Workouts That Worked For Me

I really like working out. I like that it gives me an instant energy boost. I don’t feel sleepy during the day when I am able to do something active in the morning. It also helps me relieve the stress that builds up from running a business and a home. A 5km run or an hour on the tennis court has been great for taking out the tension off my mind, my body, and even my heart. Staying active also helps me keep up with growing kids who love sports (my two big boys who play soccer) and to sing and dance crazily with incredibly energetic and talented daughter. Even my responsibilities at Coco Cakes requires a lot of manual labor. Kneading, mixing, and decorating is a lot of work! All these activities benefit from regular exercise and working out.

As my responsibilities at home and for work continue to grow, I find that working out is usually the first thing crossed out of my schedule. When I realized this, I immediately rearranged things because we really can’t be without exercise! I tried to find ways to be able to squeeze in an hour or two to for my health. I usually workout either while waiting for my cakes/cupcakes to bake and cool, which usually takes about 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or while tutoring the kids (I know what you’re going to say! Yes I’m a guilty multi-tasker!). I do my workouts while the kids answer their worksheets or write their essays, which takes 30-40 minutes. So I’m sharing with you the workouts that worked-out for me, and the beauty is, all can be done in less than an hour.

1. TRX Suspension Training
Most gyms and workout places have this already. We did a post on this in the past. Check it out here: http://mydoolally.com/blog/2012/04/25/trx-review/ . I only have the Suspension Training and this 50 minute workout really works for me.

Needed: TRX Suspension Trainer (comes with DVD, Suspension Trainer, and manual), TV with DVD player or Laptop, yoga mat (optional)


2. Insanity 60-day Total Body Conditioning Program
I do these Insanity videos when I have extra 45 minutes in the day. These workouts are insane! (As the name says) It’s meant to be done everyday for 60 days straight and you’re guaranteed results. I haven’t seen any 6-pack abs yet but I can definitely say that it has helped me build strength and endurance. And I must admit I can feel my tummy and butt tighten just after 2 weeks of doing this, even if I wasn’t as regular as I should have been. This program is best done with a workout buddy because it gets really hard in the middle and the extra encouragement really helps. During the summer, I did this with my fellow mom friend, Rikka.

You can buy this DVD program from their website: http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do

or

from amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/INSANITY-60-Day-Conditioning-Workout-Program/dp/B002QZ1RS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341895444&sr=8-1&keywords=insanity+dvd

Needed: Insanity DVD, TV with DVD player or Laptop, and yoga mat (optional), hand towel is a must (unless you want to swim in a puddle of sweat)

3. The Tracy Anderson Method Mat Workout DVD
I first learned about Tracy Anderson from a magazine when she was interviewed about how she lost all 60 lbs. or more of baby weight. After giving birth to my youngest, I did her Post-Pregnancy Workout DVD and it did wonders for my tummy and other areas that were hit with the pregnancy. (Haha! Yeah pregnancy hit my body like a fat storm! Haha!) Anyway I used to do this alternately with Pilates.

And now that I’m nowhere near post-pregnancy, I got her Mat Workout DVD to add to my workout regime. I lent this DVD to my friend, Rikka, who just gave birth a few months ago.

I sometimes do the Mat Workout DVD during days that I want a more relaxed workout. Yes, it’s slower in pace but you’ll have the same aches and pains (and more!) after. It’s very easy to follow but her workouts target the muscles that you don’t even know existed. I would feel pain in places where I never knew were there. I learned from Tracy Anderson that those muscles are called accessory muscles.

Most exercises incorrectly focus on bigger muscle groups, such as the biceps or hamstrings, when they should really be working the smaller accessory muscles. Anderson teaches you how to shift this focus, activating and challenging the smaller muscles to achieve a long, lean physique instead of a bulky look. - Tracy Anderson’s 30-Day Method: The Weight-Loss Kick-Start that Makes Perfection Possible

You can get this video also from amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/The-Tracy-Anderson-Method-Workout/dp/B001F2HZHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341909692&sr=8-1&keywords=tracy+anderson+mat+workout+dvd

Needed: Tracy Anderson Mat Workout DVD, TV with DVD player or laptop, yoga mat, 1-3 lb. weights or toning balls (this is what I use)


4. Nike Training Club iPhone App
I recently downloaded this workout app on my iPhone and so far, I’m super loving it. I haven’t used this extensively yet but I’m appreciating its convenience. I also like that you  can have personalized workouts and that it monitors your progress. There are 4 goals to choose from: Get Lean, Get Toned, Get Strong, and Get Focused. Of course, I always choose Get Lean. It has 3 levels to choose from: Beginner (4-5 workouts a month), Intermediate (2-3 workouts a week), and Advanced (3-5+workouts a week). Per level, there are about 7-8 different workouts to choose from varying in time and intensity. There’s a short video to show you how to do the particular exercise or you can also just look at the step by step pictures. You can also share your workouts with your friends…this I have yet to try.

