Weigh In Wednesday

 

I’m linking up with one of my dearest blogging friends, Erin, for Weigh In Wednesday today.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve linked up for WIW.  It’s been quite some time since I’ve done more working out than just walking on the treadmill.

One of my New Year’s Goals is to work out at least 4 days per week.  I’d really like to make that 5 days a week but don’t want to set myself up for failure so giving myself a little time to get settled in to this new addition to my days.  I have started crossing off days on the calendar when I work out so at the end of the month I can see that I’ve accomplished my goal.  Visuals make all the difference with me. 

I have taken ‘before’ pics (that aren’t pretty) so hopefully at the end of this first month I’ll be able to see a little difference when I take another set of pics to keep my momentum going and keep me from getting frustrated that nothing’s happening.  Measurements and weight have also been taken and written down. All of that was very unsettling, especially the pictures.  I didn’t realize how bad it’s gotten again.  After having Tate I lost nearly 50lbs, 20 of that past my pre-pregnancy weight.  People noticed I was thinner and clothes fit much better.  Then I got pregnant, ate everything in sight, started drinking pop again and gained weight quickly.  Then I had the miscarriage and the holidays hit and the weight packed on even more.  I am still below my pre-pregnancy weight (barely) and I’m holding on to that with everything I’ve got.  But holy smokes, it’s terrible what that pop did to me!  I firmly believe that if I hadn’t started drinking that poison water again I’d not be in nearly as bad a position as I am right now.  But I did drink it and am reaping the ‘rewards’ for that.

So, what has been my work out of choice?  Jillian.  Again.  She gets results from that darn 30 Day Shred.  I have gotten results from it before. I pulled it out of the back of the cabinet, dusted it off and popped that baby in on Monday.  And I kicked it’s butt!  Ok, so I had to stop twice to use the bathroom (I will be needing to do Kegal’s like mad if I’m going to keep doing all those jumping jacks!!!) but those were quick breaks and I jumped right back on it. Yesterday same thing – I powered through the best I could (with only one bathroom break, lol!) and crossed off that day on my calendar.

Eating healthier goes hand in hand with ‘getting in shape’ and is essential if you’re going to lose any weight.  I made some roasted cauliflower for supper Monday night and got a thumbs up from even my pickiest eater (my husband).  Now if I could get him to love Brussels sprouts as much as I do. 

Today my Polar should be arriving in the mail! I can’t wait to strap that baby on and see what I burn while doing the Shred.  I’ve been wanting one for quite some time, always get a little jealous when I see all the pictures of them on IG and FB.  I hope I’m not totally disappointed in what it tells me.  Any advice or tips on using it?  I believe it’s the Polar FT4.

What are you doing to shape up in 2015?  Any advice on using my Polar?  Healthy side dish recipes you can share?

 

 

#TrackTheTank // What Motivates Me

The #TrackTheTank Ruffles With Love tank top has arrived at my house!  Tia at Hands On Pants Off and Candra from Camo and Lipstick put together this awesome giveaway where the tank gets passed around from blogger to blogger.  When we receive the tank we sign it with a little motivational message, then send it on the next blogger.  Once it makes it through all the bloggers there will be a big giveaway for this amazing motivational tank!

In the meantime, once we receive the tank we are to take a selfie with it then write a post about what motivates us.  Pretty cool, right?

So, here's my 'selfie' with the tank.  No, I'm not in the picture, mostly because I didn't have my hair or makeup done and no one wants to see that!

So, what motivates me?  My family. 

I want to be healthy for them.  I want to be active for them.  Having 3 boys means playing football, soccer, basketball, and baseball in the yard and driveway.  I can't be out of shape and keep up with them, can I?  No way!

Another motivation?  How I feel in my clothes.

I didn't realize how 'bad' I looked until after having Tate, when I lost all of my pregnancy weight plus another 20lbs!  I saw pictures of me with the extra weight and without and holy smokes, I couldn't believe the difference!  I never want to go back to that old weight again.  Shopping is more fun when clothes actually fit and don't look all that bad on you!  Looking in the mirror isn't as upsetting when you feel better about yourself.  I'm not saying I don't want to keep on losing more weight, I still have a little way to go until I'm at a weight I would feel more comfortable with, but where I'm at is better than where I was.

Stay tuned to the blog for the big giveaway -- the girls are hoping to have it going by year's end. 

What motivates you??

Virtual 5k

 

My sweet friend, Des, from Macke Monologues, is co-hosting a virtual 5k.  For some reason I momentarily lost my mind and signed up. 

Des is hosting a link up for those who signed up where we can write down our plans on how we’re going to get ourselves ready for this 5k. 

Let me back up and tell you my ‘running story’.  About 2 years ago or so I started the Couch to 5k program.  I didn’t make it very far into it because 1.) I had shin splints like crazy and it took me a bit to get over those and 2.) I got pregnant.  Then I lost that baby at 21 weeks gestation. After healing from that a bit I decided to start the C25K program again. This time I had a treadmill and it made it so much easier on my legs.  I actually completed it! I felt so good. The first time after that (just a few days later) I jumped on the treadmill to try cranking out a 30 minute run, which I had just done at the end of that program, I barely last 5 minutes.  Say what?!?  I was so mad at myself.  I tried again the next day, same thing.  What happened?  Guess what, I was pregnant again.  I didn’t have any endurance built up, combine that with the exhaustion of my 1st trimester and I just didn’t have it in me to run. 

