*UPDATED* My Grown Up Christmas List {2014 Edition}

Each year I get asked the same question, "What would you like for Christmas?" And, each year I say, "I don't know. How about ____?" After the New Year rolls around I'm always glad I got a gift card or two and some cash for Christmas...it means I get to go out and buy that other thing I forgot I wanted. Us girls have a lot of wants...we just forget what they are when put on the spot.

This year, when the things I'd like to have most came to mind, I decided to add them to this list of things I'm dreaming of! {it's also a sneaky ploy to gain more page views on this here blog, too. I kid. Maybe.}

Without further ado, my grown up Christmas list... {in no particular order}

Minnie | Disney themed "M" | the Jaguars

I am IN LOVE with these bracelets...and feel the need to own one of each. I currently only have one, the Disneyland one. I got it as my one special souvenir from being invited and attending Disney Social Media Moms in California this past April. I'm dying for more!

Florida | My Y'all is Authentic

Y'all! I need these tees in my life. First, Florida is HOME. Second, I say "y'all" all of the time! It's a southern thing.

Samsung Galaxy Camera

While on assignment at a recent media event to Kissimmee, FL I discovered the need for this beauty! While the iPhone takes amazing photos, my storage is always fully occupied. With this amazing camera as my back-up I can shoot and send photos directly to social media outlets with the built-in wi-fi. It's a must-have for any blogger or social media extraordinaire!

Ariat Women's Boots in size 8

Speaking of Y'ALL, how do I live in the South and not own a pair of cowgirl boots?? I've wanted a pair for a couple of years now but, that price tag. This is a "Wish List", after all. Maybe Santa will be extra nice this year?

OtterBox Resurgence Power Case

If you know me in real life then you know that my iPhone battery is constantly dying. I have a charger in my truck and in the house. I go through those every few months because even they are always dying. When I found out OtterBox had this new Resurgence Power Case that will keep my iPhone battery charged twice as long, I knew I had to add it to my Grown Up Christmas List!

Practical Paleo

Since changing my eating habits and lifestyle a few months ago, I've been eager to learn. I want to know ALL of the good foods to eat and ALL of the bad! Knowledge is POWER! This Practical Paleo book looks like a wealth of information that I'm looking for.

Olloclip for the iPhone 5

I have dreamed of one of these for a very long time. How cool would it be to capture Jett's bug finds with the Macro lens? And, the Fish Eye lens is just awesome! This is something I just wouldn't buy for myself...as much as I love it, throughout the year my family needs more important things. But, to receive it as a gift? That's a whole new ball game!

6 Pack Fitness Tote

Eating healthy has its downfall when we go out as a family. It has effected the options I have when we go out to restaurants or even for a family outing. With the 6 Pack Fitness Tote I can pack my healthy foods in individual containers and tuck them inside this fancy cooler bag. There's room for food containers, water bottles, supplements AND the things I would normally carry in my purse. A fit girl's best friend! {In case you're wondering all about it...click on the link under the picture and check out all of the features. If you struggle to find healthy food options, like I do, when you go out for the day you're gonna want one for yourself!}

*This momma has a million things going on in her mind at any given moment. So, this list is bound to be added to...but, my mind will not change on anything already listed. I have been dreaming of these things for a really long time. :o)

**Under each picture is a link to each product that I'm dreaming of. Some of them may be affiliate links. This simply means that in purchasing a gift for me, you're also helping me purchase gifts for my children. :o)

Blissfully Domestic Happenings {for Fall}

Y'all, I LOVE FALL! The back-to-school season, the weather change, the color changes in our surroundings, PUMPKINS {!!}, Mums and Halloween. Fall is also the time to dust off your baking dishes and make homemade baked goods. Mmmm...

If you've been following jonahbonah for the last year, you know I'm also a writer/curator over at Blissfully Domestic. I'm trying to get better at sharing with you guys what I post over there. I don't want you to miss a thing!

The following four posts are my latest. Each of them are Fall related. Are you ready for Fall? What about Halloween? The ideas in these posts will get you excited!



Paleo-Friendly Pumpkin Cupcakes {my kids LOVED these!}
How to Sew a Simple Bunting
DIY Halloween Costumes for the Entire Family
13 DIY Spooky Halloween Party Ideas

*click the above titles to be taken to the related post.

Go check these out! I've got a few more before Halloween to help you make your home SPooKy!!

The Beginning of My Weight Loss Journey

Six weeks ago, I decided enough was enough and I got real with myself. For almost thirteen years {since having our first son} I have blamed being overweight on having babies. I gained 65 pounds while pregnant with Jake Austin. After having him I held on to a good 40 of those pounds...for thirteen years. Until now.

