A walk down memory lane: part 2

Ah days off! Where do you go? I think the hours on days off are shorter, I really do! Although I didn't get everything done on my day off yesterday that I wanted to, I did get back into my massive UFO collection to work on inventorying my projects for my Finish it Up list. It's amazing (and a little embarrassing) to really see all the projects that I started and never finished. Oh well, not going to fret over it. That's going to change. So, what did I stumble upon yesterday as I was taking inventory? Take a look!

First up is a sweet 30s sampler. I still want to add one more border and it's ready for basting.

This quilt was a birthday swap. You asked for specific colors and other group members made you a block with those colors for you for your birthday. Again, one more border is needed before it's ready.

Red and white is one of my favorites!

This scrappy beauty is one of the first ones I made after my divorce was final and I was in my new place. It has sentimental value and is staying with me.

This is the last one I have a picture of (I have many more tops but didn't want this post to end up a mile long,lol) this was a swap with an on-line group and everyone did exceptional work. This is one I really want to get done before Valentine's Day so I can display it for the holiday.

Now that you've seen a fraction of my UFO collection you can understand why I've decided to challenge myself to...

If any of you would like to join me, please let me know! The more the merrier! Let's get some quilts finished up in the coming year ;) I know it's an early start (it's only mid-November) but if I can shorten that list a little bit, that's perfectly ok with me. 

Finally, some happy news to share. Out of curiosity I looked up on-line quilt groups in a search engine, and one of the groups I was involved with is STILL ACTIVE!!!! I can't tell you how excited I was to find them and rejoin. I am so looking forward to being part of the group again. It made me realize that things really are starting to come full circle for me. I am so thankful for the blessings I have. 

Well, I've got a busy day ahead, hope you all have a wonderful Friday!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress

P.S. Tomorrow is the first day of the 16 week challenge! I'm ready, how about you? Let's do this!!

Walking down memory lane

It's rare that I get two days in a row off. I was fortunate to have those two days this week so I've been able to get quite a bit done. Yesterday was devoted to cleaning with a little crafting and exercise squeezed in, today is the opposite. I've spent a decent chunk of my time today going through my crafting supplies that are scattered through my house. I know I haven't gotten to it all, but once I started digging in I just couldn't rush the process.

     First a mini cliff notes version on my life story... I got married young, got into running hard core, then had 2 beautiful children which launched my venture into quilting. I belonged to 2 different on-line groups and did swaps and lottos and sew-alongs, I had a relatively good sized blog with lots of readers, I loved my life. Then things fell apart. I ended up divorced, hit a rough patch and lots of things went on the back burner. Fast forward about 7 years. I'm finally at a point in my life where I am able to really spend time doing what I enjoy. That is why I'm getting these old projects out. They deserve to be made into beautiful quilts (and wall hangings, and table runners, and tote bags....you get the idea) Its amazing the powerful memories going through them has brought back. I miss my quilting groups...I don't know if they even exist anymore. I miss being an active blog (I'm working on that one though!) I am excited, however, to share at least part of what I've catalogued today for my Finish it up 2015 list. 

    So without further ado, here we go!!

1. This is a 4 inch sampler quilt I started. I don't think it will end up bed sized, but I want to do more blocks to help improve my skills.

2. Black and white sampler. I have 16 blocks for this. Perfect bed quilt size! This is one that was a swap, seeing the names of my old quilting friends on the blocks brought back great memories!

3. Kids quilt. This was another swap. I hope to make a kid sized throw with these.

4. Coffee and cream quilt. I had made a brown and cream quilt for my sister and loved it so much I wanted one too! This one is a little different, but when it's done it stays with me :)

5. 30s churn dash. This was yet another swap. I need to make one more block and it will make a sweet throw for someone.

6. Fall block swap. Another swap I was in, I have 6 blocks and am thinking of making a wall quilt with some added appliqué...we'll see....

7. Purple and Yellow. This is from the first block lotto I won. I was sooo excited to win, but these poor blocks never made it into a project. I think it's time they did!

This is just the start of things! I don't want this post to get out of control so I'll share more tomorrow. I never realized how much still I had!!! Hopefully I'll find it all and churn out some beautiful things :)

     Well, I'm off to get my walk I'm today. The weather is getting colder, and personally I love that. Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress

I know I said I wouldn't, but......

