Lauren's Thoughts

Goodbye for Now

2013-05-13T17:27:00.000-04:00

This blog started out as a way to share my thoughts and connect with other bloggers and writers. Over time, it has been a great way to connect (I've met some great people from blogging), I've gotten in trouble with friends for writing too much or accidentally offending someone and felt creatively stifled, wrote a lot and then took many breaks and shared my love of writing.

I've been debating for a while taking a blogging break. Life has been busy and I don't have the time or passion for blogging at the moment. You may have already noticed that I haven't posted much and I just don't feel that creative or know what to post at the moment. I may post sporadically, but this is goodbye for now! Thanks to my loyal readers who have read this over the years!

An update before I go...

I'm moving out! I just got an apartment with a friend and we will be moving soon. New job, new apartment... things are going well! I'm very excited for a change.

If you still want to keep track of my workouts, check out Fitocracy.

Feel free to say hi on Twitter!

Weekly Workouts 5/6-5/12

2013-05-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

Monday 5/6: Ran about 2 miles at the park with my friend then we did some exercises using a park bench including tricep dips, push ups and bicycle ab workout.

Tuesday 5/7: Took a walk for about an hour.

Wednesday 5/8: Ran for 1.5 miles then did some arm exercises with my 7 lb. Kettlebell and some ab exercises.

Thursday 5/9: Rest day.

Friday 5/10: Played Just Dance 4 for about 30 minutes.

Saturday 5/11: Rest day.

Sunday 5/12: Busy with Mother's Day festivities so rest day. Need to get back into working out next week.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Weekly Workouts 4/29-5/5

2013-05-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

Monday 4/29: Rode bikes with a friend to a nearby park and played tennis for an hour.

Tuesday 4/30: I ran about 1.8 miles outside during my lunch break.

Wednesday 5/1: Ran/walked at a local park with my boy for about 2.2 miles. Made my day when a little girl said "Wow they're running fast!" when we went by. :)

Thursday 5/2: Took my dog for a walk for a little over a half a mile.

Friday 5/3: Played tennis with a friend for about an hour.

Saturday 5/4: Rest day.

Sunday 5/5: Ran/walked for 2 miles then did 15 minutes of yoga to cool down.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Weekly Workouts 4/22-4/28

2013-04-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Monday 4/22: Rollerbladed with a friend for 6 miles.

Tuesday 4/23: Rest day.

Wednesday 4/24: Today I call it "Random Pinterest Workout Day"! I did some workouts that I have pinned on Pinterest. I tried to focus on abs or arms because my legs/ankles were still very sore from rollerblading. Here are a few examples of workouts I did: some Zumba, Abs and Hips, Kettlebell moves. I didn't track on Fitocracy because I just did so many random exercises for about 45 minutes.

Thursday 4/25: I played Just Dance Just Sweat for 30 minutes and did some arm exercises with 3 lb. weights.

Friday 4/26: Played tennis with a friend for about an hour. Felt good!

Saturday 4/27: Walked outside but didn't keep track of how far.

Sunday 4/28: Rest day.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Weekly Workouts 4/15-4/21

2013-04-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Monday 4/15: Ran about 2 miles with a friend then we did arm and ab workouts with 3 lb. weights and 7 lb. Kettlebell.

Tuesday 4/16: I ran outside 1.4 miles then did about 15 minutes of yoga to stretch afterwards.

Wednesday 4/17: Rode my bike outside for about 1 mile then did the "Skinny Bitch" Ab Workout for about 15 minutes.

Thursday 4/18: Rest day - long work day.

Friday 4/19: Rest day - 12 hour day travelling for a work event.

Saturday 4/20: I ran on the treadmill for a mile and did some arm/ab/leg exercises. I did the exercises shown in the picture plus a few more. I also danced at night!

Sunday 4/21: Rest day.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Don't Let Them Go

2013-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Often in my life I've had friends who walk away at the first sign of an argument. So now I cherish the friends who forgive, talk things out and love me for me. When you find a friend like that, don't let them go. Most people in life, if you have a real relationship with them, will hurt you at some point or you may hurt them. The strongest and deepest relationships and in my opinion, the most meaningful are the ones that go through all that hurt and come out stronger on the other side. :)

I especially love these quotes, even though they relate mostly to a romantic relationship:

Can You Pass This Pop Quiz?

