Drop 10 Challenge

Ok guys, it's that time.

I've had a little bit of time off with the whole Fitness pal and gym thing and now it is def time to get back in the groove.

I felt like Spring Break was a good time to give myself a break from it all...

the pedometer, the counting calories, and the obsessing over getting to the gym....

however, I did stay active and try to keep myself under some kind of control when it came to food.

I have a subscription to SELF magazine and I have decided to do the Drop 10 Challenge.

I'm too picky of an eater to really follow the meal plan suggested, but I am incorporating my own meal plan with the goal of losing 2 pounds a week.

That means hard work at the gym and healthy super foods.

I'm nervous about starting this, but I need to take my New Year, New You plan to the next level and I'm hoping that this challenge is just the key.

That's all for now.

Happy Sunday!!

XoXo

Week 9 Recap

{Week 9}

Weekly Average

803

Daily Goal

1200

I worked out super hard again this week.  I'm loving the step classes that I've been taking.  They are hard core and I am so sore after them.  I love that feeling...the feeling that I know I worked hard.

My goal over the next few weeks is to try to really watch my sodium intake.  I'm not a big fan of adding salt and pepper to my food anyways, but I know that a lot of the food that I eat has a lot of salt already added.  I mean, what doesn't have salt?  Everything does!

That's the problem.

 I'm also going to try to cut back on my coke zero's.  I've gotten to where I'm craving water more and more, but when I eat, I need flavored drinks.  I'm going to try to do lemon water.   I guess that's about it for this week.Happy Sunday lovelies.  I'm pumped about the time change.  I wasn't happy about losing an hour, but I love that it stays light outside longer.XoXo 

Miscellany Monday

Hello lovelies!!  It's "Mon" day.  This weekend flew by and I am so incredibly behind with blogging.  I guess I was kind of in a rut for a few days.  Sorry I've been MIA, but I'm back, I think.

Let's get started shall we

Linking up with Lowercase Letters...

{Mini me}

Saturday night, I went to my brother and S-I-L's house for dinner and to visit.  They have 3 kiddos...Halle, Carter, and Cooper.  As soon as I walked in, Cooper (3) screams "Awesome"...guess he was excited to see me.  Carter sees me every day considering he is in kindergarten and I teach on the kindergarten hall.  Seeing me is old news for him, but Halle was as excited as Cooper to see me.

We had a mini girl's night until I had to leave for my night out...I painted her nails, taught her the 2 step zumba dance, and gave her a makeover.  I love this girl!

She wanted her nails to look like mine...I tried the whole accent nail thing.Love it!{Storm Shelter}So Friday night, we were supposed to get some really bad weather.  Since I'm house/dog sitting, I was obviously home alone with my dog and my sister's dog.  My older sister and her husband and kids live 10 minutes away and have a basement/living room area that is almost completely underground so she conviced me to load up the dogs and come spend the night with them since the weather was supposed to last well into the middle of the night.  Fortunately, the tornadoes missed us and we had a family fun night playing lots of games and spending time together.  My little brother also lives with them so we had a house full. Any excuse to play games all night is ok with me.  We played BS (which we renamed noodles for the kids sake---not having to explain what bs stands for), Spoons, and Clue.  We had so much fun.I also watched Lion King, not once, but twice with my nieces (LK-3 and Blakely-1).  Lion King is one of my all time faves and I love that my nieces are watching old school Disney movies!While I'm on the topic, my sister Jennifer (Lk and Blakely's mom) is 12 weeks pregnant and is having some health concerns.  Her doctors are considering putting her on a heart medicine that could affect the baby. Please keep her and the baby in your prayers.  We really want her to be able to do without the meds, but we don't know what to expect next time she goes for her checkup.  {Movies}I watched these 2 movies this weekend, In Tme for the second time.Both are AMAZING and I highly recommend both.Both will also make you cry so beware. 

{Smell the Roses}

Think about a goal you've been wanting to meet. What's keeping you from going after that goal? Time to conquer it!

My goal for the past few weeks were to go to the gym at least 4 times a week...I was only going like 2 and then doing odd and end things at home.  Well friends, this week I made an effort to get to the gym at least 4 times....and I did it!

Tuesday, I started looking at gyms around that offered a class that I might like to take and found out that Gold's Gym offered a free week trial.  I signed up and worked out for 2 hours Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and 1 hour on Wednesday.  I would've made it on Friday too had it not been for the bad weather coming, but I'm so super stoked that I did 4 days.

