Day 13 & Detox

Today is my last day on this 7 day fast loss kit. I needed something to take as I'm on two weeks cycling off my Shredz supplements. My order came in on Friday with my cinnabon protein and Burner. This 7 day kit can be found at GNC it's okay but that is coming from someone who doesn't care to much for pills. It's a packet of four pills. A replacement shake and a detox lemonade drink before bed. The detox drink is gross as can be. Make sure you drink water during the day. The shakes are okay the common vanilla and chocolate. I did lose ten ponds just following the diet plan to the a T. The only thing I changed was eating a bowl of oatmeal before my intense circuit training classes. There was no way I could just have a shake and a handful of blueberries. I would have gotten sick after taking all those pills. I really don't measure what the scale says since I feel fit and don't look as much as I weigh. I hear a lot of women complain about telling someone  how much they weigh. It's a number just like your age that doesn't define who you are. There are so many people who think lifting weights will make you look like a man. I'm here to tell you that is dame near impossible unless you are taking something to help you along the way. Let me just say if you are not taking testosterone on a daily you don't and won't have a problem with that. Lifting weights will help you shred fat and tone the muscles you have. People just Google it better yet ask someone who does this daily. There is so much to learn in the world of fitness if you want to live a healthy lifestyle then be informed about what you are doing.

 

Day 13 50 planks walks and 50 lunges Doesn't seem like a lot but it is. If you can't do it all at once split it up half this morning and the rest later. 

Modify if you need to for the planks go to you knees.

https://youtu.be/0EePC0_n6J4 Is a video if you need to take a look at them.

Most of all have fun working out don't look at it as something you have to do. Look at it as something you want to do. Change the way you think and you will find out that if working out was easy then everyone would be fit. I never give up I don't know how. I set a goal for myself and the only person who can get in my way is myself. I don't make excuses for anything especially when it comes to my lifestyle. It's okay to have a scoop of ice cream not a pound of ice cream. I have seen some cheat meals on Facebook that could feed ten people. That's not a cheat meal if you are trying to lose weight. Once you have a workout routine your body won't crave the things it once did. You will start at looking at food as how will this benefit your body. What you put in your mouth after your workout is the hardest part about changing your lifestyle. Remember what you eat in private , you will wear in public. I find that most people don't know what they want out of a workout. They have never really sat down to think about what their fitness goals should be. Once you have a plan then you can set your mind your body will follow.

 

 Just start today it will be hard. You won't see a change right away. It takes time give yourself that.

 

 

 

Good news

One of Christopher's favorite books

 

 

I'm really excited to tell everyone that my Popsicle can read this book. He does skip over a word or two but for the most part he can recognize the words. I have to tell you I didn't have faith in that reading program when Justin was his age. You know My baby can read program on TV.

Justin had way to much energy to sit and read. I ended up walking around the house reading a book to him or listing to audio books.

I just thought why not buy books your child likes and read. That's what they want anyways is time spent with you. Justin was on the move all the time. One problem we seemed to have with his Teachers they didn't have time for that. Which made school hard but at the same time I made it easy for him to understand that it was okay. I think the biggest mistake parents can do is talk about problems in front of their kids when it comes to school. I always tell my boys if it didn't work the first time, it's okay that is just one way that didn't work. There are a hundred more ways to try. If it takes a hundred ways I will be there for all of them working with you until we find a way that works for you. Justin now is out shinning everyone in his class. It's awesome that he can show others his age it's okay to fail that doesn't make them stupid. It means you try now try again. That is one thing his Teacher's love  about about him. Christopher is strongly taking a liking to reading. I love it. It's our cuddle time at the end of the night as a family. We sit and read like clock work. We even act out the book to make it fun. I laugh at what he comes up with when it's his time to act out the page. Just a little milestone I wanted to brag about. It's never to late to read with your child. Start today you might enjoy it.

 

Circuit training with Teresa

Today was insane! I love this class. I used to say Hate not anymore. I have a set goal that I will make it with this class. Teresa is a beast when it comes to working out. I always know she aims to kill us so we will continue to come back. I see a wonderful YMCA co-worker photobomb us in the back ground. Love it he also has a class on Wednesday night at 5:30pm. Stop in to take a class I might have to try it out!

