Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas 2011




Christmas 2011 has come and gone. We were so glad to have Mr. Bowden Brigade home for the holiday. As soon as his plane touched down, we headed on to Arkansas for the festivities with our families.

It was great to spend time with them!





Neeley had a great time receiving all of her goodies. She's not loved or anything! :)







Of course, our trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the River Market in Little Rock for some fun on the ice!



It always makes me a bit sad to think of how quickly the holidays pass us. But I do welcome a new year that bring about a renewed spirit to purge and clean and revisit our goals.

Bring on 2012!!!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Frozen yogurt pops, anyone?







Frozen yogurt has increased in popularity among the choices for healthy snacks for children. Packed with fat free or low fat yogurt, fresh or frozen fruits, skim milks, sugar free juices, and other nutritional foods, frozen yogurt can be eaten in a variety of ways to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Frozen yogurt pops are a fun, convenient way to introduce new foods to children. Take away the candy, cookies, cakes, and pies, and instead put a frozen yogurt pop in to the hand of a child and sit back with satisfaction.



A quick way to make these yummy treats is to pour the blended yogurt, fruit, milk, juice, and ice mixture in to small disposable cups, add in a popsicle stick, and place them in to the freezer. No kid can ever deny the sheer goodness presented.

For a simple treat, try this recipe:

1) Place 2 cups of your favorite fresh fruits in to a blender.
Add in 2 cups of plain or vanilla yogurt, preferably of the fat free or low fat variety.
Pour in up to a quarter cup of white sugar, depending on the nutritional needs of the child, as well as the natural sweetness of the fruits.
Cover, and blend until smooth.


2)
Fill small paper cups ¾ of the way full with the yogurt mixture. Cover the cups with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Poke a popsicle stick through the cover and allow the stick to stand up in each cup.


3)
Place the cups in the freezer for at least 5 hours. To serve, remove foil or plastic wrap and peel off the paper cup.



Depending on the fruits selected, and other ingredients used, the calorie count for each frozen yogurt pop should weigh in between 75 and 100 calories.

These can be made in many varieties, so mix and match and have fun in the kitchen with children!



Find my original post over at
http://www.examiner.com/children-s-fitness-in-topeka/frozen-yogurt-pops.

A Different Kind of Marathon

Content by Faustino Fuentes

A box once full of tissues now lay empty at my feet. The trash can overflowed with discarded cough drops and half eaten meals. I had the flu and I was miserable. I sat on the chair staring aimlessly off into space after a hefty dose of cold medicine which made me tired and wired all at the same time. I had quarantined myself in a dark little spare bedroom far away from my happy healthy family. With nothing else to do, I pulled the covers up tight and I flipped on DIRECT TV and settled into a marathon of my favorite travel channel show. It was wonderful to get lost in a high definition trip through all the European countries while I sniffled and groaned the afternoon away. This was the closest to a marathon I was ever going to get so I made the most of it. Four full hours later, sleep finally found me and I welcomed it with open arms. I dreamt of the French coastline and of delicious foods. I awoke to the smell of breakfast and realized I might just survive because I was starving.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Children's health, fitness and nutrition information in your local area

As a health, fitness and nutrition consultant, children's general well-being is my platform. Read more about fun ACTIVE things to do in the area, get children's sportswear recommendations, yummy recipes the whole family can enjoy, and so much more! Covering the Fort Riley, Manhattan, Junction City, Ogden, Topeka, and Wichita areas. http://www.examiner.com/childrens-fitness-in-topeka/ashley-bowden Care to join me as an Examiner? Let me know!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I Need Your Help!




How are you spending your Thursday evening? Why not take a few minutes out of your schedule, put the kids to bed early, whatever you have to do, and join us for a webinar to learn what we do as Beachbody Coaches. I would love to have you as a personally invited guest to participate with us. Message me for the link and we'll get you set up!


And....I'm happy to announce that Beachbody is recognizing the growing population of military coaches and is now allowing FREE sign ups for active duty military personnel and spouses. Won't you join us....military or not! :)

Friday, December 9, 2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Finding Our Groove


Can you believe it's already December? And the 4th of the month at that? What????? I'm not so sure we've found it 100%, but we are starting to get in to our groove and getting connected and we're LOVING living in "The Little Apple".

