TGIF! Am I right? whew that was a longgggggg week!

Todays Word of the Day: Joyful

Todays Mantra: Head up, Shoulders back, Heart Open.

Morning Bootycall: A very foggy walk at 6:30am with Lulu, it was creepy and freezing!

BE FIT Challenge: Cardio: Fly me to the moon……………..I went back to 24hour and got back on the bike, I can control the resistance and use the RPM’s to kind of gauge how much intensity I am doing.  I then proceded to do another leg and booty day and did my own workout out.

BE FIERCE Challenge: Sing your heart out…………………..I was singing while I was doing my cardio workout today, and I sing in the car all day erryday cause its just fun! I love playing name that tune too!

BE Fabulous Challenge: Make your home a happy haven……………………..I love the color purple and grey so I try and incorporate those colors all over my home.  I recently just got essential oils and just started using them! OMG what a great and uplifting way to make your house smell good with out using toxic candles or sprays. I am big on photos and scrapbooking so whenever I get a great photo I have to frame it immediately because I hang them up everywhere! I am very into refinishing furniture it is a hobby of mine and I love making things look vintage and old even if it is old I give it an older farmhouse look.  I love the creams, beiges and off whites, I cant get enough of them! To me for my home to feel like a haven, I have to have photos and decor that I typically make for that season, I have to have some sort of smelly good and everythign has to be matchy.  I dont like clutter so cleanliness is a must.  Here is a couple photos of my fall arrangements that I made last year. I absolutley love them! This is also my collage wall and some of my vintage furniture that I have made or refinished myself. 

Fab Food Of the Day: Cacao (aka chocolate) full of antioxidants, chocolate can make you feel good! Raw cacao is even better to get the full benefits of this amazing superfood.

And because I went to Ross today to look for some Stance socks because my sock game is always on point! I saw this little shirt for Lulu and i could not resist! It is just too cute!

 

Have a great night y’all and dont forget to set your alarms for your morning workout!

 

-Cheers!

Happy throwback Thursday!  Here is a throwback photo from earlier this summer Hiking in Alaska on the Russian River. Such a fairytale land!

Todays Word of the Day: Forgiving

Todays Mantra: Letting go of grudges  sets me free.

Morning Bootycall: Long walk  with Lulu in the drizzle and chilly fall air!

BE FIT Challenge: Full body toning- Bombshell Bonanza…………….  I really liked this workout it was fun and quick! The circuits didn’t feel like a lifetime and the movements complimented each other.  I also went into 24 hour fitness today and I did 30 minutes on the stepmill.  I usually do a little longer but I had little Lulu with me in the car and I didnt want to leave her in there too long. I have been a member at 24 hour fitness for just about a week now and I am slowly feeling at home there.  I am used to cushy fancy health clubs so it is definitly taking some time to get used to.  Not that 24 isnt nice but it just doesnt quite feel like home yet.  I will get there eventually.

BE FIERCE Challenge: Call A Truce……………………….. I have released the old grudges I have held on for years! Oh gosh I have had some disagreements with old roommates, problems with friends and so on.  You get it, everyone has drama and anger and arguements sometimes.   Well today I decided that the people who I cant stand the most, I am just going to forgive them.  I could go on and on with horrible stories but I wont bore you with my life stories haha.  The secret to Forgiveness is to remember that we are all perfectly imperfect and we are all doing the best we can with the resources that we have.   I am filling my heart with love and releasing the judgement and negativity I am holding on to and I am moving on!  It may not mean that what happened was okay but keeping your heart open is healthy and will keep you happy.

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Let It Slide………………………….. Dont sweat the little things. For example if your sweet heart leaves all his clothes on the floor pick them up and just put them in the laundry. No biggie right?!  Or does he leave his dishes everywhere? Well it doesnt hurt to just pick them up and put them in the dishwasher.  You probably do things that drive him crazy too.     All day today I just let everything go. The things that are annoying or irritating that usually just set me off, I just ignored them or let it slide.  More often than not I am too worried about everything, I get easily maddened, and I get fired up from being impatient.   This challenge was good for me because I learned to be a little more patient and not worry about every little thing being perfect or just the way I want it.

