what do you want most?

I had to remember this quote this morning as I wanted so badly to hit the snooze button and go back to bed rather than wake up and workout. Thankfully, I thought about what I want in the future rather than wanting to sleep in the moment and worked out.


It's not easy! It is truly a struggle to get up and get moving. But with the Lord's help, I was able to do it. In case some of you are wondering, here is my weekly workout schedule...

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: I do the Bridalicious Bootcamp DVDs (yes, funny name, I know, but it sure makes you sore the next day.)

Tuesday, Thursday: I do my 2.15 mile run/jog

So overall, I am working out 5 times a week. That is a lot for me, but I am really determined to keep going and get toned for my sister's wedding.

Fight that urge to sleep in or watch TV instead of working out. Release that inner lion and fight your flesh and for what you want.

Now, I did not take pictures, but in case you are wondering about my eats for the day, here they are in list form...

Breakfast: chocolate chip pancakes with sugar free syrup
Morning Snack: Chai Latte
Lunch: turkey burger, broccoli, light cheese
Afternoon Snack: mixed berry cereal crunch
Dinner: smore crunch bar
Dessert: peanut butter milkshake (pb soft serve blended with water and ice)

So there you ahve it! Remember what you really want for your future. Question your eating habits...is this going to get you where you want to be? If not, then don't do it. Simple as that.

xoxo,
Toni

PS...Don't forget! This blog is moving to an official website on Friday, February 14!!!

12 week transformation...day twenty-five

Fun and random post today!

So Tuesday was my very last orthodontist appointment! It has been a three year process dealing with braces and my retainer....but I am finally done! And just for fun, here is a before and after picture of my teeth. Look at my face and my neck too! I have changed in a good way since three years ago. :)

This just goes to show that if you stick with something, you will see results. You may not see them everyday, but overtime, you will notice those small changes.

Workout
I did my run early this morning, since I am going to be busy after work. I won't lie...it's really hard to get up and actually start running. It took me a while to wake up and stretch out, but about five minutes into the run (or really jog) I felt pretty good. It was quite cold this morning, so that helped to wake me up too. It's actually kind of fun running in the morning...makes you feel pretty energized for the rest of the day.


Breakfast
Nothing too exciting for breakfast this morning. Made a french vanilla shake and took it with me to work. Boring...I know.

Morning Snack
I just love calorie burn cappuccinos!!! I loved every sip this morning...totally hit the spot on this cold and gloomy morning...which I totally love! Finally having somewhat of a winter!

Lunch
I enjoyed yesterday's lunch so much, I made it again! Had another turkey burger with cheese and broccoli on the side. Delish! I wish I could show you...but I was just so hungry I completely forgot to snap a pic.

Afternoon Snack
Had some cinnamon pretzel bites this afternoon...haven't had these in quite some time. I am glad I reordered them! These are pretty good!

Dinner
For dinner I made a mud pie shake...or really just a chocolate chip cookie shake packet blended with some instant coffee, ice, and water. Ah-ma-zing. So amazing...that I forgot to take a picture...again.

Dessert
To finish off the night, I ate a smores crunch bar. Perfect ending to quite a busy day.

I am off to a weekend camping trip with my college group from my church, so no blog posts until Monday. But I hope and pray you have a beautiful and blessed weekend. Remember, to keep your eyes on the Lord!

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day seventeen

Do you have goals? Well, in today's Take Shape for Life Transformation email, it was all about setting goals. I really liked it and thought I would share it with you all...hope you like it as much as I do!

Your goals should be SMART:

Specific: Your goal should be specific and clear. For example, rather than setting a goal to lose weight or get healthy, specify the amount of weight you want to lose or what specific activity you’d like to be able to do. The more meaningful, the better.

Measurable: Make your goal easy to measure. For example, rather than saying you want to have more energy, say that you want to be able to walk 18 holes of golf carrying a bag without being short of breath.

