Home » Posts made in July, 2012

July Goals – Review

Jul 31, 2012 by Lils

Already the end of July ! Woahh how time goes by toooo fast !!

I had made some goals at the beginning of the month – Let’s review those goals shall we :

1. Read more books (F) – Huge fail on my part, I started to read a novel and stopped three pages in. I just wasn’t into it i guess. I’ve been feeling like my mind is running 24/7 non-stop so maybe reading would help. (or meditation?)

2. Try something new (A-) - I did try new things! I went Kayaking with my sis in law, I went to Laser Tag with my fam, and made a fire with Julia !

3. Walk Callie Every morning (F) – I have broken my promise once again! Callie is just getting to big that I cannot hold her leash without hurting my arm ! So I am boycotting walks until we have something that will help me. I’m thinking chocker chain. I know a lot of people are against it but I think it will be very beneficial for me.

– How you I resist this cute little face !!! lol

4. Take a yoga class at least one a week (F) – I didn’t get to go to yoga ! It’s just sooo expensive. Right now, it just wasn’t a priority.

5. Be Outside more (A) – I did spend a lot of time outside ! (compared to usual) This weekend I spent most of the time outside at the campground. I’m pretty sure I tanned so I count that as a success.

6. Spend time with friends <3 (A+) – I was a social butterfly this month ! Maybe it’s because I made a couple more friends in town ! I’m getting there ! (I miss coffee dates !) I also enjoyed spending time with Phil ! My friends should visit more often ! lol or maybe I should go visit as well.

In my mind : Friends + Vacay = Drinks !

7. Continue to eat healthy & Continue my naturopathic treatments ! (F) – I completely slacked off on that. I was in vacation mode all month ! I’m anxious to try out a new treatment plan!

8. Do the 7 day or 5 day Slim down from Tone It up (D) – I get a D for effort because I did try, and did not succeed. It’s just not enough calories for me. Maybe one day but right now I can’t do it.

9. Continue to build amazing friendship through blogging (A+) – I have stopped being a “panzy” and started commenting and talking to people! It feels so good, people in the blog world totally get you. I have made some great friendships and cannot wait to make more! <3

10. Spend LOTS of time with my family !! (A+) - I had the best time with my family !! The fun isn’t over yet ! They are coming back next week after their cross Canada road trip ! I’m so excited. This time it will be 5 days instead of 3 ! (Expect some more guest posts)

11. Go camping (A) – I did go camping !! Did I like it ? Haha not so much ! But I found a pretty cute Campground close to the City so I wouldn’t mind going camping there for a weekend or something !

12. Stop procrastinating (A-) - I did get A LOT done ! Before my family came down I scrubbed my crib like there was no tomorrow. Although now I still have a couple of organizing projects I want to finish and then my mind will feel way more free.

Overall I feel like I accomplished a lot this month, even thought there was a couple things I wanted to do but didn’t end up doing. That’s okay there is still August !

Did you accomplish your goals for July ? (If you had any)

What was the best part of July for you ? Mine was seeing my family after a year !! <3

Lils

Artist Spotlight : Fire in the Hamptons

Jul 30, 2012 by Lils

Since I’ve been doing Artists Spotlights a couple bands have started following me on Twitter and so far I’m am loving all of them ! I’m so glad this particular band followed me! It’s exactly my kind of music, it kind of reminds me of Metro Station (I think)

They don’t have tons of videos out yet but check out the ones they do have !

Go follow them on Twitter ! I dare you ! Smile with tongue out

Lils

Guest Post : A Dash of Meg

Jul 29, 2012 by Lils

Good morning guys ! Smile

I’m still enjoying some down time with my fam and I’m loving it ! Can’t wait to share our adventures with you guys !

I have another guest post for you !

I asked my amazing & sweet friend Meg to guest post ! You’ll love her ! Winking smile

Hello Mostly Fitness readers! My name is Meg and I blog at A Dash of Meg. If you have never visited me before, head on over after you’re done reading this post! I share healthy recipes and heart-pumping workouts on a weekly basis, so if that’s what you like I am sure you’ll like my blog Smile

Today, I will be sharing a heart-pumping workout with you that I have recently done myself. I know that Lils likes to do classes at her gym, so she inspired me to try a class that my gym offers! The class was was a “circuit training” class taught by a friend of mine and she definitely put me to a challenge!

The workout was quick, but very effective – just how I like my workouts to be! Your workouts don’t need to be long!

Quality > quantity, right?

Yes

Cardio & Strength Circuit Workout

50 bodyweight squats
40 kettlebell swings
30 second sprint

40 bodyweight squats
30 kettlebell swings
30 second sprint

30 bodyweight squats
20 kettlebell swings
30 second sprint

20 bodyweight squats
10 kettlebell swings
30 second sprint

You should perform the three exercises in each circuit immediately after one another. After sprinting, take a rest for 60 seconds if you need it, but then keep moving!

Make sure to pick a weight for the kettlebell swings that enables you to challenge yourself, but still perform the swings with proper form. Proper form is much more important than using a heavier weight!

After we completed this circuit workout, we did 3 different abdominal exercises for three rounds total. You can pick your three favourite ab exercises and perform three sets of each.

My three favourite ab exercises are:

Cable crunches

Hanging leg raises

Reverse crunches

)

I hope you give this workout a try! Don’t let those bodyweight squats fool you They get tough!

Do you enjoy circuit training?

