. . . for Lauren and Lauren

February 17, 2021

What I've learned this last year in regards to my health and fitness


For as long as I can remember, I've been dedicated to working out and exercising and have loved fitness. It's always been a great stress relief for me, I love challenging myself, and have felt really proud of myself for things my body has accomplished.  The last two years I've become even more passionate about fitness, becoming a certified personal trainer, but more importantly learning how fitness and exercise can affect and change your body and mind.  This last year has certainly thrown all of us for a loop, and has drastically changed our routines and expectations, and I am sure I am not alone in a long list of things I've learned over the last year.  These things have all become areas where I want to continue to see progress in this next year.  

FLEXIBILITY 

For the last four years I have been a very avid member of Burn Boot Camp.  I love so many things about it.  So much that I became a trainer so I could work there, and have the last two years. I would not miss a workout, and six days a week showed up, worked hard and saw amazing results.  But when I would be out of town, have a sick kid, bad weather, etc., I'd get so stressed about not making it to the gym.  I'd work around our family's schedules to do whatever I could to make it there.  Which isn't always a bad thing, but I think there is a fine line between dedication and obsessiveness, and I definitely fall in the later many times.   Having our gym close for awhile, and still not being back there myself since last March, I've been forced to work out at home and it has been so good for me.  I can work out at the time that works best for me, take a rest day when I need it, change the focus of the day's workout if I want, and be confident in doing my own thing.  And know that I am working out because I want to, not because I'm afraid of missing out on a day at the gym. 


FREEDOM FROM NUMBERS

I got an Apple Watch two years ago and I love it.  There are so many great things about it, but I also think that it can be really negative.  I think it's easy to get focused on the numbers - how many steps you took, how many calories you burned that day (which isn't even accurate)s, how many days of your streak of closing your rings you got.  Again that line of dedication and obsessive.  I realized instead of using those numbers for mere data, I was letting myself feel as though I had to close my rings daily, had to reach my goal, or I didn't feel accomplished.  I'd end up not having a true rest day, and that will definitely take a toll on your body. I started not wearing my watch on Sundays, and it's been so good for me.  This feels silly to admit, but I know there are others who can relate.  It helps give my body permission to rest every minute I can that day.  To take as little steps as possible and since I'm "breaking my streak" weekly, there's a lot less to obsess about. 


STRENGTH OVER CARDIO:

I LOVE cardio.  I could do a HIIT workout everyday and be really happy.  I love sweating, love getting my heart rate up, and moving as fast as I can.  Over the years though, I have learned how much strength training is essential for your body.  My body has significantly changed the last few years thanks to strength training.  Now I love lifting heavy weights, and don't think I've ever felt stronger before.  It's been a mental shift to not think that I need to end every workout huffing and puffing, having burned a ton of calories.  But to end a workout feeling like I've lifted heavy, my muscles are getting much stronger, and knowing that that will benefit me in the long run, so much more than hours of cardio.  


CUTE WORKOUT CLOTHES MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER

It may be a tad shallow, but I 100% think having workout clothes that make you feel good, makes you more motivated. I spend more time in workout clothes than any other clothes, and I also love shopping - so I am far from short on leggings, sport bras or tennis shoes.  Some of my favorite work out clothes I own are from Adidas.  This last year I've purchased two pairs of Adidas shoes - one for running and one for cross training and I have loved them both.  They do run big in my opinion so I size down a half or full size.  This cute sweatshirt is also one of my favorites. 
 

Let's say I got to go on a shopping spree at Adidas to add to my closet, these are the things I would pick out.  I am a huge fan of any leggings that are high waisted, and even better if they're 7/8th length for my shorter legs.  And thanks to high waisted leggings, I'm a big fan of these cute crop tops.  Throw a hoodie on top, and a pair of supportive but super cute shoes and I am comfortable and happy!


tee //  cropped tank // hoodie
leggings //  shoes

So as we soon head into the third month of 2021, I'm going to continue to focus on listening to what my body needs, being flexible with my schedule and plans, let numbers be numbers and not any tie to my self worth, and keep lifting heavy and feeling as strong as I can!  

