How I Lost the Baby Weight + Lean Cuisine

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NourishWhatMatters #CollectiveBias 

I know I'll never see my pre-baby body back exactly how it was.

My skin is looser in areas that only plastic surgery can fix and I have a few stretch marks that are there to stay. 

However, I made it a goal to lose all the baby weight and get toned.

With Hunter's help on making a doable workout at home during nap time and eating healthier, I'm happy to say I'm back at my pre-baby weight!

I definitely indulged a bit over the holidays and didn't work out like... at all... but I'm excited to be back at it and feeling a whole lot better!

It really is true that you feel so much better when you eat well and exercise.

Once I began doing those two things I noticed my PPD disappearing right before my eyes. 

My days were happier and I slept significantly better. 

I try to eat a healthy breakfast that also fills me up.

I like to make scrambled eggs, a bowl of oatmeal, or even something as simple as cheerios with almond milk.

I also love that I can share all three of these things with Oaklyn and she loves them all!

For lunch I'm usually rushing around because we're trying to get out the door before Oaklyn gets fussy and needs to take a nap.

I found myself grabbing chips and other random snacks that first off, weren't good for me and second, didn't even fill me up! Because of that, I was constantly snacking throughout the day on unhealthy foods.

I love eating a Lean Cuisine for lunch! It's quick and easy and I can make it while I'm getting Oaklyn's lunch ready as well.

By having Lean Cusines stacked in your freezer and ready to be put in the microwave you can feed your food mood by choosing exactly the dish that sounds good on that day. No more eating something you don't like!

Lean Cuisine provides so many protein packed options that are perfect for a nursing mama or anyone just trying to get extra protein in without supplements.

Flavors are made with organic ingredient options and non-GMO options as well!
Lean Cuisine has so many good for you options to introduce into your balance and your life.

For this post I was eating the LEAN CUISINE® MARKETPLACE Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and it was so delicious! I had a salad on the side and was full all the way until dinner time.

I buy all of my Lean Cusines at my local Target and I'm happy to share that they are on sale for only$2 each right now! 

Head on ever and stock up today!

If you forget, make sure to check out this coupon for $1 off any 5 that started on 1/3.

For Dinner we really just eat whatever sounds good as long as it has protein and a vegetable or two. I usually include a starch as well though.

If I need a snack throughout the day I love eating granola bars or veggies with hummus.

I try to work out around 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

This can be anywhere from a hike or walk, to time at the gym or a workout at home as long as I'm active. 

Hunter and I started going for walks very quickly after Oaklyn was born. It calmed her down and helped me get out of the house. It also got me back into the swing of working out gradually.

After being cleared on my 6 week check up I jumped back in to working out.

If I'm not going for a walk or going to the gym, here is my at home workout either while Oaklyn naps or after she goes to bed!

It may seem a little hard at first but it will get much easier and your body will thank you!

If you feel like you're pushing too hard you can modify each of these exercises by cutting them in half and working up to the full workout.

I do the whole circuit over and over until I've reached 30 minutes of exercise.

Also, make sure to stretch before and after!

1. Jog in place for 1 minute to get heart rate up and going
2. High knees 30 seconds
3. Lunges 10 each leg
4. Squats 10 times
5. Plank 1 Minute
6. 50 regular crunches
7. 50 butterfly position crunches (works lower abs!)
8. 50 bicycles
9. 25 side crunches right
10. 25 side crunches left
11. 10 push ups regular or girl 

Repeat!

There ya have it!

This is how I've created a healthy lifestyle and lost the baby weight!

I still have a ways to go as far as reaching my goals goes, but I'm very happy with where I am 10 months PP!

Whether you had a baby or not, this is a great workout for everyone!

Remember to check out the Lean Cuisine Marketplace options for your lunch and you are sure to create the healthy lifestyle you've been wanting!

What is your favorite at home workout and Lean Cuisine option?

Let me know in the comments!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Happy 18 Months My Love!

