Fall Down. Get Back Up.

So yesterday was not the best day I've had, but I'm also not EXTREMELY upset about it. I did fine during the day but I just felt super tired and was struggling to stay awake. I did have a donut. But they are only 210 calories. Well the one I had was any way. I kept it chill. Didn't have a HUGE dinner. I made a salad with tuna on top, but just wasn't feeling it so only had 2-3 bites. I went to a party for Willow House products. This was the BIG downfall. They had this little whoopie looking pies-mini ones. I'm usually not into these, but the hostess mentioned that they were made out of zuchinni...Interesting. I had one....than one more.....and a third. I did stop at the third. They were probably the best thing I have EVER tasted. It was ridiculous. It was a fun night of friends, treats, and cute jewelry/home decor. I didn't buy anything, but I did head back to my friend Meg's to discuss selling Arbonne. I love the products! They are so awesome. I'm placing a hefty order this weekend, but unfortunately I'm not ready to make the jump to be a consultant. It's really not that BIG of a deal to become one, but I did just start my new job and I don't want to overwhelm myself with two new big projects, but I will more than likely become a consultant after the fall. Can't wait! Seriously 

though, if you haven't tried it-host a party for Megan Ballein. I can hook you up with her. The products are all natural and actually beneficial to your skin! I'm picking up the anti aging skincare line and the makeup product line. 

I'm wearing the makeup right now and it feels like a silky layer on my face. I love it. Any way, let me know if you're interested.

Lindsay is back in Ohio....FINALLY! Hopefully we'll be hearing about her AZ adventures and much more. Thanks for reading :) 

Wednesday? Seriously....where does the time go?!

Progress

So were you motivated yesterday?! I was! After work, I went home & got Lona ready to run! She really is a great running partner. Although, she did poop out on me towards the end, but it was understandable. 

Yesterday was by far, my best run of the year! I was somewhat more motivated running without Jon this time. Sorry Jon! But seriously, something just went off in my brain. I ran the first half of my run solid without stopping. I did one mile in 10 minutes. This may sound TERRIBLE to most, but given my injuries this year and really being hesitant all year because of the injuries-this is great for me. I stopped at the campground and from that point on, I ran on and off. It was a total of 3.75 miles in 42 minutes. I would guess I walked 50% and ran the other 50% on the second half of the trail. Trail running is a lot harder physically with the hills, tree stumps, streams, etc-but I love it. It is so much better to me than running a flat path or track or in town. I would even dare to say that I am OBSESSED with it.

This morning I whipped up some pumpkin pancakes! I added flaxseed powder & some chia seeds to make it more filling. I used light syrup and added some fat free Redi Whip. That stuff is amazing! Five calories for two tablespoons! I've even put a bunch in a bowl to eat like ice cream. It's delish! I was STUFFED after having this for breakfast! 

I was up late watching the Bachelorette with friends! Whose your top Bachelorette picks? Here are mine!

Jef is just a doll! I do like Arie a lot too! They are def my top three. Sean is like all American, muscle packed, jock type of guy. Jef looks like a skater boy from Cali. Arie is the romancer. All three are great things in my book!

Well happy Tuesday everyone. Hopefully, your eyes aren't as heavy as mine are this morning. Get out tonight and move!

Motivational Monday

It's Monday AGAIN! Most people dread Monday, but it tends to be my best day of the week. I'm fresh from a restful weekend & ready to conquer the world on Monday. Today isn't as rested as normal, but still feeling pretty good.

Well enough about me. I just wanted to post some motivational things for you guys today! Get out & work out today! The hardest part of working out is the initial step to get out the door. So get up, get out, and work out! Pinterest pics and quotes always do the trick for me. So here ya go!

Told Ya :)

To Have a Before & After Pic

WOOOOO! Yes we can!

Tonight, I will be heading to the Y before my Monday Night Bachelorette evening with friends at Meg's place. I always look forward to Monday evenings :) A workout before just makes it that much better while I'm watching all the super fit people on the Bachelorette! More motivation! Happy Motivational Monday guys. Good luck.

Weekend Catch Up

WHAT A WEEKEND. Diet was not too bad this weekend. I stayed on track pretty well. The rest of the weekend was not so successful. 

1. I was super BLAH on Saturday. I woke up not feeling well & just never snapped out of it until the Boy came over late that night. He lent a listening ear and after a few hours of blahness flowing from my mouth-I felt much better! Thank you Bialy. You are the best. The absolute best.

2. Sunday was pretty awesome. We drove to Lancaster to get away and get some good coffee at our fav-Starbucks. Check out what I got the boy for being such an amazing guy Saturday night-

He loves stainless steel goods so I couldn't help but spoil him with this little jewel. He loves it! He had been eyeing it for several months :)

Than we headed to Hargus Lake to get our row on. It's so nice cause Jon rows & I lay out on the little boat.  

