5 Tips for Starting an Active Lifestyle.

First of all, let me point out the obvious: I am not a professional nor do I believe that I am. All I am is a girl who is active and loves to share her tips on how she remains the active chick she is! So, now that that is all out of the way, let's get to it, shall we?

Tip one: You make the choice! Now, this one is the most important tip and really the only tip you need - don't worry, I will share more! If you are working out because someone is making you, you will not succeed. If you are working out because you want someone to notice you, you will not succeed. You need to make the choice. Make the choice for you. Make the choice to be more active, to eat healthier, and to go that extra mile (metaphorically and literally)! You need to make the choice to get out of bed and go for that run, or pick up those weights, or go to that yoga class. Trust me, if you are becoming active because someone suggested you should, you will not succeed at an active lifestyle. Your motivation comes from your choice to continue.

Tip two: Set a goal. Maybe you want to run a 5k, a 10, a half marathon. Maybe you want to be able to hold a handstand or hold half moon position (both goals of mine!). Maybe you want your goal to be that you workout for 30 minutes 5 days a week. Or maybe you want to lose 10lbs - I don't believe numbers matter but for some they do, and that is totally okay, just don't make it everything! Whatever your goal may be, make it realistic, write it down and stick to it! 

Tip three: Write it down! As I just mentioned in tip two, writing down your goals will really help you out. If you can see what you are aiming for, you are more likely to go out and reach for it. Along with writing down your goals, keeping a journal of your workouts, how you are feeling and your progress can really benefit in keeping yourself from falling off the bandwagon and staying active. I keep a journal that I write in every few days -when I am feeling like it-  of my progress, my workouts, what I am rocking and what I can improve on, and how I am feeling - ex. sluggish or energized. 

Tip four: Find a workout buddy! This tip is for those who don't like to workout alone or need someone around who will keep them in check. I am the workout buddy for my husband, who is extremely fit but also a tad lazy, which is understandable after a long day at work. But, your health should not be put aside just because you are tired! So, if you are lacking that motivator, that person who will kick things into high gear, or just be there at the finish line with an ice cold bottle of water in hand, then put out an ad and start asking around! Another option would to sign up with a personal trainer - they can make a workout specific to you and make sure that you are doing everything correctly! So many options!

Tip five: Make it fun! Working out and being active should not feel like a chore - it may feel like it some days but it shouldn't every day! If you find that your workout or your lifestyle is missing something or becoming a bit to drab, pizzazz the shiz out of it! Being active is the funnest part about being alive! You can run, jump, skip anywhere at anytime. You can make TV workouts - do pushups, jumping jacks, squats, or run on the spot during commercials. You can run up and down your stairs 10 times. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator. You can workout at your desk (check out Yoga with Adriene for videos on that!) or even on a flight (*cough* Yoga with Adriene  *cough*). You can literally workout/ be active wherever you are whenever you are. It is all up to you to make a conscious choice (tip one) and effort to maintain this lifestyle. 

Believe me, I have days where I just feel like being melted butter on the couch watching Netflix all day. You will have those days, and that is completely normal. Do not fight it. Allow yourself to relax when you need to. Your body needs to stay active but it also requires rest, so make sure to pencil some in necessary Netflix binge-watching time. 

These are just some of my tips, so if you would like more or more posts on being active, let me know! I would love to hear your feedback, your ideas, and your tips! 

Take care,

C.

In Photos: Trenton, Ontario.

This past week, Mark and I were sent on our house hunting trip to our next home in Trenton, Ontario!

I will be honest, I did not want to move to Ontario. I like where we live in Manitoba. I could see us starting our family out here, growing here, and bringing our children up watching the Brandon Wheat Kings (Go Wheaties Go!). But, many of you military families know, you are never in one spot too long. 

And thus, here we are.

Off to a new place, with new things, new people, and new adventures!

While we were there, I snapped a few pics of the area (when I thought to pull out my camera) and I think that they truly speak for this place. Trenton has it's not so pretty spots - like with any town - but it's beautiful spots... boy, are they beautiful!

Anywho, I will stop blabbering and let the photos speak for themselves!

If you ever find yourself in Southern Ontario, make sure to take a trip to the Quinte West area. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Happy Tuesday!

Chasing Dreams.

A mini trip to a different province and *poof!*... I feel like a new woman!

We all need to get away sometimes and hit the refresh button. 

Mark and I were handed that button on a silver platter and were sent to Trenton, Ontario, to look at houses and to experience the new place that we will soon call "home".

This trip started off horribly - I won't get into details... flight, car rental, etc. 

But after some bumps in the road, it turned into quite the adventure.

This place of Quinte West is full of beautiful places to discover.

Beaches galore, beautiful little towns, BLUE WATER (compared to the mostly brown water here in MB - not hating on MB!), and plenty of Tim Hortons to please the average Canadian. 

It is truly a stunning place with kind people and things on the go all the time.

I was worried that I wouldn't like it; that I would miss Manitoba, our house, the people, and the city of Brandon too much.

I did miss those things, but this is another opportunity to make something of myself. 

Another opportunity to start the next chapter; to make memories in a new place, a new home with new people.

I cannot wait to move to Ontario in a few weeks and *fingers crossed* move into our first home in November and chase my dreams, whatever they may be!

If you have ever been to this area, live in Ontario or have visited, what are some of your favourite spots to go and your favourite things to do?

One life.

Just one.

Why aren't we running like

we are on fire towards

our wildest dreams?

-Unknown-

House Hunting In Southern Ontario.

Hello!

It has been a while since I last posted. My excuse: house hunting! 

