Happy 2016!!!

It’s a little late for a new years post, but better late than never!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
(Me and the Hubby before we leave for our party)

I normally don’t ever set resolutions because I firgured if I really want to do something 

(or to stop doing something) I should do it 

(or stop doing it) immediately. 

There shouldn’t be anything magical 

about the first day of a new year. 

It’s just another day in life – there is not 

wiping of the slate of 2015. 

I’m still the same person, with the same goals, that I was 10 days ago. 

In fact, the only slate that seemed to be wiped 

clean/renewed was the amount of sick/holiday days that I received on January first. 

ANYWAYS, you get the picture – I normally don’t do resolutions, but 2016 seems to be different. For the first time in my life I wanted to make a resolution. 

WHO AM I?

I decided to write them down, because goodness, if I am planning on making them – I best be keeping them!

1. Stay Fit (GOT THAT DIME BODY)

Nooooo, not “Get Skinny”. I’ve long since come to terms with the fact that my body type is not noodle thin – its better than that. I have an athletic build with a big booty. 

THANK GOODNESS the booty is very “in” right now. 

Took people a while to catch up with my big booty trend, 

but they finally got there. 

So my plan is to continue my workout/diet plan because 

for the first time in my adult life,

 I am happy with my body. 

I just need to make sure I continue to stay the course!

2. Socialize More Often

I have always been a very social person, when people are in front of me. 

My biggest issue is when I go home I just want to chill with the dog, cat, and hubby – read a book, watch a movie, cook, etc… 

I am horrible at keeping up with friends that I don’t see on a daily bases. 

Game plan: make sure I am texting more, calling more, planning more outings and dinners, and putting myself out there to meet new friends. 

I think I’m doing well! 

We are six days into the new year and every 

weekend for the next month and a half is filled…

3. Make a Skincare Routine

“Whattttt? She doesn’t have a skincare routine?!” – No judging, 

but I haven’t really needed one. 

I am 26 and have relatively good skin so a lot of times I would just fall asleep without taking off my makeup. I would never moisturize, 

and I hardly ever washed my face. 

But this year I am turning 27, and I realize that I am slowly getting older L. 

I need to start taking active measures to preserve my face. 

I recently went to the store to buy all the goods that one would 

probably need to take care of their face.

 I bought makeup remover pads, oil free makeup remover, moisturizer, and a night serum. 

So far I am doing well with the nightly

 skin care habit – and I feel like I am definitely noticing a difference.

4. Vacation More Often & Take More Pics

I feel like Ricky and I go on a decent amount of bigger trips but we tend to skip doing the shorter, weekend trip around here. This year I would like to go to Savannah 

and the Keys along with our normal big trips. 

Also I really want to start taking more pictures.

 I feel like a lot of time I am moving so fast that I miss out on the beauty that surrounds me. 

I feel like if I make a note to take 1 pic a day – I will be 

more observant and might not miss as much.

5. Finish My Master’s

I am scheduled to finish my master’s degree in December of this year! I am BEYOND excited to be done with school and NEVER look back.

Those are my 2016 New Year Resolutions! Comment and let me know what yours are!

The Benefits of Foam Rolling

Why Should I Foam Roll?

Foam rolling is increasingly becoming more and more popular today with active men and women. You no longer have to pay $60 for an hour long massage (with a stranger) at your nearest spa – you can enjoy the same results, with a one-time fee, in the comfort of your own home with a foam roller. Foam rolling is a method of Self-myofascial, which is a fancy term for a self-massage that will release muscle tightness. Not only does it aid in muscle recovery, relax tight muscles, and supports in the restoration of healthy tissue – It also feels fantastic!

Relaxes Tight Muscles

Everyone has experienced back, neck, and other muscle pains before in their life. Whether it is from sitting at a desk all day, poor posture, stress related, or strenuous activity, we’ve all been there. Massaging your muscles with a foam roller can reduce swelling and stiffness and can help increase flexibility in order to eliminate the pain. Using a foam roller on your tight muscles can also release endorphins and boost levels of serotonin and dopamine which all contribute to calming nerves, pain management, and all around helping you feel good.

Aids in Flexibility

Using a foam roller to apply pressure to specific points on your body will aid in the recovery of muscles and assist in returning them to normal function. Normal function means your muscles are elastic, healthy, and ready to perform at a moment’s notice. If your muscles are not taken care of properly, you can experience loss of flexibility.

Foam Rolling Classes

Some gyms provide foam rolling classes. This is an excellent way of learning the different rolling techniques from professionals that you would have never learned on your own. Instructors will demonstrate specific ways to use the foam roller and the best muscles to use it on for the best results. It is always safer to learn a few things from a class before going home and trying it on your own! If you can’t find the time or money for classes, you can always watch a YouTube video anytime for free.

$$Cheap$$

Foam rolling is less expensive than a massage and will provide you with the same benefits. You can buy a foam roller in many retail stores, like Wal-Mart, Target, Ross, and TJ Maxx. Foam rolling once or twice a week can save on costly monthly massages.

Fun to Use

Foam rollers come in different textures, sizes, colors, and patterns. Shopping for foam rollers can be a little like shopping for a yoga mat. You have to opportunity to buy basic colors, but you can also let your personality shine with bright colors and fun patterns.

Rolling with the Homies

Foam rolling is a little like stretching, you can roll by yourself or you can roll with a friend! Sometimes it’s nice to have another person around to help with the muscles that are harder to roll on your own.