Share Worthy

I came across this today...I thought it was pretty interesting, to say the least. Even though the chart doesn't specify a certain pace for some of the activities...the overall concept is just crazy. Like are eating these foods or letting yourself "cheat" really worth it? Yikes!

*Side note: I'm not really sure how credible Women's Health is*

So on that note...Happy Wednesday, everyone! 

Back From Las Vegas!

Although, I am sad to be back...My bank account is probably happy. As well as my body from the lack of protein. Ha.

We had such a good time in Las Vegas! 

Night 1 dress from Ayden Lee in Ames

Door sign...pretty clever

Poolside...I didn't mess around when it came to the pool. I was there the second it opened! (Hence why there aren't many people there yet)

Have you ever had one of these? SO good! Even though there is no protein in this, I found it very refreshing :) I mixed blueberry rum and bellini champagne in mine. 

Night 2...disco ball. 

I took Anna to The Hotel to a lounge called Mix. It's on the roof and this is the view from it. I loved this.

Then I surprised her with a limo, champagne, and a we toured The Strip.

Then to the Bellagio for the fountains. I loooooove the fountains! Then we were off to a club called Surrender *one of my favs*

Night 3...a little more comfy!

Night 3 consisted of eating at 1842 at MGM and going to Hakkasan...easily in my top 3 favorite clubs in Vegas. Anna & I sat in the airport yesterday, tired, but giggled the entire time, plus an hour delay, about all of the memories we made during the weekend. One including that someone thought I said my name was Mary...so they spent the entire conversation calling me Mary. (Really tested my "poker face")

I absolutely love Las Vegas...the atmosphere, the people, the lights, how you lose track of time... I'll be back soon!

*Side note: I NEVER take selfless...so this was a first...don't judge me!*

Send Off

HI! It's Thursday...Thursday! Do you know what that means? My Friday! Holler! (I hope you giggled that I 1. Said holler and 2. that I actually spelled it out.)

I can't even describe myself today. I feel like I'm on cloud nine.

I was going to pack for Vegas last night...did that happen? Nope. I'm not too mad about it I suppose. I feel like I need to take a moment and answer some of my 4,000 questions...

1. What quality do you like most in a person? Humor. Gotta have it.

2. Who is one childhood friend that you would like to know what happened to? There was a girl, that was my friend in 3rd and 4th grade...Alaina Gill. I stayed at her house one night and went to hang out with her a couple days later and they were just gone...I remember exactly how sad I felt.

3. Have you ever performed in public and did you enjoy it? I was on my high schools dance team...I craved to perform. One of the best feelings I have ever experienced...walking on, performing, and walking off the floor at state. ugh...if only I could do that again!

4. What new dance styles would you like to learn? I took ballroom in college and would love to develop all types more.

5. What hobby would you like to make into a career? Fitness, for sure. I really love what I do, working at the gym. And I love to help others reach their goals. badda bing, badda boom.

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By the way, I had scan 4 yesterday! It's been a month since I started Strength. I had great results, to say the least. I was so happy with the outcome of the scan...I was down in measurements, body fat percentage, weight, and excess body fat. I was up in lean body mass—which was actually my favorite thing to see!

I am so happy with where I'm at. Even if it's little progress—I'm headed in the right direction.

I will be out for the weekend & this is my send off for a few days...Vegas!

PS—If you have a few minutes...watch this video and really listen. It will change your life.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1404171213140085&set=vb.268089803206979&type=2&theater

4,000 Questions

Happy Monday! I'm back from a crazy busy weekend of working and very little sleep!

I went to a cute boutique in a neighboring town to my hometown over the weekend. I usually skip looking at the little knick-knack stuff...but a certain book caught my eye.

It's basically a book for "20 questions" but 4,000 of them! I spent a lot of my "down time" this weekend reading some of the questions. There are different categories and then some would you rathers, what was the worst _____, what would you do if _____, ect. A majority of the questions I read, I have never thought about. Definitely some good mind and brain exercising. Some questions were deep and brought out certain memories and emotions, and some definitely made me laugh out loud.

Before blogging today, I picked out some questions to answer via blog.

1. Could you sketch your family tree? Unfortunately, no. I could do from my grandparents down on my moms side, as well as my dads. It's something I am very interested in researching.