Now I have Mr. Tate, who is 5 1/2 months old, and I have no excuses not to try running again.  I have wanted to run a 5k for a very long time, and my sister has asked me to run a couple with her but I have not been ready to try getting to that point again … until now.  This virtual 5k is the perfect way for me to get in gear and actually run a 5k without the scariness of someone watching me the first time. 

I can’t decide if I should do C25K again or if I should just gradually lengthen my run time with walking, similar to what the program does.  Any suggestions?  I have less than 8 weeks, the program is 9 weeks long, although I would probably just attempt to run/walk every other day so would speed up the time frame of C25K.  What do you all think I should do? 

I’m giving this running thing one more shot.  If it doesn’t ‘catch’ then I’m going to get T25 and really kick my ass. #djv5k

 

 

Weigh In Wednesday

 

Linking up for Weigh In Wednesday today. 

Sunday I started the 30 Day Shred with our friend Jillian Michaels.  Let me tell you, it was HARD to get started.  Getting started is the hardest part for me.  It was a Sunday, a day for relaxing with my family, lounging around, doing yard and house work.  Not a day for starting a workout routine. 

As the hours ticked by I kept thinking how I needed to do it. But we were busy, gone for most of the day and I had no idea when I’d fit it in. 

You guys were in the back of my mind the whole day.  I knew if I didn’t get started like I said I would there’d be hell to pay.  Finally, at 8:00 Sunday night, I started the workout.

Andy was outside watering in some new bushes and grass we planted, the boys were in bed and Tate was playing on his play mat.  I barely got into the first circuit when Tater started crying.  I thought maybe I could get most of it done before he really got upset, but no, Tate had other plans.  I had to rock him to sleep, which took forever, before I could get back to the workout.

I really wanted to just give it up for the night, but again, you guys were on my mind.  So I started it back up and finished the workout. 

I have to admit, I ‘phoned it in’, as Jillian would say.  I didn’t push myself to do it all, I took breaks during some of the cardio parts, wimped out doing the lunges, but I finished it. (Why are the jump ropes so hard for me to do? KILLS my calves!)

Monday’s workout was better but I again had to stop midway to take care of Tate.  I started wondering how I was going to get any benefit out of working out if I had to stop in the middle every time.  I wimped out a few times but came back to it after getting Tate settled again.

Tuesday was even better.  I made it through the whole thing without having to stop for Tate.  I maybe wimped out a couple times to take a quick break but jumped right back in after the burning stopped (and I chugged some water and air!). 

I am already feeling stronger all over, I love that feeling!  After Tuesday’s workout my legs didn’t feel like jello as bad as the first 2 days.  I am not doing any of the modified versions of the exercises except for the pushups.  Overall I am doing pretty well I think.

I still have not found time to measure myself, which stinks because I think that is where I’ll see the most difference, more so than on the scale.  I need to get that done ASAP!

My NSV of the week is that 2 of my friends’ husbands noticed I’ve lost weight!  I was blown away when they both asked about it.  No one has mentioned it (except for one super sweet friend who is always full of compliments and of course my amazing husband), not even my mom or sister, so for these 2 guys who don’t see me that often to notice? Well, that made this girl feel pretty good and made me want to try even harder. 

What NSV are you most proud of?  What do you do to keep yourself going when you just want to give up?

She’s Baaaa-ack!

 

It’s time to get my butt in gear.  Tate is almost 4 months old, enough with the excuses.  To jump start my fitness journey I will be doing the 30 Day Shred again.  Yep, good ol’ Jillian Michaels. 

Sunday is June 1st and there are 30 days in June so what better time to get started?  Who wants to join me? Anyone else need a push and want someone to help push, motivate and encourage them?  I could definitely use all of that from someone and I’d be willing to give that to anyone else who needs the help. 

Saturday I will be taking my ‘before’ measurements, weight and pictures (heaven help me).  I will also be setting some goals for myself, which scares the heck out of me.  I am scared of failing and everyone knowing about it.  Time to put those fears aside and get with the program.

Who’s joining me?

Another Giveaway?!? YES!!!

I have been bragging all week about how awesome Tia is, she gave me the blog makeover of my dreams!  Now it’s your turn to be the lucky one!  Tia and I are teaming up to give one of our readers a redesign for their blog.  Here’s what you will receive with the package:

The rafflecopter is at the bottom of this post, be sure to sign up!  Tia is so fun and easy to work with, you will love what she can do for you!

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Now for Weigh In Wednesday.

I haven’t weighed in for a few weeks.  Last I knew I had lost 40lbs since having Tate, and I am down 1 or 2 pant sizes, depending on what brand of jeans I am wearing that day. 

