My Little Brother is MARRIED!!!

Hey friends!! I'm back to blogging after a busy, busy few weeks! My brother, Chris, got married on Saturday! So this will be a picture-heavy post. Hopefully you'll enjoy it!

the bridal party

Erin waiting for the groom's 'First Look'
Immediate family got to watch. 

My sweet brother immediately started crying when he saw her!

Vows

Communion

Me with the Mr. & Mrs.

Dinner was YUMMY!

Dancing with our Mommy :)

Sweetness

My SISTER, Erin

My youngest brother, Jason... can you believe he's only 13?!

Brother Jordan, 18

Cousin Whitney, Brother Jordan, Sweet little Kevin

Goddaughter Nina

Cousin Whitney... she's gorg!

Baby niece Eleanora... so precious!

loved my hair and make-up!!

This was such a beautiful and blessed occasion! I was honored to be a part of it. The wedding theme was 'Vintage Garden.' It was great to see their vision come together! I am so happy to have Erin in our family. Two beautiful lives were joined together over the weekend and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them!!

XO,

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Fit Tuesday ~ Getting It Back!!

HI!!! I've missed you all terribly!! You have no idea!! I have been crazy busy lately- my brother is getting married on Saturday and life has just been a little busy, but good nonetheless. I should be back to regular posting next week. I did, however, want to get a Fit Tuesday post up! 

I wish this post was going to start out really positive and inspiring, but it's not! If you don't remember my blood pressure issues, in short, I have had sustained hypertension for a few months, thus had to take roughly eight weeks off of working out while medications were being adjusted appropriately. I was cleared a few weeks ago to start again and my blood pressure promptly dropped too low, causing me to pass out. Yes, it was very scary! Anyway, we think everything is good now, and I started working out again on Friday. I want to talk to you about taking breaks and coming back. It can be quite frustrating!! I certainly lost some endurance and muscle tone during my break and yesterday's workout was a total nightmare. 

Usually when I push myself it's satisfying and no matter the pain, I can feel the gain. Yesterday this was not the case. I felt like I was dragging an extra 300 pounds with each step. With every new interval of stairs I wanted to just stop and lay on the ground. It was painful and I felt like I had no energy even though I knew I had fueled properly. Even after my workout I wasn't proud of myself for sticking with it and pushing myself through. I was frustrated and feeling defeated. I was kicking myself for feeling weak. Friends, this is not the way to love yourself through coming back from an injury or a medical issue. I handled it poorly. Getting back into the groove of things can be painful and frustrating, but love yourself through it!! Be patient with yourself. Give yourself some kudos for finishing strong even if it feels like you didn't do well. This also applies to those who have never been in shape and are just starting out. Push yourself but give yourself time. It takes awhile to get out of shape, so it's going to take awhile to bounce back. It takes time, patience, work and commitment! 


So, on that note, I am just returning from an AWESOME 6 mile run!! It wasn't easy but it was fabulous! I felt the burn but this time in a good way. I'm nearly certain there will be more days like yesterday in the coming weeks but I'll keep pushing (moderately). Here are a few tips for Getting It Back:

1. Be Patient. I can promise you that increasing your fitness level will not be easy. There will be pain and frustrations but don't be too hard on yourself. You can't increase your fitness level in a day. For some it takes months and for some weeks. Get to know your body and push it slowly.

2. Stay Committed. This can be difficult too. Honestly, yesterday after my awful workout part of me wanted to just give in and keep "taking it easy." I felt defeated but you have to end your pity party and get right back at it. You'll see improvement if you do!

3. Take Care. Don't increase your training regimen too fast. I cannot tell you exactly how to do this since it varies depending on the exercise and your body. Push yourself but know the different between challenging pain and injury pain. If you are in extreme pain STOP. Also, don't be afraid to ice or apply heat to sore muscles as needed. Injury prevention is very important, so make sure you are warming up, cooling down and stretching!

It's so good to be back, friends! Please be patient with me as I prepare for my brother's wedding this week and likely recover for a couple of days after Saturday! Then you can fully expect me to be back to posting regularly and commenting/interacting with you readers and other bloggers!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!


Some photos from my run on the waterfront downtown early this morning:

Please take a moment to check out the Wellness Project, and consider participating once I launch the first round. This will likely be in late June or July.

Do you have experience with any of this?? Coming back from a break? Starting to work out for the first time in general?

Be well,

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The Wellness Project!!

Hi Friends!! I would like to introduce you to a project I have been working on. I hope you will read this and strongly consider participating! There are a few steps to it, but I honestly don't think it will be too time consuming. Here's how it will work:

1.  Each participant will choose a wellness goal. In one of the following categories:

• Fitness
• Nutrition
• General Self-Care, i.e. reading, alone time, spending time with friends, etc.
• Budget
• Do you have a suggestion for a category??

2. You will post on that goal and how you plan to stick to it.* Then you will link back to my goal post here, on FFF.This way all participants can check on who else is participating and everyone can visit each other's blogs to motivate and encourage one another. There will also {likely} be a way to leave your Twitter handle, so participants can tweet one another and check in.