Neeley is LOVING her school, and though I am noticing differences in the curriculum, so far, so good. {Is it weird that they don't do any science or social studies until the second semester? Darn that No Child Left Behind crud!!}

I am loving my job but am very overwhelmed to be working full time again.

And speaking of which....being somewhere full time means no time for shopping or living. LOL So nope I've not done one bit of Christmas shopping. Zip.Zilch.Nada. Nope, not a thing! There is nothing underneath our tree so far this year. Looks like I'll have to leave Neeley home by herself one day just to get it all done. CrAzY times! :)

Neeley and I tried out another new church this morning and I believe we've found our home.



New Hope Community Church, with its' focus on pursuing Christ-centered relationships that will change the world, just feels right for us. And we LOVE it! Neeley is in their kidsLIFE program and really enjoyed her class this morning. I really appreciated the sermon on money and finances. And I like a good ol' Southern Baptist sermon but I also enjoyed that I wasn't screamed or yelled at this morning nor were any Bibles thrown. :) All in all, it was a GREAT experience for us and I just know we'll definitely return next Sunday. Check it out at http://www.newhopeks.org!

Neeley is gearing up for her Hip Hop recital in May...and I couldn't be more excited for her to find her outlet here. She is really enjoying the class.

It's beginning to really get chilly here and I'm so not ready for that. This Kansas wind is about to kill us all I think. :) It's like nothing I've experienced before.

I'm starting another Team Direct Impact fitness challenge after the first of the year and I'm super excited! I am actually thinking of starting 3 different challenges if I can and I'll keep you posted. One will definitely be a P90X round. Stay tuned!!

Welp, it's time for another trip to Wal-Mart. I LOVE productive Sundays. Not that a trip to Wal-Mart makes it a productive day, lol, but I have already accomplished so much today to help get through the next week, and it feels GREAT!

Have a good week, y'all!! ;)

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Oh, Manhattan!


We are feeling more at home every day here in Manhattan.









{We still have SO much work to do around the house but it's coming right along...}



We had to buy another vehicle as soon as we got here since Ronnie has to attend his class out of state and needed the car. I ♥ my new Equinox!!!!

Neeley is making new friends and really enjoying her new school.





She's doing so well in school, with the help of her teacher and her Gifted Education Facilitator. So proud! And she's taking a Hip Hop class through the Bates Studio too. She's LOVING it!!

We're now searching for a family church.




We visited a local church last Sunday but the youth group isn't very large and not very active so we are trying another one just up the road from us tomorrow morning. We've heard nothing but wonderful things about it and it seems to really offer tons for all ages, which is a blessing!

I am working full time for now as a Paraeducator with the Gifted Facilitator at our local 10th-12th grade high school. I LOVE it but it is a ton of work that I wasn't expecting! The position was originally expected to be a part-time/flex-time type position so I am gone more of the day than expected but so far, so good! I still have my fitness biz and other opportunities that I am trying to fit in as well and hope to make full time once again very soon.

Other than that, we're enjoying having the necessary conveniences like Wal-Mart and our choice of good eats/restaurants, etc. and making the most of our time in Kansas!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Yes, we're alive!

Yes, we're alive and kickin' now in Manhattan, Kansas. We've made it and are settling in for the long haul. Stay tuned for the rest of the story..............

Monday, October 17, 2011

Yep, It's That Time!





Today is our last Monday in Germany. Bittersweet! This time tomorrow we will be checked out of housing and settled in to our hotel that we will call home for the next few days until our flight out of here.



We've spent quite a bit of our time lately packing....yep, even the girl! :) And all of this packing has had us feeling like running and hiding...or simply hunkering in to the tough box! :)



LOL, we MUST keep a sense of humor when making an international move....yet ONCE AGAIN! Ugh! :)

We have had some fun lately. Neeley was able to attend her very first school dance as a Middle Schooler. And I may or may not have shed a tear or two. :)





Isn't she cute? :)



She is doing so well with this whole move. I'm not sure if it's simply her in survival mode and she may break later, or if she really is just THAT resilient. :) But please continue to think of this baby girl of ours as she gets ready to be in 2 different countries and 4 states in just a matter of a week here very soon. Wow! :)

Friday, October 14, 2011

Lasts



Today is Neeley's last Friday at Robinson Barracks Elementary/Middle School!



And I think we are all feeling the effects. She says she's ready and glad, but yeah....I'm not so sure about that. *tear*

I think we're all ready for a change, but this year has so far been, hands down, the BEST YEAR for Neeley school wise. She has opened up and really blossomed this year in 6th Grade. Advancing her a grade wise has been the best decision we have ever made for that girl!

