Motivation Shaker, Ashley Tabb

In the words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “Everything flows and nothing abides; everything gives way, and nothing stays fixed.” To achieve focus on what is possible, focus on your options when you face a challenge, illness or pain.  All things change, and we will not be in the same condition all the time.  When my job was eliminated, I learned that continuing to get up early, read a short devotion and reflect kept me focused and in control of me.  I was able to learn more about myself and stay positive by reading encouraging words and talking to Matt and friends about my situation. I wanted to make something positive out of the experience and I knew something good would come my way. I continued with my fitness accountability groups because it gave me a positive role through my recovery.  Patience and acceptance were not easy and still aren’t, but they are crucial.  I was told it could take months to get another job and yes, I am still in ...

Over the last three weeks I've worked out daily, followed a meal plan (80% of the time), refueled with a nutritious shake and enjoyed favorite casseroles and sweets.  Yes, the scale went up at Thanksgiving but this week it's gone back down!!  I did the 21 Day Fix workout program which has a great variety!  From cardio to lifting, pilates and yoga...this workout never gets old....I did it first three years ago and still look forward to the challenge! The meal plan for the program follows a portion control plan and allows for wine and sweets in moderation.  I had extra treats during the holidays, so totally expected to gain a little on the scale.  The thing is though, my clothes never felt tighter and since I was still drinking my shake daily and eating lots of protein and veggies I still had lots of energy.  I didn't let the increased number on the scale get to me.  Instead it motivated me to get back on track with my meal plan after Th...

Time to get the tools for 80 day obsession NOW IS THE TIME to create a new, healthy obsession!!  What does it mean to be obsessed?!?! To be obsessed is to be preoccupied or to fill the mind of someone or something continually.   So is being a little obsessed a good thing or a bad thing?   Personally I think it depends.  If you are obsessed with sweets, lounging 24/7 or negativity, being obsessed can be bad. Yet, if you are obsessed with fruits and veggies, exercise and positive mindset, it's a good thing. The purpose of A Little Obsessed and 80 Day Obsession  So the countdown is on for the 80 Day Obsession program, created by fitness expert Autumn Calabrese launch in January, but before it arrives, A Little Obsessed will get us started in December!!  These programs are NOT about being obsessed with workout out or starving yourself.  The purpose is to see YOURSELF as a priority!!   Make time for ...

It's a week until Thanksgiving and I am determined to go into the holiday strong and on track with my health and fitness.  I read that the average person gains 5-7 pounds during the holidays and I'm determined NOT to be an average person!  I want to maintain the results I've worked so hard for and not be tired so I can make tons of memories with my family!!  The holidays are hectic but rather than flying through them without a thought, I'm taking a few minutes each day to think about what I will do with my time that day and how I'm achieving my goals for the week.  This week I have three lunch meetings so I'm planning in advance to determine what I need to eat before and after the meetings to resist eating the entire dessert and large portions.   I won't deprive myself from pumpkin pie or mashed potatoes but I will limit myself to a few bites rather than the whole piece or a large pile!  I will write out what I eat throughout the day i...

Have you been following my home fitness journey? It started more than three years ago when I wanted to lose 10-15 pounds after having my two girls.  Not only did I want to lose inches in my waist and hips for my clothes to fit better but I also wanted increase energy and confidence. I wasn't able to get to the gym more than once a week due to the gym daycare schedule and activities with my girls.  I tried walking outside but never saw results which caused emotional eating of ice cream each night.  Then a friend posted her results from a workout program she was doing at home.  It was a 21 day challenge which included 30 minute daily workouts and a portion control meal plan.  I asked her for more details and researched about the shakes.  I couldn't find any major red flags so I decided to try it knowing there was a 30 day money back guarantee.    After the 1st round, I was obsessed!! I loved the trainer and the workouts. I was sore each day and it ...

