We're on our final week of the four week ab makeover, are you starting to see those abs yet? In this final post about abs, I'd like to review what we've been doing for the past three weeks, and end with some final thoughts on toning and weight loss.
Week 1: We started making small (but significant) changes to our lifestyles, including cutting out alcohol and soda, getting more sleep and brushing teeth after meals to prevent snack attacks.
Week 2: I introduced Fitness Magazine's 21-Minute Ab Makeover routine, which calls for cardio combined with pilates.
Week 3: Last Monday we increased the cardio to burn more calories and we talked about how household chores and everyday activities count towards cardio.
Today, I'd like to end with a little talk about motivation. I know that sometimes you just don't want to go to the gym or exercise. That's okay, and it's completely healthy for you to take days off from workouts. However, don't let one day turn into a whole week! It's so easy to tell yourself, "Eh, I'll go tomorrow" and tomorrow never comes. I know, I've been there! Here are three ways I motivate myself to stay in shape and keep active:
Reuters says that Plew had turned to Victoria's Secret when she realized how much it would cost to produce.
Every online blog and story I've read so far expresses a belief without a doubt that Victoria's Secret stole the design. What do you think?
We're already on week three of our four week ab makeover! How are you doing? Maintain your results from now on by finding and joining a gym that suits your needs. If it weren't for my membership at 24 Hour Fitness, I would have trouble being motivated to exercise year-round. It offers me a place to exercise at any time, and the monthly fee I pay reminds me that I made fitness a priority. Why would I want to pay for something that I never use?
Now we're increasing the cardio a bit to burn those calories and get rid of body fat! In addition to the 21-minute ab makeover routine from last week, you'll want to do three to five days of cardio a week for 30 to 45 minutes in your THR zone. This includes any type of cardio - doing what you like. So start that spring cleaning, and up the pace by putting on some motivating tunes that will help you both burn calories and get the house clean! Or go for a long walk or jog with your dog. You don't have to go to the gym, and you probably won't want to with the weather warming up so beautifully.
Remember, this is a process, so don't get discouraged if you've missed a few workouts or had a few desserts. The goal is to make a long-term change, not an overnight one. I missed a few workouts last week (thanks, homework) but I know that I can catch up later. So keep up the good work, and next Monday we'll finish out our four-week challenge and evaluate the results!
Did you know today is Pet Owner's Day? I thought I would share a bit with you about my pets (excuse my departure from lingerie). I have two mischevious dogs and one Psycho Kitty (as my boyfriend calls her). I'm curious about your pets. What are their names? What things do they do that you think are unusual?Taz & Zorro
My dog's names are Taz and Zorro. Taz the Pomeranian is aptly named, because he looks a bit like the Tazmanian Devil, and he turns into a tornado of fur whenever anyone tries to leave the house. Zorro the Papillon lives up to his name. He is quick and if you blink, he can have your slice of bacon you left on the table. He knows how to climb chain-link fences and does so whenever I let him in the back yard (but he doesn't run away; he simply explores the neighbor's grass).
My cat's name is Keiko, which means "adored one" in Japanese. I chose this name because my best friend liked to call her Oriental Baby (she has slanted eyes). Keiko has to stay in her room overnight because she has a habit of waking me by crashing into the blinds and shoving them aside so that she can look outside. Then, she has to play with the fun stringies hanging from the blinds, and the noise continues all night. Get this: Keiko loves running water (yes, she is a cat, I'm sure) and she comes running from wherever she is to discover the source of the bubbling sound. One time I was taking a shower and she leaped into the tub, not a bit phased by the spraying water!Keiko 
Today I want to tell you about Fitness Magazine's 21-Minute Ab Makeover that will help you build muscle so that next Monday, when we up the cardio, you will be seeing results in your midsection. This routine combines cardio and pilates.
There are a total of five ab exercises, followed by a two-minute cardio burst. When I started this routine yesterday, I ran on a treadmill for the cardio burst. You can adapt it to your fitness level, but just make sure that it's challenging enough to have you breathing hard. Repeat the given sequence three times, and it only takes 21 minutes!
Keep on following my three suggestions from last week to achieve the best results. I'm headed to the gym as soon as I'm done at work to start working my abs so that I can look good in this little number!
I went through my lingerie drawer last weekend and threw out bras that I no longer wear. What can you do with a tired, beat-up bra, right? Don't just chuck it in the trash like I did! Right after my "spring cleaning", I read an article called "28 things to do with an old bra" and I regret my hasty disposal of my worn out bras. 1. Make it Pretty. Add some lace or sequins or anything that will make it come to life. I like this altered pink bra with pretty butterflies and buttons. 2. Donate it. If the bra is in good condition, give it to charity. Breasttalk collects used bras and gives them to women around the world who for some reason don't have a bra. In some countries, women have to choose between feeding their family and buying a bra. 3. Sew it into a Camisole for Support. 4. Make a Purse. All you need is your old bra, ribbons fringing, hot glue or craft glue, scissors, and your creativity. 5. Display it. Take a look at he BraBall Atelier 31 Gallery for inspirational bra displays. Take a very pretty, lacy bra you never wear, place it in a frame, and hang it on your wall. Instant art! Tell me about any additional ideas you have for an old bra. Post a picture of your creation!
Just For Fun:
I was just thinking about how much I love lingerie, and how much fun it would be to host a lingerie party for my friends. I found a great site that lists countless lingerie party themes and tips. Parties can center around a certain event, such as an upcoming wedding or birthday, or they can be just for fun.
I'm thinking of hosting a "Sex on the Beach" lingerie party, starring sultryswimsuits, glamorous metallic or charmed sandals and bright, summer-inspired lingerie, like this hot camisole set.
Before you proceed with planning your own lingerie party, decide on an informality level. Do your guests feel comfortable having a lingerie-only dress code, or would they rather admire lingerie while remaining fully clothed? Either way can be fun. If you are the wild type and your friends are not shy, go for a crazy sexy lingerie party with a striptease show.
As soon as you choose your party theme, start working on Invitations and Party Decorations to create the right party atmosphere. Invitations By You has some great lingerie party invitations which are fully customizable text!
Hosting a bachelorette lingerie party:
Celebrating a new baby:
For my "Sex on the Beach" theme, serve margaritas, and fruit punch as a non-alcoholic option. As for food, pineapple slices, cheese and crackers will satisfy. Click here for some fun game ideas. My favorite is "Hot Potato", in which a box with a lingerie set is passed around until the music stops. The guest left holding the box must wear its contents the rest of the night. Repeat so that everyone has an outfit!
Here's a handy lingerie party budget calculator.
Share your fun lingerie party ideas or experiences here!
Cut out alcohol AND all soda! Alcohol has no nutritional value, and it's converted to fat, which translates to tummy trouble. Even diet soda is bad, as artificial sweeteners have been found to stimulate your appetite. I like to sip flavored water instead.
Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces stress hormones, which may increase your appetite. 
Brush your teeth right after you eat to keep from nibbling. Have you ever tried drinking a soda or eating a handful of chips after brushing your teeth? Yuck! 
According to my shape up poll, abs give you the most trouble. This isn't surprising; MSN Health & Fitness says that 84% of women cite the belly, butt and thighs as their biggest problem areas.
Subscribe via RSS feed
