I’ve been notoriously unhealthy and even more notoriously demotivated around fitness all my life. When I was 18 I pretty much though Frappuchinos were a basic food group and I the most exercise I had done ever done was a requirement for gym class.  Now that I’m a bit older, I realize that without health, you don’t have much!  I’m older, wiser and more health conscious, but I’m busier than ever.

Making positive changes in your life and implementing healthy habits doesn’t have to be a headache, but it will take some headspace.  Change doesn’t happen overnight, but here are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up on to make health a focus and make sure healthy habits stick!

1.  Start small & systemize your healthy habits

Many health gurus out there intimidate us normals- we see them going to the gym at ungodly hours and drinking nasty looking protein shakes- not something we could ever see ourselves doing.  If you want to become healthier, start small by either giving something up (like late night snacks that make you feel bloated) or adding something to you life. For me, I started making green smoothies in the morning and taking a multivitamin every day with lunch.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small and choose something to give up (like smoking, eating until you feel bloated or soda) and adding something to your routine (like taking vitamins, going to bed earlier or going for evening walks).

2.  Find a form of fitness or activity that truly resonates with you

One of my favorite authors, Gretchen Rubin, wrote in her book, the Happiness Project, that part of being happy is to accept that certain things that we are told we should enjoy (like classical music, poetry or shopping) actually don’t make us happy and to accept that.  Often, we are told in the fitness world that we should hop on the lastest craze- aerobics, running, yoga, kickboxing since “everyone else loves it!” but if it doesn’t resonate with you personally- that’s okay.

Right now, I love running but the thought of doing yoga doesn’t excite me right now and that’s okay- not every activity is right for you, and it may not be right at this moment.  Just because a fitness trend has fanatics doesn’t mean it’s something you can get fanatical about- experiment until you find the right activity for you- even if it’s just going for hikes, walking the dog or swimming laps.  Find something that gets you giddy and you’ll be able to overcome the lulls in enthusiasm and stick with it.

3.  Discover what truly motivates you to change and create new habits

A year ago, nothing seemed to motivate me more than the thought of getting new shoes and earning my first half marathon medal.  At the time, I hated running and had so many bad experiences with it, but the idea that I would be rewarded with a unique piece of shiny bling and I’d be able to shoe shop to prepare for it truly stirred my soul.  Often, when times were tough or I felt discouraged, I’d look at a picture of the medal and knew I had to keep going (plus the half marathon ticket was non-refundable!) because I was just too excited by the prize to quit!

You may discover that you’re tired of feeling sick and tired, or perhaps someone in your life was touched by disease and getting fit would help you fund research or avoid a similar fate.  Of course, you can be motivated by a myriad of factors- the chance to have fun, look and feel better and do good for others, but you have to get clear on your goals and they have to be heart wrenching.   Simply “wanting to not be fat” or the other demeaning things we use to bully ourselves into getting fit is counterintuitive.  If you’re working out to lose weight, make sure you focus on the positive and all the things you’ll gain from a fitter-self, not just the weight you’ll lose!

4.  Enlist three kinds of help:  a mentor, a peer & supports

If you’re going to make any life change that will provide any kind of challenge (even if it’s just to give up soda) you’re going to need three kinds of people in your life to help make it a reality. First, a mentor- even if it’s just a blogger on the internet who has done what you wish to do, they can provide the necessary guidance and layout to make sure you set yourself up for success. Secondly, you’ll need a peer-  is someone you know, either a friend, coworker or family member doing what you want to do?  The important part of finding a “peer” is that you have someone to confide in who is at your level- someone who isn’t an “expert” but also isn’t totally indifferent to your personal challenge.  Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply trying to have salads for lunch- seek out someone who you can relate to as you transition to a healthier habit or overall lifestyle.

Finally, the support system in your life is crucial to any goal you set out for yourself.  The supports in your life include anyone that could either sabotage or bolster your success- your family and good friends.  These are the people that have the most influence in your daily life and have the greatest impact in making your healthy habits a sure thing.  Be sure that when you set a goal, they are aware of their role in your success, even in the smallest of behaviors.

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When I laced up running shoes for the first time a year ago, I had no idea how it would transform my life.  At the time, I couldn’t run a mile and in my 25 years had never run more than a mile but signed up for my first race as a way to motivate myself (and justify an impulse buy of cute running clothes).  Now, I have several half marathons under my belt, mud runs and countless miles.

I’ll be running in the Women’s Running Series this year- will I see you in Nashville?  If you’re looking for that first race to light or reignite your spark and commit to making health a habit in your life, this could be the race for you!

Get $10 off your Women’s Running Series Nashville Half Marathon registration with FITNSHAN(expires 9/28/2013)

Disclaimer: The Women’s Running Series is compensating me for this trip as a member of Fitfluential, but all opinions (and my reforming couch potato advice) is entirely my own.  

I’ve been a Mary Kay user for years- I have been a fan of their Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover and their skin care, but seriously, their packaging and gift with purchases always captures my eye!

I absolutely fell head over heels in love with their new Zen In Bloom Collection for Spring 2013-  the Obi carrying case is just stunning in watercolor cherry blossoms, and the colors of the palette just breathe new life into my neutral winter tones- I love the cherry blossom pink and gorgeous sky blues.

