The Holiday Wind Down...

Hey Everyone!

While I may be a tad late to wish you all a Merry Christmas, it's not too late for a Happy Holiday or a Happy New Year!!!

Not posting a specific Christmas blog was actually on purpose! lol (seriously, I considered it and decided to do something a little different).

I am a self proclaimed Christmas fanatic... I love everything about the season! This includes the snow (or in our case lack of :( this year until Boxing day).
Crowds, craziness and alike add to the fun for me, yep I know it's not for everyone but I really do love it all!

This year for some reason I felt an absence of excitement. Maybe it was because this is the first Christmas without my Dad? Maybe the lack of snow which I love so much? Regardless, I found myself forcing the whole Christmas feeling much of the time.
Regardless of the reason, I decided to keep my "holiday" blog until closer to New Year.
Don't get me wrong, Christmas was great. Time spent with friends and family was much needed and appreciated.

Now back to my blog! lol

If you turn on any tv channel or radio station you'll notice a trend... lists! Top 10 moments, sports plays, songs, movies etc. etc.

Sooooo, who am I to mess with a good thing?! Lol

I have decided to compile a partial list of some of my favourite moments of 2012!!! Notice I said PARTIAL!!! :P and in NO particular order!

Sidney breaking her first board!!! lol

Pretty EPIC moment at the Chinese New Year celebration :)

The birth of my niece Elliott :) seen here with my niece Pea (Payton).

Seeing PITBULL in concert!!!! 

Experiencing the Arnolds Sports fest with some AMAZING people!!!

Helping to build a Habitat house :)

Finally getting my chandelier tattoo!!! 

All of the amazing and inspiring friends I have met! 

Some of my favourite memories (work wise) come from being part of my Brides wedding day and this year was no exception! 

It would make for an insanely long blog to post all my weddings/events from 2012 but here is a couple of highlights ;)

Clearly not a wedding but such an incredible honour to get my Coach and friend ready for a photo shoot!

Getting longtime friend and fellow boot camper Trixie ready for her wedding!

And last but certainly not least... one of my BFF's Vicki :)

Getting Vicki ready for her big day was a blessing and highlight of my year!

So there you have it folks! While I'm sure I've left out a bunch of awesomeness, this is just a taste of the greatness that 2012 brought!

It is so easy to dwell on the past and the sadness or heartbreak it may have brought.

I could sit here and label 2012 as the year I lost my Dad... that is true BUT what good does it serve to blanket a year in one sadness when so much happiness was felt as well?!

At least that's how I'm choosing to look at it all :)

So now what? 

Well this is probably the part where I'm supposed to blurt out a bunch of resolutions for 2013 right? lol

Giving much thought to resolutions has left me with one definite... keep on keeping on! 

That's all I've got for right now and that is perfectly fine with me. :)

In the words of my Poppy (my Dads father).. "Be happy". Sounds like a good plan to me and I wish the same for you all! ;)

Until next time, 

Happy New Year Hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

Holiday Cravings!!!

Hey Everyone!

I bet many of you are feeling the same, Holiday treats EVERYWHERE!!! What's a girl (or boy lol) to do?!?!

My holiday cravings fall into two very specific categories...

1. Chocolate

2. Cinnamon/Spice (I include fruitcake in this category, I love fruitcake... don't judge!) ;)

I will leave the topic of chocolate alone... for now :P (I will address that in another blog)

Now cinnamon...Mmmmmmmm....cinnamon!!!

Nothing feels more like Christmas and the Holidays to me then the smell, and better yet, taste... of cinnamon!

Great bonus of this wonderful spice is that it has a whack load of health benefits!

Check out this (partial) list...

* regulates blood sugar and suppresses hunger
* helps lower bad LDL Cholesterol
* shown to help decrease pain associated with arthritis
* may help to decrease signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
* aids in minimizing menstrual pains (this does NOT mean go eat a Cinnamon Bun and skip your cramps!) lol

Ok, so Cinnamon is awesome!
What next? Step away from the baked goods!!!

There are super simple ways to get the same riboflavin (my fancy word for taste ;) without killing your entire week of dieting efforts.

Try adding cinnamon and maybe a little stevia or honey to your greek yogurt, for instance.

