Another month has come and gone...yikes. We're 75% done with this year & even though I have not even TOUCHED my New Year's resolutions, this has been the most successful, goal oriented year of my life. It's never to late to start chasing your dreams. Put pen to paper and figure out what you want to get done before the end of the day, week, month, and year. Then go make it happen.

Here are some my favorite things from September:

• Favorite clothing item

• Favorite Scripture

• Favorite snack: I am addicted to blackberries right now. They're surprisingly in season too. (link)

• Favorite drink: My own HEALTHY pumpkin spice latte using Shakeology, coffee, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon.

• Favorite song: 

• Favorite thing I did: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo had their first home football game. Although they lost, it was such a blast. Great people, great food, great times, and that's what really matters in this life.

• Favorite beauty product: Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation, Sephora, $28.00

• Favorite book: Too Blessed to Be Stressed by Debora Coty My parents gave me this book for my birthday and it rocks! It is helping me realize what my stressors are, where my priorities are, and where I need to shift them to be. God does not want us to be stressed or anxiety, but instead He wants us to turn to him for everything.

• Favorite YouTube channel: That Reyes Family...they're an awesome family of vloggers who live each day with love, positivity, and happiness.

• Favorite scent: Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin from Bath & Body Works

I have been loving blackberries lately. The past couple times I have picked them up at the grocery store they have been delicious and refreshing, which is surprising to me since it's now fall. However, after doing research of what produce is currently in season, I was shocked to see that blackberries are at their past September-November. Here's other fruits and vegetables in season in autumn:

• pumpkin
• figs
• kiwi
• clementines
• squash
• ginger
• okra
• parsnips
• beets
• pomegranates
• grapefruit
• pears
• apples
• sweet potatoes
• cranberries
• grapes
• broccoli
• cucumbers
• kale

Halloween is one month out. From every Friday now until then, I will share a costume idea with you! The first one is this deviled egg costume.

What are you thinking of being for Halloween?

Overall, I was not impressed with this season of Big Brother. There was no major gameplay, no major twists, and no stand out characters.

The Gameplay
Shelli and Vanessa ran the house, but even then the house made decisions as a whole. They should have taken Austin and Vanessa out early, but played in fear.

The Twists
I had high expectations when the Twin Twist was announced. It was great in season five and I thought the twins had it in them to keep it a secret throughout week 7. However, instead of making big moves happen when the house found out, they just shrugged it off and let another potential winner take over the game.

The Cast
Besides Johnny Mac, there were no stand out cast members. Usually there are a lot of diverse personalities who click and clash, but it seemed everyone got along well. Actually, the cast was pretty annoying. Vanessa and Meg's tears could have ended the California drought in the past 98 days.

Congratulations to Steve for winning Big Brother 17. It is something he has dreamed of his whole life and he truly earned it with his social game and being the one to get rid of Vanessa. I look forward to Big Brother 18. Til next summer....expect the unexpected.

This football season I have been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a positive, encouraging women that understand the chaos of this lifestyle. Whether they are other coaches wives at our current school or friends I have made through various Facebook groups, having other people who "get it" to turn to has made a remarkable difference in my attitude this football season. One of these great women I have been able to connect with is Lisa Mallory, whose husband Doug is an assistant linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons.

After 24 years of marriage, the Mallory's have followed coaching all around the country. The two met at University of Michigan while working on their undergrad. The coaching journey then took them to Western Kentucky University, Indiana University, University of Maryland, Oklahoma State University, Louisiana State University, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and now the Atlanta Falcons. During this time they had three daughters, numerous dogs, and won a National Championship.


Lisa's role as a coach's wife includes handling all the household duties, being her husband's biggest support, attending all home games, and traveling to some away games. Her advice to new wives and girlfriends of coaches is to "strive to have something that you are as passionate about as your husband is passionate about football." Lisa has done this by working first as a child therapist, and for the last 14 years as a Forensic Interviewer. She has her MSW from Loyola University Chicago. In potential felonies involving children, she interviews the child victim for law enforcement. She also enjoys occupying her time with walking, yoga, pilates, and barre classes.

