with some of our closest friends and a trip to Florida with the kiddos!  The month was so fun, unfortunately flew by and now I'm having a little bit of a reality check.  Time to get back into the swing of things, into the groove, get the house in order and get our suitcases officially unpacked!  To add to that...not only have I not worked out a lot this past month after working out almost every day for the 7 weeks leading up to Jamaica, but I also definitely did my fair share of eating and drinking lots of deliciousness - so it's back on track with goal setting, healthy eating and workin' it out (this will start right after Halloween on Saturday)! ;)

Thankfully, this back on track thing is happening in the Fall, which is my favorite time of the year for cooking.  I feel I can be a little more creative when I'm cooking indoors.  Summer tends to be 99% grill cooking which by now at the end of the season, grilling has become a little boring to me.  If you haven't followed by blog before, some of my favorite recipes I have shared I have created on a whim with food I have in the house and the meals always (ok, usually) come out great. That being said, I LOVE crock pot cooking and creating healthy recipes.  Even baking but modifying the goodies to be healthy but still delish. 

So...that brings me to my next project!  Last night I was browsing Pinterest for some freezer meal ideas and decided that I'm going to create my own crockpot freezer meals menu/tutorial/shopping list etc.  I've had a hard time finding menu's online for bulk freezer meals that I actually like and/or are healthy/made with fresh foods so I figured I'll do it myself.  There is nothing like pulling a meal out of the freezer at night to thaw, throwing it in the crockpot in the morning and doing nothing else but serving it 8 hours later and having it be healthy.  Preparing in bulk not only saves time but can also save money and I love saving both!   Heck, maybe I'll even create this all into an e-book!  I can always use a good Fall/Winter project so why not?! Stay tuned for the shopping list and recipes and savings!  I'll keep your family fed this winter (with your money, not mine) and give you more time with your family and less time preparing! Win win!

In the meantime, if you are looking for some tasty fall recipes, here are a few of my favorites!  Quick and Flavorful Pork Roast , my go to Santa Fe Chicken , and last but not least, one of my first creations that I shared Hearty Turkey Veggie Soup!

Ok, so now you will be fed healthy food...who wants to battle the holiday bulge with me?? (Starting Nov 1 of course - after Halloween).  All this requires is a fitness goal, a plan, motivation and action steps! Let's do it! Eat simply and healthy and have a fitness plan to battle the holiday bulge! Maybe I'm the only one who gets excited about these things, but if you are interested in following along let me know and we will do it together! :)

Stay tuned for some meals soon!  Now, I'm going to go enjoy a peanut butter cup as a mid afternoon snack since I won't be doing that effective a few days from now. ;)

~Erin Leigh

Make sure to follow Fit Fun Lifestyle on Facebook !

Zucchini Bread Paleo Style!

This was our first year with a (small) garden! It was a trial garden really. I planted all the seeds with the kids in the Spring and we transplanted into our 4x4 raised garden bed.  There were lots of veggies we planted and it was actually pretty successful! Currently I think I have 150 tomatoes in the fridge, combination of large tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and yellow cherry tomatoes.  Funny thing is, I don't even like tomatoes but at least our tomato growing was successful.  I am planning on making some sauce or crushed tomatoes for chili this winter - maybe that will be another blog post in the near future. Stay tuned ;) Anyways...this post is about zucchini so back to that.  I had picked a few zucchini's and hadn't made them yet so on Sunday I decided to bake during naptime on a 95 degree day.  Weird I know.  I decided to whip up some zucchini bread, paleo style! (Mainly because I was out of sugar and brown sugar, but I'm trying to get back on the paleo eating style anyways so I guess it was a blessing in disguise). ;) 

So, I found a few different recipes on Pinterest and creatively put them together and it came out delish! Even my picky toddler ate it!  My hubby liked it too...although his initial reaction was surprise - it is more earthy than a sugar and flour filled zucchini bread - but after his initial surprise, he did like it!

Anyways, for anyone who likes to bake, has zucchini and is trying to eat healthy, this is delish!

Paleo Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
1.5 cups of shredded zucchini (no food processor needed - just shred)
3 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of salt

2 eggs
1/2 ripe banana mashed
1/3 cup of honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup natural peanut butter (can also use almond butter)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Shred zucchini and place in large bowl.  Add all the seasonings including the coconut flour and toss until the zucchini is coated.  In another bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until well mixed.  Add the zucchini mixture to it until well combined.  Grease a bread pan well, pour in and bake for 35 minutes!  (I checked around 30 minutes and the center was still not cooked through).

Super simple, minimal dishes to use and came out good and healthy!

I'm looking forward to more healthy cooking and baking soon - sauce to freeze (or if I can get my act together, canned sauce), and lots of apple deliciousness this fall!  I'm loving getting back into my fitness, health and blogging groove. :)

~Erin Leigh
www.facebook.com/fitfunlifestyle

Blogging - I'm Back!

Blogging...where have you been???? Haha! I have missed blogging and finding the time to sit down to spend a half hour to write about myself, my fitness, my recipes, my family, my business, parenting or whatever my heart's desire!  That extra half hour has not existed! So...in this moment, I am completely aware that this may be anywhere from 5-30 minutes of time since it's that time of naptime that my kiddos are due to wake up any second.  It's that point in naptime that you know someone WILL probably wake up, resulting in the other one waking up...also known as the moment during naptime that you have just sat down to do something mindless for the first time in...about 6 months! That's not a complaint - just a fact...it never fails! ;)

So these days I have been all over the map when it comes to fitness.  I was doing 21 Day Fix, bought PiYo but then changed the plan to T25 but then decided to do BBG, then stopped BBG because it was finally nice out and I wanted to start running, then restarted BBG to tone up but then stopped because I was bored with it, then planned on restarting 21 Day Fix but then decided I would keep on running, then restarted BBG again through week 8 and then went on vacation and just ran...and now I am back from vacation, trying to get back to clean eating and figure out what exactly I want to do with my workouts!  I have no rhyme or reason to what I am doing, which is great and frustrating at the same time because I feel I am not reaching my desired results.  I leave for Jamaica in just 8 weeks and I want to get back to be my most fit self before we leave so I figured that blogging will help hold me accountable!  If I write my goals publicly I HAVE to follow them AND stick to them right??

So, with that being said, I am still deciding.  A few weeks of running followed by two rounds of 21 Day Fix plus ab worksouts every other day?!  I'm thinking that is my decision but I am just kind of throwing it out there because I know, those toddlers I was speaking of, will be walking down the stairs ready for my attention any moment.  I can tell you one thing that has remained consistent though is that I drink my chocolate Shakeology with a scoop of peanut butter EVERY morning for breakfast. Best way to start the day and regardless of what workout program I am doing, I feel it has so many health benefits and makes me feel good in general so that is one thing I have not changed and I don't plan on changing ever!

I also have a goal to get back to my strict Paleo meal planning. I have never felt better than when I followed that eating style.  It's so easy to get away from it over the summer with all the deliciousness that comes along with cookouts, eating out, traveling and of course margaritas.

What workout are you doing?? Any suggestions for me before I commit?  This is me, back in blogging action...for as many half an hour downtimes as I can find! :)

~Erin Leigh

www.facebook.com/fitfunlifestyle

Do you have questions about Shakeology?? Let me know! :)   Good timing - I hear the little ones now! Off for an afternoon of fun! :)

Network Marketing 101

As many of you know, I started my own network marketing business.  I never actually thought I would get involved in a network marketing business, but the more I researched and learned about the business structure, I realized it was EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Sometimes, I think that "network marketing" is misinterpreted as a "pyramid scheme" or that there is some negativity that goes along with it for some reason.  But, let me tell you, it is far from a negative.  It is the exact opposite.  This is the first post of what I plan to be the beginning of a series to educate people on network marketing and how to succeed.

So, being blog post #1 I will answer the question - what is network marketing?

Network marketing is an opportunity that allows you to start your own business with a very low start up cost.  You are your own boss, make your own hours and can work from anywhere. (Sounds ideal, right)?? You are usually selling (however, I like to say sharing) a good or service to a network of people.  I am definitely not a sales person - at all.  I do not like thinking that I am selling something, rather, I am sharing my love for something with others.  For example, if I go out to dinner with my husband and we have a great dinner, I will usually tell at least 3 people about that restaurant over the next few days just in casual conversations.  If those 3 people also love the restaurant, then I am sure they will tell another 3 people each.  Just think, my one trip to that restaurant just generated another 12 visits that may not have happened.  I didn't get paid for that recommendation, but I generated business for that restaurant.  Network marketing is the same thing.  You are just sharing your love of a product/service with those around you but actually getting paid for it.  It's something you believe in and would tell them about whether you sold it or not.  Before I even got involved in network marketing, there were lots of people who were purchasing the product because of me anyways because I was telling everyone about it!

The second part of network marketing is having people join you in the opportunity. They are called your "downline."  They sign up through you and you help them get started in their business venture (you don't have to, but I like to help them have a smooth transition into the business)!  They should have a passion for the product, be interested in additional income and/or the opportunity to work from home, want to connect with new people and/or have fun!  I mean, doesn't it sound too good to be true?! 

What happens is when you have both your own customer base/sales and a downline, you not only make commission off of your sales but you make a percentage off of your downline's sales.  This downline can go on forever.  Anyone under anyone under anyone under you becomes your team.  It is amazing.  And NO it is not a pyramid.  This is a pyramid:

When I first started five months ago, I jotted down on a piece of paper the following (which I still have):

3
9
27
81
243
729
= 1,093

The effects of multiplying.  If you add 3 people to your team and those 3 people add 3 people you have 9.  If those 9 add 3 = 27 etc.  So when you total your first 6 "levels" of your team, you have 1,093 people! What you don't realize is how FAST that can actually happen. It's amazing.  Does it happen overnight? No way.  Does it take some work? Of course.  Nothing comes with no effort but it certainly doesn't feel like "work." It just requires some creativity and networking.  What is amazing is you make residual income off of the 1,093 people! As your team grows, so does your paycheck...and it continues on forever. 

