If you've been reading the blog lately, or following me on Instagram, you know I'm an avid Pure Barre-er.....today, I hit the mother load.

I hit the 100 class mark!

When I purchased the Pure Barre Groupon back in September of 2014, while pregnant with Brooks....getting my pre-baby body back was on the forefront of my mind. (Seriously, what is wrong with me!? Why wouldn't I be wondering about the getting baby out part, or lack of sleep, etc....). I had dabbled with barre workouts before...even have a barre at my house; but there was a certain allure to physically attending a barre class, rather than working out to dvd's at home.

Once the baby arrived in October, I had some time to re-evaluate my purchase. I tried working out at home...especially since I have all the tools I need....but it wasn't as successful as I had hoped. I had been through this before, so I thought that working off the baby weight from the second baby would be a walk in the park. I didn't stop to consider that I would now have TWO children to tend with: a toddler & a newborn. So in December, I figured I would use this Groupon that was almost near expiration & see what the big difference is between dvd's at home & attending a class.

I will never forget my first class. I rocked an oversized tee from Victoria's Secret PINK and some yoga pants....trying to mask the 2 month post baby belly. I went in with a mixture of fear & confidence....knowing the moves were not totally unfamiliar, yet having so much doubt in myself that I could bounce back to prebaby size, needless to say even do this workout in a studio with people watching. From the moment class started until class ended, I was dripping in sweat, cursing my thighs, and yet wanting MORE. It was the week of Christmas, so the classes were not full since most people were travelling / gearing up for the holidays. (Not that the 5:30am class is ever jam packed.) I went 3 times that week and knew I had developed an addiction to something other than shopping.

My husband didn't understand at first when I told him how I wanted to jump in with a membership when my Groupon expired. He has always supported my fitness endeavors....especially when I would run ridiculous amounts on my treadmill & be the worst grump if I didn't hit my mileage for the week. And even buying me my own barre for home use 2 years ago when I first fell in love with barre workouts. But this endeavor he didn't understand since I "have what I need at home to workout". While I do have the equipment I don't have the push, the drive, or the escape that the studio provides. (MattyB fully supports me & my health, in case you are wondering. You can read about his support HERE when he took the Bring On the Men class!)

The 5:30am class has been an absolute joy these past 7 months. The encouragement, push, & kudos during class are what I need at this point in my life. I need to leave my house for a workout in order to get it done! I love my boys, but the time away allows me 55 minutes to focus on just me. No distractions, no phones, no demanding toddlers, just me. No, I don't enjoy waking up at 4:40am. There is nothing cute about 4:40am...I have never been a morning person! But I do it for the love of the workout & how it jump starts my day...plus it's the only time of day that works for my family & I without disruptions. (Unless Brooks is wanting to party at 2am....then it becomes a matter of dragging myself to class!).

So today was a HUGE mile marker in my Pure Barre journey. I completed 100 classes and go to sign THE bar. The bar that I see every time I'm at the studio...with the sign "100 club".



As my husband would say: "So what does that mean???"

It means I got to sign THE bar:


It means I have lift, toned, & burned 100 times.....and lived to tell about it.

It means I have lost 11 pounds since I started in December.

It means I have lost 13 inches combined from my waist, hips, & chest.




It means I can hold a plank for 90 seconds.

It means I now have this elite gear to add to my workout wardrobe:





It means I have developed some awesome friendships with some ladies I would have otherwise not met. 

It means that I have come to realize I need to be healthy in order to raise healthy boys. 

It means I have developed an obsession for barre gear (sticky socks, leggings, and cute tops saying something like "see you at the barre").

It means that I have overcome lots of self doubt & tried something new.

It means I have realized the number on the scale is not how strong I am, how good of a mother / wife I am, or what to base my value on. 

To anyone on the fence about trying out Pure Barre, do it!
Be sure to check out my intro post to Pure Barre!

LTB! On to 250!

The coolest concept just launched in Tampa, and I am so excited to share it with you!