These girls rock! We had a lady who hurt herself in class today but with her determination she kept going. She is my inspiration. Never give up the power to succeed in life.  Look at all those smiles making today FLEX day. It's nice to see everyone having fun. Anyone who takes class at the YMCA are all friendly just makes you want to get fit. The instructor's are amazing with each class and person. Nothing but love for these ladies who went in today with a smile and left with one even with abs right after. Another grueling workout for fifteen minute's. You will feel the muscle's in your belly that you didn't even know where there. You can call us all crazy but we will all be in class next week to do it all again.

The above picture is the set up. It doesn't look like much  I just posted it on my Facebook page take a look. Http://www.facebook.com/AquariumMaintenance  Each workout is a minute long. One minute doesn't seem like a big deal until you have 15 stations that you are giving your all to. It's hard but that is okay. If it was easy everyone would do it.  Everything can be modify if you need it. Don't be scared to ask for help on any exercise everyone is on a different fitness level no matter how long you have been working out. If you give your 100% just be happy that you did it. Don't go Hulk on it and hurt yourself. The recovery time is too long trust me I have been there. Just have fun with it smile feel the burn it will burn in a good way. Your body will thank you in the end. Your body is your temple treat it right, you only get one to take care of.

Day 3 complete

Taking another challenge stepping up my game. I have about twenty people joining me along with my amazing hubby and kids. I took it down a little for my boys. Day 3 50 burpees 50 kick down crunches down the drain.  A good little warm-up before I hit the gym for circuit training today. I love a challenge this for sure is one. I will be posting a video of today's class just to give you a hint of what I put my body through twice a week.  I love it! Getting fit is a choice you have to make it. You will only stay with it if you want. You have to be your best. Don't worry everyone was a beginner at some point. Remember to eat clean or all your hard work is for nothing.  Have a good day love your life. Have the day you deserve today. 

Give a smile

Shopping the other day at Walgreen's we were approach by a women wanting us to help her buy a few things. Now, I have seen her all over the place walking sleeping in the park at one of the parks I take my boys to. She looked like she needed the help. I understand being homeless as I was there once in my life. I remember what it felt like what it felt like to be hopeless. It wasn't fun and not anything anyone should have to go though in life. You would think it wouldn't be an issues in today's world but it is. My son and I gave her $20 dollars I wish I had more on me at the time. There is also a man who waits on the corner with a sign and a dog. Sometimes he is by Burger King with a few other people. We collect and buy food for our local animal shelter this time we have put dog food in our car to give it to him next time we see him. If you have extra anything money, clothes, food please give when you can. We do all the time we try and help daily to put a smile on someone's face. Pay It Forward today and everyday. Be safe as always when dealing with people you don't know. Please keep that in mind. Thanks for reading!

 

Popsicle

This is how Christopher takes a shower to see.

Being a mom is great. Christopher is growing up. I'm amazed by how much of an impact a little person can make. I get people that stop me in the gym to ask if Christopher is my son. How they pick me out of the crowd I still don't know. I always respond by the dark hair loud mouth  overdramatic little boy. Which by the way is from me or his brother and Father.They laugh and say yes. He loves to encourage people no matter who they are. He greets them with Hello. He will hold a conversation with you. He may be little but he understands a lot. Justin didn't have a good game yesterday.  His team lost 22 to 6. Justin came off the field when Christopher ran up to him tap him on the arm. He said "It's okay brother.You will get them next time. Did you have fun?"

Justin response by saying yes.

"That's all that matters."Christopher says

It's funny how much he listens to me and repeats me. Christopher has my attitude. He is my sidekick. He is in the stage where is gets things now. Crossing the street as an example. We stop look both ways I ask him why do we do this. After going over it a million times since he was one. Now he gets it "Mommy we look because people don't pay attention and we could get killed." 

Now his biggest concern is that he will get stuck into the bathroom drain where he thinks rats hide. He also thinks he will be green. My child has one of imagination on him.  He is an old soul and is currently speaking in past tense as if he had a life before. It's a little weird.  When he will tell us he died but came back because God built him. He keeps me on my toes.  I wouldn't have it any other way. We are getting ready to try soccer again.  I hope it works this time.  He has no patience at all. My popsicle is one of a kind. 