What have I done to lose the weight? Not a darn thing but breastfeed the little tot.  I know how incredibly lucky I am to have lost that much weight without lifting a finger but now the hard work starts so I can lose another 20.  I haven’t been very dedicated to working out.  In fact, I’ve been pretty lazy about it.  I want to workout but that motivation isn’t there, which is weird because shouldn’t the motivation come from wanting to lose 20 more pounds?  My eating isn’t very great, either.  Too many goodies in the candy bowl,and now it’s even fuller from Easter. 

Andy and I definitely enable each other where bad eating habits are concerned.  After the boys go to bed at night and we settle in to watch TV one of us always talks the other into having a snack, which consists of junk.  This is something that has to stop if either of us are going to lose weight.

I do have some NSV’s to share.  First, my wedding ring slips on and off much easier now.  Before I got pregnant I could barely pull it off, now it is much easier. 

Second, people keep paying me compliments on how great I look after having Tate.  They are noticing the weight loss, always a bonus!

Third is the jeans thing.  It’s so great to pull out my old jeans (although they aren’t trendy) and have them zip up without having to suck it in.

I say it over and over, but it is time to get my exercising on track.  I need to get that in place, then I can work on the eating.  In the meantime I’ll try to get as much water down as possible and work more fruit and veggies into my diet. 

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Now here’s the rafflecopter for the blog re-design giveaway!  It’s open through Friday, we’ll announce the winner on Monday! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weigh In Wednesday

Is there even a WIW anywhere anymore?  I know there is a Follow Up Friday, maybe I should have waited to write this post until then.  Well, here it is.

I started working out again yesterday.  I started with 15 minutes of a 30 minute weight loss exercise that’s programmed into my treadmill.  Tater didn’t let me get any further than that.  I came upstairs to calm him down, then did some leg work.  I have an April ‘Butt’ challenge pinned on Pinterest (follow me!) that I used for inspiration, basically doing lunges and squats every day, each day increasing the number.  I also did some planks.  Total I worked out for maybe 22 minutes, but it was a definite start!

Today back to the treadmill.  I decided I’d try running some, see what I could do.  If you remember, last year I completed the C25K program, which means I ran for a total of 30 minutes straight.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to start off doing that, so set a goal to run 3 minutes, walk 2.  I did that twice, with a 5 minute walk to warm up, before Tate once again interrupted my work out.  Same thing as yesterday, I came upstairs to calm him down, then did the ‘butt’ workout and some more planks.  Again, about a 22 minute total workout. 

So, this, compared to most, is nothing, not even called a workout.  But for me, for right now, it’s what I’m able to get in. 

As for the watching what I’m eating part?  I’m not focusing on that right now.  I will set myself up for failure if I try to do it all at once.  Let me figure out this exercising thing first, then I’ll start working on what I’m stuffing in my face.  I can say that since I can’t drink pop I am definitely not taking in the calories I used to before getting pregnant.  Do I still crave a Mt Dew after not drinking it for almost 5 months? YES!  I want one every.single.day!!!  I really thought by now that feeling of NEEDING one would have gone away, but no.  But as long as I’m nursing my little guy I won’t be able to have one because it upsets his sweet little tummy. I hope that’s long enough for me to get over this addiction to pop and not go back to drinking it again.

And that’s my #WIW post.

Have a great day!

Erin

Downer Monday

I swore I wouldn’t talk about my weight on here anymore because it’s always so depressing, but today I need you gals and your supportive words.  I went a whole week without any pop, not even a sip of Andy’s.  I exercised 5 out of the 7 days, ate healthy and GAINED 3 POUNDS!!!  That officially makes me the heaviest I’ve ever been.  What is wrong with me??  I am so angry, I don’t know why I am even trying.  If I can eat what I want, drink pop, be lazy and stay the same weight as when I work out, eat healthy and don’t drink pop then why work so hard?  I have been trying so hard since March and I haven’t lost a single pound!  How is that possible???  I am so frustrated, I just want to give up.  I am tired of being fat but no matter what I do it doesn’t help.  I feel doomed to be fat and ugly for the rest of my life.  I don’t want to be, I don’t want to feel like this anymore, and I’m trying to not look like this but it isn’t working. What am I doing wrong??  Why can’t I lose any weight? Why does it seem to work for everyone but me? 

Helpless and hopeless,

Erin

Let’s Get Physical Link Up– Part 1

 

Monday, June 3rd:

I am starting this post on the first day of this workout, Monday, June 3rd.  I figured if I didn’t start it I’d forget all of the nitty gritty good stuff come next Monday when it’s time for the actual link up.  So my first thoughts about doing this Yoga workout were “Cool! Yoga!!!  I’ve always wanted to do Yoga (and be good at it).”  Cut ahead to me actually doing it.  I actually pulled a muscle in my neck!!!  Ha ha, yea, not so sure that’s supposed to happen in Yoga!  It was during the first ‘”Harrrr!”, get mad, let it all out’ exhale.  I didn’t yell or make any noise, was just breathing, but I must have thrown my upper body down too fast or hard or something soooo yea, that wasn’t cool. And it didn’t feel good. And it wasn’t relaxing.  But I sucked it up, rubbed my neck for a bit and got back in it.  I only ran through it once, mainly because of my neck and the fact that I was sweating a little and my muscles felt like jelly.  I think if I can get the hang of it I’ll really like it!  Looking forward to Day 2 of this Yoga thing!