Achievable: Set a reasonable goal. If you’re overwhelmed, you probably won’t stick with it. But if you know you can reach it, you’ll find yourself excited by your progress.

Realistic: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you set a goal of never having dessert again, you’re likely to rebel. Instead, decide that just for now, while you’re getting down to your healthy weight, you’ll do without dessert. If you want to have dessert later on, you can do so without guilt or feelings of failure.

Time-Oriented: Set a time for accomplishing your goal. I suggest that you make a timeline of activities.

Cool, right?

Wanna hear my goals? Well, I tried on bridesmaid dresses yesterday and actually ended up ordering a size down because of my success so far in this program. So, my first goal is to fit into that size 6 dress by the end of May.

Second goal is to start working out! I have been so terrible at this and need to get up and get going. Plus, the dress is strapless and why not show off some toned arms. ;)

Write down your goals and put them up somewhere where you can see them everyday and be motivated!

Breakfast
I am finally back and home and this morning whipped up a french vanilla shake. Simple and delicious.

Morning Snack
As I mention every morning, I really like these hot drinks. This morning I had a calorie burn cappuccino.

Lunch
For lunch...my lean and green meal of the day, I had a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce with light cheese and also a side of broccoli. I think this is becoming my go to meal now...but I will always love salads.

Afternoon Snack
Had some brown sugar cereal crunch for my snack this afternoon along with some coffee...this is such a delightful pairing.

Dinner
I made dinner for the family tonight and drove back to the house I am house sitting for. On the way I ate a smores crunch bar. Sort of felt like I just skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! And c'mon...who doesn't love dessert? Oh, and to be safe while driving I didn't take a picture of the crunch bar. ;)

Dessert
After I got to the house, I whipped up a warm and gooey and divine brownie. If you have not tried these...you must. They are the best. All warm and melty-like. Yum! Sorry...no picture of this either.

Big news!!! I have a launch date for my new website!!! Ready?! Okay...mark your calendars because I am launching the new site on Valentine's Day! I thought it would be so perfect and cute! So, on Friday, February 14, 2014 I am officially launching my website called "Pretty in Pink Peonies". Yay! I will share even more details soon!

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day ten

Let's just say that this morning was pretty much the worst morning I have had in a while. You ever have those days when everything seems to be going wrong? Yeah, well...that was me.

To start of the day, I made a dark chocolate shake and when I went to take it out of the fridge, I dropped it and apparently the lid wasn't on all the way and my shake went everywhere. I mean, everywhere. I thought about taking a picture, but I was just so in awe of the mess I had to clean up that I just grabbed a towel and go to work. But just picture the entire inside of a fridge covered in a dark chocolate shake. Not fun.

So, it took me a good 15 minutes to clean everything up. But I had to still get ready...so dripping in sweat, I rushed to dry off, put on some makeup and get dressed. Oh...and make another shake. Then while putting on makeup, my blush ran out! Not a huge deal, but it is when your morning isn't going so well.

And to put the cherry on top of it all, I came into work and was feeling sick all morning. Stomach was killing me. So yeah, not the best start to the day.

But I did learn something...I learned why people (not just kids) cry over spilled milk (or shakes)! Why? Well, because it goes everywhere...that's why. ;) 

Breakfast
As I mentioned before, I first made a dark chocolate shake, but since I dropped it, I remade my shake, but used a mocha packet instead.

Morning Snack
Right after drinking my mocha shake, I had a really bad stomach ache and it continued all the way until it was time for my morning snack. I almost didn't even want it, but then a warm drink sounded pretty appetizing and soothing...so a chai latte it was!

Lunch
I was feeling better by lunch and decided to make a protein-style turkey burger with a side of broccoli.

Afternoon Snack
Still going strong with having a better day, I had some mixed berry cereal crunch for my snack. It cheered me up a bit...I love cereal!

Dinner
As I have been mentioning these past few days, our church is having a week of prayer. So before I attended tonight's service I ate a smores crunch bar.

