Kodiak Cakes OATMEAL UNLEASHED Review!

        Oatmeal Unleashed is a breakfast product you may have seen gracing the aisles of your local grocery store recently...it's a new product from Baker Mills Kodiak Cakes brand. I was browsing the breakfast aisle when I came across this oatmeal and decided to give a try. I love oatmeal, especially when the weather starts to cool off and was pleased that this oatmeal boasted clean ingredients AND 10 grams of protein!  

"Oatmeal Unleashed is an all-natural crunchy oatmeal served in a convenient, microwavable cup. In 30 seconds you can make yourself a hot, healthy breakfast that will satisfy and energize the rest of the morning. Staying true to our brand, we have made sure that this oatmeal is add-water-only, and packed full of fiber, protein and whole grains without compromising on taste." - product write up on Kodiak Cakes website (http://www.kodiakcakes.com/oatmeal)

          I decided to try the Peach Vanilla Almond flavor. I shook the container first (as directed on the back of the package), then pulled open the top - I was greeted with a lovely peach aroma even before cooking!  That was a plus! I added enough water to cover the oatmeal (again, as directed on the package) and popped it in the microwave for 30 seconds (again...as directed). It SMELLED delicious!

           I stirred the oatmeal up to combine everything well and dug in! 

           The first bite had a pleasant, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla. Nothing too overpowering, but definitely no peach either. That was disappointing. As I kept eating, I enjoyed getting the little bites of peach here and there, but it definitely did not seem like enough. I also enjoyed the crunch that the almond provided. Even though cane sugar and brown sugar are two of the first three ingredients, kodiak definitely did not load this oatmeal down with it - a GOOD THING - it only has 15 g of sugar for the size of the serving. I finished the oatmeal feeling like I had eaten plenty and was not in a sugar coma like I used to get with the Quaker Oats flavored oatmeals of days past. Overall, I enjoyed this flavor and am looking forward to trying the Green Apple Spice next.  

          Pros of this flavor:  Low sugar, added chia seeds to help keep you full, fennel seed and fenugreek seed are great for breastfeeding mothers (along with oatmeal in general) to help boost breastmilk supply, added protein to help keep you satiated and boost protein intake.

          Cons: Not enough peaches, fenugreek/fennel aftertaste - I believe that it's only noticeable to me because I have used both in tea form in the past while breastfeeding. 

         If you are interested in purchasing a 12 pack of this oatmeal, you can do so here: AMAZON.

**This is not a paid review. I have no affiliation with Kodiak Cakes or Amazon. I just like to provide info to the masses on great or not so great products that can help improve your eating habits!** 

CHALLENGE GROUP starting AUGUST 31st!

Are you ready to learn the ABCs of fitness???

This group is ALREADY filling up fast!

I am looking for 10 women who want to lose 20-30 pounds!

If you are willing to invest in your body and your health and you have at least 30 minutes a day to work towards your health and fitness goals and you REALLY want help then this is the group for you!

I have helped many women lose weight & will be spending a significant amount of time to guarantee your success and help you get RESULTS!

I can only take 10 women for this next round! No exception!

If we are successful you will have the chance to win $100,000 for your success story and I am going to help you succeed!

Yes there is a financial investment for this life changing experience based on the tools that are needed to help you get your results.

You will get portion control education, a guide for eating out to keep you on track and still enjoy life!

You even get to have dessert and WINE occasionally!

Also, a bonus gift comes with as well as FREE online access to my private group (on Facebook) and 24/7 access to me!

We start AUGUST 31ST! So, apply TODAY! 

Apply here: http://goo.gl/forms/KcgfR8IlFJ

Or leave a comment below with your email and I'll send you an email ASAP!

Transformation Thursday! Check out Brenda S.!

Brenda S, age 31 from Fulshear, TX, lost 32 lbs with 21 Day Fix and Shakeology. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge® and won $1,000!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I started the program I had a 5 year old and a 1 year old and my life revolved around them, which is pretty normal for a mom. We entertain a lot, my husband loves to BBQ, so I was always trying to please our guests with delicious food… which was full of butter usually. I love hanging out with friends and neighbors, which usually meant beverages of some sort. After my second son, I kept packing on the pounds until my “fat” pants were getting tight. That was a crushing moment for me and I felt terrible about how I had let my body go because previously I had been a healthy weight.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
When I put on my “fat pants” and they were snug, I knew I had to change my lifestyle. I wanted to be able to play with my kids and be around for years to come. I knew if I was gaining so much weight at 31, then as I got older it would only be harder to lose. I didn’t want my children to see me like that, so I contacted my friend and now Coach Krista who had dropped a lot of weight and kept talking about how much she loved Beachbody products.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge before was keeping my kids, husband, and guests happy with the foods I prepared every gathering. I wanted everyone else to be happy, so I didn’t think about what was best for me, just everyone else. Beachbody has helped me understand that you can make tasty healthy food and even without the butter my family and guests are happy and now healthy. I have also learned that it is healthy for me to make time for myself to workout and that in doing so I am being a positive role model to my children. They both enjoy doing mommy’s workouts with me. But most importantly I am so proud of myself and so are my family and friends. It is so beautiful to be able to inspire others to make their health a priority.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I started with the 21 Day Fix and I loved the portion control containers and lists of foods to choose from. This really helped me plan for my week and try foods I didn’t regularly prepare before the program. I also like that the workouts are 30 minutes and there is a schedule to stick to, no thinking… just press play.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?I am now strong and my sons tells his friends that his mommy has big muscles. That’s such a great feeling. I lost 32 pounds, over 34 inches, and 3 pant sizes. I am also proud to be able to motivate others to become healthy.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I now have confidence that I hadn’t seen in years! I still spend time with friends and family, I just replace fatty foods with healthy foods and calorie filled beverages with water.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I believe the accountability group is a major part of my success. There were many days that I wanted to “cheat,” but knew that I had to report to my group and didn’t want to let them down.

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
Krista was encouraging and always checked in to let me know I was doing a great job, which in turn made me work even harder. She thought I was awesome, so I had to show her that I was!

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology is an amazing product! It is tasty, keeps you full, and helps regulate my body.

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.

**Story originally published on teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog**

Dear First Time Kindergarten Mom...I hear you.

Dear First Time Kindergarten Mom,

Hi. I'm Candace. I'm a first timer, too. I feel like this is an AA meeting and we should introduce ourselves and hash out our stories.

My oldest started kindergarten last Wednesday at a school that he had to test into. Let that sink in...your five year old is TESTING to get into a school. Completely nerve wracking for me and terrifying for him. One spot out of 60 with over 250 applicants. He almost cried then when they walked him into the room by himself to do the test.

And, I almost did then, too. A solid hour passed and then he was back by my side. Smiling, chatty, and happy. Seeing that totally solidified that we had made the right decision.

Fast forward two months,

It is the first day of kindergarten. I get to walk him in to school and to his classroom. As I get ready to leave him on his first day, I could see the tears welling up in his eyes and could feel the all too familiar sting in mine. I don't know how I held it together until I got to the car, because he was loudly sobbing as I walked out the door. I got to the car and the floodgates opened up. I was filled with questions and concerns.

The questions:
Had I let him become too attached to me?

Did we socialize him enough?

Will he make friends easily?

Did we read enough this summer?

Did I teach him all that I could?

What if he's scared?

What if he's bullied?

Who will stand up for him?

What if he cries everyday because he misses me?

What if I cry everyday because I miss him?

Will he miss his brother, too?

The concerns:
I hope he does all that his teacher asks of him.

I hope he doesn't freak out if the structure changes suddenly.

I really hope no one picks on him. He's already sensitive.

I really hope that if someone does pick on him, he'll tell me and his teacher.

I really hope that he doesn't pick on anyone else.

I hope he remembers where I put his snack in his backpack.

I hope he eats enough.

I hope he learns a lot.

I really, really hope he loves it.


I could go on. Seriously...


He's my first child! My heart walking around beating outside of my chest...

That first day was hell.

