Archive | May 2014

Bikini Series Day18

May15

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May 15, 2014
Workouts:
5k run
UndertheSea x 3
Flat, Fit, Sexy Abs x3
2min Plank

Meals:
M1: egg whites, banana and honey chia toast w/ cocoa almd butter
M2: grapefruit
M3: PerfectFit Bar
M4: skipped :-(
M5: Strawberry Poppyseed Salad from Panera
M6: Vanilla Chia pudding

I did not get up to do a bootycall today. The last few days caught up to me and I was pretty much a zombie this morning getting the boys to school. I went back to bed after I dropped them off. I felt so much better when I got up. I spent the half the day running errands with Ben.

I went for a run before dinner. Legs felt great. I’m glad I went later in the day because it cooled down and there was a nice breeze for my run. I did Under the Sea x 3, FlatFitSexyAbs x3 and my plank after putting the boys to bed. It was nice to take it easy. I didn’t feel so worn out and I did get a lot done around the house. Not that I caught up or made my To Do List any shorter, but my house is more organized :-)

I picked up my free full salad from Panera for dinner. I wanted to have some L&L BBQ, but I was able to walk away from it. I’ve been doing pretty good about controlling my cravings. I wanted to have popcorn at night and of course there is always my craving for chocolate. I need to find something for M4. That’s my toughest meal to figure out. It’s usually a bar but sometimes I want something else. I’m just so tired around M4 that I don’t have much energy to be creative.

The Sunset Challenge was to inspire and encourage those around me. The quote to “Workout Because You Love Your Body Not Because You Hate It” rings true for me. Don’t think of working out as punishment for your body. It should be because you Love your body that you are willing to put in the work to make the changes to be healthier :-) Here are a couple more quotes that really inspired me:

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Bikini Series Day17

May15

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May 14, 2014

Workouts:
1.43 mile Bootycall walk
Mini Leg workout at gym:
DeadLifts 12 x 3 80lbs
Machine Leg Press 12 x 3 175lbs
Body weight Squats 50 x 3
Making Waves Cardio on treadmill 3.54 miles
2hrs of Volleyball
2min plank

Meals:
M1: egg whites, grapes, banana
M2: larabar
M3: Shrimp/quinoa pesto mix
M4: skipped :-(
M5: Strawberry poppyseed salad from Panera.

I was tired when I got up. I didn’t want to get up but I did. I figured going for a walk would help wake me up and be better than doing nothing. It was already getting warm when I went for my walk so I knew it was going to be a hot day.

I wasn’t really in the mood to go to the gym but it was a leg day and I rarely skip working out my legs. I did a mini leg routine. I went heavy and more reps to make it worth it. I super set the leg press and squats. Really felt it in the booty. I picked out a treadmill at the end of a row so I could hop off to do the toning moves in between the running parts with the Making Waves cardio. I slowed it down to do the high knee skips and side shuffles. I think I like doing the running part all together and then the toning moves better. But going back and forth between running and toning made the running part a little easier.

Ben and I went into the city to pick up some shoes for Ben then picked up the boys from school. After homework, we went out to do more errands. I forgot to bring something for a snack. Took Gio to the library to get him books for his biography report. Picked up Panera for dinner. I ordered my usual salad but instead of getting a full salad, I only got a half. I didn’t have time to go back but I called and they gave me a free salad on my next visit.

Got to volleyball early to warm up. The coach finally picked up new balls. He gave away the old ones and I took one for the boys to play with. Not that in don’t have one – I have two – but this way I don’t have to worry about the, messing mine up :-). It was an ok night. My overhand serving is becoming more consistent. Passing was better. I set a few games which is tiring because there is a ton of running around. I want to work on my setting so I can use my hands more instead of just bump setting. I can do it but I’m not confident during a game. Had some good hits but I still need to get my timing down.

Left early so I could do Bikini Booty and my plank when I got home. Legs were pretty tired even with my lighter leg workout. I came close to my water goal. I try to at least get half my body weight but I make a higher goal because it helps me. Staying hydrated is one of my biggest challenges. It is something I work on everyday.

