remember when

….I tweeted at Soul Cycle about newbie specials and then I went to the website and freaked out because they actually now have one? I might have sent Jamie as many exclamation marks in my “GUESS WHAT” instant message (yeah, we instant message… what’s it to ya?!) as if something truly life changing happened. Wait… this is life changing. Cannot wait to try!

….I wanted to cross off Chelsea Brewery from my bucket list, got there, realized it was worse than a Ruby Tuesday (pre-remodeling), and then went golfing instead? Truly did cross it off.

Yep, I'm as good as I look at golf. Mini golf is another story.

…..I let Danny trim my bangs? Back in the day, I allowed Jamie to cut my bangs and vowed never to allow such a tragedy again, however this girl couldn’t see and a straight across trim sounds much easier than brand spankin’ new side bangs.

Nope, Danny doesn't smile.

…..Jamie and I had a full out icon sing along to Dog Days are Over via text?

…..I came across a “Santa’s Snack Shop” on the way home from happy hour and couldn’t stop laughing at how hilarious it was that you just run into a random Santa Snack Shop like it’s no big deal in this city? There were mini cinnabon bites and Hot Dark Chocolate Almond Cocoa. Unreal.

……I thought about how in school the week of holidays used to be all about coloring, Jamie quoted me in a FB status with a grammatically awful sentence, and then I colored my to-do list to look like Turkeys?

Thank God it is now almost Wednesday.

Phew! You probably never knew how many forms of contact I could mention Jamie & I have in one post. (Trust me, there’s more.) Anyway, happy short week and Turkey Day, ya’ll!

three things thursday.. (times two)

Courtney’s three:

1. I inadvertently crossed off some NYC Bucket list things – one of which I didn’t even know should be ON the list.

Top of the Rock is beautiful. The absolute best views. Hands down. I highly recommend it to everyone, even if you’ve lived here for 10 years.

(Although, I am a little biased because I didn’t have to pay. My momma and Uncle came to visit on Saturday, which means I got the mom-star-treatment.)

We accidentally walked through the Central Park Zoo. And I did see a seal. Does this count?

2. I ate a delicious pumpkin cookie today that my co-worker made. She got the recipe from here (she skipped the toffee chips, still so good!) The recipe looks soo simple, so definitely something to keep in mind.

3. My sister is pregnant and it takes all of my will-power not to buy her shirts like this. I also sent her the link to Gina’s cupcake gender reveal and told her I’d bake the cupcakes. Too much…?! I might be worse than my mother…

Three things from Jamie because I wanted to play the game too:

1. When I get married, I want to wear a dress like this. Or maybe just wear this dress- you think she’ll let me borrow it? That’s not tacky, right? Danny pretends he is not amused by the “when I get married” game. It’s okay D$, I know the truth, you sappy son of a gun.

perfection... and such a beautiful wedding

2. I love lifting ridiculously heavy weights. It makes me feel really cool and tough. The callouses on my hands remind me of my old days as a competitive gymnast. Sure, I didn’t stay on the team long enough to compete because four nights a week interfered with my eighth grade social life- but the pride in having a strong tough body is still one in the same.

baby biceps

3. After a conversation with Alyssa on how I’ve felt so BLAH with my appearance over the past couple months, she suggested I get some cute side bangs. I decided to listen to her advice and go for it- adding a nice trim too.

if the bathroom is a mess it's not my fault..

Only problem is- I somehow walked out of the salon with a strange feather floating underneath my pound of hair. Let’s play a game called “how long will it take Danny to notice?”

oops

Stay classy, kids.

i’m not a princess. on sundays.

Hey y’all! Court said we are back for November, so as the loyal best friend I am I’ll go along with that. Back, baby!

I’ve honestly had no desire to blog lately because I’ve had no desire to READ any blogs. Aside from the blogs of those who comment on the cupcake and a few random others- I just haven’t been feelin it and can hardly stand to look at the “big” blogs I followed before.

I think I’m just sick of looking at the sugar laden oats of those working in the nutrition field, photos of dog slobber at lunch time, or comments that seem to kiss a WHOLE lotta arse. The novelty has worn off.

In contrast- I do MISS writing for fun as opposed to writing for work only. It feels good to have a place to channel my thoughts on my latest fitness craze. (Which is going awesomely well I must say!)

I’m seven weeks in to the 100 day challenge and still following the fitness regimen to a T.

The Paleo however? Meh. I’d say I’m Paleo-ish. I have been upping the protein like a mad woman and cutting out unnecessary carbs, but some of it just doesn’t seem worth it to me. Sure, I want a smokin bod but what I want even more is a tall bud light on football Sunday. (Times four.) I’ve been called a princess before, but I am NOT enough of a princess to sip on my vodka diets at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon. Beer me. (COUGH ALYSSA COUGH.. I’ll have that froyo date…)

bar fun > paleo fun

I’ll let y’all know how my measurements turn out.. I’m going to ask for a half-way point update! In the mean time I’ll continue sending Courtney photos of myself in fitting rooms as well as photos of my abs.

say yes to the dress

P.S. – I bought it! One wedding this weekend, and one next. Romance in the air in good ole VB.

xoxo Jamie

Paleo&Fitness, 100 Day Challenege

Hey friends! First of all: if you haven’t tried the cake vodka yet.. DO IT. No mixer or chaser necessary, it tastes like liquid icing and I don’t even enjoy vodka. (I drink it, but I don’t particularly like it- more of a bourbon/wine/beer girl. Oops?)

I got a few questions regarding the challenge at my gym so I thought I’d explain it in further detail! Apparently I’m only on day 17. Womp womp. The challenge lasts 100 days and it is basically a push to be the fittest you can be and healthiest in all aspects of life.

thanks, pinterest

The Fitness:

Two days a week (M&W) I have  hour long group training sessions. We do circuits involving heavy lifting, plyometrics, and even strange balance activities. (When you live at the beach and have surfers for trainers you find yourself kneeling on a ball, wiggling, and trying not to fall over.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I go to a spin circuit class- and man it is INTENSE. The hardest fitness class I’ve ever been too but I feel like a rock star when I’m done. It’s basically 5 circuits ( 2 spinning -the instructor coaches you as if you’re in a spin class- 1 TRX station, and two stations involving workouts with dumbbells, medicine balls, etc.). It’s wild. The first day I wanted to cry but I’m approaching my 6th class and feeling stronger.)

On Fridays I’ve been instructed to stick with my long runs since I am training for The Surfin’ Santa 10 miler. I’ve been running one other day during the week if I have time, usually a short 3-4 mile boardwalk run on a M or W.

Saturdays I am supposed to go to yoga or any class at the gym that I want- usually I sleep in and go to breakfast with Danny.

Sundays, I rest.

The Diet:

I haven’t been following the suggested meal plan to a T, but I have been sticking with Paleo unless you count Saturday when I drank like 80 beers and ate 3 pieces of pizza and then passed out with the worst stomach ache of my life.

Aside from that- I love Paleo. I am the queen of getting on various kicks and then kicking them to the curb, but for now Paleo works. I’ve always had issues with acne and break outs, and for over the past two weeks my skin has been uncharacteristically clear. I also struggle with migraines, and I am hoping that cutting out the sugar and dairy will really help with my head.

If you read all of this- you are a champion! This is the challenge in a nutshell, and so far so good! I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home and get in all of the above workouts on my hour lunch break…definite bonus.

i just felt like runnin’

AH! A new post…FINALLY. I’ve been super busy lately- in addition to working full time I picked up a part time babysitting gig. Basically I pick up a 7 year old girl from school 2-3 days a week, help her with homework, then paint nails and watch the Disney channel until bed time. Doesn’t interfere with my weekends/friday nights out? I’ll take it, sistah.

Plus- I thrive off a busy schedule. I’m about 80% happier of a girl when I don’t have time to sit around and think about things like hurricanes, war, sharks, and calories. That’s just me.

For an update I can start off by telling you that I’m currently charging two beautiful things that I feel lucky as shit to have.

1. My Garmin
2. My iPhone

Let’s start off with the Garmin. I love running, I really do. But something about running on the treadmill or running in 90+ degree heat really makes me miserable. Now that it’s FINALLY cooling off (or shall I say- it will begin to cool off in the evenings and early mornings..it stays pretty warm in VB until November) I’ve signed up for a race! The Surfin’ Santa 10 miler! I’m pumped, and tomorrow marks my first “long” run on my schedule- 4 miles…

I’m extra excited because I’m running with my cousin’s wife Emily! This is her first race, and I am pumped to run together every Friday until December 3rd.

tailgaters gone runnin'

Moving on to 2. My boss decided to buy me an iPhone! I feel like a lucky internet marketer of a girl. Hard work pays off..sometimes not in the form of a raise but in the form of a beautiful gift. I’m afraid to take it out of the box- and it’s DEFINITELY staying home this weekend. iPhones and dollar vodkas don’t mix. Alyssa knows how many blackberrys I’ve gone through in the past few months..

who, me?

Happy ALMOST Friday! XO

Jamie

burnout (and a habit kicked)

Hello pumpkins! I hope y’all had a super fantastic weekend. I spent mine at the first UVA football game of the season+kept up with my usual habit of partying at the beach. Amazing, fun, and sleepless as usual.

tailgating fun

One thing I gave up from Thursday-Sunday? THE GYM. Last Thursday I hit the gym and felt completely fatigued. After 10 minutes on the elliptical I felt hot and weird (almost feverish) and left the gym. I was so bummed on my walk home about my less than stellar workout and decided I’d give myself a scheduled break.

Four days in a row, no gym, no running, just living like (…the majority of Americans?..) do- without exercise. It felt GOOD. Monday morning I HIIT the gym for some intervals and heavy upper body weights with way more energy than I’ve had in AWHILE. I was proud of myself for really listening to my body and resting. Lately I’ve been working out M-F with weekends off from fitness but I really think four days seems to treat me better…Wednesday rest days it is..?

old rest day with courtney, captured on film.

Burnout sucks and I’d really like to prevent it. While I’m not one to compare myself to others much, I think that reading blogs has warped my idea of what an efficient exercise schedule can be. Some can hard every day- but I need more rest than that.

Something else I’ve officially given up? Counting calories.

As per conclusion to my kick the habit experiment:

I quit counting calories, and nothing awful happened (unless you count a hurricane and an earthquake..). My jeans still fit, I’m still a happy girl. I didn’t weight myself prior to quitting vs. now because I didn’t want it to be about that. I eat BETTER, more wholesome foods rather than junk to help me fill up an appropriate “number”. I (ALMOST) don’t think about food before my stomach does and I eat accordingly. (Unless you count a 2AM taco bell run..) All in -all, success feels good.

i am [not] a scientist

I’ve never, ever liked science. Cutting open a squid in tenth grade made me barf, and senior year of high school my health teacher sent me into the hallway when she had to discuss something that would make me “woozy”. Somehow I managed to take just once science class in college about Wildlife and my partner told me he’d do all the work and research on our semester long project if I presented it alone. (He hated public speaking, and I’m not shy.)

bio-whhhhat?

In contrast to my science-less past- I feel like a serious scientist right now. With this whole Kick the Habit thing (QUITTING the calorie counting) and the new addition of my ever-feared strength training I feel like I’m conducting some sort of experiment on my body…and I like it.

Quitting The Counting And Adding Weight Lifting: Take One

1. Abstract: Prior to July 25th, 2011 I ran. Cardio queen (okay, princess) with a knack for counting calories, yet never knowing exactly how many I needed and frequently eating more calories than I desired. Objective- to quit the counting, listen to my stomach (hungry eat, full stop) and add in strength training while keeping up with the HIIT I enjoy and cutting out the long cardio sessions that I really never liked anyway.

2. Problem: Will doing this make me gain weight?

3. Hypothesis: Original hypothesis from the start of it all? I’ll “puff up”, hate the way I feel- and revert to my old calorie counting ways.

4. Hypothesis where I cheat and write a hypothesis towards the very end of my experiment: I will love the freedom that comes with NOT counting. I’ll eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with one or two snacks and feel truly full off whole grains, low sugar, and high protein. I’ll start to love the way my stomach looks and kiss my new biceps on the regular.

5. Materials: weights, treadmill (HIIT), ipod, protein, Alyssa, white wine..

moral support, photo stealing, gym partner in crime, of course

6. Procedures: Hiit, lift, make it fun. Smile and RELAX! Don’t be so SERIOUS.

7. Conclusion: TBA on September 1st.

WIAW, and Justin Timberlake’s butt

Happy hump day, and more importantly- happy WIAW!

