It has been 2 months since Fitness New England and I have been doing quite a bit of thinking. About what you ask? Well, I have had these internal struggles with making the decision to take a break or stop competing all together. I'm acting like I am a lifer here but it has become an important part of my life within the past year, that it's a really challenging decision. Coming off a first place win you might be wondering why on earth would you want to stop competing? It's a really difficult decision for me because I absolutely love some aspects of competing and hate others. I love my coach and my team and it's a bonding experience you share together. Not many people can understand what it's like to do a show and you become really close with your teammates and parts of me would really miss having that connection. My other love is the stage. Every moment of prep I anxiously await to get on stage, feel the lights and appreciate all the hard work that has been put in.
Why stop? There are many factors that play into this and many of them have to due to the restrictions of a competitors diet. I eat 6 meals a day all healthy and clean but I love food and I love being able to enjoy things when I want them. If you compete correctly, the diet is more of a lifestyle which it absolutely has become for me but when it comes down to the nitty griddy of competing, I hate giving up my fav foods ie (nut butters, almond milk, cottage cheese, bananas ect . To get lean and have the muscle definition you need to compete, these foods typically have to go from the diet at some point. Call me a wimp or say suck it up but when my diet becomes too rigid I start to view bananas, almond milk ect as "bad". I know they are not bad foods but mentally I struggle quite a bit post show with incorporating these healthy foods in my diet without feeling some guilt.
For me, personally, I struggle the most with post show. I haven't really skipped a beat in terms of getting back to my workout and healthy eating routine but mentally it's extremely draining. You go from seeing your body for weeks take on this amazing shape to finally being able to eat treats ect and binging ( i don't care who you are...post show we all binge) and feeling like complete shit. It's inevitable to gain weight back after a show and I found my second show much easier to deal with than my first in terms of emotional roller coaster but I still struggle. Parts of me wonder why I put my body through such rigorous measures and restrictions for 1 day. 1 freaking day. Why can't I eat my 5 to 6 meals incorporating all the clean foods I love year round, do my awesome workouts from Janelle and not have a conniption if I want a glass of wine and a cookie?
I want to be able to go on an overnight with my boyfriend and split a salad and small pizza and not feel guilty. I want to go for walks and a run now and again and not feel guilty that I am not dripping sweat and could have hit a better burn. All of these issues stem from me internally and the pressure I put on myself to do well or bring a better package to the stage each show. My coach and team provide me with the best support, diet and workouts you could ask for but mentally competing is very hard for me and I think the best decision for right now is to work on finding the balance. I want to work on my body and building muscle as well as figuring out what nutrition plan works for me everyday that incorporates clean and not so clean foods. I want to be able to say, yes, this is my body...there's no dehydration or week of show meal plan that makes it look like this...this is me everyday working hard and balancing life/treats/relationships ect.
So...there it is....that's what's going on inside my head and will I ever compete again...who knows. Right now, I want to focus on relationships, saving for a house and a future with my bf, working out and eating clean and figuring out what works for everyday life.
I want to wish all my Body Ambition teammates the best of luck with their shows this upcoming weekends. So proud of all of you and cannot wait to see updates/posts!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Droppin' it like it's HOT
Whoa baby where do I begin?! Since my last post a lot has happened. For starters, I am now a sponsored model for HotDrop Apparel www.hotdropapparel.com. I went on an amazing overnight to Maine with my boyfriend, was asked to do a last minute photo shoot which resulted in making the front of HotDrop's website and made it through Memorial Day weekend!
Let's start with HotDrop! I am a believer that everything in life happens for a reason but I also feel that we are the makers of our own destiny. My photo shoot with David Brazier is coming up next weekend and a few weeks ago I made the decision to put myself out there! Nothing in life has been handed to me...I consider myself a very fortunate person but I work for what I have. If you are looking to work with a company or get sponsored you can't just wait around for them to come to you. This may be the case for some people but personally I am well aware companies are not just going to be sending free swag my way.
To get what you want you have to take the initiative and sometimes it will work, sometimes it may not. I reached out to HotDrop in hopes of working with them for a few reasons. One, they are local to me, which means I am able to meet them and it's not a ton of money to travel in the chance they wanted to work together. Two, I really like their clothing! Go for brands or products that you like otherwise who wants to promote something you don't believe in! HotDrop's apparel is SUPER comfortable, great for sweating since it's made for Bikram but can be worn for all fitness activities and the patterns and colors are vibrant and fun!