This workout app is very promising because among all the workouts I mentioned, this is the one with the least materials needed. I can be in the middle of nowhere with just my iPhone and I’ll still be able to exercise. it doesn’t need internet connection to access.

You can get this app from the App Store of your iPhone, iPad, or iTouch.

Needed: iPhone, iPad, or iTouch; yoga mat (optional), medicine ball (which you can substitute with a heavy book or a rock, if you’re stuck in a deserted island), dumbbells or toning balls (which you can substitute with 2 bottles of water or rocks, hehe!)

These are just some of the many things that you can do if you want to work out in the convenience of your home. I’m sure there are other DVDS or workouts out there. The key here is dedication and consistency. I don’t know how many “new” fitness things I’ve tried, but it always goes back to what I just said: dedication and consistency. When we couple our workout with the right diet, good hydration and adequate sleep, you will be on your way to that toned body that you’ve always been dreaming of. So go find that workout that works for you. Like what they say, you have time for what you make time for. So if it means waking up an hour earlier or skipping an hour of Facebooking just to sweat out that cheesecake you just ate, just do it. Your hard work and discipline will pay off.

God is the Perfect Father

Actually I have three.

I'm forever guilty of thinking that I don't do enough for my children (but that's going to change now.) I'm so concerned that they won't turn out good because I think I don't spend much time with them, or I don't discipline them as often as I should, or I don't set higher standards for them. But you know what? I know I do. I do the best that I can for my children. And I know that most of the time, it's just really me believing the lies of the enemy that I'm not good enough. But I AM more than enough for my children, because God has made me their mother and He made me responsible for them, and that is enough for me.

I was getting anxious again last night when I found out from my sons' teacher that my boys are getting challenged with school work. It was just a simple reminder from my friend (my sons' teacher) that the boys should focus more on homework and studying as soon as they get home from school. It was as plain as that, but what I heard was "Your sons are going to fail this year. You're not doing enough to set a proper study routine. Your work is interfering with your sons' performance in school. They're going to be as undisciplined as you and make the same mistakes you did." And that was enough to cause this unwanted, unnecessary anxiety. Do I see WRINKLES on your forehead???

So I sat down, asked my friend for prayers, and I prayed myself. This verse popped into my head,

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

-John 10:10

Of course the enemy wants me not to have life in full. It's his mission to see me anxious, to see me struggling, to see me defeated. And why will I allow him to win? I don't have to listen to his lies. I am doing well in raising my children, it's not perfect but it's enough. I'm giving my best and that's all that matters. After helping my boys with their homework and study for their quizzes the next day, we went to bed and I started this activity with them that I learned from one of my best friends, A Proverb a Day.

And it was during this time that I was reminded that because I'm partnering with the Best Father aka GOD, He will take care of them more that I could ever do. He is that powerful and He is able.

Look at the lessons that they wrote down on their journals:

Andres' lessons from Proverbs 1

Lucas' lessons from Proverbs 1

I was blessed myself after seeing what they wrote on their journals. They may be having difficulty in school (for now! But I have a "get-them-to-focus-in-school" plan, but I'll save that for another post!) but one thing I know for sure is that they have God in their lives, and I know and I believe that that is good enough.

Agility Ladder

I've been doing plyometric workouts for almost a year now.  It has definitely been one of the most effective exercises for me.  I have better speed, stamina, reflex and endurance.  It particularly helped me with my tennis games and runs.

One of my favorite plyometric workout is the agility ladder.  It is a simple and portable flat "ladder" that ranges from 10-30 ft in length.  It was designed mainly for soccer, basketball and football athletes.  It has been incorporated to a lot of workouts, exercises and trainings.  The name itself implies that its main goal is to improve ones agility.  It helps develop and improve muscle coordination that will enable you to perform various footwork at a quick and precise pace.  It also helps you improve your balance.

The agility ladder is multi-directional allowing a number of drills from the most simple to more complex ones.  There are in and out movements, lateral movements, hops and shuffles.  To give you a better picture check out these videos:

Different movements:

Agility Ladder Push-Ups!  One of the many intense workouts you can use the agility ladder for:

Agility Ladder workout designed for tennis:

I purchased the Sklz Agility Ladder.  It includes a 6-week workout plan and a DVD.