 {Cup 1/2 Full}

This is my first time linking up with Finding Beauty in the Ordinary...

Happy Monday friendsies!

Make today ridiculously amazing!

Week 7 and 8 Recap

 {Week 7}Weekly Average958Daily Goal1200 {Week 8}Weekly Average599.5Daily Goal1200 Well friends, I think I am making the switch.  As much as I love my beloved Zumba classes at Snap, I love the calories that I'm burning at Gold's more.  I will probably still try to take some Zumba classes every once in a while at Snap, but for now I think that Gold's Gym is a better fit for me and what I'm looking for. I was sore every day this week and I'm still kind of sore today...I love that feeling.  It makes me feel like I worked hard and I am hoping that I will see results even faster.  I'm still idoling the same weight that I was when I started this whole journey, but I feel so much better which is what really matters.  I try not to focus to much on the number on the scale and I am by no means obsessed with weighing myself.  I will weigh myself maybe once a week, but I do what matters most to me is how much better I feel. I am still going strong with my New Year's "Resolutions"/lifestyle changes.{Eating}Since January, I have eaten fast food maybe a handful of times.  Disclaimer.  I DO NOT consider Chick-Fil-A fast food.The last time I had fast food was in Nashville the weekened of my birthday...over a month ago.This is huge for me...I used to eat fast food 5 or more times a week....so not good for you. {Bible}I'm still listening to my daily audio bible app daily.  It's such a great way to start my morning.I really never even listen to music (in the car) anymore.  I commute 30 minutes to and from work each day and that is usually just enough time for me to get in my "reading" for each day. {Be a better person}This is something that I strive for on a daily basis.  Sometimes I get so caught up in my own life that I forget to reach out to my loved ones.  I spent a  lot of time this weekend with my family.  I adore my nieces and nephews...they are the most amazing kids, but I don't spend nearly enough time with them.  I don't want to take for granted the time of their lives when they think that Aunt Steph is the coolest person to ever live. When I lived in New York/The Bahamas, all I wanted was to be close to my family and to be able to see my nieces and nephews whenever I wanted...now that I can, I don't take full advantage of it.  Let's all make a conscious effort to reach out to our loved ones this week.A phone call rather than a text.A letter rather than an email.Tell them how much you love and appreciate them! Ok that was my soapbox for the day. It's gorgeous outside so I'm going to soak it up.Happy Sunday!XoXo

Wednesday Loves

OK friends, I have a confession.I'm a big fat CHEATER...I am officially cheating on my gym.Poor Snap.I joined Snap because it's convenient, cheap, and offers zumba... I'm thinking about swapping to Gold's Gym because it's just as convenient, cheaper, and offers zumba and much much MORE. I love the girls that I have met at Snap and I love knowing the routines, but I am in such a rut because I'm not interested in the 1 class that Snap offers on Tuesday's and Thursday's. In my dream world, I would be able to go to Snap on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays and then go to Gold's the other days.  Is that too much to ask?Yes, I know it is but that's really what I want. At least for the next 7 days while I'm doing my free trial with Gold's, I can have both!Mission accomplished....at least until next week!  :) OK so we all know what Wednesday brings....two of my favorite link ups.What Im Loving Wednesday with Jamie and Oh How Pinteresting with Michelle.

{Happy Leap Day}

There is something so exhilerating about this day...I mean it only happens every 4 years!

How awesome is that?

I'm feeling hopeful that it's going to be an extraordinarily good day!

I'm not supersticious and I know that GOD is in charge of everything, but it's still fun to believe in luck.

I feel like today is going to be lucky...

{Chicago}

Countdown continues....15 days!!

{Near Year New You}

My energy level/motivation is through the roof this week.

I did sneak a cupake yesterday, but 90 minutes of cardio on Monday and 120 minutes of cardio and strength on Tuesday are getting my week off to a great start.

{Party}

For those of you who don't know, I live with my sister, brother in law, and 7 month old nephew.

I love them dearly and appreciate the fact that they don't mind having me around.....

but they are leaving today and will be gone until Sunday and I can't help but be a little excited to have a few days all to myself.  Who doesn't need some alone time every once in a while.

FYI....by party I mean probably going to bed even earlier than I already do and doing lots of reading while laying on the couch in absolute silence.

And if you are reading this Kim, thanks for keeping me around and I'll miss ya'll.  PEACE.  JK!

For real though, safe travels and I really will miss ya'll.

Ok moving on to Oh How Pinteresting.