2013-04-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

What causes rape?

A. Being flirtatious
B. Wearing a short skirt
C. Drinking too much
D. RAPISTS

As the leader of an organization that provides education and treatment for rape I think it’s important to remind everyone whom the guilty party is when it comes to this horrific crime. Time and time again, individuals, including news reporters and even judges, do not focus on the one who has committed the crime in the first place but rather turn their sights on the survivor.

They want to know what she was wearing? Was she drinking? Did she leave with him? Why was she out so late? What is her reputation? And the list goes on….

This damaging mentality, called victim blaming, occurs all-too-often and has been very obvious most recently in the high-profile Steubenville case. Why does it happen? A victim-blaming mindset allows individuals to distance themselves from the realization that they too are vulnerable to such a crime. By holding the person that has been violated as partially responsible they reassure themself that since they are “not like” the rape survivor rape could not happen to them.

Rape is already a violation of someone’s body and spirit. Why must we follow up with an assault on the survivor’s dignity by questioning what she was wearing or why she chose to stay out late? For our own self-assurance? Imagine if the types of questions that are asked of rape survivors were asked of a robbery victim. Click here for an interesting exercise depicting this idea. Absurd isn’t it?

Many times rape survivors, who may be already facing a myriad of feelings, including shame and guilt, don’t come forward, for fear of the reaction from others, making it one of the most unreported crimes. HAVEN’s Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START), made up of forensic nurses, physician’s assistants, and HAVEN advocates has also seen an increase in survivors choosing not to file a police report.

In 2012, START served approximately 200 victims of sexual assault with about 25% of them in their early to mid-teens. The patients received both emotional support by the advocate and therapeutic medical care in a safe environment. Even with emotional support and medical care, some survivors still find it too difficult to press charges for fear of social rejection and the stigma associated with rape.

During this Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I urge you to review your own actions and words when it comes to rape. When you hear of one of these life-altering, horrific crimes do you question what the rape victim did or didn’t do that could have caused the rape?

Instead of contributing to this problem, be part of the change and challenge victim-blaming statements when you hear them. Don’t revictimize a survivor for a traumatic event that was out of their control. Your show of support and respect to survivors is what will lift them up on their road to recovery.

If you or someone you know needs help or would like more information about START, call our Crisis and Support Line at 1-877-922-1274.

Don’t forget! Help raise awareness of sexual assault by donning your favorite blues on Denim Day held April 26, 2013. For more information about participating in Denim Day or making a donation to support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, contact HAVEN at 248-334-1284, ext. 346.

Courtesy of HAVEN.

Weekly Workouts 4/8-4/14

2013-04-15T07:29:00.001-04:00

Monday 4/8: I ran outside for a mile then it started raining so I ran 2 more miles on the treadmill (about 3 miles total). Then I did some arm exercises with my Kettlebell and did my 15 minute ab workout!

Tuesday 4/9: Busy day at work so rest day. I think the majority of my Tuesdays and Thursdays working will be rest days because it is hard to fit in a good workout.

Wednesday 4/10: Ran on the treadmill for about 1.5 miles then did some arm and ab exercises.

Thursday 4/11: Rest day - I hate calling this a rest day because I had about a 12 hour work day mostly on my feet. So... no workout day?

Friday 4/12: Ran/walked 2 miles on the treadmill and did some arm exercises and stretching.

Saturday 4/13: Did Zumba toning with 3 lb. weights for 30 minutes and did some crunches.

Sunday 4/14: Rest day.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Weekly Workouts 4/1-4/7

2013-04-08T09:30:00.000-04:00

Monday 4/1: Went running outside with a friend for about 1.8 miles then did 30 minutes of yoga.

Tuesday 4/2: Played Just Dance Just Sweat for 30 minutes then did some arm exercises with my 7 lb. Kettlebell.

Wednesday 4/3: Rest day.

