My New Favorite Fitness Accessories!

Ever have to stop during a workout to put your hair up? 
Are you tired of your bangs falling into your face?
HOW ANNOYING, right?

Being a SUPER curly haired girl, my hair can be a bit tough to manage during my workouts. I have been using bobby pins lately, but I seem to lose more than I can stand. 

My friend Julie Condry from Fit Chic Headbands sent me a few fitness headbands to wear during my workouts to see how it felt. 

Julie started her fitness journey back in 2007 after her son was diagnosed with Autism. It was her way of dealing and coping with the stress. She was searching for a headband that would not only be functional, but would also look great. After coming up with a design, her mother sewed a few for her. People were constantly asking her where she got it and suddenly Julie had the idea to start marketing them to stores. This could be a way to earn extra money to pay for the expensive speech and occupational therapy that Cole needed and allow her the flexibility to stay home with her boys.

I was sent 3 of her amazing headbands and a Fit Belt, as shown below.

First, off the headbands were great quality-nothing cheaply made or thrown together. The headbands are made of a soft, stretchy fabric that actually did NOT give me a headache! I absolutely loved them because they did stay in place during my workout while most bands tend to fall or slip off completely.

Other than being absolutely cute and comfy to wear, the headbands did their job and kept my curls out of my face so I could workout in peace! I wore one to the grocery store yesterday and even got a compliment-so they are not JUST for the gym, ladies!

On to the Fit Belt! This thing is very similar to the Flip Belt that you see on some people, and I actually own a Flip Belt too, BUT I will tell you something-I liked THIS belt a lot better than my Flip Belt. First off, the patterns to choose from are adorable. Second of all, it clips in the back. Third of all, you can adjust the comfort easily. 

Why use a Fit Belt? Well, are you wanting to go on an outdoor jog and hate holding onto your keys? This will be your best friend.

Also, if you are at the gym and need something to hold your phone as your iPod plays and you're listening to music, this will be your best friend.
Same thing with credit cards, IDs, gym passes-ETC! It holds EVERYTHING!

I will actually be taking my belt to Disney with me next month.

(I am wearing the Fit Belt in Paige.)

And before I forget to tell you.. Love cute headbands for your baby? They even offer headbands for kids!!

GET 20% OFF OF YOUR ORDER USING CODE FIT MOMMY AT CHECKOUT!

Fit Chic Headbands have been featured in NBC's The List, In Touch Magazine, and can now be purchased in over 300 stores across the nation. All of the headbands are handmade with LOVE in Oklahoma.

Be sure to follow Fit Chic Headbands on Instagram and Facebook for the latest arrivals and sales!

Disclaimer: I was given Fit Chic Accessories to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

4 Ways to Stay Accountable for Weightloss

One of the most common questions that I get is how to stay motivated and, once motivated, how to stay ACCOUNTABLE. 

You think finding motivation is hard, but, boy OH BOY-holding yourself responsible is the other part to the equation of keeping on the right track.

I managed to do it when I had the whole world against me:

• I was working as a nurse with little time to eat, much less eat healthy. 
• I was married to an unhealthy man who did not have ANY interest in getting healthier. 
• My family never taught me principles of healthy eating or working out so I had NO clue where to start!

But I DID IT! And I wanna share with you what helped me!

Here are 4 ways that I held myself accountable for losing 45lbs!

1. Create a blog or keep a journal. When I began my weightloss journey back in 2010, I created a blog called "1 Fit Chick." I used this blog to document my meals, workouts, and as a motivational tool to keep going-even on days when I felt like tucking into a greasy Whopper or skipping a workout. Eventually, within 9 months, I dropped 45 lbs and stayed accountable. By blogging, I also made lots of friends and got to follow people on similar journeys such as mine! It was also fun posting monthly photos and updates of my weightloss progress because there were people who were waiting to see them! Not a typer? Use a journal and write what you eat and your workouts in it everyday! Measure yourself and write down those measurements, too. Then compare monthly!

2. Make a motivation board or collage. Creating a motivational board or collage is a great tool to keep you accountable because when you have something to physically LOOK AT, it really adds fuel to your day. I remember not only creating a board, but I also had my favorite fitness role model saved as the background of my laptop. That person is none other than the amazing Jamie Eason! If you choose to make a board, put up your favorite motivational fitness sayings. Don't know of any? Take a browse through Pinterest and find some! Also include photos of your favorite fitness models and what you aspire to look like. Take a moment each morning as you sip your coffee (or tea) and meditate your way to your goals!

