Staying on Track

I am not going to lie. It's been really hard to stay on track while on vacation. I'm not saying that you should give in to every temptation and throw in the towel while away, but I also know that your body can sometimes use a break. Do your best and forget the rest as Tony Horton says. Try to make good choices when eating out to minimize damage and travel with your own snacks. Bring along a workout you can do in your hotel room or utilize the gym or the pool at your hotel. Choose to walk everywhere if you can instead of driving. Drink plenty of water...but above all else, have fun! 

I went to the Fort Worth Water Gardens today. Walked around in the heat and worked up a sweat...it was a good reminder to stay active and healthy but have fun as well.

Cheers and enjoy the rest of your summer! 

Cat Poop. Kid Poop. Baby Puke: My Glamorous Life

The life of a stay-at-home mom is not often as glamorous as some people may think. Contrary to popular belief (well, at least to my husband’s belief), I do not sit around eating chocolate and watching TV while the kids play quietly and safely in another room. Even if that scenario sounds amazing, it’s not reality. Today, Sophia (she’s almost 15 months) decided that it would be interesting to try and see what the litterbox was like to WALK IN! I was brushing my teeth and helping Abby (my 4-year-old) get her teeth brushed, too, when I looked over and saw Sophia sitting on the floor and there was poop smeared on her foot, on the bath mat, and of course, on the bathroom floor. I was confused as to where the poop came from (aliens or ghosts, perhaps?) for a few seconds, until it dawned on me that we keep our litterbox next to the toilet in the bathroom (tip: this usually works out well as I scoop right into the toilet and flush!). That’s when I realized it was CAT poop. Gross! I immediately checked her hands to make sure she hadn’t touched it (she hadn’t! Victory!) and then sat her on the edge of the sink and washed her feet and also her hands for good measure.

Poop-1 Mom-0

After this lovely fiasco, I decided to not let it bring me down and to meet up with another mommy friend at the park. We played for a couple hours, picnicked, and enjoyed the sunshine before deciding to take the kids out for a special treat. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Well, froyo for me, anyway...that’s when disaster decided to strike. With only a porta potty in sight, I raced Abby to the bathroom. We were too late and didn’t make it in time. Of course, I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me to stop somewhere for a real bathroom since we had been out all morning/afternoon, but of course, hindsight is 20/20 and that’s how Abby ended up leaving there in just her shirt and bathing suit bottoms.

Poop-2 Mom-0

Fast forward to the evening. I had a lovely dinner with my grandparents and my aunt and I was about to go with Sophia to the mall. Abby opted to stay with my grandparents instead of coming along, which turned out to be a blessing! Sophia and I left and arrived at the mall fairly quickly. I hopped out of the car and moved to grab her so we could go inside and pick up what I needed. Just as I was reaching to get her out of her car seat, I remembered I left my wallet in the front seat and went back in the front to grab it. Unfortunately for me, this was my fatal mistake. My one knee was on my driver’s seat and I was leaning over into the passenger seat to grab my wallet when I heard it. Loudly and clearly, I heard it. I tried to pretend that I didn’t hear correctly, but of course I had! I moved quickly to Sophia but it was too late, her dinner was in her lap and all over her car seat. I had forgotten our new “favorite” thing to do- get car sick! If I don’t wait long enough after a meal to put Sophia in the car, then her guts will be in my car as well pretty quickly. Hopefully, I will learn this lesson sooner rather than later, as I would rather not have to deal with the smell and mess again. Because there I stood, in the parking lot of the mall, trying to clean puke out of a car seat and strip down my one-year-old to her diaper, put her in a new outfit, and try not to sympathy puke all over the whole darn mess! It worked. I cleaned it up without adding to it and was able to get in and get out of the mall in record time.

Poop/Puke-3 Mom-0

The rest of the night was spent doing my nails...oh wait...nope...it was spent giving my kids a BATH! Even though it was past their bedtime...I didn’t care. They smelled and they were dirty and needed a bath. I needed a glass of wine, but I didn’t get one (there should be an emergency stash around at all times...I haven’t learned this lesson yet either). Anyway, what do you think? Am I living the glamorous life or what?! HA!

