Fitness Friday: 10 Things to Know Before Your First Hot Yoga Class

First of all, HAPPY FRIDAY!! & welcome to what I hope becomes a more regular "series" on my blog!  

SOO I may have mentioned that I'm doing this thing next April called getting married!

I really want to lose weight and get toned for our wedding.  It's important for me on several levels (something I can talk about another time) but mostly I want to feel like I've done everything I could do to enter into marriage as "my best self".  

I've recently changed my diet and started incorporating exercise into my regular routine.  Growing up, I was a dancer so I never really needed to "workout"-it was built into my dance.  In fact, until about my junior year in high school I didn't even realize kids my own age worked out, like went to a gym.  It shocked me, and when I went to college/stopped dancing, I realized how important it is!

Last week, two of my coworkers invited me to attend a Hot Yoga class with them.  It was free so I figured, why not?  Now, I've only done yoga a few times before...Would I recommend Hot yoga for a beginner like me? Nope! Did I do Hot Yoga as a beginner? Yup.

I'll tell you a little bit about my experience, and share some tips.  

1) First of all, it was early.  Our class started at 6am, we had to be there at 5:45, so I left my house at 5:25.  I normally wake up at 6, so it wasn't terrible but my tip #1 is:

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Especially for first timers [like me], lay out your outfit the night before!  Try everything on, make sure it fits and you're going to be comfortable in front of other people.  This saved me time, and stress, in the morning.

2) Speaking of clothing...The website for my studio said "wear as little as you feel comfortable in" and people did! There were men Speedo-like shorts and women in sports bras, so honestly-wear what you feel comfortable in, but obviously be respectful, people take it very seriously. 

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*note, Lululemon not required to practice yoga.

Choose your outfit carefully.  Tight leggings or shorts, tanktop, no socks.  I wouldn't recommend anything of sweatshirt material-nope, too sweaty.   

3) YOU ARE GOING TO SWEAT! a lot. Like unreal amounts of sweat. 

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[^^see they all have towels^^]

Bring at least one hand towel to have in the room with you .  There was literally sweat dripping in my eyes (gross/true) and I'm so glad I had a towel with me during class!

4) Also...

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Bring a big *bleep* water bottle into the class with you [everyone does]. 

5) And more water...

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and more, and more, and more.  My instructor was so amazing and told us the importance of staying hydrated the 24 hours after a hot yoga class. Honestly, I could not drink enough water that day.

6) Take it easy and don't push yourself too far. 

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^^she was a beginner once too^^

Everyone had a first class.  I definitely couldn't do all the poses but I still got a GREAT workout.  Do what you can and focus on the experience.  It's not a competition and no one expects you to master yoga in one day.  You can also use stretch bands or straps, or even your towel, to help you with some poses.    
 
7)  My instructor also warned us not to over exert ourselves.  She said to just STOP if we felt lightheaded or dizzy.  Also, do not crouch/squat down.  This interferes with your circulation and when you stand, blood will rush to your head and people faint.

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Just be still if you need to.  I stopped when I felt like I was crossing "that line" and it was perfectly fine.  Just be aware.

8)  I personally got a headache later in the afternoon (around 3pm).  Several things could have caused it (lack of sleep), but I'm just throwing it out there.  That being said, I would still definitely do it again because I felt SO AMAZING after the class. 

9) On the morning of my class, it was 1° outside.  It was 101° in the studio.  And for all you math geniuses out there, that's a 100° difference.  

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Bring extra clothes to layer (remember, you'll be WET you're so sweaty) and bundle up! Take time to adjust to the cooler temperature as you exit the class.     

10) I had a WONDERFUL experience.  Honestly, just enjoy yourself and be refreshed.    

 

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I personally didn't have any time to research Hot Yoga before attending my first class, but here are some articles I've found since that I've really liked:  

The health benefits of practicing hot yoga

Sweating out Toxins 

10 Things No One Will Tell You About Hot Yoga 

Thanks and have a great weekend! ♥

CHEEZ-y Valentines

After my last post, I got really excited for my work Valentines!  Again, here is my inspiration:

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 I literally could not wait any longer and whipped up this quick note: 

I still have to go and buy Cheez-Its, so I'll have to customize the size.  I'll be sure to post pictures :)

 But anyway, here's yours!

Be sure to share photos if you do use it! 

<3

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Okay so here's the deal, I LOVE Valentine's Day, I really do! And not only because my favorite color is pink and it's EVERYWHERE this time of year :) I just think it's such a nice opportunity to give thoughtful little gifts and let the people in your life know how much you care about them.  I've listed a few of mine below.  What are your plans for LOVE DAY? :) 

For Him:

This is definitely what I'm getting my mister on February 14th.  He's been talking about how he wishes he could make his own breakfast sandwiches before work, and this one was only $25 at Walmart!  I think gifts are really special when you listen and remember things the other person said :)  

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I actually made this Beer Cake for my fiance for Christmas.  He thought it was hilarious and thoughtful.  It was SO easy to make, maybe I'll do a tutorial someday.

