Five Things For Friday: Clean Recipes

If you don't have a foam roller can I just tell you... GO GET ONE!  It will be the best frenemy you have ever had!!

Ok guys.  You know my goal is to get in to some booty shorts at some point this year.  I've been trying really hard to keep my diet super clean.  I am on MyFitnessPal {my username is Jennwarnick} every day putting in my stuff and trying to eat a lot of veggies and protein.  I've made my diary public so you can check out what I've been eating for ideas.  I've had a couple people ask me for the recipe links of stuff they have seen me eating on there.  So here are a few of my faves I thought I'd share...

No bake energy balls from Gimme Some Oven.  

I work out first thing in the morning and since I try to stay in bed as long as possible I don't have time to eat any breakfast.  Not that I really want to either.  I'm still waking up and jumping around on a full stomach is no bueno.    So I started keeping these in the fridge.  I just grab a couple every morning on my way out the door and they give me just enough pep to make it through my workout.  She has a couple different varations on her site you should try them all out. 

Ginger Cilantro Baked Tilapia from The Kitchn

This is probably my favorite dinner right now.  It is so easy and we all love it.  Well, Ivy just likes her tilapia baked plain but loves it when I make this dinner.  I just use the frozen tilapias from Costco.  The longest part is cooking the brown rice to go with it.  

Source: biggest-loser-recipes.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Biggest Loser Pancakes

This is our new go to pancakes.  I add about a half teaspoon of baking powder to the mix.  They are really yummy and super filling.  Even Ivy who could probably win the world championship pancake eating contest only eats three.

Sweet Potato Pancakes from The Gracious Pantry

These are on my list to try.  I am loving sweet potatoes right now and these just sound way yummy to me.  If you are looking for a good source of clean eating recipes check out The Gracious Pantry.  Tons and tons of good information on there.

  
Crockpot Tortilla Soup by Chef in Training

Umm this is our favorite soup.  To keep it clean you need to nix the all the cheese and sour cream and tortilla chips.  Try making your own by just cutting up some corn tortillas and tossing with a little bit of olive oil and salt.  Bake at 400 until crispy.  We also add avocado.  I cut out the chile powder so Ivy will eat it.  I also have just used diced tomatoes and some onions instead of Rotel.  Might be awesome for the Super Bowl eh?  

Have a fun weekend!  And I'd love any other recipes that you have been loving so go ahead and share em! Also I'm thinking Monday is a good day to start Round Three of the Ruffled Sunshine 24 Day Challenge.  See ya then!

2013 Spiritual Goals

About a month ago in Relief Society we had a lesson about being good moms.  And the teacher referenced a talk that said "be brilliant at the basics".  Just that one little quote struck something in me and it has helped me decide what my spiritual goal is for this year.  

So I got out my notebook and I started making a list of the basic things in my life.   I kind of got overwhelmed.  Because under each basic thing is a million things to do to be brilliant at that one simple thing!  And next thing I knew, my list wasn't basic anymore. It was something like this.  

Be a brilliant mom

 -dont do that

 - do more of this

- teach her this

- a

-b

-c

-d

all the way to z.

And it was that way with each thing I thought I wanted to be brilliant at!  So I had to take a step back and decide what were the most important things to be brilliant at.  I want to be a brilliant mom, wife and friend/sister/daughter.  The tricky part seemed to be figuring out how to be brilliant at those things without having 1000 things on my to do list every day.  

Then I was reading in the Book of Mormon when Alma is talking to his sons.  And a scripture leaped out at me.  Its Alma 37:44 and it says...

O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it was with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so is it with us.  The way is prepared and if we will look we might live forever.

I've thought a lot about this and it is how I came up with what I need to be brilliant at.  Every week at church there are those Sunday School answers to just about every question -- read your scriptures and say your prayers. It sure sounds easy but I'll be honest I've gotten pretty lazy about those things.   I was counting reading those picture scriptures with Ivy before bed as scripture study.  And family prayer, plus little prayers here or there in my head counts as personal prayer right?   Uh, not so much.  

SO, long story short.  My spiritual goal this year is to become brilliant at personal scripture study and personal prayer. I really feel that doing these to things will help me be the kind of mom, wife, and friend that I want to be.  It will help me make better decisions every day to bring me and those around me closer to Heavenly Father.   I've pulled out my actual scriptures and I read and I ponder.  I try and take notes.  It is keeping me so much more focused.  I'm trying to say my prayers before I get in to bed, actually saying them out loud so my mind doesn't wander.  I'm not perfect at it every day thats for sure, but hopefully by the end of the year I can be kind of brilliant at it.  

2013 Fitness Goals

Is it too late to tell you my New Years Resolutions?  I hope not.   I really wanted to get them written down.  They have been sitting in my head and I'm kind of visual so this will help solidify them for me.  First up are my fitness goals for this year.  

Nothing too crazy.  The booty shorts one is going to be the hardest for me.  I don't want to run around in them or anything.  I just want to know that I could wear them and feel ok about it.  And you know the whole swimsuit thing...  Its going to be hard because of the whole pear shape thing.  But hopefully all of these other goals will help me get that one done.  

How about you?  Did you make any fitness goals this year?

Inspire Me. Green

Emerald.  Grass.  Turquoise.  Mint.  Moss. 

 Kelly.  Lime.  Avocado.  Seafoam.  Apple.  Olive.

 Chartreuse.  Forest.  Aqua.  Jade.

 Whats your favorite shade?

Inspire Me. Fonts

Hello!  How was your holiday?!  I hope it was magical.  We are just getting back in to the swing of things after being on vacation for a week and a half.  Which mostly means I have tons of laundry to do.  I really need to tackle that but instead I'm searching for fonts.  Apparently a girl can't have too many.  If you are looking for some new ones here are some I've downloaded in the past few weeks either from Font Squirrel or Lost Type Co Op.  

Blanch | Sofia | Matchbook | Homestead | Wisdom Script 

{p.s.  Yes, Sophia is Sofia}

Inspire Me...So fun I had to share!

I've been bringing back Inspire Me posts because I love sharing beautiful pictures or fabulous things I've seen around.  This weeks is a little random post of awesomeness and fun things that I just had to share right away.  

Handmade Ryan Gosling. So so funny.   The one about the craft stuff everywhere made me think of Darin.

If you have an apple device run to the app store and get the Red Stamp app!  Its free and fabulous.  As my friend Julie said... its a marry-able app.  It sends cards right from your phone by text, email or post em online.    Now you don't have to stress about not having a Christmas card done!

My friend Marilyn is fabulous and she did the most fabulous thing with her instagrams.  I use a lot of exclamation points when I talk about how much I love this.  You can get your very own calendar in Marilyn's etsy shop.

Source: katiespencilbox.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 A Let your Heart Be Light printable banner tutorial from Katies Pencil Box.  I love the sparkle.  

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Every time she posts a hair tutorial I die.  I love the color and her style.  Slowly but surely my hair is growing out again.  Hopefully next holiday season I can rock it.  

Source: thirtyhandmadedays.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I heart these free snowflake embroidery patterns.  Found on 30 Days Blog.

+++
What has been inspiring you this week?

Day 21. I'm Thankful with Modern Marigold

You guys remember Amanda right?!!  My partner in crime from the Friendship Bracelet Swap?  I heart her, I really do so of course she had to visit for I'm Thankful week...

Happy Thanksgiving week, beautiful Ruffle-lets! 

I am so excited to be here -- Jenn is my favorite, did you know?

Thanks for having me over today!

I knew right away what I wanted to write about for this series, but I kept pushing it away.

really, amanda? lame. obvious. booo-ring.

But I just can't push it away. I think it would eat a hole in my head if I kept it inside any longer.

And so today...

I am thankful for the gift of 

c r e a t i v i t y .

And I'm not talking about the sewing/mod podge/stamping/scrapping kind of creativity

{though that is nice, too}. 

I'm talking about the creativity we each were born with--

The creativity that lets you make 

a smile -- a bouquet of dandelions -- a symphony of crackling leaves -- a jump-on-the-bed wild rumpus --

--that lets us make joy.

{children are so good at knowing this intuitively.}

Here is what I believe about creativity:

I believe that we are the children of the most creative being in the universe.

and whether our talents lie in friendliness or flowers, concertos or kazoos, 

I think we've each inherited some irresistible want

to create something of substance and beauty --

even if it's just a joyful noise on a little red kazoo.

Loves + hugs + I hope you are having a marvelous week of creating!

Love + Hugs + Thanks to you too Amanda!  

Inspire Me : Green

Linking up again with Gussy for her fab Inspiration Workshop.  Its not to late, come join me!

Our peas are growing up so big and strong.  Ivy is like a proud little mama.  We water and check on them every day and talk about what makes them grow.  This summer is full of adventures for this little girl and I can't wait to sit on the back patio and eat our yummy peas.  So...


Please Pass the Peas!

Source: lemonademakinmama.com via Michele on Pinterest

I heart peas.  They are my favorite vegetable.  {Asparagus is a close 2nd}

Source: google.com via Kerri on Pinterest

Princess and the Pea

Source: marthastewart.com via delicieux on Pinterest

Pea Fritters.  Not sure about those but I love the presentation!  And lastly...

