Not What You Think

Surprise, surprise - this happens to be another post about "Pilates". ::smiles a HUGE smile::

I've had so many people ask me - "What is Pilates?" or "Why does it work?"

#1 - Pilates consists of over 500 exercises that are controlled, precise movements which are performed on a floor, mat or special apparatus. It is designed to lengthen, strengthen & stretch the muscle without adding bulk.

#2 - It works because Pilates tones all those little muscles that you never knew you had. It goes way beyond your "superficial" muscles. It works your body from the inside, out.

Recently, I just finished my 3rd intensive training weekend. I wanted to share three (out of MANY) that I learned:

(1)

This is "Twist Prep" - you have no idea how hard it is to even balance on your side like this. You can't really see in the picture - but you want to use your waistline to life the pedal (where the bottom hand is resting) up. GREAT exercise!

(2)

This next exercise is "Pull Ups" - and it's way harder than it looks. You must lift yourself up past the bars (that are being held on to).

(3)

The last exercise I will share with you today is "Hanging Pull Ups". This is great for your biceps and shoulders. The exercise requires your to lift the whole "plank position" to the top bars.

I bet the men wouldn't mind trying these exercises - they aren't easy. ;)

This is why I swear by Pilates. It makes you STRONGER.

...xox...

Liz

((Pilates Princess))

Fitness Boutiques

Ever since I wrote my first blog post about all the "fitness boutiques" that I like to visit - I have had others tell me about their favorites, too. 

So, what did I do? Naturally, I tried them! 

Here is my opinion:

1. Orange Theory

One great thing about Orange Theory is that your first class is free. So, what is it? This fitness boutique is a workout that "is broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, using a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training™ and free weights to tone your body". It's pretty much a great workout all squished into 60 minutes. 

Truthfully, I really liked the atmosphere - but I don't think it's worth paying for this workout over a long period of time. I think this workout is great for you to learn about weight training and mixing cardio. The class I took did not involve a lot of TRX (which I would have liked to have seen more of). 

Summary: A great workout - but I think you should take what you learn at this workout and apply it at the gym. You can do pretty much everything at this studio that you can at the gym. But, I do think this workout is great to do every once in a while. By the way - this is a franchise, so if you are not in South Florida - than you should see if there is one in your area!

2. American Yoga

I have been searching for a great Vinyasa yoga studio ever since I moved to South Florida after college. It has taken me two years, but I have finally found one! It's called American Yoga - and it's located in Deerfield Beach, FL. I tried a class here the other week (they offer a FREE class every Sunday) - and I was sore for 3 days after! Let's just say - I'm hooked! Even if you haven't tried yoga before - Vinyasa is a must.

Summary: I have tried other Vinyasa studios in the South Florida area - and have not found one as good as this. Also, the atmosphere is wonderful! The floors are wood (which I love), and it has an overall organic feel to it.

Other Opportunities:

**Lululemon (Located at Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, FL) - offers a FREE yoga class every Sunday at 6:30pm.

**Suspension Yoga - I was told there was a fantastic studio in Fort Lauderdale that offers Suspension Yoga. I think this will be my next fitness boutique conquest. Have you tried this type of yoga before?

One more thing... I have been thinking about starting my own "Fitness Queen" class every Saturday by the beach in East Boca. It would incorporate cardio, pilates & strength training. (BTW - I am certified in Beginner Pilates). If I had a lot of people interested - then I would move forward with it. I will incorporate all my weekly work-outs!

Pink Workout

Any other fitness boutiques that you suggest for me?

Also, I really appreciate those who read my blog posts! ;)

...xox...

Liz

My Love Story

Real love stories never have endings. 

I wholeheartedly believe every word of that statement. I count my blessings everyday that I found the person that I will spend the rest of my life with. 

When did I realize this? Truthfully, I knew within the first few months of dating. I was only sixteen - but there has always been this strong attraction between us. Even now (after 8 years), there has never been a moment where we have lost that "spark".

