tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28503831796010051352024-02-18T20:42:27.026-08:00Love, Laura BethLaura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-83815381999627697082015-08-07T10:46:00.001-07:002015-08-07T10:46:46.359-07:00Horrible Habitual Habits Thanks so much for the outpouring of support last week. I really appreciate it. Truly. Not just saying that. Even a little bit. Muah.<br />
<br />
<br />
That being said I wish I could say BAM LOOKY THAT I LOST WEIGHT THIS WEEK.....cause I can't say that. I didn't lose any this week and it really falls back on me again. I'm going to take a small bite this week and make one change. Then each week add on more disciplines so that I can start weight loss slowly as to not burn out.<br />
<br />
I'm going to tackle my ugliest habit first.<br />
<br />
<br />
The sweets after the kids go to bed. OOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh the sweets.<br />
<br />
It started when the kiddos were itty bitties...I rewarded myself for keeping them alive each day with sweets. "Congrats girl, you kept them breathing--here is some double fudge ice cream. You deserrrrvvvveeeeee it girl. Snaps to you."<br />
<br />
This continued during weight loss as bananas and a few choc chips and cool whip.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then transferred back to dark chocoate, brownies, cookies, oreos, icecream, etc this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sooooooooooooo that has to stop. This week. Sweets after dinner can include bananas, fruit with pb2, or a pinch (Nooooooooootttt a baggggggggg) of chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
<br />
Breaking habits are hard. Especially when they are habitual chocolate habits. I'm breaking free of that cycle this week. Next week, it's the whole bread binge..........oh for the love of hawaiian rolls!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-61341510026411993612015-07-31T12:03:00.002-07:002015-07-31T12:03:22.851-07:00Ugly Truth Ugly truth. It's all back.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm back up to 197.8 as of ten minutes ago. I've gained back all 55 pounds that I lost. In one year I've gone up 4 pant sizes. As well as a closet full of clothes that no longer fit I've gained excuses, sore muscules, winded steps, & a whole heap ton of guilt and shame again.<br />
<br />
I sold all my clothes.......in an act of declaring I WILL NEVER BE THIS UNHEALTHY AGAIN last year. Well, I'm gonna need those back please, because guess what. When I let myself feel comfortable cracks started forming in my habits. Eventually those cracks became JAGGED BREAKS in my foundation and well......here I am. AGAIN.<br />
<br />
It's embarrassing. Yep. It's annoying. It's defeating. It just pisses me off really. But obviously not enough to actually do anything about it.<br />
<br />
I feel like a joke. I feel like a fraud. If you looked to this blog for inspiration and motivation I really truly feel like I owe you an apology. Sorry friends, this girl is back at her old habits of blaming situations for my habits & ignoring signs of unhealthy choices in my mind, body, and spirit.<br />
<br />
Awesome, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the state of Laura. Truthful & honest.<br />
<br />
1. I'm tired all the time. I take naps on my days off during my youngest's naptime because I'm exhausted.<br />
<br />
2. My skin itches. It rubs in places that it shouldn't and it's uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
3. None of my clothes fit they way I want them to.<br />
<br />
4. My relationships suffer. I don't want to get together with friends I haven't seen in a while because I don't want them to see me. I'm sad a lot. Self hate habits have formed again.<br />
<br />
5. I get headaches frequently.<br />
<br />
6. I realize that if I don't make changes RIGHT NOW, I'm going to only continue to gain weight. My minor health problems will become major & and I will always regret this HUGE backslide.<br />
<br />
<br />
So why???? Why am I not making the changes? I know what to do. I need to track my food. I need to drink more water. I need to HALT fast food and eating out. I need to take pride in my health. I need to lean in on the Lord. I need to banish self hate. I need to move my body. I need to walk. I need to run. I need to make health a priority again.<br />
<br />
<br />
So why don't I? Because I'm feeling lazy. It's hard. I feel whiny..... I know how hard I had to work at it and wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I feel like acting like my three year old and saying " but I don't wannnnnnnnnnnnnnttttt tooooooooooooooooo."<br />
<br />
<br />
GROW UP LAURA. GET IT TOGETHER. Nothing good is coming from these habits that you've created. Get over yourself. DO IT.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm going to blog this again. It helped with accountability. I mean it this time, cuss word.<br />
<br />
Hold me accountable.<br />
<br />
I'm making a plan and I'll share it as soon as I figure it out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-65164579278375390662015-01-02T10:31:00.000-08:002015-01-02T10:31:36.593-08:00I Rocked it Until the Wheels Fell OffIt's safe to say that this fall I rocked some stellar bad habits until the healthy train wheels fell off. and derailed myself. and caught fire. with explosions. Writing this today I'm sitting at my kitchen table wearing some suuuuuppper tight workout gear. I'm totally uncomfortable sitting in my own home wearing this and the jiggle and reflection I saw while doing a Cycle class this morning was enough to make me mad.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I totally get that there are seasons to life. You'll have times of great success and then periods of stagnant growth. And then you'll also have times when it all falls to pieces and you're stuck wondering where the heck did it go wrong? Only this time I'm not really wondering. I know good & well what happened. Which makes it feel all the more yucky. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is what happened. Let's get it out. Set it on fire & move on. I'm going to be honest & if you're starting your own road to getting healthy, losing the baby weight, and or starting weight loss journey # 56, like me, you should get honest with yourself too. This didn't happen over night. To either of us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I began to reward myself with food again. </li>
<li>I got too confident. I gave up on relying on God because it became something that I *knew* how to manage. I no longer prayed the prayer of giving control back to God. I *had* this. (and that obviously worked out swell for me). </li>
<li>cheat meals became cheat weeks became cheat months</li>
<li>Every. single.slice. of bread. was eaten. </li>
<li>I took the mindset that as long as I was working out once a week I could eat what I wanted. "I was still working out...."</li>
<li>a few relationships in my life turned sour. and it made me angry, feeling betrayed, and sad. Instead of turning to exercise to work through stress I turned back to food.</li>
<li> I whined to myself "I don't have tiiimmmmeeeee anymoreeee...." wahhhh baby! </li>
<li>I'm mad....let's eat chipotle</li>
<li>I'm sad.... let's eat McDonalds</li>
<li>I'm stressed....hand over the goldfish and Doritos</li>
<li>I'm happy.....let's eat ice cream</li>
<li>When I noticed weight creeping back on---I ignored it. Meh, who cares about a few pounds. NBD.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Only now I CARE! and I'm PISSED! and I'm MOTIVATED. and GOSH DARN IT LAURA BETH YOU TURKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
So now that the wheels are off, the truth is out, where do I begin? Where do we begin? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the beginning my friends. It's a very good place to start. When we read we begin with ABC. when we lose weight we begin with DO NOT EAT.</div>
<div>
DO NOT EAT THE CRAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPP. 10 finger snaps if you caught that reference. :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I started tracking my meals using WW again. I'm measuring my portions and making sure to stay within my range. We joined our local YMCA so that I have facilities available and child care taken care of so there are no excuses. Week one down and my weigh in is on Monday. I'm really hoping for a change in the scale. It's just as hard the second time around. It will get better. Can't wait for that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-13233091658740098202014-12-22T10:58:00.000-08:002014-12-22T12:58:28.279-08:00Fraudulent. Should I start out by saying sorry? Or should I just carry on considering it's been over 5 months since I've written anything. I'd love to just dive in but I feel that I owe an explanation. I also need to hash all this out on my own.<br />
<br />
Write it out.<br />
<br />
<br />
So. :)<br />
<br />
I lost my voice. Not my speaking voice (don't you fret, I can still talk about nothing for hours), but my writing voice. For years writing has been a wonderful outlet for me. Sharing notebooks with friends in high school, filling prayer journals and future life plan books in college, to writing out my emotions and heart bits on this blog. There had never been an empty space in my writing until this fall when I just flat out stopped. I stopped caring. I felt like I had nothing to say. I neglected to take time to write for myself because, well? I have no good reason other than I became discouraged.<br />
<br />
You see, writing has been and always will be therapy for me. I write because I dream, I breathe, and I have feelings. LORD do I have feelings. And this fall, I bottled them up and stopped sharing them. Forgive me because I have this sense about me that all. the. feelings are about to come spewing out.<br />
<br />
I've been hiding from it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxXzcuhqseoKIYoMyCyKO3nx_Ed83dWvUpKcUNK-LMVMNvUXwK8ithRfeBAqq23S6qoFABD0VR7jkwT3__Pw8fU0ICS4H0EnyEwXD44KSjmEA14EgiEnjm-zJ2hxGbflU08e5JPw/s1600/fraudulent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxXzcuhqseoKIYoMyCyKO3nx_Ed83dWvUpKcUNK-LMVMNvUXwK8ithRfeBAqq23S6qoFABD0VR7jkwT3__Pw8fU0ICS4H0EnyEwXD44KSjmEA14EgiEnjm-zJ2hxGbflU08e5JPw/s1600/fraudulent.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm struggling again. The weight has come back and previous blog posts where I was all IF I CAN DO IT YOU CAN DO IT! Make a plan! Pray! Search for the Lord's strength! Weight Watchers! Run! YAY! RAH! feel so hypocritical right now.<br />
<br />
I stopped WW in July because we needed more wiggle room in the budget.<br />
<br />
I stopped running consistently after my 2nd half marathon in September.<br />
<br />
I ate all. the. foods. all. the times. all fall. they tasted good.<br />
<br />
And here I am. 25 pounds heavier. Discouraged. Unmotivated. BUT FEELING HONEST.<br />
<br />
<br />
I MESSED UP.<br />
<br />
<br />
and maybe you have as well. Perhaps it's not weight you struggle with. Or those delicious Lindt truffles that awwwww jeeeezzzz are amazing. Perhaps it's patience with your kids. Or gossiping. Or infidelity. Or Lying......or any combination. But I struggle and I know you do to--but we don't talk about it. Because we're mothers and we're the glue of the family. We hold crap together. And we fake it until we make it. Until we don't make it anymore.....<br />
<br />
How do you get back on track when things go into tailspin? Do you really want to make changes? What gets us beyond the I SHOULD CHANGE to the I WILL CHANGE.<br />
<br />
I've been on the top of the mountain & unfortunately ( or maybe<i> honestly</i> is the right word) I've bumped and backslid instead of reaching the summit.<br />
<br />
There is accountability in my words more than my actions. That totally seems backwards, right? This fall while my running shoes sat untouched I didn't feel guilty. It was when someone mentioned my blog that guilt crept in. My blog is where I wrote about becoming healthier & during those conversations healthy choices were NOT being made. It felt fake. I was ashamed...because "oh yea, I wrote that." A post of mine started making rounds on pinterest and I felt ashamed because <i>if they only knew ....</i><br />
<br />
I hope you appreciate and can relate to my honesty. This space feels fraudulent right now---but being honest with you ( and myself) this is truly my first step in turning things around. I WANT TO MAKE CHANGES as I'm sure you do too. Let's do them together......again.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Laura Beth<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-57956027453901977682014-07-06T20:42:00.001-07:002014-07-06T20:42:29.316-07:00Guacamole Made Me Do ItIt's fitting that it's the beginning of July and I'm typing these words. It's been a complete year since I aligned my head, heart, and body and truly got serious about making myself healthy. Last July I was obese for my height, I was uncomfortable in all my clothes, I was dreading going to the pool, and was really at a low point with my self esteem and overall self confidence. <br />
<br />
I hit my goal in January and celebrated big. How fun was it to make a goal and meet it! I didn't want to stop there so I made a fitness goal to challenge myself. I began to fall in love with running in September and decided that a half marathon was my next goal. I worked very hard and crossed the finish line with a best friend by my side and tears in my eyes. <br />
<br />
and then I took a break.....<br />
<br />
this is where things get all sad and wonky.<br />
<br />
BUT REAL.<br />
<br />
I decided that the rest of my summer was maintenance. I'd lived for 10 months counting points, measuring portions, and telling myself that I craved bananas instead of chocolate. So I took June off and I did whatever I darn well pleased.<br />
<br />
and it was a flippin blast. <br />
<br />
My husband and I went to Mexico on our first vacation together since 2007. No kids. and it was glorious. the weather. the company. the guacamole. the chips. the icecream. the guacamole. the guacamole. the guacccccaaamooollleeeee. I enjoyed every indulgence on that trip. Upon returning I planned on returning to my healthy lifestyle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZf_izbo_9WarfCY42ndsTQG17m3sEarfWuybzHgpnSE2TCq0B4noOp0fwLrdYhCkaXxv24AQun1acWhfq4hDjspqeY6jJUVyglC0fEPyQo5SEocn3invcqZ632mS59dkG7kT4svw/s1600/cancuncollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZf_izbo_9WarfCY42ndsTQG17m3sEarfWuybzHgpnSE2TCq0B4noOp0fwLrdYhCkaXxv24AQun1acWhfq4hDjspqeY6jJUVyglC0fEPyQo5SEocn3invcqZ632mS59dkG7kT4svw/s1600/cancuncollage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Only I didn't. I stopped running (it was hot...wah). I got lazy with meal planning ( chicken nuggets and mac n cheese with the toddlers). Ice cream here. Brownies there. McDonalds fries. Dr. Pepper. and now I feel so bloated, dehydrated, and cranky from my poor habits that the thought of running makes me wanna fall over dead. <br />
<br />
I currently have three pairs of pants that no longer button. I worked hard for those pants....and now they don't fit. I feel like I am RIGHT BACK AT MY LOW POINT. and I'm totally discouraged. and sad. and <em>royally pissed off</em>. I've gained weight and I know it. I haven't weighed myself since June 2nd.....and honestly I'm frightened. <br />
<br />
So it's obvious that I need some realignment here. I've messed up. I know what happens if these habits of over eating, over indulging, and not exercising continues. Weight packs on, pants don't fit, and I go back to feeling weak and sorry for myself. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ5LE6HlkJTxhuv8vibhf6j7EgT_ZBPQTH-bCmXr8geImOK76QvmViGxvsKNuEwf6bC1sci9SyfOCPci6aRmlv9_1cm45u0f5aLCIcTIJ9Y2h82Pn7MWGFnrsl7p2UIUC8w4Pb1g/s1600/1cor6s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ5LE6HlkJTxhuv8vibhf6j7EgT_ZBPQTH-bCmXr8geImOK76QvmViGxvsKNuEwf6bC1sci9SyfOCPci6aRmlv9_1cm45u0f5aLCIcTIJ9Y2h82Pn7MWGFnrsl7p2UIUC8w4Pb1g/s1600/1cor6s.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've decided to return to my roots, where it all started. I want to remind myself how far I've come (because gaining 15 pounds doesn't derail everything I've worked for), get back to what works for me (weight watchers online), and give myself some grace ( because punishing myself will do nothing). I'm going to go back through the 6 week devotion study, <a href="http://godfit.com/" target="_blank">GODFIT</a> that I did a year ago. Realigning my devotion to the Lord and giving him my struggles (choosing healthy foods, making wise choices) is the only way that I can keep up. Would you like to join me? You can purchase the <a href="http://godfit.storenvy.com/products/5836681-youseries-package" target="_blank">YOUseries</a> through the<a href="http://godfit.com/" target="_blank"> GODFIT website</a>. It's fifty bucks for the manual, workout video library, and shirt----and its yours to utilize. I'm going to post weekly about the devotion topic, workouts, and my own personal thoughts. You should totally join me. We can do this together. Please introduce yourself in the comments below and we can continue a conversation there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-82138245659440936972014-07-02T12:59:00.001-07:002014-07-02T12:59:44.774-07:005 Tips for a Knockout Fix every. single. timeStitch fix. Again. Friends, you love you some stitch fix posts. They are hands down my most read writing. When I read other posts around this styling service I always love them too. It's like a great big snoop sesh. What'd they get? What'd they keep? How'd they style it? It's the same reason you wanna know what's in your friends closet. It's interesting and it's a peek into someone else's life. And we like to be nosey.... and lucky for you I like to share. :)<br />
<br />
What is stitch fix? <a href="http://www.lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2014/03/s-t-i-t-c-h-f-i-x-three-month-review.html" target="_blank">Click Here!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN3YmLVXGB8BnnBDaqw5dbonWvKKSm6fDiITc0Tb5ePPRd3mq9Aq0zb4xjCB1gHHJDKSFc9pdGVuAyuwdb1BzP5WV2TNXHEWwLjohxJG8zrkHd6ujml_1u01AlPp7AJ9oG2y9R9M/s1600/junefix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN3YmLVXGB8BnnBDaqw5dbonWvKKSm6fDiITc0Tb5ePPRd3mq9Aq0zb4xjCB1gHHJDKSFc9pdGVuAyuwdb1BzP5WV2TNXHEWwLjohxJG8zrkHd6ujml_1u01AlPp7AJ9oG2y9R9M/s1600/junefix.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe you've tried this service once or twice and weren't blown away. I understand that. I have friends who were just ehhhh about the whole process. I'd consider myself a Stitch Fix veteran now after just finishing my 6th fix. I'm getting consistent fixes that I love and<em> I believe this is why.</em> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1. I've curated a killer pinterest style board</strong></span> that is ME and only me.<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lovelaurabeth30/l-a-u-r-a-s-t-y-l-e/" target="_blank"> Here's mine!</a> I've linked it in my style profile and I update it frequently. I pin images I am drawn to and delete ones that I'm on the fence about. If it's in my style pinboard---it's me. Last month I was really loving the bright florals I was seeing--baddabing badda boom....this showed up in my fix. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTUa-cnuYpoaVIwIVozTdLOz9wwV7NyvTe3jxL1ctgDtXOJY-fe_pCBfZxm2B1RbOvSwE9OqzXuBUVK6IgkvSA980M0ha80P-7ZrWIhQohoy7KOommb_xqbVyMT2VsWvVqTqgZx0/s1600/FLoral+Tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTUa-cnuYpoaVIwIVozTdLOz9wwV7NyvTe3jxL1ctgDtXOJY-fe_pCBfZxm2B1RbOvSwE9OqzXuBUVK6IgkvSA980M0ha80P-7ZrWIhQohoy7KOommb_xqbVyMT2VsWvVqTqgZx0/s1600/FLoral+Tank.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>2. I'm not looking for specific items</strong></span>--that's called online shopping. I'm looking for an experience that helps be determine my personal style. Why is style important to me? Plain and simple I see it as a way of expressing myself. I love color and pattern--and I believe that feeling my best on the outside helps me feel better on the inside. I'm more confident when I take time to style myself in a way that boosts my self esteem. This doesn't mean name brand pasted all over. This doesn't mean that I don't feel confident in sweats. It means that I<em> enjoy</em> wearing things that are beautiful, interesting, or inspiring. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp_p-Uvxis0LeJip1fqIhOGpSbIGNOnxilsfUUJxSZubHANu3Qk5vyHkBArH1dY7ARqp7y1X0aXqay5KdJcvIesOTrPukLlL1POxxrHnNrJxR2PkIXrzua0POusMMUi1C0ChiAf4/s1600/Josephina+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp_p-Uvxis0LeJip1fqIhOGpSbIGNOnxilsfUUJxSZubHANu3Qk5vyHkBArH1dY7ARqp7y1X0aXqay5KdJcvIesOTrPukLlL1POxxrHnNrJxR2PkIXrzua0POusMMUi1C0ChiAf4/s1600/Josephina+Dress.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>3. I mention my style esthetic</strong></span> in each 'comments for my next fix'. I pick a celebrity style crush or familiar brand store to reference in helping my stylist find something that I would love. Currently I<em> love</em> everything that Julianna Hough is photographed in. I mention her in the comments. I also mention that I belive my style is a healthy mix of JCrew & Anthropologie. I love classic lines and silohettes but also enjoy a bohemian edge to my tops. Whether or not you can afford to shop at your staple style stores ( I cannot!) I pick them because they are style specific. Target and Old Navy aren't style specific. Examples could be Madewell, Banana, Ann Taylor, or Free People. Try referencing them each time. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxh4VWwTqezivOzGWd1jw1Pt39dAU0beJBReL7LSO18CugaQznLMMo7NMXqyQpq9ES3RF3o9YptJ6aVrbbH_ea4o52W52sBLxVuCCegjs2T6CF4q3Bpo6Jrv4-aCn0yq-2WDroiM/s1600/debbie+and+toledo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxh4VWwTqezivOzGWd1jw1Pt39dAU0beJBReL7LSO18CugaQznLMMo7NMXqyQpq9ES3RF3o9YptJ6aVrbbH_ea4o52W52sBLxVuCCegjs2T6CF4q3Bpo6Jrv4-aCn0yq-2WDroiM/s1600/debbie+and+toledo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4. I pass on the accessories</strong></span>-- Use this service to build your wardrobe with eclectic and fun pieces. I ask them not to send accessories anymore. Each fix I want clothes......and only clothes. Looking for phenomenal accessories? All my jewelry in these photos is from <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/lauragambrel" target="_blank">Stella & Dot</a>. This stuff can't be beat. I named the accessories I'm wearing in the photo caption. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN2tanNkjnY4zyhyUCyBDcpP0L5CvCIkcSqnVJjDwTY9-CYv5eNrBatVeMt1_2To9hm3jM_DjDNJK_pXbgBBP5B6qJk7EQ96N44ieCK9HOm_KQHrGZ7RM_SU6nIAL9Z83jX8AlYg/s1600/torren+blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN2tanNkjnY4zyhyUCyBDcpP0L5CvCIkcSqnVJjDwTY9-CYv5eNrBatVeMt1_2To9hm3jM_DjDNJK_pXbgBBP5B6qJk7EQ96N44ieCK9HOm_KQHrGZ7RM_SU6nIAL9Z83jX8AlYg/s1600/torren+blouse.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>5. I only keep my favorites.</strong></span> It's no secret that the items sent will be more expensive than your target/old navy/F21 pieces. That's okay for me because I know that in order to keep it---it has to be PHENOMENAL. I'm getting rid of all my clearanced tops that don't fit well, are a funky color, or wayyy to trendy. They were $10, yes----but I don't love them. Having a closet filled with 15 $10 crap shirts doesn't do me any good and I still feel like I have NOTHING to wear. Right now I have 5 tops that I LOVE and rotate each week. I'm much happier. Ahhh---clarity that comes with being in my 30s. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2014/03/s-t-i-t-c-h-f-i-x-three-month-review.html" target="_blank">My January/February/March Fix</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2014/04/s-t-i-t-c-h-f-i-x-april.html" target="_blank">My April Fix</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2014/05/s-t-i-t-c-h-f-i-x-summer-getaway-edition.html" target="_blank">My May Fix</a><br />
<br />
<br />
As usual I feel it is important for you to know that if you want to try Stitch Fix I'd love if you clicked through the below link. A great way for Stitch Fix to get the word out about their service is through happy customers. I'd consider myself one of them and to reward happy customers who refer others they give you $25 credit for each referral. It's really great! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3352915" target="_blank" title="Stitch Fix"><img alt="Stitch Fix" src="http://mktg.stitchfix.com/300x250-02_qkvh8z.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a>
</div>
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-86326278347507199092014-06-02T11:58:00.000-07:002014-06-02T13:10:32.387-07:00anxiety is my secret<div>
<em></em><br />
<em>I wrote this post in 2010. It's been sitting in my drafts folder for FOUR years. The words that I wrote four years ago still rattle in my brain today. Mental illness is scary, carries a lot of preconceived stereotypes and I believe is extremely common in women. I've battled anxiety for a long time. Why am I pressing publish now? Because it's time for me not to be ashamed anymore. I am not perfect. This is my biggest silent struggle. I'm on the other side of treating my anxiety now but I know there are mothers, sisters, and friends of mine that are not. Perhaps you are in the thick of it now....hold tight my dear. I am SAVED BY GRACE and you can be too. The darkness you feel? I can silently shake my head and say "me too". God gives me healing and beautiful grace every day through medicine and His unshakable love for me. Reading this post from my past makes me remember how dark it was and how LIGHT IT IS NOW. Sooooo let's publish this sucker. DEEP BREATHS.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>From 2010. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyBWvoZ_0az_Aag6SQguh3BjNiLD4dK5Nh_AlsO7gMunzq4W_OaQ45KtgHjvSZD3TyvuIAIA5UFl-zBCtrjt3fGIEn6c0NcwmCD6JokHrBzybAzTpb7sCa4T-e6lj7QRSYmRq9KQ/s1600/anxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyBWvoZ_0az_Aag6SQguh3BjNiLD4dK5Nh_AlsO7gMunzq4W_OaQ45KtgHjvSZD3TyvuIAIA5UFl-zBCtrjt3fGIEn6c0NcwmCD6JokHrBzybAzTpb7sCa4T-e6lj7QRSYmRq9KQ/s1600/anxiety.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
i've been embarrassed and ashamed about this for a long time. i've hid it from everyone.. i thought that it meant i wasn't a good mom. i thought it meant i couldn't handle things. i thought it would mean that no one would want to be around me. i thought it meant that i was crazy. i thought it meant that God wasn't enough. i thought it meant that i was an unstable person. i thought it meant that i failed. i thought it meant that i just couldn't cut it. <br />
</div>
<div>
i was wrong. </div>
<br />
it creeps in haunting my every thought. you're failing. you're awful. everyone is better without you. you're failing. it consumes my thoughts and i feel trapped by the darkness of them. silent sobs pull from my throat and i cannot rationalize where they are originating from. the inside is hysterical and my outside knows that i'm being irrational. i then spin into a battle of wanting to disappear and knowing that I shouldn't. my heart physically hurts. it aches. my throat tightens and my breath quickens. i want it to stop. i pray for it to stop. the screams from my head are unbearable. get it together. get it together. but something is preventing me from it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
i've battled post partum anxiety since Lilly was born. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
that's a hard statement to type. really hard. and even now I feel like I'm admitting that I'm a failure. but I'm not. <br />
<br />
anxiety attacks are frequent. i can't sleep. i cry constantly. i'm even avoiding my friends. i don't want anyone to hold lilly because i'm afraid they will judge her. she's a baby! how could they judge her? perhaps they will judge me?<br />
<br />
i can't breastfeed her. (you're failing). she cries more than my friends babies ( you're failing).</div>
<br />
<div>
you see ,i've been lying about it to everyone. everything isn't okay. being a mom hasn't been great. it's been really hard. i've wanted to stop everything. my thoughts hold me captive most days and I know i'm not myself. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
turning down a girls night because i'm afraid that if someone asks how I'm doing I'll being to sob? that's not me. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
one morning in december i realized that i couldn't make myself get over it. if i had heart problems would i not get help? if i had trouble breathing would i ignore it and hope it went away on its own? i called my doctor and cried to her in the office for a long time. she told me it was okay. and medicine would help me get my life back. </div>
<br />
<div>
and it did. </div>
<br />
<div>
i've been taking the little white pill for a while now and now things are starting to get better. the fog has lifted. i feel peace and joy again. JOY AGAIN. </div>
<br />
it's hard to swallow a pill each day to help me feel like Laura. six months in---and that's still a yucky feeling. i still <em>hate </em>looking at the bottle every morning. mostly because of the words that pop up in my head ( weak, crazy, unstable, imbalanced,....) but i know the pills are helping me become a better mother and wife. <br />
<br />
oh man, i'm never gonna publish this. but it sure feels good to type that out. <br />
<br />
<div>
it is okay laura. God will get you through this. you are still made in HIS image. do not forget that. <br />
DO NOT FORGET THAT.<br />
<br />
</div>
<br />
<em>Thanks for letting me share that with you today. Thanks for supporting each other. </em><br />
<em></em><br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-60206462227663725722014-05-30T05:52:00.000-07:002014-05-30T05:52:50.713-07:00S T I T C H F I X summer getaway edition<div style="text-align: justify;">
My new <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3352915" target="_blank">stitch fix box arrived</a>. There were some GEMS in this box! Including this coral tank and aztec print dress. I love both! If you haven’t heard, <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3352915" target="_blank">stitch fix</a> is a service, where you fill out a style profile and receive a box of 5 items ((clothing/accessories)) on your doorstep. You can try them on at home, keep what you like and send the rest back. I love being able to try things on with what I already have–to see if the pieces will work or not. This blog post is not sponsored but does contains affiliate links. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i4pwtybLeF4jlfQbMisoaLIvKKpO5_QGhWuhw9RiYpZPB3hq4yDeNGl74aEu0J7sltso-xHdCpfjjVHwyLefh6bQ3N0BZ46-HVE-_IJo2kkIzZ_ftxCEVumMfXxHCkMdVFH6EF4/s1600/fixfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i4pwtybLeF4jlfQbMisoaLIvKKpO5_QGhWuhw9RiYpZPB3hq4yDeNGl74aEu0J7sltso-xHdCpfjjVHwyLefh6bQ3N0BZ46-HVE-_IJo2kkIzZ_ftxCEVumMfXxHCkMdVFH6EF4/s1600/fixfive.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This summer is going to rock my face off. The main reason is that my husband and I are going on our FIRST! VACATION! WITHOUT! CHILDREN! !!!!! !!!!! !!!! ! ! ! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Raise the roof, friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm twelve types of excited and nervous and I knew I wanted to find some fun style pieces to wear while I'm galavanting on a beach with my baby daddy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF_VOMutWVlae6ud7_5YjwqSU0cn87qlIVnX7BMF939nHqZzOxojFFJ26spS7RAqAumclNDern8CATBTbDGlWKHhZt9ad2fyKM7raxTo07B7fF9Ofam_cEDXT9HNjUKkg7vS5E_M/s1600/fixwishlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF_VOMutWVlae6ud7_5YjwqSU0cn87qlIVnX7BMF939nHqZzOxojFFJ26spS7RAqAumclNDern8CATBTbDGlWKHhZt9ad2fyKM7raxTo07B7fF9Ofam_cEDXT9HNjUKkg7vS5E_M/s1600/fixwishlist.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In the special notes to the stylist I made some requests. I wasn't specific---because they are shopping for me. I don't believe this process is all about picking a certain top and requesting it specifically, more like requesting a style, color block, or event attire. It's part of the fun, honestly. It's not online shopping----it's a styling service. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qVEJLJkyko7w-PbYEozFy1X6yC5WR3FAv2F94TdSp3ZhF0VVk8BYi4BayPjMJ9p13OtOth7_kWDwDkDJh9Wki2wei-QYy20nqj9Q6yfLXj9JwfE0DZ4E4X5dqXnr6ShnOPXE0Kg/s1600/41hawthorne2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qVEJLJkyko7w-PbYEozFy1X6yC5WR3FAv2F94TdSp3ZhF0VVk8BYi4BayPjMJ9p13OtOth7_kWDwDkDJh9Wki2wei-QYy20nqj9Q6yfLXj9JwfE0DZ4E4X5dqXnr6ShnOPXE0Kg/s1600/41hawthorne2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
She hit all my wishes, no? Such a fun pattern---and downright adorable. I'm digging the abstract version of chevron.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh_YCiqWV3MdUPO-_s2YgYi2uo8zvy0HYoSMYw3WZrhA3gjGBEw_jEZz5Aw7cI-HZHKSDZrwqwD42Fff_WkCnqUv9eJWdrBFsEdoHDuaGpXPwLKAlEoZaLpexpzCVu4SsGhtUL1Y/s1600/pomelolatticetank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh_YCiqWV3MdUPO-_s2YgYi2uo8zvy0HYoSMYw3WZrhA3gjGBEw_jEZz5Aw7cI-HZHKSDZrwqwD42Fff_WkCnqUv9eJWdrBFsEdoHDuaGpXPwLKAlEoZaLpexpzCVu4SsGhtUL1Y/s1600/pomelolatticetank2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The detail on this tank is phenomenal. A big YES was said upon unfolding this pretty little coral gem. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoES-3s8fJ6oVJYKw3B9iUzALr14X9vOCVnTT1KRyDDcih-jkzdisUh6iNjbMTPq8up4auJKCFrvH0O0ApJpJ5u0Q1dLBIoUow0qG_2ZPYgG-G5oMxk4qBZYTf8mY76PD8ZrDXAg/s1600/underskies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoES-3s8fJ6oVJYKw3B9iUzALr14X9vOCVnTT1KRyDDcih-jkzdisUh6iNjbMTPq8up4auJKCFrvH0O0ApJpJ5u0Q1dLBIoUow0qG_2ZPYgG-G5oMxk4qBZYTf8mY76PD8ZrDXAg/s1600/underskies2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I enjoyed how the stylist I had this month stuck with my wishlist. Ever piece from this fix could fall into one or all categories. Making a style wishlist in your notes to the stylist really is my top suggestion for getting a fix full of items you love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tdIPPI0oQ67cQNSI5MfhLg0RN_MSsDMJCfIXVeT9wj9zF_R6RgRoEtaF1TWwMbSb2JurWEj3klRbxiEFA8nPXqXdlYeNAsN8sIczyopAfk1G70YAbXtlWTMqmE3Jlm-lbsE5tLM/s1600/eightsixtymaxi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tdIPPI0oQ67cQNSI5MfhLg0RN_MSsDMJCfIXVeT9wj9zF_R6RgRoEtaF1TWwMbSb2JurWEj3klRbxiEFA8nPXqXdlYeNAsN8sIczyopAfk1G70YAbXtlWTMqmE3Jlm-lbsE5tLM/s1600/eightsixtymaxi2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Oh this dress makes me chuckle. I almost didn't take any photos in it. It is the ideal beach vacation dress---however--my girls don't do it justice. So sad. Every year since 7th grade I've been waiting for them to show up.....alas........((sigh))</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg4mcyDY-jcQIB6FvR7E2OUVPKpSNVCwz2PakaOEqCZCXYF3LScq8ZjWlkkBqe9l3SFxvv6q3U2XZlUnBa8RzkEFUkiPQjl9NcZjo5KJNUfkKIbZfRXI7m5H0SS-roosgQ6j5ljo/s1600/lesample2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg4mcyDY-jcQIB6FvR7E2OUVPKpSNVCwz2PakaOEqCZCXYF3LScq8ZjWlkkBqe9l3SFxvv6q3U2XZlUnBa8RzkEFUkiPQjl9NcZjo5KJNUfkKIbZfRXI7m5H0SS-roosgQ6j5ljo/s1600/lesample2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
What fun items, right?! I just adore getting a fix each month. It's a special treat! I don't keep everything---the reality is I can't afford it. It really is about the experience. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