3. Find a partner or support group. A partner can hold you accountable more than you know. When I was losing my weight, I honestly had nobody. My husband (now ex-husband) at the time was unhealthy as possible and kept the fridge stocked with sodas and chips. Luckily, today, there are a TON of FREE weightloss challenge groups on Facebook than there were back in 2010 that you can use to really hold you reponsible on your road to fitness. I wish more of these free groups were around a few years ago! I love thinking of my blog being a motivational tool to help you guys stay accountable to reaching your dreams-or at least I HOPE it helps :)

4. Reward yourself for every 5 or 10 pounds lost. This is very important-you have GOT to make fitness FUN! For every ten pounds I dropped, I did something fun. The one time, I got my nose pierced. Another time, my belly button pierced (because my belly actually started looking FLAT!), and then the next couple times I bought a new pair of Silver jeans and clothing from Buckle in my NEW size! It is essential to spoil yourself! However, if this is not your thing, you could look into doing a workout tip jar. Each time you complete a workout, you add money to the jar. At the end of your weightloss, go get something nice!

No matter how you choose to stay accountable, make sure you do the very best that you can in order to not lose sight of your main goal: living a happier and healthier life.

Want to build a better body in just 12 weeks? 

Check out my Fit Mommy Workout Bundle!

Buy now

Bundle & Save BIG!

In this bundle, you will receive:

-Butt & Thigh Blaster 4 Week Home Workout Program

-Armed & Fabulous 4 Week Home Program 

-Ab & Core Attach 4 Week Home Program

-Eat Clean, Get Lean 4 Week Meal Plan

All programs are bodyweight exercises only-NO GYM REQUIRED! You can simply do these at home within the comfort of your own home. 

Features 4 weeks of high-resolution step-by-step pictures and an exercise directory.

*The Armed & Fabulous program does require one set of dumbbells only.

Jumpstart your weightloss with this 4 week clean eating meal plan! With over 60 easy-to-make recipes, you are sure to enjoy the world of clean eating while losing those few extra pounds.

"Can I do all 3 workout programs together?" Absolutely! You can actually alternate them and do your butt program one day, arms the next, and then abs. Then start over!

*Separate programs are also available by clicking here*

The Fitness Trend That Needs to STOP!

I have been asked a lot here lately about about waist trainers. I have spoken a ton on the topic of abdominal binding (immediately after birth), but some of you have asked what can be done in regards to binding your abdomen way down the road. 

These new "things" get shoved into the media, receiving tons and tons of praise for helping women to "get their bodies back," but I want you to know more about this dirty little trend before you decide to invest in one.

First things first: postpartum girdles and waist trainers might have almost the same effect, but they are NOT the same things. You can read more about postpartum girdles and why you should wear one here. 

Postpartum girdles are made to be worn immediately after giving birth. They gently wrap around the waist, by velcro or hooks, to apply pressure in order to shrink your uterus back down to its original size (sometimes, even smaller) to get rid of that after birth tummy pooch. I have used a postpartum girdle and I love them! They are gentle, yet effective, but sometimes are annoying since you are constantly wearing something around your stomach. I strapped mine off at the hospital right after delivery and woke up with a flat stomach!

Waist trainers are devices similar to corsets (used back in the 1800s) in which you literally have to suck in your tummy and pull the strings as tight as they can go in order to "reshape" your waist, muscles, and bone structure. They are uncomfortable, but also dangerous to your health. But mind you, there is no way to "train your waist" as your waist is no longer "growing." This also does not help with "fat-loss" as it likes to claim. Also, when you stop wearing the trainer, you will most likely return to the way that you were. Who really wants to wear a corset for the rest of their lives? Not me!

Ever since Kim Kardashian had revealed on Instagram that she "SWORE BY" waist trainers, people have been flocking to buy their own. Other celebrities soon followed suit such as Snookie, Amber Rose, Jessica Alba, and even Kardashian sister Khloe. Please know that these ladies are paid to promote-for all we know, they could put it on for a photo and take it right on off!

