Category: Lifestyle

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The time of my life…reflection from my get away to Greece

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Who has a case of the Mondays?  I DO! 🙁

Sorry for my lack of blog posts over the past 9 days.  Me and 3 of my BEST friends went on the ultimate girls getaway to the Greek Islands – eek!  We spent 2 nights in Athens, 3 nights Mykonos and 3 in Santorini.  I truly had the time of my life.  Even though the scenery was breathtaking and the food was delicious, I’m most grateful for my amazing friends.  It’s so nice to have people in my life who accept me for who I am… flaws and all.  On top of that, I actually have fun with them!  Could there be anything better?

Now that I’m back to the US and back in my usual routine, I’ll also get back to posting workouts and diet tips for you guys to enjoy  🙂

Here are some pictures from my trip. Hope your week is off to an amazing start!  Lots of luv, Brit

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Fitness for the SOUL: My fun-filled weekend in NYC

Last weekend, my lil bro Austin (@Austin_Rettig) came to visit me in NYC.  He’s a Freshman Men’s Basketball Player at the University of Tampa.  Because I’m SO VERY PROUD of him, I decided to treat him to a weekend in the city for his Spring Break.  We kicked off the weekend with a stroll through Central Park…

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Then hit up the Big East Final Four at Madison Square Garden…

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We started Saturday with some vintage shopping in the East Village…

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and ended it with a hearty meal in Little Italy.  We were really missin’ our sister Kortani (@toots_boots) because nobody loves pasta as much as she does.

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I taught a KILLER Turbo Kick class on Sunday morning at Turbo NYC (if you haven’t been to my class, I hate that for you).  Austin, helped me with the audio and cut some new tracks to “Harlem Shake” and “Snapbacks and Tattoos.”  After class we shot a new YouTube workout video that I’ll post tomorrow – be on the look out 😉

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After gettin’ our praise on at HillsongNYC, we took the Q train to Brooklyn where we supported our home town hero, Derron Williams – DALLAS stand up!

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Finally, we topped off the weekend by stuntin’ real hard b/c Derron’s mom gave us a serious VIP hook up – thank you Miss Denise!

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Yeah…what you know about that family pass with the courtside action? hehe – I was pumped!

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So grateful for my family.  My soul sings with gratitude #BLESSED

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Merry Christmas to my amazing family & friends!

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Not until about 3 years ago did I start to really appreciate the quality time I spent with my family and friends.  Often I measure my personal success by my academic and professional achievements, money earned, Twitter followers and Facebook likes.  However, none of these things bring me the sincere joy that my personal relationships create.  I feel such a sense of peace, purpose and self-assurance by knowing that there are people in my life who truly have my back.  Despite my shortcomings, my imperfections and my bad habits, they love me just the way I am.    This holiday season, I’m challenging myself to invest in my relationships as much I invest in my job, my fitness regimen and in the stock market because sowing positive seeds into other people prepares the MOST bountiful harvest of all!

I don’t have many words for this post, just an extraordinary expression of gratitude for my loving, understanding, amazing family and friends.  I thank God for you all – Merry Christmas!

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(above) My sister, brother and me after church yesterday

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Black Friday Fitness Gift Picks: My fitness Christmas wish list goes a lil’ somethin’ like this…

1. Workout pass for 10 classes from Fitist

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This pass is actually my dream come true!  There is NOTHING I love more than trying out new group fitness classes.   Fitist basically allows you to buy a package of group fitness passes and use them to go to tons of the TOP fitness studios in your city.  I’m talking Barry’s Boot Camp, FlyWheel, & top tier yoga and Pilates studios, let’s do the list people…get involved.

2. Under Armour Braided Neon Headbands

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My gym buddies at TurboKick in NYC wear these all the time and I think they are super cute.  They instantly make me feel energetic, so I’m determined to get some of my own!

3. Lululemon Sexy Flow & Go Tank

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It’s just hot…enough said…

4. Jade Yoga Mat

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I used one of these for the first time during a SHRED class at SLT yoga in NYC.  I loved it because I sweated all over it and it didn’t get slippery.  There’s nothing more annoying and distracting than a slippery yoga mat…ya heard?

5. Raw Protein Powder

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My 2013 New Years resolution and personal commitment is to be a full-fledged vegetarian (pray for me).  So I’ll need lots of vegetarian protein supplements to get me through the year.  I heard this one is legit and tasty so I figured I’d give it a try.

6. Champion Long Sleeve Dri-fit Workout Tops

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I bought 2 of these randomly from Target over the Thanksgiving holiday and I’m hooked!  They fit super snug and are super cute.  I wear them indoors while working out without getting too hot.  Also, they look really cute with black booty shorts 🙂  You can buy them at Target for about $20 – I want more!

