Last Friday, I went shopping with my girlfriends and had a major reality check: I’m loosing sight of my weight gain. I couldn’t fit into sizes I usually wore and almost had a panic attack in the dressing room of Banana Republic. Right there and then, I decided to put myself on a diet and exercise plan.

Enter: Nike Training Club
I saw this app on Creature Comforts‘s Friday Faves and had to have it! Its free and can be loaded on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. I did my first 30-minute exercise on Sunday but it totally kicked my butt! I was sprawled on the floor unable to move after 20-minutes because I was sooo out of shape — don’t judge me! My body was super sore the next day and I could hardly walk downstairs without hanging onto the rail for dear life but I knew I had a great workout. I decided to let my body rest on Monday and Tuesday, only going for light 5-minute jogs to loosen up my muscles and Wednesday night I completed my first 30-minute exercise! What a great start to a new year!

What I love most about this app is you can select different workouts for the results you are trying to achieve such as getting toned, lean, strong, or focused. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with some of the workout moves, you can play the video clips on the screen at any time during your workout!

Oh and did I mention that it’s FREE!?! Go and get it!!!

Mashimaro by Jonathan Reyes on DeviantArt.

Hello 2012!! Cheers to the new year and to new beginnings.

Full credit goes to the image authors.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness.

Hugs and giggles,
Dee

Who couldn’t use a few shortcuts in life? Here are some clever ideas to make your life a little easier.

Tip: Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

Tip: Store bed linen sets inside one of their own pillowcases – no more hunting through piles for a match!

Tip: Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.

Tip: Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door.

Tip: Bake cupcakes in ice-cream cones – so much more fun and easier for kids to eat. Definitely doing this!

For more clever tips and ideas, head over to The Daily Buzz.