It's a family tradition!

Wow, another busy week.  I've been trying to get caught up so that we can have a nice 4th weekend! 

I'm also doing my Insanity workouts.  My legs are so stinkin' sore!  Broke out the foam roller last night and feeling better this morning!  If you aren't using a foam roller, check out my video on how to use one.  It makes such a difference for me!

These workouts are hard!  I get so red-faced, it takes an hour for me to cool down! 

You can get a foam roller at most stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Academy).  It really will help you and your muscle soreness.  Read my post about alleviating muscle soreness to refresh your memory on what I do.

We are heading to the lake tomorrow.  I am loving these long weekends!!  Friends are coming and I'm excited to get on the water and have some fun!  Every year we watch the fireworks on the lake.  We load up the boat and get a good spot early on, it's a bit crazy out there and then wait for dark and the show!  It's pretty cool on the water. 

A few years ago, I was in NYC for the 4th, that was one of the best shows I've seen!

It's hard to get good photos of the fireworks!!

 

Discussion:  Do you have a 4th of July tradition?

It's the small things

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” ~  Tennessee Williams

Source

It's the small things in life that make me happy!

One of the joys of traveling is that I get to meet up with my friends!  Yesterday was one of those good days!  I met up with a couple of my marilu.com friends.  It is amazing to me that lasting friendships can be made on a message board and when you finally meet in person, it's like you've known each other forever and you just start chatting! 

I met Tammy and Heather yesterday!  We had lunch with Tammy and her husband Ken and then had dinner with Heather!

 

In between all the fun with the girls (and Brian and Ken), we toured The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home and then went over to the Opryland hotel.  All were great stops and we enjoyed both thouroughly.  The hotel was unbelieveable.  It was gorgeous!

We ate at Rafferty's for lunch and The Wild Cow for dinner.  Both were great choices

.

 Check out the vegan donut I had for dessert! Delicious!

 

Heather had a truffle the size of her head! YUM!

 

 

We are heading home today.  Sad, but also ready to get home.  I need to get back on a normal schedule.  I'm ready for that for sure!

Since I was on week 2 of Insanity Asylum when the tornado hit, I haven't done much since then, so I am re-starting it on July 1!  It's a 30 day program and I plan to document it.  It's brutal!

Discussion:  What type of activities do you like to do on your vacations?  We always try to include some type of historical stops!  We love that!

breathtaking views

Yesterday was a great day!  We started off driving around the mountain (at least to the places we hadn't been yet) and it was a long day in the car, but the views were so worth it.

We headed off to Clingman's Dome first.  This was the HARDEST 1/2 mile I have ever walked.  It was straight uphill - imagine putting your treadmill on the highest incline setting and taking off for 1/2 mile.  That was exactly what it was like.  We started out good and very quickly realized we were going to have to take a couple of breaks.   BUT, we made it to the top and the view was sooo worth it!

Absolutely beautiful

we were above the clouds!!

a view of part of our walk up!

We found a great hiking trail and off we went.  We didn't see any bears, I kinda wanted to see one - from a distance, mind you, but we didn't have to worry about it.  I think I'm glad after all!

I scrambled down (almost fell) and Brian told me to pose......

on our hike

We also found a suspension bridge to cross.  It was weird, I hadn't been on one before.  It was a bouncy walk.  There was a great stream, creek (whatever you want to call it) and we took a few minutes to hang around and enjoy the quiet.  We were the only ones there!

We are on the move today - headed to Nashville and meeting one of my marilu.com friends today!  Should be some fun!!

Discussion:  do you have to plan out your vacations or do you wing it..  We are winging it this trip!

Having Fun!

Brian and I are on the road!  We've enjoyed ourselves so far and it just makes me happy spending time with him.

We loaded up the RV and headed out to the Smoky Mountains.  The first day was spent driving - all day long to get here, but it has been so worth it.  Such a beautiful place.

