Pretty Muddy HERE I COME!!!!

Yes you got that right, I am Going to the Pretty Muddy in Dallas Texas June 1, 2013! To add to it, I have been granted the honor to be able to blog about this wonderful event :)

For a little background on the Pretty Muddy. 

 "Pretty Muddy was started by a couple of businessmen who were inspired by their wives – their pretty cool wives. Watching their partners juggle kids, households, carpools and careers – while still having time for the occasional ladies’ night – got the men thinking:
These awesome women deserve more time for themselves. Time for balance and time to be themselves without their families. Because even the greatest mom, businesswoman or grandma sometimes needs time that is just her own.
Like those pretty cool wives, today’s women are looking for a way to get together and focus on friendship, fun and fitness – without their significant others, their kids and the stress of the daily grind.
With the help of their wives and an incredible team of creative and motivated people, the two businessmen created an inaugural series of events called Pretty Muddy.
More than a mud run, it’s an exciting women-only event where you can let your hair down and have fun! And that’s pretty awesome."

Info from  Pretty Muddy About Us

The obstacles each woman will face are as Follows.

Over and Out, Would You Rather, The Original Mud Slide, So Over It, Social Networking, Totally Tubular, Pretty Ballsy, Mud Bath and Beyond, Better Than A Dirty Martini, and A Leg U. 

Sounds very fun huh? It totally does. Especially when you add mud to the mix :) With only 87 days till the race, My excitement can't be contained :) I am very honored to be able to experience this opportunity this year. 

If the Pretty Muddy sounds like something you would love to learn about or would love to sign up, Feel free to visit their website at  http://prettymuddywomensrun.com/

I am signed up for the 10:15 am race with the Team Down & Dirty Divas! If you need any more info or have any questions, you can message me either via comment, by messaging on Facebook or Twitter and I will help you out as much as I can :) I would love to have you join me team and lets get down and dirty with the the Pretty Muddy together! 

Week 6 Update!

This week has been kinda sluggish for me. even though I have lost 3.5 inches this week, still doesn't make it any less sluggish. I have gone from working my tush off all these weeks but this week I have been so busy that working out has been kinda tough. I gained 2 lbs and I have to blame it on the stress and me just having a bad week. I can't blame it on anyone else but me. So with that being said, I will be taking back my body this next week. Doing more cardio and better eating.

With that, here is my next weeks meal plan. I will be adding the recipes to some of these to my meal page on the left hand side of this post. I really hope you guys think they are as yummy as I am hoping they are too. Most are from the Paleo Diet. I know I am giving in and trying something new. Well I am mixing this diet with the clean eating diet for one awesome mix on a new food plan :)

Over the next few days, I will post a weekly meal plan and ad them together each week to form a monthly plan for all of you to enjoy. Then you can get a chance to try them yourself. How does that sound? Awesome huh. well here is my next weeks meal plan followed by this weeks updated pictures :)

Monday: Baked Country Style Ribs and a Salad
Tuesday: Dogs in a Garden
Wed.: Chicken Salad with Almonds
Thursday: Turkey Taco's
Friday: Chicken Parmesan
Saturday: Turkey Club Sandwich
Sunday: Pork Chops Stuffed with Cheese and Spinach

MMmmMMmMMmm Yummy! 

and now....... for my week 6 updated picture!

 

Pro Compression Review and GIVEAWAY! AND THE WINNER IS!!!!!!!!!

Recently I had the awesomely awesome Chance to review a pair of Pro Compression Marathon socks! Holy cow! I never expected what I got. I was now able to run without my feet or calves hurting. Here is what I loved and liked about these awesome socks.

Ok when these came into the mail I kinda thought to myself "how in the world am I gonna put these on" They were really skinny and so I was kinda scared that my foot would never fit in them.  SO i took them out of the package and slipped them on. It was a really tight fit. Almost like putting on a pair of panty hose. Once I got them on though, WOW! They felt awesome on my feet. I went out for a run just to try them and I didn't hurt as much as I normally do afterwards.

