Sunday, December 29, 2013

14 Resolutions That Could Actually Stick!

res·o·lu·tion
ˌrezəˈlo͞oSHən/
noun
1.
a firm decision to do or not to do something.




It's just days away from the NY and most people are trying to rack their brains for resolutions or goals that actually stick… and while most futile attempts to "lose (another) 10lbs" can be a great start… it's time to think outside the box. Stop making health and fitness a once year do over, and just start doing it. 


As I'm sure most of you would expect me to say, make a fitness or health resolution, sometimes that just turns into guilt for goals not being accomplished because someone (nudge nudge) didn't take the time to really think how they were going to accomplish said goals. Feel me?


So let's have fun with this shall we?! 14 Resolutions for 2014--the biggest year of your life YET! 

14 New Year Resolutions That Could Actually Stick!

1.  Take on one new project that will fuel your passion(s) and explore it! << Vague I know. But how many times have we said, "I'm going to learn Spanish!" or "I want to learn how to dance better" But this resolution will take a more detailed approach, and will require immediate action to get you going. For me personally, I'm doing one YouTube video a week>> on my passions (hiking, travel, friends, my dogs, fitness, health, fashion, bargain shopping, you name it-- stay tuned and follow me at www.youtube.com/abbyfix) 




2. Keep in Touch More-- the phone works two ways. So does making plans. And so does any relationship. Takes two to tango right? I think people are slowly getting out of touch with reality and relationships--they take conscious effort. I know that I've slacked off in certain important relationships by not keeping in touch. Think about the people who make a difference in your life, your true friends (not just convenient ones), family, etc. Start making a more intentional effort to call, text, surprise in person, go to lunch with. Life is about relationships and the people you surround yourself with. 

3. BE BOLD -- too many people mope around wishing they would have been invited somewhere, or missed an opportunity because they were shy, declined a date because they were nervous, said not right now to something they wanted. Instead of hiding behind "what ifs", maybes, shoulda woulda couldas, it's time to start saying YES to things that make you a tad uncomfortable, but open up doors for fun, adventure and growth. Your life is a series of choices, if you make zero that push you forward, you will sadly go in reverse, just a little slower each day. Live to GROW, don't live to DIE. 

4. Validate yourself! -- Don't wait on someone else's "like" or "double tap" to validate how awesome you already are. Waiting for social media to define your worth is a waste of time, and thats coming from a social media queen who uses it for business! I don't sit around waiting on people, my phone, my computer, my blog or whatever in hopes that they like my photo 50 times. If you like it, awesome we have something in common! If not, Cest la vie! So validate yourself--like your own damn photo.. laugh at your own jokes, wear the clothes you want, post that dorky picture of you from kindergarten. (Just don't get crazy with selflies and 15 second clip videos of you staring at the camera like the one I posted below). 




5. Eat the Damn Dessert once in a while (but make it clean)-- you heard me! Here's the thing, do I think you should get elbow deep in a 8 layer chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream? Well is it your birthday? If so, EF yeah you should. If you just had dessert yesterday, mmmm maybe you should just get wrist deep. But this resolution is about learning to live a little more--but with more peace of mind. I'm all about clean desserts, something thats a bit healthier but still satisfies that craving. We're human, we have tastebuds, cravings, and it's ok to reward yourself once in a while. So go on girl, eat that dessert.

6. Use the OFF button -- So going anywhere exciting to stare at your phone this weekend? OMG no way, me too... UGH. for reals people, it's only 2014--just because your iPhone is smarter than you doesn't mean you have to constantly be on it. Life outside of your phone, it's a real thing. Take a break once in a while, turn it off-go hike, walk your dogs, spend time at dinner with friends without being socially plugged in 24/7. I personally like to ditch the phone for a few hours each week, and people know that I like weekends off. Trust me, you won't miss anything you can't catch up on later, life is outside that tiny box… Try it out, could be fun! 