We've seen some interesting things along our way - I mean who could pass up the chance to see the largest Superman statue?

We were not the only ones there!!

Yesterday, we toured the Cades Cove drive.  It was such a pretty drive.  It did rain on us off and on, but we managed to stay dry!

the scenery on our drive

on our hike

several buildings to tour, just loved the little church

at the top of the tower

had my first taste of moonshine.  uhm, not a fan....

We are off our on adventures today - glad the kids are at home taking care of things. 

Enjoy your day and have fun!

Discussion:  Do you have any vacation plans this summer?

I bit the rug!

I had Miss Madelyn yesterday and she was in a pretty good mood!  She usually is, but things can change in a heartbeat with a toddler.

So, we had been playing all morning long, had our lunch (onies - macaroni in Madelynese) and she wanted to play outside. We grab our sunglasses, she decided we needed to switch things up a bit:

 Mom shows up and Madelyn's mood changes.  She was in, she wants out.  So, we go in, this doesn't make her happy, just inside the door I have an area rug, Madelyn lays on it and puts her face on the rug.  She stands up and says - I bit the rug.  I asked her if it made her feel better and she says un-huh.  Evidently she has been biting and Mom and Dad are trying to break her of it.

So, the next time I am all mad and upset, I think I'll bite the rug!  It worked for Mads!

Discussion:  Did you have a toddler that was biting?  How did you break them?

Summit Fun Recap!

One last post on the Beachbody Summit trip!  We had a blast!

I left on Wednesday, got to LA in the afternoon, met up with my friends:  Tina, Katie, Lisa, Jolene, and Dana.  We went to dinner at Rosa's and then met up with more friends......  hung out at The Farm for a while.  One thing I noticed about CA, they do NOT want to split up the bill.  I don't know what is up with that, but it sure makes it inconvenient for us customers (just sayin')....



Thursday, Day 2 was started off with team training.  We had the best day, learned all about our different behaviour types and how to interact with each other.  I learned that I am an Informal, flows with personality.  After our training, we had recognition.  As a Diamond coach, I received a very nice certificate and my invitation to next year's Women's Diamond Retreat in San Diego.

Thursday night was the Success Club Reception.  I had to qualify for Success Club in April and May to go to this party.  It was a blast.  Karoke, dancing, drinks, photos with the trainers and Carl Daikeler (CEO of Beachbody).  After the party, we were starving, so we went to dinner at the hotel.  Low and behold - look who was standing at the bar.

I know the photo is not the greatest, but how could you resist getting a photo of Matthew McConaughey. 

Friday, Day 3, the actual summit meetings started.  Sunrise workouts with Debbie Sierbers, Leandro  Carvalho, or Donna Richardson Joyner.  Shakeology breakfast, and the General Session.  The theme this year is End the Trend.  We learned about all kinds of things:


Team Beachbody won the Rising Star Award from the DSA for 2011.
Obesity costs a family $7500 per year.  AND our children have a shorter life span for the first time.
P90X App is coming - SOON!
Dr. Mark Cheng is coming out with a tai chi workout
More Rev Abs workouts coming soon
21 day detox
New Team Beachbody site features - Wowy facelift , sharing your workouts on facebook, suggested buddies, sharing online groups with facebook
Coach Training Academy
Success Club Challenge
Summit 2012 - Vegas, baby!
The General Session ended with Marlee Matlin.  "Courage plus dreams equals success"

We had lunch and then the breakout sessions - I attended the Prospecting for Success with MJ Durkin and Expanding your Business in the hispanic community.

Another workout session this time choosing from Tony Horton, Shaun T, Chalene Johnson or Brett Hoebel.

Then that night we had the  Diamond Reception held at the Conga Room at LA Live.  This party is for all Diamond and above coaches.  Talk about fun!  Dancing and chatting the whole night.