Somehow I blinked and Hunter and I have been married for a year and a half.

Time has surely slipped away from me.

It's even crazier to think that for 6 of those months we have had Oaklyn here to crash the party ;)

Everyone told us the first year would be the hardest...

The first year could not have been better.

What they should've said is "The first year after having a baby will be the hardest"

(if your baby is as needy as my Oaklyn, that is)

But nonetheless, it has only been different and much less carefree.

Still, wonderful. 

Hunter and I met at a pool party the summer of 2008. 

Now we're here, the summer of 2015 is coming to a close and we are getting close to our second anniversary.

How.Did.That.Happen.

I still remember getting dressed every morning for school and looking in the mirror not to observe how I thought I looked, but trying to picture how Hunter would think I looked.

I remember pulling into the school parking lot and seeing his black jeep in the parking lot with him sitting inside waiting for me so we could walk into school together.

I remember hiding from my cheer coach in my car so she wouldn't tell me to go home instead of waiting for the football bus to pull up so I could see Hunter and congratulate him after a great game.

I remember when Hunter graduated high school. I was sitting on the track watching him wave to his family in his cap and gown. I put my sunglasses on so he wouldn't see me crying. 

I remember going over to his house at 6 in the morning to send him off when he left for his first semester of college. 

I remember talking on the phone for hours and hours on Sundays wishing he were back in San Diego.

I remember watching the car drive away after giving him the last hug for two years with mascara filled tears staining my cheeks.

I remember opening the mailbox several times a week and when his letters finally came, savoring every word he wrote.

I remember the night we were reunited. I was so nervous I thought I might throw up. But somehow, it all just fell back into place. My heart was beating so fast I thought it might beat out of my chest. 

I remember the day he got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. He slipped a sparkly ring on my finger and I felt happier than I could've imagined. 

I remember saying the most important "yes" of my life on March 1, 2014. I was wearing white, he was too. We both had tears in our eyes and were so anxious to see what eternity had in store for us. I couldn't stop looking at my groom that day and just thinking how lucky I was to have the most amazing husband all to myself. Finally.

I remember Hunter carrying me across the threshold. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. We made it, our dream came true.

I remember showing Hunter the positive pregnancy test. I was so nervous, but his excitement made it all feel okay.

I remember our first road trip, our first cruise, the first BYU football game he played in, helping him with homework, our first Christmas...

I remember the day I went into labor. Hunter was right by my side all day timing contractions and trying not to get his hopes up.

I remember him holding my hand as I pushed and pushed then looking up at the biggest smile on a proud new father. 

I remember the high's and of course I remember the lows...

But most of all, I remember and still feel like, that smitten teenager I once was. 

You've stolen my heart forever Hunter, Always and Forever.
Even when I'm exhausted after a long day with that chubby 6 month old we have, I'm still so excited to see you walk through the door.

Here's to Moore and more memories to be made.

I love you with all my heart Hunter Miles. 

Here's to 18 months of marital bliss and an eternity of amazing memories.
I loved you then, love you still, always have and always will.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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#BecauseofHim

This morning I woke up around 7 am.

My throat was killing me for the third day in a row, I couldn't breathe out of my nose, and my head was throbbing.

The back of my neck was wet with sweat even though I felt ridiculously cold.

I sat up realizing it would be no use trying to go back to sleep but immediately felt dizzy. 

I started to cough and quickly turned to make sure my sweet husband who has his last few finals today was still asleep.

I made my way to the bathroom and blew my nose. Which oddly made me feel like I was going to throw up?

Now I was hot, and I mean reallllyy hot.

So I splashed cold water on my face and went to the kitchen to find any sort of medicine that might be some sort of help. 

I made a cup of fake tea (hot water, almond milk, honey, and tangerine juice. odd combo I know.) and went back to our bed.

Hunter was just waking up and I told him I felt terrible, unable to even swallow my "tea."