Because I AM a BeautyFit girl, the new Sin-o-bun BeautyWhey is a staple for me.
It really is kind of ridiculous that it tastes so good! lol No complaints here though!!!

So this is my favourite oatmeal!! 

May not look like much but I would take someone down if they stood between me and this bowl of goodness!!!

The recipe is so difficult that your head may explode...

1/2cup dry oatmeal (not instant)
water to cover plus a little more
put it in a microwave safe bowl
nuke for 3min
add 1 scoop sin-o-bun BeautyWhey
stir... eat

WHOA BABY!!!! ;) It tastes like oatmeal cookie dough!

If you're looking for something on the frozen treat side, try this...

This is the closest thing to drinking pumpkin pie!!! Mmmmmm!!!

In a blender combine 1 scoop Sin-o-Bun BeautyWhey with 3 cubes of frozen pumpkin puree (incase you missed that blog, I freeze pumpkin puree in ice cube trays).

Add approx 6oz - 8oz of water and blend.

That's it!!! 

So between these two quick fixes, I have my cinnamon/spice craving covered!!! ;) 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a robot, sometimes a girl just needs...

FRUITCAKE!!! :D

(Insane yummy Fruitcake made by my friend Lindsey!) 

Remember the whole dieting/eating clean and healthy throughout the holidays thing is NOT rocket science. Just remember...

Til next time...

Fruitcake hugs... Crystal :) xo

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all well and enjoying the first tell tale signs of winter coming!!! (Hey, stop your groaning lol I LOVE Winter!!! AND CHRISTMAS!!!)

While there are valid arguments to be made for keeping the past in the past, there is also a benefit to not forgetting where you started.

I'm actually writing this because I made a promise to a couple of the ladies at bootcamp.

This whole weight loss/ lifestyle change has been 2years in the making for me. I tend to forget that many of the women I meet don't know that I was obese until they add me to Facebook or hear my story through others at camp and check out my blog.

Each time a new boot camp starts, I get the chance to meet the "newbies"! lol This truly is a term of endearment as you are only a "newbie" for one hour... after that, you're one of Coach Compton's Beauties and therefore... a sister!
I'm a social kind of person (understatement of the year ;) and love chatting it up before and after camp.
It's inevitably, during one of these conversations that someone asks about how hard it was for me to start.

I've unfortunately seen too many women give up on themselves because they thought, like I did, that they were a lost cause OR that working out is too hard.

Well, here is the story of my very first training session with Sam... it's my way of showing you that it is possible if you want it bad enough...

Late August 2010, (stargate log... hahahaaaa sorry my inner nerd wrote that! ;)

It's a Tuesday morning, the first day of my new "journey". I'm determined to make it stick this time... I'm PUMPED!!!
I'm wearing size 22 black yoga pants and a red tshirt that is bedazzled with the words... ADDICTED TO GLAMOUR (still have the shirt btw!) OH and I'm wearing mascara!

Sandra comes to my home (can't go AWOL at your own house lol) with a duffle bag of stuff and a blue exercise ball.
I'm all stoked because I have an elliptical... wooooooo me!!! lol
I'm told to do a warmup of 10min on said elliptical, on the easiest setting I might add.

10min pass... I'm winded as HELL and beet red in the face I'm sure!

Sam brings out the big blue exercise ball and shows me how to do wall squats with it.... I do one set, then get 3 into the second set....

BOOM!!! Dizzy, seeing spots, want to hurl badly.

Next thing I know, I'm on my couch being fed sugar water.
I have strict instructions to take it easy and eat some fruit. I feel like a complete moron... and a failure!!!
Well, it was nice knowing Sam... even if it was for a short time. There is no way I'm going to see her again, I'm sure she doesn't do lost causes!

I get a msg from Sam a few hours later... asking how I'm doing. That's nice! Making sure I'm not dead lol I'm fine, she can move on knowing I'm still breathing.

Wednesday, another message making sure I'm ok and telling me to go for a walk. Wow, she's really going above and beyond before she fires me.

Thursday, HOLY $#!T! Sam's at my door! I really did not think she'd be coming back.
While I thought I was a lost cause, she clearly did not agree.
SO if this woman is willing to give me another go at it, who am I to waste her time?!?!

