Holiday Challenges!

 

Hey guys! I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

The past few days I have been up to my eyeballs in Christmas decorations.. I love Christmas decorations once it is all up..

I got my sweat on this morning at GPP and got a quick run in at skills on the TM. My hip has been bugging me a little again lately. I first started to notice it last night, I spent a good half hour last night icing and rolling the life out of it and got back to it today, I started slowly before picking it up and when it actually came down to getting it done, I just wasn’t in the mood to really run. To keep myself from becoming bored I turned it into a walk/run workout. It was actually a lot of fun and made the time go by fast!

I would rather run outside right now, because the weather has been strangely warm during the day, but not quite warm enough to take the babies out in the stroller. A run is a run though, good or bad and I got it done!

No hip pain! But I’m not going to push it and give myself a few extra “run free” days for a couple weeks. I hate injuries.. so I better do my best to avoid them!

HOLIDAY CHALLENGES!

Tomorrow is December FIRST!!

It is time for the egg nog, candy, parties and all that jazz to begin!!

It is common to gain a few pounds between Thanksgiving and New years! There is a way to keep it off! Or at least spare a few RIGHT?! Not by avoiding it all but enjoying some things—not everything. – Tis the season right?!

There have been a ton of challenges popping up everywhere and I am not one to turn down a challenge, especially if I can benefit from them!

Challenges are good for us.

Here are a few of the faves! You can pick to do some, all or none. It is up to you!

The “Holiday Hold Em” Challenge

From the GPP website:

This one will be simple (don’t want to burn you out on challenges this close to the New Year).

It goes like this:

You are to weigh yourself in ASAP.  If you are able to replicate that same weight on January 2nd, you are eligible for $10 off your next GPP membership dues.  For those off-site (or if you choose this option instead): You will be eligible to purchase a GPP shirt at cost (around $14.00 including shipping).

Here is the kicker:

For those of you who LOSE WEIGHT, you may take an additional $2 per pound lost off your next GPP membership dues.  Off-site you may apply the same $2 per pound to additional shirts or other GPP products (protein, bars, etc.)

You must state that you are “in” by posting to comments.  You do not have to post your weight.  Please consider posting daily, as it strengthens this community and our collective efforts.

This is a fun and simple challenge to help keep us in check through the holidays! It would be fun to have you all join in! Why not? Right!?

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Facebook Challenge!

I found this gem on FB today! If you love squats.. you will love this challenge! No pressure. It kind of reminds me of following a marathon training plan.. There is even rest days! I like that it is different everyday! I’m not a huge squat lover.

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DEDICATED DECEMBER!

This starts tomorrow!

Janetha @mealsandmovesblog.com did this challenge last year and it is simple to follow and be part of and you get the chance to win some cool stuff!!

Check out her post HERE!

 

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Fit Mixer Boot camp

If you want to switch up your routine for the new year, check out the  fit mixer boot camp

If you want in for a chance to win a FREE spot into the boot camp starting January 14, 2013

Get this DONE.

• Make a video under 3 minutes long describing why you need fit mixer® Boot Camp
• Upload the video to YouTube.com
• Title the video “Why I need fitmixer Boot Camp”
• Email the link of your video to info@fitmixer.com
• Share the video with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, Email – however you can – and tell them to vote by “Liking” (clicking the “Thumbs Up” icon) your video on YouTube.

The person with the most video “likes” on December 8 WINS!

Baylee is ready to get her workout on through the holidays.. How about you?

 

Good LUCK!

Question of the day:

Which Challenge are you in for?

What is your favorite holiday indulgence?

 

SIDENOTE: TRADER JOES opened today in SLC today! FINALLY!! I can’t wait to go but want to wait a little while for the crowds to die down.. I don’t think I was the only one that is a food fanatic in town.

Synergy Stew

Hey guys! It has been snowing here today NON-stop!


Somebody really loved it.


First thing this morning he wanted to go “catch snow.” So we did.

I also broke out the Christmas music..I’m usually all against listening to Christmas music until AFTER thanksgiving but I thought maybe it would help me break out of my “snow,snow go away” thoughts. It did. A little.

Synergy Stew


Have you ever made a stew or soup and after you finished you thought “that would have been really good if..”? It was missing maybe just one ingredient to make it absolutely perfect?

I have.

Mainly because I usually decide to make a soup off a whim with left overs and almost always forget a little onion. (I love the flavor onions give in soup). 

