Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Healthy Living Challenge


You guys, Fall is just around the corner and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. Not only does all things boots, sweaters, and pumpkin come out, but it is also a time when the weather cools off. Fall is my favorite time to get outside and get active. Whether it be hiking, jump roping, yoga, or just making it to the gym, I find myself more motivated when it's not scorching hot outside.

I for one need to get active again. After bringing baby bloob into the world, this momma needs all the help she can get. I went to the gym for the first time in what seems like forever and I had a great idea.

Why not challenge myself to a healthy living challenge by logging some hours this fall. I want to help myself get back into the groove before the holidays get here.

Next thought, why not take it just a bit further and challenge all of you?

Mid Week Update

Guys I am happy to report that "Cal" has finally passed. It was uneventful and only a little painful. For those of you who have no idea who Cal is, it was my kidney stone. Yes I named it. No I don't think that's weird. Moving on.

So I had a visit with the specialist about he stone. Had an ultrasound done and they could tell me I did indeed pass the stone, however I had 4 more behind it. I have 2 stones in each kidney. Lovely right?

Moving forward I have a very strict diet to follow while we conduct a few more tests to see the exact cause of the sudden kidney stone party in my kidneys. The good news, these stones are pretty tiny compared to Cal, so I may not even feel them pass, but if they should get larger before they pass I will be in the same boat again.

So let's talk about this diet. Basically I am going to call this the fat kid diet. Basically all of the foods I love to consume to be "healthy" are on the list to cut out of my diet. Things like spinach, peanut butter, sweet potatoes, tea, and the list goes on. Now if I am okay with gaining tons of weight, I am allowed things like soda, fruity pebbles, mayo, and other sugary items.

This makes me so sad. I was starting to do very good in my diet. There still are things I can eat, it just makes it that much more challenging. I of course am encouraged to drink tons of water, thus the reason for another 5 day challenge to drink more water.

On a better note, I have been able to finally do some exercise and practice more yoga since the stone passed. This at least makes me feel like I can still work on my fitness. I did a lot of walking/light hiking this past weekend. I went on a long walk with a friend on Monday to a beautiful waterfall and I clocked burning over 700 calories. That was awesome.

I took a rest day yesterday and plan to do some cardio and strength training today on my breaks from work. I am seeing things finally looking up! Makes me feel better.

How is your week going?

Trish List signature

5 Day Goals Vol. 1

Happy First day of Spring! Although there is still quite a bit of snow out there, I know the  nicer weather is coming. It also makes Monday seem a little friendlier when the word "Spring" is associated with it. Am I right?



So today I want to introduce a new 5 day challenge and also let you know with pictures how I did last week. Last week I challenged myself to get dressed 5 days in a row. That to me meant changing out of what I wore to bed into something new. Working from home can make it easy to hop out of bed in your PJ's and start work.

I am excited to announce that I met my goal and dressed all 5 days! I learned it really made me feel put together and made me take my work seriously. I also realized I own A LOT of leggings! But ya know what? When you sit 8 hours a day, this is okay in my book. Plus it's winter.

Here's the proof!



This week I am challenging myself to drink 80 ounces of water every day. Spring is here and I am ready to start working on myself. I gained some weight over the winter and clothing is a bit snug. Time to work towards that summer goal so I don't need to buy a new swimsuit! My current one is new from last year.

Will you be joining me in this challenge? Check back to see my results next week!

Trish List signature

Challenge me March..

Here we are again. We are at the beginning of a new month. A time where we all ask for a clean slate and new chances. We often blame a month for our misfortunes. But maybe we are looking at it all wrong.

Every night we rejuvenate our bodies, thus giving us a clean slate the next day.  We just need to learn to utilize our clean slates daily and be the best person we can be.

I am asking March to challenge me rather than be better. I need to start holding myself accountable for some of the "better" I want to see.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. I was baptized Catholic but haven't much practiced since I was a little girl. Today I am going to take the challenge of Lent to make myself better.

