Happy New Year

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

21 Day Challenge Results and Goals

I just finished a 21 Day Beachbody Challenge group for coaches. 21 days isn't a lot of time, but it is surely enough time to kick those bad habits!!! 

Here are my results: 

I only lost 2lbs, but I feel like my tummy thinned out a bit and my arms gained some tone. 

Big thing are ahead...my next goal is to hit my goal weight of 115 by my birthday (Feb 13). It's totally doable if I stay on track with my workouts and continue to eat clean!!  

I am going to be starting my own challenge group January 6th...comment below with your email address if your interested and I'll send you more info. 

~Kendra~

Happiness in marriag.....

Happiness was not always something that came naturally for me....my husband has helped me embrace it. I was one of those who forgot to enjoy the current moment, because I was dissatisfied based on other milestones or moments I had not yet reached.

Happiness, love, all of it in marriage and life is a choice. On your wedding day you pledge to make those choices forever....not when u feel like it or until someone 'better' comes along.....forever! Choosing love and happiness and enjoying this marriage journey and making that choice isn't always easy, but it's worth it!

Have you chosen happiness whether in your marriage or life in general? If not, what's holding you back?

~Kendra~

21 Day Challenge Results

Mini Weekly Outfit Roundup

What a crazy week...worked tons of over time and then had a snow day Friday. Only got 2 outfit pics this week...here they are: 

This outfit is full Black Friday deals. The jacket was originally $50, but I scored it for $12. The pants were regularly $22, but u got it for $11. The boots were a great deal at $19. Lastly, the pretty scarf was a gift from my hubby's GiGi. 

So wish u could see the leather on these leggings!! They're adorable. Got the scarf on Black Friday for $7. Comfy and chic...love outfits like that! 

Hope everyone is surviving this crazy winter weather. ~Kendra~

Weekly Outfit Round Up & A Look Back

This week I didn't take many outfit pics since we've been busy for Thanksgiving, so I thought I do some outfits and a little look back at my journey. 

Love mixing patterns and colors. The outfit above was easy and comfortable...perfect for the busy week we had!! 

Tuesday I decided to brighten things up with some hot pink pants, an oversized top and a striped scarf...cozy & bright!!

I was thinking about my journey this weekend as my lovely MeMe and her friends told me (repeatedly) that I shouldn't loose ANY more weight or I'd be too skinny. Lol Oh, grandmas! :-) Gotta love em!!! When I first started this journey, it was all about feeling pretty/ good enough, but (thankfully) along the way it evolved into WAAAY more! It's about being the best, healthiest ME I can be....not comparing myself to someone else's best, just loving and working towards my own. The below picture shock me EVERY time! How time has flown and changes have come. I'm so thankful God placed this passion in my heart! 

What's your passion? What have you done today to embrace and improve it?  ~Kendra~

Weekly Fashion Roundup

Didn't manage to get a full outfit pic this day, but I did get a close up if my jewelry.      Oh and I got the scarf at a garage sale for $1 and the dress from Goodwill for $3. 

Got this dress for $3 at Goodwill and the boots for $7 at Rainbow. This outfit was so comfy, but also felt polished...loved it!

This wasn't my fav outfit in real life, but I like it in the picture. Scored the blazer for $4 at Thrift City. 

I love patterned pants, but wasn't sure how to wear these. Thanks to some blog trolling I found the idea to wear a plaid shirt and sweater. The plaid button was a major score...it was 50cents with tags from Goodwill. 

The weather took an insane turn for winter on Friday, so I felt like my fur vest was totally needed. Lucked out and found it at a garage sale for $1 last year. Also, had to share my arm candy for the day. 