3. You will place the Wellness Project button on your blog.

<a href=”http://fiercefabulousfit.com/” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”The Wellness Project” src=” http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z357/FierceFabFit/WellnessProject.jpg” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

4. On the end date {approx. 2 weeks from the initial goal post} you will post on how you did.* And again, it would be great if you make the rounds a bit and encourage each other. I will for sure visit everyone's posts after you link up!

*I know there are several different blog events going on on any given day. Please do not feel like you have to create a separate post for these. Feel free to incorporate it into one of your regular posts. Please just make sure when you link up, you do not link to your main blog page address, link to that specific post in the link widget. 


Why the Wellness Project?? If you have not yet noticed, I am extremely passionate about health. I love to encourage others to not only exercise and eat right, but to be mentally and spiritually healthy as well. I have been brainstorming for awhile now, about how to bring bloggers together to encourage wellness among our community. I know I already tweet and Facebook asking who's worked out and what you did, to encourage more to do so, but I like the idea of doing this on a larger scale. I also like the idea of having this open to all to participate more "officially" and have others help motivate all of us and keep us accountable. Also, it's nice to have everyone there when we don't meet our goals. The point of this isn't to be perfect, but to be mindful and purposeful of how we take care of ourselves. It's also a great way to learn more about one another, discover and meet bloggers who are new to you, and get your blog noticed.

Stay tuned for the very first Wellness Project post!! In that post I will announce the goal category for this round, the date to post your goal and the date that your goal results should be posted. In the meantime please, pretty please spread the word about The Wellness Project!! Tweet it, post about it, Facebook it!! Whatever mode of communication is easiest for you to use, go for it! In fact, if you're going to tweet it, here's a tweet you can copy and paste "I joined #TheWellnessProject hosted by @FierceFabFit go to http://fiercefabulousfit.com 4 details on setting goals & motivating eachother!" Or tweet whatever you want, this is just a suggestion. THANK YOU!

"I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants."  ~Zig Ziglar

Do you have questions, comments or suggestions? 

Please feel free to leave them in the comments or email me: krystlesstyle[at]gmail[dot]com

XO,

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Congrats, Jordan and an Outfit

This is what I wore to my brother, Jordan's high school graduation today. It was in the 80's and the gym where the ceremony was held had no air conditioning! I had planned on a different outfit but I knew I would need something that would breathe a little more after being there for the baccalaureate last night and sweating like crazy! It was gross. So anyway, that's why I chose this look. Am I the only woman who hates strapless bras?? It seems no matter how tight they are, they fall down all the time. I'm always trying to find discreet ways to pull it up without looking tacky, you know?? 

THE OUFIT:

tube top - H&M

asymmetrical skirt - Express

wedges - Dolce Vita for Target

hoop earrings - Bebe

bangles - H&M

statement ring - Target {not pictured, sorry}

Just for fun, here are some photos of my awesome family today after the graduation ceremony.

Me and the graduate!

I couldn't be more proud of Jordan! He has just graduated from probably the most prestigious and rigorous high school program in the state. Academically he performed outstanding, and he's one of the best running backs in the state in football! July 11 he's leaving to Eastern Washington University on a football scholarship where he will study pre-medicine. He's so driven! Also, Jordan and I are very close!! We are ten years apart but it really doesn't feel like it! Usually when I go to my parents' to spend the night, it's to hang out with him. We stay up most of the night having serious conversations mixed with a lot of laughter and jokes! He's such a clown- one of those quick-witted people who's got a joke for everything. he's a lot of fun!! Ok, I'll stop bragging now. I'm so blessed.

Dad, Jordan and Mom

The four of us- Jason, Jordan, Me, Chris {Chris is getting married in 20 days!}

Isn't my family beautiful? I adore these handsome boys!! 

How was your weekend?? 

XO,

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I've Been Waiting for This!!

are these shoes not AMAZING?!

Do you LOVE this skirt??! I wore this look to my brother, Jordan's baccalaureate ceremony tonight. He's graduating from Jesuit High School tomorrow morning! I have to tell you that I have been waiting patiently for the weather to get nice enough for me to wear this skirt!! I am seriously obsessed with it!! I LOVE IT!! Isn't it hot?? I have to say, I felt pretty dang good in this outfit. It makes my candy butt look extra sweet (go here for the context of this) and it's just one of those pieces that makes you feel confident. Do you have anything like that in your wardrobe? 

the yongest, Jason and I picking up our Aunt for the ceremony

The problem with the skirt is that I had a lot of trouble styling it. For some reason I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to pair it with. So I consulted with the fabulous, stylish, gorgeous Eboni, and she helped me pull this look together. We decided that a bright top would be good, and she said for me to go with chunky accessories, which I agreed with. Thanks, girl! She did suggest that I wear my Dany's with it, but for this occasion I wanted to keep it a bit more toned down. I'll wear the Dany's with it next time. And trust, there will be a next time for this skirt! 

