Xtend Barre Provo

After a really awesome Winter, Spring & Summer full of consistently working out {average 2-3 times a week}, I epically failed this Fall. My school schedule had me running around like a chicken with my head cut off so I didn't put any emphasis on gym time. Sure, I walked the 30 minutes to and from school 3 times a week and had dance classes, but I'm usually accustomed to a more rigorous workout. Which means that lately I've been feeling unfulfilled in regards to workin' up a really good sweat.

I've heard about Xtend Barre before, more specifically about how it's a new style of working out that is similar to a dance warm-up...but way more intense. After my first class there, I totally agree. Two days later I'm still feeling the muscle soreness, but it hurts so good and I love it! Our teacher Kacey was a total rockstar, keeping everyone motivated to do just 4 more reps. We did: arms with weights, abs, and leg strengthening on the barre, along with cardio; so this workout is not for the faint of heart, but it's absolutely worth it. It's pretty much addicting, and I honestly cannot even wait until the next class I'm able to attend. 

At the end of the blogger Xtend Barre class, the teacher came up to me & asked if I was a dancer? I told her that I had taken some ballroom classes at BYU, but didn't consider myself a dancer by any means. She complimented me on my foot-floor connection, pointed toes, and how I was able to keep good posture pretty much the entire class. Suffice it to say, I was pretty stoked to see that the teacher was impressed by my technique and even came over to compliment me on it!

Deidre, our awesome host of the event, handed out prizes for Most Creative Instagram pic, Cutest Instagram pic, and Best in Class...which I won! The teacher had picked me to win Best in Class and while I definitely wasn't expecting it, I was super stoked to win that Albion Fit gift card! I seriously had a blast here, and will definitely start making Xtend Barre classes a part of my routine. The teachers, support from your classmates, high energy music, adorable venue, and creative full body workouts are AMAZING. Make your way over to Xtend Barre Provo in the Riverwoods, you will not regret it one bit!

Thank you to our event sponsors!
Xtend Barre: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram  
Rock These Socks: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Blickenstaffs: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Mend Juicery: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Provo Beach Resort: Website   
Lime Ricki: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter
Sodalicious: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Sammys Cafe: Website \\ Facebook 
Albion Fit: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
3B Yoga: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram

Pray More, Worry Less

As of late, I've been feeling spiritually depleted. I need to study my scriptures, pray more, and stop fretting about life. I've had this craving to be more in tune with my marriage and with myself. Last Sunday, a woman gave a talk during church and noted that we should all take more enjoyment in the actual doing of things instead of the getting things done. It really spoke to me, especially as someone who takes great joy in crossing things off my to-do list.

Though, how can I expect to connect with my Heavenly Father when I'm busy running around stressing about the future? It's necessary to have that stillness & peace in my life so I'm able to create an atmosphere where I can be quiet & introspective. Not only is this essential to my spiritual well-being but also to my physical and mental counterparts which all plays a part in getting healthy. So my goal this week is to pray more & worry less.

How are you working towards getting healthy this week?

I Only Order a Salad To Laugh At It

I'll admit that I'm not the bestest housewife there ever was. I'm not a huge fan of slaving all day over a dinner, I only do deep cleaning when I'm angry/frustrated, and I don't make lunches every single day for my husband to take to work {I'm workin' on that though ;)}. BUT, when I do prepare a meal...it's dang delicious. Seeing as how I've made a commitment to keep up with my clean eating initiative, we've been eating more salads around here. Ryan used to joke with me and say "I only order a salad to laugh at it" {whatta skunk!}, but now that I've been trying out some different salad concoctions, he's been whistling a different tune. The top salad is: spinach, feta cheese, strawberries, grilled chicken, lite raspberry vinaigrette, and avocado. The salad below is: grilled chicken, spinach, cheese, bacon bits, and poppyseed dressing. 

What is your favorite salad dish that everyone should try?

