Recent Happenings

Sorry about not posting at all this past week.  I was busy getting the house clean and finishing several projects around home as well.  Yesterday the family that we bought the house from came over to see all the remodeling we had done over the last two years so I wanted everything to be as nice as it could be.  Stay tuned, I plan on doing a house tour in the near future.

Our house.  Join me later this week for a peek inside!

In other news, today is the day I am starting Focus T25!  Super excited to see the results this program will bring me.  I tried a couple of the workouts last week and think they are going to be great.  Nonstop action for the whole 25 minutes.  Great workouts!

Instead of following the T25 nutrition plan, I decided to stick with the 21 Day Fix eating plan since I really like it and think it is easy to follow.  Focus T25 provides a good nutrition plan but the one from the 21 Day Fix just seems more user friendly to me.  As I have been doing, I've posted my meal plan for the week below.

If the clean eating chicken salad turns out, I will try to post the recipe and pictures later.  Do you have any great clean eating recipes you can share with me?  I am always looking for new recipes to try and would love to add in some more variety to my meal plan.

How is your exercise and clean eating going?  Do you need any help or accountability?  I would love to help with eating plans or exercise accountability.  Let me know if you want to join me on the journey to becoming healthier and happier.

Happy Easter!

He is not here; He has RISEN just as He said. 
      Matthew 28:6

Find your own printable copy of this chalkboard art at http://akadesign.ca/he-is-risen-easter-printable/

What's Next !?!?

You  may be wondering what my Beachbody plans are now that I've completed the 21 Day Fix.  Well, after thinking about different options and reading different reviews, I've decided to try out Focus T25.  I have heard so many great things about this program and the results people have been getting.

Shaun T is the trainer and I have never done one of his programs but so many people love him, so I am excited to see how well he can motivate and encourage me during the program.  If you haven't heard of Focus T25, it is a 10 week program broken into 2 parts: Alpha and Beta, which each last 5 weeks.  It is high intensity for 25 minutes but there are modifications available if or when you need them.  Also, this program is only five days so you do have 2 days to rest.  If you follow the nutrition and exercise plan, you WILL get results!!

Shaun T

I have ordered my Focus T25 and hope to start next week.  I plan on following the workout program guidelines.  But, I think I am going to continue following the eating plan from the 21 Day Fix since it is easy to follow and I don't need to count calories, just containers.  But we'll see what the nutrition guide for T25 looks like when it arrives.

Do you want to get in shape for summer or need a new workout to keep you motivated?  If you are interested in trying Focus T25 or any other Beachbody program, let me know!  I would love to help you in your fitness and nutrition.  Contact me and I will help in anyway I can.  I would love to have others join me and together we can complete Focus T25.  Plus, don't forget, the Focus T25 challenge pack is on sale through the end of April and includes a month worth of Shakeology, for only $180.

21 Day Fix Results!!

My first round of the 21 Day Fix is complete and overall I am satisfied with my results.  I lost 4 pounds and 2.5 inches!!  Not bad for 21 days.  I don't think the pictures necessarily portray the difference that I can see which makes me kind of sad.  But, I love the fact that my husband stated he noticed a change.  He thought it looked like I had lost some weight and that my butt was firmer or more lifted looking.

Honestly, I was hoping for bigger numbers but I know I have plenty of room for improvement as far as clean eating goes.  I stuck to the eating plan about 75% of the time but feel that if I had been even more committed, my results may have been better.  I also don't think going on a road trip and eating too many sweets just a couple days before I took my final measurements did me a favor.  Oh well, that is just how life works. Every day is a new day!

Even if I was hoping for slightly better results, I am happy to have the weight and inches off my body.  I am not going to gain them back and plan to continue on my transformation with Focus T25 in the near future. Numbers aren't everything and I am slowly starting to ingrain that in my mind.  I can totally tell that I am more muscular and gaining definition in my body.  Love that!!  Plus, it seems like my clothes are fitting better.  I am looking forward to showing off my more toned body in shorts soon.

Have you completed the 21 Day Fix or another program and have results you would love to share?  Let me know how you did and any tips you have for being successful while completing a program.

21 Day Fix Week 3 Review

I have officially completed the 21 Day Fix program!   I am happy to be able to say that I completed this program and feel that I have really learned a lot about clean eating and portion control.  I am definitely in better shape and feel more toned than just 3 weeks ago.

Week 3 didn't go quite as smoothly as I would have liked, but that is just how life works sometimes.  I made a meal plan but I don't know if I even stuck to what was planned for dinner once.  Unfortunately that is typical for my husband and I.  He gets busy and plans need to change. Plus I am picky and sometimes what I had planned for dinner just doesn't sound good that day.  But, I did my best to stay stick to the appropriate containers and feel that for the most part it went well.  I am going to continue making meal plans and want to get better at sticking to the meal plan.  It is important to me that I stay as close to correct container and portion amounts as possible.  But, I know plans will change and I want to be able to make healthy choices on the go as well.

