Winter Wonderland Workout!

I've got to say, after last year's super mild winter, I almost forgot what snow-- and a snowstorm -- actually look like. While it was in the 70's in mid-March last year, this morning I wake up to find that I actually have to shovel the walkway to the driveway (gasp!).

Now, I'm not going to lie. Seeing that much snow did make me want to crawl right back into my bed and curl up under the covers for the rest of the day. I certainly did not want to be putting my Under Armor running gear on so that I could go for a nice run in a foot of snow. But, my body is not going to run itself, and therefore I somehow found the motivation enough to step one foot into the leggings instead of back into my nice, warm, comfy pj pants. Oh, to be a kid again...

By the time I finally was dressed I had forgotten about the fact that I actually needed to shovel a walkway for me to be able to get to the driveway, and thus, the road! But lucky me, the boyfriend was sweet enough to head out there early and work on it so I would have to....I think he's a keeper :)

http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/821441/tips-to-keep-your-fitness-on-track

No, the girl above is not  me (I don't have my own photographer to follow me around while I run and look active, and as much as he loves me, the boyfriend is not going to follow me around taking pictures of me either!) -- but I would like to think that this is what I look like while I am running. Cool, calm, collected, and leisurely. In reality I probably look like a mess, but hey, it's the workout that matters, right?! 

By the time I got done with my morning run, the boyfriend had plowed out the driveway so I would have to worry about it while trying to leave for work. The run in the snow was a little strenuous since many of the roads and sidewalks weren't fully plowed yet, but the more effort takes the better the results! Well, that's what I kept telling myself as I kept trudging on through the foot-high snow...

On another note, we are starting to try and plan our New Years Eve plans. I always tell myself I am going to think of something fun and unique way ahead of time, and then I always put it off and wait until a few days before to try and think of something. I think part of that is that people I have too high of expectations and I always feel "let down" by New Years Eve. 

In my head, New Years will be like this: 

but in reality, it usually ends up feeling something like this:

Okay, Carolyn -- stop being so melodramatic. In all honesty we have had some pretty good New Years Eve's, but I still can't help but feel a bit "let down" each year. I don't know what I want to do this year -- the boyfriend seems to want to plan this one and he's not letting me in on what he's thinking. I guess if I don't plan it, I won't have any expectations to fall short of :) We shall see what he comes up with....

How about any of you -- do you ever feel like your NYE is everything you want it to be? Or am I not alone in feeling like it's a little too hyped up? What are your plans for NYE this year? 

Finding balance....

"Next to love, balance is the most important thing."

                 - John Wooden

*original photo from: http://bluemountainfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Yoga-e1330480168268.jpg

I ran across this quote a little while ago and loved it. I loved it so much that I wrote it down on a notepad in my kitchen. I thought because I "wrote it down," and because it was in my kitchen -- the place I am in every. single. day... multiple times - I would see it and be reminded to create and maintain some sort of balance in my life. 

Wrong. Very wrong.

What happened to that little note I had made for myself? It got covered with papers and mail from that week. And from the next week. And the next. 

I like to say that I am organized, but I am not sure if that is a lie or not. Maybe I "pretend" to be organized. What's that saying? Organized chaos? Yes, that's me.... definitely me!

So yesterday I took some time to go through my "organized" chaos pile of papers that have been sitting on my kitchen counter for what seems like forever (in reality, it has not been that long... but with all the junk mail and credit card offers, its a pretty large pile that makes it seem like it MUST be longer than it really has been). I sat down in front of the fireplace with a nice glass of wine and just started to pour through all the paperwork. It wasn't until the end that I saw that little note that I had written to myself WEEKS earlier... yeah, the one that I was supposed to read over every day to remind myself to try and find some balance?  

Well, needless to say, I found my note. And this time I got smart, and I taped it to my mirror in the bathroom (so I can look at it every morning as I am getting ready for the day). 

So....balance. What does it mean to have balance? To me, it means I am able to have enough time in my day to do the things I have to do and to do the things I want to do. That sounds a little bit like prioritization, but that's because I think the 2 go hand-in-hand. Balance and prioritization mean that I actually take the time to do what's important. I have to work so I can pay my bills. But I also have to leave time for myself to do things in my life that I want to do. Yoga and other physical activities have become some of those things. Spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend are others. Getting time to work on my hobbies, or read a good book, are some more. 

We spend a majority of our awake hours (on average) with our co-workers. My co-workers are pretty great, so this isn't a big deal to me. And ya know what, work isn't too bad either. But what IS a big deal is how that means I don't spend as much time with the other people and activities in my life.

So now, with that little note taped to my bathroom mirror, I am set to remind myself of finding and maintaining balance in my life. Balance between what I have to do and what I want to do. Balance between who I have to be, and who I want to be. 

Does this make sense? Does this sound too lofty? Or too "easy?" 

What are your tips for creating balance in your life? I would love to hear them! 

xoxo Carolyn 

'Tis the Season!

So I am usually waaaaay more on top of my game, but this year I just feel like I am way behind on everything having to do with the holidays (am I alone in this?) Usually I go out and get a Christmas tree   right after Thanksgiving, but I just felt like I had so much other stuff going on that I kept finding excuses for not going to get one.

FINALLY, I told myself enough is enough, I want my tree! I called my friend up that was also going to get her Christmas tree and I ended up going with her and her fiance (I must admit, it was very helpful having him there as my man had to work and wasn't able to help with the "heavy lifting")!

The weather wasn't too bad -- we did get lucky that it wasn't a blizzard out, and we were able to get the tree before all the rainy, crappy weather started!

Now I have the tree sitting outside my house, because although we beat the rain when we went to cut it down (I loooove cutting down my tree -- I had a fake tree in college, and although I understand the practicality of a fake tree, I just can't bring myself to not go out and cut my own down each year), I did NOT beat the rain by the time I got home, and therefore my tree was way too wet to put up! I'll wait until the bf can help too -- have to make him do some of the work! I must say, I am super glad that I went out and got it, and am really looking forward to decorating it! I don't have my own Pinterest account (like facebook, I am afraid I will spend waaaay too much of my time on it and I am already so busy as it is!) but I was looking at it with my friend the other day (who does have an account) and I have to say, I saw so many things I loved and want to do!

I love the warm, rich colors of this tree! (found at: http://pinterest.com/pin/155514993352255507/)



I also like the look if this window-decoration - it's kind of rustic while also being festive! (found at: http://pinterest.com/pin/176907091582218588/)



I found a lot of other ideas too, but I thought I would share a couple with you. I always grew up doing multi-colored Christmas lights but I really like the look of the white lights on the tree above, while incorporating lots of warm-colored ornaments and decorations! What kinds of color-themes do you usually do? Are you changing it up this year, or are you sticking with your yearly-traditions?


On another note... I am proud of myself -- although in the past I would have considered helping to carry   2 Christmas trees my "workout" I made myself to an at-home yoga workout. I love that I feel comfortable enough with yoga now that I can do it at home and feel that I am truly getting a good workout. Although I do love to get to classes and be a part of the experience with everyone else, it's nice that on the days I don't feel like going back out to go to a class I can just stay at home and still get a great workout! I am thinking of adding pilates into my exercise routine -- what do you all think? I tried if a few times in college with a roommate but never really stayed with it. What are your favorite at-home workouts?!

Happy Tuesday!

True love right here.... right on my work desk 

Okay, so I know it's only Tuesday but I must admit that it feels like a Friday since we have a short work week this week! I LOVE that we have a short week this week, that my family starts to arrive tomorrow, and that I get a long weekend to spend time with family, eat lots of yummy food (I know, I know... Carolyn...make sure to at least try and eat in moderation because we all know you will regret it come Monday and it's time to hit the gym again....) and of course, work on my Christmas shopping. I took a stroll to the local Starbucks today on my lunch break and it just put me in the perfect holiday mood! I love when the holidays cups come out in coffee shops, it just makes me feel all smiley and happy no matter what kind of day I am having before I step into the shop. I ordered my regular drink when I go there, a Grande (sometimes I still call it "medium" but try to remember the correct term when I actually order) Skinny Carmel Macchiato (heavenly!) and because I had a light lunch before I went on this coffee run, I allowed myself to get a piece of pumpkin bread that I have been eyeing for weeks! Let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious -- and totally worth the extra time I will make myself run on the treadmill for tonight!

As the holiday season continues you will probably get more posts from me that reflect upon all things holiday. I absolutely LOVE this time of year -- I love the music, the decorations, the shopping, the movies, the food, etc. It just puts me into a great mood whenever I start seeing Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations because they represent a time of the year when people always seem to at least be happy (except when it comes to shopping, which seems to make people grumpy for some reason, but more on that in a later post).

What are you favorite parts of this time of the year?

Or what are your least favorite parts?

 It's always interesting to see different people's experiences and views about the holiday season. I'd love to hear what you have to say!



P.S. Here's my outfit inspiration for Thanksgiving dinner (I found the picture on Pinterest and am going to try my bet to replicate) . What do you all think? What's the "dress" like at your Thanksgiving dinners?

xoxo.

Guest Blogger: A New Mom’s Journey to Getting Back on Track with Fitness

*photo courtesy of http://www.google.com

I had my son almost 3 months ago.  I had a great pregnancy that allowed me to continue working out till a month before I gave birth.  These workouts were less intense than what I could do before my pregnancy, but being able to do something each day made me feel good as I grew bigger and bigger.   

After 2 weeks postpartum, I started walking.  At first I could only do 10 minutes.  Each day, I would increase the time little by little and soon I was up to an hour walk.  At my 6 week appointment, I was given the okay to work out like usual.  Leaving that appointment, I knew I needed a plan to burn the 20 pounds of weight gain.  I got my pen and paper out and I started writing out a plan, which I have outlined below:

1.     Workout 6x a week, NO EXCUSES.  The 20 pounds to lose is to get my body back to when it was at its best and when I felt the best about my body and had amazing energy.  I knew I would need to feel good and be energized for my little guy.  So, 6 days worked for me.  It was enough to get my body moving and burn the fat off of me. 

I workout to DVDs and have always been a morning person, so I asked my husband if he could take care of the baby during my 4:30am workout sessions, which he agreed to.  So, Sunday- Friday at 4:30am I had an appointment with my TV.  Some days, I just did not want to get out of bed, but I made myself get up, get into workout clothes and press play.  Once I started my workout, I felt better and got the workout done!

2.     PREPARE for the week.  Since time is even more precious now, I needed to get organized with the meals for the week.  I decided that along with writing out a grocery list, I would also write out the meal plan for the week.  This way, I knew exactly what to eat to keep me on track. 

Saturdays are for grocery shopping.  Sundays are for preparing meals, so cutting up veggies, cleaning fruit, baking sweet potatoes (I love cutting up sweet potatoes and having them on hand for snacks or to add to salads) and defrosting the next night’s dinner.  Each morning, after my workout, I’d make my breakfast, a shake, the baby’s bottle, and lunch for the day (usually a salad that I’d keep in the fridge and pull out adding chicken and vinegar).  WATER!  To stay hydrated throughout the day, I carry a jug of water wherever I go so I make sure to get my daily amount in.

3.     SNACK TIME is in-between breakfast and lunch and in-between lunch and dinner.  I snack to keep my blood sugar level and to keep my energy going through the day.  But since I’m running around with a little one, I keep the snacks super simple.  Here are some examples: no salt rice cakes w/laughing cow cheese; apple w/natural peanut butter; nuts with fruit; English muffin w/natural peanut butter and sugar free jelly, etc.

