No Yelling Challenge Update

  OK so the "No yelling for a week challenge" officially ends tomorrow. Yesterday i yelled not only at one of my kids but 2 of them. I was in one of those "whatever" moods and my 5yr apparently was in "i will not listen today no matter what" mode.

Even though i didn't stick to the plan, I don't feel as if I failed this challenge completely. Due to this task learned how to stop, breath and act instead of yelling. Now as soon as i see the situation escalating to where i might have to yell or get super irritated i pause, pull the child to the side and address the situation correctly. I can only pray that i can continue applying this to my DAILY life.

Basically that's it for that.. Is all about action from here on...With God ALL things are possible :)

No Yelling for a week challenge

Alright people i have a challenge at hand and i want you to join me. The challenge is " no yelling at your kids for week" what you say, you with me?

I can't believe I'm setting myself up for this one. All i keep thinking in my head is "will i be able to actually pull this one off"? but I WILL, why not?  First let me clarify something (or make myself feel a little better) I DON"T go on rampages and scream at  my kids on a daily basis. I have those moments each day when i let out 2, 3 or maybe 4 loud "PICK UP YOUR SHOES, STOP HITTING, I SAID NOOOOO". I understand this approach will only make kids listen at that very moment, if that, what i mean is kids don't always think "i should pick up my shoes or mom will yell all the time", on the contrary they have a way of blocking you and go right back to the old behaviour the next day. In fact they will actually imitate your crazy yelling before they ever do what you YELL at them to do.

So today, November 23-30 i am taking up this one week challenge with the hope of eliminating this non effective, unproductive behaviour FOR EVER!!!

Care to join me?

 

I'm Here, I'm Here!!!!!

Oh what joy i felt as i clicked on the "new post" button on blogger. It's been  way to long my friends but as you all know "life happens" and boy has it happened around here.

First let me start by saying that we FINALLY opened our restaurant HOOORAY! for those who don't know my husband and i along with a very good friend of ours spent a year building a franchise. 21 Flavors of bone and boneless CHICKEN WINGS! Delicious i tell you...We opened August 12 and if we thought building and sacrificing so much for a whole year was tough, these 2 1\2 months have been even harder. We've already learned so much (i wish the learning process would of came without errors) and know we will continue to learn even more. Here's a peek of our place..

God is good...

I have to run, but i will be back tonight to share some weigh loss update...

Completed my first 5K

What an amazing experience! I can't believe i waited so long to take part of something like this.

On June 13 i ran my first 5K in support of Tuft Medical Center Floating Hospital and helped save lives of children. I trained for about 6 weeks with couch to 5K program, I recommend this program to anyone for it works great.  helped me to slowly worked myself to run a 5K in 6 weeks.

What an amazing accomplishment for me. The run itself was breath taking, i ran right along the harbor in Boston and the weather was pleasant. There were about 1,500 runners and walkers. Together we helped raise 256,000 for this cause.. God is good :)

I plan on doing this specific 5K run every year God willing, and next year i will run it with my 13yr daughter ... YAY

THAT WAS GREAT!!

What we been up to & My 90 days of P90X outcome!

I'm sorry for abandoning you my dear readers, but exercising has taken me to a place in my life i didn't see coming. I'm no longer a home body, I'm enjoying the outside world everyday with my family :)

Last week we went on our first camping trip to Maine we had such a peaceful weekend. No Internet, phones, televisions just us creating memories. The boys went fishing with dad, i lay ed out by the lake with my girls, we built bond fires, ate smores, you  name it... Time seemed to have stopped- God really worked with us through this trip...

Can't wait to do it all OVER again next year!!!

Now if your wondering what ever happened with P90X- I did complete the 90days on May 22nd. Overall i lost 8lbs.. I know is not much at all- But is not about that for me, is about how i feel and the things i am able to do now because of those 90 days. I did lose inches of my chest, waist, thighs, arms, legs and is all that matter to me...I would of lost a lot more if i had done the eating program, but i can't stick to NO eating regimen- not because i eat a lot but because I'm way too busy, seriously i am.

Here's my final 90 day progress..

Before

After

I'm Happy with my progress.. Slowly but surely i will get there- No rush.. I start my next 90 days today (i know i can't get enough of it)

I also have been training for my first 5K run on June 13- It been a challenge because of Shin problems but I WILL MAKE IT THROUGH WITH GOD'S HELP! :)

Will you support me as i Run my first 5K for a cause?

On Sunday, June 13th I’m participating in the 8th annual Harbor Walk & Run, a fundraising event to benefit Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children. Lives are saved there every day – adults and kid’s lives. Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital deserve our support.


I’ve made a personal commitment to raise $_500_ for Tufts Medical Center and I hope you’ll help me reach my goal. You can visit my personal fundraising page at www.harborwalkrun.org and learn more about the Medical Center, the event, and how close I am to reaching my goal.

