This is my life? This is my life!

Well hello all! I have taken a break from the blogging world, but believe me, I've been training harder than I ever have. I have decided to compete this October with a new federation, the WBFF. The competition takes place in Edmonton AB, October 13th...I'm just under 7 weeks away! Holy balloon! I'm really excited to meet new friends and cannot wait for this new adventure! This competition prep has been really enjoyable! I have been busting my butt Monday through Friday in the gym with Kris Currie of CFCI and I have been biking or walking outside each day (so thankful for this awesome summer!). I have also been implementing more stretching and yoga into my training regime. It has definately enabled me to lift heavier and gain a bit of size. My diet, supplementation and competition prep advice for this competition has been with ContestPrep.ca and i'm really enjoying the plan thus far! Currently I am at 12.63% body fat and 118.6lbs. My Lean Mass is at 103.6lbs. I have more energy than I ever have, can think clearly and am so excited to see some size coming on. Diet Breakdown Calories - 1500 Protein - 180grams Carbs - 135grams Fat - 21grams. Refined carbs and sugar have been out of my life for 2 months now and I don't miss them one bit. With the fresh fruit and garden vegetables that summer brings, it seems easier to eat healthy and fresh. However, my new vegetable of choice is brussel sprouts. I can't get enough of them. I don't know why I find something and prefer to eat it day in and day out, but I seem to do this with food a lot. Like Steve Jobs with his wardrobe, I find it is so much easier to succeed in anything I want to do by simplifying the little things that can consume me... So to catch you up on what has happened since the last update:

In May I had the opportunity to shoot with Paul Buceta again. This time it was for a client who owns a lingerie company...sweet! Not only did I get more exposure to how a great team of professionals do their thing, I actually got paid to do it!

While I was in Toronto shooting for the lingerie company, I had a day between that I had the opportunity to work with another awesome photographer, Richard Northwood. It was so fun to shoot something different!

Anytime Fitness has now collaborated with Ten Tree Apparel on tshirts and tank tops! Ten Tree is a local company and the concept behind the brand is one that we support fully. For every item sold, 10 trees are planted! Check them out: http://tentree.org/ Kalen, David and Lucas are so fun to be around and their hard work is inspiring!

In July, I had the opportunity to work with Casey and Jojo of Pink Elephant Photography! I love every shot, every time I get to work with them!

The biggest news is that I have just been signed on with Magnum Nutraceuticals as a sponsored athlete! Their products are so awesome and I can't wait to share them all at the club! I have been concocting new recipes and have shared a Zuchini Protein Bar using the Chocolate Love Protein below. I am truly grateful every day that I get to express myself through health and fitness. I am learning continuously and growing each day. No matter how many good things can be going on in my life, there can be one negative comment that brings me down. I am working each day to not let these things affect me and to realize the place that these comments come from...I can't change words said, I can only change how I let them effect me. Every day I see people working towards their best selves and that truly motivates me to not quit. Positivity is contagious. Recipe - When the garden gives you Zuchs....you must bake a Chocolate Love Zuch Bar! :) (It's the least I could do seeing as Brett plants, picks and maintains our little jungle of a garden box).

Not to be forgotten - Brewed Awakening has also started a Holly Barker Menu that has started with a few shakes and will be growing shortly...stay tuned! See you at the gym! Holly