The Sunset Challenge for creativity is this post. Writing/blogging is something I love to do. It helps me process things and express myself. I’ve always been into writing. I think most writers hope to make a connection with their readers. I don’t do this blog to get a bunch of followers. I don’t even know if people even like what I write. I do this because I am hoping that someone can relate to it and if I can help one person not feel so alone, I consider myself a success. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my posts :-)

Bikini Series Day16

May13

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May 13, 2014

Workouts:
2mile bootycall jog
Bikini Arms
Turbo Fire Fire60 (6miles)
Bikini Arms
Best Ab Routine 9:06
2min plank

Meals:
M1: Egg whites, banana, strawberries, Honey Chia toast w/ cocoa almd butter
M2: larabar
M3: Pesto Quinoa and Shrimp mix and grapes.
M4: Seaweed and Pork Jerky.
M5: 2 slices of Mushroom pizza

Didn’t go to the gym today. Felt like staying at home to spend some time with Ben before volunteering in Seppe’s class. I’m glad I went for a run in the morning because it was way too hot to run later in the day. I did one round of the new Bikini Arms when I got home. Followed it with Fire60. This is a long one but it’s a lot of fun and goes by quickly. I always get a good sweat doing Turbo Fire.
I loved having the extra filling from yesterday’s stuffed pepper for lunch today. Gio had a game today so after homework we were at the baseball field. I didn’t have time to make the smoothie I wanted to have for m4 and I forgot to pack my bars :-( I had some pork jerky at the game and some circus animal cookies. It was a stressful game that Gio’s team should have easily won but we let up at the end and the other team came back to tie it. I was so hungry by the time the game ended I ate a couple slices of mushroom pizza one of the mom’s bought for the kids. I wanted more but I stopped at 2. I’m glad I did.
I did another round of Bikini Arms after putting the boys to bed. Followed it with my plank and The Best Ab Routine. Beat my last time by a minute :-)

Ben being home changes my schedule a bit. He’s doing well recovering but I still don’t like to leave him alone for too long. Keeping my gym workouts short this week and doing more at home :-)

Bikini Series Day15

May12

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May 12, 2014

Workouts:
Legs:
Leg Extensions 10 x 3 65lbs
Leg Curls 10 x 3 65lbs
Glute Pushdowns 12 x 3 94lbs
Plyo Leg Jumps 10 x 5 to Single Leg Jumps 20 x 5 85lbs

1hr 15min Kickboxing class – used 10lb dumbbells for boot camp part

BikiniBody x 3
2min plank

Meals:
M1- egg whites, strawberries, banana
M2 – larabar and grapes
M3 – Lettuce wraps with refried beans, quinoa, avocado and ground turkey topped with cherry tomatoes. Also had a few snapea crisps
M4: Kind bar
M5: Pesto Shrimp and Quinoa stuffed bell pepper

I didn’t get up for a bootycall today. I went to bed late on Sunday so it was tough to even get up this morning. I decided I’d go to kickboxing to make up for it. Went to the weight room first for a quick leg workout. Kickboxing is one of my favorite classes. All the kicks, jumps and squats gave my legs even more of a workout. She does a short boot camp and core work at the end of class so it’s a great total body workout.
Ran to the store to pick Ben up some broth, juice and jello. That’s all he came eat right now. Had to help out in Seppe’s class for an art project then came home to eat a quick lunch. I basically put a bunch of leftovers together and put them inside a lettuce leaf. Dinner was my favorite. I made it yesterday and I couldn’t wait to eat it. It tasted just as good as I thought it would. I have extra of the filling so I can make more or just eat the filling :-)
Did 3 rounds of the Bikini Body workout and my plank after the boys went to bed. Did ok with my water. It’s heating up here so I need to make sure I stay hydrated. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow so I’m off to bed so I don’t skip my bootycall tomorrow.

BikiniSeries Day13-14

May11

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May 10/11, 2014

Another busy weekend. I am so grateful for Ben’s dad, Gene for being here. I don’t think I would have survived without his help.

