High Five! It's Friday!

Wahooo!! It's FRIDAY.  There are 8 days till Josh and I get MARRIED!

I'm so excited for this weekend.  Josh is going to be home, we have a date night planned for tomorrow, and I am finishing up last minute wedding things.  Thank goodness for a FREE weekend!

I love this quote:

Life throws us TONS of curveballs.  It's up to YOU what you do with it.  We are all BORN to sparkle!  We are meant to SHINE!  But, we have curveballs that try knocking us down along the way.  Some people face things in their lives (heartbreak, heartache, death, job loss, etc.) and it's EASY to let people's feelings and actions get the best of you.  But, DON'T!  It's the devil trying to interfere.  Take a deep breath and collect yourself.

SO, don't let anyone dull your *SPARKLE*

XO,

5 things to do the WEEK of your wedding!

My wedding is in 9 days. 9 days, people. We are down to the single digits!

I'm going to give you the low-down on things I've learned along the way and especially what I'm learning right NOW! 

The 5 things you need to know the week of your wedding. 

1. You will be crazy busy and stressed out. If you have a full time job, your mind will be other places while on "the clock". Tread through the time, because honestly what else are you going to do? 

2. Make a LIST of all of the small things that are left to do. All of the big stuff is usually done early on. The last week you will be running around getting the small stuff done. 

3. Remember WHY you are getting married. This wedding isn't just a big party. It's about you and your fiancé and the love you share for each other. Stop and smell the roses and don't lose sight of the reason you are doing this in the first place. 

4. Go with the flow. Things will not go as planned. Someone won't do what they are supposed to. But, remember things always happen for a reason, so just roll with it. What else are you going to do? 

5. RELAX. Enjoy your wedding week and soak in every. Single. Thing. That you can. You only get this chance once in your life, so do what you can to make the most of it and to really enjoy and love every minute of your days. 

I guess I need to go practice what I preach, because it's easier said than done. At the end of the day, I'm marrying the love of my life and I couldn't be more ecstatic. 

                    XO, 

The 21 Day Fix

Are you tired of hearing about my workout stories?  You probably just click through my newsfeed if you follow me on facebook, like "YEAH YEAH there's another one of those selfie pics".  You don't have to lie.  It's okay.  It won't hurt my feelings.

BUT-

If for some reason you aren't tired of hearing about them or if you don't have a CLUE what I'm talking about, then THIS post is FOR YOU!

I want to tell you about my FAVORITE (well ONE of my favorite) workout programs.  And, yes.  I have more than 1 program to compare it to.  I am in no way an expert at ANY workout programs or health/nutrition.  This is just an opinion of a normal person, who struggles daily with working out and proper nutrition. 

I have INSANITY, Focus T25, Les Mills Pump, Slim in 6, PiYo, Brazil Butt Lift and The 21 Day Fix.

These are all Beachbody Programs and I AM a Beachbody Coach.  I love the programs, I received amazing results with doing 1 round of INSANITY and I decided I wanted to help others by mentoring them during their journey with at-home workout programs.

So, MY favorite program...... The 21 Day Fix.

It works every.single.time.  Here are the TOP 5 Reasons why THE FIX is my favorite program.

1. It's a 3 week program and it's designed to give you results (losing up to 10 lbs in just 3 weeks).  It works, folks.  Just a week into the FIX, I always feel amazing and see lbs already dropping.

2. The workouts are only 30 minutes.  Who has time for 1 hour+ workouts EVERY DAY?!  NOT me.  I'm in and out in 1/2 hour.  Easy Peasy.

3. The workouts are almost like a circuit.  You do a set of 60 second moves twice and then you move onto something else.  When you break it down to just 60 seconds, even the hardest exercises are totally do-able.  Each workout leaves me drenched in sweat, yet by minute 5 I'm not about to DIE (like I was in Insanity)

4. The nutrition plan is SO SIMPLE.  Yes, when you first get it and you look at the itty bitty containers and when you finish your freak out sesh (thinking you can only eat 1 of each container per day), you will read the guide and figure out that you get much, much more than that.  You eat a TON throughout the day.  All non-processed foods, proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, etc.  There are TONS of options as far as what food you decide to eat in each category.  Do you HATE fish, like me?  FINE, you don't have to choose fish as your protein. 

5. It's at a great price.  You can get everything you need to lose 10+ lbs in 3 weeks for $140.  WOAH, nelly!  This is $140 for just 3 weeks?  Nope.  You can do UNLIMITED rounds of The 21 Day Fix.  This isn't a one time, throw away and you're done thing.  This is something you will get to keep with you forever.

Oh---another thing I love?  The workouts are all done AT-HOME or wherever the heck you are!  If you travel, all you need to do is pack up the DVDs and hit the road.  No worrying about finding a gym or using the small hotel gym!

Please let me know if you have any questions about this program, or any of the others one's I mentioned.  It's my job to talk to others and to help others through their journeys, so I'd LOVEEEE to chat with you!

Black Friday Beachbody Deals

Being a Team Beachbody Coach means I get pretty excited about fitness program sales. Ha. Never in a MILLION years would I have thought I would type that!

