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!  

New year. More clothes.

vest

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. 

sweater

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.  

sweater

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. 

baseball hoodie

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

hoodie

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

sweatshirt

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!

sweatshirt

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! 

hoodie

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

jacket

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

pants

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!

Thank you Amazon

pullover

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!

sweater

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!

christmas sweater

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!

sweatpant set

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.  

cardigan

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? 

Cyber Monday

jacket

boots

waffle tee

earrings

yellow blouse

necklace

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.  :/ 

Black Friday Sale

pink bootsnecklace
chevron sweatercolorblock sneakers

colorblock sweaterstriped sweater
colorblock sneakersnecklace
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.  

SHEIN Big Sale - a full Fall outfit

 coat

boots
necklace
sweater
belt
jeans


This is my first time picking out a full outfit from Shein, and I loved everything I got. I was hesitant about the jeans, as the only bottoms I've picked out before have had elastic waists.  But I love these so much! A good mix of stretch, high waist and feel closer to leggings than jeans. Major win. (I got a medium and they fit well.) I've also never picked out any jewelry and they have some fun options.  I love the layered necklace look.  
From 11/9 - 11/12 SHEIN is holding it's annual 11/11 Big Sale! Use my code S594h for 15% off your order! Happy Fall shopping!!

My not a she-shed, she-shed

shorts & sweater: c/o shein
Welcome to my new space and fancy mirror! This summer we transformed our old chicken coop/barn to a workout/hang out space.  You could call it a she-shed, but Chris didn't love that term since he wants to use it too.  But that's exactly what it is and I could not be happier.  I need to take some pictures of it and share! For now here's one side, and some super cute Fall and Winter looks from Shein.  This sweater and shorts set is adorable.  The sweater is perfect with jeans and together they are only $15!!
leopard pajamas: c/o shein
Another matching pajama set? Yes please.  When I put these on Addi told me she loved them and wanted to match, so I found a similar set for girls on Amazon.  
leggings: c/o shein
These leggings are comfortable and I love the color.  I will say the mesh part on the side goes around that back.  It's tiny holes and you can't really see through, but I probably wouldn't wear them to a gym. Luckily for a million months I've been working out for home and will keep wearing them!
grey sweatshirt: c/o shein
This is one of my favorite sweatshirts from Shein.  It's so comfortable and I love the collar and zipper.  It comes in a lot of perfect fall/winter colors too!
cardigan: c/o shein
We went from summer to way cold so fast.  Which while there are a lot of negatives, a positive is that it's time to whip out all the sweaters and cardigans.  This one I love! 
jacket: c/o shein
It also means it's  time for all the fuzzy jackets.  Love the color of this one, and it's really soft on the inside.  Plus it's only $22. 
pink sweater: c/o shein
Another cute sweater for Fall.  The sleeves are fun and I love the higher neck. It's under $20 and comes in a lot of pretty colors. 
cardigan & pants: c/o shein
I saw a set like this on a few shops last year and every time debated buying it.  I was hesitant because this says one size fits all.  But it fits and I love it so much.  The waist band is stretchy and the rest of the pants are pretty loose.  I love the cardigan and can't wait to wear these together and separate.
henley: c/o shein 
I love tops like this.  Easily worn with jeans, or leggings.  Super comfortable. Easy to layer with a cardigan or a vest.  It's $15 and comes in a lot of other colors. 
hooded sweatshirt: c/o shein
This sweatshirt is a little thicker which I like, since I'm hoping we'll be spending a lot of time outside this Fall and Winter, and I'll need all the layers.  Love the buttons on the top and the length!

Don't forget you can use code Q4forlauren for 15% off your Shein order! I hope you're having a good week!

Homeschool Room

I am sure like everybody with school aged kids, this is not how I thought this school year would go.  Since last March, Addi has been home doing e-learning.  After the first few weeks of school, we made the decision to do half day e-learning, half day homeschooling.  So she does math and social studies/science with her class online and then I do homeschool with her for the rest of her subjects. It still is not what I wish this year looked like but I think it is the best choice we could make with the situation.  I'm thankful for our playroom space so we were able to make a designated "school" space.  (Even though at least half of it occurs on the floor!)  

When I was redecorating and rearranging things before school started, I wanted a world map to hang over the piano and looked at Hobby Lobby, Target, Amazon, Goodwill and didn't find one I liked that wasn't insanely expensive.  I was so excited when PHOTOWALL reached out to me about reviewing one of their products, because I found this beautiful map that works perfect for our playspace/homeschool area.  There are so many beautiful prints to pick from, it was so hard for me to choose.  You can have any print put on a canvas, framed or put on a hanger like I chose.  I love how it turned out!

It also came at the perfect time because last week we learned about different kinds of maps and the kids had fun finding the countries on the map and trying to figure out what the cute little pictures stood for in each area.  

PHOTOWALL also has some of the prettiest wallpaper and wall murals.  I was so close to picking something like this print, but was a little nervous to commit.  Now I keep thinking about I need it for either Addi's room or my new she shed space!  There are some gorgeous prints that would look amazing! And the wallpaper print is completely customizable to the exact size you need for your space.

PHOTOWALL gave me a coupon to share too! You can use code forlaurenandlauren25 for 25% off your purchase.  Happy shopping and decorating!! 

Cute jacket - now I'm ready.

jacket: c/o shein

This is my favorite thing from this order and makes me very ready for Fall weather.  This jacket is so cute. I love the rainbow and it's super soft and perfect.  And now I am ready for Fall.  Time to bring out the pumpkins, yes??

top: c/o shein

This is the perfect tee to wear with jeans or leggings.  It is long enough to cover your booty, or great for tucking into your jeans.  It's only $10 and comes in over 20 other colors!

shoes: c/o shein

These shoes are so fun! I love the sneaker bootie look and of course love the leopard print. I ordered the size I got last time and they are a little big, so if deciding between two go down one! 

sweatshirt: c/o shein

This is a close first for my favorite thing from this order.  I love the tie dye print and the more cropped length.  Only $13 and comes in two other colors. 

shorts: c/o shein   sports bra: c/o shein

These shorts are so cute.  (They came with a sports bra but the straps weren't adjustable and it was too big.  My bottom half needs a medium, but unfortunately my chest needs a small! But the whole set is $12 so totally worth it!)  This kind of sports bra has become my favorite since I workout in my garage and it's been super hot and humid, so these make for a perfect bra/tank top option.  The back is super cute too.  (I got a medium, but a small would've fit me better.) 

leggings: c/o shein

I love these leggings.  I think they are supposed to be a copy for the gym shark leggings, which I've never tried, but I do know they cost way more than $14.  I've worn them a few times to work out in and really like them! (I got a size medium, which is my normal legging size.) 

bra and leggings set: c/o shein

Clearly going for the loud prints this order.  Give me all the leopard print things! (Perhaps a little too matchy matchy with my leopard watch too.) This set is $18 and I love them both.  Both size medium and fit me well. Cute workout clothes definitely make me more excited about working out, even if it's from home. 

pants: c/o shein

I am attempting to get dressed for real more days in hopes of feeling a little more put together and ready to tackle the day, even though I'm rarely leaving my house.  These kind of pants are perfect because they feel like sweatpants but look much cuter.  Plus they are only $10! 

top: c/o shein

This top had a bunch of good reviews, plus some pictures of it being worn the other way and looked really cute too.  It comes in two other colors and is $11.  It'd be great now with shorts, or with jeans and a cardigan for Fall. 

Don't forget to use code Q4forlauren for 15% off your order! Happy shopping!