Spousal R&R

I am the first person to admit that I have extra mom guilt when it comes time for a date night with my husband.  We both work all week and barely see our kids during waking hours as it stands.  So, why would I want to find a sitter and spend more time away from them?  It is always a very challenging thing for me to do and therefore I don’t do it very frequently.  I completely understand the importance of time away with your significant other, it’s just easier to deal with that guilt.

Guilt aside, my husband and I took a trip to Fallingwater in Mill Run, PA for his birthday.  For those that may not know, Fallingwater is the house designed and implemented by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kauffman family in the late 1930s.  Added history lesson in this post!  My husband is really into architecture and studied Wright in high school years ago.  The house is pretty incredible to see and the tour guide we had was knowledgeable and personable.

Our tour was early in the afternoon and we spent almost 3 hours there looking around the house and exploring the grounds surrounding the house.  We ventured to our hotel a short distance away in Uniontown, PA.  On our way we drove through Ohio Pyle and there was a huge festival going on so the town was hopping.  We passed the Laurel Caverns and a battle field that can be toured.  There are also two other houses by Wright in the area.  It was during our drive that we had wished our weekend away was a little longer.  There was so much to see in that small little portion of the map.

The next morning we woke up at 7am.  I know you are already thinking it so I’m going to say it, “What the heck were you doing up at 7am when you had the opportunity to sleep in?”  The answer to that question is, I have no idea.  The hotel was fairly new and so the accommodations were very nice.  But, we enjoyed a nice breakfast, filled up the car and headed home.

Although I experience guilt when leaving my children for fun times with my spouse, I understand the importance.  It allowed us to reconnect and enjoy time together.  We were able to talk without being interrupted.  We still thought about our kids a lot and talked about them a good bit.  But, it was our time.

I’d definitely recommend this as a weekend get away.  Young children are not allowed at Fallingwater, so it makes a perfect retreat for any couple that enjoys nature or history.

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Weekly Recap

I know that I just got back into the blogging world after a very long hiatus, but I want to start keeping a more consistent schedule with my posts.  With that being said, I will post twice a week.  On Wednesdays I will post something mom related.  Whether it be organizing, planning, fun activities, craft projects or reviews.  On Saturday morning I will post a fitness recap for the week and encourage a challenge for the next week.

So, let’s get started! This week I felt successful with my workouts! I got up 4 mornings out of the work week to run or lift.  I ran my furthest distance in a long time.  But honestly, I’m not sure which number to believe.  As always I ran on the treadmill, I set my speed and stayed consistent.  Only this time, I ran with my watch and my phone also tracking on indoor mode and the distances were all different.  Treadmill was 3.46 (still my longest run since I was pregnant with my last child- fyi he is over a year old), Garmin watch was 4.3 and my phone was 4.6 miles.  I’d love to believe my distance was actually closer to the Garmin just to boost my self-esteem.

Friday I started a burpee challenge.  I found a post on runners world by Danielle Zickl called “I did 30 Burpees For 15 Days and Here’s What Happened” and figured I would give it a shot.  Doing 30 burpees didn’t seem to be overly challenging to start. It was something I felt I could improve as I went along in the challenge.  It is also safe to assume that you can stick to anything for just 15 days.  Therefore, I went for it! Day 1 was successful.  I completed 3 sets of 10 with a minute in between each set.  As the days go on, I will decrease the time between the sets until I am just doing 30 burpees in one continuous sequence.

Here is the challenge for the week.  Set a challenge for yourself for the next 15 days.  Join me in the burpee challenge!  Now, start TODAY! Don’t wait until Monday.  If you continuously tell yourself that you will start Monday, you will find a way to put it off again.  So, start today.  Hence my reason for starting on a Friday.  After all it is just 15 days.  You can do this!  Let me know what your personal challenge is going to be! I would love some ideas for a future personal challenge.

As always, be confident, be fit, be you!

 

Life Relapse

I could blame my lack of fitness, healthy eating, organization, and motivation on a whole slew of things.  I have two kids. My husbands commute time is 15 hours a week.  I work full time. But, the reality is, I just fell off the wagon.  I stopped waking up at 4:45am because my kids don’t sleep through the night.  I stopped packing my lunch and prepping my meals for the week.  I just stopped caring.

Eventually, I hit a wall.  I started getting extremely frustrated with myself and my control with sugar. I was missing running.  Even running on my treadmill <gasp>.  My life was not in order and routines were missing to make things feel like they were running smoothly.

It was about two weeks ago when I swore to myself I was going to get up 3 days that week to walk/jog on the treadmill in my basement.  I was successful.  Then I made it another week and my walking was slowly decreasing and my running was slowly increasing.  I was getting back into my game.  I started back with my morning routine of quick kitchen clean up before leaving the house.  I started a routine for sweeping/mopping and vacuuming my floors.  I started a new bedtime routine to help the kids have a better rest and less frustration for mom and dad. I was BACK!

