Thursday, January 28, 2010

Day 8 : Level 2

I'm feeling pretty good today!  I ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill today and then did 2.3 miles on the elliptical, changing my resistance/incline every 4 minutes.  It said I burned 300 calories on the elliptical and 178 on the treadmill.  yay!  Also did level 2 of the Shred today.  I can't wait to check out level 3 in two days!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Finally!!

Yesterday was the first day I actually felt ok but I decided to take it easy and make sure.  :)  Today I got day 6 of the Shred in and I went to the gym and did 2 miles on the elliptical.  I feel so much better!  And I'm definitely happier.  :D

I forgot to post my measurement results so far.  I took them on day 5 because technically, that was 10 days of doing the Shred (even though they were spread out over 2 weeks) and I wanted to see if I had gotten any results yet.

Previous Measurements:                         Day 5 of Level 2:

Starting Weight: 178.0                            Weight: 176.5

Measurements:

Arms: (L) 12 5/8 (R) 12 3/4                   Arms: 12"
Chest: 40"                                              Chest: 40"
Waist: 33 1/4"                                        Waist: 33 1/4"
Pooch: 39 1/2"                                       Pooch: 37 1/2"
Hips: 42 1/2"                                          Hips: Need to remeasure
Thighs: 25" each                                     Thighs: 24 1/2"

so yay!  While I haven't lost a bunch of weight yet, I've lost inches!  I'm completely happy with that!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Sick, sick, sick.

I'm still feeling like poo.  I started to try the workout last night but I honestly didn't want to push my weakened body any more than I had done already.  I feel good because I did get 2 miles in yesterday morning before I got sick, but I'm still pretty crappy today so I'm skipping any workout.  I hope to feel better tomorrow so that I can pick back up for day 6 of the Shred. 

Friday, January 22, 2010

Day 6: level 2

Evening!  I'm posting a little early because I haven't done day 6 yet, but I'm about to go try to do it.  Oddly enough, I got super sick this afternoon to the point where I had a fever of 100.6, chills and no energy.  I thought I might not be able to get my workout in tonight but I'm starting to feel better. 

I was able to get to the gym this morning and run 2 miles.  Before feeling like I was going to die today. :) 

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Day 5: Level 2

Evening all!  I did day 5's workout earlier today.  I didn't feel as worn out afterward so I must be gaining a little endurance!  Go me! haha  I felt like I lasted longer on some of the cardio but for some reason the first circut always makes me want to take a break.  Feeling good so far though! 

Not sure if I've lost any inches or not, but I'm just below my starting weight now. I didn't make it to the gym today to get in extra cardio, but I scheduled a class for Zumba tomorrow morning so that should be fun!  I've never tried it before but I'm excited. :D

Yay for 5 days in a row! 

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

New cards!

I'm in my first card swap on BabyCenter and I wanted to show off the cards I did tonight!

I found a fiskars punch in the clearance section at the PX (only $3!) and I tried it out for the first time tonight! woohoo! :D It's fun because it also embosses the paper! 


Give-a-way!

Jackie at At Step at a Time is having a give-a-way!  She's the blogger I've been following as I do the 30 Day Shred.  What's her give-a-way you ask?  Only another amazing video featuring Jillian Michaels, "The Biggest Loser - Last Chance Workout!" 

A winner will be chosen on 01/24 so make sure to head over there and leave a comment on how much you want to win it! :)

Day4: Level 2

Even though I procrastinated all day, I finally got my workout in.  I've been putting it off all day.  Why?  I have no idea.  I'm happy I did it all though.  It was hard for me to get through the ab exercises tonight but the plank moves came a little easier for me.  I'm also starting to get a pain on the back of my left shoulder but it doesn't bother me throughout the day.  Not sure what's going on there, but I'm pressing on!

Goal for tomorrow: drink more water!  I did great with it yesterday but today I didn't drink near as much as I should have. 

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Day 3: Level 2

Day 3 is done and over with!  I started doing a few of the exercises "Natalie" style today and while I had to switch back to beginners half way through, I'm happy I got a few in that really worked me out! :) 

Today is a gorgeous day and I'm glad we have plans to get out.  P has preschool this afternoon and I usually go to the gym during that time, but I'm thinking that a nice run outside will be much better today.  I'm loving that it's in the upper 50's in the middle of January! :) 

Altered Frappuccino Bottle

I've had these empty bottles and the box sitting at my craft desk for a couple months just waiting to be altered and this past week I finally did it!

I love this paper.  It's so beautiful! :) It was pretty easy to alter.  I used Elmer's spray adhesive on the box and my trusty Glue Glider Pro for the bottles.  I think it turned out pretty cute!  I'm not sure what I'll put in the bottles yet, but once I figure it out, each bottle will be labeled with its contents.  :)


Day 2: Level 2

I just finished day 2 of level 2.  Holy crap I am worn out.  My arms feel like jello, my quads are sore as heck and I'm pretty sure part of my abdominal muscles want to die.  Other than that I'm feeling great!  I know I'm sore now but in a few days it will begin to let up, and then I can focus doing more of the advanced moves.  Those plank exercises are difficult!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Day 1: Level 2

I started day 1 again and decided to bump it up to level 2 since level 1 is feeling a little easy for me.  All I can say is WOW!  I was panting and sweating within no time!  Willie came in from working on his Jeep as I was 3/4 of the way through and asked if I was ok. haha :)  I can already feel a little soreness under my arms (you know, the area that bunches up when you have a bra on :P and I hateeee it!) but I'm happy because it's getting worked! 