My husband, Mark, and I have been in Southern Ontario for since Sunday and have been busy bee's looking at homes and trying to find the one that suits us best. It has been quite the experience. This will be our first house - if we are lucky enough to get one - and I knew that it was going to be work but it is a lot more work than I thought. So many things to think about: When was the roof last done? The windows? When was the furnace and water tank last replaced? What does the foundation look like? Is there mould or leaks anywhere? What is the neighbourhood like? What are the property taxes like? Is it close to amenities? Schools? Hospitals, etc?

And then, if any of these questions are answered with an unflattering response, you are more inclined to move on to the next house. It is a strange and can be a stressful process to go through but God has been with us the entire time, blessing us with great people to work with, beautiful homes to look at and a great new place to be moving to! 

I am optimistic for the future and here is hoping that we find the perfect first home to grow our family - no babies yet, but someday! - and a home where we can grow together. :)

If you have gone through a similar experience (house hunting, apartment hunting, etc.), what was it like for you?

Sorry for the poor quality photo.. it's a phone upload :).

You're a Gem.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Remember, you are enough!

Now, go outside and smell the flowers :)

And Happy Birthday to the greatest husband ever! <3

"Contrary to popular belief, we don't have to become or do enough.

Why? 

Because enough has been done. 

Two thousand years ago, on a cross.

And that makes you and me worth more than the most precious diamonds. 

You're a gem.

And you're so worth it."

- Jordan Lee, Wholehearted: A colouring devotional, pg. 44 -

FOTM: June.

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

I've decided that I am going to share my favourites of each month because I like/love a lot of things and thought, "why not?".

So, here are a few of my favourites for the month of June.

1. Books. In June, I really started to "Buckle" down and get my read on. You are a Badass is such an incredible book that has given me a lot to think about. I can be an incredibly shy person but this book has shown me that being shy is cute and all, but it will not get you what you want. Jen Sincero really knows how to connect with her reader and I felt like every paragraph resonated with me. 

My second book favourite came later in the month but it is my daily devotional. It is not just any daily devotional, it is a colouring book devotional! How. Awesome. Is. That? It's super awesome. I have been on the hunt for a devotional for months now and this little fella showed up in my mailbox as a very belated birthday present from my wonderful sister-in-law! With the guided discussions, it has truly helped me express my love for Christ.

2. The Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art Lens. This lens. Wowza! It has been a dream to use. Since the end of March, when I got it, I have not taken it off. It is my everything! Such a versatile lens that captures each shot so crisply and with ease. I cannot say enough good things about this purchase. For any of you photographers out there or those who are interested in photography, invest in a really good lens. It will be a lifesaver! (Photography tips coming soon!)

3. Podcast: Serial. I have never been into podcasts. They just seemed like the boring parts on the radio when the host would blab on about nothingness. Well, I am a changed woman! Serial (season one) is such a gripping and true tale about a 17 year old boy, now in his 30's, who was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, this podcast will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, and holding in your pee all at the same time! Mark and I would find ourselves snuggled on the couch, the room slowly loosing the natural light of the sun, listening to Sarah Koenig add more evidence then take it away. Just. Ah! I love it!

4. Blog(s): Being Heather + Acoustic Erin. I love these two blogs. Both completely different but both awesome. I will be honest, I just discovered Heather's blog, but I wanted to include her here. Once I read her post on being married young, I could not believe how mature and beautiful her words were (by the way, she is only 21!). The other blog/blogger I am loving is Miss Erin! Not only is she always commenting such sweet words on my posts but she is also a very talented writer! Reading her posts give me inspiration for how I want to write. Both are lovely blogs and both are lovelier ladies. Check them out!

5. Clothing: Bodysuits. These things are a lifesaver! No longer do I have to re-adjust myself. No longer do I have to worry about my shirt untucking in unflattering areas. This baby is my go-to! I went into the changing room with one dress and came out with this magical clothing piece thanks to the awesome woman Garage (also a favourite!) who works the changing rooms! You need at least one bodysuit in your wardrobe. I may never by a regular tee again!

Well, there you have it! Just a few of my FOTM (favourites of the month-keeping it simple) for June.

What are you loving?

Don't be beautiful.

Since turning 25 in April, I have reflected back on my life and the things I wish I could have known when I was a teen.

If I could go back and give my 16 year old self some advice, it would be to worry less.

Worry less about how big your nose is because you are probably the only one that thinks it is that big.

Worry less about how much you weigh. You are already small for your age, if anything, you need to bulk up!

Worry less about boys. You are 16, boys are a waste of time right now. Focus on you.

Worry less about being beautiful. 

Worry less about pleasing others. Being a pushover will get you nowhere and will crush your future confidence in the abilities and talents you have.

Be funny, be kind, be caring, be generous, be adventurous, be positive, be present!

If you could go back and give your 16 year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Don't be beautiful.

They keep saying that beautiful is something a girl needs to be.

But honestly? Forget that. Don't be beautiful.

Be angry, be intelligent, be witty, be klutzy, be interesting,

be funny, be adventurous, be crazy, be talented -

there are an eternity of other things

to be other than beautiful.

And what is beautiful anyway

but a set of letters strung together to make a word?

Be your own definition of amazing, always.

That is so much more important than anything beautiful, ever.

- Nikita Gill -

Photo taken by Mark Buckle.

Jessica + Joseph | Shilo, MB

Jessica and Joseph are two fellow Nova Scotians who are expecting to welcome a new member here in the heart of Canada this August!

With parents like these, Baby Roode is going to be showered with love and have many laughs. :)