A Child who laughs hysterically!

Kids are crazy!  It doesn't matter what happens my son laughs when he gets hurt. 

He was running away from his brother hit his leg on here then dropped to the floor. I go running up to him thinking the worst his leg is broke he is bleeding something horrible.  Nope he is laughing out of control. 

Here he is laughing. I will never know if he is truly hurt unless he is dragging a leg over his shoulder.  I'm sure he will be laughing saying " Look what I did!"

He isn't a serious kid at all. 

Teaching is fun!

I have an ideal for the next eleven months since I am a Jehovah witness for the month. These two little old ladies Carol and Mary with Bibles have been stalking me since October. Hubby told me in order to get them to leave me alone I should tell them I'm Christian. They are Christian well that made them happy. Now I feel guilty for telling a lie. I told them the truth.  I have never been the type to listen and would send them on their way. Something made me listen the first time they stopped by. Maybe it was the man himself I'm not sure but I have a feeling I need to listen. To what that is what this post is about. A year ago some people came to our door while Christopher and I were playing Nerf battle he proceed to tell them to leave or he would shot them. As I closed the door I'm shaking my head for sure I'm going to Hell now. Carol and Mary are very nice filled with lots of information. I believe there is a higher power I just don't believe in the bible. It's a man mad religion to people who need something in writing to have faith in besides them. I was raised as a Catholic in a sense. On one hand I went to church while my Grandmother taught of prayers. My mother was raised on church every Sunday Bible school the whole nine yards somewhere she lost her way. I'm not sure when but I would have liked to of had some kind of stable background in church. When I was younger I started to follow the more in the teaching of the Bible. That is also when I found out I came from a very strong Mexican background on my Biological father's side. I didn't live with him and my brothers so it came and went life goes on. It fell in the back of my mind. I have ran into a lot of people who are social church goers. Who will preach to you but choose themselves not to follow. A bunch of Hypocrites in my opinion all of this is just my opinion. Now, I'm on a Journey with my family to see what fits us as a family and myself. Hubby isn't the church kind of person he was more or less damaged by an insane church lady. Now he is a little more open minded after years of talking about it going to several different churches. I always thought I had to not believe because he didn't. He didn't want to talk about it so we didn't. I find too that when God is brought up with anyone they are uncomfortable with the issue.  I have almost seen a few dozen people almost have a heart attack when I would say I believe I have faith but not so much in the written word of The Bible. I might as well be the devil that's how they look at me. I know I may not be making any sense in this post so here is the good part. The boys and I will learn about a different culture and religion each month. That's our goal and by December I will see if my mind way of thinking have changed or not. I will post updates come February we will be studying Black History Month in our household. Let's see if I can get hubby to be Dr. King and recite his speech fingers crossed. If you have an ideal please leave a comment here or on Facebook. I have eleven months to fill. I need a little help. I think since none of the history I was taught in school is taught today in light of everything that has happen. This would be a good way to teach my boys about the world and all the people who live here.

A Day with Christopher

He is an old soul from what I hear from many people.  He doesn't act his age. He is the cutest kindest little boy ever. He makes me laugh.  Is he four? He is so smart for his age. These are just the few compliments I receive daily from people. I love the fact we are raising him right. I love the conversations he has with his older brother. Today was one of those days. Christopher took his truck to go pick up his big brother. Christopher got a warning not to park on the sidewalk from a teacher who couldn't stop laughing. 
"Hello Jay you can put Your things in here." He says

Justin had his backpack and violin. As we start walking home. Justin saves the cone Christopher almost backed into.  Along with the gate as well. Big brother to the rescue as his little brother was going off the side. I was in the process of picking up the front as his grabs the back.

Christopher says "Thanks guys you are the best."

Walking home was a blast. I'm talking to him taking pictures when Christopher says "Mom, I need to concentrate so I can drive safely!"

We start laughing and big brother to the rescue again stopping Christopher from running over a small tree.

Christopher Justin calls out to. "Look, I'm over here. Follow me try to get me."

Christopher drives the rest of the way with no problem. This is part of Christopher's Day. 

