Flip Flops for a Stress-Free America

Share
flip flops: roxy via flip flop shops slc c/o | kaftan: old navy {love this similar style; need these: 1 + 2 | shorts: old navy {great price!; inspired by these} | bag: ralph lauren via tj maxx {recent; similar here} | swimsuit: mara hoffman {also available here} | hat: jcrew {need this style} | sunnies: ray-ban | beach towel: maui | sunscreen: trust the bum c/o | rings: jewelmint c/o, old navy | charm anklet: katie waltman jewelry c/o | lips: ‘viva glam nicki’ by mac
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

Happy Friday! I have so much to share with you…

FIRST THINGS FIRST:
We could all use a little less stress in our lives, right? I love wearing flip flops because they remind me of the beach (that place I go when I’m ready to relax!), so when Flip Flop Shops asked me to help spread the word about “Stress Free America Month” and their partnership with Quiksilver and Roxy (only my favorite brands from that epic summer I lived in Maui), I didn’t hesitate to jump on board. Together, Flip Flop Shops and Roxy created the limited edition flip flops I’m wearing above (available only at Flip Flop Shops) to help fight heart disease. A portion of proceeds from each pair sold will benefit the American Heart Association and raise awareness for heart-healthy living. The sandals are still selling in stores, but not for long! For Utah readers, be sure to head over to Flip Flop Shops at Fashion Place and pick up a pair. I promise, you’ll feel those laid-back island vibes the moment you put them on. πŸ˜‰ You can read more about Flip Flop Shops’ “the Heart To Sole: Creating a Stress Free America” campaign here.

SECONDLY:
I forgot to post my fitness update last week, so this week you’re getting a double dose. I plan to finish out strong these next two weeks and then I’ll be starting a new 8-week challenge (with more weight-lifting) because we finally booked our next vacation and I am determined to be the most confident I have ever been in a swimsuit.

Workout progress this week + weekend forecast (week 6 of 8):

Monday PM: 5-mile run
Tuesday: rest day
Wednesday: rest day
Thursday: accidental rest day πŸ˜‰
Friday PM: 5-mile run + leg lifts
Saturday AM: 8-mile run
Sunday AM: 3-4-mile run

I’ve had a few too many rest days this week. The funny thing is, I had my gym clothes on each of those days, but had wavering motivation. A few things I know about myself… If I take more than one day off in a row, I start to lose my focus and perspective and fill my time with other priorities. If you struggle with this, I think the key is catching yourself in the act and doing something that will motivate you to get yourself out the door/to the gym (the hardest part). Here are a few ideas:

Visualize your goal [how will it feel, look, etc.]
Search for fitness quotes/images on Pinterest/IG
Visit your favorite fitness blogs [mine are HeidiPowell.net and KaylaItsines.com]
Read a few pages from an inspiring book [my go-to is Choose to Lose]
Watch a video [I love re-watching episodes of Extreme Weight Loss]
DRINK WATER (if ever I’m stalling my visit to the gym, I usually start to feel bored and that’s when the unnecessary snacking comes in). Always drink water first! 

Week 5 workout progress (June 30 – July 6): 

Monday AM: 5-mile run
Tuesday AM: 4-mile run
Wednesday: rest day
Thursday: rest day
Friday PM: 3-mile run + leg lifts
Saturday AM: 7-mile run
Sunday: rest day

Thanks for reading!
Good luck with all of your goals, and may a relaxing vacation be in your not-to-distant future.

This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Amanda

Comments

  1. I live in FL, so flips flops are pretty much a year round staple…and I love it.

    Posted July 12, 2014 | Reply
  2. Great outfit & as for your thoughts on more than one rest day – I totally agree, it's hard to get going but you're doing so well – keep it up!!

    Rxx

    http://www.peppermintdolly.wordpress.com

    Posted July 12, 2014 | Reply
  3. Oh man you are doing so good at working out!!!

    xo Lauryn
    Lauryncakes | Beauty & Fashion

    Posted July 13, 2014 | Reply
  4. Kayla says:

    I agree flip flops are great for relaxing in! Unfortunately the Quiksilver and Roxy closed down in Vancouver, so I gotta do a haul every time I'm down in the States.

    Kayla @ Style Vancity

    Posted July 14, 2014 | Reply
  5. Great look and I love your motivational tips! Thank you for sharing them! πŸ™‚

    The Style Storm
    <3, Christina

    Posted July 14, 2014 | Reply
  6. I love your entire outfit!

    Haley
    haleyvalerie.com

    Posted July 15, 2014 | Reply
  7. May I ask what color you got? I'm thinking about purchasing these online but they have 2 different "light" colors. πŸ™‚

    Posted July 15, 2014 | Reply
    • I bought them in-store so it's hard to tell online. I may have provided the wrong link above. I think they are actually these: http://bit.ly/1p4dC7Y (only one color to choose from – I don't recall seeing multiple colors in-store).

      Posted July 15, 2014 | Reply
  8. Lori says:

    I just bought the Choose to Lose book. Is this something you follow?

    Posted July 20, 2014 | Reply
  9. Lori says:

    I just bought the book Choose to Lose. Is this something you follow?

    Posted July 20, 2014 | Reply
    • Hi Lori! I have followed carb cycling in the past and love it. I'm currently using it as a guide for making sure I choose healthy options and still work to combine healthy fats (usually almonds) with proteins on days when my lunch and/or dinner consists of a salad + chicken. I just love the positive energy that Chris and Heidi Powell provide. That's why I keep his book (and her blog) handy on days when I need help with motivation.

      I'm currently following the "FODMAP" diet (not very fun, but doctor's orders) because I'm trying to track down a possible food allergy. I totally believe in carb cycling, though, and I'd love to hear what you think of the book!

      Posted July 20, 2014 | Reply