I left them on all day as I worked out and did all my walking. By the time I took them off, my calves were sore at the top where the top of the socks come to. So it shows to me that I must have worked out hard cause my calves didn't hurt but above them did. I really recommend these socks to everyone that runs or fitness is their goal.  These socks are 100% worth it.

(The batteries died on my cam but tonight I will add pics of them being worn)

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Yep you read that right! It is giveaway time here at Aphalicious Bliss! The awesome people at ProCompression.com Has partnered up with Aphalicious Bliss to give one lucky winner a pair of awesome Compression Marathon Socks! Who can beat that? What you have to do to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITHIN 3 DAYS WITH YOUR INFORMATION PLEASE!
CONGRATS ANNIE @Livehikerun
my email is aphalicious@gmail.com
 

 

March Challenge Excepted!

I have decided after much review that I am going to take on a 4 month challenge. I have had many small challenges throughout this past month but this is the BIG one! I am going to be focusing on this challenge very hard and I would love to have anyone to join me in this.

Now for the nitty gritty of the challenge! This challenge does involve money! Yes I bet now you got those ears perked up :) Well, My 27th Birthday is July 18th and I plan on actually doing something for it for the first time in...... well I can't even remember when I was able to do anything for my birthday.

Ok the details on this challenge are as follows. For every mile I do, I get $1. For every pound I lose, I get $5. Sounds awesome right? Well like every challenge their is a catch. Every time I catch myself cheating on my foods or not working out in a day, with the exception of my one rest day a week, I have to put an IOU for $10 in a jar. Then on July 14th, I get to calculate up my total I earn then the total IOU's and subtract the IOU's from the amount I earned for a total for me to spend on whatever I want to for my birthday.

So lets say I walk 200 miles from now till then, and lose 30 lbs. I will have earned $350. Then when I look in the IOU jar and lets say I have messed up 5 times. Looks like I have to give $50 of that up. Yes It still leaves me with $300 but this is how I am seeing it. If I have to give up money that I could use to buy something I really want, then that is going to hurt having to give that money up!

That is why you don't give the money up till the end. When you are getting all that money and are so happy then you look in that IOU jar and your heart sinks knowing that you have to give some up! The trick also is to see how Honest you are with not only yourself but with others. If you don't feel like wasting paper or such, You can do a jar and add a colored bead or something along that line. For every one in that jar, you have to pay up $10. So no pulling out of the jar or even not writing it down. Keep track of your Mishaps. Then after this 4 month challenge, continue it for the next 4 months and this time, focus on having lesser amounts in that IOU jar. If at the end someone says that they didn't have any in the IOU jar, I am gonna have to call your bluff. I even estimate I may mess up at least 5x in 4 months . No one is that perfect!

At the end of the 4 months, place that money you had to pay back, into another Motivation Jar for you to focus on earning that money back. This way you have a goal to work hard and try your very best! If you would like to do this with me, Sign up in the linky below and lets rock out with the March thru July Challenge.

 After you link up, please write a comment about how much you are hopping to get in that amount of time!
(If you don't feel comfortable sending in pictures, you can comment on the word each week)

Week 5 Weight Loss Update!

I admit, I have been a bit impatiant with the weight loss journey I am on. I have beaten myself up so many times cause I felt that I should have been smaller than I am by now. I mean come on, 20 inches from my whole body and only 2-3 from my stomach where I need it gone the most! I can't help but to get discouraged about it not going fast enough. Here the Dr. wants me under 55 lbs lighter by June- July and expects me to just shred this off on my own! I mean, she knows I can't afford a gym or any expensive exercise machine. So I have been pushing myself much harder than I ever thought I could. It has made me thinking. If I can lose 20 inches from my body and now be able to put on a size 22 jeans and be able to pull them off with little effort, when I was having trouble putting on a 26 when I started. I must be doing at least something right!

