tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52491376378134161692024-03-13T12:27:27.150-07:00Fit Hip MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-19320930652605837382014-03-22T07:30:00.001-07:002014-03-22T07:37:41.425-07:00Fit From Within<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have all heard the phrase <b>"Mind Over Matter"</b>....but have you really actually made that connection that your mind is <b><i>actually stronger then your physical body?</i></b></div>
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If we believe we won't achieve something, we have already put the negative thoughts into our brain and set ourselves up for failure. Being physically fit starts with our mindset and is pulled from within.</div>
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<b>A healthy physical body starts with a healthy mind. </b></div>
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For the last 11 years of my life, I have made a conscious effort to be <b>physically fit.</b> But for the majority of those years, like most women, my brain was focused more on being <b>"skinny"</b> over being <b>"strong".</b></div>
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In college, I looked at food as an enemy. I would go through cycles of restriction, which then lead to binging when I did eat something unhealthy. I majored in Nutrition and minored in exercise science, but my mindset wasn't always the healthiest, even though at the time I thought it was. Looking back I am able to realize my patterns and identify my unhealthy mind.</div>
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When I got pregnant, I was pulled outside of my comfort zone and no longer was in control of my growing body. For 2 years prior I had been taking adderall DAILY. Never in my life have I been one to take or do any type of drugs. It gave me this sense of energy, I could study for hours and it totally curbed my appetite. I dropped weight and felt like this was the miracle drug of all time.</div>
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At the time, what started as something to help me through my last year of college, ended up being a secret addiction. I would take it daily for energy and to help me run nearly 10 miles a day. <b><i>Again, at the time I never thought it was a problem. </i></b></div>
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Looking back, I feel completely blessed by my unplanned pregnancy. </div>
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The day I found out I was pregnant with my first child, was the day I quit taking adderall. Something from within clicked and I knew I needed to be the healthiest me for this child to grow, and that meant letting go of the control adderall had on my life.</div>
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From that point forward, I have made the decision to really be healthy. My health starts from WITHIN my mind. I am truly thankful that God gave me my children to be able to realize that I needed to overcome my own struggles to be the best mom these children deserve. God uses our struggles to make something beautiful.</div>
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I now believe real energy comes from the food we eat, the amount of sleep we get and literally leading an overall healthy lifestyle. There are no quick fixes.</div>
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Even if someone looks healthy physically, you never know where their mindset really is. I believe true happiness and health starts from within your soul. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A healthy mindset is the only way we can make physical change. Once you make that connection, is when you can truly be fit from within.</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-50776235240819936212014-03-21T12:25:00.005-07:002014-03-21T12:28:29.581-07:00Going Beyond The Physical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost exactly a year ago, I decided I had had enough of the current gym I was at. The classes weren't good, I couldn't bring my children and I was ready to find a place that would be more than just a "gym".<br />
Never in a million years did I think I would end up finding somewhere that my kids and I would develop friendships and eventually find my deep love for YOGA. <br />
When I first started doing yoga a year ago, I HAD NO CLUE what I was doing. Over time, I got better and not only did my body reap the benefits, but it became more than a <b>physical connection.</b><br />
It sounds insane, but it became a place I could come and be myself for one hour.<br />
Being a mom to two children who aren't even two years apart, YOGA gave me something that I could call my own <i>for just an hour.</i><br />
Not many things in my day are JUST MINE....my practice became something that <b>could be mine,</b> and it has become a beautiful journey.<br />
I had no idea there were different styles of yoga. My sister used to do yoga ten years ago, and it was something I just didn't ever see myself doing. I preferred a kickboxing class or something a bit more "hardcore". What I have come to realize is there are many different styles of yoga and I have chosen to fall in love with a Vinyasa style, because it actually is hardcore.<br />
It also gets to my core...my physical AND emotional core.<br />
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WHY I LOVE VINYASA :<br />
<b><u>1.) It all starts with your breath.</u></b><br />
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How often do you think about breathing? You don't because it's something we do so naturally. If you go to a YOGA class and there is no mention about breath, leave. Just kidding. In all seriousness, your breath is the most IMPORTANT part of your practice.<br />
In a hot Vinyasa class, USUALLY you use your <b>ujjayi pranayama. </b><br />
This breath has an "oceanic" type sound. Basically inhaling and exhaling through the nose, keeping your mouth shut. This breath is used to help build heat in your body, but also teaches you to breathe when things get tough. SO coming to your breath in a pose, will help your mind focus and connect and maybe bring you a little deeper. The beauty of learning to breathe is something we can use off the mat in ANY situation.<br />
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<b><u>2.) THIS IS YOUR PRACTICE</u></b></div>
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If you go to a yoga class where the teacher <b>isn't </b>doing the practice, it isn't because he/she is lazy. <b><i>BELIEVE ME,</i></b> I would love to stand up in front of you and practice the entire time. However, that brings the students into <b><i>watch-asana pose</i></b> (haha where they just stare in amusement instead of doing their practice).<br />
It is actually WAY HARDER to guide a class (of all levels) without doing it. We do this because this YOGA PRACTICE IS YOURS. Teachers are there to guide you, not do the practice. The beauty of a VINYASA CLASS is that you CAN DO whatever feels good for you. No judgement.<br />
If you are just listening to the ques from the instructor, you can allow yourself to go beyond the physical of the practice, and really start to notice what feels awesome in YOUR BODY.<br />
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<b><u>3.) Get OUT OF YOUR HEAD and ONTO YOUR MAT</u></b><br />
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People go to yoga for so many different reasons. To become stronger, more flexible, to be less stressed. Whatever reason you go there for, allow that to be your time to get out of your head and believe in yourself. <b>YOUR MIND IS STRONGER THAN YOUR PHYSICAL BODY!</b><br />
How often in life do we listen to the fears and little voices in our heads saying you aren't good enough? This time allows you to let go and become a free spirit of unconditional love.<br />
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<b><u>4.) YOGA IS A COMMUNITY</u></b><br />
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A few weeks ago I attended a conference where I took some of the most amazing yoga classes from Jonny Kest. We were packed like sardines, with just a little bit of space between one another, and actually had to help each other in certain poses.<br />
We live in such a touch phobic society where people are so afraid to touch someone. We think that yoga is such a serious practice, when over all, maybe just getting closer to the random person next to us is just the healing they need. We never know what our neighbor is going through, but yoga can be that unconditional love and support that someone may need.<br />
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<b><u>5.) Works your MIND & BODY</u></b><br />
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I don't know many types of exercise that work your entire body. By that I mean, yoga can really go beyond the physical. In a Vinyasa style practice you learn sequences that get your heart pumping, and then after going through them a couple of times as a community, you are able to take those sequences and flow on your own. You are working your body and your mind to remember those poses. You have the option to add what you need and leave out what you don't. This is hard for people because maybe they don't want to let go and just flow...but that is the beauty of a true vinyasa practice.<br />
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<b><u>6.) UNCONDITIONAL LOVE</u></b><br />
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The reason why I fell in love with vinyasa was because I experienced unconditional love during my practice. My mind was clear, my body was challenged and most importantly my heart is filled with unconditional love. We place judgements on people so easily, that this practice has allowed me to realize that we are all made beautifully. God has created each and every one of us so uniquely, that our bones, body structure and genetic makeup are so different. What my neighbor in a yoga room does has no bearings on me because I don't want to look or be like anyone else.<br />
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I absolutely love VINYASA....and it has become a part of who I am. The physical poses that we do is just a small portion of what YOGA really is. I urge you to try vinyasa, you may get hooked.<br />
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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!<br />
Namaste,<br />
Alicia XOXO<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-74728262586829784692014-03-01T12:23:00.001-08:002014-03-10T12:10:55.946-07:00Fun & Active Family Vacations<br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MEET KENDRA! </span></u></b></div>
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<b>HAPPY MARCH!! </b></div>
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<b>With Spring Break quickly approaching, I thought this would be a great opportunity to have a mother and travel expert chime in on traveling during this time of year! </b></div>
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<em style="font-style: italic;"><b>Kendra Thornton: </b>Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3.</em> I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have mixed my excitement for travel by sharing some of my personal traveling tips. Enjoy!</div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KendraThornton" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>KendraThornton</a></div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.thorntonpr.com/" style="color: #3376a4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>thorntonpr.com/</a> </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Fun and Active Family Vacations</span></b></div>
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This year my family has a variety of trips on our agenda that we are taking together </div>
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and the first two right off the bat will be Colorado for some skiing and Orlando to </div>
