5 Reasons to Workout in the Morning

1) Jump start your metabolism

Exercising early in the morning "jump starts" your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours, sometimes for up to 24 hours! As a result, you’ll be burning more calories all day long—just because you exercised in the morning. Via Spark People 

2) Boost your mood

It boosts your mood: A long stream of research has indicated that exercise boosts endorphins and other feel-good hormones in your body, and it may be enough to push you through the morning slump and keep you smiling all day.  Via Glamour 

3) Start the day off right

Set a heathly tone for the day. You usually will feel so good that you want to refuel with good food. Via Women's Health Magazine 

4)  Be consistent

A consistent work out. A big barrier to getting enough exercise is often the fact that it’s hard to fit it into a daily schedule. It’s extra hard if you have kids, work unpredictable hours, or have a somewhat spontaneous social life. If you commit to working out in the morning, however, you’re way less likely to have the excuse of things just popping up. Plus, you won’t be exhausted from a rough day at the office. In fact, people who work out in the morning have shown to stick to their exercise plans better than people who plan to exercise after work. Via Daily Health Post

5) Long-term results

Better long-term results. Research shows that those who exercise in the morning are more consistent exercisers than those who exercise later in the day. Our bodies love routine. If you force yourself to get up when your alarm goes off, your body will thank you and pay you back by feeling rested and ready for the day. Via US News 

How to Work Out in the Morning?

I found these tips to be very helpful!

3 Months

This morning I woke up to sweet text messages from both my sister and aunt. Mom passed away just three short months ago and the grieving process is still in full force. As I reflect on these months, I am amazed by the things I have found the strength to do and the things that I still simply cannot do. Some of these things may sound silly, but if you knew our relationship you would understand that the smallest things became our livelihood, our joys and our way of making memories towards the end of mom's life. Truth be told, I started this post by titling it "Things I Haven't Done" when realized there are things I have been able to overcome as well that are worth mentioning.

Things I haven't done-

Listen to my voice mails from the week mom passed

Watch our weekly shows (Shark Tank, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune)

Eat her favorite foods, especially Costco pizza

Spend long periods of time in her room, house and honestly even being in Federal Way is extremely painful

Things I have done -

Read through text messages, cards and Facebook messages we shared

Watched the video she left behind for me

Sorted through her clothes and closet items

Drive her car

Go back to church

I don't know when this all is going to get easier. I often get down on myself for still feeling emotional three months later, but also hear the first year is the hardest. I truly want to be happy and live in the moment again. I believe I will get there, it will just take time.

Weekend Recap

Sadly, that living room photo is not ours, it belongs in the beautiful home of my aunt and uncle! Our weekend was spent building furniture (desk, file cabinet and media console), browsing Goodwil, removing the chain link fence, celebrating Lindsay's 29th birthday, drinking margaritas and BBQ's! We even celebrated National S'more Day. I hope everyone enjoyed their summer weekend!

Summer Goals

Lately, I have been enjoying my good friend Jessica's yoga classes on the water. I had a revelation last night while we chatted afterwards about having power to say "yes"! For so long, I have said "no" to many activities + events with friends. Between caring for mom, planning our wedding and buying our home, I was always restricting myself from taking on too much. So I have decided to take advantage of what is left of this gorgeous summer and try to worry less about things that don't need to be done immediately.

1. Roast s'mores + go camping 

2. BBQ more - even if it means using our small portable Coleman grill

3. Continue outdoor yoga classes

4. Go to Dustin's softball games + races

5. Run in the morning while it is still light out

6. Try new restaurants on our street

7. Visit Seahurst Park

8. Stroll Pikes Place on my lunch

9. Walk with friends

10. Go swimming!

Happiness

In all honestly, I have been thinking a lot about what social media "portrays". Does everyone live flawless lives with perfect friends, family + significant others? Do people struggle with happiness, ever feel upset and pick fights? Or is that just me? I decided to write this list for some much needed self-reflection and I found these things I have associated with "happiness" lately were actually things that were far from happiness and where I desire to be in life.

Happiness is:

Patience, love, trust and kindness

Having faith and not seeking to understand

Being with family and pups

A fresh cup of coffee in the morning, made with love by your husband

Hugs, kisses and small surprises

Silly photos, text messages and emails from girlfriends

Having too much wine

Enjoying the moment (yardstick!)

Getting snail mail

Dancing, lots of laughter, ILYTP

Summer nights and spontaniety

Travel

Healthy fitness

Happiness is not:

Worry, anxiety and stress

Materialistic items

Angry words, jealously and spite

Money

The perfect body

Scheduled and timely

iPads, iPhones and screen time

A perfect home

Striving to be perfect and creating and image

Home Inspiration - Living Room

via Christine Choi Photography

via Jacqueline Elizabeth

via Britta Hundertmark

I am drawn to the simplicity, coziness and clean lines of these living rooms. What is your perfect living room?

Instagram's of July

July has come and gone! We started out by celebrating 4th of July, moved into our new home, got married and honeymooned in Maui. I think this month was one to remember!