Focusing in on 2014

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You know those moments when you know that you have so much to say but you cannot quite find the words that will do it justice? That is totally the spot that I am in. I have been quite reflective the last couple of months. I have spent a lot of time evaluating this past year, my relationships, where my heart is at, how much I have to really give of myself. I am a planner. I like to have goals, things that I am working on, working towards. So when asked what I am striving for in 2014, I have a lot on my mind and not sure how to say it.

I live my life without regrets. I share a majority of the good (not always the bad but I haven’t really had much bad in the past couple of years) with all of you whether it is through the blog or Instagram. I share my heart, my thoughts, my life and I am open and answer questions honestly when asked. My life is far from perfect but I am really HAPPY! It truly fills my heart knowing that people resonate with me, that they connect with what I am going through. Being able to connect with people over every day life, our fitness journeys, dating ups and downs and any other random thing is truly rewarding for me.  I definitely struggle at times with what I share publically. I try to keep it real but I have learned that there are certain things that I need to keep guarded and fiercely close to me (my love life being one of them).

I have met some incredible people this year. I continue to be very purposeful in who I let in, whom I become close with. I have found that surrounding myself with people that challenge me to be better while loving me unconditionally is the best. I am beyond blessed that I am able to cultivate these relationships and pray that they feel the same about me.

I’ve also met some awful people. I have seen the worst in others. I have learned that people are not always who they say that they are. I have been pushed to my limit, been tested and let go of a lot. It is hard. Painful. Humbling.  It also made me stronger, wiser and in the weirdest way more trusting and loving. I learned how powerful the heart is. I am so proud that I am continually getting better when I could let these things make me bitter.

It’s been over two years since I decided to change my life, lose some weight and incorporate fitness into my every day routine.  It has been such a rewarding journey. I still have not met my ultimate weight loss goal but I am healthy (like cleared of so many issues healthy), fit and happy. I have a work out partner, accountability and use my workouts to relieve stress. It is an amazing outlet and I am beyond thankful for all of the support.

My professional life really came together at the end of 2013. I am involved in some incredible projects. I have been given more responsibility with Pollinate Media and I am so excited with my future with this company. I also got back into Fashion and began selling Stella and Dot jewelry, which I love doing. I am consulting for a non-profit, giving back and that feels incredible. And I still have this blog and se some exciting things happening here. I am busy, striving and still have freedom to just live.

With that said, let's summarize the last two years. In 2012 I made A LOT of changes in my life. I focused on me for the first time ever. 2013 was all about maintaining changes, cultivating relationships and having a lot of fun. I set many goals and I accomplished most of them. Although after May I think I completely forgot what they were. (You can read last year's post here). 2014 feels like it is going to be my break out year. Instead of sharing goals and setting New Years resolutions, I am going to share a word that will describe where my focus will be in my personal life, professional life and my physical/fitness journey. 

Personal 

My word for my personal life is Purposeful.

I want to be purposeful in the decisions that I make, the people I let into my life, the relationships I cultivate and how much I give of myself.

Professional

My word for my professional life is Balance.

My professional life is made up of four "jobs" that I truly love! It has taken a couple years to get to the place but it has all come together. I need to stay balanced in my time management, in the way that I think (business minded vs. entrepreneurial spirit) and with the projects I take on.

Physical/Fitness Journey

My word for my physical/fitness journey is Disciplined.

My fitness journey really is a habit at this point. I work out for my mental health just as much as my physical health. I work out 4-5 times a week, I lift, I seek appropriate counsel when I hit a plateau or need motivation but I would never call myself disciplined in this area. I need to hone in on my diet, really tailor my work outs for definition and stay focused on my ultimate goal.

 Whatever you decide to do in 2014, I wish you all of the best! I am so thankful for all of you that care, follow along and pretend that my life is way more interesting than it really is! ;) Haha.

Let's go out and make the most of the time we are given! Choose to be happy, fight for what you love and never settle!