Monday, June 10th: 

I haven’t done the workout since last Monday.  Lame.  Life got in the way (and I was lazy).  Boo.  But I have it saved to my favorites so I can try it again sometime. 

Wrap Up:

I failed. Boo! 

Have a good week!

Erin

I Hate Naming Posts

Happy Wednesday, all! 

Baby bird update: THEY’VE HATCHED!!!  Well, 2 of them have hatched.  I see one more egg in there,  not sure where egg #4 is, possibly under the babies?  The boys were super excited to see them!

I found this gem when walking around Wal-Mart last night.

I wanted Sun-In SSSSSOOOOOOO bad when I was a kid!!!  But my mom wouldn’t let me get any, boo!  Now, knowing what I know, my advice is stay the heck away from that stuff!!! 

And I’m a day late and a dollar short, but going to answer the 2 ‘First Things’ from Halie and Hallie’s linkup from yesterday.

First aisle you hit up at the grocery store:  The way my store is set up, you only have the option of starting at the produce aisle (not a a bad thing!).  I am a creature of habit (and organization) so I have the same ‘route’ through the store, which means I start at the produce aisle!  Bananas are first up, then I go from there, depending on what I need – red peppers, lettuce, other fruits, more vegetables. 

First store you head to at the mall: Target.  Our Target is attached to our mall, so I always stop there first, which is probably dumb because I always walk out of there with multiple sacks which I then take to my car so I don’t have to carry them through the mall. 

 

I ran for 22 minutes straight last night!  Now, for most of you, that seems like peanuts, but for me I am so proud of myself!  But at the end I thought to myself “Jodi just ran 2 hours more than that!!!  How did she do it?!?”  Probably because she’s awesome and amazing (and, even though it doesn’t help with running, she’s so dang PRETTY!!! Gah, I’m jealous of her pretty looks!)! 

The weather is GORGEOUS finally, Bren, Baby A and I are heading to the park this morning to meet up with some friends. 

My good friend, Mama Chrissy, and her family are adopting a baby boy in July … if all goes well with the birth mother.  Will you all please pray for Chrissy and her family?  She is an amazing mom to little G and so deserves to be a mommy again.  Please and thank you.

And please pray for those 3 ‘girls’ who were abducted and held captive for the last 10 years, and for the babies they had there.  So so sad. 

Well, that was a random post!  Hope you survived the flip flopping from subject to subject!

Smile and say hi to someone you don’t know today, it’ll make you and them feel good!

Erin

Debbie Downer Post

<a href="http://homemadehappenings-erin.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag134/aemcguire02/badge_link-up_04_21_2013-2_zpse2219f0f.gif" alt="button" width="350" height="350" /></a>

Hey there!  Please come back tomorrow and join us for our Celebrate Your True Beauty link up!  This is a challenge to all women to take a kind look at themselves and recognize what their true beauty is, OUTER beauty!  Just list 3 things about your looks that you think is beautiful.  Remember, this is TOMORROW!  Here’s a link to the segment from The Today Show last week, it’s really eye opening.

http://www.today.com/style/dove-ad-urges-women-see-themselves-others-do-1C9374244

I mentioned earlier that I was going to do a Prom link up, I am going to do that on Tuesday of next week – I hope you join in on the fun!

<a href="http://homemadehappenings-erin.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag134/aemcguire02/thCAF6VZZA_zpsbbf3ae92.jpg" alt="button" width="350" height="350" /></a>

*I’m going to warn you, this is a downer of a post and if you don’t want to be brought down with me abort now. Abort! Abort!

Today is Wednesday, which means I should be recapping how I did with my scheduled workouts I listed last week.  I did about 75% of what I said I’d do.  I’m being vague about it because since Saturday I have been in the major dumps about my weight and lack of loss.  I’m not even sure I have any NSV’s to fall back on, except maybe running 20 minutes straight this week.  I am feeling defeated in the weight loss department and it has sent me into a downward spiral straight towards depression.  I’m not mentioning this for sympathy, I am mentioning it so you understand why I am not being specific about my workout recap and to let you know I am not going to be posting about this stuff anymore….for awhile.  I’m tired of feeling ugly, tired of feeling so rotten about myself.  It gets worse with each passing day.  I can’t understand why, if I’m putting the work and effort in, I am not getting any results.  I’m angry.  I am not giving up on trying, just giving up on thinking something is going to happen for the good in that area of my life.  I’m done.  Please, no hate mail, no ‘you can do this’ mail – I couldn’t bear it right now.  I also can’t bear reading all of your blog posts about how you are all losing weight, all succeeding, all making it happen for you when I can’t.  Just being honest.  Call me a bitch if you will, stop reading if you want.  I am so happy for all of you and so not happy for me.  I just figure I should be honest with you.  Is that mean?  I don’t mean to be.  As you can probably tell from reading this I am in a dark place right now.  Debbie Downer, sorry not sorry.  I hope to get out of this funk soon, because already I’ve been in it for too long and it’s affecting my house and my family. 

I will see you back here tomorrow for the link up.