Which outfit from this week is your fav? ~Kendra~

Forgivness...Another Step Forward

What’s up everyone? We need to ask ourselves what is honestly holding you back from reaching your potential? Before we do that though, let’s discuss a topic that isn’t easy to talk about. Forgiveness. I know what you are thinking…um, how does forgiveness have anything to do with discovering who I am? Great question! :-) People’s actions and the words they speak can have a profound effect on us, both positively and negatively. Did someone call you fat? Ugly? Did your parents verbally abuse you? Did you husband cheat on you? Or did he leave you all together? Did someone take advantage of you, abuse you, and neglect you? Whatever “your” story is, I have 3 simple words that can change your life. Let. It. Go. “Ok, that sounds great, but it’s easier said than done.” I know it is, and this is going to be hard. Super hard. Emotions are going to flare. You are going to have to face your past head on. You can’t skip this step. You must take it seriously. Why? Because you are not going to be held back anymore! You are going to be free, free to live your life. To have success. To love, to laugh, and to be happy! I want you to remember that the past is over. Your past doesn’t have to affect your future.

Why change? Why forgive? Why let it go? Because you can, because you will be a better person for it. Rise up! Do be a bitter spouse…a bitter leader. Don’t let past words effect your future decisions. Let. It. Go. If you want to achieve the marriage you desire, you will have to forgive. If you want to be the mom or dad you want to be, you will have to learn to forgive. To make better and healthier decisions in life, you will have to learn how to forgive. How man alcoholics, drug addicts, adulteress, gossipers, critical people are walking around wounded. Maybe you are too. Maybe you struggle with the aforementioned items. Maybe yours is a secret. I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter because your struggles no longer define you. LET! IT! GO!

How do you and I let it go? Well first of all, we acknowledge that we have been hurt and the pain is real. We don’t have to pretend it didn’t happen for forgiveness to occur. Because it did happen. And the pain you are feeling is real. So forgiveness is not denying but acknowledging.

Some people can read the ‘let it go’ part of the story and be just fine. But most can’t. They will struggle with forgiveness because the pain of the past is still echoing in their heart mind and soul. The pain you feel haunts you day and night. Let stop right here. Sometimes pain that others have caused, or even pain that we caused ourselves due to poor choices, may never go away. I wish I could make it go away. It may be a journey—a life long journey, with bumps and bruises and heartache. Let’s forgive people anyway.

One of the best definitions of forgiveness that I have ever heard is this. “Forgiveness is no longer holding judgment for the person who has harmed us.” Again it doesn’t mean we deny it—but it means we don’t judge them. We trust God to judge them in His perfect way.

How do we forgive? Well only you can answer what works for you. I can provide some great tips to help you succeed though. One would be to write a letter to the person who hurt you and don’t send it. Just keep it in a safe place. That way you can add more to the letter later on if needed. Journaling is also an effective way. Pouring out your soul can allow the healing process to begin.

You may also have to speak to a counselor, or a friend, or to a minister about what forgiveness looks like for you and your personal journey. Again, only you know what works best!

I know this is a lot of info, and for some of you, it may be hard to read all at once. And that is ok. Take it one day at a time…one step at a time. Forgiveness isn’t easy—but in order for you to be free you’re your past and to start living the life you desire, it is where we have to begin our journey.   ~Kendra~

Your Journey begins...

You can do it. Do what, you ask? You can have the life that you have always dreamed of. You can have healthier relationships, better leadership skills, and better money management.  The dreams you have…they can come true. All of them. Nothing can stop you. Are you shackled by past hurts? Does the future terrify you? Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines, of life~watching others having the success that you desire? The “you” you are today doesn’t have to be the person you are tomorrow.

What is the “secret”? Is it having an education? Is it winning the lottery? Having rich parents? Knowing the right people?  Does the answer, no, shock you? Although it would be great to have an abundance of all those things, not everyone is lucky too. I believe the “secret” is already inside you.

Dolly Parton is quoted with a saying that doesn’t get the attention that it deserves. "Find out who you are, and do it on purpose"
 

If someone asked you, “who are you?” what answer would you give them? Would you tell them what you do for a living? Would you tell them that you’re a house wife, a mother, a friend, a teacher, a daughter, a football fan or a funny man? I didn’t ask what you do for a living; what your hobbies are; what your relationship status is; or what your personality is….I asked who are you!

