#12DaysofFFF Day 3

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Happy Thursday, everyone! Are you ready for Day 3 of #12DaysofFFF? This one may SOUND like a no brainer, but, you'd be surprised at how many people skip out on workouts this time of year. I get it... it's crazy hectic. It's so busy and every spare moment is spent prepping for an upcoming event, or buying presents, or getting the kids ready for a school concert or play. You all can relate. The thing is... exercise isn't just important for keeping your waistline in check... it will also help keep those stress levels down. It will balance your hormone levels and boost serotonin. Bottom line: it's important, folks.

So, since I'm telling you that I'm aware of the stress... how can I possibly ask you to keep your workouts in-check? Plan ahead. Look at the upcoming week and figure out the days that you can sneak some in. Maybe you'll have to get up a smidge earlier or do a workout DVD later at night. That's ok - you'll feel so thankful that you did it once you finish. And getting back to that waistline... oh how it will thank you!

As I continue with this #12DaysofFFF series, I'll start adding in some quick workouts that you can do anywhere. Simple and effective moves that don't need a heck of a lot of concentration or agility. Remember, Day 1 was #MOVEMORE, DAY 2 #BALANCEDEATING, and DAY 3 #MAKETIMEFOREXERCISE. Days 1-3 are your foundation for a healthy & happy holiday season. Stay tuned for more updates on how to tie it all together. Have a GREAT Thursday!

xo

#12DaysOfFFF Day 1

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Goooood evening, everyone! How are you all doing? Gearing up for Thanksgiving? I'm getting pretty excited myself. So, the busy holiday season is coming up; COOKIES, more cookies, christmas parties, cookies, peppermint stick ice cream (my fav), hectic schedules, cookies, big-delicious meals, cheese platters, brie wrapped in phyllo (omg can't stop), white russians (mmm), egg nog, espresso martinis, cookies, and dip (oh, dip). Am I missing anything? Seeing that this could potentially be an issue (I've read that some tend to gain anywhere from 1-10 lbs during the season), I want to provide #12DaysofFFF to help keep us in check! 

I promise, I indulge... I definitely do. I have many holiday favorites and there is no way I'm going to turn everything down. No way jose. BUT, I've learned to take a MUCH cleaner, smarter approach. I'll go into more detail throughout the next couple of weeks, however, I'll tell you that it's pretty much all going to revolve around moderation and balance.

So, are you ready for Tip #1?!

MOVE MORE!

I can't stress enough how important it is to MOVE. Your body is made to move. Move it. Moving your body will keep you energy up, increase alertness, and improve your metabolic rate - burning more calories.

I put together the above list that can be pinned or printed as a little reminder of ways to move more throughout the day.

1. Can you squeeze in a little walk at lunch? Even a little tiny one? Even a mile? It'll help.

2. Do you have a doggy? Go play a little longer or go for an extra stroll. Again - even if it's only for 10 minutes or so. Every bit helps. Too cold? Bundle up! The very nice people at the local Massachusetts brand, Kurgo, sent me this awesome loft dog jacket for Stella. It's only $25 and it fits her perfectly. Stella had a jacket that didn't fit her very well and would fall off when we'd walk her around the neighborhood. This one fits so nicely and as soon as we put it on her - she loved it! They also sell reflective vests and leashes which I LOVE because it gets dark so early now. Isn't she so cute? (Kind of went off on a tangent there!)

Here's your coupon!

20% off dog harnesses, car seat covers and more

3. Sitting at a desk can be detrimental to your health. Set a timer to go off every 45 minutes (you'll be surprised how fast it goes by). Stand up stretch and do some squats.

4. Stay at the gym an extra 5 minutes. Just hop on the treadmill or do a weight session (squats with overhead press is a great burner)

5. Super pressed for time? Wake up 10 minutes earlier and do the set listed above in your pjs. No need to change or even put on sneakers.

How do you add in extra movement throughout the day?! Hashtag #12DaysOfFFF with your response. Would love some more ideas.

Have a fabulous week of fun and movement! xo

*I was not compensated to write this post, however, Kurgo did send me the nice, warm jacket for Stella to try out. As always, opinions are my own (and that coat is awesome!)

MOST FUN #NBGNO EVER!

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Hello my friends! So I know I've talked about NBGNO a lot on here after attending the "Self Expression" event in the Summer and then hosting the October event in collaboration with Komen. This last event took place at the Westin Copley and the theme was "Staying fit While Traveling". Caroline and I hosted and it was a freaking BLAST! Did you know that the Westin has a partnership with New Balance? So, when you visit ANY Westin, WORLDWIDE, you can borrow a kit filled with sneakers with replaceable soles, t-shirt, pants, shorts, sports bra, and socks (you can keep the socks - score!). Haha anyway, it's such a cool program and it makes traveling and working out a whole lot easier. Plus, they have mapped out running routes, in-room Holly Perkins workout DVDs, and running concierges to guide you through it all!

To get a refresher on the gist of NBGNO - check out THIS POST. This post is going to be a bit of a photo dump - there were so many cool things happening and a lot of smiling faces so I wanted to capture it all. 

So we kicked off the night, told everyone how the night was going to go (Caroline joined the run group and I stayed with the boot camp group).

I modeled the really cool roller that New Balance was kindly raffling off.

Then we split off into our groups!

Love this pic of the runners!

The boot camp was lead by THE Chris Heuisler! Don't know who he is? Read his BIO HERE. He pretty much as the coolest job in the running business. He was not only a great instructor but also, super funny!

The boot camp went a little like this ...(FYI - Lots of GLUTES)

Then, we finished - glutes burnin'. Everyone met back up and had great food (power foods also part of the Westin program - edamame pot stickers, almonds, fruit skewers, salmon toasts, & more) and BEVS - wine and beer.

My new friends!

My BFFs.

Oh, AND, there was  photo booth!

Then, it was time for Caroline and I to chat with the audience again and discuss tips for staying fit while traveling! The big ones were BRING SNEAKERS, PLAN AHEAD, FIND A LOCAL CLASS IN THE AREA, WORK OUT IN THE AM, STAY AT A WESTIN!

The below picture sums up our personalities! lol

That's a wrap, my friends! Last week's NBGNO was the last one of the year, but, I know I can speak for everyone who attends these events that we cannot wait for next year. What beats getting together with your girlfriends, working out, having snacks, drinking wine, and getting prizes? Nothing.

Have an awesome week! xo