The company is ClassPass....you can check them out HERE. Pretty much for 1 flat fee a month, you get to work out at any local gym in your area that is on their platform. So for Tampa peeps, they can do cycling one day, & Pure Barre the next. This is awesome for anyone indecisive on gym memberships, or if like me, you LOVE change!



Travel for business? There is an option for you too! You can pay a little extra to get a pass that allows you to hit up gyms in different cities!! Getting rid of the excuses ;)


So go check out ClassPass & tell them I sent you!

SAY WHAT!?

If BittyBeau learns anything, it will be the importance of weight training ;)

A dear friend turned me on to this fabulous program - MomSanity



It is all encompassing (obviously geared towards moms) but they cover workouts, nutrition, and your faith. I absolutely ADORE the concept.

MomSanity is comprised of 3 beauties: Debbie Wilkins, Kate Horney, and Emily Saunders. Read more on them here: http://projectmomsanity.com/?page_id=30

What I love is that they have CREDENTIALS! They actually know about & were educated on, the topics that they discuss.

Debbie's Bio: Having children did a number on my body and eating a teenage boy’s diet wasn’t helping my jeans zip.  That’s where Emily came in, 2 years ago.  She taught  me about nutrition and exercise in a way that was so new and exciting and made sense!  I was on board!  I have done a 180 with what I put in my mouth and how I work out and it makes me feel so healthy and fit.  I am so thankful God had such high standards for me.  I am now a certified Metabolic Effect (ME) Personal Trainer and a certified ME Group Instructor.  Check out my Fitting in Fitness and Nutrition blog for more information.


Kate's Bio: In addition to being a wife and new mom, I’m also a Metabolic Effect Fat Loss Coach, an Entrepreneur and a Personal Trainer with a degree in Exercise Physiology.


Emily's Bio: She is a Metabolic Effect Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and Group Fitness trainer with a passion for helping others attain and SUSTAIN the fat loss lifestyle.  She holds a BS in Business from Wake Forest University and loves finding new and creative ways to share the fat loss lifestyle with others.  Emily is excited to share her journey with other new and not so new Moms trying to achieve true balance. As a reformed “cardio queen” she enjoys sharing quick and effective workouts with Moms who struggle to “do it all”.

I've been tracking their program for a few weeks now - I think it's awesome.
They refer to it as "Momsanity Sisterhood".

There's much more you can read about with this program, but here's what stuck out on their blog:

Our goal for the Momsanity Sisterhood is to create a unique place where Moms can struggle and grow together while putting God first and balancing family, personal goals and a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.  

They go on to explain:

We will give you the content and the tools that you need for success like Mom-focused-quick-and-effective-do-anywhere-workouts with a Coach in your ear encouraging you along the way, nutrition information that you can use to create your own personalized plan and goals, weekly recipes, bi-weekly videos focusing on changing old habits and/or establishing new healthier ones, a monthly Bible verse that we will memorize together, a prayer calendar that will help all of us prioritize our time with the Lord, and an exclusive Facebook page where you can tell all, ask all, cry the blues, celebrate small victories, share your prayer requests and praises and much much more with your adopted sisters by your side. 

 If you're looking for accountability & a lifestyle change - check them out! Even if this is not up your alley, I do encourage you to really investigate the author of that new fad diet book or the "trainer" of that new workout regimen. Stay educated on who these people are & be conscientious of their credentials. If they are an MD of Gynecology telling you how to eat, you might want to look elsewhere ;)

It's been a bit longer than a hot second that I've done this kind of post!

I LOVE that feeling you get from a great workout. The wobbly, shaky, I think I'm going to fall over, feeling. Know what I mean?

I was sent The Ballet Physique dvd's to screen....and let me just say, love.them.

So here was my set up for my work outs....


Beau was ready, leg warmers & all :)


I want leg warmers for me. Minor side note.

Here's some info on The Ballet Physique:

The Ballet Physique DVD Collection is suitable for every fitness level and features two distinct routines. These full-body workouts are designed to melt fat, blast calories, define your midsection, and awaken muscles you never knew existed. The Ballet Physique’s ballet-trained and certified fitness instructors provide detailed cues and modifications that allow you to tailor each exercise to your level. The results will prove that you don't have to be a dancer to look like one.

