January 2018 Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!

Happy new year! Are you ready to get back on track like this lil puppy bear creature on a treadmill?

I am! Jan 1, 2018 marks day one of the 2018 Reset Challenge! If you’re ready to eat well and exercise with me for the next 28 days, then your first task is to:

#1. Take a before picture! Front, side, and back in a sports bra and shorts or a bikini. Keep this for your own records!

Then you shall only eat Reset-friendly foods for the next 28 days. Remember, The 28 Day Reset is not a diet. It is a way of finding your food sensitivities!

#2. Follow this free PDF to understand how to make Reset-friendly meals for the next 28 days. 

Next, you will commit to being active! Whether that means going full out with PIIT28 workouts, doing the Blogilates Workout Calendar, or just walking your dog – as long as you’re moving, you’re being active!

#3. You will agree to be active for 30 min a day, 6 days a week. 

Go all in guys! Commit! If you follow the rules for the 28 days you will see and feel a transformation. Do this for your body and for your mental strength. You’ve got this!

#4. On the last day of the challenge, Jan 28, you will take an after picture from the same angles, in the same clothing. Post the before and after pics in a side by side collage and write a post about how you’ve transformed inside and outside! Be sure to hashtag #28DayReset.

Are you in!?? I am!!! Let’s do this! Here’s your new January 2018 Workout Calendar. Follow this to commit to being active daily!

Download linked PDF | Download hi-res JPEG

If this is your first Blogilates workout calendar, you’ll want to know the following:

• You can find each video by simply clicking on the link in the PDF (all located at http://youtube.com/blogilates)
• Do each video once through unless otherwise directed
• Check off as you go
• Fridays are stretch & rest days, so no work outs!

Yay! Happy new year guys! I can’t wait to smash the next 365 days! Love you so much!

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2zVfewb

My Books of the Year 2017

I have read a lot of great books this year, some new and some not quite so new. Here are some of my favourites: Among new fiction titles, The Nix by Nathan Hill and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng were … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2lsaPfG

Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson

My first review of the year was of Kate Atkinson’s debut novel Behind the Scenes at the Museum which prompted me to make more of an effort to read the back catalogues of my favourite authors. It therefore seems fitting to … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2lnGrT0

Your 2018 Reset Challenge is…

GUYS!

Are you ready to take on a challenge that will give you the momentum you need to make a lasting change in your body and your mindset…for the rest of your life?

Good, because I am too. 2017 was a rough year for me personally and professionally, so that ended up affecting how I ate and how much time I had to exercise. It didn’t feel good. And I don’t want to enter the new year feeling this way anymore. So if you’re up for it, I challenge you to take the 2018 Reset Challenge with me. You in?!

The 2018 Reset Challenge rules:

1. Challenge begins Jan 1, 2018. Take a before picture (front/side/back) in a bikini or in sports bra and shorts.

2. PART 1 – THE FOOD: You will only eat Reset-friendly foods.

3. PART 2 – THE WORKOUT: You will be active for 30 minutes a day, 6x a week.

4. Challenge ends Jan 28, 2018. Take an after picture (front/side/back) all from the same angle and in the same outfit as your before picture. Share your results with hashtag #28dayreset!

The challenge is only 28 days long, but will set you up for a lifetime of understanding your body. Having acne, feeling bloated, being tired, and carrying around extra “stubborn” fat doesn’t feel good, and you deserve nothing less than feeling amazing. The truth is, we’ve gotten used to thinking the above is “normal”. But it doesn’t have to be your normal. Your normal should be your best.

And that’s where The 28 Day Reset comes into play.

PART 1 – THE FOOD:

What you need to know is that The 28 Day Reset is NOT A DIET. It is a way for you to clean out your body and figure out what food intolerances and sensitivities you may have. Things like losing weight – which isn’t even the main point of the Reset – become a bonus benefit! Many POPsters have lost anywhere between 5-15 lbs in the 28 days. It’s kinda insane!

