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! 

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!

Favorite Mom Time: Haircuts!

Kid haircuts are just another “mom thing” you grow to love to do! And when your kids are young, the first few are a BIG deal. So like every other mom – I took pictures!

Blaise would not stop wiggling in his chair. As you can see, we distracted him with a lollipop and it worked!

A big thank you to Jenni at Mad Max Salon in Tucson - my little man couldn’t look more handsome now!

Have pictures from your child’s first haircut? Please share - I’d love to see them!






 

Wake Up and Go!

If you’re trying to squeeze a workout into your already hectic schedule, always remember this:

The best time for you to get a workout in is early in the morning.

Wake up, put on your running shoes, grab your bike or swim bag and get going (without thinking about it). The snooze button is your enemy! 

Need help or motivation? Find a friend to train with and commit to each other – there is power in numbers. Working out in the morning will keep you refreshed and energized for the remainder of the day. Often, we find excuses during the day to avoid the gym. Even fitting in a workout midday can mean running on low energy, which makes it not only hard to motivate ourselves through a workout but it also often hinders how hard we can push ourselves too.

So here is my advice to you: Get up and get moving! Your life will change for the better, I promise. After a morning workout, you will be ready to conquer your day – you’ll be amazed by how much you will accomplish before the kids return home from school!

Good luck!

Finding Balance in Life

I can't express to you how important it is to achieve balance in life. Whether you’re a mom, dad, athlete, businessperson or just a regular Joe; you need to find the perfect harmony between work, family life and “me time” to not only keep your body and mind sound, but keep yourself sane too! A good balance is what allows you to live a fulfilled life and really enjoy what it has to offer. I believe that I still love to swim and compete because I have found this balance (finally – not without struggle for sure!)

It doesn’t matter if you are an athlete pursuing the first-place podium at the Olympic Games or simply a motivated stay-at-home mom; either way, you always need time for you and the things you enjoy. I always say that swimming makes me a better mom because I have a way to stay fit, active and refreshed –  this allows me to come home relaxed and energized for my son. Being a mom is a welcomed distraction from my intense training and competition, though. After a tough practice session, I can go home and enjoy my family time without constantly thinking about swimming, which actually makes me a better swimmer. The two things perfectly complement each other and allow me to be motivated at home and in the pool.

Find your own balance.


How do YOU keep a work / life balance?