#WorkoutWednesday

So after I wrote this post I decided to help hold myself accountable I would try to post updates regularly on how I was doing. In two weeks I have logged eight workouts, worn my FitBit everyday (even if I didn't meet my goals), started running again (yay three miles!). 

Stats from my FitBit:

This is a really slow start. I know the next thing I need to tackle is my calorie in take. Utilizing my lunch time to squeeze in a workout is great, even if I got back to the office sans makeup and with wet hair. I don't think my students mind. I also want to get fitted for some new running shoes. My mom suggested training for a half marathon. I was supposed to run my first half, but then I got pregnant. I would love to complete this goal I set over a year ago. And taking a fun trip with my mom would be an added bonus!

Time to make a change, I just don't know how.

Well it happened today. A stranger asked if I was pregnant. I will admit I was a little caught off guard. I know I still have 20 pounds still hanging around six months after the birth of my son. I'm not proud of it. It doesn't make me happy. After the stranger said it, and I replied that I wasn't, I wanted to run and hide. I actually went back into my office, shut the door and cried for about an hour. I am still in here with the door shut. Too embarrassed to go out there.
I know this extra weight is effecting my confidence and my ability to enjoy things. I just feel unattractive. None of my pre baby pants fit. NONE. I'm at the point were I can't make anymore excuses. I have to do something. I just don't know what. I have been this weight one other time in my life. It was after my sophomore year in college, a particularity unpleasant year for me. I had packed on the pounds, eating horribly and not exercising. When I went home that summer my mom helped me lose the weight. Now as a mother myself I have a hard time juggling everything. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day. I could try and work out in the morning, however, right now JSD is waking up at 4:30am and Kyle and I have been trading off mornings so that one of us is getting some sleep. And then at night I just want to spend time with my little guy, I miss him during the day. But nothing is going to change unless I do something. So I am going to set some small goals.

1. Start using my FitBit and actually reach my 10,000 step goal
2. Use my gym membership at lunch three times a week. I get a free membership with my job, I could squeeze in a quick workout.
3. Start running again. I lost 10 pounds before I got pregnant and was up to 7 miles a run. I really liked my Nike app for running, but I am thinking about a heart rate monitor instead.
I know my biggest struggle will be motivation and holding myself accountable, but with the latest comment I think I have hit rock bottom. I know that I can loose this weight, I have done it before. I don't want anyone mistaking me for being pregnant again.

Five on Friday

I am currently on my way to VA and I could not be more excited! This weekend is my friend Megan's 30th birthday celebration and I get to have a reunion with some of my favorite people that I haven't seen since March! I also get to spend time with my parents, which means full control over the menu. I have already put in requests for an apple pie, Megan's chicken (a cream cheese chicken recipe my mom makes, and my favorite growing up) and my dad's homemade cinnamon rolls. The baby and I are going to PIG OUT!

I decided to link up for Five on Friday and share some things from this past week:

1. The Body Shop is having a "buy 3, get 3 free" deal on some of my favorite scents. I love the cocoa butter scent (it has been my go to pregnant belly lotion) and the Vitamin E line of face products are great! Sale ends October 28th!

Really great gentle cream cleanser

Hands down BEST body scrub

2. I made the mistake of reading this article on BabyCenter about what happens to your body after you give birth. I have read What to Expect When You're Expecting and had all the sex ed stuff in health class, but until I read this article I didn't really know what to expect to happen to MY BODY after delivery. I know this is the miracle of life, it's going to be hard, it is so rewarding, etc. But man, if you want some FREE birth control, read that article!

3. The last couple of weeks my energy has totally surged. I mean like higher energy levels than before I was pregnant. I have used this time to prioritize walking and getting in exercise. And Kyle has started walking with me. Just between you and me, he has gained some sympathy weight. So I have been encouraging him to join me. I wonder what the chances are of me getting him to do the prenatal yoga DVD?

Saturday's hour long excursion.

 



4. I made chocolate chip cookies last night. They are so delicious. Sometimes you just have to return to the basics and make a classic like the chocolate chip cookie. I will make sure to pack some of them in my carry on for the flight!

5. Bouncing around on some blogs this week I saw a recipe for homemade fruit and veggie gummy snacks. I def want to try these out!