Before I showcase my eats- I feel the need to brag. For the past two days in a row Alyssa and I have worked out right next to (I mean sharing weights from the same rack/sitting on side by side benches) THIS FACE. Photo:

is this real life?

Apparently sexiest man in the universe JT records here in VA Beach and has chosen our amazing gym as his place to get fit. Basically- holy shit. I haven’t said one word to him and I’ve barely stared because I have a huge fear that if he is too bothered he will change gyms and leave my life forever. Hunk of the world, you are JT. I will admire you from three feet away.

This morning I woke up after dreaming about Justin Timberlake’s sweaty abs to a rumbling stomach!

Breakfast was a bowl of plain cheerios with almond milk, peanuts, and chocolate chips. If I said “Nom”, I’d say it now.

i spy chocolate

Also served with coffee+almond milk/my first jug of water for the day!

hey to court and a pre-romance d$

Lunch time! Hearty whole-wheat with turkey, cheese, and Smart Beat mayo. If you like mayo…try this. I think it’s amazing.

scarfed down in 8 seconds flat

Also with lunch I got a little wild and heated up the end of a bag of frozen spinach mixed with some peanuts.

odd? yes. delicious? yes.

My not yet consumed snack will be a Think Thin bar..Told ya I’ve been loving lately!
And for dinner! D$ and I will be eating leftover lasagna. I made it last night and definitely impressed myself, not to mention my man! Girlfriend points, that’s what it’s all about here. It’s also all about ridiculous wall paper. We’re renting. Have no fear.

ta-da!

Don’t mind the top.. cooking in clothes you’d wear to the club provides bonus girlfriend points, and those count the most.

Off to spend the rest of my day with these suckers! I’m working on a book launch for my job and it’s getting pretty exciting up in here.

i'm no dummy!

I’m anxiously awaiting my afternoon gym date with Alyss and JT. He better be there today! And he should be- my mom texted me last night and said, “Are you going to be in his next video? Maybe he likes your butt.”

I like his too. And YES JT- I can dance.

gym review: david barton

Things have changed around these New York City parts. Danny signed up for a David Barton Gym month from a deal website and then started a diet from Men’s Health magazine…. Weird.

flax seeds IN HIS OWN KITCHEN!

However, when he offered up a  3-day guest pass to David Barton, of course his gym-freebie-lovin’-girlfriend couldn’t complain about the weirdness.

So, a few weeks ago I braved it and went to David Barton. I didn’t know much else other then their motto is “look better naked,” there is a live dj, and it’s known to be more of a club. Regardless, when I looked at their class descriptions I was in love. They all sounded AMAZING and super challenging.

source: davidbartongym.com

On that Thursday, I took at 7:15 pm Shredded class with Tommy. The description from the David Barton Gym website: “This interval training class will alternate between weight training segments and jump rope cardiovascular. This is complete total body endurance challenge.” It sounded like fun to me, but when I told anyone else – they thought I was nuts. After wards, I knew I was nuts.

My thoughts throughout the class: “I can’t jump rope, why am I doing this?!” “I really don’t know why I’m the only person that is tripping over their jump rope AND having it get stuck in their hair” “The teacher can do things to that jump rope I have never even seen before” We would do 2 minutes of jump rope, get on the ground for push ups, and then do all kinds of weights. (There were a few other quirks here and there.) I suck at jumping rope. I suck at push ups. However, it was fantastic. My arms hurt after wards and my legs killed the next day. The teacher was pretty good with his sick jump rope moves and helping with your form throughout the class, but when it started I had no idea what to do with the bar weights we needed for the class and he didn’t seem very approachable. Luckily, another girl taking the class helped me out.

After my class, I talked to a sales person and he set me up with a free personal training session on Saturday morning. Sweet! That Friday, my plan was to try a spin class, but I had to work later then expected and missed it. I was sad because I really wanted to try more classes, but I secretly didn’t mind because my legs were hurtin’ and I had that personal training sesh in the morning. Danny and I just hung out on the treadmill. It’s crazy because I’d say about 95% of people at DB don’t have headphones on. I think the dj helps with the “club-like” atmosphere; as in, no headphones = everyone is approachable to be hit on. (I’m just bein honest.)

treadmillz

Saturday, my training session was with Kimani. I never experienced PT before, but was excited to try something out of my comfort zone. I was waiting forever, only to find out my trainer and I were waiting in two different areas and didn’t notice so it cut my time in half. The first thing he said to me was that he was nervous because I’ve had spinal fusion surgery and have screws in my back even though I explained to him I’ve never had an issue. He made it seem like he didn’t want to hurt his “stats” since he’s never had an injury before, which is fine – who wants to hurt other people – but he made me nervous to work out and I’ve never been nervous. Bad start. We began with a back excersise and he asked my why I was there. Does anyone else hate this question?

