10 Tips for Success in 2013- Part 2

Let's look at the last five tips I have for achieving success in 2013!

#6 FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU- A.M. vs. P.M.

We are all different; different work schedules, different body rhythms, different commitments.  Find out when you can COMMIT to exercise.  For me, I have two options....around 9:30, or at 3pm.  If it doesn't happen then, it isn't happening.  So I have to set myself up for success by working the rest of my day around these things in order to make exercise THE priority.  I could never promise to work out at 4 a.m......it wouldn't happen!  Find out what works for you, and be honest about what you can truly make happen.  Then, just do it!  This would also include ways to shape your behavior, such as putting your gym bag on the front seat (rather than in the trunk) so that you have to look at it while driving...and will be more likely to get to the gym.  Or lay out your gym clothes the night before so you are ready to roll.  Pack your lunch the night before and go on a walk for your lunch break.  Anything you can do to increase your chances of being successful is time and money well spent.  More on this topic at a later date......

#7 SNEAK IN WAYS TO MAKE IT WORK

Whether it is busting out 50 squats in the ladies room, or doing walking lunges through your house, there are always more opportunities in the day to get your workout in. Have fun with it, and make it a game. My sister and I used to squeeze our glutes at every red light while we were out driving when we were in High School...why not bring that back!? There is no excuse to not DO SOMETHING. Also, I think wearing a pedometer is a great way to assess your activity level. They are small and discrete now, and easily show you how much movement you have throughout the day. A great goal to shoot for is 10,000 steps a day, which is roughly 5 miles. At the end of the day, you should see how close you are to your goal...and walk it out in place while you watch your favorite show if you need to make up some lost steps. You can do it!!!

#8 ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN!!

You HAVE to watch what you eat......but not diet.  Diet is a four-lettered word in my opinion, and I hate hearing that people are on this diet, or that diet.  You have to create a lifestyle for yourself that you will be able to maintain, no matter your circumstances.  Eat smart, eat healthy, eat clean, and EAT.  Starvation will get you nowhere, and eating junk is just as bad.  Plan out your week, so that you already know what you will eat so there are no last minute bad decisions because you have "Nothing to eat!"  Again, figure out what works for YOU.  What do you like to eat???  Now, just clean up those meals a bit, and remember portions.  More nutrition lessons later as well, but stick to something sensible, and there is no need to radically cut out a food group for the long haul.  These changes are so difficult to maintain, unless it is for medical reasons, and then work with your Doctor to find suitable alternatives for the foods you love.

#9 STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED ANYTHING

This obviously piggybacks on #8, but stay away from the 100 calorie pack marketing.  If you read the labels, those snacks are typically filled with many preservatives and chemical products you should stay away from.  At the beginning of the week, you can portion out snacks in small Ziploc bags such a carrots, triscuits, raw almonds, and other nutritious snacks so that your snack choices are ready for you when you need them.   The less pre-packaged and processed foods you consume, the better.  And, it is cheaper to portion things out yourself anyway.  I like the mix at Costco that is raw walnuts, almonds, pistachios, dried cherries, and dried cranberries.  I get a little sugar, a little fat, and a little protein....and you only need a small handful.  The kids love it too, so it is a win/win.  Try it for just a month and see how you feel.  I dare you!

#10 LOVE YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY; SELF-DOUBT IS TOXIC, and unattractive.

Change doesn't happen overnight, and you can't expect to transform your thoughts and feelings overnight as well, but you must intentionally focus on the positive.  The more you pat yourself on the back for small accomplishments and successes, the better your experience will be.  Be PROUD of yourself at every step in your journey, because it is just that......a journey.  Not a non-stop flight.  You will have bumps in the road, you will have set-backs,, but you must remain positive...and keep moving forward.  Love yourself enough to take this seriously...if you can't keep a promise to yourself, who can you keep a promise to?? 

Ok....do we all have an area or two we can improve upon????
Write down what you are going to do to fix at least one area.  Make a plan, and take it seriously.
What do you need to make this plan a success?  Set aside money from your next paycheck to purchase anything you may need, so there are no excuses!!  Feel free to share on here what that may or may not be, so there is additional accountability!

I am setting an alarm on my phone at 9:30 everyday to remind myself it is GO-TIME for some exercise....and I have written out my plans for sick days (yoga and stretching), and home workouts for days I can't make it to the gym for one reason or another (Beach Babe DVD and Jillian Michaels).
So those decisions have already been made for me...I just have to follow through.

Have a great weekend!
XO

Why I care

I care because I know how good it feels to set goals for yourself and achieve them.
I care because I know how amazing it is to see your body change from hard work and dedication.
I care because I know how hard it is to make changes, to let go of the past, and to move forward.

I spend my free time on here trying to share with you because I genuinely want to help, and if I can help one person realize their true potential and transform their life, then I feel blessed.  Some people don't fully understand why I care...but they don't have to.  You should see that it brings me joy to get comments and emails, and that I am happy that my story, my example, can help others.

XO-Ariel

YOU are in control!

Sorry this is sooooo
LONG...and long,
but I had to get it all in.
I love getting questions,
and I take responding to them
very seriously!
xo

Have a great weekend, and I will see you on the flip-side.
~Ariel

fun fun fun

GUESS WHAT???
I am guest-posting today over at Crafting Happiness!!!