Ben was still in the hospital Saturday. I had stayed until midnight on Friday with him and I went back to the hospital first thing Sat morning. He was looking better and walking around but still in a lot of pain. I had to pick up snacks for the boys’ baseball games, then went to Seppe’s game. Seppe was bummed Ben couldn’t be there. We had lunch then I dropped Seppe off at a birthday party and Gene took Gio to hospital to visit with Ben. We hung out until Gio’s game. I had to leave early to pick Seppe up from the party but I also had snack duty. Gene was able to stay and help hand out snacks and took Gio to visit Ben.

Ben wanted come home Sat night but they wanted to keep him another night. I went back to stay with him after I put the boys to bed. I did yoga and my plank before heading back to the hospital. Ben fell asleep soon after they have him more pain meds.

I got home late and fell asleep quickly but got woken up a couple hours later by Seppe. His stomach hurt and he wound up throwing up. He slept with me and it was not that comfortable. I got up to run but I was too tired so I decided to rest for the morning. Boys made me gifts for Mother’s Day. Seppe made a recipe book with recipes from all the continents and Gio a necklace. He later made me a journal to write in. They were both pretty good for me.

I went to the hospital after getting up to pick Ben up. We waited an hour for them to discharge him. He’s happy to be home. We set up the air mattress in the living room so he could lay down without having to turn his neck to see the tv. We had issues getting his prescription from the pharmacy. He got the hospital to sort it out. He’s doing well minus being cranky because he can’t eat anything besides broth and juice :-(

I went on a long run after my nap. Had a tummy ache at the half way point but I was able to finish. It was really windy out but it actually felt great. The run really helped make me feel better. I was feeling stressed out from the weekend. Plank to end my night. Ben is going to be home for a few weeks so I should be able to get my workouts in.

Meals weren’t that great this weekend. I skipped some meals and did not stay hydrated. I was just trying not to go crazy. Yoga and running helped me. I’m just glad that Ben is finally home and that I don’t have to go to the hospital anymore.

Spent Mother’s Day with my boys. Called my mom and had a nice talk. I’m grateful for all her sacrifices. I might not have agreed with her decisions but I know that if she hadn’t made them, I wouldn’t have the life I have.

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Bikini Series Day12

May10

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May 9, 2014

Today was a jam packed day for me. I did a lot. I wanted to make up for yesterday. No bootycall though. I was at the hospital late last night with Ben. He was having pain in his chest from trapped air. I stayed until he fell asleep. I didn’t get much sleep even with skipping my bootycall.

Ben’s dad took the boys to school and I headed back to the hospital to check on Ben. He was sitting up and looked a lot better. I stayed with him so I could be there to talk to the doctor. He decided to keep Ben one more night since he was not on his feet yet. Ben fell back asleep after getting another dose of pain meds so I headed to the gym.

Warmed up with a mile then worked out my legs:
Leg Press 90’s with 90lbs
Glutes 10 x 3 90lbs
Walking Lunges to squat 30 x 3 25lbs
Glute Bridges 10 x 3 37.5lbs
Single leg Glute Bridges 10 x 3
Deadlifts 12 x 3 80lbs
Jump Squats 12 x 3 40lbs
Glute Pushdowns 12 x 3 94lbs
Leg Extensions 10 x 3 40lbs
Leg Curls 10 x 3 50lbs

Sprint Into Summer on the stairmaster 4.16 miles followed by an extra mile on the treadmill.

The boys school had a picnic lunch where parents could come and join the kids. I met Ben’s dad there as soon as I finished at the gym and enjoyed the boys for about 10min before they ran off to play with their friends. We left a little early to beat the rush and headed back to the hospital.

When I got there, Ben was up walking around :-) And had started to “eat” his food. He’s only able to have clear liquids and he has to eat very slowly. I hung out with him and Gene picked up the boys and brought them to visit. We stayed until Seppe’s practice.

