A few months ago, after having gone through many life changes as well as dealing with some mental health issues, I became the heaviest I had ever been. In an effort to get back into shape as quickly as possible, with minimal stress on my asthmatic lungs, I came up with this elliptical routine. It's high intensity so you really feel it, changes every 5 minutes to keep your body guessing, and goes down in intensity so you have a little treat after each 5 minutes interval. Caveat: I am by no means a health professional or an athletic trainer -- this is just an exercise that works for me and that I'd like to share. At the beginning of my weight loss and fitness journey, this was my only form of exercise to get myself back into shape and I was able to lose a couple of pounds a week (of course this was paired with healthy eating!)

*Keep in mind that all elliptical trainers are different and every human is different. Feel free to modify as you'd like! Go up or down in resistance as you see fit. When I first started this routine, I started off at 8, went down to 7 and so on. As soon as I felt that it no longer was a challenge, I went up in resistance and sweat poured down my face once again.

Well, not exactly dancing... More like walking and running for 12+ hours. The dancing does, however, happen occasionally as I celebrate with new moms and dads. For those who don't know, I am a labor and delivery nurse. I'm blessed and privileged to work in the field I do, knowing that I'll have the opportunity to guide women through one of the most memorable experiences of their life — bringing new lives into our world.

As Vivian and I are still working on getting our blog up and running, I won't share too much just yet. We will soon be introducing more about ourselves in the "About Us" and slowly weave in our newly begun work lives with all things we love.

Now back to my "dancing" shoes, I have one word: Comfortable.

I remember when I was in nursing school, I couldn't wrap my mind around the "clogs." They were oddly shaped, looked uncomfortable, and let's be honest, they're not exactly "best dressed" material. However, I've had a change of heart. When I started my full-time position last September, I figured I could still put my all-white Nike Free Runs to use. I don't know what I was thinking because those squeaky things have endured 1000+ hours of clinical. I noticed that at the end of my long shifts, my feet were throbbing and my back was aching. Given that it probably would with any shoes I wore, I searched for a way to relieve these pains.

And... ta-da! I have found the solution! It is to be expected that they aren't immediately comfortable, but what is? Like any other pair of shoes, it takes time to break in. Pros? Immense back support with the rocker bottom and solid arch. My posture improves as soon as I slip these babies on and it reduces the strain not only in my back, but also my legs and feet. It evenly distributes pressure across my foot and eases the stress on my entire body after standing and walking for long hours. Trust me (especially my hard-working nurses), these make a difference! They're well-worth the investment and not to mention, you'll feel pretty stylish once they grow on you ;-)

XOXO,
Michelle

Brand: Dansko

Size: 36 (6.5-7)

With the both of us working, it's been difficult to find time to hang out, even as roommates! We have to schedule girl time. But when we do, we always go all out (or at least attempt to). Today, we decided to have tea time at Lisa's Tea Treasures, a quaint tea shop located in Santana Row in San Jose, CA with the most delicious pastries and teas. Of course we went for cute and girly outfits to fit the occasion. Also, please excuse Vivian's puffy face — she just had all four of her wisdom teeth removed. But do notice how fly we both still look. 

Michelle

Top: Express

Nails: OPI — In The Spot Light

Vivian

Top: Express

Shorts: Express

Tights: American Eagle Outfitters

Purse: Jim Thompson