Yesterday and today are my typical scheduled rest days. Normally I welcome them with open arms ;-) However, on Friday I received a package from Saturn Supplements. It was a couple of bottles of Lipo-Ex to try out. FYI I love when I get to review their products!!!!!

Of course I made yesterday Day#1. I took it in the morning with the rest of my supplements. One little pill gave me so much energy I had my scheduled chores done WAY early! I even had enough energy to take Zoe down to the office for some cookies and to pick out a couple of Apartment rentals ha ha. After she was put down for a nap I got bored. Normally I take a nap with her, but I certainly wasn’t feeling like sleeping I had seen a post on Jamie Eason’s facebook page about a 15 min home routine that she started implementing.

The pic below is her with IFBB Pro Jessie Hilgenberg at the Arnold Sport Festival. Both have been awesome to me and detrimental in my journey to the stage! For that, I am VERY thankful for! You can never have too much advice or help As you can see, Jamie is not far from looking how she did pre-pregnancy.

A few comments on her workout were that there was no way it only took 15 mins. I took this as a challenge ha ha ha especially since I was bored and had a ton of energy to spare!!!! Yesterday became an active rest day I am not going to lie, the workout was definitely more difficult than I had anticipated.

I loved it though and was able to accomplish it in just under 15 mins

I am stoked to continue the mini workout on one of my weekly rest days as well as continue the Lipo-Ex I can’t wait to give you all a full review of the product!!!! I want to take it for a few weeks before I express my full opinion.  Hope you all have a fabulously fit Sunday xoxo

What do you think of Jamie’s workout? Do you have active rest days? What supplements do you take for extra energy?

We are almost settled into the new place! I am LOVING every aspect of our apartment. The motto of our apartment complex is “Love where you live” So far, they live up to that!!! These places are pretty posh

We still have a few boxes to unpack, but I figured I would give you a tour of the place…

Zoe’s bedroom and bathroom are the only two rooms that are fully decorated and unpacked. We did her areas first to keep the move as less stressful for her as possible

I am thankful she has a huge closet. It made it easy to store not only her toys, but also all of her lesson plan supplies. Closet Clubhouse supplied her with a new set up to make her closet her own personal pirate ship! Really awesome products! It gets her to use her imagination while playing. CLICK HERE to check them out!!!

Josh really did surprise us with all the things he picked out! The colors and how everything just came together. He is just amazing! He really blew me out of the water!!! As you know we sold everything in the garage sales we had over last month. Josh took the money and secretly shopped for the new place. I adore everything!!!

As you can see, there are still boxes scattered. We haven’t even set up the television yet. We are actually missing a part on the new entertainment center, so that put a delay on the family room getting completed till it gets delivered.

The sofa and chair are AMAZING! They can wipe clean, which is important when you have a toddler ha ha and I love the fact that we can change up the colors by just changing the throw pillows.

We originally were looking at lofts downtown. We loved how raw and industrial they are. Josh found this awesome table and the chairs at Target. I think he did well keeping the industrial look!

I will be happy when all the pictures are up and the boxes are unpacked lol.

Well, that is the gist of the place. It is not a huge apartment by any means, but it is perfect for us! I also love the fact that we have access to a playground, pool, movie rentals, tanning, and a small gym (which happens to be right next door to our place) The small gym will help out a lot on snow days or days when Zoe is under the weather and needs to stay home and rest. Now that we are for the most part settled, I can get back to focusing on my training and Zoe’s lesson plans!

Whew! I am so happy I am finally getting this up!!! This makes me one step closer to being caught up ha ha Happy March to you all xoxo

February was chaotic for us, to say the least. I welcome March with open arms!!!! Although I am getting closer to competition, compared to last few months March will be much more laid back for me. Let’s get these goals listed shall we

1. I need to start off with getting those entry forms filled out, paid, and mailed in. The Mayhem Muscle competition is a top priority for me! I will also be researching hotels to make reservations as well as that post show dinner. Muscle Mayhem here I come!!!!!

2. Is to change up Zoe’s lesson plans and get her back on the fast track to learning. We decided to get her started on computer activities. I have been researching ABCmouse.com and after talking about it, Josh and I think it will be a perfect addition to what we are already implementing. I think it will be a fun change for her!

3. To relax… The past couple of months have been stressful to say the least. This month I really want to just enjoy the journey. I am following many who are competing the same weekend as me and most seemed really frazzled already and some even seem to be starting to hate their prep. Referring to it as something they HAVE to do and how they have to make SACRIFICES. I want to enjoy every moment all the way up till I cross that stage! Talking to other competitors who are also IIFYM and seeing them on their prep, has me much more relaxed. I am not hungry, nor do I feel deprived in any way. This prep has been enjoyable so far and I aim to keep it that way!!!

