12 Days of Christmas: 2 Prizes to Win!!

After reading over my post last Wednesday, I realized it was not only too complicated, but too strict as well (whoopsies. hey give me a break, i have no editor *wink*). We all have lives, and during the holidays we all deserve a pat on the back for making time for our health. Below is the revised rules and entry form. We've also pushed back the entry date to January 2nd, 2013 for all you New Years Resolution fans ;)


We're starting a new series here on Pirate + Lilac, called The 13 Challenge. Every Wednesday myself, Cameron, + Joanna (introductions to come) will be weighing in and logging our progress with our chosen routines.

If you want to follow along and get healthy with us, we will be posting weekly challenges to keep you on the right track! No need to sign up, just enter the rafflecopter form at the end of the blog post every Wednesday! The challenges will cover a wide range of topics such as nutrition, house organization, exercise, DIYs, and much more that will be unveiled every week! Yes, I know, Christmas is just around the corner... and so is New Years. Luckily you have until January 2nd to begin your challenge, but the earlier you start, the earlier you'll see results!! Plus, enter weekly and you could win $50 to Lululemon OR $50 to Modcloth! 2 Winners will be chosen, and they get to choose which giftcard they would like to receive!

The 13 Challenge: Week 1

Here we are at the starting point of the Challenge. These first few days are incredibly important in building your foundation for the rest of the challenge. Let's bring our positive attitudes forward, and get ready for some healthy change!

Week 1 Challenge: Take the time this week to build a workout schedule. Ah yes, almost everyone's most hated thing to schedule, but also the backbone of our entire healthy regime. Get out a calendar (or if you're like me, use google calendar). I want you to write in (or just remember to put aside) at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 days a week for 13 weeks. Pick a certain routine, or switch it up every week, it's totally up to you! If you miss a workout for any reason, add it on to the next week (for example, if you only work out twice in week 1, work out 4 days in week 2). You're welcome to work out more than the required 3 days, but only if you have the time and are being sure to fuel your body with healthy food, water, and electrolytes (not sugar sports drinks; think sea salt and lemon). Remember, this challenge isn't about a certain number on the scale. The reason Joanna and I are clocking our results is just for fun and so we have a tangible result to show our readers besides just photos.

The goal of The 13 Challenge is to help motivate you to keep a healthy body and an organized home.

My Workout Plan

I will be using Bikram hot yoga in combination with turbo fire for 13 weeks. The first week I will only be using Bikram yoga. The 2nd week I will alternate between Bikram + Turbo.

Kellee's Stats: Week 0

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Joanna's Stats: Week 0

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Exercise Inspiration

Not sure where to start with your physical activities? Maybe you've already had a workout plan, but are looking for something different? Here's a few of our choices to help you plan out your next 13 weeks! Don't forget to leave a little wiggle room; if the weather gets bad or your plans change, you can always have something on hand like a jump rope for indoors, or even shoes for a brisk jog if it's not too rainy.
Give Bikram hot yoga a try! There are hundreds of studios around the world with certified teachers who have studied with Bikram himself. Search online to find a studio near you! You can also get books and cds, but the best part of the practice is the energy in class! {photo via}


Buy / rent some workout DVDS. A favourite of mine is Turbo Fire. I definitely don't recommend it for beginners to fitness, however, but there are tons of other options! Plus if the weather is really horrible outside, you have no excuse! You don't have to pick something super hardcore either, I've seen tons of dance cardio and even a PCD workout! {photo via}


Use magazines, pinterest, blogs, even video games for workout inspiration. Save your favourite pins to print, or tear out magazine sheets to keep your workouts entertaining! Doing the same activity over and over could possibly cause you to plateau... so make sure to switch it up a little! {photo via}

Enter The Giveaway!

Read the FAQS below before entering the contest which is posted after.

The 13 Challenge: Rules, etc

1. 1 "free" entry per week per person.

2. 10 entries per person per week that completes the challenge.

3. To enter once per week, all you need to do is comment below and use the rafflecopter entry form at the end of the post. To receive 10 entries weekly you must complete each task that is posted that Wednesday, and e-mail us your results (change the AT to @) before entering the rafflecopter form. Examples of results would be photos, screen shots, instagrams, or in some cases a written e-mail will be accepted. Please keep it classy folks.

4. To be eligible you must complete the tasks in order, one per week. You can start any day you choose on or before January 2nd, 2013, but if you submit more than 1 challenge per week you will be disqualified. The point of the challenge is to give yourself time to complete them, not see how quickly you can finish everything at once.

5. We have the right to change any rules at any time or refuse any entry for any reason we deem appropriate.

6. Leave an e-mail we can contact you with; we will e-mail the 2 winners after the contest is closed.

7. For any questions feel free to e-mail me here (don't forget to change the AT to an @).

Enter Below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway See you next Wednesday with our 1st week's results + another way for you to enter to win!!