Stress Relievers

Being the young married college student that I am...I tend to get stressed sometimes. Ok, that might be a bit of an understatement! There are times when I let my anxiety get the best of me, but I try and make the choice to busy myself with other things. Stress and worry honestly do nothing for what you need to accomplish, and I have to remind myself of that all the time! In order for me to work on being healthy in all facets of life {exercise, eating, etc}, I need to teach myself not to stress as much. Until I can become the calm yoga master I one day hope to be, here is my list of go-to stress relievers:

+Work on a hobby of yours {pictured above, my mom & I made that wreath cause we love to craft}

+ Roam around Target by yourself with your drink of choice in hand

+ A good book/magazine with a nice hot bubble bath

+ Work out to your new Jillian Michaels dvd

+ Redecorate a part of your home, that focus while take your mind off the stress

+ A walk outside in the fresh air

+ This may sound counterintuitive, but clean your house! It feels like you can conquer any situation when you put yourself in clean & organized surroundings...then your mind is not cluttered with the clutter around you

+ Concentrated breathing...slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth

+ A quick yoga practice 

+ Go on a leisurely bike ride & enjoy the world around you

+ Retail therapy {enough said}

+ Create a flower arrangement for your home

+ Look at the positives to your situation, make the choice to be optimistic

+ Call up a friend or family member to catch up

+ Frozen yogurt run

+ Take a swim or lay by the pool and soak in the sun

"Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace"

How to Overcome Clean Living Guilt

Since moving back to CA for the summer, I made a promise to myself to make a lifestyle change. A real change, for good. Drink more water, use portion control, sleep 6-8 hours {not like that was an issue before, I probably sleep too much}, eat more fruits/veggies, and get my body moving 4-5 times a week. Honestly, I feel like I've been doing MUCH better than past attempts; I've already lost a few pounds, feel stronger when doing my workouts, and I sleep better at night! 

I use the My Fitness Pal app religiously in keeping track of my calorie intake & workouts...then we hit the weekend. Where Ryan gets off earlier on Saturdays {which is when we usually go out to eat & I actually get to see him} then we do amazing Sunday dinners at my parents....all this partying means that I also don't take the time to do my workouts. I want to spend time with family and enjoy delicious food goshdangit! I still continue to watch my portion control and make a conscious effort to choose "better" choices on the menu...but then I start to feel guilty. I can't eat this if I didn't work out today. This is totally going to ruin ALL my progress. Even if it's a little piece...why am I enjoying my favorite german chocolate pie from Marie Calendars? These are some things I remind myself of in order to avoid the ever-looming healthy living "guilt".

1. Realize That You're Not Perfect

You're human, you need some chocolate now and then. Specifically that amazing pie from last weekend. As long as it's not an everyday occurrence, you should allow yourself to indulge occasionally. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet...you're going to be doing this the rest of your life so you have to be realistic. So don't beat yourself up every time you give in!

2. Progress Is Perfection

If you're off track for one or even two days, just hop right back on that train and keep going. One weekend is not going to completely and drastically mess up a week's worth of training/clean eating. I'm loving this quote "progress IS perfection" because it's a reminder that every little bit counts, and that being perfect is not the end result, you're perfect because you're trying.

3. Don't Give Up!

The best and most cliche point of all time. DONT GIVE UP. Keep plugging away at your goal. It takes some people days, months, or even years to reach their ideal end result. With every set back you gotta come back stronger and with more resolve. At the very least be consistent!

And if you needed some more inspiration...here's some Ryan Gosling hotness for you.

You're welcome.

Albion Fit Giveaway! {CLOSED}

Albion Fit is a company based in Utah who specializes in creating women's fitness and swimwear as well as workout clothing. They combine some of the most important elements in workout or leisure-wear such as: comfort, function, and a flattering cut for the woman physique. I was sent this Go Long Crew by Albion Fit to review and honestly love it! The material is thin, soft, moveable, and has some pretty awesome thumb holes. I tend to like my workout gear a little on the looser side so this was perfect and definitely not clingy. They have a bazillion color options for this workout top and I choose the "pool" color, doesn't that sound so serene? They also have available: ballet pink, fuchsia, jade, grape, rust, and heather gray. 

Enter to win a Go Long Crew top of your own in any color you choose, make sure to do so soon because the giveaway ends this Saturday the 18th.

Albion Fit is so awesome to not only offer a giveaway for all my readers, but to also supply you with a reader discount code in order to receive $15 off an order of $50 or more! {Use by 5/18/13}

Code: breezydays15

I hope you win! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

5 Tips for Re-Igniting Workout Motivation

I'm not one that is motivated by a number on the scale.