He was still half asleep but managed to put his hand on my stomach to offer some sort of comfort. 

He then got up to get ready to head out. 

I felt close to miserable and seriously considered quitting my job at the day care.

This is the second time I've been sick this month.
When am I supposed to build that immunity?

I closed my eyes for a second then opened them to see Hunter staring at me.

The first thing that came out of my mouth was... "Make me better."

His first response of "well, I don't know..." then turned into a very willing "I can give you a blessing."

My frustration of feeling crummy quickly turned into gratitude as I remembered that my husband holds the priesthood and can act in God's name to give me a blessing. 

He laid his hands gently on top of my head and tears fell from my eyes as I felt so much love for and from both my Heavenly Father and my amazing husband. 

Once he said all he was impressed to say, he hugged me, held me, and kissed me and I knew without a doubt that this man loves me and cherishes me. 

My night stand is covered in used tissues, my breath smells like cough drops, and my hair looks... well terrible and yet this man still loves me Moore than I knew possible. 

And I love him, with every bit of my being. 

One thing Hunter said was, "Through your faith in Christ you can be healed."

And that really stood out to me.

The past couple of days as I would wake up with a sore throat and a weak body I would go straight to the medicine cabinet feeling anxious and frustrated that I wasn't feeling any better.

But why did I not think to turn to my Savior?

The one that knows and feels my pain, the one that loves me more than I can comprehend, the one that asks so little of me yet gives so much in return.

The one that endured all things so I don't have to go through anything alone. 

As I pondered these things a little more once Hunter left, the trending hashtag and video "Because of Him" came to my mind and I now feel as though I can see the light at the end of the dark sickness "tunnel."

Because of Him I am sealed to my sweetheart not just for time but for all eternity.

Because of Him I am able to receive priesthood blessings from my Husband and feel my savior's love surround me.

Because of Him I know I can be healed from any illness as long as I have faith.

Because of Him I know that death is not the end and that families truly can be together forever.

Because of Him no trial will ever be too big.

Because of Him I can live again with God.

And that ^ is pretty darn amazing.

I'm so grateful for our savior and all that he did for us.

I'm so grateful for my sweet husband and for all he does for me.

And since I'm feeling all sentimental I might as well finish by adding that I am also very grateful for all of you who actually read this blog of mine :)

Happy Easter!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

To see more click here :)

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He's Finally Home!

"I would wait forever for you, but two years is long enough."

January 2, 2014 is a day I will never ever forget.

It's the day I lost my marbles trying to fathom not being alone anymore, the day I literally thought my heart would beat right out of my chest, the day every bit of the "routine" I was in for two whole years was thrown out the window, It was the day my absolute best friend in the entire world came home from serving a full time LDS mission in Ohio. 

It was the day I remembered why I chose to wait those two years in the first place.

I had been waking up with butterflies in my stomach for the entire week before Hunter came home. But the day of, those butterflies didn't leave after I ate breakfast. They stayed as a constant reminder that in a matter of hours, the heartache would finally end. 

I wish I could say that those two years apart were easy, but they weren't. However, I will forever be grateful that we made it through and that we did it together. We needed that time apart. We needed to learn how to be independent, we needed to learn how to rely on the Lord, we needed to be away from each other for some time to confirm that we need to be together forever, we needed to endure trials and face problems to make both ourselves and our testimonies stronger. 

Do you want to know if you are really supposed to be with someone?

Let them go for a little bit of time. 

It will confirm every question you have ever had.

So back to the moment I woke up...

I couldn't decide whether I was about to cry, scream, or throw up but I'm pretty sure a good combination of all three was brewing inside as I envisioned seeing my sweetheart for the first time in what felt like forever.

I went downstairs to try to eat some breakfast.

My bowl of cinnamon life looked awfully large to my stomach. 

My mind was running a million miles an hour in endless circles.

I cried all morning long...

and I still didn't know what I was going to wear.

If you're wondering at this point, yes I did feel slightly pathetic. 

However, you have to give me some credit given the circumstances.

I mean come on, two years is a realllyy long time. 

So my best friend came over and we put some serious consideration into what I should wear.

I curled my hair, did my makeup, charged my camera, cried a little more, then sprayed some pink sugar right before we left the house.

We headed to party city to buy some balloons and the entire time my mind was elsewhere.

I checked my phone every 5 seconds so I would know right when his plane landed.

We went to his house and tied balloons along the fence.

The banner was hung.

The Ohio State Flag was taped.

I checked instagram to find a picture of him with family members at the airport.

And that was when it really hit me...

He's Finally Home.

I did it.

We did it.

And so the waiting game continued.

I'll just fast forward through the moments that my nerves got the best of me and skip right to waiting on the front porch.

Those last 10 minutes might as well have been the longest moments of the entire wait.

And then I saw headlights coming up the street, and he was in the car, and my heart skipped a million and a half beats, and the tears came and there was no stopping them.

His dad honked the horn and then my best friend in the entire world opened the door. 

He came up the stairs and we reached out for the best first hug I could have ever imagined. 

I never wanted to let go. 

I literally stopped for a second and said "I can't believe you're real!"

I couldn't stop touching him, hugging him, reaching for his hand, and looking into his eyes. 

It immediately felt so natural to be back together.

It felt like he never left.

It was crazy how quickly my entire mind set changed once he was in my presence.
Nothing else in the entire world seemed to matter except for him and making sure he would never leave ever again haha.
So yes, the wait was a hundred and ten percent worth it.
Every single feeling and emotion we left off with came rushing back and that was how I knew that every moment apart was worth it.
He devoted 2 years of his life to serving the Lord and leaving all personal affairs at home.
He served diligently and did all he could to bring souls unto Christ.
He grew to love the people in Ohio and I know he genuinely cares about their salvation.
Even though I swear he was perfect before he left, he came home even more amazing than I remembered.
I'm so incredibly grateful that Hunter served a mission.
I know that it will continually bless our lives and our posterity.

No matter how hard the goodbye was, how long the weeks felt, and how far apart we were...
It was all worth it.
And I wouldn't have traded that time apart for anything.

I FINALLY got the stinkin video to upload.
So, here ya go!
I will cherish this video forever :)


All my love,
Aleigh Joy

ps. if you want to know a little bit more about why Hunter decided to serve a mission for two years go ahead and click right here. You can also request a free Book of Mormon right here! And, if you have any questions for me you can email me at ajoy94@gmail.com or ask right here :)

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Back in Business.

Guess what! 

I answered every single question that was pending over here!

I'm sorry it took so long, I wasn't avoiding any questions in particular... I just had a growing list of things to do and finally crossed a bunch of things off that list making time for me to answer all of your great questions :)

Seriously though, thank you so much to all of you that are asking all of these questions. 

I really do enjoy answering them.

A special thank you to everyone that has said just the sweetest things to me on there.

It makes my day so much brighter! :)

You are all awesome!

So one of the things that was growing on my list of "to do's" was to finally put together a wedding video for my dear friend's brother and his sweet wife.

It was such a beautiful day and you could really see how happy they were and the love in their eyes. 

There is something so special about a temple marriage.

Time and all eternity just sounds so sweet :)

Here's the video!

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On Point.

It's another Happy Sunday!

The sun is shining and my heart feels happy :)

First off, I'm sorry I haven't answered questions in a few days! 

I've taken a look at them but I haven't been able to sit down and answer all of them.

I'm working on it!

Second, I came across a  video the other day and decided I would share it today.

My church means the world to me, I love it so so much.

Therefore, it is hard for me to grasp that others don't.

I went to the temple on Thursday this week.

I met a darling Mexican family inside.

They were performing baptisms in Spanish.

My heart was melted, it truly brought a tear to my eyes.

I took 2 years of Spanish in high school, but I still couldn't understand a word they were saying.

