14 Resolutions That Could Actually Stick!

res·o·lu·tion

ˌrezəˈlo͞oSHən/

noun

1.

a firm decision to do or not to do something.

It's just days away from the NY and most people are trying to rack their brains for resolutions or goals that actually stick… and while most futile attempts to "lose (another) 10lbs" can be a great start… it's time to think outside the box. Stop making health and fitness a once year do over, and just start doing it. 

As I'm sure most of you would expect me to say, make a fitness or health resolution, sometimes that just turns into guilt for goals not being accomplished because someone (nudge nudge) didn't take the time to really think how they were going to accomplish said goals. Feel me?

So let's have fun with this shall we?! 14 Resolutions for 2014--the biggest year of your life YET! 

14 New Year Resolutions That Could Actually Stick!

1.  Take on one new project that will fuel your passion(s) and explore it! << Vague I know. But how many times have we said, "I'm going to learn Spanish!" or "I want to learn how to dance better" But this resolution will take a more detailed approach, and will require immediate action to get you going. For me personally, I'm doing one YouTube video a week>> on my passions (hiking, travel, friends, my dogs, fitness, health, fashion, bargain shopping, you name it-- stay tuned and follow me at www.youtube.com/abbyfix) 

2. Keep in Touch More-- the phone works two ways. So does making plans. And so does any relationship. Takes two to tango right? I think people are slowly getting out of touch with reality and relationships--they take conscious effort. I know that I've slacked off in certain important relationships by not keeping in touch. Think about the people who make a difference in your life, your true friends (not just convenient ones), family, etc. Start making a more intentional effort to call, text, surprise in person, go to lunch with. Life is about relationships and the people you surround yourself with. 

3. BE BOLD -- too many people mope around wishing they would have been invited somewhere, or missed an opportunity because they were shy, declined a date because they were nervous, said not right now to something they wanted. Instead of hiding behind "what ifs", maybes, shoulda woulda couldas, it's time to start saying YES to things that make you a tad uncomfortable, but open up doors for fun, adventure and growth. Your life is a series of choices, if you make zero that push you forward, you will sadly go in reverse, just a little slower each day. Live to GROW, don't live to DIE. 

4. Validate yourself! -- Don't wait on someone else's "like" or "double tap" to validate how awesome you already are. Waiting for social media to define your worth is a waste of time, and thats coming from a social media queen who uses it for business! I don't sit around waiting on people, my phone, my computer, my blog or whatever in hopes that they like my photo 50 times. If you like it, awesome we have something in common! If not, Cest la vie! So validate yourself--like your own damn photo.. laugh at your own jokes, wear the clothes you want, post that dorky picture of you from kindergarten. (Just don't get crazy with selflies and 15 second clip videos of you staring at the camera like the one I posted below). 

5. Eat the Damn Dessert once in a while (but make it clean)-- you heard me! Here's the thing, do I think you should get elbow deep in a 8 layer chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream? Well is it your birthday? If so, EF yeah you should. If you just had dessert yesterday, mmmm maybe you should just get wrist deep. But this resolution is about learning to live a little more--but with more peace of mind. I'm all about clean desserts, something thats a bit healthier but still satisfies that craving. We're human, we have tastebuds, cravings, and it's ok to reward yourself once in a while. So go on girl, eat that dessert.

6. Use the OFF button -- So going anywhere exciting to stare at your phone this weekend? OMG no way, me too... UGH. for reals people, it's only 2014--just because your iPhone is smarter than you doesn't mean you have to constantly be on it. Life outside of your phone, it's a real thing. Take a break once in a while, turn it off-go hike, walk your dogs, spend time at dinner with friends without being socially plugged in 24/7. I personally like to ditch the phone for a few hours each week, and people know that I like weekends off. Trust me, you won't miss anything you can't catch up on later, life is outside that tiny box… Try it out, could be fun! 

7. Save a LOT, spend WISE-- I made my LAST big purchase for 2013-- a GO PRO! Why? Because I'm a bad ass biotch who wants to take epic adventure videos and use it for my video project. Spending wise vs. spending like a dummy. Instead of wondering where all your dough went this year, why don't you shove that in your pink pig and save it (that was not a dirty joke)! This past year I made some dumb financial mistakes, and I also made some hefty investments into my future… both of which taught me a priceless and valuable lesson: SPEND SMART, SAVE A LOT. If you don't need it, don't buy it. If it will help you move forward and towards your goals, invest when the time is right. Debt sucks, and your life will be held in bondage until you break free from those shackles. Make it your mission to pay off your debt, invest smart, and save a lot. Don't let buying become an obsession--make saving your mantra! 