the surprise of the items//the fit and cut// the refining of style// piecing an outfit together// questioning how items can work into current wardrobe// picking favorites//selecting one to keep</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Have you tried giving your stylist guidelines and/or a wishlist? Try it next month! Let me know how it works for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3352915" target="_blank" title="Stitch Fix"><img alt="Stitch Fix" src="http://mktg.stitchfix.com/300x250-02_qkvh8z.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a>
<br />
The above photo is my referral link. If you sign up using this link I get a $25 credit onto my account. It's free clothes and I don't know a single soul that wouldn't get excited about that. ;)<br />
</div>
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-19459406091148145222014-05-27T04:03:00.002-07:002014-05-31T19:29:42.120-07:00M A R R I A G E when mom and dad clock out for the day<br />
Each day is spent giving pieces of myself away. I give a piece of myself to my children, a hunk to my job, a slice to daily duties, more sections away to family and friends, a piece I give away to myself through running, and at the end of the days what's left often goes into checking social media sites under the umbrella of "unwinding" at the end of the day. Come 9 PM, and there isn't much of Laura left. <em>I'm spent and there is nothing left to give. </em><br />
<br />
Work. Commute. Pick Up. Dinner. Baths. Chasing. Cuddling. Reading. Pajama Wrangling. Bed. Back into bed. Back into bed. Back into bed. We both collapse on the couch--- click on the TV---and sink into our own worlds of our phones and mindless programming. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaqa4ux3OINUEUulSrkerWRG9M0mqZJ2aRbjrk6gY2m4_ni2C01hZ3JqiKKgnm4BTUtCGWBxsMJEvsjyYs5Rstb9ZQPBf8TyZm4ljL67rZ5SiIwKLHNCNlHZIHNniO6Km8_4IK4Y/s1600/datenight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaqa4ux3OINUEUulSrkerWRG9M0mqZJ2aRbjrk6gY2m4_ni2C01hZ3JqiKKgnm4BTUtCGWBxsMJEvsjyYs5Rstb9ZQPBf8TyZm4ljL67rZ5SiIwKLHNCNlHZIHNniO6Km8_4IK4Y/s1600/datenight.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We're exhausted.</span> We love each other---but we're exhausted. We communicate about our day and make sure to fill in important details---but connecting? Truly allowing each other into each others lives that aren't veneered---it doesn't happen as much as it should. <br />
<br />
The other day we both plopped down in our usual spots post bedtime and sat there without talking for twenty minutes. I was on my phone liking all your beautiful photos on Instagram and pinning my next week's dinner menu. He was checking scores of every. single. sporting. event. possible. We both looked at each other and started laughing.<em> It was ridiculous.</em> We hadn't had a single moment of our Thursday that we had been alone. We were mom and dad---and now we were Scott and Laura and we had nothing to say.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't you love the first 10 minutes of date night?!</span> Oh I surely do. Those moments where you've kissed the kids, practically ran to the car, rolled the windows down, and sped off----to 3-4 hours of JUST US. We grab hands and look at each other as if to say. Hi, Friend......its our time. It's just us......we can just be......and a deep exhale and inhale fills this momma up to the brim with contentment, happiness, and love for the one whom I married. <br />
<br />
Reconnecting on nights that aren't date nights? Takes more work. A half an hour after kids have been snuggled in their beds has been scheduled to be our at home date night. No phones. No TV. <br />
<br />
<em>We have to save a slice of ourselves for each other. </em>We have to make communication a priority. He's my favorite person on this planet. He's mine. One day we won't have preschoolers hanging from our limbs. <span style="font-size: large;">They'll grow up----and don't we all want more than anything else to experience the feeling of date night---every night?</span> <br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-90434695013655349912014-05-07T20:04:00.001-07:002014-05-07T20:12:51.769-07:00My First!!!!! Half Marathon Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkxyFU-B2Gkjue_uk_cScteT587ahBQgcXsv4GTOhInheqNDJF-QZavvd_l7naK3SH74h_WQeZQ-RYHXbnIFaQIlRiotkl9mUNAZfMiTcMT51cGJ-Uj37usGnDA15WGLoHalvu7E/s1600/thirteenmiles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkxyFU-B2Gkjue_uk_cScteT587ahBQgcXsv4GTOhInheqNDJF-QZavvd_l7naK3SH74h_WQeZQ-RYHXbnIFaQIlRiotkl9mUNAZfMiTcMT51cGJ-Uj37usGnDA15WGLoHalvu7E/s1600/thirteenmiles.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought they were going to. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
but hooray! They did not.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We arrived in downtown Indianapolis before the sun arose by my <em>master plan</em>. We were NOT going to be struck in traffic. We were NOT going to have trouble parking. We were GOING TO BE PREPARED. We would be there early and enjoy the atmosphere of the Nation's!! Largest!! Half!! Marathon!! It was going to be perfect. We left our house with plenty of time for unexpected issues----we got to the corral.......<em>and due to my wonderful slash psychotic planning</em>---WAITED. for. two. hours. before <em>anything</em> happened. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to my planning I had just enough time to worry about BMs, Energy Shot timings, shoe lacings, outfit adjustments, and race day jitters to royally annoy the<strong> snot</strong> out of everyone. It was great. Two hours they will not soon forget as I asked frequently asked if they loved the new RUNNING BELT *ahem fannny pack* that I purchased at the expo. They nicely told me it looked 80's and I assured them they were jealous----cause it was awesome. (it is awesome.) See...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-ehEpKqBGeWE4lps4_hMEEaoTILQOIooKXbjFTN7e920bmSxWNE6AdZi8pUTXTSQfx6MFElz3TFkjZDKAeJoar1aTWfwKHacDqVDmiY1dt4pQ9fy-3eWRFVCPDroBHIISJ7bJjU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-ehEpKqBGeWE4lps4_hMEEaoTILQOIooKXbjFTN7e920bmSxWNE6AdZi8pUTXTSQfx6MFElz3TFkjZDKAeJoar1aTWfwKHacDqVDmiY1dt4pQ9fy-3eWRFVCPDroBHIISJ7bJjU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the longest two hours of everyone's life we headed to our corral. Due to the Jelly Belly sport beans I consumed I became very confident and decided that we should really try to corral hop. We didn't belong in the back of the pack----clearly. My running belt catapulted me into baller status for a runner and we successful hopped two letters in the alphabet. Stealthy and hopped up on sugared/ caffienated jelly beans I was ready to begin. Not to be dramatic (okay, a liiiiiitle dramatic), but this race signifies so much progress in my life. This race was the endcap to a lifestyle transformation. I was hearing slow motion motivational music in my head. Chills were covering my body. I was ready to do thiiiiissssssssss....... and with a quick pop of a gun...we were off. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I told myself I was going to pray for the first mile. It was a goal of mine to talk to God and praise Him for the changes and challenges I faced during my training and weight loss the past year. I wish I could say that I did complete that goal during the half marathon but sadly, I didn't . But I know God understands why I <em>simply could not</em>. For a quarter mile we were stuck behind a middle aged man with the<em> shortest</em> American flag shorts I've ever seen. It's really hard to pray when you're laughing and wanting to vomit at the same time. I doubt anyone could have a legit conversation with our Creator while trying to dodge ones eyes from seeing a mans bits out on display through splashes of red, white, and blue. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank goodness for God's grace and those jelly beans. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We sprinted around that fella and carried on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRoVEc8MO5Nmgb8Vl6liv11wmqddL5IF9QjrmTyMc8VTQqCSZFJWa4gACJCdJ0dDbqgOn40m14bKUdmhKdviqB2sjaDpoSLEKEIMDL0Nf8AlZDnJzHTXfVy-lu-JoK1ZDOWZrJ4s/s1600/minimarathoncollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRoVEc8MO5Nmgb8Vl6liv11wmqddL5IF9QjrmTyMc8VTQqCSZFJWa4gACJCdJ0dDbqgOn40m14bKUdmhKdviqB2sjaDpoSLEKEIMDL0Nf8AlZDnJzHTXfVy-lu-JoK1ZDOWZrJ4s/s1600/minimarathoncollage1.jpg" height="354" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first 7 miles were fun. I laughed, chatted, and people watched with my runner girl Jess while keeping a steady pace. Can I tell you about my friend Jess? She was my rock during training. She was my cheerleader, butt-kicker, pace keeper, and off the ledge talker for 15 weeks. She ran with me so I wasn't alone. She wouldn't ever say this---but she SLOWED HER PACE for me while denying that she was faster than me. She listened to me mutter curse words and Get me through this Lord all in the same breath without judgement. She let me believe that my "running beans" really did help me maintain pace. She told me I could do this---when I didn't yet believe it myself. She let me drag her to a race two hours early and was still my friend afterwards. Yay Jessica. If you're going to run a half marathon----you should really find yourself a Jessica. I hope to be a Jessica to someone else one day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Part of the Mini Marathon in Indianapolis is running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway---I get it. Wow so cool to run where the racecars race...........As we were entering the Speedway I felt it too. OMGsh! The speedway!!! COOL! FUN! wait.....no water stations? just asphalt? you want me to kiss what? the bricks? During the speedway it got hard. Your mind gives up long before your legs do. My mind started to give up and it doesn't take much for me to go to crazytown. So naturally, I ate more jelly beans and tried to distract myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I read a running memoir called <u>Running Like a Girl</u> a few weeks back. The book is great and really interesting to read if you're trying to spark a love for running. One of the biggest takeaways that stuck out was that she suggest painting your fingernails a fun color before each race. Her reasoning was that at the end you're GOING to look like hell so you might as well have your nails in order. Annnnddddd.....there is nothing like a splash of color to distract your crazy brain. My nails were neon blue----and she's a genius. I held out my hands in front of me and looked at my ridiculous nails and started laughing. Because running with your arms straight out in front of you makes you look completely ridiculous. Mind. distracted. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was a girl who was in front of me for most of the race who I convinced myself was a Runner's World Model runner.....She was tan with a runner's physique and her long fishtailed braid sticking out under her neon running hat taunted me for a few miles. "You're slower than me" the braid said. "I'm so much awesomer at running than you"....the braid said. I found myself wishing I could be more like this pretty runner girl. I wanted a braid....and then I realized <strong>Braids were taunting me</strong>---so I passed runner's world perfect runner girl---and it felt really good. Sorry pretty runner girl----you're probably really nice---but your braid is kind of a meanie--<em>you should probably cut it off.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Runners come in all shapes and sizes and the Mini taught me that. There were people of all shapes and sizes running faster, slower, and more awkwardly than me. Running is something everyone can do---and while runner fishtail braid girl taunted me ---the remainder of the race I tried to focus on how beautiful runners are. They are strong and mentally confident. I am strong. I am mentally confident. There was camaraderie in that---and perhaps that what keeps people coming back for more. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thirteen miles ---whew. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My longest run prior to race day was 10 miles---crossing the 10 mile mark during the half was do or die time. And turns out it was DIE time. My phone died. This was super sad for a few reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. running without music---tragic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. running without my pleasant running app talking to me with my pace and mileage ---super tragic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. running with JUST your thoughts and no Beyonce?? EPICALLY TRAGIC.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first 7 miles were fun. The middle 3 miles were a little crazy. The last 3 miles were HOLY MOLY HARDDDDDDDDD AND PAINFUL. My feet hurt. My toes burned. My knees pounded. My hips ached. I wanted to give up. Why do people do this? All 30,000 people running through Indianapolis that day were hurting and aching----WHY? I think it's because we like to prove to ourselves and to others that WE CAN DO HARD THINGS. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and we did. and I did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the last mile I saw a familiar face along the street. An acquaintance that I met through my handmade business, Lillypie. Seeing her and having her recognize me and shout "Keep going Laura!! You're almost there!!!" was just the boost of confidence I needed to pull strength out of my fanny pack and push through. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finished the race. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I cried.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a wave of emotions flooded my mind and heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvRdDbYpGDonsdEtcJdxmBJhqzhuTSLgfup691TzYZZHzJbpvst7YpjLfA04fY659u6OqU_IQ1zou8xKarJFKHmfVK7C8w-lmJG7Rkv8WvvETFgAdsTeY2XKh0nAWuUsOI4QZYmo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvRdDbYpGDonsdEtcJdxmBJhqzhuTSLgfup691TzYZZHzJbpvst7YpjLfA04fY659u6OqU_IQ1zou8xKarJFKHmfVK7C8w-lmJG7Rkv8WvvETFgAdsTeY2XKh0nAWuUsOI4QZYmo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My biggest nugget learned from my first half marathon? People don't run races because they are easy. People run races because it feels flippin amazing to finish something you set out to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Will I do another one? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YUP.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN-IvhtFtuDegscg2iF2wzX0PZhj6SbDJnxXAMK9grGyInrXzl-u9B5on2hNGnuZ0j4fQP5AaqZ6SFc1nJT0l0sY3xT8p1CZYasX-n9GmhrfJ_Dl6dqZq6fxmKoaHfUhSH5aQ7u0/s1600/minimarathoncollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN-IvhtFtuDegscg2iF2wzX0PZhj6SbDJnxXAMK9grGyInrXzl-u9B5on2hNGnuZ0j4fQP5AaqZ6SFc1nJT0l0sY3xT8p1CZYasX-n9GmhrfJ_Dl6dqZq6fxmKoaHfUhSH5aQ7u0/s1600/minimarathoncollage2.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uEknsrxfLRD8utXX4aT9WbjkrKbiDfytRPzOOXlgvFOw1RGS19I4eNtmt2jsD2acXvSmto7-Arzc5PMLYzu2PlRWQl32tGPrYTYHr6QU_n0fFsP-CNCgu5v7MY52VQSvU-5MxIg/s1600/minimarathoncollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uEknsrxfLRD8utXX4aT9WbjkrKbiDfytRPzOOXlgvFOw1RGS19I4eNtmt2jsD2acXvSmto7-Arzc5PMLYzu2PlRWQl32tGPrYTYHr6QU_n0fFsP-CNCgu5v7MY52VQSvU-5MxIg/s1600/minimarathoncollage3.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have more jelly beans to eat. and I definitely need to wear my 80s running belt again. It's super cute. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-78560991770834287942014-04-30T18:21:00.001-07:002014-04-30T18:32:01.430-07:00 S T I T C H F I X // april<span style="font-size: large;">Monday was a bit gloomy</span> around our house. Kids were cranky. Mom was cranky. We were running low on food and it was lunch time. Noah and Lilly fought over the same dang green train all morning and I was ready to light the thing on fire. No one in our family was the best version of themselves. and then the doorbell wrang. <br />
<br />
FED EX SHOWED UP<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with my April Stitch fix. RAISE THE EVER LOVING ROOF. </span><br />
<br />
a bright spot in a gloomy Monday friends! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESQhxUoZOwFdjBxATL0hJHYmLQ3c5q1WgGzs1nnIaL1sOimzcJCSpn7XtHdrHRFtj51nICcd6S_fXSVuZhyq3lWXtl-r_RvJqICfj6kpmfPFjqMaIVEUg-wdwo-X-7qgcIRaKI-c/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESQhxUoZOwFdjBxATL0hJHYmLQ3c5q1WgGzs1nnIaL1sOimzcJCSpn7XtHdrHRFtj51nICcd6S_fXSVuZhyq3lWXtl-r_RvJqICfj6kpmfPFjqMaIVEUg-wdwo-X-7qgcIRaKI-c/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tops this month were two tab sleeved blouses and a striped tank.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrX-cZpBkV7fVsMHWt6dgz2lJULLe-gP-IuSnNo5_SlGz6I0Zhf6ZAb1nmNsVse6R6gBGOhvS0QMEJ2DCLt92Z3IJYdZAaMe7S3LwoIGmS2nHp-YC6y_4-CjL1xD0z_OKbpgtJQQ/s1600/april+top+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrX-cZpBkV7fVsMHWt6dgz2lJULLe-gP-IuSnNo5_SlGz6I0Zhf6ZAb1nmNsVse6R6gBGOhvS0QMEJ2DCLt92Z3IJYdZAaMe7S3LwoIGmS2nHp-YC6y_4-CjL1xD0z_OKbpgtJQQ/s1600/april+top+collage.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>While I think the tab sleeved blouses are adorable I already own one from my last fix. I do think the polka dot one is quite precious.</li>
<li>White blouse is cute---but not workable into my current wardrobe. That means it will probably hang a lot and that means I should not keep it</li>
<li>The tank is versatile, cute, unlike anything I already own, and different --I also have a love affair with stripes. It hung oddly on me though. And that made me super sad---I was going to keep it--but decided that I didn't need another adorable tank that fit weird. I would WANT to wear it but know that it would probably end up in a frustrated pile during a rushed morning because it just felt weird on me. </li>
</ul>