Five on Friday

This has been the LONGEST week ever, and I have no idea why! I have been in a snappy mood, and just not my normal self all week. It is miserable. My in-laws are coming to visit this weekend, so I better get with the program so I can enjoy their visit! I'm linking up for Five on Friday, maybe it will pull me back to happiness.

1. We finally got our TV stand and dining set. Our townhouse is coming together, thank goodness. I was a little nervous that dining furniture wouldn't get here soon enough and my in-laws would have to eat on TV trays their whole visit. How embarrassing. BUT, it arrived yesterday and I am very happy with how everything looks!

 

 

2. I started doing a prenatal yoga DVD, just to give me something else besides walking. I in no way, shape or form seem as serene as the woman on the cover of this DVD. FALSE ADVERTISING I TELL YA!

 

 

 3.  Essie- Don't Sweater It is a go to fall staple for my nails. Love love love!

 

 4. I got some more maternity wear this week. Preparing for cooler weather. Now I just need the state of Georgia to realize we are almost half-way through October and get with the program. It is FREEZING when I leave for work in the morning, and by afternoon it is super warm. I never thought I would want cooler weather and now I am begging!

 

 

5. We received our first baby gift!! This adorable little bulldog outfit came yesterday from "Aunt" Jennifer. It was so exciting to open it, and see the little man clothes. AH, it's becoming real!!!

 

Of course Gigi had to jump in the picture!

 

 

 

 

Tired of the Treadmill

So far in 2013 I have been running, a lot. Well a lot for me. And I am kind of tired of it. The treadmill just isn't doing it for me anymore. I am happy it is warming up and I can run outside more, but I have been looking for other ways to challenge myself and get in those workouts. I wanted to share two great resources that are online, Tone It Up and Blogilates. Both have great blog resources, YouTube videos, workout schedules, meal plans with recipes and Twitter accounts to keep you motivated. 

I did this Tone It Up workout Monday morning and can barely walk today. Lots of squats!

via

Both Youtube channels have playlists which put a bunch of videos together to create a whole workout. I think they make it super easy to work out from home and there is so much variety I never get bored.  

And this is a great video to start with from Blogilates.

Weekend Recap

Saturday we went to the Georgia Theater Rooftop bar and had some drinks 

I ended the evening with some Ben and Jerry's of course.

Sunday we cleaned all day, but the weather was so great I went for a run, and passed these rocks by the old Navy School.

It's a short week for me. I am off Thursday and Friday, going to see some of my best friends in VA. Can't wait!!

Baby names, Birchbox and Bikram!

So some randomness on this Thursday... I read this earlier today. Jennifer Garner talked about how her daughters are coming up with names for her new baby, and that they are mostly Disney inspired (like Peter Pan, Captain Hook, etc.). First I was like "Aw how cute!" then I started thinking about my grandmother. My great- grandmother let my great- aunt name my grandmother, her name you might ask: Mildred Inez. Granted, my grandmother was born in the 1920's but even she isn't thrilled about her name. She goes by Inez, but if you are her grandchild or great- grandchild you call her Mingo. And she has me to thank for that! My poor grandma can't catch a break in the name department! When I was learning to talk she wanted me to call her something... and I just started calling her Mingo and it stuck. I think I get points for originality!

Love Jennifer Garner!

Ok, I am probably late to the game on this one...Birchbox. What is it? A beauty product website that you subscribe to and for $10 a month they send you 4-5 samples hoping you buy that product form their website. Not a bad concept. I love trying beauty products! I am currently on the wait list because they are "sold out." We will see if I get an invite and follow through.

I love yoga. I started taking classes in undergrad. I know a lot of people that love Bikram yoga otherwise known as HOT yoga. The studio cranks up the heat and you sweat your ass off. Well someone finally opened a studio in Athens! I was at a work meeting at a coffee shop this morning and I saw a poster for it. The studio looks nice... I am intrigued!

Finally, after a month long absence from the downtown music scene I am returning this Friday. Langhorne Slim is playing the 40 Watt and I am so excited! I heard him live the first time as the opener for the Avett Brothers last year in Athens. It was a really fun opener and I have always liked his music... will post more on the experience later!