30 Thriving Challenge Completed

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Three months ago I decided I was tired of just talking about getting into shape. Turning 30 was a big wake up call that I had lived a good 20 years out of shape and eating things that were easy rather than good for me. I asked Mountainside Fitness to help me with my challenge, and they gladly gave me a three month trial and a couple sessions with a trainer so that I can learn my way around the gym.

Three months later I still weigh the same 124 pounds, but my BMI has gone from 22% to 20%. I'm toned and fit. I also look forward to the gym every week and miss it when I'm not able to go as often as I would like. Who would have thought I would become a gym rat three months later.

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The biggest excuse I used for not going to the gym was not having enough time and not having someone to watch Elle. Well, the truth was that I wasn't making time for it. There are some gyms out there where I didn't feel comfortable putting Elle in the kids program. I knew I would feel better at a more family friendly gym like Mountainside. Sure enough Elle looks forward to going there every time. I drive 25 minutes each way to go to the gym, but it's worth it.

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I have officially become a Mountainside Fitness member, and I'm looking forward to being there for years to come.

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These photos that you see were created by Liz Evans. She loves celebrating the female form. She wanted to celebrate my accomplishment and my birthday by photographing my body after the challenge. I'm so thankful for these photos. They really help me see the confidence I have gained and the muscle I have gained throughout this process. Go check her out if you're in need of a really encouraging experience.

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My dear friend and talented makeup artist, Stephanie Neiheisel, also wanted to be a part of this special moment. She created a gorgeous navy smokey eye with bronzed skin and a nude lip. LOVE LOVE LOVE. This makeup look is perfect for fall.

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Photos by Liz E. Studio.

Get the look: Dress by Fame & Partners, pencil skirt, ruffled top, leather skirt,bralette

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My Fitness Fashion

This post has been a long time coming. When I started my thirty thriving challenge and step foot in Mountainside Fitness I quickly learned that the fitness world has it's own rules of fashion that I knew nothing about. Last time I went to the gym it was fine to wear a baggy t-shirt, running shorts and boring running shoes. That was over seven years ago (yes, that's how long it has been since I worked out at a gym). From what I have observed, fitness fashion is all about bright colors, form-fitting silhouettes and shoes to match your outfit. I rarely see a t-shirt. Tank tops seem to dominate the scene. I also don't see very many shorts. Instead, I see leggings, tight capris and spandex shorts. For ladies that have yet to loose the giggle this is a VERY intimidating fashion trend.

I have heard about the cool styles of Lulu Lemon, but I don't have the cash for it. I have yet to step foot in the store. I tried a couple brands at Nordstrom Rack, but wasn't really sure what I should be looking for. Thank goodness for Albion Fit. I found out about them through my friend Summer and again at Alt Summit. They are a fitness and swimwear company that seeks provide luxurious, flattering and hassle-free fitness apparel to women.

Everything they create is modest and functional. When you put on a pair of their pants it sucks and smooths everything on your body. They are super thick so I don't have to worry about them being see-through.

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I could wear these black, go-capris every time I workout. They live up to their name, and go with everything. Not to mention, they are SUPER comfortable.

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When I'm feeling a bit wild and spunky I love these go-long leggings in papaya. I like to think I'm channeling an inner Michael Jackson when I wear them (hehe).

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For cooler days, cloudy skies and moments when I want to curl up in comfort, this is my go-to hoodie. The color is so refreshing in a see of gray and black hoodies. Albion has other great color options too. Plus, the little details like these thumb holes remind you that you are getting quality design.

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I've realized my fitness style is first about comfort and function. From there I prefer to throw in a bit of edge and colors that I feel are flattering. Neon tends to make me look a bit more tan, which is a plus. I love graphic muscle-t's like this Marilyn one from Target that are long enough and a bit loose for comfort.

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At the end of the day it's about just getting your butt to the gym. For me, knowing that have a great gym outfit gives me a bit more confidence when I head out the door, especially if I know I have to run errands afterwards. Figure out what is best for you and do that. The gym has become a place for "alex time." I look forward to it every week. If fashion is motivator for you to workout more, go check out Albion Fit.

Get the looks: #1 Marilyn tank (in stores at Target), neon sports bra, black capri pants and shoes #2 Marilyn tank (in stores at Target), neon bra, red leggings and shoes #3 Blue hoodie, black capris and shoes

Photos by Amy Frances Photography *This post is sponsored by Albion Fit.*

How I Style A Kimono

Kimonos have become really popular this year. They add a bohemian flair to any outfit, and they are extremely comfortable. For people like me that enjoy a relaxed style but have curves, kimonos can seem a bit intimidating and not as flattering.

The way I choose to style my kimono is belting it that way I can define my waist rather than worrying about it looking drab.

I have worn this one from Lulu*s a TON over the past couple months. I wear it with body-con dresses, with jeans, with cut-offs...I'm sure I'll find more ways to wear it. To balance the volume I just try to keep the bottom tighter and closer to the body.

For this outfit, I topped it off with a simple and pretty necklace from LE TOTE. The turquoise brought it a southwestern flair - perfect for Arizona.

Get the look: Kimono, tank, jeans, glitter sandals, necklace

Photos by Amy Frances Photography 

What to Wear to A Concert

Ryan surprised me with tickets to see Beyonce and Jay-Z for my birthday. I am counting down the days until the big show. Since the we are headed out of town to go see it in a couple of weeks, I have started to think about what I would wear. I'm a planner. What can I say? Sequins, leather and jewels. Those are the three things that I would make sure to wear (all or just one) when headed to a pop music concert. Just think if you were performing for the show and then maybe tone it down a couple notches. I mean, let's be real, you still have to be comfortable for a three hour show.

Jackets are nice if it's cold in an air conditioned building. This one is from H&M. This GAP chambray shirt is super soft and comfy, especially when untucked. I chose a shoe with ankle straps and a lower heel so that I could walk a long way to the parking lot.

My skirt is from Haute Rogue and is sparkly and very comfortable to wear. A lot of people say sequins can irritate, but this skirt has a nice, stretchy lining that keeps the sequins from scratching and allows me to move.

I layered a couple statement necklaces for some added bling. You can check out my friend Summer's article on how to wear a statement necklace  for some other ideas on how to incorporate bling into your wardrobe.

Tell me, what is  your ideal concert outfit?

Photos by Amy Frances Photography

We Are Free

I know many people out there are frustrated with politicians and the overall state of our country. Independence Day doesn't seem to mean much to the citizens of the United States as it did when I was growing up and the years before me. In certain parts of the country you can feel more pride than others, but overall I feel as though the people in my generation aren't necessarily proud to be Americans. I do, however, think that almost everyone I know is thankful to live in the United States and have so much freedom to make a life for themselves and generations to come. I'm especially thankful for three things this 4th of July...

1. A country that continues to fight for equality among gender and race. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a woman in a society that views me as less, tells me what I have to wear and tells me that I can't think for myself.

2.  A country that gives me freedom of speech, so that I can write freely on my blog and I can read about anything. Taking time to imagine my voice censored and my creativity put into a box kills my heart.

3. A country that lets me worship my God out loud and publicly. There are people dying every day because of their belief in Christianity. Though I would be willing to die for my beliefs I'm thankful that I don't fear for my life as I worship.

What three things are you thankful for this Independence Day?

Photos by Gina Meola Styling by Alex Evjen Makeup & Hair by Sarah Hubbell and Jess Mangieri Modeling by Steve and Hannah Wright