Thursday 4/4: Ran with a friend for 3.5 miles! She is definitely a good motivator! We did some good stretching afterwards too.

Friday 4/5: Ran for a mile with a friend then we did the "Skinny Bitch" Ab Workout and 20 minutes of yoga!

Saturday 4/6: Rest day. I did dance that night though! :)

Sunday 4/7: Rest day.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

We're Eating Crap and Feeling Like It Too

2013-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

I would say in the past few years or so I've been more interested in health, wellness and healthy living. In my spare time, I love looking up information on clean eating and living a healthy life.

Growing up, I never really thought about or realized all the nasty chemicals that go into the foods we eat or how it correlates to our health. Obviously we learn that junk food can make you fat, but we don't really learn about how it can make you so sick. We never learn about all the chemicals, additives and generally nasty things they put into food. It may be good for your pantry and your wallet to buy foods that last forever (I specifically recall my mom saying certain foods never go bad) how can that be good for your gut? If a food never decomposes on its own, how am I supposed to digest it?

Recently I was reading an article from 100 Days of Real Food and Food Babe on food laws in the UK vs here in the US. Did you know overseas they ban certain chemicals added to foods that are still allowed here? I also always thought that the FDA is on our side, keeping us safe from things in foods that would make us sick. Definitely not true. The FDA helps big food corporations more than it helps us. 100 Days of Real Food also periodically posts food labels. For example, recently she posted a Lunchable PB&J sandwich. A regular PB&J sandwich contains bread, peanut butter and jelly. And that's it. Look at the label:

Over 85 ingredients? Really?

I will be the first to admit I am lazy when it comes to cooking and often choose a pre-packaged meal over one I'd have to put together. I have to stop this! Is the extra 2 minutes worth filling my body with all these chemicals over spending a little time to make a healthy version?

I've also been looking at my sugar intake. I also admit I LOVE sugar. Don't we all? Don't most of us search high and low for dessert after every meal? I sure do. It is sickening to realize how much added sugar is put in foods that you wouldn't even think had sugar. I was doing some research yesterday as I had a Starbucks Peppermint Green Tea Frappucino and a Pumpkin Scone. I realized that I was eating/drinking over 16 teaspoons of sugar just in one meal. Guess what the American Heart Association recommends for women per day? 5 teaspoons! Yuck! A few weeks ago I was eating a sucker I won from Dave & Busters. I happened to look at the ingredients. It had such weird and unrecognizable ingredients I actually threw it out.

It is tough when most people around you think you are kind of nuts when you talk about eating healthier and cutting out sugar and processed foods. But I want to do my best to start eating better and eating cleaner. That means more vegetables, more fruit, more organic and lean meats, only whole wheat breads and snacks, no junk food, no processed foods or sugary foods, no dairy (it upsets my stomach anyways), etc.

Any advice or tips for me? I just need to stop being lazy and eat better!

Weekly Workouts 3/25-3/31

2013-04-01T09:30:00.000-04:00

Monday 3/25: Ran/walked on the treadmill for about 1.5 miles and did arm exercises with 3 lb weights while walking. Also did ab workouts - for more details check out my Fitocracy page (link below)!

I also signed up for the Superhero Challenge from one of my favorite Real Worlders and personal trainers, Emily Schromm! Basically, you pay $20 to join and you try to challenge yourself to 10 minutes of exercise, 10 minutes of stretching, no sugar and no alcohol each day. I've really been wanting to exercise a little each day and eat less sugar so this is perfect. Because you pay the $20 you are eligible for all types of prizes! Click the link above to join me. :)

Tuesday 3/26: Basically a rest day because of a busy work schedule. I did walk a lot at work though (over 2 miles). I've been trying to bring my FitBit to work to track how much I walk.

Wednesday 3/27: Ran/walked on the treadmill. Used the 3 lb weights while walking. Also used my 7 lb Kettlebell after and did some arm/ab exercises.

Thursday 3/28: Did some ab/arm exercises using a Kettlebell. Later ran a little over 2 miles outside with a friend.

Friday 3/29: I did Zumba for 30 minutes and did some stretching and crunches.