Erin

Holding Me Accountable

Happy Wednesday!  Wow, this week is scooting right along, isn’t it?!?  Let me start by begging for your votes so I can win a blog makeover from Hubby Jack.  Just follow this link and leave a comment with my name and blog address.  Thanks dolls!  I appreciate it!

So today is Weigh In Wednesday with Erin and Alex.  I signed up for Live Better America’s weekly newsletter a couple of years ago. They have awesome recipes that are healthy every week.  Two weeks ago the newsletter had this great article called “Fuel Your Workout”.  It came at just the right time for me because I was thinking about that.  I thought I’d share the link with you, it might be helpful for some of you, too.

Last week I was talking about how I couldn’t get past week 4 of the C25K plan, that I was so tuckered out during the last 5 minute run and couldn’t make it through it.  You guys gave me so much help on this!  I didn’t realize I was possibly running TOO FAST (say what?!).  So I slowed it down and guess what, I made it through the whole workout!!!  I was so excited!  So this week I am on week 5. I am anxious to see how the longer runs go. 

On a different note, I have been a little lax on working out over the last week or so.  I have wanted to hit the mill but just…haven’t.  Lame.  I have every intention of getting to the basement but once the baby comes I can’t. So that leaves evenings, and it seems we’ve been so busy in the evenings that I just haven’t gotten to it.  This does not mean I’m giving up, it just means I need to make it my priority more than I have been.  So, I am pulling a Mel and making my schedule and putting it out there for all to see.  I hope this holds me accountable. 

Wednesday: walk 30 min, Tank Top Arms workout, squats, lunges

Thursday: W5D2/C25K

Friday: walk 30 min, TTA workout, squats, lunges

Saturday: W5D3/C25K

Sunday: rest day

Monday: W6D1/C25K

Tuesday: walk 30 min, TTA, squats, lunges

In addition to this I am needing to get back on the water train.  I haven’t had any water for about 2 weeks, that’s pretty sad and disgusting.  No, I have not gone overboard on the Green Giant (Mt Dew), only 1 a day, I have just not been drinking anything.  Milk at meals and one Dew a day is all.  So, my goal for the next week is to get 32 oz. of water every day.  No, that is not enough but I can’t set myself up for failure so for the next week it is 32oz. per day, then I’ll up the goal. 

So, can I count on some of you to email/text/harass me to help me get back on track and stay on track with both the water and the workout? 

I hope you all have a wonderful hump day!  I’m planning to!

Erin

KLR

It’s Tuesday and I have nothing to talk about!  So I’m going to show you the Kiki La Rue skirt I’m going to buy today.

Navy Striped Skirt

I’m dying to get a maxi skirt and/or dress this summer so this will be my first.  So, what do I put up top?  My plan was a plain v-neck tee (white?) and a statement necklace.  Tell me if I’m going the wrong way with that, would you?

Here is one I am considering for the weddings I have this summer.

California Girl Hi Low Dress - Navy and Mint

The one I saw on IG yesterday is the one I really want but can’t find it on her website yet, so maybe she’s going to post it today. I hope!  I’m super nervous to order these because I’m worried about sizing.  These would be my first KLR purchases, I feel like a bit of a fashion fraud but hope I can pull them off!  Wish me luck and give me advice on the maxi skirt!  Oh, and what color shoes for the second one – nude?  Saw these this weekend and loved them.

Candie's Dress Sandals - Women

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So, can you believe it’s April already? I maybe could if it felt like April instead of February!  By the end of the week we are supposed to be in the mid 50’s, about time!  I cannot wait for park play dates again! 

I received a phone call last night from one of Aiden’s classmate’s mom’s.  She was inviting him to her son’s pool party this Saturday!  Aiden is so super excited and I am a tad bit nervous.  He is not a swimmer yet.  Luckily the birthday boy, Sawyer, is not either so I know Aiden will have someone else to play with in the shallow end.  There is a small indoor waterpark about an hour from here that they are going to so there are all kinds of water activities to play on and with so he probably won’t be in the big pool much anyway.  Poor Brennan was crying his little eyes out that Aiden was going to a party and he wasn’t.  Poor kid, he just wants to play with Aiden and the big kids!  Luckily his little pal, Luke, is having a birthday party in 2 weeks that just Brennan and I are going to so hopefully that will help when I tell him that. 

I’m starting Week 4 in C25K today!  I’m so glad I’ve stuck with it this far – almost half way!  But that scares the heck out of me because running the 3 minutes in W3 was super hard for me so I’m terrified of the longer and longer runs that will keep coming.  And my knees are starting to hurt when I run.  I really need to get fitted for running shoes, and pronto!  I hope that will help.  Any suggestions on the knees hurting from you runners out there?  It’s the side of my knee on the inside of my leg that hurts the most.

Well, I’ve rambled enough for one day.  Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have something more exciting to write about!  Help me with some fashion advice please!

Erin

Bloggity Blogs

I’m going to start today by hi-lighting a few bloggers who swapped buttons with me. 

First up, Becky from Fitzpatrick Follies.  I have only known Becky for a few weeks but I already adore her!  I talked about her in last week’s Blogger Crush post.  She blogs about her everyday life of being a mom, working and losing weight.  I just heart this gal! 

