Going Strong!! So I missed my workout on Wednesday, picked back up on Thursday, and skipped again on Friday. Who wants to workout on a Friday anyway? I would much rather go out with friends and have a few adult beverages. Which is exactly what I did!
Although I was hurting the next day (and I don't mean sore muscles), I pushed myself to get in a workout. I had finally gotten to the second Fit Test of the 30 Day Challenge. Knowing that I was probably dehydrated from drinking the night before, I was a bit worried I wouldn't score well compared to my original scores. However, I can proudly say that my scores absolutely improved!
Fit Test #2: Squat Jumps:30 (5 over original test) Push-ups:15 (3 over original test) Burpees:10 (3 over original test) High Knees: 112 (36 over original test) Switch Lunges:30 (16 over original test and no modifications) Tuck Jumps: 12 (4 over original) Straight Abs: 9 (no modifications)
And to celebrate my achievement, I went out and gorged myself! Ok, so it wasn't really to celebrate, but it was date night with the hubby and I did gorge myself. And to add a bit of Fashion & Beauty to this post, here was my outfit for the night.
So, I skipped a workout tonight. I got home late from work and was starving. And, I'm extremely sore from the past couple of days, so a rest day will probably be good for me. Hoping to make up the workout this weekend. :)
I did, however, try the new grilled chicken nuggets at Chick-fil-a today. Now, Chick-fil-a (or chick-a-lay as my 4 year old would say) is my all time favorite fast food restaurant... Well, it's a toss-up between McD's and CFA, but still a fave.
Anyway, my typical order is the #5 eight count with large fries and a large diet coke, ez ice. Oh how I love my CFA nuggets! Tender, juicy, and oh so tasty.Yum!! However, since I'm on a semi-sorta health kick, I decided to try the grilled chicken nuggets today.
I was't sure what to expect... Well, I guess I was expecting them to at least come in the same box as the breaded nuggets. When I reached my hand into my to go bag, I felt a plastic bowl. Huh? They must have gotten my order wrong. As I pulled the plastic container out of the bag, there they were. Eight little naked nuggets laying in the bowl. They looked so sad and so... so bland.
I decided to give them a shot because: a) I had already bought them, b) I was super hungry, and c) did I mention I am on a health kick? :)
Overall, I was not that impressed with the flavor. The seasoning was a bit overwhelming, and the chicken tasted processed. Plus, they got cold super fast. Nothing like eating cold chicken. But, I was so hungry I ate all eight nuggets plus half of my large fries (which I LOVE by the way!).
So, overall, I would give the grilled chicken nuggets a C-. They just don't compare to the regular nuggets. If you're trying to eat healthy, I would highly suggest going for one of the chicken wraps instead. :)
I still haven't been able to give up the fries yet. Fries are my downfall, and I seriously could eat them everyday if I could. As it stands now, I probably eat fries at least three times a week. Yes, I know, awful!
Have you tried the grilled chicken nuggets yet? If so, let me know your thoughts.
Feeling great!! I can definitely tell I'm getting stronger and more fit...all in just one week! Yesterday's workout "Wild Ones" was awesome. Pretty basic, but a killer nonetheless. I was amazed I was actually able to get through most of the workout without any modifications (including the 3 Tier Pushups).
Now if only I could get my tush to look like that, lol!
I warmed up with four minutes of jumping rope. My scores for the workout were:
Clean & Press: 8, 8
Squat Leaps: 25, 18
3 Tier Push-ups: 8, 9
Reverse Pull-ups: 13, 14
Squat & Press: 11, 15
Switch Lunges: 29, 25
I then did Sean's Weighted Workout. It was brutal! I could only make it through 2 rounds instead of the actual 3. I didn't have to modify any of the exercises, so GO ME!! My time was 18 minutes 22 sec (2 rounds).
I did manage to somewhat healthy yesterday, too!
Breakfast: Diet Coke
Snack: None
Lunch: 1/2 Waldorf Chicken Salad from CPK and 1 slice of Roasted Spinach CPK Pizza, iced tea
Snack: Kashi Roasted Almond Crunchy Granola Bar
Dinner: Fish Tacos with avocado. Yum!
