Welcome Home: February 2015

Fitness Friday: Mentally and Phyically Preparing

Friday, February 27, 2015

Hard to believe a whole week has already gone by since I shared my fitness journey with you all. I also introduced my friend Salma who will be my fitness coach for the next 21 days in case you missed it.

This week I have been mentally and physically preparing to tackle this. When I dive in and make a commitment like this I want to stick to it wholeheartedly. No excuses for 21 days. Hard work. Consistency. Making time. SO let's do this!

A few days ago my box came [woo hoo]! I went through it and read everything. I at first wanted to do Insanity Max 30 because it fit my schedule better; 30 minutes a day, five days a week. BUT with my knee injury from the past bothering me I just can't handle high impact right now. So I chose to do Piyo which TO ME is a little more of a commitment.

Here's the monthly suggested schedule which I plan on following. 6 days a week or working out with one rest day. I am going to have to change out some of the days and make my rest day maybe a Thursday instead of Saturday but I hope to follow the workout plan as it shows. The work out times vary and luckily actually work around mine and the kiddos schedule.

In the box I also got the Shakeology, which I'm pretty excited about trying. I can't commit to clean eating yet because I love junk food and making hearty fatty dinners but slowly and surely I hope we can start eating a little healthier as a family.

I also bought my last box of Cinnabon for the next 21 days... told the hubby it was my last hurrah. And while I was at the mall picking up my Cinnabon I also grabbed my first pair of workout pants [7.99 clearance at Aeropostale].

Let me just say they don't make me feel like working out but they are so comfortable they actually make me feel like bumming on the couch. Yikes. Why do they make them so comfortable!? I love them though and will have to get a second pair. The last time I bought work out related clothes was my running shorts from freshman year of college [8 years ago!] which was suppose to motivate me to start running. This will be a nice addition to those shorts that I always wear.

Now I am pretty much ready to start on Monday. I'm feeling a excited and a little nervous. I know the first few days are going to kick my out of shape butt. I haven't taken my before pictures yet so maybe I'll share that next week but did list my goals for the next 21 days. Can't measure progress without goals right?

Here's what I hope to accomplish:

1. Consistently working out 6 days a week.

2. Cook two healthy dinners a week.

3. Make sure to eat a real breakfast EVERY single day.

4. Have a fruit or veggie snack every single day.

I entered these into my coach me app so wish me luck on my first week! Be sure to follow Salma on Instagram because I guarantee you she will motivate you. If you are interested in getting in shape with me you can contact her at graycefitness@gmail.com.

Until next time. Toodles!

Trade in Your Wallet for a Kapotas

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The days of carrying a real wallet are over. Most of the time I am juggling the two kiddos in and out from here to there, the last thing I want to carry is a purse or even a big wallet. I have resorted to just carrying my phone, which is why Kapotas Designs are great! They are minimal additions to cell phones that allow me to hold my id and credit card without having to carry another bulky wallet along with my phone.

Kapotas Wallets are made in the USA with 100% Genuine Leather. The back is a Micro-Suction that bonds to a smooth, flat, clean surface just like a suction cup. The back is not pressure sensitive and will rebond repeatedly. No worries about any residue on the phone, it won't leave any because it isn't a sticker its micro-suction.

It's super easy to use. You line up the target surface, press firmly and done. To remove, you pull from one of the edges. Easy and holds just what you need. Four credit cards and up to ten business cards. There are also Kapotas Wallets with a cash sleeve that allows you to hold up to 10 US bills. How awesome is that! Everything you need in one place.

It's a one of a kind wallet that would make the perfect gift for anyone. I'm loving these cute prints!!

And this fur one is really unique!

I know my sister would love it because she could use it when she goes out to the bar at night. My little sister would love it because she could carry everything in one place when she goes to the gym. It would also make a great father's day gift for the hubby who hates his big wallet. Check out the site for more information!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kapotas Designs for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Puppy Invitations and Birthday Announcements

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Invitations... I know they just end up in the trash [or at least the one's you give away because I keep them all] but they are one of my favorite parts of party planning. I'm old school. I just love paper invites. They came out pretty darn cute for home made.

This year I did something different and actually had her help me make the invitations and write inside of them. She also colored the spots on the puppy.

I'm not that cruel to make her color and write on tons of invitations, though I remember growing up and getting so excited about writing on those pre made invitations. Guess nothing much has changed. Ha! I printed the free printable for these puppy cards HERE. I had her color the dalmatian spots on the face. Then I had her write the information for the party. I scanned both in and printed them out.

Call me a sap but this invitation is extra special to me. This is the year she learned to write and so it's neat that her hand writing is on her invitation.