It didn't matter though. They were performing the Lord's work and that made me feel so warm.

The Lord's church is the same no matter where you are in the world, no matter what language you speak, no matter what culture you grew up with.

That, is incredible.

I know this church is the one true church on earth today.

I want all of you to feel that same way.

I thought this video was a great explanation of all we stand for.

It answers a lot of questions and portrays all that Mormons are. 

Take a look :) 

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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It's A Beautiful World I See

Happy Sunday!

Truly though, don't you just love Sundays?

I always look forward to this day :)

This is what third hour looked like for me today:

Haha I loveee my sunbeams :)

So remember the video I posted of the temple in honor of my lovely Friday?

I also took some shots of the beautiful La Jolla cove!

This morning as I was debating whether or not to wake up, I decided I would turn those clips into a video.

La Jolla is one of the most beautiful places. I am convinced.

If you ever get the chance, make sure to stop by the cove and wander the cliffs overlooking the crystal blue water. 

You will be amazed :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

1

I'm Going There Someday

"As a result of the sacred ordinances performed in the holy house of God, no light need be permanently extinguished, no voice permanently stilled, no place in our heart permanently left vacant."

—Thomas S. Monson

Sometimes life gets to be a little more than we can take on.

Sometimes stress and change create uneasiness.

The Lord has promised us that he will bear all of our burdens.

We can't always do it alone, we need to allow him to help us along. 

I feel so close to my Savior as I enter the temple.

I know I am doing the Lord's work. 

I had the most fabulous Friday.

It started off by doing baptisms. It was so peaceful going by myself.
August has been an interesting month I guess you could say... but the second I walked into the temple I had the most comforting feeling.
 I felt at home.
When I walked in to 2 men and one woman dressed in all white I seriously thought I was going to start crying. The temple is heaven on earth.
 Then I spoke with the missionaries, and then I remembered a request to make a video of the San Diego Temple grounds.

So, I did just that :)

I love the temple and I love the peace and joy it brings me.
I felt so incredibly happy all day long on Friday.
I really love my church :)

By the way, this video explains that all Latter Day Saints feel the same way :)

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I'm Near, You're Far.

"I hear them say that what we have may fade away, but I refuse. We'll never lose."

With 150 days left I have completely lost my marbles... 

but I have also fallen in love harder than I thought possible.

How on earth is it possible to love someone this much when you can only hear their voice twice a year and communicate through letters and emails?

It's beyond me, but I'm guilty as charged.

This whole journey is crazy, and long, but mostly crazy.

I don't know how we make it work, but we do. 

So, to those of you that think I'm absolutely crazy 1) I forgive you because 2) you're right. I am. But I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I realized that there really isn't a word, or even a sentence to explain what it is like to be away from your love for 2 entire years.

It's a roller coaster of emotions and even though I couldn't be any happier that he is out doing the Lord's work, it is still hard.

I figured I would try to make a video to somewhat explain what this is all about and what better time to post it than when we hit 150 days remaining?

It's completely cheesy and I try not to laugh at myself every time I watch it, but it is also my life right now.

I remember those snobby little high school girls that would whisper about how Hunter and I would never be able to make this work. 

Well, I only have 150 days left and despite the fact that my heart aches every. single. day. I have never been more in love and I plan to only grow deeper in love with him for the rest of my life. 

We're only just beginning.

                                                                                         a day in the life from Aleigh Mellinger on Vimeo.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Sunday 'Spiration

I realize I left the "in" in inspiration off, but it flows better ya know?

As I was getting ready for church this morning I decided to search youtube for an inspirational video to listen to.

Technology is a really cool thing people.

Lately I have been struggling with explaining how important the temple is to me.

I can't stress how thankful I am for temples all over, but it is so hard to tell others that who can't even walk inside. 

I've tried so hard to find the perfect answer to helping others understand just how special temples really are in our faith, but no words ever seemed to completely express that.

