PiYo: 5 Week Review | #DJV5K Training

I am almost done with 5 full weeks of PiYo.  A few days ago I took progress pictures.  I failed to take measurements before so I just have to go by pictures.  I'm not going by the scale (I weighed myself this morning and I'm the same - 156 lb.)

 

Overall, I feel leaner and tighter in my core.  I can see a difference in the progress pictures so far.  If I am feeling really gutsy, I might post my before and afters but I still have 11 weeks to go.

 

It REALLY works your whole body.  A lot of the moves I've done before but many I haven't.  Some are pretty funky!  My hips are extremely tight, even after 5 weeks.  During some of the poses/moves, I feel a pinching in my hip so usually I have to do a child's pose stretch.

 

The schedule has you working out 6 days/week.  I try to double up on one of the days and do two 30 minute videos in order to have 2 rest days.

 

After further research, I found out that I don't have the whole PiYo pack.  I knew $60 was too good to be true!  So I have to order the last 2 DVDs (they're advanced and don't start for another few weeks) and slides which is another $60.  So that's kind of a bummer.

 

Check out a PiYo video clip HERE.

 

As for 5K training (One on 9/6 and one on 9/13), it's going well.  I'm trying to run 2x a week on top of PiYo.  Here are my two most recent runs:

 

7/26/14

Distance: 2 mi

Pace: 11:02 min/mi

Time:  22:01 minutes

 

7/30/14

Distance: 2 mi

Pace: 11:18 min/mi

Time: 22:35 minutes

 

Lately I've been feeling overwhelmed between a bunch of personal things, squeezing in time to prep/cook, and exercise.  I'm out the door at 8:15am each morning and I don't really sit down on the couch until 8 or 9 pm.  I am thankful for weekends off!

 

 

Procter & Gamble Rite Aid Deal

Hi all.  I had a rough start this morning.  I really just wanted to stay in bed (been feeling this a lot lately!)  but dragged my butt out of bed anyway.

 

I didn't want to wait until Thrifty Thursday to share this pretty decent Rite Aid deal I got this week :)

 

I usually go to CVS but the Rite Aid in my hometown was recently renovated and it's SO much better than it once was, so now I like going there!

 

Here's what I got (sorry no photo):

 

Three swiffer wet refills (12 ct) - $3.99 ea (sale price) = $11.97

Three 50 oz Tide - $4.94 ea (sale price) = $14.82

One bounty 8 pack - $6.94 (sale price) = $6.94

 

Total: $33.73

Total Savings: $30.40

 

Then I had a $5 off three Tide manufacturer coupon, a $2 off three swiffer refill coupon and a $0.20 Bounty, bringing the total to $26.53.

 

Spending $30 on select P&G products (before coupons) generated a $10 gas card.  So, I still spent the $26.53 but a $10 gas card is being mailed to me. 

 

Have a good evening!

Friday! Five Beauty Favorites

Happy Friday, all!  I have a half day today and I'm looking forward to a manicure after work and mexican food for dinner with the husband!  We don't have any plans this weekend which is kind of nice.

 

Today I am linking up to share a few of my favorite *beauty* things.

 

 

Five Beauty Favorites:

 

1.) Rodan and Fields Redefine Line

 

 

 

Yes, this stuff IS pricey BUT hear me out.  I purchased this line in mid April and I use it almost daily (I'd say a full 5-6 days per week, TWICE per day) and I still have some product left, although the AM cream is pretty much empty.  You really only need a dab of all 4 products for each use.  I HIGHLY recommend.  I'm planning to cut the facial scrub open soon to use the rest ;)

 

 

2.) Bare Minerals Powder Foundation

 

I've been using this foundation every day for about 5 years and I love it.  You would think a powder would appear drying, but it definitely doesn't.  It's lightweight and provides great coverage.

 

3.)  Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

 

 

I love this stuff.  I currently use the Honey color and it feels like chapstick but gives my lips some color without the lipstick feeling.  I also love the smell!  It's lemony.

