Just Kicking It:)

Did you guess what type of class I'm not taking?!?!  The hint I gave you was a pretty big one;)

Well, if you guessed kickboxing then you are correct!!! Sorry, I don't have any prizes or anything like that for you:(  You can just have the satisfaction of being correct!!!

Via

This class not only has kickboxing, but weight training as well.  It's a local class called BodyFit.  It's definitely not like Crossfit.  I wish someday I could do that!!  When I first started this class, I seriously felt like a fish out of water, I kid you not!!  The instructors were/are awesome and always tried to help me as much as they could, but even with their help, I felt like a fool!!!  I didn't give up though!  I pushed through and I kept on going!

These classes were WAY different than what I was used to!  I was used to running, taking Zumba, using the stair master, and elipitical.  These workouts consisted of different hit and kick combos on the bag, along with mitting up with a partner, from anything to burpees, jump squats, weighted walking lunges and so on!  I would stand in the class the instructor would be like:  "This is your hit combo 1, 2, 5, 6"  (she would show us) and then she would give us 30 seconds to hit the combo on our bags.  I just stood at my bag and watched everyone else.  I had NO clue what 1,2, 5,6 meant.  So, I just punched whatever, just as long as I was moving.  The weight lifting part of class was even worse for me.  I know that this is terrible and I'm ashamed to admit this, but I didn't even know what a bicep curl or hammer curl looked like!!  For the first month, (I think) the instructor repeated the directions about 4 times just for me, since I looked like a fool and a deer in headlights.

The first couple days more like the first week or two, I woke up and seriously had to have my husband pull me out of bed!  My WHOLE body was sore every where!!!

Via

PIN-teresting Finds:):)

So lately, I have been pinning up a storm, but I guess that's not really anything new!  I have been finding all sorts of neat pins.  Pins from working out inspiration to outfits that I completely adore.  There really is no rhyme or reason to what I have been pinning...if I find it interesting then I PIN it!

I wanted to share with you all some pretty A-mazing pins that I have come across:)  These are pretty random....

You all know how I LOVE different ideas for painting your finger nails and I just fell in love with this idea!  It reminds me of spring and I think these colors are really in this season:)

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How adorbs are these?!?!?!  I just don't know if I could make the anchor.  It looks a little on the challenging side:-o

Not only am I HUGE fan of finger nail polish, but I heart anything dealing with makeup, especially eye shadow.  I don't know how many places or times you could try this, but isn't it just awesome?!?

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The colors are so bright and fun!!!

I could be considered an addict for accessories because I have so many bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and etc.  This watch is rocking, but my favorite is the bracelet!!  I want to find a "believe" bracelet because I need to be reminded daily or whenever I feel that I need it, to believe in myself, and the things that I can accomplish:)  Since starting this weight loss journey, that is what has gotten me to where I am now!  Anyways, here it is.....

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Pretty amazeballs!!!

Like I said, accessories = happy me:)  I also found a unique scarf!  I've never seen a scarf quite like this one before.  Isn't it just darling?

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Click on the link and it will bring you right to the Etsy shop where you can purchase this scarf! I just may have to invest in it:)  We'll see!

Which brings me next to an outfit that would be completely cute to wear for summer!!!

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The color combo is out of this world!!!  These type of necklaces make such a statement and I would really like to get one for myself:)

I'm going to do a complete 180, but here is a winter/snow bunny outfit.  

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Never really thought grey and beige would go together, but this totally works!!!

Coral is another color in which I love!   This dress is perfect! I love how it flares out and is so flowy:)

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And girls just have to have TONS of shoes.  How about adding this one to your collection?

GOAL!!!!

Yes, I have yet another goal to share with you all!!!  I need to have goals to work towards in order to help me stay motivated and to keep on losing that weight.  Our Live Healthy Iowa, Weight Loss Strippers, have decided to enroll in a 5K April 6th around our area that we live in.  We are going to do this as a team and be there for encouragement!

My goal is to finish with a faster time than what I had when I ran my 2nd 5K this past fall.  I believe I ran it in 30 minutes 50ish seconds.  So far, I am able to run straight through a total of 1.5 miles at 6 mph.  Now, this isn't the best, BUT I do have quite a while to prepare for this.  It's harder for me to run when I have to run on the treadmill.  Iowa weather isn't really the best for running during the winter months.  I know it's pretty obvious why I don't, but I want to share anyways.  1. it's freezing cold!!!  I don't do that well with breathing, especially now, when I run outside in cold weather.  2.  I'm always afraid of slipping on ice or snow when I run during the winter months.  I guess, I'm just a little baby when it comes to that; instead I chose to run inside on a treadmill!  It isn't the most ideal, but it will work for now until it warms up and there isn't any ice or snow around!

