Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my sweet Mr. Captain Axel! 

(Presents for Captain!) 

He is two years old today! 
-Linds 

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 

#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 

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

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! 

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