Thursday, April 18, 2013

Why

I hope everyone is doing well and striving to achieve a healthier lifestyle everyday.

Today I will quickly share a short list of why Jillian Michaels' workout videos fit my life;

  • I gotta say what I like best about workout videos is the versatility. 
  • Spontaneity-I like that I don't have to set a certain time to workout. I can workout as late or as early as my little heart pleases. I have been known to workout at 1am or even 4am
  • Accountability-I have a gym bag in the trunk of my car that has an extra pair of workout tennies and clothes. Therefore, wherever I am I have no excuse not to workout.
  • Accessibility-Most of Jillian Michaels' workout videos can easily be found on YT. So even when out of town as long as I have wifi/internet access I'm all set.
  • Length-Jillian Michaels' workout videos range from 25-45mins in length. Which means I can easily fit a workout before and/or after work.
  • Convenience-Its no secret I don't like gym. Which makes workout videos for me perfect because I can do them without leaving the house
However, I still strive to go out for a run or hike every now and then as a bonus to my workouts.

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal




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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Ode to Lorrie

About two weeks ago I learned of the passing of a fellow blogger, Lorrie of The Token Fat Girl. I've been meaning to write this post for the last two weeks but I just haven't had the words. I write this with a heavy heart because Lorrie's blog was the first blog I stumbled upon when I first considered blogging say 3 years ago. And this was back when she still blogged at My All Natural Weight Loss

I first started eating loaded oatmeal because I found out about it via Lorrie's blog and used the recipe she shared and haven't looked back since.

According to her husband's tribute, Lorrie passed away from cardiac arrest the day after her 30th birthday :(

I found Lorrie to be contagiously cheerful and so full of life and my heart truly goes out to her loved ones and friends. I didn't know Lorrie personally but it honestly feels like I lost a friend.

In honor of Lorrie's memory her husband set up a memorial/fundraising page via American Heart Association. Please feel free to contribute any amount you can.

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Monday, March 18, 2013

To Each His Own

Different things work for different people. I have always had the perception that salads could not be filling to me or be able to satisfy my hunger. But after losing my work lunch bag the last two weeks have found me experimenting with different things.

I always find like most people when I plan my meals I resist succumbing to unhealthy options. For the most part eating out= unhealthy choices but it doesn't have to be that way.

My job is in a metro city so places to eat are a plenty making it tempting to make poor choices. However, I chose otherwise. I decided on Chipotle the first few times. Now not too long ago I would have gone for one of their big juicy burritos and on occasion I still will. But this time I decided to give a salad a shot. I went for one with lettuce, fajita veggies (sauteed green bell peppers+red onion), grilled chicken and guacamole. This is not your average salad but I tweaked it to my liking. I skipped the cheese and sour cream because I'm lactose intolerant. Chipotle offers a house dressing to go with their salads but I found that with the guac I didn't even need it. To my pleasant surprise the salad was very delish and filling. Needless to say I was back the remainder of the week :)

 I also stopped by another place and sampled a chicken plate that came with two salads (cabbage + oriental), a vegetable skewer consisting of mushrooms, zucchini, onions and bell peppers with a 1/2 cup of brown rice. Again, this was both satisfying and filling.

I guess what am trying to say we all have to find what works for us and tweak it to our own liking. I will now be incorporating more salads to my meals. I especially thought the veggie skewer was a brilliant idea!

Please share your favorite salad recipes with me!!!

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Thursday, March 14, 2013

No Cheating

On Wednesday night one of my girlfriends invited me for a work out. I was having one those days where you just know if you don't get your tush off the couch you won't get anything done. It was my day off and I was dragging. I agreed to meet her @730pm and we went on a 3.3 mile loop walk. It was more of a catch up work out. 

As I was driving home  it just didn't feel like I had worked out. I mean I hadn't even broken a sweat or revved up my heart rate. But at the back of my mind I was patting my back for getting up and going for that walk regardless. In my heart though I just knew that I couldn't count that as a workout. I guess I was missing the kick in the butt I get from Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30. Ha! So as soon as I got home I knew what I had to do. I popped in the DVD and gladly took an ass whopping LOL

I'm still working out 5-6x a week. It's not easy but no one said it'd be. I'm striving to make healthy eating choices and do good portion control. No deprivation though. Chugging anywhere from 2-4L of hot lemon water a day. And when I want something else I have green tea with a teaspoon of honey.

