'Tis the Season (for me to miss working retail, shop like crazy and score some deals)

Not only is Thanksgiving completely overlooked in leu of Christmas by most places, yes Christmas
decor in the mall prior to Halloween, I am looking at you. But now Black Friday sales seem to extend the entire week of Thanksgiving. And while I am appalled at the amount of places open on Thanksgiving and as a former 8 year resident of the retail world, refuse to set foot in any of those places on said holiday (including the midnight sales--technically it isn't Thanksgiving anymore but that means employees need to be there by at least 10 to be ready to open at midnight!) I do love shopping on Black Friday.

I love waking up early and heading out. Scoping out places that don't have lines (because I never want a big tv, I wouldn't wait out in the cold for one no matter how cheap it is and those places only have like two of them. Totally not worth it.) Walking through the mall when it is still dark out, a big cup of coffee in hand. It is nostalgia for the days when I was there early to work. I loved working on Black Friday. I loved the crazy. I loved how fast the day went, how many of my employees I got to work with at once, the race of who could ring customers the fastest or who could keep sweaters in stock on the tables. It was such an awesome rush and one of the few days I really really miss my former job. So shopping that day allows me back a little piece of that. It isn't about the deals (although I do love getting some new jeans and workout pants when entire stores are 50% off for the day, I'm not gonna lie.) but it is really about that feeling, seeing some of my people, getting that feeling back for just a minute in the pit of my stomach -- the excitement is contagious.

But it's the Wednesday before Thanksgiving -- why am I talking about missing Black Friday when I should be prepping food for tomorrow?

Because if you can't beat 'em, join 'em so Beachbody is starting their Black Friday sale today at 12 noon PST.

Here is a round up of what you can score --

If you are my customer (to sign up for free click here) I am offering additional specials from noon today, November 27 through midnight on Saturday the 30th.

The Challenge Pack Special:

If you order a challenge pack Beachbody is giving you a $20 gift card back that is good on a future $30 purchase. There are a ton of ways to use this! But I am going to sweeten the deal by throwing in a $25 gift card from me. So you will get $55 to shop and the chance to enroll in one of my upcoming challenge groups where you get meal planning, recipes, accountability and all the tips and tricks I have learned this year.

What is a challenge pack?

A challenge pack is a bundle that includes a 30 day supply of Shakeology, a workout program, a 30 day trial of the Beachbody Club membership plus me as your coach. In addition to that you get the chance to enroll in one of my challenge groups on Facebook. They are a closed group where you get tips on meal planning, recipes, accountability and all the help and support you may need (and who doesn't need that during the holidays!)

The Shakeology Home Direct Deal:

For any new customer who signs up for Shakeology home direct, I am offering $10 cash back.  No strings attached. You place the order and I give you $10. 

Just looking for a workout program? 

Beachbody is offering some pretty awesome deals on a few of those too....

Here are a few of what I think are the best deals. To see all the Black Friday holiday promos click here. 

TurboFire: Complete System -- $99.95 (Regular price $239.40 --you save $139.45)

TurboFire is probably one of my favorite workouts of all time. If you follow me on Facebook, you have seen me rave about this over and over. So I am super stoked that they are offering it at such a great price. This is such an amazing deal and I am super jealous it wasn't available when I ordered my copy of Turbofire! You are saving of 58% on my favorite program. 

So here is what you get:

Chalene Johnson’s TurboFire: The Complete System includes 17 total workouts that range from 10 minutes to 55 minutes. Here is what you get:

Fire Starter Class: Master the TurboFire moves as Chalene breaks them down for you at a slower pace, so you can be ready for the HIIT classes.

Low HIITs: Low HIIT 20 / Low HIIT 25 Classes Don't let the "low" (as in low-impact) fool you-these high-intensity workouts ignite the AfterBurn Effect to help you keep burning calories.

Fire HIITs: Fire 30/Fire 40 /Fire 45 /Fire 55 Classes Actively recover from the HIIT classes while melting the fat away with these longer cardio classes, which include the HIITs you love, created by Chalene.

Extreme HIITS: HIIT 15/ HIIT 20/ HIIT 25 Classes Give your max for up to 1-minute intervals during these classes, and you can burn calories for up to 24 hours AFTER your workout's over!

Sculpt 30 Class/Tone 30 Class: Develop shapely muscles with Chalene's challenging resistance classes.

Core 20: Chalene's most popular class targets your tummy with moves that deliver incredible abs.

Stretch 40/ Stretch 10 Classes: Increase your flexibility, reduce soreness, and lengthen your hardworking muscles by warming down after your HIIT and Fire classes.

And because it is the Complete Program -- you also get the Deluxe DVD's listed below. 