Dessert: 1 Hershey Special Dark Chocolate Nugget :)
I envy all of you ladies that have beautiful eyebrows. You know, the ones that are full, perfectly shaped, and require minimal maintenance. I used to have these brows back in the day. I can remember on my wedding day, my make-up artist telling me how beautiful my brows were. Oh, those were the days....
Fast forward eight years and my brows are now a MESS... A special shout out to my lovely friend who I like to refer to as "anxiety". Thanks to him, my brows are way over plucked and super sparse in areas. Not only do I pluck with a tweezer, but when I get super stressed I pull the hairs out with my fingers. I know, it's insane. So, because of this, eyebrow powder/pencils are my best friend. I never leave the house without filling in my brows. Even when I did have nice looking brows, I still used eyebrow powder to give me that polished look. It truly makes a difference!!
My go to eyebrow powders are Smashbox in Brunette and Anastasia in Brunette. If I had to choose between the two, Smashbox wins by a small margin. Both have lasting power, but Smashbox tends to stay the best in my city's outrageous humidity.
I was using the Anastasia powder (in Ebony this time) which tends to be dark on me, but that was a good thing because my hair WAS dark. But after getting my hair cut and colored for the New Year, my hair is now much lighter. I continued to wear the Anastasia powder for a few days, but I noticed something was off. I couldn't put my finger on it. At first I thought it was my new hair color that I didn't like, but then I realized my brows were way too dark for the new color. I needed to add some warmth to my brows.
Since it was the beginning of the year, and one of my resolutions was to spend less money, I decided to try a drugstore brand. While in Target a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that e.l.f. had a new brow kit for $3. Yes, only $3! Who can pass up a deal like that, and the colors matched what I was looking for. I had never tried e.l.f. brand cosmetics before, but figured I could stand to lose 3 bucks if it didn't work out.
The darker brown is the "gel" which is more of a wax. I use my Anastasia brow brush to apply the wax where my brows are sparse to even out the color. I also apply a small amount over my entire brow to help keep the hairs in place. Then I apply the lighter color to my entire brow to add a bit of warmth so they better match my hair color.
For $3, I would definitely recommend this product. The gel and powder were easy to apply. It lasts throughout the day. And most important, it does I what originally bought it for - to match the color of my brows to my hair.
If you've tried e.l.f. cosmetics, let me know your thoughts. Were you happy with the quality? What e.l.f. products do you use? Also, do you have any other recommendations for not too expensive brow products?
Dinner: Broccoli Cheese Soup with 5 saltine crackers
Dessert: Two pieces of Dark Chocolate Nuggets
And, to make things more interesting, here are progress pics after week one...
Not a huge difference, but I have noticed a bit more definition in my arms/shoulders and abs. Just today, a co-worker asked if I had lost weight, so something must be working. Since starting the 30 Day Challenge I have been sleeping better and seem to have more energy during the day. Positive results. I know that once I get my diet in check, my progress pics should show more "progress". :)
I'm a couple of days behind in the 30 Day Challenge, but trying to catch up. I completed Day 6 on Tuesday and then took a break yesterday to go play Bingo (yes, Bingo) with some of the girls. I didn't realize how serious the game of Bingo can be! It was a lot of fun though; especially while drinking adult beverages! And if you're wondering, no I didn't win. But I will be back!!
So, on to the workout. Day 6 was the Turn Me On Workout. It was brutal as usual. The tuck jumps kick my butt every time, and this workout was FULL of them. My legs are still pretty sore.
My scores were:
Press Up Burpee Tuck Jump Straight Punches: 2, 2, 2
Press Up Burpee Tuck Jump Hook Punches: 2, 2, 2
Press Up Burpee Tuck Jump Straight/Hook Punches: 2, 2, 2
Mid Abs/ Bag Touch:16, 18, 16
There was an additional workout for Day 6 as well. It was a weighted workout from BodyRock host Sean (who, by the way, has an amazing body!).
My time for the weighted workout was:
I have no idea. I forgot to time myself, lol! I did have to modify most of the exercises. Definitely beyond my capability at this point. I gave it a good try though!
Food for the Day 01/10:
Breakfast: Diet Coke
Snack: None
Lunch: Pappadeaux fried shrimp and fries (ate about a quarter of the dish), iced tea with sweet & lo, 2 slices of french bread
Dinner: Jimmy John's turkey sandwich, 1 bag of cheetos, 3 Corona beers
My diet is still not looking anywhere close to good. My goal for this weekend is to put together a meal plan for next week and go grocery shopping. Hopefully, next week will look better!!
I ended up taking two rest days over the weekend. I wanted to complete Day 5 on Sunday, but errands and eating too much got in the way.
I almost skipped today too. I got about three hours of sleep last night because my sweet, adorable, never-sleeps-through-the-night son decided to wake up at 2:30 AM. That means I got to wake up too. Unfortunately, we never went back to sleep. If anyone has any ideas to get a 4-year-old to sleep in his own bed without waking up at least once per night, please, I'm begging you, let me know!
Then, I didn't get home from work and picking up Z at my mom's until 8:30 PM. I was exhausted!! I REALLY wanted to skip today's workout, but knew if I did, I would skip the next and the next, etc. Not an option!! So, I changed into my workout gear and busted out the 400 rep "I Won't Give Up" Workout.
No playlist for today. My background noise was Phineas and Ferb. :)
Overall, this workout was a simple two exercise workout but very effective. The goal was to complete four rounds of 75 Knee Highs with Jumprope and 25 Knee Lifts with Dip Station for a total of 400 reps.
The knee highs were relatively easy during the first three rounds, but then my legs started to feel like jello. I was able to get through the knee highs with no modifications. The knee lifts with dip station was another station. Those were killer! I definitely had to take small pauses, plus there were times where I modified the exercise to allow my feet to touch the floor.
Final Time: 8 min 45 sec.
I did not attempt the second video posted for the day because I'm still not supposed to lift heavy. Plus, It was already close to 10 PM. I'll give it a try tomorrow.
And on the dietary front, I did not so hot today. Haven't had a chance to hit the grocery store.
Breakfast: Diet Coke
Snack: None
Lunch: Chic-Fil-A Chargrilled chicken and fruit salad (Healthiest thing of the day!)
Snack: None
Dinner: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets Meal (But the fries were SOOO good!)
Unfortunately, this is a typical day for me since I'm on the go so much for my job. I'm going to have to start bringing a cooler with me to work.
If you read my previous post, you know that on Friday I was going to workout AND THEN eat my pizza. Yeah, well, that didn't happen. I ended up eating my pizza first, felt guilty, and decided to workout at 10 PM (about 20 minutes after my pizza).
I highly, highly do not recommend this! I wanted to toss my cookies about halfway through the workout!! I pushed through though, and it felt great!
The workout for Day 4 was the "Wish You Would Workout". It was a much simpler routine, but still a tough one.
Unfortunately, I skipped working out today. Lots of errands to run today, plus NFL football. So, I will pick up either tomorrow or Monday.
Oh, and if anyone is interested, my diet today consisted of:
Breakfast: 2 Glazed Donuts, Diet Dr. Pepper
Snack: Donut Holes
Lunch: Leftover Pizza, Diet Dr. Pepper
Snack: Donut Holes
Dinner: Wild Boar and Creole Rice (the hubby is big into hunting. We eat a lot of game. Probably the healthiest meal of the day though!)
Horrible, Horrible, Horrible!! I know, but this is par for the course for me. Now that I've started to workout again, my diet needs to change as well. Gonna hit the grocery store for some healthy alternatives. :)
If you have any healthy snack ideas, I'd love to hear them. That is the hardest part for me. Especially since I am a snacker!
