30-Day Challenge September

Just want to start off by saying that I was a total slacker last month!!  I didn't get much exercising in at all......my own fault for not making time for it, but I really just didn't have the time at all!  I had (and still have) a few different crochet projects that I was working on,  the dining room is in complete disarray, SCHOOL STARTED, a few get togethers and BAMMMMMM...the month was gone!

 

This month, I am definitely going to have to step up my game, especially since last month was a fail!  Today.....I start walking/jogging.  I dislike cardio so this is going to be a big step but I have come to realize that I need the cardio to burn the fat.  The past three months I have been doing mostly squats, crunches, etc.  and while I have seen some results, I think I hit a road block.  I am doing more toning than burning.....which is causing me to not be slimming, just trimming.

Okay, so here is Septembers calendar!

 

 Most of the exercises are the same.  I was really enjoying some of them, and I did see some results, so I didn't want to give up on those just yet.  I left the numbers on them still low as well, because I didn't want to set too high of goals and give up because it was too much.  So I figured, if I could reach these low goals everyday, atleast I have accomplished something.  And, if I move past them, then that's bonus work!

The walking/jogging I set for one hour.  I haven't really got a set route yet that I plan on going, so as I get this part all figured out.....I will be able to change the time cap to mileage.  Also, since jogging is gonna be totally new to me, I wanted to start out walking and work myself up to the jogging part, lol.

End results for August are posted in the header tab as always!  If you join me this month good luck to all!

 



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30-Day Challenge: August

July was a super busy month for me and I seemed to have gotten behind on everything!  I feel like a total slacker!  For the past two months I have posted a calendar containing a full months work out routine.  This month I have decided to just repeat Julys Calendar routine.  I feel like I have had some success with it, and I actually enjoy the routine. 

 

 If you go up  there is a tab for "Get fit Journal"  here is where I have posted my before and after pictures from doing these challenges.  I have only been following along with calendars, no dieting, or extra workouts.  I have not had so much luck with losing pounds, but I am def. seeing some results.  Muscle weighs more than fat, so I feel like I have been losing fat pounds and gaining muscle. 

 

Ok, so if you would like to join in with me.....you can find the repeat July Calendar HERE!  If you decide to join in with me, let me know.  Would love to show my support for you!

 

Goodluck everyone! 

 

 



Looking Ahead

Oh,boy!  I have a super busy weekend coming up here at my little home!  My sister and her children will be coming back for another visit.  They will make the drive up on Saturday and leave Sunday evening.  Just a quick visit, but its a dual purpose one, lol. 

When I started the 30-Day Challenge on June 1st, she started doing it for the second time.  We took our measurements and weighed in.  This weekend, though a day early, we will be tallying up our progress and see just how far we have come.  I am excited!  I have worked hard this past month to stay on track with it, I had a few set backs but did pretty well otherwise.  I don't think that I have lost as much as I had hoped for but this is the beginning for me.  I plan on continuing with exercising and even try some diet changes as well.  I am looking forward to the day my goal is completed.

While she is here, I will be trying some new recipes for our Saturday night dinner.  I love experimenting with food and having company gives me the perfect opportunity to do so.  What will I be serving?  We will be having Grilled Chicken, but this will be an old recipe that my grandfather used to use.  Our sides will include broccoli salad, corn on the cob, baked beans and deviled eggs.  Nothing unsual and all of which I have had and made before but Im trying some new recipes for them.  For dessert, I plan on making a White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake!

A day at the lake, will also be taking place, weather permitting.  I love the little beachy lake we have by our house.  Its a great place for the kids to run out some energy, and for me to catch some sun! 

So, yes!  This is going to be a busy full weekend of spending time with my family!  I cant wait!

I've Got the Blues

I don't know what has gotten in to me lately!  Every time I see a challenge posted I feel like I have to join in and participate.  I am not a competitive person by any means, but these challenges I only seem to be competing against myself and I think I like that.  Im getting that little shove from outside sources that is totally motivating me! 

 

Aside from my 30-Day Challenge (dropping pounds) and the 14 Week Organization Challenge from A Bowl Full of Lemons, I have came across a weekly photography challenge from Suzy's artsy-crafty Sitcom.  Woo....I have my hands full!

 

Over at Suzy's you will find her challenge.  Each week is a different theme!  All you have to do is send her a picture that is connected with the weekly theme.......simple as that!  Now this is a challenge that is gonna come easy for me.  Not a lot of work involved...I am liking that!

