Goodbye 2014!

I'm not going to lie, I'm happy that 2014 is done.  The last 3 months I really haven't been in a very good place mentally.  

This year hasn't been all bad though.  I started this blog, we had a fun family vacation, I got to watch my girls compete, and they had a wonderful Christmas.  

I have some big plans {and possibly, changes} planned for 2015.  I have goals, hopes, and dreams that I plan on making happen.  {I think I say that every year though.}

So, I'm happy to say, "GOODBYE 2014!  HELLO 2015!"

Tomorrow I'll let you in on my goal list for 2015.

I'm a Ballerina!

Isn't Mo pretty?

Little known fact about me:  I'm dance obsessed.  I still have a tiny part {okay, a big part shoved into a tiny space}, that dreams of becoming a Rockette.

Honestly, I think we all have some "silly" dream that we envision coming true, even if we don't chase it.  For me, obviously, that dream is to dance.

I danced for almost 10 years when I was growing up.  I did ballet, tap, jazz, and acro.  I picked it back up when Kaylee was 4.  I did ballet, pointe, tap, and jazz.  

When one of the teachers at Sunny and Mo's dance studio told me that they were going to start an adult ballet class I jumped on it.  From 5:30-6:30 on Tuesdays you can no find me at the dance studio.  Ballet for adults is not as strict as ballet for the younger kids.  Leotards and tights are optional.  Instead, you are allowed to wear whatever you can move comfortably in.  I normally wear leggings and a tank top {even though, there's a small part of me that wouldn't mind slipping into the traditional ballerina uniform.}

You don't have to be dance obsessed, or have danced when you were a kid to enjoy the benefits of ballet, or any style of dance for that matter.  

Health benefits

• Boosts memory -- May help prevent you from developing dementia
• Improve flexibility
• Relieve stress
• Helps get rid of depression -- Studies have shown that it reduces depression and increases vitality
• Improves heart health
• Weight loss
• Better balance
• Improves  flexibility, balance, agility and coordination
• Strengthen and tone core muscles
• Engages all muscles of the lower body, abs, hips, quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and even your feet

The benefits for children aren't much different from adults.  I have listed them below.  

Benefits in younger children

• They learn to follow instructions;
• They gain a sense of discipline through learning new positions and steps;
• They learn co-ordination, balance and how to control their bodies in motion;
• They are active and getting daily exercise;
• They become comfortable performing before groups;

Benefits in older children

• They develop long, lean and strong muscles from the practice of ballet
• They gain a sense of self-confidence and pride in their bodies and what they can accomplish
• They learn how to work to get what they want out of their performance
• The skills learned in ballet are useful for other forms of dancing like tap or jazz if they want to take that up later
• They learn about proper nutrition to keep their bodies in shape so they can dance

Are you a dancer?  Did you dance in the past?  What is your "silly" dream?  Let me know!

I FINALLY FOUND IT!!!

This is a ZeroBar.  What's a ZeroBar you ask?  It's a fat free, gluten free protein bar.  

I found out about this company from a Facebook folower.  ZeroBar graciously sent me a few bars to test out for y'all.  I'm not going to lie.  I was a bit skeptical about whether or not these were actually going to taste good.  But they are amazing.  The only flavor they have out right now is Cherry Brownie.  {Don't worry though, they have more flavors in the works}  It actually tastes like cherries and chocolate.  

They website says that they made this  for athletes who "want to burn fat, not eat it."  It's also great for the athlete that CAN'T eat fat.  Actually it's great for ANYONE who doesn't want to eat fat.  This bar is great for keeping in your gym bag or your car, your desk or your purse.  It makes a great after workout {or middle of the day} snack!  It would also be great as a midnight munchies snack.  It has a great mix of protein and carbs.  It will keep you fuller longer than many munchies will.  

I let my girls taste these and now they keep bugging me for them. They love them.  Do you have kids?  Do they play sports?  Give them a ZeroBar before or after practice.  Unlike most bars, the amount of protein in these is at an acceptable level for children.  {.95 grams per kilogram of bodyweight a day is reccomended.  So, an 80 lb child needs 34 grams of protein a day.}   The protein will aid in muscle recovery for them, just like it does for adults.  And carbs are the most important energy source.  It will help them fuel/refuel.  

Want to find out more about ZeroBar?  Want to get some for yourself?  Check them out and tell them you heard about them on The Fit Beach Babe!

Website: http://www.zerobar.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zerobarus

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/zerobarus