Day 4 began with a Super Workout with all the trainers!  Nothing like working out with 2500 of your closest friends!  The meetings got started with a talk from Chalene Johnson.  She is a wonderful motivator and has the best energy! "Before you can improve the world, you have to improve who you are" Then we had a speaker, Joe Thomas from Ninety-Five 5.  He was really good!  

We then went to the breakout sessions, I LOVED the Shakeology session with Isabelle Daikeler, Darin Olien and Dr. Bill Wheeler.  This was my favorite session of all.  I learned so much!  Shakeology has 100% of label claim with a 2 year shelf life.  No corners are cut and I love that about this product!!  I then went to the social media training, also good!

Saturday night we had the Dinner Reception and then the Celebration and afterparty.  This was another great night and 2 people were chosen as the body transfomation stories and won $25,000 EACH!!!!  Such amazing stories and it was a good night.  The only drawback for me was I was getting texts from Brian about the storms going through and I was so worried and nervous and actually felt a little guilty for being away.  So, I got over it once I  knew that everything was okay, just power outages and some really STRONG winds!

We danced the night away again, my feet were killing me and I changed out of my fancy dress and shoes and went the comfy route for half the night!

Sunday, Day 5 was the last day.  More info including the P90X2 info!  I am so excited for this workout, 14 new workouts, 5 day workout week plan and a meal plan that includes vegan and vegetarian options as well a paleo. Beachbody has outdone themselves this time!   As sad as I was to see it end, I was also ready to come home!  My head is exploding with TONS of info and so ready for some of these new products to come out!

We spent the evening packing and getting ready to come home, but managed to have time for dinner with friends at Trader Vic's!





It was a great trip and I can't wait for the next one!!

So, I have photos to put with this, but I have been messing with this all morning long and no matter what I do, I can't get them added.  I'll keep trying.

Discussion:  Have you had any GREAT trips lately?

Think you are too busy?

It's Fit Club Tuesday!  YAY!  I love Tuesdays just for that reason!  I get to workout with my friends and that makes me happy.

If you think you are too busy, can't fit exercise into your schedule, then the answer to your problem is Ten Minute Trainer by Tony Horton.

Everyone has 10 minutes........  if you can't squeeze 10 minutes in for your health, then you really need to re-think your priorities.  Give up just a few minutes and  you will be feeling better, looking better and even sleeping better.  Clothes fit better....  do you need MORE reasons?

Give Me 10 Minutes—I'll Give You Results!



The workout for the busiest people!

What makes 10-Minute Trainer so fast and effective?

My breakthrough Super Stacking Technique™ using resistance bands, combines the most effective moves I know into each 10-minute workout. Instead of starting with cardio, then working different body parts one at a time, I stack them to work everything at the same time—in just 10 minutes! Not a second is wasted! It's multitasking for your muscles!

You get all this!

Total Body - Just 10 moves in 10 minutes to work your entire body from head to toe!

Cardio - Simple kicking, lunging, and punching moves get you in the fat-burning zone fast!

Lower Body - 10 phenomenal moves slim your thighs and lift your buns in just 10 minutes.

Yoga Flex - A total-body stretch routine for long, lean muscles!

Resistance Kit - Maximize the power of Super Stacking with a Pro-Grade Resistance Band plus Power Cardio Belt.

Customized workout calendar - Plan workouts around your busy schedule.

Rapid Results Guidebook - Your personal weight loss planner loaded with fitness tips.

Tony Horton's 10-Minute Meals - Tips and recipes for making nutritious, tasty, low-cal meals and snacks in less than 10 minutes!

Plus 3 FREE gifts to keep! - BONUS Abs Routine, On-the-Go Workout Cards, 10-Day Lean Jean Plan

My 30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee: See body-transforming results or your money back (less s&h)! But your 3 FREE GIFTS worth $60.00 are yours to keep!

If you order through my website, you also get Tony Horton's Fountain of Youth Yoga ( I love this one!!)

So, get started right away and give me 10!  Find the workout YOU love and make your health a priority.  Eat clean, workout 5-6 days per week, drink plenty of water and get some sleep!  YOU are worth it!

