Sunday, December 30, 2012

Drinking the Koolaid

Good evening my lovelies!

Christmas has come and gone and we are standing at 2013's door! Holy cow where did the year go? I blinked and it was gone. Friends, fun, love, wedding, hard work, and good memories made up a great year but it is time to look forward.


January is that time of year where people think about change. They set goals, make promises, make commitments... To better themselves, to better their health... Sometimes for their own benefit and sometimes for their loved ones. 

So what are your goals for 2013? To quit smoking? To quit drinking? To eat cleaner? To lose weight? To get a better job? To find love?

As for me, I have started a new journey of my own in November. I drank the koolaid and started crossfit. Yup, I did. I have been at it for a month now and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I signed up for 6 months {which I will definitely be extending}. I have never been so humbled or sore. Seriously for a week sneezing and laughing was akin to torture. I thought I was in good shape, I thought I was strong... SIKE. I go to the 5am class so my workouts are out of the way and after work I have the rest of the day to play! Everyone in my class is so nice, supportive and humble. Even though who have been at it for years and are waaaay stronger than me. There is nothing like struggling through a workout and having a room full of people cheering you on!




In the short time that I've been going I have seen lots of changes in my body. I've noticed more definition in my legs, in my arms and definitely in my back. My midsection has leaned out. I have noticed more of a change in a month than I  ever did when I was actively doing Insanity or P90X {which are AWESOME programs}. I am not as strong in my arms and I am in my legs but I'm progressing. I did set two PRs for myself though; 105lb front squat and 140lb back squat.

{little ol' me in the background there}

And I got these bad boys for Christmas {THANKS MOM}! Reebok Nanos 2.0. I absolutely love them! They are light, and comfortable. They do run a little on the small side so you may want to add a half size to what you normally wear. But I highly recommend them to all you crossfitters out there!


So question of the day:
What are your goals?
Leave a comment, I would love to hear what you will be working toward this new year! 

Everyone please stay safe! Have fun, but be responsible!

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Quote I saw this week that loved.
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say, 'I have used everything you gave me.'"

Sunday, December 16, 2012

When I said I do...

SCHOOL IS OVER. {For a month.} Who is excited? This girl. I survived both my classes, and I'm so relieved to have them behind me. 

I have finally sat down to take the time to write a post about the wedding, nearly two months later. I think though I will save the reception for another post cause there is just too much to write about.

So the wedding.

Well lets start with the day before shall we? I got up early and drove to Houston to pick up a rental camaro, since I didn't want anyone messing with my own. It was a gorgeous 2012 Victory Red 2SS/RS (which means its a fully loaded V8 for those who don't speak car). Perfect chariot for the weekend. 


After I picked up the camaro, I met my little sister Logann and my best friend Brittney to get our nails done. It had been a long time since I had gotten a mani/pedi and it was such a blast to sit there and chat with my girls while we relaxed. From there we met my aunts, grandmother, other sister and mother at Crossroads Tea Collection for another round of high tea! Sitting around nibbling on sandwiches and drinking tea in such a gorgeous setting just made me feel like I was in a movie. Could not have been any more perfect and I know my grandmother enjoyed it a lot! 




The last stop of the night was the rehearsal dinner at the church. We did our run through in the chapel and then headed down to the large hall for some yummy fajitas catered from Margarita's Mexican Restaurant by the husband's super sweet mom! Everyone sat around and mingled, lots of laughs and shenanigans as usual. 


When it was time to go home and get our beauty rest, I took the camaro and hit the road. Never fails. Got pulled over by a state trooper; I explained to him that it was the night before my wedding and that I was exhausted so he let me off with a warning but all my friends got a huge kick out of it.

The day of I woke up around 9am, double checked my list, got dressed, and loaded the car with mine and Logann's stuff. Let me tell you that car was loaded down, you'd think we were going on a trip for a month! We drove to town to pick up my older sister Candace, stopped by Starbucks {of course}, and headed to the church to get ready! One of my super sweet Camaro club friends did my hair and my make up while we jammed out to music, munched on subs my mother dropped off for us, and we goofed off. Next thing I know the photographers have showed up and its less than an hour to go! 




