I love being able to squeeze in workouts at home because it eliminates any excuse to find the time to move my body.  There are so many programs and options out there (subscriptions and free), it makes working out extremely convenient and accessible. I enjoy following programs or attending classes because it takes the guess work (and planning) out, however sometimes I like to create my own.

I thought I would share an easy full body workout you can do at your own pace. Each move is a compound move, so you are working multiple muscle groups at once. I used 12s and 15s, however you can use ANY weight that is challenging or feels comfortable for you. Also takes breaks when you need to and listen to your body! This workout can be mixed up by switching out the cardio bursts as well as changing your rep range. Since it is based on reps, take note of your form and make that a priority!

I would love to know your favorites or if you tried this at home! 

Video Demo: Demo

Hope you were able to move your body today!

Blessings,

Jac

 

 

Our son turned two at the end of December and continues to surprise me everyday with his eagerness to learn about the world around him. As a former first grade teacher, I am a huge advocate of early literacy. You can check out easy ways to encourage literacy for little ones here: 5 Easy Ways To Promote Early Literacy. I decided once we got settled in I would begin mini “lessons” with him to learn letters and sounds. He will be attending a Mother’s Day Out next year twice a week where I will also teach. However, I want to provide as much instruction as I can at home to build a solid foundation and readiness.

I thought I would share how I am introducing letters and structuring that time together. Of course, I will adjust and adapt as he learns and I can assess what he needs. I would love to know if you work with your little ones at home and what resonates best with them!

Letter A  Mini Lesson 

• Show the letter Aa card and introduce the name. Have fun with it and say it different ways.
• Show uppercase A. Model and show “BIG A” with hand motions and deep voice. Repeat and have fun with it. Allow them to hold actual letter.
• Show lowercase a. Model and show “small a” with hand motions and soft voice. Repeat and have fun with it. Allow them to hold actual letter.
• Introduce the sound and repeat “Aa says a-a-a”.
• With hand motions and different voices review “BIG A, small a, a-a-a”
• Show 1-2 “Aa” songs on Youtube
• Write three different uppercase letters on whiteboard and ask them to find big A
• Write three different lowercase letters on whiteboard and ask them to find small a
• Trace letters together in book and allow them to color after
• Review one last time and allow them to pick a color to write Aa on a blank label
• Let them wear the letter Aa for the day:)

**Extend by searching for the letter Aa in bedtime book

This only takes about 10-15 minutes which is perfect for their attention span. It is also nice to have that focused time together! I would love to know anything you do!

Blessings,

Jac

As many of you know our family recently moved. You can read more about it here: New Beginnings. I shared ways our family got settled and organized, however wanted to share how I am getting back into a wellness routine (Getting Settled & Toy Organization). I am a huge advocate of overall health and it has always been an interest and passion of mine. Feel free to read more about my story here:About. 

As with any change, getting back into the swing of nutrition and exercise can be extremely challenging. Our family had to be flexible during the period of not being in our home, moving into a new one and just getting settled. However, now that we have been here a few weeks we are starting to get back into our normal routine which is great! I wanted to share some of my tips or go-tos when I am trying to get back on track with my health that has worked best for me.

I would love to know what works for you!

 

1.Create A Positive Mindset

Being able to move your body and fuel it with nourishing foods is a gift! Shift your perspective to focus on what is truly important and give yourself grace along the way. When I am getting back on track I am diligent in gratitude, prayer, and affirmations. When I start my day in the right head space, everything else follows.

2. Create Small Daily/Weekly Goals

Depending where you are at, create goals that are realistic for YOU. Going overboard can automatically set you up to fail, which can turn into a pattern of starting/stopping. For us, our first step was planning out our meals again and eating what we prepped/bought. My next step was to get 4-5 workouts in a week that was medium intensity. We also started focusing on our sleep schedule again (hubby and me) which can be a challenge when you want to constantly get things done. Pick a couple of areas you want to work on and focus on that. Don’t overwhelm yourself!

3.Find Accountability

I am so grateful that my husband has made health a priority and wants the same things I do. We are extremely open with how we are feeling and our health goals. We can encourage one another, check in, and keep each other accountable to the things we are wanting to achieve.

4.Create A Schedule

Having some type of structure for exercise can help so much! Create a consistent time you work out and write it down as an appointment with yourself.  The more you do it, the more it will become part of your daily/weekly routine, and the easier it will become. It is important to take care of YOU.

5.Don’t Wait Until A Monday

I used to constantly tell myself  “I will start xyz on Monday”. It was terrible for my mental health, and there is honestly nothing magical about waiting until Monday to start something. If you are wanting to make a change, decide what it is and make a small commitment for that day or the following….there is no reason to wait! The small choices/changes will accumulate into something bigger. It is all about the consistency over time!

Blessings,

Jac