Hello Everyone!!
I hope that you are all having a wonderful summer. I apologize for my lack of posts and updates this summer. I have been staying very busy the past few months. There have been lots of obstacles that have been pushing me back which have resulted in a new plan to follow. My summer has been filled many wonderful things such as spending time with my family, having the opportunity to work out at Gold's Gym{aka my second home...I LOVE it there), and visiting my college town a few times. On the other hand, my car died, i'm not getting as much as work this summer as I was hoping for, and I have been having a lot of medical problems the past 3 months that made me realize that I only have one body and putting my health first is the most important thing I can do if I want all of my dreams and goals to become a reality.
I made the decision that I am not going to commit to doing another competition anytime soon. I plan on taking a good year off at least so my body can regain strength. As much as I love being on stage, it is not worth it to me to put my body through so much to continuously do regional level shows when qualified for nationals after my first show. I learned the hard way that dieting for 22 weeks and doing 3 consecutive shows was not a very nice thing to do to my body. I was in my own world and only focused on my fitness goals so I was not able to how my choices were going to impact my future.
Looking back on the past year, one of my professors said it best when he told me to, "Pick one thing, and do it well." He sat down with me and listened to my hopes and dreams and was very impressed by my drive and passion. He also made me realize that I am a college student right now, so therefore I need to make sure my priorities are straight. If I want to shoot for the stars in the fitness world, then I should go ahead and do that, however if I want to do well in school I should really put my energy into that. If i put the same burning desire I have in the gym as I did in learning I could do the impossible with my knowledge. I agree completely with everything he said and I am now looking back on it as a good lesson learned.
I would never take back this past year, but I know that I did some things that I wish I would have done differently.This past year I lived and breathed training and prepping for my upcoming competitions. I barely saw any of my friends or family, and I wasn't willing to make time for something if it was going to take away from my training. All of my goals on my "goal wall" were fitness oriented with nothing else in mind. I did not think there was anything else to life, and I shut out the rest of the world. I know I can do the unthinkable and I shouldn't put all my eggs in one basket when the sky is the limit.
In doing Gopher State, Fox Cities Showdown, and MN State this spring, I gained a lot at each show whether it was more experience learning how to get my body where I need it, being on stage, or making lasting memories with new friends backstage. I am so happy I was able to accomplish so much this year, and I am very proud of myself for being able to manage a full course load in college, working multiple jobs, and being able to place top 3 at each of the shows.
With my final year of college approaching at the end of the month it will be time for me to create another "goal wall" to hang up while I reside at school. I am going to keep my health at the top of the list, making sure I kill it in the gym everyday and get my meals in, but I am going to make sure that I also kick ass in school. I will graduate Spring 2012 with a major in elementary education and a minor in environmental education. I want to open more doors for myself so the thought of grad school is in the back of my mind. I have a lot of energy and passion and I want to change lives. I believe I can do more than I would be able to inside the four walls of a classroom. I would really like to study health, fitness, and nutrition so I can combine it with helping children who are obese. Obesity is a rapidly growing problem in America, and I want to find solutions to help those children in need. I know that I can make a difference, so now the wheels inside my head are turning for the next big step.
As far as my competition schedule goes, I am going to keep training and making the changes that I want to see before doing another show. I will do either Junior Nationals or USA'S as long as I am still qualified when I feel that I am ready. I really want to work on adding some size to my upper body and improving all around as a competitor as well. Even though I am not going to set foot on stage for a while, that does not take away from the fact that I am still going to be going in the gym everyday with the desire to succeed. I will stay healthy and get all of my meals in so that I can be ready to come back with unannounced with a BANG! :) This new plan is NOT me taking the easy way out....it is simply me adding new goals to the list that require a plan B :)
I hope you have a wonderful rest of the summer and I will be sure to update as school is approaching. I am looking forward another year. This year is going to be even more amazing because I now have my best friend there to share the journey with me. No one can make me smile or laugh the way you do, Mitch:)) Counting down the days to see you again <3
Stay tuned for what's next :)) Have yourself a beautiful day!