Saturday 3/30: I ran for a mile then walked home (about .75 mile) then did some ab exercises.

Sunday 3/31: Rest day. I hope everyone had a nice Easter or day off! :)

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Happy Easter - Great Deal on Glasses!

2013-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today I want to share an awesome coupon with you! Glasses USA has glasses and sunglasses for really great prices. For Easter, they are doing a special promo for 50% off and free shipping on everything!

So if you need some new frames, click below and grab this deal before it ends Sunday!

Oh and Happy Easter! Have a great holiday!

Update On Me: New Job!

2013-03-27T11:57:00.002-04:00

For anyone who cares, I thought I'd share an update on my life. It has been a while and I am sorry I haven't been more motivated to post besides guest posts that come my way or my weekly workouts. I did post an update at the beginning of the month and things have certainly changed since then!

I got a part-time job! Honestly, I was starting to get extremely stressed out and on the cusp of depressed thinking about not being able to afford moving out and my freelance jobs weren't as steady as I wanted them to be. Moving out should be exciting, and it was (still is) but I was just stressed out wondering if my work would pick up and what I would do when the eventual ups and downs of hours and money occurred with extra expenses. So I began doing some job searching and interestingly enough, I only had two call backs and interviews with Chiropractor offices.

The first one was a disaster. Think a (surprise) group interview (I thought it was individual) with about 40 people and the job and workplace just didn't really seem like a good fit for me. I was discouraged. I somewhat gave up on applying. Then I got a call back from another Chiropractor. The office is very close to my house and had interesting hours (open about 20-30 hours a week and on long days there is a few hour break in between the day) so I headed to the interview. I figured it couldn't hurt. Because of my extreme nervousness, I try to go into nerve-racking situations such as interviews with a good attitude but reminding myself that if it goes horribly or I don't get the job, it wasn't meant to be.

Long story short, the interview went well and I got an email then call later in the week that I got the job! I started last week as a Chiropractor Assistant. It is a very small office but busy. I love that it is only a few days a week and on long days I have a break so I can keep on top of my freelance work. I love that I can wear comfy scrubs and how it saves time getting ready in the morning. I've been working with patients mostly, helping them with heating pads on their back, assisting the doctor when she adjust them, etc. It is definitely different from any job I've had but I like that I can stay on my feet since I am on my computer so much at home. I like it so far and enjoy the change of pace. Of course there are upsides and downsides that hopefully I can share here. But think upsides: amazingly kind and sweet patients. Downsides: amazingly cranky patients and gross tasks... a lady came in and we realized she had lice. I'm still itching thinking about it.

Pink Scrubs! Did I mention my favorite show is "Scrubs"? Also that is not my bedroom...

Right now I have a few weeks off while the doctor heads on a cruise so hopefully I can stay busy with my freelance work for a while and enjoy some extra free time. Let's hope I don't forget everything I just learned! I'll try to update this blog more too. I've still been really wanting to revamp my eating habits and haven't really done well with it. This morning, I got up and went to Starbucks for breakfast (how ridiculous is it that there were about 12 cars in line at the drive thru at 10 am?! Not even the normal before work rush!) and realized that I inhaled about 16 teaspoons of sugar with a drink and a scone! Guess what the American Heart Association recommends for women for the ENTIRE day? 5 teaspoons! So I ate triple the amount in ONE MEAL. Yuck. More on that later.

Thanks for listening,

Weekly Workouts 3/18-3/24

2013-03-25T08:23:00.001-04:00

Monday 3/18: Ran/walked on the treadmill and did arm exercises with 3 lb weights while walking. Also did "Skinny Bitch" Ab Workout DVD.

Tuesday 3/19: Rest day.

Wednesday 3/20: Ran on the treadmill for a mile and did some squats, lunges, reverse lunges, crunches and oblique crunches.

Thursday 3/21: Rest day.

Friday 3/22: Rest day. I know I have a lot of rest days but this was a really busy week... more on that later!

Saturday 3/23: Planned to work out this day but didn't get to it! Argh...

Sunday 3/24: Blah, didn't work out today either!