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visit the parks and have some amusement fun! Since my family is getting in the</div>
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mindset to vacation, I thought that it would be the perfect time to give you some </div>
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ideas on how you can keep your family healthy and active on the road! Planning</div>
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ahead is the key, and in time, you’ll do it smoothly and without thought.</div>
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<b>1.) Go to the grocery store and pack food before you leave.</b> Think creatively to satisfy </div>
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for your kids. For example, granola bars can be a tasty treat and better than candy </div>
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bars. If you’re driving, then preparing and packing any kind of sandwich (or </div>
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sandwiches) is a snap. Use fruit and water to round out meals. Your options are a</div>
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bit more limited if you’re flying, but never worry. You can stow trail mix, dried fruits </div>
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and granola bars in an extra-large purse.</div>
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<b>2.) Pack “active wear</b>” no matter where you go so your family is excited and motivated </div>
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to exercise. If you’re hitting the road, a basketball or tennis racquets and balls </div>
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are easy to pack, as are gloves and baseballs. If you’re flying, you’ll probably need </div>
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to forgo the equipment, but wear tennis shoes on the plane, and you can walk </div>
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anywhere at your destination!</div>
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<b>3.) Research what your vacation spot has available</b>. Look for walking trails, tennis </div>
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courts, parks and the like. If you are staying in a city, reserve a hotel in a walk-able </div>
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area, and don’t forget the pool for swimming fun! A lot of vacations, such as theme-</div>
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park vacations, have walking time built in, but don’t overdo the junk-food munchies </div>
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at these theme parks.</div>
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<b>4.)Let your children stray from their routines—but not too much.</b> Staying up later </div>
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than usual is fine, as is letting them have an extra sweet or two a day. But don’t </div>
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demolish their routines because you want to keep setting a fine example and not </div>
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struggle to change their new bad behaviors once you are back home. When my </div>
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family goes to Disney World, I’m going to make sure to check out <a href="http://www.gogobot.com/orlando-walt-disney-world-florida--hotels" target="_blank">Orlando</a> hotels that </div>
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will have a quiet hours policy to ensure my family gets the sleep that will be needed. </div>
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<b>5.) For all of your planning and research, remember one thing: Kick back, relax and </b></div>
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<b>have a great time.</b> You’re able to do this because of your hard work that makes a </div>
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fun vacation for everyone. Snap photos of your active vacation for lifetime family </div>
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memories.</div>
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Do you have other ideas for active family vacations? What did your parents do, and </div>
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what steps do you take with your kids now—even if you’re not on vacation? I would </div>
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love hear some of your own personal tips!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-33484819815727387512014-02-10T17:00:00.000-08:002014-02-11T05:39:45.150-08:00Why the SCALE will never ever be my validation (again).<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrGznETRZ1JByMbZkPO3lRid9LQJ0AJTp3kRyaM3F6hpMxIDrhBBgAGvYGc7Om1kYdAA92TeZFmKOr2dXQLkBTJwtUPx41wW3N1I6tiq3-JdlMSwpjEgueR9wsMaZmeOgkXsy5tcpt1Qg/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrGznETRZ1JByMbZkPO3lRid9LQJ0AJTp3kRyaM3F6hpMxIDrhBBgAGvYGc7Om1kYdAA92TeZFmKOr2dXQLkBTJwtUPx41wW3N1I6tiq3-JdlMSwpjEgueR9wsMaZmeOgkXsy5tcpt1Qg/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir7v4hBWcfLxYTkfZVrOFEa02GcEdys-GceZjKM89jr_5rjfzUcnmU0xJWhJYaQF1ByMPBBbUEkAqrXo6oid6FxeSy6UxivTEb2BL2EWfzC9DYzqdMz_JKxKnqYxs3WHyKB0_OoZKIyKF/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir7v4hBWcfLxYTkfZVrOFEa02GcEdys-GceZjKM89jr_5rjfzUcnmU0xJWhJYaQF1ByMPBBbUEkAqrXo6oid6FxeSy6UxivTEb2BL2EWfzC9DYzqdMz_JKxKnqYxs3WHyKB0_OoZKIyKF/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you've paid any attention to the media hype in the last week, you may have heard the story about Biggest Loser contestant Rachel Fredrickson. In a short four and half months, Rachel went from 260 pounds to a little tiny 105 pounds. YES, she lost <b>155 pounds</b> in such a short amount of time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think many people don't realize that this is a<b> game show</b> to win a prize of $<b>250,000 </b>(along with striving to lose weight and become healthy). As much as I love a good life changing story, I also do realize <b>$250,000 </b>is a life changing amount of money for a 24 year old girl. I can only hope and pray that this girl lost that much weight to win the prize and will put a little more weight on to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hopefully she will also know that the scale <b>shouldn't </b>be her validation, nor should what people say (<i>negative or positive</i>) about her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can remember <b>5 years ago</b> when my life was completely validated by the number on the scale. It would make or break my day based on what the scale said. YIKES.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> It wasn't until I <b>unexpectedly</b> became pregnant with my first son, that I realized couldn't control my weight because I had a person living inside of me. It freaked me out to see the numbers on the scale increase with every doctor appointment. For the first time, the scale <strong><u>couldn't</u></strong> be my validation. That was a<b> huge </b>turning point in my life. I freaked out wondering if I could ever get in shape post baby, and I did, only to get pregnant again with my second son. Due to those pregnancies, I was able to go beyond the physical and learn that it didn't matter what the scale said. You want to know why:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>1.) I'm a Child of God</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> HECK YES!!! </b>I learned that I am made in the image of God. I've always known this, but it wasn't until I was given children that I really understood this.<b> GOD</b> doesn't make junk. Every person he makes is <b>unique. </b>So with every "flaw" you have, you were created beautiful. Knowing and having faith that goes beyond the physical helped me completely grow in this area of my life. </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>2.) Being a Wife</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being a wife has showed me that I don't only have myself to worry about anymore. The minute I said "I do", we became one forever. If I don't love myself, how could my husband? <b>The number on the scale became a small little detail of our lives.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>3.) Being A Mother</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do you know the amazingness (and of course hectic-ness) that comes along with being a mother? The responsibility is greater than anything because we are the ones shaping these children for life. They model what they see. Because of these boys, I was able to face a fear of seeing the scale number. They don't realize it, but because of those pregnancies, I was able to <b>realize so much about myself.</b> There is no time for a scale to validate me when<b style="font-style: italic;"> I'm busy being super-mom. </b>Can I get an amen mamas? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Want to know the key to a healthy and balanced life? <b>It's consistency.</b> I don't weigh myself often at all. I love leading a healthy life based on eating well, being happy and exercising regularly. That is what makes me feel good and motivates me. I have never felt more free and self- confident now that the bondage of validation from a scale has moved out of my life! PEACE OUT scale. <i>Ain't nobody got time for that. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Knowing that you are more than a number and striving to lead a healthy life is really what matters most.</b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-15385493408754373282013-12-31T16:33:00.002-08:002014-01-01T06:17:39.788-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kGUwBCQLQPEBA2ZvB1NYwQwE24795GMxIAoOPCHimcpm68Mx7Rq77OPpyptGPT-qAH0yhKZAN-jioz5gqMihLX0MvcSiTkINnYlBEUX2uRl9nClNodG0i5YqP4evWZv7UXuHf7DGTP8s/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kGUwBCQLQPEBA2ZvB1NYwQwE24795GMxIAoOPCHimcpm68Mx7Rq77OPpyptGPT-qAH0yhKZAN-jioz5gqMihLX0MvcSiTkINnYlBEUX2uRl9nClNodG0i5YqP4evWZv7UXuHf7DGTP8s/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">The New Year is often a time we like to say goodbye to the old, and hello to the new. It's a "fresh" start to make some changes and re-new ourselves!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">Whatever your resolutions are, try to work towards that goal and maintain it all year long!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">In 2013, one of my biggest accomplishments was falling in love with the YOGA practice and getting certified in it! I would never have imagined that I would become a yoga teacher at this time last year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">2013 was a great year for us.....and I'm looking forward to what the future has to bring!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy New Year!</span></div>
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Alicia XoXo</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-15917402839571028922013-10-17T11:54:00.000-07:002013-10-17T12:20:34.182-07:00What's Your Excuse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNC8gvD0lO6gwv_RHc7EUIhQiQRm_VYtbxbtqdHwEuPI0zecChELW9vcYKE3zzhBHryUXuulveOKU5PSyUObxwPIWvIyzlp_P3Vxr643ee4ZqlQGFLgR1Pkx2SSrzQOgIzUiCNDps0OV9/s1600/excuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNC8gvD0lO6gwv_RHc7EUIhQiQRm_VYtbxbtqdHwEuPI0zecChELW9vcYKE3zzhBHryUXuulveOKU5PSyUObxwPIWvIyzlp_P3Vxr643ee4ZqlQGFLgR1Pkx2SSrzQOgIzUiCNDps0OV9/s400/excuse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I woke up yesterday morning to my mother telling me to turn on Good Morning America because some lady with 3 kids had been taking heat for a picture (above). I watched it, learning her name was Maria Kang- a fit mother of 3 kids, ages: 3,2 and 8 months. She was taking a lot of hate simply not just for this picture, but because of what she wrote<strong>, "what's your excuse"?</strong></div>
