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Fitness and Health Friday—That Time When Jillian Michaels Kicked My Butt

February 20, 2015 by Laura Lohr 5 Comments

JillianQA5BrightWelcome to the third addition of Fitness and Health Friday! Happy Friday, indeed! Wow! I can’t believe it’s Friday already! What a week—or two! I’m finally on the mend after being sick for nearly 2 1/2 weeks. I’m almost fully recovered, after coming down with strep, then strep in my eye, then a crazy cold. It seems like every time I start a new exercise program, my immune system takes a bit of a hit.

JillianQA6Bright

Enough of that though! I’m all better now and all fired up! I went to TheFitExpo in Los Angeles two weeks ago and had such a blast! Not only did I meet other FitFluential Ambassadors, I got to workout out with Jillian Michaels, I got to wander around the expo, and I got completely inspired by the whole experience!

Jillian answering questions from the audience.
Jillian answering questions from the audience.

Saturday afternoon, Jillian Michaels did a question and answer session, where she answered questions from the audience. She is so passionate about fitness and health. My respect for her grew ten-fold hearing her speak. When asked about having, “cheat days,” she said she doesn’t believe in them. Instead, she explained that if she wants something special, she eats it, then she makes up for it later. She shared her experiences being a chubby kid and I just loved how her experiences have shaped her attitudes and approach with fitness.  She’s super sassy and I just love her!

This is me before the Body Shred class. Happy, smiling, excited.
This is me before the Body Shred class. Happy, smiling, excited.

This week has been somewhat of a wash in the fitness and healthy living department. I did get one really good workout at the conference though. I was able to get in on the Body Shred workout with Jillian Michaels and she kicked my butt! It was only a 30 minute workout, but OH MY GEEZ! I thought I might pass out! This workout is not for the faint of heart.

This is me after the Body Shred class. Still excited, still happy. Just sore.
This is me after the Body Shred class. Still excited, still happy. Just sore and unable to express myself.

My favorite part of the workout, was when we were doing punches—left, right, left, right. I was sort of wimping out and taking it easy, instead of giving my all, like I should have. I think I thought maybe Jillian wasn’t noticing. The next thing I knew, she was leaning in towards me from the stage, yelling, “PUNCH, PUNCH! GET THAT AGGRESSION OUT! DO IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT!” She is pretty awesome and I absolutely adore her, but I have to be honest, she’s super intense! I started punching like I meant it and from there on out, I was giving my all. There was another time she was shouting commands in my general direction, but I was so lightheaded, being starstruck faded and all I could do was MOVE IT. I might have been a little afraid. 🙂

This is during the Body Shred class, in the very beginning.  What an awesome experience!
This is during the Body Shred class, in the very beginning. What an awesome experience!

I’d been working out at boot camp for an hour a day, five days a week, and it was nothing compared to the Body Shred workout. I was so sore for days after I did the workout. I have a friend in Pennsylvania that is a certified Body Shred trainer and she warned that it was an intense workout. I had no idea!

I stopped off at the Body Shred booth at the expo and got my friend this cute tank. She chose the one on the right I love the grey and orange! So cute!

The clothing line is so cute!
The clothing line is so cute!

I had such a blast! On the weight loss front, I struggled. I gained 2 pounds. I know where I made the mistakes and what I could improve. I am also forgiving myself because I was traveling and because being sick was not helpful to good food choices. I am completely ready to put the mistakes of the past behind me and move forward. I’m so motivated after the expo! I’m ready to kick some butt!

How was your week? What changes will you make next week? What did you do this week that you are proud?