4.     ACCOUNTABILITY.   I can say I’m going to do all these things but I need to be accountable, so I have a group on Facebook that I post daily with my workout and foods for the day.  I also comment on how I’m feeling, any weight loss and frustrations, etc.   It’s great because we all support and encourage each other.

Now, I’m 2 months into making workouts a part of my life again and almost back to the intensity I’m use to.  My results for the first month are in and I lost over 7 pounds and 4 inches.  I was surprised at first because I hadn’t felt any difference in my body but after taking pictures from when I started, I could see a huge difference in my stomach and back.  It felt great to see these results and I can’t wait to see how I do in month 2. 

My plan for this month is to continue what I’ve been doing.  I do allow myself a cheat meal once a week, which will be tougher come the holiday season but I’m going to do my best.  I’ve already started thinking of desserts to make for Thanksgiving that are healthier than the real thing but just as yummy. 

Change can be tough, but start out slowly.  If you only have 10 minutes to work out, then do 10 minutes and then build on that.  If you can’t figure out what to change in your diet, think about what you eat on a day to day basis…what’s the worst thing you eat?  Try cutting that.  Losing weight is a process and will take time, but you can do it. 

Stacy Rudman, is an Independent Beachbody Coach. Her passions include fitness, eating clean, and helping others reach their personal fitness goals. Look for her on Facebook under Stacy’s Health & Fitness and check out her blog at www.stacysfitnessfocus.com.

Friends!! It's American Diabetes Month!! Being that this blog is largely dedicated to fitness and living a healthy life, I thought it appropriate to post this awareness that it is in fact American Diabetes Month --- I'm sure that most of you out there know someone who is, or has struggled with diabetes and/or obesity. It's time that we start spreading the word on ways to get fit that EVERYONE can do to try and live a healthier lifestyle. A few examples would be yoga, pilates, running, hiking, kickboxing, biking, swimming, and even walking! We all know there are TONS of things we can do to live healthy on a day-to-day basis -- so help spread the word so we can help other people as they fight this battle! I'd love to hear ideas from people on how you are planning on spreading awareness this month!


xoxo Carolyn

Starting the week off right!

It's Monday... which tends to bring on the Monday-blues, where we spend time wishing that it was still the weekend and dreading the week ahead of us. However, I came across this quote today and I couldn't help but post it -- I am making it a goal for myself to be more positive about the beginning of each week and to allow myself to "lose/find myself"in the things I love to do ANY TIME during the week, not just on the weekends! So here's my challenge to you -- what are YOU going to allow yourself to lose yourself in this week? So far I am loving my yoga classes so I am going to allow myself to go to a couple of classes this week that usually I don't allow myself to do because I "just have too much to do". Also, I love to cook and bake, so I may just allow myself to get lost in that as well! Happy Monday everyone!

xoxo Carolyn

Trip to the Adirondacks

Fall drive through the Adirondack Mountains! 

Hello friends! I know it has been a while since I last posted and I am so sorry! I am really going to try and make an effort to blog more often as there is something calming about being able to share my experiences with all of you!

I took this picture a few weeks ago -- I took a weekend trip to the Adirondacks with a couple of friends -- we had a blast! I thought this picture was awesome because the colors are so amazing -- there is something so awesome about fall in Upstate New York -- watching the leaves change colors is definitely one of mu favorite things about this time of year! Unfortunately the leaves have all pretty much fallen off by now, so I just like to look at this picture and think of how beautiful all the trees were just a few weeks back! 

We stayed in Lake Placid for the weekend and it was awesome! I have been there a couple of times before but it is such an awesome town that I always get excited to visit there no matter how many times I have been before. I think it's nice to have a few spots like that -- spots that are dependable on making you feel happy and good no matter how many times you have visited them. Do any of you have places that make you feel that way? Where are they?

I didn't do much for actual "working out" in any sort of way, but we did do a LOT of walking around the town, which I felt was a pretty good form of exercise! Here's a picture of the outside of the Olympic Skating Rink from the 1932 Olympics! 

Now that it's November I suppose it's time to start really getting myself motivated to work out more than not. Anyone else out there find themselves struggling this time of year to stay with a workout regimen? I don't know if it's because the weather is cold and it makes me want to stay all snuggled up warm inside, or if it's all the amazing food that is being served during the holidays...I think it's probably a mixture of both! What kinds of things do any of you do to help keep yourselves on track during the holiday season? 

Until next time!

The Workout Blues.

The Workout Blues should be the name of a song.  I should be the singer because for the past month or so, I had a bad case of what one could call "the workout blues."  I had been neglecting my fitness regiemen that I once LOVED and kept making excuses.  I know I'm not the only one guilty of this, but it has taken a toll on not only my physical health, but my mental health.  I kind of felt like this:

That's not me.  I'm not a guy. But that's what I felt like.

It seems easy for me to prepare healthy meals for the most part.  I don't struggle with it nearly as bad as I struggle with keeping to an exercise routine.  Even thinking about going to the gym frightened me.  Maybe frightened isn't the right word.  It was almost like seeing a friend who you haven't seen in years and you were meeting for dinner.  I guess nervous is a better word.

I know, get on with it Carolyn...

This last weekend I finally cut the nerves and went to a spinning class.  If anyone remembers my spinning post, you'll remember that it takes roughly 30 minutes to get mentally clear when I'm in a class.  Sure enough, about halfway into my class I felt GREAT!  Exercising provides a high unlike anything else and I was reminded of how much I love a good sweat, burning thighs and having an instructor scream over the music..and the music was loud!

It was all that I needed to get back on the bike.  I've been back to the gym twice since then and found a workout on "Fit Fab Cities" that I can't wait to try.  It's a 45-minute workout and accompanying music is provided!  Check it out here!

I guess the lesson here is not to get nervous, and just do it.  I have never regret working out, but I have regret not working out.  Lesson learned!

Groceries.

I'll be the first to admit it is so much easier for me to eat my meals at restaurants, or on the go.  I'm so guilty of on-the-go eating lately that I finally had to stop myself.  On Monday, I went grocery shopping at maybe one of my favorite stores on the planet, WEGMANS.

If you're familiar with Wegmans, it doesn't need an introduction or explanation.  It is one of the best, if not the best grocery store in the United States.  This is my grocery store rank, incase you were wondering:

1.  Wegmans

2.  The Fresh Market

3.  Whole Foods

4.  Trader Joe's

Am I biased towards Wegmans because I grew up surrounded by them? Yes.  Do I care? No.

I'm getting off topic.  Sorry.

Getting back to my original story...not only does eating out at restaurants cost A LOT of money, it's not the healthiest option.  This week I've really worked hard at not spending money on food, and buying my groceries.  I wanted to share with you my dinner last night!  Take a peek:

Shrimp Pizza!

This was better than any pizza I could have purchased and it was cheap too!  It reminded me of a pizza I once had on Cape Cod, with shrimp and clams..but this one may have been better :)  I followed this recipe from Wolfgang Puck and tweaked it to my liking.

It was so great to prepare food, experiment with ingredients and enjoy the fruits of my labor.  Plus, it saved me a pretty penny because I have leftovers!

I swear this little blog of mine isn't turning into a foodie hangout, and I have a killer spin class to tell you about next time.  Until then...enjoy the pizza!

Happy Fall!

While I know the official start date for fall isn't until September 22, but waking up this morning I was COLD! It seems fall has started to arrive and I LOVE it. I am all about flannel, high boots, apple picking, pumpkin carving...I could go on forever!

 In my effort for Full-On Fitness, I decided to explore the idea of "clean eating." While I always try my best to eat as healthy as possible, I stumbled upon the idea of eating clean. Eating clean isn't so much a diet, as more of a way of life. According to the EatCleanDiet.com, while eating clean "You will eat lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats."

 ANYWAY- I picked up a wonderful recipe from HeandSheEatClean.com for turkey chili! It includes sweet potatoes, lean turkey, black beans and so many vegetables. The best part about the recipe is the fact that everything is thrown into a crock pot and that is it- it's so simple. I tried my best to get a picture of my chili and I'll warn you, it's not the most appetizing picture I've ever seen. Trust me- this chili is amazing. Try it out!

Another New Chapter

Warning: Nervous Post Ahead.  You've been warned.

I'm starting to believe that from age 20-29 (not that I've reached 29) individuals are at the point in their lives where life is starting to come together, or you begin TRYING to make life come together.  Is this too deep or philosophical? Maybe.  But I truly believe that this is a time in my life where I am learning more about myself, and the world, and people in general.  In my attempt to continue on my path to mental and physical fitness, I have done research (at length) and will now prepare for my first yoga class.

I've done the research.  I've seen the yoga bodies.  I've peered into the yoga studio windows enough to know that this is something I NEED to try.  

I'm not going to lie- I'm nervous.  I'm scared.  Can you fall in yoga?  Does that happen?  What's acceptable and what's not?  Am I going to be able to do a headstand?  I could go on for hours...

Maybe this is premature, and maybe by next week I'll have answers to these questions.  Please feel free to comment and share you experience.  I would love to hear about it. :)

P.S.  I'm not related to Jimmy Fallon.  I get that question quite a bit these days.  I WISH.

My body amazes me.  Check out this article by Dr. Jillian Sarno Teta from Metabolic Effect and you'll feel the same: 


http://blog.metaboliceffect.com/?p=2175

Visit My Friends!

TGIF is right folks!  It's a beautiful day and the weekend is almost here.  Who has big plans?  Feel free to comment and start a discussion on my blog- that's what I'm here for. :)

Speaking of blogs, make sure to take a look at my guest blog article on Breathe Denver's blog! You can find the article here: http://www.breathedenver.com/blog/yoga-to-help-bones-and-joints.
Let me know what you think!

Enjoy the weekend.  Stay safe!

“Run Sprint for your Life!!!”

I would go ahead and say that promising to blog every day was biting off maybe a little more than I could chew.  I’m sorry to have let you all down (and hopefully, you weren’t TOO let down) for not updating this as frequently as I had hoped.  Let me re-commit to my blog readers- I will blog as OFTEN as I possibly can.  You may see a guest blogger pop up here and there (hey, I have friends too!) but just know that my little spot on the internet isn’t dead J

ANYWAY- I am working with a trainer to try and better my physical fitness.  It’s hard going about it on your own and I figured a trainer knows best when it comes to proper exercises, nutrition and all around physical health.  It’s pretty cool and I’m jazzed about the whole experience.  That was, until I was introduced to sprinting.

According to Bodybuilding.com springing is “The purest, most powerful physique-shaper in an athlete’s arsenal!”  Not that Bodybuilding.com is my go-to site, but I figured I would do a little research regarding my grueling workout.

I’ll go through the basics…because I am NOT a certified trainer or any sort of authority whatsoever.  From my session with the trainer I found out a few key items about sprinting.

1.     ALWAYS do a warm up.  You can’t just sprint and think that you’re all set.  You’ll hurt yourself.  I’m pretty sure I almost pulled my groin muscle.  It wasn’t pretty.

2.     Start off with a few sprints going 60%.  I guess this is part of the warm-up but really give yourself time to ramp up to 100%.

3.     Pretend that a bad guy is after you.  It will make you sprint faster- I swear J

All in all, my session turned out to be great.  Once I got past the initial huffing and puffing and vomiting feelings, I was able to really appreciate the workout I had given my body in small amount of time.  I think that’s what makes sprinting so popular.  You can accomplish a lot without spending an hour on the treadmill.  Four to Six quality sprints will get your heart racing and blood pumping!

P.S.  Check out my guest blog post over at DarcyKnoblich.com!

Is Friday the 13th Bad For Your Health?