<3 SJ xo
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
::Loving Life::
Good Morning Everyone!!!!!!
Sorry I have not written in a while I have been very busy and life has been pretty uneventful for the most part. I am home for the summer and I am car less it has been a little stressful. I am lucky enough that my mom is willing to share with me all summer (so that I can work) until I have enough money to buy one of my own. I am enjoying my nanny job this summer again for 2 kids that I also watched last summer. The weather has not been cooperating for any swimming or fishing yet, but we have still had lots of fun doing arts and crafts, bowling, going to movies, and playing games. The summers I get to nanny are always a lot of fun!
It is a very different feeling for me to be in an "off season"....off season, what's that? :) I feel like I spent my entire spring semester prepping for the competitions I did, and now I have a little more freedom. After MN State I took sometime to enjoy foods that I have not had in months. My favorites were bananas, milk, and yes some homemade treats from mom too! It is scary once you let yourself enjoy other foods for a while because it is amazing the damage some of them can do to you. Granted I am aware that I cannot look stage ready year round, but it is still sad to see some of it fill in. Another problem I have encountered are food allergies. Since I deprived my body from certain things such as dairy, gluten, and fruit for so many months my body did not know what to do with them once I put them back in. I find out Friday, but I either have some or all of the above allergies. Keep your fingers crossed that it is nothing serious.
My training has been going exceptionally well this summer. I am very lucky that I do not have to be to work until 11am, so after I drop my mom off at work the morning is mine. I head straight to the gym and I have been getting some really good workouts in. It feels great to be strong again with the mindset of building more muscle. I miss working out at the gym at school, but I am really lucky to have a nice gym back home to use also. There is more variety of machines at this gym so I can mix up my workouts and try new things as well. So far it is going amazing :) I am still doing cardio right now because I know the success it has given me in my leg and glute development. I am still walking on an incline of 15 for 30 minutes after my lifts, and in the evening I go for an hour power walk with my mom.
My diet is going well. Until I find out what I am allergic to, I am keeping my diet similar to how I had it for contest prep, except the amounts are greater since I am trying to build. I am going to gauge it week by week because if I start getting too lean (which always seems to happen) then I will increase calories.
I have a few ideas for my next goals but until I fine tune them, and decide which direction to take I am going to make you wait to find out what they are.
It is really great to be home for the summer and spend lots of time with my family and friends. I missed them all this past school year, and its great to make more memories again.
I hope you all have an amazing day!!! Never give up on your dreams...you are in charge of the outcome :)
XO SJ <3
Sorry I have not written in a while I have been very busy and life has been pretty uneventful for the most part. I am home for the summer and I am car less it has been a little stressful. I am lucky enough that my mom is willing to share with me all summer (so that I can work) until I have enough money to buy one of my own. I am enjoying my nanny job this summer again for 2 kids that I also watched last summer. The weather has not been cooperating for any swimming or fishing yet, but we have still had lots of fun doing arts and crafts, bowling, going to movies, and playing games. The summers I get to nanny are always a lot of fun!
It is a very different feeling for me to be in an "off season"....off season, what's that? :) I feel like I spent my entire spring semester prepping for the competitions I did, and now I have a little more freedom. After MN State I took sometime to enjoy foods that I have not had in months. My favorites were bananas, milk, and yes some homemade treats from mom too! It is scary once you let yourself enjoy other foods for a while because it is amazing the damage some of them can do to you. Granted I am aware that I cannot look stage ready year round, but it is still sad to see some of it fill in. Another problem I have encountered are food allergies. Since I deprived my body from certain things such as dairy, gluten, and fruit for so many months my body did not know what to do with them once I put them back in. I find out Friday, but I either have some or all of the above allergies. Keep your fingers crossed that it is nothing serious.
