We "Boo-ed" one of neighbors last year. Unfortunately, they didn't "Boo" anyone back. This year we have NEW neighbors, hooray! So, when one of my very good friends on our street told me she was Boo-ed, I basically BEGGED her to "Boo" us next since my kids were so disappointed last year. And... I am delighted to say, we have been Boo-ed!

I am loving my Motivated Moms App! My house is cleaner than clean and I don't have to think about what I should do clean next. I just open the app and start checking things off. It even has a daily scripture reading, quiet time and exercise.

Get your app here:

Motivated Moms App 2011

I know you will just love it!

Just had the BEST Post-workout Pumpkin Spice Smoothie with Protein!

Here's what I used:

8 ounces Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1/4 cup Organic Pumpkin Purée

2 scoops protein powder

1/2 teaspoon good vanilla

1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 cup ice cubes

Everything went into the VitaMix. One quick whirl until it's smooth and drink up! Deliciousness!

Fall is here and so are Pumpkin Spice Lattes! Here are my BIG problems with that: they're full of sugar and empty calories and EXPENSIVE. Did I mention full of chemicals?

Here's my solution:

4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (or milk of your choice)

1/4 cup organic canned pumpkin purée

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup organic strong coffee

1 spoonful of TruWhip - it's dairy and gluten free (available at Whole Foods or Barrons)

Stevia or your choice of sugar.

Pour all ingredients except TruWhip into crock pot. Whisk until well blended. Turn crock pot on high for 2 hours. Top each cup with a nice big spoonful of whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. I don't like mine very sweet but you can certainly add sugar to your liking. Enjoy this "wonderFall" beverage!

This "recipe" is super easy and adaptable. I like to make a large bowl and leave it in the fridge. It saves me on days I'm too hungry and busy to cook for myself. Low carb, high protein.

4 grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 cucumbers, diced

4 tomatoes, diced

1/2 small red onion (or more)

1 dozen hard boiled eggs with yolks removed

Combine all ingredients and add your favorite dressing! I like Newman's Own Organics Italian but Balsamic is also delish!

Our weekdays are SUPER busy. Between school, soccer practice, volleyball practice, softball games, bible study, it's a wonder I can keep up! Sunday is my day to get EVERYTHING organized and prepped for the week. Lesson plans are 1st followed by the week's menu. This week's menu includes all the meals my family will eat.  I have a separate menu... more weight-loss friendly. ; )  I love to cook ahead as much as possible. Some days, I run all 3 of my crock pots at once or crock pot at night for breakfast.

These are our main meals, however, there is plenty of in-between snacking too!


Monday:
Breakfast: Zucchini Frittata with Fruit
Lunch: Turkey Rolls with Cream Cheese, Apple & Cliff Bar
Dinner: Bean & Cheese Burritos (Thanks to my Mom's Cooking Club for the idea.)

Tuesday:
Breakfast: Crock Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal with Blueberries and Eggs to order
Lunch: (2) Chile Colorado Tamales and Fruit
Dinner: Chicken Pot Pie Turn Overs & Green Salad
Dessert: *still looking for a recipe for our bible study group...

Wednesday:
Breakfast: Zucchini Bread & Scrambled Eggs
Lunch: Tuna Salad, Carrots & Mozzerella Cheese Stick
Dinner: Beef Stroganoff & Green Salad

Thursday:
Breakfast: Pumpkin Pancakes!
Lunch: Egg Salad Sandwiches with Fruit
Dinner: Cream of Artichoke Soup & Turkey Paninis

Friday:
Breakfast: Protein Smoothies
Lunch: Chicken Salad Sandwiches & Grapes
Dinner: Garlic-Sherry Burgers with Stilton, Pub-Browns with Horseradish Sauce (from Rachel Ray Mag)