Park Workout

This shop has been compensated by CollectiveBias, Inc. on behalf of its advertiser, EAS Sports Nutrition.  
#easbrand #PowerinProtein #collectivebias //   Photography by Trisha Shelley Photography

Today I'm sharing some quick exercises to help you get a workout in, even when you're not at home. It's almost like a multi-tasking workout, because I can workout while my son plays on the playground! While I was out running errands before the park, I stopped by Walmart to re-stock my favorite protein powder, EAS® 100% Whey Protein Powder.

 This has been my go-to protein for a few reasons, because it has the right amount of protein for me to get lean muscle (without looking like a body builder), and because there is no filler ingredients or added sugar to their whey protein. If you're an Ibotta user, EAS® 100% Whey Protein & EAS® AdvantEdge Carb Control.
Head to the park and start by stretching.  All of these moves can be done either by time (like a HIIT workout) or by reps.  If you do it by time, I recommed by starting some where between 45 seconds-1 minute, depending on what kind of fitness activity you're accostomed to.  If you do reps, try between 10-15.  It may not seem like much but when you do these workouts in 3-5 sets, you'll feel the burn!  You want the last set to feel harder than the first, so be sure to make those muscles work!

How To: Instead of doing regular push-ups, find a step and put your hands on it and pushup. 

How To: Don't move from that step yet! Get some cardio in by hopping up and touching one foot at a time to the step. (Do for a set amount of time or certain number of reps.)

How To: My park happens to have a sidewalk all the way around the playground, so it makes it easy to do some leg work while still keeping an eye on my son.  

These can be forwards or backwards walking lunges.

How To: Another great leg workout, side step and squat into a wide stance with feet turned out.

How To: Find the money bars and hang then lift up both legs to a 90 degree angle, lower & repeat.

How To: If your playground has some of the soft ground or grass, sit down and work those abs!  I like Russian Twist because I don't have to completely lay down on the ground.  Lift legs up to a 90 degree angle and with hands together, twist side to side engaging those ab muscles.

 Once you've finished your workout, be sure to use your protein to help your body recover faster, because it's not easy chasing kids around with sore legs for days!

 Park workouts are a great way to get in your excercise while your kids are having fun as well, and EAS® Protein Powder helps me keep in line with a busy life while still trying to stay in shape.

Check out the New NBC Show S.T.R.O.N.G where EAS® products will be featured on the June 2nd episode. (9pm EST 8pm CST)  //    Photography by Trisha Shelley Photography

Boy Bedroom: Bed Details

Back in February I shared my son's updated boy bedroom with the promise of details and tutorials to come. And finally here in May I'm getting started on them for you! 

His bed prompted it all, when we finally had to move his giant tall body into a twin bed.  We got the frame and headboard from craigslist (win!), and and painted it with chalk paint and roughed it up before finishing, in a way that would make even Joanna Gaines proud.

In these pictures, he has his winter sheets on, which I got at Target this year.  They happened to fit together seamlessly with his comforter.  The navy rugby stripe comforter is also from Target online & also is available in other colors! 

I'm still on the hunt for a bed skirt that's long enough & the perfect navy to match. And of course I had to string up some felt balls from the wonderful Hello Maypole and a marquee letter from Heidi Swapp at Michaels for his nightlight. 

The red stripe pillow is made by me and the easy tutorial is right here so you can make your own. 

And that's the breakdown of his bed!  I can't wait to share everything else with you like his gallery wall, decals & his fun curtain pulls.  Keep an eye out for plenty more details & tutorial posts.

Summer Roadtrip Essentials

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerCarCare #CollectiveBias

With the start of summer, comes the start of roadtrips. We've already got a few planned and for me (and my sanity), it's essential to be prepared. So I've gotten a jump on it and started with the most important thing for any trip...the car! 

I stopped by Walmart to grab a few things for the inside of our car, including a new FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter. (find the right one for your car here)

Living in Arizona, we're no strangers to dust and a clean filter prevents dirt and dust from entering and damaging the engine. Damaged engine = no fun summer road trips.
Air filters are the engine's first line of defense, so it's super important to keep your filter clean to increase acceleration, horsepower, and improve overall engine performance.