I missed him so much. He missed me. He had a terrible first day. He cried the entire day. THE ENTIRE DAY. His teacher called to ask how she could calm him down. It broke my heart. Even moreso when I picked him up and he told me how he hated it and I said that tomorrow will be a better day and he looked me dead in the eye, filled with sadness, and said, "Probably not."

The second day was hard, too. He still didn't like it. He still cried throughout much of the day. But, he was able to tell me at least one that was the best about the day. So, it does get better if your child struggles those first few days/weeks. By the third day (even though he did run into a metal doorframe and end up going home early), he is enjoying it and I am, too.

He gets in the car everyday with something new to tell me. A new friend that he's made. A new skill that he has learned. A new song to sing. A new language to practice (Spanish)! It's all so exciting and scary and still oh so new. He is growing up right in front of my eyes with every passing day and new class. He is becoming more confident in himself, in his abilities. "All it took was a little push, Mom."he said when I asked him how he had grown so much in only a few short days.

And, just like that, even with him being so young, my son has become my teacher. He is teaching me how to cope, to learn, to discover again. He is teaching me to look through his beautiful blue eyes and see the world from a new perspective and inspiring me to grow.

All I can tell you, first timers, is enjoy the lesson. We'll blink and it will be over. <3

Stitch Fix Review : August 2015

Stitch Fix Review: August 2015

Mamas - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - if you are not using Stitch Fix - start NOW - you can do so by going HERE!

Today, I'll review 3 of the 5 pieces that I received in my Stitch Fix on August 13th. I also recieved a draped cardigan and an lovely mint dress that I will review in a few days. But, for now, let's get started!

I requested that my stylist provide pieces that could easily transition from summer to fall and she DELIVERED! Every piece could easily be layered or worn alone to accomodate changing weather and temperatures. I have requested that this stylist style my next box, as well, because she hit the nail on the head!

Pixley Ellie Elephant Print Blouse - Stitch Fix 

It's a chiffon-type knit - very lightweight with 3/4 length sleeves - perfect to transition to fall! Looks great with the black skinnies I have on (that could easily be paired with riding boots for a fall friendly look!), but also would look awesome paired with an infinity scarf (maybe in a plum or maroon hue), boyfriend jeans, and tan booties.

Liverpool Jean Mira Skinny Jean in Black - Stitch Fix

Very easy, legging type jean, not too heavy. Can I be honest for a sec? I want these in every single color. They are just like wearing my yoga/workout pants, but obviously look more put together for running around! Increcomdibly comfortable, soft, supple and hug your curves just right. They have a pull on waist band for easy comfort with no zippers or buttons digging into your waist. They would look great with a tee shirt for warmer days or with a chunky sweater and wellies on those cold, drizzly days that we get in winter here in Alabama.

Zad Marriott Charm Layer Necklace - also Stitch Fix!

If I had seen this in store, I probably would not have picked it up, but I love it! The diamond shaped accents make the piece unique, but elegant. It's dressy, but not over the top. Great necklace.

Mossimo sandals - Target! (Another one of my fave places to shop! I use the Target Cartwheel app to get great deals!)

Bixon Ivy draped peach cardigan - Stitch Fix

It's light, romantic, and lovely. 3/4 length sleeves and the layered chiffon make this THE perfect transition piece for summer to fall! Paired with boyfriend jeans and flats for a casual look or layered over a sun dress for a dressier look, this cardigan is a winner! 

Mavi Distressed Emma Slim Boyfriend Jean - Stitch Fix (July 2015)

Much like the Liverpool Skinny Jean above, I could LIVE in these jeans (and also want them in every color...). Super soft, distressed denim with a more modern boyfriend fit (the crotch doesn't look like it's at your knees - as in other bf jeans I've tried). These are another Stitch Fix fave that I recommend to anyone that had asked about my fave pieces so far...

White tank - Express / Nude patent flats - Target

This was my 4th box from Stitch Fix and my favorite so far - if you are looking at signing up for the service, definitely be sure to set up your Pinterest board for Stitch Fix Style Inspiration so that your personal stylist can style your box to fit YOU!