This challenge is FREE for everyone to take on! All you need is to download the FREE PDF that I wrote up for you below. It explains everything:

Download the FREE PDF

If you feel like you want more…like a structured 28 day meal plan, grocery lists, substitutions + over 150 recipes, then I recommend you get my complete 28 Day Reset Nutrition Guide. There’s also an option for vegans!

If you already have the Nutrition Guide and you want even more yummy recipes…then I have a surprise for you! :)

Over the past year and a half, I’ve been working on a new cookbook for busy people with no time – something that many POPsters requested right when I launched the Reset.

My new digital cookbook is called Perfect 10 and guys, all the 70+ brand new recipes have 10 ingredients or less and will take 10 minutes or less to make!!! There are tons of vegan and vegetarian options inside too! If you want to see what some of the meals look like – click here for some free sample recipes!

Ok so seriously y’all. No excuses when it comes to doing the Reset! You have a free guide plus options for all sorts of easy to make recipes. I’m setting you up for success here! :D

PART 2 – THE WORKOUT:

Being active for 30 min a day, 6x a week won’t be the hard part…choosing what you want to do will be! Here are your options.

#1. Follow the 28 day PIIT28 Program 

#2. Do the PIIT28 Starter Calendar (free)

#3. Do the January 2018 Workout Calendar (free)

#4. Do the Blogilates Beginner’s Workout Calendar (free)

 

OK ARE YOU READY.

Comment below as step 1 to committing!!!! LET’S DO THIS!!!!!! Jan 1 here we come!

 

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2leSxxB

The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell

‘The Diary of a Bookseller’ is Shaun Bythell’s account of running Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop which he bought in 2001 in Wigtown, Scotland’s national book town. While many book lovers may dream about spending all day every day working in a … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2kP9f7B

The Best Workout for Capricorns!

Hey guys!

My birthday is in less than a month and I honestly am not ready. This year has gone by way too fast. A lot of stuff happened. Good and bad. Personal and professional. And there’s soooooo much I want to share with you. So much that I want you to learn from. I suppose I need to do an in-depth blog post before the new year comes along. Sometimes I wish I could just have some of you over for a deep fireside chat. One day…hmmmm…perhaps a retreat of sorts?

Anyway, ’tis officially the season of the Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19)! If you’re into horoscopes, then you’re gonna be in for a treat. Each month, we will be launching a Zodiac workout that will give you your ideal exercise regimen according to your sign. And this month, we’re starting off with Capricorn! Based on your personality, here is your Sweat Horoscope:

You are disciplined and take your workouts very seriously, so you need something to match your intensity! The perfect workout for you is PIIT28: the challenge of a high intensity interval workout paired with the concentration of Pilates will push you to your potential. And as a Capricorn, you get satisfaction from excelling in difficult tests of strength – physical and mental.

So here it is! There are 7 moves. Do each move for 45 seconds and rest for 15 seconds in between. Then repeat the entire sequence 4x through for a 28 minute workout! Ok, are you ready!? Here ya go:

#1. Low Running Man

Begin in a lunge position with one leg extended straight back! Reach your opposite arm down towards the ground by your forward foot. Have the other arm up in the air! then jump and switch!

Works: Butt, legs, obliques, back

#2. Side Press Up

Laying on your side with feet together, place your upper hand directly in front of your bottom shoulder while hugging your waist with your bottom arm. Press through the bottom palm and lift your obliques off the ground as lift your upper leg up as well!

Works: Triceps, obliques, chest, shoulders

#3. Lunging Twist

Begin in a lunge position and then spring up on one leg, bringing knee to opposite elbow! To make it harder, add a jump!

Works: Cardio, butt, legs, obliques

#4. Butterfly Sit Up

Begin on your back with hands long overhead, back flat, soles of your feet touching, knees out in a diamond shape. Squeeze your abs, sit up, and reach your hands to your feet.