 

So this weeks challenge is the color blue.  I have been using blue around my house a lot lately so I knew that getting a picture of something would not be too hard! Here are the two pictures that I am submitting to her:

 

 

My blue candles.  You will find out more about this space if you follow along with my Make a House a Home...from Scratch posts.  These are in my living room and over the next couple of weeks or so  I will be posting more on this room.

 

 

This is my second entry.  Just a little bit of the blues that I dug out of my craft closet!  Make sure you pay attention to that blue fabric in the background because that will be coming up in a future post as well!

 

Do you have the blues?  If so, head on over to Suzy's Artsy-Crafty Sitcom, check out what she has found and enter your own!

Week 1: Kitchen = Organized!

I must say I am so glad that I have taken on the challenge!  My kitchen is looking great and has become a lot more functionable.  The challenge is hosted by A Bowl Full of Lemons, and you have got to check it out!

My kitchen cabinets were the first thing I worked on.  I don't have a lot of them so it wasn't too difficult to complete.  Here are the first set of before and after:

 

I bought all the bins at the Dollar Tree for one buck a piece.  Everything has been separated in to categories.  All I need now is labels!

 

 

More bins!  I ran out and haven't had a chance to get back to the store.  The cereal all came out of the boxes and was separated into zip lock bags.  Takes up less space, makes it portion ready, and stays fresh longer!  Double whammy!

 

 

Our previous flatware holder was not deep enough to hold everything.  By switching to these smaller ones (from the dollar tree), I was able to get them all in and no more sliding out of place. 

 

 

If you notice, there is a lot of things no longer in this drawer!  I have found them a new temporary home......on the counter top!

 

 

There is still some more work to be done.  One week while working a full time job and taking care of the family is a short time to overhall my kitchen but I still feel successful with what I was able to complete.  Plus, Im saving some pictures for my full room reveal!   Coming soon!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30-Day Challenge: Day 7

Just a quick update.  I have successfully completed  my first week of the challenge and I am feeling pretty good. Nothing has been to hard yet.  The 80 squats today was a bit challenging but i made it through. I think it may have been from the fact that I just wasnt feeling to great this morning.  Looking forward to tommorows reps!!  Be sure to check my previous posts if you want to try it out yourself! Enjoy the weekend everyone!

30-Day Challenge: Day 2

Woo...I think I almost broke a sweat today!  No, really, it hasn't gotten that intense yet but I was definitely feeling some burn in my thighs.

 

Todays routine consisted of: 12 second side plank (each side), 12 pushups, 12 crunches, 55 squats

 

You can get the whole challenge HERE, its never too late to join in!  Make sure you post all your befores like I did in  DAY 1 so you can track your progress!

Heres to a fitter and healthier me!



Im Joining In!

 

Over at A Bowl Full of Lemons you will find this amazing 14 week challenge that is sure to get your home organized and spiffy clean!  You can print out the whole 14 week schedule and follow along with her as she posts her pictures and how tos!  I am excited!  Just last week I was scrolling through her site and seen some of the previous seasons of this challenge. When I seen this morning that she was at it again......I couldn't wait to participate!  My house is in complete chaos and this is just what I need to get my family and I on the right path.  I will be joining in on this challenge!

 

 

 

There it is folks!  I printed out the schedule and hung it right with my 30-Day Challenge (Dropping Pounds).  Its all like BAM!! right in your face as soon as you walk in my kitchen!  Figured that was the best place to hang them since week one was The Kitchen, and it would keep me out of the fridge!

 

Hope you all when join in too and follow me along as I get my home organized!!

 

 





30 Day Challenge: Day 1

Today is the first day of a whole new me! Or should I say the beginning of the return to me!  I started a 30-Day exercise challenge that was given to me by my sister who has had much success with it!  If you would like to find out more and get the whole 30 day list, you can find that HERE. 

The goal for today was: 10 second side plank (each side), 10 crunches, 10 pushups, 50 squats!  Now when I first seen this, I was like 50 SQUATS!!!!!,  will I be able to even walk tommorow???  I was scared....but I made it through just fine.  I did break the squats up into two sets of 25.  I did 25 squats then the rest of the routine and finished with 25 squats.  I don't know if this was allowed but that's how I did it. 

Warning: I am about to post my before pictures!  They may frighten you, so if you are faint hearted, please turn back now!

Ok, so I don't consider myself overweight, but I am out of shape.  My doctor says that my weight is fine.  I fit right into my group based on height, age, and the fact that I have had 3 children.  Personally though, I have always been underweight by the doctors charts (until now) so I try not to base too much off of them.  Every body is built differently and metabolisms can vary.