This month they sent me two bottom pieces:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOLYA6_SykJBHZBmWSXSeZtK5GGnzwSsXX8cHwjZ0AKkLeFecvSJsIFjbZg5463UWJppS6sJERT_VkJwuEayqM7T7wimAIP-K_2ZH9x2JI_2o6WKDqbHdPLfIEsxSH9aXGlpSi3o/s1600/april+bottoms+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOLYA6_SykJBHZBmWSXSeZtK5GGnzwSsXX8cHwjZ0AKkLeFecvSJsIFjbZg5463UWJppS6sJERT_VkJwuEayqM7T7wimAIP-K_2ZH9x2JI_2o6WKDqbHdPLfIEsxSH9aXGlpSi3o/s1600/april+bottoms+collage.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Shorts were adorable. </li>
<li>Jeans were boot cut. I KNOW that it's making a comeback. However I cannot get back on the boot leg jean wagon. Too many bad memories of wet pant legs, fraying hems, and hiding of my shoes. #toomanyjncosinmiddleschool To be honest slipping on a flared jean makes to slingshot back to 1997---thanks but no thanks #longlivetheskinnies</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This month I kept one item, the shorts.</span></strong> </div>
<br />
<br />
This fix didn't knock it out of the park for me. I was expecting puppies, rainbows, and fireworks like the<a href="http://lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2014/03/s-t-i-t-c-h-f-i-x-three-month-review.html" target="_blank"> MARCH fix.</a> This might happen and I understand that. Someone who doesn't know me personally is picking out items for me---it will happen. I had to ask myself some questions..<br />
<ul>
<li>did I have fun? yeppppppp</li>
<li>was this easier than dragging preschoolers to the mall? yeeeppppppppp</li>
<li>did I find something i loved? yeppppppppp</li>
<li>did I spend crazy amounts of money? nooppppppeeeeee $33 for the shorts. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Stitch fix still has my shopping heart. I'm already looking forward to next month. I requested some fun vacation attire for my excursion to the beach. I can't wait to see what they pick!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2014/03/s-t-i-t-c-h-f-i-x-three-month-review.html" target="_blank">Check out my three month review HERE!</a><br />
<br />
Would you like to give Stitch Fix a try? Use my referral link below if you want. I'll be honest, if you sign up through me I get $25 to spend on my next fix. and that's awesome. the end. :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3352915" target="_blank" title="Stitch Fix"><img alt="Stitch Fix" src="http://mktg.stitchfix.com/300x250-02_qkvh8z.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a>
</div>
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-65893863224518346722014-04-24T12:05:00.000-07:002014-05-31T19:41:37.453-07:00Inspired by real women // now is your time<span style="font-size: x-large;">Keeping myself inspired is the name of the game in weight loss. I'm sure of it.</span> <br />
<br />
You're either inspired by chips, ice cream, bread, and mounds of chocolate several times a day....<br />
<br />
or you're inspired by other's weight loss journey, healthy food choices, and activities.<br />
<br />
Only<strong> one</strong> set of inspirations will aid in your weight loss. My college education tells me that being inspired by other strong women is the one that will finally allow you to kick the flub to the curb. <br />
<br />
<em>When I reflect on my own struggle and journey</em> I can see how I was inspired by the wrong set for a long time. I turned to food as comfort. I chose to celebrate with "treats" that turned into binges. I selected to wish away the pounds rather than to do the hard work. It got me no where---well exept overweight and unhappy. <br />
<br />
So choosing to find inspiration in another form was really the only way I was going to be able to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF. The first place I turned for inspiration was to my relationship with God. Ashamedly I had never made that connection that my relationship with God could fuel the inpiration to get healthy. Once I successfully aligned myself to the mindset of being devoted and committing my weight loss to Him the other parts of losing weight fell into place. And before you think it---IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASY. However knowing that the reason for getting healthy was for God to better use me rather than to just look good did make the task ahead of me more manageable. If you're looking for help to allign your spiritual and physical transformation I highly reccoment <a href="http://www.godfit.com/" target="_blank">GODFIT</a>. It's a 6 week devotional complete with workout and fitness routines that WILL help you begin your journey. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncl8sJuc6Yro6IorFsk_mtpfqsnPwr-HxPqGg_luV_SySG9I8DYiKgH2qV6pO8fdne3OM8UVdBFgLQVIdhBNXenBKBP-S1Kj1kPdQn7WcwOghfxetketGqQkUQjx688gn3bJDpyw/s1600/292dded677e48df0eeadf239bafa07bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncl8sJuc6Yro6IorFsk_mtpfqsnPwr-HxPqGg_luV_SySG9I8DYiKgH2qV6pO8fdne3OM8UVdBFgLQVIdhBNXenBKBP-S1Kj1kPdQn7WcwOghfxetketGqQkUQjx688gn3bJDpyw/s1600/292dded677e48df0eeadf239bafa07bd.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Staying inspired is something I constantly need to do. I must look around me to other mothers, different types of food, and varying ways to challenge myself physically in order to LOSE the initial weight and maintain this lifestyle that I've come to love. <br />
<br />
I decided that it might be beneficial to others reading to see where I pull inspiration from . Perhaps this can help you KICK YOUR OWN REAR IN GEAR. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you been waiting for a better time? NOW IS THE TIME. Some of you stumbled onto this blog JUST TO READ THAT. <em>Your time is now sister.</em></span><em> </em><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
///</div>
<br />
Here are some inpiring blogs that I recommend. None of these ladies know I'm about to name drop---there is nothing in this for me. These are the gals that I began following back in June. Some of them I have internet relationships with-- others I don't. Their own journeys inspire me and I enjoy following their story oh-so-much<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49ePmKyHmrz-Z2T3NvPL54jE6yWJTg5cZK8Iu292VqsVTkh8ANY_4pC3kd2L3IwQw_8OIUPkn8DjkaJWe8aMnuWj1H9yAUvhlZM4vGXsFUWXwKBraGTv-0sqI6OC1sh01x6NDr94/s1600/FrontFinalWeightComparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49ePmKyHmrz-Z2T3NvPL54jE6yWJTg5cZK8Iu292VqsVTkh8ANY_4pC3kd2L3IwQw_8OIUPkn8DjkaJWe8aMnuWj1H9yAUvhlZM4vGXsFUWXwKBraGTv-0sqI6OC1sh01x6NDr94/s1600/FrontFinalWeightComparison.jpg" height="548" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://katieballa.blogspot.com/p/lose-it.html" target="_blank">KATIE BALLA // Loves of Life</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiu6SICE9cP-5Y2DTaV4QIF0Z0CA0KGvPetHdHUdbkuEI9pYkYwccdRaOvIM2oDfOd-PbGohVugNYdGLCUX5hatDrArZIdv6sQb5Ygf-_CWYr9K3VgCGQiGADdz1Zlcu5XppowdE/s1600/livylove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiu6SICE9cP-5Y2DTaV4QIF0Z0CA0KGvPetHdHUdbkuEI9pYkYwccdRaOvIM2oDfOd-PbGohVugNYdGLCUX5hatDrArZIdv6sQb5Ygf-_CWYr9K3VgCGQiGADdz1Zlcu5XppowdE/s1600/livylove.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.livylove.com/p/weight-loss.html" target="_blank">DIANA SMITH // Livy Loves to Run</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0DpcobAxXYGt3hEg6eUS4txOuwaxiZVidqVHEZ3dv63tXHChel9Sdt3ajRlbvO6H-WzHOs76Bzw1m9qL0Rk1ZYmkZoo2ZbsQSNcRUvrRjvsEigqYwmapxUI1dMpGpuEKl7bA45Y/s1600/freckleberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0DpcobAxXYGt3hEg6eUS4txOuwaxiZVidqVHEZ3dv63tXHChel9Sdt3ajRlbvO6H-WzHOs76Bzw1m9qL0Rk1ZYmkZoo2ZbsQSNcRUvrRjvsEigqYwmapxUI1dMpGpuEKl7bA45Y/s1600/freckleberry.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ASHLEY <a href="http://freckleberryfinds.com/about/" target="_blank">// FreckleberryFit</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meg //<a href="http://www.skinnymeg.com/" target="_blank"> Skinny Meg</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGOwce_vsQNXSwf-9LVzDslQDL2SXXuys0YMkTIeq8BNhLpmkvG_rVxCgc778A8wu4UFjRsaHe3L1HpPfk-p_-JNxQirxSTc1eBNNAO4-i80niR6JlnFTMVtTjTeRQDcZzge93aA/s1600/trustychucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGOwce_vsQNXSwf-9LVzDslQDL2SXXuys0YMkTIeq8BNhLpmkvG_rVxCgc778A8wu4UFjRsaHe3L1HpPfk-p_-JNxQirxSTc1eBNNAO4-i80niR6JlnFTMVtTjTeRQDcZzge93aA/s1600/trustychucks.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MARY GRAHAM <a href="http://trustychucks.com/2014/04/run-support-system/" target="_blank">//Trusty Chucks</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
These ladies are mothers. These ladies aren't professionals....and they inspire me. Let their journey inspire yours.<br />
<br />
I also have a secret board (love those!) on pinterest that I use to pin images that inspire me to keep going. At least twice a week I scroll through and remind myself WHY. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb-hjDWqNHsCBbzy7Xfe3bLpEjmsBLkIir_4s4WZaIWqAdtlgXzue0oJbDyxY6RrBJybE2Cv9tMx30qPl57U-IWsUOjMkNU3u3n2okz6giH2beWuopJ2SW3uaikzg2F9bxbsXrA0/s1600/50195124b57f80c84ed8205b76843976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb-hjDWqNHsCBbzy7Xfe3bLpEjmsBLkIir_4s4WZaIWqAdtlgXzue0oJbDyxY6RrBJybE2Cv9tMx30qPl57U-IWsUOjMkNU3u3n2okz6giH2beWuopJ2SW3uaikzg2F9bxbsXrA0/s1600/50195124b57f80c84ed8205b76843976.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-86U1RlTaiee4gRIzfhK6oNoETB8YG0yg5UgpykgWf1jH2MrUmur5f5w3cSagV44FHIpsn7daqP8P7xYbNGWmIXPV3-TKOD3z0CJ0IbLqP2WYIUB0aIBtkYuV9Dg_6OYzuKg68Q8/s1600/youarewhoyouchoosetobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-86U1RlTaiee4gRIzfhK6oNoETB8YG0yg5UgpykgWf1jH2MrUmur5f5w3cSagV44FHIpsn7daqP8P7xYbNGWmIXPV3-TKOD3z0CJ0IbLqP2WYIUB0aIBtkYuV9Dg_6OYzuKg68Q8/s1600/youarewhoyouchoosetobe.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6dpqKZiLArhc1IKWOJA2I3BAFXJFuSCYsMNyUKtEelZjhA2Y418jZ77byW7xiodJXxyLcoW2jPWSAn3lUSFEoC9ln8xPA3mqFbEgYBIJKGCFd50lSZXDOSsLa2bGy8Stk5IC7PI/s1600/070928a7c2f240e4326eb1ced690ceeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6dpqKZiLArhc1IKWOJA2I3BAFXJFuSCYsMNyUKtEelZjhA2Y418jZ77byW7xiodJXxyLcoW2jPWSAn3lUSFEoC9ln8xPA3mqFbEgYBIJKGCFd50lSZXDOSsLa2bGy8Stk5IC7PI/s1600/070928a7c2f240e4326eb1ced690ceeb.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can also stay inspired on your weight loss journey by finding fun and exciting ways to enjoy eating. When you're losing weight you're saying NO to a lot of things that you used to indulge in. It can be a huge bummer ---oh who am I kidding it's a MAJOR WAHHHHH BUMMER to say no. So in order to stay inspired in the kitchen and not allow yourself to quit because the FUN of eating is gone---find new ways to have fun! <br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorite food inspirations that I make frequently. Delicious and not a diet derailer! WIN. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejvZofi-sgg1RyGUFvgiN6Mfy0s2LiWwXm5rSacumUpvrsyfqLOM1qzClF9ZvlZB8D7ZRqAx7yxC5ispm_ybfxzpEmMZNAoGZpSFNxWSySvRs1-uklC9U-lbn5Vx3mVddCwhs4V4/s1600/foodinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejvZofi-sgg1RyGUFvgiN6Mfy0s2LiWwXm5rSacumUpvrsyfqLOM1qzClF9ZvlZB8D7ZRqAx7yxC5ispm_ybfxzpEmMZNAoGZpSFNxWSySvRs1-uklC9U-lbn5Vx3mVddCwhs4V4/s1600/foodinspo.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/250372060508540931/" target="_blank">Apple Cookies</a>//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/250372060508099489/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Energy Bites</a> //</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I love EVERYTHING from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">SkinnyTaste.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Hearing others tell me that they are inspired by my adventures in getting healthy makes me happy. I write about all this as a way to keep myself accountable and to help others. The ladies above inspired me one day to a pointt where I thought to myself---DUDE IF THEY CAN DO THAT----SO CAN I! It's attainable girls.<span style="font-size: large;"> Don't quit this time---you're worth it.</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpFq8l3kUTXrQgCdCB8GsJmf6ufY7lgd0Au1ntEZHf-48Ug20RlGFbcThz0q1jCPfGXukvLOVPsGQxu6cKxQWjFNgDgeUUVQfTZ_8xKTEkOenNaWwuxJ9Gcu-Qfcwi5TCYwcjans/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpFq8l3kUTXrQgCdCB8GsJmf6ufY7lgd0Au1ntEZHf-48Ug20RlGFbcThz0q1jCPfGXukvLOVPsGQxu6cKxQWjFNgDgeUUVQfTZ_8xKTEkOenNaWwuxJ9Gcu-Qfcwi5TCYwcjans/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
xoxox ladies. have a great butt kicking weekend. <br />
<br />
Laura BethLaura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-74347335337971672522014-04-10T19:11:00.000-07:002014-04-10T19:11:15.402-07:00You Can't Fake RunningYou can't fake running----so I'm not sure why I've thought of myself as a fake runner for the last 5 months. Running is the least fake thing you can do. You can't pretend to love it <em>if you don't</em>. You can't walk and pretend it's running. You can't fake a faster time. You can't fake a sweat. You can't fake the pain. You can't fake the release of tension.<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> You can't hide behind anything when you run.</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_CTpAAwVpYKRo3ne98KFYmO3EbZYzqSlBjK1WQgmI2QU32W-05IFrx82wwXgyqC0g30swx9TVM2SseqjBGMQ70j_aCONNJaaqDO0WPOU_rVzqzymwOzj8iPIWZ8YCu11AHpQM78/s1600/fakerunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_CTpAAwVpYKRo3ne98KFYmO3EbZYzqSlBjK1WQgmI2QU32W-05IFrx82wwXgyqC0g30swx9TVM2SseqjBGMQ70j_aCONNJaaqDO0WPOU_rVzqzymwOzj8iPIWZ8YCu11AHpQM78/s1600/fakerunner.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The multiple plates I spin on a daily basis <em>stop spinning</em> when I run. When I leave my house laced up with headphones in I escape from the busyness of my life. The toddlers can't demand anything from me. The housework doesn't scream. The emails don't get read.<em> I don't have to have the answers.</em> I escape from the crazy. <br />
<br />
The first few steps of my run always ache a little. My knees remember the miles from the other day and my lungs fill the familiar burn of quickened breath. The beginning strides of my run are always freeing---I am literally running away from my day. I don't need to tell you how much I adore my family because I know <em>you understand</em> those moments where you need escape from your blessings for a few moments. <br />
<br />
Once I flee from my day the routine sets in and I find my rhythm of my strides. I work through the pain of the first mile and fight off the insecurities that always creep in. The self doubts I have about myself in all aspects of my life line up before me and that first mile is always spent knocking down and assassinating each one. <em>You're a mess of a mother and it's harder for you than it is for others. You are weak. You will fail. You are failing.</em> <strong>Each aching stride crumbles those insecurities under my feet.</strong> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love that feeling.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
The feeling of conquering an insecurity and running all over it and proving it WRONG is what keeps me lacing up my shoes. Every time I run I'm reminded that I'm doing something that I COULD NOT do a short time ago. Every time I run I remind myself that I'm stronger than I thought I was. Every time I run I'm encouraged that my fears don't own me. <br />
<br />
In a world where it's easy to fake a lot of things---<em>I love being reminded that you can't fake running.</em> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-12921314964227069802014-03-27T18:51:00.000-07:002014-03-27T19:10:16.460-07:00S T I T C H F I X a three month review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHM_uBIiI1_YNRel-SLDXf0zAcUS9GpFpV9xQjlcKYQfw0mklUxwnHeZWoJDUbwlqVyogi2JaZmPfh7cKw_VzZmENVwFyhfsttEBm7HLqwzB6Op9B5ZkjwtCuArbrpZJWFlAqsu8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHM_uBIiI1_YNRel-SLDXf0zAcUS9GpFpV9xQjlcKYQfw0mklUxwnHeZWoJDUbwlqVyogi2JaZmPfh7cKw_VzZmENVwFyhfsttEBm7HLqwzB6Op9B5ZkjwtCuArbrpZJWFlAqsu8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have had little brown boxes with turquoise tape delivered to my doorstep for three months now.</span> I received gift cards to <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> for Christmas and was thrilled to <u>give this styling service a try</u>. I've waited to do any sort of review on Stitch Fix because I felt like I needed to get some fixes under my belt before I could best form an opinion. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch Fix has no idea who I am---well maybe Shelby does, she styled my last fix</span>. They didn't contact me to do a review and I am getting nothing from doing this. It is really just my honest opinion on this monthly subscription box. I really just want to have a conversation with you about it like I would a good friend. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOOOyEBhodRcD0IAGse2MRtC1U8NGfufifD7OUI8cVRyupWmpl8BUtJb8-Ky33Qb0ro1zrnt414URMDP2LnWg_gV6WU1fRcr2l1a4lw6JZTxwsABCCI2nxEyHNMjBBN6xH6bYiTM/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOOOyEBhodRcD0IAGse2MRtC1U8NGfufifD7OUI8cVRyupWmpl8BUtJb8-Ky33Qb0ro1zrnt414URMDP2LnWg_gV6WU1fRcr2l1a4lw6JZTxwsABCCI2nxEyHNMjBBN6xH6bYiTM/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Over the past five years my body has gone through a lot of changes</span></strong>. There hasn't been a single year where I haven't been in the process of gaining, being pregnant, birthing a baby, recovering, losing weight, pregnant again, birthing, recovering, losing....... what a beating my body has taken. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My pre-children style?? Well??</span> It was awkward in my opinion. I was straddling the fine line of still shopping at American Eagle and Junior's section at Kohls to feeling like I reallllllly was too old and should be shopping Eddie Bauer or the misses section of JC PENNY...... Did you go through that phase? Not feeling like an adult yet because YOUNG! AND I SLEEP A LOT! AND MY TIME IS MY OWN! but also feeling like I should be more conservative and responsible because STUDENT DEBT! BILLS! MORTGAGE PAYMENTS! and OMG where is my dad so he can fix my dishwasher!??!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After creating, making, and birthing my lovely babies----my body is just. DIFFERENT</span>. It's not bad---and I mean that. It's just---different. Trying to wear clothes that I had saved in the back of the closet for my "someday these will fit again" left me disappointed. They still just don't look right---and my style has changed. Just the thought of LOW RISE pants makes me want to scream like I've seen a hairy spider. SICK!! GET AWAY FROM ME! NO. PUKEFACE. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What I'm getting at</span> is that Stitch Fix has been a way from me to really narrow down my style. How? Well to start <strong>you fill out an amazingly detailed style profile</strong> before you even begin. You begin to feel like you're filling out a personality profile after a while---and I guess you kinda are. Do you know your style? Do you have one? Those of you thinking at this moment: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
