So Labor Day weekend, Sal and I packed up his car (with our bags and a cooler full of healthy snacks) and headed to Stowe, Vermont for a little
weekend getaway. We had no idea what we'd do in Vermont, but we knew that we were going to make it as active, and relaxing as possible - and yes that is completely possible. During the week leading up to our getaway,
Tone It Up was hosting '
Beach Week' - a schedule for workouts from Monday-Friday was posted, motivation like music, exercise routines, and tips were provided, and there were tons of challenges and giveaways. Now while I didn't win a beach week prize, that didn't stop me from working out twice a day, posting in the community about my workouts, and keeping accountable on Twitter and Instagram! You can read more about my progress during that week
here,
here,
here,
here, and
here!
That weekend K&K gave us one final '
Beach Weekend' challenge - all we had to do was send in pictures of our Beach Day/ Lake Day/ Outdoor day to their email, and write a little about our weekend! We could also post them on Twitter and Instagram! Twenty girls would win Beach Babe Bags - and guess what?!
I was one of the lucky twenty! I couldn't believe it! I was at work when I found out and I jumped for joy, before sending Sal a text - he was extremely proud, because I had told him how much I wanted to win, and even sent him what I had sent in my email.
Here's the very honest email I sent to K&K -
"Karena & Katrina,
My boyfriend, Sal, scheduled a weekend trip to Vermont for Labor Day Weekend, and I was psyched to be able to get to spend some alone time with him. He's been working a lot lately, but I recently inspired him to start eating healthier and working out more. We've always been an active couple, but now we're making it more of a priority. We had no set plans when we got to Vermont, after the six hour car ride (with lots of TIU approved snacks like fruit and ZICO, and SELF magazine), so we were able to pick and choose when we arrived. Immediately, Sal brought me to the gondolas, that would take us on a scenic ride to 3,660 foot level of Mt. Mansfield, only to get off and hike the rest of the 4,395 foot mountain! I couldn't believe the incredible views! I couldn't believe I actually did it! I knew right then and there that if I could climb a mountain, I could do anything I put my mind to!
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When we got back to the Inn, we headed to the small gym downstairs and worked out,
together - which was awesome to be able to share a healthy hobby and help each other become stronger. The following day, after a healthy breakfast, we biked a
ten mile path (5 miles to and 5 miles back!), hiked to find an incredible, breathtaking waterfall, went to a wine tasting and tour, and ended the day with horseback riding. We had such a relaxing, active vacation - it was
unbelievable! I didn't know I was capable of doing any of these things until I started the Tone It Up exercises and lean, clean, and green eating. I'm more active than I've ever been, and am not afraid of trying new activities and food. I'm also much more confident in my own body - I used to
always compare myself to other ladies around me, whether it was friends or strangers, and now I say, enough is enough -
I only compare myself to myself yesterday and
always strive to be better, healthier, and happier.
I haven't bought the nutrition plan because I wanted to see what Tone It Up was all about - It's honestly the best lifestyle change I've ever made for myself, and this is something I don't plan on giving up. I told myself on the trip to Vermont, that I'd buy the plan when I got back and that's exactly what I plan on doing. I participated in Beach Week by doing all of the exercises and eating healthy, and didn't lose any weight - which I am perfectly fine with. I was never fat, I just wasn't toned, and I could see an incredible difference in my body composition by the end of the week and have been inspired to keep going.
Thank you for all that you do K&K! You have inspired many, including me, to be the best we can be!"
So you might be thinking, why am I writing this now... after two months - well because I just received my prize in the mail! I was dancing around my house when I picked up the box off of my porch; I mean what are the chances of receiving my Perfect Fit Protein on the same day as my Beach Weekend prizes! I was stoked!
I loved the fact that K&K included a little workout, which I did before opening the rest of the box!
I received a Tone It Up window sticker and a magnet with a quote by K&K, as well as a Starfish necklace (that is just way too cute for words), all of which was inside the Tone It Up water bottle, something I didn't even realize at first!
Everything was inside a Beach Babe beach bag! I'm thinking about using it for other things, aside from beach essentials, because let's face it, I'm not going to the beach any time soon - it's fall! A Tone It Up lunch bag was also among the prizes, as well as a Tone It Up Surfer Girl tank top and sunscreen! Talk about wanting summer back ASAP so I can sport all of my goodies!
I also got a copy of Self Magazine, the same one I took on my beach weekend getaway, and a copy of the Beach Babe workout DVD, which I also have - so I passed along both of those prizes to my mom, who can't wait to start toning it up!
So thanks again, K&K - I look forward to participating in more challenges! Bring it!