Filed Under: Fitness Friday, FitnessFriday, Health, TheFitExpo, Weight Loss Tagged With: Body Shred, Health, Healthy Living, Jillian Michaels, TheFitExpo, Weight Loss, Working Out

DIY Essential Oils Foaming Soap Using a Mason Jar

January 26, 2015 by Laura Lohr 10 Comments

DIY Foaming Soap Mason Jar

 

I’ve been trying to eliminate unnecessary chemicals in our home for a few years now. I’ve switched from bleach based cleaners to vinegar and baking soda. I try to eliminate my family’s exposure to ingredients that may cause harm to them.  I jumped on the essential oils bandwagon and have fallen in love with making my household ingredients. I’ve also began expanding the use of glass over plastic, wherever I can. I’m turning into a granola-loving hippie here! In all seriousness, I do love that I know what ingredients are in the products we use. In the following tutorial, I’ll show you how to make an essential oils foaming soap, using a pretty mason jar to store it in.

I fell in love with the Mason jar foaming soap dispenser idea. These little jars are just so pretty and I really wanted to make a few, using a few of the Young Living essential oils I discovered in my starter kit I got a few weeks ago.

I’ll start with the instructions for the Mason jar dispenser first.


How to Make a Mason Jar Foaming Soap Dispenser:

Of course, the easiest way to make a foaming soap dispenser is to simply recycle a used foaming soap dispenser bottle you might already have from a store-bought soap. If your okay with that, then move on down to the recipe portion of this post.

What You’ll need:

  • Hammer
  • Nail(s)
  • Mason jar
  • Foaming soap dispenser pump

Directions:

  1. Choose any size Mason-type of jar.
    I bought these pretty blue Mason jars. What I loved about them, is that they seemed so retro, clean, and classic. You can use any size or style of jar that has a metal lid.Mason Jars DIY Essential Oils
  2. Make sure to choose a FOAMING soap dispenser pump.
    When I started this project, I thought the easiest way to create the look I was going for, would be to locate a lid with a pump that fit my Mason jars, and simply screwed on the top of my jars. Well, that didn’t go as well as planned! While I found these amazing black dispenser pumps that fit nicely on the jars, the soap did not foam when it came out. It came out as liquid, not foam. I used the dispensers from some store-bought foaming soap bottles. They worked perfectly for this project.
  3. Prepare the Mason jar lid for the pump.
    Take off the Mason jar lid. Using the opening of the foaming soap dispenser as a guide, trace a circle on the top of the Mason jar lid.
  4. Make room for the foaming soap pump.
    I had Mr. Bear drill a hole in the center of my lid, but he didn’t have a drill bit big enough to fit the pump through the lid. Instead, I used a hammer and nail, hammering holes in the perimeter of the circle I drew in the lid. Then, I was able to peel back the metal and voila! The dispenser fit really nice. Alternatively, you could use a bigger drill or if you’re handy, use metal/tin snips to cut the area out.DIY Foaming Soap Mason Jar Pump
  5. Secure the foaming soap pump in place. 
    Gluing the pump into place accomplishes a few things. First, it prevents moisture from the inside of the jar from rusting the top of the lid. Secondly, it seals the area where the hole was cut. This prevents leaking when you shake up the jar. Sealing the hole can be done a variety of ways. I used waterproof shower caulking all around the hole on the under side of the lid. However, you could use hot glue, Gorilla glue, or any other sealant that finishes off the lid.
  6. Re-assemble the jar, with the new foaming soap pump and add your soap. Now that the container is completed, you are now ready for the soap.

How to Make Your Own Foaming Soap:

In the previous section, I explained how I made this beautiful Mason jar foaming soap dispenser. Now, it’s time to fill it up with your foaming soap pump with some lovely homemade soap. Now, let’s make your own non-toxic foaming soap, using essential oils and some other natural ingredients:

What You’ll Need:

 