This week, I didn't lose any inches at all. Partly cause mother nature decided she was going to be a pain this week and made me look like I was part blow fish all week. So I know next week will be accounting for both this week and next. I did however gained 2 inches in my arms. It doesn't jiggle like it use to so maybe it has been replaced with muscle. I sure do hope so.  With this basically the start of the new month, here is to losing over 20 more inches and heading for that size 18 goal by April!

So with that being said, I decided that the harder the better, I am going to throw in more cardio workouts daily and I am going to go on a panty plurge. Meaning, a pantry make over. If it isn't good for me, it is getting packed up! If it is processed, it is going to find a new home! As long as it isn't in my kitchen where I can see it or in my fridge where the temptation is their, then I will be good!

Also after doing a bit of research, I found out if you replace your white light bulb in your fridge to a blue bulb, you will actually eat less! Shocker I know isn't it?  It is a proven fact that the blue light makes your food less appealing to you and so you won't eat it. Also, I am gonna leave the little boredom eating monster a few little notes taped up in my fridge. That will remind me to really think if I am actually hungry or am I just bored. I am even looking for a little rubber monster to stick in my fridge to remind me of him so I will stop and think before I act!

Another tip I have learned is, if you feel like you are hungry, drink a glass of water FIRST! It may be that your thirsty but your body doesn't know any other way to tell you other than to make you feel hungry! Their is something for you to think about this week. I can almost guarantee you that you are not hungry most of the time you are going to the fridge. You are either THIRSTY or BORED!

Now without further hesitation, here is week 5's progress report!

Soon I hope to have that bicycle in the background fixed so I can workout on that. The tires are bag, the chain is so rusted it will not even move, the breaks are shot, and you can see the handle bars, ect. So lots of work. Wish me luck on getting that fixed and or a new bicycle :) XOXO

Happy Mail!!!

I got my laces in today! I am like super excited! I opened up the package and squeeled so loud, it woke hubs and my son up from sleeping! I couldn't wait to put them in my shoes! Then after hubs saw the pretty pink laces, he grabbed a pair and said he might as well start trying to support somehow and puts them into his tennis shoes! I am beyond shocked! This has made my day! Here is some picture love for you guys! These pretty pink laces are a sign of me being a Sweat Pink Ambassador.

What's a Sweat Pink Ambassador you ask? Well this is how I like to put it. When I told my mother, I told her it is a like a sisterhood of wonderful ladies that make it their goal to help other ladies lose weight and get healthy. From sharing their experiences to hands on support in their neighborhoods they get involved in helping others. She replied like a sorority? In which I replied: More like a group of awesome ladies that won't let "you can't" stand in their way of fulfilling their dreams and helping others with their dreams through great exercise, eating healthy, and being tough love when you really need it the most. That is what I feel Sweat Pink is all about!

See how awesome this package is!!!!This a true honor to be able to sport these pink laces and show that I back 100% what these laces stand for! Have you Sweat Pink Lately?

SPA SISTER BLOG HOP LINKY

SPA SISTER Blog Hostess's 

Angela

Lynda

Melissa

 *It is easy to follow your fellow Team members.*

 All you have to do is click their button and it will take you right to their blog! 

(Please leave a comment with a link to your site so we can follow you in return) 

 Please visit at least 5 Team members’ blogs and comment letting them know you are a Fellow SPA Sister and are there for support and friendship! 

If you would like to host the SPA Blog Hop Link Up, Let me know via email at aphalicious@gmail.com and I will give you instructions on how to get the linky on your blog as well!

 Happy Linking SPA Sisters!

Got Algae?

I do now! Like the fish in the lake.. I am also hooked! haha :) I am reviewing the product called ENERGYbits.  When you think of the name, you probably think of little bites or protein bars or such. Well these are not your average bits. These BITS, are actually little pill size bites packed with as much good protein as you could think of.

Here is what their website says about these Little Green Bits!

"ENERGYbits are made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body.