I’m going to take this a different route and relate it to MY personal synergy. Synergy is created when things work together to create a great income outcome.

What makes me good, or feel my best? What elements assist me in my life to achieve my best self.


1. SLEEP- I need sleep. I crave it some most days and honestly do not know how I got through the first few months of becoming a mom. When the twins sleep well. Mom does too! I’m happier, more energetic and less grumpy.

2. My family,husband and children- I love these people and their sarcasm, jokes and love. I know if I ever need anything I have someone to call. Chances they pretend their to busy to care are high, but I know they have the best intentions. ---Totally kidding. I love them all and they love me. Sarcasm at best.
 

3. My friends- My friends are some of the most unique, down to earth, funniest people I know. I don’t know how I could get through my day without their emoji text and sweaty hugs.


4. GPP- My day doesn’t go anywhere without getting my workout done first. I can’t get anything done around my house until I get my workout done.




5. Me time- I love my schedule. I like having a plan, things to do, places to be, people to see kind of life. I also love having scheduled “me” time. To take a nap, right in my journal, blog, read a book etc. ME time is for my sanity.


6. Eating Clean- When I eat clean, I feel better. Easy as that.


Eating Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and raspberries while watching Greys? Even Better.


Check out some of the other things my friends over at fitmixer have going on!

BOGO sale! Send people to our Facebook page (http://facebook.com/fitmixer) You have to  "like" fitmixers page to unlock the code to get a FREE bottle of fruit punch amino® with any purchase (does not include blender bottles). Ends November 30.
Weekend Getaway Giveaway! Again, go to the Fitmixer Facebook page and follow the steps to win the Weekend Getaway. The prize consists of a $99 Marriott Hotels & Resorts voucher and a $50 gift card to Restaurants.com. Ends November 30. ---Who wouldn’t want to win a getaway!
Fitmixer® Product Daily Giveaway! Go to the Fitixer website (http://fitmixer.com/current-promotions/daily-giveaway/) to enter to win their choice of any fitmixer® product, DAILY! You have to enter daily to increase your chances of winning, and the winners are announced each day. This promo ends December 15.

Head on over to Fitmixer and tell them a few of your ingredients in your synergy stew to gain a few extra entries!  To head on over right now CLICK HERE!

GO! GO! GO!
Question of the day:
What is your synergy stew recipe?

Motivation

Happy Friday! Do you have some fun plans for the weekend?!


This morning I headed to GPP for a new to me workout!



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WOW. My abs are already feelin’ it! My abs hardly ever get sore, but this workout hit them in a whole different way! Anytime I need to hold a wieght over my head it turns into a mental battle to get through, until the last rep.


Seriously, Awesome!


I am big on motivational quotes, I love them, I collect them. - Whenever I am having a rough day or to get me through the last few miles of a marathon or even to get me through workouts like todays.
Pinterest is chuck full of them. One of my favorites is this one.





When the going gets tough at any time in my life, whether it be in the gym or at home this quote always pops into my head.

It helps me to dig a little deeper and overcome the small voice in my head that doubts my actions. I believe I can be stronger then I think when the going gets tough.

I love to push my limits at the gym, you might even say I enjoy a little pain every now and then. After a hard workout, that was really challenging to me I feel a huge sense of accomplishment and I feel stronger then I did before.

Motivation is key to the victories in life. Big or small.

Dedication is what will make you great!




Giveaway!

Head on over to Fitmixer to enter to win in their monthly giveaway!


Question of the Day

What gets you through when the going gets tough?

Lets Break Up

Happy Friday!!
I was asked to be a fitmixer Ambassador awhile ago . I am a huge fan of fitmixer products and what they stand for. The people behind fitmixer truly want everyone to be their best selves. Our health is an important part of lives and on the fitmixer website Candice, Alicia, and Robin blog about everything health and fitness! You may also take part in the fitmixer boot camp program for fun workouts that you can do in your own home.

They have several products that can help you reach your fitness and nutritional goals. These are the two I keep stocked in my pantry. Brent LOVES both of these as well!

