Front Porch Obsession

 I have to brag for just a second about my front porch. It is fairly large, and I get so much joy from decorating it. I spend more time browsing ideas on Pinterest than I care to admit, but I just love a well-done porch! One of my favorite parts of our house is our RED door! 

I also LOVE the rocking chairs...and the flowers!

I am struggling with how to decorate the porch for spring. We always travel for Easter so I skip right over that in terms of decorating, but it is too soon for summer porch decor. I have to confess, I am not a lover of spring. It is actually my least favorite season. It is nice to have the weather warm up, but I'd be AOK with going from snow to 70 degrees. 

The porch has a ways to go--updated lighting fixtures, maybe a railing, maybe something hanging in the open space between the door and window. It is fun to plan and dream!

21-Day Movement Challenge

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I love to eat, and I do not love to exercise. That being said, turning 40 has come along with some extra pounds that I wouldn't mind shedding. I jump-started my "return to semi-fitness" with a 21-Day Movement Challenge. I found it was good to have some time set aside each day for it, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. When my kids watched their TV shows in the evening, I went upstairs and did my workout. 

Exercise Log:

Week 1:

Day 1: 20 minute HIIT video

Day 2: 30 jumping jacks, 20 alternating lunges, 25 crunches, 5 push-ups, 20-second plank

Day 3: 10 burpees, 10 sit-ups, 15 tricep dips, 20 butt kicks, 20 toe touch crunches

Day 4: 25 mountain climbers, 5 push-ups, 25 crunches, 20 walking lunges, 20-second wall sit

Day 5: Rest Day

Day 6: 20 butt kicks, 15 tricep dips, 10 burpees, 15 squats, 20 toe touches

Day 7: 30 jumping jacks, 15 step-ups, 10 sit-ups, 20 ab bikes, 20 alternating lunges

Week 2:

Day 8: 30 mountain climbers, 20 squats, 8 push-ups, 20 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 9: 40 jumping jacks, 30 alternative lunges, 30 crunches, 8 push-ups, 25-second plank 

Day 10: 12 burpees, 10 sit-ups, 15 tricep dips, 25 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 11: 30 mountain climbers, 8 push-ups, 30 crunches, 20 walking lunges, 30-second wall sit

Day 12: Rest Day

Day 13:  25 butt kicks, 15 tricep dips, 12 burpees, 20 squats, 30 toe touch crunches

Day 14: 30 jumping jacks, 20 step-ups, 15 sit-ups, 20 ab bikes, 25 alternating lunges

Week 3:

Perform two sets of each exercise, resting for 30 seconds between each movement.

Day 15: 40 mountain climbers, 20 squats, 10 push-ups, 30 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 16: 40 jumping jacks, 30 alternative lunges, 30 crunches, 8 push-ups, 25-second plank

Day 17: 12 burpees, 10 sit-ups, 15 tricep dips, 25 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 18: 30 mountain climbers, 8 push-ups, 30 crunches, 20 walking lunges, 30-second wall sit (I also did a 20-minute cycling ride at the gym!)

Day 19: 25 butt kicks, 15 tricep dips, 12 burpees, 20 squats, 30 toe touch crunches

Day 20: 30 jumping jacks, 20 step-ups, 15 sit-ups, 20 ab bikes, 25 alternating lunges

Day 21: 40 mountain climbers, 20 squats, 10 push-ups, 30 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches