Easy Beef Roast

Ok friends...if you are new to my blog, let me tell you that with three kiddos at home and running an at home business online, I am ALL ABOUT quick and easy recipes!  My cooking approach is kind of a "throw healthy things together and see how they come out" style. (99% of the time they are pretty delish) and then I (try to find the time to) share with you afterwards if I love it!  This week I made a beef roast in the crock pot and it was SOOOO good AND QUICK (which is very important) so of course I have to share! 

If you don't already have a crock pot, I recommend this one because it's programmable. I love crock pot cooking because you can set it and forget it! My style! ;)

So for this beef roast I used a 3 lb roast.  Feel free to adjust the other ingredients if you have a larger or smaller roast.  3lbs was for my family of 5 and left enough for some leftover lunches for my hubby!

Easy Beef Roast

Ingredients:
3lb beef roast
2 cups of organic mini potatoes, halved. (You can also use 2-3 regular potatoes and cut into quarters).
1 cup baby carrots or 3 large carrots chopped
1 onion
2 Teaspoons minced garlic
Adobo
Garlic Powder
Italian seasoning
Basil
1 beef boullion cube or 1 heaping TB of Better than Boullion
1 Cup of Water

Directions:
Slice Onion into circles and place on the botton of the crock pot.  
Place the roast on top of the onions.
Cut a few 1/2 inch slices on the top of the roast and spread the minced garlic on top and inside the cuts.
Shake some Adobo, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning & Basil on top of the roast and rub in. I just do a few shakes of each to be honest, probably equaling about 1 TB of each if you are a "measure everything" cook. :) 
The beef boullion goes in the botton with ONLY 1 cup of water. The beef creates its own liquid as well.
Put on low for 8 hours.  After 4 hours add the potatoes and carrots.

Note: If you are setting it in the morning and forgetting it ;) you can add the potatoes and carrots at that time. I prefer to add later when possible so they don't overcook and get soggy.  

That's it! So simple and delish!! The roast had great flavor and it's a well rounded meal even the kids loved! (Although they don't like potatoes, so I had some white rice on the side for them...hence the few grains of rice in the picture! Haha).

If you try it, let me know how you like it!! :)  Happy Thursday, aka, almost Friday! 

~Erin Leigh

On a side note, I recently received this Instapot and it is a MAJOR time saver!!! I'm just figuring out how to use it and I made some chicken burritos in...wait for it...15 minutes from beginning to eating. The chicken cooked in 8 minutes and it was SOOOO tasty! If you don't have one, get one! (Feel free to use the link to the Amazon one - because Amazon Prime is life). :)  I'm going to (try my best to) do a series of healthy Instapot recipes as I experiment with it!!  So stay tuned for that! In the meantime, this roast will be a great addition to your meal plans!! If you try it, let me know how you like it!! :)

Turkey Quinoa Deliciousness

So this blogging thing has been back on my mind for quite some time. I miss it so much! Quite honestly, I have several partially written blog posts from over the last two or so years that never were completed.  I guess you could say I have been busy!  Running a business from home, taking care of three kiddos including a (I think now she may technically be a toddler, but I'm not ready to use that word yet) baby, kid's activities, homework, social calendar and more. I guess it doesn't sound like a lot, or maybe it does (?), but basically every moment is filled up. Until now, I'm squeaking this post in early in the AM because a lot of people have been asking for this recipe, so of course I want to share and this is the easiest way! :)

For those new here, the initial focus of my blog was to be able to have a creative outlet to document my ideas, goals, memories, stories and things about life in general for myself...and anyone else who feels like keeping up with me. :)  Fitfunlifestyle came from a combination of things I love - fitness, having fun, living life and style. See what I did there?? ;)

So with no further delay (frankly because I'm running out of time), here is the delicious Turkey Quinoa Taco Meal I made this week! Note: I make a double recipe so we have plenty of leftovers because it is a great leftover meal. If you are cooking for 2-3 people I recommend cutting the recipe in half.