Committing to and sticking with a network marketing business can offer HUGE rewards.  My plan is to advance to the highest level within the company.  My plan is that I will make a full time income, much higher than I ever imagined, in very part time hours per week. My plan is that I will be a good leader and role model and help others reach their goals as well.  My plan is that I can offer other people the opportunity and training that they need to be successful.  My plan is to change lives!

If you have confidence in yourself, persevere and stay committed, you can have the life you have always dreamed of.  I already was living the life of my dreams before getting into this business and now I see a future that is even better!  I am so amazed at what I have learned, my experience in my very short 5 months and the rewards/income I have already earned! I am BEYOND EXCITED to see what the future has in store for me and my family!! :)

I hope this clears up some misunderstandings about what network marketing is. If you have any questions please let me know and I am happy to answer!  Interested in joining me?  Let's set up a time to chat so I can answer all your questions!  Let's start changing lives!

 

~Erin Leigh

There are two great books I just read if you are interested in learning more!  1.  The Flip Flop CEO and 2. How to Rock Your Network Marketing Business.  Both are amazing and inspiring and I highly recommend for anyone on the fence! 

Aruba 2015

My blogging trends these days continue to follow along the lines of "better late than never."  But, it IS better late than never right?!   It all started last winter when Nate and I ran into my parents at Bentley's in East Longmeadow. Totally unplanned.  But, one of our best ideas was formed! We began talking about buying vacation homes and doing Christmas in Aruba this year! So, needless to say, 2015 started off with a family trip to Aruba and it may have been one of the best weeks ever!  (Still working on the vacation home thing)! 

 

Of course we came home and got the flu about 24 hours later, which in turn made Aruba feel like a distant memory, while taking care of two sick whining toddlers, for a week, while being sick, but we got through it! ;)

So, by family trip, it was the four of us, my parents and two brothers.  We stayed at the Occidental, an all inclusive because quite honestly, I wanted something easy, didn't want to have to do anything really except walk to the pool, then walk to the beach, then maybe back to the pool (maybe the pool bar, beach bar, pool bar - maybe ;) ), and I certainly had no desire to travel through the airport with car seats.  Car seats were not coming on this trip after our crazy journey with two toddlers, two car seats and lots of luggage to Florida in May!  I break a sweat just thinking about it!  But, no car seats needed at an all inclusive - so the decision was made!

Anyways - perfect weather with the perfect people.  We had extra sets of hands to help with the kids, but I swear they are better behaved on vacation than at home.  It's amazing. Best travelers ever.  They love their sleepovers together and exploring new things.  So fun!

A few highlights:

My parents watched the kids while Nate, my brothers and I went tubing - but this was no normal tubing.  It was more of a "pay $80 to see what a near death experience off the coast of Aruba is like." Seriously - 4 adults, on one tube, side by side, not strapped in, just holding handles.  The driver hit every single possibly wave, ocean ripple, you name it - he hit it (then would look at us and laugh)! This went on for 20 minutes before he then tried to bring us out in the ocean, far far away from the shore.  I partially freaked out, so instead, he brought all the way, past the docking pier (safety), to the other end of the island, torturing us for another 15 or so minutes (felt like 15 hours)!  The things coming out of our grown adults mouths were actually quite hysterical. Why we didn't have someone video it from the boat I have no idea.  Next time (if there is a next time) I will have to plan that.  It may have been one of the scariest experiences of my life - but I made it back to shore, alive, to my kids. I couldn't move for about 24 hours because of muscle soreness - but since I was alive, I looked at it as a good upper body workout.

Catamaran boat ride with two snorkeling stops, open bar, music, snacks, and a super fun driver named Yohan.  We almost did another boat ride the next day because it was the best.  I would do this weekly if I could.  Good for the soul. 

We did pool days, beach days, shows, nap time, relaxed, had amazing dinners, great company, lots and lots of pina coladas and all the other deliciousness that you are supposed to consume on vacation.  (The kids had more pina coladas than I have had in my whole life actually).  We let them eat whatever they wanted the whole time and they loved that!   We had a "it's their vacation too" attitude and I loved letting them live large. :)  Took us some serious reprogramming when we returned home - add that to the fun of the flu!

The last day right before leaving, Jaxon and Anya were asked if they wanted to be part of the on site iguana feeding. They got to feed the iguanas lettuce right out of their hands.  Needless to say, they loved it! 

So...that is a brief summary to document our trip!  Here are some pictures in case you didn't believe how fun it was! :)

We're here!



And thirsty!



We had lots of beach time!

 

Snorkle time!

 

Jax on stage time!
 

 

 

Girl time!

 

Mom and her boys time :)

 

Sushi time!

Dive time!

Near death experience time!

 

Iguana time!

Nap time!



Pina colada time!



And another...

 

 

And another...

 

 

 

And of course spouse time!

 



Amazing place!



With my most precious people! <3

 

Bring me back!!

 

~Erin Leigh