PiYo Information -- What's it all about?!

So you want the skinny (STRONG) on PiYo I'm sure... rumors say that the program is close to selling out (picking jaw off floor) -- it's crazy how Beachbody keeps nailing it on the head with putting out legit home workouts. But I have to say, the certification was super fun, and honestly a good workout (ahem wearing lighter colors while working out and sweating your butt off-- not such a good idea ;-))

ANDDDD I had a GREAT time doing it with my team! I couldn't have been more excited to do a certification with people I know and LIKE! It's never really 'work' when you're having a good time right?

Oh, and hey ladies, your man or significant other can and should totally do this with you! Get more limber for the outdoors and maybe the indoors (if you know what I mean!)

So WHY PiYo?

So far, I've only tried TWO workouts; Define Upper and Define Lower -- and both were great (stay tuned for the full review in 2 months when I'm done) And let me honest for a sec, I am not a stretcher outter.. I mean I LOVE yoga and I loved having my nifty pricey membership, but DAYUM that stuff does add up. However, you put value into what you actually think is worthwhile right? BUTTT I always put it off, I'm bad about it. I try -- but not as much as I should, so this is going to be PERFECT for me (that and my bad knees and bad shin splints).

So after two years at a hot yoga studio I adored, I decided I need to take a step back and try a few new things -- like getting back in the gym and doing weight lifting, and then joining an MMA gym for kick boxing.

I like to get out of the 'box' of fitness -- but thats the great thing, there's so much variety. And while I love being out and about, that hot yoga got a bit pricey when you're focusing on saving!

And that's one of the things I'm most excited about PiYo -- its versatile and is MEANT to limber, stretch and strengthen a person out.

And after lifting heavy, putting my body through natural wear and tear, this program just makes sense. Loosing your flexibility is a sort of an ego blow -- I felt like my body was saying, "you're getting old and not taking proper care of me!"

*My team and I getting PiYo certified so we can teach! 

Who is PiYo meant for?

PiYo is meant for the person who wants to increase flexibility, balance, get longer looking muscles (hey we can't grow our legs, but we can sculpt them right?!), and wants to treat their body a little better. Taking that extra 30 minutes 6x a week to get a good sweat in, but also to stretch and work. I think its a healing program that will challenge your body at the same time. 

Think:  Low Impact & High Intensity Movement 

Let me explain it this way... if you mashed Pilates and Yoga together, but picked up the pace -- thats what is called PiYo. 

Pilates: an exercise method based on styles of yoga, gymnastics, calisthenics and dance (think modern). Joseph Pilates, the founder, designed pilates for rehabilitation purposes during WWI, however now there are VERY many styles of pilates. It's not a one size fits all! 

• Benefits: Improves muscle coordination, balance, and posture. Develops a stronger core (think nice flat abs and strong lower backs), increases strength, and flexibility. To be honest it reminds me of a Core Power Yoga class -- super charged but modifiable. 

Yoga: Traced back to India some 5,000 years ago for meditative, prayer, healing and restoring energy purposes. While its evolved over the years, yoga has had a strong presence in the fitness and religious capitals. 

• Benefits: Reduces stress, restores energy, increases flexibility and breath, releases toxins, improves balance and posture, connects the mind in body through breath. 

*super excited at certification <3 

What do I get when I order PiYo?

Well, I'm glad you're wondering that! First, you're going to love that you do not need ANYTHING for this-- just that body of yours! Oh, and a yoga mat ;-)

Your PiYo program includes:

