CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

Winning~

I’ve had a few weeks to regroup after deciding NOT to go on stage for Emerald Cup. It’s been nice returning to normalcy. Even though I never made it to the stage there is definitely “let down” period after switching gears from contest to no contest.

I never thought I’d say this but I actually miss contest prep. I miss having a set goal, the challenge, the discipline the accountability of seeing my smiling trainers face once a week (unfortunately I can't comment on the really crappy last weeks of contest prep, cuz I didn't get the honor to go through them)! I miss waking up each day to see a new tweak or change in my body, and know that each and every bite and workout is controlling the outcome.

On the flip side, I miss being able to just “be”.  Looking back over the last few months I was hyper focused on hitting that goal of April 21^st.   I was so focused, and with each and every layer of fat that came off, I felt like new parts of me were being exposed all at once. For most of my adult life I was hiding under those layers, and now I felt a sudden vulnerability, rawness at the core. It was a lot to deal with, and I tried my best to cherry pick which things I wanted to deal with, and put the rest in a box for safe keeping after the show. Unfortunately, life doesn’t wait for the perfect time for you to deal.

I would love to compete again someday. Before I do that, I have to learn balance that works for “me” in this lifestyle. The last few weeks I’ve still been training and have a plan (I say that loosely cuz I’ve fallen off the wagon a few times in the last few weeks). I’ve had to adjust to this “let down” after coming off the diet. I’ve stumbled, and it hasn’t been easy.  Each time I’ve fallen off, I’ve learned something new about why I react the way I do to situations and I’m working on understanding that so I don’t end up at 170+ lbs again. I feel that in order for me to learn my lessons I do need to ”feel” and "fail", and the key is to allow myself some grace and move on.

As I’ve been able to step back and learn from my mistakes and triumphs  I’ve been refocusing and regrouping for my next game plan (I like plans, plans are good for me). I feel like I’ve gained insight on things I need to improve upon and how I will move forward in this new lifestyle. I’m in a bit of a healing period right now, I gained a nice little cushion back (not liking that so much), but come Monday April 23^rd, game on. I'll be following the f*ing plan to a T, no excuses! I’ve already gotten my next set of fitness goals laid out. I will be sporting a bikini this summer and looking damn fine in it.

I may not be stepping on stage on Saturday but I feel like I’ve already won in so many ways.  A year ago I never would have walked into the free weight side of the gym on my own and picked up a dumbbell or two. I wouldn’t be packing my meals for the day or resisting the temptation of cupcakes under my nose. I sure as heck would have never thought that I would follow a contest diet for some 3 months, train like a badass, and blog to tell about it.

Winners build on mistakes. Losers dwell on them.

- Arnold Mori

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I’m cut right to the chase here… I won’t be stepping on stage for Emerald Cup.

I couldn’t be more pleased with the results and success dropping 20% body fat. That said, while my transformation has been impressive I WANT to step on stage with a competitive physique. Emerald Cup is a big competition and I don’t want to be one of the girls that looks out of place on stage, nor look back at the photos from that day with any form of regret.

I’ve shared my journey publicly and will continue to share my hurdles and triumphs. My hope is to inspire others and share the up and downs of the journey.  Aside from diet and training, there’s a whole lotta head work that goes with losing weight and successfully keeping it off. I still have dreams of stepping on stage, but for now I need to work on living this lifestyle and adjusting to my new body.

With less than two weeks away, you guys and gals are in the homestretch. Keep your chin up, YOU’VE GOT  THIS!!!!

I’ll be cheering for you in the audience! I'll still be posting here for a little while longer and then you are more then welcome to visit my personal blog.

~Julie

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Tick tock...it's coming fast. I have a quote for today that I'd like to share. It hit home. Stay focused and DON'T let the negative energy in!!!

"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

~Theodore Roosevelt~

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A year ago I never would have imagined I would be stepping on stage for Emerald Cup Masters Fit body +35 on April 21st.  I would have laughed at the thought of it, not because I thought it was silly, but b/c I never thought I'd ever have a body worthy of the process.

This time last year I was wearing a size 10 and was miserable….yesterday I walked out of the store a size 2.  I haven’t been a size 2 since high school. Maybe it was “vanity sizing”; sure it was J….either way I bought that sh@t up!