Another piece of advice from Lisa is to understand and believe that if he had the choice, he really would be home with you and the kids. "It's not fair, but it's so worth it....our girls have years and years of memories of playing on tackling dummies, laying on the grass with dad, playing with other coaches kids at practice, and bringing cookies to players. It is what makes their memories of being a coach's kid so positive!"

Being with a coach is a lot of work, but is so worth it! Surround yourself with people who understand what you're going through, occupy your time with things you love, and don't forget to stop and enjoy the ride.

A big thank you to Lisa Mallory for being willing and able to share her experiences with me and provide advice to others!

In two days, my favorite season is officially here! My summer bucket list was a total fail, but it was still a fun season. Here are 10 things I want to do this fall:

1. Tailgate at a football game.
2. Go apple picking.
3. Watch Hocus Pocus.
4. Bake pumpkin bread.
5. Visit a street fair.
6. Go to a Haunted House.
7. Go on a hay ride.
8. Go to the pumpkin patch.
9. Read by the fire.
10. Make chili.

Shakeology may seem expensive at first, but for me, it's an investment in my health. In the two months since drinking this healthy meal replacement shake, not only have I lost weight, but I feel so much better. My energy level is through the roof, I have better digestion, and have reduced my junk food cravings immensely.

It is high in protein, which helps build and repair muscles, reduces hunger and cravings, stabilizes blood sugar, keeps hair and skin healthy, supports your immune system, and promotes alert thinking.

It contains 23 vitamins and minerals to help your body properly function, make energy, and strengthen bones.

It is high in antioxidants which prevents cell damage and promotes cardiovascular health.

Shakeology also contains phytonutrients (to promote healthy aging and detoxify the body,) adaptogen herbs (to promote cognitive function and calmness,) prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

Shakeology has changed my life. Let it change yours and join my 21 Day challenge group.

I am often apprehensive to try any new skincare products because I am extremely acne prone. However, I recently stumbled upon Beauty By Earth and am OBSESSED. For starters, I appreciate what they stand for. With all the chemicals and toxins in so many daily products we use, it is refreshing to find a beauty product company that supports holistic health. They create all natural skin care products that are gluten free, non-GMO, and mostly vegan. They are cruelty free and created in a FDA certified facility.


The Konjac Sponge is a 100% biodegradable sponge that cleanses and exfoliates the skin without ruining it with all the harsh chemicals. It is created with the Konjac plant that nourishes the skin with vitamins A, E, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and folic acid. It balances the skins acidity, cleanses the skin, removes dead skin, and creates a glow free of all toxic and harsh products. There are two sponges in the package from Beauty By Earth. There is a white sponge for sensitive, dry, and/or oily skin and there is a black sponge for acne prone skin, which is the one that I use. This Konjac sponge left the skin on my face looking and feeling new. It pulled off all dead skin without leaving me looking dry or flaky. Often times after exfoliating treatments my skin looks and feels worse for a day or two, but this is one way to exfoliate that left my skin looking and feeling great instantaneously.

The Facial Toner with Rose Water is another great product from Beauty By Earth. This toner contains witch hazel, rose petal water, aloe, and cucumber. It removes the buildup of excess "junk" on the face after washing, reduces redness and inflammation, and soothes sunburn. It also locks in moisture. It is vegan, pH balanced, and all natural. It is available in either a four ounce spray bottle or eight ounce squeeze cap. I use this product following washing my face and it has reduces the redness I have from scarring and pigmentation immensely. The aloe and cucumber are refreshing and hydrating. I am in love with this product. I use the squeeze cap bottle with cotton swabs, but would be interested to try the spray bottle as well to spritz my face when it needs quick hydration.