Works: Abs, stretches hip flexors

#5. Ballet Legs

Begin standing with arms outstretched, legs wider than hips. Stand on your tippy toes for extra calf engagement. Then jump in and criss cross your legs while bringing your arms in.

Works: Cardio, calves, legs

#6. Cobra Pushup

Laying on your belly, place your palms underneath your shoulders, legs extended out. Press through the palms and lift your chest up, leaving your hips on the mat.

Works: Triceps, chest, low back

#7. Plank Hopover

Begin in Animalia position on all fours with knees lifted off the ground on one side of the mat (if using mat). Engage your core and prepare your legs to spring up into the air and land on the other side of the mat in Animalia position.

Works: Cardio, quads, core, shoulders

You can get this plus all my other pins on Pinterest! Hope you enjoyed the workout. Let me know in the comments below what your sign is!

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2Duqanw

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

In the opening chapter of ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ by Celeste Ng, the Richardson family home in the affluent suburb of Shaker Heights near Cleveland, Ohio, is burning to the ground in a fire believed to have been started deliberately by … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2yLupaM

Who are the men who buy Panty by Post panties

Profiling the men who buy Panty by Post panties?

 

Now now, don’t jump to conclusions, it’s not always the ones associated with scandal and secrecy – sometimes, but not always!  This is about the men behind purchasing the  panties as a gift for their darlings. We decided to profile our valued male customers as our way of tipping the hat to the guys in our lives who show us they care.

 

Mr Adventurous: This man samples our Naughty but Nice line for his special someone. He’s not afraid to splash out on a more exclusive panty, or shall we say undies for a special occasions (wink). He’s a whisky drinker, a bit of a rebel and he likes to spoil his girl with frilly underpinnings.

 

Mr Classic: This dapper chap likes to buy the best for his other-half. He shops our Premium Line and prioritizes  its arrival every month with his personalized note attached. He knows how to share his feelings and always puts her first/. A good listener, he loves long walks in the forest on the weekend and his heart bursts when his love is happy.

 

Mr Fashionable:

He’s a metrosexual  high-flying traveler and an on-point foodie who loves to be in the know. He thrives onto planning dates at far out spots and usually comes bearing gifts of Signature Line panties. These undies are both pretty and practical, marrying his love of lace with your love of comfort. Each pair has a touch of flare, and quality you can truly feel. These are your go-to panties for your cinq a sept cocktail hour! Thanks lover!

 

Mr Sporty: This man doesn’t stop! He’s athletic and outdoorsy; he loves to keep his body moving and in shape. His favorite times are spent running in the trees with his partner, or swooshing down the slopes beside her. He buys her the basic line, so she is comfortable during all their fun-filled activities. He’s healthy and loves to support his team mate in the adventure they call life!

The post Who are the men who buy Panty by Post panties appeared first on Panty by Post.

from Panty by Post http://ift.tt/2o9ZIfp

Trying to feel beautiful. I still struggle.

Last night I attended the Unforgettable Gala which is basically the “Oscars” of the Asian American community. I was really excited to get ready for the red carpet and wear this new dress I got just for the event! I was feeling super good about myself…until…I got there.

Looking at this photo, you’d think I was feeling calm, confident and in control. But the truth is, tonight I let my insecurities take me to a place of self criticism. Surrounded by so many gorgeous Asian American women who were actresses, models, and pageant queens – I looked at them, then at me, and saw what I always saw growing up – I’m the “bigger” Asian girl.

I don’t have the naturally thin body type that many girls of my heritage are born with. I mean who cares right!? I gotta own what I’ve got! But to be 100% honest with you, even fearless role models will slip up from time to time. They may not tell you, but I’m telling you. And tonight was one of those nights.

Eventually Sam was able to help pull me out of this pitiful hole, reminding me how beautiful he thought I was. And he didn’t just do it yesterday. He has done it everyday…from the day we started dating til now, over 9 years later. I’m so thankful to have him by my side as my partner, as my rock.

