Fun Indoor Workout for Moms

One of the hardest things to fit in my schedule on a daily basis is exercise. By the time I get everything done for the day I am lucky to sit down for a few minutes to breathe let alone do something like a fitness routine. I wanted to share with you a couple of DVD workouts that I have tried, have enjoyed, and have worked in the short amount of time as 20 minutes.


The 30 Day Shred

If you are familiar with Jillian Michaels, then you won't be surprised when I say she is one tough cookie. This workout is intense, and you WILL be sore after the first few times. But it is worth it and it is only 20 minutes of your day. Pretty reasonable no? This program is a three step program that gets harder as you are ready. The program was designed to last thirty days but if you need to you can make it longer than that.


Zumba

For those of you who want FUN FUN FUN in a workout, this is the one! No doubt about it you will not say it is boring. Basically, it is exercising by dancing. And when I say dancing, I mean Salsa, Reggaeton, and much much more. For those of you who do not want a stressful workout routine this would probably be the one for you. I have done this program on and off for several years and every time I start it again I wonder why in the world I stopped.

So, ladies, does anyone else have a great at home workout they would like to share? Leave a comment and let us know!

Fashion Friday: Bathing Suit Shopping

Each Friday I am going to start a fashion series. I know technically it's Sunday this week that I am getting this up, but I'm still going with the name because next week (hopefully) it will become a my Friday thing.

So, it's that time of year again. Sunscreen, tote bags, sand, surf and sun. And of course that also means one other thing: bathing suit shopping. Sigh...I remember when it was so easy to go find a suit at sixteen. Pretty much anything I tried on fit. I could be done with bathing suit shopping in about 10 minutes. Well, one child later it's not so easy anymore. And I am positive that I am not the only mommy out there dreading the days search for a bathing suit.

When I start my bathing suit shopping adventure each year I always go in with a plan. I usually spend some time searching the internet to see the trends and styles for the year and figure out what I like and what I don't. This year, I put together a few picture charts of some options put together. I really do think it's easier and much less overwhelming going in with a plan. Do I always stick with the plan? Of course not, but it's a place to start and I usually go in the store confident that I can put together something that looks good. So here are my two picture charts for this year with stores and prices in case you're interested:

Plan A:

Aviator Sunglasses-American Eagle $15.50, Gladiator Flip Flops-Target $12.99, Smocked Maxi Dress-American Eagle $49.50, Tan Striped Tote-Target $12.99, Aqua Tankini-Target, $30.00

I am loving this tankini from Target. It's a fun color and I love how the tankini comes past the bottom half of the swim suit. There will be no love handles showing with this suit which is fabulous! I am thinking about going with a longer sun dress this year. I just think it looks really classy. Of course you can never go wrong with a large tote and aviator glasses to complete the look. And the shoes. Very trendy and a great price! 

Plan B

Black Tankini-Magic Suit $180, Women’s Tiered Eyelet Skirt-Old Navy $17.99, Mossimo Libby Gem Flip Flops- Target $12.99, Black and White Striped Tote- Target $12.99.

Yes, the price tag for this suit is steep and I would never personally pay that for a swim suit but I love the style and I would definitely look for something like this a little cheaper. The top is adorable and perfect for covering any those fun love handles once again. This top is so cute in fact I don't think it needs a sun dress to cover it. I would go with just a skirt for this look and the white one in the picture would go perfectly. Match it with some braided black flip flops and a large black and white striped tote and you have yourself a perfect "day at the beach" outfit.

Well, there you go ladies. I can't wait to post what I actually find in a couple of weeks! What about you? Have you started shopping for suits? What are your must have fashions this year?

  

Giving this Couch to 5K Program a Try...

UPDATE: So with life the way it is I am having to postpone this adventure until the fall. My family and I are getting ready to head back to the States for the summer and I don't think I will be able to do the program in it's entirety soooo come August get ready! I'm gonna be a running machine!!

 

Photo Credit

So, I have decided to give the couch to 5k program a try. I used to run track in high school and I have always loved running, if it's fast and a short distance. The thought of running even a mile makes me what to jump of a bridge. (A little exaggeration there if you can't tell, but maybe it's closer to the truth than I would like to admit) But really and truly long distance running has never been a favorite but I have always wanted to say I have ran a 5k. So this program teaches you how to run a 5k in two months by gradually adding more running and less walking each week. I think this might actually work so I am giving it a try.

So that being said, who's with me? Does anyone else want to take the challenge? All it is is committing to running/walking 20-30 minutes a day three days a week. Each Sunday (Or Saturday for all of my Stateside readers) I will be posting the new challenge for the week. We can do this together!! Any takers? Anyone? (If you can't tell I'd like some help with this...haha) Just leave me a comment and let me know if you're gonna join me! Then each week leave a comment on that week's challenge that you did in fact complete it. I'm going to go ahead and post this weeks challenge:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Let's do this!