Spicy Medicine- Our Fave Home Remedy

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tis the season…

As in… the back-to-school-germs season. Without fail, it knocks out kids, coworkers, grocery store clerks, maybe even someone in your family. Here’s the thing- I believe the best defense is a good offense. Our house rule is to wash your hands right when you get home; we eat our veggies, try to get to bed early, blah, blah, blah… BUT if I had to pick one secret weapon that keeps us the healthiest or helps us kick a cold fastest, hands down it would be apple cider vinegar. I add it to my morning smoothies, make salad dressing with it, I put a teaspoon in my cinnamon tea with a slice of lemon, and when the sickness hits, and the scratchy throat and stuffy sinuses arise, I whip up a jar of what my son now calls ‘The Spicy Medicine.’

Spicy Medicine

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the ‘mother’ I use Bragg’s)

  • 2 tbsp local honey

  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger

  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 3 oz filtered water

Directions

  1. In a glass jar, combine honey and apple cider vinegar. Stir until they start to meld together.

  2. Add spices, stir again.

  3. Add water, and stir one more time.

How we take it

We take 1 tbsp 2-3 times a day when we’re not feeling well. I give my son 1 tsp of honey to ‘chase’ the Spicy Medicine after his doses- and he generally has 1-2 a day when he’s got a cold. When we’re healthy, I like to add 1 tbsp of the mixture to hot water with a slice of lemon.

This recipe will help cut through the crud when you’re feeling congested, and apple cider vinegar has tons of gut health benefits!

But be warned- we don’t call it Spicy Medicine for nothing! It burns so good on the way down. Make sure to wash your hands if you spill, and avoid getting it in your eyes!

I’m no doctor, but mom to mom, friend to friend, and from my kitchen to yours, this is the first remedy I recommend to all of my loved ones when cold season strikes! Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

xo, Terra

Top 10 Baby Items for 0-9 Months

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Hands down, our Uppababy Vista is THE best purchase we’ve made in baby gear.

Hands down, our Uppababy Vista is THE best purchase we’ve made in baby gear.

We are a ‘less is more’ kind of family. Less stuff, more space. Fewer items, more functionality. That’s why we selected everything on this list. We’ve used these items in some form EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. since the baby was born.

Cost per use is a big deal when it comes to baby gear. Most items only last a short season, and then they’re onto the next home, or into storage waiting for the next baby. Everything on this list has more than one use, and is still a valuable part of our home 9 months in. Add these to your registry, or add them to your cart- we hope you love them as much as we do!

Cradle Cap- get rid of it!

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You guys. Cradle cap absolutely trumps any poopy diaper as far as things that gross me out in motherhood. The scaliness, the color, the way it creeps down the baby’s forehead from the top of their head. The way it makes you worry that the little hair they have won’t make it through this mess…

Ok, so maybe the hormones made it feel worse than it actually was… The thing is, once we had it, I was obsessed with figuring out how to get rid of it. Let me tell you, this little combo cleared it up in 3 days, and we haven’t had an issue since.

If baby isn’t here yet, put these things on your registry. If you don’t get them from your registry, buy them yourself. If you’re baby is already here, buy them during your next midnight-feeding-internet-shopping-sesh.

Things you need:

Mustella Foaming Shampoo

Scalp Brush/Comb combo

Coconut Oil

get ‘em in the tub- or not

  1. Get that sweet little baby in the bath (or use a spray bottle of warm water if you’re not ready for baths yet)

  2. Take a picture of your baby lookin’ like an ice cream cone (trust me, don’t skip this one- you’ll know exactly what I mean when you squirt the shampoo on their head)

  3. Use the sponge to get the lather from the shampoo all over their scalp. Let the shampoo sit on their scalp for 1-2 minutes.

  4. Use the brush to gently loosen the flakes from their head. brush in a circular pattern all over their head for about a minute.

    1. ok this part really freaked me out because their heads are so tiny and fragile. just be gentle- it’s gonna be ok- think of it as a baby scalp massage

  5. Rinse the shampoo, and move them onto their towel for the next step

after the bath

  1. Slather, and I mean slather, coconut oil on their scalp. Some will absorb, and some will stay on the surface- this is what you want. The coconut oil will continue to soften the flakes on their scalp. Let it sit for about a minute.

  2. Use the comb to gently lift the flakes off their scalp- I keep a wipe close by to wipe the comb off as I go.

  3. DON’T FORCE IT. Most likely, not all of the flakes are going to lift with the first treatment. So, just repeat it again tomorrow, and the next day. After 3 days, we were flake free!