2. Dress like your parents or act like them? Honestly...I'm pretty sure I act like them in certain ways. Like asking a ton of questions at once or laughing at everything. ...Or possibly my stubbornness. We're working on that! I love the "rainbows" out of my parents...they've done a superb job on raising me so acting like them isn't a bad thing.

3. What's your favorite thing to put on after work? Simple...workout clothes.

4. Is it possible to live with no regrets? I know this a common statement made by many...or now-a-days known as "YOLO." (Insert my scowl) But, I think there is at least one thing that everyone can say they regret doing. It's a matter of how we change it from happening again and learn from the situation. Then you can consider a learning experience instead of a regret.

5. What worries you the most? I try not to worry about my worries...see what I did there? Anyways...what I worry about is losing my parents/close family/friends, losing my job (which usually doesn't exactly cross my mind a lot), and losing my eye sight just to name a few.

6. Are you jealous of other people's success? Some time ago I would have said yes, without hesitating. Over the past year, I've learned to embrace others success. Incorporating their success into my life and help build myself as a better person. I'm a much happier person accepting and celebrating others' success then sitting around and stewing about it and how it didn't happen to me. Happy people make me happy!

7. Have the power to fly or disappear? Such a toughy! I was just talking about this with some friends last week...although flying would be pretty sweet...I think disappearing takes the cake!

8. What are some things that make you happy? (As above) Happy people, exercising, traveling, overcoming challenges, and spending time with friends and family. And I absolutely LOVE dancing and miss it so much! Oh...and my cat! :)

9. What is a behavior you cannot abide? Rudeness or negativity/self-pity. I have come to have a 0 tolerance for these two things. Whether it's from myself or someone else. If it is me that's doing either of those things, I try to correct it instantly. If it's someone else, I will respond with kindness...if they don't catch on...I'm done.

10. What transitions in your life have taught you the most? 

• Growing up with two families (I'm very thankful for this!)
• It's not necessarily a transition, but being on my high schools dance team helped me grow as a person and developed my confidence—having to perform in front of thousands of people
• Moving away to college right after high school...adjusting to change (BIG change)
• Different jobs I had throughout my younger years (lifeguard, server, bartender, babysitter, ect.)
• Moving to a different town, where I didn't know anyone, to work after college
• Surrounding myself with people that are positive and supportive instead of pessimistic and toxic

And just to spice things up...I'll throw in another...

11. What is the most bizarre/surreal thing you have ever seen? Besides the super infected rabbit I saw last weekend...I'm going to go a different route with this. 

Growing up in the midwest, I've seen my fair share of fields, farms, and snow. Although, I don't consider these things a bad thing, the places I've traveled have really been breathtaking. The mountains in Colorado, the bluest and most beautiful sea life in Cozumel, the lights and luxury of Las Vegas, the vintageness (I don't think that's a word) of New Orleans, and the history of Philedelphia...it's all so surreal in a way to me. I've loved every experience and would consider those moments the most confident answer to this question. Hopefully, some day, I can add Italy, Greece, and Australia to the list. 

Have a great Monday! I have a short week...Vegas on Friday! :)

Sorry, I Can't.

Life is going pretty well for me lately.

Well...actually it has been for some time now. I have been focusing a lot of my "gym time" on my muscles and advancing my endurance. I love using the excuse, "Sorry I can't, I have to go to the gym." But, honestly, I usually don't apologize for it. As you can see, above, I'm trying to really push my limits. My muscles are not anywhere near where I want them, but hey...it's progress, right?! That dent in my bicep was not always there! Goals, goals, goals! Wish you could see my shoulders! WHOOP! The shake (purple) is called "Purple Haze"...blueberries and lemon...YUM! Oh and protein. <3 As for my watch...one hour of cardio and the rest weights and body strengthening.

*For anyone wondering...I'm not always drinking shakes. And they're not necessarily "replacement" shakes. I do eat food. I chose the right food for my body. With a spoil every so often...like Nutella with my strawberries...OH MY GOODNESS, YUM!*

I have been mentored by many people these last few months. (Really like 3 or 4 different people—2 whom are a married couple...they're fabulous!) But last night, really struck something. After Power Tone, a group of us headed to a "meeting." (When I say meeting...I don't mean like a boring meeting...but something voluntary and extremely beneficial.) This "meeting" consisted of talking about our decisions. How we decide to do the things we do. (It's different every meeting) This was basically broken down into three ways we made decisions.