My training has been going exceptionally well this summer. I am very lucky that I do not have to be to work until 11am, so after I drop my mom off at work the morning is mine. I head straight to the gym and I have been getting some really good workouts in. It feels great to be strong again with the mindset of building more muscle. I miss working out at the gym at school, but I am really lucky to have a nice gym back home to use also. There is more variety of machines at this gym so I can mix up my workouts and try new things as well. So far it is going amazing :) I am still doing cardio right now because I know the success it has given me in my leg and glute development. I am still walking on an incline of 15 for 30 minutes after my lifts, and in the evening I go for an hour power walk with my mom.
My diet is going well. Until I find out what I am allergic to, I am keeping my diet similar to how I had it for contest prep, except the amounts are greater since I am trying to build. I am going to gauge it week by week because if I start getting too lean (which always seems to happen) then I will increase calories.
I have a few ideas for my next goals but until I fine tune them, and decide which direction to take I am going to make you wait to find out what they are.
It is really great to be home for the summer and spend lots of time with my family and friends. I missed them all this past school year, and its great to make more memories again.
I hope you all have an amazing day!!! Never give up on your dreams...you are in charge of the outcome :)
XO SJ <3
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bikini Barbie
 |
| Shirt design Ken at MissFit clothing made me...he promised me a shirt this time if I took top 3 :) Thanks Ken!!! |
Hello Everyone!!!
I hope that you are all doing well! Sorry I have not posted anything yet from the show...things have been a little hectic for me.
June 4th 2011 was NPC Army National Guard MN State Championships hosted at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN. It was my third show that I competed in the bikini class. I was very excited about this show because a lot of my friends were competing in it with me.
 |
| A big THANK YOU to LORI SCHOPF for doing my hair and make up!!!! {this picture was taken before pre-judging} |
My friend Lori came over Friday evening to practice doing my hair and make up. She did a wonderful job and I was excited to see the final product in the morning. I also got my spray tan done Friday night by Jacque Combs: Muscle Glam Custom Spray Tanning {who also blinged my bikini and back-stage flip flops}. She did an amazing job and I will definitely go to her again for all of my competition spray tan needs.
 |
| Lori and I at the night Show |
The competition was held at Mystic Lake Casino. The venue was beautiful and it was very convenient because the hotel and the competition location were all in one building so we did not have to travel anywhere. It was a very neat experience competing here. Pre-judging started by 9:00 and the men went on stage first. I was so excited to see all of my friends and make new ones as well.
 |
| My good friend Jerome and I. This was our third show together. CONGRATS ON TAKING YOUR CLASS JD!!!! |
 |
| Maria, me, and Diana after pre-judging <3 you both very much! Thank you for your never-ending support and kindness <3 |
Here are some more pictures of friends from the show:
 |
| Laura, Me, Nick Congrats to both of you! You looked amazing! |
 |
| My buddy Christie Mader :) CONGRATS ON FIGURE OVERALL!! I am SO proud of you!!! |
 |
| Me, Julie, and Heidi!! Heidi: Congrats on placing at your first show!!! Julie: Thank you for all of your support!! |
 |
| Me and Maria ::My Mini-Me:: <3 |
I ended up taking 2nd place again. I am very proud the results. I had a very competitive class, and everyone looked beautiful. You ladies are all winners to me and I am so proud of all of you!!!
 |
| Christine Bongiovanni (MN show promoter) and Me This was right before she send me out on stage for the night show. I love this part :) Thank you for putting on an amazing show!!! |
 |
| TOP 5: Bikini B We are all winners! |
 |
SO PROUD of you, Tasha!!!!
2nd and 3rd place Bikini B
Celebrating with our delicious cupcakes!!!!!!!!!! :-)
|
Just a side note..as I am sure many of you heard several stories which may have been true or not, Lee and I have decided to go our separate ways, and I wish him the best.