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As I went about my day, the Today Show and The View were playing on the TVs at the gym- and again, I saw this same story. People were mad, people were calling her a <strong>"bully",</strong> and that she was <strong>"fat-shaming".</strong> </div>
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I started to think about Maria and how she must feel. I'm a mother of 2....whom I had back to back. Just like Maria, I had been pregnant and know what its like to kick my butt back into shape, just to get pregnant again and get in shape again after that! </div>
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As I write this, I want to be careful with the words I choose because I'm not trying to offend anyone. I know that everyone has different bodies. The way our bodies are made up are different from one another, and pregnancy does different things to our bodies. Each of my pregnancies were different, the way I carried, the amount of stretch marks I got....so I completely understand no one person is the same.</div>
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As a woman who has a passion and drive for fitness, I know what it is like to set goals for myself to achieve a fit body post baby. Not every woman has the goal to get super fit post pregnancy, but just like Maria, I find it an accomplishment because it is something I set out to do- and it feels good when you achieve it. </div>
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I personally don't think her statement of <strong>"what's your excuse"</strong> was offensive. I think the people who got offended by it took it personally because they saw something they didn't like within themselves. The reality is, when we judge others, we are really judging ourselves....and the people judging Maria maybe felt that she was sending a message that they weren't good enough, which wasn't the case at all. Here's a tip to the people judging her: <strong>STOP COMPARING YOURSELF.</strong> If you want something, it may take blood, sweat and tears....but you better be prepared to work for it! </div>
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Want to know how I took it? I feel motivated and inspired! I know darn well how hard it is to be a mother of two children, I can only imagine the challenges having three children, ages 3 and under brings. Aside from caring for 3 other people, running your house, working.....Maria has proven that <strong>we can do anything we put our minds to.</strong> Just because she decided she wanted to go after a goal, doesn't mean she is a bad person or a bad mother. Haven't you ever felt excited about something you worked hard for? </div>
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Every time I have given birth, I look like a huge blob after, and I feel more motivated than ever to kick my butt into gear. We need to learn to love ourselves, and if we don't- <strong>what can we change to make that happen?</strong></div>
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As women in this society, it is hard enough to get through life.....add in the pressure of being judged because you are actually proud of your successes and you are doomed. I personally think the only "bullies" out there are the ones judging this fit mother because of her accomplishments. </div>
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<strong>Anything that is worth something isn't always going to come easy.</strong> Stop comparing yourself and let this be a reflection of yourself.....as women and mothers, let's unite and <strong>stop</strong> breeding the negativity to one another. Think of what a happy place our world would be if we all just had each others back.</div>
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I mean after all, <strong>what's your excuse?</strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-13300002772717882452013-10-16T11:38:00.000-07:002013-10-16T11:38:19.242-07:00Happy 3rd Birthday, Braxton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOGD3ZURZhh4RWeEZrLwvsOXz7DS-e29w4jwWp_m3KVsR_v935_FUV1lsnpofNoQzJc7o8qxdBSEpeovNvj0vRMus5NCmhDRZZr-8qOrg5f4OiqmfwF_hjsRuoApOpKDD8hxQ8KGDsUqD/s1600/brax+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOGD3ZURZhh4RWeEZrLwvsOXz7DS-e29w4jwWp_m3KVsR_v935_FUV1lsnpofNoQzJc7o8qxdBSEpeovNvj0vRMus5NCmhDRZZr-8qOrg5f4OiqmfwF_hjsRuoApOpKDD8hxQ8KGDsUqD/s640/brax+years.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In January of 2010, I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant. Not feeling ready, not married.....I was absolutely terrified about having a child. On October 12, 2010 I gave birth to the most amazing creation, Braxton. From that moment forward my life has not been the same. I don't like being a mother, <strong><u>I LOVE BEING A MOTHER. </u></strong></div>
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This past Saturday, we celebrated Braxton's 3rd birthday. I cannot believe how much I have grown as a person and how much he has grown in the last 3 years. Watching him countdown the days until his birthday was so sweet.....and seeing him smile because it was finally his birthday made my heart so happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV9HqpJGJA_rywuIdTg8PS1D5UTTo0tnBiiIs1WylR5UlzmZV3ryOu6_umiScQXljvGc-Lel8bksK7PJ8KW9eHpjSQQbBPxfzb1maPBTcWgjz6-x9AKCglalQKor8dqda1XJ5ohyphenhyphenN_Sww/s1600/mamapreg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV9HqpJGJA_rywuIdTg8PS1D5UTTo0tnBiiIs1WylR5UlzmZV3ryOu6_umiScQXljvGc-Lel8bksK7PJ8KW9eHpjSQQbBPxfzb1maPBTcWgjz6-x9AKCglalQKor8dqda1XJ5ohyphenhyphenN_Sww/s320/mamapreg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Brax- you are a big blessing to us!!!!</span></strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-12861453956236312782013-09-09T06:06:00.000-07:002013-09-09T06:06:16.220-07:00Wedding Attire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrKhCLZ7lZr69Qaei2XBhxZb9X_-4sAl1pQrmmHhbX7ps5AszOYlAUbKkooJuft9zy2WrebCtm9NUuZ_5HcgyoVXjU7OWW2dydUmlP1AtWjnlyw0WX7ELo-Oa_0E77QCM7Eemdvi27LUM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrKhCLZ7lZr69Qaei2XBhxZb9X_-4sAl1pQrmmHhbX7ps5AszOYlAUbKkooJuft9zy2WrebCtm9NUuZ_5HcgyoVXjU7OWW2dydUmlP1AtWjnlyw0WX7ELo-Oa_0E77QCM7Eemdvi27LUM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Dress: Akira</em></strong> (<a href="http://www.shopakira.com)/">http://www.shopakira.com)/</a>,<strong><em> Necklace: Burlington Coat Factory, Bracelet: Stella and Dot </em></strong>(<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/">http://www.stelladot.com/</a>)</td></tr>
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I love the idea of a long dress. Something about it screams elegance and beauty....that is why I chose to wear this dress to the recent wedding I attended. It was simple, yet dressy. I don't have many occasions where I get to dress up, so it was a lot of fun to dress up, and see my handsome husband in his suit too. Usually, I would opt to wear a shorter dress, but I really fell in love with this long dress.</div>
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I had a lot of people ask me where I got this dress, so I wanted to fill you in on one of my favorite spots to get cool and fun dresses. If your Chicago based, then I'm sure you have been there. I got it at Akira. You can shop online with them to at: <a href="http://www.shopakira.com/">http://www.shopakira.com/</a></div>
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Hoping you have a Happy Monday!</div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">XoXo,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Alicia</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-26009975347334871212013-09-08T12:49:00.000-07:002013-09-08T18:23:40.999-07:00When Gods Writes Your Love Story...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J0TFq2SyylGcZiE-O2b3gkSxNKmIy7To2ZFRN_Q4o7SrtUGMMWD5iwJCsqBBiddKRPg-uLjbpCttl4G8rPk7ciOqVP07nNdYDFiTxvQZnOYR2CWN7_VZdCiChWdtQYnIPv75GS9BEtb_/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J0TFq2SyylGcZiE-O2b3gkSxNKmIy7To2ZFRN_Q4o7SrtUGMMWD5iwJCsqBBiddKRPg-uLjbpCttl4G8rPk7ciOqVP07nNdYDFiTxvQZnOYR2CWN7_VZdCiChWdtQYnIPv75GS9BEtb_/s640/photo+%252810%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Last night, my husband and I got to witness our dear friend, Alyssa, marry the man of her dreams, Matthew. It was such a beautiful day, full of lots of love. The wedding was perfect and the two of them looked so happy. I met Alyssa at church through Stephen, when him and I were dating 5 years ago. Instantly, we become friends...and I don't think she realizes what a wonderful vessel of the word and sister in Christ she has been to me. Even though we don't talk all the time, the times we do see each other and get a chance to talk, are always special to me.</div>
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Alyssa helped me get through one of the hardest seasons in my life, and I am<em><strong> forever</strong></em> grateful. She has always been a positive influence and woman of God in the last 5 years to me. During a tough time when Stephen and I were broken up, Alyssa gave me a book that would help me get through those hard days. </div>
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The other day, my son happened to pull this particular book out that she gave to me.....and it happened to be open to the page she wrote on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZk71hKZ2tjEJkQVjVUfF9yit536dQiTS82W9_poATODwLp0SoMEIYGE54IQxZ_T8zG92VdwSGGR2GLU4DO1lBXZpMRx3NXR3an05844LgGPTe9jYjlBZd3OEBqHoJh7qwVusLhGGYvQdx/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZk71hKZ2tjEJkQVjVUfF9yit536dQiTS82W9_poATODwLp0SoMEIYGE54IQxZ_T8zG92VdwSGGR2GLU4DO1lBXZpMRx3NXR3an05844LgGPTe9jYjlBZd3OEBqHoJh7qwVusLhGGYvQdx/s320/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
The irony in this all was the date she gave it to me WAS <strong>AUGUST 6th, 2009......</strong>Who would have guessed Stephen & I would be married 2 years later on that same exact date?? Not only that, but Alyssa was our photographer on our wedding day. Coincidence,<strong> no</strong>....A God thing, <strong>YES</strong>. I didn't realize this until the other day, which happened to be the week <strong><em>SHE WAS GETTING MARRIED.</em></strong></div>
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She was a perfect bride and you can tell their love is centered on Christ....</div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">God is a beautiful creator and he knows exactly the plans he has for us, even when we don't see it. When we allow him to do so, he writes the BEST story for our lives.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am thankful for such a beautiful friend and couldn't be more happy for her marriage!</span></strong></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-3315242230662292792013-09-06T06:23:00.001-07:002013-09-06T09:35:28.148-07:00Having a Healthy Relationship With Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hate diets. I don't think I have ever actually followed through with a "diet". I think they are silly, to be honest. If you think about it, when you go on a "diet"....usually that means you are doing some sort of restriction. And when you restrict, a few things will happen:</div>
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<strong> 1.) You will want food more than you did before</strong>....simply because you can't have it (we always want what we can't have). You may end up binging, saying you will start your diet the following day (never do) and actually gain more weight than when you started.</div>
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<strong>2.) You set yourself up for failure.</strong> Simply because you cannot sustain a life of restriction. </div>
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As a woman who has always been into health and fitness, I of course used to categorize food in <strong>"good"</strong> or "<strong>bad".</strong> I would feel guilty if I ate <strong>"bad"</strong> and would feel it emotionally as if I was a failure. I used to be that girl who would talk about "<strong><em>how fat I was</em></strong>"....or "<strong><em> I can't eat that because it is bad". </em></strong>Flash forward 10 years, 2 pregnancies later....and I am confident to say I am in a very comfortable spot with food and who I am. </div>
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Often times I feel like the talk about "health" and "food" are sort of like politics. I know that sounds silly, but there is so much controversy in what is out there. <em>Do I eat organic?</em> <em>Does it matter if I eat organic? Is there a correlation between disease and the pesticides/chemicals in our food?</em> In my opinion, <strong>yes.</strong> I'm not a doctor or a scientist, but I really don't think putting <strong>artificial chemicals</strong> in my body is healthy. I know a lot of people may disagree with me....and that's okay. I usually say do what works for you. I do know that when I buy organic, it does taste better. Don't believe me- buy organic strawberries vs. non organic...you WILL taste the difference. I prefer organic...and when I can, I usually do buy organic. </div>
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I believe in a healthy lifestyle, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, low fat meats. If I want a cookie, I will have a cookie. I have learned to find<strong> balance</strong> in my life and it is the most awesome feeling, ever.</div>
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If you are that woman, struggling to find balance, here is what I suggest:</div>
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<strong>1.) Start out Slow</strong></div>
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Sometimes we jump into a healthy lifestyle head on, which works for some, but not always for others. Simply start by adding fruit into your diet, or raw almonds as a snack instead of chips.</div>
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<strong>2.) Make Better Choices</strong></div>
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The food we choose has the power to be the best form of medicine or a form of poison to our body. <strong>YOU</strong> decide what you want.</div>
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<strong>3.) You're not a failure</strong></div>
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If you have a cookie, or a piece of cake....you didn't fail. Allow yourself to have stuff that you enjoy. Do it in <strong>moderation</strong> and don't get down on yourself.</div>
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<strong>4.) Stop Starving Yourself</strong></div>
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We need to eat to live. If you aren't eating enough, most of the time that will lead to binging later on. Realize that food is <strong>not</strong> your enemy.</div>
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<strong>5.) Its a Lifestyle</strong></div>
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I know I say this a lot....but its all about<strong> <em>lifestyle changes</em>.</strong> Maybe for you that means learning to cut out fast food before adding more vegetables in your diet. Whatever it is, you can do it. </div>
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<strong>6.) Be disciplined</strong></div>
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There is a difference between <strong>restriction</strong> and <strong>discipline. Restriction limits you, while discipline trains you. </strong>Learn to be disciplined.</div>
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I'm hoping you have a great weekend, full of fun and balance!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqjq9FNYYkxfQWjNWr11TA60J1kEVLjZXFslMlXcozwj4tt6hsMeF9qVEXKUbyjjiKfrl38DDQTxAeuhKaDaNzhUNaa_jjw00lTiE5_F47R7lPClawlp2_w7YrUqTaaDh56G6QCBZWUVa/s1600/fit7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqjq9FNYYkxfQWjNWr11TA60J1kEVLjZXFslMlXcozwj4tt6hsMeF9qVEXKUbyjjiKfrl38DDQTxAeuhKaDaNzhUNaa_jjw00lTiE5_F47R7lPClawlp2_w7YrUqTaaDh56G6QCBZWUVa/s320/fit7.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">XOXO</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Alicia</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-29097961679052655882013-09-04T13:31:00.000-07:002013-09-04T19:00:54.538-07:00Get Your BEST Body, Post baby....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y0fv9wneWjtR2DaOYOGlCn25lGIwQjCKSUs1ltgpAlSI7UuyHWN_Ls21aTJET6IcrNtn8FoHpTI-DWMKQIk3hp6MKH2DSuBePtSaYAfpnWmKO2fK3WHKGrdPdjnoDrpf6yzSUHp4dTfV/s1600/fittastioc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y0fv9wneWjtR2DaOYOGlCn25lGIwQjCKSUs1ltgpAlSI7UuyHWN_Ls21aTJET6IcrNtn8FoHpTI-DWMKQIk3hp6MKH2DSuBePtSaYAfpnWmKO2fK3WHKGrdPdjnoDrpf6yzSUHp4dTfV/s640/fittastioc4.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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I think there is a common misconception that once you have a baby, your body can no longer be what it was previously. </div>
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Sure, you may have larger hips....or a few stretch marks. Your body may be <strong>DIFFERENT</strong>.....but it doesn't mean that it can't be <strong>better</strong> than it once was. </div>
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<em><strong>Trust me, you can do it!</strong></em></div>
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I can remember Jennifer Hudson saying in an interview, that being pregnant made her want to get in better shape than she was before she got pregnant. I loved that, because that completely holds true in my life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd6nC16UE5Y8CuSTOLajYXuRzaIKTewqmknDTh7StMZ59EzJeYEzKGwb4LGVuopdz6BlYmAWzLabqS2wHgZ-tlrOm-0zNUOTbq9WCjHh1TAlzZ0hcSEBnuJ2__SrqhTMZq6gSAtZM8v5g/s1600/fitspo88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd6nC16UE5Y8CuSTOLajYXuRzaIKTewqmknDTh7StMZ59EzJeYEzKGwb4LGVuopdz6BlYmAWzLabqS2wHgZ-tlrOm-0zNUOTbq9WCjHh1TAlzZ0hcSEBnuJ2__SrqhTMZq6gSAtZM8v5g/s320/fitspo88.jpg" width="206" /></a>As a woman, society has placed pressure on us to be "thin"....but what about being "fit"? I would so much rather be feminine, yet strong. Just saying!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here are my tips to getting FIT post pregnancy:</span></strong></div>
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<strong>1.) Set Goals for Yourself</strong></div>
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Chances are, most of us don't look as fabulous as Kate Middleton post-partum. I recommend setting tiny goals for yourself. I always say, 9 months up...9 months down. </div>
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<strong>2.) Its not a Destination, but a Journey</strong></div>
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Even though I set certain goals for myself, I am committed to knowing that my fitness is a life long journey. As long as I am healthy and capable, I will continue to be on this journey. I understand results don't happen over night, but they happen through my commitment, hard work and dedication.</div>
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<strong> 3.) Diets Don't Work</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HsawHGoUiWuIMTBLSZsKyg7O5O2edyb9NwUlfZp0tQi8TRbd9eg7I8OY9xHayaYR2OUzpPnr_iUel21k3JnHycpjRo66PD6iOw2NIvBGELvdu95siQ18J428ailfxyg7Qk-QnZVnSllm/s1600/fittastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HsawHGoUiWuIMTBLSZsKyg7O5O2edyb9NwUlfZp0tQi8TRbd9eg7I8OY9xHayaYR2OUzpPnr_iUel21k3JnHycpjRo66PD6iOw2NIvBGELvdu95siQ18J428ailfxyg7Qk-QnZVnSllm/s400/fittastic.jpg" width="257" /></a>There. I said it. This goes hand in hand with fitness being a journey. I want a healthy <strong><em>LIFESTYLE.</em></strong> Diets usually don't work because you can't live your life like that, however, you can be committed to making lifestyle <strong><em>changes</em></strong>.<em><strong> </strong>Eat cleaner, Work out more, Eat out less....etc.</em> </div>
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<strong>4.) Stay Focused</strong></div>
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Make time for yourself post baby. How often I hear excuses of "<em>I don't have the time</em>" or "<em>I'm too tired</em>". I'm not discrediting any of that, however....I'm confident you will feel awesome if you make that workout a priority. I PROMISE!</div>
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<strong>5.) Find a Workout YOU ENJOY</strong></div>
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If you are someone who doesn't enjoy any type of physical fitness, start out slow. Go for a walk, find a dance class, go for a bike ride....find something you enjoy. Grab a friend/husband/dog....<strong>YOU CAN DO IT!!!!</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDdupqiq1QQRoi4qrrb5A7cOuum49DCklNa37OF_qTBN2uNA9YMvKTa9P3xDVIOPXXd_dby2ukli7uKSL4iiHVuNeSGyHOXreT3Vm9eU23lP74fI_PK4ehKG2W3LT9zJzfVYjGJCGvOVD/s1600/meeeeee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDdupqiq1QQRoi4qrrb5A7cOuum49DCklNa37OF_qTBN2uNA9YMvKTa9P3xDVIOPXXd_dby2ukli7uKSL4iiHVuNeSGyHOXreT3Vm9eU23lP74fI_PK4ehKG2W3LT9zJzfVYjGJCGvOVD/s320/meeeeee.jpg" width="196" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<strong>6.) STOP LETTING THE SCALE BE YOUR VALIDATION</strong></div>
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In the past, I have been that girl who feels validated or broken by what the scale says. If you are that woman, know that the scale is JUST A NUMBER. I weigh myself once every 2 weeks. I have grown to be comfortable with my body and the number that I see. <em>Muscle weighs more than fat.</em> </div>
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<strong>7.) Stay Committed</strong></div>
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I have done this twice now. I don't lose my baby weight because "I'm young" or " I have good genes"....I lose my weight and get fit because I stay committed and disciplined.</div>
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<strong>YOUR MIND</strong> is<strong> STRONGER</strong> than <strong>YOUR BODY. </strong></div>
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<em>You can do this!</em><br />
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<strong>8.) Quit the Negative Self Talk</strong><br />
Stop talking about what you don't like about your body.<strong> You can change it</strong>. Focus on what you do like, <strong>enhance it!</strong> We all have insecurities....no one is perfect.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMquY2ywvM62h0OoSH1jdfCPGDPALdgKwCkozTYYNVyGsT_HA98roLUCQWaPoc8seoyBDOeouzQBtJQe5X7XHobSNj9KhlX-vY4elVpsXhif8irD7W_c2s8WxOQR1m4BTnz_c-G0nyrjAa/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMquY2ywvM62h0OoSH1jdfCPGDPALdgKwCkozTYYNVyGsT_HA98roLUCQWaPoc8seoyBDOeouzQBtJQe5X7XHobSNj9KhlX-vY4elVpsXhif8irD7W_c2s8WxOQR1m4BTnz_c-G0nyrjAa/s320/036.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day Before I gave birth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImgZsDZNkIVXy6cWmX2-miLSDwAjYB29qbljLDIcGxAyLWz3cpoYZNTCxOns_u9aer6t_YfqwA9XMdxe0m2SBRXX13xfUOsFeYx5Al2O4eBmkPfkGz4fJQOxWbidCkccO4Tfqr6Gh2K2n/s1600/mee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImgZsDZNkIVXy6cWmX2-miLSDwAjYB29qbljLDIcGxAyLWz3cpoYZNTCxOns_u9aer6t_YfqwA9XMdxe0m2SBRXX13xfUOsFeYx5Al2O4eBmkPfkGz4fJQOxWbidCkccO4Tfqr6Gh2K2n/s320/mee.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I'm confident in you....Have faith in yourself!</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><strong>XOXO</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Alicia</strong></span></em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-17090414791818193522013-08-27T06:15:00.000-07:002013-08-27T06:15:20.319-07:00I'm in Love...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong> YOGA LOVE</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P22KLHSZ2RFGw7kJ1j2Na-09q8kNOIeyzt8_1dVW5qkrUfraGzDLfa0fZ6OA1jt8YsTOarzRVUZFW_Bd95CGElH4OzcIVF2DmrxPIkNxGRXA5auQ-BZBZe9IaFpoxGi0lBP5b7pndgsO/s1600/yoga4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P22KLHSZ2RFGw7kJ1j2Na-09q8kNOIeyzt8_1dVW5qkrUfraGzDLfa0fZ6OA1jt8YsTOarzRVUZFW_Bd95CGElH4OzcIVF2DmrxPIkNxGRXA5auQ-BZBZe9IaFpoxGi0lBP5b7pndgsO/s640/yoga4.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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I'm IN LOVE. I really em.</div>
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I have fallen seriously hardcore in love. No matter where I go, I can't seem to shake it. I talk about it, I do it....I have been bitten by the YOGA bug. </div>
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I know I have mentioned before how yoga is good for you, but I'm addicted more than ever and have been reaping the benefits of the awesomeness of this practice post baby number 2.</div>
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Here are just some of the reasons I feel like I have benefited from yoga:</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1. Mind & Body</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMB8dygg2ud14IbY-9ioScKef025F-7_7HIP_jHC0hzj1rA80yqv2PDUtbiQQVhyphenhyphenOn22T2w3rAoHBZ1w-epfdpdNWVGMtkZp5UO1Gn9rkZr60p2zjv-DDdyTEwpq1fWdaBC0rvar26vX9/s1600/yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMB8dygg2ud14IbY-9ioScKef025F-7_7HIP_jHC0hzj1rA80yqv2PDUtbiQQVhyphenhyphenOn22T2w3rAoHBZ1w-epfdpdNWVGMtkZp5UO1Gn9rkZr60p2zjv-DDdyTEwpq1fWdaBC0rvar26vX9/s400/yoga.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yoga teaches you to strengthen your mind. You use your breath to control your body. You learn to become less reactive. Not only are you strengthening your body, but you are learning to strengthen your mind as well. You will feel less stressed and more energized. I PROMISE!!!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">2. It's YOUR practice</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8ff7vxxJOvko15tsaqGtYhk7Nn4_Rm-LiDyZOo2an0vfUWxzwI4u0rVrwNy3I53m234q6t0wV283zuAyu2R7jk6wl3Haylpih5C5eg6rUheoIqWrQE9dcz5aIwPskINa2GMmf6xFRuiN/s1600/yoga2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8ff7vxxJOvko15tsaqGtYhk7Nn4_Rm-LiDyZOo2an0vfUWxzwI4u0rVrwNy3I53m234q6t0wV283zuAyu2R7jk6wl3Haylpih5C5eg6rUheoIqWrQE9dcz5aIwPskINa2GMmf6xFRuiN/s400/yoga2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yoga meets YOU where YOU are. There are so many types of yoga, and it is just a matter of finding the right class for you. Yoga can be for all ages, all levels of fitness. You make yoga YOUR own when you are on your mat. That is what is so inspiring about this practice. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">3. YOU will get STRONGER</span></strong></div>
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Yoga is not just stretching. It takes strength and flexibility. The more you practice, the stronger and more flexible you will become. You will be using your body weight to hold poses. You will notice you start to use muscles you didn't even know existed....and start to see and feel the change in your body.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4. It's FUN</strong></span></div>
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Yes, I'm obsessed. There is nothing more rewarding than when you lift into a pose that requires concentration and strength. I come home from class so excited to show my husband what I have achieved. Sure, he may not be as excited as me...but he at least will admit some of the poses are pretty darn cool!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDoMSo3MN-V_2cyLW3TqgMuzGw4JukkOfNpfCdGTlWVpqd7p2FiGYT9fvYtr4iCmW4E74WWzYUxZ29dj9aTK61mwl_GCDiaGRJKM54mO_VyzWfD_ryUtSTvRuL9cX7aC6JlBAZ6mUQSIJ/s1600/yoga8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDoMSo3MN-V_2cyLW3TqgMuzGw4JukkOfNpfCdGTlWVpqd7p2FiGYT9fvYtr4iCmW4E74WWzYUxZ29dj9aTK61mwl_GCDiaGRJKM54mO_VyzWfD_ryUtSTvRuL9cX7aC6JlBAZ6mUQSIJ/s400/yoga8.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">5. Helps build YOUR body (back)</span></strong></div>
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After giving birth, I have had to fight to get my core back. Having two children back to back has made it a little more challenging to get the weight off the second time around. Yoga has helped me re-gain my pre- baby core. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPmg7NvlJ3PEUiRkwDcZmFodDByu-cVi-p8Z-2oIeuFgblWcBRSX5xJJZAhvq5tq3JxYt4UKfLdYkw7EqFiuUaalELLWsi4U-NbSTNa0ayqF_9wdyvXaxHDE9ZgdYofYUL4FOkjNTXNla/s1600/fitspo9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPmg7NvlJ3PEUiRkwDcZmFodDByu-cVi-p8Z-2oIeuFgblWcBRSX5xJJZAhvq5tq3JxYt4UKfLdYkw7EqFiuUaalELLWsi4U-NbSTNa0ayqF_9wdyvXaxHDE9ZgdYofYUL4FOkjNTXNla/s400/fitspo9.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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There are so many types of yoga, I seem to always gear towards a Hot Vinyasa flow when I practice. Find a class that you like. Find an instructor who inspires you. </div>
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That hour on my mat is where I find my quiet time....where I find prayer with God. </div>
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Truthfully, yoga has changed my life.....I'm a crazy yogi!</div>
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I hope you feel inspired to just try.......you may fall in love too!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><em>Alicia XOXO</em></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-76129796362925636852013-08-05T12:22:00.002-07:002013-08-06T05:16:29.092-07:00Celebrating 2 Years of Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO3FcVGUMv6oXfz7Cmcvj1V2Zi3RAK3GKkPrl5EKPJYRjxB2cRUkOP6YH23zb-kxCKazFzemMSHyl4mlw9Be1owH_wfZzH9-4TCQNEedJJuAaycu9tMlQGK9YZ1ZaIt_SnrPX5dbEuy-8/s1600/0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO3FcVGUMv6oXfz7Cmcvj1V2Zi3RAK3GKkPrl5EKPJYRjxB2cRUkOP6YH23zb-kxCKazFzemMSHyl4mlw9Be1owH_wfZzH9-4TCQNEedJJuAaycu9tMlQGK9YZ1ZaIt_SnrPX5dbEuy-8/s640/0543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two years ago on August 6th, Stephen and I made the commitment of marriage. That day will forever be one of the most special days of my life. Looking back at our wedding pictures always brings a smile to my face. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That day signifies the day we said "forever"..... in front of God & the most important people in our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God knew what he was doing when he put Stephen and I together. And although marriage isn't ALWAYS EASY, there is no one else in this world that I would rather spend the rest of my life with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm blessed and thankful that this man is my husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two years of marriage, 6 years together, 2 beautiful children & a lifetime to go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wouldn't want it to be with anybody else!</span></div>
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This video of me and all my bridesmaids just never gets old - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNIu5IYppDk&feature=player_embedded#at=78" target="_blank">Wedding Video </a></div>
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Here we are 2 years later!~</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-64510124452588577752013-07-30T11:05:00.000-07:002013-07-30T11:05:50.446-07:00Happy Birthday Braylen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGDpFhpSufCR8kbWKMa9uO8RECz8oBdrwa7ReKd7BC4NPN9ApTt6H3jPx45n16jAjgfJaoV9HTR1ETOIRZJuFzUM8bV46OaGc2njtG4cTyIuWnpwYtY8JQfc-PebHOdsQMhHZ0RjJWpcc/s1600/brayone6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGDpFhpSufCR8kbWKMa9uO8RECz8oBdrwa7ReKd7BC4NPN9ApTt6H3jPx45n16jAjgfJaoV9HTR1ETOIRZJuFzUM8bV46OaGc2njtG4cTyIuWnpwYtY8JQfc-PebHOdsQMhHZ0RjJWpcc/s640/brayone6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week we celebrated Braylen's 1st birthday. Are you kidding me? My little monster is now one. It is crazy to me how fast this last year went. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have learned more patience than I thought I could ever have....and how to love deeper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Having kids is by far one of the most amazing things in life. Watching him grow this last year has been awesome (and exhausting) all in one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I look forward to the years ahead, and cherish this last year beyond belief. I'm blessed to live the life I do, with the family the Lord has given me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday little man=-)</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-11880773534783757342013-07-03T21:37:00.003-07:002013-07-03T21:37:43.213-07:00Love for the Fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6lgi8dUvqSMKDfKsE2FRC9jBcT3U4zoILf9qRG0sI0bqt86h3nX3BXEOgyEXZwQRPKf0-yD_nzdNvcgYn-bYjLaj7WM1GVeD75ZLtbnS4epK6YStUpO0gc9SB8bTAmAh8iPf2b8v6hT/s1600/fourth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6lgi8dUvqSMKDfKsE2FRC9jBcT3U4zoILf9qRG0sI0bqt86h3nX3BXEOgyEXZwQRPKf0-yD_nzdNvcgYn-bYjLaj7WM1GVeD75ZLtbnS4epK6YStUpO0gc9SB8bTAmAh8iPf2b8v6hT/s640/fourth.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSjwe3hmJ2xSiI5a-y9QTSPiNuJBeRLCY8mT1HAoQJQr20gE7yoKPhX-4jVsYTsB7LnTEvlS2d1JIYjODyWkQuA-PddIRyZETVqbQLPQc3oOAnnVmQ99bsrwpZziSsCjYMCYlVDYn0HxT/s1600/fourth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSjwe3hmJ2xSiI5a-y9QTSPiNuJBeRLCY8mT1HAoQJQr20gE7yoKPhX-4jVsYTsB7LnTEvlS2d1JIYjODyWkQuA-PddIRyZETVqbQLPQc3oOAnnVmQ99bsrwpZziSsCjYMCYlVDYn0HxT/s640/fourth1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For as long as I can remember, the fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. There is something about it....it just screams summertime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, 15 years ago I met Stephen during fourth of July. Yup. We met at a local carnival when we were 13. It really is funny how life plays out, because little did I know when I met him back then that he would be my husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We lost touch for about 6 years after that summer, and met again when we were 19. Again, it was in July just after our freshman year of college. We dated, but I went back to Arizona where I was going to school....and he went down to Peoria, IL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But then 6 years ago, I came home for the fourth of July....and we spent the fourth of July together that summer. On 7-7-7, we made it official. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always like to think of July as such a special month....and the fourth of July is pretty special to us as a couple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that we have kids it makes it just that much cooler. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm hoping you all enjoy your holiday as much as I know we will!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JdHyzXGTRR5QJPKBhNv40K1PgL7WcX1WchPxLGZtOWp8OhsWrOmdpVXZmi_5TyPSyiUYHj-wyzj4i5xXJVMA2b_1rljodj7xfLC2wcbex6WaioahUClpsUI9ScWoJJyEm3zbfDS2MPuO/s1600/155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JdHyzXGTRR5QJPKBhNv40K1PgL7WcX1WchPxLGZtOWp8OhsWrOmdpVXZmi_5TyPSyiUYHj-wyzj4i5xXJVMA2b_1rljodj7xfLC2wcbex6WaioahUClpsUI9ScWoJJyEm3zbfDS2MPuO/s320/155.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4C8v9v9IQd7hdyYUUprW2RKyT9RQ2YMToexhpKNMHhFglpoZ5EqGLpO1ktzqHabkac93UbKd0I87zf66uZOwQd3SffeQIX9wFyFE8U0tkmW0_FzDRZ3awULWEtkh7dgXYfT0GwrWiuPD/s1600/fourth4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4C8v9v9IQd7hdyYUUprW2RKyT9RQ2YMToexhpKNMHhFglpoZ5EqGLpO1ktzqHabkac93UbKd0I87zf66uZOwQd3SffeQIX9wFyFE8U0tkmW0_FzDRZ3awULWEtkh7dgXYfT0GwrWiuPD/s320/fourth4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>Love,</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>Alicia XoXo</strong></em></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-16631118913969643452013-06-24T20:18:00.000-07:002013-06-24T20:18:28.823-07:00Summer Shorts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlQwFYgmHxtSkAJ8AE1jF3skQUp3nHeV1Z0-n8Yj_Vjvx2SZakk-mTI9HM_y8QtX_2Z9gEr94mwolo54lOvnlvGMtPWHH0JowODs69pAFPEDssOarh7gyu1eq4UO4WEvEduvKmiESJ8KE/s1600/shorts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlQwFYgmHxtSkAJ8AE1jF3skQUp3nHeV1Z0-n8Yj_Vjvx2SZakk-mTI9HM_y8QtX_2Z9gEr94mwolo54lOvnlvGMtPWHH0JowODs69pAFPEDssOarh7gyu1eq4UO4WEvEduvKmiESJ8KE/s640/shorts2.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I <em><strong>love </strong></em>summertime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> I used to live in Arizona where <em>everyday</em> was summer....and the extent of our winter was wearing a light hoodie. Now that I'm here in the Midwest, the days of being able to wear shorts are limited....so if I can wear them, I<em> will </em>wear them!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I just love these versatile ivory lace white shorts....you can dress them up, or dress them down.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Here are the ways I chose to wear them.</em></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c4UgIGo45OreAQazmq-asvcIK6LLThpk_GxoYvZaGExmWMm-65PncDhfmrwazPyicQq6_TA4RBXQj2yFrDCEBWZ69bsnQCv7i_9jFMsZ0shdJGw6i-0X4M-kpkH_xCY439CEK-vVCPCQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c4UgIGo45OreAQazmq-asvcIK6LLThpk_GxoYvZaGExmWMm-65PncDhfmrwazPyicQq6_TA4RBXQj2yFrDCEBWZ69bsnQCv7i_9jFMsZ0shdJGw6i-0X4M-kpkH_xCY439CEK-vVCPCQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<strong>Shorts:</strong> <em>Forever 21</em>, <strong>Denim Blouse: </strong><em>Forever 21,</em> <strong>Hat: </strong><em>H&M,</em> <strong>Belt:</strong> <em>H&M</em></div>
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<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Alicia XoXo</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica7gmL-OLldbomI3TLZaxBfbprDJ1HDnGOCJBX81i56Fb9M3zIouFTHCn_auoG-3lqDh9zujwziw-X7Lj6WVdIkNHNkmY2tAO1o7QfzIsi3JFfR98PIy89z939ZMbJ-ppfQMzKrgkemNY/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica7gmL-OLldbomI3TLZaxBfbprDJ1HDnGOCJBX81i56Fb9M3zIouFTHCn_auoG-3lqDh9zujwziw-X7Lj6WVdIkNHNkmY2tAO1o7QfzIsi3JFfR98PIy89z939ZMbJ-ppfQMzKrgkemNY/s320/boys.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-85595781208379324502013-06-21T11:15:00.000-07:002013-06-21T14:05:23.765-07:00Things I've Learned While Being A Mama<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9bKEJtpKAkReaMX6etii6MUG6aMrf1SujJFaGj1mjNKNs-Pp0fZ93xMhObZgz0X-CvMUInmavfevrssNlqanzmVGjHBcGrcYbW6ijdziSEGz6W7t9IHUNiWHbeA7PS0w1Dg-H3OtP84L/s1600/boyslobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9bKEJtpKAkReaMX6etii6MUG6aMrf1SujJFaGj1mjNKNs-Pp0fZ93xMhObZgz0X-CvMUInmavfevrssNlqanzmVGjHBcGrcYbW6ijdziSEGz6W7t9IHUNiWHbeA7PS0w1Dg-H3OtP84L/s640/boyslobe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the short couple years that I have been a mother, I have learned a lot about motherhood. I'm sure in the years to come I will continue to learn....however, no matter how many books you read or the amount of advice you get- nothing will prepare you for what is really to come. Let's face it, kids are all different.....so let me share some of the things I have learned.</span></div>
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<strong><em>1. No one will ever love your child the way you do.</em></strong>
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Maybe the grandparents will ( I know my parents prefer my kids over me, haha) but other than that....the aunts and uncles will be<strong> great</strong>. Friends will think your child is <strong>awesome</strong>....and strangers will tell you how <strong>cute </strong>your kids are. But I legitimately will wipe my child's booty with poop all up his back, or pick his nose for a hard to reach booger without batting an eye. If that isn't love, I don't know what is!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBMsIRrStpi6-vvlCsxGW5Qn76-J5H770iZivvzkTA6iYw1MRuyg3Ueu-KSPQzMETLXS_6fgvR_j7Ldfh2lM00L1mWecMBHcLUcsVS6VZB8oVj3Zeu73birwq64QzbxErXt9iC9PL9SyB/s1600/brayandme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBMsIRrStpi6-vvlCsxGW5Qn76-J5H770iZivvzkTA6iYw1MRuyg3Ueu-KSPQzMETLXS_6fgvR_j7Ldfh2lM00L1mWecMBHcLUcsVS6VZB8oVj3Zeu73birwq64QzbxErXt9iC9PL9SyB/s320/brayandme.jpg" width="212" /></a> </div>
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2. There is no right or wrong.</em></strong></div>
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When it comes to bed times, feeding, the way you dress your child, how you style their hair....whatever it may be, there is <strong><em>NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY</em></strong> to do things. You will do what works for <strong>you and that baby</strong>. </div>
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As long as no one is getting hurt or harmed, all is good in the hood.
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<strong><em>3. You will be judged, regardless.</em></strong></div>
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No matter what, people are always going to judge how you do things. It wont necessarily always be a <em>"bad"</em> type of judgement.....but people will always compare how you do things to how they did things. If you're judging people, <strong>cut it out.</strong> Ain't nobody got time for that! Motherhood isn't easy....and if its working for me and my baby, I don't want to hear it.<strong> Just saying.</strong></div>
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4.) Your house will never stay clean.
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True story. No matter how many times you clean your house, toys will always need to be played with, food will spill, crayons will be used on your wall (even if you hide the crayons). Don't stress....it is just part of raising children. I stopped freaking out about cleaning everyday, and started doing things with the boys. They will remember the memories we make, not the house being clean!</div>
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5.) Your kids will be different.</strong></em>
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My children have completely <strong>different</strong> personalities. When I was pregnant with my second child, I expected him to be just like my first.
However, they are totally different and I love that about them. They are totally unique.</div>
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6.) Your child will cry.</em></strong></div>
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Sorry Charlie, it's true. You may not always know why he/she is crying....but its normal. And if people ask you why your child is crying (especially if it is a child who can't talk yet) it is OK to respond with <strong>"I don't know".</strong> I can't handle when people ask me why my child is crying! Usually I say something along the lines of, <em>"I don't know...why don't you ask him". haha</em></div>
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<strong><em>7.) Discipline Sucks.</em></strong></div>
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There I said it. Disciplining your child totally sucks. I don't enjoy giving time outs, or taking toys away....however, if you don't teach your child the ropes- <strong>no one else will</strong>...and guess what? Bad parenting will always fall back on you. And you don't want to have <strong>"that"</strong> child. haha=-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>
8.) You are no longer responsible for only yourself.</em></strong>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eating a meal in peace, showering alone, using the bathroom with the door closed, getting in the car alone and not strapping a child into a car seat have all become luxuries. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>
9.) Making plans may stress you out.</em></strong>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes making plans in advance stress me out the minute they are made. Not because I don't want to go out with friends....but, finding a babysitter, having your children fed and bathed..... along with all the work you need to do before you go anywhere can just be a tad stressful.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>
10.) You won't use a "purse" for a while.</em></strong>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I travel with a diaper bag, and have for almost 3 years. Invest in a good one. You will learn to love "packing" since every time you leave the house you will need to be well prepared. I'm sort of like <strong>Mary Poppins</strong>....I have it all from diapers and wipes, to entertainment to snacks. In fact, the minute we always get in the car, my 2 year old thinks I'm a vending machine and insists that he "needs a snack".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>
11.) Sleep</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You'll miss it. Sometimes in the middle of the night, our queen size bed becomes a party of four. Learn to embrace it.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9b_izQpy6gcseNuXy76pmnqyAWWfy72KxZ2UfwxgxoytRZEM8fUJNil1da1NnP5cPdJIaUQFG0jzJAXnrHuOpl355oXcFWPCgBCQgUX-4nO_fVyObpcb5TIqWDFLEPEcjRGykwu9XZwm/s1600/phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9b_izQpy6gcseNuXy76pmnqyAWWfy72KxZ2UfwxgxoytRZEM8fUJNil1da1NnP5cPdJIaUQFG0jzJAXnrHuOpl355oXcFWPCgBCQgUX-4nO_fVyObpcb5TIqWDFLEPEcjRGykwu9XZwm/s320/phone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>12. It ain't about you no more.</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
True story. I sometimes like to think of myself as a modern day slave. Just kidding....but seriously, I have to fulfill requests all day because these little munchkins <em>need me</em>. From just needing some milk to going potty....these guys need my love. And that's 100% okay, but there are times where a day of requests can get exhausting=-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>13.) Take a moment for you.</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You'll go crazy if you don't. Its really hard for me to do this, since I think the house will fall apart without me. After all, I am the <strong>CEO</strong> of this place. Guess what? They'll be fine without you for a little bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guarantee I will continue to learn as the years go on. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Motherhood is awesome...and I wouldn't change it for anything!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a great weekend!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">XOXO,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Alicia</span></em>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-81436992322814443772013-06-16T20:32:00.000-07:002013-06-16T20:32:33.197-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span
style="color: blue;">5 BLOGGERS</span> + </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,
sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Courier
New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">1 DESIGNER</span>
<b><span style="color: black;">=</span></b></span></span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></
span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span
style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family:
"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1 WINNER!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laura from <a href="http://www.girlinflight.com/" target="_blank">Girl in Flight</a> is a fantastic
designer at <a href="http://www.sophieandrory.com/p/main.html" target="_blank">Sophie&Rory
designs</a>. She recently designed this awesome new blog for me, and I couldn't be more thrilled!!!! In order to celebrate my fantastic new design, along with some other awesome ladies who recently got blog-face lifts.....we are hosting a GIVEAWAY! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">
I'm really excited because this is MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Me and 4 other bloggers are giving one LUCKY WINNER some awesome stuff, so don't forget to follow us for your chance to win!
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left:
auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sunnydaystarrynight.com/" imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="310"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs2NscByOeKUeyZVZQfuE1UwZTQNJUlqShRiE1mqHOVw8lqBqvCwAkDu88xhKOumng49x3JIwA-1v5vqHnS3z7p1E17fcqsGqMOWdbON9BabPShwrnAlDKBL1qqUD1F_EptvD0aiwteBd/s400/
sunnydays-giveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sunnydaystarrynight.com/"
target="_blank">Sisters Jessica & Tracy blog at </a><a href="http://
www.sunnydaystarrynight.com/" target="_blank">Sunny Days & Starry Nights</a></td><td
class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sunnydaystarrynight.com/"
target="_blank">
</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left:
auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fithipmom.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="310"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLM_RF_yNdzacgVxJmB8N-x2afzRU_tGprOSCfSL83g3cOUsYISKAi3RKkql6htxND4D9Nrx9IJ7-zOyuSSDuATt6pC4WpkAkU3B6fUz7AK6g7VuyakVl_8yPaNB8BVQBC_oIK4RX2MXK/s400/aliciagiveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fithipmom.blogspot.com/"
target="_blank">Alicia blogs at </a><a href="http://fithipmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fit Hip
Mom</a><a href="http://fithipmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left:
auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doghairaccessory.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="310"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNkNH-nWSa6j_kCX4dFHnXU8Q3RK-5qBH_stNH2xxBzYQ_ywdC7EruQZoBGF1yu3lQAYWeUGsdKfymOQuQ2Hs6ttCbHSp-X6PcZnNYBgd8XCX-UTxgHHJ0SXsKj5wkShVUBwbkki1ZHfk/s400/
adriana-giveaway1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doghairaccessory.blogspot.com/"
target="_blank">Adriana blogs at</a><a href="http://doghairaccessory.blogspot.com/"
target="_blank"> Dog Hair is an Accessory</a><a href="http://doghairaccessory.blogspot.com/"
target="_blank">
</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left:
auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://aslanadventure.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="310"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkhrdlgT-jvKkwsZm-v436ujXO3akGFV_oNhF5AlV4j1D0Mct6YNMab7JtAN8PwNJIB2JSKleCb0UrCcsKmY5HQM1ebYRIhCVk_v77n9OLXQAggLf4RV6rBdrlMU4rS4_E4uhbW7AcWzb/s400/caseygiveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://aslanadventure.blogspot.com/"
target="_blank">Casey blogs at </a><a href="http://aslanadventure.blogspot.com/"
target="_blank">Aslan's Auspicious Albany Adventure</a><a href="http://
aslanadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://
www.etsy.com/shop/sophieandrory" target="_blank">buy your own blog design</a> from Laura!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXteu9oN_b84nLAw5p4J6kpRDRYSCvf3eIBlIwIyxGkUfgxs1cSMGUbAeaEZHg_HAY6PURXZg82vF1tPfTqn6gsgTxbg-itDKw51UzB9c_nbPD3qWuVfpLURnSzuLXLaG4aTmGHa62xaEF/s1600/
jenn-giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0"
height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXteu9oN_b84nLAw5p4J6kpRDRYSCvf3eIBlIwIyxGkUfgxs1cSMGUbAeaEZHg_HAY6PURXZg82vF1tPfTqn6gsgTxbg-itDKw51UzB9c_nbPD3qWuVfpLURnSzuLXLaG4aTmGHa62xaEF/
s400/jenn-giveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So enter this giveaway. Tell your friends....you don't want to miss out!
And last but not least, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: xlarge;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">GOOD LUCK!</
span></div>
<a id="rc-7730630" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7730630/"
rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-18544839364735126732013-06-06T11:07:00.004-07:002013-06-06T11:10:11.959-07:00Grasshoppers & Coral Floral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF49cHF5KTHNDmkO6tbNv9Ay7heHJkqV6CcpWM4ZxBhvm_Bk0Hv9AjT9HK_E-CXmbM-tiodH7Ylm3J185FSMOlmOCbL2SIBXn0erDTLtedRZTYu5HtlsqiSFUwWUp3pHUATv-3q179vZd/s1600/floral3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF49cHF5KTHNDmkO6tbNv9Ay7heHJkqV6CcpWM4ZxBhvm_Bk0Hv9AjT9HK_E-CXmbM-tiodH7Ylm3J185FSMOlmOCbL2SIBXn0erDTLtedRZTYu5HtlsqiSFUwWUp3pHUATv-3q179vZd/s640/floral3.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />
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<div align="center">
Sometimes being a stay at home mom is the <strong>best job ever</strong>. Then there are days that I have no clue how I will make it through the day as a <strong>sane individual.</strong></div>
<div align="center">
There are moments of feeling like, will I <strong>EVER </strong>get a minute for me today? And then there are days you are making your child lunch and he looks up at you, and out of nowhere says,<em> "Mommy, you're the best....at <strong>EVERYTHING".</strong></em> </div>
<div align="center">
Ya, that happened. I couldn't help but just melt and think <strong>THIS</strong> is the <strong>VERY</strong> reason why life is awesome. <strong>THIS</strong> is why I'm so<em> blessed.</em></div>
<div align="center">
My dad has always said to me that what you put in to your children, is what you will get out. My parents are amazing, and I can only <strong>HOPE </strong>to be what they have been to me, to my kids.</div>
<div align="center">
It's really the little things that make my day so hilarious.</div>
<div align="center">
I asked Braxton what he wanted for dinner last night. He said, <em><strong>"GRASSSSHOPPPPPERS</strong>....they're the best! They're hot, they're cool....and <strong>they love me"!!!</strong></em></div>
<div align="center">
Or how about when I asked him if he wanted to come to the grocery store with me, without his little brother....He screamed with joy and said, <em>"YES! See ya daddy....mommy and me are going on a date".</em> Bam. He is the best date,<em> ever.</em> </div>
<div align="center">
My life isn't super glamorous, however.... there are moments where I throw on some floral, coral and denim and my son will look at me and say,<em><strong> "I like your dress. I like your hair mommy, it's pretty"....</strong></em>and that's when I feel <strong>awesome. </strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kjl9-jDuwnPqzgtu7ScB3hO2xTOml0r-jOjrB2EYb2YKfzlsyvvxN89Vxs1xf_qFTzqC7tDPOLZieOjIMMWmdLgjMFKhO0Z01VJygJD_Y-n2l76kGO0Ntrg8ubqTuIEcquhAcLqg_DTY/s1600/floral+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kjl9-jDuwnPqzgtu7ScB3hO2xTOml0r-jOjrB2EYb2YKfzlsyvvxN89Vxs1xf_qFTzqC7tDPOLZieOjIMMWmdLgjMFKhO0Z01VJygJD_Y-n2l76kGO0Ntrg8ubqTuIEcquhAcLqg_DTY/s640/floral+2.jpg" width="420" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIz1e3ro9yRxI3LaqaZP5QLmxruOKpAuf1S3Rkw9WIb272Sdoaz7jsEYMQ3EuQ8ubIA8T81J-j7oW8L86cIyRCg-DUzl-DXOAHk15lK133qtYgUrjLUt6_Sdwertfq5qGfp1sJMADj_R1/s1600/floral7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIz1e3ro9yRxI3LaqaZP5QLmxruOKpAuf1S3Rkw9WIb272Sdoaz7jsEYMQ3EuQ8ubIA8T81J-j7oW8L86cIyRCg-DUzl-DXOAHk15lK133qtYgUrjLUt6_Sdwertfq5qGfp1sJMADj_R1/s640/floral7.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtQ2UZka7uSTOUMTb4Bj6RC1kyigzbDI7m4Frq4rUJUe67XiVvku9cFn-YDkle1vEmmJKI02HrhwxNbOze9wLVbyS9Coysb30EZAtVjBdvp67efKhUD3u6-AsAZNf_vkoB6P_3t7U2p9K/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtQ2UZka7uSTOUMTb4Bj6RC1kyigzbDI7m4Frq4rUJUe67XiVvku9cFn-YDkle1vEmmJKI02HrhwxNbOze9wLVbyS9Coysb30EZAtVjBdvp67efKhUD3u6-AsAZNf_vkoB6P_3t7U2p9K/s640/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Shirt</strong>: <em>Discovery</em>,<strong> Skirt</strong>: <em>Discovery</em>, <strong>Denim Jacket:</strong><em> Ross</em>, <strong>Shoes:</strong> <em>Target</em>, <strong>Bracelet</strong>:<em> Lulu Dharma,</em> <strong>Clutch:</strong> <em>Nordstrom</em></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPEgUclg6jN3JPUZB_LwOhXVDOwsBrWNawSBVL-hH7poVdc1e1xGOO4AH31TKV2shvJhO-lk6h9ekdgkInKfP9JdOYlhXHZmhbDjd7oOSperXVKY7-TzasODGiX0vLnGAyWSBXiUKGuJs/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPEgUclg6jN3JPUZB_LwOhXVDOwsBrWNawSBVL-hH7poVdc1e1xGOO4AH31TKV2shvJhO-lk6h9ekdgkInKfP9JdOYlhXHZmhbDjd7oOSperXVKY7-TzasODGiX0vLnGAyWSBXiUKGuJs/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>They make my life awesome.</strong></div>
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</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;">xoxo,</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;">alicia</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-47177186649647792222013-06-04T20:06:00.001-07:002013-06-05T09:52:03.941-07:00Getting Your Body Back, the second time around....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o9M94eunPuuckvhZfoQgqETaH5PKTrFjy2lGD0sa6nMoHbMj3k-vt4jpmSV36Ki3ZTYcp4qiOxW-wfFQRvBpJokp5T0GxVYOH89uuS1Ps7YjlaNavYjJ_x1Kb-1VEWLqQxqF-fiK0aFQ/s1600/jog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o9M94eunPuuckvhZfoQgqETaH5PKTrFjy2lGD0sa6nMoHbMj3k-vt4jpmSV36Ki3ZTYcp4qiOxW-wfFQRvBpJokp5T0GxVYOH89uuS1Ps7YjlaNavYjJ_x1Kb-1VEWLqQxqF-fiK0aFQ/s640/jog3.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
After having two babies, 21 months apart....this is a much anticipated post. A post that I have thought about many times....one that I kept telling myself I would write, when I "<em>finally got there".</em> <br />
However, I can remember even before I was pregnant....my fitness goals were always <em>"to get there</em>". What I have come to realize is, my fitness goals<em> aren't</em> to just get to some weight or goal, but to <strong>constantly</strong> improve and feel good about <em><strong>who I am</strong>.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a <em>journey</em>, not a <strong>destination.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have learned that my body <strong>will change</strong>...and <strong>has changed</strong> with pregnancy. Through it all I have learned to embrace my ever-changing body. I am not perfect, but I do know that I enjoy staying fit...and here are my two favorite ways that I have gotten back into shape, 10 months post baby number two:<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">1. RUNNING</span></strong><br />
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I absolutely love running.</div>
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Don't get me wrong, there are<em> many times</em> where I may not feel like running....but once I start, the endorphins kick in and I start to feel awesome!</div>
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Running is what got me in shape <strong>before</strong> I had kids, got me in shape <strong>after</strong> my first child, what I did for workouts my entire <strong>second</strong> pregnancy and what has helped get me back in shape<strong> after</strong> my second pregnancy. </div>
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There are tons of benefits from running; ranging from weight loss.... to just a happier and healthier you!</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">2. YOGA</span></strong></div>
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I think Yoga has got to be my new found love. <br />
A lot of people have this misconception ( I used to be one of these people) that yoga is not a real workout. I used to think it was just stretching....but it goes beyond that. I love yoga for the fact that it is a mind/body practice. It strengthens your body, calms your mind, detoxifies....and quite literally kicks my butt! I have found myself completely addicted and craving the practice on the regular. </div>
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<strong><em>No matter where you are in life:</em></strong> <br />
Pregnant, mommy of many or not a mom at all....just know that you can get fit!<br />