Being Active During The Summer Heat

There are a lot of reasons to lay around and do nothing during the summer...especially if you are a stay-at-home mom like me. Children might be whiney due to heat, i.e.: "Moooooommmmmm, I don't want to play outside. It's too hot. Can't we just watch tv all day?! Puh-lease?!"   and you may have no motivation to argue with them. You may also want to avoid crowds at places like the amusement park, the zoo, or the playground or public pool. With all of those factors going up against you, it's hard to fault you for staying indoors and lounging around doing nothing. However, if you do decide to get off your rear and make your days more exciting (and more calorie-burning), then by all means, follow these suggestions: 

1. In the morning when it's cooler, go jogging with your kids in the jogging stroller or if they are old enough, on a bike.

2. Set up a sprinkler in your yard and run through it with your kids.

3. Mid-week, take a day trip to places like the local zoo or even to the Crayola Factory. You will walk a ton and have a lot of fun playing with your kids. Also, it will be less crowded than on a weekend.

4. Find some friends and take a trip to the beach! But don't just lay around getting burnt in the sand...walk they boards and look for some fun food finds. 

5. Go hiking! It's cooler in the mountains and you will get to see some more of te beautiful nature that God has surrounded us with. 

Let Freedom Ring

I just wanted to take a second to THANK GOD for the freedoms that I have been given. I live in the United States, where I am lucky enough to experience Freedom of religion and to experience the RIGHT to pursue happiness. I LOVE that it’s a constitutional right for people to be able to do so. However, just because we have the right to pursue happiness, doesn’t mean we have the right to make stupid decisions that could get ourselves or someone else hurt, or worse. So today, be thankful of your freedoms but be mindful of other peoples’ as well. Stay safe and try to eat somewhat healthy today so you don’t get completely off-track. I’m choosing to use my freedom of choice today to make healthy decisions- like watermelon for dessert instead of dirt cake :)

I also plan on trying out some fun recipes. Like these healthy & not-so-healthy recipes (ya gotta live a little) I pinned on my Pinterest. Check them out here!

Enjoy your Independence Day, America, and stay safe!

Losing Weight on Vacation

Ok...so you might be wondering how I went on vacation to Las Vegas and LOST 4 POUNDS!!!! Well, here is my secret: I didn’t overindulge and I actually saved myself a ton of money by packing my own food! I packed the following to eat 3 every day for the 4 days I was in Vegas...I planned to not buy anything except dinner, and I stuck to my plan except for buying the occasional green tea. Here it is: For Breakfast I brought a Shakeology packet and a small blender for my room that blends right in the cup you drink from and it has a travel lid (it was $15 on Amazon). I used water I got from the convention center plus the ice from the hotel’s ice machine. I brought along Quest bars and P90X bars to have once a day (I switched it up). Then for lunch I brought a plastic fork and a tuna packet. I also brought some corn tortillas and I ate the tuna on the corn tortillas and also just ate it out of the packet with the fork. I didn’t mix it with anything. I did have wasabi dried-edamame 100 calorie-packs as a snack with it. I also brought with me a clementine and an apple per day. And as a treat, I brought one packet of Justin’s chocolate almond butter to put on top of my apple. That’s it :) The last day, I treated myself to a banana from Starbucks and added it to my shake :) I saved money and I also was able to not gain weight by eating healthy the whole time I was gone. It wasn’t hard at all to stick with this, and I felt great instead of crappy, which usually happens when I eat junk food. Good thing I didn’t eat any junk! My dinner choices were all sensible and I only splurged one night by getting dessert- creme brulee. I also avoided alcohol and only had 3 drinks the entire trip.

PiYo

PiYo is going to be a revolutionary program and I’m excited to announce that I will be certified (as of this coming Tuesday) to teach it!!! Check it out Here! If you want to transform your body and get MAXIMUM results, without the joint strain, jumping, and weights that take a toll on your body, then this is the program for you! You won’t age (aging is for idiots!) when you build muscle. I swear, you’ll look younger!!! I, for one, plan on going back in years once I start this program. Hello 20’s! Want more details? The program was created by Chalene Johnson (TurboFire, ChaLean Extreme, TurboJam) and is a 60 day program. The workouts are 25-45 minutes in length. Because I want to maximize the results of my first test group, I plan on opening up a limited amount of space. If you’d like to be considered, please fill out this application.

Fill out my online form.

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Comment below if you’d like more info. I’d love to talk with you further!