The Ballet Physique method was created by nationally certified fitness instructor, dancer, and entrepreneur Kristen Zurek. She discovered barre fitness while living in New York City and later conceived the unique fitness regime, which fuses the barre fitness concept with the foundations of classical ballet. Zurek opened The Ballet Physique Fitness Studio in August 2010. It is the first independently-owned barre fitness studio in the Denver region.

“I created The Ballet Physique barre fitness method to prove that you can get the toned, lithe figure of a dancer without having to be one,” said Zurek. “We’ve seen many of our studio clients achieve beautifully lean and sculpted bodies and gain confidence, energy and grace through our workouts. I wanted to produce our DVD Collection for people who aren’t able to take our studio classes and provide everyone with affordable access to our unique and transforming workouts.”

There are 2 workouts:

·Signature Sculpt - a 60-minute dynamo workout that concentrates on toning the muscles using lighter weights, intense exercise sequences, and ballet-inspired positions. It's a program formulated to help develop a lean, graceful body.

·Amped Up - a 45-minute express class, focusing on building strength and boosting the metabolism through the use of heavier weights and fast-paced exercises. It's the perfect workout to maximize calorie burn when you're in a time crunch.

Signature Sculpt is led by Kristen Zurek, while Amped Up is led by Kristin Skordahl. Both ladies have dance experience....not just "hey, I went to Zumba once or twice"....or "yeah I did ballet when I was 2". Both have 18+ years experience in ballet.





I always am probably the MOST critical on instructors when it comes to cuing. There's nothing worse than being in a step aerobics class & the instructor cuing you 2 minutes after you were supposed to have begun your 'hammer curls, corner to corner'. (My scrutiny comes from my degree in Exercise Science, so yes, I can judge) :)

The cuing was spot on in these workouts. The way that the instructors transitioned from different muscle groups was seamless.

Here's a sampling (you can see more video samplings here):



Who doesn't want to have the body of a ballerina?

Here is the necessary equipment: light weights (I used 3lbs & 5lbs), a playground ball, a yoga mat, a cushion (something firmer than a pillow), and a ballet barre.

While I still do not have a ballet barre, I highly encourage you to purchase one. Yes, you can use a sturdy piece of furniture, but I kept finding myself compensating form due to lack of range of motion for some of the exercises.

Another suggestion, invest in yoga socks / shoes. (In Walmart terms, the "no skid" socks). The gals sport them in the workouts....theirs are pink & black....LOVE THEM. Mine are grey & black, and were included in a PopSugar Box one month. I would prefer the pink & black.....just saying.

I have always been a fan of barre workouts - I love the toning, and the fact that it's fast paced & uses body weight. If combined with a healthy diet, The Ballet Physique could really transform your body!

I took this from their FAQ page:

How do you compare to other barre programs? The difference lies in the fact that we are locally-owned and not a franchised studio, which means that we can adapt quickly to the needs of our clients and consistently provide outstanding service. It also allows our instructors the flexibility to vary their exercises, choreography and music so that no two classes are exactly alike. This being said, The Ballet Physique is rooted in the same Lotte Berk Method technique as many other barre workouts.

In my opinion, I did find this workout more on the advanced side versus the beginner. While there are modifications for the beginner, I do think they are more "advanced beginner". Ultimately, you will have to give the workout a few tries before just "giving up" and saying it's too difficult. It does require balance & stability - but hello! By improving upon your balance & stability, you're working your core muscles.

Here's some more info from their site:

Our classes have also been proven to dramatically improve core strength and posture by making correct alignment an integral part of each exercise. While a stronger set of core muscles will help you attain a ballerina's lifted appearance, it will also keep you safe from debilitating lower back injuries. Our program can even be made safe for those with existing back or joint injuries, because it is low-impact. The small, intense and precise movements featured in Ballet Physique classes are designed to build lean muscle and melt a significant amount of calories and fat in record time. Although immensely challenging, clients find that the time spent in class passes very quickly due to the nonstop pace, variety of exercises, motivating music, and passionate instructors. If you are worried about "not getting it," rest assured that our instructors will guide you through challenging movements with modifications specific to your needs.