In six weeks I have lost 16.5 pounds and 8+ inches. {I lost my piece of paper that I wrote my measurements on so I have re-start and just subtract from my new measurements. Hopefully I'll stumble upon that paper soon. I really want to know exactly how far I've come! I do know at last check it was just over 8 inches.}

What have I done differently? How am I losing weight and inches? It's not a diet. It's not a magic pill. I am eating healthier foods. I completely eliminated sugar and carbs with the help of Four Fit Sisters' Sugar Detox. I stopped drinking soda {biggie for me!}. I drink LOTS of water. I exercise a couple of times a week. And, I started using Plexus.

Plexus has been a game changer in my weight loss journey. Drinking Plexus Slim every morning curbs and sugar cravings that I may have during the day.

Every now and again I have the opportunity to go get myself a new "something". And for years I've just known what size I wear. {No, I'm not going to tell you. LOL} This past week I went shopping for a couple new things to wear to the Type A Parent Conference, that I'm currently at, and just grabbed that same size I always go to. I was SO excited when I got to the fitting room and the pants were TOO BIG!!! Y'all, it didn't occur to me to pick up a smaller size. And, wanna know what? I had to go down TWO pants sizes!!! {Again, not telling you! LOL}

I am feeling so good about my new weight loss journey! I've lost weight and inches and have gained so much confidence!

I don't want this to be all sales pitchy but, if you'd like more info on Plexus send me an email at jonahbonahinjax at gmail dot com. I would LOVE to tell you more!

Are YOU on a weight loss journey? Have just a few pesky pounds that you'd like to lose? Tell me what I can do to help you. I'd love to answer questions and even do the research for you! Let's connect. Email me. DM me on Twitter. Convo me on Instagram. However you're comfy, let's connect! *I'm jonahbonah on Twitter and Insta

What's on the Menu? {Paleo Favorites}

In the last few weeks some serious changes have been made in my house. Well, not so much in my house as in myself. {it's going to be a tough one to get my husband on board with my new eating habits. I dare not call them a diet...they are a lifestyle change!} On August 6th I drank my last soda. {if you know me in real life, you know that that's like taking my right arm. For real.} I gave up soda and traded it in for water. Good ol' quality H2O. I have truly drank more water in the last four weeks than I've drank in the last five years. That's just awful to think of.

To put it in to perspective, I was probably drinking 5-7 12 oz. soda cans a day. A DAY! Who does that?

What's more, I also switched out preservative-filled foods for all-natural yummy goodness. Nitrate-free/sugar-free bacon, hormone-free eggs, almond milk, pecans, fresh berries, coconut sugar {instead of white sugar}, coconut oil {instead of vegetable oil or canola oil}, coconut creamer for my coffee {instead of milk and sugar}.

Know what else? Sugar. Sugar is the devil, y'all. Check your labels. Do YOU know what you're putting into your body? I'm guessing you truly have no idea. 90% of Americans have NO IDEA!! {That's a percentage I came up with on my own but, I'm sure it's about right.} If you were to read the labels of the food you consume you'd probably not eat most of what you're presently consuming. Really. And, it's surprising what the FDA approves. Who are they, anyway?

These last four weeks have opened my eyes to the junk Americans consume. We should be more educated. I seriously am on a mission to more educate myself. I hope to help YOU in the process! With that being said, come back often to see what's new with #jonahbonahgetsfit.

Did I mention I'm on a mission to eliminate the junk in my family's life? It may take some time but, eventually I'd like to have all of my family off of soda, sugars and preservatives. At least 95% of the time!

In an effort, I've been looking for some recipes that are both yummy and health conscious. I think we can all agree to like the following recipes....or, at least, try them. Wish me luck!

This week, I'm going to give these recipes a try. Each of them are Paleo. If you've had one of them, let me know your thoughts. I'm excited to try each of them.


Bacon Wrapped Chicken Strips - Chicken. Bacon. What more is there to love?


Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas - I'm a busy gal with five kids, a husband and two different schools and a part-time gig at both home and away...therefore, I am a firm believer in the slow cooker. She can be your best friend. Let her.


Paleo Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms - Okay, so truth be told, my family will not eat these. Myself, on the other hand, I'll eat these all.day.long.


Paleo Pinapple Stir Fry - Lately, Hubs has been getting home a little later than usual or he's been at football practice with Jonah. This has left me to learn how to grill {with charcoal} on my own. I've gotten pretty good {if I do say so , myself!}. Really. I'm thinking the next grilling recipe of mine should be this one. Pineapple, shrimp and other yumminess. Yes, please!

I seriously struggle 6 nights out of 7 on what to feed my family. Especially since I've started eating healthy. With the recipes above, I feel like they are eating healthy, preservative-free and enough to fill their bellies, that I can rest easy at night.

Do you have any Paleo or extra-healthy recipes to share? Leave a link in the comments. I'd love to gather a bunch of new recipes to have at least a month's worth for my family!

I have another bit of new information to share in the next day or so, too. Stay tuned!