7. Save a LOT, spend WISE-- I made my LAST big purchase for 2013-- a GO PRO! Why? Because I'm a bad ass biotch who wants to take epic adventure videos and use it for my video project. Spending wise vs. spending like a dummy. Instead of wondering where all your dough went this year, why don't you shove that in your pink pig and save it (that was not a dirty joke)! This past year I made some dumb financial mistakes, and I also made some hefty investments into my future… both of which taught me a priceless and valuable lesson: SPEND SMART, SAVE A LOT. If you don't need it, don't buy it. If it will help you move forward and towards your goals, invest when the time is right. Debt sucks, and your life will be held in bondage until you break free from those shackles. Make it your mission to pay off your debt, invest smart, and save a lot. Don't let buying become an obsession--make saving your mantra! 



8. RAISE YOUR STANDARD: Ladies and gents, listen up. Don't be a doormat to your mind, other people, and events. Things happen to us, but it's all about reaction and the way we handle ourselves that counts. So RAISE that STANDARD-- if you want your life in 2014 to shine bright like a diamond, you gotta learn how to turn coal into bling bling by raising the bar, never settling for anything less than what you deserve, and go get em! You can't control everything that happens TO YOU, but you can control how you react. If your mind is your biggest frenemie-- be sure to start diving into personal development books that will help you realize your worth.
If you’re not being treated with love and respect, check your price tag. Perhaps you subconsciously marked yourself down. Because it’s YOU who tells others what you’re worth by showing them what you are willing to accept for your time and attention. So get off the clearance rack. If you don’t value yourself, no one else will either.” 

9. Ditch the Makeup for a day-- I love makeup, don't get me wrong. But I also LOVE being able to touch my face or rub my eyes without being like, "OH SHIT, I forgot about that" and stressing that I just rubbed mascara all over the place and looking like a drag queen at 2am (I do love my sweet drag friends tho!) Nothing says freedom like 1. taking your bra off after a long day 2. not wearing makeup! I know it sounds scary for all you makeup prima donnas BUT guess what? Under all that powder, bronzer, glitter (maybe?), mascara and lipgloss, there's a beautiful girl. If going full monty no makeup scares you-- then go for less. Maybe a little chapstick, one layer (not 10) of mascara, and a touch of shadow. Either way, start embracing the natural YOU. 


10. Keep your COMMITMENTS!-- If you're a YES MAN and you tend to vomit YES to everyone and every commitment, then lock it up sistah! You can't be everywhere at once and you surely cannot 'do it all' as much as you want to. Trust me, I tried on the Super Woman costume, and without flying capabilities, and super human strength, you aren't bullet proof or that skilled. So say YES to the things that align with your priorities, and make quality commitments. But after you make a commitment, KEEP IT! Your word is one of the most important things about your character, without it--you have little credibility and no one will trust you, lean on you or rely on you for anything. So this year, keep those commitments! if you said you would, do it. IF you have to back out gracefully, find a way to make it right. 

11. Book a Trip -- Don't have a ton of money to fly to Costa Rica? Uh well it's not like half of America does either but just because you don't have the Benjamin Franklins right now--doesn't mean that you can't go get them! See here's my thing, money well spent and invested into the RIGHT things creates a wealthy and abundant life. The more comfortable you are in your 4x4 box room with your roomie who monopolizes the kitchen, well girl, that ain't livin! You have to get out there! There's a GIANT world playground waiting for you to cross the monkey bars to go down the fat slide. Even if it's a quick road trip with a friend, or a cheapie trip to the mountains, or Vegas even! IF you go to Vegas, see the sights too, don't just get wasted the whole time. Life is meant to explored, lived, captured, and remembered. Where do you want to go?! Set a projected date and a fund to start saving money for! And if you have to work a few more shifts, or get smart and open your own business, do it! If you want to see the world, it won't wait for you. You have to go for IT! 


12. Stop Assuming and Judging -- PEEPS listen up. When you assume something-- you what? Make an ASS out of you and ME (ASSUME= ass out of you and me << get it?!). Don't think just because you heard so and so's life story through some twisted grape vine that you got the facts right. Ditch the gossip, focus on your own damn life. When you talk about others, you are lowering your price tag on self worth. Same goes with judgement, if you pass judgement, be ready for others to pass it onto you. Maybe try unassuming, and giving someone the benefit of the doubt.


