Fitness Friday

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A few weeks ago, my trainer sent me home from Bootcamp class with homework. I was assigned to learn how to do Turkish Get-Ups and come back the next week and teach it to the class. “Oh no problem,” I said. Obviously I had no clue what in the world Turkish Get-Ups were, but I was sure I could do them easily.

The exercise seems easy enough to do from this video, but it is extremely difficult to keep your entire body aligned while trying to follow the steps to get up. I have mastered the Turkish Get-Up without weight, but have yet to try it with a kettlebell in hand, much less lifting an actual person as you can see!

This exercise will help to gain strength in the shoulders and core, and will improve coordination. I definitely recommend giving it a try!

-XO, Molly

Naturally Gluten Free Faves

I have come to find that the most delicious gluten-free foods, are ones that are naturally gluten free. Many times, pre-packaged gluten free foods have added sugars and fats that compensate for the lack of gluten. However, if the food is already gluten free, there are no added ingredients, just natural, pure flavors. Here are a few staples that I always keep in my pantry!

Rolled Oats

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats are delicious! Not only do I eat the oats for breakfast, (sweetened with honey, a tablespoon of peanut butter, and mini chocolate chips), but I also make some of my favorite guilt-free cookies, as seen here with them as well!

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This delicious natural peanut butter with coconut oil is my absolute new favorite food! I have been putting it on everything, and have been telling everyone I know how delicious it is. Add 1 tablespoon coconut peanut butter to 1/2 C. of greek yogurt, top with some gluten free granola, sliced fruit, and natural coconut flakes for a delicious breakfast or snack!

Almond Flour

Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour is my naturally gluten free flour of choice. I love the nuttiness of the almonds, and the fact that it is completely grain free and low carb. Almond flour is great in desserts, like Raspberry Clafouti, but my favorite food to make with it is banana bread….recipe for this delicious dish coming shortly!

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Chia seeds, (yes, like the chia pet), are a great source of fiber. I put them in smoothies and baked goods to add more fiber to my diet. They also turn into a gelatin-like state when wet, so they can be used as a thickening agent as well. Chia seeds are basically tasteless, so it’s easy to add them to anything for added fiber, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

What gluten free staples are always in your pantry?

-XO,

Molly

Wishful Wednesday

Do you have a go-to item in your closet that is perfect during every season of the year, and every event imaginable? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Well, I’ve found the solution, Party Skirts. These adorable, unique skirts can be worn with tights and heels in the fall and winter, and can be worn without tights in the spring or summer. They can be paired with a dressy top for a more formal look, or can be paired with a t-shirt for a casual outfit. The best part is, the vibrant fun colors the Party Skirts come in! I want them ALL!

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Images from: Party Skirts

I absolutely need one in every color   of these skirts!!

-XO, Molly

My Apologies….Plus Some Awesome Shoes

Vinca CamutoI apologize sincerely for my extremely long absence from blogging! I have been super busy with work, (the fun life of an accountant), and many other exciting things that I will let you know about later!! I was also feeling defeated and disappointed about the fact that I didn’t get as many blog followers as quickly as I had hoped, and decided to take a break for a while. Most of the established blogs say that followers do not develop quickly, and to be patient! While patience isn’t one of my better qualities, I have decided to just blog for the pure joy of writing, and to stop worrying about how many followers I do or do not have. 

While you’re here, take a look at these AWESOME  Vince Camuto pumps that I scored on sale!! I absolutely love the cork paired with the multicolored python print! They go with absolutely everything, which totally justifies the fact that I bought them!

 

-XO,

Molly

P.S., Pray for those affected by the tornado in Oklahoma! Psalm 34:18- “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is one of my all time favorite meals. When I found out that I was allergic to gluten, I was so sad that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy one of my favorite comfort foods. My mom discovered gluten-free Bisquick, and modified the chicken pot pie to be gluten free. Now I am able to enjoy my favorite dish again!

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To make the topping, combine 3/4 C. of Gluten Free Bisquick, 1/2 C. of milk, 1 egg, and 1 tbsp. melted butter. Beat with a fork and set aside.

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Next, melt 2 tbsp. of butter in a skillet and add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic. Saute until the onions are translucent.

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Stir in one bag of mixed vegetables, 2 C. of cooked, cubed chicken breast, 1 3/4 C. chicken broth, 1 tsp. of salt and 1/2 tsp. of thyme. Mix together and cook on high until boiling.

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While the vegetable mixture is boiling, mix 3/4 C. of milk and 3 tbsp. of cornstarch with a whisk.

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Add milk and cornstarch mixture to the vegetables. Stir, and heat until boiling.

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Pour vegetable mixture into an 8 by 8 cassarole dish. Spread biscuit mixture on top. Put into the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

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 Enjoy!!

*If you aren’t gluten free, you can also substitute 3/4 C. regular Bisquick into the dough :)

-XO, Molly

Fitness Friday

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Spring is the time that everyone starts wanting to tone up. We can no longer hide behind layers and layers of clothing, so it’s definitely necessary to increase workout intensity to get results. Here is a quick and easy ab workout that will help tone your stomach in no time!

25 Crunches

Plank- hold for 1 minute

25 Mountain Climbers

25 V-Ups

Left Side Plank- hold for one minute

Right Side Plank- hold for one minute

25 Bicycle Crunches

Repeat 4 times. Your abs will definitely feel the burn!

-XO, Molly

Monogramming Madness

In the South, monogramming is, and always has been a necessity. We love to put our initials on everything that we can! It adds such a great personal, classic touch that will always be in style.

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Monogrammed Necklace

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Monogrammed Longchamp

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Monogrammed Pillow

I want to monogram everything I can get my hands on. Hopefully now you will too!

-XO, Molly

Rainy Day Ready

The constant rain that March and April bring can definitely ruin your day AND your outfit choices. Protect your cute clothes from the rain with chic raingear that adds to your outfit instead of just covering it up!

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Kate Spade Umbrella

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Burberry Trench

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Hunter Boots

TALLORG_NVY_1 Hunter Rubber Tote

Go out in style during the rainy season. It will brighten your day!

-XO, Molly