Summer Series Day 8: Beach waves with a flat iron

Summer Series Day 7: Swim Suit Cover

  Neons are in and I am loving it.  I really wanted to make a fun, bright swim suit cover for this year.  I wanted the design to be easy and I really didn't want to sew it.  So while  I was on Pinterest I came across the perfect design; a t-shirt vest.  So away I went to the store and found a neon green men's shirt in a large.  Here is what it looked like:

Before

   The pattern for the cuts I will link here: http://wobisobi.blogspot.com/2011/05/no-sew-t-shirt-vest.html
I just followed the pattern and cut and tied myself a swim suit cover.  I used my bright animal print ribbon to tie it and I added a button (you can see in one of the pictures below) to just add some flare.
Time is precious for me and this project took me 15 minutes at the most.   Try this, it's super easy.  I think I will be making a couple more of these.

The back

The front

The shoulders

  The back I ended up tying another bow to bring it more together.  Super easy and fun to do.  I can't wait to make more of these.

Summer Series Day 6: Fun, Easy Drinks

  Hot summer weather is always a little more bearable with a refreshing drink.  So I thought I would try to whip up 2 different drinks and share with you.  I didn't add alcohol to them but you could add it if you would like of course.  I wanted something quick, easy and very few ingredients.  Here they are:


Tropical Fizz


1 pkg of Strawberry Crystal Light (not the ones for the individual bottles of water but the quart mix)
2 quarts of water
2 Cups of Club Soda (alternative would be sparkling white white i.e. a moscato)
16 oz. Fuze Tropical Punch juice

  Mix the Crystal Light packet with the water.  Once dissolved add the Club Soda and Fuze juice.  Serve over ice.

The umbrella straw is a must.

Peach Mango Ice Tea


16 oz Brewed Iced Tea
8 oz Fuze Peach Mango juice

  Mix together and serve over ice.

These are super easy and taste delicious.  I hope you try them!

Summer Series Day 5: Flip Flops with Style

  I am obsessed with two things for sure.   One, sandals and two, ribbon.  So I combined my two obsessions and made the best summer project by far.  Now you and I have every reason to buy every color of flip flop from Old Navy and the cute ribbon in the craft store that you always want to buy but can't find a reason for it.   Well here is a picture and the how to.  It took me 10 minutes at the most.

On my beach blanket hanging out in the sun.

    Supplies you need:


1.  Flip flops -(I got mine at Old Navy)
2.  Ribbon- I like the wider ribbon better then the skinny but it's up to you
3.  E 6000 glue
4.  Hot glue gun
5.  Clothes pin
  How to:
1.  Decide how long you want your bow to be.  Then double the length.
2.  Make a circle with your ribbon and hot glue the ends to each other with the print facing out.  See picture below.

3.  Then pinch the center of the ribbon together and put a small dot of hot glue and press together.  This will form your bow.

4.  Take your bow and wrap another piece of ribbon around the center.  Cut according to the size you need.  Then hot glue the center piece to the bow.
5.  Place a drop (make sure it doesn't smoosh out the sides) of your E6000 glue onto the back part of the center of the bow and place it on the area you wish the bow to be on your flip flop.  Use a clothes pin to secure the bow in place.  This glue usually has to dry for 24 hours.  I was able to actually put the flip flops on about an hour later but I would let the glue fully dry.  This glue will keep your ribbon on for good.

  Happy sprucing up!  I can't wait to make more!  My niece really loves Hello Kitty and I found cute ribbon to make some.  She is pretty excited.  This would be perfect for a honey moon gift for the bride to wear if they are going somewhere with a beach.  You could get the Happily Ever After ribbon.

Summer Series Day 4: Pedicure

  Who doesn't love to where sandals in the summer, am I right?  I have an enormous amount of sandals and hate for my feet to look like a hot mess in them.  Besides the everyday wear on my feet, I run and that just adds to the need for a pedicure.  So I will share with you what I do for a pedicure.


  Supplies for a great pedicure:


1.  Pumas foot scrubber
2.  Nail brush
3.  Castor oil
4.  Epsom Salt/Bath Salts
5.  Nail file

All my supplies

 Steps to a great pedicure:

1.  Trim and file your toe nails to your desired length.  I file the tops of my nails just slightly to give a smooth texture to my nails.  Then I shape my nails and wipe them off with a wash cloth.
2.  Fill your tub (or where you like to soak your feet) with warm water.  I actually like mine fairly warm but whatever temperature you like.  Then sprinkle some bath salts in.
3.  Soak your feet for 15 minutes.  Then dry them off.
4.  Take your foot scrubber and scrub the areas you need to remove the tough skin.  Don't be too rough especially on the sides or tops of your feet.  I then rinse my feet off (not in the same water as my foot bath) and scrub my toes with the foot brush. I usually give myself a pedicure before I get into the shower.
5.  Once my feet are all dried off I then rub my feet (or try to get my husband to) with Castor oil.  This trick is something I got from my mom.  As you rub your feet it begins to warm up and it relaxes your feet and keeps them so soft.  I put socks on right after I rub the Castor oil onto my feet.