“Because I like to work out and enjoy being toned.”

“No, really, what is the true reason you are here?” He then explains the real reason he works out.

“I just like it. Really… that’s it.”

Sigh.

We alternated between the machine and lunges and he told me I didn’t understand the back exercise, but we later figured out that it was that my posture just stinks. He showed me a quick stretch on how to stand up straight, and when I went back to the machine keeping this in mind, I did it perfectly. Success!

He pushed me through way too many Captains Chair reps and then it was over. Doh! So soon! I actually didn’t feel too tired, but in terms of hunger, I didn’t think I could make it another hour until his Pain & Pleasure class I was really looking forward to, so I just did some cardio and had Danny coach me through some other machines.

Overall, I was disappointed I didn’t get to try more classes since they all sound incredible (and the one I took WAS!), but what can ya do? The atmosphere at DBG is really different than any other gym I’ve been to and it’s supposed to be. It’s dark. There are velvet chairs. The shampoo is better.

I don’t think there was a single person out of shape, either. I can see this as a motivator in some ways, but also intimidating. I’m easily intimiated in gyms, especially when I don’t know where I’m going, so people looking at you like you’re stupid doesn’t help.

Each David Barton is supposed to be unique, so it’s no surprise that the downtown Astor Place location is quite alternative and most of the people have cut up shirts and sleeves of tattoos, but according to FitSugar, the UES (where supposed celebs frequent) “has a posh feel to it — swanky, airy, and lofty.” Why didn’t I try that one?! Another 3 day pass, please? I just don’t think I’m going to be dishing out the $125/month + hefty joining fee anytime soon. What do you think? Too much of a scene and hype for a gym, or do you think it would be motivating?

girl's locker room

Also, I snagged another 2 week pass for a different gym thanks to the D-boy and spoiler alert I took Spin last night and it was SO much better than the Equinox class I tried a few months ago. Look forward to more recaps comin’ attchya shortly.

loving lately

Happy Monday, Jamie here! …Well..! I know Mondays are very easy to hate on but honestly I actually enjoy getting back into a routine of healthy after a weekend of pretending I’m Lindsay Lohan.

On this rather sunny Monday I decided I’d provide y’all with a nice list of what I’ve been seriously loving lately. Happy thoughts to cheer you up and push you through the work day! PMA people..positive, mental, attitude! Have I mentioned I used to be a cheerleader? Let’s go!

here to pep you up

1. Think Thin bars. No- no one is paying me to say this, but I wouldn’t mind if someone would. I’ve been obsessing over these babies. With the decision to quit counting calories I’ve been paying way more attention to what is actually IN my meals and snacks. What I’m aiming for? High protein, LOW sugar. One of these bars keeps me full for about three hours- RARE. I am a hungry animal of a girl. Photo:

2. Emily Griffin. After reading Something Blue and Love the One You’re With I finally got my hands on Baby Proof! These books are perfect reads to be paired with a sandy beach or a glass of wine. Extra bonus points because I purchased this one 40% off at Borders! Yeah! The look on Danny’s face provided sheer terror when he noticed I was buying a book with the word “baby” on the front.

3. Hot UPS men. Well- one in particular. On Saturday D$ and I celebrated our anni (okay.. do anniversaries count when ya aren’t married?) with a couples massage and a fancy dinner. Totally perfect, totally disgustingly mushy and romantic. Sorry, I’ll now move on to something that doesn’t involve feelings.

4. WEIGHTS. Lifting, grunting, and sweating. I accidentally typed “swearing” for sweating but I guess that fits too. After a month long strength training hiatus, it feels GOOD to feel the burn again. I will not fear bulk. I will not fear bulk.

I am already anxiously awaiting my gym date with Alyssa! It’s almost time to lay on mats and giggle and talk about men get our sweat on!