Fashion can be bought - Style one must posess.

Now, I'm in no means saying that I'm stylish. Actually, I probably could do with a lot of help in that department. The title just happens to be perfect in describing a lesson I learned last Friday. So for quite some time Chad has hated ALL my shoes. He often reminds me that when it comes time to pack up our belongings for our move at the end of May that "I hope you know that those shoes aren't coming with us!" Repeated numerous times for pretty much every shoe I own. So I started doubting myself and wondering why we had such a difference of opinion in my shoe department. Did I really have ugly shoes? Why is my husband the only one to have been brave enough to tell me? Should I dare even leave the house now?! Well, Friday came along and we headed to TJ Max to find some running pants for a better price than the sports stores sell them for and we found ourselves in women's shoes. I started trying on shoes that I liked and then Chad started picking up a couple and asking what I thought of them. WELL, you have never seen my jaw drop so far to the ground as it had just then. It wasn't me at all!!! It was Chad! They were THE UGLIEST shoes I had ever seen! Not only one or two pairs he had picked up but three! It wasn't my style that needed serious help, it WAS his! OH HAPPY DAY!!! He still claims that my footwear is ugly but you know what? It doesn't even bother me anymore. I do have to say though that when it comes to clothing he is pretty spot on of what looks good and what doesn't so he isn't totally inept when it comes to fashion. Just when it comes to SHOES! Can't you tell, I'm loving this new found revelation!

Half Marathon - WEEK NINE in Review

Can you believe it’s only three weeks until this ½ Marathon! I know, it’s crazy! I’m nervous but excited at the same time. I think it’s starting to consume me as on Saturday I woke up to a nightmare (at least it seemed that way to me) that was all about the morning of the marathon. I’ll do a complete post on it so you can see how this marathon is affecting me! LOL. Well here it is once again – my workouts for the last week.

MONDAY
Step Aerobics Workout – 55 minutes
Outside Run – 5 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

TUESDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Outside Run – 5 Miles
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 9

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 10

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Bootcamp Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 8 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) – 7

Half Marathon - WEEK EIGHT in Review

So sorry! I’m really late in posting this. Our lovely internet has been acting up a lot this week and I’m so ready to give it a good kick! But then again, I better be nice as I have no idea what I would do without it! I don’t have too much to say except for the long run this week, EIGHT STINKIN’ MILES, was harsh! That has got to be one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a very long time. Not only did I have to do it myself but I had no music, nothing! So I found myself saying with every step, “You can do this! You can do this!” Well, that got old really fast but I am proud to announce that I DID IT! So after that run it leads me to think, am I really ready for 13.1 miles? Only time will tell I guess. But one crucial thing I did learn on my long run day. Don’t stop, no matter what!!!! When I finished my legs could barely move. Hmmmm, what have I got myself into?! Anyhoo, it’s a RESULTS Week! It looks like I’ve hit a plateau as far as losing inches around the waist and hips but holy bust! Looks like my body decided it all needed to come from there this time around! I actually don’t mind it but on the other hand, Chad not so much! LOL.

MONDAY
DAY OFF

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 4.5 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 2 Miles
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 7

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 50 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 9

FRIDAY
Treadmill – 4.5 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 2.5 Miles
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 8 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) - 6

TOTAL LOSS AFTER EIGHT WEEKS
WEIGHT – 15 lbs.
ARMS – 1 ½ inches each
HIPS – 3 ½ inches
WAIST – 6 inches
THIGHS – 1 ¾ inches each
BUST – 3 inches

Our Canadian Friends - Aneca Photography!

Last weekend we had some friends from Canada, Steve and Terra Jayne Aneca, come and visit for a quick two day trip. So of course, we tried to pack everything NYC in as best we could. We had tons of fun and just to throw a plug in there for TJ she owns Aneca Photography. She does awesome work and here is what she did with our kids when we were in Central Park.

Aneca Photography Blog - Ethan & Edyn
When I first saw the photos she took I tried to hold back tears as I couldn't believe how beautiful my children are. Is that bad to be so prideful? Anyhoo, check out her website and the rest of her blog. She does some amazing work! Oh, and for anyone who knows my daughter, can you believe that she actually posed and smiled?! I still can't!

I Welcome McDonalds with Open Arms

My kids love McDonalds. Really, what kid doesn't? Lately with my living healthier kick I've been scared to even drive by McDonalds knowing that my kids will start chanting "Let's eat at McDonalds! Let's eat at McDonalds!" and usually I end up caving. It's just easier if I avoid the place at all cost to keep my healthy eating on track. Once I walk in those doors and smell the french fries and then I'm bombarded with the choice of which greasy burger do I want today, well, it's just too tempting! So the reason for this post is that about a month ago I decided to try one of their salads.