Sometimes you lose sight of everything you already have and start focusing on what you don’t have. That’s when you need to shift your perspective and find gratefulness.

The reality is…my non-thin body has taken me to where I am today and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2AsILm8

Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor

‘Reservoir 13’ by Jon McGregor begins with the disappearance of Rebecca Shaw, a thirteen-year-old girl who goes missing while on holiday with her family in the Peak District in the early 2000s. In the years that pass following her disappearance, the … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2yX3bBq

The fine line between body positivity and body shaming

Hey guys! Ugh, I need to do a mini rant. Please bear with me.

In the age of Internet rage, sometimes it feels like I can’t say anything without someone being upset or misunderstanding my intentions. We all jump to conclusions. We throw our pitchforks and comment “UNFOLLOWING!” or assess someone’s entire personhood based on one thing they said or did. It can be frustrating, but I try to remember we’re all human and all perceive things differently. Maybe the internet has just made it easier to be angry faster.

As you probably know, I’m in the process of wedding planning and BOY OH BOY, it’s a lot! It’s exciting and I am so truly happy, but ya’ll, it can be really exhausting too. I’ve been sharing a lot about my wedding and the whole process with all of you, and it’s honestly been really fun getting a little more personal!! But as always, opening up comes with an occasional price.

Last month, I posted a photo in a wedding dress with a caption about maybe doing a “Bridal Bootcamp” workout series and the specific muscle groups I wanted to focus on. Immediately, I saw a comment that said I wasn’t being very “body positive.”

I’m gonna be honest with you guys, it made me sad. I know I shouldn’t let one comment really get to me, but it did! I mean here I am a month later and it’s still something that gnaws at me. And I think the reason is because I DO promote body positivity! Anyone who follows me knows I focus on getting stronger, both physically and mentally.

In the fitness world, I’ve felt inadequate BECAUSE my body doesn’t look like other bodies I see online. I don’t have a six pack. I don’t have a big booty. And I’ve been publicly body shamed for it. But you know what? I am strong. And I work hard. And I make sure to take care of my mind too. To me, that’s fitness. It’s not about looking a certain way. It’s gaining confidence and feeling good in your own skin.

The body positivity movement is a great thing. In its origin, it was about encouraging people to be more forgiving towards their bodies. It’s about positive affirmations. It’s learning to love yourself wherever you are in your fitness journey. And guess what?! Fitness journey doesn’t mean the end goal is be a size zero. EVERYONE has a different journey. We have different goals we set for ourselves. Being healthy does not look a certain way.

But have we started using the term “body positivity” as a way to shame people too?

If I talk about fitness, am I not body positive? If I share healthy meal recipes, am I not body positive? If I release workouts and moves to target certain areas and help people achieve whatever goal they’ve set, am I not body positive?

I want people to love their bodies. I want people to nourish their bodies. I want people to wake up PROUD of their bodies. Those things have nothing to do with size.

So hey, I’m still going to do a Bridal Bootcamp series anyway. Because I wanna feel good on my wedding day and I think you should too! But as always, it will be focused on strength. On feeling fierce.

And yeah, there will be videos targeting arms, videos focused on booty, videos made for whatever area you want to work. This doesn’t make me body negative, it makes me body positive because I believe in what our bodies can do. That’s enough for me. I hope that’s enough for you too.

What do you guys think of body positivity? Have you ever felt shamed by a movement that’s whole purpose is meant to be uplifting?

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2kxBdaw

I wasted so much time being embarrassed…

Hey guys,

I’m having a reminiscing kinda day and I’m just thinking about all those times I wasted feeling embarrassed. It’s a weird feeling. No one likes it. And the sooner we can shake it off, the sooner we can get on with life!

But when we’re young, we spend soooo much energy being embarrassed. For example, my last name. “Ho”. Kids always made fun of me for that (on top of being chubby and asking too many questions in class). I felt really bad that I didn’t have a regular last name like “Smith” or “Lee” or something like that. I was ashamed of my name and I let the thoughts of other ignorant people negatively affect my self-confidence.