Yesterday I did Day 3 of BodyRock's challenge titled "International Love Workout". I was going to skip it since I was going out that night, BUT I decided to stay motivated so I did the workout before getting ready to go out. So glad I did!
Here is the workout hosted by Lisa Marie (She is super spunky!!). You can find the video on their website or on YouTube.
Elevated Push-ups/Knee Touch: 6 (no ball) & 6 girl push-ups
Squat & Press: 8 (no sandbag)
Clean Press/Jump Forward/3 Squats: 4 (no ball)
Reverse Pull-ups: 12
Side Burpee/Obliques/Tuck Jump: 3
Forward Lunge/Side Lunge/Knee Lift: 9 (no sandbag)
Ball Push-up/Burpee/ Sumo Knee: 5 (no ball)
Tricep Dip/V Abs: 8 (modified - half dips, knees up - no V)
Overhead Abs: 20 (no sandbag)
Shoulder Lift/Squat/Switch Shoulder Press: 12 (no sandbag)
Speed Run: Forgot to count :)
Who in their right mind is going to do this? I'm talking about posting a horrendous looking before pic. Well, I'm gonna be brave and DO IT!!
So, here it is, before I decide to change my mind!
Excuse the weird face and smudgy mirror (4 year old handprints, lol).
Did someone say "skinny fat"?! Cuz that's me!!
I'm not overweight, but I am lacking in the tone department. My goal over the next couple of months is to tone up and just get in better shape overall. I want definition, people!!
And, as I'm sitting her typing out this post... :::: Hold That Thought, Please! Interrupted by my smudgy fingered son who wants to ride his scooter. Be back in a bit. ::::
Ok, I'm back. So the dilemma right now is: Do I workout or eat the Papa John's pizza that just got delivered? Hmmm...decisions, decisions.
And here is a pic of my OOTD that I wore yesterday to Moms & Margaritas Night at our local Chuy's. (Yes, those are pillow pets in the background!).
I was a bit sore from the Fit Test yesterday, but decided to tackle Day 2 of the BodyRock.TV 30 Day Challenge anyway. And I will say, it was it a challenge!
I found a cool playlist from www.inthegym.net. If you need some new workout playlists, I highly recommend this site. I listen to the music on my computer (it's free!) while I workout.
Before starting the workout, I noticed in the video and on the blog there were several different exercise combos for the intervals. I knew it would be very difficult to remember each combo, so I set my rest period to 15 seconds instead of the normal 10. This allowed me to focus on the combos I wrote down so that I would remember the sequencing.
After a quick warm-up, I started my 12 minutes of torture (ok, it wasn't that bad, but only because I modified a lot of the exercises)! Here are my scores:
10 High Knees / 10 Mountain Climbers - 5 2 Squat Jumps/ 2 Push-ups / 1 Jump Tuck - 3 Center to Elbow Jump / 2 Leg Jumps - 3 Clean Press / Squat / Press Push-up - 7 (I did not use the sandbag) 5 Tuck Jumps / 1/2 Burpee with Squat Hold - 1 (sad to say I could only get through one. I changed the tuck jumps to regular squats) Spider Knee Push-up / Straight Leg Push-up - 2 regular, 15 modified (Girl Push-ups) Switch Lunge with Press - 15 (Did not use sandbag)
Potty Break compliments of my 4-year old 2 Side Lunge / 2 Side Punches / 2 Jump Tucks - 8 (modified) 10 Squat / 10 Squat Jumps - 1 (I was hurting at this point!) 10 Elbow to Knee Jumps - 5 (modified for low impact) 10 Wide Leg Jump Push-ups - 10 Speed Run - 150
So, there it is. Good workout! I'm looking forward to Day 3 (which I will probably do on Friday because tomorrow is Moms' and Margaritas Night. Woohoo!!).
Is one of your New Year's resolutions to get in shape or tone up? If you said yes, then we're in the same boat. :)
When I first started this blog last year, it was to help keep me accountable in the health & fitness department. Unfortunately, the momentum didn't last long, nor did the blogging!