Limited-Edition Mary Kay^® Mineral Eye Color in Garden Sky
This palette contains three fade-resistant shades of blue, green and neutral, allowing your mom to create a variety of fun, on-trend looks  ($20)

Limited-Edition Mary Kay^® Lip Lacquer with Mini Retractable Lip Brush

Available in two irresistible shades Pink Pagoda and Chai Latte, these creamy formulas provide an intense, high-gloss shine ($16 each)

Limited-Edition Mary Kay^® Nail Lacquer

The durable finish of these two high-gloss colors, Pink Bamboo and Blue Lotus, protect color from fading ($9 each)

The colors go on gorgeously and I absolutely am in love with the lip lacquer and retractable brush- it’s a layerable color that will perk up any of your winter lip colors and add a fabulous glossy finish!

These would make fabulous gifts for Mother’s Day (it’s coming up on May 12!), graduation or to just treat yo’self.  To snag these beauties- find a local Mary Kay Consultant but I know I’ll be in touch with mine!

I received this product for the purpose of review, opinions are entirely my own. 

Glossybox – Monthly Luxury Beauty Subscription Box

Cost: $21 per box, free shipping

What You Get With Glossybox: 4-5 high end, beauty products.

Is Glossybox Worth it?

For $21 a month, you get free shipping and 4-5 delectable beauty products to try.  I’ve had two Glossyboxes delievered thus far, and each time, I received full sized products of name brands I LOVE.  While other subscription boxes will either throw in a cruddy full size of some random product you never would have tried, or if it’s a notable brand, they give you a “sample” so small you can barely experience the product, Glossybox truly delivers.

In last month’s box, I received a full sized OPI nail polish, and a full sized Tarte blush- easily worth $21.  This month, I loved the full sized DaVinci shimmer powder (it retails for $14.99) and the Lisi Lipgloss (retails for $7).  I also adore that they send everything beautifully wrapped and don’t sneak in a shipping charge, what’s not to love?

Of course, there’s always one product that is delightfully surprising- this month it was the gold foil pouch you see below-  the Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask.  Yep, SNAIL.  I’m oddly excited to try that one, kudos Glossybox for keepin’ it global, haha!

Head over to their website to snag your Glossybox subscription!

Special Offer!  Get a free nail polish from OPI ($9 value) with any subscription to GLOSSYBOX by 3/31!

Promo code: SPRING

I’m so excited to feature this Shabby Apple Giveaway!  Shabby Apple is by far, one of my favorite brands for high quality dresses with a vintage flair.  

 In addition to being a purveyor of classic style, Shabby Apple also supports women around the world- so your purchase helps other women. Look good, feel good!

Whenever I hostess a Shabby Apple Giveaway people get so excited, and rightfully so!  I always get so many compliments when I wear a Shabby Apple dress!

If you’re looking for a work appropriate dress or a modest but gorgeous frock for a wedding with a victorian, flapper or even “Mad Men” type feel that screams of sophistication, Shabby Apple dresses are true investment pieces that will be true favorites in your wardrobe!

This Shabby Apple dress- Usra is a comfortable and cozy sweater dress.  It’s especially great for tall women- I noticed the sleeves were a bit long, so I rolled them up for a casual look.  I’m 5’8″ but may have the hem lifted a bit since it runs a bit long, even for me, but that wasn’t a problem on a crisp winter day!

Pair this dress with boots, leggings or cute socks that peek over the top and you’ve got a cozy but classy outfit that looks great but fits like a glove!

The kind folks at Shabby Apple are offering a giveaway to one lucky reader for a $50 shop credit!  Enter below to get a few entries to this awesome Shabby Apple giveaway!  Ends 1/28/13.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

also, be sure to check out Beautiful Giveaways  for the best giveaways on the internet with new giveaways 3-5 days a week!

Elizabeth & Clarke – Quarterly Clothing Subscription Box

Cost: $30-60 per box (depending on your subscription level)

What You Get With Elizabeth & Clarke:  1-3 premium shirts per season

Elizabeth & Clarke is a fashion subscription service with a unique offering- each quarter, you will receive 1-3 shirts (based on your subscription level) that are intended to be your “perfect shirts” for the upcoming season.

If you’re looking to supplement your wardrobe with high-end, quality frocks that make classy-casual dressing a snap, look no further than Elizabeth & Clarke!

I was really excited about Elizabeth & Clarke because there doesn’t seem to be anything like it on the market.  Additionally, as much as I love colorful, crazy tops- I’ve found that the ones I turn to most often, especially when I’m unsure about what the appropriate attire will be for the day, is a sexy, sophisticated neutral that flatters and covers.

Elizabeth & Clarke sent me three shirts and all hit the mark!

Your Elizabeth & Clarke box comes gorgeously wrapped, and the fabrics are simply luxurious.  Even the simple cuts of the shirts below, done in the right fabric make you look and feel fabulous!  Dress up a pair of jeans, or pair with a blazer for a versatile top for work, play or whatever else!

So, is Elizabeth & Clarke Worth It?

 I’m really happy with the contents of my Elizabeth & Clark box-  the tops are sophisticated without being fussy, and comfortable without being frumpy!  The shirts were superb supplements to my wardrobe. Having a versatile piece that goes with any outfit or occasion is priceless!

If you’d like to subscribe, check out the Elizabeth & Clarke website.