They were not kidding when they said time would fly. Every time I went to do something someone kept saying -45 minutes, 40 minutes... Oi vey. Dad forgot the marriage license and had to go all the way home to get it! Granny's rental broke down and they had to get help! I was starting to worry. Everyone kept saying how calm I was during everything but I was so excited, no worries or woes. Thirty minutes out and I didn't have my dress on, not to mention started the laces on the back. In the last few minutes we were rushing around like little bees, so was my stomach! 





Next thing I know we are standing in the hallway, lined up and ready to go, piano music is blaring in my ears, Dad is waiting on me... My bridal party heads in, and I started shaking. I was worried about walking in my shoes, dropping my bouquet, falling flat on my face. 


They opened the doors and first thing I see is the husband is crying, like not a tear, full out crying. BE STILL MY HEART. I just wanted to hug him. 




The rest flew by, I do remember the preacher trying to get him to look at me instead of her, everyone laughed at that. We almost missed our kiss cue, you'd think we'd remember the most important part, and then it was out the door in a flurry! 







And we will save the rest for another day... :) So stay tuned.

PS. The professional pictures are courtesy of Kat and Loren from Mustard Seed Photography, I love them dearly they are beyond AWESOME. 

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Monday, November 26, 2012

Elf for Health

Hello friends, oh how I have missed you terribly! Not even kidding. The wedding flew by and my accounting classes have sort of taken over my life. SAP and Access programming are not fun at all. If I could clone myself so the other me could handle school that would be perfect; anyone have access to that kind of technology?

Well Turkey day has come and gone and like everyone else in the world I may have indulged a little too much. But you can't let one day derail you or set you back, and though the holidays are fun we still have to keep our long term goals in mind. Enter Linsday (Lean Green Bean) and Elle (Nutrionella). They have started a SUPER FUN way to network with others to stay motivated through the holidays, Elf for Health! They pair you up with other individuals and you help keep each other on track through all kinds of challenges they have set up for you over the next few weeks.
newsletter header Elf for Health

Sign Up

Want to sign up?! Click here.
Lindsay and Elle will be sending out a weekly newsletter reminding you of the weekly challenges so look out for a confirmation email to confirm your participation & newsletter subscription. If you don’t receive a confirmation email, check your spam box. If you still can’t find a confirmation email, let one of them (Elle or Lindsay) know ASAP and they will add you to the list.
SIGNUPS FOR ROUND 1 ARE NOW CLOSED. FEEL FREE TO SIGNUP NOW, PARTICIPATE IN THE CHALLENGES, TWEET/INSTAGRAM, ETC… WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU!  YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ELF AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES FOR ROUNDS 2 & 3!!
The Details
This is a six week challenge that will run from the Monday after Thanksgiving through the first week in January. There are daily tasks, daily winners, prizes, weekly newsletters, and a Facebook group for support.
Dates: Monday, November 26th – January 6th
All participants will receive an elf. In return, all participants will be that person’s elf in return!
If you missed the initial sign up deadline: You can still enter for Rounds 2 and 3. See the details & sign up form below!
Anyone can participate. It doesn’t matter no matter where you’re located! All you need is access to the internet and an email address. It also doesn’t cost anything. (We know you have plenty of gifts to buy this holiday season!)
** Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, only USA residents are eligible to win prizes. But we’d still love to have you participate, even if you’re from somewhere else!**

Elf Duties

As an Elf, you are expected to support your assigned buddy with their holiday health goals and the daily challenges. Elves & buddies will be reassigned every 2 weeks.
Day 1: Meatless Monday

Todays challenge was to email your buddy (mine is Julia - everyone say HI JULIA!) a quick and easy veggie recipe to try! Well you know me sometimes I get a little carried away and I might have sent her a whole slew of recipes! And since I took the time to hunt down all these fun recipes I thought I would share so if you want to add Meatless Monday to your weekly routine you'd have something ideas to try!

Below are some salads, soups (since it is chilly outside) and lots of dinner options. (And even a breakfast option since I know some people like pancakes for dinner!)

I cook a lot of my meals from blogs I read. Most of my meals are either my husbands creations or from Skinny Taste, How Sweet It Is, or Peas and Crayons! If you don’t read those blogs you should definitely check them out. They have great skinny and fast tasty recipes!
Breakfast


Salads



Soups







Entrées













Sometimes if I’m short on time I’ll just buy black bean burgers in the store and then follow the rest of the recipe.




