Sunday, January 31, 2016

Sunday Fashion Fun-Day: New Sweats!

This weekend the hubby and I finally spent our Sportchek gift cards (Christmas present) and made some upgrades to our workout wardrobes! Here is my favorite new item:


These might be, by far the comfiest pair of sweatpants I've ever owned. They are soo soft, lightweight, and incredibly warm. They have the perfect waistband, a drawstring for even better fit, as well as cinched elastic legs. Although they were a little pricey for a simple pair of sweats, these Nikes are a dream and you should feel incredibly jealous that you aren't lazing around in a pair right now! 
-Linds

Friday, January 29, 2016

New Moves!

Although I haven't been practicing on my headstand daily anymore, I am still making strides in progress since my overall fitness has improved. Here are some of my new headstand moves:
(January 29, 2016)

I have so much more confidence in maintaining my core strength throughout the transitions! It's thrilling that less than a year ago I couldn't even put my legs in the air! 
-Linds

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The Little Things

After going through a rough week and a half, I think it's about time I give myself-as well as all of you readers- a little reminder not to forget to appreciate all the little joys in life. There is beauty all around us, especially in the breaking clouds after a heavy storm....

Never stop looking up!
-Linds 


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Play For A Cause!

Last Saturday Mark and I played in a co-ed 6s volleyball fundraiser tournament hosted by Doan Nguyen! It was held at Harry Jerome Sports Complex (the big dome up on Burnaby Mountain) and the "Play For A Cause" event raised $1100.00 that was donated to Doctors Without Borders.

Here are some photos that were taken by bystanders at the tournament:
(Me-setting)

(Dan-blocking)

(Ryan-blocking)

(Me-roll shot)

(Mark & Dan-blocking)

(Mark & Dan-blocking)

(Me-setting)

(Dan & Ryan-blocking)

(Dan & Ryan-blocking)

(Me & Dan-blocking)

(Me & Dan-blocking)

Nothing beats getting to do something you love, as well as supporting a good cause at the same time!
-Linds

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Relationships

Today I have something that is pretty difficult for me to talk about: Relationships....relationships in a negative way.

I have recently lost two very close girl friends and it only took about 10 minutes. No they didn't pass away in some tragic accident (that would be unbearable), but I did lose them nonetheless.

I had two very close girl friends who I have been close with for about the last 5 years. At times we were closer than others, but overall, I had a bond with each of them that I cherished. Sadly, I recently learned that both of those two girlfriends betrayed me in a way that I cannot seem to wrap my head around. They did/said things that were so beyond crossing the line that I can barely stand to think about it.

I am hurt....I am angry...I am embarrassed, frustrated, confused...... I am so many things, and I can barely seem to get any clarity, let alone try to get over it. My hubby is working with me tirelessly to help me overcome my emotional/mental dilemma, but I know myself pretty well, and this will be something that will effect any/all of my future relationships. I will never be the same person I was before these friends hurt me the way that they did.

Maybe it was naïve of me to think that friendships can last forever, but I really thought I had found people who cared for me as much as I for them, and who would prioritize me the same way I would them. I was wrong. I am wrong.

Never underestimate the power of untold stories being told way to late, lapses in judgment that cannot be taken back, or hateful words laced with a simmer of positive intention.

-Linds


Progress

If you've taken any time to skim over any of my previous posts from my blog over the last couple months, you'll realize pretty quickly that I've become very eager about fitness. So I will warn you, yes, this will be another fitness post, but I promise, just a quick one.

I have been using Fitness Blender for about 10 months total now (before I broke my foot last summer), and have been working out 5-6 days a week consistently for the last 3.5 months (since recovering from my broken foot). I am proud to announce that I am back down to, not only my pre-fracture weight, but my pre-BCIT weight (i.e. before I was stuck at school for 10 hours a day and doing nothing but sitting on my butt studying in my spare time). 

Yes, I am well aware my weight still fluctuates from day to day, as well as my body shape, however I am now consistently under 145lbs (instead of 155lbs), usually somewhere around 142, and on a really good day about 138lbs. I have also toned up immensely and I am so excited to share my most recent progress picture:

(Left: August 7/15; Right: January 14/16)

I am well aware that the lighting in the photo is helping me out a little bit, but nonetheless, I am just so overjoyed with my progress. Every day I am amazed at what my body can do, and really, that's the most rewarding thing for me. It's not necessarily the lbs lost, or the flatter tummy, but the fact that I am now able to work with 20lb dumbbells for some exercises instead of just my 5lbs - 10lbs. I feel happier, healthier, stronger, and better than ever!


