Fun Kid Lunch Ideas

Every morning, I'm faced with the challenge of making a lunch for Blaise that he will actually eat! He gets pretty picky so I can't sway too far from the good ole fashion classics. But, there is a way to mix up the typical lunches for a better, more nutritiuos kid meal!

Here are some of my lunch go-to's:

• Classic PB and J. And a great suggestion from one of my twitter followers: Mix it up by putting the peanut butter and jelly on banana bread. Or even slice a banana and put in between the bread. 
• Turkey meatballs
• Cream cheese and jam bagel
• Cheese quesadilla
• Pasta with parmesan cheese
• Sliced-up hot dogs or mini corn dogs
• Cereal with a side of milk
• Granola with yogurt and fruit
• Mini raviolis
• Mac and cheese
• Turkey wrap
• Turkey and cheese panini
• Rice with teriyaki chicken

Great sides to add to the above meals:

• Green beans
• Corn-on-the-cob or canned corn
• String cheese
• Cooked baby potatoes
• Fruit. Some of Blaise's favorites are: Grapes, raspberries, blueberries, sliced and peeled kiwis, sliced apple/pears and watermelon balls.
• Cooked broccoli with ranch side
• Cooked baby carrots
• Cooked sweet potato half
• Rice with corn and peas

Hope some of these ideas help you pack more creative lunches in the morning! Let me know what your go-to lunches are for your kids.

My Exclusive Interview with Sponsor Softcup

As you all probably know, I have been the spokesperson for Softcup since 2011. Today, Softcup debuted my exclusive interview with them in a blog as part of their "Fun Fridays" feature. I talk about my training, being a mom, my new book "In The Water They Can't See You Cry" and much more.

Check out part one of my interview with Softcup here.

Family Trip to Disneyland!

Yesterday, my mom, Blaise and I went to Disneyland and had a fun 14 hours!!!! We basically shut the place down! Parades, rides, everything was amazing! My mom's favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean, Blaise's favorite was The Buzz Lightyear ride and my favorite was the Peter Pan Ride. I think Disney is a place where you never grow old and can have an amazing/exhausting time with the whole family!

Has anyone else had a great family trip to Disneyland? Would love to hear about it! 

My CNN iReport: 'Perfect' is Unrealistic

In this video by CNN iReport, I reflect on overcoming my past struggles that are outlined in my book, "In The Water They Can't See You Cry," and I also reveal my pre-compeition rituals. Please watch!

Family Vacation Time

The last few months were a whirlwind with my book tour, training and Olympic Trials; I figured it was time for a much-needed vacation!

We decided to head to Apache Lake, about a 3-hour drive from Tucson, for a quick getaway trip this past weekend. We got to go boating, fishing, cliff diving, tubing, water skiing and the list goes on with some great friends.

It was actually Blaise' first time on a speed boat - he LOVED it. He also did some inner tubing; it took me forever to get him out of the water! While my husband was busy with a successful fishing trip, bringing home six large Mouth Bass, I spent the afternoon cliff diving, water skiing and inner tubing.

This trip was exactly what the family and I needed. It was so much fun that we are thinking of making it a regular tradition, especially in the Summer. There's no better way to enjoy yourself out in the Summer heat than floating in a refreshing lake. Wouldn't you agree? Plus it doesn't break the bank! Getting away for a weekend on the lake is definitely friendly on the wallet. 

What quick (and cost-friendly) getaway trips have you and your family taken this Summer? Sacha, Blaise and I are always looking for new places to go!

Trials Time

I can’t believe Olympic Trials are less than two weeks away! Years of training and it's almost here!!!

Currently I’m tapering (for those of you who might not know - tapering is when you cut back on exercise to let your body recouperate before a big meet) so I still have practices but not twice daily like usual and being honest, the extra time has been really nice.

As a mom and wife it gives me more time to keep my home life organized, spend time with my family and have a little “me” time (so rare!).  I wake up, train, come home, have breakfast with my boys, do chores around the house like dishes and laundry (I feel like I’m constantly cleaning my swimsuits – seriously thank goodness for my Maytag washer and dryer – I think I've used them more in three months than most people would in three years!) and then the rest of the day is open for Blaise’s swim lessons and my business meetings.

If I make the team at trials I’ll be away at camp and then off to London so I'm really happy to hang out with my boys as much as I can right now. The time leading up to trials is always a bit like a roller coaster – I love it and just roll with it but some phases are easier than others. Being away from your child, your husband and your life for extended periods is never easy no matter what the circumstances are.

I’d love to hear how other moms do it!

Cover Shot

Thanks for putting me on the cover Scottsdale Health!

Speed & Efficiency

As a mom, wife and professional athlete my days consist of managing all kinds of activities. My schedule really demands organization and efficiency and the last thing I need or want to spend extra time on is my laundry. Luckily one of my sponsors, Maytag, was kind enough to send me a new Bravos XL high efficiency washer and dryer and let me say this … WA-WA-WEE-WA! After doing one load I couldn’t help but think about the many hours wasted using old equipment from a substandard brand. I used to constantly wash my son Blaise’s clothes over and over and apply all kinds of stain removers because spots and dirt (and unidentifiable stuff) just wouldn’t come out; My dryer never got hot enough to get the job done in one round so typically I’d try to multi-task around the house for hours waiting for everything to dry. Now, everything comes out clean and dry in a single cycle! (If I weren’t already married, I’d consider being the first to wed an appliance.)

Cleanliness aside, I think one of the most important features of the Bravos XL washer is that it gives me the option to use a cold wash cycle while providing the same cleaning performance as a warm wash cycle. It uses less energy and far less water. Win-win for the environment and me!

While my husband Sacha appreciates having clean clothes and being green, he’s much happier with the new washer and dryer because they are really, really ridiculously quiet. His office is situated right next to the laundry room and while it used to sound like knights jousting, he now hears nothing when I run a load or two. (He wants me to add that their sports-car-like appearance doesn’t hurt and almost makes him want to do the laundry … Maytag, I think you’re on to something here.)

Access Amanda

A.M. Radio

And My Favorite Host Is

Who doesn't love Billy Bush?

Access Hollywood

Be sure to catch me on Access Hollywood today! ... check your local listings.