13. GET WILD -- For my 24th birthday I went skydiving (the boyfriend took me -- AWH <3) and it was one of THEE most memorable experiences I've ever had… it felt natural,  it felt amazing and it felt FREE. For once, shake yourself up a bit. Skydive, bungee jump, zip line, run a half marathon, scuba dive, rent some jet skis, paddle board, snowboard, get physical!!! What's on your bucket list?


14. Attend a LIVE Seminar-- HUH? I know random #14 right? But I feel like this one had the biggest impact on my life thus far… Back in March 2013, I decided to go to Unleash the Power Within by Tony Robbins--and it was an experience I will NEVER forget. I can't describe to you how it turned my thinking around, I can't recreate it, but I can tell you that attending one live seminar a year to change and better your life--will do that in ten fold. Plus, you meet the coolest freakin people, you can network, you learn more about yourself then you will ever realize, you can take what you learn and apply it right away, and it has the power to strengthen your relationships, personal beliefs, and get you excited to make serious changes. Hands down, best decision I made last year! 




Welp, I hope some of that resonated with your resolutions! ;-) Be intentional, be daring, be YOU! 
Ciao,



Friday, December 27, 2013

Women's P90X3 Before Photos

Well ladies… it's time.

Time to press play on P90X3 come Jan. 6. And I'm STOKED. After 1 round of T25 with the add on Gamma phase, and about 4 more weeks of T25 to get by until X3 was released, I'm ready to rock! <<Insert fist pump>>

So I'll be honest, since T25 ended I was going to the gym and using some of the weighted machines and stair master until X3 got released. I wasn't a HUGE fan of the gym before I joined our family gym down the street, but I couldn't say no. It's only $10 a month and it's a great gym, plus it gets me out and I really enjoy the smith machine <3 I love to squat,what can I say!

But then….

I started to slack. So while I lost a little muscle tone and enjoyed the couch a little more, it was kinda nice for once to just relax and give my body a break after I pushed hard for about 14 weeks. However, after seeing some amazing results from P90X3 from other women,  I'm super excited to get back to my routine and do morning workouts!



HOWEVER, I do not want to venture down the X3 path alone… if you ever considered p90x but didn't quite have the time or you didn't think you were physically ready, X3 is a great option! While it's not a graduate program, it's still going to be hard and it WILL kick your ass! Nothing worth having comes easy right?!

So without further adieu…




and yeah, I didn't brush my hair. What's new right?

and the bikini shot


So if you want to join ME on a 90 day journey to better health, confidence, a more toned body and a happier healthier life with a kick ass attitude, well then I'm your girl! Email me at abbyfix@me.com OR send me a quick FR and message on FB! www.facebook.com/abbymaried 

Let's do this! 

XO,
Abby


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

DIY Make Up Brush Cleaner

Hey dirty girl. I saw those brushes. I saw your face breaking out. They feel a little heavier. Looks like your makeup is going on in layers of cake.

EEEEKKKKK. HOLD THE PHONE!!! That was my inner monologue to myself this morning… I realized how disgusting my brushes got and I had to stop it. Right. then. and. there.

If you don't have a brush cleaner formula (I had Bare Minerals before, and I've also used regular shampoo) then this is a great alternative, and personally using other methods weren't as effective as this.

This is a super duper easy DIY brush cleaner… I saw a fellow blogger post something similar (a while back and I would give them credit but I cannot remember who it was) and I used what I had to make this…

You Will Need:

  • Gentle Dish Soap -- I just used Ajax under the sink
  • White Distilled Vinegar
  • Water 
  • Dirty Brushes<< essential ;-)
  • papertowels

Directions:
1. Mix one part vinegar, one part HOT water, and one part soap in a small bowl
2. Place each brush in the bowl and swirl around, use your fingers to massage the bristles 
3. Run under hot water, and rinse the brushes thoroughly until the water runs clear, you may have to empty the bowl if gets too dirty, then put the concotion back in. 
4. Dry on a paper towel lying flat and reshape them with your hands carefully

*I have done this method TWICE and it's shown great results, the bristles don't fall out, the hot water and vinegar strip bacteria, the soap cleans the brush and your face is happier. 

