Review: Dining At Cinderella's Castle

For Sophia's birthday we made reservations to dine at Cinderella's Castle inside Magic Kingdom. This was our first experience having to make a reservation 6 months in advance with a $150 deposit for a four year old's birthday.

Yes, you read that right. Disney reservations is a cut-throat business!

My food expectations weren't too high for this. I wasn't expecting to eat the best meal I'd ever eaten. It's Disney and there is a line of 1 million toddlers behind you waiting to do the exact same thing. I was expecting a great experience though. 

Our dinner reservations were at 4 pm (the only time slot available when I booked it 6 months prior). 

We were roaming around the park before these reservations, so we weren't in fancy attire at all. In fact, we were hot, sweaty, and needed a shower. Same with everyone else in there. 

This view never gets old and Sophia's face lights up every time she sees it.

When you first walk in you are greeted with a ring of the castle bell and a holler of your family name. Then you're waiting in line to take a picture with Cinderella. 

After meeting the princess, you are taken up a winding stair case into large room with vaulted ceilings and banner kingdom flags. 

This is what you are paying for. 

Once we sat down we were greeted by a elegant waiter. He played the part and spoke to us with such royalty, calling us lady, sir, princess, and queen. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the menu. There were no french fries, burgers, or pizza on the menu.. I don't know why, but I was totally expecting them. 

All meals, including the children's, including an appetizer, entree, and dessert.

The appetizers:

The girl's ordered the cheese and grape bowls.

Angelo & I shared the Castle Salad: Mixed Greens, Apples, Cucumbers, and Candied Walnuts topped with shaved Romano Cheese with a hint of Herb Vinaigrette

and the "Royal Tasting of Cheese"

The Entrees: 

Seasonal Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables: Eggplant, Mushrooms, Onions, and Squash tossed with Gnocchi, Arugula, Brown Butter Sauce, and finished with shaved Drunken Goat Cheese and Leeks

Pan-seared All-Natural Chicken served with Farro Risotto, Seasonal Vegetables, Rendered Pancetta, and Poultry Jus

All the food was appealing and satisfying. Add a little salt and you got yourself a great meal. 

The Dessert: 

The Castle Signature Dessert: Chocolate Tart with Caramel, Hazelnut, Chocolate Sauce, Raspberry Sauce, and Gelato

The Princess Birthday Dessert: 
This was an up-charge and add-on for Sophia's birthday.

I didn't get any pictures of the girl's entrees, and to be honest they barely touched them. Sophia ordered the Beef Tenderloin and only ate the corn. Penelope ordered the Roasted Chicken leg and only are maybe a bite or two. 

Maybe we should of stuck with the chicken nuggets...I think they were too entertained and excited about all the princess's stopping by our table. 

Would I do it again? Maybe in a couple years for another birthday celebration. 

I didn't do this for the food and I wouldn't recommend someone to do it just for the food. I did it for Sophia to DINE IN CINDERELLA'S CASTLE. We could of ordered a 4-count from Chic-fila and brought it inside to eat and it would of been just as magical for her. 

If you're child is into Cinderella or any Disney Princess it's a must do. You sit down to eat and the princesses come to you! No standing in lines for hours to get a picture. 

In Sophia's words, "My favorite part was talking to the princesses".

XOXO

FitSnack Subscription Box Review

Last month I received my first Fit Snack subscription Box. 

If you aren't familiar with Fit Snack, it is a monthly subscription box for "healthy" on-the-go snacks. They have 4 different plans available, starting at $23.90 a month. Each month you receive a box (pictured above) full of 7-10 products that are GMO free, high in protein, organic, raw, or vegan. You will either get a sample of the product, or full sized. 

From the website: Perfect on-the go, guilt-free snacks just for you. 
We are a deluxe snack box. Every month is different and each box is packed with at least $30.00 in value.