Probably my favorite part of the invitation is that the ears flip.

A video posted by Patty (@makeitcozeee) on Feb 25, 2015 at 2:38pm PST

Since we live far from family I send out a birthday announcement. My mom and the grandparents love it. I save them all and will one day scrap book each year. It's just neat to see how she's grown. I didn't design the card this year but ordered it HERE. Awesome seller and the turn around was so fast!

Going to be sharing about the cute puppy party dress she picked out soon. If you are planning a party now be sure to check out Party Pail for all of your party needs! Shop and help support Make it Cozee.

Until next time. Toodles!

Meet my Lovely and Inspiring Coach Salma

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

If you caught the post on Friday you know I'm about to start my fit for life journey again. Wanted to drop in and introduce my lovely coach to you, the lovely Salma Perez!!

Hi! I am so excited to have this opportunity from Patty to reach out to you! Yes, YOU! I am here to tell you that you can have the body you’ve always wanted or had whether or not you’ve had children. Whether you are trying to lose or gain weight, build or tone muscle, or just be and feel HEALTHY, I can help you! We are all capable of improving our health and fitness by the choices we make. Hopefully by the time you finish learning about me and what I do, we can connect to help you get started on your fitness journey!

Patty and I met in junior high [her team beat mine twice in the championship for volleyball and yes I'm still bitter about it hehe] and attended high school together. We were always active in sports and school activities and have been fortunate enough to continue our friendship beyond those years. I loved reading her blog posts and seeing her beautiful pictures that captured precious moments with her family. But I truly admired how she managed to get back to her pre-baby body after 2 kids! When I was pregnant I made sure to follow Patty’s blog so I could pick up tips on mom hacks and how to get back into those skinny jeans.

But even after following Patty and other fit moms on Instagram, I allowed myself to gain 60 pounds during my pregnancy! I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me but I knew this was something I wanted so I was willing to work for it.

I am a virtual health and fitness coach. Sounds weird, right? But it has been the best decision I’ve made in a VERY long time. I have the honor and opportunity to work with other women and men who finally said enough is enough! We have all made the conscious decision to change our lives for the better. We want to be fit and healthy. If this sound like something you are ready for, keep reading!

As far as being a virtual health and fitness coach, my main goal is to help you stay motivated and keep you accountable as you embark on the hardest yet most rewarding journey: your HEALTH! The best part about it is that this all takes place in the comfort of your own home. I hold accountability groups on Facebook where I help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals while completing home workout programs such as Insanity, P90X, 21 Day Fix, Piyo and too many more to name.

I became a coach in September 2014 after I completed my first challenge group with my coach Brittany Powers (@fitmom_fitbritt) and I was hooked! The people in the group were so supportive and helpful and I wanted to pay it forward and do the same for others, hopefully you! Challenge groups are held at least once a month, sometimes more often depending on the number of challengers. They are either program specific or mixed so you might meet someone who is completing the same workout program as you or trying something different. In the end, we all have the same end goal: to improve our lives all around!

As I mentioned before, I have always been active and never really had an issue with weight loss until I had my son, Grayson. I was so scared to hang onto that baby weight so I wanted to take control of the situation as early as possible. Don’t get me wrong, Grayson is surely the light of my life. I don’t live this life for myself anymore and I want to show Grayson early on the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. I think he actually enjoys watching me and the people in the workout videos.

These home workout programs have definitely worked miracles for me. Before getting pregnant I was a soccer referee, working games at all competitive levels including collegiate and international friendly matches. I have not ran a single day during my training and I have managed to jump right back onto the pitch with no doubt in my fitness. Did I mention I completed a Spartan Race when I was 4 months postpartum?

I’m not trying to toot my own horn, I just want to show you that it is possible to get into the shape you have always wanted! Doesn’t matter your fitness level now. You can do ANYTHING. Really, ANYTHING. And I want to show you that you can do it! This is Erika, one of my very first challengers. We coached high school soccer together and she signed up to do my first 21 Day Fix Challenge Group in November 2014. We both knew she had a rough journey ahead of her but we both committed and she has seen results! She is currently down 45 pounds after completing the 21 Day Fix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_5g5rh1ezY and the new Insanity Max 30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3oBSL0SJ9g. She hasn’t reached her goal weight YET but she doesn’t plan on stopping until she reaches it. But just look at her face, she’s HAPPY! And I want YOU to be happy, too!

If I have somehow sparked any interest in you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You can follow me on Instagram (@graycefitness), add me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/perez.salma), or send me and email (graycefitness@gmail.com). I would love to chat with you about your health and fitness goals and what I can do to help you achieve them! I am here for you whenever you are ready. Thank you for taking the time to read about my passion. I hope to connect with you soon!