January 10, 2021

New year. More clothes.


Want a break from all the terrible news and heavy life stuff? Online shopping for the win.  Like always lately, I'm loving everything Shein sent me.  
This vest is shorter than I thought, but I like it a lot.  Perfect with high waisted jeans. 


This color is so pretty.  I love the v neck, comfy material and these days if I put on a sweater and jeans I immediately feel dressed up.  


I always look for items that have a lot of good reviews and this one had a ton.  It comes in a few different colors and on sale for $12. 


Only $8, insanely soft and I love the shorter length. 


This hoodie is one of the softest thing I own.  I love the leopard print and love that is is only $17. 


See? Clearly I love leopard.  Love the colors of this, and the fabric is so soft. It does make my hair staticy which drives me nuts.  But otherwise it's super cute and only $12!


This looks so similar to the Abercrombie top that I see everywhere on blogs and Instagram. But it is $40, maybe more.  I have a hard time justifying that much on a sweatshirt.  This one is $20 and I can't compare it to the other since I don't own it, but the quality feels good and I like it a lot! 


This hoodie is so cute.  It's pretty lightweight so perfect year round.  Plus it is only $11.


This jacket is so fun.  Sweatshirt material for the sleeves, vest material for the body part. It just needs pockets!


These had so many good reviews and I thought they looked so cute, so figured I'd try. I got a medium because I never know what size to go with, and they are definitely a little big.  And clearly meant for Fall weather.  I just need to try out some other ways to wear them and see if I can make them work! 

I also got these slippers.  I used to not be a big slipper fan, but I guess being home just about every hour of the day will change that.  These are soft and cute and $12!  Win. Win.  

You can use code Q4forlauren for 15% off your Shein order. 
Happy Monday!



December 27, 2020

Thank you Amazon


I am sure I am not alone in that I can't count the amount of things I've ordered from Amazon the last many months.  I'm so thankful it's easy to buy pretty much anything, and now clothes are right up there on the list! I was sent these items to review, and love each of them. This pullover is probably my favorite of all of them.  It's thin enough that you won't get hot wearing it inside, like some of my other sherpa like pullovers and I love the color.   They have a lot of other colors too.  I love the gold and the cream one!


This sweater is SO soft.  I feel like it can be dressed up or down.  Also it's long enough that I think it would look great in faux leather leggings (or any leggings) and knee high boots.  But I also love it just like this!


I love this sweater.  I didn't get it until the day before Christmas Eve and wish I would've gotten it sooner so I could've worn it more in December.  It's so cute!


This set is super soft.  The waist band is pretty wide, but has a string so fits better than I thought when I tried it on.  I'm in a size medium, which is true to size for bottoms for me.  The top is oversized and could be worn with leggings.  I love the color and material.  


This cardigan is great because it's lighter weight, so could be worn for a very long part of the year, and it has pockets which makes it even better.  I love the grey but it also comes in a ton of other colors. You can never have too many cardigans right?? 

What's the best thing you've ordered from Amazon lately? 


November 29, 2020

Cyber Monday


Cyber Monday? How about cyber October. Cyber November.  Cyber December.  
I am definitely doing more online shopping these days, but I keep telling myself that we don't spend money doing anything else these days, so it can't be that bad right? 
These are my recent finds from Shein and I love them.  This jacket is so soft and comfortable and only $22.  These earrings? $1.50! This pretty blouse comes in a lot of other colors and is under $20. Plus you can use the code S594h for an extra 15% off your order.  
Happy Monday! We aren't quite ready over here.  :/ 

November 22, 2020

Black Friday Sale



colorblock sweater
striped sweater
colorblock sneakers
necklace

I decided that once a week I should put on jeans just to remember how they feel.  Usually it lasts one good hour and then I'm back in yoga pants or sweats. But for that hour I feel put together.  Not nearly as comfortable, but put together.  I am loving these sweaters, and they'd be perfect with jeans or the more comfortable legging option!  From 11/18 to 12/12 Shein is holding it's Black Friday sale.  Use my code S594h for 15% off your purchase.