Let's go inside July's Fit Snack Box:

1. Yummari Endurance Bites: I received the Chocolate Banana flavor Yummari bite. This is my first introduction to Yummari products, and the texture and taste reminded me of Lara Bars. Also, I loved the ingredient list! This is a keeper endurance snack and I would love to try the Chocolate Chip & Coffee flavor!

2. Columbia County Flax Granola: I received the Fruit & Berry Flax Granola. At first I thought it was really strange, only because it's different. Instead of your normal granola made with oats, this is made with Flax seed. This granola is nut free, vegan, paleo, gluten free, and made without refined sugars. I used this granola on top of a smoothie bowl I made at home, and while it's definitely different, I thought it was good and a great additional to my bowl! 

(Source)

3. Skinny Pop Popcorn: I've purchase huge bags of Skinny Pop Popcorn from Costco in the past. This single serving sized bag was gone within 10 minutes of the box being opened. Perfect snack! 

4. Justin's Nut Butter: I LOVED this little nut butter to-go. It was the Hazelnut Butter flavor, which I've never had before. It was deliciously paired with a banana for a quick and healthy snack. 

5. Honey Stinger Energy Chews: I've used Honey Stinger brand chews before for different races. I'm a fan. These were the grapefruit flavored chews. The only problem I have with Honey Stinger brand chews is the size of the packaging, and no where to put them during a race. But the flavor is great and they melt in your mouth! Also, they don't hurt my stomach, which is a major plus! 

6. Level Life Protein Bars: I'm always skeptical on protein bars, especially ones that are dessert flavored.  They are a hit-or-miss with me, and I have to say I wasn't a fan of these. I I ate half of one bar and couldn't finish it. Also, I wasn't a huge fan of the ingredient list. 

7. Trophy Nut Roasted Peanuts: You can't go wrong with roasted nuts...right?! These peanuts were enjoyed on our road-trip to Disney last weekend! Perfect "fit snack!" 

8. Musclewerks DeTrim Capsules: I threw these out almost immediately. I'm not into weight loss pills and I was very surprised to find these in a FitSnack box. 

Overall the Fit Snack was a great first experience! I enjoyed a majority of the products I received and I'm glad I wasn't familiar with them. I love being introduced and trying new products!

I have to say I was kind of turned off when I saw the DeTrim capsules... as weight loss/diet pills don't exactly say "healthy snack" to me. But that's another blog post...

I can't wait to see what's in this month's Fit Snack Box!!

If you're interested in trying a Fit Snack Subscription Box, click this link for more info!

XOXO

REVIEW: Malio's Prime Steakhouse

Review: Malios Prime Steakhouse
400 North Ashley Drive #310
Tampa, FL 33602

Malio’s Prime Steakhouse has been in Tampa since before I can remember. Doing some research, I found out it actually first opened in 1969! Back then it was in a different location (off Dale Mabry) and I couldn't even begin to tell you what was on the menu. I'm sure there are similarities to today's menu. But, I’ll start off in 2007, when it relocated to where it is today, downtown Tampa, right on the Hillsborough River.

It’s kind of shocking that it’s been around for so long and many people who asked where we went to dinner on New Year’s Eve, followed up with a “where’s that?” I've driven by the restaurant weekly for years and always thought “We have to go there someday”. I’m going to blame it on the location, downtown Tampa, and it not being a real happenin’ place at night yet.

The parking can be a bit confusing, as Angelo didn't have a clue on where to even park. Once we did some U-turns, we drove up the driveway and spotted the valet stand, which is not complimentary.

We had reservations at 6:30 pm (party of 4) and we were kind of looking forward to getting some items off their Happy Hour Menu. It turns out they weren't offering that menu since it was New Year’s Eve, so that was a bummer.

To get to the restaurant, you walk through the lobby floor of the sky rise. The restaurant has a very “hotel/business meeting” feeling.

What we ate:

Fried Calamari: Sweet Pepper Drizzle, Parmesan, Crispy Salami & Pepperoni. Marinara to dip.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: This appetizer came with 2 crab cakes.