Here Comes Another Human is written by Vanessa.  Mom, wife, lover of Christmas!  If you can’t associate with one of those things I’m wondering why you’re reading MY blog! Ha ha!  Vanessa’s a sweetheart, stop by and say hello. (Plus, look at those sweet chubbies on her little gal – adorable!  Baby #2 due this September is sure to be just as sweet!)

The Divine Miss E, need I say more??  Who doesn’t know Erin from She’s A Big Star?  If you don’t, run (not walk) over to her blog and start following her!  I met Erin through Mama Laughlin’s Fit Camp over on Facebook.  Every day I’d see her posting comments and they were all so POSITIVE!  I instantly liked her and felt like I had to get to know her!  So somehow I found her blog and I’ve followed her ever since.  Seriously, folks, she is the MOST positive person I know.  And she co-hosts Weigh In Wednesday, which translates into ‘she’s on a weight loss journey like the rest of us’! 

I hope you check these gals out, they are all wonderful!

Tonight I am heading over to a friend’s house for a Lia Sophia Jewelry party.  Food, friends, fun – need I say more?  I am so excited to see some friends I don’t get to spend enough time with.  But I’m going to have to hurry home because the Hawkeyes play tonight.  The Big 10 Basketball Tournament starts today (yippee!), so I see a lot of basketball viewing in my future!  Its funny how you change your ‘likes’ as you grow.  I never liked basketball growing up, and didn’t even really like it when we first got married.  Now I love watching it, especially when its our beloved Hawkeyes playing!  I do NOT watch NBA, yuck, but college ball I love! So,on that note, GO HAWKS!!!

The baby I watch is wearing her St. Patty’s Day green today and OMG does she look cute!  I just love having her here, she’s 4 months old already and just sweet as pie.  She’s nice and chubby and I just love snuggling with her!  Sorry, no pics, she’s not mine to share.

Did anyone else watch the new Pope being announced yesterday?  Pope Francis I.  I’m excited for this new chapter in the Catholic religion.  But a little bummed out Cardinal Dolan didn’t get voted in, I really like that guy! 

I got my 2 a day workout in yesterday!  W1D2 of C25K was knocked out after I got the boys from school, RI30 I did last night after they were tucked into bed.  I feel pretty good today, not as sore as I expected to be.  I’m hoping to work in 2 workouts again today, but with going to the party tonight I’m not sure how I’m going to work it all in. 

Oh!  One last thing (sheesh, is this the most random post or what?!?), we finished The West Wing Tuesday night, which means we started The X-Files last night!  Uhhh, David Duchovny – soooo hot, want to touch the hiney! (Can you name the movie?)  Andy was not an XF watcher back in the day, but me? I was obsessed!  Loved that show!  So I am excited to watch it again.  I have this weird thing where if I’m scared I can’t have any of my skin showing (except my face), so I was huddling under a blanket when it started.  It wasn’t as scary as I remember it being, it made me giggle more than anything (probably because DD was strolling around there!).  But, it was SO GOOD!!!  Gah, I just love it and love that Andy’s watching it with me!

Okee dokee, I’d better stop this randomness and get moving.  The boys’ new beds are coming today so I need to get their rooms ready.  Yay!

Erin

Wednesday, Enuf Said

Hey there!  Can you believe its Wednesday already?  This week feels like it’s going so slow and at the same time, it’s already Wednesday!

First up, my workout recap.  Last night I pulled out JM and killed the RI30 workout.  I thought I remembered it being harder than this, maybe I actually made it to Level 2 last time and that’s where the difficulty began.  IDK, I will find out next week!  After I kicked butt with that I hopped on the treadmill and walked a sloooow 1 mile.  Not as far as I have been going, but I stuck with my plan for the day, so that is my NSV for Tuesday!  Today’s start is not so good in the eating department.  I have been starving for the last two days and this morning I just didn’t want to deal with it anymore, so I made a big glass of chocolate milk and had 2 pieces of toast for breakfast.  Fail.  But I have the rest of the day to make up for it!  I have MFP to help me get there.  That app seriously helps me, it makes me think twice about what I’m about to put in my mouth.  On the days I use it (I seem to fail on using it on the weekends) I seem to stay within my calorie allotment for the day. 

Thank you to everyone who has swapped buttons with me!  Take a look to the left at the buttons, click on them and give these gals some love!  First up, Mean Ang.  Ok, here’s a secret for you – Mean Ang is NOT mean!!! She’s actually super nice, funny and has a big Italian family, which totally intrigues me.  I should ask her if she has any Guido's (sp??) in her family! Ha!  She is working on getting in shape like so many of us (she is doing Mad Abs March with me and I talked her into trying a Spiderman push up this week, the emails back and forth about that one were hilarious!), and blogs about that, her daily life and her big, crazy Italian family.  This girl HAS to do a vlog soon so I can hear how she talks!  Stop over and say hello!

Life Happens:: Plan Accordingly.  This is Lauren, and she is beautiful!  I’m just going to copy and paste her own description because I just love it!