 

4.)  Maybelline the Falsies Volum' Express Mascara

 

Love this!  I have pretty long lashes to begin with but this stuff enhances them and makes them easier to curl.  I'm usually able to buy these with a manufacturer's coupon plus a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon at Harmon's :)

 

5.)  Essie Limo-scene Nail Polish

 

Just a good, not too pink, every day color.  I love a bunch of Essie's shades!

 

Have a good weekend, everyone!  What are some of your favorite beauty must haves?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



#DJV5K Training

Oops this post is 2 days late! 

 

I am joining Desiree and Jenny for a virtual 5k on September 13th and I'm linking up today to share how I'm training for it.  I also just signed up for another 5k in my town (it literally starts almost right in front of my house) on September 6th.

 

I don't really plan on following a training schedule mainly because right now I am in week 4 of PiYo and I don't want to take away from that.  This past Sunday, I ran 2 miles in 21:18.  I have a really hard time getting under a 10 minute mile.  So while PiYo is not that much cardio, it still gets my heart racing and I work up a good sweat. 

 

So, I plan on running every Sunday and hopefully by next week, adding an additional day per week (after a PiYo "class").

 

My goal is to run one of said 5Ks in 30 minutes or less.  While I don't think it will happen, it's something to strive for.  I did run 2 miles in 19:47 on April 10th BUT that was after a good 8 weeks of T25 which is basically all HIIT workouts.  I did run a 5K on 3/24/2013 in 30:22, 9:48 min/mi.

 

22 seconds doesn't seem like a lot but when you're running, it is!

 

Have a good day!

 

 

Easy Breezy Summer Meal

Yesterday, I grabbed some naan flatbreads from Fairway.  They were on sale 2 packs of 2 pieces for $5.  Last night after a longer than normal workout, I wanted to make something and QUICK.  It was after 6:00 and by then I'm usually hangry.

 

Ingredients:

 

3 Naan flatbread (these are so perfect for pizza as the bottom gets super crispy)

1/4 cup pesto (I had leftover spinach/basil pesto that I made a few weeks ago)

1 cup sliced zucchini

1 beefsteak tomato, drained on paper towels of excess liquid (this step is important) & sliced

1/2 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped

1/2 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded

4 handfuls baby spinach, sauteed in EVOO

Crumbled goat cheese

Salt & pepper

 

Instructions:

 

Layer in this order - bread, pesto, zucchini slices, spinach, shrimp, chicken, goat cheese, sliced tomato.  Spray grill with EVOO (I use my Misto) and grill (closed lid) on low for 20 minutes and until bottom is slightly dark and cheese is melty!

 

 

 

 

It came out great!  Let me know if you try it or what kind of pizza you like to make.

 

Have a good day!

Thrifty Thursday

Since I started couponing and using Ebates to save money about 2 years ago, I rarely pay full price for anything, or at least TRY not to.  In fact now when I do pay full price, I cringe.

To date, I've received $517.11 cash back simply by logging on to Ebates before making an online purchase (even for big purchases like shades for our home and booking our honeymoon!)

Here's the proof:

Every 3 months or so, the money goes directly to your PayPal; or a check is mailed if you're old school ; )

Recently, I needed more of my Bare Minerals foundation and salt/sulfate free shampoo/conditioner because I color my hair.  Normally, the 0.2 oz foundation is $28 but I found the 0.6 oz size on QVC for $39 ($45 with shipping).  It should literally last me a whole year.  So, triple the size for only $10 more.

I first purchased AG's salt/sulfate free shampoo at a local beauty store.  $15 for a regular sized bottle.  *Cringe*

I just saw the triple size bottle on Ulta's website for $21.99, plus they have a $3.50 off coupon code and 8% cash back through Ebates.  So, for almost the same price, triple the amount of shampoo and that should last probably 6 months (prevent me from coloring my hair too often!)

