Jiggle Challenge & Encouragement Day 2!

I have been bad. Reeeally bad! For 2 weeks I have not posted for the weight loss challenge, and I did that purposely! Why oh why would I do that, you ask? Because I gained back three of the four pounds that I lost when I was sick and did NOT want to put that out there.  But I have realized it's better to be held accountable so at least I stick with my goal instead of just giving up because I was out of control during Easter!  So here's my updated list of goals for the Jiggle Challenge hosted by Lindsey and Rachel:

• Run or do some form of cardio exercise 5x a week
• Do arms and abs workouts every other day of the week
• No food past 7pm (this is the hardest thing for me!)
• Keep a food journal

As of right now I don't have a weight goal for myself but I will be diligent in doing what I listed above and see what the outcome is in the next four weeks! Wish me luck!

Now moving on to my "30 Days of Encouragement" Challenge from Revive Our Hearts, here are the tasks to complete for Day 2 of loving and appreciating your husband more:

Day 2:
"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b
How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up - start again today!) There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for them. Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!

Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength.

In just two days this Challenge has opened my eyes to so many areas where my husband has shown love and dedication towards me but I overlooked them in the hard times.  I'm excited to what will come out of this challenge in the next 28 days and hope you will join me in this experience.

Have a terrific Thursday!!!


love always,

Follow @AshasAspects

Weight Loss Challenge - Week 2!

Happy Thursday everyone!
I'm linking up with Lyndsey and Rachel today for Week 2 of the "Jiggle Challenge"!





  Let me just start by saying that this week went nothing like I expected! I had a workout plan that consisted of 4 days of running and 2 days of workout videos as well as a healthy diet.  None of those things happened, however, because I unexpectedly got sick and am just getting over it.  But it wasn't all a bad thing because I did lose FOUR POUNDS this week and am happy about that, even though it's probably because my diet pretty much consisted of crackers and Gatorade.  I have been loading myself up on vitamin C like crazy so I can get past this sickness and hopefully get back on track by Monday.  I'm excited about what the future holds and am more determined than ever to lose this weight! Good luck to all my workout friends!

love always,

Follow @AshasAspects

Taking the Plunge!!

Ok, so I'm finally doing it....I'm taking the plunge and diving in! To losing weight, that is.  All my life weight has been one of my biggest battles and I have never really been able to conquer it. However, the last 3 months since my wedding have been the most dramatic weight gain of my life and in that short time I put on over 15 pounds!! Danny and I have been having such a great time with each other and enjoying the "honeymoon stage" that we overlooked the importance of our health and exercise.  That's why I'm so glad my blog friends, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Running Backwards in High Heels, started this blog challenge today!







My ultimate goal is to lose 40 pounds and get down to the weight I was in high school! However, for this 8-week challenge I plan on losing 15-20 pounds, which would be a GREAT step in the right direction! My plan is to go running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and alternating workout videos on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sundays will be my day off to rest and re-cooperate! I know it will be tough but with the help and encouragement of my blog friends (and my husband who agreed to do this with me!) I can make this a reality.  I will be posting pics of my worst/best weight soon!

Love always,

Follow @AshasAspects