Discussion:  Do you make time for your health?  In what ways?

travelin' travelin'

I'm headed home today, it has been the craziest, most fun weekend, but I am ready to get home.  I'll be back tomorrow with a Summit recap!

Check out the NEW P90X2.  This is one I am really looking forward to - pre--orders start in August with a release date in December 2011.

Just in time for your New Year's Resolutions!!!

I'll talk to you all when I am back in good ol' Missouri!

Discussion:  Do you change your workouts with the seasons?

Fit Club Tuesday - X style!

Hey, hey , hey, it's Tues-dey!  

Fit Club tonight will be a fun one!  Kenpo X!  If you have wanted to try P90X, now is your time!  I love kenpo. It's one of my favorite X workouts!! 

Just message me for the details if you are in my area!

Remember, exercise helps with stress and with energy levels!  Everyone in our area could use a little of both!

Shakeology recipe of the day:

Banana Split:

1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
1/2 banana
4-5 strawberries (can use frozen)
ice

mix in the blender and enjoy!

So, I wonder with the weather getting hotter (it's been miserably hot here lately), do you change up your workouts?  I love to walk outside, but it is so hot, so if I don't get it done in the morning it probably won't happen.  I do stick with my DVD workouts, it's just so much easier for me to get them done at home!  I can do it when it is convenient for me.

Also, when you walk on the treadmill, do you read or listen to music or just go for it?  I have done all of the above!  I like the way the time passes quicker if I read, but sometimes I feel like I am just phoning in the workout. 

I read that you burn 300% more fat if you do your workouts in the morning on an empty stomach.  WOW!  That is hard to believe.  I guess I'll have to try it out when I get back from summit and see if it makes a difference.

I usually like to have a little something in the morning before I do my workout - I usually wake up starving.  But, I'll give it a try and see.....

I have Madelyn for a couple of hours this morning and then I'm gonna get finished packing, get my office work done and out of the way and then Fit Club tonight and then enjoy the rest of the evening with Brian!  Gonna be a good day!

Discussion:  Do you change your workouts with the seasons?

Super high and sup-ah cute!

Getting ready for my trip!  YAY!  I'm getting excited....

Started packing, making the final decisions on my dresses, shoes and the other things I need.

The shoes I'm going to wear with the blue dress are SUPER high.  Brian has been making fun of me because I am wearing them around the house this afternoon. 

I don't wear heels that often, I am afraid they are going to hurt my feet.  But they are sup-ah cute!  I did pack the band-aids. :)

Beachbody Summit is one of the things I look forward to every year! This is my 4th year to attend.  The first one I was stuck in the Dallas airport for the majority of it, but we had a blast and it was so small compared to the last couple of years.  There was only about 100 or so people there that first year, there will be a couple of thousand people here this year.  It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Another thing I am excited about is finding out the NEW Shakeology flavor.  Anxious to see what they have come up with and get to try it!  AND, hoping against ALL HOPE that the VEGAN flavor will be available!!

Working out with the celebrity trainers (Tony Horton, Chalene Johnson, Shaun T, Debbie Siebers, Brett Hoebel and Leandro) is one of the highlights of the trip.  They are all so extrememly nice and willing to pose for photos all night long!

I have my music ready and my books loaded on the kindle for the flight AND how cool is it that I got airfare from JOPLIN!!  It will only take me a few minutes to get to the airport instead of HOURS!  WOOT!

I'm hoping to finish up the new Jillian Michaels book - Unlimited.  I'm  a little meh on it, but I want to finish it.  Then I have a little chick lit, a new personal development book. my new Success magazine and of course my upbeat and fun music playlist. Snacks are taken care of, just need to make shakeology no bake cookies for the plane ride.  Can't get too hungry on the way!  I'll probably end up sleeping the whole way there, I'm sure that will happen on the way home.

