I have been out of sorts ever since one of my favorite healthy grocery stores shut down a few months ago and we have a limited amount of organic/health stores in my area. So I was thrilled to hear that ALDI was coming to our town in SO CAL! I have seen them all over the south and have heard great things about them, so I was excited to try it out for myself. We really try to only buy organic meats and the dirty dozen fruits and veggies. ALDI offers its SimplyNature® line of foods which includes USDA Certified organic and Non-GMO foods. They also carry liveGfree® gluten-free products, and USDA Choice meats! This I am very excited about!
If you are new to ALDI here is a few things that I learned on my trip:
#1. Carts are available for you to use, but you must deposit a quarter. When customers are done using the cart, they return it and get their money back. This is a way for them to keep prices lower!
#2. 90% of their groceries are under its own exclusive ALDI brand, which are high quality and tested to make sure it taste great!
#3. ALDI offers its SimplyNature® line which includes USDA Certified organic and Non-GMO verified items, liveGfree® gluten-free products, USDA Choice meats and NeverAny! products that are free from added antibiotics, hormones and animal by-products.
#4. ALDI is a lot smaller and made shopping quick and easy. They only have about 4-5 shopping aisles and that is my kind of grocery store.
#5. You bag your own groceries at the end of the check out. This makes the line go by super quick!
#6. You can purchase your own bags at the store for super cheap or bring your own bags in. YES!
#7. The store hours are typically from 9 AM to 9 PM, which also helps keep labor costs down.
#8. They have something called DOUBLE GUARANTEE, which I think is pretty amazing. If you see the double guarantee on any item in the store and if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with any product, they will gladly replace the product AND refund your money.
#9. They are affordable! ALDI believes in the philosophy of keeping things simple – offer premium high-quality natural and organic food that everyone can afford. I love a store that keeps things high quality, yet affordable! Amazing right?!
#10. ALDI Finds are food and household items that are in stores for a limited time. If you like an ALDI Find, buy it. It wonâ€
t last long and will most likely sell out. I bought a couple bags of popcorn for RJ that I know she is going to love!
My haul…
I got a few organic fruits and vegetables, Happy Farms Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese, Chateau Cote Nord Chardonnay, SimplyNature® Organic 100% Grass Fed Ground Beefand Foster Farms Organic Chicken Breasts as well as a Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen 4 Meat Pizzafor dinner tonight that was only $5.99! My whole grocery haul was less than $80 and I got a lot of things that will last a couple weeks.
I am most excited about the SimplyNature® line of foods and the WINE FIND tags! You know me and my wine 
I am so glad I gave ALDI a try and I know that we will be back again soon! I hope you give ALDI a try and let me know what you think?!
Check out ALDI on the web:
ALDI website: https://www.aldi.us
ALDI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALDI.USA
ALDI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldiusa/
ALDI Twitter: https://twitter.com/aldiusa
ALDI Blog: https://blog.aldi.us
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HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!
Iâ€m so excited to be participating in the a2 Milk®* Ambassador Program! Why am I so excited? Because I haven’t had milk in over ten years! I would love to bring milk back in to my diet (real milk) for so many reasons and when I was asked  to try a2 Milk® milk out and that it might be the end of my lactose issues I was all in!
An independent study showed 1 in 4 Americans have discomfort after drinking milk (ME AND MY HUBBY ARE TWO OF THEM) ; yet only 3-4% of the population has been clinically diagnosed with a lactose intolerance medical condition. All milk is NOT CREATED EQUAL!  That probably is not news to you. I like other non dairy milks, but I miss drinking real milk and using it for cooking and for a good protein source. So I was excited to bring it back!
Ok what is a2 Milk®?Â
1. a2 Milk® is pure farm fresh milk!  Those who have ‘self diagnosed†with lactose intolerance issues or Post-Dairy Digestive Discomfort may enjoy our milk without any symptoms.
2. The A1 protein is the culprit behind ‘Post-Dairy Digestive Discomfort,†and currently in all conventional & organic milks on the U.S. market. a2 Milk® only comes from heirloom a2 cows, ‘the way mother nature intended.â€
3. a2 Milk® is the pure replacement to chemically processed alternatives. The days of compromising taste and nutrition with inferior nut- or bean-based beverages – or worst yet, cutting out milk all together – are gone!
4. The a2 Milk Company â„¢ has partnered with U.S. family dairy farmers in upstate New York and the Midwest to expand the heirloom a2 herd. a2 cows naturally produce milk free from the A1 protein.Â
Regular cows†milk contains a mix of both A1 and A2 proteins. Yet, only a2 Milk®comes from cows selected to naturally produce only A2 protein and no A1 – and that makes all the difference.