I'll let this article speak for itself.  Happy Friday!  Stay Safe!

Is Friday the 13th Bad For Your Health?

De-Stressed

Hello Everyone!

Happy Thursday!  I'm feeling very refreshed and enjoying the day.  Yesterday, I went to spinning class and sweat out any stress, negative feelings, nerves I may have built up throughout the course of the work week.  Spinning really is a release for me.  I feel so empowered once I finish an hour on the bike....although it takes me a while to get to that point.  Typically my train of thought is as follows when I start a class:

00:01: Awesome, I love spinning.  This is great.  I love this.

00:10: Still awesome, I love spinning, love the warm-up. Feeling good.

00:15: Hmm did they tighten the tension on these bikes or what?  This is harder than I remember.

00:20: Maybe I should head out early, I do have lots to do at work.  This is getting so hard.

00:25: Alright, I'm going to leave, I'm exhausted.

00:30: Don't be stupid, finish the hour....

Pre-Class Sneak Peak

So, it takes me until the half-hour mark to really get into my spinning class, but it's totally worth it in the end.  I have been researching all sorts of health related topics in the past few months.  Spinning is not only a release of tension and stress, but it burns TONs of calories.  

What do you do to release stress?  Does your physical health directly impact your mental health?  

The most wonderful thing just happend to me- and I'd like to share it with all of you!

Recently, I was on a long road-trip and had to stop at a gas station to use the restroom (not ideal, TRUST me.)  When I was in the ladies room I noticed a wallet, full of cash, credit cards and two different ID cards.  I was shocked.  There was at least $150.00 dollars in this wallet and all I could think was how terrible this person who lost the wallet must feel.  It was a girl..in her mid-twenties, who must have left by accident.

Now if she is anything like me, or most of us mid-twenty'ers, $150.00 is a lot to lose.  It's at least half of a car payment and it is painful for me to think of losing that much cash.

Long story short, I snail-mailed her wallet right back and hoped that I sent it to the correct person.  Just today I received a package in the mail with a bag of awesome looking coffee and a wonderful little note.  The note read:

"Carolyn,

I cannot thank you enough for sending me this wallet.  I was frantic and figured it was gone for good.  You have thoroughly restored my faith in humanity.  Enjoy the coffee!!"

The sense of emotional joy that came when I read that note was amazing.  It's surprising how many of my friends told me to take the cash and run, but I truly feel emotionally complete by helping this girl out.  Would this be considered "emotionally-fit?" I would say so...

Would you have returned the wallet?  Feel free to comment below!

Happy Tuesday Everyone....orrr...hopefully everyone!  I'm trying to keep my personal goal of posting on my blog at least once a day (feel free to make sure I stick to this goal by shooting me an e-mail if you see that I've been lazy!).  

It is a beautiful day today and I am feeling great.  In an attempt to lose weight and feel better physically, I've started to cut sugar out of my diet. I know that sugar leads to weight gain (or so I've been told) and I'm really trying to keep my body lean.  It's amazing to me how something as innocent as sugar can really take it's toll on our bodies...

For all of you who have attempted going sugar-free, what was your biggest challenge?  Is anyone else struggling with black coffee like I am?  Reach out!

Hi Everyone!  My name is Carolyn and let me introduce you to my new blog! I've decided in this chapter of my life (hello mid-20's!) I need to take charge of my health and fitness.  I hope to reach out to others who may have similar goals.  Our bodies are our temples- why not make them the best they can be...mentally, physically and emotionally.  


Personally, I think it starts to become scary as we get older.  College is over for some of us and we are starting our lives as real, living, breathing adults!  These past few years since graduation have been up and down and I hope to provide more insight throughout my blog.  My personal goal from this point forward, is to live a healthy, happy lifestyle...and you are here to witness it!  


I would love to hear from some of you regarding your ideas, concerns, questions, insights to living healthy and happy.  PLEASE feel free to reach out...


e-mail: carolynfallon3@gmail.com
twitter: @CarolynFallon