Trashy TV, Work Outs and Target

I am not sure how many of you know that I am a complete night owl and that I tend to write my blog posts right before bed. So this post is being written after watching The Bachelor and The Biggest Loser. I also DVR The Following (AMAZE-BALLS new show with Kevin Bacon) AND Dallas. Too much good television on Monday nights. Eeek! So I feel like I have to tell you that watching both of these shows really puts perspective in my life. I know that may sound ridiculous BUT being "single" and searching for love along with continuing on my Fitness Journey pretty much ensures that watching Reality TV is a must. As for the perspective, I know that as much as I think that I am "crazy" and possibly hard to date I know that I am nowhere close to the craziness that a few of the girls on The Bachelor (Tierra is on her on level of cray cray. Her and her eyebrow) are. I was sad to see Lesley go. She was my favorite from the beginning. But watching Sean dismiss Tierra early was just fantastic. PLUS seeing Sean's sister reenforces that Sean is really not a douchebag. I still really like him and his genuineness. As for The Biggest Loser... I am not really attached to any of the contestants, maybe Danni, but overall it is a kind of boring season. I just watch to see Bob, Dolvett and Jillian in action. Their work outs inspire me!

 This is always a good reminder when it comes to matters of the heart!

Since I just babbled about television I have to share that I actually didn't get dressed in anything besides work out clothes yesterday. I started running again since I signed up for a 5K on March 30th. I also went on a 4 mile walk with a friend. So I got in double work outs. I am doing what I can to stay motivated to lose 20 pounds and setting milestones is important. So no outfit post today! Sorry, Friends! Tomorrow. Promise!

 I LOVE this. You cannot just think it, you must do it. Actions speak louder than words in all aspects of life!

I did run into Target yesterday to pick up a few things and to check out the Prabal Gurung for Target line. My store still had so many of the clothing options but the ever popular sweatshirt was long gone (not that I would have bought it because I know 6 people that did plus the blogging world. Haha). I think that it was a gorgeous collection. I wasn't a huge fan of the fabrication used but that's to be expected. The shoes were picked over but the neon strappy heels were there. Two pairs left and one happened to be my size. I LOVE them. But I still left home without buying them. I may hate myself later. Or try and buy them. Let me know if you think I should!!

I did happen to fall in love with the 'Ona' flat in cognac. I am going to have to carry my love for cognac into spring and summer when I won't be able to wear my beloved boots anymore and I think that these are perfect. I have been a fan of this flat since they introduced this style. For fifteen bucks they are kind of a no brainer. I am also enamored with these wedges. I love the shades of blue and teal mixed with the natural of the cork. These pretties will probably be making their way into my closet at some point. If you fall in love you may want to size down, they run a bit big. I also think these are rad. Edgy, HIGH wedge and neutral. Pretty perfect characteristics if you ask me. 

That is a quick wrap up of my Monday. Shop, Work Out, a little girl time and lots of trashy TV. I cannot complain!

Coffee Date/Hang Out Sesh

TGIF lovelies!

I hope that you will join me for coffee today! I am loving this series and the opportunity to share with you all. I am linking up with my friend Alissa, so if you are joining me on this hang out sesh I suggest you go link up and see what other women are sharing!

I am wearing this camo hoody. Again. And these sunnies. I am DYING to get them with the Green Flash lens too.

If we were having coffee today (or tea since that is what I am drinking) I would start off by sharing that I am missing my family this week! Getting to spend a couple days with them is like a tease. Seeing my nephew and niece makes my heart SO happy. I tell you that I was so excited to have my nephew sleep in my room both nights that they were here. And that on the second night he woke up and wanted to sleep in bed with me. WHile I didn't get much sleep that night (how do you moms do it???) I loved the extra cuddles, running my fingers through his curls and watching him sleep. There is nothing more special than those little moments. I would ask you about your fam (if you had one) or to have you share a special moment you had in the past couple of weeks.

 Don't pay any attention to me. Sneak attack! How I slept most of Sunday night.

If I was having coffee with you I would share that I had an interview this week and that I have been applying for new jobs. I would share what a nerve wrecking process it is but even through the nerves I am SUPER excited to start a new chapter in my life. I would ask you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers that the perfect position comes available. I would ask you about your job and where your passion lies. 

Dating and my Work Outs are always a hot topic. I would share that I saw my "future husband" in a Yoga class last week. I would tell you that I have not been that physically attracted to someone like that in YEARS. Now I just have to see him again so that I can get the balls to talk to him. I would tell you how my family saw what I looked like after a hot yoga class and jokingly (well, not really. They were serious) told me that I should only try to talk to him BEFORE class. LOL. I am a hot, disgusting, sweaty, smelly and red faced mess after a work out. There is nothing cute about me. At all. I know that and I am ok with that. I would ask you if you read my most recent Flirty Thirty posts about my dating diary the last few months and get your thoughts on what I shared. I would ask how your love life is and if you have been focused on a diet and fitness regimen.