The boy got me new dumb bells last night. Yay!!! I upgraded from 5lbs to 8lbs. I'm excited for the endurance and strength that am building from working out consistently. Just taking it a day at a time.

Hope you're all hanging in there!!!

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Still Breathing

I know I haven't updated my blog as often as I should. And to be honest I have no excuse. I guess I just lost my writing mojo. However, I'm still very much on #teamhealthycurves. I've been chugging at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day. I find that its really hard for me to drink water during fall/winter aka the cold season. But my mom taught me a new trick y'all. I have been drinking hot water with lotsa fresh lemon. It's so yummy once you get used to it and it does wonders for your health.

I'm working out 5-6x/week. Alternating between Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism, No More Trouble Zones, 30 DS Level 3 and Ripped in 30. I really love this workout DVDs. I'm starting to see a lot of muscle definition. My endurance has also improved remarkably.

My eating is improving a day at a time. Yes, I'm learning I am what I eat. I'm not self-depriving just aiming at moderation and portion control. Striving to make healthier choices, eat more fruits/greens. I'm learning to push myself to limits I didn't know I could reach. This is my life and am fighting for it. Transforming my lifestyle by becoming healthier and more fit!!!


-Transformation is not a future event, it is a present activity-

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Back In The Game

After two weeks of slacking off this week I got back in the game. I worked out 5 days this past week and boy did it feel good. In my last post I had mentioned I'd do one last week of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred Level 3 before proceeding to Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30. However, I decided to go back to the roots and do the 30 Day Shred Level 1 and boy oh boy was it intense. I remember when I first got the DVD and could hardly do any of the moves in Level 1. But now am able to do each last one of them. I was in soreness galore all week but am proud at how far I've come :)

My Ripped in 30 DVD arrived in the mail this weekend and I will have a go at it this coming week. I'm excited at how much stronger I feel from doing the 30 Day Shred and I hope this continues with Ripped in 30.

My eating has been pretty good as well. Chugging my water like nobody's business, eating lotsa veggies and fruits and lean meats (fish & chicken). 

I'm a Scorpio baby and my birthday will be at the end of this week. I plan on saying goodbye to this year and hello to the new year by keeping up my healthy eating/drinking habits and workouts. 

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and a great week ahead to all of you!!!

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Places I have Been

Last two weeks I slacked off. I went from averaging working out 5-6 days a week to a mere 2x a week if at all. I'd like to blame it on impromptu company that I had in town. But still I know I could have done better. So why beat myself up over spilled milk? considering I played tour guide to my company meaning we did a lot of running around in Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, DTLA and at a winery. However, we literally ate out everyday and I indulged in some yummy delicacies and harbor no regrets. I still drunk copious amounts of water and ate lots of fresh fruit.

This week I plan on alternating between runs/power walks and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 3. I just ordered Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30. It comes with a meal plan which I plan on following for maximum results.

To anyone in the East Coast I have had you in my thoughts and prayers for safety from #HurricaneSandy.

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hydrating in the Fall

Does anyone else find it a tad harder to hydrate during the Fall/Winter? well I do. I guess its the cold weather and the lack of sweating as compared to the Summer/Spring. The more I hydrate in the Fall/Winter the more am constantly glued to the porcelain queen, constantly peeing. Also,  cold weather makes me long for something hot and cozy so I succumb to endless cuppa teas. Still I manage to get my water down but not without a struggle that's for sure.

I've been working out at least 4x-5x a week lately and am so proud of myself. I'm still doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 3 and getting that much better at all the circuits. I actually look forward to my workout sessions.

The S.O. and I have eaten out a few times lately but I have made healthy choices like brown rice over white and substituted fries for mixed vegetables/fruit. My aim is to make lifetime changes. I don't want instant gratification. I'm striving to make changes that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. I know it won't be easy but I can only do my best one day at a time. And I'm content with that :)

This week I'm hoping to incorporate more hiking into my workout regimen. Now that I'm done with the 30 Day Shred I read some reviews on Amazon and I think I'll do Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 next.