Therefore, I decided I needed to watch something on temples.

I found the most amazing video.

I teared up at how perfect he explains everything. 

Watch it for yourselves.

And hopefully, just maybe, some of you may better understand how sacred temples truly are.

I love the temple.

I love the sweet spirit I am filled with as I get to participate in the wonderful work we do inside. 

I know that temples are part of God's plan for us and I know that as long as I keep myself worthy to enter the temple I will receive numerous blessings.

I know that I can be sealed to my sweetheart for time and all eternity in the temple and that we will be able to create an eternal family because of it.

I cannot wait for that day :)

I know that the work we do inside is incredibly important.

I love the temple, and I love being Mormon.

Happy Sabbath my friends!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

1

Imagine Dragons.

In the beginning of March... (March 1st to be exact) around 11:50 pm I was laying in bed unable to fall asleep.

But what's new...

I'm looking at my phone (because that always makes you fall asleep instead of stay up later right?) and saw that Imagine Dragons tickets went on sale.

For their concert in SAN DIEGO!

WHAT??

So I jump out of bed and run into Audrey dear's room.

She just heard the news too, and at that moment we anxiously purchased tickets.

5 minutes later, it was her birthday :)

So June 1st was the night of the concert.

And, it was unbelievable.

I already knew I loved them, but this concert brought them to a whole new level.

Wow.

They can sure put on a show.

I had chills all throughout Radioactive

The crowd was crazy.

It was outside on a gorgeous summer evening.

I may have even shed a few happy tears :)

Here's a video of Radioactive.

Don't mind the screaming and shaky taping.

I was quite enjoying myself :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Grab some tissues.

Maybe I'm just a cry baby, 

or maybe I'm just really emotional,

or maybe mother nature's time is right around the corner...

or maybe this is really just a beautiful video that I felt needed to be shared :)

"Every time a child is born, so is a mother."

Unfortunately youtube is just being stubborn so I have to provide a link instead of putting it right on the blog.

Take a few minutes to watch it Here!

Also, if you have a few more minutes...

I thought this one was absolutely beautiful.

Mother's truly are amazing.

1

Another year older :)

I had the most wonderful birthday yesterday, it truly was one to remember.

I'm so thankful I have such amazing family and friends that took time out of their days to make me feel loved and special! 

I really appreciate all of the wonderful warm wishes and heartfelt gifts. 

This is the last year of my teens! And... it definitely has started with a bang :)

On Thursday night my lovely co-workers took me out to see Iron Man 3 (which was totally awesome and hilarious) 

At exactly midnight they leaned over to me during a seriously intense part to wish me a happy birthday :)

Afterwards they gave me such a sweet present, tons of hugs, and an amazing card.

I don't know how I got so lucky to work with such amazing people :)

I could not seem to sleep in the next morning, it happens every year!

After showering I danced around in my bedroom to Taylor Swift and for a split second tried to get it through my head that I'm 19. Then I stopped, because I still feel 16 :)

Sweet Samantha and I went to Encinitas to eat at a lovely cafe and get our sunburn on.

The beach was beautiful, I was born on such a gorgeous May day :)

I then went home to get ready for dinner.

Before leaving, I opened Samantha's darling present, she knows me too well!

Then I finally got to open the sweetest package ever from my Hunter love :)

It was filled with a sweatshirt, a tshirt, and a blankie from Ohio State, and also included pictures, giftcards, flowers, a Book of Mormon, and the most amazing letter of all time.

I felt on top of the world :)

Then I had so much fun with my family as we went out to dinner at Ruby's diner on the pier! 

It's practically tradition now. 

We walked along the pier and enjoyed the gorgeous sunset. 

I live in paradise :)

Once we got home I opened all my presents and spent the night in good company with my family :)

I can't believe this is the last year I'll ever be a teenager.

I put together a little video... by no means am I a pro, but it sure was fun :)

Check it out Here! :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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