However, about mid-year last year, I stumbled across an AWESOME fitness blog called BodyRock.TV. I was in awe of the host. Her body was strong, lean, and beautiful. And the best part of the blog...all of the videos were free, and I didn't have to step foot in a gym! Score!!
After stalking the blog for several days, I decided to give it a try. The workouts were intense and kicked my butt! But, I felt great afterwards. I stuck with BodyRock for several months working out 2-3 days per week. Then, as usual, life got in the way. Work, toddler, ectopic pregnancy.
Well, it's time again to get my rear in gear!! I got the all clear to start working out again, albeit, no heavy lifting just yet. And, perfect timing too!! BodyRock.TV is having a 30 Day Challenge! There is a new host, but the principles are the same, and the new host has a rockin' bod for inspiration...
The 30 Day Challenge starts off with a Fitness Test. 7 exercises in intervals of 50 seconds with 10 second rests in between. Check out the video below (and no, that is not my tush. I wish it was!).
Here are my scores:
SQUAT JUMPS - 25
PUSH UPS - 12
BURPEES - 7
HIGH KNEES - 76
SWITCH LUNGES - regular 7, modified 9
TUCK JUMPS - 8 (these were killer for me and my legs felt like jello)
STRAIGHT ABS - modified 20
This is a good starting point for me. I'm curious to see where I'll end up at the end of January. :)
Please check out the blog - BodyRock.TV if you are looking for an at-home, kick-ass workout. I could use some virtual work-out partners. :) It's tough, but can be modified for beginners, so don't be intimidated. I've had to modify quite a few exercises over the course of my workouts.
Oh, and if you "Like" BodyRock.TV on Facebook, you can keep up with the work-outs. Plus, I noticed they added the host's daily food logs. Great examples of healthy eating (and no, I have no affiliation with the site, lol!).
I'll continue to post my scores on the work-outs as well as my progress.
What type of fitness program do you follow or have you started following as of this year? I would love to hear what others are doing. Happy exercising!!
One of the things I struggle with is keeping my home clean and organized. I've never been good at housekeeping. I often wonder if my husband would have actually married me if he really knew how bad my cooking and housekeeping skills were. But, now he's stuck with me. :)
Needless to say, this year I am striving to get my house in order. First up was an easy project. My bathroom vanity area. Baby steps, right?
Here are a couple of before pics... This is pretty much normal for me.
One thing you may notice is that I don't have any jewelry laying around. That's only because I recently found a new home for all of my necklaces. Check it out here. Prior to this, I had tangled necklaces all over the counter and in my drawer. Makes a world of difference to get them out of the way!
And after...
I received the jewelry organizer from my husband for Christmas. I'm using it to house jewelry and make-up.
And the bathroom drawer...
I didn't take before pics, sorry. The drawer was so messy I was embarrassed to post a pic. I purged a lot of my make-up, relocated the rest, and cleaned the plastic bins. Looks great now!
I wonder how long it will stay this clean?
More random pics...
Hoping to keep it clean. We shall see.
Next up in Project Declutter 2012 are the bathroom cabinets under the sink. Who knows what I will find under there, lol!
Good luck to all who are using the New Year to declutter and get organized!!
A new year is upon us. A time for reflection and new beginnings. A time for goal setting and new year's resolutions (and hopefully you have some great ones!).
But, a different thing has been sitting on my mind the past couple of weeks as 2011 came to an end. It's not what my new year's resolutions will be or what new goals I have for 2012 (which I do have some), but what is my Legacy?
As part of a leadership program at work, I was asked to read Maxwell's "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership". The last law is The Law of Legacy. Although the book and chapter is focused on business and leadership, the principle is very easily translated to personal, everyday life.
What is my Legacy? How will family, friends, and acquaintances remember me after I'm gone? What do I stand for? Am I living a life that will enable me to leave a positive legacy?
So, this year my main goal is to reflect on the above questions and make sure that my thoughts and actions fulfill the Legacy I want to leave.
I challenge you to reflect on this and define what you stand for. Write it down and live by it every single day... What is your Legacy?
