Tag Archives: Lifestyle

Staying Active // Ifit Vue

October 16, 2015

This is a sponsored post by iFit.  iFit gives a whole new perspective on fitness with wearable fit bands, iFit powered exercise equipment, and daily workout videos, that help motivate and inspire giving you a brighter outlook on your own unique fitness journey.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting our sponsors that help keep Armelle Blog up and running!
Be sure to checkout the details at the bottom of this post on a Giveaway for an iFit Vue!
Now that I’ve approached my, ahem mid thirties, it feels like staying fit is getting harder and harder.  Things that used to work for me before seem to take longer, or not work at all.  Getting older is no fun!  Ha!
I’ve recently changed some of my workout routines, and I’m hoping to get into better shape!  As I talked about it in this post, I used to do the whole running for exercise thing over the past several years, which is an amazing workout, but I recently decided that I also need to switch things up and add some strength training and other things to the mix.
I recently got an iFit Vue to help track my calories in and out, how many steps/miles, workouts and sleep easily on my wrist with their new bright touchscreen display.  Seeing all the information right on my wrist has really helped me to stay motivated!
The iFit Vue syncs up to the iFit app on my phone to be able to set goals, and track everything and add the calories you have consumed.   It even has a reminder to get up and move with a little buzz to the wrist, and the screen says MOVE!  If you’ve been idle too long during the non-sleeping hours.  It has helped me to stay aware of how active I am being, and I am trying to hit a goal of at least 10,000 steps a day.  I never realized that just doing some of my daily tasks like grocery shopping, climbing up and down the stairs to chase my kids, and cleaning up my house all day long was logging so many steps, even miles worth!  Kind of motivating!
So, back to the staying active part!  I have had a good routine and healthy outlook on staying active since I was a teen, I talked a little bit about it in this post.  But, I didn’t realize that as I was getting older, I was staying active, but feel like I was letting myself get a little “soft” for lack of a better term. Now, I don’t want to be a ripped muscle head, but healthy lean toned muscle, and maybe a little definition would be nice.  
I try my best not to compare myself to others, and maintain a healthy outlook on my body image.  I’ve always been lucky be able to have a healthy body image about myself, not in a I think I have the best body or that I’m in shape way.  But, in a I don’t think it’s healthy to be down on ourselves too much about our bodies and what we think may be the perfect body kind of way.  I know that I have flaws, and sometimes it does get to me and I get down on myself, especially when you see an unflattering photo of yourself, or see yourself from a new angle and wonder, if that is really you?  But, I try not to let that eat away at me, and focus on what is in my control.  My hips, thighs, stomach, arms, back won’t be just like someone else’s, and all body types are different.  So, even if we’d like what they have, sometimes it’s just unattainable!  I guess I am more realistic when it comes to my body type, and at 5 foot 5 inches, I have to deal with what I have.  And, really I have a healthy body, so what more can I ask for?!  That is a miracle in itself that I thank God for everyday!!  
Another reason it is important for me to stay in shape is for my kids.  I want to be able to run around with them, hike with them, swim with them, and be an example to them of how to take care of these amazing bodies we have.  And, for my daughter especially, I want her to have a healthy attitude about her body, and love it for what it is, and keep it healthy and strong.  I want them to establish routines, and lifestyles that involve staying active and healthy.
So, back to working out.  
The past few months I have been trying something new with my workout routine.  I joined a gym, what?!!  I haven’t had a gym membership in over 9 years!  
But, I found that I’ve really enjoyed some of the group fitness classes.  It has been more motivating for me to have a trainer in your face telling you to push harder!  I have been working out and changing things up in ways I haven’t ever done, which has been really great!  I’ve been working hard, and trying new things.  And, frankly I haven’t lost a pound.  In fact, I’ve gained weight (10lbs to be exact), which I am hoping is my body gaining some muscle and shedding the fat!  I think we all get in a fitness rut sometimes, and it is nice to change things up and challenge your body. I still haven’t completely found the mix I’d like, and I’m hoping to add a little more weight training into my routines, but frankly that scares me to death!  But, it’s always a work in progress!  
It’s been fun tracking my workouts on the iFit Vue and seeing how many calories I’m burning and steps I’ve taken.  I’d also like to get the iFit Smartbeat heart rate monitor to add to the iFit app and the wristband to get an even more accurate idea of how many calories I’m burning, and see what is working for me.
I am the worst about counting calories, but the iFit app and the ifit Vue wrist band sure makes it easier.  It has been eye opening for me to see how little things I am blindly eating are adding up.  So, while I’m not a huge fan of counting calories, I generally eat healthy, I think it’s nice to check yourself every now and then to get a realistic view of what you are actually consuming and adjust your intake to some healthier options. 
So, here’s to making goals, and improving ourselves bit by bit.  I know I always can improve, and hope to continue to work hard toward my goals and feel great about myself and continue to feel healthy!  
I am also so excited to giveaway an iFit Vue to one of my lucky readers!!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS!!
Be sure to head over to my Instagram and follow me, @armelle_blog and @ifit and tag three friends to enter!! 
Winner will be chosen Tuesday, October 20th!
Good Luck!!
Outfit Details
Me
Albion Fit Limelight Jacket (So comfortable and well made!  I am wearing a size small)
Albion Fit 1st Ave Tank (So soft and cozy! I am wearing a size small)
Albion Fit Go Capris in Sea Foam (Perfect compression pants! Sucks you in where you want it to most!  I am wearing a size small)
Zee Alexis Woven Footwear – Zee Clouds
Norah
Flor de Luz Shop Embroidered Mexican Mini Mariluz Dress
Ezra
Thomas

