THE COLORS OF FALL

Sweets and I took a scenic drive up American Fork Canyon and through the Alpine Loop into Midway over conference weekend. We listened to the wonderful and inspiring messages of our Leaders while looking at all the beauty that was created by Him.

We truly are blessed to live at this time that we do. The beauty that surrounds us is incredible and we are lucky enough to enjoy it on a daily basis. Not to mention, we have a living prophet and counselors to guide us and speak to us about the truths of our Gospel.

I love Fall and all the colors that it brings. It is happiness and watching/listening to Conference during this time makes Fall even better! 

NOT JUST A CLICHE!

A moment on the lips equals a lifetime on the hips!

This is what my Trainers tell me before they criticize my food logs and before they kick my butt for 2 hours 3 days a week. They tell me that any binge eating of sweets, sugars, salts, and junk foods will promote weight gain in the years to come. Who wants that? It just puts more emphasis on the fact that I need to be more aware and cautious of what I put on my lips for fear of it ending up on my hips. 

I have to be honest with you, my lapse in concentration on my body the last year has really taken its toll on me. The arrow on the scale has slowly but steadily kept moving to the right, my clothes have been feeling more snug, and people say I look "good" instead of "fabulously thin and fit" or any other description that doesn't mean that my face has rounded out a little more since the last time they saw me. This battle I have been on, for the last ever it seems, is finally coming to an end! I have climbed on the horse and have got back on the track. The 3 things that my Trainers are having me do to help spark change in my body is:

1-Reduce food intake to 1150 calories per day

2-Increase physical activity to 60 minutes 5 days a week  

3-Eat 6 meals a day and keep the foods fresh

So far, this plan has worked. I have lost 5 pounds, 1 inch off my waist and lowered my body fat percentage by almost 2% in 1 week. I am thrilled that I can see results and it makes me push myself that much harder. My goal is to get down to a more comfortable weight by the end of October when I have my IVF procedures. Wish me luck and remember:

7 days without exercise makes one weak!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

maybelline

I have the so pearly pink and I absolutely love it! Funny thing is, it really does last all day! 

nordstrom bp

Who doesn't need, or could not benefit from these? They are adorable, fashionable, and subtle enough for summer!

jonathan adler

Oh goodness...need I say more? So freakin' cute and it would be the perfect touch for any outfit or occasion!

5 boxes for $1 at fresh market

The absolute most refreshing snack on a hot day. Just pop them in the freezer and enjoy!

whole foods

Weston's cousin introduced this to me a month ago and I have not been able to stop drinking it since. I found my new weakness! It has just the right kick and it is the perfect change up to the regular juices.

treehouse

I believe pilates is the transformation that any body needs and I am so excited to be doing this every week! What a great way to relax and get toned for the summer!

jcrew

What would summer be like without a wide-brimmed straw hat? Not only is it fashion forward for the beach, pool, boat etc, but it blocks the sun too; in all the right places!  

THE SPECIAL DAY

tulip festival  

I am totally lame, I know, but I didn't take any pics of this year's Mother's Day! However, pictures or no pictures, it did not detract from the special day that we got to share with our wonderful mother's. 

First, my Mother decided to celebrate Mother's Day on Saturday, so we headed over to my bro Christians' house and we BBQ'd it up big time with steaks, bratwursts, cheeseburgers and salmon! Plus we had the additives of yumminess such as salads, veggies, fruit, chips and dip and you mustn't forget the amazing strawberry shortcake al a mode for dessert. So, while the adults ooh and ahhed over the cute little baby girl addition from my bro Andrew (and I mean the parentals), the children (rest of us) played dynamite on the basketball court, dodgeball and street hockey. It was so fun! 

Secondly, we spent Mother's Day evening at the I.L.'s celebrating Mother's Day with the fam. It was great to see some of the extended family there from 'that place down south' and the Gma/Gpa duo! We celebrated with scrumptious desserts consisting of ice cream, strawberries, brownies and cookies while playing Settlers of Catan! Unfortunately, yours truly didn't win, but I am glad that my SIL took the victory over the boys. 

We are so blessed to have such amazing Mother's and women in our lives. Each one of them (Aunts, Sisters, Grandmothers etc.) have touched our lives in so many special ways. We appreciate the love, sacrifice, selflessness and patience that our Mother's have expressed to us and feel very fortunate to call them Mother's! They exemplify the best relationship of friendship and we certainly are the luckiest kids.