Well, another show is in the book. I am very proud of myself, and how far I have come. Looking, back a year ago, I never imagined myself setting foot on stage, and I have not only done it once, but three times since April. I have put my heart and passion into my training every single day, waking up at 5am every day to do fasted cardio, setting aside my friends and family to get my training in, and spending countless hours in the kitchen cooking and prepping my meals. This is only the beginning of my journey...watch for me in the future. I will be back for more!!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey!!!!
<3 SJ xo
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Photos by Diana Marie: Fitness and Glamour
Hello Everyone!!!
I hope you all having an amazing week. Today I had a very busy, and exciting day! My friend Diana Kersten drove all the way to visit me at college for a photo-shoot. I always wanted to do a photo-shoot in the gym on campus because that is was the magic happened for me. I was in there every day, often 2-3 times day and it is where my life was changed. I am so thankful she was able to do my shoot in there because they are memories I will ALWAYS have and want to remember :)
Diana did my hair and makeup and surprised me with a few fun things to wear for the shoot. She is an amazing photographer and the whole experience was unforgettable. We arrived at the gym and there were just a few regulars working out there so we had a lot of freedom to be creative and take our time with the shoot. The UWSP Strength Center student manager Andrew Booth was very accommodating to our needs.
My roomie, Tyler who sometimes works out with me was there for the warm up part of the shoot and I got a few pics with him just for memory sake. He always has to spot me on my shoulder exercises because I dislocated my shoulder over winter break so I wanted to get a few shots of him spotting me...just like old time sake :)
After I was all warmed up, Diana followed me around to various machines and the free weight area where I went through some basic exercises I normally do when I lift so we could capture what exactly I do when I am working out. It was really nice how she let me do my own thing, and then gave suggestions and fun ideas too. We were a great team!! We did several outfit changes in the weight room, and after being there for a few hours we decided it was time to move on to something new.
We went back to my apartment to look over some of the pictures, and so I could get my meals in...all that posing makes a girl hungry! :) When we got back, a pink package was waiting for me in my mailbox...I knew exactly what it was. I ripped it open and inside was my hot pink sparkly bikini that Jacque Combs custom bling-ed for me!!! I tried it on right away and it looked amazing!! The bikini is the most beautiful thing I have ever worn, and I cannot wait to rock it Saturday at MN State Championships!!!!! (Thank you Diana and Jacque for the most beautiful bikini EVER!!) After prancing around with the biggest smile on my face in my new barbie bikini, It was time to take more pictures. Diana touched up my hair and then we headed down town so I could get some glamour shots to add to the portfolio in a fun black dress I purchased from Victoria's Secret last fall.
There was a ton of photo opportunities downtown for us to take advantage of and we were lucky to have such amazing weather :) The sun was shining, and the wind was blowing perfectly. As we were taking some pictures, two gentlemen came up to us and were very excited {go figure haha}. They were asking about the shoot and didn't believe that I was a competitor until I stood up and he saw my legs and was in shock! haha It was quite the reaction. They were so excited they had to get their picture with me and joined my fan page right away. It was really neat that they were so supportive and excited about my journey. I love inspiring others.
We ended our shoot around 6:45 pm and then headed back to my apartment to pack up my life to move me back home to live with my mom for the summer and continue my nanny job. It was sad leaving my apartment, my roomie, and the strength center. So many memories were made this year, but I know great things are to come.
I got home around 9pm and I was greeted by my mom with open arms. She was SO happy to have me home again. I have not seen her since I competed in the Fox Cities Showdown so it was so wonderful to see her.