Guess what? I did that entire 1hr session. Was it hard? You'd better effing believe it!!! I will never forget the training sessions at my house!
Walking lunges from my kitchen to my living room, wall squats and pushups on my stairs. Each one of these were the hardest things I've ever done... until the next thing!

Incase you missed the "secret" here it is... regardless if you're on your first workout or your 700th, this is the one truth...
Your workouts will never get "easier"... it's YOU thats getting stronger! PERIOD!

Stick with it... one day at a time.

And on that note...

Here is one of my fave "getting pumped up" jams ;)

Till next time,

Hugs from memory lane!

-Crystal :) xo

How to Survive Hallowe'en!!! Aaahhhhhhh!!!!!

Hey Everyone!

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!!!

Let me start by saying... I am a HUGE CHICKEN S#!T... yep! It's true!!!

There is only one person to blame for this....

Freaking Michael Myers... ***SHIVER***

I'm deleting that pic off my computer ASAP!!!

Seriously CREEPY, scares the shiite outta me!!!

OK... Bunnies, unicorns, rainbows.... 

I'll attempt to continue :P

Back on track.... lol

This is my 3rd Hallowe'en sans gluttony! lol

Soooo I thought I'd share what has become my Hallowe'en tradition to avoid mowing down on chocolate etc....

Sugar Snap Peas!!!

They're crunchy and sweet and yummy (especially if you have some hummus)!!!

SSP's have been my go to since I first began my weight loss mission. From Hallowe'en to late night munchie cravings, they've been there for me.... *sigh* LOL

The next trick to avoiding ghastly gobbling ;) Buying treats you DON'T LIKE!!!

While some people (like my family) love NIBS etc. I am a chocoholic... Period! :P

These treats pose zero threat to my diet. YAY Me!!!

Now to avoid the hoard of mini chocolate bars that will soon enter my home.... :S

Wish this could be longer for you but my doorbell keeps ringing!!! ;) 

Til next time...

and speaking of Protein... my Sin-O-Bun BeautyWhey is here!!! 

Make sure to order some, it's ridiculously delicious! (More to come in a later Blog ;)

Hallowe'en Hugs.... BOO!!!

-Crystal :) xo

Happy Thanksgiving!!! (Canada) ;) and recipe!!!

Hi Everyone!

For all of my Canadian friends and family... Happy Thanksgiving!!! and for all of my American peeps, I will celebrate all over again in November in your honour! lol (any excuse for TURKEY!!!)

This pretty much sums up how I feel about this time of year! (wait til winter hits ;) lol

Wanted to share with you all some photos from my new favourite spot...

There is this great natural area just up the road from my house. Its been outfitted with some paved and unpaved trails, bridges, lookouts....

and strategically placed flat boulders which just beg to be jumped on! lol

I seriously ran past these my first time on the trail and backtracked to do plyo jumps!!! :P It was almost a moment of WWSD (what would Sam do?!) hahahaaaa

There are 6 of them in this spot, 10 reps on each = better legs and backside! :D

This is the view from one of the lookouts onto the pond.

As many of you know, I'm not a natural "runner", I force every step. BUT, for whatever reason, running is where I end up when I'm missing my Dad. This place has just become very welcoming for me :) 

I find trail running a great challenge! Because of the constant change of terrain, its not "boring" and I find myself being continuously challenged with inclines, declines and ever appearing branches! lol

I didn't go to the trails here once during the spring or summer but the lure of fall colours were too much to resist. Low and behold, I have a new "home" to add to my list. Being that this is my first Thanksgiving without Dad, it's perfect.

Ok! I also promised many of you the recipe for my Clean Pumpkin Muffins!!!

So here it is...

Clean Pumpkin Muffins

Preheat oven to 350*F

1 egg + 2 whites

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) canned OR homemade

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup wheat bran

1 cup oats (not instant)

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup dark organic chocolate chips (at least 70%cocoa)

approx 1/2 cup skim milk

*optional 3/4 cup mild cheddar cheese cut into mini cubes

1. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs and honey

2. Add olive oil, pumpkin and vanilla

3. In a large bowl, mix remaining dry ingredients and make a well in the centre

4. Pour liquid ingredients into well and mix just until combined using the skim milk to loosen the batter if its too stiff

5. Divide batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 25-30min 

*it may sound weird but the cheese is really yummy, especially for kids!