For 40 days and 40 nights I am focusing on my health and well being. I am giving up the foods I know don't agree with me, but I continue to anger my body with. I  also going to make it a point to give everyday.

I want to feel better in my body as well as in my choices. This challenge is not for selfish intentions. If I do not take care of myself, I cannot help those around me in need.

So challenge me March. Make me stronger.

What does your March look like?


Trish List signature

Yoga Teacher Training Vol 1


Guys, let me tell you.. 34 hours of yoga teacher training from Friday to Monday is INTENSE! I am training to be a mindful warrior. I spent many hours in meditation along with learning the history and base poses to a yoga practice.

I am still working on processing everything I experienced on my weekend retreat immersed in all things yoga and mindfulness. I left feeling extremely close to my classmates and pondering all sorts of things in my life and about the world.

I do not have to be back in the class room for 5 weeks, but will be doing home study and practice in between. I will be logging a minimum of 2 yoga classes a week. I will be meditating 10 minutes a day, every day. I will be reading and studying the history and learning the whole body system.

I am beyond excited for this journey, and wish to share more once I processed everything completely over the next few weeks. I debated not posting at all until I had the words, but felt like going radio silent wasn't fun either.

Now I want to ask.. Do you practice mindfulness? Do you practice yoga? Please share with me your stories and journey. I would love to hear them all.


Much love!

Trish

Yogi Christmas Gift Guide

I announced last week that I am going to be starting my 200 hour yoga teacher training in January. Now that I am all signed up and accepted, I need a few things. I put together a Christmas wish list of sorts that I am looking for this year, and in return I hope it helps you shop for the yogi in your life.

For me, I am all about learning and training, as I will be spending a lot of time on my mat over the next 4 months. I added things to my list that would be useful and handy for my training. I threw in a few fun items too, just because.

Yogi Student Wishlist

1. Yoga wheel: I am not very flexible in my back. I have seen the wheel being used to help with back bends and other poses that require some flexibility. This would be a real blessing to anyone in my boat with the flexibility issue.

2. Blanket: I don't know about you, but when I start my savasana, I get really cold. My body relaxes and my body temperature goes down. Having a nice blanket to carry with me would be helpful.

3. Ombre leggings: I just really like these. I was at a point where all I wore was black leggings. They aren't fun. If I am going to be living in leggings more often, I might as well make them fun to look at!

4. Yoga mat: I have a mat currently, but just like everything else, mats do need to be replaced. Mats can be as simple or as fancy as you'd like them to be. For me, as long as I don't slide and it's not paper thin, it will be sufficient.

5. Sweatshirt: I am going to be training through the whole winter. It will be cold. Having a fun sweatshirt always makes it better. When you look forward to wearing youe winter wear, it doesn't seem like such a chore to go out.

6. Tank top: Just as much as getting cold can happen during your practice, so can getting warm. Having fun tank tops to practice in are always a good time. Plus I am going to miss pigging out on things like tacos..

7. No slip socks: I rarely ever wear socks when practicing, but again it will be winter and it will be a long day. I am going to want something I can put on my feet that won't cause me to slide on the mat.

8. Mesh leggings: Again these are just fun. Yoga can be as fashionable as you want. Sometimes it will be fun to put on something different to practice in.

9. Yoga block: Props are so important as I mentioned with the yoga wheel. We all need a little help sometimes to learn new poses. Having a nice cork block can make all those challenging poses a little easier.

10. Bag: Finally, you need something to carry all of these things in back and forth from classes. I really like this one because it fits everything and your mat has a place to go. This is probably what I'm hoping for the most this year!

So there is my wish list/gift guide. Is there anything I missed? Are you a yogi looking for some new stuff for Christmas? Let me know in the comments what you are in need of!


Trish List signature

To run or not to run.. That is the question..