The agility ladder can serve as your workout or compliment whatever sport you are into.  It's a very convenient workout, you can take it with you anywhere you go.

Super Mommy Party Planning Tips

One motivation I have for my business Coco Cakes and my blog with Roxanne Lee, My Doolally, is to help other moms give their children a special celebration. This is probably the main reason why I extended my offerings to include dessert tables along with the themed Coco Cakes and Cupcakes. As a mom myself, I know how tiring planning a party for your child can be so I've put together some reminders to help you have the best party yet on your next celebration.

Picture from Casanovas Party Planning in Florida

Tip #1: It's about the CELEBRANT, not the celebration.Sometimes, in our effort to make sure everything is perfect, we forget that the party is about celebrating a person! So before we even start planning anything, let's begin by asking our child, "What do you want to do for your birthday?" Kids have the most creative ideas, and getting to know what they want helps a whole lot in planning the perfect party. This also removes much of the guess work and allows you to allocate the budget on the items that matter most.

Tip #2: If simple works why complicate it?
I love looking at magazines and checking out other celebrations, and I'm always surprised by how it's the simple yet thoughtfully executed things that make the most impact. I'm biased, but that includes a cake that fits the theme perfectly. Haha! Even with cake and cupcake designs, a simple look that communicates the theme well usually works best. Don't feel the need to go over the top on everything just to get that magazine-celebration. Focus on the essentials - especially the cake!

Tip #3: We're in the Philippines - so outsource!
One way to be able to do more is to extend yourself by outsourcing your different party needs. Have someone do the invitations, someone the food, someone the desserts, someone the games, and you can even pull-in relatives and friends to help. There are also professionals who  do these things but that usually adds to the cost. The point is: get help.

Tip #4: Plan Early
I can't encourage this enough. Early planning helps you think through the details and can even lead to savings in some areas. This removes a lot of stress caused by cramming or unforeseen things happening. When you see incredible party spreads in magazines, that's because a bunch of people prepared for that shoot way in advance. You may not have all their resources, but you can learn from them and plan ahead. Don't just plan for the day itself. Work backwards and map out even the preparation.

Tip #5: Stay grateful throughout
The fastest way to ruin a party is to have people with bad attitudes attend. Being the party planner, the positive attitude starts with you. It's almost impossible to please an ungrateful child, but a grateful celebrant is a joy! Don't let the stress, or even the planning mistakes, ruin your attitude of gratefulness. Start by being thankful of even having someone to celebrate. That's something to thank God for! Remind yourself that most people don't have the luxury of being able to have a party. Stop comparing your celebration to the celebrations of others or the ones on magazines. Accept that your celebration is unique because your celebrant is unique. Like I said in Tip #1 it's about the celebrant.

Tip #6: Enjoy yourself!
You've planned, you've prepared, and you kept a great attitude, now enjoy yourself! Take moments during the party, even as you manage the event, to talk to people, have fun with your child, and even join the games. A celebration isn't a contest among moms. It's a time of enjoying life with the celebrant.

Hope these simple tips help you super mom!

Watercolor is Fun

As a kid, I loved to doodle and color.  I'm blessed that my parents allowed me to develop my interest by letting me take up art classes.  I learned basic sketching, oil pastel and painting.  Watercolor for me was what I enjoyed most.  I loved how the different colors blended with each other in water and its unexpected formations.  With watercolor you both have control and no control, which for me really unleashes a creativity that no other medium can.  It also allows you to develop your own style, wether you want to be detailed or abstract or a combination of both.

Watercolor is fairly easy to learn.  A lot of people can actually learn it on their own.  There are tons of resources like books, websites and videos for you to do so.  You start out by learning the different washes, brush strokes and color blends.  Once you get the hang of it you can start painting still life objects like flowers, fruits, jars etc... Then progress to painting landscapes until you discover your personal style.

Here are some useful sites that teaches the basics:

http://www.johnlovett.com/techniq.htm


http://www.watercolorpainting.com/watercolorpainting/wetinwet.htm

To get started here are the materials needed:

1. Pencil - you need a pencil to sketch or outline your subject matter.  This will serve as your guide.  It's recommended to use 6B drawing pencil so it won't scratch the watercolor paper.

2. Watercolor Pigments/Paint - you can get sets of tubes or cakes in the art store.

3. Watercolor Paper/Sketchbooks

4. Watercolor Brushes - start with round brush sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 and a flat brush.

5. Tissue Paper - this is much needed for blotting and making some effects.

6. Water Pail - to wet and clean your brushes.


Start with student grade materials and invest in more expensive and high quality materials once you get really into the art.

Here is my watercolor materials:

Here are some of my artworks...