Keep in mind no one can answer this question but you. Your mom can’t answer it. Your wife or husband can’t answer it. Your counselor or minister or best friend can’t answer this question—but it must be answered if you are ever going to have the life you desire.

Finding the answer is going to be a journey that will take a life time. It is a journey we are going to do together. There may be some ups and downs. There may come up questions that can’t be answered. But it will be ok. Don’t look at the unknown as a defeat—but as an opportunity to grow. No matter what stage of life you are in—you can discover who you truly are—and perfect that person.   ~Kendra~

Workout Tank DIY

I had a plain black T-shirt and decided to make it a little more fun. Here's how it turned out:

Here's the tutorial I used to create my workout tank:

Let me know if you try it. I'd love to see how it turns out. ~Kendra~

Weekly Outfit Round Up

Well, on Monday Thrift City had a 1/2 price sale for Veteran's Day. So I wore several pieces I got there this week :-) Yay!!

The top was $2 at Thrift City...add some black leggings, boots and a scarf & it was perfect for the first SUPER cold day so far.

Behind me is our 'in progress' gallery wall. All the frames are from thrift stores or Dollar Tree. 

This sweater was also $2 at Thrift City...Score! Wish u could see my pants better...they're black with black lace on top...love em!!!

The sweater and top were both $2 at Thrift City. I had to do a close up of my jewelry for y'all. The big chunky bracelet was $6 at JcP and the smaller one came in a set for about $3 at Charming Charlie. I just love layering bracelets!!

I love this scarf bc it's my wedding color...I found it when I was wedding planning and had to have it! Lol my mom bought me the fun pants at JcP and the hubs got me the leather jacket.  The earrings and both bracelets were 6 for $5 at MIZ Accessories. It's an awesome and super inexpensive accessory store!

What you're fav outfit from this week?  Did you hit up any sales? If so, I'd love to hear what you snagged. ~Kendra~

Day 30 P90X Update

So I took pictures on Day 1 a while back and now it's time for an update....Day 30 pics.  OMG!! Putting yourself out there online is always oh so fun. I am just so happy to be able to share my journey with all of you.  For a quick recap, I started out at 194.lbs in 2011, lost over 60lbs by working out, lowering my calorie intake and trying to eat clean. I got engaged in late 2012 and married in early 2013...during the engagement/first few months of marriage, I got a bit lazy.  More eating out, less working out.  I realized what was happening and decided to make a change before I backslided.  I hadn't gained any weight, I had just lost most of my muscle tone. I looked heavier, even though I wasn't.

Cue P90X....I decided to try P90X again.  I did about 45 days of it pre-engagement, but never finished.  I decided this time I'd do it, for real...the complete 90 days.  Well, the first 30 days or Phase 1 as they call it, is complete and I am super excited!!!  On to the pics, so you can see how it's going:

My tummy has definitely slimmed down and so have my legs. I also have tons more energy! I am seriously loving this workout. More pics to come in 30 days. ~Kendra~

Weekly Outfit Round Up

Friday I wore the above outfit. Several special pieces: the hubs got me that bracelet way back on our 1yr dating anniversary and I got the scarf on our honeymoon. <3

The thing I loved about the outfit above is how much the hubs liked it. We often have very different tastes in my clothing (haha), but he genuinely liked it...Win!!

Got the above dress for $3 and the belt for $1 both from Goodwill...Jackpot!!!

Got the mint top to wear on my honeymoon, but it was too tight...now it fits, Yay!!!

2 awesome things about this outfit...the scarf was 75cents at Goodwill and this is my 1st ever pair of size 2 pants :-)

Which outfit from this week is your fav? ~Kendra~

P90X Update

It’s day Day 22 of P90X and the hubby and I are still going strong!  I am loving this program, the other Bombshell coaches and this awesome Beachbody community.  It’s crazy how you can feel so close to a great group of girls in such a short time. It’s such a blessing!!    

So on to the workouts: We did Plyometrics last night and I’m feeling it…in a good way! I have come to enjoy and oddly appreciate the day-after-workout soreness.  It’s like a battle scar. It reminds me I’m working hard and I’m pushing myself to be better.  Even better is when u stretch and do the next workout and you feel even more energized. 

