My 11 Weeks of Summer Calendar!

I can't believe it's nearly Summertime!!!

For the past 4 years I have made a single sheet calendar for Summer. It helps us see how much time we have left! This is our calendar for getting out of school on May 26, but I am going to give you the word doc so you can adjust it to fit your schedule.

Make sure to make good use of these days!

Remember how special Summertime was when you were a kid?????

Be sure to tag me @darbycam or @evolvewithdarby if you use the calendar so I can see how you customized it!!

(I used fun paper that was leftover from birthday party invitations!)

I wanted it to be user friendly, but I could not figure out how to attach the word doc, or even a pdf here in the blog or on Facebook and I didn't want to spend too much time on it, you understand....so you can just copy/paste below and adjust the days of the week...since they actually belong up top!

SUMMER 2017

29-memorial day	30	31	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18-father’s day
19	20	21-summer begins	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	1	2
3	4-independence day	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15-school starts	16	17	18	19	20

Monday          Tuesday         Wednesday      Thursday       Friday           Saturday        Sunday

Presto Pesto!

Pesto has become a staple in our house!

I used to buy the jarred version but now I realize how simple it is to make my own, with the BONUS of adding a kabillion nutrients!!

My son has Crohn's Disease in remission, however he still has a decreased appetite, reduced absorption, is still not eating raw veggies that he loves and does not enjoy many cooked veggies. He also doesn't care for marinara, plus he needs to limit his acidic foods. So, pesto is a favorite!!

I usually have at least a few cups of spinach or kale around which makes this so handy.

You can use a blender or food processor.

I prefer to use either the blender pitcher or large cup on my Ninja.

I pack in the greens, add a few cloves of garlic (roasted is preferred because raw makes it a bit spicy), sprinkle a little pink Himalayan Sea Salt and Black Pepper, Parmesan Cheese if I have it, basil (dried or fresh) and olive oil. The olive oil amounts are always adjusted depending on how thick or thin I want it. If I have a lemon on hand then I will add a little lemon juice and zest!

Now that my son is in remission and we have experimented with adding certain nuts back into his diet, I can add Pine Nuts or Walnuts to the recipe!!! Yay! More nutrients, more flavor!

Whatever I don't use goes in a container in the fridge or freezer.

We use the pesto for pasta, lasagna, spread on bread, chicken or fish and also to replace oil or butter when cooking eggs or sauteing veggies!

So why Kale and Spinach? What's all the hype?

Check out the little video on My Facebook Page !

When I grow up....

Who knew that I would be turning 40 and still wondering what the heck to do when I grow up!

The past few years have been such a whirlwind.

So many changes.

Good and bad and in between!

It's funny how the Universe really does have a way of nudging you in the right direction.

For example, a few years ago when I decided to take the Personal Trainer route I chose the name Evolve With Darby as my business name because a friend suggested it. I liked the way it looked. I could picture logos. I liked the idea of the name because my vision was to help moms change, or EVOVLE into the person they wanted to be, in the body they wanted to have.

I had no idea that the name would reflect my life in so many ways!

Through this journey of the last 3 or 4 years of my 30's I have changed and EVOLVED in ways that I never expected.

I have made all kinds of new friends.

I have read over a dozen books to help me improve ME!

I have passed tests with really good scores!

I have become more confident in my own skin.

I have become more confident in my own strengths.

I have become more accepting of my own weaknesses.

I have worked to improve myself and my loved ones in the areas of personal health, personal fitness, mindfulness, gratitude and patience.

I see these changes because UNTIL NOW,

-good grades were hard to come by

-I compared myself to others and thought "why not me?"

-I identified my weaknesses but did not make attempts to change

So, now, here I am turning 40 in just a few short days!!

I have so many changes happening and I see myself EVOLVING in so many ways!

I am keeping my Personal Training Certification up to date, substitute teaching in the Martin County Elementary Schools, Beachbody Coaching, Teaching Fit Kids Classes afterschool at various MC Parks & Rec programs, Studying to get my FL Temporary Teaching Certificate for PE K-12, Trying to keep my house clean, my animals and family fed, working out, selling stuff on eBay and living life!

To make things LESS COMPLICATED I am trying to streamline life!

One of those weaknesses I accept, but am here to change?

Time Management!

One thing that took up too much space in my brain was the fact of having a website, a blog and multiple pages on Facebook. Why? I am just 1 person. Sure I do lots of different things, but don't we all?

So number ONE on my to-do before 40 list is to consolidate the ole Fitness Website and the ole random things blog into one!

Yay! Welcome!

Here we are, accomplishing a task, without too much effort or wasted time!

Now, the blog is the new home of www.EvovleWithDarby.com

You will still find a plethora of randomness, but its all ME!

Fitness-Food-Fun-Organization Tips That Help Me-Pets-Marriage-Parenting-Family-Learning-Studying-Wine-Funny Movies-Friends-and whatever else I want!

and...for this one post....In the interest of that ole time management, I am not even doing a spell check!
Say what?

Device Time Should Be Earned!

We have a constant battle in our house...over device time. 

Of course, everyone else in school gets full access 24/7 to their devices and gets to play and do whatever they want and whenever they want. 

