Honesty is the best policy, chatting about fitness (and mac n cheese)

{for real though, click here for the > greatest maternity leggings ever }

I had full intentions on doing a fun fitness post for y'all today.
But I'm all about being real here on this blog of mine,
so that's JUST what i'm going to do, let the realness come out!

It has been HARD to work out consistently during this pregnancy y'all,
Now that i'm in my second trimester I definitely have some energy back.
But for some reason working out just isn't where my focus is at.
{probably because all I want to do is buy a million baby outfits & decorate a nursery}
Now don't get me wrong, I do get a small work out in every now and then.
But it just hasn't been as consistent as I would like it to be.
And I would definitely feel guilty if I sat here and wrote up a post about
these amazing maternity support leggings and told you how great they are for working out,
when in reality I've been wearing them to eat Mac & Cheese and an entire tube of crescent rolls
all while laying on my couch.
Which in all honesty, that feels like a work out in itself because I somehow seem to
get out of breath while eating these days.
{it's really not a pretty sight}

BUT I've brought you all here today to say that I am going to get my life together.
I went to Target yesterday...and made the BIG mistake of going into their dressing rooms.
Good God it was NOT a pretty sight.
Now if you've never been into a Target dressing room, they literally have mirrors on
every single wall, that will show you every single angle of your body.
And it is NOT good.
I remember when I was in shape and in college and STILL not liking to go in there....
Needless to say, yes Target mirrors just SUCK.
But, it was an eye opening experience for me....

Kyle's brother and his fiancé moved like not even 5 minutes away from us
a couple months ago,
so I was all like "hell ya, a workout partner!!"
Her and I went and got a gym membership at a cutie little gym in the neighborhood
like over a month ago...
Literally haven't gone back since.
WHOOPS.
I'm just so not a gym person at all...
The whole...people looking at me...me not knowing how machines work...me walking around aimlessly...people grunting in the corner and making me uncomfortable...
It's just not for me okay!!!

So a lightbulb went off in my head...
This same exact thing happened to me years ago and I came across the best
at home work out program ever and it literally transformed my body and my health.
I'm pregnant, and growing, so i'm not exactly looking for a transformation BUT
I'm definitely going to go back to those videos that I used to do every single day.
I'll just modify the moves so they work for me and the little babe.

I'll let y'all know how it goes!
pray for me, cross your fingers, do whatever you do...
I gotta get some lift to this ass of mine STAT.

Alright enough rambling for today.
Happy Monday!

Happy Fall Y'all.

How cute is this aztec vest? 

I sold it in my shop last year and I'm REALLY hoping I can get more.

Also, these shoes are my all time Fall favs. 

I scored them a couple years ago at DSW...

Searched everywhere for this same pair but couldn't find them.

Here are some cute options though.

here. here. and here.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, it's officially Fall, and i'm over here sweating my ass off in a tank top.
That's what I get for living in Houston though right?
I've never been more ready for the cooler weather y'all.
I'm not going to lie - i'll admit i've been working a little too hard on my winter bod lately.
I MUST start working out again.
My 2 hour commute to work every day has really put a damper on my work out schedule.
And by that I mean - I have no work out schedule.
But hey, i'm still alive and healthy and all is good in my little world.
However, I do hope to bring some more fitness posts to y'all in the near future!

It's officially Friday and it's officially raining cats & dogs here.
Which i'm totally loving.
I've got a little day date with one of my besties after work tomorrow -
we are LONG overdue.
I'll be sure to fill y'all in on Monday about how exciting or not exciting my weekend was.
Ha!
Fingers crossed that it's at least a tad exciting.

Happy Friday! 

Super Shake GIVEAWAY!

Okay, I know it's Saturday and everyone is busy...

but hey, WHO doesn't love a giveaway?!

As most of you know I have really been focused on my health and fitness lately.

I found a program that WORKS for me and i've never been happier.

No it's not a wrap, a pill, or a fiber drink.