I’ve been asked quite a bit lately as to “Why Emerald Cup?”  Well, after more than a decade of being unhappy in my skin and struggling to lose weight. I wanted to make it happen. I refused to accept that as a wife and stay at home mom of 3 that I couldn't have a healthy fit body. What better way to do that than to stand on stage in an itty bitty bikini in front hundreds of people.

When I step on stage on April 21^st, regardless of how I place, I’ve WON. My life has been forever changed by this journey. My hope is that I can be an inspiration to others along the way.

With 31 days to go, hanging tough. Definitely feeling it, but I’ve got this!

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6 weeks

I have several blog posts docs just sitting on my desk top but each time I go to post them, I’m like,"well that’s old news". Let me wait for something more positive to blog about, blah blah….I know, excuses! If only I could blog like I train!

The last few weeks have sucked emotionally. After my first cheat meal (which was FABULOUS) the scale started going up after it should start to drop. I freaked out.  The prior weeks I couldn’t get my body fat to budge and hit a barrier. I expected the weight to just fall off after that cheat meal, and when it didn’t well…I started to DOUBT. When you start to doubt your head gets stuck in the weeds, and then you lose sight of the big picture….not a good thing.

After a much needed intervention and girl time with my awesome coach and dear friend Julie Michaelson she reeled me back in. Turns out, I’d indeed dropped a significant amount of fat and I was totally on track. So all that worry and doubt because I was obsessed with what the scale said.  What a waste of valuable energy, the scale has now been removed from the bathroom J

I had a body comp yesterday and another good week, I’m progressing on track. A few days ago I noticed I’m getting hungrier and I don’t have as much steam on my workouts.  It’s only going to get worse, mind over matter! I’ve been practicing my posing and walking in heels every day. The kids think it’s pretty funny that mom cleans house in her stripper shoes!

As a mom of three doing her first competition…this process has been amazing!  I never thought I’d be capable of doing a bikini competition or having a fit body.  For years I tried to accept the body I had (mom body), but I was miserable. The lifestyle changes I’ve made since July are here to stay. I’m in better shape now than in any point of my life and I’m only going to get better!  I feel strong, empowered, happy, and I feel beautiful. For the first time I feel like my outsides are lining up with the inside.

Til next week, keep up the good work. Stay out of them weeds!!!

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Time is flying by!  April 21st is creeping up.

It’s been a rough few weeks for me, mainly emotionally. My body has been resisting change; it’s never done this before (I've always been over weight). I’m in uncharted territory. I feel as though my body and I are playing a game of tug of war. Because of this constant struggle, I've been feeling down.  I know you can’t always have stellar week with great losses, but it's still frustrating. Regardless of the results, you have to push on as if everything is going your way.  If it was easy I suppose there’d be a whole lot more fit Americas out there.  I constantly have to remind myself to trust in the process, in myself and in my coach.  Let go, follow the plan and train hard, it will all come together.  Thankfully I have a great coach and amazing support system that are lifting my spirits when I’m down.  And No, this girl is nowhere near throwing in the towel.

I had my first cheat meal on Saturday; last one I had was at Christmas. It was AWESOME!!!!  It was a good emotional boost and I can already see my body really appreciated the extra calories. We’ll see how that whole cheat meal worked out for me this weekend at my next body comp!  Till then, keep pushing and stay on track!!!

~Julie

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I am! I live in an 1950’s house with very little storage. The huge protein tubs are unsightly and make for awkward storage in my opinion. For the last 6 months I’ve been storing them under my kitchen table, yuck!

Most people store flour, sugar and coffee in their counter top canisters. Obviously those aren’t a staple right now in my diet, nor do I think they ever will be again. Last night I got to thinking, I pull out the oats and protein powder the most during the day (the rest of the my diet is in the fridge), so why not store my dry foods in “pretty” containers on my counter for easy access? I still keep the original packaging (especially if you need to see the nutrition labels), I just store them in my extra food storage downstairs. Another plus, my pantry is stocked with foods the rest of the family eat (aka, crap, ok maybe not crap, but since I can’t eat it, is crap), by me not having to open the pantry for my food, its way less of a temptation.

The details: I found the glass canisters at Target and Cost Plus (they ranged from 19.99 all the way down to 7.99, depends on how fancy you wanna go).  I picked up the chalk board labels at Cost Plus World Market, I think they were $8 (comes with a piece of chalk). I can’t stand chalk, so I used these chalk markers instead, they don’t smudge once dry and they wipe off with water and a towel.  Viola!

