{5 Things The Scale Can't Measure}

My journey of clean eating is already coming up on two months. It was on March 21st of this year (2014) that I decided that I was done feeding my body junk and wanted to fuel my body with the proper nutrition by eating foods at its most natural state, being conscious of the ingredients on labels and keeping track of my sugar, sodium and fat intake. In such a short amount of time, I've learned a lot. I've made discoveries of certain ingredients that I no longer consume due to the harmful effects that they impose to my health, and I've learned that my body - that once craved sweets 24/7 and couldn't resist the temptation for a slice of cake - doesn't think twice about turning down sweets. It's pretty empowering.

My ultimate goal is to be healthy and strong. In my head, that means that I'm at a low to zero risk for any type of disease or sickness. Since high school, one of my personal goals has been to run in the New York City Marathon (26.2 miles) and that still holds true today, but I can't accomplish that if my body is not physically and mentally prepared for it. With those factors in mind, I have a high expectation for myself, as well as what my body should look like. 

My husband and I got a membership at the YMCA on April 18th and since then, we've been working out 5 days a week despite our busy schedule (we graduate this Friday, finally!!!!!!!). I've definitely seen improvements in my body's physical appearance, but there's still a few times when I wake up in the morning, look at myself in the mirror and feel like my progress is at a standstill. Anyone else feel like that? I mean, you put in a lot of work and sacrifice, so naturally you want to see the results. When you don't see them, it can be pretty discouraging. This happened to me the other day. I was beating myself up on the lack of results I wasn't seeing in the mirror, so somehow I got to the ridiculous conclusion that weighing myself on the scale would make me feel better. I was about to step on it when I reminded myself that the number on the scale doesn't define me, so why should I consult it?

Instead, I turned to pictures that I've taken of myself through my journey and I came across one that shocked me.

The one on the left was taken in December; the one on the right was taken last week. Even as I look at the two comparisons now, I can't believe how much progress I've made. I have gained so much more respect for my body image as well as a renewed motivation to continue with my journey. If I had stepped on the scale, I doubt I would've gotten the same kind of reaction. There's other, more important aspects of your fitness journey that your scale won't tell you.

5 THINGS THE SCALE CAN'T MEASURE:

1. HOW YOU FEEL. Think about the last workout session you had and remember how you felt after you completed it. If you're anything like me, it varies depending on the workout, but I feel like I'm on beast mode, invincible, strong, happy, etc. Especially after a long and stressful day, working out has been the best stress-reliever hands down. I feel amazing. I feel proud that I'm continually able to find the time to exercise. I love the burn, the relentless dedication I have when I feel like giving up but push myself to go the extra minute, rep or mile, and I love seeing the definition in my arms and legs that are starting to become visible. These are feelings that could never be measured by a scale, don't you agree?

2. STRENGTH. If you lift weights or are beginning to, take note of how much weight you started out with. For bicep curls, perhaps you can only do 2 sets of 10 reps with 7 pounds. As you continue to incorporate weights into your exercise routine, you'll start to notice that you can do 12 reps, then 15 reps, then 3 sets instead 2, and so on and so forth. The scale can't measure the strength you will build up over time. In fact, you may gain weight because of the muscle tissue that you'll be replacing with the fat tissue. That's why weighing yourself during periods of workouts with weights can discourage people because they think they're not making any progress, but in fact, you're toning your body and making it stronger!

3. ENDURANCE. Remember when you could barely run half a mile without feeling like you were going to fall over and die? Or when you were completely out of breath climbing up 3 flights of stairs? Or when you could only do 10 seconds of high knees without stopping? How about when you could only do 20 jumping jacks but can now do 50? Yeah, the scale can't measure the endurance you've built up over the workout you've hated but learned to love. These achievements matter. Don't let the scale or anyone else tell you otherwise.

