Workout Recap of the Past Couple Weeks

Well, I obviously took a little fall off the blogging wagon for a couple weeks but I am thrilled to report that I did not fall off the workout wagon! Last week we had Ben's family in from Texas for an extra long weekend and even amidst the prep for that and during their visit I managed to still get the workouts in.

I am still following the Revolt Now Fitness workout program and am still loving it. It is quick, intense and I am beginning to see and feel the results. With every workout, now, it seems as though I can tell I am just a bit stronger and have just a bit more stamina.

The other thing I am enjoying is the Facebook feed. Nichole posted the other day that she had listened to some feedback and would be now recording three different levels of workouts for different fitness levels. I think it is so amazing how much time and effort she is putting in to make these results attainable.

I was thinking about the concept of "getting in shape" the other day. I used to want to be toned and skinny and "look good in a bathing suit," -- I mean, yes I still would like all those things -- but I have realized they aren't at the top of my priority list anymore. I have a much different schedule than I used to have and have very limited time to workout. It is nice to be able to carve out just 40 minutes a day for a workout, feel good afterwards and supplement that with healthy eating. There are so many fads out there that promise certain results in a certain amount of time but when I look back at all the workouts I have enjoyed it really just comes down to this: workout, eat healthy and you will get the results. I realize we all have different body types and some obviously see results sooner than later but to me all I care about right now is feeling good. After these workouts I am left feeling energized and like I have actually accomplished something.

At the end of the day I am trying to be healthy for my family and for myself. I guess if some toned triceps come along the way that would be fine too. ;)

Week 1: Revolt Now Fitness

This past week I have alluded to a new workout regime that I am on and today is the day for our first link-up and the day I am reviewing and talking everything Revolt. When the idea was first put out there to participate in this blogger opportunity I was a little weary. Let's face it, I'm not always the best blogger and more often than not I tend to fall off the wagon. But I inquired and I thought about it and I figured that I am so in the mood and in the right mind frame of getting in shape right now that maybe this was just what I needed to keep me near my blog, hold me accountable and allow me to participate in an awesome program for 6 weeks!

This past week was a little slow going at first and, I'll be honest, I started a day late. I allowed myself to skip the rest day to catch up and here I am, Friday afternoon, and I am feeling great. The workouts are seriously exactly what I look for in a workout. Quick and intense. Let's face it, with my unpredictable sleeper that I have on my hands, I am not always guaranteed some full hour to exercise so I have to hurry to fit them in and usually that means I am looking for a workout in 30-40 minutes or less.

I had also mentioned a couple of weeks ago that my brother was writing me workouts and while I was enjoying them, it has been really nice to workout with a video. As silly as it sounds, I like having Nicole Huntsman in my living room with me. The other amazing thing about Nicole is that she is a mom too! That is the other reason I was so eager to participate in this amazing opportunity in that it is created by a mom for moms. Or whoever else wants to participate.

The nice thing about the website is that, as they workout all the kinks, it has become really user friendly where it is so easy to log on, find our workout of the day and get it done. Also, meals are laid out a week ahead of time for easy grocery shopping, planning and prepping over the weekend. The meals are actually all really realistic and easy. I have to say we eat fairly clean and healthy as it is around here so the "diet" hasn't been much of a shock. I mean, not reaching for the Cadbury eggs has been a little difficult but those can be saved for the cheat day.

So far I am really enjoying this and it really is about a whole body transformation, not just a fad for a few weeks and then I fall off. It is very community oriented too in that there is a Facebook page that allows all the fellow participants a chance to chat and stay connected. I have enjoyed this first five days and hope to continue for the next 5 weeks!

Also wearing my first Brady Band that I love!

I was offered a blogger free trial to the Revolt Now Fitness program however all opinions are honest and my own.

Friday's Finish the Sentence Link Up

Holly loves to make Friday posts un-boring so I thought I would join in on the fun for this link up.

1. People always tell me....

To relax. I know right? Not something you want to be told all the time, but obviously it's telling me something!

2. In the movie based on my life...

I can never decide who I want to play me. Is it just an actress I like? Is it someone who I think looks like me? Right at this moment I think I would choose Jennifer Garner. I have gone back and forth over the years of whether I am a fan but I think I really like her. She seems so down to earth and seems like a nice family gal. You know, like me... ;)

3. Typically, I end up regretting....

That extra glass of wine. For some reason, one more glass of wine is never a good idea. An extra beer is ok but a glass of wine can just put me over the edge for the next morning. Yikes!