Happy Wednesday lovies!!

XoXo

Weekly Recap

Week 5 Recap

 Weekly Average

890.8

Daily Goal

1200

Note...I was sick and unable to eat too much 2 days last week...that's the reason that my average is so low.

I was also unable to work out on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, but this week I'm going balls to the wall.

I am aiming to work out Monday-Thursday and then Saturday...

I think that will be my goal from here on out.

I realized that if I want to see results, I have to work harder!!

Recommendation:

I did the 30 day shred, level 1, yesterday and it kicked my butt!

I was already feeling sore last night and I'm soo soo sore today.

It was such an amazing workout so if anyone is looking for some quick, but good videos pick it up.

{Weekly Resolution}

to cheer for an underdog

Go Giants!  At our little superbowl get together.

 A closer look at the braid.

A braid within a braid...insprired by Lauren Conrad.

I'm still keeping up with my goals for 2012.

Listening to my daily audio bible every day.

Eating healthier.

Working out.

Unfortunately, I broke the no fast food February this weekend.

Chick-Fil-A, I couldn't stay away.

I'm pretty bummed, but I still have no interest in eating McDonalds or any other fast food.

{101 in 1001 Update}

Booked my flight to Chicago to visit Shelby during Spring Break

In the process of planning a trip to NOLA to visit a certain someone

Thanks for reading lovelies!

I hope you are all doing great with your goals for 2012.

XoXo

Weekly Recap

Week 3 and 4 Recap

 {Week 3} Weekly Average 1117Goal 1200 {Week 4}Weekly Average 1033Goal 1200 My weekly average is counting the calories burned while working out.I don't want anyone getting the idea that I'm not consuming enough calories. I'm doing pretty well with eating.  I crave apples and oranges during the days now.I almost always have an apple for snack and an orange with my lunch.I eat yoplait fat free yogurt every day at lunch.  Delish!I'm loving sandwich thins which are only 100 calories. This is still a work in progress for me.For example, I had IHOP for breakfast this morning.Started adding it into myfitnesspal before we got our food and I immediately lost my appetite.I know it is ok to splurge, but that food is so gross and afterwards I literally felt sick. I'm still trying to break the soda habit.This is the hardest thing for me and I look forward to my daily soda at lunch.I'm not sure I can kick this habit. I am absolutely loving zumba on Monday's and Wednesday's.I go to 2 classes in a row on both of these nights.Other than that, I am stumped on what to do.I need to start doing my home videos.I have turbo jam, 30 day shred, and zumba.That is my goal this week.  101 in 1001 update

13.  Visit friends in other states.I just booked my flight to Chicago for Spring Break.  I'm so excited to visit Shelbs and Evan and to see their new place. 62.  Try 50 new foods.I tried crab wontons this weekend.Yes, I almost threw up but I did try it.  Def NOT my thing. 67.  Print 50 pictures a month.I am so behind on this, but I did just print like 200 pictures. Yah!I'm deteremined to get caught up and get all my pics into picture albums. 96. Plan a trip with my closest girlfriends.NASHVILLE...post coming soon! 97.  Leave a 100% tip for someone.{3/6} 52 Weekly Resolutions that I've completed. Week 1-Make an anger punch list.I started making my bed daily.  It's amazing how much this affects my mood in the evenings when I come home to a nicely made bed. Week 3-Invest in a bag of impressive marshmellows.I took marshmellows to our craft party recently.  Not sure anyone ate any, but I did take them. I am hoping to buckle down this week.My goal is to work out 4-5 times a week. Happy Sunday lovelies!XoXo

Wednesday Loves

Happy hump day...it's Wednesday.

And like every Wednesday, I'm linking up with 2 of my faves for WILW and OH How Pinteresting.

{Coral}

This girl has been stressing me out a little bit lately, but I can't help but adore her.

I just loved when she peeked her little head around the shower curtain when I was taking a nice, relaxing bath the other night.

{Sponsors}

I'm loving that I have decided to start swapping sponsorship with a few really cool girls.

I love the idea of swapping and helping each other.

If you are interesting in swapping for February, please email me.

Sraustin123@gmail.com

I'd love to find a few more blogs to swap with for February.

{Nash-Vegas}

3 days until our girl's trip to Nashville!

I'm beyond excited for this trip.

{Sunshine}

I'm loving the nice sunshine that we have had lately here in good ole' Alabama.

It just makes me so happy.  :)

OK friends, now it's time for some pins.