Clients who perform the Ballet Physique program 3-4 times a week can begin seeing beautiful and noticeable changes in as little as one month. These will include: leaner thighs, shapely hamstrings, chiseled arms, a tighter waistline, and a firm, lifted seat.

Like any other workouts, you persevere and build up endurance. When I was running, I didn't just start out running 10 miles. It took what felt like FOREVER to build up to that. (Unlike Sarah who can run 40 miles and not break a sweat.)

If you're in the Littleton, Colorado area or surrounding area, you should pop in to the studio! Give the workout a test run!
Tell them I sent you. Here is their class schedule: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=11890

If you're like me, and not in their area....check out their DVDs.




For all readers of my blog, enter promo code FFF20 at checkout for 20% off the collection of dvds!!!! 

If you purchase the "collection" of dvds, you get the playground ball. It's PINK. I have a playground ball....but I want this one.

Remember though the promo code is only for the COLLECTION. It is only good until December 31st!

Perfect for those New Years Resolutions!

And Santa, take note: Ballet Physique socks & playground ball, please!

First thing is first....for all of you that are pregnant, will become pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant....take maternity leave! I know that this lady says she's not, but let me just say, "been there, done that, & suffered the repercussions!"



The first few weeks after having Beau (our 3 month old son), I was still on some what of an adrenaline high. Sleep was pretty non-existant, but I didn't care. I was totally enjoying the new life we were blessed with, and felt like since he's sleeping so much, I can do work. No.Big.Deal.

So that's what I did. I had Beau on a Saturday, went home from hospital on Monday, and Tuesday I resumed working. Yes, from my home, but nonetheless IT WAS WORK.



It was around or right before his 2 month mark that the reality of everything set in. When I say I had some dark days, I HAD SOME DARK DAYS. I know PPD is a serious subject with women, and I'm not sure that I definitely battled with it. I didn't miss being pregnant by any means, but I was very down in the dumps. I was a huge, explosive, ball of emotions. Anything & everything set me off and I would cry relentlessly. Thankfully my mom understood...MattyB on the other hand, tried to understand, but bless his heart normally was just on the receiving end of my outbursts & unexplainable crying.

Hormones. They make the world go round.

So after that brief explanation, here's the deal on fitness & fashion as it relates to Thursday :)

Fitness wise, I'm still hanging tough with my 90 day program. I'm presently on week 8 & the set of workouts that I'm presently doing are my favorite. It's weighted plyometrics, weighted cardio, and other strength training moves - - a BUTT-TON of planks! 1 more month to go. I will say, I've pretty much abandoned the diet portion. It was getting a little too difficult trying to plan out everything. Excuses, excuses.

Where I stand: I'm down 34 pounds from my highest poundage mark during pregnancy. So pretty much from the day I gave birth :)

Fashionably speaking...I'm fitting into more & more of my pre-pregnancy clothes! Hallelujah! I've also taken on a new little business adventure. So remember how I just told you that I was having some pretty gloomy days? I realized that taking time for ME was a NECESSITY. Yes, my workout time is "me" time - but honestly, it's never uninterrupted. So, I thought back & realized that one of the happiest times in my life was when I worked for this cute little boutique called "The Pink Cabana". (Sadly, they've since closed up shop)

It didn't make sense for me to go out & find a boutique to work for part time....hahaha, I barely have time to wash hair! But what did make sense was Stella & Dot. I'm now an independent stylist for them! It's my own little boutique....kinda :)

they have the BEST packaging. seriously.

I post regular pictures on my Facebook page & Twitter if you want to see more of the line! Like this one....

love their bracelets.

And celebrities love the line. I think you will too! Check it out.

Serenity Necklace

Bahari necklace & Serenity Stone earrings

You can shop my boutique at any time....but if you're interested in earning free jewelry - let me know! You can host a trunk show - a VIRTUAL one!

Today's blog title brought to you by: my son, Beau

So, if you can't already tell, I had the baby. He arrived April 14th...11 days before his ETA, which was so great. I wasn't "one of those" that just adored being pregnant. Please don't judge.

