May 19, 2013 at 09:52PM

Washed, cut, portioned and ready for easy meals. Fresh clean fruit in the frig. Just waiting on my chicken to finish cooking in the crockpot. Can't wait to start eating clean again! via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ZhHikYmxI5/

My Favorite Books of 2012

This year I started reading again after a several year hiatus. I mean, really reading...two or three books (if not more) per week. Granted, a lot of it had to do with the new amount of free time I have since I'm not working but a lot of it was that I simply forgot how much I love to read.

My reading increased more in May of this year when I got my Kindle Fire. The books are so much cheaper digitally PLUS you can borrow books from the library from the convenience of your computer. How awesome is that?

These are the books that topped my list for this year. Most, you'll find, are supernatural themed and/or are part of a series.

Currently, Jennifer Armentrout is my far my favorite author. I love her writing style. The only downside to her stuff is that it's all YA and coming of age.

I really wish it were easier to find supernatural themed books that weren't a coming of age story. The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series was really nice because of that.

If you read a book based on my recommendation, please let me know. I'd love to know what you thought of it.

Have read any of these books? What did you think of them?

Accountability Group FAQ

I've had a lot of questions about the Accountability Groups I’m running. Here is a general FAQ on what they are and how you can get the most out of them.

What is an Accountability Group?
An Accountability Group is a small group (usually 5-7 people max) set up inside a private online forum to encourage and motivate one another in their fitness and/or weight loss goals. Participants check in daily with the group for questions, coaching, support, progress updates, etc.

With families, busy schedules and too little time, it's easy to make excuses when it comes to your health and fitness. Support and accountability is key to losing weight and keeping fit, especially if you are just starting out.

Sounds easy… What’s the catch?
There is no catch. The goal is to help you change your life through fitness and/or weight loss.

What does it cost?
It depends solely on the structure of the accountability group. It can cost anywhere from FREE to $205 (plus tax). Each group has different requirements so contact me for specifics.

Shakeology is expensive. Can I join just for the Beachbody Coach Discount?
YES! By signing up as a coach, you can start earning the 25% coach discount immediately without ever “coaching” someone.

Why join for the Beachbody coach discount?
You may be in the middle of TurboJam and really want to try TurboFire, Insanity, or something else. If that’s the case, it makes sense to sign up to get the Beachbody coach discount on your next program. The 25% is even more beneficial to Shakeology customers. You can save approximately $15 on regular Shakeology or $25 on vegan Shakeology each month after your coach fees! That’s $180 to $300 a year for doing nothing but signing up to coach.

Don’t let the title of “coach” scare you. If you want to rock this business, we are here to help you every step of the way. If you just want the discount and to be a regular client, we are happy to do that too. Just because you signed up for the Beachbody coach discount does not mean you have any responsibility as a coach (except to pay your coach fee $15.95 which is auto-withdrawal). Just sit back and enjoy your savings!

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Beachbody coach or to me by email blueskysunburn@hotmail.com or Facebook. I am happy to help.

Video: Garden of Your Mind

Thought I would share this today as I saw it and thought it very cool. It looks like it's been out for a while.

My husband didn't share my views on it. In fact, he said "That's retarded". Maybe he just doesn't share my fondness for Mister Rogers?

I grew up watching him and get sad now every time I see old videos or hear him speak. I get the same sadness for a lot of the old Sesame Street characters....

Thanks goes out to Kelly Drill for posting it and further fueling my love for nostalgia.

What did you think of the video? What are things you see or hear that take you back to your childhood?

Weekly Workout and Life Goals

So last week was pretty much a bust do to a case of shingles. I worked out some from home but it wasn't at the intensity I would have preferred. Plus, I have just gotten accustomed to going to the gym and getting out of the house.

Food wise I'm back on track for the most part. Then again, gaining weight will do that to you. On my weigh in last Monday I was up a pound and a half. Not a huge amount in the least but it was enough to wake me up.

My shingles have healed up enough that I can finally get my butt back to the gym! Yeah, for the early warning signs! I plan to kill it. I can already see the difference in my body from one week of bad eating and another of poor exercising.

How messed up is it that it takes you so long to get to where you want but it can go away so quickly?

Onto this week's PUSH goals...

1. Pay off mortgage
2. Go on at least two vacations a year (not family related)
3. Go on at least one girl vacation a year
4. Get back down to a size six(ish)
5. Have at least $10k minimum in savings account
6. Become a Diamond coach
7. Earn at least $25k annually working from home
8. Become certified in two areas (Thinking maybe Flirty Girl and Turbokick?)
9. Become fluent in Spanish
10.

I always get stuck on the 10th one. Is it a bad sign that I can't think of 10 goals? Sometimes I wonder if it means I'm not as driven as I should be. Then again, maybe it just means that I'm so focused on the ones that I can think of that I can't open my mind to include more.

I don't know. I'm just going to be one goal short this week. I'm okay with that.

What are your goals for this week?