We are such mean and different parents, aren't we?

I am sure its the same story in your house too. 

If not about device time, something else totally unfair and "unique" to punish just your child!

So, in yet another effort to reduce nagging and arguing I created a simple chart to lay out what is expected of the rugrats before they can go hog wild on Animal Jam, Mindcraft, texting, Teen Titans, Go!, You Tube etc...

Now, my kids are 5, 8 and 11 so these are all things they are capable of doing and are expected to do. However, sometimes they sneak under my nose and skip out on most because there is no real check system.

I mean, afternoons are hectic around here. If we don't have an activity to get to we come home and have a snack. Riley(11) goes off to read and Mollie(8) gets distracted by all of the pets. Taylor (5) tries to get started on her homework without me, well, because she knows more than the rest of us right now. So wrangling them all in to do what needs to be done isn't always easy. Half the time I find myself digging through backpacks for things I need to sign, unpacking their lunchboxes to make sure there isn't a lonely melting cheesestick, picking up their dirty socks and shoes and making 8 different snacks for them while they are off on their devices with homework left undone and stacks of clean, folded laundry sitting on their floors for days.

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That!

My goal is to have the 'big kids' take care of their responsibilities on their own so that I can spend more time helping Taylor complete her tasks, with proper direction. 

This chart should also help us with the dreaded Friday afternoon and/or Saturday morning clean up.

As a mom, I feel guilty that they have been cooped up in school all day to come home and do more homework and housework instead of play. But I know that they need the discipline, for the future if nothing else. So my solution is to lay out these expectations (the chart) in plain sight, for all to see so that they understand what needs to be done so they can have their freedom.

Will it work out?

Time will tell!

Wish me luck!

**Do you have a 'system' for completing homework and chores before going on devices or do your kids have unlimited access? Comment below so we can all learn from each other!

 "It takes a village..."

My Diet Starts Tomorow

Sound familiar?

My grandmother always had a magnet on the fridge (or maybe it was the dishwasher) that said "My diet starts tomorrow." She was ALWAYS either on a diet or planning her next diet, always.

It becomes a vicious cycle and next thing you know it becomes a habit. Not a good habit.

Doesn't it seem like you find a diet that works but as soon as you fall off the wagon you blame the diet for not working anymore? Or if you're like me, you just let your A.D.D. take over and you either get bored or simply forget that you were even following a plan!

So here is what I decided to do a few years ago.

#1- I stopped thinking of the word 'diet' as a "Four Letter Word."
       I now see 'diet' as the primary definition in Webster's Dictionary:
                      "the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats."
#2- I cleaned up my 'diet' by adding more whole foods and reducing my processed foods. I began reading labels more and putting a lot of things back on the shelf once I saw the crap ingredients or the high sugar content.
#3- I began drinking MORE water!
#4- I began drinking LESS alcohol and sodas.
#5- I now see it as a 'Healthy Lifestyle' that I live, not a roller coaster of calorie counting and food restrictions.

Am I perfect?
Hell, no!

I follow the 80/20 principle now that I am comfortable with my lifestyle, What does that mean?
It means that I try to eat clean and healthy 80% of the time and that I allow myself to induldge 20% of the time. (If you know me, you know that I am not actually working out these numbers in my head. Numbers make my skin crawl.) 

I simply know that #1, I am going to want a brownie at some point, or a cheeseburger (not a turkey burger) at the baseball field. And #2, I know that I have eaten and exercised adequately for my health so that one or two 'heavy' or 'unhealthy' treats or meals is not going to undo all that I have worked for. Doesn't that sound fair?

So my challenge for you is to STOP planning out your next diet, and the one after that. Change your mindset. If you insist on saying,
"Nothing has worked for me!"
Then I must insist that you tack on these 2 words to that sentence...
"UNTIL NOW."

I have a few ideas in my tool kit that can help you if you're ready. I can provide YOU with some of those tools as well. We can design a simple strategy together to get your lifestyle cleaned up or we can start talking about those cute little color coordinated portion control containers. Either way, when you are ready (or thinking about wanting to get ready) then we should talk about filling YOUR tool kit.

Want to talk more?
Email me at evolvewithdarby@gmail.com or find me on Facebook!

Cool Cucumber ~ Melon Soup Recipe

If I had not tried a sample while on a shopping trip at Publix last Summer, I never, ever would have tried this recipe! But from the first cool, spicy spoonful I have been hooked!

I seriously crave this delicious and nutritious 'soup'.

BUT, I am the only one in my family that will eat it, so I quickly discovered that the Publix recipe was too big. And then I discovered that it is 21 Day Fix approved!!!!! So here we go, with my little recipe for 1. I am able to keep it in the fridge and enjoy a little bowl-full for 2 or 3 days.

1/4 Cucumber, chopped and peeled (optional)
1/2 Hass Avocado, chopped
1/2 jalapeno pepper, de-seeded & chopped
1/2 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 pound honeydew melon chunks
1/8 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 T sliced green onions
Pinch of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
5t Plain Greek Yogurt
1t local honey
Juice of 1 Lime
Pinch Red Pepper flakes (optional topping)


Reserve half of the melon, cucumber and avocado. Chop them into smaller chunks.
Blend all other ingredients until smooth. (I use my Ninja).
Gently stir all ingredients together and top with the red pepper flakes if you like heat.
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days for the freshest taste!