If we were hanging out I would talk a little bit about the blog and social media. I would share that my blog readership continues to grow and that I am a little overwhelmed by my Inbox. I have so many emails to respond to that I don't know where to begin. Haha. I would share that I am beginning to accomplish some of the goals that I set for 2013. AND I would tell you how excited I am that I hit 500 followers on Instagram! Pretty cool milestone. 

I always have to share what I am dying to buy. So I would tell you that I am in DIRE need of a new pair of running shoes and that I am thinking about buying these in the BRIGHT blue combo. I am also dying to buy these booties after stalking Laura of Ascot Friday's blog and IG feed. Plus my friend Jess has them and I am in love. I still need to buy some pants that fit. I am loving these because of the zippers and my obsession with distressed denim is out of control so these skinnies obviously need to come home with me. And lastly I am dying to buy the Naked Basic palette. I need some matte, neutral shadows in my life. I need to reel my shopping in until I secure a new job. I am hoping you will hold me accountable ;)

I am pretty positive that we would talk about upcoming plans for the weekend and that we cannot believe that it is February already! I have a 30th birthday party to attend and I have NO plans for Super Bowl (yet). I still haven't seen some of the Best Picture nominees and I am DYING to go to a concert. Luckily I will be seeing Pink in a couple weeks. I have started making plans to go to AZ fro Spring Training, I have some Country concerts that I will be attending and a couple weddings coming up. The next few months will be very busy! I would hope that you are planning some fun things too!

Now that I have talked your ear off, what else would you tell me? I love hearing about your life too! Let's chat!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! I hope that you have an incredible weekend! 

Since none of my favorite teams are playing in the Super Bowl I am going to root for the California team....GOOOOO NINERS!!!

Through my iPhone lens

I am embarrassed to admit this but I spent a majority of the weekend curled up watching Homeland. After all of the hype I decided to get caught up. I am HOOKED. The show is amazing, incredible and the acting is just phenomenal. The clincher... Mandy Patinkin is in the show. He has been a favorite of mine for years. I watched all of season one. And started season two. I haven't watched this much TV for years. Dang. I also watched my boys, The Patriots, lose the AFC championship. Plus hit the gym. So I guess the whole weekend wasn't a wash!

2013 has shaped up to be a lot more emotional and intense than I originally thought. I knew that I would be facing a lot of change but it is  creeping up on me a little quicker than anticipated. My dating life has been challenging as of late, I am OFFICIALLY job hunting and really using these stressful situations to push myself in the gym. I have my first goal of losing 10 pounds by March 21. When it rains, it pours! I tend to cope and deal by retreating and spending time alone. I didn't realize that I was already doing that until this past week. It is weird how your mind and body cope and heal without you even realizing!

Since I have spent the past couple of weeks at home, I thoguht I would share some iPhone pics from the past month and share things that generally wouldn't make it on the blog.

Enjoy!

 SO EXCITED to see these two munchkins this weekend. I have Auntie dates planned with the little loves of my life!

Outfit Posts Here and Here

 A pic I took from Women's Health magazine of Emily Van Camp talking about her view on relationships. This really spoke to me!

 A screen shot of a hair style I would LOVE to try but my hair isn't thick enough to look this good! I have hair envy!

 This mani is in my top fave manicures EVER! I love that it is neutral with a slight pop. This mani looked good with everything I wore.

OPI 'Chocolate Moose' with Nubar 'Gold and Brown Glitter' topped with Revlon 'Pink Glitter'

 SERIOSULY can it be Summer yet? I miss it. I love everything about the Summer time and cannot wait. Now you get why I will never leave So Cal again. Living here makes me so happy. I am blessed!

 Christmas Gifts from my friends that all look so cute together! Clearly they all know me SO well. ;)

Fearless necklace is from a local boutique

Chevron necklace is from Lisa Leonard (Thanks Alissa and Pollinate Media)

Grown in California necklace from The Oxford Trunk

 I have OFFICIALLY reached this point. I have turned to the gym and not food.

That makes me feel SO GOOD.

 This is my favorite meal lately. I eat it 3-4 times a week.

Quinoa with black beans, mushrooms, zuchini and red bell pepper

Beets and Goat Cheese.

Clean, Gluten and Dairy Free plus packed with Protein even without meat.

 Happy Monday, my friends!

Back to regular posting tomorrow!

Have a great week. 

