STRENGTH and dignity are her clothing.

First off, let me start by saying sorry I have been MIA. Days have been filled with work, getting ready for move-in at the new house, (still) unpacking from Atlanta, and working out. Let's expand on this working out bit....

As most of you know, I was in a body transformation contest at A Taylored Body that ended on SATURDAY! Honestly, one of the best decisions EVER. I didn't think I could have had a chance at winning, but now I actually think I do! Results won't be in until April 27th, so I kind of think that prize money or even the second or third place basket would be a pretty awesome late birthday gift.

Let me just give a brief overview of what I did throughout the 12 week transformation...

Workouts:

• Lifted at A Taylored Body 2-3 times per week
• Did bootcamp at A Taylored Body 2-3 times per week
• Ran about 3 miles 3 times per week
• Hill Sprints usually 2 times per week (on the days I didn't run long)

***This would be an IDEAL week, let me tell you. Things do come up, aka the freaking FINAL FOUR, so obviously that put a damper in my plans. But I did the best I could, and honestly, I sit at work all day craving my next workout.

Diet:It's not rocket science people (I have just come to realize this because I always wanted the "quick fix") AND Eat CLEAN, which to me means shopping on the outside of the grocery store. Fruits, veggies, oats, fish, and LOTS o PROTEIN!

A normal day eating-wise looked like this for me:
• Breakfast: oatmeal with a half of a mashed banana and cinnamon OR overnight oats using this recipe. BEST THING EVER (you can also switch up the fruit!)(http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/219/Mango+Almond+Refrigerator+Oatmeal)
• Mid-morning snack: rice cakes with natural pb OR an apple OR protein shake
• Lunch: chicken tarragon salad on an orrowheat thin (made with greek yogurt, tarragon, onion, and Costco canned chicken) OR salad with veggies
• Mid-afternoon snack: protein shake OR veggies OR rice cakes
• Dinner: salad, sauteed veggies, salmon patty or turkey burger, and ONLY using balsamic and olive oil for dressing

***This is super simple, and I did modify obviously. Yes I still had my coffee, yes I still went to Starbs, and yes I still had my fav salad at Nordys every once in a while. Just moderation I tell ya.

OKAY.....so you ready for the results?? Wasn't sure if I should post these or not, as it is a tad embarassing. But, heck, I am proud of myself and want these after pictures to be the new before pics. So here goes nothing.

 

Just to sum up the "stats", I am down 16.4 lbs, lost 6.6% body fat, and lost 11.5 inches. Not too bad eh?! And I am not done yet! I want to be my absolute BEST.

I was looking for a spiritual, physical, and mental transformation, and boy I sure got one. Let me leave you with my motivating verse for this journey.... xoxo

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25

A bunch of dirty girls

Hello lovelies, 

On Saturday, I got down and dirty. That's right. And I LOVED it.

Just a mud run, don't worry. I can honestly say it was perfect in every way. I, along with three other ladies, ran this 5K course with obstacles in honor of my dear friend's mom. I felt so empowered knowing she was watching over us all day. Running for her was beyond beautiful. We never took the easy way out or skipped out on doing a belly flop in the mud pit...why? Because Patti would NEVER have taken the easy way out. We were fighters just like she always was. 

It was amazing to see how four women, with three of us not even knowing one another, could come together and be amazing. Even though it wasn't supposed to "technically" be a competition, we Fudder Muckers (yes, that's our team name) weren't about to lose to any of these other teams (and so we obviously came out at the top of our heat).

We got a tad dirty, don't cha think?

I can't wait to get dirty again.

Until next time...

xo, 

k

just to see you smile

Today was just one of those days, having too much to do and too little time. I still worked today despite the holiday, and I think it actually was my longest work day to date. Mind going in eighty directions, body wishing it was sunbathing at the beach, and stomach missing it's usual meals.

Let me expand on that whole starving idea...So I signed up for a membership at A Taylored Body the first week of January. I am LOVING it. The two trainers are fantastic, and this gym prides itself on giving its clients personal training WHENEVER one chooses to come in. It's absolute genius. I then was informed of a 12-week body transformation challenge that the gym is putting on. Each member that desired to do so paid $25, and the winner will take home the whole pot, which is up to over $1,000! Actual judges will choose the winner--including the editor in chief from Muscle Magazine. I did NOT want to do this challenge at first, but finally was convinced. I took the before pics (slouched body posture, ugly face, yep nasty all around), got my measurements taken, and started the diet. I am super excited now about it and so determined to see a drastic change. 

<http://atayloredbody.wordpress.com/>

And well today, I was less than excited to work out. I stepped in the gym, and right away told the trainer, "I am grumpy, so watch out" (but whenever I say that I can't help but smile). I completed a day of legs, with my head throbbing, stomach churning, and mind making a to-do list for the moment I got home.

A text from one of my girls finally made me smile, and then what do ya know, my favorite song comes on. "Just to See You Smile" by my man Tim McGraw. God, you have a funny sense of humor! He always knows just what I need to hear. 

So needless to say, I am not stuffing the 500 advertising envelopes as I should be right now, revising a corporate annual review presentation, or even cleaning my room. I'm blogging, just like Carrie Bradshaw would. 

Just another manic monday.

xo, 

k

Kelly's Spa, we finally meet!

I had THE best morning today. And what do ya know, it was right in my hometown with my longtime hometown friend.

After getting a "spa finder" gift card from Kort, I was ecstatic when I discovered it applied to Kelly's. If you know me, you know I absolutely LOVE the Mission Inn. I have always dreamed of going to Kelly's, since I first walked by and caught a whiff of the Eucalyptus aroma. So needless to say, I couldn't wait to see what awaited inside.

So here's a taste....

First of all, with any service at Kelly's you get FREE valet. SO nice, right?

When we walked in, we were shown to our lockers, given a cozy robe and slippers, and got to choose our complimentary drink.

Our freshly squeezed juices [and might I add quite unique infused with lavender, ginger, and more] were awaiting us in one of the two lounges. This particular lounge had fresh berries, tea, water, and other dried fruits for all guests.

Our pedicures were exquisite, as we sat on large stuffed chairs with pillows that created the best atmosphere. Getting pedis with Kort has always been "our" thing. I think I still remember when we got the exact same color and exact same design before the first day of school my junior year of high school. oh my!

After our pedis, we wanted to utilize the premises, since with ANY treatment, it is FREE all day! Above you can see the ladies' room filled with every amenity imaginable to use. We also enjoyed the Eucalyptus sauna.

And finally, I got to do my favorite thing imaginable: JAN TANNING. Oh yeah, Cali baby. Laying out by the Mission Inn pool in January...amazing. And the water temp of both the pool and spa was perf. 

Perfect day to say the least! And it wouldn't have been complete without our inappropriate laughing (or maybe that was just me) or Kortney telling our "butler" a few different times about her toe issues (ha!). 

Love that girl and love this place! See you soon, Kelly's. 

xo, 

k

2013: the best is yet to come, let's hope

Hello all, Kate here. Happy New Year! Here's to you, your hopes, dreams, wants, and wishes. 

I've always wanted to blog, and so when is better to start than New Years Day, right? I plan on sharing everything from fashion to business ventures to fabulous places with you lovelies.

I think this is going to be a pivotal year for me, and I am sure for many of you too. First start of a year completely done with school, with a full-time job, looking for a house, and ready to open an antique store. WHOA. 

"Let the good times roll."

xo, 

k