Week 3 Meal Plan

After Friday and Saturday of this past week, I know I still have some improvements to be made.  I was on the road for 20 hours with my husband as we drove to Wisconsin and then back home.  I packed some healthy snacks but definitely didn't stick to the meal plan well at all.  It's hard to be on the road all day and not get tired or feel like you want some junk food to snack on.  So I did give in some, but tried to keep things in moderation.  Still need to work on my sweet tooth and I still have a hard time saying no to treats but I am determined to improve on this in the future.

As far as working out went, week 3 had double workouts scheduled for Monday through Saturday.  I skipped my workout on Friday since I was on the road from 5 am till 9 pm and just counted this as a rest day instead of doing the yoga fix on Sunday.  I did doubles every other day though and felt that is went pretty well.  The 21 Day Fix program guide recommends splitting the workouts up which is what I did all but Tuesday.  Tuesday I had to work so when I got home after my 13 hours at work I still had 2 workouts to do.  I did the two workouts but it wasn't easy.  Splitting the workouts up the rest of the time went well.  I had enough energy to complete them and really liked knowing that I was getting a great workout in for the day.  What an improvement from the first week!

I continue to drink Shakeology everyday and really look forward to that every morning.  It is refreshing, good-tasting, and a great way to start my day.  Shakeology is something I plan on continuing with even now that I am done with the 21 Day Fix.  I want to continue being a product of the product!

Overall, I am really excited with how the program worked out for me.  It set me on the right pathway to clean eating and a lifestyle change that I am committed to.  The workouts were great and I think they would be challenging regardless of whether you are a beginner or have been working out for a while.  If you have any questions about the program, contact me.  I love to answer any questions or get you started on you own 21 Day Fix!

Check back tomorrow for my final results!!

21 Day Fix Week 2 Review

Week 2 of the 21 Day Fix is done and I'm already several days into week 3.  Sorry about the delay in the review but I have been busy with work for the last 4 days.  Anyways, week 2 went great!

I feel like the workouts went better and I was able to make it through them without getting quite so worn out. Plus, I wasn't sore this week which made life a lot easier.  But, I could still tell that I got a really good workout.  My body felt like it was just on the verge of being sore but wan't actually sore, if that makes any sense.;)  Modifications are still my friend for several exercises but I am okay with that.  I just want to be able to say I did my best and completed each workout.

The eating plan went pretty well too.  I can tell I am getting a good grip on how much of each type of food I am suppose to get a day.  There were a couple days where I had to change my plans for dinner because my husband's plans changed but I was able to adjust pretty well on the fly.  I was able to look at my meal plan for the day and see which container colors I had left and then choose something for dinner that would still fill the required containers.

Week 2 Meal Plan

I do still have some cravings for pop and chocolate but most of my other sugary cravings are gone.  I gave in to the chocolate cravings a couple times and had some dark chocolate chips but I am still motivated to really get the cravings under control.   I also gave in and had a little bit of pop one day but that is still vastly improved from having a couple of cans a day like I had been doing.  Moderation is key and that is what I am aiming to maintain.  Honestly, I don't think that I will ever completely give up pop since that is really the only think I drink other than water.  I have never been a coffee or tea drinker and I really don't like beer or wine either.  So I figure an occasional pop will be a treat that I allow myself.  What is your cheat that you can't give up?

Clean eating is getting pretty easy but I am still interested in reading and learning more about what is considered clean.  In the long run I think I will want to incorporate a little more variety into my menu but still maintain clean eating as much as possible.

April 4, 2014

I am seeing results from all my hard work with clean eating and regular exercise.  My arms are definitely more muscular and defined.  I also feel like I am less bloated.  Clothes seem to be fitting fitting a little better and I am feeling happier with how I look overall.  Can't wait to finish this last week and take my after pictures to compare the results!!

If you are thinking about starting a new workout plan and want to get your nutrition under control as well, I can't recommend the 21 Day Fix highly enough!!  I am seriously in love with the program and how it is helping me create a healthy and permanent lifestyle change.  If you have any questions or concerns, I would love to answer them for you.  Ask away!

Tulip Wreath

I enjoy decorating and try to do some small changes for most of the different holidays or season.  Most of my inspiration comes from Pinterest.  A couple months ago I saw a pin for a tulip wreath and fell in love with it immediately.

The pin I looked at first was from an Etsy ad, but I was not about to buy a wreath, I knew I could make something similar myself.  So,I searched for "tulip wreath diy" on Pinterest and read over several different tutorials.  As normal, there were several different methods and I combined them and came up with somethings that worked for me.

I had an old grapevine wreath that I cut some flowers off of so that I could start fresh and bought about 20 tulip bushes from Michaels.  There were quite a few different colors but I wanted something bright and spring-like so I went with pink and white.  The bushes have 6-8 small tulips on them I think (sorry, I wasn't thinking about writing about the wreath when I made it or I would have paid more attention and taken pictures).