8 WORKOUTS (ranging between 25-45 minutes 6x a week) 

• Align: The Fundamentals (40 min.): This workout breaks down the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.
• Define: Lower Body (25 min.): Get your sleekest and leanest legs ever as you lengthen and strengthen your entire lower body—from your glutes and hamstrings to your calves.
• Define: Upper Body (35 min.): Use this incredibly effective workout to start chiseling away at your upper body to help shape your arms, carve out your triceps, and define sexy shoulders.
• Sweat (35 min.): A traditional PiYo workout that incorporates effective dynamic conditioning, fast-paced cardio yoga-flows, and bodyweight resistance strength training to help sculpt your entire body.
• Core (30 min.): This ab-centric workout hits your powerhouse from every angle to build a strong core, flat, sculpted abs and obliques, as well as a strong and sexy back.
• Strength Intervals (25 min.): Twenty-five minutes is all you need of this nonstop body-carving, calorie-incinerating workout that uses no weights, no equipment, and gives you no bulk!
• Drench (45 min.): This endurance workout maximizes fat burning while it works every muscle in your body. It will not only leave you drenched—it will kick-start your metabolism as you scorch away the fat.
• Sculpt (30 min.): This workout uses varying tempos to keep your muscles under tension for different periods of time. This generates muscular endurance and metabolic changes that will totally transform your figure.

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

• Quick Start Guide. Everything you need to know to get started including valuable insider tips to get your best results possible! 
• PiYo 60-Day Workout Calendar to make sure you're progressing each week as you build up your strength, flexibility, and stamina.

PLUS, 4 FREE GIFTS (when you order through a coach like me =) ) 

• Get Lean Eating Plan. A simplified approach to clean and lean eating designed to fit your lifestyle and your taste buds! Learn how to eat a variety of delicious, nutritious foods that keep you properly fueled, satiated, and nourished—and help you define your best body 
• Buns (25 min.): Focused on the glutes, this workout is designed to lift, redefine, and tighten the entire backside of your body for the perfect tight and round butt.
• Tape Measure. Track your progress as you melt the fat away faster than you ever imagined.

How Much Does it Cost?

It retails at 59.85 for (PROGRAM only) customers (and you have to estimate shipping) and about $45 for coaches! However, until July 31st it's FREE shipping.

OR you can SAVE $20 AND get free shipping by choosing the Challenge Pack that includes the PiYo base kit, 30 day supply of Shakeology on home direct, free shipping and me as your coach as well as access to our PiYo challenge group starting in two weeks! *both offer ends at the end of July


How Can I order PiYo?

If you are currently working with a Beachbody coach, you can contact them directly. However, if you're sitting there going, "whats a beachbody coach" either you don't have one, or you do have one and they have not contacted you or you are unsure who you were assigned to (if you have ever created a team beach body profile or bought something from their website)

CONTACT ME:

If you DO NOT have a coach or you are NOT SURE but want to be coached by me, please fill out this form here and then submit it so I will get into contact with you.

If you have NO idea what Shakeology is, CLICK here and let me fill in some blanks for you!

If you want to purchase PiYo now and be in the next online challenge group (on Facebook) OR you just want the program or challenge pack in general, select an option below:

1. I want JUST PiYo 
2. I want the PiYo Challenge Pack (with Shakeology and access to your free online challenge group)

Either way, I want to hear from you, whether you're on the fence, or ready to buy. I love being able to help people feel better about themselves, don't we all deserve to have high self esteem and self love?

Stay tuned, I will keep you Piyo informed! <3

To find me on Facebook and see if I'm the right coach for you, please don't hesitate -- send me a friend request and let me know who you are!


I cannot WAIT to share my results with you ladies! Long, sexy leaner muscles here I come -- I envy long legs ;-)

Read More

Working out Post Breast Augmentation ((Breast Implants and Working Out - My Journey and My Experience))

Alright, clearly this is a controversial topic for many. So if you do NOT support breast augmentation for women, hit the back button. I'm not trying to convince anyone they need implants to be beautiful or that women who have them look fake. So if you're in the mood to get all heated and controversial over one of my favorite body parts… hit the back button.

B R E A S T    A U G M E N T A T I O N << that means breast implants. GASP. She said breast?! On the INTERNET? Yep.

But I guess you didn't know I had them did you? I don't have to flaunt them to show them, they're MINE and I'm proud of them. Best. boobs. ever.

Some people see others "putting it out there"(sharing that they have breast implants) as a bad thing. Why? I don't get it. Maybe it's not up your alley and that is totally fine… but I'm a woman trying to help other women like me so if my story/journey can be of use to one of you reading this, then I'm glad to hit "POST"!


Your Most COMMON BREAST IMPLANT QUESTIONS ANSWERED (well some at least) in regards to my experience with working out and fitness lovers alike:

• Does it hurt? 
• Well I mean… you ARE going under the knife. BUT you don't FEEL it-you're under! So while recovery can be a little sore and a tad painful, you are honestly so drugged up after you come out of surgery, that you will be too loopy to even feel the pain. And they should supply you with plenty of narcotics to ease the pain. I was prescribed Percocet -- if you get Percocet, don't forget your laxatives. Not being able to poop for a few days can change anyone ;-) and make the ugliest come out in all of us. Everyone tolerates pain a different way, and it really depends on how much breast tissue you have before. The less breast tissue (AKA flat chested gals like myself originally) will experience more tightness in the chest and possibly pain because they don't have as much skin thats stretched out, whereas our big busted friends have more room to get the implants in and settle. Good thing skin is elastic! ;-) 

• How long was your recovery?
• My "scratch the surface" recovery back in 08 took about 10- 14 days. And by "scratch the surface" recovery, I'm talking about getting back to your original mobilization---putting on your own clothes, reaching for things above you, pulling doors open, stuff like that. You forget how much you use your body and muscles for the little things. For a full recovery it can take 6 months or longer, but don't worry, you will be working out long before that. But if we are talking FULL recovery, most articles I've read, doctors I've spoken to and other breast augmentation alumni said they had a FULL recovery in about 6 months or so. My second surgery was much more smooth, the skin was stretched out so putting a new set of implants was MUCH easier and the recovery was a BREEZE compared to the first time. I was back to light cardio in about 10 days, and full mobilization in less than a week. I was still sore trying to do things, but I didn't overdue it. Allow your body to heal properly, do NOT drink, do not smoke, eat healthy and stretch slowly. 

• What is better--saline or silicone?
• Really, that is all about preference. Saline is a just that, a mixture of salt and water so in case it pops, your body absorbs it. I have silicone gummies, which are said to be more life like and "realistic". YES they do cost more, but they were the best route for my body and the results I was looking for. I know that with Saline they can be much more bouncy since the consistency in the implant is much more fluid… and I knew that with all the working out I do, bouncing tits wasn't going to work. I got an ass that bounces enough! Know what I'm sayin'? You picking up what I'm putting out? WAtch this: 
• 
  

• How soon did you work out again?
• First time around, I wasn't a HUGE workout junkie… I worked out but it wasn't as important to me as it is now. I think I waited over two months until I was really working out again. And even then my pushups were back to the knees on the floor. Fine by me! haha! The SECOND time around, I was back to light cardio in about 10 days (LIGHT, walking, stretching, etc)-- and within about 16 days I was doing T25 (25 min cardio workout program) again. I didn't start lifting again until a month later just to be careful. I went back to pushups on the floor, and held off from doing any chest workouts for a good 6-7 weeks. I wanted to let my body heal… there's no rushing the healing process and if you do, you can chance hurting yourself and going back to the surgeon. NO FUN. BE SAFE, not SORRY! All you can really control at this point in recovery is WHAT YOU EAT. Shakeology KEPT me SANE!!! I ate pretty clean during recovery to make sure my body was healing properly, took arnica, tried to avoid the Percocets as much as I could and just relaxed. If you want some doctors perspectives read here!

• What was your recovery like?
• Similar to the above question, but pretty smooth the 2nd time around since I knew what I was in for. I had no problems, no complications, the office, the doctor, the staff--everything made the whole process stress free. If you are in San Diego check out Dr. Brahme at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Center =) Tell him Abby Fix sent you! My first recovery, not gana lie, SUCKED. But I was seriously so flat chested that my skin was stretched as far as it could go. But with the drugs, naps, and relaxing, I was honestly fine after a few days. 

• What was better for you-over or under the muscle?
• I have never done OVER the muscle, only under. When I went in for my consultation I was told that under would be more ideal for people who are into fitness and working out. I'm VERY happy I went with UNDER the muscle, I've heard recovery is longer but my chest feels great, my boobs don't bother me, and I'm very happy with their appearance. 

"One of the primary choices in breast augmentation is whether to have the implants placed "under" or "over" the muscle (submuscular or subglandular). This muscle is the pectoralis major muscle which lies over the rib cage and underneath the breast. It is the chest muscle that is commonly developed in weight lifters.

