Insta Friday 9.28.12

Can you believe it is almost here?!  October!! We've been getting in to the spirit at our house.  My mom came to visit last week and we got started on our holiday planners.  My brainy idea to make and bind our own has turned in to a mighty large project but I'm excited for the finished results!

We have been stretching the pool thing as long as possible.  But these early fall days are so so gorgeous!  How cute are these cupcakes my friend Mandy made for her daughters birthday party?  We had our very last pool day on Wednesday and who would have thought, but yes you can get a little bit of a sunburn at the end of September!

With the start of school we made Friday night movie night.  Last week was Pirate night.  We made a whole party out of it.  My little girl is equal parts pirate and princess and she was enthralled the whole time. 

Red lips and sun flare make a Saturday afternoon at the park look far more glamorous than it is.

Its the end of the 24 day challenge this weekend!!! How have you been doing?  I have gotten back on track so its going really well around here.  I've got a little bit of motivation back seeing as my birthday is coming up soon.  I found Dave's Killer Bread at Costco the other day.  I might have yelped a little bit.  $6.99 for two loaves?!  That is just about half price my friends.  If you haven't had it yet, its time to say no to bread on drugs ;)

So I tried the coconut oil thing in your hair thing yesterday.  Somehow I think the washing it 5 times to not look like a grease monkey defeated the purpose.  It is softer though so next time I think I'll stick to the ends of my hair! 

Have you tried anything off pinterest lately?  Or are you trying something new this weekend?  I'd love to hear it.  Have a great weekend!

Halfway Point

Also the point where I tell you I am completely failing at my own challenge.  Here are three completely honest if it kills me things I've learned about myself so far from this 24 day challenge...

1.  I am not motivated by a pedicure in the slightest.  Not one little bit.  Nor am I motivated by trying to be better than someone else.  Turns out being vain and selfish isn't very inspiring.  

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Today I decided I was doing this for me only.  Being my best self has nothing to do with how much better my best self is than someone else's best self.  Ugh aren't those terrible thoughts?  That wasn't my intention when I came up with this challenge but I dwelled on it long enough that my thoughts turned that way.  You know how they say comparison is the thief of joy?  Well its true.  I already knew that but I let it take the joy out of this for me.  And yeah pedicures.  If I'm not motivated enough to get them any other time, it probably isn't going to be enough incentive to be tough.

*Lesson Learned- Positive thinking and not worrying about others is key.*

2.  The second thing I've discovered is that I don't have the willpower to make really yummy treats for the ladies I visit teach and not eat one.  Or even stop at one.

Source: bakersroyale.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

But seriously, brownie cookies?! I should have known better.   If you have to cheat, make it something that makes you really happy right?  Sorry if I haven't visit taught you yet.  I can't face another batch of these without giving in to the pressure, so you are going to have to have something store bought.  But know I don't think any less of you.  

*Lesson Learned- Baking is out for me. 

3.  Muscles are my motivation.  I like getting stronger and tougher.  I like buying workout clothes more than regular clothes. I will pick weights over cardio ANY day.   If you aren't sold on why strength training is important, this is an excellent article comparing the benefits of strength training and cardio.  I also love this list of 62 Fitness and Diet Rules . Both have helped me recommit myself to this dang thing.  That and I did pushups yesterday and I can't do near as many as I used to.

*Lesson Learned-Stick with what truly motivates you.

So if you needed a reset like me today would be a great day to do it.  Whether you've been rocking it or not its time to take measurements!  Or you can pass and wait till the end.  Either way we are halfway done!  I hope you are doing better than me. ;)

InstaFriday 9.14.12

Fall is beating down my door.  And try as I might I can't seem to get away from it.  The one thing that makes it being September already is that it is football season.  I love everything about it but I love the most snuggling up with Dtox to watch a game.

 September has also brought us go outside more weather, back to reality, a schedule and some good old fashioned silliness.

 The same day Ivy started kindergarten I also became a soccer mom.  And a dance mom.  And a busy mom.  D reminds me that I brought this on myself.  Ivy and I love it.  Before her first soccer game we had to have a serious talk about no cartwheels during the game.  

We had our first day of boot weather.  Even I couldn't resist.  But it was a one time deal.  I'm saving the rest for when its actually fall.  Next week BOO!  I finally busted out the canner today too.  We picked up peaches to do Monday and I got our first batch of applesauce done.  Yay for being domesticated and stuff!  

Have a great weekend!

An Asian Insprired Birthday Party

My friend Lindsay is amazing.  And amazing friends deserve big parties.  

An Asian themed dinner party is what we decided on and I love how it all came together.  A trip to the craft store for paper to make lanterns for decorations determined our colors would be turquoise and orange.  I love how the reversible colors show through on the lanterns.  The turquoise fringe was so pretty fluttering in the breeze. The fringe was made from plastic tablecloths.  {tutorial coming soon}  I know who would have thought.  Plastic!  Hmmmph.

Fresh cut flowers and confetti decorated the tables.  For the confetti I cut up a few different colors of tissue paper in to squares and we spread it on white tablecloths.  The same breeze making the garlands flutter, scattered a lot of our confetti but it just added to the party atmosphere.  Also on the table were  vellum chinese take out boxes with tea lights in them for a little bit of ...mood.  {I said that with a voice like Sebastian from the Little Mermaid}

I dip dyed coffee filters {tutorial coming soon} for the other garlands.  I love how they look like fans.  I also had some japanese lanterns from a different event that I got at Ikea to hang above the center of the tables.  

We had the party in our friends backyard. Isn't it gorgeous?!  The light is so amazing.   Thanks Mel for sharing such a perfect location! For dinner we served lettuce wraps, rice, and different chicken dishes to go with it.   I'm so grateful for party planning friends who like to feed people and took care of the food.  It was delicious!

Of course every party needs balloons.  Geronimo balloons are so fun and just make it that much more special.  I ordered mine from Balloon Bargains and got a 6 pack for $18 after shipping.   

The hit of the party had to be The Cake made by Mandy.  It was a Salted Caramel Six Layer Chocolate Cake.  Umm. to. die. for.  That's all I can say. If you want to wow em go for this cake.  I wish I had a better picture of it, but even that couldn't show you the fabulousness of it, and all the other desserts we had there.  

 Everything came together so perfect.  We even pulled off the surprise, which can be so hard to do.  Sometimes its hard to know if its really going to turn out like you hope and this was what I imagined and so much better!

Happy Birthday Lindsay!  Thanks for being such a swell gal so we could throw you a party!

The Five I Like {Healthy Recipe Blogs}

How's it going?  Did you survive the weekend?! I hope so!  I've been running to the bathroom every 10 minutes but I'm doing good!   So I promise this will be my last challenge post for a while!  

One of the difficult things about eating healthier is coming up with different ideas of food to eat!  And dinners that your whole family will eat! Here are five of my favorite websites to check out for new things to try.  I also love them for the loads of information about the whys and hows to be healthy!

Carrots and Cake

 This is a new one to me and a new favorite.  Its a little bit of everything from recipes to fitness tips and how to have a balanced life.  Just what we are striving for with our 24 day challenge!

Skinny Taste

Skinny Taste is the first healthy recipes blog I started checking out.  I love the lasagna roll ups!

Rabbit food for my bunny teeth

I love how pretty this blog is and her recipes are awesome!

How sweet It Is

This girl is funny and her photos make me want to eat it all, even if I don't like a single ingredient!

100 Days  Of Real Food

I mentioned this blog the other day.  She has SO much great information about eating unprocessed food and its geared towards feeding families.  

I hope you found some new sites to check out.  What are some of your go to's for new recipes?!

Its GO time! Plus a little motivation

Ok team.  Today's the day!  I hope you are ready cuz it's time to

On the way home from physical therapy this morning I turned on my jam.  The song that gets me absolutely pumped.  When I was running and this song came on my split was a minute faster.  I pushed it back far enough in my playlist so that I had to keep going if I wanted to hear it.  

Yep, there is something I love about Eminem that gets me pumped up and ready to rock.  So whether its Eminem or Carly Rae Jeppson.  Pump up your jam and get to it!  

I wanted to talk a little bit about motivation and what is going to keep you going through this challenge.  Cuz sugar withdrawl is no joke.  And you are going to want to eat those cute fall colored M&M's instead of pushing yourself while listening to Eminem.  This challenge is going to be hard mentally and we are going to have to be tough.

Source: pinkinmylife72.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Find something to motivate you.  From experience I think it needs to be more than just wanting to losing 3 pounds.  That is not going to give you willpower.    That is why I built "reward yourself with something awesome" in to the challenge.  An end goal can keep you going.  You are going to deserve something for sticking to your guns! I don't care if its big or little.  My only suggestion is don't reward yourself with food!  I think I'm going to get a pedicure.  Its something I always want but can never get myself to spend the money on.   Something that you wouldn't normally justify is a great idea. 

And it most definitely does not have to be something you spend money on.

Source: mycheapjobs.kickme.to via Jennifer on Pinterest

To discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are.  I love that.

Here are some sources of knowledge and inspiration if you need a little pick me up when the going gets tough...

Pinterest.  You can follow my MOVE board on pinterest or any others that you find.  I like to scroll through the health and fitness section {thats where I got all these great quotes.}  There are a lot of great Tumblr's out there too.

Follow athletes/companies/websites on facebook and twitter.  They will show up in your feeds with great advice, workouts, challenges and inspiration.  A few of my favorites are SHAPE magazine, The Greatist,  NikeWomen, NikeRunning, and Women's Health magazine.

Have a more long term goal.  Find a race, and figure out how to make it happen.   Make a fitness bucket list and post it on your fridge or the door to your pantry.  It will be a visual reminder of what you want to accomplish and maybe steer you away from that snack you were in search of.  I've got my Glow Run number stuck up on my bathroom wall to help motivate me in the morning.
  

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

So now you have your source of motivation.  Your goal is to be healthier in 24 days.  I'm excited to hear about how it goes.  I'm your biggest cheerleader, right here.  If you need an extra fist bump let me know.  I'll be posting more inspiration and fitness stuff as we get going.  I could go on and on with information and things to help you so just ask here or on my facebook page and I'll help you out!

 In the meantime I'll just be over here.  With my headache, and cravings, waiting for them to pass ;)

PS.  I rocked it today.  I hope you did too!  

Get Set. 24 Day Challenge Starts Tomorrow!

Ok guys.  I'm so pumped that we are in this together!  Before we get started I do want to say that I am not a doctor or a professional so please don't take what I say as the official word on being healthy.  I've just learned what has worked for me and wanted to challenge myself to get back on track and thought it would  be fun to do it with my friends. Are you ready?!

I'm going to go through the ground rules and details of the 24 day challenge.  It is really easy to explain.  BE HEALTHY.  Thats it.   For 24 days we are going to be the healthiest we can possibly be.  There are only 4 things we have to do.  They are simple, but sometimes its the simplest things that are the hardest.  So if your ready lets...

The first rule is most likely going to be the hardest for almost all of us.  But it is going to make the biggest difference.  And really it will be what makes or breaks it for me and you.  

Ummm... I don't know how to say this strongly enough.  But here is a little tough love.  WE ARE NOT GOING ON A DIET!!  Eating clean isn't "a diet" it is a lifestyle change.  It is changing your diet.  Diet as in the food that you eat.  Not I'm going on this new diet called the clean diet.  

It isn't rocket science.  We all know what we need to do.  Its just the actually doing it that is hard.  

Eat healthy food.  Eat food that is good for you.  That's all there is to it.    A great website with a whole lot of information and ideas for you is 100 Days of Real Food.  Here is a general idea of what eating clean is...

Remove any processed or refined foods from your diet.  This includes but is not limited to anything made with white flour or sugar.  

Don't rely on packaged food.  If you are buying food from the store and it is in a package make sure that there are 5 ingredients or less.

Buy local as much as you can.  It is the height of garden season so getting fresh vegetables and fruits should be fairly easy.

The obvious would be to stay away from candy, ice cream, baked goods and those things that are yummy but you know aren't good for you.  

