Just Peachy...

Hey peeps!! I hope you all took time to remember and say a prayer those who gave their lives, as well as those who continuously put their lives on the line for our freedoms and liberties. And in the midst of being thankful, I'm sure that everyone hit up a BBQ somewhere & did some serious damage! lol

I had a great weekend. I took Friday off work, so it was a nice 4 day weekend for me. Why is it that no matter how long you take away from work, it always feels like it was never enough?

Anyhoo, on to the OOTD…

Today, I wore this easy breezy peach top. I snagged it on clearance at Herbergers (Boston, Carson Prairie Scott) for around $4 last year! I've only worn it a few times, and every time I put it on I ask myself why don't I wear it more often. I love the color and the fabric is so soft! I'm wearing a scarf because this cool Minnesota air just doesn't understand that it's supposed to be Spring! I want warmer weather, and I want it NOW!!

I picked up the jeans from Old Navy. They are my new favorites! These bad boys were on clearance for under $10, and now I'm kicking myself for not buying more than one pair. I try not to wear them as much so my "chub rub" doesn't ruin them. Ha! No really. I would hate to have to throw them away. I would probably shed a tear or two. I'm serious.

**Do you have a favorite pair of jeans? Do you want to keep me from crying? If you answered "Yes" to at least one of these questions, please leave the brand/style in the comments. I'm always taking recommendations.** Thank ya kindly!! ;)

Until next time…

Top - Herbergers

Scarf - Target?? (I tore the tags off)

Jeans - Old Navy

Shoes - Target

***Bonus pics!!***

Swimsuits that I tried on at Old Navy. I got the purple one. It was $9!!! The pink one was the winner in my Instagram poll, but I didn't feel comfy with no straps. Gosta keep "the girls" in check, ya know?

My aces/family (l to r) Shontelle, Regina and myself. Whenever we get together, we always TURN UP! We got it in on Sunday!!

Forever in the gym these days & I'm better for it ;)

Life Happens...

Hey peeps!! Let me start by giving a big fat THANK YOU to all of you!! You didn't delete me from your readers because I've been MIA, and for that I'm thankful!! I've been around, reading blogs, looking at pics, reading tweets and "liking" Instagram pics. I just haven't had the time to get back to blogging until now. 

I have so much to say/show!! But, I'm gonna try to keep my first post relatively short as I get back into the swing of things. Please hang in there with me if you follow me in IG and have seen some of these pics. This won't be the norm now that I can get out and do OOTD pics again. 

First thing's first. Hubby and I purchased our very first (and hopefully last) home! We're homeowners y'all!! I love our home! Packing, moving, and unpacking is a monster, but I wake up smiling, feeling blessed, and thanking God every morning. This pic was taken in April... And yes, that's snow in April! O_o

Secondly, I haven't given up on my health/fitness/wellness journey. I must admit that I have stumbled a bit here and there with my eating habits, but slacking on being active is not an option for me. Exercising at least four days a week as helped me to reach my 2nd weight goal. I'm not comfortable with sharing that number just yet. Not sure if I ever will be, but it damn sure felt good to get there. I now have a new goal, and I'm working everyday to get there.

While two great things were happening in my life, I also lost someone very close to me. My Aunt Berda was called Home to the Lord. Her passing was devastating to my family, as she was/is our backbone. She was one of the most kind, loving, passionate and family oriented people that I know. She had a significant role in raising me to be the woman that I am today. I know she's watching over me and I am comforted knowing that she's no longer in pain and can be forever young. Rest in Peace my Angel.

The next thing that I'm going to mention makes me smile every time I catch my reflection. My hair. When I tell you that I love the way my natural hair is shaping up, I mean it! There were times when it was growing out that I wasn't so sure about it. I'm sure now. From braid-outs, to twist-outs, to afros, to this cute little bun that I recently learned how to do, I LOVE IT!!

And last but not least... (I know I said I would keep it short, but I just couldn't. Ha!) An outfit post. Let me just say, I just love this Marilyn Monroe top. 

Thank you guys again for hanging in there, and shout out to those of you who checked up on me to make sure that I was ok. I'm good. BABY I'M BACK! Please stay tuned. Until next time...

Tee- Target

Tank - Old Navy

Striped Pencil Skirt - Old Navy

Leopard Flats - Target

Look Good, Feel Great...

Happy Monday!! I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend, because whether we like it or not, the work week is upon us (for those of us who don't work weekends, of course). My weekend was good. Didn't do much. The weather here in Minnesota didn't allow for much anyway. It was bitter cold, and the snow came down all day Sunday. Every year, I say I won't complain, but here I am once again… complaining. *sigh* Anyhoo…

If you didn't know, I am the winner of last weeks #BLMgetFit weekly challenge (#BLMMoves). The challenge was to get moving as much as possible throughout the week. I won by submitting the below pic via Instagram of my interpretation of the challenge:

I'm loving everything about the challenges. It's inspiring to see all of the other ladies who submit pictures, and also provide encouragement along the way.

This week, I want to talk about workout clothes. If you haven't noticed from my pics, my go-to "uniform" is a tee (usually v-neck), tank top (to help catch the sweat and protect me from possible plumbers butt), sports-bra, a pair of yoga pants or leggings, socks and my gym shoes. I need to step my game up.

I want to feel good about myself, even while I'm busting my butt and sweatin it up at the gym. I know that some people just throw on an old baggy t-shirt, and basketball shorts or sweatpants and keep it moving. That's all well and good because you get the same workout regardless, right? Sure… Maybe. For me, when I can see what I'm working one, I work harder. When I feel like I look good, I feel great!