Source: etsy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Inspire Me...Kitchen

Today is Inspiration Workshop day!  The theme this week is kitchen.  And truthfully?  The kitchen is so NOT on my project list.  But can I show you what I would la la LOVE my kitchen to look like?  

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 Is anyone else totally enamored with these colors right now?  Orangy, corally red, aqua and white?!  SO bright and happy and cheerful.  But can I just tell you that Pinterest is no place for someone playing the Game On Diet?  I finally had to get off before I found myself in the kitchen making some tasty treats.  

Something like

Source: sweetapolita.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

these.  Or

Source: cheekykitchen.com via Jamielyn on Pinterest

these.  Even

Source: lessordinarydesigns.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

some mini fruit pizzas.  But those will have to wait another 3 weeks!

Anyone else ever played The Game?

Inspire Me: Handmade

I signed up yesterday for Gussy's Inspiration Workshop.  Have you signed up yet?  I'm a little excited.  Ok really excited for this fun project!  Since I'm a little late to the game I turned to my pins on Pinterest for some handmade inspiration {the first prompt of the workshop}.  Thanks to my awesome parents Darin and I are kid free for a couple of days so I'm hoping to get in some quality crafting time this afternoon.  Maybe I can cross some of these must make now things off my list!

Source: papiervalise.typepad.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

DIY bag sealers.  So easy and a fab scrap buster!

Source: creatingbycami.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Isn't that the cutest ruffly thing you ever did see?!

Source: etsy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I'm doing this to my burlap toms when they are all frayed out.  No question.

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I need to make this now even though we are so close to summer.  Otherwise I won't be prepared for next summer.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Cornstarch and fabric. Lovely love.

Source: lushlee.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

  After 10 years {our anniversary was yesterday!} with the hubs  I know how really true this is.


Whats on your must do list?!

Happy Mother's Day! Love, Joy's Hope

Hello friends! I hope that you all have a fabulous Mother's Day weekend!  I'm feeling nervous but good about my talk on Sunday. Thanks so much for the kind thoughts and prayers this week.  I'm so blessed to know so many great people who love and encourage me.  Now if we could all pray that I can NOT cry so people can understand me I think it might go ok!

  

My friend Julie from Joys Hope is here with a last minute Mother's Day note for you.  Julie pretty much rocks and I can't wait to eat cupcakes and spray paint things with her in September.  She is the best example of being truly GOOD and I'm so glad to have her stop by.  Take it away lady...

Mother's Day is a beautiful holiday to celebrate the women in our lives that give so much.

That make us who we are.



To be celebrated by the little ones with whom we are entrusted to grow, mold and shape into brilliant, stunning, adults.

But I haven't always felt that way.

After the loss of our first daughter, I wanted to wipe the entire day off of the calendar.  I was a mother without a child.  How could I celebrate?



Thankfully a kind, thoughtful, and generous couple from our church sent us off on a weekend getaway.

For those few days, just to be away from the pain and crushing reminder, was such a gift.



Their goodness to us in our grief, deeply changed me.  It has made me think about those who face this coming Sunday with sorrow and dread.



Those who are separated from their children, be it from loss, or distance.



Those who feel the loss of their own mothers even more acutely.



Those longing for a the laughter of a little one to fill their home.



Those on the journey through the adoption process, be it nearby or oceans away.



Those who need to be remembered.  Thought of.  Comforted.  In simple tangible ways.



A phone call.  A note.  A hug.  A cupcake.  A little bouquet of flowers.



An affirmation of the beauty that they are as a mother.  As a daughter.



Who can you remember and bless tomorrow?

I asked sweet Heather from Life Made Lovely to make this sweet printable card.

Print it out and surprise someone in need with love and thoughtfulness on their porch.



You might never know how very much, such a simple thing could mean.



Have a beautiful Mother's Day friends.

  Thank you, thank you Julie!  Happy Mothers Day to you too sweet friend.

Inspire Me: Chalkboards

It was a wonderful Easter weekend wasn't it?  My parents came to town and we had the most perfect weather and soaked up as much outside time as we could hiking, riding bikes and enjoying each other.  Which means my flowers inspired project is still waiting for just the flowers!  And so I'll hold off until its perfect and pretty to show you.  But I'm on to another project while I wait, inspired by one of my faves. Chalkboards.  Enjoy, and Happy Tuesday!

Source: flickr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Chalkboard Frames from Lovely Lindsay at Project: Craft.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Photo Props 

Source: marthastewart.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Make your own chalkboard paint.  Any color.

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Placemats.  Brilliant.

Source: hostessblog.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Labels... in embroidery hoops.

Source: ashleyannphotography.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Doors and To Do.

Source: makeitmyown.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Mirror Makeovers.