Friday Favorites #5- Jamaica

Currently everything I can think of that is my current favorite thing has to do with my recent trip to Jamaica. So this edition is going to be all my favorites from my trip last week. :)

First, the resort was awesome! Beautiful views of the sparkling water and  I don't think I will ever stay in a normal hotel room again. Our villa was amazing (props to Amy for getting us upgraded!). We had our own pool, beautiful sitting room, and wonderful porch I spent many afternoons reading on. Plus, all of our friends were in villas near ours. 

Second favorite thing? Day drinking in the islands. The pool bars were really fun and so were the beaches! I had a great time sipping champagne and sunning all day long. 

One of my other favorite things? Shannon's wedding! Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Mike Strazzire! Shannon looked beautiful and Mike was so handsome. He was even clean shaven as a surprise for his bride! 

The favors were so cute and I can't wait to find the perfect place to hang my ornament. We had a wonderful time at the reception too! I loved the lanterns that they had for us to dance the night away under!

Finally, my very favorite thing? Spending a week with my amazing friends. We had so much fun I truly hope we get to do it again in the coming years. Every day was just so much fun!

I could go on an on about all my favorite things from my trip. But that would just make this post way to long! Hopefully I will make it back to Jamaica again soon! Have a wonderful weekend everyone. 

Run Through It

A little daily inspiration. 

(Courtesy of my friend Sara's FB page)

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<3 xoxo <3

Next Step FIT Graduate

I did it! I ran my very first 5K and graduated from the Next Step FIT Training program.

I had such a blast learning how to be a runner, leaning on the other women when I needed support, and motivating other ladies like they helped me. I finished the Women's Distance Festival 5K in 37:56. I would have liked a faster time, but it was 92 degree out at race time, so I am just going to be proud of myself.

Here I am with my personal coach Lauren pre-race. Without her, I would never have even taken the first step. She is the most fantastic friend, supporter, and cheerleader. I am really lucky she took the time to help me every step of the way.

Here I am pushing to make it across the finish line and Lauren all smiles encouraging me. I heard a lot of "Coooommmeeee onnnnn! You can doooo ittttt!"'s from her right about then. :) 

And post race! Hot but smiling! 

I felt really good that I hit this goal. My Mom came out to watch and was so proud of me and I was so happy for her to be there. All the FIT ladies did so well. 

So whats next?...Getting Inspired to Run for Life (GIRL) Training! It starts in late August and will train us to run an 8K. I am very excited to be back with some of the coaches from FIT and the ladies that helped me complete my 5K goal. 

I'm such a little runner girl now. ;) 

<3 xoxo <3 

PS: Jamaica pics and recap coming to you later this week!

Big Weekend/Week Ahead!

This is going to be a very busy weekend for me. First, I am off to dinner with my parents tonight. We are going to a place called Champps Americana Bar and Grille. After looking at the menu today there really isn't much I can eat on Weight Watchers. Only problem is, I was the one that picked the place. Guess I'll have to find something! :)

Later tonight my friend Shelly is coming over to hang out and catch up. I am excited to have some girl time. Saturday is going to be full of packing for Jamaica. And Sunday.....is my race!

I picked up my race day packet this morning. I am all official now....

I'm really nervous about running my very first 5K but I know I will have a lot of support from the Next Step FIT Ladies and Coaches. It's going to be very hot on Sunday (code orange & temps in the 90s), so I have started hydrating now. Lots of G2 and water for me! 

After the race I will be getting to bed early because my flight leaves early in the morning on Monday. By 12pm I will be in sunny, warm, tropical Jamaica. Hopefully with a fantastic rum drink in my hand. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend and week! I'll have lots of Jamaica pictures and stories in my next blog. 

<3 xoxo <3  

Friday Favorites #4

Happy Friday Favorites! Here's a few of my favorite things this week.

My niece Gabriella and my baby cousin Kyrk. They are the most adorable babies ever. Aren't their onesie's so cute? Ella's says, "I have the best auntie!" and Kyrk's says, "Are these people really my relatives?" (I bought that for him).   

Since I am off to Jamaica (in 10 DAYS!) I am obsessed with everything island themed. I got a few new dresses for the trip and some new accessories. I am in love with my new Calvin Klein wedges and Fossil earrings.

Finally, last night at FIT training we got one of the fitness bracelets for our running. It says FINISH STRONG. I absolutely love it. I finally have a real reason to wear one of these bracelets. Not just because everyone else has one or they are a trend. I sure feel like a runner! :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am off to Red Eye's Dock Bar on the water tonight for drinks and redneck viewing tonight with my friend Debbie. I hope the rest of the weekend is filled with sunshine, pools, and sangria. :)

<3 xoxo <3

A Breakfast Transformation

When I was at my heaviest, breakfast was always something loaded with carbs and fat. Everyday at work I would get an everything bagel with 2 cream cheeses and an iced latte. And I wasn't skimping either. Real 100% real cream cheese for the bagel and 100% whole milk in the latte.

Now I look back and can't believe I had no idea I was eating over half of my daily allowances in one meal!  Even when I first started Weight Watchers I had a hard time giving up the bagel. I changed to 1 reduced fat cream cheese and no latte, but I was still not picking the best choice for breakfast.

When I looked down at my breakfast this morning it hit me how much I have changed. I am no longer only picking something low in points, I am also considering the protein and energy needs. Want a peek at my new frequent breakfast?

Yum! 1 banana on a slice of whole cracked wheat bread with 1 tbsp of reduced fat peanut butter. (4 pts) It's a fast and easy meal. I also found some other fast, healthy meals I am going to try. Check them out here at Real Simple. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful morning! 

<3 xoxo <3

Finally the Scale Makes Me Smile!

Week after week recently I have been running my butt off, eating on plan, and not losing a single lb. Let's just say I was getting pretty frustrated. How could I be working so hard and seeing no results? So, I had to re-think about what my body was doing. 

After talking to a few friends who are athletes and runners I decided maybe I wasn't giving myself enough fuel. With 5K coming up soon I am running about 7 or 8 miles total and doing Cardio Dance at the gym. Doesn't seem like a lot, but when I am not eating any more than 28 points a day, my protein was seriously lacking. 

So last week I made sure to have protein at every meal. That meant giving up a few of the happier Weight Watchers points I usually have (you know, the ones saved for WW ice cream). 

It paid off. 5lbs off the scale this morning. Can you believe it? I can't! I am pretty happy. Just the jump start I needed heading into Jamaica in 14 days. If I can get 5 more off before then, I will be a happy girl. 

I think the best thing for me to remember is that I didn't, and shouldn't ever give up. Even when it is hard and I don't see a change for a few weeks that I have to stick with it. In the end.....

<3 xoxo <3