Sore muscles. Stiff neck. What in the world did I do to myself? Oh that's right. I decided to start running. If you vaguely remember me mentioning running in the past, it's probably because I didn't. I don't run. I have tried. And failed. MANY times.

I have been practicing yoga again for 8 weeks straight. Ninth if you count Sunday. When I got on the treadmill on Friday morning I thought, why not? I feel stronger than I have in a long time and I've really learned to breathe, which was always one of my issues when running.

I warmed up for 4 minutes before I took the 1 minute plunge. I guess you can call it jogging more than running, but it was more than walking folks. Everyone has to start somewhere right?

To my amazement I didn't huff and puff the whole time. I didn't feel like collapsing in a pile of mush. I made it through the first minute and dialed it back to a brisk paced walk. I alternated between a brist walk, incline, and jog for 20 minutes.

It was a huge accomplishment for me. I felt great. And then I didn't. Saturday morning came and I was really stiff and sore. It didn't slow me down, but reminded me of what I did.

I took the rest of the weekend easy, minus my yoga and I recovered. Last night I tried again. I am still sore this morning but not as bad. I do have one question to those of you who do run regularly: Any advice on helping out the shins? They seem to be the only part of my body that struggles through my running intervals.

I'm gonna keep at this. It's gotta get better right?



Trish List signature

A workout routine from the past

workout routine

A few years ago I had a pretty solid workout schedule in place.  It worked for me and I was in shape. I felt good and was happy. Just like anything else though, curiosity got the best of me and I had to try something new. When that something else didn't work I'd move on to the next thing.

Here I am today out of shape and annoyed at myself. I wonder to myself why I ever stopped doing what worked for me. I have to remind myself that what works for one person, won't always work for the next person.

This week I have implemented my old plan with some new things. The new things are yoga sequences that are helping me with some of my tight spots I've encountered. I'm going to see if this routine still works for me. I am 2 days in and I'm already starting to feel better.

I wanted to share with you what I am doing in hopes that maybe my little routine may help one of you.

Monday: Gym- 1 Hour (10 minute increments alternating between cardio and weights/machines)

Tuesday: Home exercise. Stretches and heart rate raisers like mountain climbers and jumping jacks for 30 minutes.

Wednesday: Gym- 1 Hour (10 minute increments alternating between cardio and weights/machines)

Thursday: 1.5 Hour Yoga class (A series I've committed 8 weeks to)

Friday: Gym- 1 Hour (10 minute increments alternating between cardio and weights/machines)

Saturday: Various activities. They could include hiking, walking, house cleaning, and new activities I've wanted to try.

Sunday: Rest day.

What does your workout schedule look like?


Trish List signature

Exciting Announcement! + Giveaway!

I bet you're wondering why I am posting on a Thursday. I try to keep a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule but I really, really couldn't wait any longer to tell you all my exciting news!

Yes, yes I know the temptation is killing you. Well after a year and a half of blogging I have decided to start my very first newsletter! Because I am super excited about this and am really hoping you will join it so my fiance is not my only subscriber, I am also hosting my very first giveaway!

Before I get into the giveaway deets I want to give you a quick idea of what to expect when you subscribe to my newsletter. First and foremost you can expect some sassy tips about life. I love to give little quirky tips on how to make life easier. You will also have access to some sneak peak info on upcoming Blog Staycations. My favorite topic will also make an appearance, and of course that is some nifty thrifty tips.

The newsletter will only grace your mailboxes once a week and I will only send more if there is something SUPER important or exciting that I can't wait to share. This is my first time doing something like this, so please cut me some slack but also send me feedback! I love to improve things if they aren't what you all like to see.

So what do you think? Will you join me

 Now on to the giveaway...

I am so excited to be offering my first ever giveaway on the blog! I have some great ladies joining me today to give away a waterproof iPod Shuffle! Here on The Trish List I believe in living a healthier lifestyle. This iPod will be a great addition to your favorite exercises. This also includes swimming! How cool is that?! Enter below and visit these lovely ladies and show them some love!

