Back in October of 2014 I started taking tamoxifen to reduce my risk of breast cancer. Among the side effects listed, I have to admit that the potential for weight gain was one that scared the hell out of me. Gaining weight seems to get easier with each year, while maintaining or losing weight is so much more of a challenge. I've been determined to not let tamoxifen win. And so far, it hasn't.
I've kept running over the past year, have created a little gym in my home, andhave incorporated various Beachbody programs into my routine (21 Day Fix, PiYo, and 21 Day Fix Extreme). And since August of this year, I've been working out 5-6 days a week and feel healthy, fit, and strong. I've been a part of challenge groups with my sisters Erin & Paige where I've met wonderful people from across the country who've been supportive and encouraging. I love that I can erase the stresses of my day by popping in a DVD and exercising for 30 minutes. I love having eating plans that help me take care of me. I love having Beachbody on Demand so I can do my workouts when I travel. I do this for me. For my husband. For my daughters. I do this because I'm not going to let tamoxifen win. I do this because I believe life is too damn precious and short. And I'm sharing this because life is too damn precious and short. I'm always here for any questions you may have, just message me. Give yourself a gift for the holidays. Take care of you-for your loved ones, for yourself. Life is too damn precious and short not to. xo

The heatwave finally broke, and the rainy, cool air made me crave a good, healthy soup my husband created.  Yum!

Chicken sausage, white bean & spinach soup
4 cups of unsalted organic chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes (low or no salt)
2 pkgs all natural flavored chicken sausage (I usually go with a spinach or roasted red pepper type), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 med onion, diced
1 pkg baby spinach
1 can white beans, drained & rinsed
2 tsp. Italian seasoning 

Sauté onion & sausage in pot to soften the onions and lightly brown the sausage. Add the broth, tomatoes, beans, Italian seasoning and pepper on med/high heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Turn heat to med/low and let simmer for 20+ minutes. Add spinach about 5 minutes before serving.
Optional-Top with a pinch of shredded parm cheese. 

Makes approximately six 2-cup servings.
Recipe by Christy & Shane 😊

Begin, Egan is about my journey that started when I was close to turning 40.  Like many others, I joined Facebook in my late 30's and began reconnecting with family and those from my past.   My initial account had my married name at the time.  About 2-3 months in, I added my maiden name, and that's when a flood of people from my past came back into my life.  One of whom was a man named Shane Egan. Shane & I dated when we were 15 years old.  For like a month.  Maybe two.  And then-as romances at 15 often go-he broke up with me.  To go back out with another girl.  I was hurt. They broke up.  He wanted me back.  I said no.  Until 25 years later.

I was at the end of my first marriage when Shane came back into my life.  I felt an immediate draw toward him that I'd never felt for any other.  And the trust-trust is a biggie for me-the trust was immediate.  He didn't judge me.  He didn't shame me.  He let me be me.  He encouraged me to be me.  And I fell in love.  Deeply, hopelessly in love.

And that's where Begin, Egan starts.  Falling in love.  Finding trust and honesty.  Being me.