Tomorrow will be another busy day. I have to make sure I have everything packed for the weekend and I need to cook all of my chicken and tilapia as well. I am going to spend a lot of the day with my mom and sister which will be very nice. We are going to spend a lot of time outside and in the evening we all have hair appointments so that will be a nice bonding time as well. I am so excited to get my hair highlighted and trimmed again :
Friday morning Lee is picking me up bright and early :-) I am VERY excited to be him...5 weeks is too long!! We are going to have our 5 hour adventure to MN where the greatest weekend of all will begin!!! I am looking forward to it!!! :-) I cannot believe I am almost there. Show number three...I am so proud. I cannot believe how much I have accomplished in this past year. I have so much to be thankful for. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me!!!
I hope everyone has an amazing night!
<3 SJ xo
 |
| My amazing friend Diana and I at 2011 Fox Cities Showdown. I am so thankful to have her in my life. She did an amazing job with the photos today!! Thanks again Diana Marie Photography!!!! <3 |
I hope you all having an amazing week. Today I had a very busy, and exciting day! My friend Diana Kersten drove all the way to visit me at college for a photo-shoot. I always wanted to do a photo-shoot in the gym on campus because that is was the magic happened for me. I was in there every day, often 2-3 times day and it is where my life was changed. I am so thankful she was able to do my shoot in there because they are memories I will ALWAYS have and want to remember :)
Diana did my hair and makeup and surprised me with a few fun things to wear for the shoot. She is an amazing photographer and the whole experience was unforgettable. We arrived at the gym and there were just a few regulars working out there so we had a lot of freedom to be creative and take our time with the shoot. The UWSP Strength Center student manager Andrew Booth was very accommodating to our needs.
 |
| My roomie Tyler and I |
My roomie, Tyler who sometimes works out with me was there for the warm up part of the shoot and I got a few pics with him just for memory sake. He always has to spot me on my shoulder exercises because I dislocated my shoulder over winter break so I wanted to get a few shots of him spotting me...just like old time sake :)
After I was all warmed up, Diana followed me around to various machines and the free weight area where I went through some basic exercises I normally do when I lift so we could capture what exactly I do when I am working out. It was really nice how she let me do my own thing, and then gave suggestions and fun ideas too. We were a great team!! We did several outfit changes in the weight room, and after being there for a few hours we decided it was time to move on to something new.
We went back to my apartment to look over some of the pictures, and so I could get my meals in...all that posing makes a girl hungry! :) When we got back, a pink package was waiting for me in my mailbox...I knew exactly what it was. I ripped it open and inside was my hot pink sparkly bikini that Jacque Combs custom bling-ed for me!!! I tried it on right away and it looked amazing!! The bikini is the most beautiful thing I have ever worn, and I cannot wait to rock it Saturday at MN State Championships!!!!! (Thank you Diana and Jacque for the most beautiful bikini EVER!!) After prancing around with the biggest smile on my face in my new barbie bikini, It was time to take more pictures. Diana touched up my hair and then we headed down town so I could get some glamour shots to add to the portfolio in a fun black dress I purchased from Victoria's Secret last fall.
There was a ton of photo opportunities downtown for us to take advantage of and we were lucky to have such amazing weather :) The sun was shining, and the wind was blowing perfectly. As we were taking some pictures, two gentlemen came up to us and were very excited {go figure haha}. They were asking about the shoot and didn't believe that I was a competitor until I stood up and he saw my legs and was in shock! haha It was quite the reaction. They were so excited they had to get their picture with me and joined my fan page right away. It was really neat that they were so supportive and excited about my journey. I love inspiring others.
We ended our shoot around 6:45 pm and then headed back to my apartment to pack up my life to move me back home to live with my mom for the summer and continue my nanny job. It was sad leaving my apartment, my roomie, and the strength center. So many memories were made this year, but I know great things are to come.
I got home around 9pm and I was greeted by my mom with open arms. She was SO happy to have me home again. I have not seen her since I competed in the Fox Cities Showdown so it was so wonderful to see her.