I'll spare you the details, but the delivery was nothing like I imagined. Then again, I'm not really sure what I was thinking it would be like?

Life with a newborn is crazy. Sleep is something unheard of.....and the discovery of how much I can get done on few hours of sleep has been a little mind blowing. As the little man approaches his 2 month mark, I'm finally feeling more like "ME".

I saw the following on Facebook this morning, and I had to share....

This is just what I needed to see today.

I implemented the "get my body back" program a little over a week ago. I want to be transparent with those interested, because a lot of what I have been told & read, I feel like wasn't the "truth". I appreciate the fact that Kelly Ripa has no problem sharing about her weight gain during pregnancy and the fact that it took her a year to get it all off.

I'll be the first to tell you to have realistic goals....so being 'real' I'd like to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight in 1 year; but I'm making it a goal to be as close to it as possible when my son turns 6 months old. That's a little over 4 months away. Realistic? I have no clue.

I will say that I think as women, we do put too much emphasis on the number that the scale shows. I'm guilty of that....clearly, I'm discussing losing weight.

Perhaps it would be better to say, "I'd like to fit in my favorite pair of jeans again".

In being transparent with you, here's where I stand:
I gained 50 pounds with this pregnancy
4 days after giving birth I had lost 20 pounds (hello water weight! my son only weighed 6lbs, 15oz)
For my 6 week check up, I had lost another 5 pounds
Last week I resumed working out and lost another 5
Grand total so far: 30 pounds lost, and I'm nearly 8 weeks post partum

Like I said, I don't know what's realistic. Every BODY is different. Maybe in being transparent with you, I can help someone achieve their health goal.

I leave you with this....a little something that has been making smile....

my little man & I, on my 1st Mother's Day

Well ALOT has been happening in my world - none of which involve running or fashion, sadly.

I've developed new cravings: french toast & strawberries.
The cream cheese craving is still holding strong!

I'm not a food blogger, so that's all I'll write about concerning food....except to say that I tried out this recipe I found on Pinterest the other night. YUMMO!!!! Anything with cream cheese & extra cheese is decadent.

And in true "Nicole" fashion, I was missing a few ingredients, so I had to fudge a bit on the recipe. (Like instead of using RITZ crackers, I smashed up croutons.)

Sooooo the Man Behind the Bump & I did our maternity pictures this past weekend. A friend of ours just started a photography business, and was looking to expand her portfolio. You can read about the session here if you're interested. Don't want to bore you with maternity details....

One of this bigger hurdles I had during this pregnancy was trying to find pre-natal workouts. Since no longer running, and now eating ridiculous foods....I could totally "hear myself getting fatter". You know you love Tommy Boy!

So I stumbled upon this:

I've really been enjoying it. Surprisingly!!! I didn't have high hopes for it - mainly because I felt like it would be "too easy" and that I wouldn't get a good workout. Regardless, the dvd has five 10 minute segments to choose from, all incorporating Pilates moves. You can do all of them for a full body, 50 minute workout - or break them down based on your needs for the day.

If you're in the market for a prenatal workout - or even post - it's a keeper. I have yet to get annoyed with the instructor - the cueing is great, but keep in mind since you're only working in 10 minute segments be prepared to quickly go from one exercise to another. Be sure to have all the gear you need in close proximity as there is like zero time for set up. (You'll need 2 pillows, a mat, and a light set of weights.)

The workouts definitely get my heart rate up & on the buns workout, I can feel the burn :)
Love that feeling!

*************************
As a side note, I've taken such a hiatus from my love of fashion.

It's become so unbearably depressing to shop. I'm now having to clothe such a larger body and having to cope with swelling appendages. Who knew that "foot overhang" existed?

The swelling is so bad in my feet that TMBTB (the man behind the bump) had to CUT OFF MY TOE RING!!

I'm 31 weeks, and today sporting a pair of my non-maternity True Religion jeans. It may sound silly, but I find solace in being able to still fit in them. Granted they are not buttoned - but eh, potato / potahtoh.

