Getting Lean for My Skinny Jeans 30 Day Fall Challenge

On the topic of skinny jeans.. I'm talking about feeling confident in THOSE jeans... you know those ones sitting in the back of your closet/drawer/amoire that you try on every once in a while to see if they fit.

Yeah girl, we ALL got em. My favorite pair -- Guess. I kept those for YEARS and they fit me for through a lot tough times... oreo binges... Saturday nights out... I'm - too- lazy- just- wear-the- jeans again kinda days...

But ya know what I really wanted? I waned to be able to rock a pair of skinny jeans that showed my sculpted legs... but first I needed the sculpted legs... so that set me on a conquest...

I was determined to be a size or two smaller... I knew I could do it.. so I went from a size 7/9 to size 2/3/4 (or 26/27 << depending on the designer or make).

I don't like to always judge by the scale... I feel I'm often misled by what it says... sometimes I weigh 120 and look like I'm back to my pre p90x body (click here) and then other times I am 125 and look nice and ripped. I think that has ALL to do with nutrition/hormones/and activity.

Anyway -- after buying my GO TO skinny jeans (Jessica Simpson btw -- I'm impressed with the former singer. Can I just say that I have owned her shoes, wallets, purses... she's got good stuff) I felt... well...

In SHAPE. Fabulous. Look at #DATASS kinda feeling. Excited. Sexy. Proud. See pic below!

I couldn't remember the last time I felt that way about my body in jeans... not even with my my first pair.

Why? Because the biggest change was not only internal and the way I disciplined myself with workouts and eating for fuel... but that my body was responding... muscles finally showing, curves in the right places, healthy looking... strong.

Even writing about it makes me want to eat healthy food and just workout. It's an ADDICTING lifestyle for me... when you see progress, you get HOOKED.

I want to offer that same feeling to you.. if you give yourself the chance to FALL in LOVE with FITNESS <3

Maybe its not skinny jeans... but a bikini... or maybe its an old dress... heck maybe its to do it because you want to feel good about yourself buttt naked. Thats a feeling I think we should experience... self love is a beautiful thing.

So WHAT now?! How do I join?

Be as detailed as possible so I can help you better with your goals when you fill out the application HERE. 

OH and you're PROBABBBLYYY wondering What is a Challenge?  All that info is included in the link ABOVE or click HERE... <3

Ps you DO need Facebook to be in the group accountability group, if you do not have Facebook, I would be more than happy to communicate through email! If thats the case, please include that in the form above!

To beautiful bodies, minds, skinny jeans, and hearts!

Ciao!

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Transformation Station: Wendie Strickler - down 45lbs

Hello bloggers and followers! Meet Wendie... ""Hi everyone I'm a blessed wife to my husband of 14 yrs & a stay at home, homeschooling momma to 5 kiddos. And now I'm wellness coach w/ Beachbody!

I have finally come to a place in my life that I'm just tired of my unhealthy lifestyle. My start weight was at 283+ lbs only 5 months ago when I decided to change everything! I ordered The 21 Day Fix and the path the wonderful health came hard and fast. Dropped 51+ lbs since and I'M NOT LOOKING BACK  

Please join me in changing our countries fast food, low energy lifestyle, let me help inspire you & root me on as well while I continue on this most wonderful path!""<3 

First and Last Name: 

Wendie Strickler

Program Used for Transformation

The 21 Day Fix

How did you get started with Beachbody?

I tired bb for a hot second about 4 yrs ago but never started the program I bought. This time I saw the 21 day fix in my newsfeed and decided to go w/ Amee as my coach :)

Why did you decided to use this program for your transformation?

I used it cause it did a different workout for each day of the week and it had those colorful containers to teach me how to portion control.

Where does your motivation come from?

This part is always emotional for me...my motivation at first came from that 283+lb woman that was no longer happy and was making her family miserable too. But now being on this journey for almost 5 months my motivation has grown to be because of the people that I am now inspiring to get up and move. Or to eat a cleaner way. I'm motivated by the my husband that looks at me with the same loving eyes as he did 50lbs heavier & by my 5 children's happiness <:

What were your results like? How did that make you feel?

I have to up date my measurement this week but I have lost a total of 45lbs in 4 1/2 months. It makes me feel I'm worthy to look in the mirror and be happy & very proud of who's looking back at me....

