Our Scrapbooking Experience!

This past week I took a scrapbooking class with my Mom and Grandma. The class was through our local school district's community education program! We arrived at class, and quickly learned we were the only 3 that had signed up! How awesome, it was like our own private class!  We all really enjoyed the class! I have to say I really did learn a lot as well! We were asked to bring just a few supplies and the instructor provided tons of items that we could use. The class lasted 2 hours, and boy did it fly by! The goal was to create a 2 page spread, but we all only completed one page. We learned so much, and had a blast. This is a class all 3 of us really want to take again. It was a great stress reliever! I chose to create my page using pictures for all of the Lupus events we have done, my mom chose to use pictures from our trip to Palm Beach, and my Grandma chose to use pictures from when my mom was a little girl. It was great sitting around and reminiscing about the past. Most importantly I got to spend time with my family. We are planning to have family and friends over to our house so we can all scrap book together. I would definitely recommend trying a class if it's something that interests you. So here's our creations, what do you think?!?! 

The instructor's website is www.kraftingwithfriends.com

XOXO

Better Days are Ahead!

So I have been in a weird place lately, just feeling really down and unhappy for about the last two weeks. There has been a lot of change in my life lately, and I am not a person that likes change. I have had a fever now for about 5 days. I have not stopped sneezing or blowing my nose at all today. I seriously could resemble snuffaluffagus's twin. I have never felt so ugly in my life, and this is not me fishing for complaints, this is me being honest, because I know you all have days like this as well. This past week I felt like the worst friend, daughter, coach, teacher, and the list goes on and on. I have not worked out because I feel like crap. I am dragging at work because I am not sleeping well. I know I have put on weight, but just how much, I don't know, because I won't step on the scale. I feel bad enough, I don't want that to upset me too.


But as I drove home today, all I could think of is telling that voice inside my head that keeps reminding me of everything that is upsetting me, to go F*** herself! Why am I feeling so down?!?! Yes I have been sick twice in the last three weeks, but I am lucky enough to have health insurance that has allows me to get the treatment that I needed! Yes, I hate getting up and going to work....but my jobs have allowed me to buy a brand new car with every option that I wanted. Yes someone dented it 8 hours after I picked it up, but the dealer is fixing it for FREE! My job allows me to do things with the people in my life that are important to me. I can pretty much do whatever I want, when I want. I get to go out with my friends, and treat them to things if I want. Next month I get to spend a week down south with my mom, and take part in a charity event that you all know is near and dear to my heart. These past 3 years I have been able to travel up and down the east coast partaking in all kinds of Lupus Events. I have a job that I honestly love! I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl, and I have achieved my goal! I get to spend every day with out next generation, and I LOVE it! Is it easy? Heck no! But, I wouldn't change it. I was given an opportunity to teach high school this year, and I was terrified. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I have amazing friends and family! I have friends who have done nothing but listen to me bitch and cry for the last week. My best friend came and played cards with me last night, even while I was coughing, sneezing, and blowing my nose. I have an amazing fitness family who I feel like I am letting down lately. But they are there for me! They cheer me on for every pound I lose, but I know they would love me even if I stayed the same.


I AM BLESSED! I am so very blessed to have such amazing people in my life. So today, I have decided to tell that voice in my head to take a hike. I am choosing to focus on all of the positives in my life, and even if it's not always smooth sailing, the ride will be worth it. I am saying good bye to this dark cloud that has been hanging over me, and hello to that happy girl I know is inside of me!


Thanks for listening!


XOXO


I AM SO

It's Getting Hot Hot Hot!!!!!