To my surprise and pure amazement they wanted to work with me! Before a year ago, I've never been "that girl" meaning I never win things, put myself out there or had the confidence to do this kind of stuff. Each day is a new opportunity to become the person you have always wanted to be and I am finally seeing that! They reached out and asked if I was available for a shoot this past weekend and the Ben and Jerry's I had consumed a few days prior was the first thing that popped into my head. My diet had not been perfect and I was terrified of not looking the part. My coach, Janelle, made a really good point. At this point in my new found fitness life I cannot pass down a single opportunity. She was so right and I really could not be happier that I put my own reservations aside and just went for it!
My photo shoot was this past Sunday at their studio in Boston. I did my own hair and makeup (HOLD THE PHONE) yes, mildly freaked out about it since the last time I curled my hair was months ago and my makeup consists of everyday going to work nothing snazzy. As a model, which I don't consider myself at all but typically you have your makeup done but there will be occasions where you have to do things yourself. To save money and time I decided to do some research on YouTube and pick up some stuff at Target. I practiced a few times during the week after work and was really happy with the way it turned out! I did a mystic tan the day before the shoot $30 bucks, used hot rollers for about 45 mins morning of the shoot and did my own makeup!
The shoot was amazing. Meredith, HotDrop's owner, had a great line-up of ideas for the photos. Her husband was the photographer and the pair made me feel so comfortable! I will say photo shoots are harder than they look. It's not like they just snap one shot of you doing a push up on a medicine ball. You need to hold this pose for longer than one would think and I was shaking like a leaf! My favorite outfit of the day was by far the Guru K bra. This is the outfit featured on the front of their website (OMG SHUT THE FRONT DOOR...so so cooool). It is so flattering and really comfortable.
Overall, I am in awe that all of this went down within a matter of a few weeks. My advice, go for what you want and refuse to settle.
 |
| www.hotdropapparel.com |
To get what you want you have to take the initiative and sometimes it will work, sometimes it may not. I reached out to HotDrop in hopes of working with them for a few reasons. One, they are local to me, which means I am able to meet them and it's not a ton of money to travel in the chance they wanted to work together. Two, I really like their clothing! Go for brands or products that you like otherwise who wants to promote something you don't believe in! HotDrop's apparel is SUPER comfortable, great for sweating since it's made for Bikram but can be worn for all fitness activities and the patterns and colors are vibrant and fun!
My photo shoot was this past Sunday at their studio in Boston. I did my own hair and makeup (HOLD THE PHONE) yes, mildly freaked out about it since the last time I curled my hair was months ago and my makeup consists of everyday going to work nothing snazzy. As a model, which I don't consider myself at all but typically you have your makeup done but there will be occasions where you have to do things yourself. To save money and time I decided to do some research on YouTube and pick up some stuff at Target. I practiced a few times during the week after work and was really happy with the way it turned out! I did a mystic tan the day before the shoot $30 bucks, used hot rollers for about 45 mins morning of the shoot and did my own makeup!
The shoot was amazing. Meredith, HotDrop's owner, had a great line-up of ideas for the photos. Her husband was the photographer and the pair made me feel so comfortable! I will say photo shoots are harder than they look. It's not like they just snap one shot of you doing a push up on a medicine ball. You need to hold this pose for longer than one would think and I was shaking like a leaf! My favorite outfit of the day was by far the Guru K bra. This is the outfit featured on the front of their website (OMG SHUT THE FRONT DOOR...so so cooool). It is so flattering and really comfortable. 
Overall, I am in awe that all of this went down within a matter of a few weeks. My advice, go for what you want and refuse to settle.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Post Show
It has been 11 days since Fitness New England and minus this insane bloat action going on...I feel freaking fantastic. I have enjoyed my lax meals and maybe over done it here and there but it feels awesome to go out to dinner like a normal person again. My energy levels are back and I have been feeling awesome during my workouts. As I got closer and closer to the show my energy was dangling by a thread. I took it easy from HIIT sprints to try and maintain my leg muscles and yesterday, for the first time in almost 3 weeks, I did HIIT sprints and it felt invigorating....never thought I would say that!
My body is all out of whack...I have been eating clean all during the week and I have this baby bloat that just won't go away. When you compete your body is on a roller coaster towards the end. You restrict and then all of sudden go cray cray with treats that I think my body is trying to play catch up. I need to give my body time to adjust back to all foods I am re-incorporating...nut butters, almond milk, Greek yogurt, more starches and fruits.