We can do it all mother and son

Wow, Looking at this picture my son is as tall as I am. This is insane he is growing up so fast. We have finished  ten weeks of training with a few bumps in the road. Muscle conditioning is no joke. Justin has a little six pack.  I lost six pounds in a month not that I was trying.  I more or less owe that one to being sick for a month.  I'm excited as Mother and Son we were able to stick it out. We would encourage each other in class to keep going.  Justin just started football season.  I can't wait to see what the season will hold. Justin is ecstatic. Right before my eyes he is growing up.  It made me drag out the few baby pictures I have of him. Seems like another life time. He has accomplished so much in eleven years. Justin is amazing person.  He is always eager to learn. I'm so proud to be his mom.  He has changed mind and hubby's life. He has shown us how to live again.  

Merry Christmas

I have learned a few thas this year. Never put tinsel on your Christmas tree.  It's a loss cause with kids and cats. Buy batteries before the big day. Putting together a trampoline is harder than it looks. I need to workout some more apparently the trampoline springs clearly won. Don't try and do any kind of flips with a bad back. It hurts a lot.

Kids will always make you laugh.Popsicle has a new take on Santa and the Elves. The story goes the elves make the toys drops them off at Target and Santa picks them up when they are ready for each kid. I guess that works I'll stick with that theory. If you buy a toy car make sure you have 18 hours for the first charge.

A glow in the dark race track must be charged in order to glow. Thanks mom Christopher loves his track and so do the cats. 

When buying a game chair and TV for your oldest child check the TV to make sure it has the right ports for the game chair. Justin is in heaven now that he can play his games without his little brother in his face trying to get his attention.  One more thing but not the last check books before you buy more. Just in case you and hubby buys the same one's. Minecraft is still a huge hit after a year.Justin goes through more books in a week then his daddy and I ever have. Not complaining but his books are over taking his room. A new book shelf is now in order to build. 

Merry Christmas I know a lot of people want their children to grow up.  Let them be kid's and enjoy Christmas let them believe in Santa. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. 

Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing!  Don't take their childhood away to soon.

Sunday Workout

 

 

Round one

10 pushups

15 burpees

90 Russian twist

15 kettle ball squats

 

Round Two

25 squats

20 lunges per side

40 jumping jacks

60 seconds wall sit

 

Good luck let me know how you do. Push through the pain you will thank yourself in the end. The hardest part about getting fit is telling yourself you can do it. Positive thinking will change who you are. You have the control over what your life will be. You alone can change your body if you want. Take little steps if you want it you can have it. Remember this is only ten percent of the rest of your life the hard part is controlling what you put in your mouth.

Cats,Kids, and Water

My household is full of crazy insane kids who take baths with our kitten Godzilla. He sits in the tub to my surprise he swims around. He will also sit in my stand up shower at the end while I take a shower. He is weird for a cat. Now he has discover the toilet and toilet paper. Both bathrooms looks like a tornado went by daily. I'm working on that problem as we speak.The paper is all over. Christopher was going to the bathroom when Godzilla thought it would be a great ideal to jump in the toilet face first. I had to give him a bath which in return he acted like he hated the water. I would have never guessed. Along with that he will jump up on the table to steal the kids food or whatever is on their plate. I don't remember my other cat Mickey losing her mind when she was three months old. My hubby spoiled him rotten in order to get him to calm down you have to pick him up and rock him to sleep. What? He sits by the back door then proceeds to Meow as loud as he can. At what I'm not sure Justin has taken it upon himself to take him to the litter box thinking that he might have to go to the bathroom. That only worked for a minute then he goes back to following us around talking until we pick him up. My kids are running around or running away from the cats who by the way love to play hide and seek. I should just get a baby carrier then have the boys carry him. He is such a baby but takes great pictures!

                                 Look at that face he is cute. He definitely fits his name.

30 days Do you have what it takes?

December is the last month let's make it worth it. Take on this 30 day challenge with me.  Fitness is a Life Journey. Remember it will take time.  You will have bad days don't give up.  Eat healthy stay calm it will work if you want it to.  Let the fun start.
Day one is over remember abs are made in the kitchen not in the gym. This counts for a small part. Don't let your hard work go to waste. Make it mean something. 
Good Luck!