4. Practice, practice, practice my posing. It may seem minuscule to most, but posing practice is just as important as diet and training! One of my mentors put to me in a way that made sense. She told me to practice every pose and hold it for a minimum of 3 mins. This is quite difficult to do! Why you may ask? This creates muscle memory. Your body will automatically nail the pose every time once it become accustom to it. When posing on stage you don’t want to look stiff or uncomfortable, but you must remain flexed in each stance so the judges can see your muscles. This is easier said than done. It should look natural and effortless and to do this, it takes much practice!!!

5. Keep that awesome sponsor of mine Saturn Supplements has been amazing to say the least! They keep me supplied with phenomenal supplements and to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way!!! My body is built by Saturn Supplements. They power me through not only my training, but all through the day! Their products are designed for the elite athlete in mind. They keep your body strong enough to power through any type of training. Be sure to check them out. I promise you will not be disappointed!!!

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This move has me behind on everything!!! YIKES!!!! I am slowly but surely getting caught back up Here is a recap of last month’s goals….

My first Goal of February was to trust the IIFYM process. I got myself freaked out with carbs/refeeds. I was scared to gain all the weight back. I have learned to embrace the lifestyle and I am happy I did! I am getting more lean without compromising my muscle. I LOVE flexible dieting!!!

Over the past month, I am happy to say that I haven’t even taken a second thought to any negativity that has been thrown my way! I either just delete and move on, Josh and I have a good chuckle about the messages/comments, or I use it as fuel. I have learned to embrace my haters. Without them I never would have gotten pissed off enough to prove someone wrong It is always me vs me, but when I get that negative comment I now smile and know that I need to push that much harder. Please, tell me I can’t do something

The house was packed and cleaned in record time! It helped that we successfully had gotten everything sold lol. I was amazed at how well the garage sales actually went! We got most of what we asked on everything. I though for sure people would try to talk us down on price more. We actually over priced a lot of stuff expecting that. Most everything went for what we were asking, which meant we had more cushion for the move!!!

I did great with keeping up my training! I had 3 rest days during the move in process. Of course, we also got hit with another winter storm. I made sure to not allow that to hold me back! With our new apartment we have access to a small gym, so I made sure to take full advantage of it

Okay, my #5 did not get done. Mainly because I have been way too busy to sit down and get it all figured out. This will be a goal to accomplish this month!

Last but NEVER least is to continue to support the fabulous company that supports and sponsors me. This is easy for me When you love a company and their products as I do Saturn Supplements, then it just falls into place. I truly beleive in their products and know that I have seen more results since taking them exclusively!!! Be sure to check them out. I promise you will not be disappointed in the results.

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Oh so happy it is Monday!

Although we were overjoyed to move in to our new place, moving is EXHAUSTING!!!!! I wish I could say that we are completely unpacked, but there is still a few more boxes that I will have to tackle today. Not to mention cleaning the place back up I am in love with everything Josh picked out! I can’t wait to get it just right! I for sure will be posting pictures once it is all complete!

Now back to getting Motivated! I am just under 14 weeks out and am on pace with where I need to be. My progress has been motivating me

Legs are finally looking the part!

And I haven’t been this lean in a long time! I love that I can see my muscles through all my shirts ;-)

I won’t be hitting my regular gym today, due to incliment weather, but I will be hitting the gym in my apartment cmplex It isn’t as big as what I am use to, nor does it have all the equipment, but it is next door to my apartment and it has enough to get something done! Nothing will hold me back or stop me from accomplishing what I need to!!!! Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!!

Built By Saturn Supplements

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No matter what kind of training or workout you do, one thing we all have in common is post workout muscle soreness.

I even get some minor bruising on certain training days. With my upcoming move, this month has been rough on my body to say the least! I have been pretty sore every morning. Foam rolling and stretching help some. I was actually contacted by a company called Zim’s.  They specialize in Naturally based products formulated with herbal ingredients. Products like pain relief, skin care, lip care, diabetic living and first aid.

When asked to review their new pain relieving gel Zim’s Arnica Max I jumped at the opportunity. I have used several different types of pain relieving gels and creams. Biggest thing I look for in products like this are: Effectiveness, Smell, and how it absorbs into the skin.

Arnica Max is a colorless gel. It absorbs quickly into the skin. It is light weight and does not feel greasy. This is important to me. I hate when a product is greasy, because it usually stains my clothes, sheets, etc. If it is not quick absorbing I have to wait to get dressed, lol another pet peeve.

The smell is light and goes away quickly! This is HUGE!!!! No matter what time of day, no one wants to smell bad or overpowering. I can apply this product before bed and not offend my husband ha ha. I can also apply it right before the gym and not worry about stinking out the people training in close proximity Nobody wants to be “That” person at the gym.