On another workout related note, I have literally never in my life done an actual unassisted pull-up.  (Gasps all around) I know….I was that embarrassed kid during elementary school physical fitness testing that just had to hang there, because it just wasn’t going to happen.  (Same with ‘guy’ push-ups.)  So I am on it, I am committed to doing at least 1 unassisted pull-up and 1 ‘guy’ push-up by the end of this 90 day journey through my first full round of P90X.  (I have been attempting them every day and I feel like I’m getting closer.)  As dorky as it sounds, I will be sooooo excited when I can say I’ve accomplished that!!

Next to discuss, the food:  I ordered Shakeology yesterday, so I will be starting that as soon as it’s delivered….I’ve heard so many good things about it and can’t wait to give it a try. As for the P90X meal plan, I love it.  After a little planning, I have it down pat.  I make plenty of each kind of soup Sunday night so I don’t have to make it during the week, make our lunches the night before and prep all our snacks for the week on Sundays.  I also do all the grocery shopping on Sunday.  The initial investment was a little pricey, but since we’re just restocking now it’s back down to our normally allotted amount, which is great! (The hubs, AKA, the budgeter, is super happy about that last part.) I have become a huge fan of veggies and soups….I didn’t eat horrible before, but I def didn’t eat anywhere near this clean.  I feel so much less bloated and yucky after eating…even a ‘big’ meal: Fish, veggies, organic brown rice and soup….I still feel good and ready to workout.  I’m a fan!!
So how about you?  What workout or meal plan are you doing?  How’s it going for you?  If you need any help picking out a meal plan or exercise routine, let me know…I’d love to help any way I can!!
~Kendra~

Weekly Fashion Round Up

One of these weeks I'm going to remember to take outfit pictures every single day. For now, we have Monday throughWednesday's outfits. :-) The hubs has become the official picture taker. (Thanks babe!)  Now let's get to some outfit:

What I Wore Monday:

Jeans- $20 at Talbots Outlet

Boots- Gifted from my mom

Tribal Tank- $1.50 at Goodwill

Cardi- $2 at Thrift City

Belt- $1 at Goodwill

Scarf- About $4 at Old Navy

Earrings and Bracelets- Under a $1 each at  MIZ Accessories

Outfit total: $29.50

What I Wore Tuesday:

Jeans- $10 at Target

Flats- $15 at Payless

Gap Sweater Cardi- $5 at Goodwill

Ruffle Tank- $1.50 at Goodwill

Gold Stud Earrings- Less than a $1 at MIZ Accessories

Outfit Total: $32.50

What I Wore Wednesday:

Rolled Up Jeans- $20 at Talbots Outlet

Boat Shoes- Gifted from mom

Pink Cardi- $12 at WalMart (altered by me)

Floral Scarf- $3 at WalMart

Striped Tee- $2.75 at Old Navy

Lace Tank- Gifted from mom

Earrings and Bracelets- Less than $1 each at MIZ Accessories

Outfit Total: $38.75

I love sharing my thrifty finds and outfits. I hope you'll stay tuned as I share more fashion fun weekly. ~Kendra~

Fashion Round up

Just wanted to share a few outfits from last week. Which ones ur fav? I'm planning to share a ton more fashion related posts...anything specific y'all would like to see? outfits, styling tips, etc?  

~Kendra~

 

Protein Shakes

My favorite thing to do after a workout? Drink a yummy protein shake like the one below. :-)  What do you do to relax after a hard workout? 

BTW: Who else is glad it's the weekend??!! ~Kendra~

Day 10 and I'm now a Beachbody Coach :-)

So day 10 was the toughest workout yet....Yoga and I did it even longer than last week.  Whew, that is a toughie!!!  What's your hardest workout to get through?  Anything your doing to make it more fun?  I'd love to hear any tips and ideas!! After finishing (Doing as much as I could muster) a good workout, protein shakes are such a nice treat.  Seriously, they taste like dessert!!  Love em.