 
As a fitmixer Ambassador, I will be writing a post each month about a specific health or fitness topic chosen by fitmixer. This will help spread the word about the company and their amazing products and I will be hosting a bunch of giveaways for you to win some of it! (I also have my affiliate link on the sidebar if you want to purchase some product for yourself) This month’s fitmixer topic is geared toward saying goodbye to something that holds you back from achieving your health and fitness goals by writing a farewell letter and dismissing the issue from your life. It can be anything really—junk food, your love for sugar, negative thoughts, excuses, etc. I chose doubt to break up with.
Dear Doubt-
It’s about time I face you and let you really know how I feel. Can’t you notice that we have an unhealthy relationship? You’re always in my head and preventing me from doing what I want and know is possible— and it’s time for it to stop. We have been together for a long time now and I know you may always be a dark shadow in my head. In order for me to reach my fitness goals we need to break up.
I know you know what I'm getting at here so don’t act like nothing is wrong. When I shoot for a PR time or sign up for a race, you invade my mind and whisper things that make me think I can’t do it. Why would you do that to me? It’s a constant battle and you always seem to be triumphant.
It is almost as if you never want to see me succeed or reach my goals. Did you know, I really have been trying to avoid you for months? I really want to improve my speed, strength and get out of this slump I feel like I have been in. Some days I feel great but you always step in to ridicule me and its preventing me from reaching my goals.
Doubt, I’m sick of repeating this dreadful cycle. This is the end. We are SO done. I am going to reach my goals and you can’t stop me anymore. Goodbye doubt. See you never.
Good riddance!
Candice
Question of the Day:
To what or who do you need to break up with? What would it say?
To enter to win 2lbs of Fitmixer Product, go here for a grand total of 7 different entries!

Olympic Sprint Motivation

Last night I skipped out on blogging to spend a little extra time hanging with Brent while cheering on team USA gymnastics. Go GABBY!!
I don’t know gabby personally but I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breathe, crossing my fingers and all nervous like while they were tallying up the final scores.

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I’m pretty proud of that little chica.
Yesterday recap:
Yesterdays workout left me with some dirty knees. ---> Lunges are a girls best friend and Manimals are just as “fun.”

After the workout I took the twins to play at the park until naptime. I am telling you, these two never get tired of the park and it’s the first thing they want to do every morning! While I was there I decided to make up a fun little park workout! I can’t wait to share it with you guys. There are lunges, box jumps, pull ups, pushups and sprints. I’ll get it up ASAP so you can take your kids to the park and get a little workout in at the same time!

Workout:
This morning Brent prepared some fit mixer aminos pre-workout

I headed to GPP to tackle the WOD. It was all core today and I was glad because my shoulders are pretty useless today after yesterday and Wednesdays workouts.My couldn’t do the back extensions weighted for 60 seconds… let alone the RX weight.  I did not even come close to RXing that beast.  Something to work for I suppose. Afterwards, I had a little extra time so I went to the gym for a few tabata sprints. I jumped on the treadmill and the 400 m sprint Olympic competition was on.

Talk about motivation! I used my gym boss app (Its FREE) for tabata sprints. I set the incline to 1.5 and set the speed to 11!! In 20 minutes I was dripping!! I watched the Olympic sprinters legs and tried to just keep up with them. So Sweaty!

Olympic Sprinters are legit! Not to mention inspiring!!

Lola jones ^^^source
Why Hello, abs, arms and legs!
We had a play date set after at the splash park with my SIL’s
I headed home for a quick shake.

In the mix:

• 1 C. Almond Milk unsweetened Vanilla
• 1/2 Banana
• Frozen Berries
• 1 scoop Fit Mixer chocolate
• Ice
• 1 tbs Chia Seeds

Then it was time for some fun!


We had a great time running through the splash pad and playing with our Aunts and cousins!

They both fell asleep before we got home, and we literally live 3 minutes away. They were tired nuggets. Hoping that nap goes for a little longer today. I’m hoping to get some chores done before they wake up!
Lunch

Before I do the chores I had to eat first. Duh.
I made some ground turkey and threw it on a bed of lettuce with some green and yellow peppers, sweet potato and drizzled it with Walden farm honey mustard dressing!


Tonight we have plans to see WICKED!!

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My FIL bought us these tickets MONTHS ago and I have been so excited to see it! I have only been to a handful of Broadway plays, my favorite is Momma mia. I am a huge fan of Broadway musicals! I may or may not have a few in my running playlist.. Here I go again!
Question of the day:
Have you been to a Broadway Musical?
What is your favorite Olympic event?
I love watching gymnastics but am totally inspired by track and field as well.