Personally, this formula and method works better than anything I've tried. When I used shampoo it took forever to get the makeup out! This is very quick and efficient! 



Happy Cleaning loves, let that face glow! 





Monday, December 9, 2013

Post-Workout Hair -- Go from Sweaty to Sexy in 5 minutes!

AHHH yessssss the matted hair look. I know it well. My friends have a joke about my hair styles--they range from homeless to prom queen… and its sad to say (and honest) that I rock the homeless look more than any other… and by homeless I mean little to no effort. I know its bad and something I have to work on!

Anyway--I love me some hot yoga, esp during the cold winter months that just hit San Diego (argh, I'm FREEEZING!!!! IDK how you Northerners and Easterners do this stuff….) but I always get a sweaty scalp and my roots are soaked!

So what do I do?

I grabbed Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo!!!! and a blow dryer ;-)



So here's what ya do.

1. Let down all that GAWWWGEOUSSS hair (insert southern accent)--- brush that shiz out!
2. Separating your hair into THREE sections, lower half, middle, and top--secure the middle and top on your head.
3. With the bottom section, hold the dry shampoo about 8inches from your hair, misting the roots!
4. Brush through your hair so that the dry shampoo can start to dry up all the oils from your locks.
5. Turn that blow dryer on high and hot heat, then start to blow dry the roots and run your brush through your hair (avoid using your fingers too much that carry natural oils)
6. Repeat each section
7. Flip your head upside down, then blow dry all over-check to make sure there's no damp hair anywhere!
8. Style as needed!


And that's it. Nothing crazy. No rewashing hair. No time wasting. And you went from sweaty beat girl to sexy hot hair temptress.

You are OH SO welcome!

OH and if you do follow me and want to know how my fitness is going---fan-freakin-tastic! I'm ordering P90X3 TOMORROW (when its released) on 2 day shipping cuz I want to start like YESTERDAY!!

Here's my accountability--getting there! I've noticed I possess very strong upper abs…. and since working my core more-- pushups are WAY easier (strong chest muscles under the girls), but I need to work on those lower abs!  But I'm focused and ready!




Thursday, December 5, 2013

25 Things to Know About P90X3

P90X3-- The Holy Grail of effective and short workouts. And apparently studies show that the first 30 mins to any workout is the most crucial for results… thats why this new program is just that-30 short glorious minutes.



Thank you Tony Horton… I knew you knew that I knew that you knew that one hour of P90X was getting a little long for people who are: busy, parents, college students, lazy peeps (yeah I'm calling you out), people who want to do other workouts, and so on.




So without further adieu here's the facts:

25 THINGS you need to know about P90X3!!! REMINDER! Comes out December 10, 2013! The Challenge Pack is going to be on sale for $180! It will go up to $205 January 1st. Can't wait!!!!