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I think he'd like this better than a bouquet of roses.

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I also homemade a similar basket for my man's Christmas gift.  He loves spicy food so I included jalapeno peppers, Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Cholula, Salsa, Hot Chili, Spicy V8 and Hot Tamales.  I made a sign that said "You're HOT" and he loved it :)

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My guy isn't really into sweet things (see above) but I bet anyone would love these super soft, Valentine's themed cookies.

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For Her:

I have always thought this was such a cute idea! Pre-planned dates for each month in a basket.  Takes the thought out of it but is still a surprise.  Precious.  She even has date ideas on her blog!

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Peanut Butter & Chocolate.  'Nuff said. 

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Another cute yet very cheap idea.  What a great keepsake!

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This gift idea is SO cute, and she did it on the cheap! I would love to get this thoughtful gift, and you can put as much or as little time into this DIY as you want.  

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I purchased necklaces from Eliza Jay for Christmas and they were SUCH a hit (literally, tears were shed).  They arrived so quickly for a custom piece and I love the quality.  Anything customized will win her heart!

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For Parents:

It would be so fun to help a little one create this colorful work of art!

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Embarrassing but true, I made this card for my own mom just a few years ago (it's kind of "our saying").  She loved it and it was super easy!

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I also made this for my mom! Another super easy, and deliciously simple, DIY.

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Fun for teachers or babysitters to do with kids.  Would be cute to see how each kid creates different patterns :) I remember doing this as a kid myself!

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Adorable coupon book for parents (or anyone really).  Cute keepsake and the kiddos can make up their own "coupons"!

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For Teachers:

Simple but I'm almost positive they'd love (and use) it!

 

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Another simple idea-

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A different take on those silly popcorn tins!

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I know you can get these cups cheap and the flag on the straw really makes it special.

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Okay but really, who wouldn't love to get a s'more kit?? This would be great it you had several teachers to give gifts to.  

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For Classmates:

Bringing Valentine's to class and exchanging used to be so much fun! These will be sure to get the other students talking :)

Stop by the dollar store for some of these critters.

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We all know how much we love Twinkies (especially given the recent scare!) and minions.  Put the two together.... 

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Dollar Store saves the day again! These cute shovels and printable make for a great little gift!

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Takes a little bit of advanced planning, but totally worth it! Super cute. 

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CEREAL-sly, could this be cuter? And I can't get over those awesome pink spoons!

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For Coworkers:

It really livens and brightens up the office when holidays are celebrated (appropriately).  So much fun to show your coworkers how much you appreciate them!  Here are some simple and easy ideas for all my hard workers out there with no extra time to make treats (like me!) 

Luckily (unluckily??), they just opened a Dunkin' Donuts near my house :)  I'm sure you could customize this little sleeve with whatever language you'd like-so cute!

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I made this for a coworker last Christmas after I noticed she was always drinking Mt. Dew.  I would be great for your team members and this site has printables-score!

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Another super creative yet inexpensive gift.  Literally takes almost no time but will show your gratitude. 

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I am totally making these for my coworkers, no lie.  I think it's hilarious and would make everyone laugh.  Again, very simple and not at all time consuming! 

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It really says something when this is the most time consuming gift idea of all at about 10 minutes. These are cute, festive and could be bagged up individually, or left out in a bowl with cute little dixie cups.  

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 So there it is-30 great gift ideas for everyone in your life.  Which ones are you thinking about making?  Happy Valentine's Day! <3

2014 Resolutions

I'm writing this as I sit peacefully listening to The Beatles and the sound of the washing machine :) Today is Martin Luther King Jr. day and I'm enjoying a (very productive) day off. 

I realize that I'm quite late on the resolution bandwagon. Let me tell you why-This turn of the year was actually really, and strangely, difficult for me. I feel like it's a time to reflect on the past year and think about how or what you'd like to improve upon in the upcoming 365 days. The more I thought about it, the more it consumed me.  I became dissapointed with the year I'd had, and I wanted to change everything about myself...My resolution list grew every day and I was feeling like a terrible person.  I wanted to change so much and felt like I had accomplished nothing in 2013.  It actually got me really down; I had a panic attack and was feeling nervous, anxious and a little depressed.  And trust me, this is NOT how I normally am!! I am usually very happy, perky and fun :)  I know this is NOT what resolutions are about, but it's just something that was going on for me at the time.

I quickly realized that this was not the way to approach 2014.  I didn't want to start off the year on a negative note, so I stopped thinking about resolutions.  While out with my fiance for my birthday dinner, I told him about how I'd been feeling and what was actually going on (he of course had noticed my mood).  We decided that we are going to make 2014 FUN!  FUN FOURTEEN! I stopped worrying about resolutions and started to shift my thinking from negative to positive.  Stopped thinking about what I wanted to change, and started to think about what I want to enhance; the good things I want more of this year.  