So, do they work? Temporarily, yes, they could. Think of it as if you place your thumb onto your thigh and hold it down hard for a minute or two, it leaves a dent, right? And then BOOM-its back to normal-this is how the waist trainers work. They offer false hopes for a smaller tummy and often lead to much discomfort. It's almost like the thought of using diet pills-that magic and easy, one-stop fix to losing weight without putting in any of the hard work that is required. Its just not gonna happen, ladies!

But, how are they danerous exactly? If the waist trainer it too tight (which most of them are) and worn for a long period of time, it can:

• restrict your mobility because you cannot bend your body.
• interferes with breathing by restricting your ability to take full, deep breaths. 
• cause back acne from the tight apparatus and extra sweat.
• cause reflux because your stomach might get pushed up beyond the diaphragm
• weaken your core and back muscles from being in a constant, fixed state which also can cause poor posture which will make your tummy pooch out more!
• potentially crack, bruise, or harm your ribcage.

My honest opinion on waist training: Skip it and save your money! I got abs without the use of a waist trainer and so can you. It won't happen overnight, but it is possible! If your tummy is your specific area of issue, you are going to LOVE my Core & Ab Attack program that strengthens those deep core muscles from the inside out. If you still feel like giving waist training a try, please do so at your own risk!

The bottom line:

Waist trainers won’t have any lasting effect on waist size, shape, or appearance. They’ll make you look slimmer while you wear them, but you may have to put up with some discomfort—and maybe even some health risks—in return. 

Instead, build and train your core with core power exercises for a lasting flat tummy or get on a daily fitness and clean eating regimine to help decrease your overall body fat for a better, lasting appearance.

Want to build a better body in just 12 weeks? 

Check out my Fit Mommy Workout Bundle!

Buy now

Bundle & Save BIG!

In this bundle, you will receive:

-Butt & Thigh Blaster 4 Week Home Workout Program

-Armed & Fabulous 4 Week Home Program 

-Ab & Core Attach 4 Week Home Program

-Eat Clean, Get Lean 4 Week Meal Plan

All programs are bodyweight exercises only-NO GYM REQUIRED! You can simply do these at home within the comfort of your own home. 

Features 4 weeks of high-resolution step-by-step pictures and an exercise directory.

*The Armed & Fabulous program does require one set of dumbbells only.

Jumpstart your weightloss with this 4 week clean eating meal plan! With over 60 easy-to-make recipes, you are sure to enjoy the world of clean eating while losing those few extra pounds.

"Can I do all 3 workout programs together?" Absolutely! You can actually alternate them and do your butt program one day, arms the next, and then abs. Then start over!

*Separate programs are also available by clicking here*

How Lifting Weights Helps You Burn Fat, Not Bulk Up

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have heard "But won't lifting weights make me manly or bulky?" from countless women who are new to the world of fitness.

After all, weightlifting was created & fueled by men back in the 1800s in which Strongman was a spectator sport where a man tried to prove that he was "the strongest man in the world." But, it wasn't until the last couple of decades in which women really began jumping on the weight train.

When women first began competing in bodybuilding competitions, most turned to anabolic steroids to keep up with the men. Why? Because women do not have the appropriate hormones in order to put on a ton of muscle mass like men do. This is also the number one reason why a female can't possibly "bulk up" like a man from just lifting weights alone. Myth busted.

Here are a few ways that lifting weights actually helps you to burn fat-NOT bulk up!

• You will lose weight: Did you know that having more muscle mass on your body allows you to burn more calories-even while your body is at rest? It's true since it raises your resting metabolism!
• You will reshape your body: If you are truly wanting to change your body and not just lose some weight here and there, weights are going to help you do just that. By lifting weights, you will build and sculpt a leaner body-something that cardio just cannot do. Cardio will only make you smaller and is half the equation.
• You will gain strength-not size: The primary stress imposed upon the body is placed on the nervous system, not on the muscles.  Therefore, strength will improve by a neurological effect while not increasing the size of the muscles. If you want to increase your size, take advantage of that training window pre & post workout for fueling your body with the right amount of macros: carbs, proteins, and fats to support muscle growth.