It's just REAL food, REAL (30 minute) work outs, and a nutrient dense super shake.

No it doesn't promise that you will lose 20 lbs in a week, 

it just promises to provide your body with protein + 70 different super foods that

will really do wonders for your health.

Everyone has different experiences with it but for me it has really helped with my 

bloating and regularity, and i've tried EVERY thing for those specific problems and nothing ever seemed to work. 

A few months after drinking it every day I also started seeing CRAZY improvements in my allergies.

I had a severe/constant runny nose ever since I moved back to Houston,

BUT guess what?! I don't have to take allergy pills anymore!!

I would take a pill every single day and STILL have a runny nose...

I haven't taken a pill in MONTHS thanks to this shake...

But ANYWAYS....let's get this giveaway going!!

I'm offering TWO 6 day sample packs of my favorite shake, so YES,

there will be TWO winners!!

How do you enter?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

This picture means so many things to me...

Of course it means a lot to me because my sweet little family is in it...

But that's not all. 

NEVER in my life, 

EVER have I wore a bikini and posed for a picture standing straight forward.

I have always tried to morph my body and

 turn it all different angles to make myself look thinner for photos.

I have never been overweight but I have never LOVED my body.

I've always been self conscious and even if I have "looked good" in a bikini previously,

 I wasn't going about it the right way and I definitely wasn't healthy.

I have NEVER been this healthy and happy in my life and for me, looking at that photo,

I see my body changing, and I am beyond THRILLED.

I feel confident in my own skin, I don't feel skinny fat anymore.

I feel strong and I feel proud of my body which is really crazy to me.

Okay, I'm going to be REALLY honest now...

I became a BeachBody Coach at the beginning of May.

I was totally hesitant and embarrassed...

SO many times in my life have I been ridiculously annoyed and angry at all of the people

I see on social media talking about programs, and shakes and wraps and what have you...

I would see a post and roll my eyes, and immediately look down on them.

After hating my body and gaining a few pounds after getting married,

I watched one of my girlfriends change her body and her life with this "stupid program",

I watched for months, and then finally I said EFF IT and dove right in.

I became a coach the same day I bought the program.

Not thinking it would really go anywhere...or even work.

Because let me tell you... i've tried multiple programs...

Advocare, Tone It Up, Kayla Itsines, Herbal Life to name a few.

but HOLY SHIT.

[excuse my french]

1 month later and I'm being recognized by the CEO of beach body

for the GREAT work I did as a coach in my first month.

I HATE calling this a "program" because when I think of programs I think of quick fixes,

and that's the complete opposite of what this is.

in 21 days I taught myself to eat healthier, and eat MORE, to work out every day, and to really nourish my body with everything it needs.

This "program" was so simple and I was totally in shock the whole 21 days.

I went from this skinny fat self conscious girl...to a proud, strong, woman in 21 days.

To break it down for you...

I paid $140 and I received DVD's with 30 minute work outs (that can be done at home & will kill you), a meal replacement shake (that will change your life forever) and a meal guide to help you every step of the way!

[I'm currently repeating the 21 days and will go on to do a tougher program.]

BUT that's not all...

I wasn't thrown to the wolves and told "good luck" after I ordered.

I became a part of a team. I had people keeping me accountable and encouraging me 

every.single.day.

That changed EVERYthing for me.

Being a part of a support group where people are doing the same thing as me,

and striving towards the same goals.

I can't even begin to explain how much love and respect I have for this company.

It's NOT a diet, it's real food, real people, getting REAL results.

It's YOU putting in the effort, 

it's not some crazy diet pill that's taking the weight off while also slowly killing you.

I will probably drink the shake for the rest of my life.

It has done crazy awesome things for my body,

It's helped tremendously with my bloating and regularity.

I now NEVER have an excuse to not get a work out in,

because a 30 minute work out is 2% of my day...and I can do them AT HOME.

I could honestly go on and on...but I wont for your sake.

BUT if you would like to know more you can email me.

Monica.Kaase@gmail.com

I have never been this passionate about something EVER.