Traditionally, when the majority of implants were silicone, implants were most often placed underneath the breast gland and on top of the muscle. With the more common use of saline filled implants, it was noticed in women who were thinner or who had relatively little breast tissue to cover the implants, that there was a tendency to develop "rippling" or a waviness in the skin overlying the implant. This is especially true with the use of the "textured" or rough surfaced implants. In an effort to decrease the incidence of rippling and the potential for capsular contracture, there has been a move to place implants in the space beneath the pectoralis major muscle. Submuscular placement increases the padding overlying the implant offering more coverage and camouflage to the shape of the implant. Using this technique, rippling has become a rare problem

Today many more women have the option of silicone implants. The silicone implants are softer, re realistic in fell and the tissues tend to drape over them more realistically. They are also less prone to rippling. Consequently, it is possible to place them in a subglandular position more often while decreasing the risk of rippling. In fact a possible solution for rippling saline implants can be to replace them with silicone implants.

There are, however, some breast shapes that are better suited to a subglandular ("over" the muscle) placement of the implant. These women typically have breasts that at one time were much larger than the present. When there is a very large volume decrease and there is little or no shrinkage in the size of the skin envelope surrounding the breast tissue, then the shape approaches that of an "empty bag". Under these circumstances it is sometimes better to place the implant in a subglandular position in order to allow the implant to fill out the skin envelope of the breast." --Alexander G. Nein, MD

• Should I be closer to my goal weight? When is the BEST time to get them?
• YES. Not only is it easier for recovery, you will be much more satisfied. PLUS most surgeons PREFER that their patients are close to their ideal bodies/goal weights (even for lipo) for TRUE results. When I got them done in 08 I wasn't big by any means, but I still had a lot of work to do as far as toning up and getting my diet/nutrition in check. If you aren't quite the epitome of health (partying, drinking, overweight, bad nutrition habits, etc) I would SUGGEST to start working on THAT before you get some new boobs. It will make recovery a lot better, and you will love the results a LOT more. I noticed that the first time around after my breast augmentation I felt fatter… bigger boobs to go with my bigger gut. SCORE. NOT. haha! So this second time, I made sure I was SUPER close to my goal body. I worked out HARD and earned those muscles. However, I knew that I would lose some of those visual results… read on to the next one. As far as when is the best time to get them? 1. When you're ready physically, mentally and ideally financially… 2. When you are closer to your goal body and health goals 3. When your surgeons office is running a special! HA! Seriously though ladies, ask for specials. I went during Christmas break and got a GREAT deal (about $1500 off) for paying cash! 

• I'm nervous I'm going to lose all my results and hard work--what can I do?
• In my experience, I did lose some results about 10 days after --that's when I really noticed. But I ate clean, and actually lost weight (probably muscle) and kept my abs in great shape (you can still keep your core engaged while you're just laying there!!!) I didn't notice a HUGE shift in my results, just a little less toning, but nothing I knew I couldn't get back in about two weeks, which I did. BOOYAAAA! And I kept the weight off! 
• My best advice: EAT CLEAN, DRINK SHAKEOLOGY, ENGAGE YOUR CORE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, DRINK A LOT OF WATER, GO FOR LIGHT WALKS, DO LOWER BODY WORKOUTS THAT DON'T REQUIRE WEIGHT, GET 8 HRS OF SLEEP, AND DON'T STRESS THE RESULTS YOU HAD, FOCUS ON THE ONES YOU WILL GET! 

• Will I lose feeling in my nipples?
• My favorite question! AHAH! This is really different for everyone… I did the first time around for a few months -- they were just numb for a bit, but it came back. 2nd time was no big deal, I've got full feeling! You have several options for the incision site: nipple (what I did), under arm, belly button =) I've heard the arm pit is a bit more painful in regards to recovery and can take longer. I've also heard going through the nipple can be bad for milk ducts. And I've also heard that if you go through your belly button it can rip up some muscles. All I've got to say about "conspiracy theories" is find a GREAT doctor, discuss your concerns, different ways to go about it, research what would work best FOR YOU. I did not have ANY issues going through the nipple, as far as my milk ducts.. I don't have kids yet… so when I do, stay tuned. To read more about that, click here!

In Conclusion:

I had a great experience from start to finish -- I found a great doctor whom I trusted, I liked his style of implants and his technique (each doctor has their own technique -- pay attention to how their before and after photos are taken -- same lighting, same poses, etc. Doctors will try to highlight their best work, but if they're photos are consistent in lighting, pose and all that, its a good chance their work is consistent), and the staff was friendly! The cosmetic surgery center is clean and professional -- that is what YOU should be looking for too. 

If you are in San Diego looking for a doctor, I recommend Dr. Brahme at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Center! *tell him Abigail Fix sent you ;-)

Ladies, move forward with confidence and make sure you do your research!

Happy Implant Hunting! <3

Read More

From Flab to Fab Fitness Instagram Account @fromflabtofabfitness

Well well well... it's about time I do a blog post dedicated to the project I've been focusing a lot on. I wanted to make sure I had enough content before I publicly shared my baby...

And that big baby is my fitness video Instagram account! I know what you're thinking... another IG account for fitness, but I can't get enough of them. They can really beat the workout blues when you're feeling lazy!

Is it just me or is IG the biggest fitness motivation out there?! You can scroll through tons of pictures and videos... and get a ton of ideas and inspiration!

So why should YOU follow ME?

• Do you want quick workout ideas to do at home?
•  or at the gym?
• Would you like to learn how to use different equipment?
• No equipment, no problem! Plenty of exercises coming your way without ANYTHING but you! 
• Health and fitness tips
• Progress pictures and REAL TALK -- I don't sugar coat the hard stuff
• Review of workout programs 

& of course lots more as time goes on! 

Why did I start this? Honestly, it really stemmed from people (you all!) asking me what I was doing so far to get my transformation, and then it snowballed into having a lot of fun making this videos. 

So don't be shy, I LOVE my followers and finding out what you guys want to see. Leave comments, questions and be sure to email me if you want some help! 

Until then ladies <3

http://instagram.com/fromflabtofabfitness

Read More

Strawberry Avocado Summer Salad

Welp, HAPPY ((ALMOST)) Summer!!!! Ok, I'm a little early, but that's ok.

I'm not a huge salad person when I have to make it myself because I just don't know what to do... I think its option overload so I always end up putting the wrong things together. I know, strange.

Anyway, this salad came out YUMMM and it was so easy.. and I'm a little proud of myself-- I can make pancakes from scratch off the top of my head, but I cannot master a salad, except this easy one.

21 Day Fix approved:

2 red -- chicken or protein (if you use two chicken breasts -- I cut all my breasts in half before I cook them so I get "more" out of it)
3 green -- I like a lot of spinach, but you can measure it out
1 purple- strawberries
1 blue- avocado (I'm apart of AA -- avocado's anonymous, I have a problem)

What You Need:

• 1/2 avacado
• spinach
• Himalayan Salt
• Pepper
• Diced up chicken (or protein of your choice)
• diced up strawberries
• diced up avocado
• lemon juice

I don't use dressing, so if you do, by all means go for it... I just like less calories. I use lemon juice with salt and pepper ;-)

So combine all that, dash of salt, dash of pepper, lemon juice... and that's it! 

It's simple, but fresh and easy. Can't go wrong! 

Read More

How did I do it? My Personal Story from Flab to Fab!

So I've been getting asked a LOT what I've done exactly to get where I am now from where I was... and I'm totally 100% flattered by all the questions and comments I've received.

From THAT ^^^      
to THIS....

Looking back at my first before photos, I can't help but ask myself, 'Abby... what the heck. When did you lose self control and stop caring?" And it wasn't just for vanity reasons, but how did I let my diet get out of control?! I've always loved fitness -- but I KNEW BETTER.

The year before I started as a Beachbody Coach I literally made pancakes and brownies way too often, we're talking like at least once a month. But back then, at age 20-- I guess I thought I was invincible? It's not like I had a crazy fast metabolism all my life, quite the opposite. It felt like if I ate a few bad things, I would gain 5 lbs instantly! #instafat

*To get an idea of my very basic meal plan when I'm trying to be stricter GO HERE.