Here you go!

Turkey Quinoa Taco Meal

Ingredients:
2 lbs ground turkey
1 large onion
2 TB minced garlic
1 can diced chilies (I use mild)
2 cans fire roasted tomatoes
1 jar salsa (I use mild)
1 cup frozen corn
1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can small kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
2 tsp sea salt
3 TB chili powder
1 1/2 TB cumin
1 packet taco seasoning
As much cheese as you desire for the top - I use FARRR too much. ;)

Directions:
Cook 1 Cup of Quinoa in small saucepan as directed.

Simultaneously, heat large skillet with EVOO and add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for one minute and then add ground turkey. Cook until turkey is cooked through.

Add diced chilies and stir in first. Then add the tomatoes, corn, salsa, beans and all seasonings. Just literally throw it all in and mix together well. 

When quinoa is cooked through, add to the skillet combination and mix all together and cover. Have heat on Med/High heat so the liquid (very minimal) can boil and then turn to simmer to let all the deliciousness mix together.  After 5 minutes, open the lid, add your desired amount of cheese, cover to melt and then serve!

Its a complete meal on its own but it can also be served with tortilla chips.  Topping recommendations are sour cream (confession: I use farrrr too much of this too) and avocado.

Let me know if you try it! It's on our bi-weekly meal plan! (When I have time to make a meal plan)!

Told you I use a lot of cheese! ;)

ENJOY!

~Erin Leigh

#Momlife

Have you heard of the LuLaRoe craze? Those buttery soft leggings? The comfy Carly dress that women are swooning over? The Cassie, aka, the perfectly fitting AND comfortable pencil skirt? (Did you know there was such a thing)?! If you have tried on or own any LuLaRoe items, you know exactly what I mean about how amazing the clothing line is…if you haven’t, you have no idea what you are missing!  I fell in love so hard that amongst a busy life with two toddlers, a part time marketing/management position, a home to take care of and dabbling in some other #momlife things like blogging, working out, play dates and kids activities to name a few, I decided to take a chance and jump aboard the LuLa train and start my own business….at the SAME time as having my third baby. Ok, it was two weeks after she was born, but still! Crazy I know but it’s been an amazing experience! With a three week old strapped to my body, UPS dropped off a delivery of 400+ clothing items!  I spent 8 hours photographing and getting ready to launch my business and now I’m full blown in it! Four months later I now am a Mom of three and work 100% from home running my own business (helping women feel confident and beautiful - it's actually my job - pinch me!) and helping other women with the same desires to work at home launch their businesses and it’s nothing short of AMAZING! I can’t even believe this is real life.

WOW!

A day in the life of a LuLaRoe Consultant!

Here are some things about LuLaRoe and why I love it.  It's more than just the amazing clothes!  The mission is “where through fashion we create freedom, serve others and strengthen families. A place where lives are being blessed and dreams achieved through love, confidence, purpose and growth.”  This mission totally struck a cord with me because I have been searching for an opportunity where I can work from home making an actual income (not just extra cash) to help support my family while being with my children and work on MY time but also be able to do something positive and spread positivity! It’s been amazing because LuLaRoe has met all those goals!  One of their missions is to bless others and this business has allowed me to give back to multiple charities already and give away free clothes to bless others which makes my heart happy! :)

Another thing I love is that women feel so comfortable in the clothing. As a woman and having gone through 3 pregnancies, I know first hand the insecurities that women have and how amazing it is to find clothing lines and styles that flatter every body type and this line achieves that. There is something for everyone and sizes range from XXS – 3XL! The company is also very fashion forward!  At New York Fashion Week this year, women were seen wearing a pleated knee length skirt (specifically Victoria Beckham) which is identical to our Jill skirt and has been in production for over a year now!  LuLaRoe is staying ahead of trends!

