My fitness journey | How it all started

Some of you may know that I have been extremely motivated in 2011 to become healthy and get in shape. Exercising and eating right with the goal of losing weight has been a major focus for me since January. I have been very focused and successful with my efforts and I want to tell you a little about how this all started and what has happened lately. 

In December of 2010 I finally decided that I was tired of gaining weight and my clothes fitting tight. I knew I needed to do something different than I had in the past. Making sure I enjoyed whatever I decided was a key factor since I knew without the enjoyment I wouldn't stick with it. I saw an infomercial on TV about TurboFire. I was one of those that got caught up in all the success stories and loved the energy that the workouts portrayed. I checked it out online and found out that the company that sells TurboFire also sells P90X and Insanity. However, I wasn't sure if I would really be motivated enough to workout at home by myself. Turbo Jam was a previous program created by the trainer Chalene Johnson and since it was a little older it was also a little less expensive. With the money back guarantee I decided that I didn't have much to lose, so I bought Turbo Jam. 


I was hooked on the workouts super fast! Chalene's energy is addictive and she always says the right things during the workout to keep you moving and pushing yourself. I did a month of Turbo Jam and knew that TurboFire was going to be even better. My TurboFire journey started in February and I haven't looked back. The program is amazing!!! The main focus is on cardio workouts with some strength training mixed in. You get a schedule to follow with about 15 different workouts along with an eating plan and workout gear. So all of you who may use the excuse that workouts at home are boring and repetitive can't use that excuse anymore. I completed 140 days of TurboFire before moving onto my current program.


ChaLEAN Extreme is another program by Chalene Johnson that focuses on strength training. I am more than half way through the 120 day schedule that comes with this program. Muscle burns fat and Chalene says that many times during the workouts as a reminder. I am a true believer in this program too. 


Beachbody offers many different programs and I know there is something out there for everyone. If you are interested in workout programs at home, or even if you just want to join the online community that offers unlimited support and motivation please let me know and check out the link below. Teambeachbody offers a FREE membership where you can keep track of your workouts, goals, and check out the message boards for all of your fitness questions. You have nothing to lose! Once you decide that you want to exercise and get back on a healthier lifestyle you will feel incredible. I know I do!


http://beachbodycoach.com/adswillis

 

Kids & Family | 1st year

Little AK is growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that I visited with her family to take her newborn photos. We started the session farthest from the water since we knew she would be wet from head to toe once we got close enough to allow that.



Kids | 1st year

I have always enjoyed and loved newborns, but I think I found another joy! 1 year sessions are wonderful. This little man had a BLAST at the beach and loved the water. He was so good and by the end of the session he was drenched. Sand and salt water are good for the soul.

Family | Beach

I had the pleasure of photographing baby 'E' when she was just 15 days old. She is growing up so fast and is truly blessed to have such wonderful parents (and a new 4 legged family member!)



Newborn | Baby 'A'

I adore newborns and truly enjoy capturing the first few days of their life. Tiny, squishy, and perfect!

Wedding | March 2011

So, I'm a little behind on posting. I hope to caught up very soon. While I am doing so please enjoy photos from a very special day back in March. What a beautiful couple and a beautiful day!

Sweet baby 'E' | 15 days new

I'm playing a little catch up from a session a few months ago. Sweet baby E is too cute not to share with you. She was and still is absolutely adorable!

Update and a giveaway!

I keep telling myself I am behind, but really I only have one session that I missed blogging. I will do so very soon because little Miss E was-and still is-absolutely precious for her newborn session and I just have to share her beauty.

I also will have a 1st birthday party to blog as well as an upcoming wedding. Keep an eye out for all the good stuff to come.

For now, I have to share with you a fabulous giveaway. The Savvy Photographer along with many sponsers are giving away $2000 worth of awesome prizes. Please stop by and check it out!

For now here is a preview of the upcoming newborn blog post. Isn't she precious!



Coupons & Online Shopping | Organizing

Do you shop online?

The answer is more than likely yes.

I am sure a lot of people do at least a small percentage of their holiday shopping or maybe even everyday shopping online. I like to shop online and find better deals than what some stores may have to offer (Well, perhaps I also do my shopping online because I don't live in the big city anymore.), but I don't usually settle for the price online. I like to find even more coupons and discounts. I also prefer not to pay shipping if I can, because that usually negates the purpose of saving by shopping online. And, I prefer to get even 5-10% off the prices listed if at all possible.

Have you ever wondered what a promotion code is? I almost always search for promotion codes online before making my final purchase. Amazon is one of my go to shopping sites, but they unfortunately don't offer many promotion codes for things I buy. However, I do shop on many other sites and when I have the option to enter a coupon code or promotion code I do a simple search on Bing or Google.  Some online shopping sites offer a coupon code on the main page (especially during the holiday season) for free shipping with the purchase of a specified amount or maybe even another discounted offer. But, for those sites that don't offer such coupons doesn't mean they aren't out there.

If you are purchasing online think about doing a search in your search engine for the name of the site + promotion code (or coupon code). Several sites will be found such as couponcabin, couponmountain, retailmenot, and the list goes on. Some of the coupons are definitely not legit, but a lot of the sites give you the success rate of the coupon and when the code expires. I have had much success with promotion codes and coupon codes when shopping online. And although 5% might not seem like a lot those pennies add up over time.

Will you search for promotion codes on your next online purchase?

K & P | Family

I can't tell you how many times we attempted to schedule a session with these beautiful people. I do believe it has been over a year since we started discussing scheduling a session, but with many miles and traveling hours between us it took a while to make it happen. The weather almost kept us from meeting this time, but the rain held off for just enough time to capture these wonderful images. Kat, I hope the wait was worth it! Enjoy!

A & S | Family

Beautiful brother and sister and the best friends anyone could ask for!

 

The T Family | Family

Dear Friends. Beautiful Child. Pretty Pictures.

3 weeks new & the most precious gift | Newborns

 I adore newborns. I could say that a gazillion times.

9 days new | Newborns

 Beyond Precious explains this entire session. It was a true joy to be able to photograph this new little one. He was extremely good and I hope the images portray how great he was!

The Allen Family | Family

I love my family!

 

The S Family | FAMILY

Playing a little catch up I'd say. I am all caught up with orders at the moment so I'll play catch up with my blog for the next 5 or 6 posts!

The S Family was super sweet and the little one was just beautiful. He, however, wasn't so fond of either me or my camera (we will say my camera), but my oh my was he precious!  

4 weeks new | Newborns

I anxiously waited to photograph this new little one. Her mom made me wait 4 whole weeks to meet her, but I suppose living 5 hours away from 'home' is a good reason to wait. I am so very glad that I finally got to meet Ms. 'E'. She is absolutely precious with those gorgeous little cheeks and those perfect lips. Enjoy your preview. Your gallery will be ready very soon!

Grayson & Melissa | Family

Cold weather is not my best friend, but despite the temperature this afternoon I think we got some really cute images of some dear friends of mine. I am always so anxious to view the images and post a preview for everyone to see. Melissa, I hope being cold for a bit was worth it once you see your images. For now, here's a preview. Enjoy!

 

Laney | Kids

Unpredictable. Lovable. Darling. This list goes on, but Little Miss Laney was too cute and so much fun to photograph. Enjoy your sneak peak.

Lori & Grayson | Family

New locations are always so fun to shoot photo sessions. I was so glad when Lori suggested using the Waterfowl Museum for their family photos. Despite the mosquitoes I think we got some really quick images that I hope Lori and her family will enjoy.

Enjoy your preview. The gallery will be loaded today :)!