" I don't have a style, I'm terrible at this, I just buy what's on sale...." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Girl, listen to me when I say in my most loving tone ---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>shut up hooker, you have a style---you just need help defining it.</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch Fix helps you do that---over time</span>. Go fill out the profile even if you don't schedule a fix. It will help you greatly when trying to decide what you do like. <em>Pinky promise.</em> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg369SdOCQxdOKEv6wuwzXlIDTu14Cp10QpSxnf_6ZfrThRx4cc-pUBqttbqxkbhL3A969GSkeAKvSKO6xzdJLwYWmgDiayTaj5yzD6NQ7StCXx53SeAIygdH4PUT0NfqqMP-ApY9M/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg369SdOCQxdOKEv6wuwzXlIDTu14Cp10QpSxnf_6ZfrThRx4cc-pUBqttbqxkbhL3A969GSkeAKvSKO6xzdJLwYWmgDiayTaj5yzD6NQ7StCXx53SeAIygdH4PUT0NfqqMP-ApY9M/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So I scheduled my fix to be delivered</span> monthly ( you can choose when and how often you want one) and waited. So hard to wait. I wanted it immediately and apparently so did everyone else. :) I was super happy with my first fix. I love stripes and they delivered. I kept both striped shirts and wear them frequently. What I love about this service besides the<em> obvious of clothes showing up at your doorstep i</em>s <u>the ability to learn things about your own style that you might not have known</u>. The other two shirts they sent were great---but after trying them on with the clothes already in my possession I realized that I don't really like navy on me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After trying on your clothes</span> you have three days to ship back the unwanted items in a prepaid shipping bag. Then you head to your computer and fill out detailed feedback. DETAILED is the key to making sure your next fix is even better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
I told my stylist that STRIPES! I LOVE THEM! THANK YOU! But please don't send me more--after this fix arrived I counted TWELVE striped shirts in my closet. GULP. I also told them that I liked the two tops but wasn't a fan of navy blue. I asked them to no longer send navy items. I also told them the reason I didn't keep the gold necklace was that I like more beaded colorful jewelry. I like my necklaces to make statements. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I told my stylist I'd love to see some dresses that could transition to Spring in my next fix.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
30 days later my next fix came!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8WOCXRwc1EOQGBpn3wlbubYrhspcz8TS4LpD-1YAuqyQg4doBmVT5Fy0n1fPB9N1prtqfGdi-q9kJrvNCy3IOpfZTB-89Nkwph8ANYKbr26KZDljgwfM66aONu93Yj0DAAu3-TM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8WOCXRwc1EOQGBpn3wlbubYrhspcz8TS4LpD-1YAuqyQg4doBmVT5Fy0n1fPB9N1prtqfGdi-q9kJrvNCy3IOpfZTB-89Nkwph8ANYKbr26KZDljgwfM66aONu93Yj0DAAu3-TM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When working with Stitch Fix they listen to your feedback. My next fix had two tops in bright colors, a pair of black skinnies, and two patterened floral dresses</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
color--they listened</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
loose fitting tops---listened</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
dresses--listened</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So what did I learn about my personal style in this fix?</span> I was reaffirmed that I love dresses---but I realized I don't love chiffon dresses. Looking in my wardrobe I don't have any in that material and never really realized that I gravitate away from it. I have no idea why---but I had a definite NO WAY opinion when I tried to two dresses on. It took me a while to realize why. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I decided to keep the pink sleeveless blouse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was so grateful for this fix because I really didn't know that I didn't like chiffon until this fix.</span> Typing this sentence it seems so silly, I know. "I didn't know I didn't like chifffooonnnnnnn "whiny weirdo! <em>But really, I am grateful because now when I do shop in stores I know not to even look at a dress if it is chiffon. If I buy one--I likely won't wear it and I will have wasted my money. I think that's pretty great. </em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If you get a fix that isn't superb----you'll learn more about refining your style. What worked? What didn't.....and most importantly WHY.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Do you feel like a service like this could help you with your day to day look?</strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Could a service like this help you define your style and perhaps help your self-esteem? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm all about that.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So my third fix came. Two months of detailed feedback preceded this fix. I felt that if I really wanted my fixes to be spot on and really me I needed to really be specific --and I was. To me this was the make or break it moment for me. Would I continue? Or would I stop? This fix needed to show me that the stylists were listening and truly interested in finding something for ME that I would love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k5BZfUc6BO2o2ZAvS4ToZ6wOCNlew7NWHj8nIBoPkm8BCk1RoBtUBQgBHAoFqjtF2OyMX3eOto4mbZHJDhkjHE-wP4aJQ4m7aDc2Cj1bEZ9IHJkKbVcp93jZ-PRjJEGWs079nYA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k5BZfUc6BO2o2ZAvS4ToZ6wOCNlew7NWHj8nIBoPkm8BCk1RoBtUBQgBHAoFqjtF2OyMX3eOto4mbZHJDhkjHE-wP4aJQ4m7aDc2Cj1bEZ9IHJkKbVcp93jZ-PRjJEGWs079nYA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Boom. They nailed it. High five Shelby. Fist bumps all around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The color palette is spot on. The fabric choices are my preference.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The cut of the tops are my favorite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are items I would not have picked out on my own</span>---that really make me feel great. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Do you struggle getting multiple uses out of your higher priced items? <u>I love that they send you idea cards with the items.</u> Take the cards and try to recreate the looks with what you already own if you like it! I've done that many times. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4h6q7Fv7PlKaOaP0T9A31HKNcO36TGYMNe2sA1g_4ZSmAJqZ_ICWgVgAUgsS3UKLssqIALYj1zYVQdATbJO_unXTymupYxQUCGjP-cXcnkp4ikMxnmxIxfdUNEWKjffgQ9jOp2A/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4h6q7Fv7PlKaOaP0T9A31HKNcO36TGYMNe2sA1g_4ZSmAJqZ_ICWgVgAUgsS3UKLssqIALYj1zYVQdATbJO_unXTymupYxQUCGjP-cXcnkp4ikMxnmxIxfdUNEWKjffgQ9jOp2A/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhv6IwuYYEefAt3_j0ySXeUooxbN9SpzoTWn1ZFYHgnuHk3dPzJ2Q-Xk-ngJfEFmwL5GOXb5I-bg1ByirJ_I6qPBl4NiJJw5SLJyAXPTdtOd_N29OOR-vZFfoVqbqPreR34on8e4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhv6IwuYYEefAt3_j0ySXeUooxbN9SpzoTWn1ZFYHgnuHk3dPzJ2Q-Xk-ngJfEFmwL5GOXb5I-bg1ByirJ_I6qPBl4NiJJw5SLJyAXPTdtOd_N29OOR-vZFfoVqbqPreR34on8e4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
statement necklace-----seriously shrieked when I took this outta the box. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZfSZtsWNGPxQilymBjEXyIiDqVOiuAx83N_jvrPX_Jbvvhtj4mEUjDZ46mhn9sxtP1DrKOn1GS6JEJX21UPbX-FxYO4cQD9-1L3V8AW_a2jzYxsvUybzxz-gVvRJCyF2ZEmtWUw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZfSZtsWNGPxQilymBjEXyIiDqVOiuAx83N_jvrPX_Jbvvhtj4mEUjDZ46mhn9sxtP1DrKOn1GS6JEJX21UPbX-FxYO4cQD9-1L3V8AW_a2jzYxsvUybzxz-gVvRJCyF2ZEmtWUw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scalloped Dress---SOLD. Perfect transition dress that will be very versatile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it's a rayon poly blend----MUCH better given my chiffon aversion. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52NUvq-0CY1W-X6F_MyQop9AzTDQ1tlhUp4VPnU6gHGAUaxtxA-v0uy96kfRS9SCn33BSNZ3qLKypENivMruljLfJpS4tGMjM6q_QmqVpF5eCF66i-r5_qK6t5aAO1ZQWjGcCpAI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52NUvq-0CY1W-X6F_MyQop9AzTDQ1tlhUp4VPnU6gHGAUaxtxA-v0uy96kfRS9SCn33BSNZ3qLKypENivMruljLfJpS4tGMjM6q_QmqVpF5eCF66i-r5_qK6t5aAO1ZQWjGcCpAI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Watercolor print blouse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Great color, out of my comfort zone, like the watercolor element, i think it's flattering. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
jury still out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPh5C6sLb1B_ALZZHIGWkgbvgFBmkQCPsWOyJuX-ZAQJyH-YJEkIuj70un4hpWIA7fb6NfS8pE0aKDccuhGK7a98ffxUPSXyRXbzSqJJ3Ov9u21XZDu4FaMvQSaR1YiWDTf0RLrlk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPh5C6sLb1B_ALZZHIGWkgbvgFBmkQCPsWOyJuX-ZAQJyH-YJEkIuj70un4hpWIA7fb6NfS8pE0aKDccuhGK7a98ffxUPSXyRXbzSqJJ3Ov9u21XZDu4FaMvQSaR1YiWDTf0RLrlk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jeans are a great fit---but pricey </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sending back</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGldk_8PeEfLVKUkHAWvBWCuEViCtK5fuvwujTEsKZwUaDxn4qSNaRkRxrXeRK7ILU1oQaVXX3US4f8pXUwkx4DiVemlvKfWE0777crm7aCXlgJI4IUOMgNvt9MTZ-H05O0ktkes/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGldk_8PeEfLVKUkHAWvBWCuEViCtK5fuvwujTEsKZwUaDxn4qSNaRkRxrXeRK7ILU1oQaVXX3US4f8pXUwkx4DiVemlvKfWE0777crm7aCXlgJI4IUOMgNvt9MTZ-H05O0ktkes/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black drapey cardigan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cute--but could buy at target at 1/3 the cost.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Are the items more expensive than your go tos of Target, Old Navy, and Loft----YUP. I can't sugar coat that for you. And that kinda stinks. But let me tell you why it doesn't bother me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1. Because I have NEVER had trouble spending dollars. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
2. Because I will not keep a stitch fix item that I would consider a basic. The basics---will need to be replaced often and thus should be purchased for a cheaper price. ABSOLUTELY. However, your exciting pieces--the ones you are thrilled to wear that look great, feel great, and make you feel more confident? I don't mind spending more. And by more I mean 40 for a shirt.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I have "cheaper the better" selected on all my items in my settings. While I would definitely not consider 40 for a shirt CHEAP----I understand that they aren't a bargain chain store like our go tos. <em>They shouldn't be competitive in prices because the items selected are unique and uncommon in the main marketplace.</em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I deserve a few key pieces in my wardrobe that excite me AND SO DO YOU. I know the kids need new clothes, the dishwasher needs repaired, and you have bills to pay so beauty and personal style for you must come last. I get that girlfriend I do. <strong>I also think that when you're happy with how you look it spills over to other avenues of your life. </strong>We are women---and wired that way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Could you use some help learning how to style and select clothes that work with your body type and preferences? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Do you find spending time on yourself difficult because of multiple plates spinning with your family, children, career, and hobbies?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Are you looking for something fun to treat yourself?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Do you really want to amp up your style and try new things?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZtQshZza81G8hPkIrVP84FFPduWjcYDdds477UN8KXXjxNG2X08fa4RR9PkttrfvoQ4DjW0XbB8ABOnD2vpgOR4Pfng2RrWiNgvfeeEYgSHG55kXU9cB-ksaR4Nj40W1ifcWTEg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZtQshZza81G8hPkIrVP84FFPduWjcYDdds477UN8KXXjxNG2X08fa4RR9PkttrfvoQ4DjW0XbB8ABOnD2vpgOR4Pfng2RrWiNgvfeeEYgSHG55kXU9cB-ksaR4Nj40W1ifcWTEg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I think you might enjoy Stitch Fix. If you decide to try it---give it time. Don't write off an "off" fix and give up. You can see through my experience that FEEDBACK is key and being as detailed as possible pays off. Really reflect on your daily life and what you want your clothes to do for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Girls, its so fun. I don't think you'll be disappointed! If you are ready to try it, I'd love it if you went through my referral link<em> it's the Stitch Fix photo below</em>. Why? Well for every person who schedules a fix through your code you get a $25 credit----free clothes ladies, free clothes. Can you blame me?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3352915" target="_blank" title="Stitch Fix"><img alt="Stitch Fix" src="http://mktg.stitchfix.com/300x250-02_qkvh8z.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
</div>
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-80783756776499596822014-03-01T05:22:00.000-08:002014-03-01T05:22:23.873-08:00GODFIT Website Launch and a GIVEAWAY"Let God help you Laura.----You can do this, I know you can" --John Hayden creator of the God Fit Manual<br />
<br />
Have you ever thought about taking care of your body as an act of worship?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGkF3vSB7TDZFo8EzSajtKECY4iv5igg7ofS7476_7AfFwNPSX3DHhA5_5jQ-H2fzoETwHFClIkuGWcicZ9ycc1djuV1oiZJfY5O9wxOk1JyHDDfzFb0vbr5L9hIyBLuuUGUpH5s/s1600/godfit1text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGkF3vSB7TDZFo8EzSajtKECY4iv5igg7ofS7476_7AfFwNPSX3DHhA5_5jQ-H2fzoETwHFClIkuGWcicZ9ycc1djuV1oiZJfY5O9wxOk1JyHDDfzFb0vbr5L9hIyBLuuUGUpH5s/s1600/godfit1text.jpg" height="640" width="479" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em>You're sick of hating your body. You're so tired of crinkling up your nose when you see what's under your clothes. You're tired of tugging loose fitting clothes to hide folds of skin. You feel sluggish. You feel tired. You joke about not caring about your body---but you do. You eat whatever you want because it makes you feel better for a time. You don't know how much you weigh---and you don't really want to know. You fake happiness at times. You know you could be better. You THINK you could be better. You are overwhelmed and not really sure where to start. When do you start? How do you start? What if you fail? Again? Does this sound familiar---have you been there?</em> <br />
<br />
<br />
Ladies, I know your struggle. I'm with you. <br />
<br />
Are you ready to change things? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFAz_H9C0GAahn96Uw3gn1E-DMyqralfPZXDNfowmheN-AQa4rwui6SC7MTyZ_dFWgRojjmaz5Ga7CWEQ2t_zmVM8W50kwhJLRnsrMDGmal5u8GAJr5S7g3nmRiqhq0JCuWYhXOA/s1600/beforeandafter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFAz_H9C0GAahn96Uw3gn1E-DMyqralfPZXDNfowmheN-AQa4rwui6SC7MTyZ_dFWgRojjmaz5Ga7CWEQ2t_zmVM8W50kwhJLRnsrMDGmal5u8GAJr5S7g3nmRiqhq0JCuWYhXOA/s1600/beforeandafter.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Losing weight is as much of a mental game as it is physical. When I look back on previous attempts to lose weight ( and trust, there were many) it was the mental part of losing weight that prevented my success. Those ugly thoughts that seep in---you can't do this, it's too hard, its not worth the effort, you're a bad mom...... Yea, those----that's the mental game. <br />
<br />
WHAT IF there was a way to align your mental and physical game? Can you jump start your weight loss and commit to a lifestyle change rooted in devotion to the one who loves us the most, the one who knit us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13), the one who will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) ?? This is the truth that comes from His word. <br />
<br />
GODFIT training and devotional manual was that for me. I've talked about it here before <a href="http://www.lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2013/12/weight-loss-devotion-my-experience-with.html" target="_blank">( you can read that post here)</a> and two months after meeting my goal (!!!) I'm still using it as a tool for workouts, ideas, and realignment of my mental game. <em>Why do I ultimately want a healthier body?</em><br />
<br />
