Right Now…

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Leigh Walkup

First, yes it’s been a long time since an update. That is changing right now. Time to get focused! Lots has happened since my last post. Like a whole lot, and I’ll get in to that at some point but for now, here are some highlights. The last time I wrote, I talked about Anne and I going on our Business and Fitness Retreat. We did and had a blast! We threw the dogs in the dually and headed for the mountains to stay in a beautiful cabin in the middle of no where. We ran twice a day, drank some beer, played with our doggies, ate great food and got some business and fitness goals lined out for 2016. We worked on personal growth. We talked about what we learned in 2015,  what mistakes we made, how to move forward, what to change, what was meant to stay the same and how to be ok with all of it. I learned a lot about personal relationships in 2015. I learned that it’s ok to let some of them go, to grab on to new ones and to be ok with ALL OF IT. I also learned that life is always good when you have your dog with you 🙂

Me and Spur living life at the cabin

Me and Spur living life at the cabin

But right now..right now… I’m focusing on 2016 and how to make it the best year yet. I’m focusing on working hard, being good to people, being good to myself and making sure the people in my life are happy. I’m focusing on staying true to my roots, loving the life I’ve made so far and enjoying just “being.” I’m learning to relax and just take in the wonderful moments that I’m so beyond blessed to have in this life. Life is grand! Here’s to an amazing 2016. Here’s to a lot more moments on a road like this:

roadcabin

 

Till Next time!

 

Leigh

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Business & Fitness Retreat 2015

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Leigh Walkup

#BusinessFitnessRetreat2015

This is the time of year that Anne and I start gearing up for the “Fall Rush.” When Anne was in the cattle industry, she used to get swamped in the fall, they always called it the “Fall Run” cause they were shipping cattle left and right. With our business, we are extremely busy in the Fall. Fall not only brings pumpkin latte’s, campfires, fiesty horses and gorgeous trees, it brings a ton of work our way. Our Publishing Co’s busiest time is during the fall and the holidays. So we like to take time before it all gets rolling too fast, to check our goals for the busy season and to set new goals for next year. We have found that a little “retreat” is the best way to get super pumped for our busy season and recharged and ready for the next year. Even though this retreat will just consist of us, we still do an itinerary of things we want to cover so we know when we head back home we actually did get some things done. We have conference calls already set up with our partners so we can start collaborating for next year. 🙂

This years retreat will focus on business and fitness goals, as well as living a balanced lifestyle. It can be hard to get in to a balance and I know that all of us struggle from time to time but I can honestly say I am to a point in my life where I actually feel balanced. It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, but oh so worth it!! I’m super excited to continue down this journey!

cabin

 

So, Anne and I have scheduled and booked our cabin! The perfect retreat for the two of us has always been a cabin in the woods. Some people love to go to a 5 star resort, eat at fancy restaurants every night and be waited on hand and foot.  More power to them but for us, give us our dogs, our hoodies, some hiking trails, great food to cook, books to read  and an awesome cabin……and we’re golden. This years cabin is actually less than 2 hours from our farm and tucked up in the mountains in Eastern, Ky. It sits on 40 acres, has a big fishing pond, a dock for yoga, hiking trails and will be the perfect spot for some inspiration! BRING IT!

I encourage everyone to always take time to work on yourself and your goals in life. Feeling balanced and happy with the direction that your life is heading is very rewarding!

Come October with two aussie dogs in tow…………….off to the mountains we go!

Till Next time!

LHW

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30 Days of Happiness

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Leigh Walkup

Hey! Hey! Hey!

It’s the first week of June and its 58 degrees today in the Bluegrass. I have on a sweater. June+Sweater=Not.A.Happy.Camper! Where is the HEAT?! Bring it on! I’m ready for ya!

Anne and I concluded a 30 day challenge yesterday. I don’t think I mentioned it but the day after Derby we started a challenge of no alcohol and 100% clean eating for 30 days. We already eat pretty flippin clean but we wanted to jump start our healthy habits for the summer. Guess what? We did! I loved every single thing about this challenge and I appreciate all the things I learned about myself. One of the big differences for me wasn’t the weight loss or the energy (which was awesome, don’t get me wrong!) but the clarity of my mind. Anne and I live a very busy lifestyle. We work hard and we play hard but when you take alcohol and dining out (we pretty much cooked every meal) off the table, it’s amaaaaaazing what happens. What exactly happened? Well, I was WAY more productive! I mean WAY more. Now, lets not get it twisted…by nature I am a go getter. I’m not a lazy person but when you’re not sitting around shooting the bull with friends and drinking cocktails it’s down right incredible the stuff you can get done. I mean….I shocked myself people! Some of the things that happened over my 30 day challenge:

1. I redecorated my bedroom and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Oh and the Peddlar’s Mall is like my bestest friend. This is not a new revelation, we have been close for years but then I found this and now we are even better friends! A new lamp for my bedroom:

Love, love, love this find at the Peddlar's Mall!

Love, love, love this find at the Peddlar’s Mall!

2. That I have the patience to get my hair done! I know that sounds crazy but this girl despises sitting in a chair getting my hair colored, but my patience really showed up during this challenge.

The Southern Twins

The Southern Twins

3. My energy was so high that some of the things I used to dread doing, I jumped to do! Like mow the grass and spray for weeds. I’m still not going to weedeat….nothing changed on that front:

Our Front Yard

Our Front Yard

Those are just a few of the things that I noticed in 30 days! I honestly loved it. There were moments of struggle but anything worth doing has those. I really liked those moments too because it caused me to really pay attention to WHY I was struggling. I realized some things about myself. I learned what I need to pay more attention to and at the end of the day, if you can learn something about yourself, make changes or stop behaviors….your way ahead of the game in my book!

Off to the next challenge…..

 

Leigh

 

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Guilt Free Chicken Fajita Nachos

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Leigh Walkup

Hi Y’all!

Summer is here and Anne and I have been making quick easy healthy dishes so we can enjoy more time outside with friends and family. This time of year is our favorite! We spend most of it riding horses, mowing, working out, enjoying our deck and being with our favorite people. Those warm southern summer nights…gosh, they calm my soul!

The light between the trees at TwinBay Farm

The light between the trees at TwinBay Farm on a gorgeous summer night!

We love to entertain and grill. In fact, this past Memorial Day weekend we spent two nights grilling out and enjoying our deck. 

thedeck1

The deck at TwinBay Farm. My dog, Spur even loves it!

 

Below, you’ll find a quick healthy meal that is a favorite in our kitchen. Anne and I each have our “own ” dishes that we make and this meal is one of her specialties. I never ever get tired of it, and I ask her to make it about once a week. She may get sick of me asking but that’s not gonna stop me from buying the ingredients, laying them out on the counter and pointing to them obnoxiously. I can be annoying like that! 😉 Here is her recipe:

Guilt Free Chicken Fajita Nachos

1 lb of boneless chicken strips
2 green peppers, sliced in strips
1 large white onion, sliced in strips
Olive oil
Garlic
Flavor God Everything Spicy Seasoning
1 Avocado
Plantain chips
Salsa

Turn large skillet on medium heat, add a tablespoon of garlic and olive oil to coat pan. Add chicken, peppers and onions, and continue to cook until chicken is done and peppers and onions are tender. I like to cover mine and turn the heat up a little, then the chicken gets browned well with a little crispy edge too it. While chicken is cooking add your Flavor God seasoning. You can add as little or as much as you like, it really is personal preference. Once chicken is done cooking, you can then cut it up into bite size pieces. Take your plantain chips and line your plate, cover with fajitas, top with avocado and salsa.
This is a quick and easy dinner that is guilt free! I find my plantain chips at Kroger in the natural section near the nuts. Flavor God Seasoning you can buy online and they are wonderful. They also offer an Everything Seasoning that isn’t spicy if you don’t like spicy food. If you like a little bit of sour cream, use some plain Greek Yogurt. I promise you can’t tell the difference and it’s much healthier. Seriously, my man still thinks he is eating sour cream, I’m sneaky like that! 😉

Guilt Free Chicken Fajita Nachos

Guilt Free Chicken Fajita Nachos

Enjoy!