Now, with a couple of important things to note about "bulking":

• Bulking up does not happen overnight: No, you won't wake up looking like The Hulk the morning after a good workout session. It takes time and time again of lifting heavy and eating the right amount of macros to build bigger muscles. It is not an instant thing (though some of us wish this were the case)!
• Bulking up is calorie-dependent: Remember how I mentioned above that your macros have to be on par to gain muscle mass? If you constantly eat more than you are burning, you will gain weight. If you eat less than what you burn, you will lose weight. Its just how the story goes.

So, whats a good size weight to begin with? 

I always tell my clients to start with the amount of weight that:

1. Feels most comfortable to them.
2. Allows for free movement throughout the exercise.
3. Allows you to perform the exercise correctly or with good form.

Please remember this: Everyone won't be on the same level. For example, I use 15lb dumbbells which may be absolutely heavy for you or it could be simple as pie. Mmmmm... pie...

So, all kidding aside, find the weight that BEST suits YOU. Do ten reps of an exercise. If you aren't tired or if you do not feel physically challenged by the 10th rep, move on up 5lbs, and so forth. 

Now, go lift some weights!!

A Girl's Guide to Sexy Legs

One of the most common questions that I get asked is, "How can I tone my legs?"

Well, if you are anything like me, your legs and butt are where you tend to store fat-gotta love those female hormones!

Luckily, there are ways to whip those legs into tip top shape! First and foremost, eating a clean diet with adequate carbs and protein will lead to a nicer set of legs. Try my new meal plan!

Secondly, a strength training regimine will not only shape those legs, it'll burn fat and add figure to your entire body. I would always recommend adding weights to your exercicses, if you can. Weights help to place stress on your bones and muscles, resulting in an increase in size of the muscle itself and a decrease in fat cells.

Thirdly, cardio is great if you have some jiggle going on that you are wanting to lose. I would suggest at least 20 minutes a day. Why 20? This is usually the time limit in which your body switches from using stored glycogen and instead uses your body's fat stores.

But first, let's talk supplementation for sexy, lean legs:

• Always make sure you have a great protein on hand. I personally love MRM's Natural Whey Protein and use it after each workout.
• A good pre-workout to fuel your exercise. I use MRM's Driven each day-an all natural pre-workout-that helps keep me focused and energized.
• A good BCAA supplement is a MUST. I use MRM's Reload BCAA+G which contains L-Glutamine. This stuff is the ultimate muscle recovery supplement and will eliminate sore muscles after your workout while fueling muscle strength. 
• Lastly, I swear by fish oil. I choose Smart Blend from MRM. Fish oil is good for a lot of things, but did you know that it supports fat burning? YUP!

**For all MRM products, use code SIA at checkout for 40% off ALL supplements, all the time**

Here are my go-to moves to getting sexy legs:

1. Barbell Side Split Squats

• Stand up straight while holding the bar placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be placed wide apart with the foot of the lead leg angled out to the side. This will be your starting position.
• Lower your body towards the side of your angled foot by bending the knee and hip of your lead leg and while keeping the opposite leg only slightly bent.
• Return to the starting position by extending the hip and knee of the lead leg.
• After performing the recommended amount of reps, repeat the movement with the opposite leg.

2. Plie Squats with Barbell

• Hold the bar racked across your shoulders, with a firm grip. Move your legs so that they are wider than shoulder width apart from each other with your knees slightly bent. Your toes should be facing out.
• Slowly bend the knees and lower your legs until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
• Press mainly with the hell to bring body back to starting stance.
• Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

3. Barbell Glute Bridges

• Begin seated on the ground with a loaded Hiit Bar over the tops of your thighs.
• Roll the bar so that it is directly above your hips, and lay down flat on the floor.
• Begin the movement by driving through with your heels, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your upper back and the heels of your feet.
• Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.

4. Barbell Lunges

• Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
• Step away from the rack and step forward with your right leg and squat down through your hips, while keeping the torso upright and maintaining balance.
• Using the heel of your foot, push up and go back to the starting position as you exhale.
• Repeat the movement for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.

Understanding Your Body Type for Ultimate Fat Loss and Muscle Building

Did you know that there are 3 main body types? 

Your body is very unique and usually falls into one of three of the categories below:

1. Ectomorph
2. Mesomorph
3. Endomorph

The thing that determines your body type, from birth, is genetics. Now, I am not a whole believer that genetics plays a role in EVERYTHING fitness wise. However, when it comes to your framework and shape-it certainly can! You cannot pick your body shape, but there are things that you can do to help or enhance the body shape in which you've been given.

Let's breakdown the 3 different body types further so you can figure out which category your body falls into.

Ectomorph

An ectomorph is your typical "skinny person." This body type finds it very hard to gain weight due to a fast metabolism and it may seem so hard for ectomorphs to put on an ounce of muscle. This body type needs an excess of calories to put on weight so supplements such as a weight gainer, high carb drink, or protein powder would be very beneficial to this group. It is also recommend that this group should eat before bed to prevent muscle catabolism during the night (use casein protein). Generally, ectomorphs can lose fat very easily which makes cutting back to lean muscle easier for them.

Physical Traits:

• Narrow hips and clavicles
• Small joints (wrist/ankles)
• Thin build
• Stringy muscle bellies
• Long limbs

Do…

• Train with compound moves
• Get enough protein
• Use isolation moves as ‘finishers’

Don’t…

• Overemphasise isolation moves
• Do too much cardio
• Ectomorphs have to work harder on the weights in order to gain a toned physique.

Diet:

• eat a greater percentage of high carb foods all throughout the day. 
• eat more carbs during/post workout than any other time of the day. 
• carbs should include some starchy, whole grain, unprocessed carbs that are eaten at every other meal, while veggies and/or fruits should be eaten at each meal. 
• use High Calorie weight gainer shakes to help build mass.
• Eat more, more frequently, aim for 6-8 meals spread over the course of the day, and always eat breakfast! 

Training:

• Strength Training with limited Cardio is best.
• it is recommend to use simple routines with heavy compound movements and minimal isolation movements per muscle group.
• Rest time should be kept between 2-3 minutes as much as possible. 
• Take at least 1 rest day in between the last lifting day, and the optional superset day.

Mesomorph

This body type will be your athletic looking guys and gals or those who were gifted a natural athletic physique. Gaining or losing weight is absolutely easy to them and it can go either way. The mesomorph body type responds the best to weight training. Gains are usually seen very quickly, especially for beginners. The downside to mesomorphs is they gain fat more easily than ectomorphs. This means they must watch their calorie intake. Usually a combination of weight training and cardio works best for mesomorphs. Personally, I am a Mesomorph and I can attest to this!

Physical Traits:

• Wide clavicles
• Narrow waist
• Thinner joints
• Long and round muscle bellies

Do…

• Train like an athlete
• Time your workouts
• Set personal bests

Don’t…

• Take your body for granted
• Eat whatever you like

Diet:

• Eat a mixed diet, consisting of balanced carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with a macronutrient split of 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat can work well. 
• Low-fat proteins such as nonfat Greek yogurt, Kefir, eggs, poultry and seafood build strong muscles and encourage muscle growth. 
• Complex carbohydrates such as spinach and other green vegetables, whole grain foods and low-sugar fruits provide the mesomorph with enough energy to make it through demanding workouts. 
• High-fiber foods such as beans increase feelings of fullness, and these items can help to avoid sugary binges.
• Mesomorphs also tend to have a moderate carb tolerance, meaning you should likely minimize high starchy/sugary carb foods outside the workout window, except after an overnight fast such as for breakfast. This means you’d try eating some higher carb/starchy carb foods in the morning, as well as during/post exercise. The rest of the meals would consist of less dense carb foods and more lean proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds.

Training:

• Multiple weekly resistance training sessions using moderate to heavy weights with limited rest between sets, help mesomorphs build size. 
• Do upper and lower body compound exercises using two to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions each, resting between 30 and 90 seconds after each set.

Endomorph

The endomorph body type is solid and generally soft. Endomorphs gain fat very easily. Endo’s are usually of a shorter build with thick arms and legs. Muscles are strong, especially the upper legs. Endomorphs find they are naturally strong in leg exercises like the squat. When it comes to training endomorphs find it very easy to gain weight. Unfortunately, a large portion of this weight is fat not muscle. To keep fat gain to a minimum, endomorphs must always train cardio as well as weights. Usually supplements may not be needed as long as the person has a high protein intake in their diet.

Physical Traits:

• Blocky
• Thick rib cage
• Wide/thicker joints
• Hips as wide (or wider)
• than clavicles
• Shorter limbs

Do…

• Train with intensity
• Watch your carb intake
• Build your shoulders

Don’t…

• Do endless crunches
• Jog for hours
• Drink sports drinks

Diet:

• Stick to a higher fat and protein intake with carbohydrate intake being controlled and properly timed after exercise, with their ideal intake around 25% carbs, 35% protein, and 40% fat. 
• Avoid high carb/starchy carb foods outside the workout window (including breakfast). This means only proteins, fats, veggies and fruits outside the workout window.

Training:

• Train using cardio as well as weights. 
• Workout as often as you can without overtraining. Around four days of weight training throughout the week will ensure that the "afterburn" increased metabolic response from each training session will then spill over into taken rest days. 
• Include cardio into each workout, and no matter if an endomorph is bulking or cutting, weight training should be the main focus. An increased amount of muscle mass will increase their base metabolic rate, decreasing their chances of storing/holding onto fat.

Want to build a better body in just 12 weeks? Check out my Fit Mommy Workout Bundle!

Buy now

Bundle & Save BIG!

In this bundle, you will receive:

-Butt & Thigh Blaster 4 Week Home Workout Program

-Armed & Fabulous 4 Week Home Program 

-Ab & Core Attach 4 Week Home Program

-Eat Clean, Get Lean 4 Week Meal Plan

All programs are bodyweight exercises only-NO GYM REQUIRED! You can simply do these at home within the comfort of your own home. 

Features 4 weeks of high-resolution step-by-step pictures and an exercise directory.

*The Armed & Fabulous program does require one set of dumbbells only.

Jumpstart your weightloss with this 4 week clean eating meal plan! With over 60 easy-to-make recipes, you are sure to enjoy the world of clean eating while losing those few extra pounds.

"Can I do all 3 workout programs together?" Absolutely! You can actually alternate them and do your butt program one day, arms the next, and then abs. Then start over!

The Easy Eating & Exercise Formula For Getting Rid of Body Fat

Still tired of body fat that doesn't seem to want to come off with endless amounts of cardio? Stop being a cardio queen and focus on your nutrition first and foremost.

I spent about 2-3 years of my life overweight. It wasn't until I changed my diet that I actually lost my weight. Some of you may even recall that I didn't workout during this time as I was SUPER uneducated about health & fitness and what it really took to create a strong, lean body. 

I ditched alcohol, processed foods, high calorie meals, heavy carbs, soda, and sweets for fresh, whole foods. I also learned to cook my own meals and stopped eating out at restaurants. Let me tell you this: fried and sugary foods will KILL your body. Don't eat them!

I ate clean for 9 months and educated myself on the topic so much that I dropped 45lbs during this time. But, I was left "skinny fat," meaning I had zero tone. I was skinny, but I was still wobbly and flat in places. I looked like an adolescent boy!

I realized that what I had been doing (clean eating) was only partially the right thing to do and that I needed to add HIIT exercises and strength training to the mix to add curves back, lift, and tone my body. So then, I focused on pairing my healthy diet with actual muscle building workouts. I began lifting weights and learning how to do squats! I continued this all throughout my pregnancy.

I also included HIIT sessions are proven to help reduce belly fat faster than steady-state cardio. Here are some examples:

Perfect 10 Workout
Crazy Eights Workout
Dirty Dozen Workout
Lean Body HIIT Pyramid
10 Minute HIIT

Getting rid of body fat isn't easy, especially since there is no set way to spot reduce, but you can learn to work each body part to your advantage and eat healthy to get into the best shape of your life.

In order to lose weight or build muscle, you cannot have one without the other. 

Get Your Workout On With These CUTE Tanks!

Want some cute fitness apparel to add to your collection? Take one look at Reverence Apparel. If you can remember, I have worn their tanks before :)

Created by Michelle Annette, she explains what Reverence Apparel is all about, in her own words:

"We live different lifestyles, have different beliefs and aspirations but we have at least common thread and that is that we want to be feel beautiful in our own skin and be confident. Sometimes all we need is a little motivation and inspiration from someone to get us there.