Independently published research support that the A1 protein in ordinary cows†milk might cause discomfort in some of us. If thatâ€s you, a2 Milk® may help. But for the unique benefits of a2 Milk® to work it needs to be the real deal – true a2 Milk®, from cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein and none of the A1 – nothing added and nothing taken away.
Our family has added a2 Milk®, to our diets for about two weeks now and we have felt fine! No major discomforts and lots of good healthy protein without the fat added back in to our foods has made us one happy family!
For more information on a2 Milk®, visit the a2 Milk® Homepage or follow their social media accounts – a2 Milk® Facebook a2 Milk® Twitter
a2 Milk® is available nationally at Sprouts, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Mid-Atlantic, and throughout California Whole Foods, Ralphâ€s, Sprouts, Gelsonâ€s and many more – Store Locator
*a2 Milk® is real, natural milk, and contains the same amount of lactose as ordinary cows†milk, so itâ€s not an option for people who have been clinically diagnosed with lactose intolerance.
*a2 Milk® contains approximately 6x the amount of calcium as soy beverages, approximately 8x the protein of almond beverages and approximately 6x the potassium levels of rice beverages. Â
]]>Ya’ll know me and my coffee love!! When I was sent the new Folgers Flavors concentrated flavor enhancers I got super excited.  I knew I was traveling and on the 21 Day Fix, so I needed something sugar free and easy!!! Making it nice while this busy mamma is on the go and while traveling. I try to drink my coffee as black as possible with a little flavor and lately I have been adding a little coconut oil for a bit of creaminess. I don’t like a whole lot of sweetness to my coffee, but one little squeeze of the Folger Flavors is just perfect.
What are Folgers Flavors? These are concentrated flavor enhancers that allow you to completely customize your coffee the way YOU want it. Sugar and cream? Sure! But now, you can also choose to add delicious, gourmet flavors like Hazelnut, Mocha, Caramel, and Vanilla into the mix. All it takes is a squirt or 2 and you are good to go!
I really like hazelnut and carmel! You can also add these to your cold coffee as well.
Check out the fun Mike Tompkins†fun video celebrating the release of Folgers Flavors:
GIVE-AWAY TIME! Enter to WIN 2 Folgers Flavors :
Simply enter using the easy Rafflecopter form below!
This giveaway is open to US residents 18+ until 12:00AM EST November 10, 2015. No PO Boxes. Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central.â€Â Winners will be drawn using Rafflecopterâ€s Random Number Generator. I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook in any way.
t already know, I am a huge Mizuno fan! I have reviewed the Wave Rider 18â€s, the Wave Enigma 5â€s, and the Wave Sayonaras. Pretty much canâ€t get enough of this shoe. I think they truly keep making them better and better.
Recently I was sent the Mizuno Wave Inspire 12â€s and they couldnâ€t have come at a better time! I didnâ€t run as much as I normally do this summer. Now that the weather is getting a little bit cooler I started bringing back FRIDAY FUN RUNâ€S! I have been running in the Wave Inspire 12â€s for three weeks now and my legs feel amazing.
“The new Wave Inspire 12 has the lightweight support you need to farther and longer. With an improved upper that provides a soft-yet-structural fit and increased blown runner for maximum durability, this shoe provides the stability you need to stay on the road longer.â€
I need a stability shoe and I feel like every time I get the right stability the shoe is super heavy, but not these! They are light and super cushy! They have just the right about of support without the weight. It also fits softly around my toes so I feel a bit lighter while I am running. Not to mention the color is awesome! I am not a huge fan of purple, but purple with pink pretty matches everything I wear!
I love their campaign #MILESCHANGEYOU. I couldnâ€t have said it better myself! Running is my first love and every time I lace up and hit the road I become a better version of myself! I run because I CAN, not because I have to.
Key Features:
Whatâ€s New Â
- Improved upper has a supportive design for a soft-yet-structural fit. Â
- Increased blown rubber in the forefoot for improved durability and softness. Â
- Redesigned, U4ic midsole platform provides more ground contact and a softer touch down.
Tried and true tech
- Double Fan Wave for moderate support without the stiffness. Â
- Support shoe without the weight.
You can purchase the Wave Inspire 12â€s early to Mid October on the Mizuno website.
*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. Although I was compensated for this review, all thoughts are honest and opinions are my own!
Question: Whatâ€s your favorite running shoe?
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I loved all the responses I got from my ‘Running for Beginners’ post I did a few months back and I have been meaning to do more! I get a lot of questions about what to eat while training for a 5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon. Well, the answer is kind of simple–eat real food and listen to your body. OK, maybe it isnâ€t that simple, but it can be!
I love this section from Runningforbeginners.com:
If you are feeling lethargic or not running as well as you have been, then it might be that you are not getting enough energy and you should have a look at re-planning your 10K nutrition program.