Food Addiction

Recently, I’ve been working with some challengers who struggle with food addiction. I, myself, definitely struggle with an addiction to sugar, so immediately, my heart goes out to them. Food addiction is definitely REAL and is being recognized by the scientific community as a real addiction that needs treatment, in some cases. Many people who struggle with food addiction fall victim due to the sugar, salt, and fat in the foods they like to eat. Of course, this makes sense, since sugar, salt, and fat = taste! A WebMD article on “How to Break Food Addictions” explains why this addiction is real. "Barnard, the author of Breaking the Food Seduction and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, says that these foods contain chemical compounds that stimulate the brain's secretion of opiate-like, 'feel-good' chemicals like dopamine, which drive our cravings for them.” ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WebMD explains one way we can help ourselves if we are food-addicted: "How to break the cycle? First you have to pinpoint which feelings trigger overeating. To figure this out, create an 'emotional eating record,' suggests Edward Abramson, Ph.D., author of Body Intelligence. Take a three-by-five index card and write down four headings: TIME; LOCATION; FOOD; EMOTION OR THOUGHT. Put the card in your pocket so you can keep track of any unplanned snacks. After a few days, you'll be able to decipher which emotions and situations triggered eating binges.” <--of course, once you know this, it will make it easier for you to avoid the emotions/situations that trigger you! Don’t be fooled, either, by thinking it’s only when you are sad/depressed that you overeat. Many people overeat in happy situations or reward themselves with food (a very, very dangerous habit). ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Peeke explains in her article, “6 Ways to Beat Your Food Addiction,” that this is powerful stuff! "But wait, there’s more: At the same time your reward center is being hijacked, the brain’s CEO, the prefrontal cortex (tap your forehead and that’s where the PFC is located), is becoming damaged and impaired. The PFC can no longer help you rein in impulses or stay focused and vigilant. That’s why, when someone is in full-on addictive mode, moderation is a moot point. Revolutionary and groundbreaking new studies funded by the National Institutes of Health funded have shown that the brain scans of food addicts show the same changes and damage as those of a cocaine user. And, for your information, research also shows that table sugar (sucrose) is more addictive than cocaine.” See the full article HERE! She also explains ways to kick the addiction for good! It’s definitely worth the read. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Something else you can do if you also struggle? Find a community of others who feel the same way, and support each other. A challenge group can do that for you, or you can form your own Facebook group or find one to join. Whatever option you choose, make sure that your loved ones know about your efforts so that they can support you as well. Some of my other recommendations- in addition to what’s above- (I am not a doctor, this is just my personal opinion based on research I’ve done on my own: Replace your “bad” habits with good ones. Instead of rewarding yourself with food, reward yourself with a shopping spree or a date with a friend to go see a movie. If you need to talk, or want to know more about what I’ve researched, please don’t hesitate to ask. On my reading list this week: The Hunger Fix: The Three-Stage Detox and Recovery Plan for Overeating and Food Addiction, Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings---And 7 Steps to End Them Naturally, and Food Addiction: A Proven Plan to Overcome Food Addiction for Life. I’m also going to be ordering Made to Crave and the workbook to go along with it. I will be starting an online book study (in a private Facebook group) for anyone that’s interested. Let me know!

TurboFire Review

So yesterday, I began to use my Turbofire Advanced Class set of DVDs. They are AMAZING! Today, I was able to complete a workout called FIRE 60. Hands-down, this workout is the best one for calorie burning! I burned the most calories that I ever have in a single workout today, and it felt amazing.

I really felt like I was in a LIVE CLASS. I was pumped up the whole time and really into it. The music was definitely a key component, as well as the motivation from Chalene. I really felt like she was right in front of me. I think it made a big difference and reminded me of why I love working out in the first place- it can be fun! It also reminded me of when I used to take live Zumba classes at the gym, which I used to do religiously because they were so energized and I felt like I had the best time sweating it out with everyone. Now, I can experience that in my living room...say what?! HAHA. Anyway, I am now looking forward to doing the rest of the workouts that came in this set, plus the "Keep on Burnin'" set. These didn't come with a workout calendar, however, so I made my own. I thought I would share in case anyone else bought these DVDs as well and is looking for a schedule. If you use it, please let me know what you think! Also, if you want to jump on the Turbofire kick with me (and I highly recommend that you do), you can purchase the base kit here, advanced classes here, and the challenge pack here. Have a great day and enjoy the calendar!

If you want to taste something gross, read on!

