At-Home Exercising

The weather in Dallas has been nice the last couple days, but was pretty crummy previously; plus, the forecast at school for the next week looks no better (#winterstormgorgon). To accommodate my daily workout schedule, I've had to focus a lot more on exercises that can be done at home. 

Thanks to XHIT Daily, I have been able to stay in shape despite the rain and cold! In order to feel like I've had a full workout, I like to start with this warmup, then do three XHIT video workouts, and end with this stretching video (but I usually hold for less time).

Some of my favorite XHIT workouts include this one for the booty, this one for the arms, this one for legs, and this one for abs!

I always feel so good after doing these exercises, and enjoy them because there is constant variation. If you give these a try, let me know how you like them!

Gina

May's Monthly Musings

Yes, I do realize that there are only two more days left of this month, but that's not going to stop me from posting about the things I've been mulling over in my mind this May!

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Is there really anyone out there who hasn't heard of Divergent? It has not even hit the one month mark of summer, yet I've managed to read the whole series, read Divergent again, and see the movie in theaters (I swear I saw one of the last showings; it's May for crying out loud). I got the first book for Christmas, but just didn't have time to read it over break. While the writing is far from eloquent, the storyline will keep you reading on until you realize it's 2am and you should probably get to bed. It's a great read I'd recommend to anyone!

Here's my favorite line, which comes from the Dauntless manifesto: "We believe in shouting for those who can only whisper, in defending those who cannot defend themselves."

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Since getting back from Rome, I can't stop listening to the song "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit, my program's theme song. It took a few days before I could bear to hear the tune without breaking down in sobs, but now I enjoy listening to it since it reminds me of the past four months. I swear, it's going to take the US by storm before you know it.

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The recent weather in Dallas has truly been unbelievable. So, I've taken advantage of the unnaturally cool temperatures and have been exercising outside. After a run through my neighborhood, I love doing this Victoria's Secret Angel Workout in my backyard. It's great to do once you have your blood pumping! Plus, I know everyone's trying to get that perfect bikini bod.

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Continuing on with the weather trend, I love restaurants with outdoor seating, but the Texas heat usually makes dining outside unbearable. However, this low pressure system has allowed me to enjoy my favorite taco joint Torchy's Tacos while sitting outside twice in the last week. I usually frequent the Preston and Forest location, but I've discovered that the SMU and Garland Road locations have a very Austin-like vibe (in addition to a full bar) with a plethora of outdoor seating.

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In Texas, May means summer, which also means bringing my cute summer sandals out of hibernation. I'm completely obsessed with my new Lucky Brand Kyndra wedges (shop for them here)! Not only do they draw together multiple materials, but they're not too tall and incredibly comfortable. Plus, you can wear them with a summer dress or shorts, dressing an outfit up or down.

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May has been fantastic, but I can't wait to see what June will bring and what I'll find myself obsessing over next.

Gina

P.S. Nordstrom is currently having its Half-Yearly Sale and Lilly Pulitzer just released their 2014-15 agendas for pre-order. Shop away!