As you all know, I love Pinterest and find so many neat pins on there!  I pin way more than I need, but times like these, I can always go back through and look to see what pins could help me for whatever I need them for:)  So, I want to share with you some different websites that I found that might help out beginning runners, like me!

Here is some info on running from a great blogger, Skinny Meg!

Running Tips

If you were looking for a great weight loss blog and inspiration, then definitely check this one out!!!  She is awesome:)

Runner's World is a site that gives in info on, you guessed it, running!

Do you want to Rock Your Run?

Rock Your Run!

If you want to rock it, (and who doesn't want to???) then check out this article!!!

Beginning Running Tips

She has quite a few different posts about running, be sure to check her blog out:)

Here is the ultimate link!  101 Running Tips:):)  This is another great post that gives a TON of advice on running!!!!

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The name of this post says it all!!!  Go and check it out:)

So there you have it!!!  Just a couple useful websites that I thought that I would share with you all:):)  I hope that you find some new information that will help you, as it did for me!

Thanks for stopping by:):):)

Until next time!!!!

Flashback!

Whenever we have get togethers or just hang out with friends, I sometimes feel like I could be a paparazzi because of how many pictures I take!  I'm clicking pics all of the time because I don't want to forget those memories.  I also just LOVE taking pics!  Since I take so many pics, I'm constantly going through my old pics that I have taken and organizing them into folders and so on.  As I was organizing tonight, I came across some older pictures and I couldn't believe what I saw!  I know that I have posted many different photos of myself and my weight loss, but this just puts everything into perspective for me again!

So, I'm going to flashback to March of last year!

That is me 40 lbs heavier!

See that girl sitting right next to me....she is the one who inspired me, got me motivated, and helped me start this weight loss journey!  I owe her TONS of thanks!!!  She has lost a total of 60 lbs I believe in a matter of 2 years or so!  I will post her after picture down below.  She started trying to loose weight back in 2010 sometime...so this picture isn't the best picture to show how much weight she has lost, but you can definitely tell!

A completely different person-inside and out!

This is us now!!!!

 I never really thought about this before, but together we have lost a total of 100 lbs!!!!  That could almost be 1 adult....almost....  That is just A-mazing and crazy to think about it that way!  Soon, it will be a total of 120 lbs that we will have both lost, once I loose 20 more pounds.

I just wanted to give a HUGE shout-out and thanks to this girlie right here:)  Thank-you soo much, you have helped me with beginning this weight loss journey and changed my life forever:):):)

Here's to staying on track and continuing to shed those last 20 lbs!!!

Thanks for stopping by:):):):)

Until next time!!!!!

Side-tracked:(

I have been dreading this post for the past couple weeks, but I haven't really mentioned it..figuring that I would turn it around!

Via

 So, here I am now, telling you all, I have gained about 10 lbs:-0  I have been dreading to accept the facts that I have stepped off of the bandwagon!  This holiday season has been hard for me, to say the least!  Ever since I went to Florida, I have gained 10 lbs because of all of the holiday parties and get togethers.  I wanted to post this, so I will be held accountable and also to motivate me to keep on pushing on; even if I had a minor side-track!  I will not get down on myself,especially since I have come clean, BUT I will try my best to eat healthy and make healthy choices:) As long as I learn from my mistakes and just move on, I think that will be the best!

There will be ups and downs, but I can't give up and for those of you who are on this same journey with me, neither can you!   Never give up!!!  Brush yourself off, pull yourself back up, and keep on trying to reach for your goal!  I just have to keep on trying to make the right choices:)  I want to be the healthiest self I can be:)

Via

When I first started this journey, I wanted to lose 60 lbs in 6 months and to tell you the truth, I thought I could do this!  It was hard to lose 40 lbs in 6 months, yet alone 60!  I have also learned that plans can change and should be changed and if you don't make a goal by a certain time that's OK!  As long as I make it to my goal that is what matters!  My NEW plan and goal is to lose the rest of this weight by the beginning of March!  This is an attainable goal, I just need to set my eyes on the prize...lol!   I just came across this quote and I thought it was VERY fitting for what I'm going through right now:)

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I have gone through some hiccups along the way, but that's alright!  I'm ready to start fresh and get right back on track:)

Since I am talking about my journey, yet again, I wanted to thank you for ALL of your support along the way.  It truly has helped and kept me motivated:) 

Here's to jumping back on, staying on, and NOT giving up!!!