This past weekend we went out to my favorite Italian restaurant and needless to say I did not order off any sort of skinny menu. Chicken Marsala and a heaping piece of carrot cake for this girl. Pretty much felt like death afterwards but I needed to get it out of my system. My sugar cravings are pretty wild right now so I am trying to find clean alternatives to fill these urges. After seeing the lean muscle I was able to put on in my off season I really want to continue to build and see where it can take me. When looking to add lean muscle especially, if cardio is reduced, my eating has to be clean. I am not perfect and nor will my eating buttt I need to make an effort to pick healthier cheats.
Last night I came down with a chocolate craving so what do I do? I have no candy or sweets in the house to binge on...so here's my concoction...guarantee if you take the time to make one..and eat it..you won't want a candy bar.
1/2 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1 tsp chocolate powdered PB
1 T sugar free choc pudding (not clean...but it's 1 T..not the end of the world)
smidge of unsweetened almond milk
Let sit in the fridge for like 20 mins
I added 4 frozen cherries (will prob omit next time..not impressed)
1 T Better Butter (something like that..it's PB from whole foods HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
smidge of Walden Farms choc syrup (will omit this too if I make again)
SO FREAKING GOOD!! It taste like a bad treat that I should have felt super guilty over but when I broke it down not as bad as I thought. Carbs a little higher than I would like for at night and sugars but better than a snickers bar and 16g of protein!
Goals:
It's important to set some short term and long term goals after a show so you don't wind up planted on a couch covered in potato chip crumbs.
Short term: I was offered a free photo shoot from David Brazier Photography! Super excited about this and with all the money I spend..Free is good for meeee :) Excited to give a photo shoot another go. I felt SUPER awkward at my first shoot so I am hoping this one is more relaxed. I will be shooting with my friend Amy so hoping we can get some great shots!
Competitions: Have a show in mind for the fall. Not ready to fully announce since who knows what will happen between now and then but I will be training...and training hard. I will need to add some solid muscle if I select this show and it's really exciting to think about. I have NEVER in my life been muscular or had tone and seeing the results of my hard work is really awesome and makes me want to work that much harder.
My body is all out of whack...I have been eating clean all during the week and I have this baby bloat that just won't go away. When you compete your body is on a roller coaster towards the end. You restrict and then all of sudden go cray cray with treats that I think my body is trying to play catch up. I need to give my body time to adjust back to all foods I am re-incorporating...nut butters, almond milk, Greek yogurt, more starches and fruits.
This past weekend we went out to my favorite Italian restaurant and needless to say I did not order off any sort of skinny menu. Chicken Marsala and a heaping piece of carrot cake for this girl. Pretty much felt like death afterwards but I needed to get it out of my system. My sugar cravings are pretty wild right now so I am trying to find clean alternatives to fill these urges. After seeing the lean muscle I was able to put on in my off season I really want to continue to build and see where it can take me. When looking to add lean muscle especially, if cardio is reduced, my eating has to be clean. I am not perfect and nor will my eating buttt I need to make an effort to pick healthier cheats.
Last night I came down with a chocolate craving so what do I do? I have no candy or sweets in the house to binge on...so here's my concoction...guarantee if you take the time to make one..and eat it..you won't want a candy bar.
1/2 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1 tsp chocolate powdered PB
1 T sugar free choc pudding (not clean...but it's 1 T..not the end of the world)
smidge of unsweetened almond milk
Let sit in the fridge for like 20 mins
I added 4 frozen cherries (will prob omit next time..not impressed)
1 T Better Butter (something like that..it's PB from whole foods HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
smidge of Walden Farms choc syrup (will omit this too if I make again)
SO FREAKING GOOD!! It taste like a bad treat that I should have felt super guilty over but when I broke it down not as bad as I thought. Carbs a little higher than I would like for at night and sugars but better than a snickers bar and 16g of protein!
Goals:
It's important to set some short term and long term goals after a show so you don't wind up planted on a couch covered in potato chip crumbs.
Short term: I was offered a free photo shoot from David Brazier Photography! Super excited about this and with all the money I spend..Free is good for meeee :) Excited to give a photo shoot another go. I felt SUPER awkward at my first shoot so I am hoping this one is more relaxed. I will be shooting with my friend Amy so hoping we can get some great shots!