8. RAISE YOUR STANDARD: Ladies and gents, listen up. Don't be a doormat to your mind, other people, and events. Things happen to us, but it's all about reaction and the way we handle ourselves that counts. So RAISE that STANDARD-- if you want your life in 2014 to shine bright like a diamond, you gotta learn how to turn coal into bling bling by raising the bar, never settling for anything less than what you deserve, and go get em! You can't control everything that happens TO YOU, but you can control how you react. If your mind is your biggest frenemie-- be sure to start diving into personal development books that will help you realize your worth.

“If you’re not being treated with love and respect, check your price tag. Perhaps you subconsciously marked yourself down. Because it’s YOU who tells others what you’re worth by showing them what you are willing to accept for your time and attention. So get off the clearance rack. If you don’t value yourself, no one else will either.” 

9. Ditch the Makeup for a day-- I love makeup, don't get me wrong. But I also LOVE being able to touch my face or rub my eyes without being like, "OH SHIT, I forgot about that" and stressing that I just rubbed mascara all over the place and looking like a drag queen at 2am (I do love my sweet drag friends tho!) Nothing says freedom like 1. taking your bra off after a long day 2. not wearing makeup! I know it sounds scary for all you makeup prima donnas BUT guess what? Under all that powder, bronzer, glitter (maybe?), mascara and lipgloss, there's a beautiful girl. If going full monty no makeup scares you-- then go for less. Maybe a little chapstick, one layer (not 10) of mascara, and a touch of shadow. Either way, start embracing the natural YOU. 

10. Keep your COMMITMENTS!-- If you're a YES MAN and you tend to vomit YES to everyone and every commitment, then lock it up sistah! You can't be everywhere at once and you surely cannot 'do it all' as much as you want to. Trust me, I tried on the Super Woman costume, and without flying capabilities, and super human strength, you aren't bullet proof or that skilled. So say YES to the things that align with your priorities, and make quality commitments. But after you make a commitment, KEEP IT! Your word is one of the most important things about your character, without it--you have little credibility and no one will trust you, lean on you or rely on you for anything. So this year, keep those commitments! if you said you would, do it. IF you have to back out gracefully, find a way to make it right. 

11. Book a Trip -- Don't have a ton of money to fly to Costa Rica? Uh well it's not like half of America does either but just because you don't have the Benjamin Franklins right now--doesn't mean that you can't go get them! See here's my thing, money well spent and invested into the RIGHT things creates a wealthy and abundant life. The more comfortable you are in your 4x4 box room with your roomie who monopolizes the kitchen, well girl, that ain't livin! You have to get out there! There's a GIANT world playground waiting for you to cross the monkey bars to go down the fat slide. Even if it's a quick road trip with a friend, or a cheapie trip to the mountains, or Vegas even! IF you go to Vegas, see the sights too, don't just get wasted the whole time. Life is meant to explored, lived, captured, and remembered. Where do you want to go?! Set a projected date and a fund to start saving money for! And if you have to work a few more shifts, or get smart and open your own business, do it! If you want to see the world, it won't wait for you. You have to go for IT! 

12. Stop Assuming and Judging -- PEEPS listen up. When you assume something-- you what? Make an ASS out of you and ME (ASSUME= ass out of you and me << get it?!). Don't think just because you heard so and so's life story through some twisted grape vine that you got the facts right. Ditch the gossip, focus on your own damn life. When you talk about others, you are lowering your price tag on self worth. Same goes with judgement, if you pass judgement, be ready for others to pass it onto you. Maybe try unassuming, and giving someone the benefit of the doubt.

13. GET WILD -- For my 24th birthday I went skydiving (the boyfriend took me -- AWH <3) and it was one of THEE most memorable experiences I've ever had… it felt natural,  it felt amazing and it felt FREE. For once, shake yourself up a bit. Skydive, bungee jump, zip line, run a half marathon, scuba dive, rent some jet skis, paddle board, snowboard, get physical!!! What's on your bucket list?