Eat 5 small meals a day. Depending on how active you are and your  goals, each meal should be around 300 calories.  If you are really active shoot for between 300 and 400 calories per meal.  Since exercise is part of the challenge, please don't starve yourself.  You need to eat for fuel.  1500 calories should be the minimum you eat in a day.  To help you get a good feel for how many calories you are eating use some kind of calorie counter like MyFitnessPal. 

Does that about cover it for eating clean?  If you have any questions feel free to ask me or google. 

**DISCLAIMER**  If you feel like you need to go on "a diet" or some other program to help jumpstart you to eating clean, then feel free.  I personally don't agree with anything that says I can't eat something that I know is healthy.  And I'm a firm believer in not taking any kind of weight loss pill/shake/anything.   I could go on and on about that but here is my one thought for you.  I know that you want results quick and easy, but how much more satisfaction would you get from knowing that any results you see are from your very own hard work and determination?  Yes its going to take longer.  But my guess is your results will last longer. 

Moving on...

Ok this one is not so complicated.  Drink 80+ ounces of water a day.  Drinking out of the same cup or water bottle that you know how much it holds will help you keep track.  No soda, juice or alcohol please, just good ole water to wet your whistle.   Next up...

Again pretty straight forward.  Sleeping 8 hours {or more if you are lucky} is really good for you.  So we are going to do it.  

And last but not least, my favorite!

You gotta do it.  You need to sweat for at least 30 minutes every day.  Rest on Sunday.   There are so many resources out there to help you get going.  Buy the 30 day shred or hit the road running.  I don't really care as long as you are moving.  And secretly I will be insanely jealous that you can and I can't.  I'll be doing strength training and working on getting my knee better.  If you are already on the exercise wagon, then switch it up.  Add strength training or a yoga class.  Push yourself to do something new.  Some of my favorite programs are free and so awesome.   BodyRock.tv is amazing.  Twelve  minute workouts that kick your butt every day.  I love the Nike Training Club app.  I'm pretty sure it is on android and iOs.  Again I could go on and on.  Let me know if you want a full list! 

I think that about covers it for ground rules.  There are just one more disclaimer {also known as my personal opinion},   and then you can go and get set.  Kick off is tomorrow!! 

**DISCLAIMER** This challenge is not the see how skinny I can get in 24 days challenge.  Or the see how much weight I can lose in 24 days challenge.  This is the see what happens if I am the healthiest I can be for 24 days challenge.  It will make all the difference if you shift your thinking away from feeling like you are depriving yourself of something when you pass on a cupcake or soda.  Focus on the positive changes you are making and how hard you are working toward your goal and you won't miss that cupcake I promise!   

The Ruffled Sunshine 24 Day Challenge

Who needs a challenge?  Are you up for one? Because I have one for you.

Here's the thing.  I've quite literally kicked my own butt trying to get in shape for the past year.  I know its a constant work in progress and sometimes I need a goal, some kind of "thing" to keep me motivated.  My knee injury has got me down BIG time.  {I tore my mcl surfing six weeks ago if you hadn't heard.  I know super bummed.}  I need a new "thing" to help me get out of this funk.    So I came up with a 24 day challenge to push myself.    

 I've grabbed a couple girlfriends who were looking for a bit of a challenge as well.  We are gonna rock it and then we are gonna party.  Sound like something you are intererested in?!

Good.  I've got a game plan to help us out...   

Today is September 4th.  We will officially start on September 6th.  That way we end on the 30th all nice and tidy like.  I'm also giving us a couple of days to get our game plan in motion.  Today your assignment is fairly easy.  

Ugh.  The moment of truth.   It has got to be done though.  I'd also suggest taking a before picture so you can physically see what changes occur!  I made a measurements sheet so you can easily keep track of your stuff and compare notes at the end.  

You can download your measurement sheet HERE.  Then print it out and write down your measurements in the day one column Yeah, you have to weigh yourself too.  To find out your body fat percentage just google body fat percentage calculator and fill in the info and it will spit out the number for you.  From experience doing all this really does help make it all more real.  

Ok.  Thats probably enough for one day.  I'd love to hear from you if you are going to join me!  Get your measurements done and I'll be back tomorrow to help us get set.  I'll give you ALL the details then.   Kick off is Thursday so get ready to rock it!