A 20-something year young Mama. Believer. Book Reader. SunDrop drinker. Sushi eater. Lover of all things that Glitter!

Sundrop drinker!  I die! Glitter? Yes, please! Anyway, I really like her and her blog so go on over and give her some love.

This is Kristen.  Gah, I just adore this girl!  Just take a look at her profile picture and you’ll instantly fall in love with her, something about her eyes!  Anyway, another mom who is working on getting fit (we’re everywhere!), she blogs about working out, her boys and her daily life.  Another great read, she has a great way of speaking through her blog. 

Please check these gals out, they are all awesome!

Well, Lovelies, I have a shit ton of laundry to do so I’d better get my butt moving for the day.  Happy Hump Day!  See you back here tomorrow!

Erin

Jewelry Review & Exercise

Hey there!  Tuesday.  Is there a song about Tuesday?  Monday has a song, Friday has a song, Saturday does, too.  Can’t think of one about Tuesday, though.  Hmm, maybe Holly can come up with one.  * Insert smiley face *

Today I wanted to tell you about some fun and INEXPENSIVE jewelry!  My cousin Shannon sells a jewelry line called Paparazzi Blingz and Thingz.  EVERYTHING IS $5!!!  EVERYTHING!!!  That’s ALL necklaces, ALL earrings, ALL rings, ALL bracelets! 

It is lead and nickel free so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. 

They also have a kid’s line.  Those bracelets are $2, rings and earrings $1.  You can’t beat these prices!  I have loved the pieces I’ve purchased, they look just as good in person as they do online. 

If you’re interested in purchasing some of the jewelry just visit her website. 

www.blingz-and-thingz.com

It will take you to a Facebook page.  Look at her photos and if you’re interested in anything just click on it and write ‘sold’ in the comments.  She’ll contact you from there. Oh, and tell her I said ‘hi!’.  And NO, I’m not getting paid for this review!  Shannon can ship to anywhere in the U.S. and I’m sure for any Canadian readers out there (Hey!!!) she could ship there too! 

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C25K, W1D1, DONE!  It went great.  It was so much easier running on the treadmill compared to when I started it last Fall outside.  Today I am walking and hitting RI30 with my girl Shelli.  Eek!  That one kicked my butt last year when I tried it.  I’m going to work my way through it this time, though, and in 30 days I will be able to say I finished it!  I’m also kicking butt on the March Abs Madness calendar.  I finally printed it off yesterday so I could ‘X’ out the days when I’m done.  I have changed the side plank to a regular plank because I couldn’t feel anything happening except for my arm wanting to break.  So I killed the plank for 25 seconds yesterday!  When I tried a plank back in November I could barely hold it for 5 seconds, so 25 is a HUGE improvement!  Yay for me! 

Here is the next Pinterest workout I’m going to do.  I’m not sure how or when I’m going to work this in yet.  Maybe on my C25K days I’ll do this, on my walking days I’ll do RI30.  I’ll figure it out as I go.

And some Pinspiration:

Have a great day!

Erin

Running Shoe Link Up

Good Tuesday, morning!  I’m linking up today with the most fabulous Mel and the amazing Laura for a running shoe link up. 

                      

Honestly, I should have passed on this one because I don’t own good running shoes but I hate to be the left out loser so here it is!

One thing I wanted to share or say about running – you don’t have to run to lose weight.  I have a good friend (a guy) who lost over 100 pounds in a year just by walking and eating better.  Seriously, he never went to a gym, never did anything extra, just walked 5-7 times a week and gave up eating out all the time.  100 POUNDS!!!!!  That’s amazing!  So, if you are having a hard time learning to run, or just hate to run period, WALK!!!  It is just as beneficial!

Thanks again to Mel and Laura for the link up!

Erin

Alone Again…Naturally

Thursday morning and I’m home alone.  The boys are at school and this house is quiet.  It feels so weird.  Kind of like the first day of school, I don’t quite know what to do with myself.  It was really hard dropping the boys off at school BUT I didn’t cry (a victory for me).  They were so darn happy to head back to school, that helped me be okay with coming home alone.  So now what to do?  Clean and get back on the exercise wagon.

Speaking of the exercise wagon, I have been a big fat failure on this.  Ever since I knew Andy and I were trying to get pregnant I've just kind of let it all go.  Stupid!  I know if I exercise all through my pregnancy it will be that much easier to lose the baby weight (and I’ll gain less baby weight, therefore having less to lose!).  I am tired of feeling fat, frumpy, pudgy and ugly.  The baby bump is starting to come out but all it looks like is a big, fat stomach because of all the stomach fat it is pushing out first.  It’s terrible and it’s bringing me down.  I’m to the point where I don’t want my husband to see me naked or without a shirt on.  I saw a picture of me from Christmas and holy cow, my face is so round and I have about 10 chins. 

It’s ridiculous that I have let this pregnancy be an excuse to not exercise.  Pregnancy doesn’t make me an invalid and I know it is very good for me and the baby if I do keep active and exercise.  So today is the day, my friends.  Today I start 20 minutes of cardio (Zumba) 3 times a week and 3 days a week of strength training (lunges, squats, arms).  I will continue to drink water and try to increase that amount to 64 oz. a day.  It’s hard enough for me to drink 32 oz. so 64 is going to be a big deal. 