Stepping outside your comfort zone and learning something new isn't easy but it's important to find your talents and passion!  Last year I took a leap of faith and decided to become a group fitness instructor.  It was scary walking into a room of 900+ people and learning how to do the moves and talk about them throughout the course of the day.  However, in the end I realized it was something I knew I could do and would REALLY enjoy doing!! The certification class didn't teach me everything.  It was a good foundation, but then I had to watch videos and practice and then do classes with friends before I was ready to officially start teaching.  It's been 10 months now and I continue to get more and more comfortable each time I lead a class.  Of course, getting more comfortable with the first class meant it was time to add another class format to my knowledge base. I decided on PiYo because I loved the home workouts and the fact that anyone can do it w...

When you fly, it always suggest to take care of yourself in an emergency before helping someone next to you. However, day to day it seems we always help others rather than take time for ourselves.  That is until now....it's time to.... PUT YOURSELF FIRST!!! Ok, I know how it feels to be everything to everyone....Work, kids, husband, pets, cooking, cleaning... the list goes on and on.  I used to do it too...I'd put my self at the bottom,   crash into bed  exhausted and  wake up  tired . It was like a hamster on a wheel. So can you break this  cycle ? YES YOU CAN AND I CAN HELP! BACK TO YOU, BACK TO BASICS In September, I'm starting a BACK TO YOU, BACK TO BASICS, hands-on, 4-week program to help women put themselves FIRST, find inner HAPPINESS and create a routine that will create LONG TERM success. This is a program that will focus on filling your cup  FIRST  so that you can pour into others without feeling  GU...

5am Alarm Goes Off, Put on Workout Clothes & Push Play!! 5:41am Workout Complete & Headed Upstairs to Shower 5:58am Out of Shower 6:06: Make up complete 6:12am Hair dried and curled Caroline woke up and was in the bathroom at 6:15am.  6:36am??? No that's not right...that clock is at least 15 minutes fast!! Dressed and Bed is Made!! Now it's 6:36am   Made eggs but won't eat them until around 9:30am. 6:40am Girls are eating cereal and doughtnuts for breakfast. Back to school treats today!! We are making muffins tonight!!  6:48am 1st day pictures 6:51am More pictures!! 6:56am Walking to the bus stop. Caroline wanted to take her backpack too!! 7:00am Pictures at the bus stop!! 7:02am Waiting for the bus 7:05am Bus was on time 7:15am Caroline and I headed to T and I'm drinking my breakfast!! 7:35am Drop off at TK 8:0...

You know those friends you have that you could talk to forever...you have so much in common and wish you could have girls night multiple times a week?!? They are the friends that are there for you through thick and thin and always know just what to say to lift you up, encourage you and push you forward!! Well I got together with a few of those friends last weekend and we had a blast talking, trying new recipes and trading ideas to manage our busy schedules!! We decided 2 hours wasn't enough time, so we scheduled a Ladies overnight at The Bennett House Bed and Breakfast in October!! We are going to face some fears and build trust on a ropes course, enjoy a fancy dinner and share leadership and time management tips to help in our busy lives and to build a successful business to help others! Oh and we have room for 5 more ladies that are too busy to add another thing to their plate but in need of girl time and fun to join us!! If you enjoy helping other people and have a goal to ...

Check out all the different things I've enjoyed over the last 3 weeks  while implementing a Low Carb Meal Plan!!!  Eggs, fruit and cottage cheese Steak with mushrooms, salad with olives and strawberries and broccoli Fabulous "manager specials" I found during week 1 This is what it looks like in the portion control containers.  Steak with mushroom (my favorite), sweet potato and salad Salad with avocados, olives and tomoatos The program comes with a meal plan guide that's easy to follow and gives lists of what can be included in your weekly meal plan.  Took my Cafe Latte Shakeology with me as a snack to a birthday party! Packing snacks and lunch for myself and my girls to go to the lake.  Steak, green beans and salad.  Carrots, snow peas, cucumbers, hummus and La Croix sparkling water. Taco Skillet on lettuce with salad.