Trick-or-Treating with friends | Halloween Series Part 3

We had a blast on Halloween night trick or treating with friends in Virginia Beach.

Press play to watch our video below.

(Make video full screen and watch in HD for best results.)

What did you do for Halloween?

Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

REVIEW | Hunt Club Farm (Halloween Series Part 2)

Zaire was so excited to go trick-or-treating at Hunt Club Farm's Annual Halloween event.

This was our first time visiting the Virginia Beach farm, and it was worth the visit.

It was very inexpensive, and had events for both children and adults.

There were hay rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides, food, vendor tables,

a pumpkin patch, pony rides, and so much more.

They had so many animals we didn't have enough time to visit all of them because Zaire was having so much fun. We saw pigs, goats, bunnies, chickens, turkeys, and a cage with beautiful birds including an albino peacock. 

Zaire had a ball on the playground.

He didn't want to leave. 

I'm looking forward to this becoming a Carter Family Tradition.

Press play to watch our video below.

(Make video full screen and watch in HD for best results.)

  

 

Be ready to have fun and wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dusty.

What did you do for Halloween?

Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

(((Did you miss part 1 of the Halloween series. Click HERE)))

Trunk-Or-Treat | Halloween Series Part 1

Zaire was so excited to go trick-or-treating at the Norfolk Community Trunk-or-Treat.

Press play to watch the video below. 

(Make video full screen and watch in HD for best results.)

What did you do for Halloween?

Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

Self Acceptance | Fitness Journey

It's crazy how much could change in one year. I remember this time last year weighing myself and being horrified. I was uncomfortable in my own skin. It was at that time that I decided to make a lifestyle change. I cut my sugar intake and drank lots of green juice. I started running, got a gym membership, and started working out with a personal trainer. The fat melted off. I lost 20lbs in 2 months. I was running about 20-40 miles per month and I felt AMAZING!

Fast forward to January and I moved to Virginia. My family was so excited to be together again. (My husband was away in the Navy.) I cooked 3 meals a day, we went out to dinner, and guess what, I ate cake. Lots and lots of cake.  (Mmmmm)

Slowly the weight came back. Little by little  without me even noticing. One day I tried to put on my favorite shorts and they didn't fit. I got on the scale to find out I had gained 23 lbs over 5 months. I was back at my starting weight plus 3 pounds. I felt horrible.

My first instinct was to go hard, and try to lose the weight, and for some reason it was so much harder this time. I beat myself up, everyday, and felt worse and worse about myself. I was still running, I even met my goal of running 10 miles in less than 2 hours. But since the number on the scale wasn't changing, I didn't celebrate. I told myself I need to do more, I need to do better.

One day I woke up and looked in the mirror and said enough was enough. I made a vow to love me. Exactly how I was. I would learn to love my curves. I got all new clothes so I didn't feel so fat trying to wear clothes that didn't fit. Slowly I began to feel better.

Today, one year into my fitness journey, I weight 3lbs more than I weighed when I started last year but I love myself so much. I love my wide hips, my thick thighs, and my chocolate skin. I believe in myself, and I know what I'm capable of. I run 2-10 miles a day when I feel like it, I eat healthy, I do yoga, and I love me.

I SAID ALL OF THAT TO SAY: Love Yourself. Exactly where you are, right now, today! This time last year I hated who I was, and now 3lbs heavier, I love who I've become. 

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

Get to know me | 10 facts about Tora Carter

1. I love Halloween 

Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year.

It's one of the only nights of the year where you can be whoever you want to be. 

I always loved Halloween as a child, but once my son was born I loved it even more. 

The first Halloween where Zaire went Trick-or-Treating was he was Mr. T. 

He was 14 months old.

Since then he has been a "Geek" and a "Zombie".

Last year Zaire was a ninja.

This year he'll be Captain America.

2. I love sneakers

...The Carters...

3. I love lipstick

4. I love sunglasses

 

Usually I'm wearing my prescription glasses, but when I have my 

contacts on I love wearing sunglasses. 

 

5. I love tattoos

Zaire with his temporary tattoos.

20 steps to a happier life | Health and Fitness

What if I told you adding a few things to your  routine would make you happier.
It's true.
By making a few changes you could increase your happiness.

1. Smile

Its the little things but it's a proven fact if you smile it will make you feel happier.

2. Laugh

Watch a funny tv show, a comedy special, look at funny things on the internet, 

or make funny faces in the mirror.

Laughing makes you feel good. Don't take yourself too seriously.

3. Do Yoga

Yoga Racheal was my inspiration to start yoga. 

Now I'm not the best, honestly I'm not even good, but I'm not letting that stop me. 

I fall, but I get back up and try again. 

Don't worry if you're not a pro. Yoga is all about the journey. Keep trying and you'll continue to get better and better. Remember to only compare yourself to the person you used to be.

Sometimes Zaire will also join me.

4. Go swimming

I love swimming, especially with my family. Go to the beach or find a pool.

If it's too cold outside find an indoor pool. Most YMCA's have one.

5. Go running

Running usually makes me feel better. I've been using the Nike+ App and I love it. 

When I started running I could barely make it through one mile. Now a year later I've hit my personal goal of running 10 miles in less than 2 hours.

Keep going...

No excuses...

You can do it!!!