Tighten up girls!



It’s no secret that our metabolism begins to slow as we age.  Muscle mass is not as easy to maintain.  We must actually WORK for that bikini body that used to come almost naturally during our 20’s.  I’m here to tell you not to panic because it is entirely possible to be just as fit, if not more so, than you were 10 years ago.  I’m even hoping that the work I put it now at age 30 will set me up for future success when it comes to maintaining a fit body at 40 and even 50.  So where should a 30-something begin?

My advice: LIFT!! I probably dedicate about 40 minutes to lifting every day.  I aim for 4 sets of 12, but sometimes cut that down to 3 sets if I’m in a pinch for time.  

After lifting, I follow up with 25-30 minutes of cardio and abs daily.  If I know I have an occasion coming up where I really need to look bikini ready, I’ll up the cardio to 45 minutes, but I don’t like to make it a habit.  When I continue doing cardio like that over a long period of time, my body expects it.  It holds on to the calories I consume in preparation for a cardio marathon that I really don’t enjoy anyway.  I’m sure there are a ton of fitness experts that are going to rip on me for saying this, but it’s just my personal experience with my own body.  

Ideally, I like my gym time to total an hour a day.  If you can dedicate one hour a day, you will see changes in your body. Period.  If you can’t, (maybe you have only 30 minutes to spare?), again, I advise...

STRENTH > CARDIO

I am not suggesting that cardio is not important.  It is crucial for heart health and for burning the current fat that many of us hold.  However, if you have a day where you just can’t do it all, just lift.  Building muscles will keep your body burning calories even when you are not working out and you will begin to see the shape of your body change faster when you are keeping up with your strength routine.  

Now get after it girls! 

A Quick Weekend Getaway



I spent this past weekend accompanying the bf to his softball tournament in Ocean City, MD.  It was our 3rd year in attendance and we spent the weekend catching up with long time teammates, meeting the new girls, and sleeping on couches in true twenty-something fashion.  It was a fast, but wonderful little vacation.  While the boys were playing ball, us girls were forced to converse and entertain each other, a sometimes challenging task given that we vary in age between 22 and mid 40’s.  Ironically one of my best “softball girlfriends” is also the youngest--a sign I like to think that I have maintained the youthful attitude I strive for.  I even picked up these hot pink Wayfarer knockoffs for $3.00 (WOW!) at the inlet.  Now if that’s not fun, I don’t know what it is!

"No Makeup" Makeup ;)


Naturally glowing skin.  We all want it.  And in my 30s, I’ve found it harder and harder to achieve.  I’m actually skeptical of girls that do.  You know, the ones posting flawless selfies with #nomakeup and #nofilter.  Really?  STFU.  You did NOT wake up in that condition.  Don’t care what anybody says.

I don’t like wearing makeup ALL the time either.  I teach third grade and I’m pretty sure my 8-year-olds don’t care if my full face is on. In summer, when I might run errands, go to the pool, and go out at night, I have no desire (or $ for that matter) to apply it multiple times a day.  I needed a solution.  Found.

These are the only things you will need:


I started using Garnier B.B. Cream ($11.99 at Target) instead of foundation on a daily basis. It works because...
    1. It’s tinted.  It gives my pale skin a little color and because it’s thick, I feel covered.  I use the Light/Medium tint, but it also comes in Medium/Dark.
    2. Sun protection! SPF 20.  The most proven anti-aging ingredient there is.  Nuff said.  
    3. It’s a moisturizing cream so it’s pretty much a one stop shop.  I don’t have to put any other product on my face.  Saves time and money.

Besides the cream, I do use just 2 other makeup products on the regular.  Next, I brush a little bronzer on my cheeks for added glow. (I use Bare Escentials)

Finally, I apply mascara.  I never miss this step, mainly because my eyelashes are so blonde and I feel my face looks washed out without it.  If they were dark, I probably wouldn’t bother.  I’m still hunting for a great mascara though.  Suggestions anyone?  