Football season is my biggest set back for eating right. I do well all week, but then I show up to the tailgate and have a bucket of wings in one hand and a beer in the other. However, there are so many healthy eating options to enjoy before and during football games without compromising the hard work you put in all week. Here are a few of my favorites-

Craving nachos? Try this Skinny BBQ Chicken Flatbread, from Skinny Mom.

It has been HOT in Los Angeles lately. Last Thursday I was walking down Hollywood Blvd. and could feel my makeup melting off my face. Needless to say it was disgusting. I realized that I had not put my setting spray on...just one of my several ways I keep my foundation lasting long during the heat. It is usually the last thing I put on my face after applying all my makeup. While making your foundation last from the morning commute to work all the way through happy hour with co-workers may sound difficult, it is not hard at all.

1. Be sure to moisturize. It keeps your skin hydrated, so that the skin is not absorbing all of your foundation to stay hydrated.
2. Use a primer. It helps decrease sweating through the pores, allowing your makeup to stay in place, even in the heat.
3. Use a setting powder. It prevents the oils in your face from breaking down your makeup.
4. Use setting spray. (My favorite is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.) This particular one keeps your makeup from moving for 16 hours, regardless of the sweat.

Game day is here! The music played at a tailgate, pregame, and during the game, can make or break the mood of the game. Here are some of my favorite songs for game day:

• Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic
• Fun by Pitbull
• Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N Roses
• Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations
• Alcohol by Brad Paisley
• Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
• Red Solo Cup by Kenny Chesney
• I Like It, I Love It by Tim McGraw
• Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
• Bring Em Out by T.I.
• Livin On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
• Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield

Many people close to me think that football is the center of my life. It's not. Jesus is. Football is just a close second. Football season can be a very trying time for me, but reading the Scriptures brings me peace and faith in my role as a coach's girlfriend. While sometimes it can be hard to figure out why we couldn't have a "normal" life (what does normal even mean?) it is so simple to remember we are doing what Jesus has called us to do. We are here on Earth to serve him and lead as an example through the Gospel and the Scriptures. We are to glorify him always, whether it be as a coach or as a fan. Here are my ten favorite Scriptures to get through football season:

Now that school is back in session, that means studying is too. Here are six study tips I picked up over my many years of studying (glad those days are over....for now.)

1.) Know your learning style. There are typically three learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Knowing how you learn can help you figure out the best way to study. Explore your learning style and find recommendations for people who learn like you. Also pick your professors based on your learning style. If you are a visual learner you will not do well with a professor who lectures the whole two hours with no powerpoint. Ask around and figure out which professors might best fit your learning needs.

2.) Make flash cards. This might sound like something you did for your 7th grade vocabulary, but I swear it helps!

3.) Form study groups. Two brains are always better than one. (Unless the two of you are making a really dumb decision to stay up until 4am playing Mario Kart instead of studying.) Connect with people in your classes. Meet up, bring snacks and caffeine, and quiz each other. Utilize each other's notes. Ask for clarification on things you may not understand but another classmate does.

4.) For every 50 minutes of studying, take a 10 minute break. Refresh your brain. Go for a walk. Drink some water. Anything to be sure you don't get overloaded.

5.) Rewrite your notes. Sometimes the notes you take in class can get messy and unorganized. Rewriting them helps create a more organized way of studying but also allows you to recollect all the information.

6.) Find "your" study space. Not everyone works well in the library. I had my best study sessions alone at a table outside the football stadium. Try a few different places and see what works best for you.

What are your best study tips?

This is what I eat on a typical day:

Before breakfast, I typically drink a detox tea. However, on this day I drank Suja's Lemon Love which is water, lemon, stevia, and cayenne pepper. For 8 ounces it is 15 calories and it provides so many health benefits such as natural detox, vitamin C, antioxidants, electrolytes, speeding up metabolism, and helping to regulate blood sugar.



For breakfast I always have a shake. I have talked before about the many benefits of Shakeology, but a few of them are that it helps build lean muscle mass, improves skin and hair, boosts immunity, promotes intestinal health, and helps absorb more nutrients. On this day I made a cinnamon roll shake with 1 cup of almond milk, 1 scoop of chocolate powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon (which helps lower blood pressure!)