DIY Essential Oils Foaming Soap

  • 1 Mason jar with foaming soap pump or use any recycled foaming soap container
  • 2 teaspoons Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, or Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup of Castile soap. This quantity may vary, depending on the container. The bottle should be filled about 1/4 to 1/3 full. (I used Dr. Bronner’s unscented variety.)
  • 2 teaspoons Aloe Vera juice. You can purchase this at any health food store, such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, etc.
  • 10-15 drops of essential oils: I am using Young Living essential oils and I like using their Citrus Fresh blend for the kitchen because it smells so good. Thieves is a great oil for disinfecting and kills germs. Melaleuca Alternifolia, also known as Tea Tree Oil is great for cleansing and purifying—it makes a great addition to other oils. Peppermint and lavender oils smell great, in addition to the benefits that offer. Choose your favorite. 
  • Distilled, purified, filtered, or boiled water. I boiled the water to get rid of the impurities, as I didn’t have any distilled or purified water on hand.
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon of Vegetable Glycerin.  Vegetable glycerin helps to bind the oils to the other ingredients. I did not use it in this batch and it worked out just fine.Almond Oil DIY Essential Oils Soap

Instructions:

  1. Pour in castile soap and essential oil. Give it a little stir.
  2. Add in the Almond Oil and Aloe Vera juice. Give that a little stir.
  3. Fill the jar up with the water, leaving enough room for the weight of the pump.
  4. Put the lid on and give it a little shake.
  5. Use whenever you wash your hands.

Filed Under: DIY, Essential Oils, Health Tagged With: DIY, essential oils, Foaming Soap Dispenser, Healthy Living, Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

Reaching Goals in 2015

January 15, 2015 by Laura Lohr 6 Comments

Obi, after our trail run.
Obi, after our trail run.

Wow! I can’t believe it’s 2015! Mostly, I can’t believe that we’re halfway through January! How did this happen? There’s so many exciting things going on this year. We’ve been busy, busy, busy!

Allie is going into another year on swim team. She moved into the next level in November, which has brought some awesome challenges her way. She is growing in her sport and loves every minute of it! We’ve been so proud of her!

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been working very diligently to get back in shape and trying to accomplish some healthy goals I’ve been working on for some time. Obi (our dog) and I started running a beautiful trail near the house. It’s on the way back home from dropping Allie off at school and it gives me the opportunity to get a few miles in, before the day gets too far ahead. He really enjoys getting out and running. I really enjoy having a running partner! Even if he’s dragging me down the trail most days.

Additionally, I started boot camp again. This boot camp is a different one from before. This one is indoors, which I thought I wouldn’t like, but hasn’t been too terrible. I’m finishing the first week and I have to say—I am so sore, I can hardly move! There is no progress, without some discomfort though. Right?

I’ve made some major changes to my diet and lifestyle that I’m pretty excited about. First, I’ve cut way back on coffee. I was having digestive issues, including acid reflux, when I was drinking more than a cup a day. I’ve switched to herbal tea—a really nice alternative! So far, it has been an easy transition. I still enjoy a cup or two of coffee, yet I’m learning when I’ve had enough.

Second, I’m trying to keep track of the food I put into my mouth—every morsel! It’s a tough habit to get into, nonetheless I am trying! I have a goal of losing one pound a week this year. Last week, I lost 3 pounds, which puts me three weeks ahead! Ha! We’ll see how long I can sustain that. I joined a Facebook group that my college sorority sister encouraged me to join. It’s a group that’s focused on getting healthy. We support each other and weigh in each week. We share recipes and tips. We vent and confess when things aren’t going quite right. We all need support and this group has been so awesome!

Third, I’m trying to eliminate all unnecessary calories. As a result, I’ve completely abstained from alcohol for several months. No extra calories for me. No, sir! I’ve enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would. It is actually very nice!

Lastly, I’m just trying to focus on staying healthy in mind, body, and spirit. I’ve been working very hard on making me the best me I can. I know it sounds cheesy and cliché, but it’s true. There’s so much negativity in this world, nonetheless I don’t need to be a part of that. I can bring positivity into situations that need a little brightness. I have been working on finding the good in situations. I am, by nature, a glass half-full type of gal. I’ve believed through most of my adult life that with expecting the worst, I’m usually pleasantly surprised when things go my way.  That way of thinking hasn’t served me well, however. It’s much more pleasant to not be constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m enjoying the moments, when things are good. I’m looking for the lesson, when things go sideways.