In other new, As you probably saw above...I'm now a Beachbody Coach. I am so excited to start helping people and to start encouraging each other with my little piece of the internet. Have any of you ever tried Beachbody products? How'd it go?  I'm really enjoying the journey and can't wait to share even more with y'all.  ~Kendra~

Day 8 and 9 down.....Keeping Up The Momentum

Yesterday we did Plyometrics which went really well. Today we did Arms and Back plus Ab Ripper.  Man my arms are burning so good. :-)  I was actually able to do more weight and reps on several exercises, which was awesome.  Also, the food today was delish..... think red pepper soup is one of my favs!!!  It's super simple to make and such a good soup on a cool fall day. Do any of you have any good, clean soup recipes?  So I have officially decided to become a Beachbody coach....I am really excited about and can't wait to start sharing more about that here.  It's gonna be great so stay tuned!!  ~Kendra~

P90X Day 6/1

Well today was day 6, but my hubs was sick all weekend, so he didn't do day 4 or 5 and we decided we want Saturdays to be our rest day, so we officially restarted today. (I never stopped, an extra 5 days doesn't hurt, right? lol) Well, today we did Arms and Ab Ripper. It seriously felt like I had so much more energy. I feel like the healthy eating is making all the difference and I am loving it.  I prepped all our snacks for the week and enough veggie soup for the week tonight.  It feels good to have some stuff prepped ahead of time, so I don't have to spend all my evenings cooking and doing P90X....planning ahead def makes it much easier!!!  ~Kendra~

P90X....On Day #5 and Going Strong

Day 1-4 We're a big adjustment....to my evening schedule, to my cooking, to my food, etc. I am so glad it's the weekend so I can enjoy some much needed relaxation. I started day 1 weighing 136.4 and I am now at 134.8.  Woooohooo!!! Also, I feel a lot less bloated and just overall good/excited about the process.  I even contacted a Beachbody coach about accountability.  I'm all in...I really wanna finish the entire 90 days ;-)  The food is delish and there's lots of variety throughout the week. The hardest part for me is def the yoga DVD....I am not a big fan of yoga.  I made it through about 45mins of it which I'm proud of.  I'm really hoping to finish it sometime soon....it's just so boring to me. I need to just suck it up and do it....I'll get there!! The weekends are also tough, so if I can make it through the weekend eating healthy the entire time, it will be great. The hubs and I usually eat out the most on weekends, but I'm confident that I can stick with it....I just want it so bad!  I already lost so much weight in the past, surely I can make this change, not just for 90 days, but new eating habits for life.  ~Kendra~

I'm back :-)

I haven't posted on this little old blog in over a year when I was knee deep in P90X, dating my now husband and had only been at my job a year.  Now I'm going on 2yrs and 4 months.  I'm married, a homeowner, getting into a new routine and cooking a lot more...like actual meals using recipes, not just using the microwave. haha My hubby and I have decided to revisit P90X and work on getting our diets back on track.  I have done generally well...haven't gained tons of weight or lost all motivation or anything horrible.  It was just during the pre-wedding activities and settling into a married life routine, there have been a ton of changes that have had an impact on my workout schedule (basically non existent lately) and my eating habits....during all those changes there was a lot of eating out.  Luckily I am now cooking 85-90% of our meals and trying my best to make them healthy by doing little things like substituting turkey for red meat. 

The hubs and I went to Academy and purchased everything needed to do P90X in our garage making it #1 super convenient and #2 making it an investment we will not want to waste. Since we went to all that effort, we have decided to also only eat P90X recipes while doing the program.  I'm pretty excited.  As I said before, I haven't really gained weight...I've just lost that toned look in my tummy and thighs, so I want to to add definition and just get back to regularly working out. :-)

We're also planning for the future and hoping to start a family in not too long, so I want to make sure I am a super healthy mommy so our future children will be healthy too.  Exciting times!!  So I'm going to try (no promises) to document some of that journey here.  Hope you'll join me.  ~Kendra~