What are your three favorite ab exercises?

What is your favorite class to take at the gym?

Thanks for having me as a guest poster, Lils! <3

Thank YOU for guest posting Meg! <3

Isn’t she the best ! Go check out her blog right now ! You’ll see how she’s always a positive and happy person ! We have to surround ourselves with people like her! Smile

Have a great day ! <3

Lils

Guest Post : Itz Linz

Jul 28, 2012 by Lils

Good morning guys! <3

I’m off to enjoy the day/weekend with my family who I haven’t seen in over a year !! Open-mouthed smile

I’m pretty excited – I’ll be back Monday with Updates!

In the meantime I have some pretty amazing guest posts for you !

Hi! Itz Linz here and I like to talk about how I live an active, healthy lifestyle, so I thought I’d share some tips with you today.

1. Join a gym! While it is possible to get a workout at home, outside, or without any equipment, I feel like there are SO many benefits to joining a gym. First of all, there is no way to vary your workout as much as you can in the gym. Just thee mere amount of equipment that is available (no matter how big or how small the gym is) can be beneficial to moving. Switching up your workouts help ward off boredom, but more importantly it keeps your body guessing which is what produces the results you want!

Also, joining a gym can be a social event, if you want it to be. Obviously, chit chatting instead of working out is not what I’m talking about. However, I have met several new friends through my gym and have even participated in some events that my gym hosted. If you’re new in town, or just looking for a new friend (or maybe a new boo?), the gym is a good place to look!

Sweating and smiling after a Bodypump class that Annette taught!

The last major benefit I see to joining a gym is the community and environment that exists. Most likely, if you develop a schedule and go to the gym at the same time most days, you will start seeing some of the same people. This goes along with the social aspect I was talking about, but it makes you feel more welcome – even a quick head nod or a wave can bring a smile to my face when I’m at the gym. Taking group classes is always my go-to if I’m feeling less than motivated to work. There is an energy that can be felt by all when music is blasting and everyone around is working hard.

2. Eat healthy. Duh. Seriously though, eating healthy can and does taste good! It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive either. I’m not a fancy cook – I know the basics and can follow a recipe. Occasionally, I’ll experiment here or there, but mostly I just throw stuff together and it usually comes out surprisingly good. Case in point: Rainbow Salad.

The more colorful your meal is, the better it [most likely] is for you. Also, your fridge should always be stocked – not your pantry. Visit your local Farmer’s Market and buy tons of produce for cheap! That’s my favorite thing to do on the weekends. I prep my food on Sundays and it makes life waaay easier throughout the week. I wash and chop my veggies and usually make a batch of beans. This way, lunches come together quickly and snacks are readily available.

3. MOVE! We’ve all heard the "take the stairs instead of the elevator" spiel, and that’s great, but do more and do it often. One of my favorite ways to move is to lace up my sneakers, call a gal pal, and blab my mouth off. Walkin’ & talkin’. Last time I did, I ended up walking for an hour and covered almost three and a half miles! And that was after my gym workout!

Another simple way to move more is to make a date with a friend. All too often, social events are scheduled around food. Instead of making lunch or dinner plans, make a date to meet at a local park and walk or run. I love enlisting friends to help hold me accountable for moving. Many times I’ll make dates with friends at the gym. Itz one thing to bail on yourself, but a friend? No way, she’ll be expecting you!

Or just move in your own backyard. Whatever works for you! (Sometimes I go into my backyard and do handstands and make my husband try and capture them on the camera. #nerd)

Whatever you do, make sure you are enjoying life. I think that’s the most important thing. Of course, we can all strive to live the healthiest, most active lifestyle, but don’t go too crazy. If I miss a day at the gym, oh well. I get right back to it the next week. And you better believe I love my ice cream and fro yo. I enjoy treats in moderation and don’t deprive myself (because then I end up eating waaaay more). Love your life and it will love you back.

Thanks for reading my wise words of wisdom today! Pop on over to my blog and say hi. Or tweet me on Twitter. Or become a fan on Facebook. Who loves social media??

I want to thank you again Linz for the guest post! If you haven’t checked out her blog yet I suggest doing it! It’s an amazing blog <3

Have a great weekend guys !

Lils

Summer Must Haves

Jul 24, 2012 by Lils

or should I say “Wish List” instead ? Winking smile

Although I rarely ever wear make up, I’m addicted to buying tones of make up products!

Especially if it comes from M.A.C or NARS.

So beware – you might be annoyed that I put 423482 M.A.C & NARS products in this list Smile with tongue out

1. M.A.C – Powder Blush – Cubic (Soft Muted Pink)

Summer is all about boldness and neon colors (well in my head it is lol it might not be in the haute couture world but I’m not one to follow every fad) so why not try Electric Cool eye shadow ?! I’m more of a “natural” when it comes to choosing make up, I stay close to pinks and browns, but I think I would love to play with some of those colors !

I’m also in love with this Custom Palette ! I think if you use the same colors regularly it’s way cheaper to opt for this option! If you’re a make up enthusiast it’s always best to buy a little at a time (if you’re a transitioning from student to adult world like me that is).

2. Manduka Bolster

I have wanted this forever ! So hopefully this can be a belated birthday gift somehow ! Winking smile

I don’t know if it’s just me but bolsters make me feel like I’m relaxing/meditating 10x more than if I use a pillow or nothing. Are you like that as well ?

3. OPI – Turquoise nail polish