I am unbelievably grateful I took a risk. 

My life will honestly NEVER be the same and I couldn't be any happier. 

xoxo, Monica

Florals and Fitness

Top: Windsorstore

Jeans: LuLus

Wedges: Agaci

Necklace: Forever21

Threw on this little number for an evening dinner with Kyle's family.
Posts have been shorter lately because I've taken on a 2nd job,
and well I'm kind of obsessed with it.
I'll be sharing more about it tomorrow!!!
Here's a little sneak peak...
come back tomorrow to find out HOW my body changed so much in just 21 days!

Memorial Day and That Long Lost Feeling of Confidence.

You know what's awesome?! Actually being excited to put on a swimsuit, that's awesome.

I've never been overweight, but I have been "skinny fat" and I'm telling you, that just may be worse.

I've been working my butt off and eating healthy for the past few weeks now

 and I am definitely seeing changes, and I am SO pumped about it.

Memorial Day was spent at my mother in laws!

We layed by the pool and soaked up the sun [and storm clouds] as long as we could.

I scored this hat at walmart and I may wear it every day from here on out...

I look awful in this picture and my hair looks orange, 

BUT I didn't take many pictures that day so you gotta work with what ya got.

These 2 seriously kill me, my heart is so full.

and of course the typical "force your daughter to smile and cooperate" photo.

She loves being difficult.

It was really nice just to be able to be outside,

We've pretty much been stuck inside for weeks because the weather has been so bad.

Thank you Jesus for sunshine, even if it's just a little!!

Hope all of you had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and got to spend it with loved ones!

xoxo, Monica

Family Sunday Fun Day.

Crazy, crazy weather over here lately y'all!

Our Saturday was spent curled up inside watching netflix while it stormed.

Thankfully Sunday was a little better and we were able to get out of the house!

My parents, sister and brother in law came over for the day, and it was just what we needed.

Top: ShopMCE

Shorts: Zumiez [similar]

Converse: Nordstrom

It was somewhat of a late birthday celebration for me,
they all came over and then we went to Chuys for some yummy tex mex,

afterwords we came back to our house to relax and give Charley some lovin'
Y'all she is SO in love with Jonathan, it was hilarious...

Our food digested and we were ready to get out of the house again!
So we decided to head over to the outlet mall (Thank God) to check out some sales.
My first stop was of course Nike, I scored some super cute spandex and a soft tank!
We walked around for as long as we could until it closed at 7,
by then we were all exhausted and ready to lay back down!

I definitely didnt eat the healthiest this weekend BUT I'm not going to beat myself up about it.
I've been working my butt off and one or two days isn't going to ruin my progress!
Here's a little progress photo for those of you who aren't following my fitness pages
instagram
facebook

Feeling super proud over here!!

Happy Tuesday!!!

xoxo, Monica

Amazed.

Real Talk:

I have a had a bloating problem since as long as I can remember. No matter what I ate, I would bloat and it would stay for hours. 

Didn't matter if what I was eating was healthy or not, EVERYthing caused me to bloat. 

I was super skeptical about this 21 day fix thing...SUPER skeptical. I considered only buying the shakes, and I considered only buying the work outs...THANK GOD I ordered the challenge pack. 

I'm only on day 3 and have actually been eating more than I usually do in a day, and drinking my super shake every day...and I have not felt bloated once. My mind is blown. I had a hearty breakfast, and a good sized super shake for lunch and my stomach was still flat, and even had some definition. So I took a photo, because well... I was shocked. Every stomach photo I've ever taken has been in the morning before I ate, or right after a work out...

I've never been able to look at my stomach after a snack or meal and still see it flat, not since junior high at least! Super excited about the results I'm ALREADY seeing.

This was RIGHT after drinking my amazing super shake.

Never, ever, EVER has my stomach looked like this after consuming something.

The shake has DONE wonders for my digestion and regularity,

and the work outs...HOLY CRAP they are good!

I really can't say enough good things...okay rant over.

