0 dry skin, little rascal, and the long weekend!

One major side effect I have had since breastfeeding is VERY DRY SKIN.

I drink tons of water, I eat chia seeds (hydration), I put on lotion, but nothing seems to help. I guess I am literally being sucked dry.

Olivella has helped drastically.

I have been putting it on my scalp, on my face, my elbows (yes they are dry too!)

Olivella^® Face and Body Skin Care Line Made with 100% Virgin Olive Oil

We’ve all heard that adding olive oil to our diets is healthy, but what about adding it to our skin routine? As it turns out, olive oil offers anti-aging, moisturizing and antioxidant benefits when used daily on the skin.  According to Guy Webster MD, PhD, Clinical Professor, Jefferson Medical College, "Olive oil contains some of the important natural moisturizers produced by the skin and has the added benefit of anti-oxidant molecules."

The good news is you don’t have to travel to Italy to treat your skin to the health and pampering benefits of olive oil.  They’re available in America in the Olivella^® Face and Body Skin Care line made with 100% virgin olive oil. The Olivella^® line consists of skin cleansers and moisturizers that hydrate, rejuvenate and replenish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and looking more youthful…naturally! An important plus is that Olivella^® is perfect for sensitive skin, with a formula that excludes dyes, additives, artificial colors, chemicals and animal fats.  

I have been putting it on after I shower and it is perfect leaving my skin feeling so smooth! I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a natural moisturizer! Prevents Skin Aging as well, and who doesn't want that :)

Olivella Moisturizer

Now onto the LITTLE RASCAL!

I was on the phone with my sister, as she is on her way to RALEIGH to visit, and I hear Brooklyn giggling in the other room.

This is what I found.

Pure Enjoyment. 

Right as I caught her...she LAUGHED AT ME!

Gosh I couldn't help but smile.

We have alot to do this weekend and I have some VERY EXCITING news to share...but it will have to wait until the next post :)

My sister and her family of 5 are all visiting, not just to see us but their Great Grandma who lives in Raleigh as well.

We have plans of going to Pullen Park (kids amusement park), YMCA, the pool and grilling out. Who knows what else we will get into.

What is on tap for your Memorial Day Weekend?

I will leave you with my little snuggle buddy.

I am LOVING this stage. Brooklyn is full of so much life and has a ton of energy (to keep up with me I am told).

 Best part of all, her way of telling me she is tired is by crawling over to me and sitting on my lap and laying her head on me.

MELT ME!

Snuggle away Brooklyn :)

6 Healthy Snackin' and matching outfits!

I am pretty much always on the go during the day.

I also get hungry every couple of hours, hence I like to SNACK ALOT!

Especially with having a baby, you need to always be prepared with snacks not only for yourself but for the baby too.

I am always on the lookout for new healthy snacks.

With fruit being in season we have been DEVOURING Watermelon over here.
Best thing ever...I bought our last watermelon at Trader Joes.

I was at the checkout telling the cashier "I hope this watermelon is as good as the last one we got"
His response: If it doesn't taste good or you aren't satisfied BRING IT BACK and we will give you a FULL REFUND.
My Response: Seriously? What about cantaloupe or any fruit for that matter.
His Response: ANYTHING in the store you can bring back if you are not a satisfied customer.
My response: Holy Moly. I will always buy things here. The WORST thing is buying a melon and biting into a TASTELESS piece. 
ANOTHER reason to LOVE Trader Joes. 

Snacks Brooklyn and I have been into lately:
Yes, it is AWESOME that Brooklyn and I can share food now. She always wants a bite of whatever I am eating, and I will gladly share. I usually plop my butt down on the ground with her and one spoon for me one for her. 
LOVE

Watermelon.

TONS of it.

Chia Pudding

This has been our afternoon snack
Almond Milk, Chia Seeds, Dash o Splenda, and you can add berries too!

Frozen Berries (triple berry blend)

Key is to let it defrost just a little :)
Especially after a workout or a run outside. 
So refreshing!

The Good Bean Snacks

I have always loved Chickpeas in any form
Hummus, on Salads, in Stirfry.
Add them as a roasted crunchy snack.
Healthy, all natural, and gluten-dairy-nut free!
Delicious. Especially the Sweet Cinnamon flavor. I have a huge sweet tooth.
I have been keeping this in my car for snacking.

Collagen Sport for an afternoon PROTEIN PANCAKE
I love this protein powder. Collagen and whey protein for huge benefits.

