Tax.Lady.

When it comes to filing taxes, I'd rather stick needles in my eyes! Thankfully my mother happens to be my Personal Tax Accountant. She actually gets a kick out of crunching numbers and working her magic! Is she for real?!? I don't understand her, but I can't complain. All I know is I am incredibly thankful for her services!

Tuscan.Retreat.

Something that's been on my wish list for quite a few years is to travel to Italy. I studied the beautiful language in college and recently started studying it again via apps on my iPad. I am hoping that by re-learning the language, I will be inspired to save money and travel there sometime in the near future.

I have a feeling the reason I keep putting it off is I'm afraid I won't want to come back to California. This picture is exactly how I picture life in Tuscany. It looks so serene and absolutely beautiful. Except my bike is pink and I'd have a cute doggie in the basket.

Banana.Mousse.

Banana Mousse

Ingredients-

• 2 Tbsp. low-fat milk
• 4 tsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 medium banana, quartered
• 1 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
• 4 slices banana (1/4 inch each)

Directions-

In a blender, blend milk, sugar, vanilla, and the quartered banana together at high speed until mixture is smooth. Pour into a bowl and fold in yogurt. Chill mixture for at least 45 minutes in refrigerator; when chilled, spoon mousse into 4 dessert dishes. Cut 4 1/4-inch slices from banana, and stand 1 banana slice on its side in each bowl. Makes 4 servings.

Special thanks to Beachbody for this tasty recipe. For more low-calorie recipes, please visit www.FitCoachTaryn.com

Slow.And.Steady.Wins.The.Race.

Make-up Mondays have turned into Motivational Mondays in the interest of appealing to a larger audience and because I believe starting the week off with words of wisdom helps one to be more productive and accomplish more over the next 7 days.

So to kick-off this new weekly posting category, I will share with you a quote by a man I really admire.

"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day." - Jim Rohn

I listen to Jim Rohn's audio books in what I call my "Drive Time University" as I've mentioned to you before, and he fills me with so much inspiration and motivation.

His quote above is powerful. Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare? Well, do you remember who ultimately wins that race? The tortoise. Why? Because slow and steady wins the race. When you practice small things consistently, you will build momentum and you're bound to reach success.

So my friends, I wish you a good week and remember, it's the small things that you do on a consistent basis that will pay off in the end.

Sandy.Toes.

I can't wait for the sunshine to come out and bring warmer weather so I can stick my toes in the sand and enjoy the local beaches. I find so much serenity in the sand and can't wait for the dreary weather to leave for a few months.

Flower.Power.

I have a slight obsession with flower rings. They are simply adorable and add such a feminine touch to any outfit.

Downward.Dog.

Well, I am happy to report that I reached a personal fitness goal this week - I successfully touched my heels to the floor in downward dog. Because I sit most of the day at work, my leg muscles tend to be very tight. Touching my heels to the mat has been a goal of mine for quite some time now, and on Monday, I achieved my goal without even trying. It just goes to show the more you practice something, the better you become.

Reaching.Goals.

It's true...when you surround yourself with like-minded people who want similar things, it's so much easier to reach your own personal goals and make your dreams realities. Each day, I think about how thankful I am to have such wonderful motivators and supporters in my life. To you - I say thank you!

Wicked.

Something that has been on my wish list for quite some time is to see Wicked. I have always loved The Wizard of Oz. In fact, I've probably seen that movie more times than any other movie. Well, tonight, I'm going to finally see the musical and learn the untold story of the Witches of Oz and I'm so excited!

Lite.And.Refreshing.

Shaved Raw Asparagus with Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 pound(s) large asparagus
• 1 cup (3 ounces) coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 3 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
  
• 2 tablespoon(s) warm water
  
• 1/4 cup(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus into long, thin strips, and transfer to a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, mix the Parmigiano-Reggiano with the lemon juice, water, and olive oil. Add to the asparagus and toss to coat. Season the salad with salt and pepper and serve at once.

Lipstick.Trails.

I am so guilty of leaving my lips behind on every cup I drink from. I need advice on a good lipstick with "staying power" that won't rub off. I'm always so scared to try them because if the color isn't right for me, then I'm stuck with it! Leave a comment if you recommend a good lipstick that will stay on my lips and only on my lips.

Blustery.Day.

This wind and rain are trying to lift my feet off the ground and make me soar up and away...

Adorable.Trench.

Trench coats are definitely a Spring must-have. While I don't personally own one, I know I need to add one to my wardrobe. This little red one is simply adorable and at $1900, completely out of my price range!

BODYPUMP™.

I have a new fitness love and it's LES MILLS™ BODYPUMP™. O-M-G this 60-minute Group X class kicks my booty and gives me such an amazing sense of accomplishment when I am done.

BODYPUMP™ is the original barbell class that strengthens your entire body. It challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. Great music, awesome instructors and your choice of weights inspire you to get the results you came for – and fast! Like all the LES MILLS™ programs, a new BODYPUMP™ class is released every three months with new music and choreography.

BODYPUMP™ is designed to improve strength and endurance in the major muscle groups and, in doing so, burn calories.

I have attended two classes so far at 24 Hour Fitness but I definitely plan to continue attending at least once a week, if not more.

For more information about this format, visit www.lesmills.com or to find a schedule at a 24 Hour Fitness club in your area, visit www.24HourFitness.com

Daylight.Savings.

I am SO thankful for Daylight Savings Time. I love leaving work when it's still light out and I love that setting our clocks ahead means summer is approaching. While we only gain one hour, I feel like we gain much more and it makes me feel like I can accomplish more in a day. Oh, how I LOVE this time of year!

Shorter.Workweeks.

Do you ever wish work weeks were shorter? I would be happy with 4-day work weeks and 3-day weekends all the time. I'm sending my wish out into the universe.

Peanut.Noodles.

This low-cal chicken recipe had me at peanut butter!

Ingredients-

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chile-garlic sauce
• 1 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• 1 bags fresh vegetable medley

Directions-

1. Put a large pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta.
2. Meanwhile, place chicken in a skillet or saucepan and add enough water to cover; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, shred into bite-size strips.
3. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, chile-garlic sauce and ginger in a large bowl.
4. Cook pasta in the boiling water until not quite tender, about 1 minute less than specified in the package directions. Add vegetables and cook until the pasta and vegetables are just tender, 1 minute more. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Rinse the pasta and vegetables with cool water to refresh. Stir the reserved cooking liquid into the peanut sauce; add the pasta, vegetables and chicken; toss well to coat. Serve warm or chilled.

Tropical.Sunset.Inspiration.

Lately I haven't been too adventurous with my eye shadow application. I've been sticking to my usual everyday neutral, but shimmery, colors. I found this image and it has provided inspiration for me to brighten up my eyes and explore application techniques for Spring. I absolutely love this color combination. It looks like a tropical sunset.

Baby.Hedgehog.

I have a confession. Rodents and little fast-moving creatures give me the heebie jeebies. However, how incredibly ADORABLE is this little baby hedgehog?! My boyfriend recently introduced me to Stumble! which provides me with websites and content that is specific to my interests. One topic of mine happens to be animals and this little guy popped up. It just might be one of the cutest things I've ever seen. And I NEVER say that about creatures such as this. The third picture just happens to be my favorite!

I.Love.Shoes.

I wish these super HOT Christian Dior's would just walk their way right into my closest. Or better yet, right onto my feet!