TurboFire Deluxe DVD's + Tracker Journal -- $29.95 (Regular price $59.70--you save $29.75)

These are the add on DVD's that don't come with the base kit. There are 6 DVD's including:

• Fire 60 Class: Whip roundhouse kicks and watch those extra pounds sizzle away.
• HIIT 25 Class: Experience the most intense fire drills yet with Chalene.
• HIIT 30 Class: Push yourself even farther with 11 fire drills in this intense class.
• Lower 20 Class: Get the lean, shapely legs, butt, and core of your dreams.
• Upper 20 Class: Looking for lean, “don’t mess with me” arms? Then this class is for you.
• Abs 10 Class: Get tight, flat abs in no time with this short, efficient core workout.

For more info on TurboFire click here

Insanity: The Asylum + Free Chin Up Bar -- $89.85 (Regular Price $149.95 -- you save $60.10)

This is a 30 day program that utilizes sports specific training to build speed, agility, coordination and power. 

You get 6 intense workout DVD's: 

• Speed & Agility: Get quick on your feet—fast, with this intense cardio workout. (45 minutes)
• Vertical Plyo: Jump higher than ever with this lower-body training routine. (40 minutes)
• Relief: Stretch out to build long, lean muscle and increase your flexibility. (25 minutes)
• Strength: Increase your strength and power by cross-training with weights and resistance. (50 minutes)
• Back to Core: Build the rock-solid core, glutes, and hamstrings for the explosive power you'll need to play and dominate at an elite level. (45 minutes)
• Game Day: Put your new sports skills to the test with this cross-training workout. (60 minutes)

You also get an agility ladder, speed rope, the nutrition plan, guide book, a workout calendar and two bonus workouts: 

• The Sports Performance Assessment: Discover the improvements you've made in your fitness and skills with this performance measurement tool. (25 minutes) 
• Overtime: Add this 15-minute monster to any Asylum workout to see if you've still got game.

For more info on The Asylum click here. 

P90X + Free Chin Up Bar-- $119.85 (Regular Price $179.70 -- you save $59.85)

P90X includes 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. The secret is an advanced training technique called Muscle Confusion, which accelerates your results by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus.

Here's what you get with P90X:

12 Diverse and Intense Workouts:

• P90X - 01 Chest & Back. Targeted strength and definition workout emphasizes two classic upper-body exercises.
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• P90X - 02 Plyometrics. Explosive jumping cardio routine, proven to dramatically improve athletic performance.
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• P90X - 03 Shoulders & Arms. A potent combination of pressing, curling, and fly movements that will leave you stronger and more defined.
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• P90X - 04 Yoga X. Combines strength, balance, flexibility, and breath work to enhance your physique and calm your mind.
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• P90X - 05 Legs & Back. Squat, lunge, and pull in a total-body workout like no other.
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• P90X - 06 Kenpo X. Intense cardiovascular workout includes punching and kicking for endurance, balance, and coordination.
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• P90X - 07 X Stretch. Achieve a higher level of athleticism, prevent injuries, and avoid plateaus.
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• P90X - 08 Core Synergistics. Build and support the core while conditioning your body.
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• P90X - 09 Chest, Shoulders & Triceps. Targeted strength and definition workout emphasizing two classic upper-body exercises.
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• P90X - 10 Back & Biceps. Flex your powerful biceps, and focus on toning and tightening those showcase upper-body muscles.
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• P90X - 11 Cardio X. Low-impact, fat-burning cardio routine.
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• P90X - 12 Ab Ripper X. Sculpt an incredible six-pack and improve your physical performance.

You also get 5 P90X Plus Advanced Workouts (on 4 DVDs):

• Interval X Plus. Propel your heart rate up and down with 3 speeds: recovery, medium, and full-out, creating the most dramatic change in the shortest period of time.


• Kenpo Cardio Plus. This advanced-level Kenpo, with new moves, will shred the most stubborn layer of fat with an all-out self-defense workout.


• Upper Plus. This monster upper-body workout will defy the plateau phenomenon by blasting all the muscles from the hips on up.


• Total Body Plus. By adding new synergistic moves, your muscles get pumped, then recuperate in stages until you've got nothing left.


• Abs/Core Plus. This workout adds 4 different positions (hanging, sitting, standing, and plank positions) to intensify your ab work and shred your midsection even faster.

Plus, get these informative tools:

• 3-Phase Nutrition Plan. Designed to help you lose fat, build lean muscle, and maintain high energy levels through each part of the program.


• P90X Fitness Guide. Packed with information and tools to help you set your workout goals, track your progress, and stay inspired.


• How to Bring It Video. Get a quick overview of the complete P90X Extreme Home Fitness training system.

And get these tools to keep you motivated:

• P90X Calendar. Lets you know exactly what to do each day, set your workout goals, track your progress, and stay motivated.


• Online Support. You'll have access to Tony and other fitness experts, and peer support from your fellow P90Xers.

For more info on P90x click here.

Wow that  is a lot of info and those are only four of the promo's available. There are great deals on other things too so make sure you check it out (for a sneak peek check out the image below!) And of course I am always here if you have any questions or need anything. Just shoot me a message or send me an email to scyobe@gmail.com

Happy Shopping! 

