New Year, New You

I cannot be more excited for this new year - not to mention, I am more of an odd number kind of girl! ;)

So, what are your goals and aspirations?

I think the biggest challenge of setting any kind of goal - is making sure you keep the momentum throughout the whole year.

2012 was pretty awesome - I married my soulmate, who is the best man in the entire world. But, what's next for 2013?

I'll share with you:

(1) My husband and I are currently saving for a house - so hopefully, this time next year - we will have our first place together!

(2) As for my career - I will be teaching Pilates full time in a couple of months. I CANNOT WAIT! I'll be teaching at Pilates of Boca East and a brand new studio that just opened in West Palm Beach called Pilates of West Palm Beach!

<<Check out my flyer below!!>>





(3) Another goal of mine is to write down something I am thankful for everyday. I believe that the more thankful and accepting you are of your life - the more things start going your way. This cannot be more true!

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year! Work hard, be thankful & truly believe - and you can achieve whatever you want!

...xox...

Liz

Burlap & Bling: The Perfect Southern Wedding

I can't believe it has already been 2 months since Kristal & Johnny's gorgeous southern wedding. It could not have been more perfect, or stunning.

Every detail was something you would expect from a world class wedding planner (or perhaps Pinterest!).

Where do I even begin? Let's start with the theme: Burlap & Bling. It was all about the details with this wedding. Her bouquet was wrapped in burlap with a hint of bling. Even the tables where the guests were seated followed this trend. I must say that there was a perfect amount of everything - every little sparkle was just where it needed to be.

Gorgeous Bouquet

As you can see from Kristal's bouquet - the colors were all very soft & natural. This held true throughout the whole wedding & reception (decor-wise). 

Where the guests were seated.

 Another clever touch to the wedding was where everyone picked up their names to see where they would be seated. Everyone's names were on paintbrushes - and the tables were colors, not numbers! (Johnny is an artist. What an incredible idea! Bravo.)

Paint Brushes & Table Color

 

Now that I talked about some of the intricate details - where was this wedding!? It was at Cedarwood - located in Nashville, Tennessee. Cedarwood is a picturesque, antebellum farm estate. 

Kristal had her ceremony just in front the old farm house. The cocktail hour was held in the barn & the reception was held throughout the farm house. It. Was. Perfect.

Beautiful Farm House

 Here is something that Kristal & Johnny made for the ceremony:

Choose a seat - not a side.

 What a way to make everyone feel welcome! I really loved this (seriously - what didn't I love?)!

Here are a few more great photos from the wedding:

Johnny painted Cedarwood (where the guests could sign) - also, see the chandelier in the tree!

Beautiful details in the barn - As Southern As Possible.

So - what color did Kristal choose for her bridesmaids & groomsmen? Kristal chose purple! So pretty!

The Bride with her Bridesmaids.

Now, for the beautiful bride & groom. Here are some favorites:

After the ceremony - husband & wife! (Do you see the cross in the background? My father-in-law made it!)

Stunning!

Now, I couldn't forget the star of the show:

Hamilton! And yes, he did walk down the aisle.

Overall, this day could not have been more perfect - and I'm so happy for Kristal & Johnny!

There wedding has also been featured in Southern Weddings Magazine! You can see that article HERE.

Also - I don't want to take credit for all these photos - some I grabbed off Facebook, but the others are from Kristal & Johhny's photogapher: Kristyn Hogan! One of the best!

This was a fun post to write - I hope you enjoyed it! ;)

...xox...

Liz

Let Go

So - I know I'm supposed to be mostly writing about fitness tips, but I've been feeling "advice-y" lately. (Is that even a word... advice-y?)

Anyways, I feel like I've had a lot to share!

Recently, I've caught myself looking back and reminiscing over all the amazing memories I've had over the past 24 years of my life. 

I'll share some highlights:

• Being privileged enough to ride & show horses competitively in the most prestigious show circuit in the world & having the best trainer in the process (along with meeting & making friends with unforgettable people). 
• Meeting my 9 best friends in high school.
• Having a best friend since I was 6 - and be able to pick back up like yesterday. 
• Moving to Nashville and working at the best company (CMT) and meeting my soulmates. 
• Joining the BEST sorority at FSU... Zeta Tau Alpha!
• Marrying the man of my dreams... Tyler. I wish I could relive my Wedding Day... over and over.

But, really - what I want to tell you - is that sometimes you just have to let go. Not "let go" as in forget about. What I mean is to remember to live in the moment. Those memories - you will always have. So, hopefully you learn from them - and always cherish the people in those memories, too.

Besides reminiscing - which I'm very good at - I've been thinking about ALL the dreams I've ever had. I'm a HUGE believer in following your dreams. I always have & always will. 

But, there are some dreams in your life that will never happen. 

"Life can pass you by while you are clinging on to a wish that can never be - or ought never to be - fulfilled."

Don't let your dreams be tantalizing - they should bring you happiness. 

This doesn't mean that you can't accomplish the impossible. 

Because I believe you can.

Me!

...xox...

Liz

Favorite Fitness Quotes

It's important to be motivated in whatever you do. I do find that some need more motivation than others, especially when it comes to fitness. 

Here are some of my favorite motivational quotes, geared towards being a fitness princess - of course!

Be Strong.

Be Healthy.

Put Forth The Effort.

I Can.

No Regrets. Ever.

One hour a day dedicated to working out - is only 4% of your day.

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite fitness quotes. However you try to achieve your fitness hoals - remember: "Don't wish for it - work for it".

...xox...

Liz

Favorite Work-Out Prop

My favorite work-out prop of all time is the stability ball. Whenever I do a Pilates class – and they bring out the stability ball… I jump for joy because I know how sore I’ll be the next day. However, you don’t need to do a Pilates class to use it.

I know every gym has one (you can also buy your own at Target) – and I want to share with you three of my favorite exercises you can do that require the stability ball.

1.       Ball Reverse Crunch (Abs)

·         Lie on your back, calves & hamstrings pressed against the ball and arms spread out.

·         Squeeze the ball with your knees and roll your knees to your chest & then roll back down after a short pause.

·         This one will leave your abs sore the next day – guaranteed!

2.       One Legged Ball Squat (Legs)

• Stand with one ankle on top of the exercise ball behind you and crouch down until your knee is at a 90 degree angle.
• Raise yourself up by extending your leg and slowly lower yourself back after a short pause. Alternate sides after each set.
• Breathe out while raising yourself up and breathe in while returning to starting position.

3.       Ball Reverse Leg Curl (Legs & Ass)

• Lie on your back, feet on top of the exercise ball, legs and back straight.
• Roll the exercise ball towards you by bending your knees and allow it to slowly return back after a short pause.
• Keep your back straight throughout.

There are so many more exercises you can do with this amazing prop! However, I wanted to share with you my favorites. I always feel it the next day when I do these!

What are some of your favorite work-out props?

…xox…

Liz