With each success added back into my routine, the better things were running day to day.  I was becoming less and less frustrated with how things in my life were moving.  I no longer felt like I was being tackled by a 350 lbs. lineman.  I was inching up the field.  There is still a long way to go to getting back to where I want to be with my health and fitness.  But I’ve started the process and am more determined than ever.

As always, be confident, be fit, be you!

One pound at a time

Week one of the Beachbody Challenge is in the books! In doing so, I’ve completed week one of Core de Force.  The unofficial results are in…I lost 2lbs this week.  Did I mention I still haven’t changed my meal plan?  Those two pounds were lost by simply adding the workouts back  into my schedule.  Now, I won’t be posting a before photo until I’ve completed the 30 days.  I’m also dreading posting the photo, but what the heck.  I can handle internet shame haha.

Breakdown of the workouts this week.  This program makes me feel completely uncoordinated and at the same time like I’m working a million muscles in my body.  There’s jabs, kicks, knees and push ups till tomorrow.  I’ve never heard of half of these moves.  I seriously can not do push ups on my toes, but I’m doing the modified version and feeling like I’m getting stronger.  Maybe by week 4 I will be able to complete a full set of push ups in one of the rounds. My favorite move is actually the staggered push up.

Now, to describe the meals for this week.  In one word: FATTENING.  This week I ate pizza, wings, cake, candy, cookies and a salad.  Yep, one salad.  I would say the meals were improved from the previous week, but obviously needs more work.  I will admit the Shakeology that I’ve been bashing for years surprised the crap out of me.  I drank one every single morning and didn’t feel like I needed to eat until noon.  Four solid hours of feeling full.  But, I didn’t want to go 4 hours without eating since I am a nursing mom.  So, I did scale back on my food through lunch.  Then around 2-3pm I started eating out of habit.  Not boredom, work keeps me super busy.  But, when I was on maternity leave, I ate out of boredom and the habit has continued into my work life.  Do I feel that Shakeology is worth $120 a month, not really.  Yes, it may only be $4 a day, but I don’t like to spend that kind of money daily. If you are someone that really needs to cut cravings, then maybe.  I just can’t justify it at this point.

Next weeks goals:
*Complete all workouts for the 2nd week of CDF
*Avoid candy, cake, cookies
*Try one round of push ups not using the modification

Be confident, be fit, be you!

The good, the bad, and the sweet

Week one is in the books for 2017.  I am going to give full disclosure of my progress for the first week of the year.  I nailed the workouts.  I sampled the beach body on demand during the month of December and was only able to access older programs.  But, when they rolled out the all access, I was excited to give it a whirl.  I paid for the year membership and couldn’t wait to try Piyo.  But, to really decide on a program, I sampled Country Heat and Core De Force as well.

For every workout I completed, I put a flag sticker in my planner. To see the week filling up with stickers was a nice reminder to keep going.  After all, as children we were excited to get stickers on our homework or for completing a book for the pizza hut book program.  I then wrote down which workout I completed in the weekly log.  I completed Piyo upper body which is only a 20 minute workout.  I wasn’t sweating and I was slightly disappointed.  I thought I would be aching all over after completing the workout.  Turns out, it has a two day after effect.  I felt the workout on Wednesday.  Tuesday and Sunday (log runs Mon-Sun) I completed two different Country Heat videos.  Once again, didn’t really feel the effects.  I was breaking a sweat by the final 5 minutes though, so I felt good about that.  Core De Force was my favorite.  It was challenging and low impact.  I was really feeling every muscle and could see how people were getting results with this program.  I plan to use this program for the challenge that starts today.

Now, I mentioned the bad and the sweets.  The food portion of this week was beyond failure.  I ate just about every sweet we had in the house plus some.  To give you an idea, I still had girl scout cookies from last march in my freezer.  Key word there, HAD.  I told myself I was not going to worry about the food until I got my workouts in a routine.  It is harder to stick with a program if you make too many changes at once.  On the flip side, I am being completely honest with my food log and writing down every last slice of pizza, brownie, candy, cookie and adult beverage I am consuming.  Even with my ridiculous food choices, I still saw a slight improvement with how my pants were fitting (for the good) by just increasing the workouts again.

Flag stickers FTW

Seriously, my cravings were ridiculous this week

First time drinking Shakeology. Will admit it curbed cravings from breakfast to lunch.

This next week I plan to continue the Core de Force workouts and starting to modify my eating habits.  I used to love fruits and vegetables.  But, honestly I am addicted to sugar. I look forward to reporting my progress next week!

Be confident, be fit, be you!

Fitness Challenge

That’s right. I joined a fitness challenge for the first month of the year.  I wanted the community support of the group to help guide me back to a healthy lifestyle.  I have been working out here and there, but if the video doesn’t cue up or I’m sweating more than I want, I tend to throw in the towel.  That stops NOW.

I joined the beach body health challenge and specifically with my high school friend (who’s a coach) in her 21 day fix wedding challenge.  No, I am not prepping for a wedding.  I’m actually coming up on 7 years of marriage with my hubby.  But, my friend is awesome and let me join anyway!  The health challenge is for 4 weeks, so there will be a bonus week thrown in.  The challenge requires 3 workouts a week and 5 shakeology drinks per week.  Now, I am not a fan of the cost of the drink and usually just get cellucor, but for this challenge, I had to get it and it was discounted with the year membership for their on demand videos.

I’m positive I can complete this challenge.  I want to push myself further and complete the entire 21 day fix and possibly start either core de force or piyo immediately following.  The reason I chose the on demand is so that I can sample workouts and choose a program that will fit my life and my schedule at that time.  The challenge starts Sunday and I will take a before picture with all of the measurements and my current weight.  I will post (even though I am slightly embarrassed) that photo in the kick off blog post.  I may even start vlogging after completing my workout for the day and just doing a daily evaluation of my successes and failures for that day.

My new planner from Create 365 has a fitness addition that I will be tracking my meals, water consumption and exercise completed.  At the end of each month it allows you to evaluate your month and plan for the upcoming month.

What are your goals for the month of January?  Who is your support system?  Do you need a community of peers to help keep you on track?  I’m happy to provide support and encouragement for anyone looking to achieve their goals this year!

 

Resolution Recap

The new year is upon us.  I decided to do a recap of my resolutions/ goals were for 2016 and see if I even came close.  Spoiler alert: I FAILED miserably.  But, I am not upset about that fact at all.  So, quickly, here is what was posted a year ago:

Therefore, my goals include the following:
1. Blog once a week (topics may vary depending on what I’m feeling)
2. Exercise a minimum of 5 days a week for at least 15 minutes
3. Create short (15 minute) workout videos to post to Youtube
4. Continue to work on my healthy eating habits

I clearly failed at writing a blog once a week.  The positive is that I branched out and wrote about a variety of topics and had good feedback on the posts involving “field trips” with my family. 

The exercise plan and the workout videos did not happen.  Right at the end of January 2016 I found out I was expecting our second child.  This little babe was taking all of my energy.  I literally was napping daily.  I was happy to workout 3 days a week.

Finally, the eating.  Welp, I was pregnant.  That is not an excuse but a reality.  With my first I craved fruits and ice cream.  However, with this little one I craved queso and chips.  I probably had that for dinner 4 nights a week for the entire second trimester.  The October hit, I had baby B and then began wedding and birthday festivities.  Of course cake was abundant during this time!  I have become addicted to sugar.

NOW…to make plans for 2017.  For this upcoming year I am going to improve what I’ve already started the last quarter of 2016.
1. Continue to increase number of workouts and intensity of workouts
2. Continue to use my planner to schedule dinners, cleaning and workouts- I found creating schedules really helped me feel less stressed about returning to work after baby B was born.
3. Attempt a technology detox while my kids are awake- this needs to happen so I can remember all of the fun things my kids do since I only get a few hours a day with them.

I will use these resolutions as guides for the year.  If I am feeling as if I have accomplished the goals, I will re-evaluate and write new goals. What are your plans for the upcoming year?  Did you accomplish what you wanted for 2016?

Weekly Fitness Check In- 2

Another week in the books!  As I continue to work back towards my pre pregnancy fitness goals, I am reminded that it takes 9 months to put the weight on and it will take some time to come off.  I, also, came to the realization that I started some really poor food habits while pregnant with number two.  I didn’t completely have the mindset that “oh, I’m pregnant, I can eat this,” but I definitely wasn’t as healthy with my food choices.

I do not need to make excuses for my habits, I need to change them. I have done it before and I can do it again.  Fruit and vegetables do taste good.  I need to remember that and find healthier options throughout the day instead of candy, cookies, and pizza.  With the holidays just around the corner, I need to remember to keep a healthy balance.

This past week I joined an accountability group with a beach body coach.  Now, I know quite a few coaches, but when they offer the free groups I usually jump on board.  This group was to increase your water intake and workout 4 out of 7 days of the week.  Daily check in and report back how you finished the day.  The reason I enjoy these groups is because everyone has a like goal.  They want to improve themselves one day at a time.  I have completed 3 workouts during the 5 days (two days remain with another workout needing to be completed).  My workouts have ranged from using the Nike Fitness app or the Beach Body on Demand app.  I like the variety and I can chose what time frame will work for me at that moment.  I’m still trying to find the time with all of the normal life stuff that needs completed.