I'm still doing fruit bowls for dinner and my big meal is Lunch mostly fish, veggiez and a carb of my choice. My bloating has remarkably declined. Phew. And of course the infamous unloaded oatmeal for breakfast or a bowl of cereal.

Finally, thank goodness its been cool in SoCal this week. I'm talking mid to high 70s and at night it even drops to high 50s/low 60s. I had to pull my winter blanket out of the linen closet. Pure bliss. I even rocked my military boots last night HAHA I'm such a Fall junkie. 

'Til next time my lovelies!!!

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Sunday, September 30, 2012

First Fall Hike

Greetings from Socal,  hoping everyone had a lovely week and ya'll are having a great weekend :)

I had a good week. I did the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 3 everyday but decided to break the monotony on Friday by going on a hike. SoCal is finally starting to cool down, thank goodness, the heat was starting to get old pretty fast. I woke up bright and early and hit my fave trail. It's 2 1/4 miles one way totaling 4.5 miles in an hour. And the trail ends at a beautiful waterfall which is a plus. It was very refreshing and rejuvenating to be outdoors hiking after mostly indoor workouts all summer long. I'm looking forward to more frequent hikes as Fall fully kicks in!!!

I've been super bloated lately and so has the S.O. So I switched things up a little this week, for breakfast I had my unloaded oatmeal version with almond vanilla milk and brown sugar. Lunch, was my biggest meal of the day which consisted of Tilapia and steamed cabbage over a bed of white basmati rice. For dinner I opted to do a big bowl of fruit salad consisting of green grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple and avocado. I found the fruit to be very light (as the last meal of the day) yet very filling. It also doubled as dessert :) I think I will continue to do the fruit bowl for dinner this coming week until we can figure out this whole bloating business.

I'm thrilled to report my water chugging has remarkably improved. All I catch myself drinking is water and more water. And of course my cuppa teas :) I'm totally English ya'll HAHA

This week's achievement? I can NOW do a push up!!! Very exciting news for me. Rewarding baby steps is all its about :)

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Friday, September 21, 2012

Weekly Update

TGIF, I hope everyone had a lovely week. Yay to Friday!!!

My week was good, super hot and humid in SoCal. Where is Fall already? I'm kinda starting to get impatient here what with my boots and blazers all lined up and ready to go haha

All week I've done Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 3. Its been kinda brutal BUT in a nice BRING IT ON way. In Level 3 you even do jumping jacks with your dumbbells in tow. I'm loving this. My arms!?!not so much. But I see muscle coming in and cellulite doing the disappearing act and nothing could make this girl happier :) Every morning I wake up am sore in places I didn't know existed let alone could get so sore. Good stuff. 

This weekend I plan on taking it easy by doing a power walk/jog.

Food-wise? I did a lot of veggiez, fruits and seafood. I kinda cut back on the carbs this week because I have been awfully bloated lately. I haven't changed my diet so I have no clue what's bringing it on. What's you home remedy for bloating???

I'm glad to report I've been chugging more and more water. No soda. But an occasional glass of Cranberry juice. And of course given that I'm a friggin wino, a glass of red with dinner is a given.

I hope ya'll have a beautiful weekend. The boy and I have plans lined up all weekend, hopefully they all pan out. Either way just the two of us together is plenty of fun :)

On that note am off to the local farmer's market to see what I can score!!!

P.S. I hope you enjoy my new blog look. Some links still don't work but they should over time. I've been working on it all week.

