Best Pizza and Burgers of the Summer

He makes a really good "pretendwich" :)

We've been using our grill and staying outdoors as much as possible lately and I love it.  I'm a huge fan of no dishes and paper plate dinners at the patio table. Last night we made an award winning dinner, I did the prep work, Lucas did the grilling. We earned bragging rights to the best hamburger ever. You'll never guess it's two secret ingredients. I picked up the recipe from an old Taste Of Home magazine as we were cleaning out junk drawers and bookcases.

If burgers aren't your thing, I used one of the ingredients in the second recipe for a oven baked pizza. It's to die for and is just as tasty but with less calories!

Hawaiin Burgers

Drain 8oz can of Crushed Pinapples, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice. Dump crushed pineapples into a large bowl with 1 Green Onion chopped, 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce, and 1/2 tsp. each of Salt, Garlic Salt, Pepper. Mix these ingredients together then add 1 lb. Ground Beef or Ground Turkey and 1/2 lb Spicy Pork Sausage. Make your patties and grill them to your liking. Mix the reserved pineapple juice with ketchup for a special condiment. Serve burgers on Hawaiin Sweet rolls. 

I can promise you the men will love this burger. My husband went bat crazy over it. Honestly, I've never seen him get this excited about food ever before. I promise you, this is the trick to a mouth watering burger. Make extras because you'll want seconds!

Hawaiin Barbecue Pizza

Choose your "Flat Out" Thin Crust Flat Bread for the pizza crust. If you haven't heard of these yet, click the link and buy them on your next shopping trip, they are healthy and super tasty! Lay your flat bread on a cookie sheet and spread a layer of your favorite Barbecue Sauce. Then layer on the toppings.... cubed pineapple, cooked/cut chicken, and spinach. Shred Mozzarella Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese over top. Place in 350 degree oven for 8 minutes! 

I had to share these recipes with you, they're both SO good and include a summer time favorite of mine... Pineapples! Plus it reminds me of our days in Hawaii, when grilling and eating on the patio was a year round thing and pineapples were put on almost everything!



So you pick your fave! I'd love to know if you give either a try! 
These are both winning recipes and go great with a cold one :)


Happy grilling, happy summertime cookouts!






Linking with Taste of Tuesdays, Healthy Tuesdays, I Declare, Tell Me Tuesdays,


...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Sweet Weekends

My husband likes to make the bed while I'm still sleeping in it. He likes to vacuum, sweep and iron. He is an infantry man and the most gentle father with both of my boys. He's a Master Mason and as of this weekend, now a Shriner. Within the Shriners, he chose the club Legion of Honor... a unit dedicated to all veterans and active duty military. If you're familiar with the Shriners you may know these people have huge hearts and they give generously, they also know how to celebrate.  Friday night and Saturdays celebrations left us in repair mode!

Later that evening Lucas was asked to throw the first pitch in our hometown baseball game for military appreciation, it was an exciting offer but Lucas put his family first and declined. There are not many chances for him to choose family over Army! And in our last few weekends here there's nothing more important! Birthday celebrations and Fathers Day was the focus to the rest of our weekend. My oldest is at his dads for the next few weeks so lil' Landon is getting all of our attention!

Our weekend was packed with summertime fun, good drinks and eats, and tons of family and friends. Aren't those just the best parts of summer? And, of course we squeezed in a good run and a strong workout too :)

There was a VA bloggers meet up Sunday night that I missed out on, I'm most excited to see the girls posts and catch up on all that fun. I hope there's another one before our move or maybe my first blogger meet up will be with the Colorado girls!!

Hope you all had a FAB weekend!!
Any True Blood fans? Did you catch last nights premier?
We loved it!






Linking with Weekend Shenanigans, Monday Morning Gossip, and Funday Monday



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

{Life Lately} I Love Me A Friday!

I've missed you all this week!! I made a silent rule to reduce my computer time this week and man did it work well for me! The movers come in less than 10 days and it's oh,so important I use my time correctly. Everything I do now will carry us through the 6 weeks we do not have a home aka a family of 4 living out of suitcases! Soooo in the time Lucas and I aren't mad busy we're on the verge of passing out.

Sleep has never felt better than in this past week.


And, dessert has never taste better.

Frozen Sandwich Cookies. Quick to make and quick to disappear. Just mix half a tub of Strawberry Cream Cheese with 1/4 part of Strawberry yogurt. Spoon the mix onto chocolate wafers or graham crackers and top with other half to create the sandwiches. Freeze for 30 minutes. May not be the most healthy treat but it's so worth every single calorie!


And, sunsets have never been more pretty.