So while calorie counting and eating a healthy diet will help you to continue to lose weight and tone your body, to ensure your 10K nutrition needs are met, you will need to adjust what you eat and how much you eat.
Chances are that you are already eating a healthy diet. This should consist of a good balance of energy-rich carbohydrates; protein for repair and re-growth of muscles and tissues; fats for energy and protection; and the fiber, vitamins and minerals that are so important for your immune system and good health.â€
Itâ€s about eating a BALANCE of complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein (just like we should do for our normal non-training diet, but we may need to increase our calories, especially if we are running more than 8 miles a day).  I would say for a 5k or 10k, having an additional snack or two a day, like a LARABAR would be a great way to keep your body nourished pre-run or even post. LARABARs give you clean energy to use for your run! I love that they are real food!! You donâ€t want to be ‘hangry’ on a run! Healthy SNACKS are key to any runnerâ€s diet.  If you are training for a half marathon or full marathon, you may need to increase your meal portions, but still stick to whole foods.  I know itâ€s easy to want to have that cheat meal after a long run, but trust me, your body will love you for choosing clean eats over that entire pizza!
You should ensure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as a selection of beans, lentils, rice, pasta, potatoes, fish, eggs and lean meats.  If you donâ€t eat a lot of meat, you will want to have a protein shake once a day to help with muscle recovery.  Also, hydration is so important just like with any training plan, but especially with running.  It will help you stay energized as well as help you to not cramp up, even on those non-running days.
So as you can see, it can be as easy as eating whole foods and listening to your body — you just need to DO it! Â Listen to your body for true hunger cues and not just boredom. Â Also listen to your hunger cues, and if you are craving something sweet, grab that LARABAR. Â It will be the best way to curb that craving and stick to the plan!
Question: What is your biggest craving while training for a race?
“At LARABAR®, we believe that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat – and what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when itâ€s in a whole, natural state.â€
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Here are five new books for you to dig in the summer/fall (depending on how fast you read). I have read or am reading all five of these books and I highly recommend.
#1. The Best Yes by Lysa Terkurst: Making wise decisions in the midst of endless demands. Sometimes we have a lot of good yes’s and this book as well as scripture really helped me to decipher the BEST YES!
#2. Radical by David Platt : You have heard be talk a lot about this book. It has really messed me up this summer in an amazing way! Nothing like being truly challenged in your faith and daily life.
#3. Let’s All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs: Such a great read on living  life with everything you have!
#4. Made to Crave by Lisa Turkerst: Since reading this book, my outlook on how I see food has changed so much. Eating for nourishment and eating food for what it was meant for! Also shows you that you were truly made for more.
#5. More or Less by Jeff Shinnabarger: Choosing a lifestyle of excessive generosity! I haven’t started this one, but I have heard amazing things about it and I can’t wait to jump in.
Question: Is there a book youâ€re reading that you love? Iâ€d love to hear about it!
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At LARABAR®, we believe that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat – and what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when it’s in a whole, natural state.
The routine of summer is beautiful, and I feel like itâ€s flying by! So far this summer I have taught third graders at our Vacation Bible School, enjoyed Family Camp not once, but TWICE (crazy I know and full blog post coming soon about this), worked up at camp with RJ by my side in the toddler room for a week, and this weekend headed out to the Idea Conference!
With a bit of a different rhythm this summer and a lot of on-the-go days for RJ and I, my purse/bag looks a bit different than it does the rest of the year. This summer I traded in my big Thirty One purse that I LOVE for a Madden Girl backpack; it is way more practical.
I am loving this bag. Itâ€s soft, has the perfect amount of pockets and itâ€s not too big!! Best part is, I got it at ROSS! It fits all of the essentials for the summer and then some.
So let us peek inside and see what crazy things I have in my summer bag! RJ has her own little bag (that will be another post).
Planner// I always have my Erin Condren Planner in my bag; it keeps me sane! Seriously, friends, I have used every single day in her calendars for THREE years!
Journal// With all the fun services I have been able to listen to at camp and at church, I have been taking notes like crazy! All kinds of inspiration I donâ€t want to forget.
Radical// I am trying to read one book a week this summer and this one has been one of my favorites. It is wrecking me!
Naptime Diaries Abide Journal// Like last year I am going through ABIDE again with Naptime Diaries and we are digging through the fruits of the spirit. Currently on PATIENCE!
NeatCheeks// Face wipes for RJ that are sweetened with Stevia, fun right?!
Water + Propel Water Enhancer// HYDRATE HYDRATE! I donâ€t like plain water so these squeezers are perfect for me.