I apologize that it has taken me so long to share my experience of hot yoga with you. I certainly have mixed emotions about it. I honestly don't know if I walked away loving or hating it. My cousin and I decided to try a class on a Friday night at the Silk Mill. When we first walked in, it seemed like everyone knew what they were doing. Everyone was barefoot, and doing a lot of stretching! They were not the friendliest either. So, we just tried to blend in. But that didn't last too long.....it was obvious we were new to the scene. I quickly realized just how inflexible I am!!! It was tough, and my balance was terrible. The class lasted about an hour and a half. There were space heaters going, but it was no where near 98 degrees like I thought it would be. Each pose was very different from the next and we had no idea what the instructor was saying half of the time. She was throwing these terms around like nothing. My cousin and I kept looking at each other like what is going on?!?! When it came time for the breathing exercises, I had all I could do not to laugh. Here everyone is taking it very seriously and I was ready to bust. They were humming, and huffing and puffing. I literally could not look at my cousin for this portion or I would have lost it. But I will say that at the end of class, I felt very relaxed and could have easily fallen asleep. It is definitely a class I would like to try again before I make up my mind about it. It was a very nice facility, and they provided both the mat and yoga block. If you give this a try, let me know your thoughts!

 

XOXO

 

Guess Who's BACK!!!!!!

 Oh my gosh! It's literally been forever!!!! But.....I'm back!!!! I feel like I have so many things to share with you! Well first I want to recap February's goals! I really tried my best running 5 miles a day! I even completed 2 5ks during February, and one of them being my fastest time ever! I was super excited about that!!! I think overall I have done pretty well with eating clean! I noticed a huge difference in how my body felt and I lost some weight too! That's always a plus! I failed at my burpee goal. I didn't do them, and I sit here and think why, and honestly the only reason that comes to mind is that I didn't put my heart into it. They are super hard, but they work. So, I have no one to blame, but myself! I think I rocked my soda and juice challenge! I have not had any juice, and the only time I had soda was if I went out for a drink. I am super picky when it comes to drinking and really only like vodka mixed with soda. So, I will admit that I did have a few drinks this past month, but I did not have soda other than that, and that is huge for me! I really did try to give it my all this last month. I am seeing results and that is all I can ask for! My last goal was trying a new workout! Oh did I try a new workout! My cousin and I tried a hot yoga class! I will share the details with you all soon!

So, tell me about your last month! Was it successful? Did you conquer some of your challenges? What were some of your biggest inspirations last month? I would love to hear from you!

It may already be into March, but it's not too late to set goals. Like I said my life's been busy lately, but I am learning how I can better manage my time. I still have goals for this month, and I will be sharing them with you all soon!

So glad to be back!

 

XOXO

A HUGE Change of Heart!

So, I have had this one picture hanging in my office for as long I can remember. Is it a funny picture, yes! But the reality of this picture is that, it's how I felt. I never wanted to step on the scale! I knew that when I did, it would make me sad and depressed. Why would I want to do that to myself!? So, what did I do? I avoided it as much as possible. I put it out of my mind, like the problem would just go away. Well, guess what? It was never going to go away unless I did something about it!

I haven't been to my office in a few weeks, because I have been working a different position for a few months. I stopped in there a week or so ago, and saw this picture hanging on my wall. As a matter of fact, it was starting to fall down, and that is what caught my attention. I stopped and stared at this picture for a good 2-3 mins. I thought to myself, I honestly don't feel this way anymore. I don't fear the scale! I don't avoid it! I jump on that scale with excitement and determination. I am so happy when I see that number at my feet, because it proves to me that my hard work is paying off! It proves that every single minute I spend in the gym, and preparing clean meals is worth it!

I could not believe the change of heart I have had over this picture. In fact, I took the picture down. I don't want the people in my office thinking I live in fear of the scale, because I DON'T! Am I thrilled at the number I see when I jump on that scale, yes and no! I am happy because it shows progress, but I am still not anywhere close to my goal weight!

It's so easy to get discouraged when you think about how far you have to go. But I choose to focus on how far I have come! To date, I am down 18 pounds. Now that may not sound like a great deal to some people, but I have truly worked my ass to get where I am, and there is no turning back. I can not even imagine going back to my old ways. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was so unhappy with myself. When you are down on yourself, and miserable you project that on to others. I am quite sure, I was not always a joy to be around. Now don't get me wrong, I am probably still not always a joy to be around, but I am happy! I am learning to be comfortable in my own skin. In just 5 months, I honestly feel like a completely different person. It's not always easy to admit it to ourselves, but I am proud of myself. I made the decision to change my life for the better, and 5 months later I am still going strong. I can honestly say, this was one of the best decisions of my life.