Try substituting the pumpkin for mashed bananas, applesauce or even organic carrot baby food!

And if you don't know what to do with leftover pumpkin puree...

I freeze it in ice cube trays!!! Each cube is approx. 1oz 

Try adding 2-3 cubes to your vanilla protein shake with some cinnamon! Mmmmmmmm!!! 

Again, hoping you all had a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!

Warm, fuzzy autumn hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

Back to school, routine and BROWNIES!!!

Hey Everyone!

Well for all our Canadian kids today is "Back to School" day!!!

While I know many of us look at this time of year with the relief of not having to combat summer boredom, I love this time of year for many reasons!
Yes! Not having to deal with the "what are we doing today" or "I'm bored" is definitely a plus BUT I really love the routine that comes with going back to school.

While I don't have a "routine" 9-5 job, having even a basic set routine for my household makes so many things more manageable!!! I'm not talking about a full timeline of the days events broken down by the quarter hour... though that does work for many! (bless them for being that organized!!!) Lol
I can do a school drop off, hit the gym, come home to clean up and work etc. etc.
Just a simple routine can feel like a weight has been lifted (at least for me).

So this is my monkey on her first day of grade 7!!! Yikes!!!

I also find that September is like a new beginning, the same kind of feeling many get at New Years. 

Goal setting and organizing feels natural to me this time of year, maybe it has something to do with Christmas coming "soon" OH NOOOOOO... I said CHRISTMAS!!! In September!!! lol I LOVE Christmas!!! And since it's my blog... hahaha ;)

Anyhoo.......

So with all this talk of routine and such comes the dreaded... packing of lunches!!! Aaahhhhhhh!!! lol

I know I've talked about the Clean Eating cookbook brownies before, they are a great alternative to prepackaged baked stuff. (Coach Compton and I even did a video on them! see the link below)

But for those just hearing about them or wanting the recipe to copy and paste... here it is!

Clean Black Bean Brownies (Single batch)

• olive oil cooking spray

• 1oz dark baking chocolate (pref. organic)

• 1 1/2 cups soft cooked black beans (I use canned, rinsed very well)

• 2 eggs + 1 white 

• 2tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 heaped cup cocoa powder

• 1tsp. baking powder

• 1tsp. pure vanilla

• 1/4cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2cup honey

• chopped walnuts (optional but I don't add them ever due to nut allergies in school)

Preheat oven to 350*F and spray a 8x8 pan with olive oil spray

Melt baking chocolate in a saucepan or in microwave on low.

Layer the remaining ingredients in a large blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Add melted chocolate and blend. Stir in walnuts by hand, if using.

Pour into baking pan and bake for 30min.

Let cool completely before cutting! Makes approx 9

Thats it!!! Super simple! :)

And if you want to see the video...

Until next time...

Back to school and brownie hugs... Crystal :) xo

Cheesecake anyone?!

Hey Everyone!

I can't believe I totally forgot to post this for you all to see!!! lol I started it way back in March and it must have gotten lost in the mix :( 

Well better late than never!!!

Below you will find a photo of me that was taken by a dear friend of mine Vicki when we ventured off to see her all time favourite group... HANSON in Buffalo, NY (Yes I said Hanson! They're amazing in concert BTW!).

We ended up at Cheesecake Factory cause really, why wouldn't you?! lol

The funny thing about this photo is that it was taken about 2 weeks before I met Sandra "Coach" Compton. The rest you could say is history! lol

Now... Fast forward a year and a half later....

Here I am once again at the Cheesecake Factory after the Arnolds Sports weekend in Ohio!

This photo was taken by Jimmy the BeautyFit man after I showed him the above photo (which was the last time I was at CCF).

He quickly commented on how I had even shrunk in height... I attribute that to the loss of my "booster seat" LOL!!!

On the days that I feel like I still have so far to go, I stop to take a moment and try to really remember how far I've come.

There are many like me, that have overcome severe obesity and many many more that don't think it's possible for them.