Ok, maybe they were more pretty in the days we lived Hawaii but still this is a gorgeous sunset from my east coast front porch. Proceeding it was a wicked storm that rained all over our plans for a nice dinner out and a Sheryl Crow concert, not cool.


And, being thankful has never been so sweet.

The woman who was done so wrong and held captive of her dreams and wants is completely free and has made huge changes in her life. This woman of an amazing story has an effect beyond her own recognition. She is stronger than she knows and it makes my heart happy to hear today that she's out of a shelter and into her own home, working a job she loves and successfully raising her children, all with a "beautiful smile".


And, goodbyes have never been more funny.

This week I said goodbye to an amazing position and a hysterically awesome work crew. As an army wife I'm used to saying goodbye, it never gets easier. The first job I ever said goodbye to was back in 2009. It literally broke my heart, I had been there over 6 years and those people were like family. Since then my jobs were short lived until now. Here I was able to work in the same place for 3 years and today's goodbye lunch was filled with jokes, laughter and mmmmm, spicy Italian food.


And, graduating 6th graders have never been more handsome.

Look at 7 years time! From his first day of elementary school to his first day of middle school. My oldest son is now a rising 7th grader! I AM SO AMAZINGLY PROUD OF HIM!!! Being a mother is the best gift ever. Children give you hell at times but they also give you the most happiness anyone could ever offer you. Your heart will never fill with pride the way it does when you see your children learn and grow. All the accomplishments in your lifetime are grand no doubt, but your children's feats are the best. Those are the ones that make your heart swell with happiness and your mind spin with disbelief on the perception of time.


*Take a moment to reflect on the big and small things that make your week more beautiful.



There's life as of lately. Oh, and you bet I ran my tush off this week and got in some strength training too. Exercise is the perfect stress release for me and gives me time to think of absolutely nothing!!

I hope you loved the Virtual 5K recaps as much as I did! Your posts rocked my world, so much inspiration and motivation to fit and healthy living! We should absolutely do another one :)

For all that asked, last weeks Stamped Cuff Bracelet is from Kennabelle Designs!


Happy Weekend loves!
And Happy Father's Day to all the incredible Dads out there!!!!


Any PCS (moving) tips and tricks?
Last minute Fathers Day gift ideas?




Linking with Tid + Bits w/ Crowley Party, H54F w/ Lauren, 5onFriday w/ The Good Life Blog,
Fresh Fridays w/ Katherine



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Summer Kickoff Virtual 5k - Link-Up!

We all come from different walks, runs, and spins of life but we for sure have these 3.1 miles in common!

For some this 5K was part of a regular workout, for others it was part of a bigger race and for at least one of you it was your first 5K ever!!! I'm excited to see the color dash madness, gorgeous trails of your states and even the digital glowing screens of a job well done. I hope you all enjoyed your time as much as I did!

Whether it was a breeze or a challenge we did this together and are kicking off the summer in a fit way :)  

Thank you all so much for doing this first ever virtual 5K with Heart Shaped Sweat!

Now let's get the virtual post race party started!

Link up your Summer Kickoff Virtual 5K posts below! And, drop a line on each others posts too!

eeeeeekkk! I'm just so excited about this!

...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Summer Kickoff Virtual 5K - Recap!

Lucas was my running buddy for the Summer Kickoff 5K! And, he loves it when we pause for a blog picture :) Last year it was me and the jogging stroller for most of my runs, but this year it's been nice to have a friend or two to call up and a hubby available. They sure do help hold you accountable and pace you along the way. And for this particular run, I had 60+ running buddies!!!

We picked a loop around a neighborhood lake reservoir that allowed for great change in scenery and path. Some of the loop was shaded other parts full sun. Some flat and some full of hills and winding curves. To hit 3.1 miles you get to run this loop three times. It takes you through woods and neighborhoods and plenty of open space by the water. Aside from the evil gangs of ducks that hide around bins it's a really nice run.

We finished our first ever Heart Shaped Sweat Summer Kickoff Virtual 5K in 30:06!!! Not bad considering the 90+ degree heat and full-on-thickness of humidity. I challenged myself physically in this run but more so mentally. It's the second run of the summer that has me heaving at mile 2. Seems to be something my body just wants to do and then all is well. What the heck is that for?! Anyone else have this wave of nausea just come and go during their summer runs? It's the oddest feeling. I have to focus and not let my mind wander into worry or negativity!!!

Regardless, I absolutely loved this run!!! I loved thinking about all of us in this same week, running the same distance, to kickoff our summers on a healthy foot! It's totally rad to me that we're in this fit life together and we can truly turn to each other for rally, advice, and support.

Each of you ROCK!
You get sweaty high fives and congratulatory hugs from me!