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

The Trends of the Season

2013-03-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

With fickle trends coming and going, seemingly at a rate of knots, it can sometimes be tricky to keep up with what's in vogue - particularly for guys who aren't dedicated followers of fashion. However, with spring on its way, it's time to put away the scarves and gloves, which means a wardrobe update for the new season - here are a few tips on how to refresh your look for spring 2013, and stay on-trend.

Colour
Colour will be big this spring, as it's all about breaking free of the drab winter months and leaving behind neutral tones like grey, black and brown. Liven up your everyday wardrobe with colourful chinos in shades of tan, navy blue and burgundy, and opt for t-shirts and thin knit sweaters in lighter, pastel tones.

Turtle necks
You don’t have to be a high-fashion enthusiast to sport a turtle neck this spring. In fact, this one-time fisherman’s choice is making its way back onto the high street and into the wardrobes of Britain’s sharpest dressers. For best results, pair a turtle neck top in a shade like moss green or maroon with a dark blue blazer to provide a subtle colour contrast. For stylish turtle necks that will look just as good in the office as at a swanky restaurant, check out the latest collections from All Saints and Ralph Lauren.

Velvet
Don’t be afraid to experiment with velvet in the coming season, as a stylish velvet blazer is perfect for dressing up with a shirt and trousers, or dressing down with jeans and a plain t-shirt. If you're concerned that velvet is a bit too adventurous for your tastes, don't worry: you're in good company. Velvet is the fabric of choice for Les Miserables star Eddie Redmayne, who wore a fantastic blue velvet suit to the world premiere of the much-praised musical.

If you're planning a big shopping session in time for spring, make payment quick, easy and hassle-free with American Express. Accepted at a host of top retailers on the high street and online, American Express credit cards offer security and peace of mind with online fraud and purchase protection, as well as a host of exclusive membership rewards and benefits, from extra Nectar points to cashback. For more information, and to apply online within just 10 minutes, visit American Express UK.

Weekly Workouts 3/11-3/17

2013-03-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Monday 3/11: Did Zumba for 30 minutes then did some exercises with my Kettlebell and planks.

Tuesday 3/12: Did the "Skinny Bitch" Ab Workout DVD then ran/walked on the treadmill for 2 miles. Used 3 lb. weights to do arm workouts while walking.

Wednesday 3/13: Rest day.

Thursday 3/14: Ran/walked (only a little) 2 miles on the treadmill.

Friday 3/15: Danced at night!

Saturday 3/16: Rest day.

Sunday 3/17: Also a rest day... took the weekend off. Hope to start my workouts again this week!

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Make your home a haven for hibernation

2013-03-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

The cold mornings can be very persuasive in keeping your head down, probably indoors and under wraps. In fact, any cold weather is a perfect excuse to have a cosy weekend at home. Here are some tips so you can bed down and make your home a haven.

Firstly, a new duvet may be just what you need to help see you through any cold weather! The wonderful two-part duvets now available are ideal for making sure you get a good night’s sleep whatever the season. You can use either half of the duvet in summer or autumn, and in winter you can fasten them together for maximum warmth. Find a beautiful quilt or soft-as-a-feather fleece to drape over your duvet, and your bed will be a dreamy paradise on those long winter nights.

DVD box sets are a must. Everyone is talking about the political thriller series Homeland, and for good reason. Each episode is 45 minutes of pure tension and adrenaline, crowned by stellar performances from lead actors Claire Danes and Damian Lewis. Make sure you know what everyone is talking about at the water cooler by catching up on the first season.

You might even want to upgrade to a great new TV to watch your DVDs. Smart TVs are especially popular at the moment as they offer the perks of a computer while keeping the quality of a widescreen TV. With their help you can also watch films from your favourite internet subscription outlets like LOVEFiLM or Netflix.
If you’re more of an active type but still don’t fancy leaving the home then perhaps baking is the way forward. Scones are a good choice – you can go sweet or savoury. Try Delia’s cheese, onion and olive scones for a tasty treat.

Set yourself up for a cosy weekend in with the help of home shopping at isme.com, and let the home comforts come to you.