(Source)
This is the stock photo. You will get the Ipod Shuffle, the case and the interchangeable earbuds. Pretty sweet deal!

                     Trish                                                                                                   Anne


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
Thank you for all of your support and good luck! 


Trish List signature

Natural Fall

The kids are back in school. The leaves are starting to fall. The nights are getting chilly. You're starting to feel that tickle in the back of your throat. Fall has arrived and so has the beginning of the cold and flu season. You're probably shuddering at that thought. Maybe you got lucky last year and skipped through without catching one. Maybe you are like me and suffered through 2 colds and never went to bed without slathering vapor rub all over your self, in hope to breathe through the night.



 I don't know about you, but I also shudder at the idea of all of the chemicals I am putting into my body each season to cover up the symptoms that come along with the cold. Have you ever read the back of your medicine? There are words I can't even pronounce! A few years back I tried changing my diet and only putting food into my body with words I could pronounce. It was interesting to see how much better I felt while following this simple rule.



Keeping all of that in mind, this fall I will be replacing my old cold medicine with Maty's all natural cough syrup and vapor rub. Some things to consider when deciding to change out your current cold medicines with Maty's all natural options:

  • The FDA does not regulate the use of the word 'natural' on products. What you see is not always what you get. Maty's makes products that are 100% natural with ingredients you can recognize. 
  • All products are made with whole food ingredients that come from mother nature. No harsh chemicals or additives. You won't find parabens in these products.
  • Maty's does not test on animals.

 If those things alone don't change your mind, consider my first impressions and thoughts:

The first thing I noticed about both the cough syrup and vapor rub was the smell. They both had smells I could recognize. The cough syrup was sweet smelling like honey and apple cider vinegar, while the vapor rub had a delightful mint scent. I didn't have immediate use for either product when they arrived but was able to really test run them this week when the weather started to change.

My allergies got the best of me and my nose was super stuffy over the weekend. I got frustrated that I wouldn't be able to sleep well when I remembered Maty's Vapor Rub. This rub is petroleum free and packed with eucalyptus, peppermint, and wintergreen: Three popular ingredients used as a cough and congestion remedy. I slathered some on my chest and was breathing freely in no time. I may have just found my new favorite love for the cold season.

Thankfully I only had allergies so I never fully got sick to use the cough syrup, but my dad visited this weekend and was coughing up a storm with his cold. I offered him a dose of Maty's Cough Syrup and within 20 minutes his cough was under control and he didn't feel so stuffy. He commented that the stuff tasted so good, he wanted to put it on a salad!

I am really impressed with the results and can't wait to test it further this fall. If you are looking to make the switch, you can pick up Maty's products at your local pharmacy or check them out online.

Will you be making the switch this Fall?

This post was sponsored by Maty's Healthy Products. All opinions are my own.


Trish List signature

Healing those sore muscles

Welcome back to the work week! I am cruising in feeling a little more relaxed and a lot less tense. The tension that had become my whole body was really starting to take over my life. I felt stiff and had a headache pretty regularly. Between getting back to regular workouts, work overload, and the beginning stages of planning a wedding, I have been pretty beat. Enter Rasa Spa, a full service holistic Healthcare spa in Ithaca, NY.

2 weeks ago I won their first ever Instagram giveaway which was giving away a 30 minute massage. I was super excited go get the message that I had won! I booked my appointment adding on another half hour to make a full hour. It was one of the best decisions I could have made.

*Sorry for the grainy photos.. only had my cellphone and didn't want to distract anyone in this relaxation room!



The whole experience was amazing. The locker room was very inviting with a sauna room, showers and plenty of bathroom necessities like hair brushes and hair dryers. I got dressed into my soft robe and headed to the tranquility room; a quiet room with super comfy lounging chairs and soft blankets to wrap up in. With a quick glance I also noticed a tea and water bar. I barely had time to notice it before I was being lead into my treatment room by a lovely lady named Edith.