I decided to do the new Making Waves cardio routine during Seppe’s practice. I’m glad I did because running kept me warm. It was sooo cold and windy out. I split up the running and the toning moves. It was my first time running in that area so I just concentrated on doing the running so I didn’t get lost. I did the toning moves when I was done running. I was pretty worn out when I was done.

Dinner then back to the hospital so the boys could spend some time with Ben. He got up again and went for a walk with the boys. They were happy to see him doing him better and hope that he can come home in time for their games tomorrow.

I took the boys home and put them to bed. I did my plank and the ab playlist. My sides are sore from yesterday’s Kettlebell workout. I got ready for bed but put on warm clothes on top to head back to the hospital. I’m staying until Ben falls asleep and then I’ll head home. Saturday is going to be busy as usual.

Meals:
M1: egg whites, banana, and strawberries
M2: Larabar and Zico
M3: strawberry poppyseed chicks salad from Panera, iced green tea and bread. This is my absolute favorite salad from Panera. I only use one of the dressings.
M4: cherries
M5: veggie bowl from Panda. We always eat out when Ben’s dad is here and the boys wanted Panda tonight. I chose vegetables and the shiitake kale Chk entree. It wasn’t too bad.

I met my water goals and I didn’t have any of Seppe’s chocolate :-) So it’s a win today.

Today’s Sunset Challenge was to sign up for something outside of our comfort zone. I’ve decided that next week I will go to a Zumba class. I don’t have to sign up in order to go to a class at my gym because all classes are included in my membership :-) I’ve never done Zumba and it’s definitely something I’m intimidated to try – especially on my own. I’m nervous just thinking about it.

Bikini Series Day11

May8

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I’m writing this tonight in the hospital. Ben had surgery this morning. All went well and he is recovering. He will be here overnight and probably tomorrow too. Even though he is still sleeping most of the time, I don’t want him to be all alone.

My day has revolved around Ben being in the hospital. I was able to get up early and get a run in before having to get the boys up early to drop Ben off. Took the boys to Starbucks for breakfast since we had 30min before they had to be at school. Then I went back to the hospital to wait with Ben. His surgery was suppose to start at 9:15a – he had to be there at 7:45a. They came in around 9a and said there was a 45min delay… We didn’t see anyone again until almost 11! He finally got taken to the OR at 11:30a. I went home and did 3 rounds of Kat’s Kettlebell workout. I used the 20lb Kettlebell for all the exercises except for the plank rows because it was too tall. I guess now that I think about it I could have elevated my plank. Oh well. Next time.

I cleaned up the house then went back to the hospital to wait for Ben to get out of surgery. I wanted to make sure I was there to talk to the doctor. I was so relieved when he told me that everything went well. Ben’s hernia was pretty big and was actually in his chest. This should be the last time he will need this procedure. Hoping this motivates him to get healthy.

After talking with the doctor, I had to go pick up the boys from school. I had just enough time to eat lunch in the car before they got out. Gio had baseball lessons right after school. By the time his lesson ended, Ben’s dad had arrived and we met him for dinner at Red Robin. Then, we headed to the hospital to visit Ben and see if he had woken up yet.

The boys left him notes telling them they love him and hope he feels better soon. They were both very good and stayed quiet so Ben could rest.

Took the boys home and had them finish homework. I tucked them in, did my plank, and now I’m back at the hospital. It’s been a long day. But I’m glad I was able to squeeze in a quick workout.

Meals –
M1: banana and Starbucks spinach gets wrap
M2: Larabar
M3: Half a Sandwich frm Mr. Pickles and strawberries. This was actually left over from a lunch Ben bought yesterday.
Skipped M4 :-(
M5: California Chk Sandwich at Red Robin lettuce wrapped with no mayo. I usually get it with no cheese but I didn’t realize that it came with cheese.
Confession time: Gio ordered a mid pie for dessert and I had a few bites. It was like a drug hitting my system because after that fest bite, I wanted more! I think part of it was also me dealing with the stress from my day. I’ll work extra hard tomorrow!
Didn’t make my water goal either :-(
Water is always the first thing I drop the ball on when my day gets hectic. I need to set alarms during the day to remind me to drink water.