I look back and wish 6th grade Cassey could choose not to worry about that. But being young, EVERYTHING is the end of the world.

I’ll say this – one of the benefits to getting older is you start gaining perspective on what really matters…and who’s opinion actually matters. You learn what is a big deal and what just seems like a big deal. We start cutting ourselves slack. We allow ourselves chances to mess up and make mistakes. We aren’t absolutely consumed with what people will think.

When I think back on all the things I didn’t do because I was embarrassed, I feel so sad. When I think about time I spent being worried someone would make fun of me or think I wasn’t cool, I just want that time back.

Here’s the truth: we’re our hardest critics. No one is looking at you as much as you think they are. Take that dance class! Try out for a local improv group! Join a recreational soccer league! TRY things! Do stuff you are interested in. You are the biggest obstacle standing in your way. Because, I promise, if you’re thinking, “I’m just going to embarrass myself!” you’ll think back later and wish you had given it a chance.

When we think back on our most embarrassing moments, they usually turn into funny stories. Funny at the time? Oh DEFINITELY not! But honestly, life is about looking foolish occasionally. It’s putting yourself out there and being vulnerable and attempting stuff you haven’t done before. If you can laugh at yourself, nothing is ever that bad.

I want to always try new things. New fitness classes. New endeavors. New activities. Am I going to be good at everything I do? Nope. Am I going to look out of place and like I don’t know what I’m doing? YEP. Because that’s what “new” means. You haven’t done it before!

We let embarrassment and fear keep us from so many life experiences. We get into our own heads. That mean lil’ voice of ours emerges and fills us with negativity.

Tell that voice to SHUT IT. Life is too short to be embarrassed.

I dare you to step outside of your comfort zone this week. Do you accept?

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2iLXvoA

Women Who Blow on Knots by Ece Temelkuran

Translated from the Turkish by Alexander Dawe, ‘Women Who Blow on Knots’ by Ece Temelkuran won the Edinburgh First Book Award earlier this year and I bought my copy during my visit to the city last summer. It tells the … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2BvaZc7

December 2017 Workout Calendar!

You guys, it’s December!!!! WHAT?!? I sorta can’t contain my excitement. Seriously. I feel like a kid on Christmas simply knowing Christmas is coming. Like for real, that’s my level of giddiness.

Actually – hold on – giddiness levels are like x800 this year!!! Why? Cuz in just a few weeks, I’ll be hosting the annual Blogilates Holiday Party and it is 90s themed! Yea – I’m talking Saved By the Bell, young Britney, Fresh Prince, lava lamps, butterfly clips, chokers, slap bracelets, VHS tapes, and Lisa Frank galore.

Every person who is invited HAS TO come in 90s gear or else they are not allowed in. Plus…we’ll even be having 90s themed food. Mmmhmm. Like Dunkaroos, baby bottle pops, gushers, warheads, lunchables!!! Err wait…is 90s themed food just food when I was a kid? LOL. I don’t know. BUT IT’S HAPPENING AND I CANNOT.

ANYWAY!!!

There’s something so magical about December. It’s all about togetherness and picking out gifts for the people you love the most. I’m always filled with so much gratitude during this time.

But, December also marks the end of the year, so it’s a final chance to think about YOU.  What have you accomplished this year? Are you happy with how you performed in 2017? With a month left, can you push hard to get your priorities in order and start thinking what you want to tackle in January? YES! YOU CAN! You guys, December is the last month to go, “Alright, I’ve got 31 days to KILL it. And I’m not gonna let myself down!”

Let’s finish 2017 off with a bang! I’ve got a killer December calendar for you so you’ll be ready grab 2018 by the horns! I have a feeling the new year is gonna be amazing. Can you feel it?!!!