I have been decently successful with the water portion of the challenge.  I usually drink a good bit of water throughout the day.  I cut pop (soda) out 12 years ago when I realized it was upsetting my stomach.  So, I basically only drink water anyway.  Therefore, I use a water challenge to really increase my intake to roughly 100oz a day.  I’m not always successful, but I like the challenge.

I encourage you to join a free accountability group or make your own with your social media accounts.  Find people who want to make positive changes and together lift each other up to reach your goals.  Fitness is something we don’t need to be competitive with other people, we need to be competitive with ourselves.  This week, I am going to finish out this group and either join another or find an online challenge and start my own group.

Be confident, be fit, be you!

Weekly Fitness Check In

I survived.  The first week back to work I managed to only cry on Monday from leaving my kiddos and heading back into my normal routine.  I was successful with pumping enough milk for the next day.  I was successful with being ready to get out the door on time.  I was successful with eating much healthier than I had been in the weeks prior.  Most importantly, I was successful with only pulling out the bank card to purchase gas.  My bank account is going to love me going back to work!

Now, the one goal I was not successful with was the work outs.  I was able to get two days of workouts in and they were only about 22 minutes long.  I had said I wanted to get 3- 30 minute workouts in during the week.  I am still just trying to come up with a schedule that allows that time to sweat it up.  It would be a lot easier if the toddler would go to sleep right when we put her to bed, but alas she takes about 2 hours to finally shut her eyes.  She must really think we party it up after she goes to bed because she fights sleep really well.

The workouts that I was able to complete were based on a fellow mommy’s recommendation.  The Nike+ Training App is perfect for a mom with a newborn.  I was able to chose a workout based on my current fitness and skill level or if I wanted to use weights or bands.  I completed two body weight only training sessions that were under 22 minutes.  But, being a mom with a newborn I had to pause during a few reps to comfort the babe and not interfere with the workout.  I just jumped right back into the reps I was working on before the cute interruption.

This weeks goals: work out 4 days this week.  I am not going to add a time element to this week because I just want to start to develop a routine.  Continue working on healthy eating habits and cutting back on sugar.  What are your goals this week?  If you’ve tried the Nike+ Training app, what is your favorite workout?

Be confident, be fit, be you!

Cleveland Zoo

By now, you may be wondering if I have an obsession with zoos.  The answer to that question is, YES!  I love going to the zoo because I am able to see animals that I otherwise would probably never see in real life.  As much as I would love to travel the world and see elephants and giraffes in person, I doubt I will get to any time soon.  I’m just hoping to at some point in my life time.

This trip was spur of the moment when the weather decided to hit almost 80 degrees in the middle of November.  Seriously, when does that happen in northern Ohio?  This trip would only include my toddler, infant and myself.  Can I handle this type of chaos by myself?  Unlike the Pittsburgh trip, I would need to push the stroller and wear the little one.  I’ve been to the Cleveland zoo numerous times and knew there would only be one major hill to tackle and I was confident I could do it!

We got to the zoo shortly after they opened and followed suit and immediately went in and changed diapers and found a shaded spot to feed the newest addition.  In his short little life he has already been to two different zoos in two different states!  He will be 2 months old on the 4th of December.  Apparently every parent/grandparent/school teacher wanted to take advantage of the amazing day we were given.  Children were everywhere, but so were the animals!  Most of the exhibits were open and the animals were playing and enjoying the nice day as well.

Sorry for the poor photos, I’m attempting to learn how to use my DSLR camera on Manual mode.

After some lunch, we decided to head up the ginormous hill I was slightly dreading.  At this point, the toddler had zero desire to ride in the stroller. So, the walk up the hill became much longer.  I was now wearing baby, pushing a stroller with our diaper bag essentials, and holding my toddlers hand.  About half way up I could tell she was getting tired because she started stopping to pick up E-V-E-R-Y leaf (it is autumn so leaves are abundant). As I could start to see the light at the end of a very long trek, the toddler just wasn’t having it and would not sit in the stroller.  So, here I go carrying her, wearing him, and pushing a stroller.  I was sweating like crazy by the end.

This zoo adventure was much more enjoyable.  We enjoyed watching the elephants and giraffes just roam around their habitats.  We were able to see the monkeys playing and eating. The toddler even just enjoyed watching the  birds at lunch get extremely close as they were eating all of the crumbs other kids were dropping.  We will definitely be back in the spring, or if we get another freak weather occurrence during the winter months.