Getting It Together (and how everyone going back to school inspired me to get more organized)

There is  (a very nerdy) part of me that used to love the start of the school year because it meant I could go shopping for school supplies. Planners and calendars, binders and folders in all sorts of colors and patterns that would help me stay organized and on top of everything. I also loved being a student. If I could I would stay in school forever. I don't know if it was nostalgia that had me caught up in the whole I miss being in school thing or if it was just the fact that I couldn't live with the chaos that has filled my days for the last month. I desperately felt the need to get organized. I am guessing it is because I haven't yet felt like I have it together since moving home and I am constantly running to catch up (ok not guessing -- I know this is the feeling plaguing me.) And I hate that constantly behind on everything feeling. So I did what I do best - I made some lists.

I love lists. I love crossing things off of lists. I love using different colored pens or highlighters to organize my lists. And then my lists started to majorly stress me out.

They were long. I wasn't crossing off quite as many things as I felt I should be. Things were just carrying over to the next day. It just made me feel like I couldn't get anything done. I was interrupted by toddler pedicure time -- all over my living room. Or potty training problems (yes this is still an issue here. Ugh)

After a call from my friend Katy (check out her blog here) I realized I needed more than lists. I needed to stop just trying to get things done and plan the time I was going to get things done. I needed to stop seeing how the day goes by taking that day and making it mine. I am a grown up (even though I don't feel like it) and I am the person who shapes my day. This whole day shaping me thing is not working. So why not change it. I am the boss of me. I can make these authoritative decisions (right?)

With this (tentative) realization I came to the heartbreaking realization that I may have to break up with my planner. I love my planner. I order it every year from PaperSource and it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. It is small enough to tuck in the diaper bag (or purse someday-- am I ever going to get to carry a purse again?) The colors are pretty and muted. The font is clean and well choosen. There is plenty of space for my large, obnoxious (and often illegible) handwriting. It is also spiral bound so I can leave it open to the week we are on so I don't have to flip through pages when I need to check something (and yes this may make me a bit lazy.)

I spent some (ok too much) time searching various places online looking for my perfect replacement planner. It just didn't happen. It took me years to find the one I love now. So I had to come up with another plan. And it hit me that I should just make one. I mean I did go to school for graphic design (among other things much to my husband's dismay) and that all that education just kind of sits there dusty in my brain (until my friends or family get married and then I get to stretch out those design muscles and make some pretty rockin' invitations.) So it's not a wedding but I could do it.

And I loved it. Adobe Illustrator and I get along pretty well and it showed. I have a nice section to plan my day by the hour. Plus I could print out a new schedule for every day, since my days are all very different in terms of where I need to be and what I need to get done. I also added a section to track my meals, my water and other things I need to get better at (like writing here) make it work for me. And this was a major relief.

I am happy writing in what I need to do each day and planning when I can get it done. And when I have a plan like that I am much more likely to follow. Having to stop something I am in the middle of because it is time to move onto something like cleaning my house is going to be a challenge but overall I really think I am going to get more done. And that should make everyone happy.

As I was dancing in my chair, pleased as punch with myself, I also started thinking about how this would be a great tool for those just learning to embrace clean eating. One of the biggest challenges for me was making myself eat smaller meals five to six times a day. Especially when I was busy, running around, chasing a toddler, and organizing 22 high school girls into cheer lines and keeping track of their schedules, plus a million other things that will inevitably crop up -- like baking cookies for the cheer cafe when I get a last minute call they don't have enough stuff and I can't say no (another problem of mine that I am hoping this detailed day planning will help address) or permanent marker on the walls or a runaway dog we have to spend two hours looking for only to come home and find him on my porch with the whole Where have you guys been? I am so thirsty and I have been waiting here for you because I love you. And you are my master and I love you look on his face. 

So why not whip up one for my challenge groups? So not only do you get meal planning (and a weekly meal planner) but a daily organizer as well. I am pretty excited about this and helping other people possibly find the (maybe borderline OCD) level of organization that makes me feel sane and in control. Check out the document below and let me know what you think.

I am kind of really excited about this. And excited to announce my September Challenge groups.

On September 3 I am going to start a 90 day TurboFire challenge group. I am absolutely in love with this workout and with Chalene Johnson. It comes with a 90 day schedule and what's even better is 90 days means it will be ending the Monday before Thanksgiving. What a better way to show up for the holidays than in awesome shape? (And for me it means being excited to be in all the pictures this year!) And to sweeten the deal TurboFire is on sale until the end of August. It is pretty great deal.

For more information on TurboFire check out this post.

I am also going to run a 30 day clean eating and Shakeology group that focuses on clean eating including - recipes, meal planning and how to get it all done.


 For information on either of these groups or to enroll send me a message on Facebook or email me at saractodd@gmail.com