Leigh W

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Anne’s Paleo Chicken Salad

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Leigh Walkup

Well the weather has definitely made a turn and mowing grass and enjoying sunshine is a priority! Leigh and I decided it would be a great time to make a few healthy changes, so we embarked on a 30 day challenge of eating clean. We have always been pretty good at making healthy choices, but sometimes with the holidays and the cold weather over the winter we can turn to unhealthy habits.

We have always found the more prepared you are, the more you set yourself up for success. I would say Leigh and I are lucky because we actually enjoy eating clean. As children we always had access to a huge garden and fresh meat. So going back to that lifestyle was very refreshing for us.

I made this recipe for Chicken Salad last night and it is super easy and super quick. You can keep this in the fridge and it is perfect for lunch. I chose to use a rotisserie chicken because that saves time.

1 Rotisserie Chicken, pull chicken and chop

1/2 cup of Craisins

1/2 cup of chopped walnuts

1/3 cup of chopped red onion

Primal Kitchen Mayonnaise (check this out here, it is delicious)

Flavor God Garlic Seasoning

Mix all together and chill in fridge overnight. I served mine over a bed of lettuce, with some plantain chips which we LOVE!!

paloechickensalad

ENJOY!

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Spring in the Bluegrass

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Leigh Walkup

Spring is here!!!!!! Finally……….it is HERE, HERE, HERE! There is no place like Spring in the Bluegrass. It’s intoxicating, energizing and stunningly beautiful. When this season finally rolls around not only is the weather great but so is everyone’s mood. Suddenly bar patios start filling up, the roads are filled with cyclist, and the Keeneland Racetrack is hoppin. Gosh, I just love this time of year. After a crazy winter with a ton of snow, it’s nice to not have to put on 18 layers just to walk down to the barn. Anne and I have been busy, cooking, socializing, riding and running. Anne mowed for the first time of the season yesterday. I often dread mowing but once it’s done I love the feeling of accomplishment. Everything looks so pretty and smells wonderful. The horses are slicking off and feeling really good. We ran for the first time yesterday in 70 degree weather, uhhh forgot how hard it is to run in a bit of heat. I’m not used to it yet, but just have to keep doing it. Bring it on!!!

Thankful for green grass and happy horses!

SpringHorses1

My baby LOVES his ball!

SpringSpur1

My most favorite salad in the world. Philip brings me farm eggs which makes it that much better. Anne and I make this at least five times a week!

ChickenSalad1

Running in a little bit of heat yesterday. Gosh, how gorgeous is Kentucky?

SpringRunningLeigh1

Wherever you are, I hope your enjoying the Spring!! Be happy!

Leigh

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2015!!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Leigh Walkup

Hello 2015!!!!!!!! 

It’s been a while, my apologies. I was so happy to see 2014 go! It wasn’t all hardships, but there were more than enough and I was ready to start fresh in 2015. So far I am so in love with this year. The energy is totally different and I am enjoying every second of it. The start of a fresh year brings new goals, new dreams and sense of excitement to everything. My mindset has been completely different. I ended 2014 with a quiet holiday season, and by hitting the big red RESET button. Anne and I started this year with just  two horses. Losing two last year was so very hard, when you lose an animal it takes a piece of your heart, when you lose two in six months it can be devastating. We both needed time to process our new routine of only taking care of two horses. It’s been almost ten years since we’ve only had two on the farm. At first I didn’t like it, now I am totally at peace with it and love it! I love having one to just focus on and allowing myself to be open to other things than just horses in my life. Basically, last year was hard and this year…….life is GOOD! GOOD! GOOD! So what have we been up to this winter? Hmmm……………….

LOTS of SNOW! The last snow total two weeks ago was around 16 inches. I am not a fan. At all.

