My new home : Kansas City!

So, this post is going to get a little personal...

Kansas City. It's hard to believe this is where I call home, now.

I must admit - before I mention anything else - is that moving away from your hometown (in my case) has been super healthy & rewarding. (However, I do miss you, Chester!!!)

So, this past Christmas - Tyler & I were given the option to move to Kansas City for a WAY better job opportunity (on his part) - but, we had to decide in THREE DAYS.

We had nothing to lose (& being a Pilates Instructor {as much as it hurt to let my current clients go} I could find work anywhere) - so we made the huge leap and moved to Kansas City.

And, wow - it is more beautiful than we ever could imagine. I literally thought Kansas City would be like the Wizard of Oz (farms, dust & nothing sparkly). Holy hell... I was so wrong.

For ALL my friends who are from South Florida - Kansas City is a hidden gem (kinda how Nashville, TN used to be...) - it's like a Palm Beach of the MidWest. Seriously - all my stores are a ONE MILE radius from my house : Lululemon, Trader Joe's, Anthropologie, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods & so much more. Plus, the food here is WAY BETTER. (That will be a whole different post.) And, the homes are right out of magazines & Pinterest. SO BEAUTIFUL.

Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains. Did you know that Kansas City is #2 IN THE WORLD for the most fountains? Do you know who is #1? ROME! Pretty amazing.

So far - all of Spring - Tyler & I have been like 6 year olds on Christmas morning. Every day, there are new flowers blooming & something new that we are finding out about our house.

Another thing that I found really surprising here - EVERYONE IS MORE FIT! I took a barre class the first week I was here and thought I was going to die. And for those of you who know me - I'm a pretty fit person - with my Pilates & long runs. We are dealing with a whole new kind of fitness animal here. And, did I mention everyone here is BEAUTIFUL!? Everyone really takes care of themselves here!

Here are some fun pictures I have captured around my runs:

KC Dogwood!

Beautiful KC Tulips!

One of our parks has an Oriental Theme! Lots of running trails here :)

I will post more soon.

..xox...

Liz

Truth: Your Body Type & Genetics

The real truth about your body type and genetics!

I'm pretty sure I may have heard that :: what your mother looks like - is what you are going to look like in "25 years". However - I'm here today to teach you how to disprove that! How...?

You do have an every day choice of how you want to maintain your body.

BUT -

Your early muscle memory does come from your childhood.

So - you can honestly thank your parents for the body you have today!

As I've been studying more and more about the human body - I've realized how important it is to be active at a very young age - no matter what sport it is!

Coming from experience - I was a young girl who rode horses, played soccer & volleyball. I've always had an active lifestyle (the horses gave me my legs!).

I am so grateful for my parents - who knew that was important.

It's because of them that I am very muscular by nature. Additionally - I've learned to carry that into my adult life!

So, for those of you who plan on adding on to your family soon - make sure you introduce your little ones into an active, healthy lifestyle!

Also - this means that you DO have control of how you want your body to look like!

 If you didn't get involved physically until your adult life - then you can still change it! Don't let "genetics" think you are stuck with a certain body!

 ..xox..

Liz

Tips on How to Feel & Look Your Best

"How can I lose weight?" "What should I eat?" "How do I exercise?"

These are some of the questions that I'm asked quite frequently - whether it's a colleague from work or a close friend. 

I understand that some people don't even know where to begin. 

Let me give you a short list - to help you get started. Getting on the right track to looking & feeling healthy can be difficult at first. However, it's very doable - if you have the willpower.

Where You Can Cut Calories

1. Omit the cheese. Did you know that a slice of cheese on a sandwich can add an extra 100-150 calories?
2. Drink lots of water. Many times we think we are hungry - but really, we're thirsty!
3. No fast food. This is a killer to your diet. After taking this out for 2 weeks - you won't have a craving.
4. No soda. Sugar, sugar, sugar.
5. The less bread, the better. Opt for wraps (for sandwiches), brown rice or quinoa for your carbs.

I never said this was easy - but it's good to be aware what's bad for you & where you can substitute! 

Exercise Is Key

1. Cardio: run, walk or ride a bike. If you're not sure how to exercise - start with cardio. This is the foundation - and where the pounds will shed.
2. Be consistent. Workout at least 4 times a week. One hour of your day is nothing - it's only 5% of your day!

If you start by being aware of what you're eating & throw in some exercise - then you'll start seeing the pounds come off.

I'll post more tips soon!

...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