If you haven't already I urge you to get moving! It does wonders for motivation in the type of life you can lead!
-Linds

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Sunday Fashion Fun-Day: Vance Joy

On Wednesday my friend, Vanessa, and I went downtown to the Orpheum Theatre where we got to see Vance Joy! My third concert of my entire life! It was a total blast. I had no idea what to expect going in to it but, the music was right up my alley! By far this has been my favorite concert to date! 

Here's my outfit plus some more photos from the night:


  





And a video as well:


What has been your favorite concert?
-Linds 

Friday, January 15, 2016

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my sweet Mr. Captain Axel! 
(Presents for Captain!) 


He is two years old today! 
-Linds 

Monday, January 11, 2016

Proper Form Is Priority

Lately I've been finding myself more and more aware of whether or not my form is lacking during my workouts. I have no problem pushing myself through brutal cardio and HIIT routines but when it comes to lifting weights I feel relatively inexperienced. I find I keep having to watch myself in the mirror to see if my form looks the same as in the Fitness Blender videos, and even with the help of the small mirror I have, I still find myself questioning whether I really am working my muscle groups in the proper method.  I'm slowly learning that proper form is far more important that lifting heavier so I'm really going to try hard to best educate myself over the next little while. 

I decided to start with something simple, ie only body weight involved. Here is my plank:


I give myself a 3/5 for this one based on the following points: 
-straight line from head to toe -almost (butt needs to be a touch lower) 
-elbows under shoulders - check! 
-no weight in forearms - almost (I was getting tired so a bit shaky) 
-feet pushed into ground/quads flexed - check! 
-shoulders press up -almost (again very shaky) 

What do you guys think? How do you rate my plank form? I'd also love to hear your tips for performing proper form for any workout move! 
-Linds 

Friday, January 8, 2016

#FurryTrainer

This is a hash tag that is very popular on my Fitness Blender app. There is a very large community of people who benefit from their pets helping them stay motivated to stay active. So, I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate all those furry trainers out there.

Here is me and my furry trainer, Mr. Captain Axel:

On my days off from work we go from being lazy bums in bed together, to long walks in the neighbourhood,  to following Fitness Blender workouts. Captain is always by my side to support me and always rearing to go to get me energized.
Do you have a furry trainer? 
-Linds 

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Another Try

I did a post a couple weeks ago about buying my first protein powder. I have since finished off the container so I was then faced with the dilemma of: buy the same one again, or try something new? 

Since I didn't looove the "green" taste of the Vega All-in-One protein powder (I found it a little to strong for my taste), I decided to take the recommendation of my sister, Dianna, and am now trying Kaizen Whey Protein Powder. It doesn't have the "all-in-one" benefits that the Vega did, but the taste is waaaaaaay better! Even though they are both vanilla flavor the Kaizen brand taste like vanilla wafer cookies instead of leafy greens! For me this is a huge plus because now I don't haaave to take the time to make a full blown smoothie, I can drink it as just a shake - time saver! 


(Kaizen Whey Protein Powder)

I picked up the 908g container for $32 at Walmart, so not only does it taste better, but it's cheaper too! Now, I'm no expert in protein but so far this is my top choice! 

As far as choosing to use a protein powder all together, I'm glad I made the leap. I find it's a quick and easy way to get a large portion of my protein intake for the day (I was severely lacking before), and it helps me feel way more full throughout the day, plus now it's suuuuper tasty! 

Do you have a protein preference? What's the deciding factor for you? 
-Linds

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Monthly Mayhem: December 2015

I've decided to start a new trend for my blog this year. Each month, I hope to do a little re-cap of the previous month so here is my first go at it.

Here is the rundown for December 2015:

Travel: 
-Sunshine Coast (Dec. 4-6/15)


Volleyball:
-Womens 6s Thursday League Finals (1st place!)

-Coed 6s Sunday League wrap up tourney (Dec. 12/15)

Events/Activities:
-Womens 6s League team wind-up dinner/drinks at Fox & Hound Pub
-2nd oldest sisters birthday dinner (30 years old)
-Christmas Eve dinner
-Christmas Day dinner 


Fitness:
-Completed 4 week program of #FBbooty and #FBabs (3 days late unfortunately, but completed nonetheless)
-Started #FBreach and #FB30 (included initial #FBphysicalfittest)


Food:
-Smoothies & shakes!!  I've been making lots and lots of smoothies this month!


Ink:
-Started "We Are Pirates" by Daniel Handler 
-Still working on the French version of the 1st Harry Potter novel. 

How was your December? 
-Linds

Sunday Fashion Fun-Day: Cozy Winter Wear

So far this Winter I haven't had much opportunity to get dressed up in trendy/cozy attire. I've mostly been spending the cold weather days in scrubs for work,  fitness clothes for working out/veebs, and sweats for lounging and taking the dog out. However, I did get the chance over the holidays to cozy myself in some somewhat fashion forward attire. 

Here are my outfits from the holiday festivities:
(From left to right: Stu, Dianna, Ryan, Mark, & myself) 
For Christmas Eve, it's hard to tell from the picture, but I had on my oversized black slouchy sweater with my bootcut Guess jeans and my moccasins (all from Winners).


(Christmas Day & New Years Day)
On Christmas Day I wore black Guess skinnies (from Winners), a plain white tank layered with a maroon beater (both from Bootlegger), and my draped navy Sandwich sweater (from Get Dressed) and paired it with my brown booties (from Payless - also worn on my wedding day). 

On New Years Day (also my grandparents anniversary) I wore black tights (from Garage), a navy dress (from Winners), my boyfriend button up (from Bootlegger), my leopard scarf (can't remember where from), and my knee high brown boots (from Spring). 

I behaved this year and didn't buy myself anything new over the holidays, so everything in the photos is at least a year old (the navy dress might be a little less than a year, but I can't remember for certain).

Did you dress up much this holiday season? 
-Linds 

P.s. here's Mark being completely ridiculous...of course! 

Friday, January 1, 2016

2016 Resolutions

As most bloggers are probably doing, I am also starting the new year off with my list of resolutions for 2016!

In no particular order here they are:

Complete FBfit (the old one plus the new one that is coming out next week!)
-I've already done FBreach, FB30 (2 week trial), FBbooty, FBabs, and am currently working on FB30 (8 week program). The FBfit programs have longer videos and include a bit more weight lifting so I'm excited for a challenge! 
(FBfit 8 week program)

Complete two French novels
-Last year I received the 1st Harry Potter novel in french and I'm three quarters of the way through. I plan to finish it, plus read the two Sarah Dessen novels I received for x-mas in French before the end of this year...which means I should probably pick up the pace! 
(My two French Sarah Dessen novels)

Grow my nails 
-This one goes on my list every year, and this one I fail at every year. 2016 is going to finally be the year of nice...well, let's be realistic, decent nails!  
(Here is day 1)

Do a controlled handstand
-Last year I made a 30 before 30 list which included doing a controlled headstand. Since it only took me a month or two for success, I plan to up the stakes this year and aim to accomplish a full handstand. 

Go camping
-Every year Mark and I say we're going to camp in the summer, and every year the summer comes, flies by, and next thing we know winter is upon us. This year I am so determined to finally go camping! 

Teach Captain a new trick
-I always find myself forgetting how important it is to keep Captain mentally stimulated. Teaching new tricks is a great way to keep him active (even if hes not running around outside). I've already started teaching Captain to "up" so I plan on getting him confident at that plus maybe a "spin" or something a little more challenging. 
(Teaching Captain "up/dance")

Complete 7 chin-ups 
-I decided I wanted a really tough fitness goal this year so Mark came up with this for me: "Do as many chin-ups as I can do today" he said. So today Mark did as many chin-ups as he could (clean form). The result: 7. So, now I have to do 7 complete chin-ups. This is going to be a huuuuuge challenge for me since I've been known as "noodle arms", but I'm excited to let my body surprise me!  

And, speaking of Mark, I also have to include his resolution because this is the first year since we have been together (over 6.5 years) that he is actually making one and I could not be more thrilled! 
Marks resolution is to read a book. This is huuuuuge because a) he hates anything academic, b) I think he's going to love it way more than he expects, and c) it'll give us something else in common! Oh, plus, he's going to let me help him choose the book! If anyone has any suggestions for a book for the man who is discouraged by reading, please let me know! 

What are your New Years Resolutions for 2016?
-Linds