  4. Gently rub any residual coconut oil into their hair, and give lots of snuggles.

Pregnancy Wardrobe and Skin Tips

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taking a pregnant pause from life as you know it

Lace details make everyone feel prettier!!

Lace details make everyone feel prettier!!

Pregnancy guidebooks should all have the subtitle ‘say goodbye to life as you know it.’ Just so we’re clear, that’s not a bad thing. I just had no idea how quickly my body would change (ahem, bloat) or how adverse my reaction to pants would be.

bloating, and breakouts, and mood-swings, oh my!

Did I mention the bloating? I hope I mentioned the bloating. Literally 10 days into that positive pregnancy test, I grew out of all of my pants. Blame in on their high-waistedness. Blame it on my new obsession with donuts. Blame it on the 2 liters of sparkling water I was now consuming on a daily basis. The only thing that distracted me from my bloated tummy was the rampant breakout situation happening all over my face. It was like I was 14 again- breakouts from forehead to chin for a good 10 weeks straight.

Let me tell you, nothing helps you cope with all of these physical changes like the wild ride your hormones take you on during that first trimester… please note that I’m definitely lying. Crying + bloated mess + teenage style breakouts. Let me just take this moment to give a shout out to my husband for being *as patient as can be. I mean, he’s human, and he definitely asked at one point when I was going to be out of this phase -I bet you can guess how well that went over- but for the most part, he just told me I was beautiful, or lied and said that he didn’t notice the 3 new zits on my cheek. #hesakeeper

learning to embrace the change

After I accepted that there would be a time where I looked less-pregnant-more-chubbers, I figured out what I needed to make the transition as comfortable as possible, and what would help me feel more confident as I learned to navigate a new body and all of its new phases. The first trimester was all about loose, comfy clothing that didn’t restrict my waistline, didn’t yet draw attention to the expansion of said waistline, and that still made me feel attractive.

First Trimester Must Haves- Concealing the bump

  • Shift Dresses. Whether its summer and you’re pairing a shift with strappy sandals and a sunhat, or with non-control top tights and boots in the winter, shift dresses are the perfect silhouette for those early months of pregnancy. It’s not so flowy that you’re in a mumu, and it’s not so tight that you’re tugging at the midsection all day. Plus, you can find styles to wear to work or casually on the weekends.

  • Wrap Dresses. Wrap dresses were my favorite First Tri option thanks to their flexibility. My stomach (and boobs) seemed to change size on a daily basis, and wrap dresses adjusted to exactly what I needed when I needed it. Plus, once your belly does start to show, the tied waist perfectly highlights your bump.

  • Belly Bands. Belly Bandit bands kept me in regular pants and jeans well into my second trimester- no zipping or buttoning necessary. I also love the added support of a belly band when I’m working out or taking long walks.

  • Oversized button-down shirts. Whether it’s in classic white cotton, or a printed silk, an easy fitting button-down is a great way to keep questions at bay until you’re ready to share your news. I liked to pair mine with leggings or a fitted midi dress with the shirt tied at the bottom.

  • Jackets and Blazers. Layering any look with a jacket instantly makes feel more polished, creates a long lean line (when you’re feeling anything but), and conceals that your pants may or may not be held together with a hair tie.

Second Trimester Must Haves-embracing the bump

By the time you’re in your second tri, you’re most likely sharing the news with family and friends, and are showing to a point where it’s not exactly easy to hide. My vote? ROCK THE BUMP.

I have 2 basic outfit formulas that I follow almost everyday and I feel great in them.

Option 1: Fitted dress+Long open sweater+booties

I really enjoy wearing fitted dresses to highlight the bump, and pairing them with long dusters or sweaters because they elevate the entire look, and also keep my booty covered. Dusters are cardigans in a variety of colors and textures keep your outfits interesting and are great because you’ll wear them during and after pregnancy. I currently have the same fitted midi dress in 3 colors that I mix and match with different layering options to keep my outfits from becoming too boring.

Option 2: Fitted top+Blazer/Jacket+Full Panel Maternity Pants+Loafers or Slides

Again, the combo is very basic, but the possibilities are endless. I love the comfort of full panel pants as my belly keeps growing, and I’ve found that my favorite tops are working well into my second trimester when I go up a size. For example, the J Crew tissue turtleneck is my ALWAYS fall staple, and going up one size fro my normal is enough to cover my midsection, but not huge anywhere else.