Tomorrow will be another busy day. I have to make sure I have everything packed for the weekend and I need to cook all of my chicken and tilapia as well. I am going to spend a lot of the day with my mom and sister which will be very nice. We are going to spend a lot of time outside and in the evening we all have hair appointments so that will be a nice bonding time as well. I am so excited to get my hair highlighted and trimmed again :
Friday morning Lee is picking me up bright and early :-) I am VERY excited to be him...5 weeks is too long!! We are going to have our 5 hour adventure to MN where the greatest weekend of all will begin!!! I am looking forward to it!!! :-) I cannot believe I am almost there. Show number three...I am so proud. I cannot believe how much I have accomplished in this past year. I have so much to be thankful for. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me!!!
I hope everyone has an amazing night!
<3 SJ xo
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
::SJ's Southwest Shrimp 'n 'Shroom Specialty::
::SJ's Southwest Shrimp 'n 'Shroom Specialty::
Ok Everyone...another recipe using Mrs Dash: Southwest Chipotle. I spent the weekend alone so aside from training, I did have much to do at school so in between doing lunges in my apartment all weekend I decided to do some creative clean cooking :-)
You will need:
1 George Foreman grill
1 small frying pan
Olive Oil
Mrs. Dash: Southwest Chipotle
Sliced Mushrooms
Pre-cooked Shrimp
Make sure shrimp is thawed out. Brush olive oil onto the grill and place shrimp on it. Sprinkle seasoning on the shrimp. Close grill and cook 4-5 minutes
While the shrimp is cooking, put sliced mushrooms in the frying pan with just a drizzle of olive oil. Add water to help steam the mushrooms faster. If you like things spicy, add some more seasoning to the mushrooms as well.
Combine the shrimp and 'shrooms together for a few minutes.
ENJOY! Note: This was so amazing that I made it 4x already since Saturday for my roomie and I!
~*~ For the Birthday Girl!! !~*~
Hello Everyone!
Counting down for you to come visit me this summer!!! <3
Have the most beautiful birthday ever, girl!! You deserve it!! Thank you for being the wonderful you!!!!!
 |
| ::HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!:: |
I would like to dedicate this post to my #1 girl, Angel Sigman. Tomorrow is her ***Birthday*** and I want to wish her the most amazing day ever <3
I was introduced to Angel last fall through our mutual friend JD, and I am so thankful to have her in my life. She is an amazing woman who will blow the world away with her accomplishments. She is one of the hardest working people I know and she is striving to achieve the same goals as me.
Angel: You are exceptional. Every single day you make me laugh and smile and you give me a good kick in the butt when I need one :+) I have never had a friend like you before, and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Each day our friendship becomes stronger as we push each other past our limits and excel above our expectations. You keep me going, and together I know we will be an unstoppable team. I know you are a far away from me now, but God has a plan. He gave me a wonderful friend, and someday we will get to take on the world together :) I cannot wait for you to move here so we can go to the gym every day together, take Freckles the dog for walks, I can cook you all the amazing meals I send you pictures of, and we can prepare for future shows knowing we have each others support.
I cannot wait to compete in the 2011 NPC Army National Guard MN Northstar with you. It is going to be awesome standing next to my best friend with our hot pink blinged-out bikinis :)
Counting down for you to come visit me this summer!!! <3
Have the most beautiful birthday ever, girl!! You deserve it!! Thank you for being the wonderful you!!!!!
::Having a friend like you is the greatest gift of all::
<3 Always- SJ Xo
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Southwest Chipotle Shrimp Salad
Southwest Chipotle Shrimp Salad
You will need:
1 George Foreman Grill
Olive Oil with a brush
Mrs Dash: Southwest Chipotle seasoning
Shrimp
Spinach
Sliced cherry tomatoes
Turn on grill until it warms up and is ready for use
Brush olive oil on the grill
Place shrimp on the grill and season
Close grill and cook 4-5 minutes
Make saladThis meal is quick, easy, and something I can enjoy even when getting ready for a show. Who said cutting had to be bad? :)
ENJOY!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)