14. Attend a LIVE Seminar-- HUH? I know random #14 right? But I feel like this one had the biggest impact on my life thus far… Back in March 2013, I decided to go to Unleash the Power Within by Tony Robbins--and it was an experience I will NEVER forget. I can't describe to you how it turned my thinking around, I can't recreate it, but I can tell you that attending one live seminar a year to change and better your life--will do that in ten fold. Plus, you meet the coolest freakin people, you can network, you learn more about yourself then you will ever realize, you can take what you learn and apply it right away, and it has the power to strengthen your relationships, personal beliefs, and get you excited to make serious changes. Hands down, best decision I made last year! 

Welp, I hope some of that resonated with your resolutions! ;-) Be intentional, be daring, be YOU! 

Ciao,

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Women's P90X3 Before Photos

Well ladies… it's time.

Time to press play on P90X3 come Jan. 6. And I'm STOKED. After 1 round of T25 with the add on Gamma phase, and about 4 more weeks of T25 to get by until X3 was released, I'm ready to rock! <<Insert fist pump>>

So I'll be honest, since T25 ended I was going to the gym and using some of the weighted machines and stair master until X3 got released. I wasn't a HUGE fan of the gym before I joined our family gym down the street, but I couldn't say no. It's only $10 a month and it's a great gym, plus it gets me out and I really enjoy the smith machine <3 I love to squat,what can I say!

But then….

I started to slack. So while I lost a little muscle tone and enjoyed the couch a little more, it was kinda nice for once to just relax and give my body a break after I pushed hard for about 14 weeks. However, after seeing some amazing results from P90X3 from other women,  I'm super excited to get back to my routine and do morning workouts!

HOWEVER, I do not want to venture down the X3 path alone… if you ever considered p90x but didn't quite have the time or you didn't think you were physically ready, X3 is a great option! While it's not a graduate program, it's still going to be hard and it WILL kick your ass! Nothing worth having comes easy right?!

So without further adieu…

and yeah, I didn't brush my hair. What's new right?

and the bikini shot

So if you want to join ME on a 90 day journey to better health, confidence, a more toned body and a happier healthier life with a kick ass attitude, well then I'm your girl! Email me at abbyfix@me.com OR send me a quick FR and message on FB! www.facebook.com/abbymaried 

Let's do this! 

XO,

Abby

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DIY Make Up Brush Cleaner

Hey dirty girl. I saw those brushes. I saw your face breaking out. They feel a little heavier. Looks like your makeup is going on in layers of cake.

EEEEKKKKK. HOLD THE PHONE!!! That was my inner monologue to myself this morning… I realized how disgusting my brushes got and I had to stop it. Right. then. and. there.

If you don't have a brush cleaner formula (I had Bare Minerals before, and I've also used regular shampoo) then this is a great alternative, and personally using other methods weren't as effective as this.

This is a super duper easy DIY brush cleaner… I saw a fellow blogger post something similar (a while back and I would give them credit but I cannot remember who it was) and I used what I had to make this…

You Will Need:

• Gentle Dish Soap -- I just used Ajax under the sink
• White Distilled Vinegar
• Water 
• Dirty Brushes<< essential ;-)
• papertowels

Directions:

1. Mix one part vinegar, one part HOT water, and one part soap in a small bowl

2. Place each brush in the bowl and swirl around, use your fingers to massage the bristles 

3. Run under hot water, and rinse the brushes thoroughly until the water runs clear, you may have to empty the bowl if gets too dirty, then put the concotion back in. 

4. Dry on a paper towel lying flat and reshape them with your hands carefully

*I have done this method TWICE and it's shown great results, the bristles don't fall out, the hot water and vinegar strip bacteria, the soap cleans the brush and your face is happier. 

Personally, this formula and method works better than anything I've tried. When I used shampoo it took forever to get the makeup out! This is very quick and efficient! 

Happy Cleaning loves, let that face glow! 

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Post-Workout Hair -- Go from Sweaty to Sexy in 5 minutes!

AHHH yessssss the matted hair look. I know it well. My friends have a joke about my hair styles--they range from homeless to prom queen… and its sad to say (and honest) that I rock the homeless look more than any other… and by homeless I mean little to no effort. I know its bad and something I have to work on!