Skincare for your face and belly- taking care head to toe

I’ve found that my skin is extremely sensitive to products I had used forever, but these items have been great, and have even helped keep breakouts at bay

  • Bare Minerals Foundation

    • I used bare minerals in high school, and loved it, so when they launched a new blemish rescue line this year, I gave it a try to see if it was gentle enough to help my skin. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT. The breakouts have subsided, and my face sensitivity has improved greatly since I started using it.

  • Clarins Tonic Oil and Stretch Mark Minimizing Lotion

    • After MUCH online and blog research, and after reading so many glowing reviews, this is the product combo that I selected to take care of my belly! I’ve used and loved Clarins skincare on my face for years, and after switching my foundation (and finding that my skincare routine was not impacting my face negatively) felt really confident adding their body products as well. I apply this oil morning and night, and layer the stretch mark cream over it in the mornings. So far, I have on new stretch marks, and when I got a massage a few weeks ago, my massage therapist commented on how hydrated my skin was! I plan to keep this routine up through my pregnancy and also into my postpartum recovery.

  • Epsom Salt Baths with Body Oil

    • Pregnancy means no-no to saunas and hot yoga. These 2 practices were a huge part of my self-care routine pre-pregnancy, and I knew that I needed a replacement, or the next 9 months were going to be LOONNGGG. So now, every night, I take a 20-30 minute bath with 1C Epsom salts, 2-3 droppers of natural body oil (I use a combination scent of rosemary, eucalyptus, arnica), and a drop of all natural bubble bath. This really helps me to relax before bed, let go of the day, and also helps to exfoliate and moisturize my skin. I feel like my products absorb better after opening my pores in the tub!

bonus tip- pack away what you don’t need

Pregnancy is a great time to clear out your closet! Donate anything you don’t love. Keep anything you do love AND that still fits in your closet, and store anything that just doesn’t fit right now that you’ll want to get back to.

Storing everything out of the way that simply doesn’t fit makes getting ready so much easier in the morning. There’s no point in sifting through clothes that won’t be an option for 40+ weeks, so put them out of sight! Keep your closet and dressers clean, organized, and full of things that actually fit and make you feel great. Doing this was a HUGE morale boost for me. I had no idea how much time I would save by taking the ‘no’s’ out of the equation. PLUS, your clothes don’t accidentally end up in the laundry when you throw them on the floor in a pregnancy-hormone induced rage… oh wait, was that just me?

from me to you

Ok now for the exciting part. I’ve given you my quick list of must haves, ANDDDDD…. I’ve linked all of my top wardrobe and beauty must-have for you Here! It’s your one stop shop to find the products that helped me feel my best, and will hopefully help you feel your best, too!!

Let me know in the comments below: what items are your pregnancy must haves?

Happy shopping, and congrats momma!!

xo, Terra

Pregnancy Unfiltered- Surviving The First Trimester

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This was me… and this was at 10:30 in the morning… on my second trip to the bathroom… I get to work at 8… soooo yeah. My pants are held together with a hair tie, and my shoes don’t even feel the same… and who says pregnancy isn’t sexy??

This was me… and this was at 10:30 in the morning… on my second trip to the bathroom… I get to work at 8… soooo yeah. My pants are held together with a hair tie, and my shoes don’t even feel the same… and who says pregnancy isn’t sexy??

finding out

I was on a girls weekend with 12 of my favorite ladies. We made a pitstop for lunch, and no part of me wanted to drink. I told 2 of my friends on the trip, and they immediately said, “You’re totally pregnant.” Mind you, I wasn’t even late at this point. The thought became all consuming, so the next day, we drove to a gas station in the middle of nowhere to buy a test. I brought it back to the house, snuck away from the group, and confirmed in less than 60 seconds that yes, there was a baby on board. Let me tell you, those 48 hours were a blur of fun, excitement, and shock. Calling my husband from the swimming pool, laugh/crying as I interrupted his golf game to tell him we were having a baby, and sharing the moment with a few close friends was priceless.

With these beautiful babes, celebrating friendship and marriages, and offering to make any and all grocery and drink runs as one of 2 preggos on the trip.

With these beautiful babes, celebrating friendship and marriages, and offering to make any and all grocery and drink runs as one of 2 preggos on the trip.

sharing the news with our son

We waited until after our 8 week appointment to share the news with our son. We took him out to ice cream, and casually (wink, wink) worked siblings into the conversation after running into our friend with a newborn.