I started another project. Well, sort of. I got done with my Halloween costume and had left over muslin and just couldn't waste it. I like to get as much out of my fabric as I can. So I've taken that leftover muslin and cut it into base squares for the string quilt and as many 2 1/2 inch squares as I could for my new project. I'm using them as leaders and enders...at least I do believe that's what they're called over at Quiltville.

I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure what I'll do with these sets. I'm thinking I may just sew them all up like a bigger squared version on a postage stamp quilt. All I know for sure is I'm really happy to be using up fabric and saving thread.

     Speaking of postage stamp quilts, ages ago I saw a postage stamp quilt-along and started one for my son. As life sometimes does, it got in the way and that quilt was put aside and has waited patiently for it's time to come out and play again. Well, sewing my costume gave my sewing mojo a jump start and that quilt is being worked on again. Right now I have 9 out of 20 blocks. 

I know that looks pretty daunting, but when you realize that the blocks are strip pieced, it's not quite as scary.

I have my work cut out for me, but I can't wait to see this one done. Which leads me to my next thought....my personal craft challenge for 2015. Yes, I know that's a ways off, but I'm trying to get myself prepared already ;) Over the next couple days I will be taking inventory of all my unfinished crafting projects (quilts, crochet and knit). Then making a list on the side of my blog that hopefully will be finished by the end of 2015. Another reason I'm starting early? Because I figure if I can start a little earlier than January 1st it certainly wouldn't hurt!! So keep your eyes open for a post with lots of UFO pics coming your way really soon.

On the fitness front...

I've woken up pain free 2 days in a row now. To an injured runner that's incredibly exciting!! Right now I'm walking 30-40 minutes a day, doing weights or Pilates 20 minutes a day and getting in at least 10 minutes of stretching after each workout. I know my lack of flexibility has been a factor any time I've been injured. I need to make it a focus in my routine because being injured stinks and I want to prevent it from happening as much as I can!

Well, it's a beautiful (but cold) day here in Ohio, and a great day to get my walk in. So I'm heading out to take in the scenery, the fresh air, and start mentally preparing myself to dig through boxes and drawers of crafty goodness to get that list going. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!!

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress <3

Why is it so difficult?

I love running. LOVE. Unfortunately I have an injury right now. Nothing too major, I can still walk and get about my daily business. Just a little pain in the morning when I get up and maybe a little here and there after I've been sitting a long time or after a nap. I know I need to rest so I can heal completely, but it's SO difficult! My brain constantly bombards me with chants of "A short run won't hurt." or "You're going to lose all your endurance if you don't run." or "How can you call yourself a runner if you're not running?" After losing 40lbs. there's always the fear of regaining that weight, and even though I haven't regained any I'm just starting to feel soft and squishy...I don't like that feeling. How do you combat this? It's not as easy as you think. Just ask another runner. 

     I know there are a lot of options for fitness out there, but none of them quite speak to my soul like running does. So, what is my plan? Well, first and foremost is to NOT listen to that little voice! It can be hard, but I need to remind myself that... 

1. Yes, a short run CAN hurt. All it takes is a little too much stress at the wrong place at the wrong time to aggravate an injury and set you back farther.

2. No, you DON'T lose all your fitness just because you're not running as long as you cross train. 

3. Just because you're not running at any particular time does NOT mean that you're not a runner! Being a runner is a state of mind. It's having a love of the sport that reaches deep into your soul. Every runner has had to take time off. You don't stop being a runner just because you take a break.

Second, I need to make a plan to stay in shape and return to the sport I love. I would love to wake up tomorrow pain free, go out for a run and not have any more issues, but that just doesn't happen. (Well, I won't rule it out comepletely. Miracles do happen you know!) But I'm going to be prudent and plan like I'll be off for a while. Actually, I'm thinking of taking til the 1st of the year off. That should give my injury ample time to heal. This is time for me to try some of the things I've been wanting to try or things I had gotten away from. Actually, the more I think about it the more I am interested to see what changes and results will come with perusing a new workout regime for a while. I'll have to make sure I take pictures and measurements to document the difference ;) On my list to try or do more of? Walking, lifting, Pilates, bicycling, Zumba, yoga, and I'm sure I think of more.

Finally, I need to stay positive. This injury WILL heal. I WILL run again. This setback is NOT the end of my fitness journey, it's just a detour, and just like any detour it may lead me to something interesting, wonderful and will teach me new things...and that's always good!