My word for 2015 is Fearless—or, FEAR LESS.

While it isn’t the most original word of the year, it definitely suits me well. Over the course of the past few years, I have feared so much. I suffered from anxiety for a few years. I was afraid of everything. I was afraid of what might happen. I was afraid of what people might say, or what they might think. It has taken time and working with a brutally honest mentor, that has opened my eyes to so many things. I don’t have to fear the things I don’t have control over. I can sit quietly and let go of things I can’t control.  When I started letting go, that is when I started noticing the anxiety begin to lift. It was like coming out of a fog and into the sunlight. Life is not perfect and neither am I. I can accept that now. This year, I’m going to fear less—even though I know that sometimes, there will be things out of my control.

What is your word for 2015?

Filed Under: Boot Camp, Family, Health, Mental Health Tagged With: 2015, Fitness, Goals, Health, Healthy Living

30 Bloggers, 30 Recipes, 30 Days, 30 Little Calories #silkalmond

February 1, 2013 by Laura Lohr Leave a Comment

Silk 30 Bloggers 30 Recipes

Silk 30 Bloggers 30 Recipes

Growing up, we drank so much milk, we really should have had our own milking cow. I remember as a kid, having an enormous glass of milk with dinner, milk with cereal and often, a glass of milk when I got home from school. By the time I reached college, however, I stopped drinking so much milk because it seemed like every single time I had a tall glass of milk, I would have horrendous repercussions (from stomach aches to a gassy gut—oh, the joy!) Even the occasional dairy creamer in my coffee has caused me some discomfort.

Over the years, I have tried many dairy substitutes, including soy milk. After doing some research, I began to steer away from soy milk in favor of almond milk.

Enter Silk Almond Milk.

I have been purchasing almond milk since I first discovered it from a health conscious friend a few years ago and discovered I could have my “dairy” without suffering the ill effects of cow’s milk. I love to add a dash of chocolate or vanilla almond milk to my morning coffee, or use plain almond milk to cook and bake with. I have replaced the cow’s milk in my smoothies with almond milk. Scrambled eggs? Morning cereal? No problem. I like the

Recently, Silk Pure Almond Milk enlisted the help of 30 health and fitness bloggers to share their favorite Silk recipes on Facebook. The result is absolutely and deliciously wonderful! I love, love smoothies and am always looking for more recipes. There is a Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie, a Key Lime Pie Smoothie, or a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Smoothie, a Long and Lean Smoothie to name a few. The Vegan Almondmilk Broccoli & Sage Risotto is on my list of things to try next. Deliciousness! Go ye to the Facebook page and see the yummy recipes for yourself!

Silk Almond Milk is only 30 calories per serving.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #SilkAlmond

You can check out all the recipes on the Silk Facebook Page and find the recipes here https://www.facebook.com/SilkUS/app_574751085884802.

Check out the Silk Almond Milk website: http://silk.com/

Silk Almond Milk

Disclaimer: FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I honestly love Silk Almond Milk and it can always be found in our fridge.

Filed Under: Health, Reviews, Silk, Weight Loss Tagged With: #SilkAlmond, Almond Milk, FitFluential, Good for You, Healthy, Healthy Living, Recipes, Review, Reviews, Silk, Smoothies

Breakfast is Served #belVita

January 31, 2013 by Laura Lohr Leave a Comment

belVita Breakfast

In the month of January, Allison and I got to try the belVita Breakfast Biscuits. They come in individually wrapped packages that are easy to take on the go, which we have taken advantage of many times! Life is busy in the mornings, with getting my little angel ready for school and trying to grab a healthy bite of something for myself.