1. Concentrated (calculated)

2. Impulsive

3. Habit

From there we have the "Big Why (Y)" of why we make decisions. (Bare with me here...)

One (left) side of the Y:                    Other (right) side of the Y:

Envy/ Reject                                      LOVE
Negative                                            Positive
Now                                                  Future
Me                                                     You

So now here's the thing...You make decisions because you "love" someone or something...even yourself! Are you thinking positively or negatively...and is this benefiting you now or in the future? And are you being selfish (basically) or are you not?

In order to get where you want to go and get what you want in life...you have to:

1. Set a goal or goals
2. STP: Strategies, Tactics, and Processes
3. Habits (create them!)
4. Belief (Believe in yourself!)
5. Remember WHY (Y)

I feel as though I am commonly told that I "over think" stuff...but when in all reality...there is a reason. What if I didn't think stuff through??? Then I would have more impulsive and possibly (bad) habit decisions. Which could hurt me in the long run...and trust me, I have had some of those in the past.

This "meeting" last night really opened my mind when it comes to decision making. The next time anyone gives me crap for the decisions I have been making...like being all around healthy, I won't even let them finish their word before I tune them out.

Don't let people bring you down about your decisions. And most certainly, don't beat yourself up about your decisions. Stay on the right side of that Y and think about what YOU can do to make it better or change it. Don't wait for stuff to happen, get your butt (or glutes—since I'm not supposed to say anything other than that while teaching at the gym :P ) up and make it happen.

Again...YOU have to be the one to decide to make it happen and get results :)

Happy Thursday, ya'll! If you need me, tonight, I'll be at the gym! :)

A Sweet Fix!

HI! Have you missed me?!

Here's a little catch up!

My newest Pinterest snack creation!

I haven't quite learned to like Greek yogurt...but we'll get there.

The recipe?

1 tbsp. Natural PB (I used PB2)

1tbsp. Sweetner

1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract

A squeeze of honey

A pinch of sea salt

and a "pinch" of mini chocolate chips

It turned out like cookie dough...more peanut buttery though. Definitely a sweet craving fix.

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As for the gym...Classes have been going really well! I'm really enjoying teaching and can't wait for more opportunities! I was featured on the Ames Racquet and Fitness Facebook page yesterday... How exciting! 

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So...I have been using the following hair products for about a year now (ish). And I didn't want to blog about them until I was sure of my opinion of them. Here it goes...

1. HEY BLONDIE! 

This shampoo is for the blonde gals out there. It is literally PURPLE! What it does, is it takes the "gold/yellow" ish tint out of your blonde and creates a lighter healthier blonde. I absolutely love this stuff and use it in place of my regular shampoo once a week. It doesn't bubble up like most shampoos (because it doesn't have sulfur like most store bought shampoos). I read reviews on it and saw that someone said it fried their hair...BS. First of all—what the heck else have you been doing to your hair? Sure this shampoo sort of dries your hair out, but I doubt it fries it. Take a look at the other products your using and how often you use a "hot tool." If you have thin/short hair...make sure you don't use a lot...that could be the other reason this reviewer said it fried her hair.

2. DEFENSE!

This is for when you're ready to dry your hair. What it is is a  leave-in treatment that repairs, patches, and protects each strand of hair from photo degradation. This protective treatment works like a shield, resurfaces strands, filling in gaps and tears while smoothing the hair cuticle. The formula also refracts natural and artificial light including UVA/UVB rays, preventing and reversing the damaging effects of 

photo degradation. It restores hair to a healthy, youthful state. Something else you may want to know: Key product benefits are derived from the formula's micro-emulsion beads. The beads contain powerful technologies that activate at the point of emulsification, locking in essential ingredients (fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and proteins) and locking out damaging light sources.

I like this product...I'm not sure I would swear by it. 

3. Life saver!

Although, I do LOVE the spray dry shampoos (just because they're less of a mess)...I love this product!  If I wake up late, don't feel like washing my hair (ha!) this is what I use. It is also really good for creating volume. So instead of using the root booster, I just put this at my root base and back comb away! It smells good too! :)

Hope you have a fabulous Thursday!