What are your honest thoughts about the program?

I truly deep down inside believe that it is a life saver!!! I believe that anyone of any size can find a transformation to be happy with :)

How has your mental fitness changed since day 1 of the program compared to the last day? Besides the physical results, how did it affect you on the inside?

Pushing play was so rough the first week. I was sick to my stomach the first 4 days after each workout. Really gross I know but true....by the end of the program it was ah it and a yearning to include working out everyday....To actually watch what I put into my mouth! Very new to me compared to my old life style!

What 2-3 things do you feel helped you complete your Beachbody program? What tools helped you stay focused?

Autumns personality
My coach
My fast results

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting an at home Beachbody program?

To join a support/challenge group help you feel accountable and get wonderful tips and advice.
I'd tell them that by pushing they are bettering their lives and they are sooooo worth the change!!!

To contact Wendie:

Facebook

Email

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Quaker Oats Cinnamon Apple Pancakes - Easy and Quick

Alright so I took lazy and genius to a new level last week... and I'm hungry so this post will be short.

I didn't feel like using a TON of flour and I didn't want to go to the store and grab something else... so  I used my boyfriends Quaker Oats Variety Pack oatmeal : Cinnamon Apple flavor and got crafty.

What You Need: 

Quaker Oats Cinnamon Apple packet
1/2 cup of milk
1 egg
1tsp of baking powder
1/2 scoop of protein (flavor your choice, I picked cinnamon bun)
1/2c of whole wheat or whole grain flour
1 packet of stevia

Directions: 

1. Mix dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients. Combine, and whisk together. 
2. Heat the pan with coconut oil on medium heat, pour batter on. 
3. Optional: steam apple slices for topping and add cinnamon in syrup
4. Eat - breath - repeat.

Easy, quick, and now I want more. 

CIAO <3

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Fake Bake Flawless Review

The one color I try to avoid all fall and winter is pale -- pale skin and as shallow and vain as that sounds, its the truth. I just feel like I look sickly... and then I can see my veins which just assures me of how white I really am. I like to think though after the years of fake tanner some of it just stays forever (yes, aware that is straight denial).  PS the picture below is JUST using this product... read on!

Judge me all ya want (people do it anyway) but I truly live by that saying, "If ya can't TONE it, TAN it!" and let's face it... we ALL feel more toned when we're tan.

Why do you think those bikini fitness competitors come out looking like they spent 3 days straight in the bed? It makes those muscles POP! Ya just don't want to end like our good friend Ross here...

  

I have to admit something as well... a bit of a confession... when I went on the cruise to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel back in March for work I started tanning in the bed to build a base tan so that when I was there I wouldn't burn. Then I started to spray tan and get in the bed... and I did this for MONTHS. I loved the 'me' time in the bed, laying there, relaxing, warm and cozy. I still miss it but I know the consequences. Especially since my Grandmother had skin removed for sun cancer purposes.

But knowing me... I got... well addicted... See back in high school, my best friend Kristen and I were pretty much OBSESSED with being tan. We practically competed for who was tannest. I know it sounds SO ridiculous now, especially that we are so much more aware of the damage that UV rays cause, but back then we were just kids and could care less.

But I didn't want to be the super pale pasty Irish white girl at school and I guess part of that just stuck with me. I will embrace some of my white-ness during the winter since I'm mostly covered up, but I still like a natural glow. It makes me feel OH so PRETTY =)

Eventually I stopped tanning, however I have the freckles to prove my early years and looking back I do NOT want to look 80 years old when I'm 40. I use to see a lot of tan leather skinned folks in Florida/Heaven's Waiting Room and it didn't look good... in fact it made them look OLDER.

Go figure eh? So I knew it was time to cut the bad habit ... especially considering that my sweet boyfriend asked me to several times because "I want to have as much time with you as I can" AWH. Ok convinced.

So I had to get back to my self tanning days... and I thought I had a pretty solid routine down UNTIL I heard about this elusive FAKE BAKE...

The name says it all ladies.

FAKE. Motha fuggin BAKE. You can get it on Amazon or visit your local Ulta! *cheaper on Amazon*

It's the POO. (aka the shit)

I've been using for over 6 weeks and people are STILL asking me if I tan in the bed. Insert smirk and winky face.

