More Ellie clothes! and sneak peak of April collection!

I am loving all my new Ellie clothes!! 

If you are new to Ellie and want to see the collection, you can view it here: 

http://www.ellie.com/

Typically each collection is only available for that month. 

Below are some pictures from the February collection, which some are still available. 

After Dark Tank Top

with shelf bra

size large

Kiss Me Capri

size large

Peek a Boo Tank

size medium 

 Wearing my new clothes and posting pictures on Instagram

First, the after dark tank top is my favorite! I can wear size medium but I didn't want my tank to be skin tight which is why I got the large. ;-) I just love the straps and my husband and son complimented me and said it looked really "cool". I have since worn in several times and it washes and wears perfect! 

Second, I love the kiss me capris. I love that they have the pink waistband and it sits on my waist so I don't have to worry about pulling them up or bending down and my underwear showing. Sadly, the large fits me perfectly instead of size medium which I typically wear in other exercise brand clothes. 

CHECK THE SIZING CHART because it does run small. The fabric feel great and stretches. I have also worn this piece several times and washed it and still good as new!! 

Last, I ordered the peek a boo tank as my running shirt. I don't like to wear just a sports bra but I always get very hot and sweaty while running so this is the perfect solution!! It covers up my sports bra but is light and airy so that I'm not wearing a thick second layer. As you can see from the picture, it has this cool back slit. (I am wearing my victoria secret sports bra underneath in the picture) I haven't gotten to try this top out in action outside running because its been very cold here in VA, but hopefully soon!! 

Now, on to the exciting sneak peek of theApril collection called: 

The following was written by the Ellie staff and emailed to me this week: 

"Coral Crush was inspired by combining the vibrant, coral color trending on all the latest catwalks and the retro Southern California feel, encompassing the carefree and active lifestyle we all love to love. 

To ensure that that we are shipping orders the same day they are processed, we’re pushing the release back a few days to make sure everything is in stock.  Our target launch date for the Coral Crush collection is April 10th.  We're excited to offer our customers a superior experience by focusing on production rather than driving new sales for the first week of the month. "

So, there you have it-some pictures of the current collection and a quick video (see below for the link) of the new collection. I won't tell you how many times I paused the video to look at the pieces more closely. I am loving the capris and a tank top I saw!! 

Click on the sidebar to the right if you want to save 20% off your first months order of Ellie. Let me know if you have any questions! 

Heres the video link: 

http://vimeo.com/63013009

Week 3 and 4 of Jessica Smith free exercise videos-March challenge

Below are videos for Week 3 and week 4 of the Jessica Smith video challenge!!
How is everyone doing?? (sorry I'm late posting, I was out of town this weekend and just got back last night)

March 18-23

Mon:

Flat abs walk-40 mins
barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLfqO34Z5t0&feature=youtu.be

Tues:

Lose your love handles/standing abs 2-26 mins
barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71yrXP5pJms&feature=youtu.be

Wed:

Cardio Dance party 2-39 mins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2QraSFgzAM&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg&index=3

Thurs:

5 min abs-6 mins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6KGuxtYTUo

 

Quick Total body circuit-11 mins

weights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_DI-zmOShE&feature=plcp

Standing abs sculpt-13 mins

weights, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shozdMPeQs0&feature=share&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg

Fri:

Cardio Mat Fusion #1-32 mins
mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l__g31iUxU&feature=plcp

Sat:

Sunset Barefoot Walk-33 mins
barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5SeMKN8Bus&feature=plcp

 

March 25-30

 

Mon:

Cardio Core Flow-25 mins

barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYj4WjReqho&feature=youtu.be

Tues:

Core Floor-23 mins

mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RvI18jtwLY&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg&index=4

Wed:

Cardio Barefoot Flow-36 mins

barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFKd5QUP4pw&feature=plcp

Thurs:

Below the Belt-16 mins

weights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eeYEyOSnss&feature=relmfu

Abs & Arms-10 mins

mat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK1Eoghnyts&feature=plcp

Pilates at home-13 mins

mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwxtrr2_UF8&feature=plcp

Fri:

Cardio Blast-20 mins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hs1XlLUqIA&feature=share&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg

10 min interval walk-11 mins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFP8qcx6GBg&feature=plcp

Sat:

Dance Stretch-37 mins
mat, barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LSEI1SK150&feature=youtu.be

 

DONE!! Congrats! How do you feel? Did you like this calendar?

 

Jessica Smith march challenge-week 2 videos!

How did everyone do for week 1 of the March Jessica Smith cardio challenge?
Hope you are posting your pictures on facebook and instagram!! see my original post for specific instructions and hashtag.

Below are the videos for week 2-enjoy!!