Download linked PDF | Download hi-res JPEG

If this is your first Blogilates workout calendar, you’ll want to know the following:

• You can find each video by simply clicking on the link in the PDF (all located at http://youtube.com/blogilates)
• Do each video once through unless otherwise directed
• Check off as you go
• Fridays are stretch & rest days, so no work outs!

Good luck guys! Who’s ready for the holidaze!!??

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2jAELVc

The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award 2017: Shadow Panel Winner and a Giveaway

And the shadow panel winner is… The Lucky Ones by Julianne Pachico! The overall shortlist was very strong indeed and I enjoyed reading all of the books by five very talented writers. However, we were particularly impressed with the exceptional … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2iiroMK

7 Healthy Tips For Managing Your Stress

Hi guys!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got some good deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday! (BTW did you take advantage of the 50% off PIIT28 Sale yet!? If not….do it, because I’ll be doing a HUGE challenge in January to celebrate the start of 2018!)

I’ve started holiday shopping but still have sooooo much to do. What about you guys? This time of year is always such a weird mix of excitement and stress. Like, I love it. But also, it’s a looooot. It’s easy to get stressed out.

So I thought today I’d let you know some of my tips for managing stress and anxiety. Because phew, just thinking about those long lines Christmas shopping has me like .

1. Create a daily to-do list.

Though at first this might sound more stressful, creating a list of what you need to do (and crossing it off as you go) can help streamline your day. If you’re someone always going a mile a minute with so much to do, having a visual reminder of what needs to happen and what to dedicate your time to can really help. It also allows you to figure out what you need to focus on and what you need to let go. This Weekly Planner pad helps me visualize how my entire week will look like so I know how to tackle it!

2. Practice meditation.

A lot of people are weirded out by meditation because they don’t really understand it. I used to think that too! Like, do I just sit around and chant and empty my mind?? How do I do that?! Meditation is actually very personal so it looks different for everyone. Meditation really is just about taking time for yourself. You can do a guided meditation. There’s actually a ton of YouTube videos and apps with relaxing, guided meditations that are specifically for stress.Sam uses the Headspace app once in a while when he needs to chill out! It’s just nice to have one moment in the day to check in with your breath, your body, and relax.

3. Get your body moving.

Okay, exercise is not a cure-all. It’s not going to magically take away your anxiety or stress. But yes, it DOES help. Whether you’re going for a short walk or beasting it out in a kickboxing class, doing something active can take the edge off stress. In the iconic words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.”

4. Find someone you can talk to.

Be it a friend. Be it a family member. Be it a counselor. There is NOTHING wrong with needing a person to just listen. We are social creatures. We need to talk things out. You don’t have to do it alone.

5. Journal.

Write about your day. Write about what’s stressing you. Write about your dreams. Just write it out. Whether it’s on a blog, an email to yourself, or a pretty little journal – writing is freedom. Plus, it’s interesting to reflect back on years later and see how you’ve grown and changed!

6. Learn your triggers.

Find out the specific things that really cause your anxiety or stress to flare. This takes times and isn’t always an easy process. Journaling (mentioned above) can help! Talking to friends can help. Just be honest with yourself if you REALLY want to change your habits. Identifying your triggers is just one more tool in understanding yourself and how you work!

7. Make time to do stuff you love.

This is so important. Do things you like! Your hobbies, your passions, those things MATTER! Responsibilities will sometimes get in the way. Ya’ll, being an adult can be HARD. And balancing everything in itself is stressful. But make sure you are still nurturing your soul and what you love. It makes the hard days a little easier.

What do you do when things get extra stressful? Let’s all share our tips and tricks so we can get through this season together!

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2AeR4OV

Outlandish Knight: The Byzantine Life of Steven Runciman by Minoo Dinshaw

The first non-fiction title to be shortlisted since the 2015 relaunch of the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award is ‘Outlandish Knight: The Byzantine Life of Steven Runciman’ by Minoo Dinshaw. Runciman was an English historian and author who … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2k23iGG

How to easily stay motivated during the holidays!