I painted this when I was 11:

Here are some painting exercises for color blending and washes:

Still life painting practice of apples:

Flame tree:

My style:

Watercolor is an addicting medium and it never fails to relax me.  I hope you will give it a try and that it won't disappoint you.  

Jesus Storybook Bible

Growing up, I remember listening to Bible stories at home, school and church.  I was taught that every story had an important lesson to learn.  We had to figure out what the moral of the story was and memorize the key verse.  Somehow my young brain processed this as something that should be taken seriously.  I had to be strong, I had to be patient, I had to love my neighbors, I had to be the good samaritan etc… This really helped shaped my values and I remember how my Children’s Bible really helped me get to know the characters of Christianity.  For me, the more Bible facts you knew, the more verses you memorized, the more moral lesson you were able to pick up made you a good kid.  As I look back, I realize that there was so much more than just stories with lessons.  Don’t get me wrong, it did help me a lot but I wish as a kid I encountered something at a more personal level.

I recently came across Teach Children the Bible is Not About Them and I realized, she was describing how I viewed the Bible growing up.  The Bible is such a wonderful and powerful book about love but we often miss the real message.  The article was written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, author of The Jesus Storybook Bible, which, coincidentally (or maybe not), I recently bought for the kids of my friend.  I’ve heard a lot of good things about the book and had to see for myself.  So I started reading it and despite its simplicity, I cannot help but experience the depth of a great love.  Every story points to Jesus and His love.  In addition, the illustrations and artwork are excellent!  It made me want to get a copy for all the kids I knew and made me wish I had such powerful material when I was a kid.

I highly recommend The Jesus Storybook Bible to not just kids but to everyone.  Know more about it at their website.

Letter to the Broken Hearted

Through the years, I’ve seen girls get heartbroken.  It’s always a painful experience and it can change a person’s life dramatically.  I really empathize with heart break because I know that it has a great effect on a person’s heart.  I wrote a letter one night addressed to a girl (no one in particular) going through a broken heart.  I hope this would somehow touch someone’s life….

Dear _____________,

I wish I could assure you that I understand what you’re going through – that I know the feeling of pain and heartache. I have felt it before, and I felt alone. I wish I had answers to your endless why’s and point out what went wrong.  I wish I could tell you when you will get over this or give you a formula to stop the dark crushing your heart feels. I really really wish I could, because I can’t bear seeing you like this.

All I can do is open my heart to you and be vulnerable with you so you can maybe believe that there will come a time when dawn breaks, when spring arrives and a rainbow appears.

I’ve had my share of heartbreaks, despair and pain.  A thousand tears have been shed. As I journey back to those moments, emotions rush back to me.  I remember how I longed for an escape, how I desperately cried for a stronger, firmer, untouchable heart.  I remember my thoughts: Love has failed.  Dreams are shattered. Hope has been deferred. What now of the future I planned? How can I possibly believe in love again?

At my lowest point, two paths presented itself.  A path to numb the pain and a path to journey past it.  Numbing it seemed convenient, I just needed to fill the painful void with things, activities and pleasures, and  distract myself enough until my heart became too hard to feel the pain.  The second seemed outright foolish. It invited me to go into the depths of my heart and it’s brokenness, and it meant facing the rejection, the hurt, and the uncertainty. It meant coming humbly before God. Despite the damaged state of my heart, I chose the latter. And though at times I felt as if I was dying, looking back, it was in my dark periods that my heart came alive. We are capable of feeling much, hurting much, and bearing much. We are capable of enduring.

If you choose the path I chose there will be pain. It will, at times, feel like a slow dying – but it’s one of  the best decisions I’ve made. It means going to God where you are at.  No pretensions, no protocols, just broken vulnerability. Cry if you must.  Question God if it arises. Get angry.  Curl up into a ball in weakness.  Silence half hearted comforts if it confuses you, don’t take the easy road of material and emotional distraction.  Just go to Him where you are at. Weak.  Hopeless.  Faithless. Frustrated.  Disappointed.  He will meet you where you are at with all that He is. He will not condemn you nor your emotions. It is His joy to redeem you and to fix your broken heart.

You are not in a sad ending of a love story, you are in the midst of a great one.  It is one that involves a perfect love that will cast away all fears.  It is one so personal, so real that it will leave you forever changed.  It is one with a glorious ending.

In your pain do not harden your heart. Do not choose to escape, but choose to embrace. Embrace once more His promises. He makes all things new and has wonderful plans for you. Embrace once more your Father’s love and place the pieces of your broken heart in His hands. Allow Him to show you His love that you may live in it.

Rox