Dessert
As the night's before, I was fairly hungry by the time my last meal of the day came around. I got home and made a coffee milkshake and then headed off to bed...I was eager to end today and see what tomorrow holds for me.

Hope you all have a better day than I did! ;)

Aren't these cats the cutest! Love them! :)

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day three

Well hello! Great quote, right? I just love it! Even if you had an off-plan day, today is a new day and a fresh start. Take advantage of it and stick with your plan! :)

So this morning I woke up feeling pretty good...had a little pep in my step! Well, okay, let's be real...I was really tired, but I was feeling good. It's funny though, because I had a dream I ate every junk food known to man...so waking up this morning and realizing I am still sticking to the plan felt pretty good.

Today is day three of my transformation and I am expecting a new shipment of Medifast to arrive hopefully next week. I always get all giddy when a new shipment comes in. I'm weird...it's okay, I know.

Breakfast
As I mentioned, I was feeling really good this morning, but I woke up with a growling stomach. Maybe it was all the imaginary food I ate in my dream last night...who knows. But either way, I was ready for my morning shake. I made a french vanilla shake and added some ice to it...because even though it was a chilling (for me anyways) morning, I still like my drinks icy cold.

Morning Snack
I was pretty good hunger wise by the time my morning snack came around. I just love the calorie-burn cappuccinos...feels like I am getting a delicious and creamy-smooth drink from a coffeeshop!

Lunch
Well...my lettuce is getting a tad worse as the days go by, but I was still able to pick through the bad pieces and create a mediocre salad that consisted of romaine lettuce, chopped chicken, parmesan cheese, and light chipotle dressing...not bad, but not great either.

Afternoon Snack
Did the same thing as yesterday and drank a coffee while enjoying a s'mores crunch bar...perfect and lovely pairing!

Dinner
I looooove cereal...I have heard that most people are not a fan of the Medifast cereals, but I just love them! The brown sugar cinnamon crunch cereal smells and tastes like french toast...how can you not like that? Beats me...I like it whether or not anyone else is a fan.

Dessert
Best dessert ever...well, not ever, but it was pretty good. I made a cookie dough milkshake using a chocolate chip soft bake packet and blending it with some water and ice. Easy peasy and delicious!

Hope your day is crazy fun and blessed...it's almost Friday!!!

xoxo,
Toni

pushing forward

Today was the first day I have felt totally back on plan. I had no cravings and was able to pass by candy and other goodies with ease. I thank the Lord! It feels great! I am packing to go and work at the Missions Conference in Murrieta, CA, so I am going to keep this post short. :)

Breakfast
Woke up around 9 this morning and watch the live streaming of the Take Shape For Life Conference going on in San Diego. Learned so much! While watching, I ate on a smores crunch bar along with some coffee.

Morning Snack
A little while later I made a french vanilla shake and drank that while cleaning the kitchen.

Lunch
After cleaning I went to the store to stock up for some lean and green meals to bring with me. I had a gift card to Rubios from Christmas and it is right next to the store, so my parents and I went there to grab a bite to eat. I ended up opting for the steak chopped salad with no chips or dressing. So good and filling!

Afternoon Snack
I wasn't really hungry at this point but had the munchies, so of course I still ate. I sipped on a coffee milkshake...I also added some extra instant coffee to give it a little boost.

Dinner
My stomach was growling by the time dinner rolled around so I ate some chili nacho cheese puffs while drinking a bunch of water.

Dessert
I went to church tonight, so after I got home it was time to eat my last meal of the day. I know coffee tends to keep you up, but it was cold outside and I was craving a cappucino. So I made a calorie burn cappuccino and am now calling it a night.

I will keep you all updated this week as I am away from home. Pray for me! :)

xoxo,
Toni

goals and sacrifices for 2014

I have decided not to make any resolutions this year, but rather make some goals. Now, some may argue that those are the same thing, but I disagree. So, I am making goals, not resolutions.