  Every day when I take a shower I scrub my feet with my foot scrubber to keep my feet soft.  I also put lotion on my feet every day.  This will be a great start to a perfect pair of summer feet.

Summer Series Day 3: What's in my Beach Bag!

 
  Summer isn't complete without a beach bag, some stunning sunglasses and a great bathing suit.  Whether I am going to my mom's house to swim in the pool or out to the lake I always have my beach bag ready to go.  As soon as the season arrives I pack it up and then I am set to go for a swim any time.  Over the years I have narrowed it down to simple things.  I would either break something or lose something when I over packed so I made it easier for myself by only taking the things that I used.  Even if I plan on going somewhere after I usually where the clothes over my bathing suit so I don't have to lug around a ton of clothes.  So here is a list of what I have in my bag:

  Starting from the left is Banana Boat's Aloe After Sun lotion.  This is a great thing to put on at the end of the day to nourish your skin.  Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 30 is my favorite sunscreen, it smells like coconut.  To keep my lips from shriveling up and burning like crazy I use Maybelline's Baby Lips with SPF 20.  This lip balm is amazing and keeps my lips looking glossy and supple.  Ibuprofen is always with me just in case I get a headache.  Then I also carry Chapstick with SPF 15 for my husband.

 

  Of course I bring my own towel.  Bobby pins and hair ties are another item that I always have with me as well as safety pins.  A swin suit cover (underneath the makeup bag)  is great to have so you can throw something over you if you need a quick fix.  To carry all my things I have a makeup bag with a comb and brush just in case my hair gets a little ratty from a windy day.  
  Outside of my beach bag I do carry a beach blanket which is the best thing I have ever bought.  It's a slick material on one side and a soft material on the other.  It makes it nice when I am on the grass or the sand.  I hope this gets you off to a great start for a trip to the pool or the lake.

Summer Series Day 2: Summer Foundation Routine

   Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation SPF 20- Natural Beige
   Neutrogena Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer -Buff
   Maybelline Instant Age Rewind  Eraser Dark Circles- Light Pale

   For my liquid foundation I use Neutrogena Skin Clearing oil-free Makeup- Natural Beige

Summer Series Day 1: Top 5 Summer Nail Polish Colors

  One of my obsessions is nail polish.  I love wearing all sorts of colors.  From black to bright pink I love  it all.  So here are some colors that are I am loving for the Summer time.

  From right to left:
                        Salley Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Kook-A-Mango
                        Salley Hansen Xtreme Wear in Blue Me Away!
                        Essie in Tart Deco
                        Sinful Colors in Rise and Shine
                        Revlon in Strawberry Electric

  The Essie and Sinful polishes colors did not come out true in color on camera.  Tart Deco is more of a coral and Rise and Shine is a very bright teal color.  Hope you like them and try them out.

Fitness Video

  Finally the video is here!  I do apologize for taking a week to get this up.  These will be great exercises.  They have really been kicking my butt and they are great for preparing for my runs.

Day 2: Workout Ideas

Ideas To Get You Started
  These following work outs are to help get you an idea of what you can do to get started.  They can be done in your living room, outside at a near by school or a gym.  Remember to be honest with yourself and know when you need to take a break.  Enjoy this moment that you have with yourself because you will feel amazing after you exercise no matter how calm or vigorous your workout is.

  Start with a 10 minute warm up, either walk or jog.
Upper Body: 
     Regressive Push Ups

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

  Push ups are not my favorite exercise.  As a matter of fact I hate these things.  However, thanks to Meghann there is a better way of doing them without the hatred.
  Start with an elevated push up.  Keep your arms and hands shoulder width apart.  Slowly lower your chest to your hands and then slowly bring yourself back up.  As you can see in the pictures above we used the bleachers but you can use a coffee table or chair.  Just make sure it's secure when are doing these exercises.  By keeping yourself elevated you relieve the tension off your knees and your upper body.  To relieve a little more tension off the knees if this still gives you too much Meghann says to bend the knees slightly.   If you want a more advanced move bring yourself to the ground like the standard push up.  I can tell you right now I can't do them on the ground but the elevated push ups will help get me there.

 Sets and Reps:  3 to 4 sets,  10-15 reps
 Hang time: 10-15 secs (time in between reps)


Push ups to work your triceps 

  To get rid of the stinking flab under your bicep (you know when you wave it waves too) when you do push ups place your hands closer together.  As you lower yourself down keep your elbows to your side.

Sets and Reps:  3-4 sets,  10-15 reps
Hang time 10-15 secs.


Dips: Regressive, Mid-range & Advanced

Regressive: Knees bent

Mid-range:  Legs straight and on the ground

Advance:  Legs elevated and straight.

  Dips will help build your triceps.  Choose your fitness level and get started.  Keep your hands and arms a little more than should width apart and slowly lower yourself to the floor and then back up.  This will also help improve your core.  Concentrate on using your arms and core to lower and raise yourself.