Edith got me set up and was back in quickly to get started. I appreciated that. Because of all of my sore, tense muscles I opted for a very light relaxation massage. It did not disappoint. I was putty and feeling great. At the conclusion of the massage Edith handed me a glass of water and offered me a heating pack for my back. This was music to my ears and some sweet loving to my back. Lounging in my chair with the heat made me never want to get up! (Good thing because at that moment it was raining cats and dogs outside!)

I spent a total of 2 hours with Rasa Spa but really felt like so much happened. I felt more relaxed and energized for the weekend ahead of me. It was a few hours for myself that I didn't know I needed. It was a treat to myself for all of the work I've put into other people and projects over the past year. Thank you Rasa Spa for bringing me back to center.

Cheers!


When's the last time you gave yourself a treat?

Happy Monday!




Trish List signature

Happy Week

Thank you first full week of August for showing me what summer is really made of! July really brought me down, so I am really excited to report all of the great things August has shown me thus far. I figured I haven't done a fun Friday post in awhile so I am going to list some fun things that happened this week and continue this high right through the month.

1. I FINALLY crossed something off my bucket list that has been sitting there for awhile. I went on a self guided wine tour with R and some friends around Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes. We had a gorgeous day with good wine, good food, good laughs, and great friends. If you missed my post Monday about it, recap it here: Wine Tour: Seneca Lake

 
2. Guys I am officially happy with my scale. I stepped on it the first time in months and it actually told me I lost some weight! This was HUGE for me. It has been a long battle and to see 15 pounds gone really make me feel good. I talked a little about my struggle on Wednesday. If you are interested in my weight loss journey you can read about it here: My Weight Loss Journey

Guys I have a butt! Hard work is paying off!

3.  My House Party kit arrived! These boxes always make me so happy because the goodies inside are always so much fun. This is my 5th party in 2 years and the first one that was sponsored by an adult beverage and was geared not only towards women. This one is fantasy football themed and sponsored by a Whisky.


4. Having wine is always fun especially when it's free. My local wine store hosts weekly wine tastings on Thursdays and this week they were hosting wines that come from Italy and Greece. Its really cool because not only do you get to taste new wines, they educate you about how it was made and what region it comes from in each country.

5. I have finally laid out a plan for the blog for the Fall. So many new fresh ideas and making the blog more fresh and clean. I can't wait to share it all with you. One thing in particular that I'm excited for is the third Blog Staycation! So much learning to be had!

Have a great weekend folks!

Linking up today for H54F , That Friday Blog Hop, Oh Hey Friday!

Trish List signature

Wellness Wednesday - Hope

As I stand in front of the mirror, I have a glimmer of hope that something has changed. Thought after thought enters my head as I stare intently at myself. "My pants seem to be fitting looser and I think my shirt feels more comfortable." "I think my stomach might look smaller, hard to tell today". Then the thoughts go the other way. "Maybe I am just hallucinating. No weight has come off." " You're not beautiful. You are fat." "Nobody likes you anyway."

Self esteem plays a large part in this battle. When you are used to hearing negative things from the people around you, it is hard to believe in the good things. A year ago this month I went on a "sleeping" medication to help me get better sleep which was the excuse my doctor used for my stomach issues. I had been battling stomach pains, fatigue, and weight gain.  She claimed I needed to get better sleep and eat better.

 I became very active at the gym and even took a regular yoga class. No matter how hard I pushed myself the pounds kept packing on. I changed my diet, even eliminating foods with no change. Good news was my stomach stopped hurting and I thought I was sleeping better. Although I wasn't quite sure I wasn't sleeping good prior to the medicine.

I went in for a 3 month check and the doctor asked how I was doing. I told her my pain was gone, but I just couldn't get this weight to come off. She once again told me I needed to exercise more and eat better. I explained over and over again that I've been the most active I've ever been and my diet was the cleanest it's ever been. She sent me away with only asking that I continue to take the medication and continue to be healthier.

My job hosted a Biggest Loser competition in January. I weighed in at the heaviest I have ever been in my life. Each weigh in I barely lost anything if I didn't gain instead. I was frustrated and ashamed all at the same time. Nothing fit. I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. I had to make a change. I finally made an appointment with a new doctor. The first thing she confirmed was the medication was causing the weight gain even when my previous doctor told me that wasn't my problem.

Another thing she confirmed was my life environment was stressful. I needed to cut my stress out to get feeling better. I stopped taking the pills that day. Although my home environment is still very stressful and some of the people surrounding me are still verbally abusive, I am doing better.

For the first time in a year I stepped on a scale and was happy with the result. I am down 15 pounds since I stopped taking those pills back in April. I feel like I have some control back in my life. I am finally allowing myself to see the positive changes. No more negative sound bites in my head.

People do not have the right to make you feel insecure in your own skin, why should you do it to yourself?


Trish List signature

Tea Swap Link Up

If you like tea, you have picked the right day to read my blog. Today I will be posting about the yummy teas I received from Jenn over at Optimization, Actually. Earlier in the month I decided to host a Summer Tea Swap. The Winter Tea Swap went so well it sounded like a great idea to introduce some great teas that could be enjoyed in the summer.

Without further adieu, here is what I received!




1. Starbucks Iced coffee: It's not tea but that's okay in my book! I can't wait to try this out. Hopefully this weekend :)

2. Dandelion Tea: I have heard good things about dandelion tea. Maybe it will help this bloat I've got going on lately!

3. Tulsi Jasmine Green Tea: This stuff smells so good! I think I have found my new favorite go to tea!

4. Twinnings Chai: I have had this tea in the past and it is a good one. So glad to have more of this in my life!

5. Tazo Ice Passion Sweetened Tea: I haven't tried this yet but I am a fan of the passion tea when I go to Starbucks so if it's anything like that I will like this.

6. Harris Green Tea: Gotta love the green tea. Some people don't like the taste but I think its pretty calming and has just enough flavor.

7. Kirkland Green Tea: This looks interesting. I can't wait to try this and give a formal report!

Thank you so much Jenn for the awesome teas. I love trying new things and these are all certainly right up my alley! I am planning my 2nd annual Winter Tea Swap this November so keep an eye out for that!

I have opened a link up for all participants to link up what they got! I am also okay with anyone linking up their favorite teas! Recommendations are always welcome!


Trish List signature

Wellness Wednesday: Whole30

Well it's time.. for real this time. I am done feeling overweight and sluggish. I am taking the plunge and doing Whole 30. What is Whole 30 you ask? It is a dietary choice to cut out all processed foods, dairy, and grains. Basically eating only whole foods. Things you do not have to alter to make it what it is. Think veggies, fruit, grass fed meats, healthy oils, and spices. Oh and no alcohol! You do this for 30 days and see how you feel. It's a reset of sorts.



When I first looked at the program I got a little nervous. I love yogurt and bread. They are the things I go to when I am lazy and don't feel like cooking. Then it dawned on me, they are easy things to eat, but I never feel good after having them. There is no point in eating something that will make me feel crappy afterwards.

Yesterday was my first official day on the program. I had watermelon, a banana, and black coffee for breakfast. I drank lots of water to fill myself because honestly I was hungry by 9:30am. I also didn't prepare well for my breakfast so I am going to do better today. You can have eggs so I plan to make myself a spinach and egg scramble.

For lunch I had an orange and a steamable bag of spinach. I have been on a spinach kick lately so this was a pretty normal lunch for me. Today I am making tuna salad with avocado, onion, and cucumber. I will put it over a bed of salad. A little salt, pepper, olive oil, and garlic will make this delish!