I also, want to talk support. That's right ladies!! Bra's and shoes!! Please be sure to wear the proper support to the gym. Having the "girls" bounce all over the place can be pretty uncomfortable, and cause you to not work as hard. Also, it's very unsightly and can cause creepy stares from some of the fellas (to no fault of their own) =D. And remember to care for your bras properly, as replacement can get expensive. Because you don't want to break down the spandex, here are two important rules of care.

• Wash in cold water. No bleach.
• Dry it flat, or line dry.

Shoes are very (if not more) important. If you're a runner/jogger, please do yourself a favor and head to your local running specialty shop to get assessed. They can be pretty expensive, so even if you don't end up purchasing from there, at least get the assessment. You will leave more informed than when you walked in. We don't want anyone hurting themselves out here. As for the rest of us, like myself who do light work, a good trainer shoe is all we need.

So lets ditch the baggy/saggy gym wear ladies and get cute in the gym!! I've found that Kohl's has some really cute gear! I ordered a few things myself. Here are a few of my favorites, and it doesn't hurt that they're on sale (you can also use coupon code TENFORBLOG at checkout for through March 9th for an extra 10% off!):

Tek Gear Basic Tee

Tek Gear Yoga Leggings

Tek Gear Racerback Sportsbra

Lets keep up the great work and continue to encourage each other! This weeks challenge is (one bad apple) #SpoilstheBunch. Get inspired to eat (or drink) the recommended two servings of fruit per day and don't forget to share those pics via Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag!! 

This weeks health/wellness/inspiration link up is hosted by Beatrice over at Inspired by Beatrice Clay. Make sure you head over to her spot and link up! Thanks for reading to the end, because I know my last few posts have been wordy.

Until next time…

Have you seen my hair all picked out lately?!?! Holy hair Batman!! lol!

Put Me In Coach (Link-Up)...

Happy Monday!! No different than any other Monday posting, I hope you guys had a nice weekend. I enjoyed hanging at home for the majority of it. Nothing special. Just rest & relaxation. I should say that I should have done laundry, and cleaned a little, but hey… Nobody's perfect, right?? I have one more day to get some things done since I don't have work today. OH YEA!! And Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!!!

I know it's a day off, for most of us, but it can also be a day of reflection and/or service. I'm headed to an MLK celebration breakfast this morning. The breakfast will also include a panel of influential Black Leaders of Minnesota, as well as a host of young people who will present and discuss things that they are doing in our communities to make them better for everyone. Their will also be opportunities to volunteer and donate to the respective causes. In the words of our beloved OutKast, "Get up, get out and get sumthin".

And btw, I love this song!! If you've never heard the MLK, Jr tribute song, click below. You're welcome! =D Siiiiiinnnngggg Celebrate!! Sing, sing celebrate!!

In other Spoon Full of Sugar news, I lost another 2lbs!! That's five pounds total in two weeks!! The #BLMgetFit challenge is really giving me the boost that I need to continue with my health/fitness journey! Last weeks #NoSweetsWeek challenge had me thinking about some of the junk food that I consume, and it re-assured me that I can abstain from it IF I want to ;)

This weeks challenge is #BLMMoves. The winner of this challenge will have exercised the most collective minutes in a week. This will challenge me to make my workouts longer to achieve maximum results. I'm excited per usual. 

**To all of my BLMGirls, WE CAN DO THIS!!! Let's continue to make lifestyle changes that will continue to keep up healthy and strong.**

I'm the link-up host this week for all of your inspirational/motivation posts. Please share with us! The post doesn't have to be exercise or fitness related, just positivity and inspiring in some way =D And don't hesitate to visit the blogs of those who participate!! 

Until next time...

Harder, better, faster, stronger...

Happy weekend peeps!! I got in an early work-out this morning, so what better time to post about my workout regimen?!

Over the past month or so, I've been sticking to my plan of working out 5-6 times a week. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I post pics here and there while I'm gettin it in. lol! Shout out to my workplace! They are great because employees are offered an on campus gym membership at a sweet price. I was just too lazy to join before.

Monday - Wednesday its 30 - 45 minutes on the elliptical or stationary bike. Thursday is boot-camp class (on the days that I can make it in time). If I know I can't make it, I will just do the elliptical (last week, I did BOTH). Friday is usually a rest day, and Saturday is strength training with a personal trainer. Last week, I worked out on Sunday as well. I took it easy by walking to a nearby lake, around the lake then walked back home. That took me around an hour or so. If it's not too hot out, I plan to do the same thing tomorrow.

I just want to make exercising a lifestyle for me from now on. My plan is to start strong, and taper off a bit as I start to see progress. Eventually, I want to start running with my husband. I have to work my way up to that though. I am soooooo not a runner. I just look & feel awkward. Ha!!

So, here's a few pics of me and the ladies that help keep me motivated at our Saturday session from last week.


                             **WARNING! This is a picture heavy post**

Until next time…

Nick, our beloved trainer showing off his muscles. Ha!

Danielle getting it in under Nicks watchful eye

Me!! Going strong!

Regina, doing the same

Gotta keep breathing!

That is not a smile people… I was grunting! =D

Regina with the weight vest

Danielle. That girl is STRONG!

In true blogger fashion, picture break!

Shontelle! Look at those arms!!

Shontelle with those arms again

And… done.