Replacing it is super simple, and doesn't take more than a few minutes.  You see the difference in those filters?! Yikes....sorry car.  Pop in the new FRAM Extra Guard filter and pop the cover back on.

 Once we were done with that I stuffed a little bag full of essentials to keep in the car.  Wet wipes, tissues, a little first-aid kit (including some tylenol & tums), hand sanitizer, a flashlight, and a few grocery bags to throw any trash in.

Keeping this handy bag in the car will keep our trips running smoothly, while our clean engine runs smoothly to get us to our fun summer adventures!

Mother's Day Keychain

I'm so ready to bask in the love and relaxation of Mother's Day.  But if you still have to cross off gifts for the most wonderful day ever, I've got 2 easy ideas using the same concept- wooden beads painted by a cute little grandchild! (I also learned the importance of lighting control when using an apparently temper-mental background color??)

I happened to have these items on hand, but they can all be bought at your local craft store.

 Start by knotting one end of your leather cord tightly, this will be the bottom of the keychain.

 Slide on those wood beads, that your cute kid(s) painted with specifically selected colors.

 Loosely knot the top, and before tying tightly, slide on your keyring & tassel.

 Now pull taught and trim the excess cord. BOOM. 

So simple, easy, not tacky and way cuter than those awful puzzle piece pins we always came home from school with for my mom.  

....thanks for taking one for our self-esteem and wearing those to church, Mom. 

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Are you ready for an enchilada recipe that is going to blow your mind?!  Let me tell you why it's so mind-blowing...because it's so simple but SO delicious.  I get compliments on this every time I make it and sometimes I may or may not let people believe I slaved over them. This is the perfect thing to cook for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Make sure your chicken is nice and shredded, I like mine to still be slightly warm when I'm filling them.  My favorite enchilada sauce is the green sauce from Las Palmas, just choose the right spiciness temperature for your palette. 

For bonus points, serve with legit mexican rice and top with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your fiesta!

print recipe

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

by Katie Carranza April-27-2016

You won't be able to tell just how easy these enchiladas are because they are full of delicious cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 20 small (fajita) flour tortillas
• 3 breasts shredded chicken breast
• 2-2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 small can diced green chilies
• 28 oz. can green enchilada sauce

Instructions

Mix shredded chicken, green chilies and 3/4 cup of cheese.Pour just enough enchilada sauce to cover the bottom of 9x13 pan. Working with one tortilla at a time, dip both sides of tortilla in the sauce, spread 1/4 cup of chicken on tortilla, then roll up. Continue until you've filled your tortillas, repelenishing your sauce to dip your tortillas in as necessary. Spread the rest of the sauce on top of enchiladas then top with as much cheese as desired. Cover pan with foil & cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then uncovered until cheese begins to brown & bubble.

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 35 mins Yield: 20 enchiladas

Mother's Day Wishlist

So Mother's Day is coming soon and like any good mother, I made a realistic wish list for one of the most important holidays of the year.  From comfy, to sparkly, to dressy, to everyday care, I've covered it all so I'm sure to get something I love! Too much? Here are the links to these gorgeous items, in case you need one of each of these for yourself!

1. Lemon Pleated Midi Skirt 2. Two-Tone Buckle Shoes 3. Druzy Gold Earrings 

4. Self-Tanning Mousse5. Personalized Name Ring 6. Being A Mom is my Jam Shirt

Pinata Wreath

Cinco de Mayo has become one of my favorite holidays to decorate for.  All the bright colors and fun ways to decorate...we WILL be festive in this half mexican household!! This wreath is the perfect craft to whip up this week in time to enjoy at your fiesta!

Take your felt in bright, Cinco de Mayo colors and cut into 2" inch strips. 

If your wreath form isn't white already, like mine, spray with a quick coat of white spray paint while you fringe your strips of felt.

I had a smaller wreath and I found I could cut my strips in half to wrap and then glue around the wreath with just a titch of wreath showing on the back. Works for me!

Go go go until you're turned your wreath into a little felt pinata! It is so bright & although it's not traditional crepe paper, this way it's more sturdy and can handle being packed away in storage.