We said, ‘do you still want a brother or sister?’ Without missing a beat, he responded, ‘Actually, I really love being an only child. I love to travel and do fun things as a family, I love that it’s just the 3 of us.’ So we did what any parents would do- awkwardly stared at one another and burst out laughing. Then my hubby blurted out, ‘Well enjoy the next 6 months! That time is about to run out!’ So then we started asking if he’d noticed anything different about me, like the food aversions, or my falling asleep right when I got home from work, or how I’d stayed home sick a few days from work. His response made me wish we hadn’t ask any of those questions.

‘Well, mom does look kind of pregnant in that dress…’

To make the conversation THAT much better, my sister was there to witness the whole thing first hand, and silently laugh to herself.

When we got home from the world’s longest ice cream date, I asked if he wanted to see the ultrasound, and as soon as he saw the picture, his eyes lit up, and he asked, ‘Do you think I’ll be a good big brother?’ to which I responded, ‘Of course!’

expectation vs reality

Pregnancy Glow (adj): A term used to describe the dewy complexion of pregnant women. I will tell you, my glow is comprised of raging hormones, sweating every moment of the day, and the extra dew is that post-puke flush that we forgot about since col…

Pregnancy Glow (adj): A term used to describe the dewy complexion of pregnant women. I will tell you, my glow is comprised of raging hormones, sweating every moment of the day, and the extra dew is that post-puke flush that we forgot about since college.

Action shot- documentation of my most strenuous workout in the month of July.

Action shot- documentation of my most strenuous workout in the month of July.

I’d love to tell you that I was a glowing, etherial goddess in my first trimester of pregnancy… hair blowing in the wind, dewy skin, grace and poise oozing from my being as I flowed though a prenatal yoga practice- but let’s get real- I was about as far from that as possible. I was a bloated, exhausted, emotional, moody-as-all-getout mess. I slept all the time, spent my work days shoving my face with crackers, and cried at literally everything. Oh, and those workouts? What workouts?! My workouts consisted of walking to the kitchen for ginger ale or saltines.

I literally took this picture to document that something non-beige was on my plate. Literally. The only reason. Also I ate 4 quesadillas when I was home sick on this day.

I literally took this picture to document that something non-beige was on my plate. Literally. The only reason. Also I ate 4 quesadillas when I was home sick on this day.

What surprised me the most, though, was the food aversions. I didn’t eat vegetables from weeks 6-17. Like. Didn’t eat a single vegetable. Let me tell you what I did eat- donuts. So many donuts. Mac and Cheese. ALL THE MAC AND CHEESE. I basically ate beige foods and pickles for 11 weeks straight. I know what you’re thinking… no wonder she was so bloated!!

Here’s the good news. It’s a phase. I promise. Everyone said that I’d start feeling better in the second trimester. I literally went to bed on the evening of week 13, day 6, PRAYING that I would miraculously turn the corner on the first morning of my second trimester. Shocker- that didn’t happen. For me, relief, and some sense of normalcy came at about week 17. I slowly started incorporating non-beige foods, and learned a few tricks to introduce them back into my diet without getting too overwhelmed.

5 things that helped me survive the first trimester

  1. It’s less convenient, but this is the only time that I will suggest you buy your produce on the day you want to eat it. Pregnancy is funny, and what sounds good today may sounds terrible tomorrow. So listen to what you want now, and follow it! I can’t tell you how much money I wasted on produce that went bad early in my pregnancy. If you don’t want to eat it right now, don’t buy it.

  2. Carry snacks with you EVERYWHERE

    • I carried blueberry Tone It Up bars, saltines, and ginger chews with me everywhere I went. I also kept a can of sparkling water with me at all times (and a 12 pack under my desk at work) The easiest way to keep nausea at bay is to keep something in your stomach.

  3. A basic smoothie can help calm a queasy stomach while helping you hold down that prenatal vitamin. I drank this smoothie almost everyday in my first trimester.

    • 8oz unsweetened almond milk

    • 1/2 banana

    • 1 scoop Tone It Up Organic Vanilla Protein

    • 3 dates

    • heavy dash of cinnamon

    • 1/2c ice

      • I loved that it was plain enough for any day, but the cinnamon and date combo made me feel like I was drinking a cinnamon roll. Also, I felt good knowing it was plant based instead of dairy based… just in case it was one of those days where breakfast came back up. barf.

