The Polyvore Files | Color Me Rad

Yesterday Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k so I decided to put together an outfit similar to what I wore.

Click HERE to see information about the items in this collection.

Color Me Rad is a fun run, so it's definitely a great first 5k for anyone who can't always run an entire 3.1 miles. There were people walking the entire way, some running and walking, and some, like Jason and I who ran the entire distance. I personally feel like you shouldn't be signing up for any type of 5k, marathon, whatever, if you aren't going to make the effort to at least try to run. I will be sharing some of the photos from it later on this week, so be sure to stop back by and check them out.


Have you ever run a 5k, or even a marathon? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites. 
New to The Polyvore Files? It's so simple to participate. Create an outfit or a room decor idea over at Polyvore, share it in a blog post, then come back and link up here with me or with Kara over at The Snugly Duckling. Be sure to grab our button below too!

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Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise with Fit Happy Headbands

What an amazing feeling it is, to push through a long hard workout. I never thought in a million years that I would love running as much as I do. I still remember back to a few years ago when I couldn't even run more than a 1/4 of a mile without feeling like my throat was going to close. Now I can easily pound out 5 miles during a workout, and I am pretty proud of how far I have come.

Ashley, over at Fit Happy, recently sent me some of her workout headbands to try out, and I must say,  a headband is now officially a must for me. Usually, while running, no lie, I have to pull my shirt up on the side to wipe the sweat from my forehead, and away from my eyes. I'm sure when I'm running at the track, all the passersby love that!

Let me just tell you, these things are awesome! Not only are they super comfortable and stay put during my runs, they definitely keep the sweat out of my eyes. They are such a perfect fit on my head because most other headbands I either have to constantly adjust them or they shoot off like a rubber band. They are made of a nylon spandex material, which is basically the same or similar material that women's swimsuits are made of. Each one has a thick piece of elastic in the back that keeps the headband in place.

There is a huge variety of solid colors to choose from, as well as a few patterns, including the trendy chevron patterns in an assortment of colors too. Another one of my favorites is this American flag headband. How awesome is that one?

Ashley was super great to work with and really pays attention to detail when it comes to her products.  She sent me one of her most popular styles in 3 different colors. I love how these headbands are crafted. They aren't just strips of fabric that have been sewn to a piece of elastic. Their unique design is what makes them fit so well and stay in place. Be sure to check them out for yourself!

I can hardly believe that in a little over a week I will be running in the Color me Rad 5k with Jason. It's kind of a big deal for me since it will be my first 5k! And, guess what? The run is on the exact one year anniversary of when I officially committed to this new lifestyle and started losing weight last year. This run will be a celebration of the nearly 60 lbs. I have lost in the last year. I will definitely be wearing one of my Fit Happy headbands!

Be sure to follow Fit Happy over at Facebook with Murabelle (the parent company to Fit Happy), to stay up to date on sales, new items, and even giveaways! 

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Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise: Freezer Paper Fitness Tanks

Yesterday, I shared with you a new workout tank that I purchased at Kohl's this past week. I have been seeing all kinds of tanks everywhere all over the internet, in stores, and even on other people the few times I have made it out to the track recently. I wanted some of my own, but the crafter in me, just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make my own.

I made Elijah a bunch of shirts last year using the freezer paper stenciling method, and I wanted to try it again on some inexpensive plain workout tanks I purchased at Walmart. I also had some iron on letters from a project ages ago, so rather than let them collect dust any longer, I put them to good use by creating a couple of short sayings with the letters that were left.

Not only do you get to try to read these backwards in a dirty mirror, but you get to see my crazy hair. The second one is the one I did with freezer paper and is hard to read here, especially backwards, but it says, "FIT MOM of six kids". On the third one, I added this cute little bow that definitely gives it a feminine touch! I used the same method for making the knotted hair ties, but instead of tying the bow to the elastic, I simply tied them to the strap of my shirt. What do you think? I love how they turned out, and have plans for a few more shirts. 

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I just want to thank everyone who has shown me love and support lately. I have gotten so many emails and comments from you all with stories of your own weight loss journeys and challenges. Some of you have even revealed health related issues with me that have made it difficult for you to either lose weight, or the reason you started your weight loss journey. I want you all to know that I read each of your stories and care deeply about you all. I believe we are all here to uplift and encourage each other, and as you think I am inspiring you, you are inspiring me as well. 

Please continue to follow me on Instagram where I am always sharing about my journey to better health and fitness. You can also friend request me on my personal Facebook account, where I share as well.

                    

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor Giveaway

My first goal when starting my weight loss journey was to get my eating on track, and to find a workout activity that I loved. I had been running for a couple of years off and on and knew that I would like to get more into it and really build my stamina for longer runs. I started running on a regular basis, but it wasn't until I purchased a heart rate monitor and was able to see those calories burned after each workout that something clicked in me. I know that sounds weird, but it was because I could physically see the results of doing something I actually enjoy, that my love truly grew for running.

I truly believe you will see better results when you track your progress, whether it be counting your food calories or your calories burned. Only after putting things into perspective and allowing myself to see that some days I might not have pushed hard enough through my workout, or I may have eaten more than I should, did I start see results.


A heart rate monitor is an essential health and fitness device, in my book!

Britney :: Erica :: Joni :: Mariko :: Jodi :: Alicia :: Candra :: Kristin

Thanks to this lovely group of ladies, we are able to give away a Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor to one lucky person! You even get to choose the color!


How is that for motivation?