I was one of those... one of the millions who had almost thrown in the towel thinking I was just destined to be fat with a nice personality. I say ALMOST cause clearly... I have lots of fight left in me ;)

It's different for everyone, the catalyst or moment you realize that being obese isn't who you are... it doesn't define you or in my case, become a really convenient reason to hide in the shadows or be less successful than I want to be.

When you get to "that" point, you'll know it and feel it... and when you've decided enough is enough, for real this time... just know that it CAN be done. Not overnight and not using a gimmick...

Til next time...

What starts with Cheesecake... ends with the treadmill ;)

Hugs... Crystal :) xo

P.S.

Here's some Hanson for you all! Dedicated to Vicki ;)

Always Be Prepared!!! ;)

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe how one day goes into another and the next thing you know... almost a month has passed since my last post :(

I'm currently in my busiest part of my year... wedding season! LOVE my job!!!

Many of my clients hire me to stay all day with them as a personal assistant, stylist and of course for touchups.
With long days comes traveling from location to location from getting the bridal party ready, to the church to photos and then the reception... whew!!! Or if I'm on a photo shoot in a studio or on location, I have to be prepared!
So what do I do en route or during down time? EAT! lol

This is my romantic meal of talapia, sweet potatoes and cucumbers (which I already ate lol)

I say "romantic" because I was on location at a vineyard eating by myself in my car! :P hahaha

I know I have written about food prep before BUT I feel that it is SO very important and it's the #1 topic I get asked about.

The worst feeling ever is when you're trying to stay focused on your eating plan and you find yourself starving... with only fast food as an option.
Do yourself a favour and be prepared!!!
You wouldn't head to the gym without your running shoes, don't leave the house without at least one food option for every three hours you plan to be out... this is how I plan and it work for me...

Example:

I have a wedding that has me starting at 8am and ending at 8pm... 12 hour day... 4 meals
(keep in mind that while it may be difficult to eat exactly every three hours, I at least have quick "grab and go" options)
I eat my breakfast as close to departure time as possible! lol If I need to leave the house at 7am then I'm eating at 6:45ish.
This helps me get into my work day without getting hungry too quickly.

I then make sure to pack things that are easy to eat on the go... *Disclaimer* Eating sweet potatoes, cucumbers, chicken etc. with your hands is perfectly acceptable as long as you're sanitary! lol (At least in my world!!!). Some of my fave things to choose from are...

* 2 rice cakes and a protein shake (isolate with water)
* hardboiled egg pre peeled and a banana or apple
* cubed chicken and sweet potatoes
* talapia and cucumbers
* sugar snap peas!!!
* 2 super clean "breakfast cookies" (recipe to follow)

And always ALWAYS have an extra scoop of protein powder incase of emergency!!! ; )
*side note* Can I just say how excited I am for the new BeautyWhey protein powders to come out!!! Mmmmmm!!!

If you check out one of my past blogs "How full is your plate" I posted a photo of my 6 pack lunchbox which holds absolutely everything I need for a full day away from the house. This includes ice packs, plastic food containers, shaker cups, water bottles and cubbies for my supplements! LOVE!!!
I have had brides comment on how big my makeup case is, only to inform them that it's actually my lunchbox!!! hahaha

I hope this has helped in giving you ideas or direction when trying to pack for your day!

And if you need a little extra inspiration... ;)

Super clean breakfast cookies!!! 

No flour or sugar!

3 mashed bananas (ripe) 

1/3 cup apple sauce

2 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup skim milk

1/2 cup raisins

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a bowl really well. Let this mixture stand for at least 5 minutes to let the oats become good and hydrated. Heap the dough by tablespoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Store in the fridge.

Till next time...

Always be prepared hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

I said "I can't" :(

Hey Everyone,

That's right... I said it :( and I can tell you right now it tasted horrible coming out of my mouth!!!
"I can't" doesn't have a place in my vocabulary anymore.

So what happened, you may ask? Well... all in all it was a pretty amazing day with some fellow BeautyFit beauties helping out at our local Habitat for Humanity build site.

