I'll Never Make a 30 under 30 List

When I was in college, well even in high school, I thought it would be so cool to be on one of those lists. You know, the ones put out by the local magazine or networking group? "Top 30 Professionals under 30" or "40 Entrepreneurs under 40" come to mind. A list you only make after lots of schooling and hard work; a true accomplishment.

Just the other day, I was in the bathroom doing a quick touch up to my hair and makeup in between a dance class and our weekly bible study. As I looked at myself in the mirror, a few thoughts came to mind. I began to quickly realize that no matter how hard I work, I would never make one of these lists. You see, because of my husband's career we are lucky to stay in one place for 2 years, maybe 3 years max. The longevity and ability to make connections happens just as we are on our way out to our next duty station.

As we got in the car that evening, I mentioned this revelation I just had to my husband. His immediate response was, "Why do you need to be on a list to feel successful?" And of course, I immediately felt like a HORRIBLE person for even wanting to be on a list! I don't need a list. I am successful and feel blessed beyond words, but sometimes it is nice to be recognized, to be on that list, to feel like you have done something good.

To be honest, I wouldn't change a thing about the life we live. I am forced to adapt to new environments (and get new licenses wherever we go) and make the best of the cards we've been dealt. Through it all, God has always provided for us no matter where the Navy sent us and I am truly grateful for that.

At the end of the day, I don't need a list. But like many of my fellow military spouses/moms/parents, sometimes we just need a pat on the back to know that we are doing "OK". I have and always will be a working military spouse. I take great pride in my work and career and although their may be bumps in the road, I will make it past. My best advice is to follow your dreams and take that leap of faith to do what you have always dreamed of, regardless of the time or how long you may be stationed in XYZ. Live every day to the fullest and you will not be disappointed!

The Daniel Fast: Part 2

Today is Day 17 of the Daniel Fast and I am definitely ready to celebrate the end of the fast! If I have another brown rice bowl with black beans, I may get sick, lol! We've had a veggie bowl from Chipotle a couple of times and I vow that I probably won't eat there again for MONTHS! I found another great option at Zoe's Kitchen! Their Veggie Kabobs with Greek Salad (no feta) and their potato salad (no mayo) is Vegan!

I have lost 9 lbs and my clothes are definitely looser so that is definitely an added plus! I still haven't experienced increased energy or clarity. I have been going to bed pretty early though, which has definitely been a good thing and trying to wake up earlier so that I can workout before Charlotte wakes up. My prayer life has definitely increased and become more meaningful so I am very grateful for that! Overall, it has been a great experience and I would highly recommend it! It has definitely helped having Kyle and I do it together!

Anyways, a couple of new recipes to share for those who have been asking!

Roasted Chickpeas

These are a great staple to have on hand for when people come over, so easy and so healthy! 

-Preheat oven to 450 degrees 

- Drain, rinse and pat chickpeas dry. 

-Toss with olive oil and salt, pepper and your favorite seasonings. 

- Roast in oven for 20-25 minutes until desired crispiness. 

A friend wasn't using some of her Green Chef meals that she ordered, so she let me try them out. This is a similar meal service like Blue Apron, but all of the ingredients are organic. The ingredients also come in these little containers and most everything is chopped. We made this delicious Thai Green Curry and just omitted the chicken to fall in line with the fast! So easy and really yummy! Thanks again, Beth!

Green Chef Thai Green Chile Curry with Mango 

I made Sweet Potato Burritos on Tuesday night and they were great! Sweet Potatoes are so delicious and their texture really makes up for the lack of meat! You can view the recipe here!

Kyle made Sweet Potato Curry last week and by far that has been my favorite recipe! Not surprised because he is an amazing chef (who also makes a MESS in the kitchen when he cooks)! We had a friend over who is also doing the Daniel Fast and I think it was the best meal he had on the fast! :) Kyle tweaked the recipe a bit, but you can find the recipe here! Kyle didn't use lemongrass (couldn't find it at the grocery) and chopped his own San Marzano tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. 

A couple of more days! Say a prayer we can survive the last few days!

The Daniel Fast: Part 1

We are almost one week into the Daniel Fast and definitely taking it one day at a time! The fast has definitely been interesting- very challenging on some days and easier on others. I am grateful for the easy days, but also embracing the challenging days as I know that's when I need to lean in most and turn to God to help me through. I have prayed way more than I ever would if I wasn't doing the fast!

