October 28, 2014

What I Missed While in Greece

Now, I am looking at all the articles, pop culture, and news I have missed over the past week and thinking that it simply must be shared. Because, there is the off chance that you also missed all these goodies and that is simply not acceptable. Happy Tuesday and here's to vacations, the internet, cat babies (who are sitting on your lap right now purring, pawing at your face, and thanking you for the tuna you gave them because you completely forgot they were out of wet food. It happens, don't judge), and coming home!

Oh, and you may see a supreme lack of pictures from Greece on this post. Do not fret, there will be PLENTY in the following week.

Another 20-Minute Kettlebell Workout

Because all the 20-minute kettlebell workouts in the world do not satiate my kettlebell workout desire. I looked at this with longing while kettlebell free in Athens.

These Cookies

They are made with coconut oi and oatmeal. Oh, and chocolate, bananas, and magic.

This Tracey Anderson Workout

I have been eating like a true Grecian and apparently, do not have their god-like metabolism to back it up. This flat stomach workout via flat stomach goddess just might be my ticket to normal-size town! Whoowhoo.

This Outfit

Because it's fall and I love it. I mean really, look at it. Do we need a better reason?!

These Noms

Full disclosure, I am not sure what is in them or how they are made because I have not clicked on the link. They just look soo good that all I can do is stare, and maybe drool a little.

October 15, 2014

App Review: Daily Green Smoothie Challenge

by Jenni in Food, Health

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Sometimes, life is just easier when we can revert to our childhood days and have someone decide what we should eat for us. That is where dieticians, nutritionists, meal plans, and handy-dandy apps can come in quite useful- especially if you do not have the extra dough laying around to hire a private chef.

I have been using a few smoothie and juicing apps to get on a healthier habit pattern. One of these is the Daily Green Smoothie Challenge. This smoothie app has plenty of great smoothie recipes along with all the nutritional information your heart could desire. Another great perk is that you can easily add all ingredients to a shopping list that will place all items on a categorized list according to where they are in the grocery store.

The smoothie recipes for this challenge are meant for mornings and are filled with fruits, honey, flax seeds, yogurt, and a few other knick knacks from here and there. I opted to add fresh baby spinach or baby kale to most of my smoothies to increase the vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It did not make them taste worse and the only one that tasted bad at all was the first Orange Creamsicle Smoothie. Be weary though, not all smoothies are created equal. Some are ridiculously low in calories and sugar while others are (what seems) like the equivalent of a Chipotle burrito.

Now to the app... Once you get into it, the app is quite clean and easy to navigate. There is plenty of information available about each smoothie and plenty of smoothies to choose from. It's also free, which is pretty great too. Unfortunately, like my Dad has always told me, "nothing is ever free, not even the prize in the Cracker Jack box." What this app lacks in price, it makes up for in advertisements. Any time you open the app or your phone goes to sleep, a new advertisement pops up and must be exited out of then a pop up will appear confirming you want to exit out. NOT FUN.

Other than the ridiculous free-not-free side of this app, it is pretty good. If you are looking for a price happy way to reboot your diet, I would suggest trying this one out. The app is free and there are no ridiculous ingredients that cost more than the mixer you are putting them in. A pretty good thing the way I see it :)

September 3, 2014

THINGS I AM LOVING FOR FALL

by Jenni in Lifestyle

How excited are you for fall? I simply cannot wait for this time of year! Not only are the holidays some of my favorites, but the clothes are just splendid as well! I am currently trying to find the perfect pair of light brown knee-high boots that will polish off a few outfits in the making!

Of course, there are also those super trendy fall colors, stylish looks for fall, and a few great make-up tips that will get us all seasonally ready... Even if the season may not feel like it has quite arrived.

How are you feeling about the cowboy and 60's inspired looks this fall?

Burgundy Lips

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This look is so classic for fall and so beautiful all at once! I am also loving how it looks on those with copper hair, but especially love the look on all those gorgeous brunettes out there! Not sure how to pull off such a daring lip? Here is a great tutorial about applying a burgundy lipstick. This article is also great for picking that perfect burgundy color!

Slouchy Sweaters

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Slouchy sweaters may have been seen here and there last fall, but this year they are coming in a big way! It seems like every fall runway had at least one tiny girl wearing a giant sweater. I loved it! Slouchy sweaters are the best way to get that "I woke up like this" look whether you did or did not. They also go with everything and can be dressed up or down. Thankfully, slouchy sweaters can be comfortably worn in cooler weather or the warm Florida falls.

They are also just so cozy looking. If we had a fireplace, I would roll up in front of it with a coffee, book, and slouchy sweater every day of the year!

Knee [or Higher] Boots

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Don't you just love this look? I am obsessed with the slouchy sweater/knee-high boot combo this season! Now, if I could only find those perfect (and budget conscious) medium brown boots! Yes, ankle boots are still in style, but knee highs will always be my jam! If I were looking for a black pair, it would be these in a heartbeat.

Pastels!

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Pantone's Fall 2014 colors include many that are simply fun and quite a few that are also pastel! Although my skin tone does not look super great in pastels, I am still happy to see them worn into fall. My favorite just might be the radiant orchid, although the aluminum and sangria take a close second!