Today is the launch of the GODFIT website <a href="http://www.godfit.com/">www.godfit.com</a> ! If you're looking for a program that combines faith and fitness<em> I highly recommend this</em>. Through this website you'll find information about the program, a password protected video archive of workouts, and the YOUseries manual ( the version that I used). If you're a church looking to bring a program like this to your congregation--GODFIT always has a GROUPseries option. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-olcUzi_RJ0EptYIuEeEL4gpCX2tkRuiektM7gBWlzy8HnQhqnY26zpNuEOMHy9XOYqBuLSOOB4lwtIfFj28i4wHIHUb3xCfp8cSZsNn2vc0SjoXzJx6EsbTBfS7cjPepPE3udk/s1600/godfit2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-olcUzi_RJ0EptYIuEeEL4gpCX2tkRuiektM7gBWlzy8HnQhqnY26zpNuEOMHy9XOYqBuLSOOB4lwtIfFj28i4wHIHUb3xCfp8cSZsNn2vc0SjoXzJx6EsbTBfS7cjPepPE3udk/s1600/godfit2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
When you find a product that you love and believe in---you talk about it with your friends. You want to share it!<strong> I want to share GODFIT with you</strong>. I contacted John, the creator of GODFIT and he's agreed to GIVE AWAY a YOUseries manual, access to all the videos, and tshirt to one of my readers! <br />
<br />
<br />
Wahooo, right!? <br />
<br />
Here is how to enter:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fitforchristfitforlife" target="_blank">GODFIT facebook page</a> and tell him that Laura Beth sent you. Say hello, he's a nice guy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Leave a comment here on this post telling me that you did.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
Don't forget to check out the GODFIT website! I'm pretty stoked that my testimonial made it to the website. hashtag call good morning america!!<br />
<br />
The giveaway will close Tuesday, March 4th at 10 EST and results will be posted here and on my FB page. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-35197963517191791822014-02-03T10:33:00.000-08:002014-05-31T19:30:02.902-07:00On Being the Perfect Mom.Does it ever scare you when you think about how much you love your children? If I were being completely honest, and I strive to be here, I'd have to tell you that my children scare the becheesus out of me. These little slices of my heart are everything I ever wanted and simultaneously my biggest nightmare. <br />
<br />
I know that I don't need to be the perfect mom to be the perfect mom for them. It's something I whisper to myself daily. We need to breath that in as mothers, because we pressure ourselves way too much. We heap on the guilt. We side eye ourselves through smudges on our counters and piles of laundry in our rooms. We tell ourselves we aren't enough. We believe Satan's lie and that's what he wants us to do. <br />
<br />
satan wants us to feel swallowed by housework.<br />
<br />
satan wants us to feel like we are drowning in to do lists. <br />
<br />
satan wants us to feel guilt for working outside the home. <br />
<br />
satan wants us to resent other mothers for staying home. <br />
<br />
satan wants to divide. <br />
<br />
<br />
and recognizing the LIES are important. But just as important----is refuting them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxe9WBtQKeQH3x0gZRiX2KH6XOWkSr2erYfalOAe31AMTteZBD919af9fyD2XOgM2u8bvKvIi95YESGtvCHYD_KVyo6QyQjC_rXu47yWyzWk5uB7g5geKz_paWdLeZhb2r0TWjYE/s1600/James+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxe9WBtQKeQH3x0gZRiX2KH6XOWkSr2erYfalOAe31AMTteZBD919af9fyD2XOgM2u8bvKvIi95YESGtvCHYD_KVyo6QyQjC_rXu47yWyzWk5uB7g5geKz_paWdLeZhb2r0TWjYE/s1600/James+47.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I like the Message's translation even better. <br />
<br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10" id="en-MSG-12810"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud <i>no</i> to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet <i>yes</i> to God and he’ll be there in no time.</span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10">So this week when I feel like a mother failure because my house is never clean I'm gonna yell a big NO and send satan scampering. </span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10">and when I feel myself beginning to judge another mother on her style of parenting her children I'm gonna think NO in my head<span style="font-size: large;"> because division is for fifth grade math students.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10">and! when I feel like I should do laundry I'm gonna HOLLER NOOOOO WAYYYYYYY SATAN!!! Because housework is definitely a lie he tells. </span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10">heyyyy......I'm starting to like this. :) </span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10">be encouraged this week that you are the perfect parent for your children. God planned it that way. </span><br />
<span class="text Jas-4-7-Jas-4-10"></span><br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-91081452908773928192014-01-26T16:35:00.001-08:002014-01-26T16:35:05.309-08:00How I Make Weight Watchers Work For Me<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XOOGLmgBlJngAjVNbbstwrAL6MZP3lxM0UdeO8FXHvagXlT1SPfbBD8EljRpZqC_yGxYpn5nF1HwtSdnrMHWGpezlYsI8TiL91Nna8kaiXSyBok0yqt4blME11blvPCBigufj4g/s1600/mainphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XOOGLmgBlJngAjVNbbstwrAL6MZP3lxM0UdeO8FXHvagXlT1SPfbBD8EljRpZqC_yGxYpn5nF1HwtSdnrMHWGpezlYsI8TiL91Nna8kaiXSyBok0yqt4blME11blvPCBigufj4g/s1600/mainphoto.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<em>How did I make it work?</em> <br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">First let me start off my saying that the darling folks at Weight Watchers have no clue who I am. They didn't ask me to write my opinion or share anything with you. I'm doing it because it's working for me. If they'd like to waive my monthly fee for me I would jump up and down and give them air kisses though----dreaming.</span></em> <br />
<br />
I've gotten quite a few emails from people asking me how I make Weight Watchers work for me. The first time I got an email it made me giggle---not because of the question, but because I remember thinking the <em>exact same thing</em> when I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.freckleberryfinds.com/" target="_blank">THIS GIRLS</a> blog back in May. I'm happy to share what is working for me because I'm a busy mom and probably a lot like you.<br />
<br />
The Weight Watchers program focuses on points. Each food has a point value and you are given a certain number of points per day. The idea is to eat your points each day. You're given weekly points which are above your daily points. For example, I have 26 points to eat each day. Each week I also get 49 points to use how I wish. <em>This week? I had three slices of pizza at a party Friday night and indulged in some ice cream with the kids.</em> The weekly points allow you to feel like you <strong>can still enjoy life</strong>. It allows you to not be super restrictive. In the past restricting myself only lead to over eating later. These points are like your Blow Money for all you Dave Ramsey fans.... Use how you want---no questions asked. I always use all mine and have consistently lost weight for 6 months now. <br />
<br />
Another thing you should know is most fruits and vegetables are zero points. Yep, eat as many as you'd like. However, I would advise NOT to eat three apples in a day. Bad news friends, bad news. Please just trust me on this....<br />
Knowing that you can have as many fruits and veggies as you'd like to "fill-up" trains you to make healthier choices. Some of you might be thinking, well duhhhh that seems kinda childish to trick yourself into eating healthier. I'd have to agree with you---but making this change was BIG for me. Fast food three times a week to eating healthy----I needed the help. You might too? I don't know. <br />
<br />
When you exercise? <u>You earn more points</u>. You can use the ones you earn and still lose weight. I usually don't use them though. I have on occasion---but not normally. <br />
<br />
So that's how the basic program works.<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How do I make it work for me?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JCBSQk6FWKAO-0ifXPTr05EvAZGOUR5lSfR5jLqEe8BNqmH7hMj2JwROyEc_dNJ7tLekHKCdxikjNTIPFPw90w3YQYUSmiRwXeuE1FA6xzDUCTjeaVUdj6mfIb4qqyb1g8QSvvM/s1600/breakfastwithpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JCBSQk6FWKAO-0ifXPTr05EvAZGOUR5lSfR5jLqEe8BNqmH7hMj2JwROyEc_dNJ7tLekHKCdxikjNTIPFPw90w3YQYUSmiRwXeuE1FA6xzDUCTjeaVUdj6mfIb4qqyb1g8QSvvM/s1600/breakfastwithpoints.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Breakfasts are always the same. My mornings are nuts--whether I'm getting myself and the kids ready for me to pop off to work or I'm staying home with them and playing trains all day. It doesn't matter. Weirdly enough eating the same breakfast<u> creates routine within chaos</u>. I am all about that. I eat 1/3 cup of steel cut oats with a dash of cinnamon and fruit. every. day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh1c6F_qGEhUd8I2pSdWr7Ye5fW2ozl6Mna-wtzq836ZF1wC9-0sYQwvwDlB4Id024TPPLMQgntIfYFY0La8zpEDDFfCS5G1lvLurvCCpEFmySQ95f0NGcYFV4jm1MODaqbKy-LA/s1600/coffeewithpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh1c6F_qGEhUd8I2pSdWr7Ye5fW2ozl6Mna-wtzq836ZF1wC9-0sYQwvwDlB4Id024TPPLMQgntIfYFY0La8zpEDDFfCS5G1lvLurvCCpEFmySQ95f0NGcYFV4jm1MODaqbKy-LA/s1600/coffeewithpoints.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Lunches are rarely about WHAT I eat---it's just that I MUST PLAN what I'm going to eat. I read on a fitness blog once that if <u>you fail to plan you're planning to fail</u>. I've found that to be true. I must plan my lunches and pack them in advance if I'm going to stay on track that day. Staying on track equals losing weight each week so it's easier for me to stick with it that way. On days that I work I always bring a variation of the same lunch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeLrtzIQ3eYZJ5i_NB7Xl2Mbms6PZBts1yNV_mAMhysezpfoPOc5tem8Y8OVjbjxF5HfXSaznvDhZ0rA1Jj47PHGp7lV2UgqqL2M1w7M8smtyeEY0L9xvHiqXgz6mqnVEBz6bC3g/s1600/lunchwithpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeLrtzIQ3eYZJ5i_NB7Xl2Mbms6PZBts1yNV_mAMhysezpfoPOc5tem8Y8OVjbjxF5HfXSaznvDhZ0rA1Jj47PHGp7lV2UgqqL2M1w7M8smtyeEY0L9xvHiqXgz6mqnVEBz6bC3g/s1600/lunchwithpoints.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Turkey wrap --I like Targets locarb wrap or Flat Wrap It Ups Italian (both are 2PP) Turkey is 2PP<br />
Two pieces of fruit (0 PP)<br />
A string cheese stick ( 1 PP)<br />
Carrots with ranch seasoning (0 PP)<br />
Dill pickles (0 PP)<br />
<br />
My lunch is usually 5-6 PP<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu856rs55Rk-eRe-RFolOOIj2ucJNd-cdnXu8bupoAN1liRDKzol5vRTxarZgvQVS-hKZnefqAsBpEYRVFtQH2Bf33wzehJGydAtjIzpSE304cDwtLgeeeemAurVJLPntx6yUO9E/s1600/snackwithpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu856rs55Rk-eRe-RFolOOIj2ucJNd-cdnXu8bupoAN1liRDKzol5vRTxarZgvQVS-hKZnefqAsBpEYRVFtQH2Bf33wzehJGydAtjIzpSE304cDwtLgeeeemAurVJLPntx6yUO9E/s1600/snackwithpoints.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinners were my biggest hesitation with weight watchers. WHAT am I going to cook that will be healthy and nutritious and will also please the other three members of my family? Some people cook a family meal and then a separate meal for themselves. I cannot do that. I can barely cook one meal let alone two. <u><em>Here is what I've found to be a lifesaver</em></u>. <a href="http://www.emeals.com/" target="_blank">EMEALS</a> What is EMEALS? It's a meal planning website. You sign up and pay a small fee per month and each week they email you a grocery list, meal plan, and recipes. They have lots of different plans including a portion control plan that has WW points already totaled. BOOM! right? The meals are delicious, healthy, and the kids approve. <em>most days</em>. I can't do the salad and grilled chicken thing long term. Emeals has great recipes and they rarely repeat a meal. This week we are having things like maple walnut pork chops, tex mex casserole, chicken chili, and rosemary chicken. That doesn't sound like diet food right thurrr does it?! There is even a groupon for<a href="http://www.emeals.com/" target="_blank"> EMEALS</a> right now if you're wanting to try it at a discount. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1EcY8au1SZMnv-CfbU7GMwoOar-HQMNxwsSH3GpSvj214RbsRggGKfyP1eLdLH-pV4YJTIY8bkz_vBUqiEO9lSRcbIq244HV8fw-S-YB-AqemZCf3REDVix1xzz4Nls5BZbacTA/s1600/emealsplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1EcY8au1SZMnv-CfbU7GMwoOar-HQMNxwsSH3GpSvj214RbsRggGKfyP1eLdLH-pV4YJTIY8bkz_vBUqiEO9lSRcbIq244HV8fw-S-YB-AqemZCf3REDVix1xzz4Nls5BZbacTA/s1600/emealsplan.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNkNGbESmfmbSHcn8OIxus4d5sCFKnA_POFvi51MnrbC40wGfABEy1uyugLnsE52Zr9A5XwcstLRxf5AEQN5DX9mz9YvJlI2Fj16ofgC8Bb42wshbovVTm8ud2IdZfPOIOv1zI40/s1600/lasagnawithpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNkNGbESmfmbSHcn8OIxus4d5sCFKnA_POFvi51MnrbC40wGfABEy1uyugLnsE52Zr9A5XwcstLRxf5AEQN5DX9mz9YvJlI2Fj16ofgC8Bb42wshbovVTm8ud2IdZfPOIOv1zI40/s1600/lasagnawithpoints.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite zero /low point foods:<br />
<ul>
<li>baby carrots sprinkled with ranch dip mix. You know the mix that you combine with mayo or sour cream to make your own ranch dip? Yea that, only don't mix it with anything. Sprinkle a little on your veggie of choice and it tastes like you're eating ranch flavored veggies. ZERO POINTS. Lots of sodium.......but we can't have it all now can we ladies. </li>
<li>Pear slices with cinnamon and stevia (pop it in the microwave in the evening....desert!)</li>
<li>pickles</li>
<li>celery with salsa</li>
<li>Apple Chips ( <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/250372060507912601/" target="_blank">I use this recipe from Pinterest)</a></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipONHeqKJ5fpDu7AFFDOyASLbDQ-JKMkm16q79U-jKxOKNduBWFR8K-vyFJRP_bj0GFMud2m2T9rjhsL2BnDlGlRUxIcsp9jppPzwelOvJ4JjcRzlo23qrUy7f4uAZSMApAHrCVLo/s1600/applechipswithpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipONHeqKJ5fpDu7AFFDOyASLbDQ-JKMkm16q79U-jKxOKNduBWFR8K-vyFJRP_bj0GFMud2m2T9rjhsL2BnDlGlRUxIcsp9jppPzwelOvJ4JjcRzlo23qrUy7f4uAZSMApAHrCVLo/s1600/applechipswithpoints.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Prior to trying to lose weight I had a bowl of ice cream each night. The habit started when I was pregnant with Lilly and I honestly couldn't shake it. Well, I probably COULD HAVE, but I didn't want to. Ehh. Here is my favorite watching TV sweet fix:<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons of frozen cool whip free<br />
1 fiber one brownie<br />
1 teaspoon PB2<br />
1 sliced banana<br />
<br />
The entire thing is 4 points. FOUR. <br />
<br />
My bowl of ice cream that I used to eat would be 10 points. TEN. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebxWBtVGXntpXo_Jv15FOnK7gr9X6CsDhH4r7olJL3kTDXNiwLZjRYtTJLOopMqb_3oPAki4SU3x72BVgBKuwRV4G29Q9r_ihoFKpjkM3kw8Mo-eE276qhNXJ_Qjo6CGlFURMRFY/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebxWBtVGXntpXo_Jv15FOnK7gr9X6CsDhH4r7olJL3kTDXNiwLZjRYtTJLOopMqb_3oPAki4SU3x72BVgBKuwRV4G29Q9r_ihoFKpjkM3kw8Mo-eE276qhNXJ_Qjo6CGlFURMRFY/s1600/water.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The biggest thing I've learned to do while using WW is planning things out. Some days I can tell that I'm going to want something more indulgent in the evening. I can TOTALLY do that and still lose weight as long as I adjust the rest of my day accordingly. I'm not on track 100% of the time. Please know that I'm not a poster perfect example of WW. This is what is working for me. Using these techniques I've been able to lose 48 pounds on WW since the beginning of June. <br />
<br />
<br />
This post is ridiculously long. If you're still reading, my guess is you're interested in WW or even trying to lose some weight. If you're looking to try and lose weight---YOU can do it. I didn't WANT to before because I knew it meant changing the way I had become used to living. It made me uncomfortable. I'm still uncomfortable! I hope this was a teeny bit helpful. It was good to get all these thoughts out of my head. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading if you're still with me. High fives all around!<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-58272281944368308852014-01-24T12:40:00.002-08:002014-05-31T19:30:24.832-07:00Dear Chick-Fil-A<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Mister Chick-fil-a,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On behalf of every mother within a thirty mile radius of
your establishment I’d like to say a loud exasperated THANK YOU. I’m
writing you because you "get"mothers. You got this. You’re amazing. Your restaurant
has saved me from insanity, exhaustion, and REDRUM craziness umpteen times this
winter and I just feel the need to share a slice of my heart with you for some seconds. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRvjDIR4cBqNxsXX-emQ7G97gJXYMQTQDMDnZjC97ZaROdEDnlmb8k8g3Z84sSfPm-6iBq4DQezMC1Dvk3ArJ-2a0k0SCjIhfFhylsvv9Ser_GEfxJgrq-zGac1_FjAmpfrsNg8w/s1600/chickfilanuggets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRvjDIR4cBqNxsXX-emQ7G97gJXYMQTQDMDnZjC97ZaROdEDnlmb8k8g3Z84sSfPm-6iBq4DQezMC1Dvk3ArJ-2a0k0SCjIhfFhylsvv9Ser_GEfxJgrq-zGac1_FjAmpfrsNg8w/s1600/chickfilanuggets.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You see, this winter has been a little rough. The fools
claiming the world is gradually getting warmer haven’t been to my neck of the
woods---because this winter has been the coldest I can ever remember. And that’s
fine---but you see I have two preschoolers that in the month of January have
actually been to preschool TWO DAYS. If you were to be sitting next to me you
could hear the shakiness in my breathing. TWO DAYS Mister Chick-Fil-A. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband is displeased with the amount of times I frequent
your restaurant, and while I do care that I’m upsetting him, I also know that
he doesn’t understand my love for you, Chickfila. And here’s why…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I walk in—It’s usually a bit of a spectacle. Other
mothers can handle it---but my genetics just won’t allow anything to be easy.
