Monday, March 18, 2013

Take It off Monday | Week 10

I lost three pounds! Whoohoo! This brings my total weight loss back to 6 pounds. I had lost quite a bit while sick then gained most of it back on my recent road trip, so I am really happy. Additionally, I am wearing some clothes I haven't fit into in a while, so I think it is about time to take all my measurements and see how many inches I may have lost. Perhaps I'll give that another month.

This week was my first week using Slenderiix. And I totally noticed a difference in my appetite. I was not starving when I woke up, nor was I "snacky" during the day. I am continuing with Blogilates (Love!) as well as eating a low carb, low processed foods diet and drinking a ton of water. I'd love to hear how you are doing on your fitness goals and any tips and tricks keeping you motivated!



Weight loss this week: 3 lbs
Weight loss to date: 6 lbs
Weight left to lose: 14 lbs
First Goal: 10 pounds 
  • Reward: Mani/Pedicure
Second Goal: 15 pounds
  • Reward: Massage
Final Goal: 20 pounds
  • Reward: New Bag
Success:  Exercise, healthy eating
Set-Backs: 
Exercise: Running on the treadmill and more Blogilates!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Monday, March 11, 2013

Take it off Monday | Week 9

This was a tough week for me! Not much weight loss going on, but I did manage to eat fairly well and get in almost all my workouts. I'm back at it today and am excited to start something brand new to go along with my overall fitness program. In college I became hooked on a fat loss supplement that was basically speed and swore I'd never use one again. Fast forward twelve years, two kids, and several extra inches around my middle. I was approached to try out a relatively new weight loss aide and have decided to give it a go. Slenderiix is 100% homeopathic and has none of the speedy chemicals in many other supplements. The company promotes healthy eating including organic fruits and veggies as well as hormone and antibiotic-free pasture raised meats which my family is already into. I'll be sure to include my thoughts and feedback specific to this aspect of my health and fitness goals. If you want to know more about Slenderiix, comment below or send me a personal message.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

WW | Snow Day!





We found Mr. Jason shoveling when we went on our walk.


Thanks for taking our picture Mr. Jason!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Take It Off Monday | Week 8

The dust has settled after sickness hit our household and I am happy to say I have kept off the weight I lost while sick. I don't recommend getting a stomach flu to help with your weight loss program, but hey, I'll take it. As soon as I felt better and was able to hold down my food long enough to give me the energy I needed to exercise, I worked my butt off last week. I started running again on the treadmill and continued with my new favorite exercise, POP Pilates. I do think the hardcore exercise and eating well helped me stay on track.


Weight loss this week: 0 lbs
Weight loss to date: 6 lbs
Weight left to lose: 14 lbs
First Goal: 10 pounds 
  • Reward: Mani/Pedicure
Second Goal: 15 pounds
  • Reward: Massage
Final Goal: 20 pounds
  • Reward: New Bag
Success:  Exercise
Set-Backs: 
Exercise: Running on the treadmill and more Blogilates!

Friday, March 1, 2013

All Purpose Cleaner

An "All Purpose Cleaner." That's me! For the last four years anyway. I clean anything and everything and sometimes multiple times a day. (Why does my house always seem messy? Tackle that in another post on another day.) Having kids means having messes--messes I truly never thought I would ever clean up such ass projectile poop exploding from one baby's rear on the changing table into a closet full of clothes! All these messes have caused me to try out all sorts of cleaners, especially those labeled "All Purpose." But all those brand-name cleaners really add up, not to mention the fact that who knows what the chemicals in them are let alone how to pronounce them.

Then came Pinterest.

As soon as I logged onto Pinterest I was amazed at all the home remedies and "recipes" if you will for home cleaners. Everything from glass cleaner to DIY laundry detergent. I have tried several of these concoctions and finally came up with my own that really does a great job on a lot of surfaces. At first I was very precise with the amounts I mixed, but then I just started eyeing it and that works just fine for me. I haven't figured out the true cost of my cleaner, but I can tell you it is a fraction of the cost of other expensive brands and made with ingredients most people already have at home. So, here is my own "All Purpose Cleaner" recipe.



1 spray bottle from the Dollar Store
Splash of Rubbing Alcohol
About a half cup of White Vinegar
About a half cup of Water
A few squirts of dish soap

Heat up Vinegar and Water and pour into spray bottle. Add the alcohol and dish soap. Agitate or shake to combine.

And there you have it! This cleaner works wonders in the kitchen and in the bathroom and is safe on most surfaces (Believe me I have tried). You can even add a few squirts of lemon juice to freshen it up if you dislike the vinegar, but the vinegar smell does dissipate after a few minutes. For really hard to clean areas on my stove top, counters or bath/shower, I sprinkle some baking soda on the surface before I spray the cleaner. The vinegar interacts with the soda to help break up any crud. One Pinner soaked her vinegar with orange peels for a week or so before mixing her cleaner. I tried this method, and while it did smell great, it was actually hard to get the orange oil/color off whatever I was cleaning so I don't recommend the orange peel method.

Are there any DIY cleaners you have tried and fell in love with? Or hated? I'd love to hear about them.