Competitions: Have a show in mind for the fall. Not ready to fully announce since who knows what will happen between now and then but I will be training...and training hard. I will need to add some solid muscle if I select this show and it's really exciting to think about. I have NEVER in my life been muscular or had tone and seeing the results of my hard work is really awesome and makes me want to work that much harder.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Fitness New England Re-Cap
Seriously, where do I even begin?! Last week was the longest and shortest weeks' of my life..if that makes any sense. The week of show diet is brutal and draining and needless to say I feel like a new woman incorporating my starches and fruits ect back into my diet within the past two days. Let's break down the weekend, shall we?
Thursday 4/25:
Once my half day at work was complete I did my last minute errands: pedi, posed for about an hour at the gym, bought my goodies for post-show and got my spray tan. I absolutely love the spray from Beleza Spa...it got me pretty dark that I only needed 4 coats of the Jan Tana high definition stage tan. I looked like an absolute MANIACCCCC after I got sprayed. There is a bronzing agent that washes off when you shower the next day...but until you shower..prepare to look like you were stuck in a chimney for a few hours.
Packing for an overnight show is seriously stressful. The thought of forgetting something is terrifying and between all of my stuff and Amy's stuff it looked like we were moving.
Friday 4/26:
I woke up so early on Friday because I could barely sleep. My nerves were
through the roof and I just wanted to get the show on the road. I hate being by
myself..just waiting...my mind wonders and I envision myself twirling off the
stage or getting stuck in my cape. We left around noon and were at the Grand Pequot
in no time. Six women in one room....let me repeat...six women with equally the
same amount of crap in one room. I have to say it was a blast...night before
the show is nerve-racking to say the least so to have the comic relief of six
women all staying together was great. We checked into our room and then scoped out the registration scene at the Fox Theater. We were able to check out the stage, which I had been DYING to do. It never hurts to ask and when I asked the tech guy if we could go on stage he said...sure go ahead. I was elated and ran like giddy school girl up the stairs and on to the stage. It was nice to get a feel for the stage and spatially how much room I had for my walk.
This was probably one of the most intimidating things I have ever done in my life. Showing up Friday, no makeup, and seeing girlsdoing shoots all glammed up...I thought to myself...am I really ready for this? One gorgeous fit girl after the next and my brain was on overload from over analyzing literally everyone that walked past me. I had to take a deep breath and stop worrying about everyone else and start focusing on the only thing I have control over...myself!
Lights out at 11pm and from there no turning back.....
Saturday 4/27 DAY OF SHOW!!!
4:30 AM....alarms chiming and the girls are all wide awake. Hair and make-up
was at 6:00 AM and I managed to get my final coat of tanner on before my
appointment. Team Body Ambition was using Jenny Karl for our hair and make-up
services and I was so impressed. My make-up was flawless and seriously lasted
ALL DAY. My hair was BIG and off my face just like I asked for and I had touch
ups all day. Once the glam process was over, we had our competitor meeting.
There were so many bikini girls that they decided to break up the divisions into
Short, Medium, Medium Tall and Tall. I found myself in medium tall (5'4 - 5'6)
which really was a game changer. 
Prelmins started at 1pm and Bikini Theme wear was first up! Ugh..not
thrilled about this since my nerves were on overdrive and the cape being first
gave me even more anxiety. There I was..standing at the edge of the
curtain...LUMP the size of Texas in my throat...just waiting for my moment. The
funny thing is...as soon as I step into the spotlight my nerves subside. For
some strange reason...I am fully in the moment...I look people directly in the
eye...and just go for it. From there, it was model club wear and then sportswear.
The day felt long and knowing that the finals had not even started was a bit
daunting. My back felt like someone had hit it with a sledge hammer and my feet
were cramping every time I had to put my shoes on. 
 |
| Med Tall Class |
6pm..Finals had begun. I was so so excited to wear my bikini, made by the
FABULOUS Sherry Sonier from Sherry's Originals. I truly felt beautiful and
could not wait to get back on stage. Once the bikini round was over I had model
bikini which was right before the awards. The awards started and the anxiety
started to come back in full force. Model was judged first...and the funny
thing...I thought if I place in anything, I would place in model and not in
bikini when initially signing up for this show. The top five were called and
....wamp wamp...no dice. I started questioning everything from that point on.
Placing is not everything but I had such a good feeling all day and then I was
just in the dark.
