Next Stop...Rome!

This is definitely an exciting post for me...I am happy to share with friends, family, and whoever else might be reading this blog, that Rob and I are heading to Rome this week!

Rob and I have planned a trip to visit Rome from Thursday through Sunday since he doesn't have a game this weekend.

From Sweden the plane ride is only about two hours and costs are considerably less than planning a trip from the States to Rome. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to visit this magical city for the second time in my life. Thank you Trevi Fountain for helping my coin toss come true!

Trevi Fountain - First time in Rome

Although this is the second visit for me to Rome, this is Rob's first time there, which makes the trip even more exciting for me. It might sound like gushing, but I truly love visiting new places with my husband because he is such a happy person. He loves to see new sights and take in new experiences. Traveling with him is never stressful and always very memorable.

We are going to be staying in a bed and breakfast just outside Vatican City. At this point, we have broken our travels into two main days; one in Vatican City and one for the Colosseum and Ancient Rome surrounding areas. It is hard to say what I am looking forward to the most, but the Colosseum is one of my most anticipated locations. I know that Rob is going to love seeing this and I can't wait to see his face as we walk in!

We have had to save our money, count our pennies, and cut back on groceries, but it is all worth it with this incredible trip planned. I have been counting down the days, and in typical Type A/girly fashion, my outfits have already been planned!

Please let me know if you have any travel tips or recommendations! The city is so majestic that there are always new things to discover!

Can't wait to share with everyone after our trip!

Slim Down Secrets

Getting in shape is hard to do, and keeping in good shape is just as difficult. As a previous college athlete, when I graduated from school I told myself I was not going to work out for a while! My body wanted time off and to heal from the acquired injuries. This is nice and all, but let me tell you, a year later it is much harder to get back into shape, but I am loving the outcome and how I feel!

There are a couple things that have helped me to get active again:

1. Do Something You Enjoy!
I use to love to go for runs, but times have change. I've gotten a little older and my joints have already started to ache! So when I tried to start working out again by going for runs, it didn't give me much motivation to do it daily. With the help of my sisters, I have really started to enjoy yoga and at the gym I love the elliptical and walking on an incline. And no matter where I am, doing abs always makes me feel like I've accomplished something.

2. Have A Distraction
I wrote in my Bossypants blog that I have been listening to this audio book while I work out. The humor of the book keeps me distracted from consistently checking the time. If you aren't an audio book fan, I recommend having an up beat play list to keep you moving and singing along, which should probably be done just in your head. Some of my favorite songs to work out to right now include We Found Love- Rihanna, Run the World- Beyonce, Hit the Lights-Selena Gomez, and All Night Long- Demi Lovato.

3. Bring A Partner
Taking someone to the gym gives you that extra bit of commitment. You are way more unlikely to say that you just don't feel like going when you've already made plans with someone else. I like going to the gym with my husband because I know he'll push me, and I also like to go with girlfriends to chat while on the elliptical.

4. Like What You Look Like
Sometimes the hardest part of working out is actually making it to the gym. As a woman, I am much more likely to head to the gym when I have some cute work out gear. Stereotypical as a woman but true. I love New Balance, Under Armour, Nike, Lululemon, Lucy, and anything from my favorite colleges: Spring Arbor University and Michigan.

Our Gym in Nassjo

5. Set Reasonable Goals
When you start working out, don't expect a huge change right away! It takes time, so set reasonable goals so that you don't get discouraged. Start by working your way up to an hour at the gym, working out four of five weekdays, and then work your way up to goals related to weight. Remember, its not about pounds it's about being healthy, losing inches, and gaining muscles.

Last Bit Of Advice: If you want to start working out, this is the perfect time before all the delicious holiday meals! Don't wait until New Year's because we all know that resolutions only last for a month!