Sunset Challenge: Stop, Drop & Make a List for all the things I’m grateful for:
– Modern medicine for being able to save Ben’s life.
– Ben the love of my life and my dream come true.
– My boys: even though they drive me crazy, they are my world and make me a better person.
– My mother for her sacrifices to give me a better life than she had
– My dad who raised me and my brother as his own
– My second mom, Chris who helped me get through high school
– ToneItUp for helping me change my life and get healthy and fit
– Every sunrise that shows me that there is always a new day and a new opportunity
– My grandparents for being an example of everlasting love and how I hope my marriage will be
– All my tiusisters who motivate me everyday
– social media that helps me connect to friends and family all around the world
– My brother and all those in the military who fight for our freedoms
– All my friends. Each and every one has taught me something and has touched my heart.

I think we spend a lot of time focusing on things we don’t have. Taking time out to make a list like this helps me realize that there is so much I already have and am grateful for. I could go on with my list. As crazy as Life gets for me, I am happy :-)

Bikini Series Day10

May7

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May 7, 2014 –

No bootycall today. I needed to get some rest. I had a good intense workout at the gym to make up for it.

Wednesdays are always dedicated to the booty ;-) Started with a 10min warmup on the stairmaster. Legs felt it right away. Then, off to the weight room.
Leg Extensions 10 x 3 – 65lbs
Single Leg Lying Leg Curl to Lying Leg Curl – 10 x 3 20/50 – I would do 10 on each leg at the lower weight and then 10 on the higher weight
Squats on Smith Machine – 10 x 3 115
Plyo Leg Press Jumps to Single Leg Plyo Jumps on Leg Press Machine – 10 x 5 and 20 x 5 75lbs – I did the 10 jumps first then switched to single leg and alternated for 20 reps. No weight change. This burned the booty!
Followed it with Bikini Cardio on the treadmill. This was tough. My legs were tired and I wanted to stop so many times. I hardly ever do anything longer than 30mim on the treadmill. It was definitely a mental battle. I felt good when I was done and I’m glad it finished. I was pretty worn out afterwards.

I came home, showered and relaxed for a little bit. Boys get out early on Wednesdays so I didn’t have too much “free” time. Dealing with Gio’s bad behavior at school put a damper on my day. I don’t know what to do with him sometimes.

Couldn’t wait to go to volleyball to get away. It was a rough night. My team only won out first couple games and then lost the rest of the night :-( I could serve overhand again but my passing was horrible. It frustrated me. I’ll have to practice so I can be better. Passing is the most important thing in volleyball.

Did my plank and 2 rounds of Surfers Paradise when I got home.

Meals –
M1: eggs/egg whites, banana and strawberries
M2: Zico and cherries
M3: quinoa, broccoli and turkey meatballs
M4: Chk and string beans and Broccoli Beef
M5: PerfectFit Bar

My meals were too far apart today. Ben has surgery tomorrow for his stomach so he won’t be able to eat solids for a while. He wanted to have some Chinese for dinner. I was able to stay away from the rice and ate as much of the green beans and broccoli. I met my water goal :-)

Took time out to look over my goals. I think I’m happy with them right now so I’m not changing anything. I spent some time visualizing and seeing myself accomplishing them. I am a bit stressed over Gio’s behavior and Ben’s surgery. I took time to meditate. I focused on my breathing and let go of the stress – at least for a little while. Focusing on positive thoughts.

BikiniSeries Day9

May5

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May 6, 2014

I was Not in the mood to do anything today. I didn’t want to get up. I was still so tired when my alarm went off. All I wanted to do was stay in bed. But I didn’t.
Got up and did HIIT the Beach II. It was tough for me. I was tired and sore from my intense leg day on Monday. I got through it and got some energy. I dropped the boys off and went to the gym for spin. I didn’t think I’d be able to keep up but I did alright. Worked up a good sweat as usual. It wore me out.
Decided to save the rest of my workouts for later and get some stuff done around the house.
Finished up grocery shopping, prepped food, and cleaned up the house a bit. Started laundry and dishes. There’s no really finishing laundry or dishes. There’s always more to do.