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress

New Adventures

I've always been the adventurous type. Well, maybe not the I-want-to-go-sky diving-bungie jumping-cliff diving-cheat-death type. Maybe more the curious I'm-always-looking-for-something-new-to-learn type. For the most part I am a self taught crafter. When I wanted to make my son his first quilt, I asked my mom to borrow her machine, bought some fabric, and jumped right in with no experience. I still share my story of not knowing what a presser foot was with new sewers who are having problems. It always gets a chuckle and let's them know we were all beginners once. When I wanted to knit a sweater, again I bought a little teach yourself to knit book, needles, and yarn and got to it. Pretty much the same with crochet when I wanted to make amigurumi. (my mom did show me the single, double and trebble crochet and I took it from there) I take a lot of satisfaction in acquiring a new skill. With all that said, I think I've found my next crafting adventure....garment construction!

     I knew what I wanted to be for Halloween this year, and I knew finding the costume was going to be pretty much impossible. My first thought wasn't, "Well, guess I'll be something else." it was, "Well, looks like I'll be learning how to sew this year." So I went out and found the perfect fabrics, some patterns and got started!

So far I've learned what it's like to work with faux leather, linen, using d-rings and eyelets, how to change a neckline, how to draft your own facing pattern, how to put in an invisible zipper, and that's just the beginning! My curious nature and creative soul are so happy to be learning new things I could just burst!!

This morning I started working on the dress with the actual intended fabric (I made a "first try" dress with muslin so I could practice) and although nervous, I am relatively confident that I CAN do this.

I still have some work to do, but hopefully I'll have a costume to show you really soon! Off I go! Hope you all have a wonderful day :)

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress

Happy Saturday everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. Me? Well this was my view for the last couple days...

Yup, I just spent the last couple days in bed with some kind of bug. I hate being sick, but I can't help but think it's God's way of saying, "If you're not going to give yourself a break, I'm going to make sure you take one!" It also gave me time to think, which in this case is a good thing. The biggest thing I've been thinking about is my blog, and I've decided I'm going to put more energy into it. I had a blog ages ago before a big life upheaval and really enjoyed being part of that community. THIS community. The inspiration, the encouragement, the friendships. I missed that more than I realized!! So I'm back and am looking to get more involved...and I'm incredibly excited by that thought ;)

     Right now I'm searching through blogs finding interesting ones to follow and coming up with ideas to keep my own creative juices flowing so I'll have lots to share as well. I'm also working on getting some more projects done. Right now my focus is on these 3....

1. The string quilts. 

 They are being made with 6 1/2 and 5 1/2 inch foundation squares. I would love to have them done before the snow flies, but, well, we'll just see how that goes ;)

2. This scarf. 

It was started over a year ago and should really be done by now, but my procrastination and my crafting ADHD (you know the "I've got to get this *insert project here* finished OOH!! I need to make that *insert new project here* right now!!" syndrome?) have kept in to UFO status for a while.

3. This doll. 

I made a couple toys for a co-workers kids and he had only asked for something for his youngest two children. As soon as he gave them their new toys his 12 year old wanted one too! So this little guy is going to be detailed up with skateboarding stuff. I really like the size of this doll. He's about 9 inches tall and so stinkin' cute I want to make one for myself!

     Well, here in my neck of the woods it's Sweetest's Day. So that means a busy day at work. So with that I'm off to take on the rest of my day. Hope you all have a wonderful one!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress

Finding Balance

It's been quite a while since I've posted. Life has been very busy. Lots of changes! The biggest being I got a new job!! It's tough, physically and mentally, but I LOVE the challenge. With a new job comes a new schedule and that leads to new challenges here at home too. I've also been dealing with this nagging foot/ankle injury. It's been really frustrating because running is one of my biggest stress relievers and I'm not able to run like I was. So all that being said I have been putting a lot of thought into what I can do to get things back on track...to find some balance and get moving forward rather than just maintaining.

     I've started to realize that you can't ignore any area of your well being and hope to thrive, and there are so many areas to invest your energy into. Of course there is the physical, but there's also the spiritual, creativity, family, and rest. After putting much thought into it, I know there were aspects that were getting the lion's share of my attention while others were allowed to shrivel from neglect. My goal right now is to shift my energies and focus to find the optimum levels of effort to put into each area to become my best self.

    So, what's my plan? Well, I'm working on it, but here's what I have so far...