We received a box of every flavor of the belVita breakfast biscuits to try. My favorite was the chocolate, while Allie’s favorite was the apple cinnamon. I felt good about giving them to Allie, as they contain no high fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils and nor artificial flavors or sweeteners. We liked to eat them with a helping of fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries and a serving of Greek yogurt—our favorite Greek yogurt? Vanilla and honey. Although, I have to admit, I like to dunk them in my morning coffee.

Each package of belVita breakfast biscuits contains 4 biscuits and provide nutritious sustained energy. There are currently five delicious flavors, including chocolate, golden oat, apple cinnamon, blueberry and cinnamon brown sugar. These crunchy and lightly sweet biscuits, with a piece of fruit and a serving of fat-free or low fat dairy are a great way to start the day off with a balanced breakfast.

The sustained energy in our belVita Breakfast Biscuits comes from a combination of specially selected ingredients and a carefully controlled baking process that helps preserve the integrity of the grain. This means the carbohydrates from the grain are slowly released in your body, providing nutritious, long-lasting energy to help fuel your body throughout the morning.

belVita

Disclaimer: I am a FitFluential Ambassador, and I sent belVita breakfast biscuits to sample in exchange for my honest review. FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I honestly love the belVita breakfast biscuits and eat them for breakfast nearly every morning.

Filed Under: belVita, Health, Reviews, Weight Loss Tagged With: belVita, belVita Breakfast Biscuits, Breakfast, FitFluential, Health, Healthy Living, Nabisco, Nutrition, Review, Reviews

About Laura:

Wife, mom, runner, geek, lifestyle blogger, fitness badass, world traveler, social media lover. San Diego transplant, living in Temecula's wine country.

I'd love to hear from you! E-mail me!
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2020 was weird. There were good times and bad. I'm 2020 was weird. There were good times and bad. I'm glad that we made it through. I am looking forward to starting fresh in 2021. I have a lot of #goals for #2021. Many are recycled from last year's #visionboard, but that's okay. I have my canceled #marathon coming up in May. I'll finally apply to #lawschool and follow my dreams, wherever they take me.  Happy new year!
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25 days until inauguration. We're repurposing our 25 days until inauguration. We're repurposing our countdown counter.
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I finished the #sandiegoholidayhalf yesterday. It I finished the #sandiegoholidayhalf yesterday. It was quite an accomplishment! Virtual racing isn't the same as racing pre covid. Nonetheless, I'm getting back to some consistent running and trying to get to a healthy place.

For Christmas, hubby's car needed to be replaced. We bought a #minicooper last week and he's over the moon. The green is amazing! I love how it stands out! He met me at the finish to drive me back to the start. What a fun car!
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I love our tree this year. It's just lovely. We go I love our tree this year. It's just lovely. We got ourselves a new fake tree this year and I'm absolutely in love with it.
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Time is doing things to my face, and that's okay. Time is doing things to my face, and that's okay. I finally got my hair done for the first time in 2020. I had previously got a covid cut in the backyard several months back, but this was the first time having a professional do my hair ALL. YEAR. I felt so good, I came home and put my pajamas on. 😂 It's been a really hard year, but I have grown so much this year and I'm not just talking about my pants size. 😂 Life is good.
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This is where it all started. This was where our f This is where it all started. This was where our first date happened. More than a quarter of a century ago, Eric asked me on a date and took me to the restaurant on the end of this pier. As it happened, my mom ended up joining us. This was a fortuitous twist, as Eric forgot his wallet, and I didn't have any money, as a starving college student.

I started my 5 mile run at that same pier. I smiled to myself, remembering simpler times that, at the time, didn't seem so simple. I breathed in the fresh air and hung on to these memories. I am so grateful for the blind date that worked out to be our love story.
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It's feeling festive around here. I spotted this b It's feeling festive around here. I spotted this beautiful thing in the park on my run. It's beginning to look more like Christmas and my running soul is enjoying every single sighting of Christmas joy. It seems like there's a lot of people that are hurting right now, in the community. We're going to have to work together to spread joy this year and help fill those needs that families have this year. How can I be of service today?
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