So I'm sure you are wondering what is on the menu in my household... These bad boys.



{thats her picture too}
It's okay, go ahead and drool. I'm doing it too. 
Well hopefully you guys found something new to try and I am glad to be back on Kiwi Fit, it keeps me sane.
Do you have a favorite Meatless Monday recipe? Post up a link or the recipe its self! I would love to try it and share it!
Eat clean, train hard, && inspire others!
-Jaren

Monday, October 1, 2012

Marvelous In My Monday #9


Good evening! Hi, my name is Jaren... I kid. Long time no blog, I know and I’m sorry. In less than two weeks all this craziness will be over and I’ll be back to regular programming. I bet you can’t wait! At least I hope you can't. My Granny called my father last night and was like, “Tell Jaren she needs to post on her blog.” Well yes ma’am!

So like I said, today we are exactly TWELVE DAYS away from the wedding. DO. NOT. PANIC. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. I feel like the day is going to get here and I’m not going to be prepared then I’m going to have a heart attack. Hence I’ve become a list making fool. Never really liked making lists till now, but I found it helps keep me sane. We are pretty much done now except for getting our license, premarital counseling, and meeting with the DJ for the last time. All of that will be done this week though, and the 5th is my “Girls Night Out” and the fiance’s Bachelor Party.

Since I haven't done a MIMM post in a while I thought I would do that today to tell you about all the fun and great things that have been going on around here.

Shower: Back on the 22nd my two wonderful sisters, Candace and Logann, threw the fiance and I a shower. Our friends came, people from church, and a few of my parents friends. It was so pretty and the food was GREAT even though I was too busy talking to everyone to eat a lot of it. Boo. We are truly blessed with some great people in our life and had an AWESOME time. Plus we got some great cooking stuff. OH! And my sister Candace gave me The Rose Quilt she made, I have been trying to get my fingers on it since I saw it on her blog. Not going to lie, this girl almost cried. Its so pretty!!





Bridesmaid Luncheon: The next day we had a nice luncheon for my bridesmaids/man. It was at this awesome tea room in Old Town Spring. We had champagne, tea, cute little sandwiches and sweets. Grown up tea party, I thought it was probably the coolest thing ever. (I'm so going back).





Fall: October has finally arrived and brought the amazing fall weather with it! Finally the Texas heat is gone and its nice cool breezy days ahead. I love hoodie weather, I'm so stoked! Last night the fiance grilled some BBQ chicken and veggies, and we sat outside on the swing and drank wine. PERFECT kind of night. {Even though we might have had too much wine, oops. Wine is good for your heart right? :) }

Muse: Tomorrow is the release of the new Muse CD, The 2nd Law! New workout music, HURRAY! I pre-ordered it months ago on iTunes, so I'll probably be up at midnight laying in bed listening to it. Yeah, I've told you before - I'm obsessed. Their new song Madness is a AWESOME running song. 


Construction: It is so close to being done! The walls are in and the cabinets in the gym are done as well. Now just paint and floors! So ready to show you guys how it turned out! {Also to have a legit gym in the house!}

Endangered Species Dark Chocolate: Is it possible to become an addict? My father has been buying this for my mother, and I am addicted. I have a little nibble ever day and its wonderful!


And as for a funny story, the other day I dropped the Camaro off at the dealer for an oil change. The dealership is right next to my sisters neighborhood, but also a huge interstate. I gave the lady the keys and asked how long, and she asked if I was going to wait for it. I told her no I'm going to run home. She assumed I had a ride and I was like no literally I'm going to run home, like exercising. She looked at me like I'd grown two heads. I then explained where my sistered lived but I still think she was like this girl is crazy. It was funny. Trust me. 


So I've also been slacking on my blog reading, shocker I know. Any good posts I should read? Recipes or workouts, add the links to your comments!

Eat, clean, train hard, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Running Out of Time

I would like to start off by saying that I need about 4 extra hours added to each day so if someone could make that possible that would be great! For the last couple days I have been running non stop getting ready for school, completely wedding things, and trying to make sure I get in a decent amount of workouts in each week while still spending time with the fiance and the family! I think it finally caught up with me because I have been sick the last few days. Guess the body got tired of the go go go.