Easiest recipe ever.
1 scoop protein powder
1 egg
Mix well and cook like a pancake.
Top with a dash of syrup or nut butter.
ALL NATURAL and Perfect afternoon healthy protein snack.
MORE RECIPES to come soon using this protein powder. 
I have been experimenting in the kitchen so be ready :)

Mother Daughter

(don't mind my sweatiness, just got back from teaching!)

I didn't even realize it yesterday but I dressed Brooklyn to match me!

Everyone at the YMCA was commenting on how we matched. 

I looked down and yes indeed we did!

Both were wearing black bottoms and pink tank top!

Makes me think back when we were younger my mom dressed my sister and I to match her.

I think I might just start doing it on purpose every now and then :)

Question: Did your mom dress you to match her or your siblings?

I just finished a quick run and am ready for breakfast! Busy day ahead and Bootcamp tonight...favorite class to teach :)

2 Salba Chia Winner with an easy snack recipe

Our weekend consisted of a cookout, ALOT of WATERMELON

and ALOT of CHIA talk 

with Health Warrior work on Sat and Sunday

It still surprises me that people have not heard of CHIA seeds other than the Chia pet!

I have some EXCITING news...

I am going to be an ambassador for SALBA SMART chia seeds.

What does that mean?

It means that ONCE a MONTH I will have an exciting way to incorporate Chia Seeds into your healthy lifestyle....and of course a way for a reader to win some SALBA CHIA SEEDS!

*Coupons and Special Offers for YOU*

I have a fun snack recipe for you to have mid afternoon...

as I am eating mine RIGHT NOW!

CHIA PUDDING!

1/2 cup almond milk

1 TBSP Salba Chia seeds

Dash of cinnamon and vanilla

MIX and STIR until Chia Seeds form a gel.

It is like Tapioca Pudding but with a HUGE NUTRITION KICK!

Omegas 

Calcium

Fiber

Energy

Satisfying and Sustaining

Low Calorie

ALL NATURAL

GLUTEN FREE

the list goes on...

Yes I eat it with a baby spoon.

It lasts longer :)

I actually eat alot with a baby spoon...oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream. 

It is a little secret of mine to SAVOR eat bite of my food!

I am off to go teach a Cardio Tone class at the YMCA.

I have SO MANY fun things coming up in the NEAR future for O2BEFITMOM so stay tuned!

How was your weekend? Do you have 1 TBSP of Chia seeds a day?

If not PLEASE START...I can't say it enough but the benefits are freakin amazing!

THE WINNER of the SALBA CHIA SEEDS PACKAGE is...

True Random Number GeneratorResult:11KACIE

Email me to get your package! 

2 Watermelon after a run

This

turned into 

THIS

My version of a pizza...

WATERMELON slices

As my family always rates our watermelon...

this was a 9.5/10 and thats pretty darn good for the 1st of the season!

Extra delicious after a Saturday morning RUN! 

Off to work a couple of hours then go to the park with the crew :)

What are your plans this weekend?

Go pick up a watermelon or your favorite fruit. NATURAL DESSERT!

Don't forget to enter the SALBA CHIA seed giveaway!

39 Salba Chia...uses and a giveaway

Salba chia seeds

As you have probably read, I am a HUGE advocate of Chia Seeds.

I even have a job promoting Chia Bars :)

Now the big question...

what is the difference between Chia seeds and SALBA Chia seeds?!

Salba Chia : 

Grown under strictly controlled conditions in Peru, making it to always ensure consistent nutritional content.

Higher Omega content 

Higher Protein content

There are 2 ways the company provides the Salba Chia

Ground or Whole seed

I absolutely LOVED the ground Salba Chia and put it in my oatmeal for breakfast!

So much better than flaxseed (nutritional wise)

I even brought it on the go with me when I was traveling. They have convenient single serving packets that were perfect for traveling!

The BEST way to get in Salba Chia is to add it to your smoothies!

Super Smoothie Recipe

1 cup almond milk

1 handful of spinach

1/2 cup frozen berries

Frozen banana

1 TBSP Salba Chia

 1 scoop Protein Powder

KEY: Let the chia seeds soak in the milk before you blend 

Finished Product!

Now here are the AWESOME STATS on Salba Chia.

1 TBSP of Salba Chia gives you...

5X more folate than SPINACH

6X more Calcium than MILK

6X more Iron then BEANS

8X more Omega-3 than SALMON

15X more Magnesium than BROCCOLI

2X more Potassium than BANANAS

3X more Fiber than OATS

30% more Antioxidants than BLUEBERRIES

Seriously? all in 1 TBSP!