:)

Fashionista Fitness and What I Wore

If you are a new reader, back in January 2012, I decided to write a monthly post chronicling my goals, trials and triumphs. You can catch up on my older posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you!

Holy Bananas!

It has been one whole year since I started this journey and series. I cannot believe I survived! Lol. This has been a year of struggle, challenges, hurdles and TRIUMPH. It is not the end of the journey. Let me tell you. This is a true lifestyle change and I have another big goal to accomplish this year.

I am definitely planning on continuing this series and sharing more of my journey, cute work out outfits and thought process along the way. 

2012 Recap

Lost 40 Pounds

Worked out 5x a week for 50 weeks

Changed my diet numerous times 

Went Gluten Free

Found true HAPPINESS, like the happiest I have ever been

2013 Goals

Lose 20 more pounds

Consistently work out 4x a week

Hone in on my sugar intake and conquer that addiction

Continue a Gluten Free lifestyle

Make this year more INCREDIBLE than the last

I thought I would start this year off with a work out attire outfit post. This is me in all my glory before yesterday's work out. No make up, I seriously wash my face before any work out because I have acne prone skin. I always wear my hair piled on top of my head so that I don't have to worry about it falling in my face. The headband helps with sweat and keeping my baby hairs under control. I always wear layers and I dress like this even in the Summer. If it is SUPER hot I wear shorts, longer shorts to prevent chub rub, but I will wear a light weight sweatshirt or dri-fit long sleeved tee. I sweat so much and hate being slick. Wearing long sleeves and pants helps keep me dry. I also have on a sports bra and a fitted tank with a built in bra. I like to wear two sports bras for extra support even though they make me look flat as a pancake. ;) Another feature I want to point out is the thumb holes. At first I didn't get them but now I LOVE them. They help keep the machine dry when I have to hold on. Plus it helps keep dry and warm when working out outside.

 I picked up this outfit for $30 bucks from Old Navy. They have GREAT active wear and it is all on sale right now!

 Work Out Uniform

 What I Wore:

Top: Old Navy Stretch Pullover (I LOVE this top, I sized up so that it literally doesn't touch my mid section. You can see that it is looser than how it fits on the model. It feels SO GOOD on too!) I bought this style too!

Leggings: Old Navy 'Compression' (These SUCK everything in and are thick! I can bend over and not feel uncomfortable)

Shoes: Nike Free 4.0 (Free's are SO light weight and great for running)

Headband: Lululemon (Cheaper version from Nordstrom's brand, Zella)

What I Want Wednesday

Every New Year a majority of the population makes some kind of resolution to "lose weight or get healthy". I have spent the last year focused on doing that exact thing. I lost a considerable amount of weight (you can read about my Fitness Journey here) and have another goal set for 2013. One thing that really helped motivate me to work out and get my butt to the gym was fun, cute and flattering work out clothes. Since I run and do a combo of Yoga and Pilates I have to have different looks that are appropriate to each practice. I am looking forward to picking up a couple new outfits in the next month or so to help jump start my motivation in 2013. 

I am currently wanting these pieces...

Outfit 1: When I run I wear looks very similar to this. I ALWAYS wear a jacket or sweatshirt (even in the summer) because I sweat a lot and like to have a layer that soaks it up. I am loving the mock turtleneck on this jacket. This jacket also has mesh vents and wicks moisture away. I cannot think of better qualities of a jacket to wear while on a run. I also need a change in my bottoms and I love that these are solid but have details in the print that makes them a little different. I swear by the Nike Free's for running and working out. This look is a must have in my book.

Zella 'Fresh Take Z' Tank // Zella 'Victory' Jacket // Zella 'Live In' Leggings // Nike Free 4.0 Running Shoes

Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank: I am a huge fan of tanks that don't touch my mid section. They are perfect for Yoga and for working out in warmer temperatures. This one reminds me of the Lululemon 'No Limits Tank' but for a cheaper price. I will definitely be adding this tank to my work out wardrobe.

 Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank

Outfit 2: The girls in Orange County definitely take style in Yoga class to a new level. I need to step it up. I love the color and print in this look. I really love that the top is loose and drapy. Cropped leggings are a fun and sassy way to look different. This is a look that I may have to try when I hit the mat.

Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Tie Dye Capris // Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Knot Hem V-Neck Top

What do you wear while working out? Do you feel work out harder when wearing cute clothes? Would you wear these looks?

#StayFitandHealthy2013