7-Day Water Challenge

I haven't made the formal announcement on the blog yet, but I recently became a Beachbody coach!! I am IN LOVE with E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G about Beachbody. I will have to dedicate a post to it another time and I will, but today is all about WATER.

H20. Our body's made up of roughly 70% water and we NEED water to survive. I remember hearing long ago that while we can go weeks and weeks without food, we can only survive a week without water.

Luckily for me, I freaking LOVE water. I prefer it to soda and juice. It quenches my thirst. I also prefer room temperature water, which is great because it's recommended room temp water is the best for your body to absorb it properly.

On Facebook, I announced a 7-Day Water Challenge that starts today. ANYONE can do it from ANYWHERE. You take your weight, divide that by 2 and that's how many ounces of water you should be drinking each day.  It's really not as hard as it sounds if you're aware of it.

My only advice: stay near the restrooms!

I've had FANTASTIC feedback all day and it's been fun to do this challenge with people who want to lead healthier lives.

GET YOUR DRINK ON! Let's pop some bottles! Water bottles, that is.

Power of the Mind

T25

Shaun T...you are THE MAN! CJ and I think so.

Unless you've been living under a rock, I think it's safe to say that everyone knows who Shaun T is. Insanity. P90x. He's an amazing fitness professional who is NOT all talk. The man knows what he's talking about.

I'm currently on week 2 of a 10 week program. It is so easy to do. ONLY 25 minutes a day and I am drenched in sweat. I can't keep up with every count and every move and I do the modified moves when I need to. Even with modified moves, I get in an awesome workout.

It's gotten to the point where I CRAVE working out. I don't dread it. I look forward to it. I really am impressed with myself...or rather Shaun T's workouts.

Pat myself on the back. Pin a rose on my nose.  I am on fire!

Wedding Speech to Rina

One of my besties, Rina, married the love of her life, Joon, on May 1. I was honored to stand by her side as co-matron of honor. This post is dedicated to Rina and Joon.

My name is Julia and I am Rina's co-matron of honor. I have known Rina since middle school. We attended the same middle school, high school and college. We've journeyed throughout life together. I could not be happier for Rina and Joon. They are a perfect match made in heaven.

When a man looks for a woman to call his wife, he looks for several qualities. He wants a woman who is smart, beautiful, fun, loving and caring. Rina is all those qualities. I've been trying to think of a story that exemplifies all these characteristics and though there are many stories I could tell, there's one that happened rather recently that sticks out in my mind.

Awhile back, we were chatting on the phone and I mentioned to Rina how I wish I had a workout buddy because working out would be so much easier. Her reply? I've an idea. How about I come up right now, sleep over and we'll workout in the morning. For those of you who don't know, I live in a faraway land called Bel Air. It's an hour and a half away. Not a short drive.

Rina came, slept over and sure enough, we worked out in the morning and she went home. She spent a total of 12 hours with me.

I know it's not a big story, but it exudes her best qualities.

Joon, please take care of Rina. If you don't, I know where you live. Oh, and my husband and I both know Taekwondo. I wish you too all the best.

Please raise a glass with me. Cheers! I love you both!

ABC Leglifts

When I'm feeling a little pudgy in my tummy area (which is quite often, btw), I start doing a bunch of ab exercises. Watching TV and doing some crunches or leglifts are easy, as long as you're in the mood. I need constant variety with my workouts, otherwise I get bored quick. For me, being bored means I stop working out. I get workout inspiration (is it called fitspo?) from magazines, Youtube, Pinterest, and of course, CJ.

I forget where I came across this simple, creative leglift exercise, but I get through it pretty quickly.

ABC Leglifts

Lay down on your back. 

Hands under your bum. 

Write out the alphabet with your legs.

Start with upper case letters, then do the lower case letters. 

DONE!

Body Shaming

A powerful, short video on body shaming and cyber bullying.

My Open Letter to Michael Buble

Dear Michael Buble,

I don't know when, where or how I was introduced to your music, but it has affected my life in more ways than one. During times of stress, loneliness and sadness, you were there to lift me up even for just a moment.  During my happiest times, you were there to celebrate with me.

Your music is like a drug. A sense of calm and peace overcomes me. Hope is renewed. Happiness is restored. Life is great. Add a glass of red wine and I'm in utopia.

Can I share with you a little ritual I've established whenever I need Julia time? I go into my bathroom, lock the door, play your music and paint my nails. Other times, I put on a pair of headphones, drink a glass of wine and mindlessly explore the internet. I am in my own world. I come out a happier Julia. I'm sure my husband and son will thank you one day.

Keep on, Michael Buble. Keep on. And thank you.

Cheers,

Julia