Why wouldn't you incorporate Salba Chia into your diet?

Here is how to WIN a box of GROUND and WHOLE SALBA CHIA SEEDS!

1. Comment how you would incorporate Salba Chia into your diet.

2. Like SalbaSmart on Facebook and comment here that you did.

3. Like o2befitmom on facebook and comment you did here.

Winner will be announced Monday!

Off to go teach and take on the weekend :)

4 Sunny Weather and grilling out

Since I am back into running, I have really been enjoying taking Brooklyn on the Greenway to explore while getting in my miles. Brooklyn LOVES when I run because her hair blows and lately she has been kicking her feet up.

4 mile run
Brooklyn had her feet kicked up and relaxin while I pushed her.
 She has it made I tell ya!
I was eyeing this field of flowers on the way out and HAD to get a picture of Brooklyn in it.

Pure Bliss
This picture is being framed ASAP!
Post Run Drink

Iced Coffee out on the porch. Perfect afternoon refresher!

Now onto Grilling! YES it is finally nice enough out to start having dinner outside :)
We got a bunch of grass fed beef from friends in Virginia, and although I don't eat read meat, my husband loves it when I make it.

Grass Fed Burgers (grain free)
1 lb grass fed ground beef
Onions and Peppers cut up
1/2 cup Almond Flour
Taco Seasoning


Place all the ingredients in a bowl and blend together with your hands.
 I used half a packet of Taco seasoning.
Once it is mixed evenly form into burger sized patties.
This mix made 8 medium sized ones.Grill to perfection.
Enjoy on a bun or even on top of a field of greens :)


The husband LOVED them.  The best thing is there is NOTHING added except veggies, almond, and seasonings. SOO much healthier than a burger out!
Do you eat red meat?
I haven't for a LONG time but I love chicken tenderloins marinated in honey djon on the grill. Speaking of we are grilling out with the Halls on Friday! I CANNOT WAIT! We are bringing veggies to grill, my favorite combo of Onions, Summer Squash, and Zuchinni! and the best dessert...WATERMELON! It will be my 1st watermelon of the season and I am praying its a GOOD ONE!

What is your favorite thing to GRILL? Share recipes too please!

3 adventures of a dog and a baby

Summer is a wonderful opportunity to discover the great outdoors with your best friend. Dog Fence DIY <http://www.dogfencediy.com> encourages exploration beyond the fence!

As you all know we have a dog, Carmel, and a baby, Brooklyn.

They both need attention and need taken care of.

Typically my day starts off with taking Carmel on a run or a walk after my morning coffee/quiet time.

Carmel and I are typically the only ones up at 5 am so we venture out for our morning exercise.

We usually get to see the sunrise, so I don't mind one bit.

Literally the minute I get back, Brooklyn wakes up!

Then we are off to the races of dog and baby world :)

Now that Brooklyn is crawling and pulling up on EVERYTHING she loves to think of Carmel as her friend/pal.

Brooklyn plays with dog toys, tries to eat the dog food, and thinks the dog bowls are the greatest invention ever.

After we all get breakfast, if I don't have to teach, we head out for a morning walk.

My typical view

We always make sure to give Carmel a treat when she is good on a walk or comes when she is asked. The perfect treats are rawhide or when the peanut butter jar is at the end we let her DIG IN!

The rest of the day is just running errands, writing articles, teaching classes, and doing typical household things. 

Brooklyn and Carmel really enjoy each others company. 

I am almost scared that Brooklyn thinks she is a dog. 

She tries to play and mimic things she does...um I guess it is her way of telling us she needs a sibling?!??! 

One thing is for sure, taking care or a dog and a baby is work. You need to be ready to multitask and to ALWAYS be picking up after them! 

But I wouldn't have it any other way :)

The summer is the PERFECT time to take your dog to explore a lake or some type of water. Carmel LOVES the water so much that even if she sees a mud puddle she will jump in! We are excited to venture to the lake and beach this summer so that Brooklyn AND Carmel can both enjoy the water.

We are trying to make Sundays our day of exploring. Taking our little family out to a park or trail and enjoy the great outdoors.

KEY POINTS to staying ACTIVE with your DOG:

1. Start off the day right. Take the dog out for a run or walk and you both will feel better!

2. Get in the habit of exercising with your dog. Not only does it benefit YOU but it benefits the dog as well.

3. Find places to hike or let the dog roam free and explore off the leash. Include the dog in family outings whenever possible.

What are your favorite things to do with your dog and do you have a favorite place you take them?