Malio’s Salad:  I got this salad as a side/starter with my steak. It wasn't anything special.

Steaks: I ordered the 6 oz filet, while Angelo ordered the 8 oz filet. They were both slightly under cooked, but good flavor.

Sides: We ordered 4 sides to split between the four of us. Smoked Gouda Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Baby Button Mushrooms, and French Fries. I don’t think any of those needs a description. They were your traditional steakhouse a la carte sides. I do want to say that the French Fries were deliciously crispy.

Dessert:

Cheesecake and Crème Brulee

Drinks:

Champagne: Champagne Overload over here!

Moscow Mules: Angelo didn't think they had enough vodka in them.

The complaint box:
The happy hour menu wasn't available on New Years Eve.

We all think the waitress politely kicked us out, but it was about midnight and we just needed to leave at that point anyways. She was nice.

Score Card

On a scale from 1-5 stars (in the high end Steakhouse category) Malio’s Prime gets a 3!
While our food was excellent and I would probably go back again someday, I don’t think there was anything special about any of the menu items we ordered.  It’s your cookie cutter steakhouse with the same sides and appetizers as their competition (Flemings, Charley’s). I do like the location; it’s the only steakhouse in the downtown area, so it would definitely be a great place to go if you have tickets to a show at the Straz or Tampa Theatre. 

Have you been to Malio's before? Did you have a good experience?

What is your favorite Steakhouse in the Tampa area?

XOXO

The Andy Cohen Diaries

One of my goals in 2015 is to read more books. 

My plan to  achieve this goal is to fade out the mindless Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest scrolling. Is there really anything on there that we need to go on multiple times a day to check?! NO! (Unless you run your business through there.)

I do promote my business on social media, so I know it can't be totally exiled. But, when I'm bored in car line, on a road trip, or sitting in bed, I plan to put down my phone and pick up my Kindle more often.

With that being said, I have finished my first book of the year. The Andy Cohen Diaries. 

If you're looking for a tell-all with juicy stories about housewives or other "Bravo Celebrity", unfortunately you're not going to get much. He did say some things that were like "OMG!", but he didn't give names, so you're just sitting there thinking, "Damn I wonder who that was!!?" I guess that's what left me hanging on for more, but I never got it. 

It goes through his dating life (nothing sexual), his many trips to Sag Harbor, and how he became a father (but shouldn't be celebrated on Father's Day) to his rescue pup, Wacha. 

This book is exactly what the title implies. It's a diary. Andy goes day by day for an entire year and writes about his feelings/vacations/dates/job/etc. It's more about him, and not about anyone else. Maybe because he's just so horrible with names and remembering people? I mean, he doesn't even remember the name of some of the housewives he runs into on the street. Didn't he hire them?!

Through out the book, Andy spends a lot of time with people I know nothing about and calls them by their first name. How am I supposed to know who Bruce and Liza are? Maybe they were introduced in his first book, which I'm contemplating if I should even read or not. Based on this book, it's at the end of my Must Reads. 

What I enjoyed about The Andy Cohen Diaries:  His conversations with his parents made me laugh and smile. His memories of Natasha Richardson made me wish she was still here and acting. And his name dropping of restaurants let me know where to go eat next time I'm in NYC. 

What I wanted more of from The Andy Cohen Diaries: More of his conversations with people like Kelly Ripa, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jimmy Fallon. Less of "I went here and we talked about this". I want details because that's where the laughs come in!

Now it's on to the next book.. I just bought The Glitter Plan: How We Started Juicy Couture for $200 and Turned It into a Global Brand and am about 100 pages in. A total business advice book, good stuff. Hopefully I learn something for WeTheYoung! ;)

XOXO

REVIEW: ULELE

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Ulele

1810 N Highland Ave

Tampa, FL 33602

ULELE (YOU-LAY-LEE) just opened in Tampa in August of this year. It is located on the Riverwalk, North of downtown Tampa, right next to the newly renovated/restored Water Works Park.