Goal #1
Read my Bible and have a devotional time with the Lord daily.

Goal #2
I would love to make a goal to workout at least five times a week. Any type of workout really, but I would like to focus on some toning workouts to firm up all the flab.

Goal #3
To complete the 12-week transformation plan through Take Shape For Life. I am really excited about this actually and can't wait to see what the end result will be. You can sign up as well by visiting this link...the prize is pretty great and a great incentive.

Goal #4
Hit my goal weight of 105 (or so) pounds by the end of the year.

Goal #5
To become more confident in everything I do...whether it be speaking in front of a large crowd or sharing my faith with others or just being confident in who I am.

Goal #6
Be the best maid of honor ever for my sister who is getting married in May.

Sacrifice
This morning while eating a apple cinnamon mug muffin, my parents and I were doing a Bible together and the topic of sacrifice kept coming up and so we each prayed about what the Lord would have us sacrifice to Him this year. For me? It's a husband. I know it sounds superficial, but being married and starting a family consumes my thoughts at times. I must think about the Lord more than any other thing and a future life was clouding my thoughts for the Lord. So that is my sacrifice this year.

I just love that quote and really hope to apply it my life starting this very instant. So, Lord, I do pray that you would help me to become so lost in You and Your Word this year. Amen!

Breakfast
As I mentioned earlier, I ate an apple cinnamon oatmeal muffin while reading the Word with the parents.

Morning Snack
A little while later I made and drank a dark chocolate shake.

Workout
Going with my goal for this year, I worked out for about 30 minutes...all toning exercises. It was a quick and enjoyable workout. I look forward to how I will feel in a few weeks.

Lunch
After my workout I took a quick shower and made myself a classic lunch: a chicken burger on a bed of lettuce topped with light mozzarella cheese and light Italian dressing.

Afternoon Snack
I went to see Saving Mr. Banks and ate my next snack during the middle of it...but I was prepared! I cut a smores crunch bar up and brought it with me. Perfect, quiet, and discreet snack. PS...the movie was amazing and I highly encourage you to go see it.

Dinner
For dinner, I made a chai latte and relaxed for the remainder of the night.

Dessert
To end day one of the new year, I made a brownie soft bake. Perfect ending to a lovely day.

Also, next Saturday, there is a Take Shape for Life event taking place at Vanguard University! More details to come!

xoxo,
Toni

day sixty-five...he put a ring on it

My older sister, Sterling, is engaged! I am beyond excited for her and cannot wait to see her walk down the aisle and live happily ever after. *heavy sigh*

It has been a long day, due to all the excitement of the engagement, so I am just going to quickly go through my eats for the day and head to bed. Don't worry though...I will talk more about it tomorrow. ;)

Breakfast
Woke up this morning and made myself a dark chocolate shake. We had to attend a memorial in the early afternoon, so I got ready while I sipped on the shake.

Morning Snack
On the way to the memorial, I snacked on a blueberry muffin. It's been a while since I ate one of these, and I was pleasantly surprised with how good it tasted!

Lunch
After the memorial, it was off to my sister's boyfriends mom's (what a mouthful!)  house to celebrate the engagement of my sister and her now fiance, Gabriel. I ate some honey mustard pretzel bites a little while before I got there.

Afternoon Snack
Once we arrived, there was a spread of finger foods. I sort of strayed off plan and had a few meatballs that had BBQ sauce on them (didn't snap a picture of them). But shortly after the little get together, we went to dinner at Baja Fish Tacos, where I had a salad with carne asada. Not as good as chipotle, but still pretty good.

Dinner
A little while later I made a calorie burn cappuccino. This was so perfect. I was really full for some reason and the warmth helped settle my stomach.

Dessert
I had dessert really late, but once I did, I ate a smores crunch bar. I ate it pretty quick for some reason too. Maybe I just wanted to get to bed. It has been a long day.

Well, that is that. More to talk about tomorrow. :)

xoxo,
Toni