  4. Puréed soups are a soothing way to get veggies in. Starting at about week 17,I loved carrot ginger soup to sooth my stomach. The recipe was very basic:

    • 1lb of carrots

    • 32oz bone broth,

    • 1/2 sweet onion

    • 2tbsp minced ginger

    • pinch of salt and pepper.

      1. Chop the carrots and onion, and sauté them in a little olive oil. Add the broth, and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add ginger, salt, and pepper. Let cool, transfer to a blender, and blend until smooth.

      2. I loved that I could sip this soup on it’s own, or pour it over roasted veggies, quinoa, or brown rice if I wanted something with more substance. I’m sure that with a little less broth, this will become a baby food recipe in the future.

  5. Embrace that this is a phase, and give yourself a break. Not only are you growing a human, you’re also growing a new organ to feed that new human! You are allowed to be freaking tired, and eat Mac and cheese for a few weeks…or months. BUT, keep testing the waters to see how those healthy options sound. And know that some days you may feel like that ethereal goddess, and some you may just feel like a beached whale. AND THAT’S OK.

keep reading if you want to hear the stuff that only pregnant people will understand

Fair warning to you, these are the WTF moments from my first trimester. If you don’t want to hear the gross (and funny) parts of pregnancy, you should stop now.

  • My boobs hurt so freaking bad. I would literally yell "DON’T TOUCH ME” at my husband (super pleasant, I know). Shower water hitting them hurt. Breathing hurt. Gusts of wind hurt. Thinking about it now hurts.

  • Feeling your uterus stretch. One day I felt a searing pain in my stomach and thought that an alien was ripping through my skin (which felt like a natural response). Turns out, it was just a growing pain from my stretching uterus. Fun fact, the most common time I felt it was either in an important meeting at work, or while I was sleeping.

  • My digestion came to a complete standstill. Blame the donuts. Blame the hormones. And then once I finally could go, I got hemorrhoids. So that was great. Apparently those are planning to stick around during this entire pregnancy.

  • Pregnancy brain BLOOOOWWSSSSSS. It’s real, and I cannot even tell you the number of times I stared blankly into space just trying to figure out what the eff I was supposed to be doing. At work, at home, walking to work and going to the wrong building, staring at my husband, knowing full well he said something, and that I had no idea what it was. Full on zombie brain. One day, I literally spent more than 2 hours wearing 2 different shoes. I walked to the bathroom multiple times without noticing.

  • Uncontrollable sobbing. ANNNNDDD SCENE: We’re watching the season finale of Life Sentence (go watch it if you don’t already- it’s amazing) and the ending was sad- like, happy sad. My crazy hormones turned this normal, should-maybe-shed-a-few-tears moment into a sob fest that lasted a good 30 minutes after the show ended. Through my sobs, I demanded that my husband ‘hold me and turn on a funny episode of Friends.’ Then, I cry-laughed through the whole episode because PREGNANCY MAKES YOU CRAZY.

  • Mystery gas. Its like your uterus moves and just lets it out at the worst times possible.

Tell me! How did you survive the first trimester? Share your must-have’s in the comments below!

xo, Terra

Tips for beginning a Tone It Up challenge

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This year marks my 4th Tone It Up Bikini Series, and my 3 year anniversary of being a Tone It Up Nutrition Plan member. 

It's so crazy to think how much has changed since that first challenge- with me, with the community, with the world, but what I love most has remained constant. Tone It Up challenges are about helping women take care of themselves!

I've learned a ton over the past 3 years about exercise and nutrition, and below are the 5 things I wish I would've known at the very beginning of my journey. I hope sharing this with you will be a catalyst in your success!!

TAKE BEFORE PICTURES AND MEASUREMENTS

Ok. I know this part is uncomfortable, but trust me, you’re going to want to see the progress you make. I personally think the order of priority goes like this: 

  1. Photos. Take one facing the camera, one in profile, and one from behind. Stand somewhere that’s well lit, in a swimsuit or sports bra and shorts. Use the timer on your camera, or have a friend or family member take the shot. Remember- these photos signify the beginning of your journey. You may not love them, but give yourself a pat on the back for being brave enough to take steps towards being your best self.

  2. Take your measurements. Measure your neck, bust, waist, hips, thighs, calves, and arms. Write your measurements down, and take them again in 4 weeks, and at the end of the challenge. I lost SERIOUS inches even when the scale wasn’t moving as quick as I wanted.

  3. Weigh yourself. Or don’t... that’s up to you. BUT. I promise you’re gonna want to know where you started at the end of this challenge.

You don’t have to share your progress pics with anyone. I didn’t share mine for two years! But I took them every challenge to celebrate the progress I was making.

STOCK UP ON PROTEIN, AND MAKE A SMOOTHIE A DAILY HABIT

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I use Tone It Up Organic Protien on a weekly basis in baked goods and smoothies. Having a healthy sweet treat during the week has been key to keeping my nutrition on track, and protein muffins are easy to transport, and easy to eat when you’re on the go!

I start each day with a smoothie for M1 or M2. It’s a great way to get a nutrient rich meal in, no matter how busy your schedule is. I have a smoothi for M2 during the week because I can do my job and drink it at the same time. I love to add 2 giant handfuls of spinach to my smoothies for an extra punch of vitamins and minerals! 

If I had to suggest on flavor to start with, it would 100% be vanilla.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PERFECT POST

Please enjoy yourself while scrolling through my early posts.

It doesn’t matter if the lighting is perfect, or your plate is wiped down, all that matters is that you show up for yourself!! Whether you’re posting your meals, your workouts, or just life, don’t overthink your IG posts. If you’re brand new to the community, posting these things may be totally new to you- that’s ok!! My photos have definitely evolved over the past 3 years, and now, I really enjoy food styling- hence the food blog!! But that was literally YEARS in the making. Just have fun, and remember that your account is ultimately about being true to you!

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK IF THINGS DONT GO PERFECTLY

Trust me when I say, you will have setbacks. Just remember- you can make the comeback bigger than the setback. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, it only matters how many times you get up. You are going to have an off day. You will probably miss a workout. You may overindulge on a restaurant meal. This happens LITERALLY to everyone. Just remember that you can get right back on track with your next meal or your next workout. Don’t let one slip up ruin a whole day, or worse, your week! Learn from it, and do better the next time.

This group of women wants to see you succeed!

GET TO KNOW THE COMMUNITY

You will be hard pressed to find a group of women who are more supportive than #tiugirls. They will cheer for you, give you tough love, a shoulder to cry on, and a great dinner idea when you’re stumped. Get to know them through your local community, though IG, or through workouts on the Studio Tone It Up app! Having a community who supports you (especially through a lifestyle change) can help you achieve your goals faster, and will celebrate with you every step of the way.  

There is no one on this planet I would rather raise these kiddos with, and no one I’d rather do life with. Babe, you are the absolute best father and the best husband. You are incredible in so many ways, but the role you 100% knock out of the p
Babies fresh from the bath are literally the best scent on the planet. 👶🏻 🛁 🌍 . My kiddos are my why behind so many things, and joining @beautycounter was one of them. . Did you know that there hasn’t been a law passed in almost 80 years su
Maybe you’re feeling what I’m feeling, an intense shift in personal growth, and all the discomfort what comes along with it. . Greatness is on the other side. Keep pushing forward. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep GLOWING. . YOU GOT THIS
Checking in after a long week, and saying hi 👋🏽 . In a time when it feels like EVERYTHING is shifting, remember that you have the power to choose how you show up to your own life. Use this time to grow, to listen, to learn. . At the core, I’v

More than anything, just remember that you are in control of your happiness! Take a moment everyday to celebrate the fact that you are working towards creating the best version of Y-O-U. The challenge is yours, and yours alone.

xo, Terra

5 Things- Getting Ready For a Tone It Up Challenge

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This year marks my 4th Tone It Up Bikini Series, and my 3 year anniversary of being a Tone It Up Nutrition Plan member. 

It's so crazy to think how much has changed since that first challenge- with me, with the community, with the world, but what I love most has remained constant. Tone It Up challenges are about helping women take care of themselves!

I've learned a ton over the past 3 years about exercise and nutrition, and below are the 5 things I wish I would've known at the very beginning of my journey. I hope sharing this with you will be a catalyst in your success!!

take before pictures and measurements

Ok. I know this part is uncomfortable, but trust me, you’re going to want to see the progress you make. I personally think the order of priority goes like this: 

8BA37511-17A1-48D0-9A35-D53A3B9D90C9.JPG

  1. Photos. Take one facing the camera, one in profile, and one from behind. Stand somewhere that’s well lit, in a swimsuit or sports bra and shorts. Use the timer on your camera, or have a friend or family member take the shot. Remember- these photos signify the beginning of your journey. You may not love them, but give yourself a pat on the back for being brave enough to take steps towards being your best self.