4. FLUID INTAKE. If you drink tons of water, especially the recommended amount, which is half your weight in fluids, you're going to gain weight. So, if you've ever weighed yourself after chugging two or three bottles of water, it's like you've just set yourself up for failure because your body is full of fluids that haven't been released or absorbed yet. The number on the scale is going to be inaccurate, and water is one of many factors that may fluctuate your weight throughout the day. Another influence that the scale won't pick up on. 

5. YOUR WORTH. I feel like we have a lot of pressure in today's society to fit into a cookie-cutter standard of what we should look like. Unfortunately, much of it targets our physical appearances, which I think is totally unfair. We develop these unrealistic expectations in our heads, then try to match that with a number on the scale. I hate this. Why do we feel the need to have a number determine our self-worth? Whoever is reading this, whether you know this to be true or have never been told these words before: you are worthy. You are more than just a number. You are beautiful. Your human nature, your flaws and imperfections, they're what make you lovely and absolutely divine. Forget the number, forget the scale. Focus on you, what makes you happy and what drives you to be the kind of person that you'll be proud of.

Like I've said in a previous post, it's okay to step on the scale every now and then, but keep in mind that the scale will only show you a number. There's many things that it doesn't consider. The ones I named are only a few but I felt like 5 was enough to get the point across.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

In one of my recent posts, I mentioned a substitute I found for the popular Nutella spread. I used it one of my most recent posts Choco Peanut Butter & Fruit Bites.

I came across this heavenly spread by accident. It was on sale for $1.98 compared to $3.54 for Nutella, so I thought, what the heck, let's try it out. Not only that, but the Skippy Chocolate spread also contains 60% less sugar than Nutella. 

(Top: Nutella; Bottom: Skippy)

I began to compare the two and did some further research. 

Skippy contains:

- less saturated fat

- less carbs 

- more protein (the picture is cut off, but it has 6g vs Nutella's 2g). 

Skippy is made in the U.S., Nutella is made in Canada. AND look at Nutella's FIRST ingredient. SUGAR. Keep looking at the ingredient list. It also contains VANILLIN: AN ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.

I wasn't sure what that meant, so I looked it up. Needless to say, I will never eat Nutella again. 

"Now call me fussy, but I do not want to be eating something that is a product of petrochemicals. I put petrochemicals in my car, I use plastics made from petrochemicals, I wear materials made from petrochemicals, but I do NOT want to be eating the stuff." (Source)

This is where eating clean has its pros and cons because if there's an ingredient in a particular food that I can't pronounce or don't recognize, I look it up. In many cases, they're synthetic chemicals that are harmful to your body. I no longer consume those kinds of foods and instead, I look for healthier alternatives to eat instead. You have to be careful and aware of the ingredients that are listed on the every day foods you consume because they may actually contain hidden ingredients that are harmful to your health.

On a more positive note, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls are healthy and are also super tasty!

Here's what you'll need for this recipe:

1/2 cup of crispy rice cereal

1/2 cup of old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup of Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Spread with Dark Chocolate*
2-3 tablespoons Honey*
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 tablespoons Dried Cranberries or Chocolate Chips (optional)
2 tablespoons Chopped Nuts (optional)

*Note: You can use your favorite spread, but keep in mind you may have to reduce or increase the honey amount.

In a medium-sized bowl, add honey, spread, cinnamon and vanilla. Mix until all the ingredients become smooth. This is where I would taste your mixture and double-check to see if you need to add more honey, especially if you're using regular peanut butter or a spread that's not as sweet in flavor.

In a food processor, add your choice of nuts and chocolate chips. This part is optional. I used almonds and white chocolate chips. I pulsed the two ingredients until they were finely chopped.

Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl, including what's in the processor. Mix thoroughly until coated well.

Store in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then, roll mixture into 1-inch balls. 

My batch made 15. Feel free to double the batch! I ate them when I was craving something sweet or before a workout. 

