Fine in 50 update!

Okay so I'm still participating in the Fine in 50 challenge hosted by Ro that started on January 7 and will conclude on February 25th.

I didn't take my measurements on the start date but I did weigh in. I have measurements from September that are more than likely the same.

Since starting the challenge I am down a total of 6.4 pounds!

The jump start was me getting the damn flu the first week!!! FML!!! I mean of all weeks the week that I'm actually motivated to get my ass moving again!!

I wish I could say that I've been 100% on it....I cannot lie...I haven't been *sigh*. I can say that I've consistently started working out again which feel AMAZING...I've increased my water intake and I've cut out a TON of sugar! I've had a few situations run ins with fast food and alcohol but not enough to elaborate on lol!

I cook on a fairly regular basis so I'm not struggling with that. Being mindful of portions though 0_o

I do weigh myself weekly but I don't plan on posting about the challenge again until I reveal my results!!


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Happy New Year....not looking back!

Happy New Year to all of you!

Last year was emotionally hard on me and I decided not to do a 2012 year in review post. Main reason being I just want/need to move forward.

Here's my vision board for 2013



This is the first day I've looked at it since I finished it! I must do better smh lol! I have made it the lock screen on my phone so now I see it multiple times a day!

At the start of last week my girl Ro kicked off her Fine in 50 challenge!! I rarely participate in challenges, even some that I've created 0_o!

But this time I thought I'd give it a go! Monday was great! I woke up early, got my workout done...and ate well all day! That evening my nose is runny but I think nothing of it kanyeshrugs here?

Tuesday comes and I wake up feeling awful. Now I got my flu shot in September so I'm thinking it's just a little cold and this to shall pass...WRONG! I left work midday feeling like I had been hit by a truck! Hot..cold..sweating...chills...everything associated with having the flu!

I had a complete loss of appetite and all I wanted to do was sleep! Not the way I had planned to jump start my weight loss again but hey..I'll take it!

I battled being sick all week long. My eating was off and on sporadic. For the most part I ate what I had a taste for once my appetite picked up a little. I drank lots of tea with honey instead of sugar. And I didn't have any fast food!

Since I'm feeling better I have weighed myself this morning and I am down 5 pounds since last Monday! It's back to business..I must get my body back to where I'm comfortable.

I'm moving in the right direction and that's the most important thing to me, all else will fall into place!

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My favorite picture :-)

Out of the 150 shots honey and I had from our photo shoot, I was trying to pick my favorite. I think this is it :-)




I'll be posting later this week about my summer challenge and starting P90X!

A very special thank you for everyone that gave their prayers on my sister's behalf. At 26 she shouldn't have to go through the pain of burying her husband. My nieces and nephew didn't deserve to lose their dad the way that they did.

She's one of the strongest people I know for sure. She's doing okay and we will help her get through this.

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Battling my sugar habit AND May fitness challenge!

This post isn't going to be about food but I think I'll go ahead and share something I'm doing!

A friend of mine has issued a personal challenge to kick the sweets addiction/habit she has picked up. I decided to join her because I as well have picked up a CRAZY sugar addiction!

Monday-Friday you cannot eat cookies, donuts, ice cream, candy, cake, brownies, pastries, etc.

The weekend I allow myself two treats, whatever I want single serving. Since last Monday I have lost 5.8 pounds!!! This is without workouts due to getting over an injury! I am baffled by this!

The cravings were strong but the weekend totally cured it! I'll share how this week goes!

I am issuing a May fitness challenge!! 4000 squats in 31 days, do them how you like, hold yourself accountable! Pretty simple I think?? I've never done this but I'm looking forward to the results my ass and thighs will promote!

Wanna participate??!!

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I see you too!

First thing I'd like to say is I sometimes feel awful that I don't have time to frequent some of your blogs :-(. My life is busy but very rewarding! I can't say thank you enough for continuing to rock with me!

Full time (single) mommy, full time employee, full time GF to my honey, full time friend and part time side hustler lol! I will try my best to jump on my fav blogs and comment more often :-)

It's not easy being me but I'm blessed, I cannot complain! I don't have a lot of time to myself and I'm always behind on projects I'd like to complete. I still wouldn't trade my life for anything...it makes me who I am and I love ME!

Well last weekend I tackled a few of those projects!! I'm pumped! I scored in a MAJOR way on Saturday!!

I don't want a "traditional" bed frame, for some reason I tend to break them?? Anyhoo...I wanted a headboard that hangs behind my bed on the wall. Initially I thought about hanging 8 x 10 pictures in black wooden frames. After kicking around this idea for over a year I ran into these at Hobby Lobby and my idea came to life!!