Would you please pause for a moment and say a sweet lil prayer for this precious girl? She takes everything in stride for a while, and then she completely breaks down. My hope for her is that she is truly as ready as she can be for this move next week and that she is doing all that she can to prepare herself for it. I know we are helping her as much as possible but we have not talked at all about missing friends or anything like that. I am going to suggest some things to her for next, like taking her camera to school for her last couple of days (Tuesday is her last day of school here. Yikes!!) and things like that just because I'm sure she'll never think of that. Every time we even discuss the move she acts like she is soooooooooooo ready to get out of here, but she has made some really great friends this year and I know it will be tough to do this yet again, but we try to keep our babies happy, right? :)

We'll keep you posted! She is doing something SUPER FUN tonight so stay tuned!! :)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

October Is Flying By!





Can you believe this month is almost halfway over?? Yikes! This month has been chock full of all kinds of goodness, and there's more to come. Wow!



Neeley is LOVING her days as a big MIDDLE SCHOOLER in the 6th Grade. But...ssshhh....don't tell her that a 6th Grader in Kansas is still an ELEMENTARY student. :( Wonder how that'll go over?



We've tried to take advantage of some sightseeing opportunities here and there, as we know our time here in Germany is limited.




Das Bonbon Museum (The Bonbon Museum) was a funsy place to visit.

















Friday night Neeley gets to go to her first SCHOOL DANCE. A big group of them are going together. Oh, y'all, it was all I could do to get motivated to take her to buy her dress for the dance. I am not, not, not ready for this! Many pictures to come. Maybe it is a good thing she will be going back to Elementary School. :)

We head to the hotel here in a few days and then we head outta here on that big plane next week. CrAzY times!! We have found a place to live in Kansas (how many of you dislike renting a place just by looking at some tiny pictures online as much as I do? Boo!) and have made a point to build a lil vacation or two here and there while we have time together as a family in the States.

We'll keep ya posted!!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Come Over & Join Us For The 30 Day Fit Challenge


Are you ready for a challenge? How about a F-I-T Challenge? Yep, who's in it to win it? Lose weight and feel great just in time for the holidays. The online accountability group can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/TeamDirectImpact30DayFitChallenge/. Not on Facebook, but still want to participate? Comment on this post and I'll get you hooked up.

Good luck!!

Friday, September 30, 2011

30 Day Fit Challenge




I'm running another Challenge just for Y-O-U!!

30 Day Fit Challenge begins on October 11th and ends on November 10th. For 30 days, you will log your nutritional intake and your exercise to the group, as well as post to encourage and motivate each other and to stay accountable. We will share recipes, workout tips, motivational and inspirational pieces, and help each other to reach our fitness goals.

Before and after measurements will be logged as well and the participant with the most loss will win a very nice prize pack of workout programs, equipment, and nutritional products.

Mark your calendars now! I will ask that you fill out a free online profile so that we can track our progress and benefit ourselves as well as each other on our fitness journeys.

I will also be announcing a 60 day challenge, a 90 day challenge, and various other 10 day challenges along the way, so stay tuned!!

If you're in for the 30 Day Challenge, go ahead and respond to this message and I'll get you on the list. Those who have asked to join the 10 day on FB, please know that we are already halfway through that Challenge but I will go ahead and put you in line for the next one. You just let me know if you prefer the 10, 30, 60, or 90 day and I'll put you on the list.

Thanks so much! I LOVE helping others to realize their physical fitness!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

I ♥ Fitness Quotes!


They do provide a daily kick in the pants sort of motivation, don't they? ;) And we could all use a lil push and a shove involving our workouts every once in a while. I know I am just as guilty as the next person. But.......the secret is to never give up and to keep getting back up and out there and stay active. Keep the inspiration, motivation and encouragement going. Find someone to be your biggest cheerleader in order to realize your fitness goals. Need help with that? Message me!



The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results. - Anthony Robbins

Let TODAY be THE DAY that you take control of your health, fitness and nutrition by finding something that inspires, encourages and motivates you and GO FOR IT!!

For more fitness quotes and daily tips, a great site to visit can be found HERE!

Here is a quick list of tips to help you stay organized and on the right track towards becoming a happier, healthier you!