When we first pulled up to Ulele, there was a , “OK where do we park?” moment. But no worries, complimentary valet is there for you! 

It was a downpour last night and running to the doors under an umbrella didn't allow for any views of the amazing Waterworks Park.

Once we walked through the doors, we met our friends at a table by the bar where everyone was waiting until our table was waiting. Everyone had a drink in their hand, and so I annoyingly asked to try them all. Right next to the bar is an open-air grill with flames crackin’ and food cookin’. Great restaurant atmosphere.

The décor of the restaurant is eye catching from the beginning, starting with a glass enclosed wine cellar located under the staircase. The building is also highlighted with stained glass windows, modern sculptures(including a huge horse statue), and industrial accents. Just Gorgeous.

What we ate:

Oysters: These babies were huge! Two different people at our table ordered Oysters. Personally, I don't like oysters, but all were eaten and smiles were seen. 

Lobster Cake: Small appetizer (One large patty). Paired with a cucumber and ginger salad. Delicious

14 oz NY Strip Topped with buttery sauteed crab (Night Special): The hubs and I shared this plate. The steak was perfectly cooked to our liking and the crab on top was a superb partner.

Berkshire Pork Chop: This was ordered by my friend sitting right next to me, so obviously I snuck a bite. And a tasty bite it was. 

Squash Gratin: Roasted zucchini, summer squash, onions, and tomatoes topped with a cheese (manchego) crust. This was basically my meal, since the hubs almost devoured the steak.

White Cheddar Popcorn Mashed Potatoes: This deliciousness was hiding under our steak.  With garlic and cheese, you can’t go wrong. Then they top it with white cheddar popcorn and your mashed potato world will never be the same.

Mac and Cheese:  I’m not hard to satisfy with mac n cheese. As long as it’s creamy and cheesy, I’m sold. This was no disappointment.

White Limas and Collards: My favorite side. Simply collards and lima beans sautéed in olive oil, and garlic. A bowl of green heaven.  

Drinks: Ulele has their own on-site brewery!

Ulele Light: While this beer wasn't a huge success, it wasn't bad. Just a simple light beer.

Wedding Beer: A Fruit based beer and table favorite.

Native Summer: Also a table favorite. A Gin based cocktail served in a tall glass filled with cucumber slices. .

Moscow Mule: This wasn't on the “Handcrafted Cocktail” list but the hubs ordered one anyways. OK OK, I know we just need to stop ordering these at restaurants. If you want to try a good Moscow Mule, ask my sister-in-law to make you one.

The complaint box:
Our main food dishes took little longer than expected to come to the table. We had a rather larger party, and I was taking a tour of the restrooms and outside sitting area (when it stopped raining) to really care anyways.

Score Card

On a scale from 1-5 stars (in the high end restaurant category) Ulele gets a 5! It’s been a while since I was so impressed with almost everything about a restaurant. It is just an overall neat place. The food, décor, staff, everything was unique.  I highly recommend having a date night or night out with some friends at Ulele!

XOXO

REVIEW: Gratzzi Italian Grille

Graztti Italian Grille

221 2nd Street, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

This same restaurant used to be at BayWalk (before the complex went down the drain) in downtown St. Petersburg. We went a handful of times many years ago and I remember it being really good Italian food, our favorite being their gnocchi.

Last night we went to their new location (still in downtown St. Petersburg). It has a loud, family atmosphere with an upscale bar/restaurant feel.  It was a Monday and it was PACKED with people! The owner was walking around flirting with everyone and actually cooked one of our meals right in front of us! Our daughter enjoyed it, after she got over her fear of the huge flame. Her face says it all in this picture…

What we ate: The menu has all the Italian classics and grille items. Their bar menu is brought out on an iPad and their wine menu is extensive.