Tempurpedic // Tempur-Flex Giveaway

September 1, 2015

I am so excited to partner with Tempur-Pedic today to review one of their amazing new TEMPUR-Flex mattresses, and give away one queen size bed to one of my readers!
I wanted to make sure that before I wrote this post, that I had a full review of the mattress, so that I can pass along accurate information to you!
The latest mattress to hit the shelves in the Tempur-Pedic line is the TEMPUR-Flex!  
It is the brand’s first mattress collection that combines adaptive support and pressure relief with a slightly spring feel thanks to an all-new TEMPUR material and innovative Dynamic Support layer.
It also includes a new moisture-wicking, cool-to-the-touch SmartClimate System. Which has been great for my husband who tends to be a warm guy at night!
The TEMPUR-Flex is available nationwide at authorized Tempur-Pedic retailers, and through www.TempurPedic.com as well as the brand’s flagship stores.  
We received our new TEMPUR-Flex mattress back in June.  We had just gotten home from a two week vacation, and the thought of sleeping in our own bed was heaven!
My husband and I were so excited to try it out.  Even before it was set up we both fell back first onto the mattress, and let out an, ohhh, ahhhh!!! Nice!
My husband and I have been married for 12 years now this August, and we never invested in a high quality mattress.  I am not sure why, because it really is life changing.  I mean, why didn’t I get one of these beds when I was pregnant three times?!  That would have made such a huge difference!  Word to the wise, don’t wait!  You won’t regret it!
I have LOVED the TEMPUR-Flex because it is firm, but also pillowy at the same time.  You sink into it in all the right places, but you aren’t swallowed up by the mattress either.  
I had been having this lower spinal pain the last few years, and I have a spot on my spine that always felt tender.  The last few months, this bed has definitely helped with that pain, and it feels nice to not only sleep in the bed with no more tossing and turning, but also it gives nice support to sit in bed and watch TV or check my phone updates, which I’m guilty of doing way too often.  My bed is my happy place, and much more so with my new TEMPUR-Flex!   It has been nice as a side sleeper to not have too much pressure on my joints when I sleep, and I can get a better quality sound sleep!
It’s safe to say that both my husband, and I are LOVING our new mattress, and we are for SURE getting a better nights sleep!
Now, I am so excited to give away one Tempur-Flex Queen size Mattress to one of my amazing readers!!  (Queen size mattress range from $1999-$3199!)
This is giveaway will happen mainly on my instagram – @armelle_blog, so be sure to head over there to enter, and for BONUS entries, enter below with the Rafflecopter giveaway!  And, be sure to leave a comment telling me why you need this mattress!

This giveaway ends September 2nd at midnight, U.S. Residents only.  Good Luck!!


**** CLOSED!!  A winner has been picked!!!  Thank you so much for entering!! *****

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Neposmart // Securing Your Home Before Travel

July 31, 2015

I am so excited to start sharing some of our family travel photos with you!  We had an amazing two weeks of adventure, and I keep thinking about how much I want to go back!
I mean, how gorgeous is Maine?!  My new favorite place! 
But, first I wanted to share with you a few tips on securing your home before travel.
Being away from home is always an exciting time, but you do have to think ahead when it comes to family travel.  Not only all the packing, keeping the kids happy with activities, but also be smart about protecting your home while you are away.
Here are a few of the things we check off of our list before leaving town:
1) Let your close neighbors know the dates you will be away- That way they can keep an eye on your home for you, and report and suspicious behavior.  Sometimes a package or two will arrive while you are away.  Keeping your porch clear of any packages or flyers will help with theft of packages, or a dead giveaway that you are out of town. We also have family members check in on the house everyday to make sure all is well, and keep up the yard work. 
2) Stop mail.  You may have a large mailbox, but sometimes the postal workers will leave packages on your door step.  To keep your mail safe and sound, just place a Hold Mail service online with the post office, and they will hold your mail until you are back in town.
3) Pay your bills.  Sometimes if you leave town for a few weeks, you are thrown off your bill paying schedule.  Make sure you go through your bills and look at the due dates so they all are paid until you return.  You don’t want any electricity or things shut off while you are away.
4) Lower your heat or A/C while your away.  It doesn’t need to run constantly while your away, and you will save on your bill.
5) Shut off interior water.  We always shut off our interior water to avoid any floods or leaks while we are away.
6)  Set up automatic timers on exterior lights, and lights throughout the house. 
7) Lock up the home, and set your alarm system.  Double check all windows, and doors.  I know my kids are prone to unlock windows. So, we make sure to check them often.
8) Security Cameras.  Being able to monitor your home in real time while you are away is priceless!
I was so excited when Neposmart contacted me about their new product they wanted to send over for me to try!
Neposmart is a home monitoring system that doesn’t require a monthly subscription or payment.  You can connect your camera devices to your smartphone with their app, and monitor, record, and snap photos while you are away from home!  It can also be set to record when it senses motion.  You can control your garage door with the push of a button on those days you may have forgotten to close it.  One if the biggest forms of burglary happen when your garage door is open, and thieves can easily come in an grab things and go.
You can mount or set several cameras throughout your house, and the best part is that they fit in seamlessly.  They work in the dark, and you can also set camera angles or move the camera around to check everything since you can control the camera from your phone.  It also receives audio and you can speak through the camera as well, which I have found to be convenient when my kids are raiding the pantry and I’m in the room next door, I can just tell them to knock it off from the speaker. Wink.
I think that they would also make an amazing baby monitor if you have little ones as well.
It was so nice to have peace of mind while away traveling that all was well at home, and all was safe and sound.
Even when exploring lighthouses, or hanging out at the beach in Maine, we were able to keep a close eye on our home in real time from the convenience of our phones.  And, it was nice to know that we would be alerted and the cameras would record if it sensed any movement in the house.
Pretty cool, right?!
It’s always nice to be able to check in on things at home while you are away.  Knowing your home is safe and sound allows you to enjoy your vacation so much more!
To learn more about Neposmart, and their amazing home monitoring cameras, be sure to head over to their site!  We have really enjoyed ours!
Outfit Details:
Sandals: Yosi Samra (most comfortable sandals ever!)
Bag: Baggallini Bags- Nassau Crossbody in Aquamarine
Sweater: H&M
Denim Dress: H&M
Earrings: Wrenn Jewelry