Wordless Wednesday- How was your Easter?

Mamavation Monday--Shout Out!

Happy Mamavation Monday All! Now that Easter has passed, how'd you do? We're you able to stay on track? I half stayed on track. Saturday was the first of two Easter dinners, AND my birthday. I did extremely well. My portions were all under control, and I had ONE cupcake. Which, has been next to an impossibility in the past.

Then, dun dun dun, Sunday I had Easter at my mother in law's. And I just could not stop eating. I probably ate enough for the whole week. However, she knew that I was watching what I was eating and made mostly healthy options. So even though I overate, it was healthy. I had 2x the portion of prime rib that I should have, and took a second helping of cheesy potatos (both were of a restricted portion size), and ate 2 pieces of angel food cake instead of one. But--I am back on track today. And that's the most important thing, I fell of the wagon, and hopped right back on. That's becoming the most valuble lesson I am learning on my weight loss journey, that just because I screwed up once, doesn't mean I'm screwed forever. Just get back to it.

That said, this week I lost 3.1 lbs! I wasn't expecting to lose that much after such a huge loss last week, but nevertheless, it was a pleasent suprise! Looks like all my working out is starting to pay off!

But I have to admit, I couldn't do this without my husband. He is my biggest supporter. He helps me make smarter choices, and doesn't complain about my huge grocery bills with tons of fruits and veggies. He understands that I need "special" treats hidden from me, so the cookies on the countertop don't sit there mocking me until I have to devour the whole package. No to mention, he takes care of our son so that I can get a workout in--or we'll workout as a family and go for a nice long walk to wind down for the day. He gives me high fives and hugs when I've had a good week, and asks me questions when I've had a bad one--to help me evaluate where I went wrong and how I can get back on track. He's the greatest.

Wishing you all a wonderful week, with lots of calorie burning to get those Easter dinners off our bums!

**Note: I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win My Trainer Fitness 100 Calorie+ Workout featuring MizFitOnline from Mamavation.” at the end of your post if you enter the blogging carnival.**

Wordless Wednesday- The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen

Tackle It Tuesday

I must confess, when it comes to laundry, I'm kind of a mess. Whoa, totally didn't mean for that to rhyme. I tend to leave my dirty clothes on the floor, NEXT to the hamper that I could put them in. And when I do get around to washing clothes, mainly when I'm out of work clothes, or bras, or underware, I tend of leave them in a laundry basket, next to my dirty clothes piles. This leads to a troublesome mix of what is actually clean and what is dirty, not to mention--the wrinkles! I end up re-drying my clothes before I wear them, which is a waste of time and energy, mine and the planet's.

Ultimately, the space next to my bed looks like this...

BUT! I tackled it this Tuesday morning! I did a bunch of laundry, folded, and put things back in their place! For once! And surprisingly, it only took me 25 minutes, once I really set my mind to it. And it really helped that lil P behaved himself while I was on my cleaning spree. Double Score!

This is what the space looks like now...

It's so clean! I can actually see the carpet! And that sock in the corner, is on my foot. Not on the floor. :) I'm definitely less stressed with this taken care of. I don't know how long it will stay this way, but I'm definitely going to make a concerted effort to keep it clean!

It really is a HAPPY MAMAVATION MONDAY!

Okay, so I have some GREAT news to share! After more than a month of struggling to get back on track. I got back on the WeightLoss Wagon this past week. I LOST 5.2 lbs! Ow Ow! Yeah, I'm more than a little proud of myself. :)

Getting back to it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, I just took it one day at a time. And that's what I've got to do. Stop focusing on the huge 40 lbs or so I have left to lose, and just count each day as a success.

It also helped that I revived my Yoga Booty Ballet routine. I got a little bored with TurboFire--I do it for too long without switching it up--and needed something new. And apparently my metabolism did as well. I've also been training for my first 5k.

However, I can't let myself slide back into bad habits this week. Saturday is my birthday, and cake is my trigger food. Once I start, I can't stop. Little Cake Crack Monkey, that's what I am. For Reals.

Then, the next day is Easter. And if I don't watch my portions I'm going to be in big trouble, so that's going to be a big goal of mine, particularly since I can't control the menu--we're going to family's, where inevitably there will be more cake in honor of Easter and my birthday.

And Monday, all of the Easter candy will be marked down. So I've got to barricade myself in the house. No Target runs for me on Monday. No Siree.

Wish me luck! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Mamavation Monday!

It's Monday, and I FINALLY have some great news for you! Though I've got to keep it short and sweet.

First off, Lil P is still sick, but gradually, and I mean gradually, getting better. BUT, I'm not eating myself happy over it anymore! Score!

AND, I'm back to taking my weight loss seriously! I've worked out for the past two days and ate well for the past two days as well. Double Score!

I look forward to posting a heck of a loss next week!

Mother Knows Best

Holy Cow! I blinked and April is already half over! And you know how the old adage, April showers bring May flowers, just in time for mother's day! Okay, okay, so it really doesn't quite go like that, but moms do like to get flowers for mother's day. 

 But sadly flowers die, and memories last a lifetime. I know that I would much prefer a keepsake or memento that I can keep for ever, to some flowers that will wilt and die, and stink up my house, because I enevitably won't change thier water until it's green. Whoops.

The reason I am so fond of mementos and keepsakes is because I don't have as many memories of my mother as most, she passed away when I was eight. But I always look at pictures of us together, and things she bought for me, and I know that she's still here, watching over me.

Though I was too young when my mother passed to ever have any parenting advice passed on from her, I've received copious amounts of advice from her. The kind of advice that can only been seen from an adult, and mother's perspective. For example, the biggest lesson on parenting that my mother instilled in me is to love your kids, but to always remind them that mother knows best.