Lastly, I love Lululemon workout gear but it's very pricey.  I own 3 pieces and got them all on sale at the nearby outlet store.  The cropped pants I've worn 230582 times are finally starting to get stretched out/loose.  Last night after putting some items on eBay to try to sell, I figured why not check for some Lulu gear?  Score!  A pair of workout shorts for $22 (normally $52) and I'll have them by this Saturday.  The consignment shop claims they were maybe worn once.  Their products are great because they're moisture wicking and SUPER comfortable.

So my advice to you?  SHOP AROUND!  Sure, it might take some time but to me, it's fun and sort of a hobby.  I am not sure if that sounds lame but oh well!  Happy thrifty shopping!

 

 



Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Party Gifts

Hi everyone!  I've been having major writer's block lately.  Not much is going on now that the wedding is over - ha, kidding - sort of! 

 

Today I'm sharing the gifts we gave to our bridesmaids and groomsmen!  We gave the gifts to them during our rehearsal luncheon.

 

 

 

 

Bridesmaid Gifts

 

 

Two toned tote bags from Vista Print

 

 

Flip flops from Old Navy

 

 

 

Personalized flower bouquet charms

 

 

 

 

Pearl/Rose earrings and necklaces

 

 

Groomsmen Gifts

 

Personalized Knife/Opener

 

Razor, shaving sponge, and extra blades

 

Coral socks to match the girls dresses

Personalized tie clips

The proud and happy groom after the guys opened their gifts at the rehearsal.  He did a great job and got creative with the wooden boxes!

 

I think they all enjoyed the gifts we picked out.  I think the jewelry can be worn again which is why I bought it, it's simple.  The guys may not want to wear coral socks again, but you never know! :)

 

Have a great week!



7 Years

July 9th, 2007.

 

 

The unofficial day Saro and I started dating.  We didn't pick that day probably until 2009, knowing it was sometime around the 4th of July.

 

 

I was 23 and still living at home with my Mom.  By then I "knew" Saro for maybe 2 years but just as coworkers (if that's what you want to call it.  He worked there full time and I worked part time so I'd maybe see him there 2x a week).

 

 

I was having a work BBQ and I told a mutual friend to invite Saro.  I really didn't think he would come, but he did.

 

 

We've basically been inseparable ever since.

 

 

 

 

At the time, Saro was going through the divorce and I honestly didn't think we would have a serious thing, let alone ever get married.  Well, here we are, 7 years after the summer "fling" or so I thought.  In the beginning, I knew he didn't want to marry again.  This honestly didn't phase me for about 3 years.  By then, I think we both knew it would end up happening but not at that time.  From 2007-2010, I had worked a lot and saved a lot of money.  I was planning on moving out, just didn't know where, if it would even be with with Saro, rent/buy, etc. 

 

 

His Mom was also interested in buying a house so we had the discussion.  Fast foward to 2011 when we bought the house (my MIL lives upstairs from us).  Still no talk of marriage at that time.  Wedding talk started in late 2012.  Engaged Summer 2013 and married Spring 2014.  I like to think I was very patient for a few years so I dove head first into wedding planning.  Currently, I am having planning withdrawals, ha!   

 

 

He's my best friend and I sometimes feel he knows me better than I know myself.  He can annoy the heck out of me one minute, and make me laugh the next.  He's the most honest, trustworthy, genuine, selfless and hard working person I know.  He's also great Dad.  I can see it more now that one of the girls is living with us.  We are trying our best to guide her, lead her and prep her for post high school life. 

 

 

It hasn't always been easy or without obstacles, but it's our life and we are happy.  In fact, we've been through a LOT in 7 years, so I can only imagine what the next 50 will bring.

 

 

So cheers, my husband, to many more happy & healthy years together.  You make me happy when skies are gray.

 

 

 

 

If You Could Live Anywhere

First I'd like to say that I LOVE our house.  It's perfect for Saro and I and we don't really plan on leaving anytime soon.