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This giveaway item was purchased personally by the ladies listed above. All testimonials at Six Cherries on Top are honest but do not reflect those of the other ladies. Six Cherries on Top Disclaimer/Terms of Use.

                    

Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise: My Current Body + An Exciting Announcement

Those of you who follow me, know that I lost over 50 pounds in 2013. It was a major accomplishment for me because I had been struggling to lose the weight I gained, after having Elijah, unsuccessfully for several years. Not until last year did it finally click, and did I start finally losing weight. I realized that it was more than just working out or just eating healthy.You just can't work off a poor diet, and I always assumed that as long as I was working out, I could just eat smaller portions of anything and still lose weight. Not until I actually changed the way I ate and worked out consistently, did I start to see results.

I still have about 10 lbs. to lose before I meet my weight loss goal, but I also want to start toning as well to replace some of those "squishy" areas. Of course, that means that I should stop relying on the scale as much because muscle weighs more than fat. Therefor, I decided to share a photo of what my current body looks like, to use as a comparison as I begin challenging myself more in the upcoming months.

This is the body of a 5 ft. tall mom who birthed 4 children and lost over 50 lbs. It's the reason I am so proud of myself and yet still uncomfortable showing my body, but it's the real me!

I am definitely not putting myself down, but this photo is a great way to visualize how weighing 120 lbs. on the scale, doesn't mean anything. There are women out there that weigh 150 lbs. with more muscle tone than I have. And, although I have a bad habit of checking my weight, I know that as long as I am eating clean and healthy and working out, then that's all that should matter. This photo is a visual, so that I may hopefully see changes in myself even when I am not seeing them on the scale.

Other than having a strong support system of friends and family to help me through the tough times, visually seeing my progress and successes are a great motivator for me. Jason has definitely been a big part of my success, but I actually get great joy out of seeing those calories burned on my heart rate monitor every time I work out!

I currently have another brand, but I have had my eye on the Polar FT4, which is actually a much more affordable brand. I plan to get this one in pink for myself in the near future. I have read many of the reviews and heard nothing but great things about it, so when I had the opportunity to join a lovely group of women and give one away, I was more than excited about it!

I'm giving you a head's up now because not only do I want to get you pumped up and excited about this awesome giveaway, but I also want you to know that if you need someone to help support you, you've got a friend in me! Shoot me an email if you want to, or simply find me on my personal Facebook page or Instagram, where I keep everyone motivated and up to date about my own health and fitness.


Be sure to stop back by Monday for your chance to win a Polar FT4 in the color of your choice. What a great device to help get you on the right track when it comes to working out! 


                    

Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise (formerly Fat Butt Friday)

New year, new name for what was formerly Fat Butt Friday. I wanted to do this name change because I felt like my journey wasn't so much about losing weight now, but more about maintaining the weight I am at now. I still have a little bit of weight I want to lose, but after losing over 50 lbs. in 2013, I wanted to put my focus more on life now after the weight loss. Food is my addiction, so I believe I will always struggle with learning to block out that voice inside my head that tries to convince me that food is the answer to all my problems. I am such an emotional eater! 

I want this series to be a place for others to share their weight loss journey's as well. A community where we share our stories, recipes, successes, and struggles without judgement. Let's come together and encourage one another! However, always remember that being over weight, never devalues anyone. We are all equally important in this world and should love and accept ourselves no matter what size we are at. 

 

Oops! Yep, that's a cookie in my hand!

I am not by any means an expert in health and fitness, but plain and simple, weight loss is definitely about a balance of routine exercise and high quality foods. Of course, we can't live a life without indulging every now and then, but I don't believe a healthy and successful weight loss excludes one or the other. Therefor, those are the guidelines I stand by here. Those are the guidelines that worked for me when none of the other ones did. I have tried all of the fad diets and weight loss programs like Weight Watchers, and honestly, the best program is to just stop eating the junk and to get up off the couch and move! 

In 2014, my goals for health and fitness are to continue to educate myself more about clean eating and to run more. I would love to participate in my first 5k and perhaps even find some other ways of exercising that I love just as much as running. 

If you are interested in sharing your story and being a guest for Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise, I would love to hear from you. Be sure to send me an email at sixcherriesontop(at)gmail(dot)com and we can talk. I also encourage you to email me if you have any questions or would like to talk one on one about something you don't feel comfortable sharing in the comments. I would love to be part of your buddy system to help encourage you to lose weight and challenge yourself this year.

Leave a comment below telling me some of your health and fitness goals for 2014.

                    

Fat Butt Friday | October Measurements

These last couple of months, I have continued to lose weight, but definitely at a slower pace. I am currently only 5 lbs. from my goal so I am doing great, but I have been a little slack when it comes to working out. Getting out there for a run has been pretty sporadic since school has started back and Jason was away for 2 months (I didn't have my workout partner! *sad face*)

Not only have I continued to lose weight, I have continued to lose inches too. I am so excited about! Sadly, even though I joke about it though, I have absolutely NO butt now! Yes, I have a Miley Cyrus back there and squats are not my friend! Here are my most recent measurements:

With Fall here and Winter on the horizon, my biggest fear is gaining some of the weight back. I have such a hard time staying committed to working out and eating healthy during the colder months and during the times when all those holiday meals and treats are so tempting!

What is your biggest temptation during the holidays? Mine is red velvet cake covered in crushed candy canes!

And indoor workouts... oh my goodness, I CAN NOT listen to Jillian Michael's through one more video! I don't actually remember the last time I had to go through the holiday season that I wasn't either pregnant or way overweight! This will be the first year in many! Someone hold me, I'm scared!