Hiatus Recap

I have been a bad, bad blogger and have taken a sort of 'hiatus' as the post is appropriately titled. Not purposely, its just that life itself has consumed me more than ever over the last week or so.  I've been hitting the gym - hard.  Working - hard.  Playing - hard. I had a bachelorette party in AC this past weekend for my friend Christine which proved to be a true girls fiasco! I've been avidly working with my trainer and attending my weekly fitness classes, proudly reporting. As we hear time and time again, summer is truly just around the corner. 

Which summer, I will be prepared for with my very cute new bathingsuit from Vicky's (as posted about here) - of course the bathinsuit arrived a la UPS 30 minutes after I left for AC so I couldn't even wear it on my trip (indoor pool)...but it looks great on and its very cute with the ruffles and fitting color!

I picked up a pair of shoes from Piperlime this past week and they arrived yesterday - very cute.  Although they are a bit uncomfortable and I'm just not sure yet if I'm going to keep them. I even bought them a 1/2 size larger because that's all that was available but my toes seem to squish quite a bit...I'm going to wear them around the house for a while to get the full feel of them. Thanks to E at Strawberry Swing and other things for the awesome coupon which led me to score these beauties for a measley $38 -- If I do return them, I'm going for a nude caged bootie, which I've been desperately lusting after for quite some time now. 

I haven't done much shopping otherwise...I'm trying to avoid the malls and actual stores because we are finalizing our bathroom renovation which has turned into an over budget, over timing project.  Hopefull WELL worth it when all is said and done.  I will post before and after pics when finalized, I can't bare to let the cat out of the bag before it complete.

I can't wait to post something so very exciting later on today...but I didn't want to overwhelm on one post.  I have great news about AH-MAZING products and even more ah-mazing opportunity that I'm overly excited to tell you all about. 

ta ta for now

xoxo

Staying on Track with Healthy Planning

From the title I'm sure you can guess what today's post is all about.  Right now just about every woman you know is trying her hardest to get lean, toned and tan for the upcoming bikini months and I'm no exception.  If you follow, you know that I've hired a personal trainer and have been avidly watching my habits on all fronts to get that beach body that we're all lusting over right now. 

However, exercise is only half the battle.  You could exercise your little tush off but if you go home to pre-packaged snacks and bacon you're doomed! Even those of us healthy eaters fall off track from time to time and today I'm going to share what has been most helpful to me during those times you feel you just can't keep it going!

I'm talking about planning...planning your meals, snacks and even beverages is very very important.  In our household, we use weekly meal planners as well as planned grocery lists.  I retrieve a lot of organizational resources from the fantastic website http://www.organizedhome.com/ (you can find printable pages here).  Each week, we plan our meals for 7 days; we will write out the days we plan to dine at a restaurant or even the here and there 'FFY' which is short for "fen for yourself" nights.  The weekly meal planning has several benefits, but the major ones are:

1. Keeps us on track for healthy eating - we're never scrambling and ending up with cheeseburgers.  Since we know our schedules for the week, we know how to plan meals accordingly - crock pot vs. grilling, etc.

2. Grocery bills have been drastically reduced; we know what we're eating and therefore, we know what and how much to buy

3. Ease! I am prepared each night when I get home because I either have a recipe stapled to the meal plan (which hangs on the fridge) or I have the meat defrosting on the counter.  There is no wasted time trying to figure out what to make

I get very excited to make these meals because I'm actually looking forward to what's for dinner that day, I KNOW what we're having. 

I also believe it is a chain of events happening when you plan ahead, because there is no guess work or stressing over 'what's for dinner' you make the right choices time and time again.  I've even found that I have more opportunity to indulge here and there on those items that I really love - margaritas! lol - because I do so well throughout the week with my planned meals that I do not feel guilty on the weekends having one or two or four!

I would recommend writing out breakfast, lunch and dinner - even if you eat the same thing for breakfast every day, write it down and stick to it.  For snacks, plan ahead as well but don't feel you have to eat certain snacks on certain days...get your hands on those great snack sized ziploc baggies and fill each one with some of the following items:
- dozen raw nuts
- cut up veggies
- reduced fat cheese
- fruit slices
- granola (raw)

Instead of saying 'okay on Wednesday I'm eating cheese for a snack' just have these pre-made little baggies in the refrigerator and grab one each day for that mid-day slump at 3pm, or maybe the slump between breakfast and lunch! I also favor the Kashi TLC bars as well as Fiber One bars (if you can handle them).

One last little tidbit that I would like to share with you.  I'm sure you are all well aware of the benefits of water! Yes, good ol' H2O...and hopefully you're getting a good 8 glasses per day.  But what I've learned is most important is when you drink 2 of those 8 glasses per day.  As soon as you wake up, drink a glass of water and right before you go to bed do the same. Water is a natural calorie burner and drinking right before bed helps balance hormone and energy levels, muscles and joints and promotes a better sleep as well as toxin clearing benefits! Drinking upon waking rehydrates your body and gets your metabolism working right away ;)

I hope that you find this information beneficial.  Would love to read your feedback!
xoxo

Haulin' It

Although I'm pretty good with daily updates, I will admit that I've been slacking the last few days.  Its been hectic.  I will most likely do a few posts in a row today to make up for it. 

That being said, I wanted to supplement my review below on the ShoeDazzle shoes I received on Friday.  I wore them out on Saturday night for drinks with the hubbs and some friends and I actually walked home about 4 blocks from where we were so I really got a full night's wear out of the shoes.

I'd give these shoes a B+ for comfortability - the basket weave texture of the shoe is the same on the inside so it does rub a little bit on the back of the ankle but nothing that the band aid rub stick doesn't cure.  They are actually quite easy to walk in despite the very thin and tall heel.  I received a few compliments throughout the night on their uniqueness, I definitely think the shoe has an 'acquired taste' but they look smokin hot on! I'd recommend these shoes if it is a look you're going for (and by the way, the shoe retails for nearly $60 online, but like I said in the post below, I joined ShoeDazzle and got them for $39.95 + free shipping).  I have a code for 20% off your first pair if I invite you as a current member; as well, I'll get a free pair after 3 friends sign up.  Leave your email in the comments if you want the link!

Separately, I wanted to share a fitness myth I discovered over the weekend. I find it very important to get my health & fitness information from a reputable source.  I do listen to people at the gym, friends or family if they offer advice but I always research the advice to ensure it is correct.  I'm sure we've all been told that you can target weight gain on specific parts of the body by doing exercises that target those areas so basically, if you have a flabby midsection you do crunches, if you have bingo arms you do tricep extensions, etc.  - makes sense right?

Well no, its wrong.  The concept is called "spot training" and unfortunately it doesn't burn fat.  When you lose weight you are unable to choose the area in which the reduction will occur.  Your body predetermines which fat stores it will use. Like I said, doing crunches with strengthen your abdominal muscles (no doubt about that) but it will not take the fat off of your stomach only.  However, you can compliment a blanced exercise program with a selection of weight training exercises to gradually lose weight and tone the body overall.

And remember...you need to burn 3,500 calories in order to lose 1 lb.  That's 500 calories per day.  So if you cut back your typical daily caloric intake by 250 and then burn 250 calories in the gym, you will lose 1 lb. per week. Aim for 3-4 days of cardio per week and the fat will melt away!!

Helpful resources:
BMI Calculator
Calculating your basal metabolic rate (the number of calories per day that your own body burns naturally)

Thanks for reading, xoxo

Reco's and Reviews

Well lovely readers I have been very busy the last few days I have decided to get my ARSE in GEAR!!! Memorial day is right around the corner, not to mention I have a bachelorette party poolside in about 2 weeks...ahh.  I've decided to hire a personal trainer from my gym, I signed up for 10, 30 minute sessions in addition to his Tues/Wed/Thurs classes I take (pilates/body pump/kickboxing).  I must say, I am sore already but I am determined to get my summer body.  I highly recommend taking a good kickboxing class, I really like the one I take, I can totally tell its working because I sweat profusely and I can just feel every single muscle in my body working up a storm!!

Today I wanted to also share with you a recommendation for a couple blogs to read...I recently stumbled across the blog Life, Love and the Pursuit of Shoes If you're like me and are obsessed with all things shoes this is a great blog to follow - I even emailed the blogger after reading a few posts to tell her how much I <3'd her blog and asked if she knew where to find the shoes in this picture:

Not even kidding, she emailed me back within 20 minutes with multiple links to the shoes.  Unfortunately for me, the shoes are not only Giuseppe Zanotti (an amazingly awesome shoe designer with un-awesome prices) but they are sold out anyway.  I then wrote back to her explaining my woes and guess what???
Yes folks she linked me to a look for less ;)

I officially love this woman.

And on that same exact note... follow The Look 4 Less which, too, is a fantabulously beneficial website that is updated multiple times throughout each day with celeb looks for less, reader write in looks for less, etc. She basically can find any item out there that you want for cheaper!! C'mon now how great is that.  I initially reached out to her on how to recreate Kim's entire look above and she came so eerily close for a fraction of the price I was quite astounded.  The shoes were just a little less than what I wanted (not less in price but less in look) - but the entire outfit she sent to me with links to various options - again within minutes of my initial email.  This wonderful woman reached back out to me again today because she had found a pair of shoes that did in fact match Kim's to the T for a measley $55!!!

I officially love 2 women.

So a big  K U D O S  to these two really cool women and their efforts towards making my life that much better!

If you're smart, you're already following these blogs; if not, you'll be following them now!

And for my review...I recently signed up for ShoeDazzle, a company founded and operated by the lovely Kim Kardashian.  Basically, ShoeDazzle is a website that you join as a member (at no financial obligation), you take a survey that determines your 'style' and based on your survey results, each month the stylists pick 5 pairs of shoes for you - you have the choice of purchasing 1, all or none of the shoes selected.  If you choose a pair, there is free shipping and you get your order in about 1 week and if they don't fit or you're unsatisfied you use their pre-paid return shipping label.  The cost of the membership is $39.95 per month - the great thing about this service is that if you don't like any of the 5 shoes selected for you, you're NOT charged the $39.95...so it's no obligation what-so-ever and whenever you do feel like obliging you get the pair of shoes right to your door step.

I mean, clearly its no innovative idea its a shoe service and the shoes are not Louboutins or Jimmy Choo's but "high end" low end shoes, if that makes sense.  I received my first pair today:

I really liked these ones a lot and as soon as I saw them in 'My Showroom' I knew I was getting them and for $40?? No brainer.  These were the other 4 pairs in my showroom, I don't like any of them, but that's the beauty of the website if you don't like any of them or are strapped for cash - whatever the reason may be you just select 'skip this month' and you keep it movin.

I like the convenience of the service, maybe you're busy one month or can't get out to the mall or for some god for saken reason have no time to online window shop - then one day you get the email 'time to choose' and you treat yourself to an unexpected little treasure.  No typing in cc info or mailing address, they have all your info - just click the 'yes please' button and a week later you're stylin and profilin

Well happy weekend to all!!
xoxo

Smooth Sailing

There is a certain beneficial bounty out there...a deliciously tasty, creamy delight that not only satisfies your taste buds but slims your waistline at the same time? And...it's smoothies  

A "diet" I tried a couple years ago (which, might I add was extreeeeeeemely successful) was the Abs Diet (for Women) by David Zinczenzko, Editor in Chief for Men's Health Magazine.  This so-called diet, which was easier than figuring out 10% off your favorite shorts, did wonders for my post baby body and it really shaped my eating habits entirely.  I have completely changed my food lifestyle since reading the book and several accessory books as well.  That being said, a big factor to this 'diet' are smoothies.  According to Eat This, Not That (another wildly successful publication by same) smoothies "juice your brain, build muscle, burn fat and strengthen your heart in less than a minute"...now who doesn't want that?

Now these smoothies do not include the crapola ones you get a fast food restaurant, they're not Dunkin Donuts Low Calorie Fruit Smoothie chock full of 490 freakin calories and 83 grams of sugar!!! The type of smoothies that whittle the waist and pump the muscles are the ones you make at home (or ones, USUALLY, that are offered at your gym but be careful to watch the ingredient list).  You want to stick to fully natural, fruit/vegetables, protein sources and low sugar liquid add ins. 

The 12 Best smoothie ingredients, according to Eat This Not That:
1. Peanut Butter (ALL NATURAL varieties - look for those words right on the front label)
2. Fat Free Milk (lots of calium and protein...none of the fat)
3. Blueberries (the huge amount of antioxidants have been shown to slow brain decline & reduce memory loss)
4. Low Fat/Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt (Or greek yogurt for added protein + digestion aid and calcium)
5. Raspberries (an antioxidant powerhouse)
6. Fat Free Chocolate Frozen Yogurt (calcium, phosphorous and NONE of the guilt)
7. Pineapple-Orange Juice (OJ has Vita C and Pineapple has a cancer inhibiting, inflammation reducing
enzyme)
8. Cherries (in addition to Vita C and fiber, they have been linked to fighting arthritis pain)
9. Bananas (GOOD carbs, keep you feeling energized)
10. Whey Protein (its essential amino acids help you pack on muscle - and muscles BURN calories!!)
11. Frozen (or fresh) Mangoes - chock full of Vita's A and C and beta carotene which helps prevent cancer
and promotes healhty skin!!!
12. Ice (helps it all blend together nicely)

Here are some of my favorite and very easy smoothie recipes based on those 12 ingredients all between 200 and 300 calories perfect for breakfast or a snack:

-- The Smooth Operator
-- The Mood Maker
-- The Brain Booster

So make yourself a simple smoothie tomorrow for breakfast or bring one to work for that 3pm rut we always find ourselves in...you'll see a change, for sure!

Have any recipes you want to share with me?

Happy Manday

I hope all my lovely readers had a great weekend.  Mine was pretty good.  Friday we had some friends over for drinks and Saturday I tried a new class at the gym...tried is the key word...because I thought I was showing up for Les Mills' Body Pump (which I've done a billion times) but in fact, it was quarterly launch and I was attending Les Milss' Body Attack...well it attacked me alright and needless to say I probably won't do that class again.  I'm not a fan of the overly choreographed fitness classes...I like pilates, strength training, yoga and kickboxing.  The basics and body attack was just about anything but basic.  I like Les Mills classes because they have something for everyone.  You can check out videos, descriptions and even find a club that offers the classes HERE

Saturday night, hubbs and I joined my cousin and his girlfriend (one of my best friends) who is super cute and pregnant for a night out and yesterday while hubbs finished sheetrocking the bathroom walls I shopped!! It was so nice to get some new things. 

Picked up the Old Navy belted trench on sale for $35 + 10% off
Peach lace cami paired with light brown fitted cardigan $8 and $11.99 respectively + 10% off
Sweetheart fit bootcut jeans on sale for $15.99 + 10% off and plain 3/4 sleeve shirt for $4.99!!!
Headed to Kohl's for some Lauren Conrad line but they were basically sold out ::wahh::: I did get 2 pairs of Daisy Fuentes crop capri's on sale for $27.99 each (for work) along with Levi's destroyed skinny's on sale for $29.99 and some really cute Candies & Vera Wang jewelry at 60% off (I showcase the Tiffany's version of the mesh earrings I got because I couldn't find the Vera Wang version) but they're basically the same ..here's a wrap up of what I got this weekend a la Shop Style - ooh and VS has their lace waist thong panties on sale 5 for $25 - they are very similar to 'The Lacie' if you like those but for a much better price

More Old Navy...

And no worries - I did not forget Manday - featuring the very (Mc)Steamy, Eric Dane

 Have a good one! xoxo

Health & Fitness - Recipe Share

I'm trying to get re-motivated at the gym through an aggressive workout program.  I figured if I promised myself I'd attend certain classes I would have a much better chance following through than if I was just promising to attend the gym at some point.  I like taking classes because they are on a set schedule and for me, it is a good way to keep it interesting.  It avoids wasted time trying to figure out what to do each day, you just show up/listen to someone and leave.  I find that you tend to make good gym friends at the classes as well and they're always great motivation! So here's my aggressive schedule for the next week:

• Thursday - Kickboxing from 5pm to 6pm
• Saturday - Body Pump from 9:15am-10:15amMonday - Body Pump from 5pm-6pm
• Tuesday - Pilates from 6:15-7:15pm
• Wednesday - Body Pump from 6:15-7:15pm

I'll follow this schedule week to week for the next 8 weeks which will bring us to Memorial Day weekend.  I know I will have a much more difficult time maintaining a 5 day/per week gym schedule in the summer since the booger will always want to play outside so I will more than likely go down to 2-3 days per week then. 

So on to the health side, I have decided to give up desserts.  This is an area that I struggle with consistantly.  I cannot seem to resist ice crea, tiramisu, brownies, you name it.  And I know this is reeking havoc on my midsection.  I have extreme difficulty refusing chocolate of any sort and any sweet for that matter so I have made a conscientious decision to give it up completely - as I did meat (which I'm still going strong).  We'll see how this goes.

disclaimer: Rita's Italian Ice does NOT count as a dessert - especially considering it is fat/trans fat/cholesterol free

And in the good spirit of health and fitness, I'm sharing a very yummy and VERY simple concotion that I personally L-O-V-E...mind you, this "recipe" is for 1 serving (because hubbs and booger do not eat fish I usually cook this for moi only)...again, sooooo easy

Ingredients:

--1 Fresh Mahi Mahi filet (or whichever white fish you have handy - mahi mahi is just really good)

--Birds Eye brand Steamfresh bag of Whole Grain Rice (10 oz.)

  

--Birds Eye brand Steamfresh bag of Peas (the package you want is the one that comes with 4 individual serving bags - use one bag for this "recipe")

--Fresh Salsa...like this (which is basically some chopped up tomatoes, jalapenos, red onions, lime juice, cilantro) luckily for me for $4.99 you can pick up a container of this already done for you it's called "Fresh Salsa" lol

--EVOO

--Balsamic Vinegarette (I highly recommend the Good Seasons 'make your own' version because it is beyond good and you can sub half the amount of oil for more water/more balsamic for a less fat version)

--this yummy delish perfection seasoning: McCormick's Perfect Pinch Lemon Pepper - or any Lemon Pepper seasoning (even the ones from the dollar store work great)

And for the easiness:

1. 
   
   Cook the rice as directed on the package (in the microwave...oh yeah)
2. 
   
   Cook one serving of the peas as directed on the package (in the microwave...oh yeah again) 
3. 
   
   Heat up a skillet so that its pretty damn hot and add a little EVOO
4. 
   
   While that's heating up, rub a little EVOO on the mahi mahi and sprinkle some of that yummy seasoning on it (rubbing it in) and do this on each side, coating it generously
5. 
   
   Put the filet on the heated skillet and cook on each side basically until its seared and cooked most of the way (approx 4 minutes on each side)
6. Add half the rice and the entire bag of peas and drizzle with the yummy bals vinegarette dressing (drizzle, DONT drench) and basically cut up the fish filet with a spatula so that's its flaky and combed through
7. Plate the dish and throw a few tablespoons of the fresh salsa mix on top -- VOILA!!!

There you go - a super yummy and ridiculously easy 'recipe' courtesy of Maria ;)