Not only that, but I LOVE a good burger -- and don't get me started on pizza. So obviously it's not that I became this super food nazi in order to lose weight and tone up. I just got realistic and focused. I still enjoy a cheat meal, and I still love brownies, burgers, pancakes and pizza-- but now I love my results more.

Once you see progress, you don't really want to turn back. Like EVER.

So from where I was then, to where I am now is a HUGE jump. Thank goodness I got my head in the game and my ass in gear or else starting now would be so much harder.

See, that's the thing.. so many people wait to start and then it's 10x harder then it would have been if you had started when you said you were. If you want results, you have to start giving it your all and stop giving up. Quitting doesn't make a winner.

So let's get onto the goods. JUST HOW did I DO it?!


Watch my video: Part 1


Part II:





Please leave feedback, love to hear from my followers! Remember, not one size fits all. This has been my PERSONAL experience... we all find our way somehow!

Read More

My Daily Meal Plan

I posted this earlier on my Facebook this week (Facebook.com/abbymaried) and wanted to share with my bloggers as well ;-)

To give a quick idea of what I eat on the daily:

16oz of water then, 
***T25 for quick morning cardio*** 

Breakfast: ((OPTIONS))

• Shakeology and oatmeal with 1tbsp of PB (tastes like a friggin PB oatmeal cookie, #nom) 
• 1-2 servings of Fruit (I follow the portion size from the 21DF), a slice of ezekiel bread toast, and 2 eggs scrambled

Snack: Two eggs, spinach, and a slice of Ezekiel toast

Lunch: 

• Chicken, veggies, brown rice, avocado
• Healthy tuna avocado sandwich or salad (on a bed of spinach) with fresh fruit 

Snack: Cliff bar  or Luna Bar (before a workout usually) OR greek yogurt with an apple

Workout -- usually lifting (depending on the day of the week) following most of the Body Beast schedule (hello #ladybeast)

***Post workout protein shake and amino acids***

Dinner: Fish, sweet potatoes, veggies < something of that variation

TA DA... nothing crazy or complicated, but my week usually revolves around 5-6 meals a day focusing on using the 21 Day Fix meal plan guidelines (what would I do without that?!) and I try to drink as much water as I can...

Oh and I sneak in a cucumber smoothie from Robeks once a week.#ijustcanthelpmyself

But I do try to avoid doing this UNLESS its my designated cheat meal, then pass those chips over! I'll take another side of guac too. 

* I limit fruit, but do have cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, apples because they are lower on the GI scale and lower in sugars! I will do fruit for breakfast if I have it and it's in season 

OH, and I do NOT have fruit at night (if I can avoid it, but if I need something sweet, Ill sprinkle it with lemon and Tajin seasoning) and if I do eat bananas (which is rare) it's usually BEFORE a workout and/or 1/2 a banana!

Read More

The Misadventure of Uli and Abby

So today's blog post won't be your usual "get fit or die trying" (you know me), but I want to share my recent road trip that my boyfriend and I took for my 25th Birthday to Monterey and Yosemite -- and just what this story means to me... and I bet you can take away something from it too!

A lot of you have asked me, "how was your trip?!" And my reply was, "AMAZING, a lot went wrong, but a LOT went right!"

And of course, hearing that a lot of things went 'wrong' on a trip usually creates curiosity, so consider your appetite for curiosity satisfied, because you're probably going to chuckle quite a bit at this ridiculous story.


Short(er) version:

Mishap #1:

I have to pick up Ulises (boyfriend/bestfriend/swolemat/soulmate/partner in crime-- you get the idea) at 1pm at his work, and then straight from there we have to leave to head up to Monterey. Keep in mind we have to navigate LA traffic on Memorial Day weekend on a Friday around 3pm, sounds genius already right?

It gets better...

I'm leaving the parking lot of *gasp* Jack in the Box (not my usual pit stop, but have you tried those smoothies?!) trying to get into the turning lane, when BAM -- the front end of my car gets slammed by another car. No worries, everyone was ok and it was minor.