20 Dates for $20 or Less

Dates are an essential part of a relationship - that's what I believe, anyway. This is the chance to gain some insight on what a person may be like. This could be an opportunity to get away from the kids and have a well-deserved night together and alone. This could be the moment when you realize that you can't live without the person staring at you with a wide grin. Or simply, a date is a way to spend time with each other and deepen the relationship that already exists. 

Going on a date can be more than dinner and the movies. Here's 20 date ideas for $20 or less to try with your significant other that doesn't break the bank and will be a memory worth looking back on. :)

1. Search for a nature center or an outdoor trail in your area. Go get lost in the woods! Literally. This would be a great way to soak up some Vitamin D while taking in the beauty of what God has created. They're typically free (some places may accept donations), so hike a couple of trails and share moments filled with words or silence. Don't forget to hold hands! ;) 

2. Go to a free art museum or exhibit. Hopefully your town is a lot more exciting than mine is and has at least one cool museum or exhibit to check out. Check their website and find out their hours of operation, as well as when they offer windows of free admission if they don't do so already. This is a great opportunity to walk around, talk about the things you see - some stuff can be totally weird and out of the ordinary - and find out your significant other's thoughts and opinions on an intellectual level with regards to art, science, history, etc. Practice your criticism and be open to interpretation and discussion. 

3. Have a picnic. Surprise your significant other with a lunchbox or cooler filled with their favorite snacks or goodies, along with a blanket to take with you to spread over a shaded grassy area at a nearby park. {Shortly after my husband and I went from dating to being "official," he took me for a drive without telling me where we were going and had planned a picnic for us. We wanted to re-live that moment so we went to a different park just a few weeks ago, packed sandwiches and fruit, and enjoyed 70 degree weather sprawled on our backs on a blanket in the shade. It was so relaxing that we could've taken a nap!}

4. Go to the driving range. This is the best way to relieve stress. Seriously. I mean, you get to whack a ball as hard as you can without being judged. You can also show off your impressive golf swing and wear khakis and a polo if you're feeling up to par (ha, no pun intended). Driving ranges vary in price depending on the bucket size you choose and if you bring your own clubs, but after having a rough week, you can't put a price on seeing how far you can try to make that ball fly. Plus, if you're like me and can't get the ball in the hole to save your life, this relieves the pressures of mini golfing. Just have fun, be silly and swing! {When hubby and I went to the driving range, we spent around $8 on a medium size bucket of balls - he has his own clubs - and we were there for a good hour and a half.}
5. Drive-in movies. Need I say more? If you haven't been, take your significant other soon! Though this date is typically seasonal, it's worth the wait. You get to watch a movie from the inside of your car with the windows down and you don't have to worry about sneaking in snacks like you would for the movies. Check online to find the drive-in nearest you for further information. {Last summer, hubby and I went to a drive-in that was 45 minutes away. We paid $7 each to watch two movies back-to-back and we brought dinner and our own candy. He had never gone before, so it was cool to share a new experience with him. We definitely plan on going again!}
6. Check out a cooking class. Put your cooking skills to the test or learn some new techniques. Look to see if your local grocery store offers cooking classes or similar activities. {Hubby and I discovered cooking classes at Hy-Vee, which we had no idea they had, and went to a sushi class last Friday. We had never done this before and we loved it! We're huge sushi fanatics. We attempted to make a few rolls once before but it was kind of a fail, so that's why the cooking class sparked our interest. We paid $10 per person for a cooking session that lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus we got a 25 cent fuel saver credit. Not only did we get to make sushi, we got to eat at the end, too! It was delicious! We may have possibly went for thirds...}