4. I always ask to leave off the....

Nothing! I'm always an "extra, this or that, please!" kinda girl. Extra mayo, extra olives, extra spicy. Yep.

5. Kim and Kanye really...

Need to get a life? I don't know, I'm not too up on my celeb gossip as of late aside from my dose of PEOPLE mag which has basically been full of award show buzz which I haven't seen much of the Kimye crew in. I know they are havin' a baby. Sweet. Just another heir to the ol' Kardashian Empire, eh?

6. My Parents always reminded me...

of my childhood? I don't think there is something specific they remind me of so I think when I am at their house with them, I am always reminded of growing up. Very fond memories, of course.

7. Every single day I.....

Drink a lot of water. I think I am addicted. Serious. I know a lot of people don't drink a lot of water but I have since I was a teenager. I think once you get started it's just something you crave.

8. This one time in College..

I met this guy...and we started dating, got married and the rest is history... ;)

9. My grossest habit is...

Picking my toenails. I can't really believe I just admitted that because I hate it. And if I was looking at someone else doing it I would be totally grossed out. But I do it. Generally soon after bathing...

10. My latest white lie was...

... I really can't think of one...

11. I know all the words to...

Adele's 'Someone Like You.' And I love to belt it out and imagine I sound just like her. 

12. When I grow up...

I want to do something that gives back. I know that sounds cliche and gives back to what I'm not sure yet but I have always wanted to do something that helps others whether it's kids, homeless, teen moms, something like that. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

13. Sexy time is... 

Whenever one isn't to tired to coax the other...{Sorry MIL!} ;)

14. I will never, ever...

Jump out of an airplane. I'm not sure if I ever would have but now that I have a child things like that terrify me even more. No risky biz for this mama!

15. I think it's hilarious...

When Eleanor laughs at hers {and now other peoples'} "toots." I have never really been one for "potty humor" but I think now with a child things could get pretty laughable.

That was fun! Happy Friday!

Turned it Around

I am feeling much more upbeat that what I let on yesterday. We all have those days that we get a little down and out and I am just trying to make those fewer and farther between. Pick it back up and keep on keepin' on.

The upswing actually started Monday night when Ben suggested that we paint our dining room chairs and put another coat of finish on the dining room table after putting Eleanor down rather than assuming our normal TV viewing positions on the couch. Usually after Eleanor is down, all I want to do is collapse and veg out. I hate that. I want to complete projects and feel productive but usually my tired side wins out. I was happy he suggested this and it also gives us that extra hour to visit rather than zone out to our current show: The West Wing. It felt good to accomplish something. I want to find time for more small projects like this!

So then I had my hum drum morning yesterday but then I got E down for a nap and I did my first workout in the Revolt Now Fitness Challenge. I got to take Eleanor to a family friend's little hobby farm and let her meet their new baby goats. They were so adorable and Eleanor just loved them.

We got home, ate lunch and proceeded to read 835 a lot of books. She was being very stubborn and not going down for another nap which was strange because she had gotten up so early, only slept for an hour in the morning and played outside so I thought she was really tired. My mom stopped by, got her down for about an hour and then Ben got home.

The evening was good, E fought going down for bedtime which was frustrating and then we relaxed for a bit.

All in all, I am realizing that my attitude and days are what I make of them. When I am feeling down I am learning to put more effort into picking myself up. E doesn't deserve to have a mother who is frustrated and down about silly things. She woke up early again this morning, we snuggled watching cartoons for a bit, ate breakfast and headed out to do a little shopping even though it is so gray and rainy today. I just finished another workout while she is napping and even though it is so yucky outside, I feel good.

Happy Hump Day!

Where is It?

Ugh. I have tucked myself into such a rut since my back spasm! I told myself I wasn't going to let this happen and that given a good week to rest up and let it work itself out that I would be back at the workout routine.

It hasn't happened.

I had such a good thing going, I was staying regular, going slowly but steadily and was feeling stronger and as if I was getting into shape. However, now I find myself making excuses, seeing people doing cleanses, posting workouts and being so proud and I find myself feeling one thing: jealous.

Seriously?! I know. How silly. I need to stop being jealous and kick myself in the butt and get back after it.

I just need to start from the beginning of what I was doing before and build back up. My one motivator right now is the 5k in May. I know it still sounds pretty far away but I know it will be here before I know it and I am going to run the whole thing.

I somehow talked myself out of going to yoga this morning. Silly. If anything it seems that is a good place to start with my back. I am committed to doing some sort of workout this afternoon. No questions, I just have to.