I am not going to lie to you. This stuff tastes DISGUSTING! If it didn’t work, I would never drink it again and I would be thrilled. However, I LOVED how it made me feel! I had enough energy to get through 2 workouts AND I even burned more calories than usual. Why? Because it gave me a natural boost that didn’t leave me crashing in a couple hours in a sugar-induced coma. This stuff is legit and it made me feel awesome and I would drink it again in a heartbeat...even if I have to gag it down and hold my nose while doing it. Let me walk you through what led me to try this stuff... Picture a 30-year-old mother of two who wants to get a workout in but lacks sleep and the desire to actually move her body (she’d rather be sleeping...or watching The Bachelorette!). She is dragging and can barely get through a 25-minute workout. She also follows the modifier and takes text-messaging or baby-changing breaks. Now, picture that same woman, still with lack of sleep, but with the energy needed to give her the desire to push play. She is bouncy and smiling and ready to go. She nails 2 workouts and even though she breaks a sweat, she is able to complete them without even using the modifier! How did this happen? She drank some E&E. Energy and Endurance is a pre-workout supplement. Laced with caffeine and other ingredients, it’s an amazing boost- better than coffee, Monster, or a 5-hour energy drink! It tastes disgusting (I made the ugliest face after I tasted it for the first time today) but I would drink it again in a second because I LOVED the energy it gave me and I loved what it did for me. Taste doesn’t matter to me if the results are there. They speak for themselves! If I ever have to go for a long drive, I’m drinking this stuff instead of coffee!

Make Your Own Destiny

Tonight, I watched the most recent episode if ABC's Once Upon A Time. As I watched , I was struck by something Regina (a former evil queen/evil witch) said to her wicked sister (the wicked witch of the west). The wicked witch questioned how Regina, an evil queen, could use light magic. Light magic was the only way to defeat her, but no one evil should be able to use it; it's just not who they are. However, Regina claimed that she made her own destiny and that no one was going to tell her who she was or who she could be. She didn't let her past shape her future! She decided to create her own destiny. 

I think this is an important lesson for all of us! We shouldn't let our past define us. Just because we used to be a certain way, doesn't mean we have to stay the same. People can change! I, for one, love that redemption is possible for anyone willing to accept and embrace a different life than they are used to. Thank God for free will and the ability to shape our own futures and make our own choices. How wonderful that our past doesn't have to define us.

 

Quick Dinner Solution

Busy moms, listen up! I've re-discovered an easy dinner solution that allows me to put fresh, healthy meals on my dinner table in MINUTES! What is it? You ask. It's made by Ziploc and it's called Zip 'n Steam. 

Your veggies, potatoes or protein can be ready in minutes by putting them in the bag, adding a tablespoon of water, adding seasoning, and popping it in the mic for anywhere from 2-6 minutes, depending on what it is and the portion size.

I'm steaming some broccoli and carrots tonight to go with my crock pot chicken leftovers. Dinner is ready in 4 minutes! It's definitely a lifesaver with Sophia crawling around and wreaking havoc. 

I hope you enjoy cooking with this in a pinch as much as I do! Enjoy! 

Have a Heart

Do you have a heart for helping others? I truly believe that helping others is a calling. There are people that are naturally born to do this. We call them Pearls. My mentor, Lindsay Matway, explains that Pearls see the world in terms of service to others. They are motivated by helping others! They like to have a cause in their work. They are a SAFE PLACE for most people, very giving of themselves and are usually the first ones to volunteer. If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place! This month, I’m finishing up with three different fundraisers. You can help if you’d like! And if you’re a Pearl, I know you’ll want to! 1) The Chemo Bag is a local, non-profit organization that provides gift bags to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. This month, all of the sales from any challenge packs, Shakeology orders, workouts, supplements, and clothing will be donated to The Chemo Bag. I am also accepting donations to be included with my own donation. If you’d like to help out by placing an order, or simply by making a donation, please get in touch with me or order from my shop. 2) The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is hosting an annual Walk for MS this Sunday, April 27th. I will be participating to help raise money to fund research for a cure for this horrible disease. If you would like to join my team, or make a donation, check out this link 3) Finally, the third way you can help is to donate to the Trike-a-Thon to benefit St. Andrew’s Nursery School. I will be collecting donations for this event up until May 1st. Please message me for how to get the donations to me OR to see about attending the event! Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated to these wonderful causes. I know that I am so blessed and appreciative to have your support. I hope you’ll join me in supporting these three organizations. Have a wonderful day!

30 Days of X3

When I think about posting my transformations...any pictures of myself, really, that show a lot of skin, I cringe a little on the inside. Has anyone ever felt afraid of stuff like this? I know I should be proud but also, I'm a little shy and a little bit modest when it comes to this stuff so putting my whole body out there...that's scary! 30 days ago, I started P90X3. I also decided that I was going to do the 21 Day Fix at the same time. Double workouts. Focused on nutrition (which I ended up slipping up on more than I care to admit...chocaholic right here and I need help! Even Shakeology, which usually helps, wasn't cutting it. I blame it on the breastfeeding...). I finished the first month of X3 AND finished the 21 Day Fix. I did not lose any weight. It was really disappointing and I felt really upset. I started beating myself up (almost literally) for not being more disciplined with my food choices. I felt ashamed...I wanted to hide in a closet. Then... I took my 30 day pictures. The pictures I had been dreading. I wanted to avoid them, but decided it was time to be held accountable. WOW! Am I glad I did! I am excited to share with you all my results. While the number on the scale didn't budge, my inches did and so did my definition! I am proud to say that I can now see more muscles. Don't let the scale define you. I almost forgot that lesson. Now, I have proof that it's a lesson I never want to forget. Sooooo without further adieu, my 30 day results:

My plan for the next 30 days of X3 is to conquer it head on and have no regrets. I also plan to do T25 in the evenings and X3 in the mornings. I admit, I miss T25 and Shaun T. too much to just not do T25 right now. It's my favorite program...my soul mate program HAHA and I cannot live without it. If you can relate, I'd love to know! Feel free to share these results or any of the posts on my blog with a friend that might want to hear about it. Keep smiling and keep pushing play. Have a wonderful evening.

MS Walk

Every year since I can remember- I think I was in college when I started doing this- I have participated in the Walk for MS. Every year the walk gets bigger and better and I am proud to say I’ve been a part of it. I have been a participant for over 10 years. The exception being that last year, Sophia was born on the day before the walk, and so I couldn’t go (understandable, right? I mean, I had a good excuse...).

The first year that it was at Fairview Park, I got lost (went the wrong way on 33) and drove around like an idiot. I eventually found it. There was a great turnout, however, and I was excited to do it again the following year. Then, they moved the walk to Coca-Cola Park (Ironpigs Stadium). That course was also pretty decent, minus the big hill! Try pushing a stroller up that thing and you’ll get tired quickly.

This year, they’ve moved the walk to yet another location. There is no doubt in my mind that this location will be wonderful. Also, they’ll go over-the-top to provide walkers with giveaways, food, water and a cheering section. These types of walks are a lot of fun. If you haven’t participated, you’re missing out. First of all, you’ll get a wonderful sense of accomplishment, because you’ve helped out a good cause. Second of all, you’ll have a good time and enjoy yourself as you walk with friends and make new ones along the way. Third of all, you’ll get a good workout in while walking the 2-3 mile course.

If you would like to join my team or donate to a good cause, please visit my Walk MS page!

Walk 4 MS

XOXO,
Stephanie

How I Start and End My Day

On days when my daughter has preschool, I wake up to my Shaun T. alarm ringtone saying it's time to get my butt up, get in my workout and start my day. On other days, I let the kids wake me up! 

The first steps I take in the morning: put in my coconut oil and set my phone timer for 20 minutes. Oil pulling is step 1! Then, I read my Bible app. I look at the verse of the day, share it to Facebook, then continue on to read my one-year reading plan. I'm almost done! I have approx. 35 days left and I will have read the whole Bible in a little over a year (I missed some days here and there and had to catch up...). Once I'm done, I check Facebook and check in with my challenge groups. At this point, oil pillion is done! I get out of bed and get breakfast going. After breakfast, it's workout time! I get this done as soon as possible so that I don't let life get in the way of it. Procrastination kills my workouts, so I try not to let that happen. Plus, I need my workout for an energy boost to start my day.

At night, my kids go to bed around 9 (the baby sometimes 9:45/10 depending on if I can get her down without a fight). Once they are in bed, I get some "me" time. I usually will unwind with Facebook and some television. I have a few shows that I love to watch. (I would definitely be upset without The Voice!) Around 11/11:30, it's time for bed. I reflect on my day, do some reading in bed (usually some personal development), and then it's lights out. 

Looking back at my routine, I'm glad I've added in some good habits. I need to make it a priority to add in a few more non-negotiables. I plan to start and end my day in prayer. It's the only way I've ever known to strengthen my relationship with The Lord and I need to make this more of a #1 priority. I also plan to add in drinking a full glass of water in the morning and drinking my hot water with lemon in place of coffee. Once that routine is set, I can focus more on improving the middle of my day. However, I know if the beginning and ending of my days are right, the rest will fall in line.

I hope some of you found this helpful! I would love to hear your daily routines, too!

XOXO,

Stephanie 

April Showers...lead to SUMMER TIME!

April showers bring May Flowers...and May quickly turns to June and SUMMER TIME! I plan on getting into a bikini for the first time in a long time this summer. What about you? Are you ready to get toned and trim for summer? It's not that far away. I mean, it's already April 2nd!!! Crazy, right?! Where does the time go?

This month, Beachbody has released not one, but TWO amazing programs on sale. Focus T25 (my soulmate program for sure! I love it so much! Loved my results, loved the small amount of time it required, LOVED LOVED LOVED it!) is one of the challenge packs on sale. Originally $205, the sale price is $180. They are selling it at the introductory price, which is AMAZING. Also, as you all know, 100% of my profits are going to benefit The Chemo Bag (a non-profit that provides gift bags to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy). What does that mean for your challenge pack order? What will you get??

You will get: Focus T25 workouts, meal plan, resistance bands, Shakeology in flavor of your choosing, FREE 30-day club membership (includes a meal planner!), FREE spot in my next challenge group, entry into Beachbody challenge upon completion (can win $100,000 grand prize! or smaller prizes of $500). PLUS $60 will be donated to The Chemo Bag. Your price for all of this? $180! Plus, you'll only pay $2 super-saver shipping. Sweet deal? Yes, yes it is!

The second challenge pack that's on sale is Brazil Butt Lift. This challenge pack includes: Brazil Butt Lift workouts, meal plan, Shakeology in flavor of your choosing, FREE 30-day club membership (includes a meal planner!), FREE spot in my next challenge group, entry into Beachbody challenge upon completion (can win $100,000 grand prize! or smaller prizes of $500). PLUS $40 will be donated to The Chemo Bag. Your price for all of this? $140! Plus, you'll only pay $2 super-saver shipping.

BONUS Challenge Pack! Not into working out but still want to get healthier? This one is for you! The Ultimate Reset Challenge Pack. This includes: The Ultimate Reset meal plan dvds & supplements, Shakeology flavor of your choosing, FREE 30-day club membership. PLUS $90 will be donated to The Chemo Bag!!! Your price for all of this? $275. Plus, you'll still only pay $2 super-saver shipping.

My recommendation: as always, I recommend T25. I achieved AMAZING results with this program and I will stand by it 100%. Results do not lie! If you want help getting into shape for summer and just feeling better about yourself, let me help you. Join my challenge and let's do this!

Check out my results! -------------------->

The Chemo Bag Fundraiser

I am fortunate to be able to pair up with an amazing group! The Chemo Bag is committed to providing gift bags to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. I feel so blessed to be able to support them in their mission.

For the rest of this month, and ALL of April, I will be donating ALL PROCEEDS to The Chemo Bag. What does that mean? That means that for every challenge pack sold, for every Shakeology order sold, for every piece of equipment sold, The Chemo Bag will receive my earnings. Not me. I am not keeping a dime.

If you’ve been thinking about ordering an at-home fitness program, I encourage you to do it NOW! You can support your own health and fitness while supporting others. What an amazing opportunity you have to bless our community here in the Lehigh Valley. Please join me and raise awareness for this cause.

I invite each and every one of you to reach out to me about programs and joining a challenge group. If you have questions, now’s the time to ask. I can even tell you how much will be donated from your individual sale. Additionally, please SHARE this information to as many people you know. That way, the word gets out and hopefully we can do more!

My goal is $1,000. I would love to blow this goal out of the water!

You can shop on my website at: Shop Here! Proceeds benefit The Chemo Bag

New Year’s Resolutions Revisited!

LONG POST ALERT!!! Bear with me, as I am about to bear my soul. Many thanks in advance ;)

Picture this: New Year’s Eve 2013. I’m about to ring in the new year and I have to make some resolutions. I want to make a resolution that I will stick to. Something that I won’t give up on after a month (like usual) but also something that is a BIG goal. I want to make 2014 count. Sound familiar? Most of us wind up with similar feelings around the beginning of a new year. Hopes are high and people are feeling refreshed; ready to take action with their lives. I am no different. I set some big goals for myself in 2014. It’s almost the end of the first quarter of the year, and I’m ready to do some self-reflection to see where I stand on meeting the goals I set just three months ago. 

 

My Dream Board for 2014

Goal #1- Personal Development: I set a goal for myself to read more personal development. If I’m not willing to grow myself, then what’s the point? So far, I am not happy with what I’ve been doing in this department. I have only completed a total of 4 books this year for this category. I need to do better. I am pledging myself to a minimum of 10 minutes per day. No matter what! Starting today.

Goal #2- Go on a vacation: This is something that I KNOW my family needs. I booked a vacation- the success club trip to Mexico in March of 2015. I know it’s far away, but I’m slowing paying for it and I am excited to attend this trip. My girls are going to love the resort! I also booked my hotel for our coach summit in Vegas this June. I am psyched. Even though this is technically a “business trip,” I still think it counts as a vacation because I plan on having some FUN with my Beachbody Family!!!

Goal #3- Do the 3 vital behaviors every day. Some days, I admit, I am slacking in this. I am a product of the product (I drink my Shakeology & complete my daily workouts). They are considered non-negotiable with me. I do not always complete my personal development. I do not always invite people. I need to do better. I vow to do better!

Goal #4- Build muscle & tone/Create defined abs. I am well on my way to achieving this! I am getting some great results with X3 and the 21 Day Fix. I finished ChaLean Extreme, which helped. I am doing this right! I also plan on adding T25 back into my schedule. 

Goal #5- Lose 5 more pounds. I have not done such a great job in this. I confess, my nutrition is not always what it should be and I have more cheat meals than I would like to admit. I commit to doing better!

Goal #6- Eat Clean. Right now, I’m at about a 75% clean diet. I will be upping this to 85/90%. I feel better when I eat clean, so I’m just going to go for it!

Goal #7- Lead by example. I believe I am trying to do this for my team, but I pledge to do better and lead from the front. 

Goal #8- Date nights once a month. This has not happened yet, and I NEED to make this a priority. I will do this! I believe it’s important for my marriage and my sanity. 

Goal #9- Start a fit club. I have attempted to start one at my church, but they turned me down because I am moving. I felt defeated, and gave up on this goal. Now that I am revisiting it, I do not want to take no for an answer. I have made a new plan to look for a different location for fit club. Also, I will attend the fit club in Allentown and check it out- that way I can see how it’s supposed to be run and I can get ideas for when I find my own location. Never give up on a goal! 

Goal #10- Spend time with my girls. This is seriously my favorite goal. I love my daughters and I love seeing them laughing and smiling. It melts my heart. I have been spending a lot of quality time with them, and I plan to do more. Once it gets nice out, I plan to go for runs/walks and the park with them a lot. I also plan on spending more quality time away from television/iPads/iPhones, etc. I think it’s so important for their development to stay away from all of the gizmos and gadgets and just have time to be kids. I cannot wait to help them do more of that!

Goal #11- Read the Bible daily/attend church weekly. I have been pretty faithful when it comes to this goal. I just completed day 321 and I couldn’t be happier. I am going to add to this goal and say that if I miss a church service for any reason, I will go back and listen to the podcast. I don’t want to miss a message, because I know it’s important for my soul! Also, I think that my pastor has the ability to motivate and encourage. He also has the ability to say exactly what I need to hear every week. It’s uncanny and also a blessing. Why would I want to miss out on that?

Goal #12- SC5 every month. No excuses. So far, so good in this department! I am not going to take no for an answer here!!!

Goal #13- Move into a nice, dream home in Texas. This one, I don’t have much control over. I am (not so) patiently waiting for my house in Pennsylvania to sell. Until then, this goal is on HOLD. 

Goal #14- Get to Ruby and then Diamond status. I am pledging to learn more about how to motivate and encourage my team to be leaders. I am pledging to find business builders and then help them to learn this business so they can achieve their goals/wants/desires. Only then will I see success with this goal. 

Goal #15- Financial Freedom! Pay off debt! I am going to start working more on this. One bill at a time. One loan at a time. One payment at a time until it’s done! 

I will create my own destiny. Setting goals, re-evaluating them periodically, and pushing to meet them will guarantee my success. She believed she could, and so she did! <---that will be me!!! 

*If you want to know how to create a dream board, or if you want help defining your goals and setting smaller goals to help you reach the big ones, message me. I’d love to help! 

XOXO,

Stephanie

Spring Fever, 21 Day Fix/P90X3 Updates, and My Confession

Today we finally had some warmer weather. The warm weather makes me want to jump for joy! I can sense that I will be able to run outside sometime in the near future. Running is something that I’ve been missing. I have a double stroller ready to go and I cannot wait to get back on the trail.

Aside from running, I’ve been making some progress in my new programs. One week complete for the 21 Day Fix AND P90X3. I am happy to be seeing the number move on the scale, even if it’s only a little bit. I was up recently, due to the fact that I had been justifying WAY TOO MANY cheat meals which turned into cheat days...you get the picture. Too much junk food was allowed due to all of these circumstances I swore were out of my control. I was not home a lot recently, and so I justified eating junk. What should I have done instead? I should have packed healthy foods for me and my family and not made any excuses. This is my confession. I will move forward and continue to do what I should have been doing all along.

21 Day Fix Update:

The 21 Day Fix is a really great program. The workouts are intense, but there is a modifier in case you need one in the beginning (I used the modifier for some of the moves and I still felt the burn!). I am LOVING the portion-control container system. It’s definitely something that I know I can continue to use, even after my 21 days are up. Also, it’s something that can be done while eating out, which is also a really big bonus in my opinion.

P90X3 Update:

Tony Horton is NO JOKE. He brings it in intensity for X3, however it is completely reasonable and does have a modifier if any beginner wants to take a crack at it. I am getting used to the workouts, some of which are really difficult for me. One workout, called The Challenge, is 30 minutes of pushups and pullups. That’s it! Various types of these bad boys...it’s difficult but I definitely need to practice both of these since they are my weakness. I recommend choosing a low number to start! 

Additionally, one thing I really love is Tony’s sense of humor. He makes working out seem less like a mundane task and it’s something that I find enjoyable. Plus, I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth next. 

Week One Totals:

Even though I was HORRIBLE with following the nutrition plan for the 21 Day Fix this week (I cheated at least once per day, which I hate to admit but I need to confess so that I never do it again), I still lost 2 pounds. I cannot wait to finish my last 2 weeks and see how many inches and pounds drop off now that I am going to be perfect with my nutrition. (Thankfully, the plan allows me to have chocolate and wine so those cheats are allowed!)

Determination vs. Desperation

Today, as I was listening to Beachbody’s National Wake-Up Call, there was something that stuck in my mind as a key takeaway. I wanted to share it with all of you!

Determination VS. Desperation VS. Apathy

Which of these three words defines you and your business? Defines your life? 

Are you an apathetic person? Do you not care if your business succeeds? Is your life is going the right way? Are you doing anything to make it go the way you want? OR are you the type of person that’s going to sit back and let things happen to you? Are you reacting to the circumstances around you OR are you ENACTING to make things happen for you?! 

Maybe you are not apathetic, but...

Are you desperate? Do you feel that at work or in your own personal life, things are out of your control? Are you feeling like you would do ANYTHING to make happen what you want to happen? When you feel desperate, other people can sense that and you start to lose control. You also do and say things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Usually, desperation can been seen by others and it’s not a good sight to see. It turns others off from you.

These first two words are words that we want to avoid. Period. Being apathetic and being desperate are negative and we want to live a positive life!

Determination. 

If you are a determined person, things will happen for you because YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. You believe that what you want has already happened. You have a non-negotiable attitude. If you say you are going to do something, you do it. You come across more confident and knowledgeable when you are determined to succeed. <---This is the type of person you should want to be in both your personal and your professional life. Determination will equal success. 

Applying this to my life

I have always seen myself as a positive thinker. I’m a glass is half full kind of person. This is reflected in everything I do- I’m definitely an optimist! Being an optimist has helped me to live a determined life. I am committed and determined to succeed in my business and to help others. When I was in my chosen career as a teacher, I was determined to be the best that I could be. I know that I hit that milestone when I was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2008. Success leaves clues. I am determined to apply my hard work and DETERMINATION to my current business so that I make Top Coach. To me, it’s the equivalent of Teacher of the Year. I want it bad enough, and I’m going to go for it. Not only do I believe that I can do this, but I believe that earning this title will prove that my goal of helping others was met. 

How Can I Help?

If you are determined to be successful and if you are determined to achieve your goals and dreams, I’d like to help you on your journey! Contact me so that I can help you, no matter what your goals are (financial freedom? weight-loss success? the ability to stay home and raise your children? the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle?) and let’s do this together!