7. Explore antique shops. You never know what you're going to find until you go to an antique shop. It sounds boring, but not when you've got an objective. See what each of you can buy with $1, $5, or $10. Make it a competition to see if you can find the most bizarre or ridiculous object. Who knows, you may actually find something you like that you want to hang or display that will forever be known as the time you went to an antique shop because a blogger told you to. ;) {On a side note, a married couple I know found a really cute rustic wood bench that they display in their walkway of their apartment. I want to steal it!}
8. Go to a sports event. Depending on how big your city/town/area is, you may or may not get away with going to a sports event for under $20 total. When hubby and I went to NYC for Spring Break, we got lucky and found tickets on Ebay to see the Knicks play at Madison Square Garden at $30 a piece for pretty darn good seats. However, going to a minor league baseball game in my town is $8 for lawn seats and if it's Thursday, we pay $1 for bratwursts. If the game is on a Friday, they always have a fireworks show after the game. Do some research for the sport events that are available in your area. You may have to budget a little more for this kind of date than you do for the rest and keep in mind the length of duration, too.
9. Volunteer together. Contribute to your community together. Find a kitchen or shelter where you can both volunteer. Find an organization that you or your significant other are passionate about and try to see what you can do to help out. It's crazy how fast you can fall in love with someone when you see them put their needs before others. That and you know you're going to feel awesome for doing a good deed that has impacted the life of someone else. :)
10. Play a board game. Remember those? You pull them out of a box, set up game pieces and accomplish a specific objective? No, I'm not talking about Words with Friends. I'm talking about the games you used to play as a kid, how you would entertain yourself before all of this technology existed. Board games are soooooo cheap. You can find Candy Land at Wally World for $5 along with others. Take a trip down memory lane, each of you buy a board game you had as a child and play them! Make your favorite beverage/snack and get ready to become overly competitive for no reason. Be silly but play fairly. ;) Reminisce about the memories you had playing board games as a kid with your family or create new ones with your significant other to look back on. 
11. Visit the Farmer's Market. These are so much fun because you get to discover local businesses and the products they have to offer. In many cases, they have free samples for you to try, so you get to try foods that are typically healthy, organic and delicious. Depending in the area you live, the farmer's market may only be available to the public on certain days/hours. Ask around or try to see if a website exists so you can find out more information.
12. Redbox it. You can never go wrong with a Redbox because one, it's cheap, two, if you're signed up to their email/text club, you get free codes all the time, and three, because you get to watch a movie in the comfort of your own home. If my parents can't get out of the house for some quality time together, they get a movie for themselves and a movie for my siblings so they're entertained in another room while my parents enjoy their movie downstairs. If you have more time on your hands (or don't have kids), rent two or three Redbox movies and have a marathon. Pop some popcorn, cuddle on the couch and enjoy each other's company while laughing, screaming or maybe crying (darn those chick-flicks).
13. Go to an arcade. Pac-Man, anyone? Grab the quarters you can find around your place, in the car, on the streets, whatever and head to the nearest arcade place. Show off your mad gaming skills at racing or skee ball. Let your inner-kid out for some air, man.
14. Try out an exercise class. Nowadays, you don't have to be a member at a gym to participate in the exercise classes they have available. If you already have a membership, they're typically free. If not, they're discounted at a low rate so that's it's only a couple of dollars per person. Sometimes, they offer free passes so you can try out the gym/classes to try to get you to become a member. For example, the YMCA has all sorts of exercise classes that are offered every day. From yoga, cardio core, zumba, cycling, etc. Pick one and try it out with your significant other. Sweat together and feel the burn!
15. Check out Groupon. There's tons of discounted deals on Groupon that you can find. It seems like they update daily and they offer discounts for activities that appeal to just about anyone. My husband and I have been on the lookout for a discounted deal to go ziplining. The moment we see one that fits our budget, we're going!
16. Have some coffeee. Some of the best conversations I've had with my husband have been over a cup of coffee. You don't necessarily need to go to a coffee shop, but if you want the excuse to get out of the house, go. Find a table in the corner, secluded. People watch, stare into each other's eyes, hold hands, smile, laugh, share a cup of something cold or warm to drink. Start a "Remember when..." conversation. If you haven't been together long, talk about the future, dreams, expectations. Be completely open. Forget about the world and focus on each other. You can stay in, too. Brew some coffee or make your favorite tea. Talk until you run out of things to say (which I hope never happens, by the way).