I was actually greatly surprised by the effectiveness. My back training is brutal. I am typically pretty sore for at least 3 days. This past Monday I PR’ed on my deadlift. I was able to pull 205lbs for 3 reps on my 5th working set. To boot, had awesome form and my back did not roll! I was stoked to say the least. Although I was excited to finally get past the 200lb mark, I knew this was going to come with a painful consequence. I woke up yesterday sore as all get out! My lower back, hamstrings and glutes definitely were tight and painful. Rubbed down with Arnica Max and within minutes was ready to go kill my training. I truly am impressed with the product! You can find Zim’s products just about anywhere: Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Amazon.com, etc

Zim’s  has been awesome enough to sponsor a giveaway for one of my special readers!!!! Follow the rafflecopter below or check out my giveaways page! Good Luck!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sorry I have been MIA!!! Between moving and training I have just been wiped! I promise I have some great things in store to make up for it For starters, I currently have a stellar giveaway going for a RepFitness Medicine ball! CLICK HERE to get entered to win

Today is Monday. It is also the last week before the move. I am excited, not just to move, but also because Josh decided to surprise me by refurnishing our home. We successfully have sold almost everything, with one more garage sale on Thursday, then we move on Friday. I am stoked to see what he has picked out! It is an awesome way to start the week!!!! Training has been going great. I am still losing and leaning out nice and slow. I am more than ready to get this week started!!!!

Let’s get out there and show this week what we are made of!!!! Hope you all have a fabulously fit day xoxo

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Happy Monday!

I am stoked, not just because I can’t wait to get back to my training, but because it is also REFEED DAY!!!! Yeah buddy, bring on the carbs….

Today I train delts, back, HIIT and some posing practice. I plan on hitting some PR’s today Let’s get motivated! As always I start with a little Lady Swole Monday.

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

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As promised, here is a HUGE surprise! I was contacted by one of the owners of Rep Fitness to check out one of their Medicine/Wall Balls. If you haven’t heard about Rep Fitness, here is a little back story…

“Rep Fitness was started in 2012 by two brothers with a love of fitness. Our goal is to bring you fitness equipment that meets the quality standards we would look for ourselves when purchasing fitness gear. In addition, we think it shouldn’t be up to the consumer to search endlessly for detailed reviews of the products they’re interested in. We make this easy for you by actually buying many of the products we sell and doing detailed video reviews to help eliminate any doubt about whether the product is right for you.

Lastly, we’ve incorporated a user-review area for every product we sell, so whether you loved it or hated it, you can let the world know and help guide others to the right gear. We hope you enjoy our site and will help support our efforts by making your next purchase here or spread the word that Rep Fitness is the place to go for the best gear and the most detailed information about fitness equipment.”

Needless to say I was really excited to see what they have to offer! I normally train at a local gym, but do have active rest days and on occasion can not make it to the gym, so having a Medicine/Wall Ball at home is AWESOME!

I am highly impressed with the quality. The stitching is heavy duty. It can really handle a beating. In the past week Josh and I have put it to the test with wall balls, but obviously it is not limited to  just that. You can get a full body workout squats, lunges, woodchops, situps, etc

The training possibilities are truly endless. The come in 8, 10, 14, 20 and 30lbs

CLICK HERE to check them out!

The owners have been generous enough to let one of my lucky readers try a Medicine/Wall Ball for themselves!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodness I have been so busy this month! I am in dire need for some down time. I can not wait for this move to be over!!!

I have been successfully sticking to my training as well as getting the house packed up. Yesterday was quite the challenge. Moving all the boxes and furniture to one central area by myself after training legs was a lot harder than I had anticipated ha ha ha. I am feeling it today, that’s for sure! My legs are finally leaning out nicely. I am seeing more muscle definition. If you have been following me long, you know this is a big deal!

I am hoping my quads grow a bit more. My legs have always been my weak spot. Stoked to say the garage sales have been going much better than we anticipated! We are actually having one today instead of tomorrow. Josh knows I need to relax, so for Valentine’s day he has a family day trip planned. Not sure what he has up his sleeve, but I am sure it will be fun and amazing! I know we are going out to eat for lunch to Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse. He had to tell me that, because he knows I have to plan my macros I have never been there, but we have been told they are really good. I am going to have a 9oz Smoked Sirloin, grilled asparagus and a side salad. I am sure it will be amazing. I love steak, so this is a welcomed Valentine’s lunch.

We typically don’t do a lot on Valentine’s day. Usually just little stuff for Zoe, so I am curious about this year. Do you normally celebrate Valentine’s day, if so how? Do you plan your meals before you go out, or just wing it? Hope you all enjoy your day! Be sure to check out my sponsor and their amazing supplement line!!! I truly would not be as far in my progress without them. I stand by their products 100% best quality supplements out there!