Finally, bikini awards for my division, Medium Tall, were starting. I walked
out there nervous as hell not knowing what was about to happen. The 5th, 4th,
3rd place awards were called and I was still standing in the lineup. My heart
was racing a mile a minute as the 2nd place was called and it wasn't me.....as
I waited there thinking..could this really be happening...my name was called
for 1st place and I could have died. Standing up there...holding a first place
trophy...probably for the 1st time in my entire life. I mean I think I may have
won 1st place at an art show once in college but that really is about it. I still don't think it's really sunk in that the show is over and I walked away actually winning. On the flip side it's kind of of scary winning first place especially in a division that I don't think actually existed before Saturday. Where do you go from here ...? Have I set myself up so that it can really only go downhill? I keep having to slap myself when thinking those thoughts and just appreciate it for what it is.
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So what's next? Mentally and physically I need to re-group. I am exhausted but motivated to improve my physique in the off season. I have a show in mind for my next go but I will keep it under wraps until I make a final decision. My goal is to always improve and bring a better package to the stage so stay tuned
Love,
Not so Wanna B Bikini Queen :)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Reality Slap...2 DAYS!!!!
2 days. Reality slap....the show is this weekend. Yes, I have done one show before but my butterflies are kicking away. I was looking at pictures from last years' show and started to feel this lump slowly work its way from my stomach to my throat! It's not like I have to talk or answer questions on global warming but to get on stage in a TINY outfit in front of who knows how many people....ya I'd say its a smidge nerve racking. I have so much respect for people in this industry mainly because I know there is no pussy footing around anything. Your either in or your out.
The week of show has been no doubt challenging. I have barely been able to write a post because my train of thought has been so all over the place! I can finally say.. WORKOUTS are DONE..well until Monday that is. I had my final dress rehearsal last night my some of my teammates and I am feeling confident and prepared for the stage. We leave for Foxwoods tomorrow afternoon and then all the fun begins! 6 girls in one hotel room...oh to be a fly on the wall :) I've made some really great friends through this process and could not be more excited to share this experience with them.
I am getting my spray tan tonight, posing, running a crap ton of errands and cooking for the show...literally, a Wanna B Bikini Queen's job is never done!
Before I step on stage, I would like to say a special thank you to some amazing people. First and foremost, Janelle wonder woman Nicolo, I appreciate all the work you do for us girls. You make each one of us feel special and important and I am so happy to be part of your team. My Body Ambition teammates, I can't express how nice it feels to walk into BodyCo for our sessions and always be greeted with a smile. I've grown to care about each one of you and cannot wait for you to have your special moment on stage. I would also like to say a special thank you to Amy G :), my gym bud. Just take a look at the girl and you know she's a winner. I used to admire her at our gym and never imagined I would actually become friends and gym partners. She really has pushed me to another level in terms of training. I can say I lift heavier, sprint longer and get at them abs because of her work ethic. Last but not least, my main squeeze ;) This has been a rough prep for my mood swings and I appreciate it everything you do for me. I can't wait to spend some qt together and love you tremendously.
okay, okay...enough of the softy stuff...with all that said...I'm getting on that stage and holding nothing back. Whatever happens, happens...just know you gave it your best!
I will take lots of pics and post via FB and on my show re-cap blog :)
The week of show has been no doubt challenging. I have barely been able to write a post because my train of thought has been so all over the place! I can finally say.. WORKOUTS are DONE..well until Monday that is. I had my final dress rehearsal last night my some of my teammates and I am feeling confident and prepared for the stage. We leave for Foxwoods tomorrow afternoon and then all the fun begins! 6 girls in one hotel room...oh to be a fly on the wall :) I've made some really great friends through this process and could not be more excited to share this experience with them.
I am getting my spray tan tonight, posing, running a crap ton of errands and cooking for the show...literally, a Wanna B Bikini Queen's job is never done!
Before I step on stage, I would like to say a special thank you to some amazing people. First and foremost, Janelle wonder woman Nicolo, I appreciate all the work you do for us girls. You make each one of us feel special and important and I am so happy to be part of your team. My Body Ambition teammates, I can't express how nice it feels to walk into BodyCo for our sessions and always be greeted with a smile. I've grown to care about each one of you and cannot wait for you to have your special moment on stage. I would also like to say a special thank you to Amy G :), my gym bud. Just take a look at the girl and you know she's a winner. I used to admire her at our gym and never imagined I would actually become friends and gym partners. She really has pushed me to another level in terms of training. I can say I lift heavier, sprint longer and get at them abs because of her work ethic. Last but not least, my main squeeze ;) This has been a rough prep for my mood swings and I appreciate it everything you do for me. I can't wait to spend some qt together and love you tremendously.
okay, okay...enough of the softy stuff...with all that said...I'm getting on that stage and holding nothing back. Whatever happens, happens...just know you gave it your best!