 

But, lately I've been thinking day dreaming a lot about where I would live, if it was so simple just to up and move.  The reason it's not is for many reasons - family & friends first, our jobs, Saro's daughters, and it's where we both grew up.  I live 4 miles from where I spent 20 years of my life and we are only about 15 miles from Saro's childhood neighborhood. 

 

I feel very much at peace when we go camping.  It's only 2 hours away on the Delaware River in PA but life is so different there.  The staff is a hippie family and it's just so chill.  So different than this hectic, over populated, polluted area of the country.

 

I don't think I'd want to live THERE specificially but I picture myself in a lake town or something, and having a simple job.  Something creative.

 

I wouldn't hate living here.

 

But, I'd have to be in pretty close proximity to a store and some stores, even if it was a small town.

 

Currently, we are spoiled.  Everything is within reach.  We live within 5 minutes of 5 differnt supermarkets and within 20 minutes of 6 huge shopping malls (however, I shop more online now) and I'm starting to feel like my Mom by hating going to the mall.  As a teen, I'd always want to go and she HATED it.  Now I know why.

 

So, if you could live anywhere, where would you live?  Are you like me that you can just picture yourself in a different type of place, but not a specific town/state?  Are you perfectly content with where you are?

 

Red, White & Blue!

We have a half day today - woohoo!  I have a hair appointment after work (thinking about chopping it - eek) and then we are going to our friends for a party.

 

I'm decked out in red, white and blue today.  I couldn't get a selfie of much more than my face but I am sporting navy blue pants, white sandals, a red button down with white polka dots.

 

I also purchased these cute & festive bangles from Ellie's Sparkles.  Just a tip if you order from there, I ordered the standard size and it was too big.  I exchanged for small and although it fits my wrist, it's hard to slip them on.  A clasp would help :)

 

 

And I did my own manicure last night

 

 

Festive, Festive!

 

Have a great & safe 4th of July!



A New Challenge: Piyo

Hey all!

 

Nothing messes up your Friday like realizing it's only Tuesday.

 

Only 2 1/2 more days of work.  I'm hoping I feel better by Thursday.  I'm super congested and my body is aching.  I think I caught something over the weekend.

 

Anyway, on Sunday I spent a good two hours food shopping, chopping & prepping food for the week.  I'm following the Piyo eating plan.  This is what I eat each day.  I am trying to avoid bread, wraps, pasta, ice cream & alcohol.

 

5 servings primary vegetables (ex: 1 cup cooked spinach, unlimited cucumbers, celery)

2 servings secondary veggies/grains (ex: brown rice, potato, etc.)

5 servings lean protein (ex: lean meat, chicken, fish, yogurt, eggs)

2 servings fruit (ex: 1 cup berries, 2 kiwi)

4 servings healthy fat (ex: coconut oil/milk, olive oil, avocado, nuts, peanut butter)

 

I'm on the 3rd day now and feel good.  I took before pictures last night (WOOF) so I can't wait to see the results.  I haven't exercised in a few weeks and can't believe how stiff I was during last night's workout.

 

With Piyo, you workout every day except one day/week (their schedule shows Friday but it's up to you) and the workouts range from 25-40 minutes.  So, still short which is a plus.

 

It's a lot less impact than T25 - which I never had major issues with but here and there felt pinching in my lower back.  T25 is a ton of jumping, kicking, etc.  A great workout though.  Although it's less impact, it's still a sweaty workout.  I'm hoping this series stretches me out and makes me more lean.  I also like that it's barefoot.

 

More updates/reviews on Piyo to come.

 

 

 

*I don't agree that jumping and weights destroy your body but for people with certain ailments - back/spine/shoulder injury, this series may be a better option.  It's still new so I'm eager to see how it goes and what other's think of it.  Some people can do intense lifting and cardio and never have any injuries!

 

Have a good day!