  2. Take your measurements. Measure your neck, bust, waist, hips, thighs, calves, and arms. Write your measurements down, and take them again in 4 weeks, and at the end of the challenge. I lost SERIOUS inches even when the scale wasn’t moving as quick as I wanted.

  3. Weigh yourself. Or don’t... that’s up to you. BUT. I promise you’re gonna want to know where you started at the end of this challenge.

You don’t have to share your progress pics with anyone. I didn’t share mine for two years! But I took them every challenge to celebrate the progress I was making.

You don’t have to share your progress pics with anyone. I didn’t share mine for two years! But I took them every challenge to celebrate the progress I was making.

stock up on protein, and make a smoothie a daily habit

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I use Tone It Up Organic Protien on a weekly basis in baked goods and smoothies. Having a healthy sweet treat during the week has been key to keeping my nutrition on track, and protein muffins are easy to transport, and easy to eat when you’re on the go!

I start each day with a smoothie for M1 or M2. It’s a great way to get a nutrient rich meal in, no matter how busy your schedule is. I have a smoothi for M2 during the week because I can do my job and drink it at the same time. I love to add 2 giant handfuls of spinach to my smoothies for an extra punch of vitamins and minerals! 

If I had to suggest on flavor to start with, it would 100% be vanilla.

don't worry about the perfect post

Please enjoy yourself while scrolling through my early posts.

It doesn’t matter if the lighting is perfect, or your plate is wiped down, all that matters is that you show up for yourself!! Whether you’re posting your meals, your workouts, or just life, don’t overthink your IG posts. If you’re brand new to the community, posting these things may be totally new to you- that’s ok!! My photos have definitely evolved over the past 3 years, and now, I really enjoy food styling- hence the food blog!! But that was literally YEARS in the making. Just have fun, and remember that your account is ultimately about being true to you!

give yourself a break if things dont go perfectly

Trust me when I say, you will have setbacks. Just remember- you can make the comeback bigger than the setback. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, it only matters how many times you get up. You are going to have an off day. You will probably miss a workout. You may overindulge on a restaurant meal. This happens LITERALLY to everyone. Just remember that you can get right back on track with your next meal or your next workout. Don’t let one slip up ruin a whole day, or worse, your week! Learn from it, and do better the next time.

This group of women wants to see you succeed!

This group of women wants to see you succeed!

get to know the community

You will be hard pressed to find a group of women who are more supportive than #tiugirls. They will cheer for you, give you tough love, a shoulder to cry on, and a great dinner idea when you’re stumped. Get to know them through your local community, though IG, or through workouts on the Studio Tone It Up app! Having a community who supports you (especially through a lifestyle change) can help you achieve your goals faster, and will celebrate with you every step of the way.  

More than anything, just remember that you are in control of your happiness! Take a moment everyday to celebrate the fact that you are working towards creating the best version of Y-O-U. The challenge is yours, and yours alone.

xo, Terra

Sweet and Spicy Turkey Meatballs

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Spicy meatballs served with sautéed spinach, broccoli, sesame carrots, and a fried egg

Spicy meatballs served with sautéed spinach, broccoli, sesame carrots, and a fried egg

My family LOVES meatballs. I love that they’re an easy addiction to meal prep Sunday, and we all love how yummy and satisfying they are.  

I found myself in a meatball rut in the winter, and my friend Jasmine shared a recipe for Asian meatballs that sounded like a great way to mix things up. 

On the go- served with sweet potatoes, brown rice, broccoli, and carrots

On the go- served with sweet potatoes, brown rice, broccoli, and carrots

One of my goals with this site is always to share healthier versions of comfort food. I love to sneak in extra veggies, and stick to ingredients that don’t weigh you down.  

I used that original recipe as a spring board to experiment with new flavor profiles, and after a few attempts I found this combo, and knew it was the winner.  

SPICY MEATBALLS

  • 2lbs ground turkey

  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced

  • 3/4C oat flour

  • 1/2C grated zucchini

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 cloves garlic, diced

  • 2tsp chili powder

  • 1tsp ground ginger

  • 1tsp smoked paprika

  • Pinch Himalayan pink sea salt

  • Pinch black pepper

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl, and mix thoroughly by hand.

  2. Form into 1-1/2in balls, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes on a foil lined baking sheet (makes 24 meatballs)

SRIRACHA HONEY GLAZE

  • 3 Tbsp Sriracha

  • 3 Tbsp Tamari

  • 3 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar

  • 3 Tbsp Honey

  • 1 tsp Ginger Paste (available @ Trader Joe’s) or 1tsp minced ginger

  • 1 minced clove of garlic or 1/2tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp fish sauce

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1/2tsp cinnamon

  1. Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

These meatballs reheat beautifully.

These meatballs reheat beautifully.

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer to a storage container (like this lovely glass Pyrex) and drizzle the glaze on top. Give the dish a little wiggle to coat them completely!

Serve with AN-Y-THING. veggies, zoodles, brown rice, bibimbap or my favorite, add them to the @toneitupnutrition Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

ENJOY!!!! 😋

Peanut Butter Strawberry Mini Muffins

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This recipe is dedicated to Melody, who lovingly demanded that I post it. Love you girl!! ;)

As soon as I got my hands on the new Tone It Up Peanut Butter protein, I was immediately transported to all of my favorite PB combos. But the first that came to mind was a good old fashioned PB&J.

These mini muffins are a PB&J without the J spilling out of the bread and onto your shirt... wait... is it just me that has that problem?? Silver lining is that the bad boys are packed with protein, are free of refined sugar, and are gluten free!

Hope you enjoy! 

Peanut Butter Strawberry Mini Protein Muffins

makes 24 mini muffins or 12 mini loaves ( i use this mini loaf pan and this Mini Muffin Pan)

ingredients

  • 3/4c gluten free oat flour
  • 3/4c Tone It Up Peanut Butter Protein
  • 1tsp GF baking powder (or regular baking powder- totally up to you)
  • 1tsp baking soda
  • 1/4tsp salt
  • 1 banana, mashed
  • 1/2c unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4c maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries

directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Spray your mini muffin tin with coconut oil spray, and set aside
  3. In a mixing bowl, add all dry ingredients, and whisk to combine
  4. Add in the milk, banana, egg, and maple syrup. Mix until well combined
  5. Gently fold strawberries into the batter
  6. Using a teaspoon, spoon batter into muffin tin (each muffin will hold 1 to 1 1/2 tsp of batter)
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes (depending on your oven) Muffins are ready when an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

From there, simply enjoy with family, friends, coworkers, whoever! 

Hope you love these as much as we do!

xo, Terra

Commuter Must-Haves: What I use to stay comfortable on my multifaceted commute.

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Planes, trains, and automobiles. How do you get to work? My daily commute consists of a bus, a ferry, and a walk. Staying organized, dry, and comfortable are KEY to starting my workday on the right foot. 

Our Pacific NW weather has a mind all it's own. On any given day my commute can consist of rain, sun, wind, sometimes snow. My main goals while commuting are to keep my hair dry (hello frizz), get to work with my hands free, and ideally arrive without being too sweaty from the walk.

Here are my MUST HAVE commuter items for our crazy Seattle weather. These items are tested and approved by yours truly! 

non-negotiables 

  1.   A backpack that holds everything. I mean everything. I love this Everlane backpack because it holds all I need with room to spare. On the daily, I carry breakfast, lunch, 2 snacks, an umbrella, a notebook, a clutch (with my wallet and whatnot) and a coffee cup. I can easily fit it all into this backpack, and HELLOOOOOOO it’s only $48!
  2. A rain jacket that doesn’t make me sweaty. My North Face rain coat keeps me dry, but is also breathable. I can layer a sweater underneath for colder months, or can just wear a light layer underneath in the Spring.
  3. Wireless headphones. If I’m not recording a morning walk, I prefer to have my hands free with my phone in my pocket. I love these I.Am buttons because they have multiple ear pieces to ensure you get the perfect fit. A huge bonus is that the backs magnatize and stay around your neck if you take them off.  
  4. I wear a hat every single day. Wind and humidity will erase any resemblance of a hair style by the time I get to work. A light beanie keeps my hair from whipping in the wind, but isn’t so tight that my hair goes flat.  
  5. Comfy sneakers. I deal with hills, wonky sidewalks, and sometimes the occasional jog if I’m running late to the boat. I only make my commute in sneakers to quicken my pace, and also to save my feet (and my work shoes) from overwear.  

Let me know- how do you get to work? What are your commuting must haves?  

Happy Travels! 

xo, Terra