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When starting a new goal or lifestyle change, you are already a bit out of your element. Friends and family have a way of either supporting you or discrediting your effort. Something I have learned on my journey is that if you want something bad enough, you have to do it for you!

Today is it’s own motivation kind of day. Not in the sense that you need the mind frame to get out there, but more so that you need to stick to your guns and love yourself. Stop allowing others thoughts dictate your actions.

Those people have a problem with themselves. It is time to build OURselves up and stop allowing these people to bully us!

Over the years I have been slowly removing toxic people from my life. Even family members and “close” friends. It is hard to say I don’t feel bad or guilty about it, but I am happier now. If someone takes the time to belittle you or your dreams and efforts, then they aren’t worth yours. I am in this life to be happy and spread love. If I am surrounded by negativity, then that is near impossible!

Take charge of your life and stand up for your happiness!

Let’s be fierce, strong and free from anything that doesn’t make us happy. Get out there and accomplish your dreams and goals. Leave the doubters in your wake!

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day xoxo

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Happy Monday! The weekends are typically rest days for me, but I have been working around the house to get everything ready for the move. I am tired, but more than ready to get back to my training!!!!

I am excited to train hard this week! My body has been changing so much, so fast. I am loving every second of it!!! Hope you are all as stoked as I am to get started!!!

This lady is NOT giving up! 17 weeks out and more driven than ever!!!! Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

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So excited this morning! Yesterday was my refeed and it was GLORIOUS!!! I woke up this morning and took my measurements. I am down 2 inches in my hips and over an inch in my arms and thighs and my bf% is down 1%

Actually more like 400g ;-)

I also will now have a refeed day every 12 days rather than every 14. This will help with my fat loss and keep my body on track. I promised I would share more of what I have added to my training. Due to my hubs needing my car on Tuesday, because of of the snow, I took the day off so yesterday was Legs and Bicep training. Here is what I have added to both of those

Biceps I started doing what is called Prone Incline Dumbbell curls You can CLICK HERE to see a video.

I have also added close grip barbell curls

On legs I started doing another superset immediately after my front/back squat superset. I do a wide/narrow leg press. This has not only made my leg training more difficult, but I am really seeing some awesome results!!!

As you can see, I haven’t added a ton to my training. Just a few things to help really carve my muscles out. It is always a learning process. I am continuously trying to find ways to make improvements and get the most out of each and every training session. I am loving the changes I am seeing in my body as well as the learning process.

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!! Please take some time to check out my sponsor Saturn Supplements

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Whew, haters are out in full effect this week ha ha ha

Luckily I have some AMAZING people in my life who shine more love and kind words on me than those haters can even fathom! It’s okay to hate ha ha ha I am not mad at you Most of my hate mail this week has been about my food posts. I guess people just can’t imagine that someone can get into competition shape without restricting all the good stuff. It actually can happen! I am still losing fat. My body fat % is steadily reducing. Again, I do not eat junk all day, but if I can squeeze a goody in, you bet I do it!

I watch my measurements and progress closely, so I know if I need to change things up. Not to mention I have several mentors who have been guiding me the whole way. they are pros for a reason

A few days ago, I mentioned that I have added a few things to my training. One is that I do delts and back twice a week now. One of those days is the same, the other I have added a few things that I wasn’t doing before.

For Delts and back I now do one hand Rear Delt Cable Flyes

I also added Face Pulls

Bent over Barbell rows

Deadlift (If you don’t know, Sarah Backman is a beast!!!)

Close Grip and Wide grip Pull ups I do a super set of these

And V grip or close grip lat pull downs. I typically do these after regular wide grip lat pull downs

I will add the extras from my other training days in the near future as well. I like showing the videos over pictures because I think it gives a better visual. Like I also said, I have been doing my HIIT 3 times a week. Typically Monday (Delt/Back), Wednesday (Legs) and Friday (Delt/Back) I do sprints on the treadmill. I try to keep it simple. I do 10 mins of HIIT then walk at 2.5 speed at an 18 incline for the remaining 5 mins. In this video Natalie shows how you would hop on and off the treadmill during sprints. Makes it so much easier!

I will post what I added to my Bicep/Tricep and Leg days My chest days are pretty much the same other than going heavier. Hope that answers some of the questions I have been getting lately

Have a fabulously fit day xoxo

Woot It’s Monday!!!!

I hurt my ankle last Wednesday either during leg training or my HIIT. Either way, it was really bothering me the rest of the week. I had to tape it up really good on Friday to get through my sprints. Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to rest. I kept it elevated and iced. Although I will have to keep it taped this week, it feels SO much better now and I am ready to smash this week!!!! Let’s kick this week off right with a little Lady Swole Monday!

I am ready to kick this week’s butt!!!! 18 weeks till my competition and I have never felt stronger!!! Let’s get after it

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