 I will admit, I thought I would experience more "side effects" like mental clarity, an energy boost and weight loss. I've lost 3 lbs since starting the fast. You would think I would have lost 10 lbs by now with all the things I have eliminated (of course, Kyle has)!  I think for me that is partly because of the high carb nature of the fast. I will say, I have NEVER been able to stick to a diet of any sort or abstain from wine (except for when I was pregnant) for more than a few days. This fast has been great because it has revealed to me that I can and the funny thing is I KNOW that I can't cheat. It just isn't an option!

Every day I try to write down a few words to sum up my day. Here is my journey so far:

Day 1- Struggled. Thought about food or lack thereof most of the day. Had to grab internet at Dunkin Donuts and I got to smell the donuts! Torture! 

Day 2- Woke up feeling lighter and refreshed

Day 3- Struggled in the morning with getting out of the house. Made it to work out. Headache in afternoon. On edge

Day 4- Felt good most of day. Kind of bored, which just showed us our weekends revolved around eating and drinking. Whoops! Napped when Charlotte napped. Went to see a movie and brought our approved snacks with us! 

Day 5- Felt rather defeated! Went to an event that had lots of yummy food and wine! That was a challenge. 

Day 6- Woke up with major stomach issues! Not sure what it could be as everything i am eating is fresh. Took the day off from working out and tried to feel better. 

Day 7-Today was much better! I was busy and didn’t have much time to think about being hungry or missing things. Didn’t eat lunch until 2pm, but felt very satisfied with my hummus and veggies 

Here are some of my go to snacks:
-  Bare Cinnamon Banana Chips 
-  Way Better Sweet Potato Chips
- Skinny Pop Popcorn 
- Hummus with Carrots, Celery and Cucumbers
- Cashews, Sunflower Seeds, Salt & Pepper Pistachios
- Brown Rice Cakes (plain or with natural peanut butter or guacamole)
- Cotton Candy Grapes (these are amazing and worth the $10 I spent on them today at Publix)
- Honey Crisp Apples

Some of my go to snacks! Jury is still out on Brad's Crunchy Kale!

As I mentioned earlier, Kyle and I quickly realized that our weekends involve going out to eat and indulging. So, we were happy to find some restaurants that were Daniel fast friendly and also available in a quick pinch if we didn't have something to eat at home.

Chipotle- Brown Rice, Black Beans, Veggies, Salsa, Guacamole. Their corn tortillas are also "safe". 

Toss Green- We had their Mango and Grain Bowl. Their dressings are home-made and their Cashew Dressing and Avocado Vinaigrette are approved! 

Grain & Mango Bowl with Avocado Vinaigrette

Fresh Jax- We actually haven't had their food yet, but they have many vegan options, including a sweet potato curry. You can follow them on instagram for their weekly features. 

I made a delicious salad on Saturday night! I would definitely make it again. You can find the recipe here. I substituted Spring Mix for the Spinach and used my Vitamix Blender to make the dressing! 

Roasted Chickpea, Quinoa and Tomato Salad with Avocado Basil Dressing 

Tomorrow I am trying a Vegan Hearty Slow Cooker Chili  for our Disciple Group meeting tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it goes! I chopped all the ingredients tonight and then will throw in the crockpot in the morning to simmer all day. Sounds yummy! 

That's all for now! Will be back with another update soon! Praying we survive the Labor Day weekend! No hotdogs or hamburgers for us! :) 

Charlotte's 2nd Birthday at Bay & Bee

When the time rolled around to plan Charlotte's 2nd birthday there was one thing that came to mind... It would be the middle of summer and INCREDIBLY HOT! Last year, we celebrated Charlotte's 1st Birthday at my mom's house in Orlando since we were in transition from Hawaii to Jax. This year, I knew she would have more friends to invite, so I wanted to have the party somewhere that kids could have fun indoors (and not have toddlers destroy my house, lol) The easy choice was Bay & Bee! Bay & Bee is a locally-owned small business, inspired by Montessori and Waldorf educational principles to create a stimulating eco-friendly play environment. On top of that, it is air-conditioned and their amazing staff makes sure every detail is accounted for!

Once we knew the date and location, it was time to start working on a theme! Charlotte is fairly obsessed with Frozen right now, so I debated a Frozen party, but then was made aware by other moms that there would be plenty of time for a Frozen-themed party in future years! So, we decided on Flamingo theme and it turned out so cute!

I couldn't have done it without my sweet friend, Stephanie with Boogie & Bear. Just when we started planning the party, her sweet and beautiful daughter, Addison, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. When I heard the news, I told Stephanie that there is no way I could expect anything from her during this incredibly challenging time for her family. Stephanie totally went above and beyond with the invitation and decorations and her husband even delivered items to my doorstep! I seriously could not have asked for anything more and I would highly recommend her to anyone planning a shower, birthday party or if you are just looking for some monogrammed goods. Stephanie is so sweet and creative. Please lift her family up in prayer and that Addison may be cured of cancer and get back to being a little girl instead of dealing with this horrible illness.