We were there on the Women Build Wednesday supporting Angie Hill and Kat C's team from 105.3 KOOL FM

Pam, Sandra and I :)

Sandra, Angie Hill, Pam and I 

Our whole crew complete with pink scaffolding!!!

So our build day was insanely hot, 43*F with a humidex but so rewarding!!! We were tasked with building framing for the ROOF and nailing the ROOF sheeting.... notice the common denominator being the ROOF!!!

Little known fact... I don't like heights *insert short joke* but I figured I'd get over it. I got buckled into my harness... did my safety training... climbed up the ladder and through the framing like a monkey (which was crazy enough!!!) then got to where I needed to climb out and onto the roof. I got one leg out and attempted the other... the spins came and I said it... I can't do this... :(

Everyone there was super supportive and understanding. I took up my new assignment of building the roof frames safely on the ground and the day was awesome and super productive.

But... those words left a bitter taste in my mouth! Seriously!

Sooooo.... I have added to my "happy list" I need to get over my heights thing!

My first though goes right to skydiving... but before that....

I'm going to learn how to rock climb!!! :D 

That's a bonus deal of conquering a fear AND getting in a stellar workout!!! 

I'll keep you posted as to when this is all going down lol I'm sure there will be some fantastic photos to accompany that blog! :P

Until then... 

Safe on the ground hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

This is a Tough One...

Hi Everyone,

If you are a regular follower of my blog a) thank you, and b) you'll notice I have been M.I.A.

As the title of my blog suggests, this is a tough one to write.
The reason for my absence is unfortunately a sad one.

On Sunday May 27th my Father passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack at the age of 59.

*WHEW* this is as difficult to type as it is to say out loud.

Ok... deep breath!

My Dad... Walter John Harvey

I'm not writing this to re live the events of his passing... God knows those memories from the hospital will be forever engrained in my head.
I'm writing this for many reasons... therapy, tribute and to thank all those that have been so supportive (including my BeautyFit family).

For those who have experienced a loss, I know you "get it"... to be honest, I'm just wrapping my brain around everything. I've not had anyone really close to me pass away, both of my Dads parents are still living. Telling my Poppy (Grandpa) that his son had passed was heart wrenching to say the least.

I had no idea of the overwhelming amount of support that was to come...
Sitting at the hospital sending texts to a few close friends asking for a prayer for my Dad while we waited for information...
Texts filled with encouraging words, phone calls to come out front for a quick hug outside the hospital, and then when Dad passed... Sandra (Sam)"Coach" finding me and my family at the hospital to help any way she could... she knew I needed her.
Once word spread, messages started to flood in from all directions as they usually do. People in disbelief, offering kind words and prayers... all of these things so greatly appreciated.

Dad teaching Sidney how to play the guitar he and Mom bought her 

(*Side note...Those who know me will not be surprised that in times of heartache or difficulty I turn to humour. It's my way of coping... just FYI lol).

Like all Dads, mine was big on teaching me about the regular stuff like honesty, work ethic, etc. etc.... but then there was the stuff he loved... the GOOD stuff ; ) lol For instance...

* hockey (he was a Leafs fan lol) Wendel Clark could walk on water and every year the Leafs were winning the cup! lol
I think I broke his heart a little when I decided in grade 6 to become a RedWings fan... since I'm a total Daddy's girl... he still bought me a wings jersey that Christmas!

* Janis Joplin... enough said :P

* boxing and Rocky movies! Apparently in his feisty years Dad dabbled in boxing. He had 4 fights that all resulted in knock outs... he was on the receiving end of all of them. lol

Still... Dad and I would sit on the couch together and watch Rocky movies whenever possible, his fave being Rocky 4 with "Ivan Drago" :P Immediately after, Dad would give me a lesson in self defence which included how to properly punch someone in the throat in a life or death situation!!! hahaha

I think it amused him to no end when I started Boot Camp and he saw me with my hand wraps on! He'd start jabbing at me seeing if I could actually block a punch... he was impressed that Coach taught me well!

My Dad never got to meet Sam though they were friends on Facebook lol In fact, my Dad waited til Sam added him so that he didn't look like a "dirty old man" adding such a "hottie" to his friends list! lol

Dad cringed every time Sam would comment on something (on Facebook) and call him Mr.Harvey... so she did it more! And when Sam cam into the room to pay respects to my Dad after he passed, she introduced herself and said "nice to finally meet you Mr.Harvey". True to form, she had my back.