1. Physical. I have been taking a break from running and doing a lot more walking and have come to realize I need to vary my activities to help prevent injury. My goal? When this injury heals I will be running, yes, but I will be mixing in more walking, biking, lifting, Pilates, yoga and more. Just like I love to learn new creative skills, I need to find and try new exercise as well. I'm also going to try to get to bed earlier (I need to focus on this big time), and up my fruit and veggies.

2. Creative. I know I poured a ton of energy into exercise when I was losing weight. Not that I don't want to lose more, but when I was cleaning out my closets I came across a ton of unfinished crafting projects and was overcome with a wave of guilt. Silly? Maybe, but I don't know if that guilt stemmed from the unfinished projects or from knowing I'd been neglecting my creative soul. My goal? To work on a project at least 3 times a week and to focus on finishing some projects before starting a new one. 

3. Spiritual. I'm not usually one to watch evangelists on television, but the other day one happened to come on tv and for whatever reason I couldn't bring myself to change the channel...and it turned out to be a good thing! His message was about stress and where you place your emotional energy. It was something I needed to hear, and it made me realize that I needed to invest more energy into my spiritual life. My goal? I found this little devotional journal and I am going to try to make time every morning and evening to put more focus into this area. Take some time to be thankful, pray and just reflect on the important things.

4. Family. It's amazing how fast time flies. It's seems like just yesterday my kids were little. Watching Micky Mouse and Nick Jr. and I was the center of their universe. Now they're watching American Ninja Warrior, Red Band Society and chatting with their friends on the Xbox and Kik. I know that it won't be long before they're full grown with lives of their own. It makes me sad and proud at the same time, but I'm realizing my time with them is more and more important. My goal is to find a way to make sure to spend time with them whenever I can. To make time for them when they want to be with me. I'll always be able to find time for myself but as they get older I know my time with them is getting a bit shorter and that makes it more precious!

     There are other areas I need to work on as well, but to me, these are the big four. I'm hoping to find a better balance over the next few months so I can head into 2015 in the best shape (physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially) as I can. Also, I'm going to try to blog more. I'm hoping it will help to motivate me and keep me on track. So there you go. If you need to find balance like me I encourage you to make a plan. We can do this. Here's to becoming our best selves in every possible way!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress ;)

Blogilates, running, and the permission to be me

So, I'm going to go about this a different way. I don't know that anyone is even reading this, so that being said, I am truly going to treat this like a web log....an on-line diary of my fitness routine, thoughts and randomness that I can look back on to see what worked what didn't and what motivated me at my best times. So with that little disclaimer out of the way, here I go!

     So, I downloaded the Blogilates app the other day. I can honestly say I don't know why I waited so long to get on the Blogilates train like a beast to look like a beauty bandwagon!!! I am in LOVE with the program after only 2 videos!! I can see this becoming a regular addition to my running. A new addiction. A new passion.  I love that there are videos, forums and recipes at my fingertips. I tried the mug muffin recipe (but added some pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger and honey) and it was AMAZING!

As I type I'm also making a grocery list in my head of the things i need to buy to try other recipes! Number one on my list? Healthy boba tea!!!!

After having an awesome run on Saturday I am feeling some serious achiness in my ankle. I think I'm going to be trading in views like this...

for views of a cinder block wall for a good chunk of my runs. I can really tell a difference when I run on the more forgiving treadmill deck. Also going to be doing more research on what more I can do to treat my ankle at home.

Well, I just have to get through one more shift and I have two whole days to devote to family, fitness and my favorite things. Have a great Sunday!!

Much love,

The tiny tigress 

But what if it is broke?

If it's not broke, don't fix it! It's a saying we've heard many times, and there's a lot of truth in it. If you find something that works for you...consistantly...you get results from it and it makes you happy, by all means don't change it!! An example in my personal experience is running. For me it is the most effective exercise to lose weight and (besides that) running just makes me insanely happy.

     On the other hand it can be hard to let go of something that used to work for you but no longer does. I don't know if it's the memories and happy thoughts you get from remembering how it was working for you. Or maybe holding on to the hope that things may change and it will work again, but in all honesty, sometimes you need to take a step back and take an objective look at something and decide if it's worth holding on to. Case in point...one of my social media accounts. I struggle every day with the decision of do I keep or delete it. It was the account that got me back on track. I met lots of great people and found so much motivation there. It was a joy to log in everyday and see what was new, get inspired then crush my workout. Not to mention to just have a community of people who didn't think you were crazy for wanting to run/lift/yoga/exercise your day away. I loved it. Then in recent months it changed. The spark was gone and it morphed from fitness focused to sarcasm, pity parties, vulgar posts with the occasional fitness post thrown in. To be honest I've only been on that account a couple times in the last week. It makes me sad to see what it's become, but for some reason I just can't bring myself to delete that account.  