Moscow Mules – ehhhh, by this point you should know how I feel about Moscow Mules. They have to be perfect to get an A from me. My Hubs ordered one and said he wouldn’t order it again. Boo

Chicken Isabella – Grilled chicken topped with goat cheese, prosciutto, and asparagus. Great flavor! I would recommend if you want something other than pasta.

Goat Cheese Baked Ziti – We Ordered it with a vodka sauce. The hubs loaded it with parmesan cheese (like everything else) so I didn’t get a good taste but it was devoured by him and our girls, so I’m guessing it was delicious.

Gnocchi – I had a bite of this dish and it was just as good as I remembered!

Cavatelli Bada Bing – This is the dish that is made table side with the big flame. I didn’t taste any but the entertainment was good...

The complaint box:
None!

Score Card

 On a scale from 1-5 stars (in the restaurant/bar category), Gratzzi gets a 4.5! 

The place was great. Perfect atmosphere for a group of friends/family or just going to the bar to get some drinks. I wouldn't recommend it for a romantic place, as it was kind of loud. I felt bad for the couple in front of us trying to have a conversation…while we're doing these shenanigans at the table..

XOXO

REVIEW: 21 Day Fix

21 Day Fix Review

If you don't know what the 21 day fix is CLICK HERE

It’s been  over a month since I completed the 21 day fix.  I started it on July 7^th (after consuming truckloads of junk over the fourth of July weekend), so my 21 days of torture were complete on July 28^th. I lost a total of 10 lbs and got back into my non-maternity clothes! My goal was to lose at least 4 lbs, so my expectations were surpassed! Will I do it again? Yes, I will probably do it again after every baby I have (I plan on having more) and maybe after the holidays and the 100 cookie/desserts/breads I will gladly and joyfully consume. 

Pros:
Makes you really look at what you’re eating in regards to how much vegetables, fruits, proteins, etc.  I realized I wasn't getting enough vegetables or protein in my diet and was eating too much fruit. I mean fruit isn't bad in any way but to meet my daily goals, I had to switch a fruit out for a vegetable and up my protein. I’m not a huge red meat eater so I ate a lot of eggs, chicken, greek yogurt, and veggie burgers for my proteins.

At home workouts are my favorite! If you know anything about me, I LOVE workout dvds or any at home workouts. I've completed P90x and Insanity in the past. The 21 Day Fix workouts are only 30 minutes long. PERFECT! If you’re looking for an “insanity” workout, this isn’t it. They are much toned town compared to Insanity, but still a very good workout. When I did the first workout, I was like “OK this is kind of lame...” but after a couple days I started to love them! I really enjoyed the Pilates and Upper fix workouts. FYI: Autumn reminds me of Miley Cyrus

It really works! If you’re looking to lose some L-Bs that you can’t seem to shake off by doing whatever you've been doing, this will help! I could not for the LIFE of me get the last 3-5 lbs off after having Nelpe. I know that’s not a lot but none of my clothes were really fitting me yet so it was frustrating! 

Nothing is "banned" I was totally expecting to feel very restricted before we started but I didn't really feel that way. I ate a piece of toast almost every morning. Most other diets I've ever done bread is looked at like Satan, which is silly. ;) I know carbs are a wonderful thing and what gives our body the energy and fuel we need. I would not be a very nice person without carbs. So I LOVED that I could still eat bread and oats. Obviously gummy bears or snickers aren't on the fix, but there are some loop holes and negotiating allowed. For example, a cookie or glass of wine would be counted as 2 yellows. I don't recommend eating cookies or drinking wine, but you can if you want in very limited portions. 

Your wallet gains weight, as in you don't spend a lot of money eating out. Our grocery bill also went down by a lot! I was used to spending over $100 a week on groceries, and during these 3 weeks it was about $70. A lot of fruits and vegetables. The main cost was our meat/protein. 