The day after Dad passed I got a bbm form Sam... "Grab your training gear and come over when you can xoxo"
That night, with "Coach" and Momma bootcamp (Sams Mom),  I ran my first 5k outside.
I broke down in the first K... my head filling with memories and eyes filling with tears.
Bent over trying to breathe I felt headphones go around my neck and Sam pulling me upright... "You've got this, leave it all on the pavement" and she (and Dad I'm sure) pushed me forward.
In the last K I ran through the sprinklers in front of McDonalds and was a dripping mess by the end... but my head was clear for at least a little while.

We all have our outlets in times of stress.... 2 years ago I would have eaten my way through this entire ordeal, no doubt in my mind.
Instead, I have a constant reminder of where I am NOW... seeing my boot camp and gym friends among the crowd at Dads visitation and funeral just solidified how much of a family we have really become and how far I've come.

Dads passing is still a very fresh wound... I don't think its really hit me that he's physically gone, I know when it does sink in it's not going to be easy.
I take comfort in the fact that I'm not alone in this and that if I need to at anytime I have training and cardio buddies that I can call on a whim. And for the days when I really miss him, I know I've always got Dad pushing me on the pavement.

So, in honour of my Dad.... here's a little Janis for you all!

Til next time...

Daddy's girl Hugs... Crystal :) xo Love you Dad!

Fashion AND Function!

Hi Everyone!

I want to talk about fashion today! FUN!!! :D

For those who have seen me going to, at or after the gym... I do not prescribe to the idea of getting "dolled up" to train. Sure, if I am heading there after work or happen to have a full face of makeup on I'm not going to wash it off*

*side note: training in a full face of makeup is the best kind of research for me :P Tell me your eye primer will make shadow last 12hrs.... we'll see about THAT!!! ;)

Anyhoo! Back to fashion... like I said, I don't need to look pretty to train BUT what I have found as of late is that I really am seeing the value to proper, high quality training clothes!

You don't have to have lost 100+ lbs to see (or feel) the difference in training gear. I'm writing about how it helps me... take from it what you will :)

Coming from such a big weight loss, there are certain "things" that one can't control. One of those things for me is loose skin.
If you've been following my blogs, you'll know that this has always been one of my biggest fears.
I wasn't ready in the beginning to acknowledge that a large weight loss would result in loose skin... truthfully, it would've scared me off.
Instead my Coach had me focus on the things I could control... diet, exercise, water intake and taking care of my skin by moisturizing twice a day and using products like Beauty Bum to help break down cellulite.
To be honest with you, I truly believe that had my weight loss just come from diet alone, I would have a lot more skin to deal with.

So in dealing with the "skin issue" I have noticed that high impact training i.e.. running, jumping, etc can result in what I like to refer to as... reverb! lol It's my silly name for the little aftershocks that my body does during impact movements! (go ahead and laugh... its ok!!! lol) For women, think about running with no bra on..... picture it.... :s yep! pretty much the same feeling I get if I'm training in lack lustre gear!
HEY... my blog is ALL about honesty! lol

Sooooo... what's a girl to do?! FIND BETTER GEAR!!! ;)

On a recent sunny day road trip with Coach Compton I found myself finally investing in something I should have gotten a LONG time ago!...

My Lululemon Run:In the Sun crops!

Aren't they pretty?!?! And they WORK!!!

Not only do they have circle mesh in all the "right" places to keep sweaty stinky-ness at bay... they are also made of their Power Luxtreme fabric which I find helps keep me compressed in to avoid bounce but still super comfy!!!

I also bought this running shirt....

My Run:Swiftly tech long sleeve

I mainly bought it because its my fave colour blue lol and Coach laughed when I couldn't bear leaving the store without it :P 

BUT it is also super lightweight, has moisture wicking and Silverscent... which is anti-stink!!! 

And couldn't we all really use a little less stink in our lives?! ;) 

Now onto my next new fave...