Every time I logged on to Blogger to catch up on my blog readings, I contemplated posting....but normally something prohibited me from actually doing so.

Alas though, here I am. Posting again.

I hate that I've not had any fitness or nurtition posts. I don't want to change the direction of my blog ~ but I'm going to have to tweak it just a bit. So while you won't see any more "half marathon training" weekly recaps...you will see how I'm trying to "stay fit" being knocked up & all.

"Stay fit" is a very loose term these days, FYI.

My fitness regimen has been on a HUGE hiatus....luckily, FitSugar posted this article about the benefits of taking a break from exercising. Ha, sure they intended it as a day break...not a 4 week hiatus.
Potato / puh-tah-toe.

Thought I'd share what they had to say with you, incase you too are feeling like you're in a slump, don't have the time, etc.
Plus misery LOVES company.

#1:

While I've not had an "intense workout" since the day before I found out I was prego...I still like this point.


#2:
Oh I have perfected the art of vegging on the couch....incase you were wondering, nausea still blows.
And I'm able to tune out just fine watching Theresa, Jacqueline, Caroline, the Manzo boys, & Melissa tear it up on Real Housewives of New Jersey.


#3:
This one really hits home. I've had 0 energy to prepare any meals yesterday - for all you that have been pregnant or are pregnant, and still managed a household normally KUDOS TO YOU! I've not been keeping up on the wifely duties...especially after a long day at the office. MattyB has been SUCH a trooper though. I had a weird craving for Cracker Barrel's biscuits & gravy the other night, so we ordered take out. (NEVER do I crave any sort of that....so this is all new to me.) Speaking of cravings, what the heck is up with cream cheese??? I could literally slather that on anything.

I promise to eat right in the 2nd trimester....
We'll see.....


#4:
Okay so I can't do this....well, I suppose I could, but it's not advised...so I'll just live vicariously through you all & you just tell me about all your vino times.



and last, #5:
Ha, my last "mental health day"...I took off work to go to the OB for 3 hours What the Hades is up with these long appointments???  I also forgot to bring a snack during this appointment, so famished does not even begin to describe how I felt afterward. I also had to drop by Wally World (aka WalMart) to pick up some crafting supplies, so I did what any other girl would do. I found myself a bag snack size Snickers as soon as I got there, and then walked around the store eating them.
Don't judge. You would have done it too.


So there you have it. You'll eventually see some workout posts, but for now you'll have to deal with me & my reasonings for not :)

Oh, and you'll definitely be seeing some fashion posts...as soon as I don't feel fat in EVERYTHING.
Good ghord.

Thanks for not giving up on me!

TGIF!
So many exciting things going on right now - that I can't quite share yet....BUT it's causing me to clean up this:

online purchases ship to work, duh....shopaholic? apparently i collect boxes....hoarder?

On to the fitness & fashion!

Workout Recaps:
Monday: Physique 57, volume 2 - 57 minute workout
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Physique 57, volume 2 - 30 minute workout; 3.6 mile run (10:06, 12:02. 13:32)
my run totally blew. crappy run day. womp, womp
Thursday: Physique 57, volume 2 - 57 minute workout; 2.05 mile run (9:33, 10:28)
when I reached 1 mile, the plan was to go to 4 miles, but my mind won & I didn't

We'll see what today & tomorrow bring as far as mileage goes. Training plan part deux for the half marathons starts over the upcoming weeks....my mileage right now just is not cutting it.

If you're in the market for new dresses....
Ideeli is having an ECI sale today!

yes, i cropped my friend out - she's cuter than me - didn't want y'all to lose focus

Ideeli is also having other sales today that include: Kenneth Cole, baby kicks, sneakers, watches, & bebe shoes.

And be sure to enter my iTRAIN giveaway!!!!

Half way through the week, & I've only worked out once. YIKES! Sunday was a rest day. Monday I did the Physique 57 Volume 2, 57 minute workout & followed it up with a 3.6 mile run. Tuesday was a hair appointment & then dinner with Matty's coworkers....so my evening workout didn't happen.