Hey guys!

Just like a lot of people, I sometimes struggle to stay motivated to workout and eat healthy during the holiday season. IT’S JUST SO HARD! There are so many delicious treats and big oversized sweaters to snuggle into :P Plus, when everyone has gathered around for food and laughter, sometimes the last thing you wanna do is commit to a sweat sesh. But it’s so important to keep your body moving. In fact, staying active during the holidays can make your winter memories even more fun! You’ll have more energy to do all the fun things you want!

So how do you do it? Here are a couple (easy!) things you can try to stay on track this holiday season.

1. Go for a walk.

If you’re physically able (and you’re not stuck in a blizzard or something scary like that), go for a 3o minute walk every day. Bring along family members, pets, and/ or friends! Our workouts don’t have to be crazy every time. The point is to move your body. Doesn’t need to be intense. You don’t have to be shaking. Just move your body. Think of those 30 minutes as you time.

2. Make healthy substitutions.

Okay I actually find it really fun to find a yummy recipe on Pinterest and figure out how to make it healthier. It’s like a game to me! What can I substitute? How can I keep the awesome flavor and add health benefits? You’d be surprised how many delicious recipes are out there that are good for you!

3. Have a buddy.

It is SO much better working out when you have someone with you. You have someone to talk to, someone to get through the burn with, and someone to keep you accountable. See if any of your relatives or friends want to be your workout pal for the holiday season. Maybe choose a day that works with both your schedules and have that be your day. Plus, it’s a nice way to catch up!

4. Be silly.

Dance it out! Close your door and blast your favorite song. Make it a party. Dancing is SO good for you and it doesn’t even feel like a workout. Let loose.

5. Cut yourself some slack.

Yes, it’s the holiday season and you’re probably going to indulge more than usual. THAT’S OKAY! Beating yourself up over stuff just hurts you in the long run. Move your body. Enjoy your time. And allow yourself permission to have some wiggle room. It’ll be okay. I promise.

Do you have any holiday traditions? What are you doing this year?

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2A69HGW

Thank you for forgiving me.

Happy Small Business Saturday!

I’m currently at the POPFLEX warehouse making sure all your orders are getting pushed out quickly and perfectly! This is just one of the mailing carts we use to put all your orders in. The big post office trucks come at the end of the day to pick it up, then they swap it for an empty one. Decided to ask the parents to pose in one before we started filling it with packages…cuz…why not!?

It’s crazy to think that just a few years ago we were shipping out of my mom and dad’s garage – packing items over their washer and dryer. Our house was full of boxes spilling with hoodies, leggings, tanks, and planners. There was barely any place to walk. We ate dinner surrounded by towers of cardboard boxes. It definitely was a scene.

I want to personally say THANK YOU for your kindness, your support and especially your forgiveness. Growing a business is not easy and I admit that we’ve made many mistakes along the way. In this cut-throat world of retail, if my leggings don’t fit you right or your order is shipped a few days late, I could lose a customer for life. But your continuous belief in me and my products allows me to keep trying my best everyday. So thank you to everyone who is supporting this small woman-led business.

Your orders this year are helping to support jobs, medical benefits and 401k for our incredible employees.   We could not do this without you. So please know that I am so so soooooo grateful for you!

Also guys, if you have not taken advantage of the 30% OFF Sale at popflexactive.com, go do it! The sale ends on Monday! And things will not be this low for a loooooooong time. Use the code “HAPPYFRIDAY”. Comment any questions you have about sizes and or styles!

from Blogilates http://ift.tt/2zpqm5a

The End of the Day by Claire North

The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award isn’t just about literary debuts – occasionally, young writers can be prolific and I am pleased that there has been some recognition on this year’s shortlist for Claire North, a pseudonym … Continue reading →

from A Little Blog of Books http://ift.tt/2hLBm5m