I ordered their grilled chicken Southwest Salad and let me tell you I am definately opening my arms to McDonalds again! This salad is so yummy, tasty and guilt-free. I am no longer frowning when my kids are chanting for their McDonalds. Instead I find myself joining in with them! Silly post I know. Just wanted to give a plug for McDonald's since I just had their salad for lunch today and would have it again in a heartbeat for dinner.

Just Not Right!

There is seriously something wrong with this picture! Yesterday I head to Sam's Club with the kids and what do we find? WATERMELON! Ethan was so excited that we just had to buy one. Well, today we wake up and head to the window and guess what?! It's snowing! Ummmmmm, Mother Nature . . . do I need to remind you that watermelon and snow DON'T go together! We'll keep the watermelon and you can take the snow! Really, I insist! Oh well, I'll drown my sorrows in watermelon and vanilla yogurt! Yummy!

Half Marathon - WEEK SEVEN in Review

Since my post is a little late and I’m sure some of you are getting bored of my reports, I’ll keep it short and just list off what I accomplished this past week. It may sound weird but doing this has really helped me to stick with it. Knowing that I will be reporting it on our blog pushes me to make sure I better have something to report! LOL.

MONDAY
Treadmill – 4.5 Miles
Step Aerobics Workout – 55 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 6

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 4.25 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 1.5 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 10

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 7 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) - 7

And Off To HONDURAS He Goes!

Yup, you read it right. Chad is off to Honduras in mid April for a week. He had applied for a Dental Outreach Program in Honduras and found out last night that he was accepted. I'm really excited for him to go and I think it will be a great experience for him. One that I don't think would ever present itself again nor would Chad be in a position where he could just pack up and leave. So, yay Chad!

Half Marathon - WEEK SIX in Review

Exercising has officially become a HABIT! Yayyyyyyyy! I’m feeling so much better about myself and loving my soft skin (thanks to all the gallons of water I’m drinking! LOL.) This past weekend was a little interesting as we had to skip town and head to Boston so Chad could take his Canadian Board Exams. I was a little worried about being able to finish my training for the week but thank goodness the hotel had an awesome health spa so I didn’t have an excuse not to run. Oh, and for a gross story of the week (stop reading now if you have a weak stomach)! In the middle of the week I was doing a night run on the treadmill after the kids had gone to bed and there I was totally in my running zone when this guy beside me after about every 5 minutes kept blowing his snots into the inside of his shirt! GROSSSSSSS! To stop myself from dry heaving each time I just kept telling myself “Think Happy Thoughts!”, “Think Happy Thoughts!” Seriously, it was really disgusting! On a better note, this is a RESULTS post! So enjoy the number loss. I know I am! LOL.

MONDAY
DAY OFF

TUESDAY
Turbo Jam Workout – 20 minutes
Taebo Bootcamp Workout – 30 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 6

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 5

THURSDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 50 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 9

FRIDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Sports Challenge Workout – 20 minutes
Kickbox Bootcamp Workout – 20 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

SATURDAY
Treadmill – 6 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 1 Mile
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

TOTAL LOSS AFTER SIX WEEKS
WEIGHT – 14 lbs.
ARMS – 1 1/2 inches each
HIPS – 3 inches
WAIST – 6 inches
THIGHS – 1 3/4 inches each
BUST – 1 ½ inches

Half Marathon - WEEK FIVE in Review

Not much to say for week 5 except that I accomplished quite a bit as far as exercising goes. Maybe a little too much. Is that possible? I’ve been really enjoying the cardio/step classes I’ve been taking at the gym. I have this one instructor for the cardio challenge and fusion class that if you aren’t getting those knees high enough she comes around and makes you get them higher. If you’re not going fast enough she’s yelling. She’s a trip and I really enjoy her because she really helps me to push myself where at home I don’t think I’d get the same results with my dvd’s (nobody’s watching so why would I? LOL.). I’ve always enjoyed aerobics classes but I don’t think I’ve been to one since I was in college. Pretty sad, I know. But no need to dwell on the past, right?! While at Ricks College I had signed up for a Dance Aerobics class for some easy credits and I absolutely ended up loving the class. So really, it isn’t any surprise to me that I’m loving the extra classes at the gym along side weekly runs. Well, here goes. This is what I have been up to this past week. And yes, you are more than welcome to comment on how insane I am! Ha, ha.

MONDAY
Treadmill A.M. – 2.25 Miles
Step Aerobics – 55 minutes
Treadmill P.M. – 4 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 9

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

THURSDAY
DAY OFF

FRIDAY
Treadmill – 6 Miles
Cardio Step Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 10

SATURDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Reactive Cycling Class – 60 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) - 9