I think I have had the goal of 4am workouts since 2009, but it has only happened ONCE. That's a whole different topic - fitting in an early AM workout. Do you do early AM workouts?

To be honest, I physically feel crappy about only having worked out once so far - but I don't feel "guilty" about it. I love working out & it makes me sad when I have to miss a planned work out. But dang it, my schedule through the week is insane.

A typical day for me?
Wake up anywhere from 5am to 5:15am (depending on my ability to open my eyes)
Get to work by 6am to 6:15am (depending on the wake up)
Leave work by 4pm
Home at 4:30pm (contingent upon several things)
Workout from 5pm to 7pm (dependent upon what time I'm home & plans for the evening)
I try be in bed by 10pm at the latest - but normally I fall asleep on the couch in order to spend some QT with Matty. (So from 7pm to 10pm, I shower, make dinner, watch a little TV with Matty or watch a movie).

So all of that would be a typical day. But now, because of the car wreck - I'm in physical therapy. So that pushes my workouts back to 6pm since I've been going after work, 2 or 3 times a week.

I know there are so many women out there that work full time, have kids (perhaps with special needs), are a care taker to a family member, manage a household, AND still find time to workout. How do you do it?

Others of you that perhaps don't have kids, may be continuing your education & are saddled with that, along with work. How do you do it?



It just becomes taxing after awhile, mentally & physically. Especially when I don't have time to clean the house or do the laundry.
Do you think I could write off a maid as a work expense?
I hate having to save everything to Saturday. Sunday is church in the morning, & up until here recently, we were doing a Bible study on Sunday evenings.

And then there's the whole thing about allowing for emergencies to arise throughout the week, or unexpected family plans / friend plans. I still try to be sensitive to those things.

How do you fit in your hobbies & interests?

This isn't a "woe is me" post by any means - but I definitely would love to hear back from YOU on how you maintain a marriage, household, & active lifestyle - pretty much your time management skills!

This week flew by & left me all sorts of dazed & confused.

In fact, the whole month of July so far has been a blur. It's just going by so quickly. I finally had time to check out my monthly shoe picks from KimmyK, Just Fab, & Sole Society. So stay tuned for another post about my picks.

combining 2 of my loves - stationary & shoes

Monday, I had to run up to the airport to pick up my mom & brother. They had gone to Las Vegas for the weekend with my dad...who went from Las Vegas to San Fran (which left me runnin' the show at work).

Look what my mom brought me back - she must have known I needed a 'pick me up'....

according to matt it's not just a "fish" - it's a "coi"

Love Thomas Sabo.

I have a charm bracelet -

which is strictly shoe & bag charms; & then I have a necklace that is for all the sentimentals.
Mom thought I should add the fish to my bracelet....but I added it to my necklace. My bracelet is only bags & charms! (I may not be super picky about keeping a clean house - but I demand order to my charms!)


Do you like charm bracelets / necklaces?
Do you have either?

I have a Juicy Couture charm bracelet as well. Which Matteo always complains about when I wear it. He says it makes too much noise. Blah blah blah...

FYI: the Juicy Couture charms look super cute on necklaces...I've been known to rock a few on my Return to Tiffany's necklace. (Only 1 charm at a time though)

*****************************************************************

How were your workouts this week?

My workouts for the week....
Monday: Physique57 (P57) vol 1, 57 minute workout
Tuesday: P57 vol 1, 30 minute full body workout & 4 mile run
Wednesday: P57 vol 1, 57 minute workout, 4 mile run, & P57 arms & ab booster
Thursday: rest day
Scheduled:
Friday: P57 vol 1 57 minute workout, 4 mile run & P57 arms & ab booster
Saturday is scheduled as my "long run"....hopefully that stands true!

Doing the P57 workouts require a yoga mat, but at times that mat is such an unsteady surface for me. So when I recently saw these shoes, I thought 'what a great idea!' Sanitation AND stability!

Blake Brody's 'Ali'

"Blake Brody's In-Studio Footwear provides fashion-conscious women with innovative eco-friendly shoes to use during studio activities like yoga and Pilates.....a stylish shoe that encourages stability, prevents cramping, and protects against moisture and irritants....