17. Find a DIY on Pinterest and complete it. Choose one you've had in mind (I know you probably already have a board dedicated to DIY's) or find a new one together. Be as creative as you guys want to be. Use it as an excuse to start on the home project you've always talked about doing or to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Create a DIY gift to give to someone (mother's day is coming up!) or create a scrapbook of you and your significant other's favorite memories together. The options are endless! 

18. Go to a local bookstore. Find a few books that spark you and your significant other's interest. Pick a comfy spot and start reading. Swap quotes, passages, paragraphs and words. This can be as serious or as comical as you guys make it to be. Share poetry, scripture, jokes, one-liners, whatever you want. Find a book title that best describes your significant other's life. Be open, be deep and most importantly, unleash your nerdy side and don't be ashamed. ;)

19. Check out city events/festivals. The town I live in has its own website with a schedule for all the events that are occurring for the upcoming month. For example, one of the major events that takes place every first Friday of the month is called The Art Walk where local artists have their work displayed downtown, so you can look at all the cool art creations and enjoy live music. I've heard it's really neat (and free!) but haven't had a chance to check it out yet. Check to see if your town/city/area has a website where you can look up the events coming up and pick one that seems the most interesting or fun.

20. Pick a random TV series on Netflix. Be daring but be warned: you may get sucked in and become addicted to said TV show you pick so proceed with caution. If you don't have a Netflix account, the first month is FREE and you can cancel before the month is up. You can also sign up for Hulu Plus, but I think you only get one week for free. This is another at-home date, so snuggle up! Build a fort. Make a pallet on the floor out of pillows and blankets. Get prepared to be invested in characters of the TV show, especially if you pick Prison Break, Revenge, Walking Dead or How I Met Your Mother (just sayin').

Make sure to find the time to go on dates, be silly, have fun and fall in love (or be reminded why you fell in love in the first place). 

Chocolate Peanut Butter & Fruit Bites

I slept 30 minutes past my alarm this morning. I didn't want to get out of bed! I wanted to cuddle back up to my husband and drift back to sleep, but we both had somewhere to be so we rolled out of bed and got ready for the day.

I was craving an omelette, but I was on crunch time so I looked for something I could whip up in 5 minutes or less. 

We had gone grocery shopping the day before and I had discovered Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Spread with Dark  Chocolate. 

Hy-Vee was running a special on Skippy Natural Peanut Butter for 1.98 so we stocked up on 3 different types. What can I say, we're PB fanatics! :D It was actually perfect timing because I was wanting to get something similar to Nutella, but I find it to be too sweet for me.

This is a perfect alternative if you're looking for a natural chocolate spread that contains less sugar. I think it tastes like a Reese's peanut butter cup. It's really good! I think it's my newfound addiction. 

Another discovery I recently made were multigrain waffles I found at Aldi's. $1.29 for a 10 pack and 140 calories, 3g of fat for 2 waffles. I was hesitant to try them at first but I love them! Nothing beats homemade waffles, but when I'm looking for something to eat on-the-go, these come pretty close. And I can never turn down healthier options. :)

For this quick & healthy recipe, you'll need:

- Waffle 

- I tbsp of Skippy Natural PB with Dark Chocolate (or your favorite chocolate spread)

- Banana slices

- Blueberries

Toast waffle until desired warmth and crispness is reached. Cut waffle into four pieces. Spread on chocolate spread, add  banana slices and top with blueberries. Drizzle with honey if desired and enjoy! 

{How to Get Back Into the Exercise Routine}

I wanted to write a post over this particular topic because it's something that I have struggled with in the past. 

I've come up with every excuse in the book to avoid working out. I'll do it tomorrow. I'm too busy. I'm tired. I don't have any equipment at home. The gym is too far away. My eating habits would make working out pointless. As you can imagine, the list goes on and on. Looking back, I want to tell the old me, Get up! Stop making excuses. Just go workout. 

Instead of blaming the past, I focus on the changes I can make today that will impact my future. It's not always easy, but I know it'll definitely be worth it in the end. If you're wanting to get back into a workout routine, here are a few tips that helped me get back on track and continue to help me maintain a healthy workout routine every week. 

1. Revolve your schedule around exercise. I'm not saying to skip the important events that you've got planned out throughout the week, but if you know that you're going to be too exhausted to workout when you come home from school/work, try working out in the mornings. If you hate the thought of working out at the break of dawn, take a 15 minute power nap when you get home from a busy day and see how you feel then. It's amazing how much energy you'll gain back when you let your body rest for 15-20 minutes. You'll be going through your workout like a champ. ;)

{In my situation, I go to school everyday and especially since my graduation is only a few weeks away, things are getting hectic. I have papers and projects and all sorts of fun stuff due in a couple weeks; not only that, but the weather is getting warmer and everyone has something planned that they want to invite my husband and I to, so it's a really busy time for us. We like to workout together. I would definitely encourage you to find someone who is as motivated as you are about working out so you can constantly encourage each other. My husband and I tend to work out in the mornings - which is not my favorite - but with our crazy schedules, that's what works best for us.}

2. Do something you like while working out. If you love to read or have a favorite TV show that's either on Netflix or one you have recorded on your DVR, use that while working out! You'll be surprised at how fast your workout will fly by while you're keeping your mind preoccupied with something else. 

{The above picture is just one of many examples of workouts that you can do. Lately, I've been hitting the gym and using the elliptical machine. I need music while I workout. It pushes me to keep going, it motivates me, and there's no way I can workout without it. For you, that may not be the case and that's okay! Find out what works best for you and use it to your advantage.}

3. Change your attitude. When you start seeing exercise as a necessity that will benefit so many different areas of your life, you'll see it less as a chore and more as a habit, like taking a shower or brushing your teeth. You do those things for your hygiene, to prevent gum disease or cavities, to take care of your body so that it can be healthy but also to prevent complications later in life. Look within yourself and your life and come up with a few solid reasons why exercising should be part of your routine. Think of long-term ones, write them out and place them somewhere that you'll see everyday so you are constantly staying motivated.

{I used to exercise for the wrong reasons. I thought that if I had a desirable body, more people would like and talk to me. I always told myself, "Well, if I was skinny..." It was never healthy or fit. I would drive myself miserable because I told myself life would be better if I was thinner. It would constantly destroy my confidence and self-esteem. That was also back in middle school, high school and the beginning of college, and I feel like girls at those stages in life are constantly being pressured to be something they're not. Since then, I've learned that being healthy is what's most important to me. I don't think I'll ever have a 'skinny' body and that doesn't bother me anymore. I rather have all my insides, like my heart, lungs and other vital organs to be strong and healthy. I get more thrill out of the thought of being able to run a 5K marathon than I do fitting into a size 0. My body fat percentage is higher than the average person with the same height as me. I'm working towards bringing that down by exercising, eating healthy and incorporating weights to build muscle. My attitude has completely changed - and for the better.}

4. Don't let the number on the scale defy you. 

This picture pretty much says it all. Never feel like you didn't accomplish anything after working out. Every step counts. And don't obsess about that number on the scale! If you know that you're going to be tempted to weigh yourself every day, put it away! Have your friend/parent/significant other hide it from you. If having a scale motivates you, great! Use it as a tool for positive influence. But I know many people get strongly discouraged when the number on the scale doesn't line up with the progress they've done thus far. I know I'm guilty of this. In the past, I would get upset, then I would deprive myself of food because I felt that it was the reason behind why my weight was staying the same. It was wrong for more reasons than one. I wish someone would've told me: You're so much more than that number. Seriously. When you are constantly working out, you start to build muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, so you might even gain weight but lose inches. If you want to keep tabs on your progress, limit weighing yourself to once a week or every two weeks. Use a measuring tape for accurate results. Take before and after pictures. If you feel like you're not seeing results, keep pushing! Don't get discouraged! Remember why you started - to achieve a healthier you! 

5. Have a plan. Decide how/where  you're going to workout. Start with the resources you have at hand, like going for a walk through the neighborhood, using the internet to find free workout videos, or borrowing a workout from a friend or family member. Soak up some vitamin D during nice weather by going to a local trail or park in town. If a gym is more of your scene and you don't already have a membership, research the ones closest to you and call them for rates, specials and in some cases, you may receive a free pass for so many days that will allow you to experience what it would be like to be a member there. If you prefer to work at home, research workout plans that you like best and buy equipment to build an at-home gym. There's so many more options than the few I named. Don't feel limited! 

Obviously your diet plays a huge role into a healthy lifestyle, but that'll be a discussion all on its own. I plan on making a post over budgeting at the grocery store with healthy eating in mind, as well as some of the meals I eat on a day-to-day basis! 

Easter Basket Ideas For Your Guy

With Easter around the corner, I knew I wanted to use this special occasion to remind my husband why I'm so thankful to have him in my life. He does things for me every day that may seem small or petty to someone else but they mean the world to me. I wanted to find a gift for him that was thoughtful, sentimental and a bit cheesy. 

Of course, you don't need a special occasion to tell your significant other how much you love/like/appreciate them! You can do that any day, but you may not always have a chocolate bunny to do so. ;) And it doesn't have to be expensive, either. It's the thought that counts here! I went to Target and found everything under one roof, but don't be limited to one store. Shop around. If you're on a budget, get everything at Dollar Tree. They tend to get a ton of stuff for holidays (Hubby and I got a bunch of stuff after Christmas when all decor was 50% off) and the best part of it is - each item is $1! If you're feeling crafty, Michael's and Jo-Ann's are constantly sending coupons through text, email or by mail. Subscribe with places like them to save money. 

Here are the contents of my husband's basket: Beef jerky, a solid chocolate bunny, a movie, a Hot Wheels car, a Reese's egg and a note.

What I spent: $11.50

The reaction from my husband: laughter from my note, a huge grin and a Reese's egg immediately eaten. As well as a tight hug and kiss. :)

The key to any gift that you give to your significant-other is the meaning you put behind it. It may seem like I picked each object at random but I gave thoughtful consideration to each one. 

1. Start with your guy's favorites. Does your guy have a favorite snack or drink? Favorite movie? A brand or sports team? Incorporate his all-time favorites in a basket designed for him by you. 

2. Choose something Easter-related. Like I mentioned earlier, chocolate bunnies are typically seasonal and only available during Easter time. Be festive and get your guy a chocolate bunny, assorted jelly beans or a chocolate egg filled with caramel. Go the extra mile and make something homemade like egg-shaped Rice Krispie treats. 

3. Think of items that represent him and/or your relationship. This could be like getting the first movie you watched together, putting together a collage of pics since the start of your relationship, buying a journal to jot down future memories, finding a keychain that he'll always carry with him. Think of your favorite memories and the inside jokes you guys share and try to find an item that would capture that moment. 

4. Look for something that you two are looking forward to doing in the future. Do you guys have a vacation planned for the summer? Maybe a concert or event that you guys are counting down the days for? Even if it's something ordinary like going to the lake or beach when the weather gets warmer (if it isn't already), add an item to his basket that symbolizes what you guys are excited and can't wait for. If you guys don't have anything planned yet, maybe this will give you the opportunity to instigate something to do together later on in the year. 