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Monday, September 17, 2012

No one Said It'd Be Easy

I know I haven't been doing blog posts as often as I have in the past. But please let that not be a reflection of how I am doing on working to be healthier and fit. I'm not slacking off on my workouts. I've just been busy doing a lot of nothing to be honest. What's even more embarrassing? remember that lil out of town trip I took? for a family wedding. Yes, that one. I had my suitcase sitting in a corner in my bedroom unpacked for over a week. I finally got to it on Sunday and only because it was laundry day. So see what I mean? you must pardon me. Now if I could only get to unpacking my accessories from those jewelry bags. Nothing worse than trying to untangle a necklace *facepalm*

Anyway, I digress. I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 2 all of last week. And I gotta say is it doesn't get better with time. At least not for me. I mean of course I feel stronger and I already see some muscle coming in :) but it still kicks me BUTT IN!!! And I love it but holy molly did I struggle last week? I wasn't falling behind or anything but EVERY single day last week felt like I had NEVER done it before. But I pushed myself. And am so grateful I didn't sit it out, that I kept going despite all that.

I'm doing a tad better at chugging my water. I've been eating tons of fresh sea food (mostly Tilapia & Salmon) with steamed veggiez on a bed of Basmati rice or any other carb of my liking. Not to forget the scrumptious side of Avocado :)

Breakfast-wise I've been eating an unloaded Oatmeal version with just a tsp of brown sugar and Almond vanilla milk which is absofrigginlutely omnomnomnom

And since its Mango and Pineapple season I have been eating at least a mango a day if not two.

How have your days been lately? what are you eating more of? and what are you cutting back on? what about your work outs?

I'm thrilled starting tomorrow I move on to Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 3. Pray me luck!!!

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Monday, September 10, 2012

Falling off the face of earth

So I haven't written for a week nor read your blogs. But am back and will be doing my blog rounds. I had a crazy week last week getting ready for a family wedding out of town. Packing drives me absolutely nuts. The planning of the outfits and the getting everything to fit in the damn suitcase. Ugh just kill me already. Especially because as soon as I touched down I had to meet one of my besties for breakfast then proceed to run wedding errands with the fam bam. So not only did I need to ensure my travel outfit was cute and comfy but most importantly warm for the flight. I go for comfort when travelling. Airplane a/c does not quite agree with me so I gotta bring at least two scarves and a jacket/coat to layer up once I board for comfort. But this time I also needed to be able to pull off the outfit the next morning haha. So much pressure, right?

Anyway, I had a really fun trip. I didn't workout much given been gone most of last week but my eating/drinking was in check. I did oatmeal for all breakfasts, indulged in some delish thai style pizza, tilapia (you know I had to throw it in there) and lots of yummy avocado. I could eat avocado with anything mmmmhhhh. Don't you just love that its in season? I had a venti chai tea latte with two extra pumps just because the whole morning shenanigans am so not cut out for. 

This week its back to business. I think I will do like 3 more days of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 2 then move up to Level 3. I try to do at least10 days of each level before moving on to the next!!! 

On a not so sunny note, the summer hustle and bustle is finally starting to die off and I cannot for the life of me wait to start hiking again!!! I also cannot wait to burst out my fall boots and scarves. I'm such a fall junkie. I need to do a whole post on just that :)

I'm still thrilled that I can now FINALLY do sit ups!!! Such a huuuuge milestone for me :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend and that ya'll have a great week.

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Friday, August 31, 2012

Stronger..Stand a lil taller..Footsteps even lighter..

You guyz I can finally do a sit-up!!!! I know some of you are thinking why make such a fuss of it, right!?! I naturally have a big bosom of 40DDD-40F which for me has made sit ups almost impossible until this week. I'm thrilled. Its surreal. I'm on cloud nine and in Jillian Michaels' heaven all wrapped up in one. I'm elated and so so proud of myself. 

Earlier on this week when I realized I could actually do a sit up I simply couldn't believe it. Until, I woke up the next morning unable to laugh because my stomach area was so sore. WooHOO!!! And boy was I happy. So all week I have been doing sit ups just for the heck of it. Just because I can *insert a coy smile here* And guess what? I'm still a 40DDD/40F which means am just stronger now. Which is the result of pushing myself and refusing to succumb to the inability to do something. Refusing to let negativity make me lose sight of the bigger picture. Which in my case, for me, is getting stronger and becoming more fit everyday.