My Reebok Shapewear Lux tank

This was actually something Coach had seen and hauled me in to try it on! lol

Instant LOVE... so lightweight to wear under other tanks and tee's but holy cow!!! the amount of "suck it in ability" is AH-MAZE-ING!!! :D

I have already worn it a couple of time awhile running and am happy to report that in combination with my new Lulu crops.... I am virtually "Reverb" free! ;) hahaha

So what is the whole point here? 

Just like in high fashion, the right "under garments" make the outfit... the gym is no different!

The right gear for me means less "reverb" which means less stress on my joints and to be truthful... my skin itself doesn't ache as much after training.

In the end... it's not about looking "good" at the gym (or wherever you train) it's about feeling secure in the gear you wear.... though having some style never hurt anyone ;)

Til next time...

"Held in" Hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

How Full is Your Plate?!

Hey Everyone!

I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the transition into spring! :)

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for me! The last while has been filled with routine changes, personal challenges and a TON of life lessons! lol

As we all know, life is always changing. If it didn't.. well that would be pretty boring!
I've come to look at the "ups and downs" and "changes" in life as lessons needing to be learned to help me grow.

The first big change (though only temporary) is helping out my family with their business while my sis-in-law recovers from a c-section... I have a beautiful new niece :)
Many can relate to pitching in when family needs help... this situation is no different.
The difficult thing for me is juggling a new routine, my own family, my business and... gym time!

There are some things you just can't and don't let slide... and I have the insane need to keep juggling everything without dropping the ball ever... YIKES!!! lol No PRESSURE... Really?!?! :P

Funny enough, the one thing that I hear from some is... "don't worry about the gym, you've got enough on your plate". Well the gym is the ONE thing that is FOR ME!!! And there is no one else that gets that more than my coach.

So what does my Coach (Compton) do when she sees me stressing, being unsure of myself and how I'm going to handle all these things on my plate?! She hands me this...

Well not ALL this! Lol
My "allotted" food was neatly packed in one grocery bag... (side note! WHO DOES THIS?!?! lol How many trainers go grocery shopping for their clients?! Seriously, I have the best trainer on the PLANET!!!)

Along with my little bag o' food were 2 sheets of paper. One with my new meal plan and the other with my new training schedule. No nonsense, no excuses, no BS... and these words were spoken... "You've got a full plate... and I've just added more" *insert sweet yet evil Sam smile*. What I got from that smile was.... (and excuse my language lol) SINK OR SWIM B!#@H! hahahaha

I've been doing a great job of maintaining my weight. Losing a pound here and there but mainly hovering around the 140 mark. I'm still not at my "goal" weight but I was ok with taking things slower ... again, in the words of my Coach... "let your body recover".
Well it seems my body has recovered, had its "coasting" time and now its time to get back into the game!

Why now though? Why add a new diet and training onto this new crazy schedule? Well it took me about 48hours to figure it out.....

I'm the type of person that is fully invested in what I do. I'm uber social and my business revolves around me being available, flexible and "out there"... I feel out of the loop when I can't be in the mix at all times lol.

So like I said, it took me very little time to figure out why it was so important to start this new program now... ROUTINE and ME TIME!

It is super easy to disregard anything for ourselves when life and schedules get tough. Think about it... after a long day, needing to run errands and do all the things required on a daily basis.... you know you should get to the gym and eat clean, you want to! BUT... it's easier to grab something to eat while out and skip the gym in exchange for laundry. That is exactly why it was the perfect time for my new program!!!

So this is a pic of my new 6 pack fitness lunch box :D Coolest thing EVER!!! 

It has tons of compartments for food, ice packs, water, utensils, supplements etc. I pre pack everything at night and grab n' go in the morning. So no matter where I go I have everything with me....

Even when I'm stuck in traffic!!! Lol

Now as for the gym... I'm there at 5am for cardio and split up my training either on a break or later in the evening. Why? Cause it's when I can get there and I need that time to refocus and centre myself. lol 

Just do what you've got to do ;)

When things get crazy its important to take even just a little time for yourself and I didn't work this hard the last 18months to let myself slide back into bad habits just because things get crazy.

Everyone has their own story and set of circumstances, it's your choice to give in or put your game face on!

Till next time...

Excuse free hugs... Crystal :) xo