You can make a gift using a credit card when you visit my web page.

Every dollar helps! And your gift is tax deductible. Thank you for your generosity. If you have any questions, please contact me at  Jstar1418@aol.com. I really appreciate your support.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER MY PERSONAL FUNDRAISING PAGE.

Your contribution of ANY amount is appreciated.. God Bless you..

P90X Day 61-67- Week 2 of 5K training & Mommy day 2010

I have never worked out so hard in my life the way I've been for the past 8 days now. I wake up at 5:45 to be out the door by 6am to do my 5K training. Considering I've never been a morning person this has been a bitter sweet experience for me. I hate it but i love it...

The program I'm using to train for the 5K is here http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml Check it out, so far it's bee great!

P90X is going really good, I think my arms are getting a little too big but as i lose the weight it will all even out. So i hope. Weight Loss is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, staying consistent is key yet extremely hard to do, but not impossible. Because of exercise i feel like a different person. I am more active, balanced and happy. 

This weekend i had a wonderful mother's day with my family. I am extremely blessed that God chosed me to bear children, especially such beautiful kids like mine :) Thank you Lord for your gift to me..

P90X Day 60-61 and 5k training day 2

I don't really know where to start because so much has been going in my life right now is crazy. We went on a mini vacation for a few days, got back to do some construction around the house which lasted a WHOLE week of mess, stress you name it. We also celebrated our little O first birthday party and had a blast.

With all that's been going on working out was extremely hard to squeeze in. I had no access to my living room where i usually do my P90X so i missed one whole week of it, but I'm right back to it. I also began training for a my first 5k run yesterday, so far so good. This program promises to train me run a 5k like nothing in 9 weeks, we shall see i will keep you guys posted.

I will also post some pictures in 2 weeks after i make up for the almost 2 weeks i messed up.

P90X Day 57-59 Phase 3

Hi friends..

Well vacation week for the little ones is over and we are back to our daily routine. The kids really enjoyed themselves which is always satisfying to us parents.

I'm going through writers block right now or  i'm extremely tired, either or i feel a big fog in my head.

Last week was crazy in the eating department. I went out almost everyday with my husband and let's just say we lived it up :) It was all so worth it, but now i have a lot of work to do and it started today.

I can't believe i only have 30 more days to go with this program, this is crazy. This program has changed my life completely, my confidence level has increased so much, i am forever grateful to Tony Horton for creating this incredible workout system.  My plan is to go for 90 more days once i'm done, by then it should bring me to that place i want to be.

Here's what my schedule looks like for the next 3 weeks.

P90X LEAN PHASE 3:

Weeks 9, 11
Day 1 – Chest and Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 – Cardio X
Day 3 – Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 – Yoga X
Day 5 – Core Synergistics
Day 6 – Kenpo X
Day 7 – Rest or X Stretch

I need to stay motivated now more than ever and finish these next 30 days STRONG...

Love & War Giveaway Winner!!!

And the winner is.....

Cop Mama- Congratulations your the random winning number 14. Enjoy your copy of Love and War

Contact me @ Jstar1418@aol.com with your info within 48 hours if not i will select a second chance winner..
Enjoy girl :)

P90X Day 49-56.. No longer M.I.A

My dear bloggy friends, I am so sorry for being M.I.A for so long! I've been getting some house chores out the way. We also went on a mini vacation to New York city :)  where we had LOTS of fun.

I forgot to bring my laptop, but truth is i'm glad i did because i needed to spend some undivided time with the gang. Working out has been great, i can say i am addicted to this program. I even took it with me and worked out at the hotel (yup that counts as addiction). I have to admit, even though i did not eat excessively i did eat poorly this weekend :(  Need to drink my dieter's tea and meal replacements everyday this week to make up for the lost week i had...

Tomorrow i finish phase 2 of this program, which means i get to switch the whole workout schedule again! I will post Phase 3 schedule tomorrow.

AND tomorrow guess who's turning 1- Little O is turning 1 year old! SO exciting i can't believe is been a year already... Love you little princess, may the Lord give you many more healthy years with your family that loves you to pieces... And now here's a short video of this adorable little P90X baby O..Shes too funny...

Love and War Book Giveaway!

I'm currently reading  Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge and i absolutely love it, so much i want to share a copy with you.

John and Stasi  are very transparent and real with their own story which helps the reader connect and find open. So far is one of the best marriage book i've read. It is good for couples to go through together if possible. However, one partner putting the principles to work like John and Staci suggest will result in positive change for any marriage.

I think if you are about to get married, a newly wed, or been married for LONG years, this book is for you. It is all centered around God, Scripture and though marriage is not always easy, and sometimes disappointing, it is possible to make it!

Ok enough talk.. Let's get to it!