So now, for the 21 Day Fix breakdown!!
The entire batch is just:
1 Green
1 1/2 Purple
1/2 Red
1 Blue

Hope you enjoy!!
Don't forget to visit me on Facebook!
fb.com/tastingtomatoes
and
www.fb.com/EvolveWithDarby
for more recipes and health and fitness tips.

Want to know more about The 21 Day Fix?
Shoot me a message on Facebook or email me at evolvewithdarby@gmail.com

I have a new Challenge Group coming up for people do 21 Day Fix and / or PiYo...my 2 favorite workouts! The challenge begins right after Labor Day, so you still have time to get in your orders!
Make sure to contact me before you order so I can tell you about my personal incentives and gifts!
Talk to you soon!!
xo
Darby

Why washing machines are disgusting!

WHY on Earth did I decide to take my washing machine apart and clean the tub?

It all started a few years ago when there was a constant 'muck' at the bottom of the washing machine after every load. At first I thought someone was putting filthy muddy socks in without telling me. But it was even happening with sheets and towels, and it was every single load. Things were not smelling as fresh anymore either.

So I ran the Tub Clean mode a few times. Added Vinegar and Baking Soda. Used a Tub cleaner. Wiped and scrubbed all surfaces with Lysol wipes. Nothing helped.

Then the pump died. So instead of replacing the expensive, not that old washing machine we ordered a new pump and got to work taking the machine apart.

THAT is when we discovered that we could take the tub OUT and actually clean it. Now, I have never thought to take a picture of the before. Mostly because it is so gross that I just want to get it clean. Then I realized just how gross is WAS and how sparkly and new it becomes....and that's when I decide to take pictures.

Anyways, I hosed the tub down and we put everything back together. Things were running smooth. And then in time, it started happening again. The muck. The guck. The stinky sheets. The smelly shirts. And no Tide, no Gain, no Downy did the trick. IN FACT: the clothes coming out of the dryer just smelled stale, even with the strongest scents from the laundry aisle!

Proof that I just did this 7 months ago!  I was so proud of my sparkly clean tub that I posted about it on Instagram. I started getting texts asking how to do it.

So now, here we are and it already needs to be done again! I blame it on the well water. Either way, its really not a difficult job and it is VERY rewarding if you're like me and like to see the fruits of your labor N.O.W! And you can bet that somewhere between Halloween and Christmas I will be doing this again!

So here is the run down on how I clean my Fisher & Paykel Top Loader.
#1---The tools I use!
-Dawn Dish Soap
-A good scrub brush
-A screwdriver for screws
-Needlenose pliers for the spring and for removing grossness from the agitator.
-Garden Hose

**Please unplug your machine before doing this!

First I remove the screws from the lid so that it will lift up and expose
the tub, or drum as you may call it.
{{{PUT THE SCREWS IN A SAFE PLACE!!}}}

Then I remove the little screw that holds the agitator in place.
Lift out the agitator
We have a dog, 2 cats, 3 kids and live on a few acres....needless to say the agitator always has 'lint' caught in the little holes that I use the needle nose pliers to pull out.
I use the scrub brush to scrub the inside and outside of the tube.

Next I pop off the ring disk and remove the spring that attaches it to the machine base. This can be tricky. One time the spring shimmied its way all the way down to the bottom so we had to lift the machine and find it. So this needs to be done with care.

this is me putting it back together,
notice how clean it is!

Now comes the hardest part. Possibly a two-man job. While propping the entire lid(s) up, carefully lift the drum out of the machine. Be careful because the outside of the drum (on my machine, at least) is 'scratchy' from the metal holes popping out.

This is where we take it outside and hose it down, inside and out!
Then I scrub it with Dawn and the scrub brush and hose it down again.
I flip it upside down and do the same thing.
It goes from looking old and rusty to brand new and shiny!

While it sits in the sun to sparkle and dry, I head back inside to clean the interior of the machine itself.

 The Dawn Dishsoap really helps to cut through the build up. All of this nastiness was removed.

Now, you just reverse the process. Take your time to make sure you didn't leave out any screws or skip a step!

Then I run a HOT cycle with some of this Peroxide cleaner to rinse away all of the residue and anything I may have missed.

NOW I can actually smell the detergent and fabric softener!!

Isn't that disgusting?

Unfortunately, I deleted half of the pictures because I thought I had already downloaded them. (Another project I am working on, deleting used pictures so I actually have space on my phone and laptop for everything!)

**Please note my disclaimers: I am in no way telling you any of this information from a professional point of view. I am far from being mechanically inclined. I stink at house cleaning. This process has helped me and my personal situation. Your results may vary, for better or for worse. You could get injured doing this. There are sharp edges and awkward objects. Please use your own judgement when doing this. And if you disagree with the products I have mentioned using, please feel free to suggest alternatives but please do not criticize me for my personal choices when it comes to dealing with my stinky and dirty washing machine.**