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August 2017

running

9 Powerful Mantras For Runners

by Nellie

Some days it is super easy to jump out of bed and go for run, and sometimes it’s brutally difficult.

Some days I wake up ready to go for some miles, or I’m in the house and I go for a run to clear my mind or escape my super duper amazing family (:))…but there are some runs that are mandatory–like for training, that can be difficult to even get through. There are even times when actual races can be difficult to get through. Today I’m sharing 9 of the mantras and tactics that I use to get me through my run, I may not use all nine, but in a particularly difficult race, I might just.

  1. I’ve done this before: If you are using mantras this isn’t your first rodeo. Think about the good runs you have had and KNOW you can do it again!

  2. Step by step: All you have to do is keep pushing forward.

  3. Interval celebrations: Sometimes I celebrate at the first mile, sometimes I celebrate at the end of the block. Set mini goals during your run and celebrate them!

  4. I’m stronger that all of it: Know that you are stronger than all that you can been through, and you are stronger than this run.

  5. The hay is in the barn: When I got to the start line of my first marathon getting ready to run 26.2 miles through NYC, I was SO nervous. However, a coach’s great advice kept me sane–the hay is in the barn. I had put in 16 solid weeks of training. I could do this.

  6. ____________ is waiting for me at the finish line: Is it your family? A cheeseburger? A really amazing medal? Or simply just self accomplishment? Go get it!

  7. Make a mental race buddy: There will be folks that are the exact same pace you are that will be with you the whole time. Stay focused on them for inspiration, and if they fall behind–find another!

  8. If it was easy everyone would do it: There is a reason why everyone is not a runner, you are already beating everyone by getting out there!

  9. The body achieves what the mind believes: The mind is SO powerful. Sometimes all it takes is a mind reset in order to push forward just a bit more.

I am teaming up with my FAVORITE running bloggers to share all of our favorite running mantras with you! Get your motivation and keep pushing forward with the following blog posts:

Carly @ Fine Fit Day

Angela @ Happy Fit Mama

Sarah @ Run Far Girl

Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes

Allie @ VITA Train for Life

 

Get through your next run with these mantras from @HappyFitMama, @CarlyPizanni, @ThisRunRecipes! Click to Tweet

What do you say to yourself while running? What is your favorite motivational quote?

 

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Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
BAM Travels

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: The Caribbean Gem Of Universal Studios

by Nellie

From the moment we pulled up the the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Hotel in Universal Studios, I was in love. The decor, the feel, the VIBE was SO chill and amazing. I take the feel of a hotel very seriously and the minute I walked through the door, I felt as if I didn’t even need to visit the parks, I could spend my entire vacation on the property with my family and have a phenomenal time.

From the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Website:

Imagine a picturesque hotel built in the heart of the tropics, where every comfort is included. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort features a beautifully landscaped, resort-style pool with a water slide surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this hotel truly captivates at every turn. From the ruins of the stone turret in the lobby, to the inviting island charm of the 1,000 guest rooms and suites, guests will be surrounded by a vivid, textured haven that is inspired by landmarks of the islands.

Loews Sapphire Falls Room Review

The check in process was quick and painless, and I was SO excited to get a room that was just a few steps away from the lobby area. It was steps away from the conference area and crazy close to the restaurants, the water taxi and the pool. (Pro tip: Upon check-in, ask to see if any rooms in building 3, floor 4 are available!)

The room decor was awesome. The hotel is caribbean themed, so there was a lot of tans, soft blues and soft greens all over the room. What I loved about the room was that it wasn’t super overwhelming–it was just the right amount to make you feel as if you were actually on an island.

Loews Sapphire Falls Pools

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

It took about 10 minutes for us to drop our gear and jump into our swimsuits and head to the pool! We were NOT disappointed! The pool was beautiful, the boys stayed towards the middle where they could still have fun in relatively shallow waters.

There was also a really awesome splash pad that they could not get enough of!

We also had lunch at the Drhum Club Kantine, which was SO good–we enjoyed really tasty food fresh off the grill, PLUS there was free refills on our fountain drinks for an additional hour! Super helpful for these thirsty boys!

Sapphire Falls Restaurants

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The restaurants were all SO good! While I was there I was able to try the Drhum Club Kantine poolside, the Amatista Cookhouse for Dinner & Breakfast Buffet, and the New Dutch Trading Co. for a quick breakfast.