I'll just hit the recent highlights! As for workouts I've been running, doing the deck of cards workout a few times a week {burpees always kill me}, Bob Yoga, and Jillian Michaels. Did ya'll see that Jillian will be back on Biggest Loser in January? Who is really happy about this? I know I am, I love her!

Friday I spent the day with Mom. We had an appointment at the reception venue in which we picked out the menu, how the room would be arranged and any extras we wanted. They are going to drape the ceiling with white fabric - I'm so excited! It will look a little like this - this picture is from More than an Image.


We had lunch at my favorite place, America's! Chicken with pineapple salsa, asparagus and quinoa with a mojito! It was love as usual! After that we went to the mall to look for wedding shoes, and Mom finally bought her dress. Its a gorgeous navy form fitting dress with beading and sheer sleeves. Seriously my mom has it going on, a size 2 hour glass figure... Why didn't I get those genes?!?! From there we went to my bridal hair trial. I really want my hair down and curly but out of my face. I love how it turned out, the pictures just don't do it justice! We are going to have to find a better way to pin it though since I have so much hair the weight started loosening the pins after about 4 hrs.


Saturday, Candace and I went to a tea room for lunch. It was so pretty and I loved all the mixed china. They pretty much serve just tea, soup, sandwiches and salads but it was great!


Afterwards, we hit Joann's for some fabric and wedding supplies like a birdcage, guestbook, and candy buffet needs. Candace is hand making a dress for her little girl to wear to the wedding. She is too young to be the flower girl but we still want to include her and have her look darling! We picked out this sweet light pink fabric! I can't wait to see the finished product! After that we just HAD to stop for some frozen yogurt - mandatory snack on fun days! Then we headed to Walmart for some glass dishes and a few other things we needed for the candy buffet at the wedding. Thank goodness we decided to go to Walmart cause we saved TONS of money getting it there instead of Joann's or Michaels. 

Sunday was Funday! Started with Cars and Coffee with the Camaro and lunch with our car buds! After that we headed south to another car friends place for a day of fun in the country! The girls talked, the boys shot their guns in the woods, and then we ended the night just sitting around talking. I love days with friends like that - even if it meant not getting home until 1 am!


As for Monday, I got up and ran for twenty minutes and came back inside because it was too hot to do my deck of cards workout instead. Then not long after my dad got the ribs out of the oven for a DELICIOUS dinner, I started feeling sick and have been down since. Good thing is the fiance has been a AWESOME nurse and spoiling me rotten. Maybe I should get sick more often.


Anyways, I'm sorry I haven't been posting much. But I'm trying to at least get one post in a week to keep in touch. Only five weeks till the wedding then I should have my life back. I don't know how people miss planning their wedding, it is exhausting! 

Question:
How did you spend your Labor Day weekend?

Eat clean, train hard, && inspire others!
Jaren

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Card Deck Exercise


I'm sure some of you are familiar with this exercise but I have recently learned about it and thought I would share it just in case there are others like me! 

If you don't have a gym or a DVD player to get your workout in, I'm sure that you have a deck of cards laying around your house. Or you can grab one from most gas stations for nothing. I'm know you are wondering how a deck of cards is going to help you get your workout on but hang in there and trust me.


For each suit assign a workout move. For example: hearts - burpees, clubs - push ups, spades - squats, and diamonds - jumping jacks or stance jacks. For face cards (king, queen, ect.) assign an amount; jacks 10, queens, 15, and kings 20. Whatever amount you want to do based on your level of fitness. 

Now grab a card, for whatever suit it is perform the assigned exercise for the amount on the card, or the amount you have chosen for the face card. Then make your way though the deck of cards as fast as you can.

This exercise can be intense so if you can't make it through the first time, just try to accomplish more the next time. Soon you will be running through the deck twice!

Hopefully a few of you guys learned a new tool to add to your workout arsenal! Every little bit helps!

Question:
Have you tried the deck of cards workout?
What are the moves you assign?

Eat clean, train hard, and inspire others!
-Jaren
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