Weekly Workouts 3/4-3/10

2013-03-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Monday 3/4: Did Zumba toning with 2 lb. weights for 30 minutes then yoga for 20 minutes.

Tuesday 3/5: Tried my "Skinny Bitch" Workout DVD (got it for really cheap at Best Buy a while back). I did Abs and Butt for a total 40 minute workout. I liked it! Only bad thing about DVDs like that is I can't really track them on Fitocracy...

Wednesday 3/6: Rest day.

Thursday 3/7: I did the "Skinny Bitch" Workout DVD Arms section for 20 minutes and then did 30 minutes of Just Dance Just Sweat.

Friday 3/8: Zumba toning with 2 lb. weights.

Saturday 3/9: Ran/walked outside for 1.65 miles then did 15 minutes of yoga.

Sunday 3/10: Rest day.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Love is Different for Everyone

2013-03-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Love is different for everyone. Relationships aren't always the same. Sometimes relationships start with an intense crush. You have to have that person. They make your heart race when you see them. These relationships are great at the start, but often they fizzle. The best kind of relationships are the ones that creep slowly. The person you don't always notice at first. Who slowly comes into your life. The more you spend time with this person, the more you fall for them.

What do you think? How did you meet that special person in your life?

Speaking of love... a special happy birthday wish to the boy in my life! Happy 24th Birthday - I'm so happy to celebrate with you today! Let's all send birthday wishes to Kev!

How Pinteresting! Weekly Faves

2013-03-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'll admit... when I first heard of Pinterest, I thought it sounded stupid and too much of a time-suck. Well, it is a time-suck because it is so addicting! I'm now obsessed and just got my mom signed up on it too! Here's what I've been pinning and loving lately:

Since I'm hopefully getting an apartment soon, I've been obsessed with looking up organization and decorations for small apartments! Here are some great ones I found on Pinterest:

Here are some other pins I've been loving:

Why haven't I thought of that? Definitely trying this soon!

Love finding DIY cleaning supplies! Can't wait to make some...

Can someone find me a pink typewriter? So awesome!

I love all the recipes you can find on Pinterest. I want to try these so bad!

What have you been pinning/loving lately? Let's share! Follow me on Pinterest to connect!

An End to Blogging?

2013-03-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed more silence around this blog. I feel like I have been a little uninterested in blogging here lately. I love reading blogs about people's lives but I don't always feel comfortable sharing much here. For a blog that is supposed to be my own, I often feel stifled by it. I feel I can't really write much about my personal life or fun times because what if professionals who would potentially hire me think it is inappropriate? Or I stop and think well I wouldn't want my family reading that... or my co-workers... or when I do share my real feelings, I offend a friend by accident.

So you imagine my frustrations for something that is supposed to be an outlet.

I guess another part of it is laziness. I don't take pictures as often as I should. Or I don't think my life is that interesting to share. Yet, I am interested in the random musings and outing of random people. So hopefully you all are more interested in my life than I think! ;)

I am happy with my recent postings chronically my exercise habits weekly. I am hoping to share more with you! I do have sponsored posts from time to time and I hope you don't mind (I am a broke twenty something after all!). So here's an update - I hope to bring you more updates on my life and pictures too! Let me know what you want to read from me too!

Exciting news! If you've followed my blog for a while or know me, you know that I lived in an apartment with a friend in 2009. For the past few years, I've lived with my parents. While, I love my house and it is great to save money, I am definitely ready for a change. My friend Jenette and I have been looking at apartments and found a place I think we want to apply to.

Future roomie and I (I'm on the left!)

It is so exciting but nerve-racking at the same time! I am trying to save money like crazy in anticipation of more bills. Speaking of saving money - I do have some money saving goals. If you also know me, you know I am definitely a spender, not a saver! I love shopping and buying things. Not good when you don't make a ton of money!

So for the next few months (and definitely after I have an apartment) I am really tracking my spending. I have been writing down every single thing I spend money on and how much to see how much I really spend in a month. I often get my nails done or get facials and I am putting a stop to that, at least for now. I also plan to really control how much money I spend on food and limit myself to stop eating out so much.