Happy Hump Day!

www.beachbodycoach.com/monicakaase

Work Out Videos by Yours Truly.

As most of you know I now have a fitness instagram and Facebook page!

Make sure you follow along to get free recipes and work out videos! 

These stuffed peppers were SO dang good!! 

And full of protein and all things good for you! Who thinks I should post the recipe??

Always refueling my body with this amazing super shake after my work outs!

Small glimpse into todays upper body fix!

https://youtu.be/pkoVfNqpVaQ

Facebook: Monica Kaase - Health & Fitness

Instagram: @MonicaKaaseFit

My Fitness Journey

Hey girlfriends!!

As you can see above I have added a "Health & Fitness" tab!

I am so so so excited to share my journey with y'all.

I've done tons and tons of different work out guides but there's only ONE that I came back too.

Feel free to read all about it,

if you have any questions or comments I would LOVE to hear from you.

<3 <3 <3

Make sure you follow along:

Instagram: @MonicaKaaseFit
Facebook: Monica Kaase - Health & Fitness

xoxo, Monica

Floral Jeans and Happy Hours...and exciting health news.

Top: ShopMCE

Jeans: Billabong

Wedges: LuLus

Necklace: Forever21

Ear Rings: Sam Moon

These jeans are beyond perfect for Spring & Summer.
Last year I was dying for some floral jeans and went on a major search,
It took me FOREVER to find a print I really loved but then I ran across these and thank God I did, because they are UH-MAZING.

I am also a HUGE fan of off-shoulder tops, they are flattering on just about every one!
They are ridiculously comfy and look fancy at the same time.
I mean, you really can't go wrong.

Wednesday I went to happy hour with 2 of my girlfriends.
You know the girl talk was serious when you didn't take any selfies together...
However I did manage to get pictures of what went in my belly!

Kona Grills happy hour is pretty dang good, I could eat their pizza every day.

Soooo....I've got some pretty exciting things going on in my life right now!

I just became a Beach Body Coach this past weekend & I couldn't be more pumped about it.

I'm going to have another post either the end of this week or next going into more detail about it.

If any of you have any questions about beach body or my work out routine please don't hesitate to reach out! 

Email me: MonicaLJones11@aol.com 

Or contact me here: http://www.teambeachbody.com/monicakaase

Just so y'all know, Beach Body is made to accommodate EVERYone and their unique goals.
Most people join beach body to lose weight and tone up,
My goal was actually to gain weight/muscle in my lower body and tone up my mid section.

So keep that in mind, they have so many different amazing plans that are specific to each persons
needs.

xoxo, Monica

Kayla Itsines BBG review - Week 4.

Hey guys!

So I realized I haven't really updated y'all on my progress and thoughts of the BBG I purchased.

First of all, I REALLY love it.

I'm on week 4 and I've pretty much been able to do every work out at home

(I already had dumbbells, and I went ahead a purchased a weight bench)

Which is a HUGE plus for me.

I love that the work outs are only 30 minutes long, 

and I LOVE that afterwards I feel like I got in an amazing work out even though it was so short.

There hasn't been a single day since i've started where at least 1 body part isn't sore. 

I purchased the Bikini Body Bundle where it also came with a meal plan.

I'm somewhat regretting that, NOT because it isn't amazing, but because I know myself 

and I've never been one to really stick with a strict meal plan.

However, if I was living by myself I would definitely be sticking with the meal plan.

But having a husband that likes junk food and to go out to eat it makes it REALLY hard.

(because of course I love those things too)

As for the progress, I can totally tell my body is changing.

BUT I haven't been eating like I'm supposed too, so my progress isn't anything where it should be.

My legs and butt are definitely getting more toned and growing,

but I've also been adding in extra leg & butt work outs since I'm really trying to grow that area.

These work outs may not be for everyone but I happen to really love them.

Was it worth the $120? For me, yes.

I can say that since I started I have STUCK with it and worked out every single day 

of the week except Sunday, and before I started I would drag myself to the gym maybe

2-3 days a week.