As you can see they are kinda cute!  Before and after photo below.

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10 weeks out!!!

This past week has been crazy. I apologize for the late blog post. This will be a jumbo post for me.

I survived Superbowl Sunday without a hitch. I’m not going to lie, that was weighing heavy on my mind the week before and even up til the morning off.  Instead of expanding our bellies, we expanded our family. We adopted little Bella on Sunday morning from a shelter. I never thought of myself as a “small dog” person, but it was love at first sight.

Last Friday my youngest started the day off the with the stomach flu, by that afternoon my daughter followed suit. Fast forward a few days later, they got hit again. The 2^nd go round of the stomach flu was much more vigilant and messy. It was only a matter of hours after that I started to feel it. Same thing happened to me, at first it was weakness and nausea/tummy cramping, thought it was done and then it hit full blown a day later (that was all of it, fever, chills, aches, severe stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea). Sucked bad!  Both my husband and I got it simultaneously. Both of us were sporting our puke buckets on each side of the bed on Friday night. Kids were having a house party while we were sulking in bed. Good times!!!

I’m looking forward to getting back to the gym tomorrow and the house is getting a much needed wipe down. Sundays are big meal prep days/shopping days for me, it’s important I start the week off right with everything readily available.

With the exception of the last day and half, contest prep has been going steady. At the beginning of the month I attended my first bikini posing class. Big shout out to Elaine for the great Posing seminar and thank you to Julie Michaelson for hosting! It was great fun, the ladies were awesome, and let’s just say I’ve got some major work to do!  This mom of 3, with her swagger wagon and yoga pants, needs to channel her inner diva! I’ll let you know when I find her :) Till then I’ll be practicing at my local QFC pushing my grocery cart with class and sass in some high heel shoes if anyone wants a laugh J

As a hobby photographer, I want to suggest how beneficial it is to take progress photos of your journey. You don’t need a fancy camera to do this; your phone camera or a point and shoot will work just fine (if you have a tripod, even better). If you can’t get someone to snap the image for you, use a mirror. Take a full front photo, side and back (you'll need a helper for this one). I would suggest taking your photos in the same spot every time and from the same vantage point that way you can see the changes in muscle and definition and you’re not distracted by crazy angles and backgrounds. Don’t forget to document your stats too; it helps if you know your body comp to have that info with the photos as well.  I don’t have many images at my heaviest or even when I started training back in July and I wish I did now.  It was fun to compare side by sides of pre contest weight/body fat with this week; I’ve come a long way!

Till next time

~Julie

Tags: Posing | photos | Emerald Cup | Craig Productions

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“Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be...Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before.” Erich Fromm

So far this journey to the stage for Emerald Cup has been amazing; it’s far superseded any of my wildest expectations. I really had no idea how empowering this entire process would be. If competing is something you think you might want to do, but think you can’t, I’d highly recommend you give it a shot!

I started back in July with 45% body fat, I had NO muscle definition; I was a marshmallow! My kids called me squishy, I like to refer to it as height challenged. Since then, I’ve dropped a substantial amount of body fat.  My perception of what I look like versus what I actually look like is not quite on the same page yet. I still think of myself as “fluffy Julie”, but every now and then I catch glimpse in the mirror of this much thinner and fitter me, it’s AWESOME! Little shameless confession yesterday while at the gym, I was admiring the more svelte me (when no one was looking of course) I couldn’t help myself from flexing those arms to check out those guns (ok, they are wee bitty guns) and even attempted to strike a bikini pose.  The whole experience left me feeling giddy.

Back in July when I started working with Julie, she advised to pack up all the skinny clothes. I wasn’t ready to get rid of them, but boxing them up outta sight was a good way to remove the distraction.   A few weeks ago I pulled out the old skinny jeans, only to find that my old skinny jeans were too big, and so was everything else in the boxes.   At this point, my emotional attachments in many ways are now being lifted and freed as I experience this journey. While I hung on to the clothing from my “skinny” days in hopes of getting back in shape, no need to hang on anymore I’m knocking those goals out of the park!

Relating back to emotional attachments, losing weight has also dug up some old baggage and really forced me to deal with some of my deeper food and self-image issues. I hadn’t realized just how much I covered myself up to protect myself from fear of judgment. Obviously, this goes far deeper and back to my childhood, but I’ll save that for another post. By having to face the baggage as each raw layer of emotion is exposed, I feel it has strengthened my resolve and conviction to want to live healthier and be my best self.

