The Trench Coat is a classic piece that we all should have in our wardrobe lineup. However, wearing a trench coat in the springtime can make you look kind of crazy. Especially, if you live in this Miami heat where we all know that winter lasts for 2 days. That's I decided to swap my trench coat for something a little cooler, The Trench Dress. 

The Trench Dress is still as classic as the coat, but with a stylish look. It will definitely keep you cool this spring/summer because of its cold shoulder feature. This dress has the double style buttons down the front and that infamous belt just like the trench coat. I decided to top this look off with strappy vinyl heel.

What piece do you plan on swapping out for the spring/summer?

I have been MIA for a little while, but with good reasons. No, I didn't have a baby or elope. I have been working on myself from the inside and outside. I just got tired of a lot of things. And I don't know if turning 40 years old was some kind of wake up call for me to get my SHIT together. I'm talking about health, finance, and toxic friends. First, I started with dieting and exercising. Here five simple things that I did to jump start my journey.

1. Eating Healthier,  I put the chips and doughnuts down

In 2017, a trip to the doctor changed my life. I was borderline diabetic and weighed close to 200 pounds. I was bloated all the time, in fact, the bloating was making me feel like I couldn't breathe. I went to a friend's bridal shower and looking at a picture of me, I looked like I was 6 months pregnant. That's when I decided it was time to put down the Popeye's and pick up a piece of grilled chicken. I traded Red Bull and sweet tea, for more water. I added more protein, vegetables, fruits, and good fats to my diet. I eat at least 5 times a day. I allow myself a cheat meal, not a cheat day. I, also watched my calorie intake.

2. Got off my ass and got moving

Now that I got my eating on track, it was time to start exercising. While on Facebook, I saw a page offering an Ass and Abs class, I thought my butt and gut could use some help, why not. I did that for 6 weeks and decided to join I Can Fitness.  I joined  I CAN Fitness because I wanted to go somewhere that offered a variety of workouts in a group setting. Not only do we work out indoors, but we also do cardio outside. They also offer a variety of classes like Ass and ABS, Boot Camp, Cardio Boxing, and Ripped Camp. I Can Fitness has some of the best trainers I have ever met. Since April 2018, I have lost 29lbs. 

3. I started drinking more water, it does the body good

Why water? First of all, water (to me) is the most refreshing and thirst-quenching drink ever. Once I started drinking only water, I noticed that my waist started shrinking. It does not count against my calories. It has my skin feeling and looking great. It helps me feel full until the next meal. Drinking water also, has me running to the bathroom all day because I'm flushing toxins out of my body. It is recommended to drink 8 glasses or 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day. 

4. Started Meal prep

One of the best ways to ensure that I don't go back to eating junk is for me to meal prep. I know what I'm eating, how I'm eating and when I'm eating. I try to meal prep on Mondays or Tuesdays. I work an 8 hours schedule, so I prep at least 4 meals; breakfast, lunch and two snacks. Meal Prepping saves me gas and money because I no longer have to leave work to buy food.

5. I stopped  making excuses

My favorite says is "Excuses are like buttholes, everyone's has one." 

My family and friend always ask me what did to lose weight. I tell them there is no magic pills, teas or portions. I got off my ASS and decided it was time to stop playing. We all have a story of why we can't do something. I have heard every excuse in the book..... I don't want to lose my butt, I have to fight traffic, I can't afford the gym, I have school, I can go on for days. The bottom line is that you have to the drive and motivate yourself. If you can't afford the gym, take a walk or run outside, it won't cost you a thing.