So here it is... in ALL it's glory.

Here's how I apply it:

1. Take a shower and exfoliate -- scrub that body! Then put a little bit of lotion on your feet, toes, ankles, knees, elbows, arm pit creases and any where else you have some creases.

2. Put on gloves (they provide you with them) and bust out the tanning MITT with it. At first I was weary of using a mitt because I thought it would create streaks. WRONG. Its a LIFE SAVER.

3. Spray the mitt several times and then start calves first and work your way down to your feet. I suggest starting with your calves because you want to gradually fade the tan to your feet, not overload them and look like you played in dirt all day (or a hobbit -- have you SEEN those feet?!)

4. When working my inner thighs I like to prop a leg up and make sure that I'm using circular motions to avoid any streaking.

* you may have a hard time reaching your back, so in that case you can have someone help you, attach the mitt to the end of a shower brush or just skip it. Honestly, I just miss a small spot on my middle/upper back but I can't really tell a difference too much. 

*I apply it every 3-4 days depending on how dark I want to be or if I have an event, otherwise about once a week. 

*Wait 4-6 hours before you shower or apply at night and sleep with it on

* It does NOT smell bad in my opinion and it didn't come off on my clothes OR sheets! But to be on the safe side, avoid wearing white right after. I like to stand in front of the fan to completely dry my skin. 

*It's the most natural looking tan I've had -- the color isn't TOO dark for me and isn't too light. 

*Put deodorant on after and do NOT apply Fake Bake to your arm pits or else you will clog your pores and when you sweat THEN it will smell. 

*TRY to avoid sweating for 4-6 hours as well -- sweat tan marks are NOT cute! 

I would LOVE to hear your feedback when you try it and send me your before and afters so I can feature you! <3

Happy Fake Baking ladies!

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Transformation Station/Highlight: Scotti Leona Warren 35lb weight loss!

Something  you may or may not know is that I'm surrounded by beautiful, intelligent and inspiring women. Each have their own story of struggle, success, triumph, failure, and hope but what I LOVE to hear is THEIR story.

I want to share that with you because I figure that out there somewhere there's a woman or two (maybe more) who can relate to my friends and coaches. So a new thing that you'll being seeing over here at From Flab to Fab is REAL women with REAL transformations! No gimmicks, just hard work and workouts, clean diets and authentic results.

So without further adieu FOR the FIRST time EVER... we have the lovely Scotti Warren <3

First and Last Name:

Scotti Leona Warren

Program Used for Transformation

P90x, Insanity, p90x2

How did you get started with Beachbody?

In 2010, my boyfriend started doing Insanity at a point where we were really starting to focus on our physical health and well being. He told me to try p90x first because he thought Insanity would be "too hard" for me. Well, there is nothing that will motivate me more than someone telling me I can't do something so I started p90x and in the summer of 2011, I completed Insanity. That summer was also when I started talking with Melissa Means about Shakeology and I have been drinking that and doing a combination of the three programs mentioned above and Brazil Butt Lift and most recently Piyo ever since!

Why did you decided to use this program for your transformation?

I found I loved the really physically demanding work that p90x and Insanity requires. It has been a way to power through the stress of my work as a social worker and I have had an incredible physical transformation because of them.

Where does your motivation come from?

Initially I was motivated to get rid of the excess weight I had gained over a couple of years of working too many hours in emotionally draining jobs. Now, I am continuously motivated by how amazing I feel when I take care of my body through exercise and eating right. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise and nutrition, taking the time to spend an hour focusing on my own health has increased my capacity to be of service to others and be present in my close relationships.

What were your results like? How did that make you feel?

I have lost 35 pounds since starting Beachbody programs and Shakeology. I have also completed two 15ks, 7 half marathons, and am about to complete my first full marathon in early October. Being able to complete Beachbody programs has given me physical strength to improve my running, but it has also given me confidence to believe I can complete longer and longer distances. I am also not afraid to go on difficult hikes or really long bike rides because I know I can handle it! Also, prior to starting a regular exercise routine or focusing on proper nutrition, I suffered from depression and anxiety. Taking care of my body has done wonders for my mental health and has allowed me to really focus on my work with others.