This truly motivates me. It makes me want to keep at it. It reminds me what am fully capable of. I'm a whole lot of woman that's for sure. Lately, I catch myself moving things around to accommodate my workout. For example, I like to workout at around 8pm and today I had to meet a friend at 630pm and I knew I would be out later than 8pm. So instead of cancelling my workout I chose to workout at 5pm and get it out of the way instead of risking not getting it done at all if I stayed out late. I like that becoming more fit is becoming such a priority in  my life that I'd rather not miss it and I'm striving to keep it that way.

Today marked day 4 of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred Level 2. Yay!!!

I hope e'rybody had a great week and ya'll have an amazing weekend.

Currently listening to (on heavy rotation): Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

Xx,
OverWeight In SoCal
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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Is It Fall Already!?!

Well, after not working out as much as I do last week, I resumed my workout yesterday. Oh thank goodness because I was almost going out of my mind for a minute there. I jump started myself back into things with Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred level 2. And oh boy. It may be only a mere 20 minutes but its pure insanity and hardcore. I literally sweat dollops...dollops people no exaggeration here. I get revved up that much.

I gotta say though after two weeks of running and power walks with my 10lb dumbbells in tow I was well prepared for level 2. I could tell I wasn't so easily tired as I was in Level 1. And I liked it. I'm getting stronger with each workout and am so proud of myself. I truly look forward to my workout sessions everyday. 

I believe the alternating power walks, runs and 30 days shred also break the monotony for me and keep me motivated. I cannot wait for Fall to really kick in so I can go back to hiking. I surely cannot hike in this California heat. It's 2230hrs as I type this and its still in the high 70s degrees. I just need it to cool down some already.

My nasal congestion is acting up from all the a/c :( Yet I cannot survive the heat without a/c so I have it set at 70 degrees all day and night. So despite today being 101 degrees I was chugging cuppa teas to soothe my sinuses. Loudest ICK heard 'round the world I tell ya.

My diet this week has mostly been mixed veggiez, a side of basmati steamed rice with either Tilapia or Salmon and water or Gatorade. And a single cocktail/glass of red most nights because it is summer after all. Although, earlier on this week and last weekend I over indulged in Ben & Jerry's Americone. That stuff is so delish. I couldn't keep it in the house because I could easily inhale a whole tub in one sitting. Once in a while though I do allow myself to over indulge so its a-okay!!!

I'm proud to report my water chugging is slowly increasing. I'm nursing a mild headache tonight and I know its from heat dehydration despite all the water and tea. Is it Fall yet? ready to break out my boots and scarves. I know, you ask, what winter in SoCal? haha

Xx,
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Bleh week

Need I say more or is this post's title self-explanatory? 

This past week has just been bleh and then some. I've had a myriad of doctor's appointments. Literally, Monday through Friday I was driving helter-skelter across town racing from one doctor's office to the next or anxiously awaiting a procedure. Let me just say this, as an ER nurse I work my little behind off to save lives and do patient advocacy but being on the receiving end, as a patient is a completely different ball game all together. Anyway I digress for lack of strength to divulge or go into further details at this point. But ya'll send me happy thoughts, positive vibes and prayers.

Last Sunday I took a break and did not workout. On Monday, the boy and I went for a quick 2.2 mile power walk. On Tue I did a 1 mile walk in the blazing Cali heat. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday due to aforementioned reasons I did not workout. On Saturday I took it easy because I was status post a major procedure done on Friday. This morning I woke up and all I wanted was a street-side cafe breakfast with lotsa coffee, yummy breakfast entrees, sunshine and laughter so I dragged the boy out of bed to which he obliged. Quick shower, ditched the car and walked down to the village's breakfast cafe and had a sumptuous breakfast :) The walk was so refreshing yet just a tad bit much on me. But all the same enjoyable and somewhat liberating. I soaked in the sunshine and fresh air and loved it.

On a lighter note, I have been eating lotsa yummy fresh and healthy food this last two weeks. I'm the biggest seafood lover and I have been alternating between yummy Salmon and Tilapia. My tummy is much much smaller which probably means I have been bloated this whole time and didn't even realize it until now. Yay to small changes making a huge difference!!! I'm definitely not chugging as much water as I should AND am working on it BUT I'm also not drinking any soda/concentrated/carbonated drinks. Win-lose I know.

