Well.Hello.Sunshine.

Call me crazy, but I think unloading this dishwasher would be so fun! The collection of bright colors and prints just makes me want to do my chores. OK, not really, but if the contents in my dishwasher were this cute, I'd never hesitate to unload it.

A.Pop.Of.Red.

I find this outfit to be absolutely adorable! From head to toe, this is just fabulous :)

Family.Life.

Today I am sending my thanks to my family for a wonderful trip to Bass Lake/Yosemite in honor of my Grandparents' 50th Anniversary.

I always look forward to our little reunions that come not often enough and I am always sad when they end. The laughter, the memories, everything is a treasure!

"In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony."- Eva Burrows

Camp.Do.More.2011.

I am SO excited for Chalene Johnson's Camp Do More 2011 which starts tomorrow and goes through Sunday! I have been looking forward to this event for an entire YEAR and feel SO lucky that I get to attend.

If you didn't already know, this event sells out within a couple very short hours of registration opening up. I was one of the unfortunate people who missed the deadline, but because I am part of Chalene's Elite Video Talent Team, I scored a free ticket, and could not be more grateful or more anxious for the next four days. Just another perk of being on the EVTT!

Over the next four days, we'll be working out with Chalene, listening to her give POWERFUL and MOTIVATIONAL lessons, we'll see the all the new HOT TurboWear at the Fashion Show (and rumor has it I have been selected to model down the runway WOOT WOOT!) and I'll be surrounded by Turbo Fanatics from all over the country! Hello, it's THE event to be at!



I'm counting down the hours and can't wait to meet so many people who I will soon call my friends!

Chocolate.Macaroon.Cupcakes.

These cupcakes sound to-die-for! And the best part - they are only 120 calories each!!! Enjoy!


Ingredients -

2 egg whites

1 egg

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup buttermilk

Filling -

1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg white

1/3 cup flaked coconut

1/2 teaspoon coconut or almond extract

2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Directions -

In a bowl, combine the egg whites, egg, applesauce and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa and baking soda; gradually add to egg white mixture alternately with buttermilk. Spoon half of the batter into 18 muffin cups coated with cooking spray.

In another bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, sugar and egg white until smooth. Stir in coconut and extract. Spoon 1 tablespoonful in the center of each muffin cup.

Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with remaining batter. Bake at 350° for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks; cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Thank you Taste of Home Magazine for this recipe. For more low-cal recipes like this one, visit www.tasteofhome.com

Change.Your.Attitute.And.Thinking.

"You are what you are and you are where you are because of what has gone into your mind. You change what you are and you change where you are by changing what goes into your mind." - Zig Ziglar

Bass.Lake.

Today I am off to Bass Lake. It's been YEARS since I've been here (I don't remember actually being here, but pictures show that I was) and I am looking forward to playing with my family all day in the sun!

Sounds like a perfect Sunday Funday don't ya think?!

Shoes.For.Sale.

Now this is MY kind of vending machine!

Rev.Abs.

Well, I've sat on my booty for long enough (after spraining my ankle in April, I've been VERY slow to getting back to my regular fitness routine) so I started Rev Abs with celebrity trainer from The Biggest Loser, Brett Hoebel, and I...am...in....love....!

I have to admit, I was slightly concerned that the program was going to focus ONLY on toning my abs, however, I am sore from head to toe today and it's only day 3! Brett's workouts do a wonderful job of working every muscle group with an addition of cardio and of course every exercise is done while "firing up" the abs. Brett's personality makes the workouts enjoyable and I actually find myself having FUN while working out!

I am anxious to see my results at the 45 day and 90 day marks. I am already feeling better and look forward to completing this program!

One.Day.Left.

I am SO excited that there is only 1 day left until I get to see my mom and my baby brother! It has been WAAAAAY too long...

I'll be heading up to Sacramento tomorrow night and then we're off to Bass Lake/Yosemite to celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary with my whole family. I am so excited and can't wait for the fun festivities that will be occurring over the next few days.

Hope.For.Miracles.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could just twist the lid and miracles really did occur? At least there is hope for our skin...

Maple-Roasted.Sweet.Potato.Fries.

Notes -

Only a small bit of oil and maple syrup are needed to coat these thick wedges of potatoes. Roasting them at a high temperature browns them well and deepens the flavors. A fresh sprinkle of lemon zest adds flavor without fat.

Ingredients -

• 2 pounds small sweet potatoes (about 5), peeled and cut lengthwise into 1-inch wedges
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• Sea salt and freshly grated nutmeg, to taste, for serving

Directions -

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the sweet potatoes on a large, foil-lined rimmed baking sheet with the oil; season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Roast the potatoes for 20 minutes.

2. Remove the pan from the oven and toss the potatoes with the syrup.

3. Back in the oven, roast, tossing twice, until the potatoes are beginning to brown and are tender, about 15 minutes more. To serve, sprinkle warm potatoes with freshly grated lemon zest, sea salt, and nutmeg to taste.

Starting.Point.

"If we don't start, it's certain we can't arrive." - Zig Ziglar

Where do you want to go? What goals have you set for yourself? Have you written those goals down on paper? Do you refer back to that list of paper multiple times throughout your day as a reminder of the things you want to achieve? That's your starting point.

Without making notes of things we want to accomplish, we lose sight of our goals. I challenge you this week to write down goals (long term and short term) for yourself and start doing the actions that are necessary for you to achieve your dreams.

Watermelon.Summer.Salad.

Enjoy this mouth-watering, refreshing, tasty summer salad.

Ingredients -

• 3/4 cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 quarts seeded, cubed watermelon
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup pitted black olive halves
• 1 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions -

1. Place the onion slices in a small bowl with the lime juice. The acid of the lime will mellow the flavor of the raw onion. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, black olives, onions with the lime juice, and mint. Drizzle olive oil over it all, and toss to blend. Dig in and be prepared for a pleasant surprise!

Independence.Day.

Happy 4th of July my dear friends and followers!

I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your loved ones. Stay safe and have a fun day!