7. Neon Nike Free Train Sneakers

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I already have 5 pair of these and I’m determine to get number 6.  I like the Nike Free Train instead of the Free Run because I mostly do group fitness classes with a lot of lateral movement and jumping.  The Free Runs don’t give me the support I need.  Also, I love the Free Trainers because they’re comfy AND cool.  Every damn day – JUST DO IT!

8. Nike Pro Leggings

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I’m a Nike groupie and these bad boys are sexy and WARM.  Living in NYC I can wear these leggings during my workouts and also wear them home without freezing my booty off…a good look.

9. Nalgene Flip Top Water Bottle

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I like this water bottle because I can quickly chug water during my workout and pop the cap back on.  The cap is super snug so if I knock the bottle over I don’t have to worry about spillage.  Also, they also come in cool colors and I wanna write my name on one and decorate it with stickers!

10. Champion Neon Sports Bras

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These are also at Target and hot!  They provide great support and won’t cost you an arm and a leg (about $15).  I like that there are tons of neon colors!   I wear them under a ripped up T-shirt or a solid black or gray workout tank.  I can never have too many!

What’s on your Christmas Fitness Wish List?  Any holiday picks you want to share?

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The Beauty of Balance…living a healthy lifestyle

To be fit requires only physical strength and endurance, but to be well requires additional elements of mental, emotional and spiritual development.  I don’t know about you, but I often overemphasize the “physical” element of my wellness because it’s more tangible and makes me feel productive.   However, simply relaxing, enjoying life and spending time with the people we love is just as, if not more, important than exercise.   This weekend I focused on the “mental” and “emotional” aspects of my wellness with some good ole’ fashioned friends and family time.

On Friday night, I hosted a ladies’ a book club with my fabulous girlfriends in Dallas.  Positive energy filled the room as we laughed, ate good food, sipped EXCELLENT wine (thanks to my girl Amy Hampton, Founder and Owner of Sociologie Wine) and engaged in heartfelt and inspiring fellowship…

Then on Saturday, my mom and I drove to Lubbock, TX to visit my little sister who is on the varsity dance team at Texas Tech University.   It was a great opportunity to share what’s been on our minds and enjoy the authentic, West Texas culture.  We also went to the Texas Tech football game to watch my lil’ sis cheer and dance on the sidelines.  People have always told me that I’m a lucky charm, and this week I proved them correct.  TX Tech football upset #5 West Virginia.  Yea buddy – GUNS UP, Red Raiders!

While this weekend I didn’t workout as hard as I usually do  (i.e. skipped my 2-hour Saturday Detox) I appreciated the beauty of balance.  As we all start a new week,  I encourage each of you take a moment and reflect upon your overall wellness.

Is there an element of your wellness that you tend to neglect?  

One that you overemphasize?   

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Brit’s 5 Favorite (Fit) Things

If not for these 5 things, I’d have a very hard time living a healthy and lively lifestyle.  Here’s why I love them and why you should love them too – enjoy!

  1. Starbucks Venti iced green tea “Straight Up” (no sweetener no added water) – When I’m hungry (or bored) this is my #1 go to.  It’s filling, hydrating, taste great, loaded with antioxidants and serves as a natural metabolism booster.  Also, by ordering it “straight up” I consume ZERO calories!
  2. Pedometer – If you remember my Pedometer Diary post a few months back, I tested this thing out just for fun, but I find that it really helps me stay more active during the day.  I tend to get up from my desk and walk around every hour or so.  I also intentionally park far away from my office building to meet my step goal.
  3. Daily Devotions – Fitness isn’t only limited to our bodies, it extends to our minds and souls.  That said, I carry a really small daily devotional handbook that I got as a high school graduation gift.  It’s nice and concise and organized by “life topic.”  I find that just taking 5-10 minutes each day to a read a few lines and give thanks to God really helps keep me in a positive mindset and grateful spirit.
  4. Apples – Because I travel every week for work, my stomach situation gets a little “off track” if you will.  Apples are a super fiber source, easy to carry, keep my breath fresh and most importantly, keep me regular 😉
  5. TaeBo DVDs + Billy Bands – I became a TaeBo groupie when I was 15 and Billy still gives it to me like he used to in my teens.  The Billy Bands add resistance for extra calorie burn and toning.  Also, I just pack the DVD and bands in my suitcase and easily workout on my laptop in my hotel room.  Super convenient!

What are you favorite things that keep you fit?  Let me know!

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Gritty and Nautical

Happy Labor Day everyone!  I hope your weekend was joyous and well.  Mine certainly was.  I went to Boston to celebrate the wedding of one my dearest b-school classmates.  Despite living in Boston for 2 years, I experienced a completely new side of Bean town = Southie.  Usually, I try to stay away from Southie at all costs (read: Gone Baby Gone & The Town), but I was pleasantly surprised by history, “grittiness” and authenticity of the neighborhood.  I enjoyed a nice 5 mile run around the South Harbor and had a killer vegetarian sausage breakfast burrito at Sophia’s.