Cons:
Do not attempt to be social during that 21 days, unless the people you are social with are also following the 21 day fix. I had to attend birthday parties and sporting events while on the fix and it was not easy. I think I was actually drooling while singing Happy Birthday and watching people cut birthday cake. Sometimes it felt like torture, but I lived! There’s an out to eat Restaurant guide if needed. We went to eat 2 times during these 21 days. Once was at Chipotle, where I ate chicken, lettuce, beans, and salsa. The other was at J.Alexander’s where I ate rotisserie chicken with steamed veggies. I had to bite my tongue when the waiter asked if we wanted dessert…carrot cake at J.Alexander’s…MMMMM!

Meal Planning and prepping takes time!  Meal Planning is definitely a positive thing but the time it takes can be a head ache. I would prep our meals every Sunday and it would take me about 4 hours. After the first week it was a lot easier since I knew what I could and couldn't have without having to go back to look at the book 10 times. CROCKPOT was key!

You will gain some weight back after not following the fix meal plan.  The weight I was at when I completed the 21 days was not a maintainable weight for me, especially if I was going back to my “normal” relationship with food. I gained about 3 lbs back in the past month but have been maintaining where I want to be. Now my “normal” relationship with food is pretty healthy/clean eating. If you go back to eating junk all the time, well…you’ll probably gain all the weight back and then some. So, just don’t do that.

Tips:

If you’re going to set out to complete the fix, suck it up for 21 days and do it. You’ll feel accomplished and glad you did! 

Do it with a partner!! I did the fix with my husband, sister-in-law, and brother. My sister-in-law and I would text constantly about meal ideas and if I was having a weak moment, she would talk me off the cliff of cascading chocolate. 

If you feel hungry, chug some water and chew some gum.

Search “21 day fix recipes” on Pinterest for ideas. I made a lot of recipes from Pinterest which kept the food interesting

If you have a sweet tooth, make some of the “zing” recipes in the 21 day fix book or make my “brownie batter” dessert recipe. (On pointe! and still a go-to sweet tooth satisfier in mi casa)

I think that's about it. If you have any questions, feel free to email or comment on this post.

Hope this was helpful for some!!

XOXO

REVIEW: Anise Global Gastropub

Anise Global Gastropub777 North Ashley DriveTampa, FL 33602

A relatively new restaurant in downtown (opened beginning of 2013), Anise has a good feeling to it when you walk in. It has a long inviting bar when you walk in, making you think “Ohhh let’s see that bar menu!”  With smaller tables scattered over to the sides and Asian inspired décor on the walls.

There’s a TV over the bar (for all your football fanatics) so the boys could watch theys foosball.

The menu is kind of all over the place. I was thinking it was all going to be Asian-ish food but then they throw Mac n Cheese and deviled eggs in there. Guess that's where "Global" enters. Whatever, it works!

What we ate:
The menu is tapas/small plate style (hubs is not a fan of these types, but I am!)

Moscow Mules – No Bueno!  I guess I’m a Moscow mule snob or something (because my sister-in-law & hubs make PHENOMENAL Moscow mules) but these were just {insert sour face}. I’ve come to find out that Moscow Mules are very simple drinks to make. They got it all twisted and messed up a good thing. Keep it simple ladies

Deviled Eggs –I’m a fan of deviled eggs and these were good! Served with a tiny piece of bacon on top and daaaaamn.

Baked Goat Cheese – Another hit and great pick for an appetizer! Comes with bread and the bread is like HEAVEN right out of the oven.

Charcuterie & Cheese Plate – This is fancy and even though everything on the plate was good, I’m just not a fan of these things. They give you 1-2 tiny pieces of 4 different cheeses to share between like 6 people. Not happening bro. The guys barely even touched it. They probably didn't want to get death stares from us ladies over taking the single piece of cheese. LOL

Truffled Tator tots – Good, nothing too special. I mean unless tator tots are cold and soggy, they’re good.