Happy Thanksgiving for a family

Holidays are hard on a lot of families not being together money problems and just life gets in the way sometimes. Hubby and I purchased a Thanksgiving dinner for a family that needed a little help.  They work but like a lot of families have a hard time deciding what bills to pay vs. food. We decided a longtime ago that if we had extra to give we would. We have kept that promise to ourselves to help. Opening our non-profit business is taking forever. In the meantime as a family we are helping all the time. We don't want anything in return for helping anyone that needs it. I love knowing that someone needed help and received it. It puts a smile on their face as well as ours.  This Thanksgiving meant a lot to us. It never fails that our kids keep us laughing.  When they were asked what they were thankful for Justin says "He is thankful it's not 1621!" They didn't have bathrooms then or toilet paper.  I'm glad it's the simple things in life he appreciates. I'm thankful for spending time with my family and friends.  We went to my Aunt's house bless her heart was in the hospital. She was able to come home later that night.  The apartment complex she lives in puts on Thanksgiving in the courtyard.  Everyone brings a dish mingles and eats delicious food. It's getting a little less weird having Thanksgiving outside as the years go by. The day was beautiful as well as all the new people I ran into. Life is a Journey you live in. Make the last month of 2014 count for something you can be proud of. My accomplishments this year may not be materialistic but they did change someone's life.

Peaches and Cream

I love smoothies it helps me stay on track here is another one to try. This time it's not my own it's from Kayla Itsines website. I follow her on Instagram she is amazing. She is lean and mean her workouts are apart of my workouts daily. I have been doing them at nights to total my day at 3 hours of working-out. It is a lifestyle I don't see it as a chore or something I have to do. I enjoy it. This month has been a little hard considering that I have had a sore throat now the rest of the family has it too. I hope we will be back on track soon. Until then eating right will help maintain what I already have accomplish. SEXY IS STRONG!!!


Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, pitted, cut up or 2 cups frozen peaches
• 1 frozen banana (remove skin before freezing)
• ½ cup almond milk
• ¼ cup quick oats
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp agave or pure maple syrup for added sweetness (optional)
• 1 tbs chia seeds

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and let them sit for 5 minutes so that the oats and chia seeds have a chance to soak.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.

If you have a smoothie please post it.

Treadmill, Mother and Son fitness Journey

My son and I are in about five weeks or so of our  muscle conditioning class. I love the bonding time we have once we get to the gym after we drop off popsicle. Then we hit it up for a pre workout before beast mode kicks in. Justin is improving fantastically but he's good at that stuff anyway so I'm not surprised. I am surprised at how much he is enjoying himself. He is in a class with mostly adults he does modify some of the workouts that we do. I almost hit the dirt trying to take a picture while we were walking on the treadmill. I don't advise doing. My first and last picture.

Allison and Kim are strong women who want nothing more then to see you succeed in their class. They will push you to the extreme. When you are at your breaking point you will hear them yelling

"Don't give up let it burn. You can do it!"

It may sound silly but when you feel the need to give up just that little saying goes a long way. I find myself going stronger because I have eyes on me. I have to set the example that I preach to my son. Give your best because no one else can do it for you.

 

I love that Justin and I enjoy getting fit. It's not a chore it's fun to us. I found him flexing in the mirror a few days ago. He has muscles in his arms to go with his mini six packs he has. We read a lot together about Fitness. It's important to know the right way to teach my son about getting fit. He lifts 3 pounds weights in class and even at that is hard for him. He wants to go heavier but I need him to understand that isn't always necessary when working out. Using the proper form is more important then how heavy you go. It will come in time.

 

11-10-2014

 

On my own personal journey to getting fit has been a bumpy ride. My shoulder my knees my back all at once and at different times has given me hell. Slowing down reducing my weights stretching and relaxing has become a big part in my recovery. Now I'm better at taking the time to make sure my six pack will come by next year. Abs are made in the kitchen not the gym. Just a little advice for anyone reading. Going to the gym is about ten percent of getting fit. Eating right counts for the rest. If you don't have that then all your hard work means nothing. I do have a cheat day once a week you have to treat yourself in order to stay on track. A little goal I have set for myself. I'm a strong beautiful woman who has the love and support of my family in my journey. I also have Monika's step, core and muscle conditioning class on Monday's and Wednesday to look forward to.

Here is what we did today I'm totally burned out but love every minute of it.

 

1) 50 Knees OR 50 jumping toe taps.