For a chance to WIN a FREE copy here's what you do

• Leave a comment sharing why you would like to win this book
• Follow my blog (and boo you if you un follow, you will miss out on my future giveaways) Leave a comment saying your a follower
• Tweet about this giveaway- leave a comment
• Follower me on Twitter for another entry - Leave a comment here
• Blog about this giveaway- Leave a comment
• Join my Blog Frog community , start a Discussion-  leave a comment

This Giveaway end 4/23/10 -

I will pick a winner through www.random.org

Don't forget to join my community :)

My Kids Workout Too!

I recently purchased Shaun T's Fit Kids Club DVD for my kids and THEY LOVE IT.

They have been watching me workout for 9 months now, they are my #1 cheerleader. Not only do they enjoy watching me they sometimes join me. Even my 11 month old is picking up on this, check her and my 13 yr old doing yoga with me...

                       (I took this pic on low lighting and on iPhone)

I found Shaun's DVD and decided to give it a try. Here's a little info about this DVD

"Get down and get fit with Shaun T's Fit Kids Club workouts for kids ages 7 and up! It's all about sweat, strength, and FUN with mad awesome dance moves that keep you healthy and energized! It doesn't matter what your size or shape is—or even if you can't dance. Shaun T will teach you cool, new steps with rad music so you'll be rockin' out in no time! These workouts are so much fun, you won't even feel like they're exercise!"



I do this DVD with them at least 3 times a week is easy. The workout is broken down into 2 parts each 25 minutes long.

1. Groovin it out

Get your groove on with Shaun T and the Fit Kids, doing cool dance steps like the Hustle, We're Cool, Body Jam, Wind & Toss, Bounce & Swipe, and Basketball. You'll be having so much fun, you'll forget you're exercising! It’ll become the best part of your day! (25 minutes)

2. Cool Moves

Get funky while you get healthy. Shaun T shows you new hip, hot steps like The Hey!, Snake It, Pound & Hop, Dust & Wave, and Smooth Groove. Learn the coolest moves and get in great shape at the same time! Work it out every day with Shaun T and the Fit Kids. (25 minutes)

Plus 3 free Bonuses

• Healthy kid-friendly snack ideas
• Guide to learn to read nutrition labels
• Shaun T's Fit Kids Club wall poster to keep track of your workouts

To order Click on the link Below...

$19.95 plus $4.95 shipping.. WOW

P90X day 43-48- Oh what a Drag...

Working out  has been such a burden lately, i did my workout but not with a smile on my face. This morning i decided to do the Shred DVD and oh boy was that a BAD idea, my right knee is killing me. I don't know what is it about the Shred that makes the knees HURT like crazy, sorry Jillian but i think i'm officially done with the Shred. I just finished doing my P90X Core Synergistics i am TIRED.

I've been super busy around here. I'm hardly online and my new iphone has A LOT to do with it. I upgraded to 3G and do almost all my online stuff from there. I spent all day in Boston today and i'm super tired..

Sorry for the short post but i promise i will be back tomorrow with a SUPER giveaway...

My FIRST 5 Question Friday

I've decided to join the FUN! I've been a lurker of 5QF for way too long. 5QF was created by a very sweet lady Mama M of My Sweet Little Life, if you like to read more 5QF entries head over to her blog and join in.

Here i go...


1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

This is funny because all i keep thinking about when i think of someone is Angelina Jolie. I don't believe to have anything in common with her just love her acting skills :) So i guess it would be her or Dr.Yang from Greys Anatomy..lol.. In looks we have nothing in common but in everything else i think we are right on.

2. Did you ever go to summer camp?

Nope, living in uptown Manhattan was rough for a girl.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?

Jehovah's Witness.. Ok i'm joking i promise. But truth is every Saturday morning during the summer when they knock at your door at 8am, i surely wish i could run the other direction...

Bugs, crazy animals, creepy creatures totally make me run the other direction.Heck even a dog makes me run and scream..

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?

lol... This is a good one because just last night he was telling me how much this bugs him. With me a simple yes or no answer is never enough, i ALWAYS go into interrogation mode (i do this with my kids also) I want to know how things happened, when, what time EVERYTHING. Call me crazy or better yet noisy but i must have all the details.. This drives any men crazy because they are simple yes and no type of people...
5. What is currently your favorite song?

Imma B by the Black Eye Peas..Love them :)



There you have it peeps.. Enjoy

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to my dear bloggy friend and P90X rocking girl-- Alison from  The Levy Family Your the winning number of this awesome giveaway..

The Power of a Praying Wife Book

Email me your contact info to Jstar1418@aol.com within 48 hours- Otherwise i will draw a second chance winner..

Congrats girl.. Stay tuned for the next giveaway REAL soon.. Your going to LOVE it..

P90X Day 42- Picture update

I want to thank you all for your lovely comments on yesterday's crazy post. I feel a lot better, i know your prayers lifted me :)

Now back to the good stuff...