I'm hoping to make a quick recovery and be able to pound the trails BUTT IN by mid-week.

I hope everyone had a good week and an even better weekend :) Wishing ya'll a lovely week. 

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Saturday, August 18, 2012

On Lapping Couch Potatoes

On Friday I didn't workout I decided to take a break after three consecutive days of power walks/runs with my 10lb dumbbells. However, I went to my local farmer's market and did some 30 minute walking around shopping different vendors. I always look forward to Friday because of all the fresh healthy steals I score at my local farmer's market. Last night I was in the mood for some ribs and coleslaw and they have a roadhouse truck that makes the best of both at the farmer's mkt. I stopped by and got us some grub for dinner. We enjoyed the yummy ribs. I could only eat one with a side of rice, coleslaw and a little tri tip but boy was it delish.

Today was our lazy day. We did some essentials shopping and then came back home to escape the heat. Plus the boy had some assignments to get done. I caught up on all my TIVO'd shows and just lazed around. At about 8pm I could tell something was missing. I was getting a little fidgety and I couldn't place my finger on it until I realized that was around the time I usually would go to the gym or out for a run/power walk. This was so motivating coming to the realization my body was telling me something was amiss. I go into my workout clothes, grabbed my dumbbells, the boy joined me and we went for a quick brisk 1.5 mile walk. Not much but you know what ? for every step, every mile, everyday means I'm still lapping everybody on the couch :) and I'm a step closer to a healthier and more fit me. Nothing could excite and motivate me more.

Which brings me to a total of 10.7 miles of runs/power walks on four days of working out this week. Yay!!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Thursday, August 16, 2012

On A Roll

The summer heat is still ablazin in my neck of the woods hence my lack of blogging. I'm spending so much time trying to stay cool that the thought of incurring excess heat, despite a laptop fan, is beyond me. The only thing I look forward to is my workout at the end of each day. 

Last week on Wednesday I went for a 2.5 mile run with my 10 dumbbells in tow. My arms are getting so much stronger I love it!!! On Thursday/Friday/Saturday the boy and I had a myriad of chaotic errands to run. On Sunday  my girlfriends and I had to make a quick five hour outta town drive to be with our girl who recently lost a loved one. On Monday I was too beat from all the shenanigans to think about a workout let alone summon the strength to get into my workout clothes. 

However, on Tuesday I went for my 2.5 run/powerwalk with my dumbbells. I'm truly loving the extra kick I get from the dumbbells during my workouts. On Wednesday I decided to go on one of favorite running trails that I hadn't frequented in a whiile. I left a little earlier than I would, again my dumbbells in tow. I'm not gonna put those lil suckers down for what its worth. This trail is a good 3.55miles which I did in 50 minutes. Tonight, I went back to the same trail and did the 3.55 miles again. I'm on a roll and I love it. I think I need to UP my water chugging though because I get this dry patch at the back of my throat when am working out. Today was better because I  drunk some water on my drive to the trail and a little more before I started. Its a little hard to drink as I workout because my hands are taken up by my dumbbells. So I'm doing my best to hydrate a lot during the day, pre-workout and post-workout.

Sorry I haven't read all of your lovely blogs in a while. I will be making my rounds starting tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a lovely week.

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Sod OFF DP!!!

In case you haven't a clue DP stands for Dorothy Perkins a UK based plus size store which U.S. shoppers have shopping access to via the internet. The first time I checked them out I was blown away. Quality apparel for great prices. What's not to like, huh!?! So I went ahead and scoped out their size chart and determined I was a size 16UK which is equivalent to 12US. I yo yo between a size 12 to 14. So I ordered a dress I needed for an all white party. Very cute ivory/champagne dress. Due to time constraints I opted for the express delivery which guaranteed delivery within 4 days tops and cost me a whooping $30 extra but what the heck I really liked the dress. 