I'm motivated by how I look in the mirror, how well I fit into my clothes, and how good I feel inside.

It's difficult when life gets busy because the first thing that goes on the back burner is working out!

Probably because this takes some time, effort, and minor planning.

I try to make it easy on myself by using some of these tricks to re-ignite my motivation!

1. Fitness inspiration on my cell phone

{Original Source}

How often do we look at our phones?

But seriously though, it's ridiculous.

I find some motivating quotes on Pinterest and use them as my iPhone lock screen.
This is mine right now!

2. Making dates with friends

Everyone, meet my hot friend Callie. She's the one teaching the Zumba class!

She has made Zumba an integral part of her life, and we can do the same.

I make a point to either hit her classes up in Lehi cause she gets me pumped, go with a friend to BYU aerobic classes, or I take a yoga class with Ryan at school! {I've also taken tennis & basketball!}

When I have a commitment to go work out with a friend, I don't make excuses of "I don't have time" or "I don't feel like it", cause someone else is depending on me!

Plus it's an awesome way to scratch working out off your list & to make time to hang with a friend!

3. Grocery shop after working out...with a list

{Marinated pork, steamed veggies, avocado, texas toast...sugar-free jell-o pudding, strawberries}
Life is always easier with a list.
When I'm tired & hungry I tend to gravitate towards my favorite comfort foods.
After I work out and feel motivated to continue the "feel good" train is such a good time to hit the grocery store! I tend to choose those healthier alternatives.
Such a good way to trick that 'lil brain of mine.

4. Cute workout clothes

{Sports bra, Tennies: Nike//Tank: F21//Yoga pants: VS}

If you wanna feel good, you gotta look good!

Even if you are working up a heavy sweat, at least you are looking bangin' while doing it.

I'm totally a Nike girl through and through, but only shop at the Nike outlet.

I get my basics there, such as: supportive sport bras, spandex, and workout shoes.

I also love my Victoria Secret yoga pants, spandex capris from Ross, and tanks from Forever 21.

Whenever I feel like my workout wardrobe is lookin' sad, a few cheap shirts from F21 help cure that!

5. Just do it!

Most of the time it isn't our body that can't work out or pick healthy food choices.

It's the obstacles our mind has to overcome in order to make these choices!

Nike has a point here. Just get your bum in those cute workout clothes and get out there and just do it!

Getting Back On Track

This past week with school has been absolutely crazy!

Between homework, quizzes, readings, and group projects I have definitely not made the time needed for my body to re-coop with some healthy food, good exercise, and lots of sleep.

The only exercise I've done is walk the 30 minutes to and from school.

Plus there was hardly any decent food in the house meaning I had my share of In-n-Out drive-thru trips.
This obviously calls for some re-grouping, so I ask myself: what changes can I make this week so that my body is fueled properly & has enough energy to get through the week?

Although I fell off the healthy eating/exercising track this past week, 

I try to accept the fact that I'm not perfect and am not too hard on myself.

I find that when I'm hard on myself about this kind of stuff then I feel guilty, 

which impedes my progress more than anything.

I just hop back on the train and am plugging at it all over again!

I'm not one to make huge commitments on myself like:
"I have to exercise everyday or I have this consequence"
I know this works for some people, but definitely not for me.
I make it a point to plan exercise dates ahead of time so that I'm much more committed.
I hit up BYU aerobic classes with friends, I joined an intramural basketball team, I hit up Gold's Gym with Ryan, and I also have a Zumba Kinect game to make things fun!

Now that this week is starting to slow down, it was refreshing to go grocery shopping at Winco {seriously the best place ever} to buy a truckload of healthy food to stock us up for the next few weeks.

I had an intramural basketball game on Wednesday & I finally tried out my Zumba Kinect game that Evan got me for my birthday {back in September, I know I'm a horrible sister}.

The game totally kicked my tush but it's nice to feel sore again! :)

Other healthy posts:

Goals for 2013

Getting Healthy

Healthy Snack Alternatives

Healthy Snack Alternatives

{Cheesy eggs, avocado half, strawberries & salami meat}

It's now been a full week since I wrote my last post about getting healthy, and I'm feeling pretty good!
I've held true to most of my goals but definitely need to focus on drinking more water & now I need to start fitting in more exercise between all my school studying.
{I have an intramural basketball game tomorrow & have planned a gym date with the husby today which is some good progress!}

I had one day this week when I hopped off the bandwagon and ate some California Pizza Kitchen penne pasta, but only ate half of the massive portion I was given.
Instead of stuffing my face mindlessly {which happens a lot when I'm hungry}, I made sure to eat slow and purposefully by enjoying every delicious bite. Yummmmmmmmm.
Nooooo stomach aches in sight, woot woot!

