Jessica Smith 30 day March challenge-FREE!

Welcome to the Jessica Smith 30 day March challenge!!

I’m so excited that you can join me this month. I decided to make this calendar with all of Jessica Smith's youtube videos in hopes of inspiring others to work out and to spread the word of Jessica’s FREE videos! I think its just awesome that she takes the time to make free videos for us several times a month!! There are not many fitness professionals who do that! So please make sure to thank her and check in on her facebook page “10 pounds down” here: https://www.facebook.com/?sk=h_chr#!/pages/10-Pounds-DOWN/142506209147223?fref=ts

Here are the details to this challenge:

• We start Friday March 1^st and end Saturday March 30^th. Rest days are on Sundays. Saturdays are optional if you are too sore, but don’t forget to do some stretching if you are. 

 

• The videos highlighted in red mean you will need additional equipment like hand weights or resistance bands. Jessica does mention that if you don’t have these items, you can certainly do the videos without them. If there is anything that you feel is too difficult, just walk in place until you can feel comfortable with the moves. The purpose is to KEEP MOVING-don’t stop!! (as a side note: all her videos are family friendly, so you don’t have to worry about the music or what shes wearing!)

 

• All videos are 20-40 mins in length so hopefully that will work with everyone’s schedule!! The length of the video is in parenthesis after the name. If you need something even shorter or want to add more time, check out Jessica Smith’s 10 min videos on her page here: http://jessicasmithtv.com

• All the exercises are low to moderate intensity so don’t worry if you are out of shape or haven’t been exercising. I created this calendar for that very purpose! For those that are just beginning to  workout out, for those who are short on time, for those who want lower intensity workouts, and for those who want to do another workout in conjunction with something else.

• Post pictures of you doing the videos on Jessica’s facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/10-Pounds-DOWN/ and/or on Instagram by using the hashtag #JessicaSmithChallenge. (You can friend me on Instagram if you would like to: rdevaughn4) This is totally optional but its alot of fun and really motivating to see others working out and following the same schedule that you are!

 

• Every weekend I will post the upcoming video links so its super easy to find the week’s challenge videos. Or, if you don’t want to want for my blog post you can find all of Jessica’s youtube videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/jessicasmithtv . If you want to see the listing of Jessica’s videos and make your own rotation calendar, you can see them here: http://jessicasmithtv.com/build-your-own-workout-rotation/

 

Welcome to the challenge and I look forward to seeing any comments or questions here on my blog!! Don’t forget to tell your friends to like “10 pounds down” on facebook and my blog, to join us for this month and hopefully upcoming challenges in the future!!

 

Click here to download the Jessica Smith March 30 day calendar!

March 1-9 video links:

 

Fri:

Barefoot Fusion Walk-20 mins

mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otzetqGQ8bE&feature=youtu.be&a

 

Sat:

Dance Walk-27 mins

can be done with or without shoes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1AU_yr2-mc&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg&index=1

 

Mon:

Stride & Strength-36 mins

need hand weights-5 pounds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFQws-sfW0

 

Tues:

Kickboxing abs-10 mins

mat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPOpjhTNa3g&feature=plcp

 

Get flat & fab abs at home-10 mins

mat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKzc97zvnLo&feature=plcp

 

Standing abs-11 mins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVolITtS6f8&feature=relmfu

 

Wed:

Flow Yo Yoga-33 mins

mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkDsbcHYkR0

 

Thurs:

Build a better booty-20 mins

bands, mat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCHzO-DPi6g&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg&index=2

 

Fri:

Mat Fusion Flow-25 mins

mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n69JLBLbKD0

 

Sat:

Core Stretch-24 mins

mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMNAWpmlaf8&feature=plcp

100 pound loser by Jessica Heights-book review

I was given this book for review and I just loved it!! I wanted to share my thoughts about it and how you can buy it for yourself!!

First, just the name of the book is so inspiring!!

 "100 pound loser. How I ate what I wanted, had 4 babies, and finally took control of my weight-and you can too!!" 

Isn't that just the greatest title?
It's a short read-about 30 pages and 12 chapters. Jessica is very clear in her book that she has NOT had any formal training in nutrition, exercise, medicine etc. She is simply a wife and mother who has lost alot of weight after having babies, kept it off and makes good choices every day.

Let me share with you what she says in her introduction:
I wrote this because I'm just like you. 
I wrote this because I've been where you are...
I wrote this because I've done it...
I want you to know you're not alone... 