After work I went to the grocery store to stock up on more essentials so I won't be unprepared for the rest of the week. I picked up grass fed ground turkey. I came home and make a turkey burger, minus the bun seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and hot sauce. I paired that with a spinach, mushroom, and cucumber salad topped with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Also as a treat on the side cut up a sweet potatoes and made roasted medallions. They were so good! I haven't decided on dinner yet for tonight but I'm sure it will be yummy!

So overall, my first impression of the program is, be prepared. If you do not have the proper food you will be hungry and you are more inclined to cheat and eat something you shouldn't. I feel better prepared for today so I don't feel like I will be as hungry and I will get by easier!

Have you tried out this program? How did you do? Did you last without alcohol, bread, and dairy?

Make sure you check out my delish wine cocktail I indulged in the night before the program started. It was SO yummy!



Trish List signature

Wellness Wednesday - Teatox!

Summer is desperately trying to push it's way in and that can only mean one thing. Sundress and shorts season! Am I right ladies? This makes me all kinds of happy because I just bought myself a pair of really cute lime green shorts! I can't wait to rock these all summer long while the sun shines down on me.

Not best picture ever though.. oops
Now the harsh reality of the warmer weather, is noticing I put on a few pounds. I would feel more comfortable rocking my new favorite shorts if I could get rid of a little bit of that bloat I put on while hibernating all winter. I was also having some stomach issues so that never helps the belly.

Because I was having so many issues with my stomach I was afraid to do a lot of dieting or over working my body in the gym. This is when I discovered the teatox that was sweeping the nation. I don't know about you, but I really love a good hot cup of tea.


When I was sent the 14 day Skinny Teatox, I felt like my prayers were being answered. It was simple and included one of my favorite relaxers. A bit cup of tea. The 14 day Skinny Teatox came with day tea, evening tea and a cute little strawberry tea infuser. The day tea is a loose tea while the evening tea comes as a tea bag.

The instructions are very easy. One cup of day tea either in the morning or afternoon for energy and a cup of night tea every other night to help detox and cleanse. You are also instructed to eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to drink plenty of water.

I was only able to experience the Skinny Teatox for 5 days before I had a to stop due to being sick (unrelated to the tea), but in just 5 days I could feel the difference. I didn't feel as bloated and my cute lime shorts were fitting a little looser. I really enjoy the taste of the tea and plan to start it back up again this weekend.

Summer is knocking on my door and I am ready to look and feel great. So I'm gonna pour myself a nice hot cup of tea and call it a day. I will feel better for it tomorrow. Interested in pouring yourself a cup as well? Head on over to The Skinny Teatox and get yourself started!


*The 14 Day Skinny Teatox was given to me in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Trish List signature

Wellness Wednesday - Abdominal Massage

Are you suffering from digestive issues? Does your stomach frequently feel upset or sick? You may have a sluggish digestive system. I know I suffer from these issues daily and sometimes just want to give up on food all together. I have tried so many things to help, but my body is weird and doesn't like to cooperate. That's when my massage therapist recommended I try abdominal massage.


One of my massage therapists co-workers specializes in abdominal massage and was willing to work with me for nothing. I was a little skeptical at first because I have never had my stomach massaged and had no idea what to expect. I was scheduled in for a 90 minute massage, which is my normal time, but did not work on my stomach the whole time.

Kathleen, who did the massage, said you must work up to the abdominal area. She started my massage like any other massage, with my back, arms, legs, and neck, before working on my stomach. Because I am having digestive issues and sometimes constipation, she focused on my intestines. She gently massaged them to soften them up, allowing any toxins being stored there to be released. She was able to soften everything up and was even hearing some healthy gurgles coming from deep within my system.

After the massage I was instructed to drink lots of water and to relax for the rest of the night. No marathons for me. It has been a few days since my massage and I have definitely noticed some changes. She told me sometimes these things take a few sessions to really get everything working properly again, so I am planning on scheduling some more time with her in the next week or so.

