Favorite Costco Finds

While most 25 year olds spend their money on clothes, makeup, and pedicures I rack up my grocery shopping bill. I have a hard time saying no to food, like all the time. Most likely if a creeper in a broken down van opened his door to me and said he had a bag of chocolate chips...I'd probably get in the van.

(Note: Don't really do that.)

Costco is one of those places that I visit weekly, and a lot of times I am emailed about things to buy to stock a healthy pantry. Now, for those that don't know, Costco sells food and other items in bulk. Like you don't buy 1 bottle of ketchup, you buy 7. But there are things that I get weekly there because we plow through food in our house so often, that I have to go there to save money. (Yes husband, I said 'Save Money').

Here is a list of some of the things I think are worth getting at Costco. Every Costco is different, so you might not find what's on this list at your local store. I'm sure in a few months I'll do a part two because Costco likes to sell my favorite things for a little bit, and then all of the sudden..stop.

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Produce:

Living in Las Vegas, produce isn't as fresh or as cheap as it was in California. And since we eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I tend to buy majority of my produce from Costco. It's the most cost effective for our family since my girls can eat a whole container of blueberries in two days! Often you can find Organic produce for not much of a price difference for non organic too!

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Frozen Fruit:

We love our smoothies in our house, so frozen fruit is a must! Right now I have a huge bag or Organic dark sweet cherries! I usually buy one bag, and use that up until it's done and then I'll switch to another fruit. Again, this has just been the most cost effective for our family too since we use it so much!

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Sabra Single Serving Packets

I'm almost positive these aren't going to last at Costco because I love them so much! They used to see a HUGE tub of Sabra hummus for $5, and now it's gone! But it's ok, because now they switched to these single serving packets! It's perfect for out families hummus obsession, because I can take one out and eat it as a snack without eating the whole tub. I also put this in my daughters lunch for school!

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Mama Chia Packets

These are so amazing! It's basically a sweet chia gel in a packet that you can suck right out when you need a little something. Perfect for me or the girls, we both love them!

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Chobani

The girls favorite yogurt, especially the strawberry. Usually this is the most cost effective for us since we eat a lot of it!

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Fruit/Veggie Packets

My one year old is obsessed with the apple sauce packets, so when Costco has them I always buy them because they don't last long! And most often, they are more expensive in other grocery stores!

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Pure Maple Syrup

This is the syrup I use when cooking, baking, pancake making, etc. It's 100% pure! Maple syrup is SO expensive, but I've noticed I get more for my money at Costco!

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Almond Butter

Almond butter is delicious, especially when you add a little honey and cinnamon to it. This is a great find at costco, especially since it's all natural with no added sugars! And again, more for your money!

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Almond Butter Packets

These are perfect for lunches or quick snacks! I'm always looking for things like this to make life easier!

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Coach's Oats

Great brand of oats, and you get a lot for your money!

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Quinoa

I just barely finished my bag  of quinoa from costco that I got MONTHS ago! I keep it in the fridge/freezer so it last long!

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Coconut Oil

$20 for a HUGE thing of coconut oil. If you use it as often as I do, then definitely look into this!

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Quinoa & Brown Rice:

Microwaveable rice that's perfect and healthy for quick dinners and lunches!

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Chia Seeds

This is similar with the quinoa in that this last forever and I keep it in the fridge until it's all gone!

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Hemp Seeds

Along the same lines as the Chia seeds! Last forever and more for the money!

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Dairy

I usually  buy my non dairy milks at costco, they have coconut, soy, and almond. (I use a lot during the week.) I also buy eggs there because of the great price!

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Salsa

If costco gets rid of this salsa, I swear I will break up with them! This is the BEST salsa, and it's gone within the week. I put this crap on everything!

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Fage Greek Yogurt

My favorite favorite yogurt! It's so thick and creamy, it's the perfect sub for sour cream and perfect for baking! You get a HUGE tub for like $5!

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7 Superfoods Salad

This salad has kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, pumpkin seeds, etc. I LOVE THIS SALAD! I have this often for lunch with a leftover protein from dinner! It's seriously the best, even my girls love it! (And my husband!)

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Evolution Apple Juice

Liquid gold my friends. Everybody loves juice, but I'm kind of a snob towards juice that isn't fresh. It taste SO much better, and this is an example! We fight over this juice in our house, that's a fact.

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Honey Chia Bread

This is a new find for me, but they give a lot of samples of it with warm melted butter. I'm now addicted! It's the perfect toast/breakfast bread with a little almond butter, honey, cinnamon, or coconut oil!

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See what I mean...

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Now I will say this...Don't buy all of this at once. Unless you want to spend $600 at Costco.

What are your favorite things to get at Costco? Did I miss any fun finds? Also, my children were cuddling while I shopped and took pictures for this post. My three year old was tickling my one year old and singing to her...

Costco may be what heaven is like...

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To My 3 Year Old Princess

Follow my blog with Bloglovin(Boo will be turning 3 in just a few short weeks and I can't believe it! I thought I would write a little letter to her, and let her know how much I love her!)

To my 3 year old Princess...

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Sometimes I feel like there isn't enough time in the day to tell you how much that I love you.

To tell you how grateful I am for you sass and your drama.

To say thank you for making me laugh and smile on a constant basis.

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I love to hear you tell me stories, take care of your baby sister, and watch you play with your princess toys.

I could sit and watch you all day as you dance and sing at the top of your lungs. Sometimes I think you are imagining yourself on stage in front of millions, performing and entertaining.

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And even though it's hard, I admire your determination and stubborn-ness. At times those tears of yours can have a whole entire store watching your broadway performance...

But you know what, I love it. You are a strong and sensitive young woman and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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I hope you know that I'll always love you Boo. That I'll be there for you whenever you need me. Even when your 16 and that stupid boy breaks your heart. I'll kill him for you without question... :)

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Promise me that you will do your best to remain pure and wholesome in world surrounded with pain, suffering, selfishness, and unkind things. I have no doubt that you will be the diamond in rough.

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Also, promise me you won't hate me when you turn 12. I know that you are probably going to want to wear short shorts, say things like WTF, and want to kiss all the boys...But stick with barbies and princesses for well...a long time. I'll do my best not to embarrass you on a daily basis, and I'll even try to wear regular pants instead of yoga pants when I pick you up from school!

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Thank you for being the best 3 year old in my life my little princess! I wouldn't have you any other way!

Love,

Mommy!

Hawaii Part 2

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Dessert Buffet

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The Best Shrimp my husband has ever had:

Somewhere along the North Shore.

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Dinner Buffet at the Resort

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food

Sweet Pea's First Steps

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Resort Pictures

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Sorry for the picture overload my friends, but the beautiful islands and landmarks of Hawaii are just too good not to share! Sadly we are back home now, and I haven't stopped dreaming of fresh pineapple and shaved ice...It's a problem.

Much Love!

Hawaii Part 1

I've been counting down the days for this Hawaii trip and it has finally arrived! I debated whether or not to share this trip with you guys, but I decided it would be fun to share the places we see, visit, and eat in hopes that it might help you on a future trip! And if you don't have any Hawaii vacations planned in your future, then make yourself a pina colada at home and come on a virtual tour with me :)! Day 1:

LAX-HONOLULU

first plane ride
first plane ride
First plane ride
First plane ride
asleep
asleep
hawaii
hawaii

ARRIVING AT THE RESORT:

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club

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hawaii sunset
Tree Climbing
Tree Climbing
tree climbing
tree climbing

First Family Photo in Hawaii...Fail

Family Photo Fail
Family Photo Fail
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sunset

Day 2: 

Resort Swimming

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First Swim
First Swim
lovers in a waterfall
lovers in a waterfall
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pool waterfall

Resort Beach Exploration

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sand baby
building sand castles
building sand castles
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ocean baby

Baby Makapuu Local's Beach (This wasn't my favorite beach, a little too rocky, but it's definitely a place all the locals go to BBQ and hang out. We met some loacl friends there, and had a great time though!)

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local beach
snorkeling hottie
snorkeling hottie
snorkeling hottie
snorkeling hottie
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beach walking

We will be in Hawaii all week and have lot's planned! The first few days were just getting settled and relaxing from travel since the kids were kind of iffy on the time change. Then on Tuesday we head to Kauai! I promise some foodie pics are soon to come :). Have a great Monday!

Be Consistent with Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Here's the truth about New Years Resolutions... I loathe them.

I think every New Years since I was a 12 I've always said I wanted to loose weight. Then come February and those cute pink and red chocolate candies some how find their way into every isle and corner of shopping stores, and then mysteriously end up in my shopping cart.

Of coarse after chocolate candy February comes chocolate covered bunny Easter, and before you know it BAM it's June and everybody and their mom is wearing bathing suits and your still pounding that huge box of vibrant colored marshmallow peeps because they are your favorite.

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fat gal little coat

(Note Picture above: Peep eater in a little coat...)

Like I LOATHE New Years Resolutions.

After many battles with myself and trying to change to a healthier lifestyle, I've learned that a new date and a new year does nothing but give me a little bit of hope, followed by a lot a bit of pressure, then eventually total failure.

I'm going to give a series of scenarios, and I want you to think in your head if you have ever done any of the following.

-You decide you are going to start eating healthy at the beginning of the New Year! Come that morning on the 1st of the year, you have NO idea what to eat and everything healthy sounds repulsive. You do the best you can though, and continue to make somewhat healthy choices through out the week. Come day 7 you are pretty cranky because healthy eating is becoming difficult, overwhelming, and it's too hard to eat healthy every single meal and snack. Eventually you give in to that Ben & Jerry's because you just can't accomplish the goal you set out to do.

How about this one?

-At the new year, you decide you are going to exercise at least 5-6 times a week. Your goal is to wake up at 5 a.m. every day and run on that treadmill or go to the gym for at least 60-75 minutes. Come the 1st, you pull yourself out of bed and get your butt to the gym. It's hard but you continue to do it for a couple of days. Then your husband is on call for the weekend, all of your kids get sick, and your just too tired to get up at 5 and go so instead you just give up. It's to hard to fit in that amount of time with your busy schedule.

Ok, so I know those scenarios sound extreme, but in all honesty I've been there. I've been the girl who tried so desperately to change my eating at the first of the year and the pressure, my laziness, lack of knowledge, etc. made me give up. I've also been a mom, and more so a single mom due to my husbands schedule, and unable to have even an hour for a solid workout. Many a times I've given up on exercise because my family and it's priorities were put first.

SO...What do you do?

Over the past month, many of you know our family is moving out of state. Besides the end of the year being super crazy with holidays and work schedules, we've been packing up our lives, living out of boxes, and staying at different family members homes until we can move into our rental. All of this has made me crazy, and quite frankly it's been REALLY easy to get off track on living a healthy lifestyle.

Yet this past month I changed my way of thinking, and put it to the test. I wanted to see if this ONE phrase/ONE word could change the way I viewed staying on track with living a healthy lifestyle. You know what? It really did!

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Screen shot 2013-01-02 at 10.11.32 PM

All you have to do is think of that simple phrase/word in order to stay on track with your goals of living a healthy lifestyle. Let me explain:

What this Does NOT mean-This does not mean you make a goal to be consistent with running 45 minutes on the treadmill each day.  This does not mean be consistent by making sure every single meal is healthy, every single day.

What this DOES mean-This means that as long as you are consist every day with doing SOMETHING that goes a long with your goals, you are doing the best you can! 

For example, one of my goals this year is to become better at exercising. With everything that has been going on, it's been really hard to have even 20 minutes to myself to workout. So on days where it's too crazy, instead of giving up and not exercising because it won't be a great workout, I take 10 minutes to do some floor exercises. (Something simple like sit ups and lunges.) Or I do a ten minute You Tube video. It may not be the greatest workout where I burned 400 calories, but I did something. And on the days where I have more time, I'll definitely do something more intense. But the main point I am trying to make here is that:

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Eventually exercising, eating healthy, and living a healthy lifestyle will become a habit, and apart of your everyday lifestyle!

Here's a look at some random days exercises that I've partaken in over the past few weeks:

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workoutweek

Some of those workouts may have been small, but none were insignificant. Despite having a crazy schedule (and now two sick kids!), i've consistently done some sort of workout every day. (Except on rest days/Sundays.)

And if eating healthier is one of your goals, consistency will definitely benefit you too! For example, all of my favorite kitchen appliances, like my other child named vitamix, are all packed up. We've been staying at a family members houses and not everbody eats lots of freaky green food like we do and that's ok! So eating healthy has been somewhat of a challenge. So I've done my best to balance and moderate the unhealthier foods, followed by consistently eating a few healthy things each day. I do the best I can with what I've been given! Here is an example:

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healthy choices copy

So my goal for you this year is to :

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Screen shot 2013-01-02 at 10.42.26 PM

Every Sunday I will keep you updated with ideas for you to be consistent with healthy living along with links for quick/effective workouts that you can do on your own! On top of that, Sundays will also be the day I will post a sample menu of healthy foods that you can make for your families through out the week! I'm really excited about this new series, and I truly hope all of YOU, my blog friends, will get involved and make an effort to be consistent everyday with making small and simple healthy choices!

Here are ways to get involved:

-Send me links/pictures/tweets about ways your were consistent with either eating healthy/working out/ making a healthy decision! Use the Hashtag #BeConsistent

Have a great start to the New Year everyone! Can't wait to see all that this New Year brings!

4 Year Wedding Anniversary Video for My Hubby!

Today is the 4 year wedding anniversary for the hubby and I!

(I don't have the professional pics on me, but here are a few from that day!)

I would give anything to inhale that cake right about now...

It's crazy to think that in 4 years, out little family has grown and accomplished so much!! Between 2 baby girls, graduate school, a residency, and moving a bajillion times...!! We have been SOO extremely blessed!

And in honor of our anniversary I made a video for the hubby! :)

I promise you are going to want to see it! hhaha There are pretty some hilarious old home videos in there...of the hubby...and a few moments where I shed a tear! :)

Dear Hubby:

Happy Anniversary! I love you more than words can express, thank you for putting up with my crazy tendencies!! And thank you for being EXTREMELY hard working for our little family!

I love you!

Walk N' Da Park: Family Video

I'm 100% sure that I'm trying to be taught some sort of lesson right now.

I'm 78% sure that it has to do with patience...

(I WOULD be at least 95% sure if I didn't think I was partly being taught to just enjoy what little time I have being a mama of  one child...)

Either way, I'm going crazy.

(I'm also obsessed with Instagram. Things just look better with filters...Included my face.)

I'm at the point where I would rather be tired and worn out because I'm taking care of two kids, rather than feeling full/ bloated/ in pain/ slow/ hungry/ not hungry/ and grumpy being pregnant.

I know, my complaining is annoying...So much I'm annoyed by myself.

At this point I've decided to stop focusing on the walking, dancing, and jumping and  just forget about it all. I figure when I'm not expecting it to happen, it will.

So for now, I'm enjoying lots of play time with Boo. I know that this new baby thing is going to be quite the shocker for her. According to her, Baby Sister's name is either Cows or Elephants, and she is coming 'so long' from now...

Another person I find fearful of what's to come in the future is the hubby. I can tell when he's getting stressed out when he starts doing odd and unexplainable things...

For one, he took the trash out today.

:)

And a few days ago for dinner he put cheez-its on his salad...

He also drank plain coconut water. Seriously, he's loosing it.

Either way I can't wait for out coo-koo family to become four, living off of 4 hours a sleep and little to rare showers.

(Wait? Isn't that my life right now?)

Anyways, I've thought a lot about this blog and what's going to happen to it when the new baby arrives. I want to say that my post will continue as normal as possible, and that's the goal. But I also know what it's like to have a new baby, and sometimes I'm not going to be able to make a glorious meal.

I've got a few things I'm planning on doing at that time, food included, but one of them is more videos. Maybe you guys hate them, and I'm sorry, but my goal is to really get you guys familiar with our little family. I've debated on doing this for a while because honestly I find myself embarrassing...But it is going to happen! :)

Hopefully once a week I'll post a video of some sort, rather it's cooking, exercise, family life, being silly, etc. I want you to get to know our little family and our personalities...Not just that I like Trash TV, Boo is a drama queen, and the hubs likes to buy white shoes... :)

On top of it, I've got a post workout series coming along for you guys to follow a long on my journey to a healthy and fit after baby body. I'm excited for it all to come together, and I can't wait to share!

I figured what better way to start off with is a family video...of us being us. We are new at this, and kind of look like losers haha! But you get to see my whole glorious pregnant self, and well...That's just hot!

(Embarrassed face...)

Hopefully next time I post I'll be holding my sweet baby girl!! Send some good vibes! Have a great week!!

Healthy Eating According to a One Year Old: VIDEO

I have many nicknames for those in my family.

And by family, I mean Boo, Baby, and Hubby.

I have a feeling other family members reading this were thinking, "Great...what's MY nickname!"

No need to worry fam bam. The only other person outside of my immediate family that has a nickname is my grandma.

It starts with L and ends with OCA.

Jk jk jk.

Oye.

Baby Boo is the one with the most names. I feel like everyday I come up with a new nickname for her because her personality is blossoming.

By blossoming I mean booming..

Right now I call her Sassy Pants and Spicy Mimosa. I'm not sure what Mimosa has to do with Baby Boo, but I think it's because I feel I need one after an afternoon of pure Diva-ness from her.

The biggest thing right now are her conversations...and her demands.

Before she would just say one word and point to what she wanted. Now I hear a whole song about it, a screaming demand, and then a grand finale of fireworks. She's a walking broadway show.

But I wouldn't have my life any other way, and I love her more than life itself.

Plus between the two of us, my husband is a season ticket holder to some sort of dramatic extravaganza each and every day...Add one more little girly chickpea to that mix, and I'm pretty sure he is going to hate the theater sooner than later.

Now, without further ado, I would like to introduce Princess #1 in her very first interview all about healthy eating.

Be warned...She's quite the Spicy Mimosa.

See...I told you.

 

Take Time to Smile

I never knew that a little child could teach me so much.

Such as cherishing the small things, and the moments that matter.

That a smile so big and bright can change the way we all feel about ourselves, our day, and our lives.

Also, a little bit of patience, and a lot more laughter is more important than any amount of stress and anxiety.

And if there so happens to be a moment of sadness or disappointment, that the best feeling in the world is knowing that a quick cuddle session followed by a hug and kiss can make it all go away.

Thank you Baby Boo for teaching me the important things in life, and cherishing the moments that matter.

XOXOX

Have a great start to your week friends! Take time to smile! :-)

Is it a Boy? Girl?

From the second I laid eyes on my dear Baby Boo, I imagined the fun times that us girls would do.

At just an early age she was covered with bows...

Poofy tutu's and hair flowers that reached to her nose.

Lots of pictures, playing dress up, and even tea parties.

Tons of laughter, hugs, and kisses and singing songs-What a smarty!

Although it's quite fancy that her life is surrounded in pink,

She still finds the time to make our hearts sink.

With cuddles an snuggles up to daddy each night,

He's wrapped around her little finger oh so very tight.

And now, almost two years later we are adding one more.

A sibling for Boo, and more snuggles galore.

We couldn't be happier, whether it's a boy or a girl...

Just as long as it's healthy and falls asleep in a whirl.

Now the day has arrived where we reveal the little one's gender,

And we wanted to announce in a way with much splendor!

I made cupcakes, of coarse, with a secret message inside...

The color in the middle will release joyful cries!

IT'S A GIRL!! IT'S A GIRL!!

Do you know what this means?

More pink bows, more dresses, matching outfits, and ballet...

(Or as the hubby sees it...)

Two weddings, two proms, meeting boyfriends..He better start to pray.

Either way that you see it, it's the greatest blessing non the less.

Are we happy, are we grateful, are we healthy...And the answer is YES!!

Thank you everybody for your sweet e-mails, comments, notes, support, etc!! We appreciate each and everyone of you, and are so glad to share this monumental time in our lives with you!

We can't wait for you to meet Baby Loo!! :-)