Each shoe in the line is made with environmentally-conscious & humane materials that were hand-selected for their unique characteristics. The progressive technology behind the materials allows the shoes to be breathable, antimicrobial, and delicate enough to maintain a feel for studio surfaces..."

I can see the benefit in them...I do think the price tag is a little hefty in comparison to my running shoes. I don't attend a yoga studio regularly to justify the price.

Yoga studio floors often give me the creeps...thinking about festering bacteria. What a stylish sanitation barrier these shoes make!

Would you ever consider wearing yoga shoes?

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The garage sale hasn't sold out - the Coach sunglasses are still available if anyone is interested!

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Let me just say that I have a new found appreciation & admiration for you trail runners out there. Oh my word. I don't know what on earth I was thinking.

First, I'm not a wilderness girl.
Second, I hate bugs.
Third, I live in flatland Florida
and Fourth, I hate bugs.

Going into this vacay to the mountains I told Matteo that we were going to be doing all these trail runs & that I was so stoked to get out there & get some incline training in. (Since I'm accustomed to high altitudes living in Florida & all.)

Never said I was the brightest crayon in the box.

Well we flew up Wednesday, and since I got a run in at the Atlanta airport, doing a trail run that day was out of the question. Plus, Matt's grandma had mentioned that they spotted a bear in their front yard the evening before...so evening runs were not.an.option.

So Thursday we ventured out for some trailage. (I create words in my spare time.)

this was prior to any roughage...even though i'm looking rough




so this is the trail that the bear used to visit matt's grandparents

my view throughout trailage #1...lol, oh the sights you see!

he pooped out after 40 minutes

We attempted another "trail run" Saturday...this time we took Matt's cousin Parker with us, since he was also visiting their grandparents.

I'm leaving out some information...Matt's grandparent's house is on a mountain in NC. Their house is at 4700' elevation.

their cabin :)

 Their is a trail just up a little ways from their house. So we got geared up with H2O, took a before pic, and set off.

The start of our run was a grassy knoll...

that white area is a house...& also our destination

I don't know what I was thinking. Have I said that? The run down was insane. Haha, I had so much momentum at times that I knew I'd be butt over head rolling down the hill if I didn't slow the heck down. Oh, Matt naturally turned it into a race & took off. And then Parker left me.

My legs were just not cooperating with this downhill run. And then fear set in when I was alone & I got to thinking about the bear.

Alas, I made it to the white area...& reunited with the boys that deserted me.

i found our 2011 christmas tree!

Matt wouldn't let me take it.

We passed a few Christmas tree farms on our climb back up the mountain.

And then we found another path that lead us to this....

that eventually led us to this...

Bliss.

Naturally the boys wanted to go down to the rocks...since we were trespassing I figured I'd keep on the look out for any mountain men, while the boys played in the water fall.


Once they were done trying to be hawaiian tropic models, we ventured back out to the road. The boys were itching to forge their own trail in the woods back up to the house.

I was not.

So Matt had the genius idea of him & Parker attempting to be mountain men & hiking through the roughage, while I stayed on the gravel road.

I channeled Sarah as best as I could...since I was wearing her shirt & all...

and set on.my.own.

the inclines at times were re-donk-u-lous. 40% incline on my treadmill was nothing compared to this. and there were bugs.

i had 3 cars pass me that were kind enough to leave me a dust present

And then I would hear the trees move & think the bear had spotted me & was coming to eat me. Yeah that got my toosh moving. (And it didn't help that a neighbor of Matt's grandparents drove by & stopped to ask me if I needed a ride. I kindly explained I was trying to beat my husband in a race home. The lady laughed & said "hope you're racing him & not a bear!". Um, thanks?)

Got me moving enough that I beat the boys home.

matt not realizing i was there & taking a picture :)

i win.

and the after shot.

 My legs were so stinking tired afterwards. I honestly felt like I recruited muscles that probably have never been used. My ankles & hips are still super sore.

The incline, terrain, & altitude threw my body for such a loop!

Oh & my ipod didn't work right ~ so none of my mileage was tracked.