Fab Food Of the Day: Fennel…………………………..Well this is one funky flavor but just like today I am going to let it slide, I will make this brussels sprouts and fennel salad when I hit the store in a couple days. I have neve been a fan of fennel flavored things but I will try this!

Well thats all folks!  Talk to you tomorrow!

-Cheers!

Hey girls, and guys if there are any men reading this.

Today I had an interview at the country club here in Fort Collins.  I think it went well so we will see what happens! I should know by monday they said!

Todays word of the day: Accepting

Todays Mantra: I flow easily with everything that comes my way. 

Morning Bootycall: walk with my girl Lulu.  I had an evening bootycall today too I took her on another mile long walk/jog.

BE FIT Challenge: HIIT: Rev up and Rock out!………… yeah buddy this one made me sweat!

BE FIERCE Challenge: Be Where You Are………………..take the challenges as they come.   Resist the frustration or anger when something arises.   Find something that you can tell yourself that will help you accept what is happening. Like a Mantra! Here are a few of my favorite. below!

So something that happened to me today, Ive been talking about finding a job recently.  I keep getting phone calls……. Today was a gym in Greeley which is sorta a long commute but if it was full time I might consider it.  However she wanted me to come in for an interview for a position that was less than 20 hours a week! EEEKKKK! that was frustrating and hard telling someone thank you for calling and being interested in me but I am really looking for something full time and to make it worth my while to drive out there everyday it would have to be full time.  (DEEP BREATHS) I was a little upset because that is the third job that has contacted me and they either want me to work both days on the weekends which I am done doing that.  I did that all through high school and college. NO MORE WEEKEND JOBS! Anyway I have to keep telling myself these things below.

• I will figure this out, I always do.
• This is challenging, but Ive worked my way through bigger challenges than this.
• Everything that happens is here to teach me something valuable that will make me stronger, wiser, deeper.

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Make Peace with ALL Your Parts……………..Todays mission was to accept my gorgeous body with all its beautiful curves and features. So here it is ” I AM FABULOUS JUST THE WAY I AM!”  Thats right I am!       This is something you need to accept! Your so called flaws do not matter and if you cant change them, why worry about them?  Your imperfections are what make you unique and all that more interesting and BE-YOU-TIFUL!  YOU’RE and incomparable knockout, babe. Own it!

Here’s a little love from ME!

I have a confession.  I have cellulite.  Yes those icky dimply lumps and bumps on my rear end and back of my thighs.  I cant remember when I didnt have them actually.  This is something that a lot of women have, whether they’re in amazing shape or not.  I am always working towards an amazing booty and great legs but no matter how many deadlifts or squats and lunges I do. They still dont go away.  Does it help yes! But they are still there. I have learned to work with what I got. I use self tanners and I just recently started dry brushing which is supposed to really help!   No one is perfect and who is defining perfect anyway?!   I used to be really self consious about it because I was afraid of what people would think.  Like “she is in really good shape and yet she has a dimply bum.” Well now I just dont give a hoot! I love wearing my lululemon speed short shorts in the many colors that I own.  Adding a little bit of self acceptance goes a long way and sometimes its best to just say “SO WHAT?” So Flaunt your stuff, no matter what and take it from me, if someone is judging you thats there own darn problem! Wear those cute short shorts and put on that sexy bikini and rock it! You are healthy, and in shape and taking the best care of yourself. If anyone has anything to say about a lump on the back of your thigh then they just dont get it!

“Today is the youngest you’ll ever be and the oldest you’ve ever been. So right now is the time to wear a fricken’ bikini! In 20 years, you’ll look back and wish you’d done it, so why wait!”

Fab Food of the Day: Chia Seeds…………….These tiny little black seeds are high in omega 3s as well as fiber and other great stuff! They treat your intestines like an internal cleaning crew! Add them to smoothies to help thicken them and even a small amount is super filling.   I like to add them to oatmeal too!

Tips and Tricks:  Chia seeds tend to get stuck between your teeth so it would be best to check that gorgeous smile of yours before you go anywhere.

 

Happy Terrific Tuesday or taco Tuesday which ever one you prefer… I personally prefer tacos! Haha. Here is my day in a nut shell!

Word of the day: Generous 

Todays Mantra: I give openly and freely from my heart.

Morning Bootycall: 1.5 mile walk with my girl Lulu! sucha  wonderful time to reflect and enjoy thr early morning fresh air.

BE FIT Challenge: Cardio: Fly Me to the Moon…….Whew this was a good one.  I got an exercise bike today which I dont normally do because I mountain bike and thats better to me.  However, it was super windy and chilly today so I went to 24 and hopped on a bike.  It surprised me how easily I could track my effort.  I used the RPM #’s to help guage my 1-10 intensity/ effort.  I also used the resistance at around 12-14 which was pretty good for the max effort sprints! When I was done with the cardio workout I added in a few more booty blasting, leg destroying movements to finish off the hour there.  Here is a check in photo of my happy silly self at 24 after my workout today.  (FYI I do not know how to pose or anything so i usually look like a goober) OH And HOLY WHITENESS! I NEED SUN! 

Baby Biceps are coming in! EWW look at the blog on the mirror in front of my eye!

BE FIERCE Challenge: Give it up………………..I went to sephora today to get my birthday present and a few samples of some new charcoal masks.  There was a woman there who seemed flustered and she was behind me in line.   I not purchasing anything, was just waiting for my free gift so I told her to go in front of me and she gave me the sweetest smile and thanked me.   I also held open the door for a group of girls leaving the gym today.

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Share your Favorite Tone it Up recipe……………….Okay so this is not a tone it up recipe but it is paleo and it is to die for! I am in love with Danielle Walkers- Against All Grain Cookbooks,  I make her Real Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies literally ALL THE FREAKING TIME! It is soooo extremely hard not to eat the whole batch all at once. Try these and you will see how addicting they really are.    Here is the recipe for all you beautiful babes out there!

Against All Grain By Danielle Walker this recipe can be found in her books Against all Grain, Meals Made Simple, On her Blog, and on her App called The Cookery.  I have them all and they have wonderful paleo recipes!

REAL DEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 

Paleo, gluten free, dairy free, nightshade free

12 mins to cook

15 mins to prep

12 servings per recipe

Nutrition info: Per serving (one serving = one cookie)

Calories: 177       Total Fat: 12g        Saturated Fat: 2g      Monosaturated Fat: 6g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g       Trans Fat: 0g    Cholesterol: 16mg  Sodium: 170mg   Potassium: 128mg    Total Carbohydrate: 5g   Dietary Fiber: 3g     Sugars: 10g     Protein: 5g   Vit A, Vit C, Calcium, and Iron.

Ingredients:

Palm shortening 1/4 cup

Coconut palm sugar 1/4 cup

honey 2 tablespoons

eggs,room temp 1 large

vanilla 2 teaspoons

Blanched Almond Flour 1-1/2 cups

Coconut Flour 2 tablespoons

baking soda 1/2 teaspoon

sea salt 1/2 teaspoon

dark chocolate pieces (chop up dark chocolate bar-dairy and sugar free chocolate) 1/4 cup

Chocolate chips (dairy and sugar free) 1/4 cup

Method: 

You’ll need a cookie sheet, spatula, food processor, and parchment paper.

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In food processor cream palm shortening, coconut sugar, honey, egg and vanilla for about 15 seconds until smooth and flufyy.
3. Add almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and sea salt and mix again until combined , about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed in order to incorporate all the flour. Pulse once or twice.
4. Stir in chocolate chips by hand.
5. Place golfball sized balls of dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or SilPat.  Using another sheet of parchment on top of dough and flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand or spatula.  The cookies dont spread much so create the size and thickness you want prior to baking them.
6. Bake for 9-12 minutes until slightly golden around the edges.
7. Enjoy!

Here is a lovely photo of how some of my cookies I made recently turned out!

Fab Food of the Day: Berries…………berries symbolize abundance and today you have so much to give!  Berries are high in antioxidants (especially blueberries) as well as high fiber digestive helpers.  Strawberries in particular have been shown to do good for your big and giving heart.      Today I had some strawberries with my breakfast!

Grocery Store Tip:  Even if berries are in season and on sale this time of year, make sure to stock up on organic frozen berries, or even buy tons or organic berries, wash them, dry them, and them freeze them in freezer safe baggies. This will help when you want a smoothie and dont have fresh berries on hand.  Plus frozen berries make your smoothie nice and cold and icey almost!

 

Happy Monday y’all!

Wow I was sleepy this morning after a couple of late nights on the weekend I am beat! The Premier and birthday shenanigans were totally worth it though! I am such a lucky girl!

Todays word of the day: Present 

Todays Mantra: Today I am awake and aware, moment by moment.

Okay so here are my measurements: Arms- 10inches, Waist-25inches, Thigh-20 inches,Booty-35 inches.  I am a little bloated and am holding a lot of water weight because of all the goodies I had for my birthday this weekend.  Yikes I am back on track today! Week three here I come!

Morning Bootycall: One mile brisk walk with Lulu.

BE FIT Challenge: Bombshell Bonanza, I am headed to 24 hour fitness soon to get some cardio in and then I am coming home to do this!

BE FIERCE Challenge: Live in the moment………….take in whats going on all around you and enjoy the little things. Stay in the right here right now and not thinking about the past.   I will enjoy today for what it is.  I am going to workout, cook a healthy meal, and work on getting a job.

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Do a new ‘Do!………….thats right change up your hairstyle just for today!……………I think I will try a fishtail braid on the side. I usually have really straight hair without even trying but my hair is also very long like almost past my butt sooooo I will give it a go!

Fab food of the day: Miso…………Okay so since I am paleo I typically stay away from soybeans and all types of products made from beans.  I try to get good enzymes through supplementation and probiotics for healthy digestion and good gut flora.  I may try it someday but not today.

On another note, my sister is a graphic designer and I have asked her to design me a logo for my blog.  Here are just a few she has come up with.  Let me know what you think in the comment box so I can choose a good logo!  

 

 

 

Okay I am almost caught up!

 

Todays word of the day: Calm

Todays Mantra: I am at peace.

Morning bootycall: I slept in and enjoyed family before they left.

BE FIT Challenge: Active Rest DAY!!!…………… I actually ended up doing Saturdays Shred and Shine because I missed it so I made Saturday my active rest day and did the workout on Sunday instead.

BE FIERCE Challenge:  Do NOTHING!…………I relaxed all day and I slept in until 8. I then built a little dog door for lulu in the window downstairs .  I call her the window dog!  I also went to the global premier of The Fourth Phase which is a Travis Rice snowboarding movie.  We got free tickets to see it at the drive in movie theatre and it was a nice relaxing evening in the fluffy blanket and pillow nest we made in the back of the jeep!

• My favorite way to relax is to sleep in and cuddle all morning, then I like to read with a cup of tea.   In the summer I love laying on the porch with ice tea, a book and some coconut oil to help soak up those rays! Winter time I love to binge watch netflix shows with the man and some popcorn.  We don’t do it often because we are usually snowboarding or something outside but we love to snuggle and enjoy some snacks!

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Take a Nighttime Tech Detox..………… put down your phone, close the computer, etc.  Well that was kind of hard to do because we went to the premier but other than that me and Corbin are pretty good about not having technology on 24/7 we don’t have tv all we have are phones and computers which we are not on that much.   We take pride in the fact that we do not rely on tech to keep us entertained.

Fab food of the day: Walnuts………. extremely good for you, walnuts contain omega 3s which has anti-inflammatory properties, Walnuts also have been known to help the body respond well to stress.

Magical Monday here I come!

-Cheers!

 

Hello all!             HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Hahaha anyway! I had an awesome day my I indulged a little and enjoyed myself! We went to this wonderful breakfast place called the Silver Grill in town and we had a large cinnamon roll to share, I also got a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice! YUM, I had eggs and ham and some water and it was a great breakfast! We then hung out at my place and my family came over and my bestie Rachael and we had burgers and homemade salsa and green Chili!     My mother was so sweet and got me a diffuser and a bunch of essential oils from doTerra and a Essential oils book! Corbins mom got me a lovely genuine wool scarf from Edinburgh Scotland and it is gorgeous! She also got me a mandolin! Yippe! sweet Potato fries here we come! Then me, my mom, Rachael, and Corbin all went to the CSU vs UW football game and had loads of fun as Alumni! My mother brought  Halo Top Birthday Cake Icecream and a delish carrot cake! Yummy!

Word of the Day: Light 

Todays Mantra: I am free, clear, and light. 

Morning Bootycall:  Morning walk with Lulu before the family woke up!

BE FIT Challenge: Shred and Shine……………. I will confess I am doing this one on Sunday.   Today is my active rest day instead.

BE FIERCE Challenge:  Declutter your life to declutter your mind.…………..I ended up doing this on thursday before the family came over I even made a box of things to donate! I cleared out bathroom cabinets I cleared out some shoes and some old clothes, I even cleared out my desk and crafting table!

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Exfoliate for extra glow!………………….I do not have coffee at my house so I couldn’t do this one but I have my own exfoliator and I used it on face and body! I am also putting a dry brush on my list of things to buy next at Ulta!

Here are a few pictures from my birthday! 

 

Okay now on to sunday!

 

Cheers!

 

 

Wow this weekend has been a whirl wind of family fun! I am so sorry I didn’t get to post Friday and Saturday But I promise I will get all caught up before Monday!

Okay so Friday,………….

Word of the day: Reflective 

Todays Mantra: All I need to know comes from within.

Morning booty call: I didn’t get one in this morning because I had an early hair appointment but I did get my daily walk with Lulu later on in the day.

BE FIT Challenge: Cardio:  Summertime Sizzle.……………….since I now have a gym membership to 24 and access to a treadmill this cardio interval was awesome! I really enjoyed how it pushed me to sprint even when I didnt want to.

BE FIERCE Challenge: Rewind to move forward………………………Journal these questions.

1. How do I feel in my body today?………….I am enjoying my days more because I have something each day to look forward to.  I look at myself and I am proud because I am doing something for me. I feel confident and happy about how I feel in my body.
2. What improvements have I seen in how I look and feel?…………..I feel lighter, less bloated, more energized, I see that I am slimming down even more which is awesome! I see that my legs are getting leaner from all the cardio and I feel overall great about the progress.
3. What is most on my mind today?  What am I feeling?……………..I think the thing that is most on my mind today is the fact that its my birthday tomorrow and we are going to have a nice time together as a family. I am feeling blessed and thankful to have such a loving family.
4. How has the way I think and feel about myself changed since day one?…………Well I feel more motivated and I feel better about myself, I know that I am working towards a better me and I think at day one I was feeling a bit upset that I had taken such a long break from heavy lifting in the gym.  Even though I have stayed active I always feel great after a heavy leg day!
5. Which of the BE FIT, BE FIERCE, BE FABULOUS challenges did I like the most? ………….I liked the wear a new outfit and the wear some lipstick one. I also liked the summertime sizzle workout a lot.
6. What are my biggest triumphs so far on this program?………………. I would say consistency in writing my blog and sticking to a book each day! I am inspired by all the awesome stuff I read and see online and in the book.
7. What was most challenging for me?………………….. making the recipes,  I have a hard time making them because I don’t have all the ingredients or it does not sound like something I would eat, like tofu! YUCK!   I am a great paleo cook and I stick to that and what I know!
8. How can I overcome that challenge?………… read recipe and add to my grocery list for that week in advance.  Not day to day.
9. What do I want most to happen next?…………….I want to get a little more leaner and a little more toned and gain even more strength.  I would like to stick to my regiman of blogging each day( ahahah except for my bday weekend) oops!

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Get a Little Bubble Therapy!…………….. Every mermaid deserves a hot bath!    I used my favorite all natural hand made Bubble Bar scented Yoga Sunrise, from a local store in town called Salus Body Care! I love them and I also used a muscle tension and relief Epsom salt bath soak added to the bubble bath to soothe sore muscles and ease away tension and stress.

