5.29.2014

Thankful Thursday Week 22

Happy Thursday!! My goodness the days are flying by! Do you realize this is our last Thursday of May?! June starts Sunday!! Sheesh! My Thankful Thursday posts are great reminders throughout the week to slooooow down and soak up the beauty of everyday. Won't you join my co-hosts and I in gratitude today?! 







{one} How on earth is Emma big enough for a big girl bike?! Well, she is and after seeing this picture, my sweet parents went out that day and bought Emma her first big girl bike! If you follow me on IG, you've seen she's already riding like a pro!

{two} Robert and I were on our way home from church and lunch Sunday afternoon {my parents had taken the kiddos with them after lunch so they could "ride in Papa's truck!"} As we were passing Sams Club, we were stopped by a mini parade by the Budweiser horses! It's a bit difficult to see, but the the horses were beautiful!!

{three} My bestie helped me mark something off my 30 by 30 list {which I'll be sharing with you soon}. I ate sushi!!


{four} Sweet snuggles!! I am constantly overcome with love and gratitude at being these cuties Momma!! Love my babies!!

What about you?! What are you thankful for this week?




5.28.2014

Workout love, who me?! {TIU Giveaway!}

I will be the first to admit, I've never been big on working out. Sure, there have been times in my life (especially after having my kiddos) that I've buckled down and exercised to lose weight. I've even trained, well I say trained very loosely, and completed my first 5k. But, I've never truly enjoyed it.

Until now.



At the beginning on this month, I committed to taking care of myself spiritually and physically. I've really come to understand that I'm much better at caring for those I love, when I'm caring for myself. That means being intentional about meeting (and focusing throughout the day) with Jesus and exercising!

Enter the Tone It Up girls. {Thank you, Mia, for introducing me to the them!}

I knew I didn't want to join a gym, but rather, figure out a way to work out at home, around my schedule. So, I decided to join the Bikini Series. I'd been following Katrina and Karena for a while, doing some of their workouts here and there, and I really enjoyed the workouts. So, I decided to take the plunge and join the challenge.

I had no idea when I signed up how much this would change my life. Honestly, I wasn't even sure if I would finish the 8 week program. But, I'm going strong and loving, yes I said loving, working out!! In fact, I look forward to my work outs each day.

I commit about an hour a day to exercising. I do cardio on our elliptical for 30 minutes each day. {I know most people would prefer to run outside when the weather is nice, but I love doing the elliptical.} I turn on an episode of Army Wives and am off, enjoying my workout. Then, I do whatever exercise set the Bikini Series calls for that day. The workouts aren't too long, roughly 20 minutes, but are so good!

I've noticed a huge difference in myself physically and mentally since starting the challenge. When we were in Albuquerque, I wasn't able to work out and I just didn't feel good. I missed working out! Who would have ever thought I'd say that?! Not me!!

What I finally understand, after hearing people saying it over and over, is that you have to find something you enjoy doing for exercise. I've found what works for me and my lifestyle is changing to include exercise every day(or most days). It might be different for you and that's ok! The point is to take care of your body the best you can so you can be here as long as possible with, and for, those you love.  

What is it for you? What's your motivation to exercise? What's your favorite way to exercise?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below for your chance at winning an awesome prize package full of Tone It Up goodies!!!
 
If you are looking to make a slight change towards a healthier lifestyle with yummy recipes, supportive women and workouts you can do from home, this could be your plan! Even if you are skeptical, entering the giveaway won't hurt! You could win a $110 prize package including The Beach Babe workout DVD, Tone It Up apparel and... well the rest is a secret! Who doesn't love a good surprise?

Southern Style :: Jess's Designs :: Erica Jacquline :: Kids and Cabernet ::

The giveaway ends Thursday May 29th at midnight. 
Winning entry will be verified so please be honest.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

5.27.2014

Bloom Where You're Planted {Guest Post on OWB}


Today you can find me guest posting over on the Oklahoma Women Bloggers page. I'm writing on "Blooming Where You're Planted". I'd love for you to pop on over and check it out and let me know your thoughts. Here's a little teaser for ya...:) 





{Aren't these flowers beautiful?! To me, they are beautiful for more than their physical appearance. They are beautiful because they represent a sweet friendship with one of my neighbors, an elderly woman who has been widowed for more than 20 years. She picked them from her yard & brought them over one day just because...}

You can read the rest of my post HERE!