LeighSnow1

Lots of THIS! My man turned me on to this dish and I am addicted. Pollo Poblano…you are my favorite. I think about this dish way too much. Thank you honey 🙂

MexicanFood1

Lots of THESE! Anne and I have spent a lot of time this winter with friends in our local breweries tasting  new beers. Shotgun Wedding……….you will forever be my favorite. 🙂

 CraftBeer1
 

 Lots of this: Who is going to make the coffee? It’s cold, somebody get up and make it.

 
 NeedCoffee
 

Playing with Him: I love him and I am so thankful that he is still here with me. He is my sunshine every day!

 WheelsSnow1
 
 

Thankful for This: Sunrise at the farm, does it get any better? Anne and I sit on the deck every morning and every night and go over our blessings. Life is good!

SunriseSnow1

Till Next time!!

Leigh

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Living

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Leigh Walkup

Living is about….

Living is about taking a moment each day to see the beauty that is really truly around you.

SunshineLeigh1

 

Living is about breathing in the crisp cool Fall air on a gorgeous morning in the Bluegrass.

bridgesmall1

 

Living is about knowing when to appreciate the small things in your life…like new socks. 🙂

SoxBox1

 

Living is about taking the moment to capture a gorgeous sunrise on the way to support your best friends at a barrel race. Living is about remembering to be thankful that even though you couldn’t compete, you know life is about so much more.

sunrise1

Get out and live my friends!

Till Next time,

LHW

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I Am a Fan

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Leigh Walkup

HEY! It has been a while since I have updated this blog. I have had a crazy month with some great days and some really rough ones. However, such is Life and no matter what, we have to ‘Keep on Keepin On!” So………..Let me tell you….right now…

I am a fan of these beautiful warm summer nights at my farm.

Summernights1

 

I am a fan of being able to run again through one of my favorite horse farms.

WalnutHallRunning1

I am a fan of this man and can’t wait to get started on this book.

billybobthornton1

I am a fan of being healthy and flexible again with no pain. Amen!

stretching1

 

I am a fan of HIM. Enough said.

Wheelstongue1

 

I am a fan of those moments where I get to kick back with a drink, a front porch, a beautiful front yard and some quiet.

frontporchbeers1

Happy Tuesday!

LW

 

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Teamwork, Horses and Burgers

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Leigh Walkup

 

It really has been a while! My apologies! Anne and I have both been very, very busy! Anne is so busy with work and I am still dealing with an injured hip so she has taken on a lot more responsibility. We have some barrel races coming up this Fall and she has been so kind to exercise my horses for me. We have been a team since the womb and we will always be, plus we are pretty good at it!! We really balance each other out perfectly. Even though I can’t physically ride right now, I have taken over the role of the the horse groomer. haha! I tack one of the horses and then she takes that one and goes out to ride. I tack the next one, she comes back from exercising that one and gets another one, I take that one, untack, hose off, and do that three more times.

Part of the Entourage

Part of the Entourage

 

Trust me, I am just as tired as her, because no matter what we will both always pull our own weight. Recently I went to the doctor and he said to just get back to my every day life and live with the pain. Hopefully it will go away soon but I am done sacrificing the things I love. This past weekend I rode and it did bother my hip, but the smile on my face from being able ride outweighed the pain. I haven’t gotten to run yet and I am holding off on that for a bit. Just going to do one thing at a time and ease my way back in to things. I tend to be an overachiever and try to “do it all” and that is probably what got me in this mess to being with. So, just gonna focus on my horses and eating very healthy and I will add the running back in later. As for eating, Anne and I have been loving our neighbors garden and grilling out. It is so easy to eat healthy in the summer time. There is something about grilling and cutting up fresh veggies that just screams SUMMER!! Me loves 🙂

 

Paleo burger..my fav!

Paleo burger..my fav!

So I am off to ride my precious horses and enjoy every second of it! Here is a pic of a paleo burger I made yesterday. My favorite. I wrap big butter lettuce leaves around it and then wrap everything in parchment paper to hold it, works great! I like my burgers super juicy, so this keeps it from being so messy.

Till next time!

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