After the wedding, I hopped a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for a night.  The island exhibited a wealth of racial and cultural diversity (I was expecting to only see Sperry’s and blondes). My friends and I kept up the physical activity with paddle boarding at the beach.  SO FUN!  Took me a while to get my groove.  I definitely bit it like 3 times, but it was totally worth it.  If you’ve never tried paddle boarding, you must.  My core and booty are super sore today 😉

While the food was great and the scenery was unreal, the best part was the company.  As I reflect on the weekend, I’m so grateful for my positive and loving friendships – something I TOO OFTEN taken for granted.  Thank God for good friends.

   

So, here’s to Bean Town, Martha’s Vineyard, and all things Gritty and Nautical.

Me and Dave soaking it all in before heading home

 

 

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Fitness for the SOUL: Power of Positive Energy – Reflections on a wonderful weekend in San Fransisco

I very much believe in the Law of Attraction. The energy we cultivate is the energy we attract, be it positive or negative. That said, I’m eager to jump into environments that exude positive energy. These are opportunities to fill myself with optimism, hope and encouragement. As a result, I’m able to attract positive people and life circumstances.

Last weekend I headed to the West Coast to visit one of my best friends from business school. We spent most of our time in Palo Alto and one evening San Fransisco. I had a great time just catching up, eating good food, enjoying a long run and walking around the Stanford University campus (my 1st time there). Few places inspire me more than university campuses – oh the possibilities! Especially, Stanford considering its academic excellence and athletic superiority. I’ve watched several Olympic athletes the past 2 weeks who are Stanford Alumni. Anyway, I felt very inspired while I was there so I wanted to share some pics from my “positive place.” Today I’m pumped up and eagerly anticipating a wonderful week 🙂

Where’s your positive place?

How are you going to surround yourself with positive energy this week?

How can you be a source of positive energy to others?

Below: Some fun shots of me representing’ for the GRIT GIRLZ and being a Stanford Soccer Groupie 😉

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Get to STEPPIN’ – Life with my pedometer

SO… along with cutting back on the booze, for my 28th b-day I also committed to wearing a pedometer everyday.  In case you don’t know, a pedometer is a little device you can attach to your body and it counts the number of steps you take.  I got the idea from my friend Megan who consistently wore her pedometer every single day of our vacation in Italy.

Basically I’m on one of these 10,000 step plans.  Recent studies show that it takes 10,000 steps (equal to 5 miles) per day to manage your current weight.  As many of you know, I’ve lost over 20 pounds in the last 2 years and I REFUSE to gain it back.  So the 10,000 step plan is my new method of ensuring I don’t slowly pack back on the pounds.

First off, using the pedometer is cheap and simple.  I bought mine at Academy Sports & Outdoors for about $20 and I simply clip it to my belt or bra strap every day.  Altogether, I didn’t realize how sedentary I am every day.  It’s cray cray!  My daily step count was all over the place – literally.  On an average day when I do not workout, I only walk about 3,000-4,00 steps.  YIKES!

Getting my 10,000 steps in each day is still work in progress, but I’m constantly improving.  Overall, I think this is legit so def try it for yourself!  Here’s a little photo diary of my pedometer experience:

1st day with the pedometer, sitting at my desk all day and only at 4,693 steps at 8pm – not a good look 🙁

Feeling very eager and determined on day 2 – walked/jogged on the treadmill for 30 min and walked around my office multiple times for over 12,000 steps!

Lazy day working from home.  Had to head to the gym to make up for a LOT of steps!

After teaching 1-hour Turbo Kick class +6,000 steps putting me well above 10,000 by 6:15pm – a good look 🙂

Morning run and Psycho Gym workout got me over 8,000 steps by lunch time.  YAY!

Sunday church + brunch left me with a major step gap 🙁

Went for a Sunday afternoon stroll around my neighborhood to get my extra steps in.  Mission accomplished!

Here are a few ways that I incorporated more steps into my day to make may daily 10,000 step quota:

  • Park in the parking spot furthest away form the door to my work building
  • Get up and walk around my office every couple of hours
  • Walk on the treadmill or around my neighborhood to make up for missed steps
  • Stand at my desk, and sway side to side instead of sitting (awkward I know, but it works)

How do you get your steps in? Please do share!

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Movin’ & Shakin’ in Monte Carlo

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.  With that in mind, I don’t have much to say about the Monaco segment of my European Extravaganza  except that it was truly a mind-blowing experience.  From relaxing in the king spa of our posh Hotel Hermitage, gazing at lavish yachts, Bentley’s and Bugatti’s  to dancing under the stars at the final gala, I felt like a BO$$.

While I didn’t work out as planned during my 4 days in “baller’s paradise,”  I did have some much-needed self-appreciation and quality time with amazing friends – equally good for my mind, body and soul.  So here you have it, some of my favorite personal pics from my favorite trip to date.  Enjoy!