    I think this applies in other areas as well. Your job. Relationships. People in your life. Habits. Things change...people change, and you need to listen to you heart and your gut and make the changes you need to to make your life the best possible life you can live.

    Things in life can lift you up or pull you down. Everything you do can be viewed as a balloon or a lead weight. Some things morph from one to the other. The trick is to be able to see that change and to know when to cut free from the lead weight so the balloons can lift you higher.

      I've found new social outlets. Ones that are much more focused on the things I want to be. Ones that make me happy, and truly my heart is there, not with my old account. I really feel it's time for me to move on to bigger and better. Time for me to cut that lead weight loose so I can turn my focus to the higher places the balloons are going to help me reach. I challenge everyone, if you are going through a rough patch, if you've backsliden, if things just aren't making you happy like they once did, take a step back. Look at what might have changed. Then muster up your courage and cut yourself free from the weight pulling you down. Soar to higher heights, let yourself be happy and reach toward your goals. I have faith in you that you are capeable of great things! Go out there and make them happen. Let's do this! I know we can!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress

RACING: The good, the bad and the moving on

It's been years since I ran my last race. I was looking forward to this morning's race and the blog post overflowing with glowing energy that was to come after. Unfortunately, or fortunately, that wasn't necessarily the case. What happened? Let me elaborate....

     It started off with a late night at work last night. Not uncommon for the work I do, and I was able to get myself to bed by 1am. My alarm went off all too early at 6am and as I dragged myself out of bed I thought, "OK, self, this is gonna be tough...but you can do this!! It's going to be a GREAT race!!" I got dressed, got my coffee and breakfast, and made my way out the door. Everything seemed to be going well, then 5 minutes into my drive I took a wrong exit. I got flustered and just wrote it off to nerves. Little did I know it was just the start of things to come.

     I finally DID make it to the race site and made my way to packet pick-up. The atmosphere seemed happy, but in the same breath just "off". Again, I just wrote it off to nerves and having not raced for years. After getting my packet I made my way to the starting area. It seemed odd, stand-offish, almost self absorbed...just uncomfortable. The starting line wasn't much better. I made my way into the crowd with my daughter (who was also running) and we awaited the starter's gun.

The crowd stared moving slowly. People crowded together making it nearly impossible to move ahead. It seemed no one had concern for the runners/walkers around them. It was frustrating and saddening at the same time. This is not what races had been in the past for me. Usually the runners are courteous, paying attention to others, generally just as concerned for the other runners as themselves...I just didn't feel that here. I kept a positive attitude for my daughter and we eventually made our way to some clearer road and were able to move forward. She did so well!! We took several walk breaks, but she pushed herself which made me incredibly proud! While on the road it was relatively easy to find our way around some of the groups that were traveling along 4, 5, 6 people wide. The people on the course were very encouraging and I was thankful for that. 

     We then turned on to the trail part of the course and it turned congested and rather unfriendly. It was hard to pass so we were running in spurts, we were being jostled by others trying to pass, we did our best and tried to have fun. Before we knew it the end was in sight. We were going to run the whole way to the end once we saw it and we did. My daughter finished strong in just over 44 minutes! We got through the finish line and it became a slowed down jumbled mess. The people were just pushy and I got separated from those I was looking for. Just getting to the water at the end was a struggle. It was just disheartening. But we finished, my daughter got her first medal and we were some happy girls.

Later in the afternoon I was left with this nagging feeling. So much didn't go as planned, so many emotions still racing through my mind, so many things that bothered me, that I made my way out for a second run around my neighborhood to get my head straight. 

     If you would have asked me right after this race if I would run another my immediate answer would have been "No." I love running, but maybe I'm just a runner who strictly runs to run. Now that I've had time to let things settle and think about it I've come to some conclusions. 

1. A bad race is just that. One race. One experience...a LEARNING experience. There is something to be learned from every race. Some races are good, some are great, some...well...not so much, but you learn from each and every one.