I cut the bushes so that I had individual tulip stems and then I was able to just wedge them in the grapevine wreath with out any glue or anything.  As long as I'm not too rough with the wreath, everything things to stay in place pretty well.  I saw a tutorial that had a foam wreath wrapped in ribbon and then they tucked the stems in the ribbon, so that is an option also depending on what you have on hand or want to buy. Depending on how I hang my wreath, one side is a little fuller than the rest, but it doesn't bother me enough to mess with it.

Back of the wreath

I'm really happy with how the wreath turned out.  I finally hung it up yesterday since I was in desparate need of something that reminded me of spring.  The weather outside is just not cooperating and I am not one of the lucky ones that gets to go someplace warm for Spring Break.  But hey, at least now when I look at the wreath I will be reminded of the nicer days yet to come (hopefully soon)!

21 Day Fix Week 3 Meal Plan

I can't believe I will be starting week 3 of the 21 Day Fix in just a couple days!  I work this weekend so I wrote up my meal plan today so it will be ready for Monday.  I am definitely getting a hang of meal planning. I probably only spent 30 minutes creating my meal plan this time.  I am pretty familiar with what is and isn't in the allowed foods list and am also becoming more familiar with what and how I like to eat.  I like simple and non-complicated foods and don't want to spend much time putting together my meals.  Every now and then I am willing to spend more time and effort in cooking a meal but it will always be for dinner when I am cooking for more than just myself.

One thing I have seen posted about a lot on different Beachbody coach websites is "Beast Meatloaf" from the Body Beast program.  Body Beast is a 90-day program that focuses on building muscle, if you are not familiar with it.  I'm not normally a meatloaf fan but am looking for something different to include in my meal plan.  I have read some great reviews and decided to give it a try and include in my meal plan at the end of the week.  I'll let you know how it turns out.  Let me know if you are interested in the recipe.

Although this is my last week of official meal planning since the 21 Day Fix program will be complete, I do plan on continuing with the use of the containers.  I am going to try to do my best to continue with the meal plan, but it is so hard for my husband and I to stick with the meal plan since we eat dinner at a different time every night and often change our evening plans daily due to what my husband needs to accomplish on our farm.  But, I am committed to this lifestyle change and and will do my best to stay accountable to clean eating and correct portions.

One other thing I think I will try to incorporate more of is smoothies in the afternoon which will help me get in a protein, fruit, and veggie while also giving me some variety.  A smoothie seems like a great way for me to incorporate greek yogurt ( red-protein) since I don't like it otherwise but can't taste it this way.  I can also include some spinach which helps me get a green container.  I have found that I often struggle to get 3 green and 4 red containers everyday but this seems like it will be a great solution.  If summer weather ever comes to Michigan, something cool and refreshing to drink in the afternoon will be welcome. :)

Let me know if you have questions about clean eating or portion amounts.  I'm no expert but I have learned a lot during this program and would love to get you started in the right direction.  Questions about 21 Day Fix? Contact me and I will help anyway I can!  I would love to offer free coaching advice on you journey to health and wellness.

Beachbody Challenge Packs for April

April Challenge packs have been announced and they are awesome!!  The two challenge pack specials this month are Focus T25 and Brazil Butt Lift.  These are extremely popular programs and the special pricing for April is hard to beat!

Focus T25 Details

Get an hour's results in 25 minutes a day! Trainer Shaun T gives you everything you need, nothing you don't. 25 minutes. 5 days a week. 100% results.

Your Challenge Pack also includes:

• Your first 30-day supply of Shakeology®—the superfood shake that helps give you energy, reduce cravings, and accelerate your fitness results.  Shakeology will be delivered in a monthly autoship program.  (The autoship can be cancelled at anytime if needed).
• A FREE 30-day trial membership in the Team Beachbody® Club, where you'll find all the support you'll need to complete your Challenge.
• Plus Super Discount shipping (and SAVE OVER $12) every month.

Brazil Butt Lift Details


Leandro Carvalho, trainer to world-famous supermodels, combines Brazilian dance, cardio, and his own signature lower-body sculpting moves to lift, firm, and shape your behind for a rear view you've always dreamed about.

Your Challenge Pack also includes:

• Your first 30-day supply of Shakeology®—the superfood shake that helps give you energy, reduce cravings, and accelerate your fitness results.  Shakeology will be delivered in a monthly autoship program.  (The autoship can be cancelled at anytime if needed).
• A FREE 30-day trial membership in the Team Beachbody® Club, where you'll find all the support you'll need to complete your Challenge.
• Plus Super Discount shipping (and SAVE OVER $12) every month.

Focus T25 and Brazil Butt Lift can also be ordered without the Shakeology but I would encourage you to order the challenge pack and try Shakeology for 30 days.  Plus, Shakeology is sold with a 30-day money back guarantee.

I plan on starting Focus T25 myself once I finish the last 2 weeks of the 21 Day Fix.  I have heard so many great things about Focus T25 and Brazil Butt Lift!!  Do you want to know more about these programs or have specific questions for me?  I'll gladly answer any questions you have.  Let me know if you want to start one of these programs with me.  I will help keep you motivated and accountable as you get your body ready for summer!