Luckily, the freelance jobs have been pretty steady lately. My goal is to hopefully have 30-40 hours a week. I've also been looking into part-time jobs to make extra money but I'm not quite sure on that yet.

Cheers to changes and more updates from me! Please share my blog if you love it! :)

I wanna win!

2013-03-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's Raining Money Event

Hosted by: Mom Powered Media

Prize: $1,000 Cash {paypal or visa}

Event dates: 4/1 - 5/1

Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE

Weekly Workouts 2/25-3/3

2013-03-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Old pic but me bundled up for an outside run looking goofy!

Monday 2/25: I did Zumba toning for 30 minutes with 2 lb weights.

Tuesday 2/26: I alternated between running and walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes then did 5 minutes on the Elliptical. I did some arm exercises with 3 lb. weights while walking. I also did some ab workouts.

Wednesday 2/27: Day off.

Thursday 2/28: I did Zumba toning again for 30 minutes with 2 lb weights.

Friday 3/1: Went on the Recumbent bike for a mile then walked on the treadmill for a mile while using some 3 lb. weights.

Saturday 3/2: Ran/walked on the treadmill for a little over 20 minutes. Used the 3 lb weights for arm exercises while walking. Also used my mom's Ab Slide which was equal to 30 sit ups I believe. Also danced my heart out at night for a few hours! :)

Sunday 3/3: Day off.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Stop Wrinkles Now!

2013-02-28T13:53:00.002-05:00

Most of us twenty somethings don't really worry about wrinkles yet. We may be dealing with acne or other skin problems, but wrinkles seem like something only "old people" get. Yet, if you start using certain anti-wrinkle products now, it can ensure your skin stays smooth and beautiful even as you age. As much as I don’t want to think about getting wrinkles or dealing with those ugly lines, if you want to stay looking young and beautiful, the sooner you think about it, the better.

Who wants to deal with surgery or injections as they age? I certainly do not plan to use these dangerous sounding products. I'd rather slather on some cream now and not worry about paying big bucks to inject poison into my body to smooth my wrinkles.

Ageless Derma started using the latest technologies and found a Botox-like pentapeptide (big word for amino acids) in Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream. They also use Vialox Powder which blocks the contraction of muscles, in turn blocking wrinkles. According to their website, wrinkles can be reduced by 60% overall when using this cream. Their website states, “Vialox® Powder blocks the contraction of muscles. The peptide prevents sodium ions from being discharged, causing a stoppage of electrical charges to your skin cells, preventing wrinkles from appearing in the first place. It is the electrical charge to your skin (because of repetitive expressions) that will cause a wrinkle to form.”

It works similar to Botox by relaxing muscles and keeping the muscles (or wrinkles) from contracting. Studies show it works as a firming cream and an anti-wrinkle cream.

Here's a photo of a volunteer who used the cream twice a day to half of her face for 28 days. It showed effective relief of wrinkles, especially crow’s feet (you know those nasty lines under your eyes?) What do you think?

This cream runs about $65 – much cheaper than getting Botox or surgery! It is also painless.

For more, read on about Ageless Derma at their website or read the article on this new cream. Disclaimer: I was paid for creating and posting this article. Thank you for your patience because it helps me to keep running my blog.

Weekly Workouts 2/18-2/24

2013-02-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Monday 2/18: Day off.

Tuesday 2/19: I did a lot of cleaning and laundry today so that counts right? ;) I did go up and down stairs a lot doing so. I should have used my Fitbit to track steps.

Wednesday 2/20: I went on the Elliptical for 12 minutes (100 calories) and did some ab and arm exercises. See my Fitocracy for my full workouts as close as I can track them!

Thursday 2/21: I played Just Dance 4 Just Sweat for 45 minutes.

Friday 2/22: Just Dance Just Sweat for 25 minutes then did some crunches, planks and yoga poses to stretch. Also danced a lot at night for my friend's 21st birthday!

Saturday 2/23: I did some arm exercises with my kettle bell.

Sunday 2/24: Day off.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!