Not seeing this coming, (I mean, who really plans for an accident before a trip?!) I immediately think, "F@$#! Well, I'm going on this damn trip no matter what! Well have to just figure it out" I text Uli, let him know whats going on and I'll be there soon.

First, I would have NEVER had this RIDE OR DIE mentality if it weren't for Beachbody, that company has really taught me the power of persistence.

So I pull over, we exchange info and I call my insurance. I'm standing there looking at my bumper which is half off... thinking... how can I fix this... or is there another car we can take?

Uli and I take it down to his moms house, otherwise now known as "Contreras Autobody" because we (as in Uli and his dad-- aren't they HANDY?!) literally ZIP TIED my CAR together.

Besides cock roaches surviving the apocalypse, my money is also on zip ties. We decide its safe and start our road trip 2 hours later than we planned, and at the worst possible time for traffic. Awesome right? That's ok, nothing a watered down strawberry banana smoothie can't handle. We honestly had a blast singing, dancing, and just talking LIFE. I thank God for that man, and putting my best friend next to my side <3

Mishap #2

 We finally get to Monterey, and were all settled in, ready to pass out late at night and get up for breakfast. Day 2 went great, we had a BLAST at the Cali Roots Reggae Festival <3 Some of our favorite bands were there, so it only made sense to go!

I did not count on how many people would actually be there, I was surprised -- but the upside, plenty of food. I had about 7 cheat meals in a day, I consider that a new record!

The festival reminded me of the county fair-- families, kids, teens, adults, you name it! Mostly hippies and reggae fans (obviously).

So after the concert, we settle in for the night, to wake up early the next morning and get our butts to Yosemite so we can start hiking.

Day 3 went AMAZING -- we hiked Vernal falls and saw some of the most breath taking scenery in the USA

... until we realized that our NEXT day's adventure of white water rafting was in the opposite direction of that night's hotel reservation... about 2.5 hours away...

 So we decide to drive to where our white water rafting spot is and stay in the area for the night. Well turns out Sonora, CA isn't that big of a town... with just a few motels for out of towners. So we end up at this little motel in the woods, when we FINALLY get reception on our phones.

Oh thats right, I didn't mention that... we had ZERO reception almost the whole time in NorCal.

Well low and behold, the rafting tour meets BACK at Yosemite near the Merced River. We accidentally put in the address for their OFFICE, which is where we were... as in TWO HOURS away from where we NEEDED to be.

At this point, our only options are to either wake up early  and go for it, or skip it and handle the cards we've been dealt.

Well with our new ride or die attitudes and the rafting trip paid for, we put on our shoes and headed back out at 5am again, 2 hours in the direction we came from the night before.

Mishap #3

After our amazing rafting experience, we head to the heart of Yosemite park to get parked and ready for the day. I get service again and type in our original hotel's address to make sure that we have the directions right and can plan our day accordingly...

And thats when the final straw was pulled...

Before we booked our trip, we made SURE our hotel was within a 30 minute drive to Yosemite...

But when I went to type in the address in my phone again, it came up being 2.5 hours away.

I thought it had to be a joke... was 2.5 hours our magical number?! Was this REALLY happening?!

Neither of us could fathom driving back to our hotel 2.5 hours each way to come back the next day and do it again.. at this point we figured we should quit while we were ahead and count our blessings.

We came home a day early from our trip and decided a much needed stay cation was in order... and was it EVER.

But here's the thing.. while we had our fair share of misadventures, it was one of our funnest trips... here's why:

We had to navigate together and deal with some not so ideal situations, we laughed at our ill prepared trip, and our total faith in technology (ahem, don't do that) and lack of know how.

When we had nothing, yet we had each other and that was everything.

Sometimes its when you get lost, you find yourself... and you find the person you are with is the person who really is your best friend.

So while our trip may have fallen apart, we fell together, and we really learned the value in our relationship. 

To my love, this blog post is for you... you're my best friend, you make me laugh when things don't make sense, you're my biggest fan and supporter, and you have shown me that it's ok to fail -- getting lost with you made me find so much more... peace and security. 

P.S. No I will never be a travel agent.
P.P.S. YES, I will plan better next time.
PPPS. Always take a REAL map with you.

XO,
Abby

Read More