                                                         2) 24 Rows in plank

                                                              3) 20 Jump squats

                                                       4) 24 count Mountain Climbers

                                                                5) 4X8 Woodchoppers

                                                                6) 12 Pushup/Pike

                                                               7) 24 Jumping Lunges

She is another amazing woman who teaches four class three times a week. She will motivate you everyday to push yourself not to give up. She feeds off of her classes energy then takes it up a notch.

"Suck it up and push yourself to change!"

You can't buy it no one can give it to you. You can't wish for it. It takes hard work and dedication to be strong and fit. It's up to you how to live your life. Choose one you can be proud of yourself in the process.

 If you haven't taken the step to do group exercising you should. It will change your view on different ways to get fit and enjoy your time. Don't focus on losing weight or one body part focus on being STRONG! It's a lifestyle change not a diet! Make it long term for LIFE.

STRONG is SEXY!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Blue lights

I know it's a little early for Christmas last weekend we put up our Christmas lights outside that leaves a blue tint if you pass our street. Yes, We are those people in the neighborhood. Sorry I love to decorate. I have to hand all the credit to my hubby who put up the lights and climbed on the roof to put the reef together too. I did my share standing there handing him the lights as he stood there on the latter. The Christmas tree is up as well as our little tree from Tampa that needs a red star. I'm excited for the holidays. Justin wants to go to New York for the New Year not sure about that one. A trip for a few years in the making when popsicle is a little older. I still think it's weird without snow but I'm not complaining.  I love it! Shopping is already on the way to be done. Stockings are hung up well for the turtle and two cats. Ours to come in a few weeks once I find out what Santa will put in them.  Christmas crafts to make letters to Santa Justin's Christmas concert coming up. It's always something but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Smoothie Sunday

 

What is your favorite smoothie to make?

 

Go Lions!!! A forever fan here always when you are from Detroit.  

 

Strawberry Mint Banana Smoothie

 

2 cups of milk (almond milk)

1 mint leaf

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp of vanilla

cup of ice

Then blend and enjoy

Giving Back

It's that time again to give back to our community once again. I know I said every month there would be a post. We have been very busy this past month we plan to double up this October.  The boys and I have been buying away there is twice the amount now in picture below. The Humane Society was taken back by how cute Christopher was bringing in the cat food. However He left crying because he wanted to bring all the dogs and cats with us. I had to say No.

Our crazy cat also know as Mickey the cat on Instagram is more than enough for me.

 

 

Here is our start in making a difference.

 

Christopher being cute! We plan to donate blankets next time as they are in need of that as well. Give back today to a cause, person maybe babysit for a working mom. A smile can go a long way. The boys and I are now working on giving bags filled with things someone can use who are homeless. We see a lot come the Holiday's.

 

 

A New Job

Justin has a new job. He is an Assistant Coach for flag football.  He amazes me!

 

I'm extremely happy for my son! He is very helpful with the children. The kids look up to him and listen.  They call him Coach Jay! It's adorable.  I guess it's different when you are a kid getting

directions from a kid. I think this will be a great experience for him to see the game from another view. I think it will make him a better player at any sport. The most important part is that he has fun. No matter what Justin does he seems to always have fun. Yes, I'm bragging about my son. I think he has found his job for right now besides school of course. He forever talks about the kids on his team. I can't remember all the names but he does. He gets really excited when he has to go to practice and games. This Saturday is his last game he will take up Basketball once again in November for his self.

 

My baby is growing up I don't know what to say but we are proud parents. He is turning out to be an amazing young man all on his own. My hubby and I are so happy we get to see him grow into this caring person. It's nice to know we had a little help in making this little person who he is today. I couldn't be more proud of my son than I am now. His report card was great he is learning the violin. Which took us by surprise now I'm on the hunt for a violin for popsicle.  He follows in his Big brother footsteps in everything. Let your kids be themselves they will surprise you with what they have listen too.

Picnic Tuesdays

My popsicle came up with having a picnic in the kitchen on the floor. 

This is how I get the boys to eat leftovers.  It takes a few hours we sit there we eat we talk  even the cat gets involved. 

It has become Picnic Tuesday!  Another cute way to eat dinner with my kids. They have a blast. Next week we will try it outside if it's not raining.