The other thing I've been waiting for and wanting to show you all is this pair of shoes! They are to die for!! I got these about a year and a half ago, and one of the heels broke around the time I started my blog. For some reason it took me forever to get them fixed. I am so happy I finally did because I had almost forgotten how much I love these shoes. They are one of my favorite pairs! I mayyy even like them more than my Dany's, which says a lot! 

I know this is kind of a lame photo but I wanted to point out my blue shadow {if you can see it... it didn't show up as well as in person}. I put it both on my top and bottom eyelids. I wanted to do a fun shadow color, but I didn't want orange or red. Those colors would have been a little too "matchy-matchy." However, I thought blue would be a fun contrast and it was! What do you think? Do you like the look as a whole??

Thanks again, Eboni, for helping me get this look together! I hope you approve of the way it turned out! *wink, wink* Maybe one day I'll have Eboni's fabulous stylin' skillz! I'm workin' on it! 

I hope everyone's had a fabulous weekend so far! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, friends!

THE OUTFIT:

tank - ON

floral pencil skirt - f21

stilettos - Macy's by Jessica Simpson

necklace - f21

earrings - Target

How's the weather where you are?? 

It was over 80* here today, and I was thrilled!! 

Are you attending any graduations this month?

XO,

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Asymmetrical Top & Ladies Night!

i rubbed up against something wet outside!

I really love this asymmetrical tunic {sorry, I didn't get a shot that really showed this} I bought at Forever 21 a couple months ago. I think I've worn it once or twice, but not on the blog. While putting some looks together the other night, I was experimenting with different tops to wear this new H&M belt with. I bought the top in a medium and probably should have bought a small, but you know how exchanges go over at Forever 21. If it's been over 7 days you're outta luck! I figured belting it would help add some shape, and that it did! The other issue I have with the top is that it lacks color. That's also something the belt helps with-it gives a pop of "color" even though it's neutral. Ha! My shoe choice was a no-brainer. The Dany's, DUH! I decided to go with gold accessories... but I didn't think I needed a necklace, so I just went with ring, hoops and bangles. I went back and forth between one of my millions of handbags and my leopard clutch. I need to get an over-sized clutch asap! 

My plans for today are a little work from home, some shopping, then off to help my friend who's hosting my soon-to-be-sister-in-law's lingerie party! I'm going to help her with making chocolate covered strawberries, and the party will start in the evening. I'm really excited for the party. I know a few of the women who will be there, and they are really fun! Also, it will be entertaining because the bride is very sweet and innocent and this stuff makes her really uncomfortable! It's kinda cute. Haha. 

THE OUTFIT:

top - f21

belt - H&M

flare trousers - Nordstrom by Citizen's of Humanity

platforms - by Jessica Simpson, Dany's

hoop earrings - Bebe

bangles - H&M

What do you think, and of the look?

Any fun plans for the weekend?? 

What was the last bachelorette or lingerie party you went to?

XO,

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FBFF ~ Vacation Packing

Katy over at ModlyChic, is the founder of Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday {FBFF}. Each week, Katy puts some thought provoking questions together and emails them to us. On Friday we all post our responses. It's s a fun, diverse and creative blog community! If you're interested in being a part of this fabulous group, head over to Katy's FBFF page for details!

This week is Vacation: Now that summer is in full swing here {if you aren't in Oregon}… and vacations are coming up, let’s talk about what you’re packing to take on vacation.

{via}

1.     When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra? I always bring extra options. I pack for unexpected weather and often for unexpected occasions, such as a couple of dressy looks even if I don't have plans for a dressy occasion. I also like to make sure I have pieces that are easy to remix so I'm not repeating outfits, but I don't have to pack extra bags. And probably the biggest one two for me is PACK EARLY & MAKE LISTS!! I always, always pack a few days to a week early... I'm kind of crazy... I pack and re-pack and then re-pack one last time the night before. I also make a big, long list of every single thing I need. This helps me with shopping pre-vacation, and with making sure I remember last minute essentials that I can't pack too early such as chargers and curling irons. 

2. What are your must packs? This summer I must have: bright colors, maxi dresses, wedges, fun prints and hats!

3.  What are you happy to leave behind? I'm really not dying over shorts. I've never been into wearing shorts unless they are running shorts. I am more of a skirts/dresses lady!

4.  Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase? I roll many of my items. That helps save space in my luggage, and minimizes wrinkling. Some other space saving ideas are stuffing socks into shoes, and using travel-sized toiletries rather than packing your huge bottle of shower gel. 

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand? I have to have magazines and chic lit books!! Those are my guilty pleasures!! I also like to have my Bible and/or devotional books {Bible is pretty heavy and large to pack} and too actually stimulate my mind, I like to bring something educational. Usually my educational read has to do with child development/psychology. 

If you're stopping by through FBFF, WELCOME and thanks for reading!! Stay for awhile and browse... If you like what you see I hope you'll consider becoming a follower. I would love to have you! Below are links to my Facebook and Twitter pages. Let's be friends!! 

So tell me, what do YOU love and what do you loathe about packing for vacation??

Have a fabulous weekend!!

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