If there are a few helpful "suggestions" I can give any person with a significant other, it would be these:

• When you have a significant other, you need to make sure you have your own identity. It's important to always stay true to who you are & what you want out of life. As much as Tyler and I love each other and try to spend as much time together - we make sure we have time for our own hobbies. We each have goals in life - and we are each others biggest cheerleader.
• Treat each other with respect. There has never been a time where Tyler and I have exchanged hurtful and heartless words to each other. And he definitely has NEVER laid a hand on me (same goes for me). 
• Don't get stuck in a routine. When you slip into a routine - your relationship can easily get boring. Spice things up. Plan a picnic at a beach - surprise your lover with a card on their car seat (that they find when they go to work). It's important to make your significant other feel loved.
• Communicate. This is HUGE. If your significant other is doing something you don't approve of - talk to them! If there is anything that you feel uncomfortable about - talk to them! It's so important to openly communicate. Tyler and I always talk through everything. 

I'm not saying I consider myself an expert in the relationship department - I just know what works for us. ;)

Tyler & I :)

"As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change. . . I will always keep falling in love with you." I love you, Tyler!

...xox...

Liz

Princess Bride

Today marks the one month anniversary of mine & Tyler's wedding. So... I think it's appropriate to share with you some of my favorite photos along with some additional details about the wedding. 

Here are a few of my favorite photos:

Me and my Maid of Honor, Mary Kate (sister)

 

I was married at St. Joan of Arc Church in Boca Raton, FL on January 28th at 2PM. St. Joan holds a special place in my heart because it is where I was baptized and went to school from K-8th grade. 

Colin, Me & Mary Kate

My Amazing Bridesmaids

Kristal & Mary Kate

Saying Our Vows

Family :)

My Uncle Mike walking me down the aisle.

Bridal Party

We did it!!!

I must say that this wedding would not have been possible without the help, love & dedication from so many people. This was truly the best day of my life!

So... what about my flowers, dress, shoes & cake?

My flowers were done by Ron Weeks, who is a florist in Delray Beach, FL. He is a long-time friend of my Aunt Betsy. Let's just say he was more than generous to us - and we really appreciated it. 

My Bouquet :)

My dress, which I am absolutely obsessed with, is a Lazaro. We found it at Boca Bridal about 10 months before the wedding. It was the only dress I tried on - and it was the one I had my heart set on when I first got engaged (back in July 2010). When we went dress shopping, I brought the designer name and number to Boca Bridal and was so surprised that they had it (it was from one of the collections in 2009). Anyways, when I tried it on, I knew it would be perfect... and it was :)

Lazaro Wedding Dress

 

 

 

Believe it or not, I found my shoes online. This is something that I would not normally do - but I found an amazing website that sells only wedding shoes! I highly suggest this website to any bride who has not found their shoes, yet. It's called My Glass Slipper. Perfect... right? Hehe.

Princess Shoes

I don't know about you, but I believe the cake is an important part of the Reception. It's the focal point! So, I knew that the cake needed to scream "us"! Tyler was the one who actually picked it out - but of course, I added the sparkles to it. The flavor of it was vanilla rum (yum yum). And, we got it from Ana Paz - her cakes are spectacular! She's based out of Miami, FL. 

What tied it all together:

This bow was on the back of my Uncle's car - which we rode in to the Reception.

We chose to have a candy bar for our guests. It added the perfect touch to the Reception. I made hot pink bags with mine and Tyler's initials on them (for the guests to put the candy in).

The Reception:

The Reception was at the Gulf Stream Bath & Tennis Club.

Our wedding day was more than perfect. We truly have the best family and friends who gave us unlimited support throughout our entire engagement and our Wedding. 

Tyler and I have been together for 8 years - and we couldn't be happier. I'm excited for our life-long journey together and all that life will bring.

...xox...

Liz