Find something you enjoy and go with it=-)<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">alicia</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-61915797645972640272013-04-23T06:08:00.001-07:002013-04-23T18:28:53.134-07:00...Mis Match...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCF_K2CSHqSPB2g2ST3qbsA60BS9mC3valdKyMQm36RGJRQlTfiJ27klkygVmYD4VKwRW_gHCadaxhWSLSYRSaA7tiyCaNOxYlX97zeDOt4UmoN9rt2iLo8EHz0OPrfGTDs5KXBNjwhcWT/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCF_K2CSHqSPB2g2ST3qbsA60BS9mC3valdKyMQm36RGJRQlTfiJ27klkygVmYD4VKwRW_gHCadaxhWSLSYRSaA7tiyCaNOxYlX97zeDOt4UmoN9rt2iLo8EHz0OPrfGTDs5KXBNjwhcWT/s640/red.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I find it crazy that my little guy who is almost 9 months old is starting to out-eat his brother. </div>
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It is <em>crazy</em> to see these children grow in front of my very eyes. </div>
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They play this game where they crawl around and chase each other.....and they both laugh so hard.</div>
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Those are the <strong><em>"little"</em></strong> things in life that warm your heart.</div>
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Sometimes it's funny though, because Braylen (younger son) almost likes being <em><strong>"tortured"</strong></em> by his older brother. And by that I mean, I am constantly telling Braxton (my 2 year old) to get off his brother, or to stop picking him up.....or to get the blanket off his head. Braylen on the other hand just dies laughing. <strong>He likes it.</strong> </div>
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By 4 am today, I heard Braxton in the living room....he was in the dark, on a chair.....reaching for a <strong>paci.</strong> </div>
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We are really working hard to break his paci addiction, but man.....he was trying to sneak a suck at 4 am without us even knowing. Hilarious. Caught you!</div>
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And then there are days where I say, I don't feel like matching....like yesterday. Who says polka dots, stripes and leopard print doesn't go? Well they were wrong! Because in my eyes.....It works. And I like it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJVJIE4tx9jOmH81iJfcz0FtcFkY6nULL6gcIILJDKk02lKAlMzY2_jlJUMG91F4r_U5acEu4PUt8XJM21iv6DzOpdce1w3_3N1IVBaH0CAymfcwNS0i1qoxEH7a6R2pFxllqWYtii_Hx/s1600/redme5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJVJIE4tx9jOmH81iJfcz0FtcFkY6nULL6gcIILJDKk02lKAlMzY2_jlJUMG91F4r_U5acEu4PUt8XJM21iv6DzOpdce1w3_3N1IVBaH0CAymfcwNS0i1qoxEH7a6R2pFxllqWYtii_Hx/s640/redme5.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardigan: <em>Marshalls,</em> <strong>Striped Shirt</strong>: <em>Old Navy</em>, <strong>Polka Dot Pants</strong>:<em> Old Navy</em><strong>, Shoes:</strong> Old Navy</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-32923846644863710482013-04-22T10:56:00.000-07:002013-04-23T18:27:18.196-07:00...Country Mama...<div align="center">
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I'm a<strong> big</strong> fan of country music, believe it or not.</div>
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I think there is something so dynamic about it....the heartbreaks, the love stories, their faith....Haha, I just love it all. </div>
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I have <em>never</em> had sweet tea, but it makes me want some.</div>
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I don't drink tequila, but apparently it makes your clothes come off.</div>
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Ohhh and lets not forget about the mason jars and drinking out of those! </div>
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Every time the sun is shining and the weather gets to the point where I can roll down my windows (Like today, 65 degrees baby)....I like to blast me some country music. </div>
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I have never been down south, but I sure would like to go. </div>
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The one thing I do know is....I like me some country fashion y'all. You can't deny the fact that a cowgirls fashion is truly always in style.</div>
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Although I'm not seeing a Nashville trip (Yes, I'm dying to go there) anytime soon....I can still unleash my country cow girl attire and bogey down right here in Chicago.....until my husband and children are telling me to stop. </div>
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Hoping you all have a fabulous Monday!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jean Jacket:</strong><em> Thrift-store, </em><strong>White Tank: </strong><em>Nordstrom, </em><strong>Belt: </strong><em>Forever 21 (old), </em><strong>Skirt: </strong><em>Forever 21, <strong>Boots: </strong>Kelsi Dagger</em></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-57417839678243475572013-04-21T19:20:00.001-07:002013-04-23T12:05:34.114-07:00 ...Unspeakable Joy...<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></em><br />
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Have you ever had a day where you can't seem to get lyrics out of your head? That's totally me right now. What is even worse....is I have searched all the Internet to find the song, and I'm not having any luck. I heard it today in church....Ive heard it a few times....I love the song.</div>
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The lyrics I know go like this, "I have joy....joy, unspeakable joy".....</div>
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Its such a beautiful song. </div>
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It totally is<em> my</em> heart. Because, well I do have<strong><em> unspeakable joy.</em></strong> </div>
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As a mother, I see life through this "motherly lense" I guess you could say.</div>
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I'm joyful because I have beautiful children. I have a wonderful husband. I'm healthy. We have great extended family. Fantastic friends. My God is good and I'm blessed. </div>
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You think about the tragedies in Boston last week, and you really start to re-evaluate your life. My heart has been heavy and my prayers have been with all those affected.</div>
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<strong>I'm thankful and just have<em> unspeakable joy.</em></strong></div>
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I hope you all know that you are loved. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Todays Look:</strong><br />
<strong>Blazer</strong>: <em>Tj Maxx</em>, <strong>Pink Shirt</strong>: <em>Kohls,</em> <strong>Jeans</strong>: <em>H&M,</em> <strong>Pink Shoes</strong>: <em>Old Navy</em>, <strong>Necklace</strong>: <em>Burlington Coat Factory</em></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-57209961309702542952013-04-18T13:25:00.002-07:002013-05-30T21:23:34.251-07:00...Lovely in Lavender...<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the beauty of fashion is that you can really make it your own. When I started this blog last year, it was really just to let moms know that you can still embrace your own style......even when you are a mother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always say that it is "9 months up, 9 months down" when it comes to being pregnant and regaining your pre-pregnancy shape. For me, that is a statement that holds true. It always feels really good to know all the butt-kicking I have done in the gym post-partum is really starting to pay off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were moments of frustration though, believe me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can remember after having Braylen (my second son), my husband and I were going through every pair of jeans in my closet.....trying to find a pair of pants to wear. NOTHING FIT!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I literally broke down and <em><strong>started to cry</strong></em>. I just remember thinking, <strong>why!!!!!!?</strong> It was frustrating that I had to continue to wear leggings and workout pants for 2 months post partum, maybe even longer. Sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is normal ladies.....and<strong><em> just know it takes time (and some hard-work). </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to encourage all you mommas out there today to give yourself time after having a baby....Just know your body will get there again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Your body may be a bit different, however.....you have just housed one of the most precious miracles, <strong><em>ever.</em></strong> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7deuEznvQKKmz_GU4pD1u_La4dFe_5Z85hHkRlkl2rEkWcv7KPwHdMgoaxZ-K1fRte80sFS3rB5XPJEssJ91-bUVX4Y62gADeSGWwIsMXJ6Dne_LwW9CItN5h7Ob8ZM4m2TL1f7Z1GvS/s1600/mecar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7deuEznvQKKmz_GU4pD1u_La4dFe_5Z85hHkRlkl2rEkWcv7KPwHdMgoaxZ-K1fRte80sFS3rB5XPJEssJ91-bUVX4Y62gADeSGWwIsMXJ6Dne_LwW9CItN5h7Ob8ZM4m2TL1f7Z1GvS/s640/mecar3.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavander jeans: H&M, Floral tank: Wet Seal, Jean Shirt: Marshalls (two different ones in each photo), Nude Pumps: Agaci</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249137637813416169.post-21129958109888148782013-04-17T11:25:00.002-07:002013-04-23T12:06:05.262-07:00.....Nerd Alert......<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJ3dEGDKcrVRLvndv539Bterh9Of9ZEPQCCSuBLmErALvfFdQ0PrxN_Kaiz_B7YzPBQlTUUrEAhpGhPOFFJJbhJWx2PTrc_NpPpBvkg3J85tin_IIyHcEtBixRCO8BUhJTk8EwnrSLB0O/s1600/nerdalert1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJ3dEGDKcrVRLvndv539Bterh9Of9ZEPQCCSuBLmErALvfFdQ0PrxN_Kaiz_B7YzPBQlTUUrEAhpGhPOFFJJbhJWx2PTrc_NpPpBvkg3J85tin_IIyHcEtBixRCO8BUhJTk8EwnrSLB0O/s640/nerdalert1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can remember when I was in fourth grade, my teacher at the time said that "being weird" was a good thing. She made me feel like it was okay to be me....because, well...I was weird. Weird-good that is, haha. It is amazing how when we have positive influences from an early age, it can really affect you. My parents were also very positive about letting me be who I was....and supporting me in all I did. </div>
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Since then, I've never been afraid to be me. I think that as a mother it is important to let your child embrace who they are. As far as I can tell, my two sons have very different personalities.....and I want them to know that they are free to be themselves. In fact, I want them to know that being unique is a <strong><em>GREAT </em></strong>thing. </div>
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As I have gotten older, I have stood even firmer on who I am and have gotten more comfortable in my own skin. Who wants to be normal? That's boring.</div>
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God made you YOU for a reason. </div>
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Don't be afraid to be who you are.....Channel your inner nerd today=-)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shirt</strong><em>: H&M</em>, <strong>Jeans:</strong><em> H&M</em>, <strong>Vest</strong>: <em>Forever 21</em>, <strong>Boots</strong>:<em> Kohls</em></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02915121128124815533noreply@blogger.com0