To be honest, I never really took that piece of advice to heart, or even cared about it until I became a mother myself. In fact, I often found myself testing that sage piece of advice, and I assure you, I'm getting "paid back" for when my son tests me and my patience.

I often find myself telling him that if he would just listen to me, life would be much simpler. Less hard, and less horrible, especially when he's in the middle of a temper tantrum. That I love him, and that I wouldn't say the things I say, or do the things I do, if I didn't.

And as simple as that sounds, hearing those types of things from my mom when I was younger, let me know that she cared about me, and instilled in me a confidence and appreciation for her that I can only now see as an adult.

It's also fun to reflect back on, and to have those, "Ugh, I sound like my mother" moments. But, I always know that when I have those moments and reflections, they are filled with love.

So why not share a little love on mother's day with your mom, grandma, mother-in-law, godmother, or any other mother in your life. Tiny Prints offers a fabulous selection of mother's day cards, that aren't just cards, because they are customized with your photos, making them a keepsake as well! And what mom doesn't love a keepsake of her kids?!

While you're searching for the perfect Mother's Day card, browse the rest of Tiny Prints website. Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Fathers Day Cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations or photo birth announcements. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars to commemorate the event.

 

This article was written for the Tiny Prints Mother's Day Campaign. I will be receiving compensation for this post. 

HAPPY MAMAVATION (Wait, what day of the week is it...)

Holy cow, I just realized that today is Wednesday! Where did Monday go? I'm pretty sure it didn't stop by my house this week!

For those of you that follow me on Twitter and on Facebook, you know that since about last Thursday, I've had one sick little boy. I took him to the doctor on Monday, (hey, looks like there was a Monday this week) to find out that he has the stomach flu. Dr. said that he should be on the up-swing, and although he isn't having liquid poo explosions any more, he's still oozing foulness from the bum.

I'm beginning to wonder if what he has really is the stomach flu, or if it's something else, like an allergy. Only time will tell I suppose.

Needless to say, I haven't had a very productive week. I've eaten like crap, since everything had to be fast, so I could continue taking care of my sickiepoo. But I got in a workout this morning, while the lil one is napping! A whole 40 mins of Yoga Booty Ballet (not to mention a shower!)  

Victory!

I hope I have better news for you next week!

Cleaning My Way Skinny

Whew! I'm dripping sweat! And you know what that means! Burning calories!

When maintaining a household we all have to clean. Love it or hate it, we've just got to do it. And with my weekends being jam packed, cleaning is how I get my workout in.

You may not realize it, but cleaning burns a TON of calories! If you're like me, you have a "cleaning day". One designated day of the week where all most of the cleaning gets gets done. For me, this can take anywhere from a 30 mins to 3 hours.

But the longer I'm at it, the more calories I burn! Which means I can eat more food! Whoo hooo!

Some of the most common household chores also have the biggest burn. For example:

Scrubbing the bathroom, 30 mins = 200 calories burned
Cleaning glass, windows, mirrors 30 mins = 125 calories burned
Vacuuming 30 mins = 90 calories burned
Dusting 30 mins = 50 calories burned

If you're curious, all those chores over the course of 2 hours, burns about 465 calories! That's equivalent to a Taco Bell Burrito Supreme with Steak!

You can also ramp up your chore's burn. Try incorporating exercises into your chores, like doing lunges while vacuuming. Or squats while doing laundry. You'll tone up, burn calories, and improve your balance!

With all of this talk about cleaning, I'm curious. What is your favorite chore? What is your least favorite chore?

A Giveaway Just In Time for The Ultimate Blog Party!

Spring has sprung, in some places more than others. But now that the weather is getting nicer, we have the perfect excuse to get outside and get moving! And what would be better than some new tunes on your iPod to carry you through those outdoor adventures!

That's why in honor of The Ultimate Blog Party 2011, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom, I'll be giving away a $15 dollar iTunes Gift Card!

There's a couple different ways to earn entries into this drawing, so start racking up your entries. Final entries are due April 8 by 11:59pm EST!

Step One: Hit the Linky (Include your twitter name so I can contact you if you win)

Step Two: Earn Your Entries! (Make sure you leave a comment for each and the URL to your "proof of participation")

1. Follow me @LisaVFitness on Twitter (1 entry)
2. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (Follow button-it's on the right side) (1 entry)
3. Share this post on your Facebook (1 entry per day)
4. Tweet out this message (Up to 10 entries--DO NOT SPAM):

"Win a $15 iTunes gift card from @LisaVFitness! Enter here: http://bit.ly/gRH8J0"

Happy Winning!

It's Party Time!

Since I found out about The Ultimate Blog Party I've been on pins and needles waiting for it to begin! This is my first year participating and I'm super excited!

Let me welcome you to Mommy Vs. Fitness!

This blog is kind of new. And I'm still working to get it where I want it to be! I know you can all relate! So make sure to follow me, and watch me grow!

Mommy Vs. Fitness is a kind of hybrid site. I blog about all things fitness. But my definition of fitness is more than just talking about how to get rid of your muffin top. My take on fitness is that it's a whole body, whole life experience. Being "fit" is a general state of well-being. That's why I cover a whole range of topics, all relevant to mommyhood and womanhood; sanity savers, butt busters, money savers, and the occasional freebie!

I also do the occasional giveaway (I'm working on one for this week as we speak--it's up now, here!), but rest assured. As I grow, I'll be giving more and more away!

I also donated a prize to the prize pool! The Yoga Booty Ballet Classics collection! So make sure you check it out and add it to your list if you want it!

I love making new bloggie friends! So leave me a lil comment love and be sure to include a link to your blog, and I'll be sure to visit you!

Let's Party!!!