LARABARS// These have been my go-to bars for my pre and post workouts as well as my mid-day snack! Clean eating can be easy, friends, even on vacation and in the business of life! Â RJ loves them too, so I always have to make sure I have several in my bag!
Hair Ties// Because letâ€s face it, with the heat of the summer, the big MESSY bun is back!
Peppermint Chap Stick and Aquaphor// Being up in the mountains a lot this summer my lips and skin get a little more dry than normal. Also the peppermint chap stick reminds me of Christmas and that just makes me happy!
Question: Alright your turn, whatâ€s new in your bag these days? Whatâ€s your favorite snack to always have on hand?
You all know that I just love running and even through my TRX training I am still getting in at least one 5-6 mile run a week, if not more. I love getting up early beating the heat and hitting the pavement. I am always looking for a light, yet supportive shoe. I have worn just about every brand out there, but this is my third pair of Mizuno’s and the Wave Enigma 5’s may be my favorite thus far!
“The new Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 raises the standards in cushioning with the introduction of u4ic-X (pronounced euphoric-x), Mizuno’s newest midsole foam technology that delivers the softest, most responsive cushiony ride. Combined with light and flexible materials to allow freedom of movement, the Enigma 5 offers additional cushioning with new U-shaped Wave® Technology to reduce shock at foot impact. This is the running shoe for those seeking the ultimate ride experience on a neutral platform with a smooth heel-to-toe transition.”Â
So in my words, they are very light and have a great cushion! I am always worried about a little too much chushion or the shoe being too light and not enough support, but not this shoe. Mizuno’s always fit me pretty true to size and give me a little wiggle room in my toes so I feel like they can bring. The colors that the Wave Enigma’s come in are super stylish and fashionable, plus teal is my favorite color.
VERDICT: The Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 is really a great running shoe for the neutral runner. It comes in two super cute colors (because let’s be honest us lady runners look at that) and it’s got about the same price tag as most all of the other runner shoes that I buy.
You can learn more about the Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 on the Mizuno website and find them in stores nationwide–the suggested retail price is $119.99.
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Hi Friends!
I hope you are all soaking up this wonderful summer. I am almost finished with my ten week challenge and I am excited to tell you all about my results. Today I wanted to share with you about an easy way to get quick sustainable energy to power through your workout, without eating a bunch of overly processed foods!
I have been a huge LARABAR fan for years. I have used them as a great whole food on-the-go snack and a better bar for a long run! When I hit the pavement and need a little pre-energy, I will grab half of a LARABAR, usually the peanut butter chocolate chip one since itâ€s my favorite and goes great with my cup of coffee. I love that I donâ€t have to think about what is going into my body because I know I am eating a whole food that will give me the energy I need without spiking my sugar levels, giving me a yucky crash.
On a bike ride I will carry a couple bars with me to enjoy throughout the ride. I take a couple because I love to share them with my friends and afterward they canâ€t wait to go buy some for our next ride. They have yummy gluten free bars and even whole food protein ones as well. The protein ones are great for long lasting energy.
I have used LARABARS for my half and full marathon training; I will eat half of a bar about every hour or so and drink water. They are light enough on my system that I donâ€t get that overly full feeling. I suggest giving one a try on your next run.
Some of their bars have as little as 3 whole ingredients! The cherry pie is one of my favorites; it tastes like you’re eating the real thing.
I love their brand statement, it goes along with everything I believe in about nourishing your body:
“At LÄRABAR®, we believe that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat – and what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when it’s in a whole, natural state.â€
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“ Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, UncommonGoods is an privately-owned retailer that endeavors to feature unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. We run all our operations out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal, including our warehouse where the lowest-paid seasonal worker starts at 50% above the minimum wage. We make it our mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; in fact, half of what we sell is made by hand. Most of the products we carry are created right here in the USA, and about one-third of our entire collection incorporates recycled and/or upcycled materials. At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way.”Â
Here are a few of my favorites from UncommonGoods, I can’t tell you what I got the Hubby because that would ruin the surprise!
#1.) The Beard Pack: Perfect for every Dad out there with a little scruff!
#2.) The Southern Bourbon Stout Bear Brewing Kit: For those wanna be brewmasters
#3. ) Yard Dice: For the Dad that likes to play games like a kid! 
#4.) Beer Layering Tool: For the Dad that likes to play bartender or just try new fancy drinks. 
#5.) Ballpark Blueprints: For the Baseball Dad that likes all things pall parks! 
#6.) Hockey Stick Bbq Set: For the Hockey GRILL master!
There are so many other great ideas for every DAD out there!
*Thursday, June 18th is the very last day to order for (overnight) shipping on Fatherâ€s Day!
Visit UncommonGoods to see more gifts for men!
Question: Are you ready for Father’s Day? What are some great gift ideas you are thinking of?Â
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