DIY Gorgeous Nails


I learned the value of well manicured nails as a cheerleader when I was forced to keep a french set at all times.  Although it seems a tiny, irrelevant body part, nails are something that are constantly seen.  As someone who talks with her hands, mine are seen a lot.  Even driving, picking up a glass, pointing at something, typing this post.. it feels good to look down and see them done.  A self-esteem booster if you will.

When Z and I bought our house, it became apparent that the nail salon would be a necessary cut from the budget. It was a sacrifice, but trust me, you’d never know.  The DIY gel manicure kits sold today are legit and virtually fool proof.  I opted for the cheapest one, SensatioNail ($49.99 at Walmart).  My friend has the Sally Hansen one, about $10.00 more, from Target.  Both work great and you can use any gel polish with your kit; you may just need to leave it under the light longer depending on the brand.  Here are my tips from experience to make your nails look like they do in the picture.

DO:
  • Get a gel manicure from a salon before you attempt to DIY.  It will be much easier to figure out once you’ve seen it done at least once by a pro.
  • Put a thin layer of the gel primer over your entire nail.  The directions say only around the edge, but I’ve found it very difficult to remove if I do that.
  • Taaaaaake your tiiiiiiime to polish each nail accurately.  It’s dry in 60 seconds flat so it’s worth the extra time and care to make sure it looks good.
  • Be sure to check out the SensatioNail website before you buy for coupons!!! 

DON’T:
  • Use regular nail polish remover to take off.  You need 100% pure acetone (mine was on special for $1.99 at Ulta).  Better yet, just rip the polish off when it starts to chip.  It’s fast (I do both hands in 5 minutes) and because I put primer on the whole nail, it comes up easy with minimal damage.  Be 
  • Expect it to last 3 weeks like a salon one.  It will last solidly through the entire weekend, perhaps even a week if you’re gentle.  For free, beautiful nails, I’m willing to deal with that.

So go ahead and try it.  Enjoy those beautiful summer nails!




Hello Mid-life!

Get to know me....

Hi, I’m 30  32.  Childless. Husbandless.  (so far...) And by far in the happiest part of my life to date.  I love both exercise and ice cream.  I am all about keeping a life/work balance and making FUN a priority!  I am hopelessly devoted to my husband.  I’m still obsessed with mini skirts and crop tops and believe that hair ribbons should be outlawed after high school.  Most of all, I’m determined to keep myself looking and feeling great into the next decade.


Get to know my blog...

So, "thirty is the new 20" huh?  That’s what I’ve been hearing lately and want so desperately to believe.  After all, I’ve somehow let my 20’s slip by without accomplishing much on my list of personal goals (find a husband, start my family, build up a decent savings account, etc.).  Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t exactly resting on my laurels.  I was busy.  My twenties resume includes:


  • Building a pretty impressive cheer resume which included cheering on a pretty well known Super Bowl team and traveling to the Middle East to tour with USO.  
  • Head Coach of a very successful high school and college team before the age of 25.  It truly was my life, my world, and those kids were the center of my universe.  
  • Got a Master’s Degree while working AND coaching.  No wonder I was insane and needed to be medicated.
  • Had a rich selection of dating experiences of which I should have written a book long ago.  More on that later.


Yet here it is.  30.  Thirty!  What?! After an amazing birthday and a few weeks of mid-life crisis breakdown, I suddenly realized... 30 is kinda awesome. Life is more than ok.  In fact, I was shocked to discover that 30 is totally... 

(wait for it)... 

NOT the new 20!!  [GASP!] I know, I know.  I’m going against my own mantra,  a hypocrite in my first post.  But it’s not.  It’s better.  Think about yourself at twenty--the uncertainty, the walks of shame, the inevitable battles of having all girl roommates, the Rikaloff shots followed by nights on a bathroom floor with your head in a toilet. Those days are done.  We’ve moved up a step.  I live in a cozy space I am proud of with a man I love.  I can get drunk consistently without crossing into wasted.  I have stability, a plan, and a good bottle of vodka should I have an occasion to drink it. 

I'm dedicated to making my thirties the best years yet.  Stay young at heart.  Enjoy life to the fullest.  Keep up looking and feeling my best.  Ok 30, I'm ready for you.  Let's do this! 


Still wondering why I'm doing this?
I'll tell you here.