So that's a HUGE deal for me, the fact that I really enjoy these work outs.

I'm also working body parts that I never would've done myself at the gym.

I will definitely keep y'all posted about my thoughts and progress

throughout the 12 weeks.

Hope this helps anyone who has gone back and forth about purchasing!!

xoxo, Monica

Mondays are the devil.

Mondays are the devil.

Yesterday was a tad bit stressful, crappy things pretty much kept happening throughout the entire day.

Of course they were minor things that just put a damper on my day,

but to sum it all up, it was a ROUGH day.

I got my first work out in for Day 1 Week 1 of Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide...

However, I ate terrible :( I forgot how bad of a stress eater I am.

Sheesh, I'm just thankful that day is over!!

Today will be better!

Today is "cardio" day, but I think I may add in a little weight training as well.

One of my goals is to grow my legs and butt and I know I'll need to lift heavy to do so!

Have any of you ladies done work outs that have helped grow your booty successfully?!

If so, PLEASE, I'm begging you, share. 

Back On a Routine.

Why is getting back on a normal routine SO dang hard after a vacation?!

Ugh.

Last week I was exhausted every single day, barely worked out,  and ate like crap.

But this week I'm back at it. 

Has anyone else been seeing and hearing ALL about the "Kayla Movement" lately?!

Well, I've been following her on instagram for a little while now, 

and well I gave in.

She's got this 12 week bikini body guide (along with a bunch of other things) and I totally bought it.

It took me a few weeks to convince myself but I'm really happy I did.

I start day 1 today and I'm really pumped about it.

It's going to be really nice to just take a piece of paper into the gym with me every day,

and know exactly what I need to do and get it done.

[Learn more about her guide HERE]

My biggest problem when I go to the gym is not having a plan.

Sure I'll say "it's leg day, arm day etc" but not having specific work outs in mind often 

lead to boredom, laziness, or just leaving right after cardio.

And Lord knows I need weights in my life, otherwise I'd be the skinny fat version of scrawny Ronnie.

So, I'll definitely keep yall updated on my progress and how I like her work outs!

You should follow her on instagram for inspiration at the least. 

Happy Monday Ladies, I know it's not the happiest of days but try to make it one!

3 week before/after pictures!

Okay y'all...

So I'm not going to lie, I'm no where near where I wanted to be, 

but I am way better than I was before!

I've been working out 4-5 times a week, and eating a lot better!

Everyone always says that eating right is the main way to lose weight/tone up.

And they are so so so right!!!!

I'm really going to try and stayyyy on this path of daily exercise and eating right

once the cruise is over, because I've still got a ways to go before I'm where I want to be!

Obviously I'm going to enjoy myself on the cruise and eat, drink and be merry.

I've been incorporating abs into my work outs more often and that has definitely helped!

It's nice to actually see that my stomach has gotten more toned in just 3 weeks!

whoop whoop!

Y'all cross your fingers and say a little prayer that the weather is nice for us! 

I'm off to eat my banana with almond butter then heading to the gym. 

Happy Hump Day

xoxo, Monica

Dates and More Dates.

Tank: DaintyHooligan (similar option)

Jacket: Tillys (similar)

Jeans: Paige Denim via Nordstrom

Booties: UrbanOg (similar) 

Necklace: ShopMCE

Last Friday Kyle and I decided to have a quick little date night.
He got home from work a little early so we went to the closest mexican place for happy hour!
Happy Hours with that guy are always fun.

I cannot believe that next Monday is already our 1 year anniversary!
Sheesh this year just flew by.
Too bad we can't afford to go back to Cabo for our anniversary...
I'm really excited to go on a nice date and just celebrate our marriage though,
oh and wear a cute outfit of course ;]
I bought this little black dress for NYE that I didnt get to wear so I think i'm going to wear that!

I've been really lazy with my work outs :( I've GOT to get it together.
Time to go do some videos!!

xoxo, Monica