Charlotte's adorable invite by Boogie & Bear 

Birthday Stats Poster by by Dandelion Design on Etsy

Cookie Favors by Jenn Rorstrom 

Flamingos from Pottery Barn Kids

Fabric banner by Boogie & Bear 

Cake by the always-amazing Publix and topper by Boogie & Bear! 

Monogram and "2" Cupcake Toppers by Boogie & Bear

We had Chick-fil-A cater and it was so easy! 

Of course, I had to match Char and found a Flamingo Romper for me online at Target!

Char's adorable Flamingo Romper by Bitty Bundles of Joy on Etsy

Happy Birthday to our big 2 year old!

Charlotte: 2 Years

I cannot believe our little girl is turning "2" today! I remember the day that she was born like it was yesterday, even though it was actually 731 days ago (yes, I counted the leap day Kyle)! I can't believe she has been a part of our lives for THAT long! She truly is a blessing and 99.9% of the time the sweetest girl ever! If I had to sum Charlotte up in a couple of words I would describe her as determined, loving, fiesty and compassionate (maybe a little sassy too). Just today at the doctor's office, she said, "How are you?" to the nurse. How sweet is that? She also says, "Good Morning" to the cars and trucks on the road and wants to hug them! She is such a sweet and loving girl! Here are some photos I snapped of her this morning to commemorate her turning 2! Another post on her Flamingo birthday party soon! 

She loved getting her "check up" and was such a good patient!

Birthday Lunch at Chicken Salad Chick!

Weight: 30lbs 6.4oz (90%) (she stood on the scale today! No more baby scale)
Height: 34 3/4 inches (80%)
Diaper Size:  Size 6!!!!
Clothing Size: Big girl in a 3T

Eye Color: The prettiest blue eyes ever!
Favorite Toy:  A baby doll, blanket and stroller are never far away from this little monkey. She is such a good momma to her dolls and loves to swaddle them and give them pacis. 
Hair: We hit a milestone! Just last week, I was finally able to do a top knot in her hair!! It was a very proud mom moment! Her hair is so curly and has the prettiest little highlights. She is slowly getting blonder and blonder. 
Teeth:  She has 15 pearly whites!!
Sleeping Habits: With summer time and us frequenting the playground most nights, her bedtime has been pushed back. I aim for a 7pm bedtime but sometimes it gets closer to 8pm. She wakes up around 7am and usually just starts talking or singing! Once awake she is ready to get the day started! She is very excited to go in the car, now that she is in her "big girl car seat". She still takes a great nap from about 1pp-3/4pm
Milestones: She is now forward facing in the car! We had a little accident (projectile vomiting) in the carseat, so after taking it apart and washing it, we decided to go ahead and turn her around last month. She absolutely loves it! Potty training has digressed a bit. She can feel that she needs to go to the bathroom, but she won't sit on the potty to go. I'm trying not to force, but I really think she is ready! Next week she starts her transition to her 2 year old classroom. It is so bittersweet. She really is growing up so fast! 
Words: I told the doctor today that she literally can say 300 words! She has an amazing vocabulary. Kyle chimed in saying that was a little optimistic and it is probably more like 100, but I am a proud momma! She is learning so much and copying all the things we say. I love the way she says "elffant" for elephant and "Go Gators". She definitely over pronounces things which is so cute! She puts 3-4 words together for statements and questions. Some times it is hard to understand what she is saying, but most of the time I know exactly what she is saying or what she wants me to do!
Looking forward to: a few more trips to round out the year, Football season and of course Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Adventures this Month: Since her 18 month update, we visited Canada for a trip with my family and we also went to Jekyll Island with Kyle's family. We went with some friends to their beach house in St. Augustine and that was lots of fun, too! Charlotte also loves our trips to the beach, Target, the Jacksonville Zoo, and our community pool and playground. She is so happy when we are out and about. Just recently she started saying "turn around" when we pull into the neighborhood. She isn't ready to come home yet, she wants to keep exploring! 

We don't go back to the doctor for a well-check until she turns 3! Another update to come at 2 1/2 years!