~ Keep a food journal

~ Find a workout buddy, even if your workouts consist of a very slow stroll around the block.

~ Drink your water!!!

~ Stay connected! Find a support group, hook up with a Challenge group on Facebook or other social media sites. I am constantly running Challenges and would to have you join one of mine.

~ Log your nutrition intake on a site like myfitnesspal or the Beachbody site.

~ Find a meal plan that works for you!

~ Find a workout program that works for you, even if it is a hybrid mish-mosh of various programs like mine is. :)

~ MOST OF All - HAVE FUN!! You are on your fitness journey for yourself, first and foremost, as well as those you love and surround yourself with (friends and family). Do this for yourself and those you are close to.

~ REMEMBER - there's NO turning back!!

Enjoy!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Her Social Network


Have you discovered Her Social Network yet?

Link

I am still very new to the site but I am really enjoying another way to connect with so many positive giving people. Head on over and Friend me
HERE.

I'll see you there!!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

A-Journalin' We Will Go




It's no secret that I am constantly looking for inspiration and ideas everywhere I look. I LOVE looking for products and designs that fit our family and our lifestyle, no matter if it's a ziploc bag or a piece of furniture. :)

Our newest adventure is journaling. Well....I shouldn't really say newest, maybe it is just one of greater importance to us right now. With this move, I have done everything but stand on my head to make sure we are better organized and can actually smile through the mounds of boxes and chaos. And I have been writing down every.little.bitty.detail. :)

Neeley has taken up this love as well and has been journaling our progress through the move, from the day we found out our next location, to packing up our household goods, to shipping the car, etc. It's very therapeutic for her I think. And for me too. :)

I've noticed that I've taken up journaling and even handwriting more. I've been sending out lots of thank you notes and notes for my businesses and notes to Neeley's teachers and I'm finding great joy in handwriting each and every one of them.

Is it just me? Do you journal? Do you take pride in handwriting when you can? And I don't mean the scribble-scratch of your daily to-do list either!

Stay tuned for some excerpts from past journals to be revealed. Oh my! :)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Got Organization?


I harp on organization and calendars and files and to-do lists all the time. But they WORK for me! And we all have {or should have} our own system that we have found that works for us, so hopefully you have found something that works for you too.

I wrote a fun lil post titled
"Got Organization" over on my health & fitness blog today. Check it out!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Just A Bit Of Moving Advice


Whew! Glad that's over! Our household goods have been packed up and are somewhere along the route headed for Fort Riley, Kansas. Yahoo! I will have to post pics soon of what our place looks like now. {Imagine barren....with government temp furniture}

I was asked to make a few videos of tips I used to help make this move easier and prepare them for the RealMilitaryWivestv network. I have had a lot of fun in creating each one of them. One I did on how to pack things you don't even want your movers touching without them knowing it (lol), another I posted shared the exact contents of my big ol' family management binder and how to use it for personal benefit during a move. They are too fun to watch and can be found over on my Youtube channel.

Neeley is LOVING 6th grade and really doing well. That is the best move we could have ever made for her.



Isn't she cute? And I think it was too early for Anna in this pic. :) This was Friday before school. I've been trying to take a pic of her every morning and make a project with them at the end of the year.

We are headed out here in a bit for some family fun. We found a local outlet mall here that we are excited to see. Outlet City Metzingen has been highly recommended to us so we're going to go over and check it out today while we have some time off. We have some fun planned for next weekend too, and I'll share more on that later.

And, last but not least, THANK YOU all for your sweet comments, letters, messages, phone calls, and prayers. My grandmother is in a much better place now, but it is still very difficult to accept that we never got to see her all this time. Her obituary can be found HERE.

Ok, we're outta here for a lil family fun. Stay tuned!!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

A Fun Lil Trip To.....Well, Tripsdrill, For Goodness Sake!




We really do have some fun family getaway places here in Germany. These Germans sure do know how to do it up right and have a good time. We teamed up with another family here last weekend and met up at another one of our theme parks here.



Tripsdrill Erlebnispark is home to some wild rides, amazing roller coasters, and beautiful scenery.









It was so nice to spend the day with good friends. We realize that our times of fun and adventure here in Germany are very shortly coming to an end. So, we made the most of the day and enjoyed the beautiful weather!!

















He can call the Hogs from anywhere!!! ;)







Giggles & grins all around! :)





All this and a picnic lunch certainly made it a day to remember!