I need to jump off the PC to get my workout done. I'm doing Cardio X which is short and sweet. But first i want to show you guys a picture i took this weekend. This is day 42

Don't mind me i like wearing black A LOT- I changed my diet, i'm eating about 6 times a day to get my metabolism moving faster. Doing P90x Lean version has helped a lot as well..

These pictures are 14 days apart- I like to believe i look thinner, at least that's how i feel.

I was trying a new hairstyle, what y'all think?

                                                                            Day 1

                                                                          Day 28
                                                                       

Day 42

Purchase P90X HERE, i can coach you for FREE!

Sadness has taken a hold of me today (My story)

Today after lunch i knew the day had taken a turn. I started feeling very anxious, nauseous and the headache was so bad i cried and cried, but of course it simply got worse.

I want to share this with you because i really need to vent a little...

About 12 years ago my mother died in car accident on her way to pick me up from the airport. She had left on vacation to Dominican Republic and i was schedule to meet her there 2 weeks after. My flight was schedule to leave at 7 a.m, but i was late and missed my flight. I was able to get on a later flight, which meant i would land in DR at about 9pm. Unfortunately there was no one there to pick me up, at about 7pm and very close to the airport my mother and 2 other passengers who were also family members, were killed. It's been 12 long crazy years since this tragedy happened and i still get physically sick when i think about it.

My God is a awesome God, and without Him i would of never made it out of the dark place i once was. For almost 8 years i lived in a very dark and lonely place, where only God, my Husband and kids kept me sane. If it was up to me i would of self-destruct little by little. But because of His grace i am here.

For so long, i blamed myself not only for my mother's death but also my 2 cousins who died along with her. Many people have said to me, my husband especially that i don't have the power to cause such drastic event. I believe it, yet there;s one truth that keeps me hostage.

The night before my departure to DR i had only slept about 2 hours, i woke up late so i missed my first flight. I've always asked myself what if i would of never missed that flight, why was i so irresponsible about this?  I mean i do know and believe God is in control of everything and He allows things to happen, but why this? And why can't i get past this? Before today i really thought things were getting better, and these feelings were finally dying out. But after speaking to my sister today, i can't help but feel horrible for robbing them of a mother. I was only 16 when this happened my sister was 9 and my brother 8, so the've never had a mom there through the most important times in their life...I'm hurting today- deeply.. Will continue another time because right now i need to pray for peace...

God Bless y'all

P90X Day 36-41- Thank you Tony!

Tony Horton, i am for ever grateful to you for creating such great workout program. Muscle confusion is surely what makes P90X so effective.

Yoga is a workout i will never stop doing, this is forever. Tony says in one of his DVD'S "there's things i can do with my body not because i do pull ups, but because i do yoga"  and Tony i completely understand you now. If mother was alive she would be proud to know i no longer slump on a chair when i sit. This workout has helped my posture a lot, and my back is stronger.

As i gained weight i moved a lot slower. I didn't go out with my kids as much as i would of liked because my body felt heavy, i found myself dragging my body everywhere. I also felt ugly, fat, yucky... Everything i wore never fit right to me, i was depressed because of my weight- what a sad way to live. But now as the weather rises going outside to do yard work or taking the kids out is no longer a hassle for me, i get up and at it without these crazy feelings hovering over me. I feel very happy and can only imagine how much better it will get.

Enough chatting.. Here's my work out schedule for the last 6 days..

Day 36- Chest, Shoulders and Triceps- Ab Ripper X-- When i first did this workout i hated it because of all the push ups you have to do, but now as i see what it's doing to my chest ME LIKE IT A LOT :)

Ab Ripper X- In this abs workout every move is composed of 25 reps each, in almost all of them I've yet to finish the whole 25 but i am proud to say i made it to 20 reps- I am proud :)

Day 37- Yoga- Out of the 94 minutes I'm suppose to do in this workout i only did 20 because i was so sick with a headache and nausea this day :(

Day 38- Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X-- This was a great workout because i love working on my back- My legs not so much because some of the moves are hard and make my legs BURN.. I'm still sore from it.

Ab Ripper X- No Ab workout for me because i had to step out..

Day 39- Kenpo X- When i did this workout for the first time it made me very frustrated because i kept messing up the moves, I'm not the most coordinated person. But this week all i did was listen to what was next and without even looking i knew exactly what to do.. again.. I'm proud.. I'm considering taking a kickboxing class this fall, this stuff is FUN..

Day 40 X Stretch or Rest- Rest for me please..

Day 41 Core Synergistics- This workout has gone from most hated to one i look foward to. A strong core will allow you to keep optimal body alignment for whatever you're doing.

And now i need to get off this PC to go enjoy this beautiful weather, going for a 20 min walk..

Have a awesome day y'all