Thanks for stopping by:):):)

Until next time!!!!!

Day 25: Running Frees Your Mind!

There's no doubt about it, they don't say you get a "Runner's High" for nothing!  Running is one of my favorite exercises because it gives me the feeling like I can do just about anything!  That's probably one of the reasons why I love it so much:)  There are so many benefits from running such as: reducing the chances of stroke and breast cancer, helps with preventing bone and muscle loss, helps with general health, gives you confidence, releives stress, "Runner's High", helps to train your mind, and improves coordination!  Running offers many benefits, but you need to start off on the right foot and learn what is the best way to train yourself to acheive success!

Are you new to running and just want to find out the best tips to keep in mind?  Then here is the article for you!  It gives you all sorts of tips to help when you are starting:)

Beginning Running Tips

 Have you been running for a little while and want some new and more advanced tips then check out this next article!  You will be glad that you did:)

25 Rules to Running!

Day 26: It's All In the ABs!!!

It is always a good idea to workout out your core to get the perfect abs that you are looking for!  You could try cardio that targets the ab area such as Zumba!  Or you could try different exercises that target your core!  I have collected some different types of AB Exercises that you could try out and use on a daily basis!

A-mazing core workout!

Via

Another 10 lbs lost!

It's hard to believe that it's been close to 3 months since I started my weight loss journey!  I am currently down 29 lbs from 197 lbs:)  This means I only have 31 lbs more to go before I get to my goal of 137 lbs!!!  Hip-hip-hooray:):):)  I know that I have lost weight, but can't believe it's 29 lbs gone! 

This has been a great feat and it will even become a much bigger one by the time I reach my goal at the end of December:)  Since I lost another 10 lbs from my comparison picture that I posted here.  I'm going to do another comparison pic, so you can see the difference of what 20 lbs lost looks like.

Looking at these comparison pics, really puts things into prospective for me!  20 lbs is quite a big change! I just wish that I took a picture when I was at 197 lbs!


About less than 1 month ago, I searched my closet to see what clothes(my "skinny" clothes) fit me.  I knew how much weight I lost according to the scale, but as far as actually visualizing it and being able to give myself FULL credit for what I did was hard; until I started trying on my "skinny" clothes.  Now, my "skinny" clothes are a little loose on me and soon will be my "bigger" clothes!

When I put on a pair of pants that fit me a little snug when I was at my biggest and they practically fell off of me, I was brought to tears!  Right then was when it clicked for me that I lost that weight and what a change it had made!  All of that hard work and continued hard work is definitely being able to be seen.  Have any of you been in this same situation, where you don't realize how much you've changed until you try on those dreaded "fat" pants?

It makes me feel much more confident in myself, not only in my looks, but with my job, relationships with hubby, family, and friends:)  I know have a NEW outlook on life and it's much more positive!  Plus, I have LESS stress and don't worry about the small things anymore:)

My running plan is in full swing and I just ran a little under 2 miles tonight!!!  I'm soo pumped and excited about this!  I can't believe all of the things that my body can handle now that I've lost this weight.  I'm thinking about what else it can handle when I even lose more!

Here's to no longer having to dread wearing my "fat" pants and being more confident in myself!!!

Thanks for stopping by:):):):)

Until next time!!!!!

Small Changes = New Me!!!!

I have been trying to make small changes along this weight loss journey and making small substitution of healthier things I should be eating or drinking.  I thought I would share this all with you and maybe you could give me any other pointers that have worked for you:)

Via

 One thing that I have done is taken pop ALMOST completely out of my diet!  I drank a total of 1 maybe 2 pops in the last 3 months!!!  The weird thing, or I guess good thing, is that I used to drink 4-5 diet pops a day and last time I tried a diet pop, it tasted nasty!! I truly mean it too!  I didn't like the taste one bit.  I have tried Mountain Dew and I can't say the same about not liking that pop.  I still do like it, BUT I bought a can of it and didn't even drink the whole thing because it tasted too sweet and sugary! Some of you may be thinking, big deal, I do that all the time!  For me, that is HUGE because I ALWAYS drink all of my pop and never leave a drop left over, that's how I rolled before.  When I first tried to get rid of pop from what I eat/drink, it was pretty easy, but when I went to the store and I had this urge to grab a pop.  The only reason, I had this terrible urge was because that's what I did ALL of the time before.  If I went to Target, the mall, or Wal-mart then I would grab a pop for the road.  Now, I just grab a bottle of water which I can always drink more water and it makes me feel better because I do have something to drink and it's healthy:):):)