March 11-16 videos:

Mon:
Kickboxing ballet-29 mins
barefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vnxpG2BhIk&feature=youtu.be

Tues:

Upper Body Meltdown-18 mins
weights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-wOMOgUTE&feature=share&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg

10 min toning walk 1-11 mins

weights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNVgSugjH2E&feature=youtu.be

Wed:

Dance Party-30 mins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZz6w0teVWM&feature=youtu.be

Thurs:

Tighter, thinner thighs-19 mins
mat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODJYuaY5nwY&list=UUB7wvgp4HUBe5TD10jIgxDg&index=1

Fri:

Stride & Strength 2-35 mins
bands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2VkKpX23To&feature=youtu.be

Sat:

Relax and Restore-31 mins
mat, barefoot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXpmHh2WWgk&feature=youtu.be

Ellie.com exercise clothes shipment-February

Got my new clothes from the Ellie.com exercise clothes subscription site. WHOOHOO!!  

This month was the first month they switched over from being called PV Body and are now called "Ellie". They have their own line of clothes now instead of selling other brands like American Appeal and Nux Usa.
I was able to (4) pieces this month and I'm waiting for a couple more to come in the mail.

You can click on this link to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar as well.

http://ellie.evyy.net/c/48928/58557/1664

I ordered the Forget me not pink tank in size medium, The vixen top (not pictured below) in size medium, the love struck leggings in size large and the heartbreaker capris in size large. I had also ordered My new obsession leggings but there was a mix up and now they are out of stock so I won't be able to get them. :-( However, I've been promised another pair of bottoms from the March collection!

Make sure to pay attention to the sizing chart since it runs small in my opinion!
I currently wear size medium tops and bottoms in my athletic clothes from walmart, target, kohls and victoria secret. However, I've found I need to wear mostly Larges in Ellie brand, some medium tops.

Here's the sizing:

XS (2-4) 32in bust, 24.5in waist, 35 in hips
S (4-6) 34in bust, 26.5in waist, 37in hips
M (6-8) 36in bust, 28.5in waist, 39in hips
L (8-10) 38in bust, 30.5in waist, 41in hips

Pictures!!

In this picture I'm wearing the Forget me not tank and Love struck leggings.

 

I love the gray and black color detail down the side. The fabric is very nice and stretchy. Not scratchy at all. Has the reflective logo on the top. No pockets. They are long on me (Im 5,4)-wish they were about an inch shorter, but it didn't irrirate me while I was exercising so thats good.  

 

I love the thicker waist band. It sits on my natural waist (I hate low rise!) so it helps hold all the fat in place when you're jumping around! ;-) 

 

In this picture I'm wearing the Forget me not tank and the heartbreaker capris. Nothing special about the capris-go to just below my knee. I did contact Ellie to let them know my stitching kept breaking and they assured me that back in January they switched fabric or thread or something, so they shouldn't have that problem any more. They are sending me another pair to replace these.

 

There is a complete difference in the thread, stretch and feel of the capris versus the leggings, so I have no doubt they did switch some things from January to February and I'm sure there won't be a problem like this again... 

Back view of the Forget me now tank. How cool is that??!! Reflective logo on front and back of tank. Love the pink color. There is a shelf bra in this tank for minimal support. 

 

The next day I washed my leggings in my normal laundry cycle and hung them to dry (no dryer!). I wore them that morning for my 60 min TurboFire high impact cardio workout.
I LOVED them!! The stretch is perfect and stayed up during my entire workout. The fabric feels really nice, and again, I love the detail down the side of the leggings.  A+ on these leggings...

February Collection is ONLY AVAILABLE through tomorrow!! If a piece is incredibly popular, they MAY bring it back another month. But typically, what you see offered that month will only be available THAT MONTH!! So if you see something you like, grab it right away!!
It's $49.95 a month for two pieces (2 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 top and 1 bottom-whatever you want to do!) OR you can pay per piece and not have a monthly subscritpion.

You can also choose to skip months if you don't like what they offer that particular month, so its super easy and if you want to cancel after one shipmment you can do that too.

Just click on my link below to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar.

http://ellie.evyy.net/c/48928/58557/1664

Happy ELLIE.com shopping!!
Can't wait to show you my pieces I get in March!!

PS-Heres a SNEAK PEEK of the March collection!! Isn't it a great teaser??

http://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/66nlb1ho9q?autoPlay=true&controlsVisibleOnLoad=true&fullscreenButton=false&playerColor=9e9c90&plugin%5BpostRoll-v1%5D%5Blink%5D=http%3A%2F%2Fwistia.com&plugin%5BpostRoll-v1%5D%5Bstyle%5D%5BbackgroundColor%5D=d61d65&plugin%5BpostRoll-v1%5D%5Bstyle%5D%5Bcolor%5D=d61d65&plugin%5BpostRoll-v1%5D%5Bstyle%5D%5BfontFamily%5D=Gill%20Sans%2C%20Helvetica%2C%20Arial%2C%20sans-serif&plugin%5BpostRoll-v1%5D%5Bstyle%5D%5BfontSize%5D=48px&plugin%5BpostRoll-v1%5D%5Btext%5D=www.ellie.com&plugin%5Bsocialbar-v1%5D%5Bbuttons%5D=embed-email-twitter-tumblr-googlePlus-facebook&popover=true&version=v1&videoHeight=490&videoWidth=871

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!