You see I’m holding a wiggly toddler that only wants to run. Run in the parking
lot, run into bathrooms, run under tables, and especially RUN to your glorious
playground ( in which I have a few words about in a later paragraph). So I
wrangle him and by the time I get to your counter he’s usually letting everyone
know of his displeasure. Meanwhile my four year old jets to your condiment
table to get everything we “need” which is usually 10 ketchups, 5 straws,
random packs of honey, and enough napkins to clean up 27 spills should we have
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I step up to order, your cute
little teenage workers always comment on how cute my kids are and it makes me
smile---because while they are slowly making me go insane---they really are
adorable. They can’t help it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Offering to carry our tray to our table is the most amazing
thing ever. THANK YOU. I’m saluting this service that you offer because it
makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always say a
big word of thanks to your employees but some days I wish I could shower them
with confetti, hugs, and the occasional raise the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because not carrying a tray….is great. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My son Noah, is a picky eater. It’s sad really. He eats
fruit, goldfish crackers, milk, and that’s basically it. I worry about his
nutrition! His diapers tend to be a *bit* out of control because of all the
fruit. He turns up his nose, pushes away, and says Nawwwwwwww in his best
southern voice at all the kid staples. He won’t eat chicken, chicken nuggets,
hamburger, French toast,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>waffles,
macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, lunch meat, peanut butter and jelly. He’s really
quite bizarre---but because of my visits from<span style="font-size: large;"> fetus to toddler---</span>he’ll eat your
delicious nuggets. So you see I love you because when I’m at your place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE EATS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And when Noah eats, I GET TO EAT. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really love your food. REALLY LOVE YOUR FOOD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good enough that I want to eat it at
every meal and healthy enough that I don’t feel a single twinge of guilt
feeding it to my family several <strike>nights a week</strike>….errr I mean month of course. Heh
hehhh. Awkward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another thing that’s fab? Your playplace. It’s clean. It’s
appropriate for both my kids and the glass? Genius. I get to finish my nuggets
in pseudo quiet while my kids are burning off their energy which will later
result in ROCKSTAR naps. If I could kiss you, I would. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mister Chick-fil-a, I feel like I need to take a minute and
reassure you how much I do love my own children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re awesome---really they are. <u>It’s me
that needs a lot of work.</u> You see I forget about what blessings they are
sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days selling them to the
highest bidding grandparent doesn’t seem like a bad idea. I’m weak and learning
to be strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love me despite my
flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remind me how to give grace
and how to accept it. They forgive me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some days being their mommy is hard. Some days it’s a lot of
fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">And some days? Chick-fil-a for lunch makes everything
better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God Bless You and Your nuggets, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Laura Beth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>tell me -----do you share my hunkaburning love for them too?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-48278033578990039342014-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:002014-05-31T19:30:38.669-07:00Empty Threats--the gig is up"Hurry up, if you don't come now I'm going to leave."<br />
"Why don't we play with your toys? If you don't play with the toys you have maybe we should tell Santa you don't need new toys."<br />
" If you get up out of your room during quiet time I'll make you go to sleep."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvBWQ63HNJyH84J3hxcrpXlCTVI6QPe6BhpDw8x1VyS7fMKSxfgsWVxzM7m0nk0fOcSFOeuDFbvv4ghSHRn4fXKYNwQ-CKEZ8touu_ug6SDSDpicAFFPzVYOtkcmJBXN8zen-f6M/s1600/snowdaycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvBWQ63HNJyH84J3hxcrpXlCTVI6QPe6BhpDw8x1VyS7fMKSxfgsWVxzM7m0nk0fOcSFOeuDFbvv4ghSHRn4fXKYNwQ-CKEZ8touu_ug6SDSDpicAFFPzVYOtkcmJBXN8zen-f6M/s1600/snowdaycollage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Empty threats. Ick. <em>I use them all the time.</em> I hate them but I always seem to resort to using them. Why? <u>Because sometimes they work</u>. Sometimes claiming that I'll leave (when I totally WILL NOT) makes my little four year old put on the hustle. <br />
<br />
We have a daily dance that we do at our house. It's called the <strong>quiet time shuffle</strong> and it reallllllly gets on my momma nerves. Mommy nerves--you know the ones that make you go from caring and polite to OH! MY GOODNESS! CHILD! BLAUAHHHHHHHH!!!! Headspinning! in three seconds. Well anyway, I was doing the quiet time shuffle with my four year old. She thinks she's big stuff now that I don't require actual sleeping but she likes to press the limits by coming out of her room 32 times making requests, suggestions, and observations. To nix this behavior I told her that if she came out of her room I'd make her go to sleep. <strong>This worked</strong>. <em>and it felt good</em>. I won. Do you know how thrilling it is to "win" against a toddler. Like you conquered Mt. Olympus good. <br />
<br />
Then yesterday it backfired. My safety rope was severed and I was free falling off that mountain. (Freeeeeeee. Freeeee fallllllllinnnggggggggggg.) With one innocent question I knew that my empty threats were getting the best of me. "But Mommy? How can you make me go to sleep? Will you hold me down and shut my eyes? " <br />
<br />
Well played four year old. Well played. <br />
<br />
She's right. I can't MAKE her fall asleep no better than I can MAKE her eyes turn brown. So while my idea of making her sleep worked for a few days, it now had back fired. <br />
<br />
Hanging my head in defeat I told her that no, I couldn't actually make her sleep but I could take away all her toys, turn the lights out, and leave the room dark. I could demand she stay in her bed which would no doubt result in tears, which would tire her eventually and then result in sleep. She just shook her head and said "okay Mom that's a lot of work."<br />
<br />
What I'm doing, these empty threats, or quick rewards are not really helping anything. They are creating <em>short term fixes</em>. They aren't altering her actual behavior. She's learning nothing other that Mom won't really do what she says she'll do and that if she doesn't obey immediately I might leave her in Target. What? Looking back on what I just typed makes me feel sick. <em>That's hardly what I want.</em><br />
<br />
Ah, the yucky side of parenting. The side that most of us keep hidden behind pinterest craft projects and healthy home cooked meals. You rarely talk about the "dark side" when chatting away at playgroup. We all have one though. The reason I'm sharing this is because it's something that I'm constantly working on. My kids aren't perfect. I'm not perfect. And sometimes, there can be camaraderie in imperfection. <br />
<br />
Throwing out hail Mary's of punishments and rewards to get a quick fix on a reoccurring behavior isn't the way I WANT to parent. <span style="font-size: large;">I want to create new behaviors in my children.</span> I want them to know the difference between what is right and wrong and not just that mommy will do something mean if I don't do what she says. I want Lilly to make good choices and be rewarded for them.<strong><em> <span style="font-size: large;">I want to instill values of respect, love, and grace.</span></em></strong> <br />
<br />
Hang on Mothers. Hold tight. We're doing this together. We are weak---but we are also strong. <br />
<br />
Hugs and High Fives.<br />
<br />
love, laura bethLaura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-89426327520512986142014-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:002014-01-05T16:10:05.830-08:00I'm flawed. and weight loss is not easy. and sometimes I need to slap the crazy out of my head. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNI7dsvyAe_HqThl6A39bzxc9kwd3CFmFatXWtwiZTUZx_irXDekxDi72Dv4QxBjH8yJll74gLyS2ICcCuC40Q969cIBxoByV9-YE8iMV_C8NXxto6yCONDNgwiS5wi3PLx3S3Vs/s1600/mostpeoplequit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNI7dsvyAe_HqThl6A39bzxc9kwd3CFmFatXWtwiZTUZx_irXDekxDi72Dv4QxBjH8yJll74gLyS2ICcCuC40Q969cIBxoByV9-YE8iMV_C8NXxto6yCONDNgwiS5wi3PLx3S3Vs/s1600/mostpeoplequit.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Six months ago I set out to lose a significant amount of weight. I had tried several times before and failed. I had paid for WW before and gave up. I paid the monthly fee for WW for six months before I actually started using the program. hashtag embarrassing. hashtag don't tell mister ramsey. I made deals with my husband before to the tune of when I lose X amount of weight we can purchase ____fill in the blank___. I'd lost weight in 2007 and I knew WHAT to do----it was simply a matter of digging deep and finding the motivation to actually do it. Please know that losing weight did NOT come easy for me. I definitely didn't just wake up one morning and say "I'm going to lose a lot of weight" and then do it. Those of you struggling?<em> I'm right there with you.</em> <br />
<br />
If you're looking for a perfect weight loss story of pounds melting away, healthy foods all the time, perfect scheduled workouts....you won't find that here. What you will find here is ME, a woman who was broken over whom I'd let myself to become. And one night finally decided to do something about it. My character is flawed. <br />
<br />
I am an emotional eater and food seems to be my go-to when I feel stress and anxiety. Last night----after a stressful evening I ate six pieces of pizza (45 WW Points!!Whaaatt). Yup, I still fail. This afternoon I wanted to swing by a fast food joint for lunch because the thought of fixing an actual lunch made me want to cry. dramatic. French fries will always be greater than broccoli. Ranch will always be more delicious than vinaigrette. <br />
<br />
I don't always love my runs. I don't always feel the awesome release of stress and endorphins. It is oftentimes a constant mind game of my thoughts telling me to QUIT. WALK. You are FOOLING Yourself. <strong>Watch out, you legs are about to fall. off</strong>. Those drivers, they are laughing at you---your running form looks like that of an awkward sixth grade girl. Go ahead and just pretend to sprain your ankle to get this over with. I bet if you called Scott he'd come pick you up. <br />
<br />
I have laid awake at night worrying about the weight returning. What if I can't keep it off? What if I give in----and slack off? What if the pounds return slingshotting me back into the self hate and bullying from last year? What if I fail in the long run? What a mess I am. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>This weight loss thing? I struggle with it. Perhaps just like you.</em></span> <br />
<em>But---here comes the puppies and rainbows.</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2cCGrVkVmUlqexrD_Xt4UrlXh7RuX2b7gYDVnDUT2BIlMs29XRQonC5uvTxpPK7uBevVSNmbLCsWU5ZUdoVNP6htMbpllzOpw2mzl61bDCfriT2eIm6oYzPpXP7EBjgeUMeqT24/s1600/beforeandafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2cCGrVkVmUlqexrD_Xt4UrlXh7RuX2b7gYDVnDUT2BIlMs29XRQonC5uvTxpPK7uBevVSNmbLCsWU5ZUdoVNP6htMbpllzOpw2mzl61bDCfriT2eIm6oYzPpXP7EBjgeUMeqT24/s1600/beforeandafter.jpg" /></a></div>
Today I'm eating on track because of my slip up from yesterday. I didn't stop at the drive thru on the way home, I begged my husband to make lunch instead. I didn't let my HUGE slip up from yesterday derail the rest of the week. Back on the horse. NEXT MEAL. One failure will not derail the WW program. (Part of the reason I love it)<br />
<br />
Even though some runs suuuuuuuuck, a sucky run is greater than no run. Walking a little is still better than choosing not to move at all. The mind games? I have to recognize that they are lies. My legs are not giving up---my mind is. When this happens I listen to a favorite upbeat song by Mandisa called "Push On". On my New Year's Day run I listened to it FIVE TIMES IN A ROW. My next run will be better.....and if not it's still not a good enough reason to quit. Because running time????<br />
Is NO KID TIME.<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> I won't ever sacrifce that.</strong></span> C'mon now. <em>Hashtag that would be dumb.</em> <br />
<br />
I hope that the skills I've learned these past six months will not leave. I know that I'll always struggle with food, not having enough time, and comparing myself to others. I have to have faith that God will help me and when I feel like giving up---HE WILL STILL BE THERE. And if I do gain some weight back, that has to be okay.<u> I didn't lose any friends because I was overweight</u>. I haven't gained new friends because I am now thinner.<em> <span style="font-size: large;">Love is not conditional on my size or your size.</span></em> <br />
<br />
If you're just beginning---I hope you can find hope in my words. <br />
If you're in the thick of it----know that the things you struggle with are normal. <br />
If you're on the other side of the weight loss mountain---you're encouragement means the world to me and to others. <br />
<br />
<br />
Fist bumps friends. <br />
<br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-87194928844710754742013-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:002013-12-30T16:13:06.921-08:00What this past year taught me (beauty in chaos)It's true. Each moment flies by a little faster as you get older. Or maybe the moments are just blurrier because we're constantly chasing mosters that are less than 36 inches tall. I don't know, but either way can we just pause for a moment and wonder where the h e double hockey stick 2013 went?!!?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCWffTNjHmzNAl23H46Ri_D6x8HK9aDfnaUyxMqzL5KAn_HL-gC31XTOr45U4q2Ji3Vm-3YtI1pEAd2IQL0E8dZ0Bir78pk-WN8UwuTFg7UluQwVETPmWlWE_86YLzlSAYZDHlwQ/s1600/2013%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCWffTNjHmzNAl23H46Ri_D6x8HK9aDfnaUyxMqzL5KAn_HL-gC31XTOr45U4q2Ji3Vm-3YtI1pEAd2IQL0E8dZ0Bir78pk-WN8UwuTFg7UluQwVETPmWlWE_86YLzlSAYZDHlwQ/s1600/2013%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em>instagram @love_laurabeth</em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Crazy town that 2014 is upon us. From what I remember, 2013 was great and I'm thankful for the visual reminder that technology can provide. This year was truly a year of transformation for me. <br />
<br />
This year I became OKAY with the fact that my post partum anxiety will not be going away. The little red devil is here to stay. But. BUT. BUT! This year I learned to accept that<em> <span style="font-size: large;">sometimes, God's Grace comes in the form of a little white pill. </span></em>He Loves Me. EVERY PART OF ME. and I'm so grateful for His grace. <em>I plan on sharing a lot more of this secret struggle more in 2014.</em> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldqusGOsOx4dWnT5AHT14dpLUNE7EUq-DKZIRBDkcWbGB98MJXNGGK_yv3w0HEpQzxuojcbfm8jd23Et0wJcP1MhAe6yDf774xhWqc_-OzcuS8Ja_bqYY0RCAqR3Zm3pfRR0zkv4/s1600/2013(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldqusGOsOx4dWnT5AHT14dpLUNE7EUq-DKZIRBDkcWbGB98MJXNGGK_yv3w0HEpQzxuojcbfm8jd23Et0wJcP1MhAe6yDf774xhWqc_-OzcuS8Ja_bqYY0RCAqR3Zm3pfRR0zkv4/s1600/2013(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This year I finally got rid of the weight that was holding me down. Those 45 pounds that I was holding on to were preventing me from living the life I wanted. Facing my insecurities, naming them out loud, and deciding that God and I were going to do this TOGETHER were what helped me begin. Feeling success, weight watchers online, Godfit devotions, and running were what kept me going. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxz_sG_B-CZYyE8OiwoiQCwq8Msrkd2BZc7GXppR-e_779k_thns_5dQNnsnLuDBkHAZzxlvPKNBDPmvIZ5t420zSIdD5RyefXubkkAXy6RunJULpBbqP2u6mqCJqnnx-taMutIQ/s1600/2013%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxz_sG_B-CZYyE8OiwoiQCwq8Msrkd2BZc7GXppR-e_779k_thns_5dQNnsnLuDBkHAZzxlvPKNBDPmvIZ5t420zSIdD5RyefXubkkAXy6RunJULpBbqP2u6mqCJqnnx-taMutIQ/s1600/2013%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">Goals for 2014?</span></em><br />
I want to live FREELY in the GRACE God has extended to me. I want to live imperfectly knowing that I'm loved and that I'm able to love what's all around me.<u> I want to listen more</u>. I want to be a good friend. I want to have a clean house for more than 24 hours at a time. I want to eliminate the clean clothes pile in my bedroom. and I want to run a half marathon. eep!<br />
<br />
Cheers friends! Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-15642999379060219482013-12-28T18:56:00.001-08:002013-12-28T19:05:12.292-08:00Weight Loss Devotion ((My experience with GodFit))<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifCLof_s-fxy71hP1sUgdokjJOYnWT_vyLs5YVF_y5-6RRueNZ0iSSKwmd5939cmEB3HAYnFA45xFVM-jbrJ-V22nFUXY8i1prkbyyG6hf4dGzUl9JjCWb-bzAEC-Uev8HG5yJO4/s1600/beforecrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifCLof_s-fxy71hP1sUgdokjJOYnWT_vyLs5YVF_y5-6RRueNZ0iSSKwmd5939cmEB3HAYnFA45xFVM-jbrJ-V22nFUXY8i1prkbyyG6hf4dGzUl9JjCWb-bzAEC-Uev8HG5yJO4/s400/beforecrop.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
This was me in June. Happy, loved, but screaming for help on the inside. I'm the blonde with two chins in case you had doubts. Lost and defeated I allowed myself to gain 70+ pounds between my two pregnancies. I never lost the weight and had honestly GIVEN UP on enjoying the reflection I saw every day. I made excuses. I lied to myself. I divulged in self-hate and eating to solve my everyday stresses and worries. I got a large Dr. Pepper everyday as a "treat" and ate fast food at least 4 times a week. I did NOT exercise. I was dying on the inside while trying to create the "everything is wonderful" image among my family and friends.<br />