Team Beachbody is throwing a huge HOLIDAY SALE with fitness programs, apparel, and accessories between 38-85% off! Yeah, you read that right. You can get a workout program for $5.95. Say whattt?! 

The SALE is good till December 2nd, but I have a feeling the products will sell out before then. A couple of them have actually already sold out! 

If you're interested in getting something for YOURSELF or if you want to give the gift of health and fitness, check out the sales! 

Happy Shopping! Happy Thanksgiving! 

https://www.TeamBeachbody.com/Shop/HolidaySpecials?referringRepId=249677

3 Day Refresh: Day 1

Yesterday was Day 1 of the 3 Day Refresh and I'm just now getting around to posting a recap... So let's do this.

First of all: if you're just now following me, The 3 Day Refresh is pretty much a short detox where you can let go of toxins from your body, jump start a new workout program/weight loss, or just use it as a refresh every month or quarterly.

It eliminates all dairy, grains, carbs, and meat from your  diet.  You drink Shakeology daily, 2 Vanilla Fresh Protein Shakes a day, and have a Fiber Sweep once a day (it's a fiber drink).  In addition to that, you have 2 servings of veggies, 2 servings of healthy fats (hummus, avocado, almond butter, etc.) and then 2 servings of fruits.  Then, there is a vegetarian option for dinner each night.

So, now back to yesterday, Day 1:

I felt GREAT.  I was a little "gassy" to be honest at night.  I didn't feel foggy.  The Fiber Sweep was not as bad as I remembered.  I think it helped going into this round since I'd already been there, done that, and I knew what to expect.

Also note: I am doing this round the "Laura" way.  I am using 8 oz of unsweetened almond milk in my shakes, rather than just water.  Last night I even replaced my Vanilla Fresh for a regular Shakeology.  Shoot me.

So, for breakfast I had:

Strawberry Shakeology, 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk, dash of Pure Vanilla Extract, 1/2 banana, Ice cubes.

 

I didn't get a picture of the fiber sweep.  I pretty much downed it in the break room in under 30 seconds! HA

 

My lunch was hummus and carrots and a Vanilla Fresh Shake mixed w/ 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk, dash of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 banana, cinnamon, ice.

 

For dinner, I chose to fix the lemony green beans.  You steam 6 oz of green beans and then toss them in a mixture of lemon juice, EVOO, and a little sea salt.  I loved them and so did the babies (fur-babies that is!)

Today is over 1/2 way over and so far, so good!  I have wanted to give up about 10 times now.. HA.  But, no for real.  I have been battling a small headache today and this cold front that came through makes me want some comfort food really bad!  But, I'm chuggin' along and will finish what I started!

XO,

 

3 Day Refresh: Day 0

So, here it is.  Tomorrow starts my second round of the 3 Day Refresh.

I'll be honest.  I'm not that excited about it.  I've actually been dreading this day.  Comfort food, chocolate, ice cream, pizza.... ya know... all of the YUMMY {bad for you} foods are HARD to give up.  WHY do I want to give them up if I love them?

Well, reality has hit.  I'm bloated.  I'm gaining weight.  I'm feeling yuck.  I'm feeling like a stuffed baked potato.

Today was actually the first time I got the slightest bit excited about the refresh.  I'm excited about taking on this challenge with myself.  I fail, a lot.  So, knowing that this is 3 days, totally do-able, and something amazing for myself is exciting.  I went to Publix for a few last minute items, including my trusty almond butter.

So, another truth here:

I'm using almond milk in my shakes (Shakeology and Vanilla Fresh).  I know, I know.  I'm not following it 100%.  The first round, I used water, just like it asked.  I was NOT a fan, at all.  I love my milk (it makes things a lot creamier) and I've told myself, I'm not giving it up.  To each it's own, so judge ALL you want.

My before weight is taken.  I'm taking before pictures in the morning.  I've prepped my meals for tomorrow (besides dinner) and I'm READY to BRING.IT.ON!

I'll be blogging along the way, so stay tuned!

XO,

Fall Themed Bridal Shower

This past Saturday (November 8, 2014), my sister and mother (along with some of my bridesmaids) threw me a big Bridal Shower.  I LOVEEE Fall (and if you follow me, you will know this, HA).

The shower was full of friends, family, soup, salad, apples, and sweets and treats.  I was showered with love and gifts by everyone and I am so thankful.

I actually got a BIT nervous before this shower, because everything is falling into place and actually feeling REAL for the first time.  Josh and I have been engaged over a year already, and now we're getting down to the wire and our big day is about to be here!! EEEK

Here are some pictures from the shower!  The weather was perfect.  The company was perfect.  The shower was perfect.

Thank you, Sissy (Ashley) for pulling this all off.  The shower wouldn't be possible without you and your vision!

This was a "SNEAK PEAK" the night before the shower!

 My friend Lindsey, me, and Ashley (one of my maids) 

 Posing with a new bamboo cutting board Josh and I got!

My Sweet Grandmother came from NC to my shower!

The Hostess with the Mostest!  My sister is better than yours! ;)

Kasey and Me (my Best Friend since College)

Family Picture (Cooper, Ashley, Mom, and Me)

Julia (my soon to be sister-in-law and maid), Me, and Ashley

I love y'all! Thank you so much for the love and gifts!