These are 48 x 48 canvases!! So originally these are $74.99 a piece! Well I got them for $24.99 a piece!!! A steal!!! Why you ask??? They have two small tears in the canvas both will easily be covered with my photos!

I won't give it all away right now but I will share the project and the finished product! I'll be using the photos the girls and I took during the holidays!

Tonight I'll take a few pics of my new work space (I also set that up last weekend) and the pretty flowers I made inspired by Pinterest!

Last but most definitely not least, I got in 5 workouts last week! Yes ma'am I'm on right now!!

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30 Day Mom Challenge

I came across this challenge on Miss Dre's blog at So She Writes, I read the tasks and I'm going to do this! Married, single or whatever we should always strive as women to be the best mothers we can be to our children! Here's the challenge: 

 

 

 

After checking the challenge I took a look at the site that published this challenge imom.com. This is a very cool site, mommy's check it out when you have some free time lol! I will take a look at my daily challenge every morning upon rising. I'll also let you know how it's going! #TEAMMOMMYHOOD

 

My apologies!

I totally neglected to respond to the comments on my last blog post..my apologies!! There is always something circulating in my world and every time I say I need to respond..I forget!! My short term memory fails me on a daily basis!

I SO appreciate everyone that slides through and shows me some love! I thank you all, and I don't always comment on your blogs but I do read them!! I'm watching people progress on their journey's and figure out ways to push past road blocks..inspiring!!

My personal challenge this week:

100's...100 jumping jacks, 100 weighted squats with 10 lb dumbbells, 100 push ups and 100 crunches

*Done in sets of 20, less than 1 minute of rest between sets.

*Five times this week (I've already done it twice)

I'd like to work in 3 high intensity cardio sessions, 2 spinning classes AND a jog/run on the treadmill OR Turbo Fire? I need to write this in my planner ASAP!

As far as food goes, I'm watching my portions. I've got a baby shower on Saturday AND a planning session cocktail session with two of my fellow bloggers!!! Yay!!!

Tomorrow marks my 8th month in Houston!! Time really does fly!!

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Look at me now! Fab weekend :-)

The girls and I at my cousin's wedding reception 7/9/11

I had to share this picture because I absolutely love it! We partied hard that night, so much that I ended up sleeping the majority of Sunday afternoon! Good times with family!

Sunday dinner...


Seasoned pan seared cod, creamy garlic grits, onions, cauliflower, sweet peppers and tomatoes

This tasted so damn good, it will most definitely make it into the dinner rotation every couple weeks!

I woke up this morning ready for my workout, Ripped in 30 workout #3. I hadn't previewed workout #3 so I had NO idea what I was getting myself into *sigh*! This shit was difficult!!

I was panting so hard I just knew I was going to pass out!! I had to keep reminding myself to focus on the breath! I managed to make it through the routine with the modifications on some moves and a couple of rest moments.

Nevertheless I'll be up and at it again tomorrow! I have to keep challenging myself!

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Hurting!!

My body hurts! Hurts to sit down, hurts to stand, hurts to walk!

I guess it's safe to say that I am challenging myself again!! I haven't felt soreness like this in a very long time.

I'm all smiles :-)!! Tomorrow is my rest day and that's exactly what I'm going to do!

Thirty Days of ME...Day 29

Day Twenty-Nine- In this past month, what have you learned

I've learned that 30 days flies by quickly! I've learned that if I truly committ to doing something I can follow through. For the most part I answered all of the questions on the correct days. I had a few days where I fell behind because of Christmas. This was fun and I would definitely do it again with new challenges to respond to!

Thirty Days of ME...Day 27

Day Tweny-Seven- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

I don't have anything profound or thought provoking about why I decided to do this challenge. I liked the idea of having specific questions and topics to write about each day. A few of the items I had never done before. I also wanted to keep up with the consistency of my blog although I fell off a few days thanks to the holiday! I'm back on track now so stay tuned!

Thirty days of ME!

I came across this post on another blog and thought I'd give it a try! The idea is to give you a better idea of who I am, outside of my weight loss journey in the next 30 days. Since tomorrow is December 1st, I figured it would be a great way to round out my year! Below is the list of challenge questions.

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Team Lean Suite up and running!

My Team Lean Suite forum is up and running!! Yay!! I am super excited about this! I’ve been playing around with the concept for quite some time so to see it come to life is a blessing! My friends and family that are participating are showing enthusiasm too which is very necessary for success. I’ve found out for myself personally that working with a group of likeminded individuals helped me to stay motivated. It held me accountable to the goals I had set for myself.