ENERGYbits® algae tabs are your answer for raw energy and health. All naturally too. With just one calorie per tab, ENERGYbits® will stop your cravings, slay your hunger and give you a steady stream of energy all day or night. They may even make you want to leap over tall buildings in a single bound, but we think that’s best left to the guys in the red capes and blue tights.  Remarkably, our ENERGYbits® have just one ingredient, spirulina algae which is a super hero in the world of super foods. Spirulina’s nutritional pedigree is so impressive that The World Bank, NASA and Olympic athletes have all declared spirulina to be the most nutritious food in the entire world. Why? Well for starters, it effortlessly and naturally boosts your energy like an energy drink, energy bar or coffee  but without the downside of chemicals, caffeine, calories or sugar and gram per gram, there is no denser source of nutrition than spirulina algae. Research done by NASA showed that that 1 kg of spirulina had the nutritional  equivalent of 1000 kg of fruits and vegetables.  That's a  lot of groceries! But if an endorsement by NASA isn’t enough to convince you of the health benefits you’ll get from our ENERGYbits® and spirulina, consider that many International Health Organizations including the United Nations have hailed spirulina as one of the “Greatest Superfoods on Earth.” Don’t worry if you haven’t heard about this super food yet. You will. It may be virtually unknown in America but for the last 50 years, millions worldwide have taken it to improve their energy. Now it’s your turn. "

Now for my review!

Now that you know a little bit about this product, let me tell you how my experience with these went!
When I got these in the male and opened the envelope, their was 3 pages and 3 cards along with a little tin. Once I started reading about these bits, I couldn't wait to open them.

At first, I was taken back how green they smelled. Smelled kinda yummy but you could definitely tell their was algae. My husband said it smelled like fish food but he thinks anything healthy is not worth his time! So I took 10 out of the tin as I wasn't sure if I could swallow the recommended dose of 30-40. Within about 5-10 min I could feel the energy! I had more energy than if I downed a case of soda and three 5 hour energies! I was going EVERYWHERE! It was actually kinda funny cause when hubs saw it, he actually told me he is restricting me to only 5 a day to keep me from bouncing off the walls. *giggles*

I had to do the E with the bits. It was only fitting :)

When they say this gives you energy, they are right. Who could have thought little bits like this could give you such great energy with no crashing? I took 8 by swallowing and 2 by chewing. They kinda have like a nutty flavor to them. Personally I like them but it is an acquired taste. Just like sushi and calamari. It is one of those you have to try it and if you don't like it, you can always swallow it. You can use this to add to your meal for extra protein, before your workouts or in the morning for an all out day of energy. With 1 Calorie a tablet.. Who can beat that?

As you all know I do let you guys know the price of the products I test. So below I have copied their pricing information for you to see.

Packaging: Price is for a re-seal able foil bag of 1,000 tabs and includes a matching, refillable travel tin.

$115.00

 

Yes kinda a bite on the wallet at first but you get 1,000 tabs that you take approximately 30 tabs at a time. That is around $3 a day. You are looking at one full month of ENERGYbits. So totally worth it. Especially when you try to find anything with as much health values as this does.  These do have to be put in the freezer to keep them fresh. then daily you fill up your tin with bits and be on your way.  Can you honestly tell me that you can get anything else at the store with that much protein and minerals for $3? You can't! I mean, 64% protein and 30 tabs gives you your daily dose of protein! It sounds like a win win right their! Read below on the other nutritional values this product has.

 Image from the ENERGYbits Website

 This product was awesome to review. I loved the energy and the over all healthiness of this product. If this sounds like something you would like to try, you can visit them at http://www.energybits.com/

You will not be dissapointed :) 

Hugs everyone and I really hope you enjoyed my review!

 

Who LOVES Socks? INJINJI Review!

 injinji

When I got these in the mail, I was so excited! I have always wanted to try compression socks and Finally I was able to. I opened up the package and reached in and found 2 extra  soft pair of socks. I couldn't wait to put them on! 

I slipped my feet into them and put my toes where they needed to go and talk about wow! My feet felt like they were in the clouds. Their is just enough tightness in these socks to make them a true compression sock but not too tight that they are uncomfortable. I slipped my shoes on and took off for a jog. Normally when I do this, my feet hurt after about 30 min. One doctor says I have Plantar Fascistic one says I am just to big to be running. With these, I had very little swelling like I always seem to have and my feet didn't hurt! I am sold! These socks are AMAZING! Their is no other word I could give these socks.

The website says they Allow your toes to align and splay naturally while being protected from blisters. The unique five toe sleeve design and light breathable moisture wicking fabric will allow you to enjoy a cool, natural run in any shoe. 

They are right. My feet felt much better than they normally do in regular socks. They are stylish too :) I mean come on. Who doesn't like some comfy toe socks? At $10 a pair, their is no way you can find great quality compression socks like these ANYWHERE! 

The Run socks Feature a second- skin fit which ideal fro runners and anyone who wants the benefit of minimum weight for maximum protection and performance. 
WHILE
The Trail is engineered for the uneven and unpredictable terrain of trail running. (which me being in the hill country of Texas, these are perfect!) With a double elastic cuff to keep dirt out and hold the sock in place. 

The tabs on the back of these socks are such a great idea. Most no show socks get lost in your shoes and you are left digging in your shoe to find the heel when it falls into your shoe. Which it always does! These tabs along with the snug fit around the ankles keeps that from happening! They are a runner/ joggers best friend! I am so glad I got the opportunity to review these socks. They are 100% the best socks I have placed on my feet. I would seriously recommend these to all the runners and hikers out their!


(these thoughts are of my own and not of INJINJI. These are from my personal experience with the product above)

Awesomely Sweat Pink Awesomness!

That is right guys! You are looking at a new Sweat Pink Ambassador! I applied to be a Fit Approach Sweat Pink Ambassador and I got the awesome email letting me know that I am a new Sweat Pink Ambassador!! As soon as I got the email, I literally screamed and jumped up and danced around my living room. Then I opened up the doors and ran around out back 10 laps around the yard and then 10 burpees! I am so excited all I wanna do is workout and jump around the house! This email is doing awesome for my weight loss journey. I have since then, cleaned both my kids room, cleaned my bathroom and kitchen! Oh yeah I am that exited!

So due to all the excitement, I am going to do myself my own workout challange today. If you wanna join me then you can. I will do the following:
 10 Burpees
 10 min jog
 10 Jack knife Crunches
 10 Step out lunges on each side
 10 crickets

Here's to an awesome workout and a huge thanks to the awesome Sweat Pink Sisterhood!

Week 4 Update!

Okay, I know I shouldn't have wore green in this picture cause it makes me look much bigger and you can see lots more fat but these pictures are not to show how good I look. They are to show how bad I look. Then the pictures will get better as I get healthier.

These past 4 weeks have been really hard for me but I will get better. When you start a Weight Loss journey you aren't expected to know everything. It is a learn as you go. Everyone's body is totally different. What works for one, may not work for another. My biggest issue is drinking enough water and then with all that has gone on these past few weeks, the 100% healthy aspect of it. I have found myself eating breads and starches when I know I don't need to.  So I know I still have to work on it but I am trying. Well, I think I have made you guys wait long enough. Here is week 4 weight loss.

If you look in the about me, you will see what I looked like at the beginning of these journey and you can tell the difference. ( lbs down and over 20 inches total from my body! I am very very proud of myself :) 4 weeks of hard work paying off. Now to get the stress factor gone and the busy distractions and I will be set :) 

Fitness Advice!

No matter how much you lose or how much you work out, as long as you are getting off the couch and working on it, you are doing wonderful! If you are in a rut or have plateaued then switch up your exercise and really look at what you are putting in your body. The biggest advice I could give anyone is to write down everything that passes your lips. Then at the end of the week, look over what you are eating and then you can fix what the problem is!