Anyway--I love me some hot yoga, esp during the cold winter months that just hit San Diego (argh, I'm FREEEZING!!!! IDK how you Northerners and Easterners do this stuff….) but I always get a sweaty scalp and my roots are soaked!

So what do I do?

I grabbed Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo!!!! and a blow dryer ;-)

So here's what ya do.

1. Let down all that GAWWWGEOUSSS hair (insert southern accent)--- brush that shiz out!
2. Separating your hair into THREE sections, lower half, middle, and top--secure the middle and top on your head.
3. With the bottom section, hold the dry shampoo about 8inches from your hair, misting the roots!
4. Brush through your hair so that the dry shampoo can start to dry up all the oils from your locks.
5. Turn that blow dryer on high and hot heat, then start to blow dry the roots and run your brush through your hair (avoid using your fingers too much that carry natural oils)
6. Repeat each section
7. Flip your head upside down, then blow dry all over-check to make sure there's no damp hair anywhere!
8. Style as needed!


And that's it. Nothing crazy. No rewashing hair. No time wasting. And you went from sweaty beat girl to sexy hot hair temptress.

You are OH SO welcome!

OH and if you do follow me and want to know how my fitness is going---fan-freakin-tastic! I'm ordering P90X3 TOMORROW (when its released) on 2 day shipping cuz I want to start like YESTERDAY!!

Here's my accountability--getting there! I've noticed I possess very strong upper abs…. and since working my core more-- pushups are WAY easier (strong chest muscles under the girls), but I need to work on those lower abs!  But I'm focused and ready!

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25 Things to Know About P90X3

P90X3-- The Holy Grail of effective and short workouts. And apparently studies show that the first 30 mins to any workout is the most crucial for results… thats why this new program is just that-30 short glorious minutes.

Thank you Tony Horton… I knew you knew that I knew that you knew that one hour of P90X was getting a little long for people who are: busy, parents, college students, lazy peeps (yeah I'm calling you out), people who want to do other workouts, and so on.




So without further adieu here's the facts:

25 THINGS you need to know about P90X3!!! REMINDER! Comes out December 10, 2013! The Challenge Pack is going to be on sale for $180! It will go up to $205 January 1st. Can't wait!!!!

1. All workouts are 30 minutes long! 

2. The warm-up is 2 minutes and then constant work for the remaining 28 minutes

3. There is a separate warm-up disk called Cold Start if you need a longer warm-up due to environment, time of day (cold muscles), etc. 

4. P90X3 is a separate program from P90X and P90X2, not a harder version--nor a graduate program

5. Anyone can start on P90X3, even beginners!

6. The nutrition plan goes back to nutrition basics of Power 90 and healthy eating

7. There are 16 workouts in the P90X3 base System 

8. The Deluxe package has 4 extra routines for a total of 20

9. P90X3 will include a new Pilates based workout...

10. P90X3 will also include an all new Isometrics workout- A New Strength/Balance/Flexibility workout with Static Holds

11. And it will include CVX: Cardiovascular Extreme - a Cardio workout with weights

12. And P90X3 has MMX - a Mixed Martial Arts Extreme that expands the Kenpo workout

13. Includes Agility X- All new agility programming

14. Yes- Yoga is still part of the program, but it's only 30 mins!

15. There are 4 schedules you can choose from in X3- classic, lean, doubles, and bulk

16. 39 out of 40 people in the Test group lost 10% of their body fat %-- that's freakin INSANE!

17. If you've done P90X or P90X2, you'll see similar moves and all new stuff too

18. Equipment needed will include weights or bands (a pull-up bar is great like in P90X, but optional)

19. Every move in X3 has a Beginner/Modified, In between move, and Challenging/Hard

20. This program is based on science that suggests the first 30 minutes is the most effective part of any exercise routine, so we accelerate the workouts to create the most effective 30 minute routine

21. Ab Moves- Most of them are athletic in nature, some are standing up and many are front facing instead of being on your back

22. P90X3 will be available December 10, 2013.

23. When you order through a coach, you have the ability to get 1 month of Shakeology for 1/2 price and a FREE P90X3 hat (link will be posted on my blog the day its released OR email me to get it sent to you abbyfix@me.com) 
24. I coach you through the entire 90 days FOR FREE. Not only that, but I'll be doing the program WITH YOU and going through the same fun torture to look and feel great!
25. It's going to be EPIC! T25 made such a BOOM in the workout industry that X3 is only going to encourage fast and effective workouts. 

SO ARE YOU READY?!

Kati and I with Tony Horton back in 2011! <3 visit her blog at www.katiheifner.blogspot.com 

Please contact me for more info to get on the mailing list for the official P90X release date so you can snag yours right away and get it $25 off when you bundle it in a challenge pack with Shakeology! OH and you get a FREE P90X hat with your purchase and a FREE shaker cup from me <3 

To get the info and the goodies email me NOW at abbyfix@me.com or FR me at www.facebook.com/abbymaried 

Let's get sweaty ;-) 

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Drugstore Beauty Haul December

So something that never gets old for me is cruising the aisles of any drug store, Wal-Mart, or Target for their killer beauty deals.

I'm a girly girl… as much as I love soccer, the beach, hiking, working out and drinking the occasional beer while bar hopping, I think it's a DUH nowadays that women can tap into ALL of their personality, their interests, and their passions without shame.

Anytime I have to run somewhere to grab a few things, I find myself browsing the "cheapie" makeup sections… but just because its cheaper than most high end brands held at a Sephora doesn't mean it won't get the J-O-B done.

1. Milani Lipstick in Sangria- Fall weather brings darker colors (usually, but I'm determined to keep rocking a few neon pieces to keep things fresh) and I'm O B S E S S E D with this color. A dark lip and lighter eye or simple winged eye liner can do WONDERS for a fall face! 
2. OPI-Lincoln Park After Dark: MY GO TO for nail color. I'm loving the deep purple and black hues that keep this color a year round statement -- class and badass. Two of my favorite styles to rock. 
3. Sinful Colors-Snow Me White: Just because it's fall doesn't mean that white after labor day is still a rule to follow. Rules are meant for breaking right? Nothing says white wonderland and holiday seasons like a gorgeous white nail color. Plus it makes me look tanner than I really am!
4. ELF HD Blush: When I first saw this I sort of scratched my head… HD? I don't even know what that means! But I bought it because it was $3 (hello ELF is the ultimate cheap girl makeup and a lot of works just as good as the top brands). Applying this blush is quite interesting. First you gotta pump that sucker (just a little should come out, too much is TOO MUCH, use sparingly) onto the back of your hand then smooth it out with your finger, then dab your blush brush onto it lightly and apply. Do not go blush happy, this stuff goes on thick. 
5. ELF Angled Contour Brush- My favorite contour brush thus far. This is a GEM. Or dynamite or whatever! But this is a MUST pick up! Great for contouring the nose to look slimmer, the cheeks to be more profound and even works great in the crease of your eyes. LOVE LOVE LOVE, 5stars! 

Have fun saving! 

XO,

Abby

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Foot Cramps while Working Out- What to do!

So something that happens to me A LOT is foot cramps during HIIT drills, plyo drills, T25, Insanity… those types of workouts.


You know the kind that make you JUMP and bounce around and lateral drills. It hurts at times, but I know that this type of cardio is what gets my butt in shape and makes my body a lean machine.

So what do you do?

1. Get your FOOT examined at a running store! I went to this amazing running shoe store (even though I don't run) here in San Diego called Road Runner Sports and they made me stand on this weird padded thing, walk on a treadmill, and do a few other exercises so they could get a mold of my foot. Once the results came in they took me to the appropriate shoe section where narrow footed heal strikers can shop. =) I found that ASICS brand (Cumulus 15 running shoe) was perfect for my foot when it came to drills. It helped elevate the pain but it didn't completely take it away for those harder workouts. However they really helped during some shorter hikes when I know I'm going up hill!

2. Invest in a tiny golf ball. YEP you heard me right. So this crazy idea flew around a bit before I really thought it would work. I tried to roll my foot on a tennis ball but it's too soft. So one day, at the dog park I noticed a golf ball just lying there. It flew over from the golfing range right behind the park (safe right? ha!) and so I took it home and until just recently, I never tried it! It just sat there. Until this week… when my foot hurt so bad I had to take my shoes off. I'm thinking I may have really done something to my foot however if you just get the run of the mill foot cramp, rolling your foot out with a golf ball…. its what I call a FOOTGASM. HOLY TOES. it was amazing. So get down with your bad self, roll that baby out! It's dying for the release, and I feel so much better!


*Oh and to mention… that massage helped a little but not quite the same.. I had two massages and even a foot massage and the golf ball felt so much better because you can really apply the pressure and dictate how you want it to move.

If you have foot cramps and have found a method that works, post it below! =)

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I cheated on my diet, NOW WHAT? Stop the YOYO Diet

If you're trying to lose weight, get healthy, workout, eat clean… this is for you:

The BIG question I've been getting lately is… how do you manage to NOT CHEAT ALL THE TIME? hahah I love this one! =)

We all have BAD days… we all have weak moments. We even have WEEKS where we slip up! That was me RIGHT after Summit in June (a Beachbody--ahem FITNESS event)! I went a little haywire and ate whatever for two weeks. Shoot, I'm not PERFECT! IS it hard?! DUH. Is it EASY? NO. IS it worth it?! ALWAYS--

and the way I see it you have TWO hards to choose from:

1. HARD: staying in a place that you hate--being uncomfortable in your skin and not liking the reflection, clothes don't fit, you don't want to wear your bathing suit, you're irritable and frustrated (and probably FED UP). Consequence: uhhh was the above not enough? Moody, irritated, clothes don't fit right, you're nervous about an upcoming tropical vacation, you hate clothes shopping, mirrors make you upset… I could go on, but I won't. We all know these feelings, and they SUCK!!

2. HARD: Working out, sweating, learning about nutrition, eating right, learning to say no to what won't benefit you and YES to what will. Reward: health, better body, better mental fitness, shop in your own closet again or buy new clothes, less stress, excited for the future, new goals to reach, feeling great! << my favorite way to live!

*no brainer peeps.

HOWEVER, DO NOT purposely guilt trip yourself and give up completely if you make a few wrong choices… no one is perfect. The idea is obviously not to yo yo diet and workout, but to make a lasting and sustainable change in lifestyle… and the only WAY to do that is to KEEP trying and to make those choices that get you CLOSER to your goals, not further..

No, I'm not always the epitome of clean eating. I have my cheat meals, weak moments, and "shiiiieeet I probably shouldn't have had that" but I get over it, pick better options for the next meal and I DO NOT punish myself in the gym or workouts to the point where I'm abusing my body. I also chug down some Shakeology because whatever craving my body 'THINKS' it wants, is told to Shut Up by my shake. #curbthosecravings

The idea is to create a healthy relationship with yourself, not beat yourself up mentally and physically because you indulged. OH, and GUESS WHAT? You will always be surrounded by temptation, so you may as well learn to deal now or you're going to continue getting frustrated when you cave.

Lastly, what your body is REALLY craving is health… food that satisfies its needs to work best. Pumping your body full of crap only makes cravings worse… once you start to eat better, and feel better, you want to keep going.

So if you're sick and tired of the vicious cycle, what are you going to do about it?! I want to know, message me here: abbyfix@me.com I want to help!

OH, and NOW that I've mentally prepared you… stay tuned for the next blog post on step by step tips of how to have a cheat meal and not get stuck eating that way!

Chat later my fitness freaks and clean eaters <3

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Brand New Minnetonka Fringe Boots for sale! Size 7

So to say I love these BRAND NEW Minnetonka boots is an UNDERSTATEMENT. Seriously, the epitome of bohemian cali style and right up my alley…

Only problem…. my calves don't fit in these beauties. So I have to sell them. They are BRAND NEW and ready for you to take home and sport this fall season! * I have bigger calves

Normally they are $89-99 a pair! EEEEK Right here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Minnetonka-Womens-3-Layer-Fringe-Brown/dp/B0007VZQII/ref=sr_sp-atf_image_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384872960&sr=8-1&keywords=minnetonka+fringe+boots

ORRRR

buy them from me $65 includes shipping to anywhere in the US! My LOSS = YOUR GAIN!

email me to purchase at abbyfix@me.com 

Will go FAST do not WAIT! 

Ciao my lovely fashionistas! 

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My Top 3 Favorite Hair Products!

Alright ladies… it's been a while since I did any beauty posts, but I'm comin' back full force to dish all my good secrets. OH, AND you can expect a lot more of these posts, I get asked at least once a day for hair and makeup tutorials… so you may be seeing a little or a lot of that. By no means though will I deviate away from my love of fitness, but I'm just expanding my reach. Beauty inside, and out ;-)


First, before I even mention products here, let me first say, if you blow dry your hair everyday, give it a rest! I personally like to air dry my hair, heat on hair is bad news!

So onto the goods…

1. Leave in Conditioner/Detangler: I've always loved Healthy Sexy Hair leave in conditioner but I have heard NOTHING but amazing things about It's a 10! Miracle Leave in Product. I just got it off Amazon (addicted to Prime btw) and I'm in L O V E! It's literally a miracle worker, sometimes I get bad knots in my hair after the shower (like I said, long hair) and brushing it can be frustrating.. so I always use a leave in. I honestly SWEAR by leave ins, especially if you color and dye your hair. Trust me on this one!

2. Dry Shampoo: Listen up girls, if you do not have dry shampoo you are missing the time machine! Literally, you are wasting time rewashing and restyling. And if your mane is like mine, good luck. I got long hair and I'm not cutting it (like ever, did it a few years ago… not the business) I love Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo and you can find it just about anywhere. I picked up this potion at CVS on a whim, but a very good whim! Cheap and works great!

click here for sweaty to sexy!

3. LOREAL Elnett Satin Finish Hair Spray--if you want the hold, but not the sticky mess or stiff look, TA DAAAAA here is your product! I LOVE Big Sexy Hair hairspray but I know that can of magic can come at a steep price… so if you want the magic of hair spray but don't want the mess, Loreal will not disappoint! 

AND my bonus!!!

4.  Shampoo and Conditioner: I'm in L O V E with Silky Sexy Hair -- because it makes my hair exactly that. Hands down my hair has NEVER been this soft… EVER. Not only that but you can find it at Marshalls or TJ Maxx-$15 for a liter! So about $30 total, not bad! If you can't find it in store, get it here!

Well I hope you enjoyed the post, if you try the products come back and post a comment, let me know your thoughts!

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The Bombshell Challenge

Once upon a time… in a land far far away… known as Florida (heavens waiting room.. haha jk, a little east coast humor for ya) I started my #p90x journey. I took my before photos… and when I saw them, I guess you would call that reality slapping you in the face. I knew it was time to change. Scary? YES. Did I have any clue what I was doing? Not much. But the MOST important part of that journey was the coaches and followers I had standing beside and behind me cheering me on. Had it not been for them, I may have quit for a THIRD time. 

It's interesting what a little group support can do for a person when it comes to fitness… you shouldn't have to figure this all out on your own. And that's where I come in 

One of my FAVORITE things about my challenge groups lately since I revamped how I run them is the level of consistency and motivation that these ladies bring everyday. I know that they aren't going to quit. Why? Because they have me, other women and other coaches telling them they can't! That the reason they started this is so much bigger than how they feel in the present moment. 

So a little shout out to the ladies who are in this with me and my other coaches, keep on pressing play, keep eating clean and do NOT back down! If you are READY to COMMIT to your personal fitness journey… if you're ready to start fitting into your old clothes or even better--buying new ones, if you're ready to FEEL your best and not cringe when it comes time to dress up for holiday parties, and your'e ready to make a LIFESTYLE CHANGE then what are you waiting for?! There's no time like the present to seize what you deserve. And honestly, I don't get the point in waiting to get in shape and feel great. Why anyone waits to do that is truly beyond me. 

Summer bodies are made in the winter. I'm ready to give you a year around body  My next fit support group starts Dec. 2nd, to apply go here>>>http://abbymaried.blogspot.com/p/join-bombshell-challenge.html

I look forward to helping you! 

Ciao,

Abby

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It's been a while….

WOW so it's been a while since I posted here…

With Cabo prep and then coming back and working, then Halloween.. its been insane! But thats how this time of year goes right?

Well since I've finished T25--and got amazing results, I decided why not do another round until P90X3 comes out?!

So for now I'm doing  T25/BBL hybrid with yoga a few times a week and some weight lifting. I know sounds insane but I'm not over working myself.

I really can't believe that 2013 is coming to an end and 2014 is just around the corner…

I'm starting to look back on this year so far and WOW is all I have to say! What a crazy year…

2013 was def a year of growth, struggle, triumph and lessons. As some of you know, I went through my divorce end of last year and it was finalized this year… while that chapter came to a close, my ex and I are lucky to have found people that add to our happiness.

I also moved out, BYE mom and Len (my step dad)! I know they were relieved to have me out, hey I was only a temporary stay at home kid. But I knew I had to get out of there, after being on my own for 5 years and then coming home, well we know that is NOT the business!

I did a TON of traveling this year, went to LA a few times for work, Vegas, San Fran, Cabo! thank goodness I'm in a job where I can do what I want, when I want, and take it wherever!

but I think the MOST important lessons I've learned this past year is what I want. I see so many amazing coaches in the beachbody business and it's inspiring to watch these people do a 180 on their lives like I've done. I've seen my team grow and rise to the occasion and I also have been pushed to my edge.

I know it's SO easy to compare our beachbody businesses and journeys with other coaches, but this year I had to really dive into: WHAT DO I WANT? What are MY goals? What motivates ME? and stop looking at what others were doing and achieving and assuming that's what I wanted to. I LOVE pushing myself and seeing how far I can go and how hard Im willing to work, but that doesn't mean I have to adopt someone else's dream as my own.

A little advice: Just because your dreams look different from others, doesn't mean that it's not just as important or small. It's your DREAM!

OH, and let comparison go. WE all have different stories, paths, backgrounds and starting points. I'm NOT the type of person who will just go with the crowd because it's easy or because thats whats expected. I believe we design our lives and I'm figuring out exactly what I want mine to look like, but still taking it day by day.

What has 2013 meant to you?

I look forward to jumping back into blogging! =) CIAO!

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My official T25 Results- Womens T25 Results

WELL WELLL WELLLLL!!! I finally FINALLY finished T25--- I did the Alpha, Beta AND optional ADD on GAMMA phase for 4 weeks. And man oh man. I am LOVING my results!

My stats are:

STATS:
I lost 11lbs SOLID! AKA means FAT! 
1.5in. off ea thigh
1.5in. off my waist--
2in. off my hips 
.5 on each calve

I honestly feel GREAT.... even after an intense cabo all inclusive-drinks-drinks-buffet vacation! But I'm so ready to jump back in to #eatingclean and #workingout because that is my M-O! my bread and butter. 

I am SO excited to share these results with you because they are totally doable--you can have results like this, probably even better! 

So do you wana know what T25 is? CLICK HERE and HERE 

Have you wondered which you should do first-Insanity or T25? or how they compare? CLICK HERE

If you NEED and WANT to change your body and life style and want me as your coach CLICK HERE

So as MUCH as I want to be able to tell you guys EXACTLY what I did everyday--- it's important to not OVER complicate it. I do NOT count calories, never have, probably won't anytime soon. To me its about eating health, whole nutritious foods, drinking Shakeology® once a day (sometimes again at night for those dessert cravings  ) and consuming food every 2 1/2 -3 hours. I had a cheat meal once (rarely sometimes twice a week) a week and always planned it out so I had something to look forward to! I had a lot of black bean burgers, chicken, fish, veggies, brown rice and quinoa, fruits low on the GI scale, and had a LOT of WATER! 

I only weighed myself once a week, and took progress pics along the way, as well as measurements. I'm a HUGE yogi and love going, so I would try to do yoga a few times a week to stretch, detox and cleanse the body (and organs) and I believe that helped a LOT in reaching my goals. Your body needs to be in a more alkalinized state so you can actually lose weight. When you eat food that throws off your body's pH levels, it becomes a toxic environment. 

Also, eat too little then you run the risk of your body going into 'starvation mode' where it's going to start consuming your muscles vs. fat. Your body will want to naturally hold onto fat as energy reserves, so you ladies, YOU HAVE TO EAT. Start thinking of your body as a MACHINE not just a prize to have. If you want a machine to run and work right, you have to give it the right fuel! 

Thanks again for everyones comments, questions, emails. I KNOW YOU have what it takes to reach your goals, you just have to keep your focus and determination going even when you feel weak! What you want MOST is more important then what you want right now 


BEFORE:

AFTER:

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