I will take lots of pics and post via FB and on my show re-cap blog :)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
10 DAYS!!!!
Well....it's here...10 day countdown. HOLY CRAP. As long as this show prep has felt...now that it's here...where did the time go?!
This has been a harder prep for me than the last time. I was SUPER restrictive for my first show and followed everything to a T. Once I was able to add normal healthy foods and treats back into my diet I did not want to give them up.
I will give some advice to those debating vacation 2 weeks' before a show....unless it's an island that bans junk food...DON'T DO IT! I totally needed the relaxation and I feel so re-energized but my goodness...if I had to sit through another dinner and watch my dad inhale a slice of chocolate, carrot or pina cola cake I was about to scream. This brings me to the "Dutch Baby". Monday night we went to a great restaurant in Sarasota. I had some scallops and asparagus which were delicious but then my boyfriend ordered dessert. My biggest mistake was thinking I had control to only have one bite...ya okay. This "Dutch Baby" was an apple pie baked in a skillet with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce OMGGGGGGGG. One bite turned into two and two turned into three...I didn't kill the dessert but I should not have even touched it to begin with.
The next morning I woke up wrapped in so much guilt. What the hell was I doing...so from Tues - Sat ..I didn't touch another thing. Looking back, a week later, was having a few bites of the dessert the end of the world? We are human..I know I sure as hell am not perfect...as dedicated and strict as I am most of the time I fall off the wagon and take a few missteps here and there. When stuff like the "Dutch Baby" happens you cannot let it defeat your mentality. Ya shit, I screwed up and I learned from it but amidst some of these occurrences, I managed to lose 3lbs on vacation.
Back to the good ole' routine which I hate to say...I kind of missed. I enjoy my gym time after work and meeting up with some of the BA girls. The gym I used in Anna Maria served its purpose but my goodness this thing was old. I swear, the seated calf raise machine felt like it was one screw away from completly disassembling while I was on it. I will say, if you eveer want to feel like a straight of power house beast...attend a gym with all old people LOL. I was the youngest thing in there by a few decades.
In Show News: I am carb cycling like a mofo right now but my body has become somewhat accustomed so my enegry level does not seem so low anymore. I am seeing changes in my body which is always the coolest part. I picked up my sportswear from my seamstress yesterday and this woman worked some serious magic!!! I loved my blue Rogiani that I wore for September but it just wasn't the most flattering top and bottoms for my figure. She re-vamped it and I was soo impressed!
I had to leave my dress with her since I lost a little weight and she needs to bring it in a smidge but overall it looks a thousand times better than the day it came in the mail. Everything is coming together and now it's just a waiting game.
Progress Pics:
ohhh...I am going to be sneaky and make you all wait til show time now!!!
This has been a harder prep for me than the last time. I was SUPER restrictive for my first show and followed everything to a T. Once I was able to add normal healthy foods and treats back into my diet I did not want to give them up.
I will give some advice to those debating vacation 2 weeks' before a show....unless it's an island that bans junk food...DON'T DO IT! I totally needed the relaxation and I feel so re-energized but my goodness...if I had to sit through another dinner and watch my dad inhale a slice of chocolate, carrot or pina cola cake I was about to scream. This brings me to the "Dutch Baby". Monday night we went to a great restaurant in Sarasota. I had some scallops and asparagus which were delicious but then my boyfriend ordered dessert. My biggest mistake was thinking I had control to only have one bite...ya okay. This "Dutch Baby" was an apple pie baked in a skillet with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce OMGGGGGGGG. One bite turned into two and two turned into three...I didn't kill the dessert but I should not have even touched it to begin with. The next morning I woke up wrapped in so much guilt. What the hell was I doing...so from Tues - Sat ..I didn't touch another thing. Looking back, a week later, was having a few bites of the dessert the end of the world? We are human..I know I sure as hell am not perfect...as dedicated and strict as I am most of the time I fall off the wagon and take a few missteps here and there. When stuff like the "Dutch Baby" happens you cannot let it defeat your mentality. Ya shit, I screwed up and I learned from it but amidst some of these occurrences, I managed to lose 3lbs on vacation.