It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be! I started with baby steps, and just keep pushing forward. It's a learning experience. But trust me.....all you have to do is start!!! So what are you waiting for?! 

 

Let's do this together! 

 

XOXO 

What do You Wear When You Work Out?!?!

I have gotten many emails asking about my workout gear. Finding comfortable fitness gear for a plus size woman is harder than you may think. Honestly, I buy most of my workout clothes at Old Navy. They fit great and are relatively inexpensive. I have a few pairs of workout pants from the GAP that I LOVE as well. I would say the question I get asked the most is what type of sneakers I run in. Currently I wear Adidas. It took me a very very very long time to find a good pair that I love. I first bought Nike Shox, and let me tell you, I had zero luck with them. They pinch my foot terribly. I mean I can wear them when I'm running errands, but to workout in...NO WAY!Z I also tried Saucony's. They were ok, but my arch was uncomfortable. I always seem to have a problem with my arches!

I would recommend getting fitted for a sneaker. I had this done a Foot Locker. They had me walk around with just my socks, and I kid you not, the woman sat on the floor and watched how I took my steps. She then had me try on different sneakers and watched me walk around again. She explained that I have very flat feet, and that's why my arches bother me in sneakers. She helped me find a pair that worked for me. She was awesome!!! She didn't try to talk me into the most expensive ones either. She did all of it for FREE too! It was very helpful! When I bought my Adidas sneakers, I bought them in both colors, because I didn't know how long it would take me to find another pair that I loved as much!

I often wear hats when I workout as well, it keeps the sweat from running down my face and my crazy hair in one place. I hit an awesome sale at Dick's and got 4 hats, for under $30! Keep your eyes our for good deals!

XOXO 

My Eating habits

Well we have all heard it, small meals through out the day. Well if you were like me, you are thinking......yea ok, I don't have time for that. That was honestly my attitude for a long time. So I would eat a big breakfast, a big lunch, and a big dinner. I thought well if I eat enough during those times, I will not be hungry and snack thorough out the day! Well Wrong!!! I still snacked. So what's wrong with this picture?! I was eating way to much and feeling bloated and uncomfortable after every meal! So, something has to give!

I thought there has to be something to this eating a small meals throughout the day! So my typical day goes like this.....

 

Breakfast- Shakeology, some days I throw some PB2 in so change up the flavor and add some protein.

Snack- around 9:45is I have 1 piece of wheat bread with Peanut Butter

Lunch- I switch this up, but most days, it's either turkey meatballs, or chicken cutlet with carrots or green beans

Snack- around 3:30 I will have a Think Thin protein bar. (I will admit they are not my fave, but once you get past the fact they it will not taste the same a chocolate we are use to it, it's pretty good) It definitely is filling

Dinner-7:00 This is different everyday. I try and cook a different clean meal for my family every night. 

If I am feeling hungry a little later, I have been snacking on some popcorn. Not dripping in butter and salt!

I also drink Green Tea all day long.

I will admit the weekends are a struggle for me. It's easy during the week because we are on set schedules. The weekends I tend to wake up later, and that throws everything off. I also tend to go out to eat at some point, so I will have a cheat meal here and there.

My advice to you is to prep your meals ahead of time. I usually cook meatballs and chicken on Sunday nights, that way in the mornings I throw my lunch in a container and I am ready to go out the door! Also at dinner, start using a salad plate, you will be less likely to over eat when you use a smaller plate. I have cut soda and juice out of my diet. It' tough....I love juice, but it's full of sugars that I don't need! Pizza is a huge love of mine, so if I do indulge I will have one piece and then some salad. It's all about the moderation.

If you start by taking baby steps, it's gets easier! Trust me! It's a learning experience! I am in no way an expert, but this is what has been working for me!

XOXO