2. Acknowledge but don't dwell. I had expectations of what I thought would happen today. They didn't come to fruition. I actually got to the point of tears later in the day. Probably because this was honestly the first bad race experience I've ever had. I think it helped to acknowledge that I was dissapointed, hurt, and let down. To ignore those feelings would have probably made them linger longer. 

3. There is always something positive to be found. Looking back if nothing else this was a great mother/daughter experience. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! It also got me back out of the comfort zone of just running around my neighborhood which WILL lead to continuing to move forward.

4. I WILL run another race. I'm not going to let this get me down. I want to get that warm fuzzy after race feeling again. I know it's out there and I won't find it if I DON'T get out there and run another race.

So that was my day. I hope that my sharing my experience will help all of you look at every experience as a learning experience. Everything has it's positives and negatives. We just need to focus on the positive things and learn from the rest. Now, with all that said, I think I'm going to go read some back issues of Runner's World, enjoy some coffee and find my next race. Stay strong everyone!!

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress

Goals

I have several apps on my phone that I use on a daily basis (I'll blog about those another day), and I love them! They keep me motivated, accountable, and teach me something new every day. There is one thing I see, however, that I have to admit really kind of bothers me. I blame it on a society that places a heavy emphasis on the way you look. The number of people, especially those that are quite young, that put up a picture with the label "goal body". Why would I dislike this so much? Because I really feel that in some ways it's truly unhealthy to do this. Now before you call me crazy, hear me out. 

     Everyday we are overwhelmed with images of what society thinks the perfect male and female should look like. Both women AND men see these pictures and think that is what they should aspire to, and while aspirating to be in the best shape you can be is a good thing, aiming to look EXACTLY like them can be unhealthy. Why? Because you need to take YOUR body shape and genetics into consideration. Not everyone will have a thigh gap. Not everyone will be able to get to a size 2. Not everyone is going to be able to pack on muscle like a bodybuilder. Then on top of that add photoshop, professional photography that is trained to take pictures from the best angle, and the fact that many pictures (especially of fitness athletes) are taken as they are getting close to compition and at a very low body fat percentage, and it's no wonder body image issues run rampant! Again, don't get me wrong...there is NOTHING WRONG with training hard to try to reach these goals or get as close to them as possible. The problem comes when you end up hating YOUR body because as much as you train and watch your diet it never quite reaches the same shape as your "goal body". 

     I personally deal with the aftermath of distorted body image everyday. I was in high school in the 80s. Everyone was expected to be thin and blond with big curly hair, flat chest, flat butt, size 2....just go watch some classic 80s tv and movies. Well I didn't fit that mold at all. I was short with dark, poker straight hair, weighted over 215lbs when I graduated, wanted to lift weights and be strong....and was the butt of every joke in the book. When my senior class did the "most" list for the yearbook, I was "most noticeable from behind". Those things leave scars. Even now I have days where I see myself as the fat girl. It breaks my heart to see some young people (I'm talking 10, 11, 12) hating their bodies so young! Please, please, PLEASE listen to me when I say your health is so much more important than looking like a picture. Aim to be healthy and strong, not skinny, and be the best version of YOU!

     I want to finish up with saying this really hit home today when my 10 year old looked at me and said "mom, I'm fat. I need to go on a diet. I need some green coffee bean pills to speed up my metabolism." Now mind you she is average weight, is training with Girls on the Run to run a 5k and likes to play outside as much as possible. I was taken aback for a minute. I then looked at her and said "You don't need to diet! You're still growing! You need to make sure you're eating healthy and getting active. Let's choose some healthy recipes to make this week." She seemed happy about that, and so was I, and I certainly don't want to discourage her from trying to be healthy at a young age, but in the back of my mind I can't help but be all kinds of upset about a society that would make someone so young think they need to diet. 

     This week while you are going out and completing your fitness routines I want you to look at yourself and find at LEAST one thing you love about yourself. Focus on being healthy, being strong and becoming the best YOU you can be...because YOU are pretty darn awesome!! Remember that!

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress

Lessons from Mother Nature and listening to your body

As I sit here enjoying my breakfast and a second day of muscle soreness from my workout Monday, my brain and body are arguing with each other. My body says rest, but my brain says "No!". My body says, "I need a change!", but my brain says, "No, what you've been doing has been working, you DON'T want to change that, do you?". As I'm sitting here trying to figure out what I want to do, I've had a thought. Sometimes you need to think outside the confines of the physical body to find an answer. Some logic. Some common sense. I started thinking of my neighbor's garden and the fields around the house I grew up in. About the biggest living organism and how it works...our planet. 