Today, while cleaning the kitchen sink (inspiration always strikes at the strangest times, am I right?) I decided on my "resolutions" for this year:

I know this is burger extra cheese, but I feel like it really encompasses everything I want 2014 to be about.  

• Eat Right: It's obvious, I want to get healthy, lose weight and eat better in 2014.  But that's not what this says.  It says "eat right."  I want to do what I know is right and best for my body, and for my health, for health's sake, not to lose weight or be a certain size.  I want to eat and live healthy, to do what's RIGHT for ME.  I want to stop comparing myself and my life to others, and simply live right by myself.  I want to be healthy in body and spirit. 
• Don't Fight: This goes beyond not fighting with others, but deeper, and into myself.  I want to stop fighting internally, stop being so hard on myself, stop putting myself down.  I want to stop fighting with myself to be a certain way, or like certain things.  This "resolution" is about accepting myself the way I am, and not fighting myself into a certain life.  It's about saying the things I want to say, doing the things I want to do, and being the person I want to be.  It's about leaving work when I feel I've done my very best for the day, expressing how I really feel, and not forcing myself.  I of course also want to live a peacefully life in 2014-to not fight with others but to spread love and acceptance.  I want to always assume good will and accept others the way they are as well.  But mostly, this is about not fighting what feels right.  
• Sleep Tight: Relax.  Be calm.  And also, be proud.  I want to be able to be done for the day when I am done for the day.  No work emails on the weekends.   I want to accept that I've worked hard and be proud of what I've accomplished.  This is about "turning off" when it's time. Taking time to be still and calm and peaceful.  Live in the moment.  Get rest, feel good.  Beyond just getting a good night's sleep, it's about not worrying as much.  I want to spend time relaxing with family and friends, and with myself.  Enjoying a spa night at home once in a while, or reading a good book in bed.  More music.  I want to take time for me, and more importantly, to feel like I deserve it.  We all do. :) 

I now feel so very positive about the year to come.  There is so much too look forward to, and I can't wait to experience it!  I am so blessed-the picture above is of a sunset I got to watch with my parents on a recent weekend trip to Florida.  I will soon have a new nephew, and maybe another later this year.  I am surrounded by good, supportive people-friends, family, coworkers.  I owe it to them to be and do my very best.  And I fully intend to.  

Happy 2014!! It's going to be a GREAT year :)       

Thrifty Decor Chick PAR-TAY!

Prioritized To Do List for work

I have a confession to make...the first step is admitting, right?

I am an all out, full fledged, hardcore list-making JUNKIE.  But like seriously, is there some kind of group I can join?? :)

Since this week I'm focusing on WERQ (I mean work, but let's make it a LITTLE fun okaaaay?), I'm going to go into the evolution of my werq to do lists.  

I've had several strategies for organizing my time and tasks, but these two lists in particular worked (werq'd???) best.  This first one, I made and used for a few months, before my roles changed I got super crazy busy.

here's a free, editable printable of the document: FREE PRINTABLE

[this is just an example, as I don't use this system anymore. My current system will be featured tomorrow!]

As you can see, it's divided into three categories: Must Do, Other, and Little Things.

1) Must Do-pretty self explanatory.  Things I HAD to get done that day, projects due, meetings to attend. 

2) Other-things I should/could do, projects with approaching deadlines, tasks that aren't quite as important but it would be fantastic if I get to them.  This is also for things that wouldn't take a super long time.  

3) Little Things-Originally had this titled "menial tasks" and reconsidered.  But I mean...that's what is it. 
This category is for those little miscellaneous things that you do, that are never really "due" or "must do's"...but you need to do them at some point.  I would also include very short projects or tasks here, for if I ever found myself with and extra 5 minutes (yeah right!!) or for if I ever just needed to give my brain a break.  Sometimes, after getting bogged down with emails for 3 hours, I just need to take a break for a second-ya know? So I choose a tasks from this category and clear my mind.  It's a great tip!  

I also made this list very realistic.  Let's face it, none of us get everything we hope to done everyday.  So using this list, any project(s) I DIDN'T finish that day, I would highlight and move down to the next day's list.  

 As you can see, tasks can "jump" categories, so something that wasn't a priority on Monday may become one if it still isn't done by Wednesday! :)

I really liked this list for many reasons.  It really helped me manage my time and prioritize my tasks.  It also helped give me an idea of what my week has in store.  Limiting myself to 5 tasks in each category also helped me not get too bogged down in any one thing.  I also was able to keep these lists for meetings with my supervisor.   

I think my favorite tip is to have a list of "little things" that you can do when you need a break.  Things that do benefit your work but that you can squeeze in when you need a break :)

What tips do you have for tracking your tasks at work? Have you created any to do lists for work? I'd LOVE to see! Share below.  

& be sure to come back tomorrow to see the list I'm using now! :)

Thanks for stopping by <3 

-court