What are your honest thoughts about the program?

I have loved every Beachbody program I have picked up. They are all well-designed and clearly thought out for whatever goals you have. There are always options to modify or change the schedule to increase intensity.

How has your mental fitness changed since day 1 of the program compared to the last day? Besides the physical results, how did it affect you on the inside?

As I mentioned before, my confidence in my ability to do hard things has increased tenfold! Being able to finally do an unassisted pull up or 20 push ups has translated into me knowing that if I work hard enough at something, I can achieve it! For this reason, I set out in 2014 with the goal of running my first full marathon and I am two weeks away from achieving that goal. If you had asked me if I could run a marathon back in 2010, I would have said, "no way!" Also, using Beachbody programs to carve out "me time" helped me survive graduate school and the emotionally draining work as a social worker.

What 2-3 things do you feel helped you complete your Beachbody program? What tools helped you stay focused?

I have loved the community I have met through Beachbody. From coach groups to accountability or challenge groups, I have been "surrounded" (even if only on-line) by people who have the same goal as me - to be the best version of themselves. If I get out of my workout routine, one glance at my Facebook feed will remind me of the many men and women who face the same struggles to stay on track and continue to push play. Another motivation that has helped me complete a Beachbody program is the feeling of accomplishment as I cross off the days on the workout schedule. I love to make lists and check items off as they are completed, so making copies of the workout schedule for each program that I can then write on and cross off completed workouts gives me a huge sense of accomplishment and keeps me going. Lastly, the results! Who wants to stop doing something that is literally transforming their body over a matter of a couple of months?! Nobody!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting an at home Beachbody program?

I always felt super awkward when I went to the gym at my colleges. I never knew what the heck I was doing and didn't feel comfortable enough to try new things and mess up. Having the workout programs at my house have taken that awkwardness completely out of the equation. Over time, purchasing an at home Beachbody program is a HUGE cost savings when compared to what you would spend on a gym membership. Over the last 4 years, I have accumulated 6 Beachbody programs and I will always have those to mix up my workout routines or go through again and again. Also, my commute time to my living room in the morning is so short, I really have no excuse to not just roll out of bed, put on some workout clothes and just get it done!

If you would like to hear more of Scotti's story or if you have questions for her about her journey/transformation you can contact her:

LIKE PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/BusyGirlGetsFit

IG: @ScottiLeona

BLOG: http://scottileona.com

Amazing Scotti <3 You're ability to LOVE running amazes me! hehe!

Ciao & until we meet again fellow bloggers!

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Sneak Peak into my Photo's -- EEEEK!

Hi gals! How's it hanging? First, I need to apologize on my lack of blogging lately. MAN I do miss it thought! I have some AWESOME stuff coming your way -- transformations, recipes, review on makeup, tanning tips... yeah... so be ready and make sure I'm in your inbox!

BUT FIRST #letmetakeaSELFIE

For some of my readers you know my story... I wasn't fat, but I was flabby.. hence the blog name.. I wanted to go from my skinny flabby short stubby body to something longer, leaner and more curvaceous in the right places -- know what I'm sayin'? Are you picking' up what I'm puttin' down?!

This is where I was:

I wanted to be 'FROM FLAB TO FAB'

So now that I've gotten closer to my goal (yep, not quite there yet!!) I decided after almost 3.5 years of this fitness thing that I should at LEAST reward myself with professional photos for my business and personal use... (and I know some of you are thinking 'about damn time!')

I haven't done head shots or even professional pictures in YEARS... so when I decided to do this, it wasn't a comforting feeling. It was like more like, "OH SHIT. I better eat really good, up those workouts, and be on my game until its camera time" 

I was a little worried before hand about looking my best, but honestly at this point, I've given my best so I knew moving forward with the shoot-- regardless of my weight or cheat meals up until that point, I had pushed myself to a place I NEVER thought I was capable of going to.

I need to shout out to my photographer and new friend, Brandon Colbert who helped the shoot go smooth and easy... I'm no model but it felt great to be able to show off what I've worked hard for!

So ya ready for the goods? Lezzzz go!

Hope you enjoyed it!



I'll leave you with this piece of truth... you don't know how strong you are until that's your only option. Embrace it.

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