The items are also “one of a kind” or known as “unicorns.” This is because LuLaRoe makes only 2,500-5,000 of each print, spreads it across all styles, is shipped to consultants across the United States and then never creates an item with that print again.  So, if you see something you love, you better claim it because the chance you will see it ("your unicorn") again in your size are slim to none!  This almost guarantees that you will not have the same item as someone else you know!

Had to have this dress! (And my daughter had to have hers too) ;)

This has been a great business for my family and a way to teach my 4 and 5 year old basic work skills.  Specifically my daughter loves being my “business partner” in this. (She is asking me if she can do a live sale with the kids clothes soon! Stay tuned for that)!  I will give them tasks and give them $1 to save.  Believe it or not, it’s actually very helpful. Everything from sorting new inventory and counting the piles to compare to the original order, opening items, folding items, hanging items, handing me hangers. All these tasks are ways that my kids can be involved in my work day and they actually enjoy being my little helpers and I can be WITH them! Win Win!  And of course, being a Mom of three I also have to mention that the kids clothes are adorable! ;) My daughter who only wears leggings calls her LuLaRoe leggings her "comfy leggings."

Her favorite pair of leggings!

I have met so many amazing women and grown relationships with other consultants and customers which has been so fun! I even met a 2^nd cousin who happened to be added to my online shopping group by her friend! How ironic is that?! I am loving this business and the opportunity it brings to my family and is absolutely perfect for me at this phase of life!

My suggestion to you is if you have a goal, a dream or a desire, to jump in without doubting yourself.  Take a chance because it may be the best decision of your life!  If it doesn't work out, a lesson will be learned and you will be a more knowledgable person.  If I had doubted myself too much, second guessed my decision, quit when things felt crazy (remember, I did have a 3 week old when that shipment came!!) or I didn't think outside of the box, I would be in a much different place right now.  But now, Monday mornings I can wake up and make my kids pancakes because I have the time, I can be at the bus stop before AND after school...every single day.  My husband and I get more time together because I'm home and can decide when I work.  I am so very thankful that I took a chance and I encourage you to take a chance on something too! It might just best the best decision of your life! :)

Monday Mornings :)

~Erin Leigh

If you would like to join my shopping group to see what this is really all about, you can join here:
www.facebook.com/groups/lularoeerinrosario/  
Instagram: @lularoeerinrosario
Email: lularoeerinrosario@gmail.com

Shopping List for LuLaRoe (with Amazon links)! UPDATED!

Hi All!  I wanted to do a post to follow up on my post 20 Things To Do While Waiting to Onboard with LuLaRoe and provide you all with my shopping list of items I purchased while in the queue in order to prepare to onboard and the items that I continually order for my business! I did TONS of research on products and price comparisons so I might as well share that info with you all to save you the time! (Wish I found a shopping list when I was in the queue)! ;)

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. ALL items have been purchased on Amazon. You can click on the links to bring you directly to the item and add to cart to save. If you don't have an Amazon Prime Membership - get one! You can't beat the free two day shipping, especially when you forget to add items to an order or think of something you need last minute! I bought the bare minimum to start in my opinion and that was my goal! I wanted to save any extra money and spend it on more inventory!

Here you go! :)

iPhone Tripod - TOTAL time saver. I didn't get this until 7 weeks into my business and I can't believe I didn't get it sooner. I have an iPhone and I believe it also works with Android.

Bluetooth Remote - Again - bought at the same time as the tripod and wish I did it sooner. As soon as you put the clothes on the mannequin (link below as well) you press a button and the picture is taken. 1 second. Can't beat it. Time is money.

Storage Bags - These are inexpensive and store your clothes for traveling or even just at home. You can even cover the clothes while on hangers and hanging.

Shopping Bags - For in home shoppers. These are simple but they are good size and the price is right.

6x9 Polymailers - I fit 1 pair of leggings or kids clothes in these. Fits perfectly.

10x13 Polymailers - You can use these for multiple items.

Hair Ties - I wrap one of these hairties around my business card and include in my delivery as a little something extra for my customers. You would be surprised how many people comment on getting it! 

Dymo LabelWriter 4XL - Prints in seconds. Worth the money in my opinion. 

Labels for Dymo - Worth having the rolls on back up. I ran out once without any on hand and had items to ship. This four pack is the best price per roll I could find!

Mannequin - I got size 2-4 because I read how XXS doesn't fit on anything bigger (it's very snug on this size). For larger sizes I use chip clips to hold clothing up. Some people I know got a small and large mannequin but so far I use just the one. 

QuickBooks - I bought and installed and plan to use when I can have some time to learn it! 😂 

Coat Check Numbers -  For live sales. Hooks on hanger.  

Lighting Kit - I know you are debating it but do it. It makes a huge difference and saves you time from people asking is the color black or blue or completely bypassing an item without asking because they don't want to take the time to ask. Trust me here.

Ok - that's my list. Plus hangers at Costco - 35 for $9.99. (I love Costco)! You can go over the top with decor and extras but I kept it simple to start! I hope that helps you get started confidently and save you time price shopping so you can spend the time building your business! Good luck! 💗 

~Erin Leigh

Work From Home

I'm looking for motivated women who want to work from home! Stay at home Moms or those that don't want to work the 9-5 grind!  I'm starting my LuLaRoe business and am looking to Sponsor those that are serious about an amazing opportunity! 

This opportunity is real, exciting and full of positivity and support! I'm so blessed to be able to be on this journey and I want to mentor and train others to find success in this work from home opportunity. Why you may ask? Because I feel like there is nothing more important than financial freedom and being able to work towards fulfilling your own dreams rather than working hard all day every day to help another business owner achieve theirs. I'm fortunate to be able to work my business and plan around my family's schedule rather than plan things around my work schedule. 

I know what it takes to get started and be successful with this business, working for yourself, and I am here and would like to help five motivated women get started! 

If this sounds like something for you contact me at LuLaRoeErinRosario@gmail.com to chat further! I'm so excited to help YOU achieve YOUR goals! ❤️ 

~Erin Leigh

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeErinRosario/

20 Things to do While Waiting to Onboard with LuLaRoe

**Edited to add my Amazon shopping list with product links at end**

Once you have decided to sign up with LuLaRoe the wait can feel like forever!  Trust me I know! However, there are many things you can do to utilize your wait time and be productive in getting ready for the big launch!! Here is my list of 20 things to do while waiting to onboard with LuLaRoe! There are many more but this will help get you started!

1. Decide on/order business cards. 

-Price them out and make sure to look for discount codes. Vistaprint has some good deals and discount codes. You can also get them at LuLaRoeCustom.com which seems easier because they are fully created for you.

2. Decide on giveaways to grow your following and how to grow your following in general. This will have to be another post. I have lots of examples if you are interested in the meantime!

3. Speaking of email - create your LuLa email. I suggest LuLaRoe plus your first and last name to keep it simple. 

4. Research shipping options. USPS, stamps.com, easyshipping.com to name a few. Decide which is best for YOU :) If you create a USPS account they provide you with free shipping supplies. 

5. Decide on an area you plan to store your clothing. Do you have an extra bedroom you can turn into a LuLaLounge? Are you short on space and need to be creative? 🙋🏼 I am! 

6.  Research and decide on storage bins and travel bags. Ikea is a great source  and also shop local places for inexpensive plastic bins. Job Lot and Ocean State sometimes have good deals. Price them out and then watch for sales during your wait! 

7. Hangers! You will need lots of them. Best deal I have found is 35 for $10 at Costco and they are felt. Don't have a Costco membership? Get one or find someone that does! ;) 

8. Open a separate bank account. Much easier to manage. You may also want to have a separate credit card for inventory orders to keep everything organized. Make sure it's a card that generates points or miles as rewards! 

9. Clothing racks - sturdy and collapsible are recommended. Amazon is great and Bed Bath & Beyond also has some. Make sure to pair a 20% off coupon with your order! Don't have one? Find someone that does! ;) 

10. Join other groups and brainstorm with other consultants to get their best tips! 

11. Looks into Blitz Cards, customer scratch tickets and other ideas to ship with items. Just search "LuLaRoe Supplies" on Etsy.com and you will get lots of ideas of what is out there as options. Choose what is important to you! Then you can price shop online. 

12. Create your Facebook VIP group! Lots of info on this - too much for this post. Contact me with questions or to brainstorm! 

13. Make personal/business goals for yourself. I'm a numbers person so this comes easy. Decide what you want to make and then figure out how much you have to sell to achieve that daily/weekly/monthly/yearly goal. 

14. Make sure to ask your Sponsor lots of questions! Don't have a sponsor yet? Make sure you choose someone that will help and guide you! Again, feel free to contact me with questions. 

15. What is your "why" and how will you brand yourself? Decide. 

16. Research the different ways to make your business easier! Shop the Roe, LuLaPad, Excel Spreadsheets, Google Docs. The options are endless so do your research NOW!

17. Network and spread the word you are thinking about or in the process of becoming a consultant. Let your excitement show and get others excited! 

18. Research the versatility and sizing options of the clothing so when your inventory comes you are knowledgable and a pro! 

19. Watch YouTube videos about joining. (My YouTube is LuLaRoeErinRosario if you are interested). 

20. Be positive and have patience! The best is yet to come! 💗

~Erin Leigh 

PS - Bonus tip! Price shop for a mannequin (smallest size) and lighting options for photo taking. Again - Amazon is great! 

PSS - Here is my link to my Amazon shopping list with links for products to order! LuLaRoe Shopping List for Quebies

Join my Facebook Group to follow along:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeErinRosario/

YouTube: LuLaRoeErinRosario

Instagram: @lularoeerinrosario

Email: LuLaRoeErinRosario@gmail.com

LuLaRoe - The Wait!

So you've signed up for LuLaRoe and sent in your paperwork...now what?!? That's the question I've been asking myself and the answer is....wait! It's SO hard to wait though so I've been keeping myself busy researching and making lists of things to do to make my business successful! Staying positive and looking ahead! (I'm all about positivity)! 

Here are some things to look into during the waiting game. 

-Bank accounts (separate recommended)

-Shipping options 

-Clothing racks (collapsible is good)

-Hangers (Costco has felt lines hangers that are 35 for $10. I got two packs so far).

-Plastic bins for storage

-Business cards and other paper goods

-Facebook header (lots of options on Etsy)

Brainstorming on:

-How/where will your store inventory

-Inventory goal (how much do you want to have on hand eventually).

-Goal for paying back investment (timeline)

-Goal for how much to profit monthly plus breakdown. 

-Ideas to grow Facebook group. (I have lots of ideas if you want to chat/brainstorm)! 

-Rewards you will offer your customers and reward program. 

-When will you start online group and promoting? Lots of opinions on this.

-Lining up in home and online hostesses for when inventory arrives! 

I'm trying to keep things simple. I want to keep it basic until I get in the flow of my business and then decide what's really important to have as far as supplies. You could go crazy spending money on supplies but everyone has different preferences so it's up to you what is important to invest in. Each list I read had many different things listed and it was overwhelming to me so I decided to just take it down a notch and plan the business side of it and wait on the supplies investment until I get in a groove. Of course there are some things I need but I will be pre-buying the bare minimum. Not because I'm cheap ;) but because I want to invest in the RIGHT supplies for ME! 😊

On a side note, the wait is tough but I'm working on my Facebook group now and want to focus on spreading the word in my upcoming business venture! That's key! I'm also looking for other LuLa consultants to network with and LuLa hopefuls to bring on the journey with me...so if you are either one, contact me to chat! 💗 

Have a great day! 

~Erin Leigh 

LuLaRoeErinRosario@gmail.com

VIP Facebook group - Join Here! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeErinRosario/

Instagram: @lashestostilettos