Getting Back on Track

     With a wedding and honeymoon this summer, then the busiest of "back to school" this August, several things have fallen to the wayside.  I feel like I haven't blogged in years and I know I haven't seen the inside of a gym in two months.  It's all about to change!  My goal is to post at least once a week and to get back in the gym on the reg...  What I need is a plan of attack!
     In my research of workout routines, I actually found some great ideas.  The exercises in this post came from a ten week workout schedule.  I decided to change it up a little bit and do these simple routines three days a week and try some HIIT or interval training the other three days.  I know that it's quite ambitious, but those are the best goals to beat!
     To make it even crazier, I also want to work on my run game and start small wake-up workouts.  I know, I know....I'm tired just typing it  Those will be a different post (let me not get ahead of myself)!  The three workouts below are simple yet challenging and require zero equipment.  They can, as always, be modified for your specific needs and level.  The idea is for these to fall Monday, Wednesday, and Friday but it'll really be whenever it fits in my schedule.  Stretch, drink plenty of water, and have fun in your workout!  Just think about those sexy skinny jeans :)

Workout #1

***These totals do not have to be completed all at once.  For example, I usually do 50 jacks at the beginning, 50 more half way through, then 50 at the end.  Do whatever works to reach the total.***

150 jumping jacks

50 crunches

20 tricep extensions

30 squats

20 walking lunges

70 Russian twists

20 calf raises

5 push ups

:30 plank

Workout #2

60 jumping jacks

50 reverse crunches

20 sit-ups

15 tricep extensions

20 squats

10 side lunges (each side)

15 leg lifts (each side)

50 bicycles

15 push ups

40 Russian twists

Workout #3

50 jumping jacks

100 Russian twists

20 squats

5 push ups

1:00 downward dog

20 walking lunges

10 side lunges (each side)

20 bird dogs

20 inner thigh lifts (each leg)

15 incline push ups

Back to School

     I think that my favorite part about going back to school is getting to dress up again...especially after spending a majority of my summer in pajamas!  I'm definitely not complaining but it's a nice transition back to reality.  One thing that I've learned as a grow as a teacher is that wardrobe can drive behavior and classroom management.  If you dress like a student, they treat you like a peer.  If you dress like a professional, the class will respect you.
     I know that it's difficult to also dress up and be put together (even more so around state testing time), but it's honestly worth the effort.  The saying "dress for the job you want" is exactly true, even if you are already in that job.  Although there is definitely a time for a more casual outfit (field trip, outdoor or messy projects, class parties), it's important to establish the respect early on.
     This outfit is my first of the new "season."  I wore it to a training right before school started and it honestly got me right back in the mood!  It's pretty simple and comfortable, but grown up and put together also!

Dress - Rainbow Clothing

Flats - American Eagle

Belt - American Eagle

Grab and Go Iced Coffee**

     I love coffee!  Any time of the day is a perfect time for a delicious cup of Joe.  With a very busy lifestyle, sometimes coffee is cut from the morning routine.  We have a Kuerig so that really helps with fast hot coffee.  But what about 100 degree Florida mornings???  Hot coffee is not an option for me.  Therefore, I came up with this recipe to help on days where I need something fast and refreshing.

On the Go Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of instant coffee (I use Publix brand, but any will work)
2 tablespoons of sugar (I use two sweetener substitute packets)
1 tablespoon of powdered creamer
1 1/2 cups of milk (I use fat free)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Ice
Shaker or blender

Directions:
In shaker or blender, combine all ingredients.  If you're using a shaker, only put in a few ice cubes.  The rest of the ice goes in your drinking cup.  Shake or blend until everything in mix thoroughly.  From the blender, the coffee is ready to drink.  From the shake, strain over a cup with fresh ice.  Enjoy!