Chicken Parmesan Bake

Am I the only one that struggles with meal planning? Seriously, it can be so challenging to make the husband happy, the child happy and then myself happy! I had been wanting to try a recipe of stuffed peppers that a friend shared on Facebook, but I was quickly informed by the Mr. that stuffed peppers wouldn't be enough for him for dinner. So, I immediately racked my recipe file (uhhum brain) to try and come up with a dinner idea. Then I remembered today is Chicken Day at Fresh Market! I'm sharing this because SO many of you do not know about it! $2.99/lb hormone/antibiotic-free chicken breasts every Tuesday! How can you beat that and who doesn't LOVE going to Fresh Market!? I was super good today and bought my chicken and a pack of mozzarella cheese! That's it! Normally my cart has a few bottles of wine and of course some flowers, but today I was in a hurry, so no time for extra items!

Ok, so onto the recipe. I found this one on Pinterest and tweaked it a bit. This is a perfect and quick go-to meal AND toddler-approved. I've made this for new mom meals too! I quickly came home from Fresh Market and threw my chicken breasts in the crock pot with chicken broth on low and headed out for a showing. This recipe is seriously so easy.

Chicken Parmesan Bake

- 2-3 lbs cooked and shredded/diced chicken (I use my crockpot, but you could grill or bake, too)

- Large jar spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce 

- 2 cups (1 package) mozzarella cheese (you can also mix with shredded parmesan too) 

- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

- 1 tbsp olive oil 

1. Shred your cooked chicken and set aside. (I couldn't live without my Pampered Chef Salad Choppers to do the job right) 

2. Spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray.

3. Layer the shredded chicken on the bottom of the dish.

4. Layer the spaghetti sauce on top.

5. Sprinkle the cheese on top of that. 

6. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp of olive oil. 

7. Sprinkle on top of cheese. 

8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 25-30 minutes.
9. Serve with a salad, bread, pasta or by itself!

Enjoy! 

Can I Please Press Pause?!

Well, it's been several months since I have posted and that makes me sad. I love my blog because it documents our life. When I am feeling nostalgic, I'll look back at old posts. I'll remember when I was pregnant or when I blogged about Charlotte's birth story and it brings me back to that moment and I literally get to re-live it. My blog is like my life documentary! But, I've busy with life- being a mom to Charlotte and wife to Kyle, working as a real estate agent, traveling almost every weekend and I've been blogging over at Jacksonville Moms Blog. So, I've neglected The Chance Clan and I'm so sad about that.

Photo: Meredith Black Photography

I recently just filled out a questionnaire for a photographer that we will be taking photos with next month and her questions brought about so many emotions. One of them being, "what do you want to remember about this moment of your life?". Wow, such a deep question. I realize that 6 months from now, life will be totally different and Charlotte will be in the next stage of toddlerhood and who knows what she will (or won't) be doing. So, for now, I want to remember the things that make me smile, the things I don't ever want to forget and the things she may never do again, come tomorrow.

• -The way she says "sit dowwwnn" when she wants us to read to her or wants us to watch her play.
• -The fact that she will FINALLY sit down for 10 minutes and actually watch a movie or show. Frozen or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I know most kids won't let their parents turn the TV off, but it is nice to be able to sit and snuggle and watch a movie! 
• -The excitement she gets from singing "Happy Birthday". It literally is her favorite song. 
• -Her "surprise/ohhh" face. Quite possibly the best thing ever and so cute! All we have to do is say, "Charlotte do you want a surprise?!" 
• -When she says, "I missed you Mommy/Daddy!" after one of us has been gone or just came home. 
• -When she talks to Macey or her wooden Gator toy and says, "Come on, Mace/ Come on, Gator" 
• -The way she "lines up at the door" when it is time to go to school. 
• -The fact that she eats broccoli with no objection and actually asks for it! 
• -The fact that she has to be wearing a bracelet at all times and if it is from mommy's jewelry box that makes it even better. 
• -The snuggles I *still get* at bedtime. (I told Kyle tonight, how much longer do you think she will do this?) 
• -When she puts her hands together for prayers at night and says, "Amen". 
• -The love she has for her cousins, grandparents and aunt and uncle. So sweet! 
• -How she says the names of her teachers and classmates at school. "Diannna, Jooosieee, Ryan, Ira, Paisley, Leighton."
• -The fact that we can drive by something and she knows where we are going (to school or the pool) 
• -How she loves her baby dolls, pats their back, swaddles them in a blanket and "shh"s them to sleep.
• -The fact that she always responds to my "I love yous" with a louder and better version. And now, even says, "I love you more" 

I feel like I will be editing this post forever, because the list is seriously never-ending. There are so many things that I want to remember and I wish I could "please press pause" to make this sweet, sweet time of her life never end. In less than a month, Charlotte will turn 2. It's so surreal, but I'm so proud of the sweet little girl she has become. I know with each age there will be good and bad, but right now I want to savor these sweet moments.

Charlotte Hazel: 22 months- Tremblant, Canada