I've felt a little anxious/moody the past couple days and after my workout tonight, I already feel in a much better mood.  Go endorphins! :D

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Starting over

Well I stink and I've cheated myself on my diet and have skipped a few days of my workout.  again. So I'm starting over so that I can fully see the results of the Shred.  I hate that I started out so well and pretty much gave up, but the good news is that it's easy to start over! :) 

So tomorrow will be Day 1.  again. haha 

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Day 7: 30 Day Shred

Morning all!  Day 7 work out is done and I'm feeling great this morning!  I haven't taken any measurements but I feel like my stomach is a little thinner so I'm hoping I've already made a little progress.  I'll be thrilled on Friday (day 10) if I have!! 

If I haven't I'll probably feel a little disappointed but I'm not going to let it get me down.  (Hey, at least I 'feel' thinner, right? haha) So far I've actually gained half of a pound but many people I've talked to said that they did gain during the first 10 days (muscle gain) and lost more weight in the second 10 days. Something to look forward to! :D

Monday, January 11, 2010

Day 6: 30 Day Shred

Wellll I'm a bum.  I didn't work out this weekend and I pretty much killed my diet by drinking a little on Saturday night.  boo. 

So I slipped up but I'm back on track for today!  Got my workout and I've eaten healthy so far today.  :)  I promise to do better this week and stick to it!  I've got to stay on track!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Day 5: 30 Day Shred

Afternoon all! I did my workout first thing this morning.  I know I posted that I would take pictures every 5, but I think I'll do it every 10, since I'm doing each level for 10 days each. :)  I did a couple more advanced push-ups than I did yesterday. woohoo!  Hardly any soreness today, too!  yay!  5 more days of level 1 and then I bump it up!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Day 4: 30 Day Shred

I had to do my workout in the evening time today because I had an early appointment this morning.  I don't know how many people are reading my daily posts about this, but I'm glad I have it because I feel accountable if I don't do my workout! :) 

Day 4 went great.  I can already tell I'm gaining endurance and woohoo!  I was able to do most of the push-ups for circuit one "Natalie" style!  For the first three days I've been doing "girl" push-ups. :D  Yay! I'm actually gaining muscle!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Day 3: 30 Day Shred

Morning!  I just finished day 3 and I'm feeling pretty good so far.  I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday which is always a good thing! haha :) Jillian was getting an earful for the first 5 minutes though.  The first circuit always gets me winded and then I start getting into it.   

While P went to preschool yesterday I went to the gym and ran 1.5 miles.  That felt so great!  I haven't ran in awhile and I got into a pretty good stride. I was hoping to do 2 but I wussed out because my side started hurting.  lol

So yay!  I'm pretty proud!  I've stuck with it for 3 days straight now!  Usually today is the day I "take a short" break...which ends up being a few days long. :P

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

30 day Shred - Day 2

I just finished doing day 2 of the 30 day Shred and wow, it was hard for me to get moving.  My calves are tight, my arms are still shaking, and I pretty much ache all over, but man I feel good! :)  Why you ask?  I know, I probably sound crazy. lol  I feel good because I know that even though I don't see results yet, I'm well on my way for getting them.  I can't wait to see what my "new" body is going to look like and I can't wait to be able to buy some clothes that I'll be comfortable in. 

I've found that the best thing for me to do is to get up and immediately dress for a work-out.  If I sit down on the couch and relax then more than likely, I'll find excuses to forget about it until later...which I then make an excuse of Willie's at home so I feel embarrassed to work out in front of him.  So!  I throw all my work-out clothes on, even my socks and shoes so I can't find an excuse.  It's working good so far! haha 

Monday, January 4, 2010

Lions, elephants and flowers...Oh my!

I love this paper stack from DCWV. I fell in love with almost every sheet and the glitter might have had something to do with it. :)


I used Faded Burlap distressing ink on the pink cardstock, pp is from The Glitter Stack, and I believe the stamp is American Crafts but can't be sure.

A few more I made:


This paper and lion/elephant stamps are from CTMH (love that line!) and the Happy Birthday stamp is from Jack's World, Cosmo Cricket.

I'm feeling motivated!

I just read a blog that really motivated me to kick my butt in gear and get off these pesky pounds. Those of you that know me know that I usually get a good workout going, get burnt out/lazy and then I quit. I'm done with that! I am committed to do the 30 day Shred and I can't wait to see the results!

The blog I found via BBC (BabyCenter) can be found here. Check out her awesome results (she's even starting round 2!) and you'll be motivated as well!

I'm embarrassed to type these stats here, but I'm doing it anyways. No giggling now. :) And ignore my outfit, I just finished working out. :)

I'll be taking pictures every 5 days. In addition to doing the Shred every morning, I'll also be going to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays while P is in preschool. Hopefully I get some results!

Height: 5'9"
Starting Weight: 178.0

Measurements:

Arms: (L) 12 5/8 (R) 12 3/4
Chest: 40"
Waist: 33 1/4"
Bulge: 39 1/2"
Hips: 42 1/2"
Thighs: 25" each

Before pictures:


Friday, January 1, 2010

Gift bags

These are so easy to make! All four only took about 30 minutes to make! Thanks to CustomCrops.com for the tutorial for these! To see this easy tutorial plus all the other fun stuff they have check out their youtube link at: http://www.youtube.com/user/CustomCrops

Direct link to the gift bags: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwEQKh3tJHo


These gift bags are made from the DCWV paper stack "The Glitter Stack."