These little milestones, while they may not seem big to some, are huge to me. I each day, each meal, each successfull day on plan, each workout, resisting temptations, I feel stronger in the lifestyle and empowered to do anything. It’s a wonderful feeling!  My attitude shows it, I’m much happier at home, more content, at peace with myself, and much more outgoing.  As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing!”

Huge kudos and thanks to my coach, Julie Michaelson for guiding me and encouraging me in this process! I couldn’t have made it thus far without her! Thank you to Elaine Craig for allowing me to share my journey with all of you.  To all you, best wishes in your journey!!!

Tags: Emerald Cup | Bikini | Craig Productions | Thoughts

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While 13 weeks seems like a long time, it’s really not. What 92 days out? How exciting!

Last week’s body comp was good, down 6% body fat. This week has proved harder than I imagined with all this SNOW business. I feel like I was constantly juggling my schedule to get in my workouts. It would be so easy to revert back to old habits and just say "Forget it". I was proud of myself. I woke up each day got in my car at my normal time, only to be turned away. I still made the attempt. If that didn't work, plan B. I ended up having to do 2 morning cardios at home. I not a fan of working out from home, but I got er done!

Now that the snow has melted, I’m looking forward to having a smooth week, hopefully no weather related obstacles (heaven forbid not another snow day with 3 kids)!  I’m counting down the hours until Monday morning when they are all back in school!

Stay warm!

~Julie

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I’m sure there are many different reasons why people have chosen to participate in Emerald Cup 2012, whether it is the love of the sport, going pro, career or a crazy dare. I've stated before, that for me this isn’t about being the best on stage, placing or winning a trophy. For me, it’s about ME setting a goal, achieving it and looking my personal best. It’s my catalyst for change (a little drastic, yeah, but effectiveJ).  By the time I step on stage, I will have shed 30-35lbs+ of fat. The lifestyle changes I’ve undergone since July are here to stay.  It’s all a choice, and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

With the holidays a few weeks behind us, I’m feeling much better about my progress. Took me a good week to recover from Christmas though!  Right now, contest diet is good, training is good. With my diet dialed in, I’ve seen consistent results, love that!!!

Nearly 14 weeks to go!

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“The reason people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go, instead of looking at how far they’ve gotten” Author unknown

I’m having a hard time blogging this week. I’m in a funk (I know, way too early in the game to be in a funk). I’m pretty sure it was the 3 way mirror in the Nordstrom dressing room that sent me in a downward spiral.  I had a serious freak out moment! “16 weeks to go from this to BIKINI body” OMG!!!!!

To pull myself out of my funk, I decided to take a look at some old photos and walk down memory lane and how I got to this point. I needed something to show me HOPE of my transformation. Something to remind myself deep within, that I CAN and WILL accomplish my goals. Something to remind just how far I’ve come from my heaviest (1999 photo below), what progress looks like (2009 photo) and motivation to fuel my fire for the next 16 weeks to get in my best shape ever.

Back in 2008, I joined Gold’s Gym in Bothell, and started my journey once again to get in shape. I was doing great; I fell in love with spin classes, body attack, and lifting weights. The weight dropped off. I was 15 lbs. from my goal weight. Life was good on the outside. In 2009, my personal life hit what I can only describe as the “perfect storm”. The “perfect storm” which lasted several years sidelined my efforts with weight loss.  Instead of continuing with my diet and exercise, I buried and busied myself in other things as a way to deal with the grieving/healing process. I also buried myself in a nice juicy layer of fat!

In 2011, I’d finally had enough and decided I needed to meet with my dear friend and trainer, Julie Michaelson. I met with her in July; I decided it was time for me to finish what I started in 2009. This time I would far surpass my original goals and focus heavily on getting fit and dropping body fat.

This brings me to where I am today…. I’ve lost more than 20lbs of fat since training under Julie (even with a trip to France in there where I ate EVERYTHING). For the first time in a very long time, I feel in control of my health and my body. To have the whole process, diet and exercise dialed in, is AMAZING! Each morning I wake up and I can see changes, it’s like Christmas morning, minus the candy!