Link up your Virtual 5K Recaps!! 
Goes live Tuesday morning at 5:30am EST  :)
I'm already plotting ways to wiggle out of the spotlight at work to read everyone's recaps!
See you then!!

Linking with Healthy Tuesdays, Random Wednesdays

...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Sweet Weekends

Mondays never fail us, do they?! I hope you all had an awesome weekend are ready for all that this week brings! There were some tears shed this weekend...

I almost cried when I lost an intense game of 21 to Lucas and Lance....

I almost cried when I saw sweet Zina's nose swollen so large from chasing bumble bees and being stung! Poor thing looked awful but with some benadryl and lots of ice she was all better within a few hours.

I almost cried missing out on Richmond's first ever Bacon Festival. Bacon flavored ice cream anyone?!

I almost cried while cleaning out Lance's room for the move and realizing that for sure he was less than 5 days from graduating 6th grade. 6th grade people, just unbelievable!!!

And I did cry.... at my dear friends wedding. It meant the world to me that we were still here and part of the celebration. She and her husband are beautiful people with old souls that just give and give. They're really made for each other and are great reminders of how pure love can be. I was a ball of emotions through the ceremony, the first dances, and every toast! It was all just so special and perfect for the two of them!

The location was beautiful...

The bride was stunning...

Lucas was oh,so handsome and we kept it classy until the photo booth  :)

And the dinnertime sunset was picture perfect....
I think I've convinced Lucas we should come back here for dinner soon!

Gorgeous, right?!
Are you a sap at weddings?


See you tomorrow for the Summer Kickoff Virtual 5K fun!
Tomorrow's the link up - come share your "race" story!!
Happy Monday peeps!






Linking with YOLO Mondays, Weekend Shenanigans, Monday Morning Gossip



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

I Love Me A FRIDAY!

Keeping it real... I'll tell you, I've been a funk this week! It's strange because all good things are happening around us. We are a blessed little family. With all the changes ahead, we are taken care of and have lucked out on some of the big issues. All seems well-planned but there's still an overwhelming feeling I can't quite figure. It makes me feel like I'm in a daze. Or a funk. Running and exercise are huge stress relievers for me so I've stayed busy with that and trying to just "be more active" but I've also enjoyed a drink or two this week and keeping it real, those drinks were amazing! Army moves are just so much fun, said no one.

Some of the tids + bits to my week and high fives too!

Linking with Crowley Party for tid+bits and Lauren for H54F 

These baha tacos's get two high fives! You all said you wanted to know how when I first posted these. All you need is "fish of your choice" (I used Tilapia). Rub them with tad butter and old bay/creole seasoning and bake for 10 mins at 325. Prepare your tortillas by smearing "spicy ranch" (hidden valley or taco bell are good ones). Lay fish over top spicy ranch then pile on the toppings! I used shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, lots of cilantro and green onions and went a little heavy on the black beans! Super yummy, def good and healthy for you!

I could take an entire post and fill it with all things Zoo fun! Landon and I had the best time at our local zoo, it's a total gem in Richmond and we will be going back before our big move ----> Lucas has got to see the zoo through our two year olds eyes. And, no the giraffe above is not eating the baby giraffe. haha! Just a funny illusion.

To say "in love" wouldn't quite describe the way I feel about this bracelet! I'm like head over heels, you're my new bff, in love with this piece! I requested little hearts and both my sons names be stamped into this skinny cuff, and I haven't taken it off since I got it! I ordered it online and of course now can't think of the company name, email me or comment if you want to know. I'll have more brain power in the morning :) 

If you follow me on Instagram you saw my post-run-glory-sweat-pic and if not, you'll see it Tuesday for the Heart Shaped Sweat first ever Virtual Race Link Up! (uh, yes I'm excited about this!) This is the week to be running, walking, biking, moving through your 3.1 miles for the Summer Kickoff Virtual 5K! I love seeing the tweets and insta pics go up by the day and am seriously excited for all of us involved! Way to be healthy and active as we head into summer!

Kelly and Lindsay have a new fitness link up happening the first Friday of each month!
Check it out and if you have some fit and healthy goals for the month of June go link up with them!



So my way to a good week, this week? The bigs and littles of it's beauty?
Give those fish tacos a try, check out a local zoo, order small business and get your run on peeps!


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 
One of my love you long time girls is getting married this weekend, we'll be celebrating waterfront! Couldn't be happier for her and him! The weather is a bit iffy so it can rain on every pool party this weekend, just as long as it doesn't rain a drop on her wedding!



P.S. There are lots of new pretty faces hanging out below and to the right! 
Take some time to click around and find new blogging buddies! If you're here and they're there, you all already have something in common! 





Also linking w/ Katherine for Fresh Fridays, Ashlee for Follow Friend Friday,



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...