Discussion:  What are you looking forward to this week?  Reading or listening to anything good?

Be sure to "like" my Feeling Fit with Dana facebook page for updates from the 2011 Beachbody Summit!  You can keep up to date with all the breaking news!

It's been a good weekend!

Boy, what a weekend.  Brian and I had resigned ourselves to working for the better part of the month to get our houses demolished and moved to the curb.  We have a couple of trips in there, so we were prepared to just work and get it done in whatever time frame we could.  We can't start rebuilding until August anyway, so there really was no hurry.  BUT, Brian called his good ol' buddy David and he came to our rescue this weekend.  All the houses are DONE!  I am so thankful to David for his hard work and use of his equipment.

They played and worked like little boys, both of them grinning from ear to ear using the heavy machinery!

Boys and their toys!!!

We cleaned up and had some and family over on Friday night

The boys got back to it on Saturday to help another friend with his house and got it done as well!  Jake and Morgan moved into their apartment and we rented the other house in Joplin.

Went out to dinner on Saturday night and came home and collapsed. 

What a relief to know that this is done and taken care of before we go on our trips!

I leave on Wednesday for the Beachbody Coaches Summit!

My invitation to the Success Club party!

 I'm so excited, getting things ready and making my lists getting ready to start packing!

Still have to get my hair cut, give myself a pedi and make the final decision on my dresses for the parties (3)!! 

We've laid pretty low today, David went home this morning and Brian and I decided to take it easy today!  I've been reading, the kids came over to swim and now, just hanging out!

It's been a good weekend!

we're all tired!

I am so stinkin' tired lately, I just haven't been able to get my posts done.  I apologize for not posting daily.

I'm hoping that I'll get back to a normal routine soon! 

Yesterday we had Madelyn, it is HOT!  So we made sno-cones on the deck....

Of course after sno-cones, you MUST check your email and facebook, right?

We've been working so hard on our properties, this morning a couple of good friends showed up to help out.  We picked up the trash out of the back yard and got started on the tree limbs, but it is so hot here.  We couldn't work past 11:00 am.  It was already in the 90's and decided to just be done for the day.

Yesterday we were at a different house and as we drove by I saw this:

We turned around, I jumped out of the car to take the photo and got pulled over by a police officer.   He said we were blocking the road and that people are offended by photo taking.......  now, I'm not one to judge anyone, don't have any room to talk, but I think he might be tired too!

We went to dinner with the kids and now I'm home and going to try and get on the treadmill.  I've been phoning in some of my workouts and today is one of those days.  Thinking I'll just get it done and go to bed.

I'm getting ready for my trip to Los Angeles next week.  I bought an adorable dress and some super cute shoes today.  I'm so ready to get away for a little while!

Tomorrow I get to clean the inside of our house so the tenants can take possession on Saturday.  They are anxious to get out of the hotel they are staying in.  I can only imagine....

Discussion:  Have you ever had to stay in a hotel for an extended period of time?  Any advice for all the people having to live in a hotel room?

Fit Club Tuesday!

It's Fit Club Tuesday again!  I am looking forward to tonight and getting to see everyone again.  Since the tornado, no one has come to fit club.  I understand completely, but I am still offering it up, it's a good way to beat stress and have a chance to talk!

We will be working out, tasting Shakeology and having a good time getting healthy together.  If you are in the area, please feel free to join us.  Just message me for details!

It's almost time for the annual Beachbody Summit!  I leave next Wednesday and can not wait.  I love getting to spend time with my fellow coaches and friends. 

CEO, Carl Daikeler

We had such a blast last year.  We get to work out with the trainers, get new training, learn about new products and have a GREAT time!  One more reason why I love my job!

I have my dresses ready, but need to go shoe shopping.  This should be fun!  I'll be sure to post photos of my purchases!

 Discussion:  Are you a shopper?  I'm not a big fan of just shopping, but I do love to go when i know what I am looking for! I'm a get in and get out kind of shopper.