 

This is the swimsuit that I wore last summer.  Since I refuse to buy a new one until I get back in shape, this one will work for now.

 

 

As I look over these pictures, I really don't think I look much bigger.  But reality set in when I tried my jeans on from two years ago!

 

 

Yes, I have stretch marks and three wonderful kids that they are gifts from, no shame here!  The shame is that dunlap..........the belly that Done Lapped over! LOL!

 

 

Last picture, I wont torture you any more.  I wore these jeans 3 times before I could no longer fit into them, they are still in brand new condition, along with several other pairs in my closet.  I just can no longer wear my clothes.  I had to do the whole lay on the bed and suck in just to get them buttoned.

 

I am 32 years old, my height is 5'3.11, and I am currently at 136 pounds.  My measurements on Day 1 of this challenge are as follows:

 

Arm:  11 1/2 inches

Bust:  34 inches

Waist:  28 inches

Hips:  37 6/8 inches

Thigh:  22 1/2 inches

 

My goal is to get back into shape, weight is only a number.  But for comparing,  in 2009 (post 3 kids) I was at a healthy and fit 118 pounds.  I am hoping to be able to wear these jeans again!

 

Wish me luck!

 

 

 

 

 

30-Day Challenge: June

For the last few years or so I have been piling on the pounds! My jeans don't fit anymore, and my wedding dress that was too big (even after being altered) now fits!  I am just a lot less active than I used to be, and its no ones fault but my own.   Thanks to my sister, I am now inspired to do something about it!

 

 

Today, she sent me this calendar!  It is a combination of two work outs that she had found on Pinterest.  I am not sure the actual links she got them from, sorry that I cant share them with you.  Anyways,  she has just finished her third week of this 30-Day Challenge and has lost 11 pounds and 2 inches off each upper thigh!  Way to go!!!  That to me sounds like success!  If this can work for her, why not me?

 

So, starting June 1st I will be giving this challenge a run for its money!  Since the picture is no readable, this is what the challenge is all about:

 

DAY 1:10 second side plank (each side), 10 crunches,10 pushups

50 squats (yes, you read that correctly)

 

  DAY 2:  12 second side plank (each side), 12 crunches, 12 pushups

55 squats

 

DAY 3:  14s side plank (second will be abbreviated s here on out)

14 crunches, 12 pushups, 60 squats

 

DAY 4:  Rest (and rest well, this is your only one)

 

DAY 5: 15s side plank, 15 crunches, 13 pushups, 70 squats

 

DAY 6:  18s side plank, 16 crunches 13 pushups 75 squats

 

DAY 7:  19s side plank, 18 crunches, 15 pushups, 80 squats

 

DAY 8:  20s side plank, 22 crunches, 17 pushups (yay, no squats)

 

DAY 9:  22s side plank, 22 crunches, 17 pushups, 100 squats

 

DAY 10:  23s side plank, 25 crunches, 18 pushups, 105 squats

 

DAY 11:  110 squats ( feel the burn yet)

 

DAY 12:  25s side plank, 25 crunches, 20 pushups

 

DAY 13:  28s side plank, 28 crunches, 21 pushups, 130 squats

 

DAY 14:  30s side plank, 29 crunches, 23 pushups, 135 squats

 

DAY 15:  30s side plank, 30 crunches, 25 pushups, 140 squats

 

DAY 16:  34s side plank, 32 crunches, 25 pushups

 

DAY 17:  35s side plank, 35 crunches, 29 pushups, 150 squats

 

DAY 18:  155 squats

 

DAY 19:  37s side plank, 38 crunches, 31 pushups, 160 squats

 

DAY 20:  39s side plank, 40 crunches, 32 pushups

 

DAY 21:  40s side plank, 42 crunches, 34 pushups, 180 squats

 

DAY 22:  43s side plank, 44 crunches, 35 pushups, 185 squats

 

DAY 23:  44 side plank, 46 crunches, 36 pushups, 190 squats

 

DAY 24:  45s side plank, 48 crunches, 37 pushups

 

DAY 25:  220 squats

 

DAY 26:  47s side plank, 50 crunches, 38 pushups, 225 squats

 

DAY 27:  49s side plank, 52 crunches, 39 pushups, 230 squats

 

DAY 28:  51s side plank, 55 crunches, 41 pushups

 

DAY 29:  53s side plank, 56 crunches, 42 pushups, 240 squats

 

DAY 30:  55s side plank, 58 crunches, 43 pushups, 250 squats

 

Saturday I will be posting some before pictures and measurements so I can track my progress.  Would love to have any of you join me in taking on this challenge!