1. All workouts are 30 minutes long! 
2. The warm-up is 2 minutes and then constant work for the remaining 28 minutes
3. There is a separate warm-up disk called Cold Start if you need a longer warm-up due to environment, time of day (cold muscles), etc. 
4. P90X3 is a separate program from P90X and P90X2, not a harder version--nor a graduate program
5. Anyone can start on P90X3, even beginners!
6. The nutrition plan goes back to nutrition basics of Power 90 and healthy eating
7. There are 16 workouts in the P90X3 base System 
8. The Deluxe package has 4 extra routines for a total of 20
9. P90X3 will include a new Pilates based workout...
10. P90X3 will also include an all new Isometrics workout- A New Strength/Balance/Flexibility workout with Static Holds
11. And it will include CVX: Cardiovascular Extreme - a Cardio workout with weights
12. And P90X3 has MMX - a Mixed Martial Arts Extreme that expands the Kenpo workout
13. Includes Agility X- All new agility programming
14. Yes- Yoga is still part of the program, but it's only 30 mins!
15. There are 4 schedules you can choose from in X3- classic, lean, doubles, and bulk
16. 39 out of 40 people in the Test group lost 10% of their body fat %-- that's freakin INSANE!
17. If you've done P90X or P90X2, you'll see similar moves and all new stuff too
18. Equipment needed will include weights or bands (a pull-up bar is great like in P90X, but optional)
19. Every move in X3 has a Beginner/Modified, In between move, and Challenging/Hard
20. This program is based on science that suggests the first 30 minutes is the most effective part of any exercise routine, so we accelerate the workouts to create the most effective 30 minute routine
21. Ab Moves- Most of them are athletic in nature, some are standing up and many are front facing instead of being on your back
22. P90X3 will be available December 10, 2013.
23. When you order through a coach, you have the ability to get 1 month of Shakeology for 1/2 price and a FREE P90X3 hat (link will be posted on my blog the day its released OR email me to get it sent to you abbyfix@me.com) 
24. I coach you through the entire 90 days FOR FREE. Not only that, but I'll be doing the program WITH YOU and going through the same fun torture to look and feel great!
25. It's going to be EPIC! T25 made such a BOOM in the workout industry that X3 is only going to encourage fast and effective workouts. 

SO ARE YOU READY?!





Kati and I with Tony Horton back in 2011! <3 visit her blog at www.katiheifner.blogspot.com 



Please contact me for more info to get on the mailing list for the official P90X release date so you can snag yours right away and get it $25 off when you bundle it in a challenge pack with Shakeology! OH and you get a FREE P90X hat with your purchase and a FREE shaker cup from me <3 


To get the info and the goodies email me NOW at abbyfix@me.com or FR me at www.facebook.com/abbymaried 


Let's get sweaty ;-) 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Drugstore Beauty Haul December

So something that never gets old for me is cruising the aisles of any drug store, Wal-Mart, or Target for their killer beauty deals.

I'm a girly girl… as much as I love soccer, the beach, hiking, working out and drinking the occasional beer while bar hopping, I think it's a DUH nowadays that women can tap into ALL of their personality, their interests, and their passions without shame.

Anytime I have to run somewhere to grab a few things, I find myself browsing the "cheapie" makeup sections… but just because its cheaper than most high end brands held at a Sephora doesn't mean it won't get the J-O-B done.



  1. Milani Lipstick in Sangria- Fall weather brings darker colors (usually, but I'm determined to keep rocking a few neon pieces to keep things fresh) and I'm O B S E S S E D with this color. A dark lip and lighter eye or simple winged eye liner can do WONDERS for a fall face! 
  2. OPI-Lincoln Park After Dark: MY GO TO for nail color. I'm loving the deep purple and black hues that keep this color a year round statement -- class and badass. Two of my favorite styles to rock. 
  3. Sinful Colors-Snow Me White: Just because it's fall doesn't mean that white after labor day is still a rule to follow. Rules are meant for breaking right? Nothing says white wonderland and holiday seasons like a gorgeous white nail color. Plus it makes me look tanner than I really am!
  4. ELF HD Blush: When I first saw this I sort of scratched my head… HD? I don't even know what that means! But I bought it because it was $3 (hello ELF is the ultimate cheap girl makeup and a lot of works just as good as the top brands). Applying this blush is quite interesting. First you gotta pump that sucker (just a little should come out, too much is TOO MUCH, use sparingly) onto the back of your hand then smooth it out with your finger, then dab your blush brush onto it lightly and apply. Do not go blush happy, this stuff goes on thick. 
  5. ELF Angled Contour Brush- My favorite contour brush thus far. This is a GEM. Or dynamite or whatever! But this is a MUST pick up! Great for contouring the nose to look slimmer, the cheeks to be more profound and even works great in the crease of your eyes. LOVE LOVE LOVE, 5stars! 
Have fun saving! 
XO,
Abby