Target is on a roll with their designer partnerships. This morning they launched their Prabal Gurung for Target line, both in store and online. I had a super busy morning so I couldn't make it in store, so I purchased a few items that caught my eye online...
Long-Sleeve Tee in Floral Crush Print $19.99. Love this print. It's so gorgeous. I'll pair this with skinny jeans and flats or shorts + heels in the summer.
Valentine's Day Beauty Wish List
Valentine's Day gift sets and products that caught my eye this year...
Birchbox Limited Edition We Heart Collection $36
Heart of Gold LUSH Gift Set $49.95
For the all natural chick. I Love Lavanilla set from Sephora $49.95
Bath and Body Works Forever Red lip and roller ball duo. I love these for traveling! $15
Philosophy's X's and O's Limited Edition gift set. Sephora $25
Every girl needs a lip kit, especially if you live in the mid west. 11 degrees today! Philosophy Kiss Me Always Lip Therapy Set. QVC $36.25
Fragrance Sampler set from Sephora. Genius. Not only do you get a full size bottle of your choice, but you get tons of samples to play with. Perfect for travel too! $50
Birchbox Limited Edition We Heart Collection $36
Heart of Gold LUSH Gift Set $49.95
For the all natural chick. I Love Lavanilla set from Sephora $49.95
Bath and Body Works Forever Red lip and roller ball duo. I love these for traveling! $15
Philosophy's X's and O's Limited Edition gift set. Sephora $25
Every girl needs a lip kit, especially if you live in the mid west. 11 degrees today! Philosophy Kiss Me Always Lip Therapy Set. QVC $36.25
Fragrance Sampler set from Sephora. Genius. Not only do you get a full size bottle of your choice, but you get tons of samples to play with. Perfect for travel too! $50
Julep Hello Giggles Besties Kit. Not really Valentine's Day themed, but way too cute and pink! $28
Be My Valentine?
I'm not a huge fan of red, so I'll be wearing pink and nude this Valentine's Day. No plans set, just hoping to spend time with my hubby. But if we did go out, this is totally something I would wear for a Valentine's Day date night! This outfit can be dressed up or down depending on what type of jacket you pair with it. I recently bought a light pink moto jacket from Forever 21 that could dress this outfit down for a fun bar night.
Giveaway Break - Sol Republic Ear Buds
How is everyone's New Year's Resolution going? We're a full month into 2013 and I hope everyone is sticking to 'em! If you're struggling sticking to a fitness NY resolution, check out my tips in my previous post to help stay motivated.
Need some extra motivation? How about a brand new pair of sweet ear buds?
Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, on Instagram, or 'Like' my Facebook page; just make sure to mark your extra entries below. Enter up to once a day!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013. I will randomly select one lucky winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
Need some extra motivation? How about a brand new pair of sweet ear buds?
photo courtesy of solrepublic.com |
***Giveaway***
Enter to win a pair of Sol Republic AMPS Ear Buds! I'm obsessed with these ear buds. There are very few types of ear buds that fit in my tiny ears! They come with different size buds for a custom fit. They also come with a Cleartalk microphone, a control for volume, play/pause, next/previous track, and a right angle connector, to take the stress of your headphone jack. Your music will be bumping with these and sure to fuel your workout!Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, on Instagram, or 'Like' my Facebook page; just make sure to mark your extra entries below. Enter up to once a day!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013. I will randomly select one lucky winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
FlyWheel Indoor Cycling
My husband and I had to be in NYC a few weeks ago for work, so we flew out early to spend the weekend there. We opted into staying near our old stomping grounds, the Upper West Side. I highly recommend our hotel, you can read my review here.
I like to plan out my workout times in advance when I travel, so I can plan other stuff around it. The hotel only had a small workout room, and I couldn’t get a weekend Equinox pass, so I finally decided to splurge on a legit NYC cycling class.
My first choice was SoulCycle. I checked Friday afternoon and all of the early morning sessions for Saturday and Sunday were booked! I then checked FlyWheel, which I read about in a BlissTree article on my way to NYC. I logged onto FlyWheelSports.com and while creating my profile to sign up for a class, I realized that the first class is free = yes!
I arrived a few minutes early to the Upper West Side studio, just so I could get settled in. The check in process was easy, all I had to do was log into one of the computers and click a button. My cycling shoes were already pulled for me and put in a cubbyhole that corresponded with my bike number. Shoes, lockers, waters and towels are all included in a class price ($32/class, but again, first class is free).
A FlyWheel rep helped me adjust my bike once the studio was ready. At every bike there are weighted bars and a digital resistance/RPM reader. I’m use to just guessing what my resistance is at, but these bikes tell you your exact resistance or ‘torque.’
Instructor comes in, lights go off, and there is a dim spotlight on the instructor. She starts the music, David Guetta, and I knew I was going to like this class. The whole time I felt like I was at a club, and the instructor was the DJ. She was so energetic and into the music, I loved it.
Every couple of songs the instructor would change the screens in the front of the class to show our ‘scores.’ When signing up for the class online, you can ‘opt in’ to this feature, and see how you are doing compared to others in the class. While signing up, I thought ‘why not.’ And I’m glad I did, because it really pushes you to go farther! After class, you can check your performance online, finding how far you rode, approximate calories burned, etc.
The class was made up of sprints, hills and one song dedicated to an arm work with the weighted bars. According to my heart rate monitor, in a normal cycling class, I average 300 calories burned. After this class, I was at 480. AWESOME way to start a Sunday!
I wish I would have taken more pictures of the class, but I didn't want to be a total tourist :) When visiting a city that has FlyWheel locations, I will definitely take another class. It was an amazing workout. 45 minute and done for the day!
I like to plan out my workout times in advance when I travel, so I can plan other stuff around it. The hotel only had a small workout room, and I couldn’t get a weekend Equinox pass, so I finally decided to splurge on a legit NYC cycling class.
My first choice was SoulCycle. I checked Friday afternoon and all of the early morning sessions for Saturday and Sunday were booked! I then checked FlyWheel, which I read about in a BlissTree article on my way to NYC. I logged onto FlyWheelSports.com and while creating my profile to sign up for a class, I realized that the first class is free = yes!
I arrived a few minutes early to the Upper West Side studio, just so I could get settled in. The check in process was easy, all I had to do was log into one of the computers and click a button. My cycling shoes were already pulled for me and put in a cubbyhole that corresponded with my bike number. Shoes, lockers, waters and towels are all included in a class price ($32/class, but again, first class is free).
A FlyWheel rep helped me adjust my bike once the studio was ready. At every bike there are weighted bars and a digital resistance/RPM reader. I’m use to just guessing what my resistance is at, but these bikes tell you your exact resistance or ‘torque.’
Instructor comes in, lights go off, and there is a dim spotlight on the instructor. She starts the music, David Guetta, and I knew I was going to like this class. The whole time I felt like I was at a club, and the instructor was the DJ. She was so energetic and into the music, I loved it.
Every couple of songs the instructor would change the screens in the front of the class to show our ‘scores.’ When signing up for the class online, you can ‘opt in’ to this feature, and see how you are doing compared to others in the class. While signing up, I thought ‘why not.’ And I’m glad I did, because it really pushes you to go farther! After class, you can check your performance online, finding how far you rode, approximate calories burned, etc.
The class was made up of sprints, hills and one song dedicated to an arm work with the weighted bars. According to my heart rate monitor, in a normal cycling class, I average 300 calories burned. After this class, I was at 480. AWESOME way to start a Sunday!
I wish I would have taken more pictures of the class, but I didn't want to be a total tourist :) When visiting a city that has FlyWheel locations, I will definitely take another class. It was an amazing workout. 45 minute and done for the day!
Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup
- Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Check out Destany's review of Nail Candy pens...one of the most inventive things to happen to Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom!
- Makeup Demon: Romantic pink & purple makeup and photoshoot.
- Pinked Polish: No Whine Left, no not that wine, it's a fabulous polish by KB Shimmer. :)
- Mama Fashionista: Quinn's latest Anatomy of a Mani was inspired by her favorite NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons! (Too bad it didn't help them win their playoff game!)
- Beauty and Fashion Tech: Best Beauty Products of 2012.
- Girl Gloss: Urban Decay Vice Review.
- Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves Relogy Natural Acne Treatment System- it is gentle, effective, vegan and cruelty-free!
- Midnight Manicures: Looking for an easy to use Vegan Acne Treatment that works? Check out my Relogy Rinse-Free Foam Acne Treatment.
- Harajuku Girl FL Beauty: Want to be a Darling Girl? Take a look at these swatches from Darling Girl Cosmetics and become an Independent Beauty!!
- TheFabZilla: Fergalicious! TheFabZilla's FOTD (Face of the Day) features Wet n Wild Fergie Makeups. Plus she has some randomness and OOTD to share.
- Polarbelle: Find your Perfect Pout with the lipsticks from the Wet N Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection.
- Skin, Bones, and nails: Look at these cheaper versions of the ever so popular caviar manicure.
- Cult of Taupe: This week, Beauty meets Geek. See my favs from the Game of Thrones insipired "Win or Die" collection from Geek Chic Cosmetics.
- Beauty by Arielle: Easy Black & White Dot Nail Art Tutorial.
- Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl's favorite nail polish layering duo is a beautiful mix of high and low end. See it here.
- Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: DIY Sugar Scrub for Dry Lips. Only 2 Ingredients!
- Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s simple lazy manicure.
- Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel continues her search for the perfect foundation, check out what she thinks of By Terry Sheer Expert.
- Lacquer Buzz: Water marbling is not easy. But the result is worth it!
- Crows' Feet, Cupcakes, and Cellulite: Sasha profile's Pur Minerals film-inspired Beautiful Creatures makeup palette. Bring on the supernatural glam!
- Lipgloss Break: Angela reviews KISS Nail Dress nail stickers.
- My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shares her review on the Laura Mercier Creme Eye Liners in Indigo and Espresso.
- Amber Did It!: Amber has some big news and a cute peacock accent mani to celebrate the news.
- Lisa's Nail Obsession: Paint or texture...which do you prefer?
Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Round Up
KISS Nail Dress Nail Stickers
Nail stickers are all the rage right now, especially for girls on the go who don’t have time to paint their nails and let them dry. A smudged manicure is the worst!
The stickers are extremely easy to put on. Just match up the sticker size to the right finger, peel back the backing, and apply (slowly!). You can then use the nail file included to file off the access sticker. Voila, instant manicure with no dry time!
Each kit comes with 28 stickers, so I still have a full manicure left in my kit. I’m waiting for a girls night out to use a full bling set :)
Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
Clean Eating Blueberry-Banana Protein Crepes
For the past few years I've called myself a 'clean eater,' but lately, I've been super serious about it. Making my own snacks, prepping meals for the week, down to making my own granola. The all natural, organic kind at the grocery store still contain processed junk!
The past few weekends I've been making Clean Eating Blueberry-Banana Protein Crepes for our post workout meal and they have been phenomenal. I started with a recipe I found in Oxygen Magazine, but made a few moderations....
Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 scoop of vanilla protein
1 tsp of cocoa powder (optional...can also use cinnamon)
3 tablespoons of almond butter
1/2 cup blueberries
1 banana
Whisk together the egg whites and vanilla protein. Less lumps the better. I used my new Cuisinart hand blender and it worked it into a really smooth batter. If yours a little thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to it.
Spray a non-stick pan with olive oil spray and pour a 1/3 of the batter into the pan over med-low heat. Once the sides start to cook (probably after 1-2 minutes) add 1 tablespoon almond butter to half of the crepe, along with some blueberries and banana slices. Fold over (like in the picture of above) and let cook a few more minutes. Repeat for the other 2 crepes.
Serving size is one crepe. This recipe makes about 3. Enjoy!
The past few weekends I've been making Clean Eating Blueberry-Banana Protein Crepes for our post workout meal and they have been phenomenal. I started with a recipe I found in Oxygen Magazine, but made a few moderations....
Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 scoop of vanilla protein
1 tsp of cocoa powder (optional...can also use cinnamon)
3 tablespoons of almond butter
1/2 cup blueberries
1 banana
Whisk together the egg whites and vanilla protein. Less lumps the better. I used my new Cuisinart hand blender and it worked it into a really smooth batter. If yours a little thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to it.
Spray a non-stick pan with olive oil spray and pour a 1/3 of the batter into the pan over med-low heat. Once the sides start to cook (probably after 1-2 minutes) add 1 tablespoon almond butter to half of the crepe, along with some blueberries and banana slices. Fold over (like in the picture of above) and let cook a few more minutes. Repeat for the other 2 crepes.
Serving size is one crepe. This recipe makes about 3. Enjoy!
Bargain Boutique Hotel in NYC
This past weekend my husband and I spent some time in our old NYC neighborhood, the Upper West Side. I miss the city life…a lot! The weather was unreal this past weekend. High 50s in mid-January? I’ll take it!
We stayed at On the Avenue New York Hotel on the Upper West Side. This is hotel is a BARGAIN for NYC. It’s cute boutique hotel, located at W 77th & Broadway. It’s tucked away in a corner and doesn’t stand out. We paid an average of $80/night at this hotel for a Friday-Sunday stay...unreal for NYC!
The rooms were clean, service was friendly, and they have all the standard amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, hair dryer, coffee, etc.). They have wireless internet in the rooms but you have to pay for it. There is also a small workout room with a few treadmills, elliptical, weight bench and hand weights.
If you want to do NYC on the cheap, I highly recommend this hotel. I know the Upper West Side isn’t in the center of the action, but at this hotel, you are only a few subway stops from being downtown.
Some of our favorite spots on the Upper West Side:
Edgar's Cafe, Amsterdam & W 92nd - Favorite spot for breakfast after a good weekend workout. Jerry Stiller is also a fan of this restaurant (love letter from him framed on the wall!)
Mermaid Inn, Amsterdam & W 88th St. - Great brunch, steak & eggs recommended by my hubby
Good Enough to Eat, Amsterdam & W 83rd St. - Long line, but worth the wait. Creative breakfasts you won't find anywhere else
Pomodoro, Columbus & W 71st - Welcoming Italian restaurant. You feel like family when you're there!
The Dead Poet, Amsterdam & W 82nd - Love this bar, owned by Michigan natives. Total mixed bag on any night, from college students to UWS locals. I recommend the whiskey flight...enough for 2 to share!
Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup
- Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany swatches (and swoons over) two gorgeous Pure Ice polishes!
- Makeup Demon: A few tips that will help you to choose a good quality makeup brushes.
- The Convenient Beauty: Warm-skin toned ladies and even non-glitter wearers must check out Tom Ford Cognac Sable!!
- Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Burberry Light Glow Natural Blushes in Misty, Cameo & Peony are among the highest quality powder blushes that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has encountered! Find out why!
- Midnight Manicures: Find out about Jeanie's must have skin care treatment for 2013, Reviva Labs Non-Chemical Skin Peel to the rescue!
- TheFabZilla: Got pimples? Evologie may have the answer for you!
- Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara swatches and reviews Kelara Lacquers' I Love Lamp. Ready for a photo bomb?
- Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl fulfills a huge fragrance lemming with Chanel No.5 and shares the journey it sent her on.
- Pinked Polish: A Collection by the fabulous Vivid Lacquer!!!!
- Lacquer Buzz: Experimenting with a new technique can be difficult. Check out my first cloud manicure!
- Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Julep Maven box with nail polish to match your style!
- Beauty by Arielle: Ever wonder about signing up for Birchbox? Here's all the info you need from a year subscriber.
- Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor has found a way to cut down on the time it takes to blow dry her hair with Blowout Beauty!
- Beauty by Miss L: Find out which was Miss L´s favorite body lotion with those very cold winter days when skin gets unpleasantly dry.
- Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Try this Quick & Easy trick to create the look of False Lashes with only mascara.
- Mama Fashionista: Has the cold weather left your skin in need of some TLC? Quinn has some great rec's from Lumene that may be just what you need!
- Polarbelle: Swatches of the new OPI Mariah Carey Collection Plus a Giveaway.
- Lisa's Nail Obsession: I thought it was blue? Go On Green!
- Sincerely Stephanie: Sincerely Stephanie takes on some colourful street art!
- Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel almost finds her new HG foundation, find out why it didn't pass.
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
John Frieda Golden Globes Hair Styles
Photo credit: Tractenberg & Co. |
Step 1 – Prep
Spray Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray ($9.99 at drugstores), throughout wet hair and comb through to distribute the product evenly
Step 2 – Style
Blowdry hair straight. Take a flat iron and straighten hair section by section--the heat of flat iron will activate 3-Day Straight, to ensure sleek style that lasts all night long.
Step 3 – Perfect
Smooth Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème ($5.99) throughout hair to give a smooth, shiny finish.
Photo credit: abcnews.go.com |
Blowdry
hair with a large, round, boar bristle brush. Take a curling iron with a
1 1/2 inch barrel and start curling hair section by
section. Set the curls with Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold
Hairspray ($5.99 at drugstores).
Step 2 – Style
To
create the perfect wave, use a paddle brush to brush through curls.
Apply Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème ($5.99
at drugstores) throughout the hair--it will soften hair and add shine
while leaving the curls chunky and intact.
Step 3 – Perfect
Finish by adding a fine mist of Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray to lock in the style.
Julep Maven Review & Giveaway
Before you can become a Julep Maven, you have take a style quiz to find your style profile, which are:
American Beauty – A grown up version of the All-American girl-next-door
Boho Glam – An eternal romantic with an appreciation of beauty on a deeper level.
Bombshell – Sexy and confident, this style is abundant with playful prints and saturated hues.
Classic with a Twist – This timeless, iconic look is marked by beautiful yet simple cuts and colors
It Girl – Edgy and bold, your statement-making look exemplifies the modern rock ‘n’ roll chic
With your monthly membership, you’ll receive 2-3 nail polishes and beauty products that compliment your style profile. Julep products are made up of highly curated fashion forward polishes so you don’t have to worry about polish being out of season.
I recently received an It Girl box and it was filled with 3 nail polishes I can totally rock to work and out at night, and 2 different nail glitters. Daphne is a sea foam green, Delauney is a creme, striking red, and Otte, a camel creme neutral. Both Daluney and Otte are part of the Trina Turk Fall line. I'm looking forward to rocking the sea foam green on my toes this summer.
SPECIAL FOR LIPGLOSS READERS: If you sign up today, you can get your first box for a penny! Use code JULEPVIP at checkout!
Julep is also all about sharing the love. Enter to win a box that matches your style profile!
***Giveaway***
Enter to win a Julep Maven style box.Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!
This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only. The contest will end on Friday, February 8th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
Blogazon Weekly Roundup
- Pinked Polish: What I have learned this year in the wonderful world of Nail Blogging.
- Love At First Site!: Face Of The Day, New Year's Eve! Happy New Year!
- Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's Beauty Resolutions to Consider for 2013.
- Adore A Polish: Check out an in depth review on the Sally Hanson Insta Gel Strips.
- Polarbelle: Polarbelle wants you to consider the Anastasia Beverly Hills Kisses On My List lipgloss set while you still can!
- datyorkLOVES: Find out what the Top 10 Post of 2012 are for datyorkLOVES!
- Beauty by Arielle: ARIELLE'S TOP PRODUCTS OF 2012.
- TheFabZilla: Happy New Year! New Hair, New Resolutions? Check out TheFabZilla blog for deets.
- Cosmetics Aficionado: A new drugstore gel liner from L.A. Girl is on the beauty scene, but is it worth it?
- Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara showcases a nail polish favorite.
- Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s New Year´s Eve nails.
- Lacquer Buzz: Mihaela chose her favorite nail polishes of last year. Wanna see what made it on the list?
- Makeup Demon: Makeup Demons Top 5 posts of Year 2012!
- Ishah x Beauty: Gold Eyes, Oxblood Lips. My New Year's Day Look.
- Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Here's Liesl's personal Best Of 2012 list, Agree? Disagree? Check it out here.
- The Fabulous Mind of a Wacky Mama Bear: Ever wish your beauty subscription box gave full sizes? Then check out Starlooks, this is what I thought of my December 2012 Starbox.
- Mama Fashionista: Though she's no expert, Mama Fashionista loves the results of her first leopard mani! How do you think she did?
- Baking Beauty: Baking Beauty reviews the new Laura Mercier Free Spirit Palette.
- Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel reviews products from the new NARSskin line and finds she's impressed.
- Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor reviews her top beauty products of 2012!
- My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog invites you to get ready with her!
- Lisa's Nail Obsession: Come on...you can think of something better for the alphabet challenge than "Q" for Queen. No? Then, All Hail The Queen!
Stay Motivated in the New Year
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and healthy holiday.
New Year Resolutions have been set and I'm sure like previous years, one of the top trending resolutions is to get in shape. One of the main challenges with this goal is staying motivated. It's easy to buy a gym membership, but staying motivated and actually using that membership is a whole other challenge. Here are some of my tips and strategies to staying motivated and dedicated to working out....
Pump Up the Volume
Music is very important. A solid playlist and up beat music can really affect your mood and workout. I use to struggle with ear buds that fit my small ears, but finally found a set that stay in while I bounce around with my workouts (Sol Republic Amp In-Ear Headphones, below). And you don't need a fancy iPod to get you through a workout. Download the Pandora app to your phone (it's free!) to get rocking tunes to get you through a workout. This is also a great way to discover new songs.
Set Milestone Goals
Whether it's the first 5lbs lost or mastering a pull up (this is one of my goals!), set goals and 'rewards' along the way. I like to treat myself to pedicures or a massage when I meet one of my goals. It also helps to stick to these goals when you write them down. Get a cute notebook (I like the mini Moleskin, below) that you can carry with you in your purse or workout bag so you can jot down your progress.
Fit Fashionista
Treat yourself to some new workout clothes! Since this is such a popular time for people to get active, Marshall's and TJMaxx has a TON of gym gear on display. Name brand pieces at great prices. Invest in coordinating tops, bottoms, sports bras and headbands. If you feel good going to the gym, you'll have an even better workout.
What's your New Year's Resolution? Please share how you plan on sticking to your goals!
New Year Resolutions have been set and I'm sure like previous years, one of the top trending resolutions is to get in shape. One of the main challenges with this goal is staying motivated. It's easy to buy a gym membership, but staying motivated and actually using that membership is a whole other challenge. Here are some of my tips and strategies to staying motivated and dedicated to working out....
Pump Up the Volume
Music is very important. A solid playlist and up beat music can really affect your mood and workout. I use to struggle with ear buds that fit my small ears, but finally found a set that stay in while I bounce around with my workouts (Sol Republic Amp In-Ear Headphones, below). And you don't need a fancy iPod to get you through a workout. Download the Pandora app to your phone (it's free!) to get rocking tunes to get you through a workout. This is also a great way to discover new songs.
Set Milestone Goals
Whether it's the first 5lbs lost or mastering a pull up (this is one of my goals!), set goals and 'rewards' along the way. I like to treat myself to pedicures or a massage when I meet one of my goals. It also helps to stick to these goals when you write them down. Get a cute notebook (I like the mini Moleskin, below) that you can carry with you in your purse or workout bag so you can jot down your progress.
Fit Fashionista
Treat yourself to some new workout clothes! Since this is such a popular time for people to get active, Marshall's and TJMaxx has a TON of gym gear on display. Name brand pieces at great prices. Invest in coordinating tops, bottoms, sports bras and headbands. If you feel good going to the gym, you'll have an even better workout.
What's your New Year's Resolution? Please share how you plan on sticking to your goals!
UnderArmour Shoes and Crop Pants / Sol Republic Amps HD In-Ear Headphones / Girls Gone Sporty "Sweat Sexy" Fitness Tank from ViewSport / Moleskin notebook
CND Shellac in Rubble
This is Rubble from CND Shellac's new color line. I LOVE it. I wore it on my last business trip as a neutral color that would go with everything. It's so hard to describe this color. It's like a grayish brown solid color, but has an opaqueness to it. This is a great new neutral color for the Shellac line! Check out my other CND Shellac swatches.
Chocolate Mint Pretzels
I spent a few hours today making 'puppy chow' for my cousin. It's a tradition that I make it every year, and it's priceless to see his face when I give him his own stash. As I was refreshing my memory on how to make it, I came across a Chocolate Mint Pretzel recipe that I have to share from Savory Sweet Life.
I made these pretzels with both white and milk chocolate. I can't wait to go to Target or the dollar store tomorrow to get fun bags or tins to put these in. Using Savory Sweet Life's recipe, these are extremely easy to make. They make a great hostess gift or last minute Christmas gift. Put in a tin and top with a bow!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
I made these pretzels with both white and milk chocolate. I can't wait to go to Target or the dollar store tomorrow to get fun bags or tins to put these in. Using Savory Sweet Life's recipe, these are extremely easy to make. They make a great hostess gift or last minute Christmas gift. Put in a tin and top with a bow!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
Sponsored Post: pvBody Sample Boxes
Different companies are popping up everywhere with sampling programs, and they are really quite genius. Beauty, cooking and accessory sample boxes are a fun way to try out new brands and products. And now adding to the list, workout clothes!
pvBody takes the guess work out of trying to find fun, new workout clothes, at a reasonable price. All members take a style quiz so the pvBody team can select the best gear for you to try out. Along with providing your sizes, you’ll specify what kind of workouts you enjoy, style and color preferences, etc. The pvBody team will select a workout top and bottom set for you that matches your needs and style.
I took the style quiz last month and indicated that I’m more of a cardio/weights and gym girl, and the outfit I received was perfect for my next kettlebell and cycling class!
The leggings are super comfortable as well. These are great for any type of workout as well, from yoga to running to cycling. They fit comfortably right above my hips and are great for the cold weather we're getting in Michigan. I always hate wearing sweatpants over gym shorts. These are also great as every day leggings. Or if you're planning on running errands after the gym, you can throw on a sweater and a pair of boots and look stylish right from your workout.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!
Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert. Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.
pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.
pvBody takes the guess work out of trying to find fun, new workout clothes, at a reasonable price. All members take a style quiz so the pvBody team can select the best gear for you to try out. Along with providing your sizes, you’ll specify what kind of workouts you enjoy, style and color preferences, etc. The pvBody team will select a workout top and bottom set for you that matches your needs and style.
I took the style quiz last month and indicated that I’m more of a cardio/weights and gym girl, and the outfit I received was perfect for my next kettlebell and cycling class!
I received an electric blue top from Eloy and black leggings from Nux (both pictured to the right). I couldn’t be happier with both pieces. The blue top is great for any type of workout, from yoga to a high intensity cardio class. It contains a built in bra that is comfortable and secure. For lower impact workouts, you can totally get away without wearing a sports bra with this top.
The leggings are super comfortable as well. These are great for any type of workout as well, from yoga to running to cycling. They fit comfortably right above my hips and are great for the cold weather we're getting in Michigan. I always hate wearing sweatpants over gym shorts. These are also great as every day leggings. Or if you're planning on running errands after the gym, you can throw on a sweater and a pair of boots and look stylish right from your workout.
As a special intro offer, pvBody is offering you a $15 Lululemon gift card with sign up, plus 25% off your first month subscription! Use this link to get this special offer!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!
Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert. Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.
pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
CND Shellac in Dark Lava
Finally! Tina and I got our hands on some of CND's new Shellac colors. Tina, being the great friend and person she always is, did my nails for my work holiday party last week. I chose Dark Lava, which is a deep burgundy. I wore a leather dress, and was feeling a little 'rocker chic,' so wanted to do a darker color. In some lights it could also look like a dark brown.
Per usual, Shellac stayed on this time for a full 7 days without chipping. I proactively took it off so I could swatch some additional colors :)
Happy Friday!
Per usual, Shellac stayed on this time for a full 7 days without chipping. I proactively took it off so I could swatch some additional colors :)
Happy Friday!
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