Time to get off this computer so I can get moving!  First, though, I want to recommend a book to you.  It’s by Elin Hilderbrand, the title is ‘The Island’.  It’s a very good story with a little romance but no smut.  Check it out!

Talk soon!

Erin

Books, Battles And Bren

Thanks for the kind words and concern for my dear Brennan.  He is doing fine, a lot  less coughing last night but still some coughing.  I called the dr. this morning and she decided a liquid steroid for 5 days was the way to go, so I ran to town this morning to pick that up. He is home with me now and I have given him his first dose.  I wonder how long until he starts going bananas!  He hasn’t felt bad through this whole thing, so that’s been a blessing.  Hopefully by Monday his coughing is 100% gone.

Are you a reader?  Of books, I mean.  I am.  I have always loved to read.  When I was younger I read Nancy Drew mysteries,the Little House on the Prairie series, the Anne of Green Gables series, Babysitters Club, Fear Street and a lot of mysteries.  Now as an adult I’m into smut books (what my sis, mom and I lovingly call romance novels).  Nora Roberts is one of my favorites. Yea, I might know exactly how it’s going to go – they meet, fall in love, have a quarrel and get back together – but I just love the romance of it all.  Last year I read Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah for the first time.  Both very good authors, but heavy subjects.  You need to be in a very good place emotionally to pick one of those up.

My all time favorite adult book is ‘Summer Sisters’, by Judy Blume.  Yes, Judy Blume from “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret'”.  She was one of my favorite childhood authors.  I have not ready any of her other adult books, but ‘Summer Sisters’ is amazing!  It makes me so damn mad every time I read it (probably 7 or 8 time now) but that doesn’t keep me from reading it again.  If you’re looking for a good, easy read check it out.  You won’t regret it!

On a bummer note, I am taking some time off from C25K.  I tried running this morning and I felt like my shins were going to snap in half.  I consulted the gals over on ML’s Fit Camp and received some good advice.  So I am going to take a few days break from C25K and pick it back up Tuesday. I will continue with 30DS every day so am not giving up exercise all together.  And I am going to try getting some walking in there, too.  I feel like a loser and failure, but if I don’t get this pain addressed and corrected I am never going to be a runner like I want to be.

I am guest blogging over at Fitness Unscripted today.  It’s the same post I did here last week about starting C25K, but go check it out anyway!  Fitness Unscripted is a very motivating and encouraging blog.  If I feel like I’m slipping or just need an extra emotional boost I hop on over there and read and re-read their posts.  It’s great that we can all help each other in the suck-ass journey called ‘weight loss’.

Love to you all!

Erin

This, That And The Other

As I write this there are 2 repair guys in my kitchen looking at my dishwasher.  We have lived in this house for just over a year, and that thing has never really worked that great.  But over the course of the year it has progressively gotten worse.  It leaves my dishes cloudy, like really cloudy, it doesn’t get all the food off or deposits food from plates onto glasses, and during a certain cycle it hums SUPER loud.  For the last 6 weeks or so I have been hand washing all of our dishes.  Luckily I don’t mind hand washing the dishes.  So I finally called the repair man and he is here.  My guess is he will tell me I need a new one.  Great. (I’m secretly excited about this, who doesn’t love picking out new appliances??!!?)

Last night we went to the bank to sign closing docs on our refinanced mortgage.  Our appraisal came back higher than it was a year ago when we bought it (yay!!) so we got an super great rate (3.625%) for 30 years.  I’m happy to get that done, and it saves us $100 a month on our mortgage payment.

This morning was my W1D3 run for C25K.  I came up with a million reasons not to do it this weekend when I had planned to so now I’m behind.  I’m hoping to catch back up this week somehow.  This morning was in the 40’s when I headed out but I warmed up quickly.  I felt so much stronger while running today.  It felt amazing!  I didn’t get nearly as winded as last week, no side cramps, but my shins felt really sore.  There was one point where I wanted to cut it short but a voice inside me told me I could do it and to keep going, so I did!  During my most difficult point I composed a letter to Mama Laughlin in my head thanking her for the motivation she has given me.  By the time I was done ‘writing’ my letter C25k dinged her bell at me to start walking again, so ML helped me again without even trying!

Because of C25K and Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred I am already noticing changes in my body.  I feel sturdier, which is weird to say but that’s the only way to describe it.  I can already tell a difference in my chest (THANK YOU JM!!!), they are firmer, smaller and perkier (my husband thanks you, too, JM!!!).  *Side note: I am a busty girl.  I come from a long line of busty girls.  So to notice a better rack is huge for me! And, I should probably say, my husband doesn’t like the smaller part.*  So the pain and sweat is paying off.  I purchased JM’s Ripped in 30 today, looking forward to starting that.  I haven’t decided if I’m going to finish 30DS or just jump into RI30 for the Fit Camp challenge.  TDB.

(Repair man just left, sounds like a plumbing issue so will call the plumber next.  I guess no new dishwasher for me.)

Ok, ladies, time for 30DS.  Talk soon!

Erin