Got some good & some good chat in while we were out there. I had to work a little that evening but after I was done we headed to Hargus to walk the trail. Unfortunately that never happened because Lona did something super weird and got her middle paw pad stuck in the locking mechanism of her leash. It was TERRIBLE. She was in a lot of pain and because of her abusive history-she was acting even worse. I went into shock and panic mode so we had to call in reinforcements and were ready to head to Medvet in Columbus with our hero Megan came onto the scene. Jon's dad kept her down while Megan quickly removed the lock. Now Lo is great and recovering. I made her a little bed of pillows for the evening and some tylenol. Ugh-I HATE things like this. I literally freeze and can't function. Hopefully I never get kidnapped cause I would just go into shock mode and be done for!

The Recovering Patient :)

Any way, I hope everyone had a great weekend! Can't wait for another week of successful dieting choices :)

Arbonne Party Survival

Hi friends! So tonight I had an Arbonne party at my house. My friends meg and britt are selling this stuff and it's pretty amazing. I'm considering selling it myself! It's legit stuff! They even have health and wellness products! Perfect right? I did make some delicious treats for the party including chocolate covered strawberries and marshmallows! Eek! I only had a few and as unhealthy as this is-I forgot to eat dinner! So I didn't feel AS bad eatig the treats but I did limit myself and I got rid of most of the leftovers. Anything I have left are packed to take to my work friends tomorrow morning. We had a lot of fun and it was awesome catching up with friends and loved ones. Thanks everyone who came out an supported!!!

On the road again!

So last Thursday, I FINALLY got to run again for the first time in like 3 weeks! It felt amaaaazing. I obviously had to start out a little bit slower than what I left off at, but I didn't care--I was just happy to be running again. I ran 2 miles and walked 2 miles.

I guess I should update you all on how I was able to run again. I went to my doctor's appointment and my doctor said that it sounds like I'm having blood pressure problems after I push my body as hard as I do when I run. So, she gave me some blood pressure pills (called beta blockers?), and I have to take one every single day. I'm supposed to go back to the doctor in a month for a check-up to see if the meds helped--and I REALLY hope that they do! I hate not being able to run!

Besides that, I think I'm going to take a trip to the Chiropractor--as soon as I find one! (Can you believe that I've never been?) Something tells me that it might not just be my blood pressure, but rather a pinched nerve in my neck, since I experience pain there a lot when I run. I would MUCH rather not have to take a pill every day, so if that's what it is--I just want to get it fixed!

In the mean time, though, I'm going to be trying out these blood pressure pills.

If all goes well, I am going to start the 10k training that Britt posted on the site a while ago. Keep your fingers crossed--and keep me in your prayers, please! Last night I actually got in a 3 mile run (with only about a 4 minute walking break during those 3 miles!) .

Check out my running scenery! I LOVE running outside!

Besides all of the news about my running, I went boating for the first time ever on Saturday! It was SO much fun! I was a little nervous about getting in the water at first, but once I forced myself to jump in--I was pretty cool with it the rest of the time. We also went tubing in the water--SCARY! But, once again, a blast! :)

Besides the fun factor, I think I got a pretty good work-out during my day too! I didn' realize it at the time, but when I woke up the next morning, I was soooo sore! Not to mention my painful sunburn and huge bruise which I don't know the origins of. haha! But the bruise is going away, and the burn is turning into a very nice tan, so no complaints here. :)

Baby When the Lights Go Out

Okay, the lights seriously did go out! Sorry about the title. Just couldn't resist & you know exactly what I'm talking about all you other 90's Boy Band fans :)

UPDATE: All these years I thought O'Town sang that song, but it wasn't them at all! Some British boy band named Five sang it. Changed my love for the song. I wanted it all or nothing at all. Okay, sorry super cheesy.

 I was going to meet my friend Nessa at the Y. I showed up ready for a good sweat & the electricity was out! Than I found out pretty much all of Circleville lost electricity. Great. It was seriously a 100 degrees out. So I called Ness & we decided to head to Hargus Lake for a hike. Obviously we Vanessa grabbed some water. Smart Water :) We than headed out for our long truck across the path in 100 degree humidity. We made it in about an hour. I was pretty impressed with the sweat we built up. Good workout all in all!

Actually going to hike the trail again tonight with the Boyfriend. He surprised me last night by coming home early from work in WV. He opened my apt door and I screamed. I thought he was a burglar. I was super surprised and he kept it a secret all day so good job Jon. Too sweet :) We shared some Edy's 1/2 the fat ice cream. We each had 1/2 cup. It's not much but it helps ice cream cravings and it was really good ice cream still. I'm ready for my hike already!

Super easy way to make a great snack more filling-add some chia seeds! They actually expand to 12 times their size in your stomach making you more fill. I have added them to pancakes, hommus, & my yogurt. Pretty much no taste at all and if you don't mind texture in your mind-than you'll love them! I do :)

& Lastly---Some new workout gear! OCU was having a 40% off UnderArmor sale so I stocked up.