     When I was a kid there were HUGE fields all around our house. One year they would plant corn, another wheat, another soy beans, yet others the field would lay empty. I couldn't figure it out until it was explained to me by a friend who owned a farm that if you plant the same crop every  year the soil will become useless. Every plant takes slightly different nutrients from the soil so rotating crops helped to keep the soil from "dying", and every so often the soil needs a complete rest to repair itself so it's left empty some years. What brought this back to mind is that out neighbors (who grow an amazing garden) had decided to let the soil rest this year. It's odd to see that plot of land empty instead of little green sprouting plants, but because of the opportunity to rest, next year's garden will be even better!

     My point? If you think about it, we are kind of a micro version of the largest living organism out there. Our bodies need change and rest to become their best. I've been doing the same thing for the last year and a half, and it's worked, but maybe it's time for a change. I've been planting nothing but corn for the last year and a half and the soil is becoming depleted. I can't help but think that maybe reversing some things and changing things up is just what I need to jump start my motivation and burst through the plateau. For me personally, it means I'm going to try cutting back on my running (I could NEVER NOT run), up my gym time and maybe incorporate some different outdoor activity. It's summer so there's so much to do out there! For you it may be different, but that change may be just what you need!

    As I finish up, let me say this. I know there is a motivational saying that says the body won't go where the mind doesn't push it, and while there is truth to that, sometimes you NEED to listen to your body. Watch for the signals that tell you you are overtraining, getting stale or flirting with injury. Your brain works purely on logic and there are times you need the common sense signals from your body to override that logic. Train smart, train hard, train for life. You got this!!

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress

Simplicity

     In a day and age where there is so much information at our fingertips, it will never cease to amaze me how people will seek out the answer they want to hear amongst all the MISinfirmation out there. What am I referring to? The weight loss process. Everyday we are bombarded with advertisements for products and diets that claim to be the fast track to weight loss. I think what saddens me more than anything is watching people who want to lose weight get sucked into the hype. I know people who are drinking shakes, taking vitamin shots, popping supplements, and eating bizarre foods hoping that changing or doing that one single, solitary thing is going to be what transforms their bodies from one they are unhappy with to that of a Greek God or Goddess. People are always looking for the quick and easy way out. 

     The cold hard truth is this...there is no easy way out! Weight loss really IS simple, but it IS hard work too. It requires you to watch what you eat and get off your butt. It's the monitoring of the simple equation of calories burned must be more than calories consumed. It doesn't require starving yourself, or never eating your favorite foods. It doesn't require hours upon hours of painful exhausting exercise. But it does take moderation and regular activity. It really is common sense. If I could have one wish granted it would be this...that people would understand they are capable of losing their unwanted weight without spending a ton of their hard earned money on shakes, pills, and gimmicks. Eat a little less, move a little more and save that money to buy some new clothes to show off what you've accomplished ;)

     Make a plan, get out there and move, make your dreams reality. I KNOW you can do this, I believe in you!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress

The Beginning

Yes, this was me, and this is my story...

I have always been an athlete at heart. When I was young, if there was a sport I gave it a shot. You name it...cheerleading, softball, basketball, track and field, powerlifting. I found my true love of sport when I found running, and even ran several marathons and half marathons. When I became a mom I didn't have all the time I had had to dedicate to fitness as before, but I did as much as I could. My goal was to be an example for my kids. Then, about 7 years ago my life changed drastically. I won't get into details just yet (maybe someday) but I will go so far as to say it really opened my eyes. I went through a lot of self doubt, confusion, some depression and I let myself go. I had given up hope of ever getting back in shape. I figured it was ok, there are more important things in life than fitness. And while to some extent that's true, fitness....YOUR WELL BEING...IS important!! I wanted to get back on track and was lucky enough to come across the fitness community on Twitter. Actually, truth be known, I think a higher power was operating because the fitfam actually found me! From there my life turned around. I am still on my journey, I have a way to go to reach my goal, but I am happy to be on my way, making progress, and hope to help and inspire others. I am not a dietitian or trainer (although I used to be a CPT) what I share is what works for me and I hope it encourages you to find what works for YOU. 

This is me now...

I hope you will join me in my journey. I hope you find inspiration and information that helps you to find what will help you reach your goals. Let's make ourselves our BEST selves together!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress :)