Veggetti & Egg Free Zucchini, Banana, Chocolate Chip Bread!!

I put my egg free baking skills to the test again! Let's just say, I didn't fail as miserably as last time :) This time around I made Zucchini bread with banana (instead of egg) and some chocolate chips! The flavor was really good (we ate it all in one day...opps!!!), but it was a little dense. I'll have to try it again in a few weeks..not giving up yet!

Second attempt at Zucchini bread

First attempt at an egg free, grain free zucchini bread ... no it's not a roast :) 

This is the recipe that I used and I'll update my post when I try it again: http://www.milkallergymom.com/2009/07/zucchini-bread-milk-and-egg-free.html

To shred the zucchini, I used a Veggetti that I randomly picked up a few months ago at Ross. I finally put it to the test and it was SOOOOO EASY!!!! I can't believe I waited so long to use it! I'm not one to buy things that are only good for one purpose, but this one is worth it. We even used some of the leftover zucchini noodles as a replacement for pasta at dinner.

What is a one purpose kitchen tool that you use and love??

The AWESOMENESS of life :)

Today is awesome! OK, life in general is pretty AWESOME! The last 1-2 weeks I've taken some time to slow down and focus on living my life the way that I want to every day! Because...well, isn't that what it's all about?! :) Sometimes we get off track and need to take a step back. Now, I am feeling much more focused, energized, and balanced. I'm giving and receiving love and that feels pretty great!

In addition to working out bright and early this morning with my hubby, showering (that's a biggie :)), spending all day with my amazing little boy and one of our friends ... I've been able to share successes and struggles with others doing 21 Day Fix. Women who are just getting started and seeing amazing results..and others, like me, that have been going at it for a couple months and need that extra push to keep going on their journey. I can't capture all of the amazing things happening today, but here are just a couple of the highlights!

"I am down 70 lbs and from a size 22 to a size 12/14. I had done calorie counting and the gym... when that stopped working, Holly introduced me to 21 Day Fix Extreme! I am happier than I have been in years and I'm able to keep up with my son!"

"We both lost 10 pounds in round 1 of 21 Day Fix and I lost 15 inches!"

"I wanted to let you know that I started the 21 day fix on Tuesday. I weighed 170.4 and today I am 165.6!!"

These are just some of the successes, but to me...every person who makes a choice to take that step today is a success...whether you are choosing to just get started or if you are trying to get back on track. It doesn't matter. Either way, you are choosing YOU. You are choosing life and happiness. That's what matters. 

If you are feeling off balance or know that you just need to make a change, and want to join in on the awesomeness...message me at https://www.facebook.com/holly.atkins63 and let's talk. It's worth it...and pretty fun :) What do you have to lose? Or better yet...just imagine what you could gain (and no I'm not referring to weight, but how about some muscle ;))!

12 nights in CALIFORNIA!!!!!

I have ALWAYS wanted to go to California, so I am super excited for our upcoming trip...especially since we will be there to celebrate our THIRD wedding anniversary! My husband and I mostly took international vacations before having Ethan, but now as a family of three, it seems just a little easier to stay in the US. Plus, there is still tons that we want to explore here.

I do have to say that I am a little nervous about Ethan adjusting to the time change when we get there and when we return. He is a pretty good, predictable sleeper and I don't want that to stop once we get back. But... I also want to go with the flow as much as possible while we are traveling (want my cake and eat it too, I suppose? :)). We will just see how he does and go from there...

SO, here is what our trip looks like so far! We have planned out a few things we want to see at each place, but still have more planning to do.

Fly into San Diego

• San Diego - 4 nights
• Pismo Beach - 2 nights
• Carmel/Monterey - 3 nights
• San Francisco - 3 nights

Fly from SF - SD and then SD home!

We are trying to strike a good balance between sightseeing and having some relaxing downtime...as much as you can with a toddler. My youngest brother and sister-in-law just moved outside of LA in July, so they are planning to meet up with us in San Diego. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM and explore San Diego together! They may even give us a date night out on the town! WOOOO HOOOOO! Now to figure out what to do on our night out..

Until we get there....I'll be dreaming about this view :)

Childhood Cancer Awareness - Donating $1 for every POUND lost in September!

I remember my dad training for a marathon many years ago! At that age, I thought the only reason people ran marathons was to raise money for a cause. So, I asked him what cause he was running for, which prompted him to sign up with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.... I still remember trying to help him fundraise smile emoticon

September will be my fourth accountability group and found myself asking...how can I use this as an opportunity to give back even more?? Well, it is Childhood Cancer awareness month! 

Now that I have my own son, I can't help but get emotional when I think about what those little kids and their families are going through. The struggles - physically, mentally, emotionally and financially that they experience at such a young age that most of us don't have to experience in a lifetime. It breaks my heart to even imagine Ethan going through that. 

So, for each POUND lost by one of my Challengers in my next group, I will donate $1 to Childhood Cancer awareness! My next accountability group is starting Monday, September 7. Don't worry, I know that's a busy week with Labor day and kids going back to school, so that week will be pre-season - just getting to know each other, etc. The workouts will start September 14!

I hope that you will join me for a month of FUN, meal planning tips and recipes, and daily motivation and support you need to make a healthy lifestyle change! I will be your cheerleader the whole way through to get you the results that you want to see smile emoticon

If you are interested, please send me a Facebook friend request and message at https://www.facebook.com/holly.atkins63. Feel free to share this with anyone else that could use some motivation and support on their journey to be healthier and happier every day while giving back to an important cause!