Sets and Reps: 3-4 , 10-15

Hang time:  10-15 secs.

Abs:

        Spidermans:

    Position yourself like you would for a push up.  Bend your leg and bring up to your elbow.  Repeat on opposite leg.  Keep your core engaged and focus on keeping yourself balanced.  Do them as quickly as you can but remember it's not a race.  Doing them right gives better results then doing them wrong and too fast.  

Sets and Reps:  3-4 sets and 10-15 reps

Hang time: 10-15 secs

Mountain Climbers:

  

  In the same position as a push up (you can elevate yourself if need to) bend your knee like you are climbing stairs rotating each leg.  Engage your core, balance yourself and keep a steady pace.  

Sets and Reps:  3-4 sets 15-20 reps

Hang time: 10-15 secs

Froggies:

  Lie on your back with your legs in the air and the soles of your feet together as much as you can bring them together.   Slowly lower your heels to the ground then slowly bring them back up.  Once you get back to the top lift your legs in the air.

Sets and Reps:  3-4 sets 15-20 reps

Hang time:  10-15 secs

V-Ups:

  Ah yes, this will get your abs!  Lie on the ground with your arms above your head and your legs straight.  Slowly sit up and touch your toes,  while you begin to lower yourself back down begin to raise your legs.  Once your legs are elevated into the air touch your toes again.

Sets and Reps:  3-4 sets, 15-20 reps

Hang time:  10-15 secs

  Remember to breathe and take a break if you need to.  The sets and reps are just a guideline for you.  Don't beat yourself up if you don't do 20 reps and 4 sets.  The goal is to get yourself started and improve as you go.  You want to set your own pace and slowly improve and bring yourself to that next level in fitness.  Drink water and feed your muscles.  Protein intake is key before and after a workout.  Protein helps build muscle which in turns burns fat.  I really hope this helps and you find yourself feeling great.  I know I do and that is a huge difference in life.  Happy workout.

  * Please read disclaimer posted April 30, 2012.

Day 1 Fitness: Meet Your Trainer

  I was very privileged to have the opportunity to spend some one on one time with a personal trainer.  Megahnn Goodwin was at my disposal (her words exactly) so I could ask her anything and everything about getting fit.  She is incredible and someone that I look up to.  So I am pleased to introduce you to her.


Q and A with Megahnn Goodwin:


1. What got you into personal training?
    "My own fitness experience, highs and lows and coaching."


2.  What is your favorite part of the job?
      "Witnessing the change and watching people make a better lifestyle choices and seeing the results.  With that comes the confidence the find in themselves."


3.  What is your favorite song to work out to?
      "LMFAO-Sexy and I know It.  Any fast, quick dance beat."

4.  Outside of the gym where do you like to work out?
      "My living room or the nearest track."

5.  How many days a week do you work out"
     "I work out 5 to 6 days a week."

6.  What is your guilty pleasure food?
     "Cheese and popcorn."

7.  What is the biggest myth about personal trainers?
      "They do the 'Biggest Loser' drill sergeant yell."

Q and A on Getting Started:
   
Gear and Equipment:
1.  Do you need different shoes for the gym and for running?
     "If you have a shoe that is a running shoe you don't need a separate pair for the gym."
2. What are some of the best tools you would recommend to use for a work out?
    "A swiss ball (yoga ball), resistance band, jump rope and starter weights."


Working out and eating right:
1.  If you are just beginning to work out how many days should you make routine?
     " I would say 2 to 3 days a week for a goal of 60 minutes.  Once your fitness level goes up then increase it.  You want to reach 4 to 6 days a week."

2.  How do you determine your fitness level?
     "Being honest with yourself is number one.  Take your measurements and weight."
3.  What is the biggest challenge for anyone that you have noticed with working out?
      "To be selfish.  You have to want to do it for you and take the time for yourself.  I have been faced a lot of challenges in my life but you have to learn to shut it off.  Do it for yourself.  Even to pay a trainer doesn't mean you will want to do it, yes the money can be motivation, but you do it because you want to."
 4.  Diet is obviously important to anyone whether your losing weight or not.  What do you teach or tell your clients about healthy eating?
      "Your diet is 80% of your all around health and wellness.  Always have protein and water with every meal and never skip or not eat.  Eat 4 to 5 times a day at specific times a day.  Not eating slows your metabolism.  Once you eat something after not eating for hours your body holds it and doesn't burn it because it's already in starvation mode.  That's why you begin to feel sluggish.  Then you won't have the engery to work out."

5.  We all have been there.  No time and nothing to eat.  What would you do if your in this situation?
     "The best thing I would tell anyone is on a day off grill/cook a ton of chicken breasts (4-6 breasts) and brown rice.  Keep it in the fridge so you can grab it and put a meal together when you don't have much time."

  Meghann is a great trainer and I hope you look forward to our journey that we had together for a session.  Get motivated and keep focused.