Amatista Cookhouse

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

On our final day at the Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort we decided to take part in the Breakfast Buffet at Amatista Cookhouse. It was SO good. I didn’t try everything but the family did and they loved it all. I love a good breakfast buffet but I pretty much stick with the same items every single time :).

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Sapphire Falls Transportation To Universal Orlando

Whenever we wanted to get to the parks we had two options:

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The trail: There is a beautiful and easy 15 minute trail walk that leaves you right on CityWalk. The walk is really beautiful because you are walking along the lush greenery and the beautiful water.

The water taxi: The more popular option is a 5-7 minute boat ride over to CityWalk. It’s a very chill and relaxing ride, and the boys enjoyed it every time!

Sapphire Falls Fitness Center

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

You all know that I love a good hotel fitness center and this one did not disappoint! It’s not your normal small area in the basement–instead the center was brightly lit with all kinds of amenities and brand new equipment. 7 modern treadmills, ellipticals, a full row of weights from 10-100 and so much more! What I loved was the little details like the free headphones, ice cold lemon/lime water, towels, hand sanitizing station, ponytail holders–it was just all so thoughtful.

Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort Photos

I really loved everything about the hotel from the arcade, to the gift shop (where I bought a cute straw hat!), to the lobby that made me feel right at home. Check out some of the photos from on property.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The @Lowes_Hotels #SapphireFalls in @UniversalORL is AMAZING! #FamilyForward #ReadyForUniversal Click to Tweet
For more fun in Orlando check out:

Our Trip To Universal Studios Orlando – VIP Tours of the Parks! #FamilyForward

Our Trip To Universal Studios Orlando & Part One #FamilyForward

Family Forward 2016: Hurricane Hermine, Islands of Adventure & Superheroes!

What do you look for most in a vacation hotel? Would you ever visit the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort?

 

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about me

Currently…End Of Summer Edition

by Nellie

Hey Y’all.

So it’s been a minute since I’ve given you guys a life update so I figure I’d write one of these to catch you up on my insane summer, since the kids are officially back in school today.

Family Travel

During the month of August, We took two trips almost back to back. The first one was to our fourth (and final wahhhhh) Family Forward Conference. The second one was the boys first trip to Jamaica for a family wedding, which was incredible for many reasons but mainly because they got to meet close family they have NEVER met before, and experience the land from which their beloved grandmother and great aunts were born. Plus they got to enjoy the beach, the pool and so much more. (Full posts coming on that experience soon!)

Ambassadorships & Other Fun…

A few weeks ago I was approached to be a member of the 24 Hour Fitness Fit Squad! For the next year I’ll be visiting various 24 Hour Fitness locations, trying the classes, the equipment and reporting back to you guys on Instagram! How cool is that?!

While I was on vacation in Orlando, I got the notification that I was chosen to be on the Cabot Fit Team! I’ll be running the Ocean Road 10k in beautiful Rhode Island, plus spending the entire weekend learning and exploring the beautiful state. I’m so ready!!

Running and things

My running has been in the toilet. Not gonna lie. I have run exactly 2 races all summer and my mileage has been spotty in between. I’m quickly beginning to realize that without marathon training, it is HARD to stay on top of my miles!! My workout schedule was going really awesome until I hit August and everything kids of deteriorated around the back to back trips.

On Saturday I ran the Percy Sutton 5k which I figured would ease me back into the running game….and it did. I realized once I was done how much I missed running, racking up miles, the camaraderie, the fun of pushing yourself, listening to motivating music, and of course crossing the finish line. When you haven’t done something in a while it is so easy to psych yourself out it over and over–meanwhile that thing is just waiting for you to get back.

Entrepreneur Life

The summer was tough. It was impossible to write most days. Mommy camp was rough on a sista. I didn’t have the luxury of a quiet home, because…kids. Even though they are 8 & 5, they require a LOT more attention than I expected them too. Especially since my eldest child has been diagnosed as special needs….but that is for another post.

I’ve had to shelve BAM Digital Media social media business for the summer. I’ve kept one active client throughout and thankfully the blog has been keeping me afloat for the last three months. I’ve been actively conscious about pushing myself too hard, and the business was the one thing tipping the boat. I am SO grateful for this blog that has allowed me to keep pushing and taking care of my family while doing what I love. I am hoping to focus more on the business as soon as things settle down a bit.

An update on life including #entrepreneur life, mom life and that run life... Click to Tweet

How have you been doing? Are your kids back to school yet? How was your summer??