<br />
This past May I had a <a href="http://www.lillypieaccessories.blogspot.com/2013/07/gulp.html"><span style="color: #dd372d;">melt down</span></a> on my back porch while thinking about who I had allowed myself to be. Was I really just agreeing to be unhappy for the rest of my life? Was I really just giving up?<br />
<br />
Searching for a way to motivate myself I learned about <a href="http://godfit./">GodFit.</a> What really got me interested was the hashtag #fitforChristfitforlife. Catchy, right? I decided to give it a try.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqgub2wczl2awEyrx2M3VH5K6PJGPknrVs1YFii7dmdfdsvqy3deku4p2RZd2fMpOyc2VW0oT0XDRhLdayt24Rvi_bueqv_PBbdwIvdawKyC0T9hYUuuxUZX17sJgxp9hqbNZtSQ/s1600/559881_212284302280911_1801698145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqgub2wczl2awEyrx2M3VH5K6PJGPknrVs1YFii7dmdfdsvqy3deku4p2RZd2fMpOyc2VW0oT0XDRhLdayt24Rvi_bueqv_PBbdwIvdawKyC0T9hYUuuxUZX17sJgxp9hqbNZtSQ/s640/559881_212284302280911_1801698145_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Can I get specific with you? The first thing that drew me to this program was the idea that it wasn't a weight loss "program". I had already failed lots of those. Two weeks in and motherhood, crazy schedules, and craving comfort I'd give those programs the slow fade and brush it off that it just wasn't for me. What gave me hope that perhaps this could stick were the words staring at me on the front cover:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5-Imj7RHEH05EAvZ6fym3MPoHmqksTcCrQTl_sCVg4BYAUFT0oyQKUCPPJf88iYJChheId8JjZXuX8WL-x6OHbErc5s1lK_yCsNwxN8ywopEMeKuIP-XPv5UJ4j16lRen0Tc65k/s1600/1470034_241114136064594_828835848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5-Imj7RHEH05EAvZ6fym3MPoHmqksTcCrQTl_sCVg4BYAUFT0oyQKUCPPJf88iYJChheId8JjZXuX8WL-x6OHbErc5s1lK_yCsNwxN8ywopEMeKuIP-XPv5UJ4j16lRen0Tc65k/s640/1470034_241114136064594_828835848_n.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>"Six weeks to pursue God through spiritual disciplines, healthy choices, and physical fitness."</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Pursue God? Pursue God. Pursue God! Had I ever really pursued God in my past failed endeavors? The answer plain and simple was no. I decided that perhaps there was something to this idea that showing devotion in God's faithfulness would in fact help me get over my hurdles of being obese, low self-esteem, self-hate, and feeling defeated. I had given my life to Christ--why couldn't I give him my biggest struggle? Because it was embarrassing?<br />
<br />
I knew I was prone to fail. However this time would be different. I was going to view this journey to reclaim my health as an act of worship to the Lord. I would seek strength through Him and I would DEVOTE my habits and health to God in a way that would please Him. GodFit set me in the right direction from the start.<br />
<br />
As a mom of two toddlers my life can be pretty hectic. Squeezing in time for myself is a struggle and one of my biggest excuses was that I simply did not have time to get to the gym. The workouts in GodFit helped me debunk that myth that fitness happens in the gym. For me, fitness now happens in my living room with two children mimicking my every move and often hanging from my appendages. The workouts in this program are INTENTESE and easy to fit into my schedule. I love that. <br />
<br />
The Metabolic Acceleration workout is my favorite. My four year old loves the names of the moves and yells out to me "More Sumo Squats Mommy!!". By the end of this 20 minute circuit I'm sweating, laughing, and feeling great. Let me share this awesome secret -- my one year old naps like a champ after helping mommy get fit (can you hear the angels <em>rejoicing</em>?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTjiM2glo-LEoYs2cwMAv9zeipQS1ZTPIPgQTsE7_sGjekihzYvEnK0RVmYmpN8rv-buNWKut9Tom1qWXDGEqHaehNkxJRQmjqkTcndt2Pk-Iaa-6ugTYllXVrVotNuHNvp300Q/s1600/30poundcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTjiM2glo-LEoYs2cwMAv9zeipQS1ZTPIPgQTsE7_sGjekihzYvEnK0RVmYmpN8rv-buNWKut9Tom1qWXDGEqHaehNkxJRQmjqkTcndt2Pk-Iaa-6ugTYllXVrVotNuHNvp300Q/s640/30poundcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This journey has been hard work. Besides wading through four year old emotions, its the hardest thing I've ever done. There were days when I wanted to quit. There were weeks I didn't see any loss. There were curse words muttered. There were tears of pain. But. <strong>BUT I was devoted this time</strong>. I stuck with it and those prayers that I prayed before every workout, run, and session were answered. The Lord gave me strength like He said He would. He was faithful. God is such an awesome and powerful God who cares for His children. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTFUmQLakboKwYSxB91BI6zwGqVWy6iKJCF5EqdQzbKUOY5Eur39Z5oqz3o0dnZUBGq0zgFkd133tMdA93aBxEcRZHY8lMTaP1V9qnZC7Nw7kMzashuEGH5CIlH6wksnzqawKRIA/s1600/formal+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTFUmQLakboKwYSxB91BI6zwGqVWy6iKJCF5EqdQzbKUOY5Eur39Z5oqz3o0dnZUBGq0zgFkd133tMdA93aBxEcRZHY8lMTaP1V9qnZC7Nw7kMzashuEGH5CIlH6wksnzqawKRIA/s640/formal+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As of the beginning of December I've lost 45 pounds. I'm so stinking proud of those pounds that I lost, but I have to tell you I'm more proud of what I've gained. I'm stronger. I'm devoted. I'm proud. My happiness oozes from the inside out. I'm so thankful for the tools that GodFit set me up with. My God and I did this together and so can you. I pinky promise. <br />
<br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-65599559985008572722013-12-19T12:33:00.000-08:002014-05-31T19:31:02.426-07:00Always Statements at Christmas<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57-K7cEu4z7oOYS58jpJDG0jYJJDrzwz6Uqwa6rphSN1E11rUR1VoSzjvdrY8Kx163T-Fg7sqfG_u6mXpSJ0Z5A8zWLrf8HwVwimhPD3XyhGsuYH0r_AnJLfkHxeV9rX14Y-Rups/s1600/DSC_3852(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57-K7cEu4z7oOYS58jpJDG0jYJJDrzwz6Uqwa6rphSN1E11rUR1VoSzjvdrY8Kx163T-Fg7sqfG_u6mXpSJ0Z5A8zWLrf8HwVwimhPD3XyhGsuYH0r_AnJLfkHxeV9rX14Y-Rups/s1600/DSC_3852(1).jpg" /></a></div>
Tradions are probably one of my favorite parts about Christmas. I love the "WE ALWAYS..." statements.We .....meaning us- meaning a tribe- meaning a family. How great is it to reflect back on the fact that we have a WE. I'm sorry that seems confusing typing it out. Dang it, here I go again making no sense. I have people. You have people. Your people are the ones that you make the WE ALWAYS statements with. For me my WE is my family, my small group at church, my friends that do life together. My people----who make up my we. You have people too----and you make traditions----and you do them at Christmas---and that is one of the reasons I love the holidays. <br />
<br />Growing up my favorite tradtions were that: <br />
<br />
We ALWAYS had a real tree.<br />
We ALWAYS had the messy staticy magical tinsel<br />
We ALWAYS had cheese, sausage, and crackers after the Christmas Eve Service<br />
We ALWAYS sang to the Carpenter's Christmas Portrait Album<br />
We ALWAYS ate my grandmothers taco dip before opening presents<br />
<br />
<br />
It is the ALWAYS statements that make the holidays so meaningful and also a little melancholy when remembering Christmas pasts. This year someone else will make the taco dip. They no longer make the messy magical tinsel---someone probably suffereed from a major electric static shock from it and shut. that. company. down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6LzL5Ct91SVaLxWDM0j73vsLnzM75d-knOhzKRXegxctJWSgd-NLXUlKjnyosXXCfKJSludLnmYnfWE2lMVTdEMJumFuC4Umhj6HzUDWhZOknvpOBrbEymMFEe4B4p3D6hcBTdA/s1600/DSC_3788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6LzL5Ct91SVaLxWDM0j73vsLnzM75d-knOhzKRXegxctJWSgd-NLXUlKjnyosXXCfKJSludLnmYnfWE2lMVTdEMJumFuC4Umhj6HzUDWhZOknvpOBrbEymMFEe4B4p3D6hcBTdA/s1600/DSC_3788.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I'm sure you have always statements from your past that don't always happen anymore either. And while I'd be fibbing if I said that the fact that my old ALWAYS statements don't ALWAYS happen anymore doesn't make me sad---it's okay.<br />
<br />
It's okay because Scott and I are creating new ALWAYS statements with our own little family. I didn't understand the meaning behind the traditions my parents created for my brother and I when we were younger. But I understand that now.<em><span style="font-size: large;"> Creating traditions creates security and solidarity in a child's world.</span></em> It's something that every child can benefit from. I know I did. You did as well. So while reminicing on old tradtions I see the importance of the new ones. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06Sz_UY0_NWDCg6pC8OtwffCbncTTItdQKNR-VIXGC5pbQcLSPqRapZ5YlaDiE4_Agf4G7ec4pPjp8kfB8xGEX4A24GuddEKvXPryikmV7vqB8CUMP_GLO_s5Pntu6cHRHT9wuYY/s1600/DSC_3845%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06Sz_UY0_NWDCg6pC8OtwffCbncTTItdQKNR-VIXGC5pbQcLSPqRapZ5YlaDiE4_Agf4G7ec4pPjp8kfB8xGEX4A24GuddEKvXPryikmV7vqB8CUMP_GLO_s5Pntu6cHRHT9wuYY/s1600/DSC_3845%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I want my children to be able to have ALWAYS statements.<br />
<br />
We ALWAYS have a fake tree and light a pine candle because mommy hates the mess.<br />
We ALWAYS bake cookies together and decorate them however we want.<br />
We ALWAYS make a family ornament<br />
We ALWAYS open one present Christmas Eve<br />
We ALWAYS eat Strawberry Waffles Christmas Morning<br />
<br />
<br />
But I also want them to know without a shadow of a doubt that our family<br />
<br />
ALWAYS loves them no matter what<br />
<br />
ALWAYS has fun<br />
<br />
and ALWAYS laughs a lot.<br />
<br />
<br />
Because the Christmas Chaos can easily get the best of me---but relying and remembering our ALWAYS statements help me make what matters---MATTER MORE to my family and my precious little chicken nugget children. <br />
<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas friends! I hope you are enjoying you tradtions both old and new. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-79612865083259319702013-12-12T05:22:00.000-08:002013-12-12T05:22:58.539-08:004 x 6 Christmas Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh675cIz5E0sP62F18v1UdiDFDvmumXCpzD7j2OxiU23R7XLYaxYSmnR5Ure_e1oMB-7sjKXen4GSQvvzXka48TKZiSzNCT8FRPLyKnxUAhRkaPRC9TFPSqpx0H565oPHXhNMjgXMI/s1600/1965_755617868639_2917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh675cIz5E0sP62F18v1UdiDFDvmumXCpzD7j2OxiU23R7XLYaxYSmnR5Ure_e1oMB-7sjKXen4GSQvvzXka48TKZiSzNCT8FRPLyKnxUAhRkaPRC9TFPSqpx0H565oPHXhNMjgXMI/s1600/1965_755617868639_2917_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My grandmother passed away this summer. It still doesn't feel real at times. I've scrolled through my phone several times getting to her number and then remembering. She won't be on the other end. While processing through her death our family has been going through boxes and boxes of old photographs that she kept in her basement. I don't know why she kept every picture ever taken in her lifetime---but she did. At first it was a daunting task to think about how much TIME it would take to clean out her photos alone--now? While we are in the middle of it? <em>It doesn't seem like a chore at all.</em> Sifting through decades of photos brings back so many wonderful memories at a flip of photograph. Birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, holidays, Christmases, concerts, family reunions full of sights, sounds, smells all flooded back in 4x6 memories. She might of been just a pack rat. Or she might of known that the photos would've done just what she wanted them to. To make us stop. Allow us time to reflect and remember <u><em>the love and legacy she left behind.</em></u> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9efJRte2iRjN9VIok17PzuBiy5uCEiYgj7h88IDIvujxfH4OlTiu3V7-voRXF74rJ7_GU91UsnahTkrI1oDiUCL7wd0SCNv8m0YNmxd5BtytndfpYg_3EAc3BY4ij205jKsaWjQ/s1600/christmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9efJRte2iRjN9VIok17PzuBiy5uCEiYgj7h88IDIvujxfH4OlTiu3V7-voRXF74rJ7_GU91UsnahTkrI1oDiUCL7wd0SCNv8m0YNmxd5BtytndfpYg_3EAc3BY4ij205jKsaWjQ/s1600/christmas1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi292DTw3UGOspGxDeviyWFzBHX_svsUJhut6zqjUSwFtvAayDtqZk9Rz4LW0kEVBoq3Z9LVCRA7uCNiBtIPf2Ah11LpcFLiFl9VnYk6bXYfLzHdfikRx7Et79h1IVuckvqVwIInAE/s1600/christmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi292DTw3UGOspGxDeviyWFzBHX_svsUJhut6zqjUSwFtvAayDtqZk9Rz4LW0kEVBoq3Z9LVCRA7uCNiBtIPf2Ah11LpcFLiFl9VnYk6bXYfLzHdfikRx7Et79h1IVuckvqVwIInAE/s1600/christmas2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QEnlD81DzIS6bMCv6IGQ-ZXBqqIdcVhFJjbOq-XKLc7t0O2iUtRrX9amA1SPVdUWAgFn6WqQ0ojl_9M2sHNHBPTjSpDIWy3zqom3TvJz-9HZjr956QGoKEDLzP6IFoHBdRbmk84/s1600/christmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QEnlD81DzIS6bMCv6IGQ-ZXBqqIdcVhFJjbOq-XKLc7t0O2iUtRrX9amA1SPVdUWAgFn6WqQ0ojl_9M2sHNHBPTjSpDIWy3zqom3TvJz-9HZjr956QGoKEDLzP6IFoHBdRbmk84/s1600/christmas3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
** please know that the guns in the second collage photograph are wooden that my grandfather made. We are wooden gun people. Not gun gun people. Felt the need to clarify that. #thatcouldabeenawkwardLaura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850383179601005135.post-25608230235598666902013-12-05T13:37:00.001-08:002013-12-05T13:37:48.758-08:00Sticking to a Budget this Christmas. Wee. Woo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpTPpnTvMWitLQHY5QEwsvGZ7gXv5TQYFLpraFddl-J_-Yk4KOo6o1pPw11QqxN5C-4V-HJOiY69tLpSsCVhDlRGePdhK9WSHxs9rHAtgIGwV8OfHcRjZtDgeJVaymcgRVnMUWXg/s1600/budget02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpTPpnTvMWitLQHY5QEwsvGZ7gXv5TQYFLpraFddl-J_-Yk4KOo6o1pPw11QqxN5C-4V-HJOiY69tLpSsCVhDlRGePdhK9WSHxs9rHAtgIGwV8OfHcRjZtDgeJVaymcgRVnMUWXg/s1600/budget02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Budgeting. I don't know about you but just the mere mention of that word makes me want to karate kick things and eat copious amounts of chocolate. I hate that word. Why? Because I enjoy spending money--der. Giving gifts is a love language of mine. It's how I show love--I give things to people. So Christmas time? Is the time of year that I spend ALL OF OUR MONEY and send warm, fuzzy, candy cane scented love gifts to <em>everyone</em>. It's a time of magic, glitter, and twinkling eyes. It's so hard for me to reign in the reckless abandonment that I have because Christmas! jingle bells! happiness! children!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our experience with Dave Ramsey and his class Financial Peace University <em>has </em>taught me that sticking to a workable budget will get you out of debt and create a peace in your daily life that living with my money--to-the-wind tendencies will. not. Eleven months out of the year it isn't <em>that</em> hard for me to stay on point. However when December rolls around I blow it. Big time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and this year,<a href="http://lovelaurabeth.blogspot.com/2013/12/december-goals.html" target="_blank"> it's one of my goals NOT TO.</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I stick to a budget I will avoid the after <em>Christmas guilt</em> of knowing that I put our family in a position that makes things tight. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I stick to a budget I will make my husband happy. Budgets make his heart sing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I stick to a budget I will be proving to myself that holidays<u> can be happy even if you don't spend all your money. </u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So how can I ( and maybe you too) resolve to sticking with our budget this Christmas? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Cash Envelopes</span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year we sat down and wrote out an exact budget for each person we'd like to purchase gifts for. In the past this was more of a guideline rather than an end all be all. This year, we really need to be strict with it. <u>So to curb my over spending tendencies we withdrew the exact amount for each person and placed it in an envelope with the receivers name on it</u>. Yup, currently carting 13 envelopes around town #mommysizedpurseforthewin. This will prevent me from going over budget. The only way I would be able to would be dipping into someone else's gift envelope. How terrible would that be!? <em>Sorry for the $5 gift honey.....</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>24 Hour Wait Period</u></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Something happens to me when I get in the gift giving mood. I lose all sense of reason and tend to fill my bag with everything that my loved ones will love. I do this because Christmas! Glitter! Music! Candy Canes! SALE! Clearance! BOGO! Ah! Happy! I'm a marketing dream because those shenanigans <em>totally </em>work with me. We talked about ways to curb this without stealing my Christmas Sunshine and came up with a plan for me not to purchase impulsive gifts immediately. <u>Think on them for 24 hours first and if after time has passed it still would be the MOST! PERFECT! GIFT! EVER! then game on friends.</u> Game on. I'm thinking this will help a great deal once the popcorn scent and jingle bell music is out of my head. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Avoid Guilt Add-Ons</span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have a Christmas fairness police that's been hard wired into me. Christmas gifts MUST be of equal price and quality for a holiday to be successful. I get holiday gift giver anxiety over it (me, anxious?!come on now!). It always results in me wanting to give MORE because I'd rather be the giver that spent too much, than the one that didn't spent enough. So hours and minutes before I know an exchange will take place I often run for a "quick trip" and pick up random things to UP the gift. This means I'm spending more money and derailing the budget. again. This one I just need to stop cold turkey. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hoping these three things will help me stay on budget this Christmas. <span style="font-size: large;">What strategies do you use to keep on track? Mind sharing with me? I'd say I need an intervention.</span> </div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></strong><br />Laura Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016494211615762804noreply@blogger.com0