I love that this short book is practical and down to earth. She doesn't get all preachy about all these awesome things that she has accomplished, thus making a reader feel bad and inadequate to do what shes done. She shares practical advice and suggestions on many different topics through out her book. For example, she shares about her struggles with taking care of her 4 children at home and not having personal time during the day, so she makes the effort to get up at 4:30am to exercise. Because she knows exercise is important and that it needs to be done-for a persons physically and emotional well being.

I personally LOVED that she used scripture references through out her book. Basically to point out that our bodies are temples from God and that we need to take care of ourselves. She also used other inspirational quotes. On the very first page is a quote from CS Lewis that said, "We are what we believe we are."

On another personal level, I felt like I really connected with Jessica because we have so many things in common!! With both of my pregnancies I gained ALOT of weight!! 100 pounds with my first and 75 for my second. By the time I gave birth to my 2nd child in June 2010 I was over 250 pounds!!
I loved Jessica's advice about making small goals in order to accomplish success. Thats exactly what I did!! I kept hurting myself and getting discouraged because I would try to jump full force into a workout dvd. I finally just started walking 15 mins-one mile using Leslie Sansone indoor walking dvds. I worked up to 1 mile, then 2 miles, then 3 miles. I would judge my progress on being able to get through a mile without getting winded or tired. The more consistent I became, the easier it got and the pounds kept coming off!!
Now, over a year later, I'm running races, lost almost 100 pounds myself, lifting weights, logging my food daily, using a heart rate monitor, and working out 45-60 mins every day now. Again, I also started small and consistent. It doesn't happen overnight! 
I also love that Jessica says that she does not DIET! it's a lifestyle change. She makes healthy choices and eats what she wants, but she also understand that women will have cravings and trigger foods so she gives her thoughts about that, which I also agree with.
Lastly, she mentions that her "go to" at home workout is "TurboJam" by Chalene Johnson. I LOVE that workout!! That was my first 30 day program that I stayed consistent with and saw major results after I graduated from my walking dvds!! I actually did the 30 day rotation twice this past year and lost serious inches.

If you're interested in reading this book, click on this link to purchase it for only $4.99 through amazon!!
 http://www.amazon.com/100-Pound-Loser-Control-ebook/dp/B009UKX7HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356657840&sr=8-1&keywords=100+pound+loser

Jessica also has a great facebook page, facebook group and website...
https://www.facebook.com/100PoundLoser?fref=ts
http://www.mutheringheights.com/100-pound-loser/

Check her out and let me know what you when you purchase her ebook.
You won't regret this purchase because we can all use uplifting practical advice when it comes to eating and exercise.

 

November races I did-my first 10k!!

So I know it's January already, but the holiday season went by so fast, that I haven't been able to blog about my November races!!
I did my first 10k on Saturday November 17th in downtown Roanoke. It was called the Star City 10k race-it was their first one because they typically do a half marathon. I had never done a 10k but my goal was to (1) finish without dying and (2) if possible to finish under 1 hr 30 mins.
I was really nervous about it so the weekend before I did a trial 10k run in my neighborhood. It took me longer than 1:30 but at least I was able to do it, so I felt okay about doing the race the following weekend. This was also my first race that I was alone. My running buddy-my 11 year old-was with me for my first 2 trail races and it was nice to have his company.
The weather was perfect and it wasn't too cold!! Perfect day for my first 10k!!
They had the roads closed off and helpers along the entire race route directing racers so we would know exactly where to go. That was one of my biggest fears, was that I was going to get lost and not be able to finish the race in a timely manner. They also had a couple water stations which was nice, but I had my spiffy water bottle fuel belt with me so I was all set!
My family was going to meet me later at the finish line and I was able to text them a little bit through out my race so they would be at the finish line in time to take my pics.
My hubby met me at the final loop and ran with me to the finish line. It was really nice to have his support and his help which pushed me to the finish line and the best part? I MET MY GOAL!! 1 hour 29 mins!! WHEW!! Just barely!! My 2 year old baby boy  and my parents were also there. I was so shocked and so happy that I got a medal when I finished!! It was such a great experience!! After the race, they had a great breakfast inside for the racers to warm up and eat!!

I finished!! 

My biggest fans!

I can't believe I got a medal!

Look at the calorie burn!! 

I met my goal!! 

My race route! 

Then a week later on Thanksgiving Day, my 11 year old son and I did the Turkey Dash which was also in downtown Roanoke. I took alot of pictures, but somehow when I got home, my 2 year old got ahold of my iphone and deleted most of them. I was devastated but at least I have a couple to share!
It was pretty cold that morning and there were TONS of people who showed up for this family race!! Even though they had many groups (runners, walkers, runners with strollers, runner with pets, etc) there were too many people than what I like, so I probably won't do it again. I was worried the whole time that I was going to get trampled or lose sight of my son. We ended in pretty good time and Stevens dad met us at the finish line to take our pictures. I am so proud of my son that he is able to keep a good consistent pace with me through out the entire race!!

Before the race at home. 

At the finish line 

My calorie burn!

My stats

With every race, I feel myself getting stronger and having less shin split and asthma problems!! I was so pleased with my race efforts in 2012!

Upcoming fitness challenges for 2013! Check it out and commit!!

This is the time of year where everyone gets geared up for better health and fitness for the new year!! I've started signing up for events/groups already and wanted to share them!! Maybe it will inspire you to start a new fitness or eating challenge-it will at least keep me accountable to what I'm committing to! :-)

First up...

The "Run 13 races in 2013" hosted by Jill Conyers

2013 Running Challenge
Details:

1. Run 13 registered virtual or real life races in 2013.
2. The number of participants will not be limited.
3. Prizes throughout the year. Hint: Some of my favorite running and fitness products!
4. We have set up a 13 In 2013 Facebook group to support and encourage each other and share the experience.
5. To support everyone reaching their goal Jen and I will host 4 virtual races throughout the year. The first virtual race will be in February. More information coming soon.
6. Share with Instagram and Twitter using the #13in2013 hashtag.

You might be wondering what distance we will be challenged to run? Unlike 2012, when everyone was running the same distance, in 2013 you pick and commit to one...

How to join:

1. Sign up [and commit] using the Google document. Sign ups close midnight (EST) on December 31.
2. Post the button with the distance of your choice on your blog on your sidebar (HTML will be provided if needed).
3. Update the Google document with your progress and completed races.

If you’re having reservations about committing be on the lookout for an upcoming post, Tips for Running 13 Races In One Year!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jill at jillconyers@gmail.com.
Are you ready to commit? Do you have a running goal for 2013? What do you think would be the toughest part of running 13 races in one year?

THE DIRECT LINK TO THIS POST IS HERE:
http://jillconyers.com/2012/11/fitness-friday-are-you-ready-to-run-13-in-2013/

Because of my work and personal schedule, I will mostly be doing virtual races. I already have 3 just for the month of January!! Leave a message below if you want to find out more about virtual races!! I just discovered them several months ago and its an awesome concept!!

Second....

"5 by the 5th Virtual Races" hosted by mommy run fast

 



I’d love for you to join me for “5 by the 5th” – a virtual race series in which we run a 5k or 5 mile run by the 5th of each month (for time or for fun), from January to June, 2013.

The 5 by the 5th series will run from January to June, with the option to run a 5k or 5 miler by the 5th of each month. You can run once, or every month, and it will begin with the Resolution Run on January 1, 2013.
The series of virtual runs provides an opportunity to win prizes every month, or to get competitive with yourself and track your speed or progress each month if you’d like to. New runners and walkers are also welcome!
Details:

• All of the races are free.
• Record your time each month as evidence that you ran, and each run recorded will count toward monthly prizes.
• If you only run one race, your name will stay in the drawing through all six months. If you run all six races, you’ll have six entries by June’s prize drawing.
• Tweets and shares will count toward additional entries.
• If you blog about your races, I’ll provide a link up each month to share your post.

We’ll kick everything off with the Resolution Run. If you are local to Houston or Miami, you can also opt to meet up for a local fun run that morning. I’ll email details about the Houston run, and the Miami fun run will take place at 9 AM at South Pointe Park, Miami Beach (neither one is timed!)
Prizes! Prizes will be pulled each month!!

THE DIRECT LINK TO THIS POST IS HERE:
http://www.mommyrunfast.com/5-by-the-5th-virtual-run-series-registration-is-open/

This is a great opportunity to get 6 of the 13 races done for this year and be in the drawing for prizes!!

and Third....

A New You Beyond the New Year hosted by Skinny Mom.com

 

... let’s stop trying to achieve a “New You” during the first few weeks of the new year and let’s take small steps each month that make positive changes lasting all year (and beyond!) long.

We want everyone to create sustainable change. Start small and build on top of practical goals. Stop being SO results driven. That’s exactly why we have set up our New Year, New You Challenge month by month, and better yet, day by day. Let’s face it, simply saying, “this is my new years’ resolution,” is not…well, a resolution.

Here are the guidelines for our challenge—yes, “our,” the Skinny Mom team is doing this with YOU!

• Each month Skinny Mom will pick a positive topic related to improving wellness (mental and physical).
• For Example: clean eating in January, heart healthy habits in February, balanced nutrition, family health, etc.
• Focus on incorporating positive habits based on our monthly topic each day during that month.
• At the end of each month, Skinny Mom will pick a New Year, New You Winner based on the results of the challenge
  • Each participant will have the opportunity to fill out a form sharing their change. We will send out the form on our social media links (sign up below!) and newsletter.
• We will provide tips, goals, and challenges each day through email, SkinnyMom.com, and Skinny Mom social media outlets.
• Keep yourself and the Skinny Mom team updated and accountable through social media.
  • Post pictures and status updates on Facebook
  • Tweet @skinnymomonline
  • Pin it on Pinterest
  • Follow/share on Instagram — We will have a Photo a Day Program going on each month as well. The more you follow the Instagram Photo a Day, the more chances you have to win!
  • The more you share, the more we motivate one another!

What’s in it for you? What, you mean you are not solely motivated by incorporating positive changes in your life all year long? Okay, well how about some PRIZES?!?! That’s right, each month we will pick a participant based on the changes you share to win AWESOME PRIZES from Skinny Mom and our partners.
Are you ready for changes that last all year long?! Make sure you are signed up for our newsletter to become an official member of the 2013 Skinny Mom New You Beyond the New You Challenge. Your participation is completely FREE so what do you have to lose? Except maybe a few negative habits? Join us now!.

THE DIRECT LINK TO THIS POST IS HERE:
http://skinnymom.com/2012/12/11/a-new-you-beyond-the-new-year-healthy-challenges-all-year-long/

I just saw this posting this morning, and this sounds so inspiring!! I think its a great concept to continue through the year to aspire towards healthy goals. I think alot of people are really focused in the month of Jan and maybe into February but then after that, not so much!!

LETS START AND END this upcoming year of 2013 right!! I hope you will also commit to some challenges like I have done-whatever will work for you and your goals. Just make sure to stay consistent and keep it up!!  

PV Body exercise clothes subscription-review

I am so excited to tell you about this new company I found a couple weeks ago!!
Its called

and its a monthly exercise clothes subscription!!

 

How cool is that??!!
I was so excited to find this company and even MORE excited when they said I could become an "abassador" and offer discounts to my friends on facebook and here on my blog. I will also get a small commission for anyone who buys through my specific link.
I did some research ahead of time because I don't want to be representing or spreading the word about a company that I don't know anything about. They are just starting up, but so far so good in regards to customer reviews.

So, How does it work??

First, click on my specific link...
http://pvbody.com/try/craftsnfitness
then...

IT'S EASY AS
1 - 2 - 3

Take the quick quiz and create a personal pv.body style profile.
Our experts will put together a personalized outfit for you.
We ship your outfit to your door for free!

 

So, for $49.95 every month you can get a shipment of one top and one bottom shipped to you for free!!

 

First, shipping is expensive, so thats awesome they aren't charging extra for that.

Second, in your profile style you indicate what sizes you wear and what kinds of workout clothes you prefer. If something doesn't fit, you can contact them and exchange it for another size!!

 

So, are you ready for the best part??!!

I can offer you a 20% OFF DISCOUNT on your shipment box if you click on my link above!

So the total of the box would be $39.96!!

 

If you have ever gone shopping for GOOD name brand exercise Tops and Bottoms, you know this is a STEAL!! What do you have to lose? You aren't tied into monthly shipments-you can cancel at anytime! You can decided to get one shipment, you can decided to get one every other month-its super easy!!

 

I got my first box last night, so I wanted to post pictures for you all to see what I got!!

 

It came in this super pink mailer envelope which is so cool because it felt like I was getting a gift and I couldn't wait to open it! My top and bottom were wrapped separately in tissue paper.

