Power Up Challenge

If you are my friend on Instagram or Twitter you've been bombarded the past 24 hours of pictures from me. I signed up and received my first Birchbox a few days ago and included was a packet full of 12 mini "challenges." In my previous post I discussed tasks and wanting to check items off a list, so needless to say I was only too happy to participate. Even more motivating was the opportunity to win a contest, but the only catch was I had to do it in a 48 hour time span because the contest ends tonight at midnight. Here were the challenges and what I did for each task. If you want to read more specifics about each challenge, visit https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/power-up-challenge

If you want to see the pictures that I posted, check out my Twitter page: https://twitter.com/crystalmdking

Challenge 1: Write it down
A few of my close friends use the app MyFitnessPal. I joined about a month ago and have been logging my workouts and calorie intake. It really does make a difference when you can see what you are consuming and burning off.

Challenge 2: Part your hair differently 
For as long as I can remember I've parted my hair on the same side. I parted it a different way and this sounds silly but it kinda threw me off for a little bit! It's funny how the smallest changes can make a big difference.

Challenge 3: Eat veggies for breakfast
I bought some tasty spinach and quinoa cakes at Costco and paired them with some veggie bacon. Delicious meal! You could even put some eggs over medium on top. I need to get better about putting spinach in my morning smoothies.

Challenge 4: Get out of your color comfort zone 
I wore purple lipstick to the courthouse this morning. Definitely out of my comfort zone, but it was fun to try out.

Challenge 5: Sit smarter 
My trainer has been working on some back exercises with me. A lot of people slouch because they don't have the back muscle support! I've become cognizant of sitting up now every time I am seated.

Challenge 6: Skip the mirror 
I don't spend too much time looking in the mirror to begin with so this really isn't a "challenge." Only if you are putting on makeup, I guess! I skipped putting on my makeup in the mirror this morning and just went for the purple lips. I'm sure that was all I needed anyways!

Challenge 7: Up your sleep quality 
This is an area where I know I need a lot more work on. Go to bed 5 minutes earlier than the night before, and turn off that technology! I've been getting really bad about playing around on my iPad instead of reading a good book this summer. I'm looking forward to continuing with this challenge.

Challenge 8: Log 10 minutes of outdoor time (daily) 
Not really a good time of year to be doing this but I did it anyway. Julian loves being outdoors so this is a good way to bond with him as well. There are days during the school year when the only time I am outside is walking to or from my car. Fall is my favorite time of year for weather so I can't wait to do more outdoor activities.

Challenge 9: Go on a blue streak 
I wore some blue eyeliner! And actually liked it! That was seriously my first time to do that. It makes my green hazels eyes pop out more than just my black eyeliner.

Challenge 10: Sneak cardio into your day 
I've been going to the gym pretty much every day this summer so it wasn't too difficult to "sneak" some cardio in. Really, going to the gym is the only alone time I get to have in a day so I try to make the most out of my time.

Challenge 11: Take a cold shower 
Yuck, not a fan of this one. It's supposed to energize you and all that, but I prefer my showers to be scalding. Even after going to the gym I prefer a nice hot shower. This was my least favorite challenge and not one that I'll do again.

Challenge 12: Perfect your push up
I've been working on push ups and planks at the gym. Add in the stability ball...not fun but funny to watch, but I've been getting better each time working with the trainer!

If you try any of these challenges out yourself (or all of them!) let me know. It's fun and takes no time at all.

If you check out Birchbox and think it's something you would like to try, I would appreciate it if you use my referral code. But don't worry, I'm not going to beg you for referrals ;-) https://www.birchbox.com/invite/crystalking