5. Don't overthink it and have fun with it! Your guy is going to think you're awesome for going out of your way and thinking of him. Don't stress! You know your guy the best. Use the Easter basket to show him that you listen to his interests and you remembered the little quirks about him that he likes. 

Still need specific ideas or suggestions? Keep reading for Easter basket ideas that I came up with. Feel free to mix them up or add your own personal touch. :D 

For the Artsy Guy: Blank canvases, a sketchbook, markers, pencils, erasers, paint brushes, paint. Practice your own skills and create him a masterpiece. 

For the Coffee Guy: Different flavors of coffee syrup, a mug or tumbler, chocolate-covered espresso beans, sample packs of ground coffee, stirrers. If there's a coffee shop he's been dying to try out, take him there and share a cup! Some of the best conversations I've had with my Hubby have been over a cup of coffee. 

For the Fit Guy: a blender cup or water bottle, a sample packet of protein powder (could be his favorite or something new), a protein bar, a bright-colored pair of shoe laces, an organic Easter treat, a playlist made by you for his next workout. Mix it up by adding a note saying to pick a physical activity of his choice that you and him can do together. If you don't consider yourself athletic and he knows it, he'll probably go easy on you. After all, you did just give him a basket full of goodies. :)

For the Kid at Heart Guy: Find out what some of his childhood shows/movies were growing up. See if you can find it on DVD or even YouTube and have a marathon. Get him the kind of candy kids would go crazy for: Pixie Sticks, Pop Rocks, Skittles, Fun Dip, Laffy Taffy, etc. The sugary, the better. Get him a kite, yo-yo or a board game. Bring him back to his childhood so you can hear his stories and experiences as a kid. Laugh and be silly! 

For the Outdoorsy Guy: Pocket knife, beef jerky, hunting gear, something camo-related, camping gear, fishing hooks, beer, bottle opener, drink coozie.

For the Religious Guy: a devotional, a note pad or journal, a pen, a cross necklace, his favorite verse/versus typed up on card stock and framed, M&M's with a note attached explaining The Sweet Truth of Easter. Another option: there's tons of movies out such as Heaven is Real, God's Not Dead, Noah, Son of God, possibly others as well. Surprise your guy with a movie date and snacks - your treat!

Honey Banana Nut Oatmeal

Breakfast is crucial for my life. I don't think I've ever gone a day without eating breakfast, unless I've slept in past 11 or noon but that rarely happens to a married college student. 

I'm the type to roll out of bed and head to the kitchen first thing in the morning. I'll make coffee (just as crucial as breakfast), then try to decide what sounds good. I try to keep my options varied, but I can also eat the same meal for weeks, even months straight. 

I know not everyone is like this. My husband is unpredictable when it comes to breakfast. Some days he'll eat with me, other days he waits until it's almost time to leave for school and he'll grab something to-go like a fruit or granola bar. Other times he won't eat 'till lunch time and I find that crazy! If I had to wait that long, I'd probably die.

I've always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I did some research on the web and here's a few things I found on why this is so:

- Keeps you in a good mood

- Helps regulate blood sugar levels 

- Keeps you from overeating at later meals

- Boosts your metabolism

- Improves memory 

- Weight control can be difficult to maintain if breakfast is skipped 

With that being said, I wanted to share with you all what I had for breakfast this morning. :) 

Honey Banana Nut Oatmeal

1/2 c. quick oats 

1/2 c. almond milk

1 tsp. honey 

2 tsp. walnuts

1 ripe banana

1. Pour oats and almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Follow the instructions on the quick oats container for microwave times. I usually heat mine for 1 min 45 sec.

2. Stir oatmeal after it's been heated to ensure that the cooked oats and milk have been mixed thoroughly. Add honey. Stir again. 

3. Add banana in slices and walnuts. Garnish with brown sugar if desired and enjoy! 

I'll be posting more breakfast options that are quick, healthy and tasty! :)