My dilemma started when after 5 business days there was still no parcel at my doorstep. What made it worse was that I decided to read up reviews online (read; Google & FB) and almost all the reviews were horrendous. A LOT of people complaining that they had been waiting up to a month if not longer for their packages. To say the very least the reviews made DP sound like a downright sham. Suffice it to say I started fretting that I wouldn't receive my order on time if at all I received it and what a waste of moola that would be. I called their CS who offered very little help after waiting forever to get through to them. I decided to take a chill pill, after all, it was only a dress that was replaceable. I was just gonna learn my lesson and not order anything from them. Their loss not mine. What do you know the day before the white coat party my parcel arrives. The dress turned out to be a little tight in the tatas area (what else is new?) so I took it in to the best alteration shop and they fixed that problem and I was good to go the next day.

I really liked the quality of the dress and since I had another event coming up I decided this time I'd order way ahead of time and give them time to their late delivery shenanigans. Again I paid $30 for express delivery, you know just to be certain it'd really get here on time. Of course they were running behind. I got the dress today and the straw that broke this camel's back??? they sent me a size 22UK which is equivalent to a size 18US which makes that four sizes bigger. REALLY? I'm completely done with their service. I will never again order from them. I will not even return the items (I will gift them to a friend) or better still do a giveaway on this blog :) Anyway, I digress and you must truly pardon me for the rant.

On a lighter note, I worked out on Sunday did a kick ass stairs workout for 45 minutes. On Monday I went on a short uphill walk. Yesterday, I took a break. Today I went on another uphill power walk totaling 2.4 miles in 39 minutes all the while holding my 10lb dumbbells (5lbs in each hand). The boy suggested this to me and I gotta say I loooove it. I chugged water like it was going outta style today because it was in  the100s degree Fahrenheit in my neck of the woods. 

Have any of you shopped with DP and what are ye thoughts?

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Especially because its already hump day meaning Friday is hastily beckoning. Yay!!!

Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Good As New

After this, my right ankle is much better now and so is my scrapped knee. I just hate how the scrapped knee looks because its summer and I like to wear my cute short summer dresses. But with the ugly scrap I just wanna cover up lol. I have been cleaning it well and putting some shea butter on it and its healing pretty fast. I guess I'll be sticking to my maxi dresses this weekend.


I went out on a run on Thursday night. I had just finished doing some spring cleaning and my heart rate was all revved up so on my way to take out the trash I decided a run was a good idea. I threw on my workout clothes and headed out. I did a total of 2.4 miles and it was mostly up hill. It felt so good. I was a little scared of running for fear of falling on my already scrapped knee but it did not happen. Phew. Thank goodness. I mean who can take all that falling trauma? me I'd be scared for life lol


I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. What plans do you have?The boy and I will be trying out a new restaurant that we saw on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. We're so addicted to that show!!!


Xx
OverWeight In Sunny SoCal
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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Down But Not Out

Yesterday despite the sweltering SoCal summer heat I decided to go hiking and the boy was kind enough to accompany me. We set out to hike on one of my favorite local trails. I really like this trail because its not only 1.75miles (one way) of hiking through the most serene nature complete with little water streams but also at the end of the trail is a little divine waterfall. 


This trail also has a lot of trees which made it cool for a summer hike. The trail steeps out on you and you can really feel your inner thighs begging for mercy. But why else would we workout if we didn't feel the impact? Before yesterday I hadn't hiked for about a month so I could really feel it. I stopped a few times on our way up. When we got to the waterfall we could tell the summer heat had dried it some but the water was so cool to touch. And did I mention what a positive and peaceful vibe one gets sitting by the waterfall? 


We sat by the waterfall for a few minutes before we started our hike back down the trail. I always like to run back down and yesterday was no exception. I must have been high on endorphins because I forgot about the trail's loose gravel terrain I slid and sort of strained my right ankle and badly scrapped my left knee. Quite the double whammy I tell ya :(  But that did not stop me as soon as the boy was done cleaning and kissing my boo boo we were on our way. I hopped and ran and walked and jogged but never once stopped until we got back to the car. We iced my ankle when we got home and today I took a break from working out to give it sometime to recuperate. It already feels better and hopefully by the end of the week I will be doing my Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred or back to running or even a walk at the very least.


How do ya'll deal with injuries?


Xx
OverWeight In SoCal


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