Programs completed: 21 Day Fix and Insanity Max 30. Currently completing 21 Day Fix Extreme.

Fitness Friday: My Journey

Friday, February 20, 2015

It's Friday and from from now until I decide to stop, it will be Fitness Friday. Why? Because I'm back on the "want to get fit" roller coaster. II am starting to feel the same B-L-A-H I did back in 2012.

I go through these phases in life where I decide I want to get fit, eat healthy, blah blah blah (usually right before spring or after having a baby)... This year it is hitting me sooner. Every year I do a quick fix before summer and then the cold sets in and I become a bear and hibernate.

I really want to get fit and not just for a season [just like I said in 2012]. For those of you who know me, may be thinking in your mind... but you're already tiny. That may be true, but I have insecurities too. Insecurities about my body and my abilities. I can't even run down the street without my lungs feeling like they are going to explode from the burn. Seriously. Now, this buzz feed video is silly but it really does hit a lot of insecurities that I have.

Post by BuzzFeed Video.

All in all it's not just about looking good but I want to feel good too. This summer when we go hiking, or canoeing, swimming, walking, I want my body to be able to keep up. I am notorious for saying I'm going to get in shape, do it, and then revert to my old couch sitting junk food eating ways. My fitness journey says it all...

In Germany I decided to get fit for life.

I was actually doing super well. Was running and could actually run a mile in a reasonable time. Hubby even bought me a jogging stroller.

I was at my peak... the honeymoon season. Hitting my fitness goals, and feeling good. I could actually see the changes in my body. This is probably the most fit I have ever been besides high school when I played on the tennis team.

THEN, I dislocated my knee. Boo! Back to being a bum.

Fast forward to baby number two. You know that means working out again. I really pushed hard to bounce back. P90X Cardio and Pilates.

I was feeling great! I was even working out consistently until the end of this past summer.

Then I got lazy, busy, sleep deprived, tired and you name it every excuse in the book I am giving it.

I don't know if it's because summer is in 120 days, but I'm jumping back on my fit for life train. Either way, it's time to make it happen and this time with the help of a coach, my lovely high school friend Salma.

She is so inspiring! For now you can follow her on Instagram HERE!!! She will seriously make you want to get fit and eat healthy. If you are interested in joining this journey with me then click on her image below for details about how to be apart of her next group starting March 2nd! You can aslo email her at salma.perez6@gmail.com to sign up.

I'm going to share more about her next week, about what my goals and plan will be. I would love it if you would join me and share your fitness journey or way you live a healthy lifestyle.

So until next time.

Happy Sunday!

Until next time. Toodles!

How to Make a Puppy Cake

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The little lady celebrated her birthday recently so I thought I would start sharing with the cake. This year's cake was time consuming but definitely one of the easiest I have made. It looks more complicated than it is but the cuteness is totally worth the work. When she saw it she said It's adorable!

Like with all party things this cake started off as an idea on Pinterest. You can check out my Puppy Party board HERE. This is my first attempt at this cake so it isn't perfect but if I were a professional it would look like THIS. I got the basic layout for the cake from THIS pin and later you will see where I messed up the face. If you are looking for something adorable and not 3D I would go with THIS cake.

So here's the how to. You start with some cake rounds and cupcakes. Trim the tops of the cake round so they are even.

Take one of the rounds, add frosting to half of it, cut it in half and put the two halves together like the second top picture. This is the body. I then trimmed a little off the front of the body and added frosting. Now it's time to cut the shape of the face. This is where I made a mistake because you need two of these [the second one smaller than the first]. I only did one... whoops. Add some frosting and attach the face to the body.

Trim some of the cupcakes and add the snout and paws.

The hind legs of the cake are like triangles. Add some frosting and attach to the back of the cake. Cupcakes for the back paws.

The ears and tail are really up to you. You can do droopy side ears, I chose pointy triangle ears and tail. I used some sewers to keep them in.

Now for the fun... Decorating it. I got a basic decorating kit for Christmas and bought some disposable bags. So much easier than having to wash frosting bags over and over again. Here's a tip I learned, place the bag in a tall glass to make it easier to fill.

I used three colors; white, brown, and light brown. I mixed vanilla into the chocolate to make the brown and a tiny bit of chocolate in vanilla for light brown. I marked the white spots on the puppy, then the light brown and filled the rest in.

I didn't want to deal with black frosting so I bought a decorating tube of black for the nose and eyes. I made pink marshmallow fondant for the hair bow.