Via

Plan to Tackle My 5K

Happy Tuesday...well almost Wednesday:):)  You know what that means....we're almost halfway through the week!!!  Woohooo!!!!  Once the weekend hits then it's time for this girl to go camping!!  We are having a couple friends, so that means that we will be able to catch up on some things.

I don't know why, but today I was thinking....dammmn...I only have a little over a month to train for my 5K.  I better get my butt into gear!  Planning is my middle name, so I decided to make a running plan for each week until October 6th for The Color Run!

This is what I was thinking of doing by:

Sept 2nd - 1.25 miles
Sept 9th - 1.50 miles
Sept 16th - 2 miles
Sept 23rd - 2.5 miles
Sept 30th - 3 miles
Oct. 6th - 3.2 miles

I started running about 2 weeks ago and I think that I'm ready for this.  Plus, it helps that I have been weight training since June:):):):)  The only thing I'm a little worried about is that I'm heavier than what I was before when I first started running.  I don't want to pull a muscle or hurt myself....maybe I'll just have to really listen to my body and if it's hurting then just back off a little on the running!  You guys have been a great support for me and by writing this, it will make me feel more accountable for following through with this schedule!  Thank you guys for being my cheerleaders along the way:):)

Wanted to share with you all some random pics that I have been taking this past week:

Luc dog and I:):):)

This was this past Friday when we were on our way to go camping!!!  Lucy loves to go camping!

Delicious snack for the night!

Goal # 2 : The Color Run:):):)

These past few weeks have been going so well!  I thought it would be a struggle with working at school and working out, but I have been enjoying these past few weeks, even though they have been crazy!  I have stuck to my same routine that I did before school started during the summer and I'm pretty proud of that.  I haven't really cut back on my exercising:)  In fact, I have added something extra, going for runs/jogs!!!!

Via

When I went camping, I went with family and friends and one of my soon to be family members said something about The Color Run.  I have seen pictures on Pinterest before and I thought that it would be sooo neat be able to participate in it, but someone told me that it was only in Las Vegas.  So, I was a little bummed about it, but when i found out there is one semi-close to where I live now, I became ecstatic:):):)  We have formed a team that consists of: my friend, Dana, my sister(Mandy), my soon-to-be sister-in-law(Suzie), her friend, and my mom!  We are planning on going to the race and staying at a hotel for the night to relax, have some drinks, good food, and best of all catch up with each other!  I CANNOT wait until we get to do this!  I have been saying for the past 6 years, I need to start back into running and I never did until now.

Via

 "The Happiest 5K!"

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I love the feeling you get when you are finished with a run in general, but a run in a race is A-mazing!  There is just sooo much energy at a race it's crazy!  So, my newest goal is to run the full 5K in The Color Run and to feel great afterwards:)  I know that I can do this because I have done this before.  I just need to keep on training and no matter how tired I get to keep on keeping on:):):)  That's my new motto "Keep on, Keeping on!"  Never give up on your goals, or yourself because if you truly set your heart into something you can accomplish it!!!

Here's to setting goals and and remembering "the feeling" when you get to accomplish them:):):)

Thanks for stopping by:):):):)

Until next time!!!!!!!

New Lifestyle Change!

Happy Friday everyone!!!  It's a very happy Friday for me because I went for a walk, lifted weights, and biked at the gym and finished all before 11 am:)   For me that's great because before I started changing my lifestyle I would usually get up between 9-10 am!  It's also a great Friday for me because my best friend, I, and all of her bridesmaids are going to be going to look for bridesmaid dresses today:)  I'm excited for that because she is my best friend and  I love doing wedding things with her and because I won't be afraid or depressed about trying on the bridesmaid dresses!  My lil sis had a bridesmaid dress trying on and it was seriously horrific!  I couldn't fit into any of the dresses because they were all a size 12 or smaller.  I really felt like a stuffed sausage!

Via