I am so excited to share this with you,
and Jessica has been so fun to work with.
Her blog is FULL of positive, creative, fashionable,
and interesting posts and I am so glad to have her
as a new blogging friend.
Head on over and start following....there is lots of great stuff coming!

one year ago at Manito Park, Spokane.

The details

Some of you have asked about my certification.
Some of you haven't....and don't need to.
BUT
If you would like to know more about who I got certified through
and a little about it all, then this is the post for you.

If not, catch ya later!
The next one will be about something for fun!
Promise!

Ok, so on to the details!



The program I went through is from ACE, The American Council on Exercise

The military spouse education program is called MyCAA

Feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Thanks for all the support!!

xo

Bio-Oil love

I have a new routine....kinda.
Thought you may be interested...kinda.
xo

sprinkle & dash

Ok, here we go...

So, some of you know that I had/have an etsy shop called pdbumbum
and I made and sold kids clothing, quilts, etc. there for the last
4 years or so.

Well, I am kind of over that shop, that name, that deal.
I want a new deal.
A new shop.
A new feel.
I want to do it right, do it better.

So that is what I am up to. That is what I am doing.
It is called sprinkle & dash, and I am really excited about it.

I am making things that I love.
I am making things that make me happy.
I am making things that I am excited to make.
I am making things that will make your house a home.

That may sound very self-serving, and it totally is
but that is what was lacking in my other shop.
pdbumbum started out as a fun outlet for me.
But it quickly turned into a chore, and I let it happen.
It became all about what everyone else wanted.

no more of that!

I will be making items that will be ready to ship and gift,
and I couldn't be more excited about it.

The name came from the idea that our homes shouldn't be perfect.
They should be
a little of this
and a little of that.
A sprinkle of vintage, and dash of whimsy, (and A LOT of fun!)

So that is what you will find at sprinkle & dash.
All products will be handmade by me and will include:

Pennant Buntings
Embroidery Art
Hair Accessories
Jewelry
Other Housewares

The shop will be open at some point in April.
I will let you all know when it gets closer to that time.

As always, you are the best!
Thanks for all the love and support in my creative adventures!
xo, A

just to clarify...

Hello Lovelies!!

Per your request, my daily face includes these products by Benefit
(and I threw in a few I love anyway, even though they weren't in the video)
Please note that these products were acquired when I was making a lot of money and replaced one at a time. I know they are pricey, but they work for me
and last a very long time.


You Rebel Light
(I don't use this everyday, just when I want to look
more dewy! Most days I just bare-face it!)

Hoola Bronzer
My Favorite.

Eye Bright pencil
Great for the inner corners of your eye and right under your eyebrow

Creaseless Cream Shadow
LOVE these, so easy to apply. I have the color RSVP

Dandelion Blush/Highlight
Very light and natural looking

Boiing Concealer in 02
Good coverage, a little goes a long way.

I also use the Kabuki Brush by Bare Minerals to apply my bronzer and blush.

I do have Bare Minerals products that I will use in the summer here, since it will be to hot and humid to use cream products (I am thinking...don't know for sure, but just a hunch!)

I like their products and have used them in the past, and they worked well for me.

So that is a day face in a nutshell.
Questions???

I do throw in drug store products for pretty much everything else.
And I love a good deal, so if you have a cheapie product you love,
don't keep it a secret around here...share away!!!

xo

5 minute face

I
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
love
this.

I
want
it
so
bad.

It is just so pretty,
and you all know how
much I love black.

(sold by wayne pate)

and...
here is a video of me and my
5 minute face.
(actually it is a 4:34 face, and less than that in all actuality)


And if you don't like my version,
take Carmindy's advice.
I love her.


Happy Thursday Ladies! xo

Potty Training 101

So, we are now officially potty training around here...and I feel like I know what I am doing, but I could always use some tips and tricks. Paige is doing great during the day, but nights are hard...and she freaks out if she goes in her diaper at night. I guess I will have to cut her water off at like 6, or some thing? I would love to hear what you all have to say!

Just a question...

So I just got back from my Dr. appt, and long story short, my cervix looks a bit short. And, the little man's head is resting right there...he is SO low! I thought I carried Paige low, but this is a whole new thing! I had a vaginal ultrasound, and I am having some more tests done in two weeks to check it again. Did anyone have this problem? I guess the worst thing they would do is put me on bedrest, but we all know that would be a death sentance for Paige and I. I am just curious since this is a new thing for me...

Yep, I have only been back to work (I teach 1st grade) for 3 days and I'm already thinking about vacation. Before the baby my husband & I booked a trip to Puerto Viarta, Mexico. It sounded fabulous! Iced cocktails, soaking up the sun, swimming in the pool, and eating endless guacamole! We even invited the in laws to tag along and help take care of Landon. As the vacation is nearing (July 2-8) I'm having mixed feelings. A. Bring Landon to Mexico and risk him getting sick, dehydrated ,etc. B. Leave Landon with my Mom for 3 days and Stacy (my sister in law) for the other 3 days. Hmmm...If Landon comes I may be too worried about him and not be able to relax and throw back a few... or If Landon stays with family I may miss him too much. I'd like to hear pro's and con's, what would you do???? I'll keep you updated on what I decide.