I lost another pound so super happy about that. We need to get signed up for another race! ASAP! Happy Wednesday everyone :) Stay hydrated! It's going to be another hot one.

Happy Father's Day

This weekend I celebrated my Daddy :) It was nice to be home despite all the horrific traffic I dealt with on the way there and back. Urrrg. But any way, Friday was fun! It was my first registration day at my new job.It was a lot of fun and went very smoothly. Jon even brought me and my friend some ice coffee :) Whatttta guy <3 .

I ended the evening with some shopping & a low fat black cherry smoothie from Panera. I shared a lot of it with my niece who LOVES smoothies. She is just adorable. Don't ya think?

I recently got revived to MFP from my little sister. She has been super inspriational for me as of late. We have kind of reversed roles the past few months. I've been slacking and she has really dominated her goals for this year! She seems to be more motivated now than we have been all year. I'm loving it and I'm ready to jump on board with her! She has lost 15 pounds! And it's been very healthy. No crash dieting or crazy concoctions. Just hard work, a healthy diet, & some better choices along the way! So proud of her.

Tonight I'll be cooking Lemon Shrimp Noodles. I am extremely excited! I love shrimp & I love my new Tofu noodles when they are cooked right. I made them on Saturday with just sugar free pasta sauce and it was TERRIBLE. So it definitely matters what you add to the noodles.

Update: Dinner was TERRIBLE. I had scrambled egg instead! YUCK!


Here is to a good week of eating and working out!

Instagrammin It

Here is a little look into the last few weeks of my life via Instagram/Some plain pics :)

Chocolate Chip Almond Flaxseed Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ PB

New book I'm reading. LOVE IT!

Protein Lite Pumpkin Frap

Favorite Coffee & mini dessert (still 250 calories EEK!)

Loving my blazers :) I only have 25.

My Adorable Bella

Eggs, Mushrooms, & Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese. YUM!

Finally got to wear sandals again after discovering Dr Scholls Invisible Arch Supports!

Blazer again :)

Sweet Summer Time

I am loving this weather! It is gorgeous outside today at a comfortable 73 degrees and breezy. It's extremely motivating.

Jon & I have been running a few days a week at 6 a.m. It's great because I run. I shower. I nap. I wake up again. I get dressed. I cook breakfast. I walk my lovely pup. I go to work! Perfect morning, eh? I've been doing really well on my diet also! It's exciting. I feel like my new job is really motivating me and making habit changes much easier than it was at my old. Much more busy here at work than I was previously. Not much time to snack or eat extras. 

I have a few new things I've been trying out as well on my menu.

1. Kashi Go Lean Rolls: These bars are AWESOME. I would describe them as a healthy Payday alternative. Are the Paydays? No. But they seem to be similar in nature and texture. Instead of fatty peanuts on the outside, they use a rice krispy like bits. I have the carmel peanut ones. They are all natural and very healthy. 12 grams of protein & 6 grams of fiber in each bar! The only bad thing about these bars is that I can't read a lot of ingredients on the label. I love when I can read and am familiar with every single ingredient on the things I'm eating. Just feels good to know what you are putting into your body! Lara bars are the best at this.

2. Shirataki Fettucine Noodles: These are awesome as well. I had an entire bag for only 40 calories. You simply rinse the noodles, dry the noodles, cook them in microwave for 1 minute, and they are good to go! I added some precooked shrimp, olive oil, cayenne pepper (great for metabolism), lemon juice, garlic, & a pinch of garlic salt, & I microwave it for 60 more seconds. READY TO EAT! It was amazing. A little on the spicy side, but wow-how often can you make a legitimately good meal in the microwave? I HIGHLY recommend these noodles. Much better for you than traditional pasta. I'll be stocking up on these this weekend for sure!

3. Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits with Original Hummus: I've had trsicuits and hummus before but this was a delicious twist. Try Hummus! It is awesome for you and very filling. The protein you get is amazing for the calorie intake that goes with those grams of protein. The Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits had a great little punch for this typically more boring snack. I'd definitely recommend this snack for my fellow dieters :)

To finish up, I am back on Myfitnesspal so ADD ME! Lindsay has been thriving on this. I love Sparkppl but the food tracker is just too complicated especially in comparison to MFP. GET ONE! Set some goals. Make it happen.

Happy Thursday Readers :)

New new new

So life has been crazy lately! I got a new car, a new job, and redid my living room! I also took a week for a little staycation. Check out my new inspiration wall too!

Here is my new car! I love it.

I got some lovely Bella time last week.

Lots of Starbucks time with my lovely seeester!

Today was my first day at my new job at OCU. I loved it!!! I know God has called me there and I am overly excited to see what He has in store for me at OCU. I haven't been this excited about work for quite some time.
I think the new job is really going to help me with eating better and working out!!! Cannot wait!