Sticky Buns –We ordered the Chinese BBQ Port and Fried Zucchini buns. These little steamed buns are delicious. Bravo Anise

Lobster Mac & Cheese – ehhh. The hubs is a huge Mac & Cheese person and he had like 2 bites. Not impressed.

The complaint box:
I don’t really have any complaints…other than the Moscow mule being a bust, everything was good and I enjoyed my time eating here.

Score Card

 On a scale from 1-5 stars (in the restaurant/bar category), Anise gets a 4.5! Good for you Anise! Hope you stick around!

XOXO

REVIEW: EATS! American Grill

EATS!American Grill

This is a fairly new restaurant in town (opened within the past month or 2). We decided to give it a try last Friday. It is a sports bar type restaurant with TVs and sport paraphernalia decorating the walls, and a bunch of beers on tap. 

I heard two things before we went:

"You Gotta have their Rib & Mac sandwich" and "It’s an overpriced burger place."

What we ate:
Key West Style Moscow Mules –this was a “special” so I don’t know if they serve them all the time, but it wouldn't hurt to ask because THESE WERE GOOOOD! 

Fried Pickles – let’s be clear, if there’s fried pickles on the menu, you best believe I’m ordering them. It’s just the right thing to do. You can’t really go wrong with fried pickles so obvi these were fried goodness.

Rib & Mac Sandwich – Pulled pork topped with macaroni & cheese in between texas toast. This was OK. I didn't think it was spectacular or anything. It was actually a little dry.

The V Jack Burger - pulled pork sandwiched between two small burger patties, topped with cheese & bacon…On a hamburger bun.

-      
The complaint box: I’m not one to make complaints…BUT what would a restaurant review be like without them?

I     - I think the pulled pork was sort of dry. I didn't eat the bread of the sandwich so I can only imagine the dryness if I did. The hubs told me to just douse it with ranch. He’d eat cardboard with ranch…

-The service was slow. I know this can be part of being a new restaurant and still trying to iron out some kinks, but it was slow and took forever to get water cups filled.

Score Card

 On a scale from 1-5 stars (in the sports bar category), EATS! gets a 3.5

All in all, the food was OK, but absolutely nothing healthy about it. Sometimes you just have those kind of dinners…It’s good for the soul, right? They have this special sauce (kind of like ranch) that is real good and my husband dipped absolutely everything in.

This is a great place to go watch sports with a group of friends. 

Review: Insantiy DVD Workout Program

I heard some stories about how hard the Insanity workout program was and some people actually getting hurt from jumping into it “unprepared”. How does someone prepare them self for a new workout regime? Well, I've always been pretty active and walked/jogged almost every day until the week I gave birth. I started jogging/running again when I got the clearance from my doctor, which was about 3 weeks before I started Insanity.

When I started the Insanity DVD program I was 8 weeks post-partum. I did the program from beginning to end, only missing about 5 out of the 54 workouts. I was sore for about a month straight but not to the point where I couldn’t do the workout.  My baby Sophia loved watching me do the exercises while she sat in her bouncer or lounger and since it was only 30-45 minutes she didn’t get bored and start fussing. I guess she loved watching me jump up and down, breathing heavily, on the verge of collapse. ;)

Pros:

Amazing workout with ShaunT as your trainer
Never gets “easy” therefore I never got bored with it
Can push yourself as little or as much as you want
Can do the workout at home or on vacation because it requires little space
Videos are under an hour long
A day off per week
Good stretching routine during and at the end of the videos
No equipment required. I used a yoga mat for pushups and such since I was on my living room tile.
RESULTS!

Cons: 
Not for people who have knee or joint issues since the exercises are high-impact
Music isn’t the best. Sometimes I wore my iPod when I needed some extra motivation

My results: I lost a total of 17 lbs of flab. I tightened up my stomach, arms, butt, and thighs. Improved my speed, endurance, and flexibility.  

BEFORE                           AFTER

Love, Alex