Some of my favorite healthy snacks that have kept me sane are:
+ Water with Strawberry Crystal Light {I try to refill my big SmartWater bottle 2 times daily}
+ Bananas with peanut butter

+ String cheese

+ Wheat toast with raspberry jam

+ Honey greek yogurt with cinnamon and frozen blueberries {sometimes with granola}

+ Apple slices cooked in coconut oil and sprinkled with cinnamon

+ Sharp cheddar cheese & wheat thins
+ Chocolate covered raspberries

+ Strawberries or bananas on sugar free jell-o pudding

+ Celery with peanut butter and craisins
+ Strawberries dipped in Truvia {sugar alternative, it helps keep the sweet tooth at bay}

What are some of your go-to healthy snacks that I can add to my list to try? :)

Getting Healthy

{Salmon, salad, a tiny bit of mac & cheese with crystal light water}

Last Thursday I was soooo excited to get my new Victoria Secret swimsuit in the mail so I hurried up and tried it on...only to find that it didn't look like I wanted it to.

Is my body really shaped like that nowadays?

I spend so much time working to find clothes that compliment my shape, that I didn't even know what my shape was anymore. I just figured that a little exercise would magically take care of things.

Not that I'm uncomfortable in my body or embarrassed by any means {I'm still too confident for my own good sometimes} but I was just surprised at what the perception of my body was and what it actually looked like.

*Flashback to the summer after my Freshmen year of college {3 years ago}* 

I had definitely gained the Freshmen 15 and my mom asked if I would do the HCG diet with her.

It was my first time ever being on a diet, and I said sure! Why not.

If any of you know what the HCG diet is, you know that it is SERIOUSLY unhealthy.

You can only eat between noon and midnight, you can only eat 600 calories a day, you can't do any exercising, and you must drink lots and lots of water.

Every nutritionists nightmare I'm sure.

Suffice it to say I wasn't a very happy person.

My brothers were even begging me to eat a cookie so I wouldn't be in such a horrible mood all the time. I lost 7 pounds during that 2 week period, which ending up staying off only because I just went back to a decent diet and started exercising again.

What I did learn during the HCG fiasco, is how much I was eating and what kind of crap I was eating to fuel my body. With how consumed I was by what I was eating every minute of the day, I had a lot of time to take notes. I was eating as much as the boys were, drinking soda left and right, and honestly never ate fruits and veggies. So horrible.

Which leads us to now.

It honestly just hit me between the eyeballs when I stood there in my new swimsuit, 

looking at myself in the mirror....I just can't eat like this anymore.

I have cut the soda down significantly {I have maybe 2 a month?}, but eating pizza and random snacks from the kitchen aren't going to cut it. I need to make my body a priority.

I snapped a picture to remind myself what I'm working for.

I'm going to be a crazy nut & continue to refuse to step on a scale.

{Maybe when I'm down to what I want to look like, I will?}

But, in another week and a half, I'll take another picture of me in my swimsuit and see the difference a healthy diet and some good ole exercise can do in 2 weeks time.

Within the next two weeks I'm going to work on transforming my body by doing the following things:

+ Make conscious decisions to choose healthy alternatives when eating & snacking

+ Drink at least 2-3 bottles of water a day {even with Crystal Light it counts!}

+ Watch my portion size, when I eat to much I instantly get a stomach ache and we want to avoid that! Cut in half what I would normally eat, and see how much that fills me up.

+ Pay attention and listen to my body, when it says its full...it's full!
+ Take advantage of my Golds Gym & BYU Aerobic classes as well as my Zumba Kinect game that my awesome brother got me for my birthday :)

I'm a complete rookie at this people.

I've been researching the best recipes and healthy snack ideas,
 and I'm really excited to see where this will take me!

If you all don't mind, I would love to share my progress here and would love any food/exercise pointers you have tried out and have seen success with :)