Fab Food Of the Day:  Hemp Seeds………….. Protein packed hemp seeds are great for putting on your salads our soups and have amazing properties that help with skin, nails and hair!  I added these to my grocery list this week and I am going to make the hemp seed salad!

Okay now on to saturday!

 

Cheers!

Corbins parents are coming to town tomorrow and I have been cleaning and scrubbing away like a mad woman!  They house is now sparkling and I don’t want cook or touch anything haha but thats not possible so I am going to have to make something simple.  I also went to 24 hr fitness today for the first time and I did a leg day instead of the Magical mermaid moves that  I was supposed to do today.

Word of the Day: Empowered

Todays mantra: Taking care of myself matters, both for me and for others. 

Morning Booty Call:  A nice long walk with Lulu the little wolf.

BE FIT Challenge: Full Body Toning: Magical Mermaid Moves……………today instead I did a full body and leg day at 24 hour fitness and ended up getting a membership because I was in desperate need of a gym that I could go to.  I may end up doing one set of each move just to say I did the moves today ! That might sound silly but even though I got a good workout in I still want to make sure I am keeping up with the program!

BE FIERCE Challenge: Put YOU First……………………..build your nonnegotiable list for putting yourself first. This is a daily checklist of the things you absolutely should not neglect each day.

Shayla’s Daily Nonnegotiable’s

• Getting a workout or some sort of physical activity every day is really important to me, it helps me feel my best and keeps me happy. 
• Eating healthy meals and preparing healthy meals for myself each day 
• A good hearty breakfast! I think Id pass out if I didn’t get my breakfast each morning.  
• Time to read each day. Whether that a romance novel or something educational, I love reading and try to get it in every single day. 
• Morning Tea! No coffee for me….. ick! 
• Quality time with my man and my dog.  
• Freshly made bed and clean house each day

Honestly I could keep going, I have a lot of things that I like to get done every single day.  These are some of the main things that keep me feeling centered and empowered each and every day.

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Pack a Lip- Smacking Punch……………Today I sported my Urban Decay Sheer Lipstick in the shade F-Bomb. Its a subtle red but does the job! I even did my makeup all natural rose hued nude shades which really made my eyes and lips POP!  Lulu is sleeping on my lap at the moment and I woke her up for her selfie wit me haha.

Fab Food of the Day: Leafy Greens…………… From kale to arugula, leafy greens are nutrient power bombs! They alkalize your body, cleanse your digestive system, and fuel workouts!  Nourish your body everyday with dark leafy greens and watch it transform!

 

 

Anddddddddd… the search continues,  I went into the country club today to fill out some paper work, the manager had contacted me and asked me to come in! Heres to my fingers crossed!

 

Word of the Day: Creative

Todays Mantra: I am an awe-inspiring ARTIST!

Morning Booty Call: 1.5 mile fast paced walk with little Lulu

BE FIT Challenge: HIIT: Shred and Shine.………………I love fast paced HIIT workouts! This one was lots of fun and incorporated every muscle of the body! Completed two rounds of the circuit in 26 minutes and 30 seconds.

BE FIERCE Challenge: Awaken you inner artist……… this one I do not have a problem doing! I an miss crafty artsy fartsy woman! I love all things arts and crafts.   Today I worked on my never ending scrapbook! I am working on photos from Alaska right now and it is so much fun being creative and coming up with cool designs for each page I make! Another one of my hobbies that I really enjoy is refinishing furniture and selling it, orrrrrr in some cases I end up loving it too much and end up keeping it.  Either way I end up with awesome real furniture and sometimes some extra cash in my pocket!  Win Win for me!

BE FABULOUS Challenge: Have some fun with your closet…………………. create 5 new looks accessories and all by digging through your closet.       I am going to have to do this one in the morning, I was cooking and grocery shopping and cleaning my mountain bike today and I didn’t have time to.  I will show pictures of the outfits I chose tomorrow!

Fab food of the day!: Pomegranates…………… good for the heart, skin, and immune system. Pomegranates are associated with fertility and new beginnings.  You can add these seeds to your salad, greek yogurt, or a smoothie and even enjoy them on their own!