 

Everyone has to start somewhere. It doesn’t matter where you begin (or pick back up) as long as you have a goal in place. The details of your goal can be worked out along the way, as your thoughts about where you want to be may change. The key is to set your goal! You can’t plan a trip to a place that you’ve never been without knowing how you’re going to get there. Having a constant source of motivation is helpful but the core of your motivation has to come from within. You have to decide how important reaching your goal is to you. Start reading food labels. If you take a look at exactly what you’re putting in your body, you’ll begin to change your mind about eating OR drinking it! The purpose of this group is to change your entire idea about living healthy. It’s not just about exercising or eating right, it’s about the lifestyle change.

 

This is going to be a fun and exciting group! I can’t wait to really get things cracking! I’m still working towards reaching my own goal and even after I do I’ll still be coaching and cheering everyone else along! I also understand that keeping it off once it’s gone can sometimes be an even greater challenge. I’m up for it…are you??      

 

 

Team Lean Suite!!!

Team Lean Suite is the forum I've created in conjunction with my blog for ladies to communicate and motivate each other with healthy living and weight loss. The forum as of right now is "invite only" so if you're interested in becoming a member...let me know and I'll tell you how!

This group came about from the countless questions and comments I've received from my friends about my weight loss. It's easier for me to answer questions and initiate challenges in one place where members feel comfortable sharing. I planned to start the forum in January 2011 but figured there's no better time than now to help others get healthy! I'm all in!

P90X Challenge ***UPDATE***

With much thought and deliberation I have decided to hold off on the P90X challenge. I’d like to fully commit to it and during the 90 days I planned on completing it, I will have too many things on my plate. Outside of the holiday’s, I will be moving in with my sister in preparation for my relocation to Houston. My target relocation date is March 5, 2011. This is 134 days away but hey…who’s counting lol?! Instead of P90X I’m going to continue with my 2^nd round of Turbo Fire which I’ve already started. I’m also working more classes into my schedule at the Y. Strength training will remain at 3-4 days per week.

 

I am thinking of weekly challenges to keep everyone motivated and working hard throughout the holidays. I see no point in waiting for the New Year to start living a healthier lifestyle. Everyone always has plans of grandeur for the New Year (resolutions) to lose weight and get healthy yet fall flat after two weeks or so! Look at this as a head start to your health! The challenges will be fairly simple at first and then over the weeks become more of a “challenge” LOL!

 

I’m with you all of the way and hopefully you’ll start to feel better about yourself both inside and out!       

 

 

P90X challenge rules!

On Monday November 1^st I’ll be starting the P90X workout! I have done the first Power 90 (had great results but didn’t stick with it the entire time) and I have heard nothing but good things about P90X from those that have done it or are currently doing it. I figured why do it alone when I can have friends & family sweat it out with me? I’m in my last week of my first round of Turbo Fire’s 12 week program. Turbo Fire is great and I LOVE the workouts but I’m looking for more definition with strength training to get rid of these last few pounds I want to drop.

Here are the rules for the challenge:

1. Record your weight and measurements (very important) on days 1, 30, 60 and 90. I weigh myself every Monday and you can weigh in once a week as well. Just be sure to record your weight on your milestone days to track progress.
2. Take full body pictures of yourself (or have someone take them for you) front, back, left & right side shots on days 1, 30, 60 and 90. Preferably wear something form fitting/belly bearing so that you can actually SEE your progress.
3. Check in on Monday’s to let everyone know how you’re doing.
4. Keep a food journal daily. This can be hard for most if you’ve never done it but it is the key to success. I personally carry a medium size spiral bound notebook everywhere I go and write down my food and beverages. I also log my workouts in the same place.
5. Get your workouts in 5-6 days a week. It doesn’t matter what time of the day you do it, just get it done! The program suggests 6 days a week with one rest day but if you haven’t been on a consistent workout schedule going 6 days initially can be tough! Try not to schedule your rest day back-to back if you are working out 5 days a week. You have to be super dedicated to jump right back in after taking off a couple of days in a row. As you get stronger, work your way up to 6 days a week.
6. The weekends and holiday’s are not an excuse to slack on your workouts! If you’re supposed to get a workout in on a holiday, make sure you get it in early!
7. Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day.
8. Soreness IS NOT a reason to quit lol! You will be sore but you’re supposed to be sore for change to happen. If you are in PAIN go see your doctor J!
9. Set a realistic, attainable goal for yourself. Where would you like to be in 30 days…90 days etc.??
10. Be honest with yourself about your commitment. Only you will know for sure if you are giving it your all, don’t cheat yourself!

I am currently in the process of setting up a forum for everyone to join to talk about our progress, pitfalls (there will be some) and successes! Remember we are all in this together, there is strength in numbers! Good luck! - Miesha