We all love Pinterest.

Happy Wednesday lovelies! 

Make it a good day!

XoXo

Week 3 Recap

Weekly Average

1192

 (this is the average without subtracting what I burned each day)
Daily Goal

1200 Calories

I worked out so hard this week.  Even though I skipped working out on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

It's ok not to work out every day even though I do feel a little guilty for it.

My weight 3 weeks ago ranged between 121 and 122.

My weight this morning was 116.

I think the reason why that hasn't dropped more since last week is because I am working out hard and building muscle which weighs more than fat.

I loved elliptical machines in college, but I am pretty bored by them now.

I much prefer zumba, hiking, or walking/jogging outside.

I think this week I will try to mix it up a bit.

I found my tubro jam last week and I am getting my 30 day shred back from my sister this week.

I am hoping that planning this out ahead of time will help me to be accountable.

Monday-Zumba

Tuesday-Turbo Jam

Wednesday-Zumba

Thursday-walking/jogging

Friday-30 day shred

We all know how much I love marking things off of my list!  :)

Update on 101 in 1001

97.  I left a 100% tip for our waitress at my niece's birthday dinner. 2/6

It's OK

It's that time again...let's all help Neely and Amber get 110 links today for It's Ok!!

It's OK...

that I was so excited for all of my shows to start back this week, but I still haven't watched any of them.  I have a lazy Friday night spent catching up to look forward to. 

I think that means I am getting old...arrrg.

I am almost 26....shhh don't tell anybody!

that I am so sore today that I am having trouble walking.

Being sore means I worked out hard, right?

Ok, good because I almost died last night.

It's so worth it!

 that I have to spend $315 on new retainers because my precious little bundle of fur chewed mine up...because I really needed new ones anyways. that I almost ate an Oreo cakester yesterday before I realized how many calories were in ONE!Holy smokes...So NOT worth it! that I spent too much money buying online deals yesterday...but they are well, deals, and I cannot resist! Happy Thursday friends!Friday is almost here!XoXo

Wednesday Lovies

It's hump day!!!

Like always, I'm linking up with Jamie for WILW.

 {Snap Fitness}I'm loving that Snap Fitness offers a free week trial to new members.Heather and I went last night and worked out booties off!They offer zumba, yoga, and a few other classes that I can't wait to try! 

{Smell The Roses}

I'm loving Jessica's blog and her Smell the Roses challenge that she shares each week.

Last week's was to write a letter to someone...the perfect opportunity for me to kick things off with my new pen pal.  There is something invigorating about writing letters.

Not sure why it uploaded sideways, but oh well.

I'm kind of obsessed with this quote lately.

This week's Smell The Roses challenge is to annonymously buy someone else's coffee.

I love these kind of challenges.

Check them out and participate if you're feeling inspired to.

{Blog Awards/Tags}

I am loving that I have been tagged with some awards/tags recently.

Unfortunately, I started to respond (answer questions/ask questions), but to be honest I probably won't get around to blogging about them. 

I admire those of you who have posts scheduled for weeks in advance.

I do mine daily and it's all I can manage to write/read posts.

I do love you all who have tagged/awarded me...I feel so special!!

{Organization}

I cleaned out/organized/color coded my closet the other day.  I also cleaned out all of my drawers and got myself all organized.  It feels so good and I'm loving it!

My closet was color coded and sorted by tanks/short sleeved/long sleeeves/etc. all through high school and college, but because of last of space I haven't had it that organized in a while.

I finally had enough and took the bull by the horns.

I am giving lots of stuff away and I don't think I will miss any of it!

I'm also linking up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting.

Happy Wednesday lovelies!

XoXo

Miscellany Monday

Write random and link up...

{New Year, New You}

Check out yesterday's post to see how much weight I've lost.

Trust me...if I can do it, anyone can.

I have really gotten into hiking lately.

I went on Saturday with my friend, Heather, and her husband.

So much fun!!

{Birchbox}

I really want to sign up, but they are sold out right now.

Sad day!

{Happy MLK Day}

Otherwise known as 3 day weekend in my world.

I am hoping to get lots of stuff done with this extra day.

I also have a 4 day week to look forward to.

Makes me smile just thinking about it.

{Girl's Weekend}

I am so excited...I think our girl's weekend to Nashville, that I mentioned in yesterday's post, is definitely going to happen.

Happy birthday to me and Mandy.

That's worthy of a countdown.

{Happy Mingling!}

Happy Monday lovelies!XoXo