Back to the good ole' routine which I hate to say...I kind of missed. I enjoy my gym time after work and meeting up with some of the BA girls. The gym I used in Anna Maria served its purpose but my goodness this thing was old. I swear, the seated calf raise machine felt like it was one screw away from completly disassembling while I was on it. I will say, if you eveer want to feel like a straight of power house beast...attend a gym with all old people LOL. I was the youngest thing in there by a few decades.
 |
| Sportswear in September.... wait to you see how she changed it! |
I had to leave my dress with her since I lost a little weight and she needs to bring it in a smidge but overall it looks a thousand times better than the day it came in the mail. Everything is coming together and now it's just a waiting game.
Progress Pics:
ohhh...I am going to be sneaky and make you all wait til show time now!!!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
R&R...3 WEEKS!!!
April is among us!!!! 23 days til GO TIME SHOW TIME! oh and how could I forget...2 days until vacation :))))
My nerves are starting to kick in a little for vacation. Vacation should NOT be stressful thing but I can't help but be nervous because who goes on vacation and CANNOT eat or drink anything bad?! At this point there is no wiggle room...the show will be two weeks from when I return home so I don't have time erase any damage that may happen over the course of a weeks' vacation. I CAN DO THIS! I have done it before...never to this extent or this close to a show but I know have willpower and have used it many of times in hard situations. Dinner will be my only struggle since the rest of the meals will be at the condo which I have total control over. I am going to try my best not to stress and enjoy the vacation. My body and mind need the time to relax and regroup.
What does a bikini competitor 23 days out from a show bring on vacation? Security will have a field day with my suitcase I am sure!
Since I will have access to a full grocery store I will buy all my food there but to save a little money I plan to pack some things in my suitcase:
In Show News, things are shaping up quite nicely. Checklist is looking good!
Bikini - arrived and fully blinged out
Model Bikini - Check
Dress - picking up 4/16 from tailor
Model sportswear - picking up 4/16 from tailor
Theme wear - just about complete!
Tan - Jana Tana arrived this week!
VS suit for photo shoot: Check
Dream tan - Check
Hair appt: booked for week before show!
Wax/spray tan appts booked!
Make-up appt - paid for and booked
Rooms at Foxwoods: Booked
Registration: Check!
Bling accessories: Bracelets (check) - just need some earrings
Progress Pics 4/4/13
My nerves are starting to kick in a little for vacation. Vacation should NOT be stressful thing but I can't help but be nervous because who goes on vacation and CANNOT eat or drink anything bad?! At this point there is no wiggle room...the show will be two weeks from when I return home so I don't have time erase any damage that may happen over the course of a weeks' vacation. I CAN DO THIS! I have done it before...never to this extent or this close to a show but I know have willpower and have used it many of times in hard situations. Dinner will be my only struggle since the rest of the meals will be at the condo which I have total control over. I am going to try my best not to stress and enjoy the vacation. My body and mind need the time to relax and regroup.
What does a bikini competitor 23 days out from a show bring on vacation? Security will have a field day with my suitcase I am sure!
Since I will have access to a full grocery store I will buy all my food there but to save a little money I plan to pack some things in my suitcase:- coconut oil - if it doesn't get cut my then :( - stuff is expensive!
- Vitamins
- measuring cups/spoons
- food scale
- cooler
- Yogi tea
- chai seeds /quinao (pack in baggies)
- spices
- SUNBLOCK & HATSS! It's crucial I keep the sun tan under control. Typically I'd be out oil and all crisping away but that cannot happen this year. I need to be very mindful of the sun because if I burn and peal ...my show tan will look a HOT MESS!
In Show News, things are shaping up quite nicely. Checklist is looking good!
Bikini - arrived and fully blinged out
Model Bikini - Check
Dress - picking up 4/16 from tailor
Model sportswear - picking up 4/16 from tailor
Theme wear - just about complete!
Tan - Jana Tana arrived this week!
VS suit for photo shoot: Check
Dream tan - Check
Hair appt: booked for week before show!
Wax/spray tan appts booked!
Make-up appt - paid for and booked
Rooms at Foxwoods: Booked
Registration: Check!
Bling accessories: Bracelets (check) - just need some earrings
Progress Pics 4/4/13
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