 

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fitness gear

5 Ways To Become A Morning Workout Person

by Nellie

5 Ways To Become A Morning Workout Person

How To Become A Morning Workout Person

When I first started in the gym, I would start by going after work. I’d find myself getting my sweat on right after work, and hitting the hay HARD right after! Then I had kids. 🙂 I had to run home and pick up my children who were being taken care of at the daycare, and the commute home was adventurous to say the least.

How To Become A Morning Workout Person

I quickly learned how to become a morning workout person, and even though it was rough at first, it quickly became my favorite way to start my day. Working out in the morning was so good for my brain–all of a sudden I was thinking clearly, I had a bit more pep in my step, and I felt super accomplished before 8am!

Here are some of the tips I have for how to become an early morning exerciser:

How To Become A Morning Workout Person

Set your clothes up the night before: Nothing will delay (or derail) you more than fumbling for workout clothes in the wee hours of the morning. If you love your workout clothes the way I do, you have to make sure your outfit is CUTE too! Take 5 minutes to choose something you love to wear and it will be the transition THAT much easier.

Know before you go: It’s super easy to say that you are going to workout in the morning right? But it’s even better when you are specific about what you want to do. Know if you are going to do a youtube workout, a strength workout or a spin class–If you aren’t used to getting up that time of morning your brain will not want to do much of anything. Have a plan.

Have everything ready: Fill your water bottle and put it in the fridge, have your keys right where you need them, pack your petty cash, fuel (if you need it for a long run), Metrocard (if needed), have it ALL ready to go! I can’t tell you how many precious minutes I’ve wasted looking for all of these things.

It’s not going to feel good (until you get there): When I started getting up at 4:30 am to run, I hated every single minute. From the alarm going off, to putting my clothes on I questioned my decision making skills. However, once I got started, and the endorphins started flowing–I was SO grateful for the decision!!

Be prepared for a crash: Around 2 o’clock the effects of getting up so early started to catch up with me. It’s super important to be ready for this with a great snack that you can carry in your bag wherever you go!

 

Are you a morning workout person? What do you do for an afternoon snack?

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New Quaker Overnight Oats
healthy living

New Quaker Overnight Oats Will Redefine Your Breakfast Routine

by Nellie

This post was sponsored by the Quaker Oats Company, all opinions are my own.

New Quaker Overnight Oats

Since I’ve been inducted into Mommy Camp this summer, I’ve had to find new and creative ways to stay on track with my health and wellness. In my case, it becomes a particular challenge because my kids are non-stop movers. It’s difficult to work out at home and quite honestly it’s really hard to stay on track because taking care of them becomes a blur.

New Quaker Overnight Oats

I’ve been sticking to the plan I made of getting up insanely early to workout every morning. Trust me, setting an alarm to wake me up at 5:55am everyday is brutal. It takes me an entire 20 minutes just to get out of bed. It all just seems so unnatural. However, once I get out and get some exercise I feel a million times better and I’m so ready to take on the day!

Quaker Overnight Oats

My time to work throughout the day is limited. Mommy camp includes a mandatory half day of school work. I have a very short time in between needing to shower and getting myself together mentally before starting the lessons of the day. Some days I’m so eager to get the day started that I skip breakfast all together. (I know, Bad Nellie.) Then I was introduced to the Quaker Overnight Oats sensation and I knew immediately this would solve a lot of my eating issues in the morning.

How do Quaker Overnight Oats work?

  • Choose your favorite Overnight Oats Flavor Combination (mine is the Toasted Coconut & Almond Crunch!)
  • Add your favorite dairy (or non-dairy ex: Almond Milk) option right to the fill line and stir well.
  • Cover and refrigerate to cold-steep overnight (6+ hours plus)
  • Get up in the morning and enjoy (best to eat within 24 hours!)

Quaker Overnight Oats Quaker Overnight Oats Quaker Overnight Oats

How easy is that? There are no dirty mason jars, and you can discard the container once you are finished. This means more time for YOU plus less dishes. That is a total win/win!

Quaker Oats Overnight Flavors

  • Toasted Coconut & Almond Crunch

  • Blueberry Banana & Vanilla Bliss

  • Orchard Peach Pecan Perfection

  • Raisin Walnut & Honey Heaven

New Quaker Overnight Oats

Now, I can start mommy camp off with a decent, filling breakfast. I can eat while I teach. Brilliant!

This new revolutionary breakfast from @Quaker will make your breakfast routine quick and easy! #ad Click to Tweet

Does your breakfast routine change during the seasons? Which of these flavors are your favorite?

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