Have you ever experienced with alternative medicine to treat ailments? What have you tried? Would you ever have an abdominal massage?



Trish List signature

Wellness Wednesday - Not feeling well


It finally happened. After months of dodging it, I have finally been hit with the nasty cold that it seems like everyone in my office had. I was almost ready to throw a small celebration that I made it through the season without one cold. It would of been epic. But no, it HAD to show up on a Monday to complicate things.

It make me wonder if all of the stress and craziness of the move made my immune system weak which allowed me to get sick. I have gotten past many colds and sicknesses over the winter that R got from the kids. He was once again sick and almost over it when out of nowhere my cold hit me.

Getting the cold reminds me why I need to chill out as best as I can in stressful situations. I was able to steer clear of other bugs and viruses when I managed better. Now that I let myself succumb to the stress I opened myself up for germs.

This is reminder to myself and all of you to keep stress as minimal as possible to keep the rest of you healthy. Do something nice for yourself and allow yourself to relax during stressful times. I often forget to do this myself and here I am feeling terrible with this icky cold.

How do you maintain a healthy immune system?


Trish List signature

Wellness Wednesday: Water

Everything around us is built up with science. There are millions of molecules buzzing around us at all times. Our body is made up of molecules, and the biggest element is H2O. Water, for all you folks who don't use the scientific part of your brain. Because of this, it is super important to keep our bodies hydrated. Today I wanted to talk about the benefits of water and why you should be drinking more.

As a society, water is often passed over for sugary and caffeinated drinks. What we don't think about is the drinks we are choosing in place of water can often make us dehydrated and sluggish. Water is needed to help flush the body of toxins, and when it's not present we aren't getting everything moving. During the day we should all be consuming half of our body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should be drinking 70 ounces of water a day or roughly 8.5 cups of water.

This sounds harder then it is. What I have done to maintain my water intake daily, is purchased a fun water bottle that has the ounces marked on it. I drink four 20oz bottles of water a day. It goes a lot quicker then I thought. I drink one 20 ounce bottle before I go to work. I refill 2 more times at work and then drink the last 20 ounces after work once I get home.

I have been doing this now for a few weeks. The changes I have noticed are amazing! I have been having a lot of trouble with acne on my face and back. My face and back are FINALLY clearing up. I notice my skin looking brighter and I look more awake. I am not as hungry so I am not snacking as often in between meals. The bloat I have been feeling is going away. So many benefits come out of drinking water.

Do you drink enough?

Image Map

Wellness Wednesday - 10 Minute Challenge

Did you all think I was going to forget about my 10 minute challenge posts? Not a chance! Today I want to give you 5 more exercises and stretches you can do in 10 minutes. Not only are these quick, they can be done anywhere and they bring quite a punch! If you missed the last one you can check it out here ----> 10 Minute Fitness Challenge


Today we are focusing mainly on legs. Make sure to make adjustments to any of these exercises if they do not feel comfortable to you. Never do something if it hurts. I am not a certified trainer, these are all moves I perform myself. If you have any doubts please consult your doctor.


2 Minutes-Warm up doing jumping jacks. Do them in intervals. No need to do 2 minutes straight!

2 Minutes- Do 2 sets of wall sits. Lean up against a wall and slide down until you are in a comfortable "chair" pose. Hold this for 30 seconds then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat 1 more time.

2 Minutes - Calf raises!  30 minutes of raises, 30 minutes of rest. Repeat 1 time.

2 Minutes- Desk Leg Raises. Sit at your desk with good posture. Lift both legs up until they are straight and hold for 5 seconds. Bring feet back to he ground. Continue this movement for 2 minutes for a great  leg workout.

2 Minutes - Squats! Do 3 sets up 10. Rest in between as needed. 

There you have it folks. Easy peasy and you got leg day crossed off you list! Come back next week for more easy office workouts!



Image Map