Power of the Mind

Aside from the fashion, fitness & everything princess - I have something different I would like to share with you in this post.

I forgot where I heard this or even where it came from - but - have you heard about the power of the mind? And believing in something so much... that it actually comes true? I've seen this work miraculously throughout my life. I'm going to share with you two specific instances where this type of thinking has been influential. 

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*Many, many years ago - I believe I was 9 or 10 years old. I remember sitting in the golf cart at a horse show up in Wellington. I was holding onto the reins of my sweet white pony, Mikey, with one hand and a magazine, Sidelines, in the other. I flipped to a picture of a young woman (between the ages of 17-20) who was being recognized in an article for her performance at the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships - which is an International Junior Olympic Competition for young riders.  It's the most prestigious event a Junior Rider can be invited to compete in. I remember specifically telling my trainer, Jane, that I would be competing in that one day. 

Sure enough - it was something I worked hard for, for 8 years. (Not only did I work hard... I obsessed about it.) I did have some luck - to where I was able to sell one horse - to afford another - which then led me to the horse I competed on in Young Riders at 17. Later, I did several Grand Prixs on this horse - before I went off to college. Anyways - the point of this short story is - I believed in something SO MUCH and thought about it whenever I was riding horses - and somehow - with a lot of work - I got there. 

Chester & I

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*Now, this short story may not have a happy ending - but it does show you how you think (whether it's positive or negative) can really affect your life. Recently through this blog, I have shared with you my family's story with my Dad. Well - for as long as I can remember - my Mom has always told me that when I "grow-up" to have a "specific". What she meant by this is - for me to be an independent woman - and to always have my own source of income, so I will never be entirely dependent on a man. My Mom always told me that if "something ever happened to my Dad" that our family/financial situation would be devastated because she didn't have a career. I promise you - that I heard my Mom tell me this 1000x. It was almost as if she was predicting something was going to happen - and sure enough - it did.

In no way am I blaming my Mom for anything! However, I thought it was interesting how she said something so many times for so many years - and it actually came true.  

No real reason for this photo - hehe - but it's Tyler & I!

So, what I am trying to say is - if you believe in something so much - and will do anything to have it. You will achieve it. The power of the mind is incredible.

...xox...

Liz

This Is For YOU!

You know what's kinda ironic about me and the reason I started this blog? My life really was completely normal.. nothing unusual.. until 2 years ago. So, now I believe everyone has a secret -or if they don't have a secret- they have some sort of hardship... or "skeleton hidden in their closet".

I hope that my blog inspires you in many different ways. Perhaps someone in your family went to prison OR you are enduring some other hardship, such as: cancer, divorce or death. I want you to know that there is always going to be someone rooting for you - or in many cases - LOTS of people rooting for you.

This world is great. So many people don't judge and are willing to help others with everything. I remember growing up - there was one specific person I knew that I really admire to this day:

We were about 13 years old - and within the same year she was robbed (her dog was killed during this horrible act) and her mother & father got a divorce. Unfortunately, we rarely talk anymore - but I look up to her more than she knows. It's unfortunate at such a young age - that she had to endure so much.

It made me realize that at such a young age - anything can happen. Life isn't always about Disney World and Mickey Mouse. 

Life is about much more. 

Life is about: family, love, friends & God - anything superficial... doesn't really count.

Have you figured it out, yet?

Oh Hey - It's Me!

...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

6 Words

So, this weekend - Tyler & I visited one of my best friend's beach house in the St. Augustine area. Over the many conversations of catching up and bringing each other up-to-date with our realities - we came across an interesting topic. 

We began discussing this amazing blog: Six Word Memoir. This blog asks it readers to describe their lives in only 6 words. 

I thought this was so clever. How can any person describe their life in 6 words? More importantly, how can someone make sure those 6 words have a clever meaning?

On our drive home to Boca, I thought about it the whole time. I finally came up with my 6 word memoir:

Enter the room sparkling, leave dazzling.

This simple sentence describes what I was taught growing up. No matter what situation you are in - you should confront it with confidence and radiance. When the situation comes to an end - your glow and energy should only get brighter. Make sure you leave a lasting impression in anything you do!

So, what would your 6 word memoir be?

Beach & Beach House in St. Augustine

...xox...

Liz

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

Today's Inspiration

I must say that I'm huge on quotes and all inspirational sayings. I always look for some kind of inspiration throughout my everyday life - whether it's a quote I see in passing or a phrase I liked while reading a book.

Anyways, I received an email today from my Mom. She does forward me lots of emails - but this one struck a different note with me. So much so - that I wanted to share it with you:

‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked Jesus (John 18: 38).

A new seeming truth asserts itself and those who recognize it as the end of the world as they know it resist and are bitter and hostile.

Those who were sick of the old and want something entirely new are carried away with enthusiasms and passion … and they wish to impose their newly-found truth upon the world.

Both have completely nullified the really creative work at hand.

In the reign of the Holy Spirit – the world of possibilities – blossoms forth and is to be found in the present moment.

In a time of great change, one can be very preoccupied with what is ending or very obsessive with what seems to be beginning.

In either case, one losses touch with the pearl that is in the present with its obscure, but dynamic, possibilities.
 

Truth and goodness are to be found in openness, readiness, attention, courage to face risk … to not know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going … to recognize the possibilities offered by the present moment and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.

Such are the ways of love.

Such is the place in which to remain ... always.

I'm sure each person who reads this will have their own interpretation. However, this is what I took from it:

There are going to be times in your life that require great change - both good and bad. However, we should never lose touch with the present. Because before you know it - that moment will be in the past, too. Also, know that God will never present you with an obstacle that He thinks you can't handle. We need to accept our fate and move forward with courage, faith & hope. Perhaps this fate will bring you to new possibilities - those that wouldn't have been possible without this "big change". 

Don't miss your chance to live in the moment.

...xox...

Liz

Spring Obsessions: Classy & Fabulous

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same." - Coco Chanel

This statement could not be more true. When I shop, I don't like to buy something that is considered in-style at the moment - I try to shop for looks that are timeless. 

Of course, some styles come and go - I've seen full cycles to where things that were in-style when I was little are now making a come-back. 

Anyways, enough of my view on fashion and style. I have a current spring obsession list that I would like to share. I must say, there are some really amazing finds out there at the moment!

Believe it or not - my current obsessions don't have much pink. ;)

Fun & Flirty Dresses:

 

I absolutely LOVE this dress. It's a Lilly Pulitzer, and I just think this dress is the epitome of perfection. I don't believe it's in stores, yet - but I'm sure this dress won't stay in stock for very long! 

You can find this dress in Nordstroms in the Junior Department. The front of this dress is very simple - but what made me fall in love with this dress is the back. You can add a cute neutral brown belt to tie this whole look together!

This dress is from Esther Boutique (an awesome website I found online thanks to Pinterest). I think this dress screams sexy. What makes this dress is the shear polka dot mesh on the front (it's also on the back of the dress, too). OBSESSED.

Spring Skirt:

I found this skirt on RevolveClothing.com. I LOVE how it's a mixture of a short and long skirt. This seems to be something that's really "in" right now - and I'm loving it.

Floral Jeans:

I happened to be in my favorite store the other day (Nordstroms!) when I saw these jeans. They are so fabulous in person. Remember when I said that some styles make a full cycle? Next to the jeans, you can see me as a 4 year-old wearing floral shorts. :)

I'm really into the bright colored jeans, as well - I recently bought a bright lime green pair!

Shoes, Shoes & More Shoes:

At the moment, I really LOVE neutral shoes - whether they are flats or heels. The best thing about them is that they will go with ANY outfit! Also, when you wear neutral heels, it makes your legs appear longer & leaner! Anyways, I think these Jeffrey Campbell flats are really adorable. I mostly purchase heels - so when I buy flats... they have to really impress me! And these do!

These Kate Spade wedges are my current obsession - above everything else I mentioned above. These shoes have two out of three of my favorites: pearls & bows (with the third being pink). 

So, what are your current spring favorites? I hope you enjoyed mine!

...xox...

Liz