Music Madness Giveaway & Special Spin Playlist

Musical Madness Giveaway!

Help me make the most 

motivating spin playlist ever.

What is your favorite song (or songs) to work out to right now?  Become a follower and tell me your favorite workout songs for a chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card.

Eligibility & Entry:

1.  Become a follower & put in a comment your favorite workout songs(s) as well as the fact that you are now a follower.

2.  If you are already a follower let me know and also list your favorite workout songs.

3.  Spread the word on this musical madness giveaway.

After the giveaway wraps up on Tuesday, October 18th I will post a winner and a rocking playlist that INCLUDED a new exercise routine.

XO

Sarah

I Want To Soak Up The Sun....

I'm all about taking advantage of every good weather moment.  It was 80 degrees with crystal clear skies.....ALL WEEKEND.

So...when the sun is out I take every opportunity for outdoor activities.  Including:

Spending the day with my husband at the local wineries.  

We started at Willowcroft Winery

I'm all about supporting local business while sipping a little Virginia white wine.

 We decided to also indulge in some local cheese....so now my husband is cutting the cheese....haha.  

Then we headed to a German Oktoberfest.  

Beer, Brats & people dressed up in costumes dancing.  

I heart Fall!

I could do this every weekend...

I just bought this purse and fell in love with the inner lining.  I love interesting details in accessories...

I hope everyone had a FANTASTIC weekend!

xo

Sarah

Spin Saturdays

It's rare that people have one job they love.  I've actually got 2 jobs that I love....what are the odds?

My day job is spent in the world of coffee while my weekend job is teaching Spin Classes.  

So this morning at 8:00am I taught a Spin Class.  I don't love getting up in the morning but I do love the people that come to the class.  They TOTALLY keep ME motivated....shouldn't it be the other way around?  

I love motivating others and helping them reach their fitness goals.  Life is good.

If you've ever considered being a group fitness instructor DO IT.  It is one of the best decisions I've ever made!

Anyways, here is my playlist from class today.  A few people always ask me about the music so I figured I'd post it in case they (or others) want some new tunes for their workout.

1. Paris (Ooh La La) by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
2. In The Air by Phil Collins (No laughing.  It is a KICK ASS warm up hill song)
3. Bounce by Calvin Harris (feat. Kellis)
4. Mr. Brightside (extended remix) by The Killers (9 minute song)
5. Tonight, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
6. Do You? by iFFY (The Bad Man)
7. Bright Lights, Bigger City by Cee Lo Green
8. Blackout by Breathe Carolina
9. On Top by The Killers
10. Giving Up The Gun by Vampire Weekend
11. The Golden Age by The Asteroid Galaxy Tour
12. Ready, Steady, Go by Oakenfold

Organization = Sanity & Good Mental Health

Three of my favorite pass times:

1. Cleaning

2. Organizing 

3. Cleaning while organizing at the same time

I'm neurotic & a little OCD.  

I've known this for quite some time.  

At least I am self aware right?

In my experience being organized saves time for more important things like running, yoga and cycling.  Not being able to find things or having to go through piles of stuff to get to what you need scares the pants off me.  Not gonna lie.....

I have a job that requires me to dress like I know a thing or two.  To ensure I stay sane and can get ready as quickly as possible (maximizing my sleep time) I do the following:

  

Wire hangers really freak me out.  Maybe it is from watching the movie "Mommie Dearest" too many times.

Wait....I get crazier

You either think I am brilliant or mental at this point.

But wait....we've just begun

OH me, oh my.  I'm a total nut job and I'm just realizing it....YIKES.

Whatever.  At least I can get ready in 10 minutes or less.

xo

Sarah

Jessica's Final Weigh In

Here is Jessica's final results!  In 4 months she lost 20 pounds and has really embraced a more healthy lifestyle.  It is less about the number and more about her new way of living which includes exercise, better eating habits and an increased understanding of her own body.  I'm so excited for Jessica!

This is her last update but I promise to do the occasional "Where is Jessica Now" post.

Goal Weight: 140 by Oct 1

Weigh in Last Week: 150

Weigh in This Week: 150

Total Weight Loss This Week: 0

Total Weight Loss Since May 30th: 20

                     Before                After

                        Before                 After

Sometimes You Just Have To Poke Fun At Yourself

If you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at?

I try not to take life too seriously.  I'm not "laid back" by any stretch of the imagination but do my best to keep my own drama in perspective.  Is it really a big deal I had to write a $560 dollar check to a guy who claims I hit his bumper?  Well....yes....but the reality is I'm in good health, love my job and have the best family.  So while paying a stranger $560 is really annoying it is pretty minuscule in the grand scheme of things.  Think glass full.  


So when I'm feeling stressed or having a bad day I look at these photos of me as a kid.....which are HILARIOUS.  

I'm not sure why my mom insisted on making 
me looking like a gremlin.   

Hold tight.....It gets funnier.

Please oh please tell me you have pics of yourself that are as traumatizing as these???

xo

Sarah

Who Doesn't Love The 80's?

I found this 80's work dress.....ok actually my friend Shana from Colorblind found it and MADE me try it on. I was like "Eww.  UGLY!" 

But when I tried it on I sorta liked it.  Now she says

 "I told you so."

Whatever.  I like the 80's.

So much so that I am doing a throwback 80's Jane Fonda video tonight to celebrate this fabulous dress.

Other 80's (maybe 90's) workouts I like:

The Ab Roller

The Thigh Master

Step Aerobics

The song Let's Get Physical by Olivia Newton John

Leg warmers

Dancing like I was on the movie Flash Dance

Here's to the 80's!


PS - I just learned what the song "Let's Get Physical" is really about.  As a kid I thought she just really wanted to work out.....

I'm on a Kashi Kick

Everything Kashi makes is gold.  Their pizzas, while pricey, are delicious and the perfect amount of food for dinner and left over lunch the next day.

Kashi pizza and a fruit shake for dinner after my Bikram Yoga workout.  Life doesn't get any better on a Monday.

Are there any other Kashi product you've tried that you love??

PS - Why do I look so creepy and possessed in this photo???!!!???

Biceps, Bikram & Black Skirts.....

BICEPS

Someone added "21's" to my strength routine in college.  They rock my world.  Enjoy!

Bikram Yoga

Reasons why Bikram Yoga has made me a better athlete:

- The practice requires more focus than any sport I've played.  My ability to focus has increased resulting in a higher performance when I'm running or cycling.

- My flexibility has greatly increased which has reduced my soreness after long runs and bike rides.

- I transitioned from lifting weights to Bikram Yoga.  My strength is the best it's ever been.  I used to make fun of people who used yoga as strength training.  I am now one of those people....it works.

- My stress level has improved.  90 minutes of physical meditation helps you forget why you were even stressed....I feel like I can do anything after the class.

- Skin....whoa.  This is one of the best benefits.  My skin looks less tired and increasingly hydrated.  I've had a few people ask me if I am wearing new make up....nope, just hot yoga.

Black Skirts

I got this black ruffled skirt for $5 at a thrift store.  It can also be worn as a strapless dress.  Articles of clothing that can be worn in multiple way make me happy.

Happy Sunday

Go Redskins!

xo

Sarah

Be Cool With Yourself.....

I turned this shirt into....

This......

I thought I looked fine....that the thrifted shirt was a winner....UNTIL....

My family made a funny face as I was leaving the house...It wasn't the face of "Wow!  You look great!" it was more of "Huh?  I don't get your outfit."

This is when I realized....you've gotta be cool with yourself.  Not just with this outfit but with everything in life.  Not everyone will like everything you wear (or do).  But as long as you are happy with yourself that is all that really matters.  

So maybe my outfit looks a little silly....I'm ok with it because I like it....

xo

Sarah