As to the dressing room mirror, it’s a reminder that for the next 16 weeks, I have to give it my ALL. Push myself harder, farther than ever and past the breaking point. This morning’s workout was awesome, I showed that mirror who’s in charge! In less than 16 weeks… me and the mirror, we’ll be tight J.

P.S. I dropped an entire size on those jeans!

Tags: Goals | Emerald Cup | Bikini

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It’s Christmas evening and we’re winding down at the Norton home. All our celebrations have come to a close. We did most of our celebrating last night on Christmas Eve and this morning. The Christmas morning hustle and bustle this was short lived, but joyful as always!

I enjoyed today’s festivities and foods, to the point of stuffing myself silly. I stuffed myself to the point of feeling sick….can’t wait to get back on plan tomorrow.  So much so, that I did my meal prep for the next few days this afternoon. I want to make sure there is NO problem getting back on plan on Monday morning. I feel like such a slug tonight, I’m actually really looking forward to early morning cardio!

Aside from Christmas being a major holiday to look forward to, it’s been a dangling milestone for Emerald Cup prep. After Christmas the real work begins, for the countdown for Emerald Cup is here. I've never done contest diet or training. I've watched my dear friend and trainer Julie Michaelson compete over and over, and I've seen her suffer. I've also seen her triumph over and over again, which drives my motivation even further!  Julie has told me " to prepare for battle" after the holiday.  My first thought, is what the hell have I signed up for!!! I just want a fit bikini body.  I don't expect a trophy or to even place, I just want to step on stage in the best shape of my life. The truth is, I have no idea just how hard this journey is going to be. I do know this is going to be the one hardest things I've ever done. I have no intent of stepping on stage without giving 100%+.  I also have no intent of disrespecting the sport my not giving my all. I say bring it! I'm READY! Time for some REAL suffering! This is going to be one helluva transformation and journey!!

I leave you with a image of my youngest. Preparing for a nerf war! If only contest prep was that easy :) Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

!

Tags: tiara emerald cup figure inspiratio | Emerald Cup YouTube Julie Michaelso | inspiration | Bikini | cardio

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It’s frustrating when you are waiting for results. I’m anxious and excited to get from point A to point B. Since July, I've revamped my whole way of life. It’s been a slow and consistent process. I appreciate that these new lifestyle changes will be here to stay…but I’m want see progress NOW!!! I’m so impatient.

When I first started this journey I couldn’t even visualize what I would look like at my goal. If you are familiar with the site Pinterest, I created an inspiration board just to house all the images of fit and strong woman to keep me motivated.  In my mind I created this imaginary ultimate body, one that I would be happy to own. There was only one problem, I couldn’t connect with the image, and it wasn’t me. It was a place holder until I could finally start to visualize myself at goal. It's one thing to set a goal, anyone can set a goal, but you have to own it and connect with it.

2 weeks ago I met with my dear friend Julie and my trainer (yes, fellow blogger Julie Michaelson). It was body comp day, and the thought of walking out in my short shorts and a sports bra was all a bit scary (haha, going to have to get used to wearing a lot less).  Something amazing happened when I looked in the mirror. I could see how far I’ve come in this journey. Instead of focusing on how far I have to go, I thought to myself “I’ve got this”.  For the first time I could see a full body image of me at my goal! It was definitely one of those "AH ha" moments.  I could visualize myself wearing a sexy little bikini stepping out on stage!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Tags: Goals | Visualization

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“Being average means you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top.” 
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

I’m done with being average…

Hi, I’m new here! Let me introduce myself, my name is Julie, wife and mother of 3. I enjoy working out, hiking, photography, design, gardening, and anything that sparkles.

I have to admit I feel a bit amiss amongst all you great competitors and amazing physiques! I’m new to this arena, when I say NEW, I mean it! I’ve never stepped on stage, nor really rocked a bikini. I’m the average flabby mom getting ready to shed some layers and step on stage in the best shape of my life. Emerald Cup 2012 Masters Bikini is the catalyst for me to go all in!

For me, this isn’t about winning a prize; it’s about me achieving success. The prize will be my results, discipline and determination to change my life from here out. After so many years of wishing and wanting an amazing body, it’s time for action! It’s time to show moms that you’d don’t have to accept the “mom body” and that is possible to juggle it all. If I can do it, so can you!

I look forward to sharing my journey!

~Julie

Tags: Bikini | Emerald Cup | goal setting | inspiration

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