 

 

First, I opened the bottoms. They are gray size Large by American Apparel-performance sportwear collection. They are super soft and stretchy. I was kinda worried because they are "leggings" but the fit was perfect when I tried them on! Its important to me for my clothes to be form fitting when I'm exercising so I don't have to keep pulling them up around my waist. And the length was perfect-not too long which is great because alot of yoga pants and leggings are too long for me. (I'm 5 feet 4 inches)

 

 

I googled American Appearl online and found this link

http://store.americanapparel.net/product/index.jsp?productId=rsaak300&c=alloy

which I'm pretty sure are my exact pants pictured above, and they retail for $48.00!!

 

Next, I opened my shirt which was by NuxUSA in size medium. The fabric again feels very soft and super stretchy! When I held it up, I seriously didn't think it would fit me. It is snug but my husband reminded me that it will fit perfect in the spring because I keep losing weight and a large would have been too big. (Isn't he sweet?)

 

 

I googled NuxUSA  and found the link to their camis and tops.

http://www.nuxusa.com/index.php/tops/cami-and-tanks.html

I didn't find my specific top, but its safe to say that this top retails between $50-55!

 

Here's some pictures of me wearing my set! I'm going to wash them and wear this week to see if they wash well and roll up or bunch while I exericse. I don't anticipate I will have any problems.

 I know in my picture it looks pretty snug, but the leggings are ment to be tight (size large) and the top (size medium) will  fit be better in the spring.

 

So, if you want to try out this super cool subscription notice, click on my link below to save 20%!!!

http://pvbody.com/try/craftsnfitness

Overall, I was very pleased with the customer service, fast shipping (I got it in one week) and the quality of my pieces. I won't have to return anything and I feel like my pieces are well worth the $49.95!! Let me know if you have any problems with placing an order and I'll help! Let me know if you give them a try! Will post again when I get another box!

 

Athena Book review! book 4 of Newport Ladies Book Club series

Athena is book 4 of the Newport Ladies Book Club. Like the other books (Olivia, Daisy & Paige) they follow the same time period, but they don’t have to be read in order to understand the series or characters.

At first, I found the book a little slow and hard to get into the story line, but realized the character herself, Athena, is “boring” at first because she has allowed her life and schedule to be the same thing day after day. She works alot so she rarely has any opportunities to do anything else. When she decides to make some changes in her life, like joining a book club and reading books based on a strangers (Grey) recommendation, the book gets more interesting.

I also liked that this book seemed to have less of the other characters involvements (probably because Athena kept more to herself) so you don’t read a lot of events that are mentioned in the other 3 books of the series. In other words, you don’t feel like you are reading one of the other books all over again.

I liked that this book showed Athena’s struggles to change and to understand her parents’ marriage and illnesses. I can’t even imagine trying to take care of a sick parent, especially one that could be violent or not even remember you!

Heather Moore did a wonderful job of expressing Athena’s emotions and struggles. Although I couldn’t relate to Athena’s experiences like I could with some of the other characters, the book itself and the emotions was very well written!!

I cannot wait to read the other set of 4 books, to be released in 2013. The other set of books will not cover the same time period, so the characters we have come to love in the first 4 books will be mentioned and we will see how their lives have changed!!

International Digital Scrapbooking weekend!!

It's that time again!!

It's International Digital Scrapbooking weekend!! whohoo!!

 

This is the time to get lots of freebies and play lots of games. Last year was my first year, and I was so surprised how big of an event it is!! I thought it would be one day, but it ends up being an entire weekend!! In fact, some designers have even started celebrating today, Thursday Nov 1st!

 

Make sure you check out the MyMemories Facebook page starting tomorrow thru the rest of the weekend.

 

First up, I want to tell you about a MMS blog train that starts tomorrow. You can also go to the facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/125981480888094/

to view more specifics.

It will start at CatDesignz.com page (which happens to be the designer I work with) and continue on to 25 plus other designer pages!! wow thats alot of freebies!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second, I want to tell you about a 20% off sale that CatDesignz is having on her new Little Jesus series- Nativity set. It is so cute!! Check out the link below to see the layouts we made using this kit. (including mine!)

http://catdesignz.com/little-jesus-my-beautiful-nativity-series-is-20-off-til-midnight/
This kit is great for christmas layouts, animal layouts and invitations!! Don't delay or you will miss this special price.

Happy Scrapbooking and enjoy your weekend!!