I was feeling so good and had such a great momentum. I also find that when I am working out regularly it motivates me to eat better. When I am not working out, I tend to eat worse. Vicious cycle.

On a positive note, I tried a new product that a friend started selling. It Works wraps are detox wraps that they have for many different body parts but I tried the midsection. I applied it for 45 minutes and am in the process of seeing the results. On the first application they claim you can lose 1-3 inches around so I took my measurements the night I did it and am anxiously awaiting taking them again at the 48 hour mark. I am not usually into stuff like this but they are all natural, fairly inexpensive if the results come out and they have many other products. Maybe losing some inches around is just what I need to kick start me back on the fitness train!

I was given a wrap by my friend but was not asked to blog about it. Opinions are all my own. 

Friday is Here Again

This week has been really great. Ben is actually off work because he starts a new job on Monday! This is a really exciting change for him and our family and we are very excited to see what this next chapter brings. We have been enjoying having him home, getting to do some activities as a family and getting some chores done around the house.

Last week I had a pretty frustrating week as my back problem flared up again. It seems like the pattern has been when I start back running, it flares. I am hoping to just ease back into my workouts because it seems like in the past I just stop working out for months after a flare up and then jump back in and the cycle continues. I haven't really done much for the past week and a half so this week I have slowly done a couple core workouts and am hoping to get back to yoga next week.

A few weeks ago I was invited to be part of a workout program that I was actually really excited about. A lot of it seems like some of the stuff I am already doing but it also includes a meal plan. It is the Revolt Fitness Program and I am excited to get into some of the workouts. I am not promising that I will be following exactly day by day due to my back issues but I will try my best! There isn't anything wrong with some clean eating, which we do a lot of anyway, and some new workout moves invented by a mom right?! I also love that it promotes getting fit in your own home as opposed to spending hours and hours in a gym if we don't have the time. Not that I have anything against gyms. I just, personally, don't have a membership and am always a fan of quick, intense workouts. I think that's why so many of us are fans of the 30 Day Shred. Am I right?!

I feel a little bad about my back last week and then of course on top of that dealing with the ol' lady business this week. I can't say I have been the biggest treat for my husband to hang out with but hey, he's a good sport and hopefully I can buck up for these last couple days of vacation. Speaking of vacation, my in-laws will be coming into town in a couple of weeks and for the weekend we will be venturing back up to our college town to explore, shop around, eat around maybe even venture to the snow.

Speaking of again of college towns, we headed into the city the other night right near where my brother went to college and went to a few bars in celebration of Ben's going away happy hour with his old team. It was fun to feel a little trendy for the night and have a couple drinks with his former co-workers.

This weekend we are hopefully finishing up a few DIY projects we decided to tackle, one of which includes chalkboard paint which I am trying not to use on everything, so hopefully I will be back next week with some pictures of those projects and some more fitness chit chat! Have a great weekend!

A Girly Girl

I know Eleanor is only almost 15 months old but it is so, so sweet to see her budding personality. While we do see things like her gaining independence and being a little stubborn at times--which are all things I know are normal at this age--a few funny things have appeared over the past few months. She loves  to put on skirts and dresses even if just for wandering around the house. I found some dresses in her closet in bigger sizes that had been bought awhile back on sale and was pulling them a little closer to the front and looking at them and she kept trying to pull them on over her head. So on they went and she, quite literally, pranced around, holding out the sides just like a little girly, girl.

She also likes to pose.

Her grandparents gave her a Stella doll for her first Christmas and she has always, well for as long as possible, been a little interested but over the past couple of weeks her interest has turned into a slight obsession. She even says her name. Ls and all! It is seriously so cute. She carries her around, wraps her up, rocks her and my mom had some hand-me-down doll accessories--a stroller and carrier--at her house with no doll so we brought them to our house and low and behold Eleanor now puts Stella in her stroller and pushes her around. 

I totally know that this is all normal for girls and babies but it is just so heart-melting to see it for myself and see the developments of her attachment and interest in certain things. It is interesting too because while I had my fair share of time playing with Barbies, I wouldn't classify myself as a girly, girl. Never wearing a lot of skirts, dresses or even make up in the later years. My best friend has always joked with me that Eleanor could be my complete opposite and just love all these things. I think that would be fun and a new adventure for me. I would never want to discourage any creative interests for her. Being a mom is fun and hopefully I am rubbing off some of my good traits for her care-taking of Stella! ;)