Finally, remember you are not alone in this journey. If you think you are, just come to me or any other fitness blogger who is trying to lose weight and we will be their with you. To help give pointers on what seemed to work for us and to help spread the things we have learned from our mentors! Good luck everyone and Congrats for making the  life changing choice to better your life and health. If you feel like you are slipping, reach up and we will all be here to catch you and pull you back up. We will help you on the path to a healthier you :) (we as in the fitness community)

Compression Question :)

Ok After seeing awesome reviews on awesome compression sleeves for you arms and legs, I got curious! So I did a little bit of research and found out I can make compression arm sleeves out of footless tights. Well I am a crafty mom so I am all into trying to do this.

First, you take a pair of Tights/legging and you fold them in half so one side of the waist is touching the other and both legs are one on top the other. Then cut 3 inches from the top of the waist band off.  Then slide one arm in a leg and then reach behind your back for the other and insert your arm. You may need to cut a bit more around the neck to make it wider. Once you do, even out the back and then throw on your favorite shirt to add a little extra kick to your workout! I am so going to do this and then show you guys the results! This should be awesome! This is the video link (blogspot wouldn't let me embed it) I watched so you can see how it is done too :) I hope you guys enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=A01BnOzkNRI&feature=fvwp

Pretty Muddy Team Name Suggestions!

I am getting ready to register for the awesome Pretty Muddy Mud Run. Well, I am needing a group name that way we an all wear something the same. I guess I am kinda scared to join a pre-excisting group cause I am scared I will be left behind with how big I am and it being my first run. So I am trying to come up with an awesome team name that will make others doing a run for the first time be like "Hey I wanna be in this group!" I had come up with a few names but then everyone tells me they are stupid. The names I thought of were.

Mama's with Tough Tata's
Camo Cuties
Dirty Diva's
Muddy Mama's
Muddy Maidens
Tough Tata Mama's
Polkadot Pinkies
Just Pink It
Pony Tails in Mud Trails
Tough Pretty's
 Heartbreakers
Darling Divas
 Blissful Babe's

These are just a few. I am up to any suggestions! If you see one up top you like or have an awesome idea, please feel free to leave me a comment below!

Tabata Cardio and Upper Body!

Okay, this is start of Day 2 video's! This post will focus on a new workout style that has High Intensity workouts with short periods of rest in between. A lot of Tabata workouts are, for example, 20-10 in set up. This meaning 20 seconds High intensity followed by 10 seconds of rest. This is then repeated 8 times through the whole workout for a total of 20 min. So this workout is sure to get your heart rate up and your body into over drive! The following video is focusing on your upper body. My last video was focused on the Bottom and the lower body. Now, I will show you a video of some awesome Upper Body/ Cardio. It incorporates Tabata with a cardio workout. For a more rounded work out!

Feel free to leave your comments below. I love getting feedback and to hear what you guys think and want to see. Don't forget to follow along so you can get more fitness video's and hear more about my transformation as it happens! Enjoy!

I was actually introduced this style workout while attending #fit2013 on twitter and have fell in love with it! I feel more burn with this workout circuit than I have with the workouts I have been doing! I Highly recommend though while you are doing these workouts, to have plenty of water available! These opinions are of my own and from my personal experience. Most know, I am not easily bought. I will tell you if I don't like something and yet, I love this. I actually feel more burn with this and soreness after that I haven't felt in a bit! So I personally do these workouts. I would not post them if I, myself, haven't tried them. I hope you like!

Work out of the day!

After reading some of the emails, I got a link from one of my friends saying this would be a great way to help others and keep myself motivated. Well here goes. I will embed a link to a 10 min workout for all of you to enjoy :)

With yesterday being my Bump the Hump day, I figured it would be awesome to post a workout that involves a workout that will help with the bump and finally kick that fat that has taken up shop in your trunk, gone for good! I personally do most of these daily now with my workouts and I LOVE it!

If you like what you are seeing and reading, I would absolutely LOVE for you to follow along. You can either follow via the button on the left or via emails. Your choice :) I am very thankful to all of my followers and supporters. You keep me greatly motivated and on track. I owe you guys and these workouts are not only for me, they are for you guys too. Without you guys, I may have fallen off the band wagon a long time ago. THANK YOU!