I crashed after picking the boys up from school. It wasn’t that great of a nap because the boys were fighting. Had to get up and play referee.
Did the new BikiniBooty workout, SexyArms from zbodyfitnessinc, Sunset Workout, and plank right after putting the boys to bed. I thought about skipping the arm workout but I figured I needed to get back to working out my arms. I love Zoey’s arm workout and she has a great boy workout too. Definitely go and check her out!
The Sunset workout felt great. I really need to stretch more.

Meals –
M1: egg whites and banana
M2: Perfect Fit Bar and Zico
M3: Pesto Pasta, Chk apple sausage, Brussel sprouts and spinach
M4: Turkey jerky
M5: TJ’s Tempura Chk and broccol
Dessert – grapes
Met my water goal today :-)
I’m pretty happy about meals today. I was really craving chocolate badly but I was able to stop myself from buying a bag of choc pretzels :-) It’s getting easier to resist the junk and sweets. I take it one day at a time.

Bikini Series Day8

May5

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May 5, 2014

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! It was a little hard to get up this morning. It’s tough when I don’t really get a chance to sleep in on the weekend. It makes me feel like I get no break.

Oh well. I got up and did my neighborhood loop. I actually walked it faster this time. I decided to jog part of the downhill parts because it was harder to slow down. That was all I needed to wake up.

I was happy that both boys were finally healthy again and could go to school. I couldn’t wait to get to the gym after I dropped them off :-) I had a killer leg day. I started with a 1mile run on the treadmill then I hit the weight room. I did a modified version of a leg workout I had done before. Took out exercises I didn’t want to do and changed the number of reps and sets on others. I focused on good form and control.
Leg Press – 15,10,8,6,6,8,10,15
(140, 160, 180, 250) – I increased weight as I lowered my reps and decreased them when I increased reps.
Leg Press Machine – 10 x 10 150lbs – For this one I made sure to get low. I could really feel this in my glutes. That 10th round was killer.
Lying Leg Curls – 10 x 5 50lbs
Glute Pushdowns – 10 x 5 94lbs – this was tough after the leg press machine.
Single Leg Seated Leg Curl to Deadlift –
15 – 10 x 5 (35, 50)
Ended with Excited for Spring Cardio on the stair master. What a sweatfest!!

I was so worn out when I was done. But I was happy. It’s that exhausted from a great workout feeling :-) I walked very slowly for the rest of the day. I had to to do some grocery shopping and it was all in slow motion. Luckily, I had enough time and got most of it done before picking up the boys from school.

I started to feel overwhelmed once the boys got home. I had dinner to prep, homework to help with, and so many things to do before we had to leave for Gio’s game. I totally forgot that I had snack duty so I feel badly that the boys didn’t get a snack tonight :-( I’ll have to make it up to them. It was another rough loss for the boys. And miserable for the parents to watch because it was sooooo cold and windy.

I was really happy that Ben decided to come home and wait for a late dinner instead of picking up fast food. Meals today were pretty good.
M1: egg whites and quinoa
M2: KindBar
M3: Pesto Pasta w/ Chk apple sausage, spinach and Brussel sprouts. I pretty much threw a bunch of leftovers together.
M4: Larabar – at the baseball game
M5: In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I made tacos. Ben and the boys had the last of the taco shells and I had lettuce tacos. The boys really enjoyed filling their tacos with what they wanted. I put guacamole, quinoa, ground turkey, and tomatoes on mine. I did also have a few tortilla chips to finish off the guacamole. I didn’t want to throw it away.
M6: frozen grapes.
Missed my water goal by 1oz. But it’s pretty close so I’m happy. I’m trying to have at least 1 coconut water during the day as part of my water intake.

After the boys went to bed, I did my 2min plank and the Best Ab Routine circuit. This was the first time I’ve done this workout. It does get those abs burning. The scissor exercise is the hardest one for me, especially today when my legs were super tired.

My kitchen is a mess and there is still 100 things I need to do. But they will have to wait until tomorrow because I am done for today!