Reverence Apparel is not just selling apparel, it's promoting motivation and inspiration to be confident, to truly love yourself and surround yourself with positive people. The apparel is meant to be an extension of me motivating you and supporting you in whatever you are doing and wherever you are heading."

One reason why I LOVE Reverence Apparel is that they believe in getting fit for a cause. $1 for every order goes to Girls, Inc., an organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing more than  140,000 girls across the U.S. and Canada with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges girls face.

The first tank that I received was the Be a Hope Dealer tank. This tank was super soft, just as with the other tanks I have from them. I also liked the cut! Its the first type of tank top with this cut that I have owned and I can tell you one thing: the longer openings on the side really cool you down when working out! Plus, the saying is so sweet and positive.

The second tank that I received was the Good Vibes Only tank. I have always loved this saying so to wear it was a good feeling. I really liked the color of this tank. The sides, just as with the tank above, are deep as well, allowing for maximum comfort and breathing.

Get 30% off ALL regular priced tops with code FITMOMMY at checkout!

Also, be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you don't miss out on new styles, sales and really great deals. 

To follow Reverence Apparel for updates on new products & sales, visit their:

Main Site

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Disclaimer: I was given tanks to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Booty Sculpting HIIT Home Workout

Yesterday, I shot a NEW video for you guys on an easy HIIT home workout that targets the booty. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for new weekly videos every Saturday!

Booty Sculpting HIIT Home Workout 

1. Revolving Jump Squats:

• Squat downward with both legs shoulder width apart.
• Upon arising from the squat, jump powerfully backwards-facing the back wall.
• Squat downward and jump back to face the front.
• Repeat.

2. Squat with Side Leg Lifts::

• Squat downwards with legs shoulder width apart.
• Upon arising from the squat lift your left leg up to your side.
• Come back down into a squat and lift your right leg up to your side.
• Come back down into a squat and repeat!

3. Mountain Climbers:

• Get down on your hands and knees. Lift upwards on your toes as if you are in a push up position.
• In a switch motion, bring one leg upward, leaving the other leg straight out behind your body.
• Then, switch, bringing your other leg up to your body, leaving the other leg straight out.
• Alternate such as if you are climbing a mountain in a crawling motion.

Here is a video demonstrating all three moves together!

My Toddler's Meal Time Must Haves

Hi ladies! 

It has been a while since I discussed toddler meals, but today I want to share with you my son's two newest meal time goodies that help make life so much easier.

The first toddler meal time must have is called the WOW cup. This cup is unlike any other as it is totally spill-free. Yup-you can throw it, drop it, and hold it upside down, but your juice won't be going anywhere.

In addition, the no-spout and no-straw design helps in the prevention of potential Orthodontic issues due to long term sucking on spouts. The way it works is that my son bites down a bit on the rim and sucks. 

The juice or milk comes through instantly. When he is done sucking, the valve closes back up. Pretty neat, huh?

If you toddler is younger or if you have a baby, no worries-there is a WOW sippy cup with handles that works exactly the SAME way!

He LOVED his new meal time cup!

In addition to our new cup, we received the Happy Mat. What's the happy mat, you may ask? Well, it is a meal time mat shaped like a happy face that allows your toddler to eat without the need for bowls or plates. 

At this age, my son just loves throwing his plates off of the highchair or counter, but this Happy Mat actually suctions itself to the table! Since my son mainly eats in his high chair, the mat didn't fit quite well to the table, but it STILL works perfectly-even better than if he had a plate or bowl. Ever since we got this thing, we have been using it non-stop.

The Happy Mat is made from silicone that's BPA free and does not support the growth of mold or bacteria. My favorite thing about this mat is that it catches my son's messes, making it easier for me to clean up his highchair. Also, it IS dishwasher and microwave safe.

If you are thinking of investing in some high-quality, useful meal time gadgets, I certainly recommend this two cool additions! 

Speaking of cool, check out my son's new Babiators! 

Living in Florida, there is always sunshine so my husband and I were wanting to find our son a pair of sunglasses that were durable andnthat were actually cute.

These Babiators are made with flexible rubber frames, are shatter resistant, and offer 100% sun protection. Also, if you lose them, because that is SO bound to happen, the company promises to replace them-for free.

Check out these items at SugarBabies and tell Ashley, the fabulous owner, that Fit Mommy sent you!

SugarBabies Main Site

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