Usually I would have grapefruit as a mid morning snack, but on this day I slept in until 9, which I haven't done in years, so my eating schedule was slightly shifted.

For lunch I had 4 slices of turkey, a Babybel cheese, hummus, and carrot sticks. I am not a huge fan of sandwiches, so I often eat my turkey on it's own, or roll it up.



For an afternoon snack I always have a Fiber One bar. My current favorite is the Oats and Chocolate. It is 140 calories and has 35% of your necessary daily intake of fiber.



For dinner I had spaghetti squash with pesto sauce on top and chicken sausage. Spaghetti squash has several benefits and is only 42 calories per cup, as opposed to pasta which is 182.

What do you typically eat in a day?

I'm a firm believer that a positive start to your morning can create a good attitude for the rest of the day. Now that school is back in session, mornings can get a little hectic. Here are 5 tips to starting your morning off on the right foot:

1. Spend some time with God. Reading The Bible or a devotional can start the day off with wisdom. Pray for peace, strength, patience, and anything else you may need to get through the day.
2. Write your top three priorities for the day somewhere you'll frequently see. This creates a goal oriented mindset to attack the day with.
3. Eat a nutritious breakfast. Having something that is high in fiber and protein can keep your blood sugar balanced, energy high, and metabolism increased. My favorite breakfast is Shakeology.
4. Pump up the jams. Good music can create good energy. I love to listen to Kari Jobe Pandora in the morning. It sets my mind on Jesus first thing.
5. Smile! The best thing you can wear is a smile. Put it on first thing when you wake up. It shows confidence, kindness, and spreads positivity to others.

Although I am sad Big Brother and Bachelor in Paradise are coming to an end, I am excited for the return of my favorite fall shows and for several new shows premiering.

What's Coming Back?

• Dancing With The Stars: The 21st season premieres Monday night on ABC. While many critics have set low expectations for this season, especially with judge Len Goodman sitting out, I am excited. This season features an interesting cast, including: Gary Busey, Nick Carter, Paula Deen, Bindi Irwin, Alexa Penavega and her husband Carlos, Tamar Braxton, Victor Espnioza, Andy Grammer, Hayes Grier, Chaka Khan, Alex Skarlatos, and Kim Zolciak Biermann. 
• Nashville: Season 4 premieres September 23 (happy birthday to me!) on ABC. Last season left us with Deacon's transplant surgery, Scarlett moving in with Dr. Rand, Will Lexington coming out, Juliette going crazy and Teddy getting arrested for corruption. It's going to be another intense season! 
• The Amazing Race: Season 27 of this CBS hit premieres Friday, September 25th. After reviewing cast profiles online, my pre-season predictions for winners are Kelsey & Joey or Tanner & Josh.
• The Voice: Blind auditions begin September 21st on NBC. This seasons coaches are Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, and the newly single Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. 

Getting a subscription box is fun. You never know what may be in the box. It's like Christmas once a month. However, just like with Christmas, the majority of the time the contents of the box are great, but every once in awhile, you get something you just don't enjoy.

Unfortunately, the contents of this month's Snack Sack were not the best. I loved last month's Snack Sack box, but this month I only enjoyed 2 of 13 items (Veggie Medley Straws from Mediterranean Snacks and Citrus Splash Gummies from Tasty Brand.) This is part of the risk of monthly subscription boxes. One month is amazing, the next month is not.

However, I still LOVE Snack Sack. My boyfriend was able to enjoy some of the things I didn't, so the box wasn't a total flop. I love subscription boxes and enjoy the surprise of opening the box. I just want people to be aware that not every box is perfect.

If you want to try out a great subscription snack service, check out Snack Sack.

Bachelor in Paradise just wasn't the same this week without JJ Lane. Seriously...Mike Fleiss if you're reading this, the man needs his own show.