This tutorial on introducing fall colors into your make-up regimen is simply fantastic and uses my favorite of them all!

Crop Tops

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A good cropped top with a high wasted skirt is perfect for any dress this fall! I am also loving the way it makes all of us look a bit more toned and cinched than we naturally are. Afraid of looking un-lady-like in a crop top? Just know that Audrey Hepburn did it and so did Grace Kelly! The secret between trashy and chic is all in the waistline. Forgo low rise or natural fitting bottoms when you are pairing with a crop top- they will show too much skin and can easily go wrong, no matter how svelte your stomach.

The crop should end and waistline begin at the smallest part of your torso. This will help create those exaggerated feminine lines.

May 29, 2014

The Ultimate Flat Stomach Workout

by Jenni in Fitness

I recently had someone ask me for a workout to help flatten stomachs. Oh stomachs, why must they be so difficult for us to get flat? In my 27-years of life, I have tried a great many workouts to tone that tum, but the best has to be a combination of cardio and toning. Cardio works great for helping burn that fat away, and the combination of toning improves muscle definition while continuing to burn fat after the workout is complete.

This workout will get that heart going and should keep your heart rate between 75% and 85% of your maximum heart rate. The best way to do this is to wear a heart rate monitor during the workout.

This workout was made to be an intense, ab toning session. It will be a massive workout, but you can do it, for sure! The entire workout takes about 30-minutes and can be done along with another cardio session, or, all on it's lonesome.

To complete the workout, first do each exercise for 90-seconds with a 30-second break between each set. Then, do each exercise again for 1-minute with no break between sets, or a 10-second break between sets. To really kick it up, finish it off with doing each exercise for 30-seconds with no break.

Set One

Complete each move for 90-seconds, then, take a 30-second break between sets one and two. On the second round, complete each exercises for 1-minute with 10-seconds to no break between sets.

Knee-Ups

This is a great workout for the lower abs and will help get that heart rate going right away! Run on place making sure to keep knees parallel to the floor our higher.

Alternating Elbow to Knee

Alternating Elbow to Knee works the oblique and upper abdominals along with that bum! Complete knee ups, but add a twist. Place hands behind the head, keeping elbows up and shoulders down. Alternate touching the right elbow to the left knee and visa versa. Try to do this as fast as possible while still keeping good form!

Side Plank Rows (kettlebell optional)

I love doing this with a kettlebell since it gives a massive workout to the obliques, intercostals, and trapezius muscles! Start in side plank with feet either stacked (advanced) or with the top foot resting on the floor behind the lower (intermediate). If wrists tend to hurt in plank or side plank, try completing this on the forearm instead.

Place the kettlebell chest level in front of you and slowly lift so the elbow is straight up and the kettlebell is almost above the chest. Be sure to lift from the arm and not from the shoulders. Then, lower the kettlebell slowly and start it all over again!

This should be 90-seconds or 1-minute per side.

Mountain Climbers

One of my favorite for the abs! These are like knee ups on steroids. Get into plank position or forearm plank if wrists hurt. Begin by bringing the left, then the right leg up to your chest; alternating legs each time. The goal here is to complete as many as possible in the time allotted while still keeping good form. Be sure to keep the body in line and not let the tummy droop or the bum stick up.

Scissor Legs

These will work everything from the inner thighs to the upper abs. Sit back on the floor with the forearms supporting you back and legs at 45 degrees off the ground. The lower your legs are to the floor, the greater the results will be. Criss-cross the legs, alternating which leg is on top every time. Legs should extend apart from each other, at least, 2-3 feet and the lower back should be resting on the floor.

Set Two

Plank Jacks

Plank Jacks are another one that is great for all areas of the core, especially that place we tend to get a little extra pooch. Begin by getting into plank position with feet together. Jump feet out so they are 3-4 feet apart, then jump them back to starting. For an extra kick, go from starting to open to legs tucked into the midline.

Burpees

The one we all love! These burn major calories and get our core and bum in bikini shape! Begin in plank position with hands directly under shoulders and the back straight. Jump legs in so they are tucked under your chest, then jump straight up in the air with arms overhead. For an easier version, step legs to the midline one foot at a time.

Russian Twists

These are best with a weight, medicine ball, or kettlebell. Russian Twists are sure to work your obliques, back, lower abs, central core, and inner thighs. Begin in boat position with the back straight and lower legs parallel to the ground. There should be no pressure on the lower back here. Bring the kettlebell from the left side to the right by twisting the torso. Hand should only move from one side of the body to the other and arms should barely move at all.

Knee Tucks/Jackknife

This one is great for that central core area. Begin with your back on the floor and arms and legs outstretched and elevated off the ground. Again, the closer your arms and legs are to the floor without touching, the greater the workout will be.

Contract your abs and use this force to bring your body in towards the midline. Legs should come up and arms should move overhead and end on either side of the legs. You can either be in boat pose with legs straight (advanced) or legs bent (intermediate). Slowly lower back to starting and do it all again!

Plank Tucks

These are great for lower abs and obliques! Get into plank position and slowly bring the right leg in towards the left armpit. Continue alternating legs, being sure to keep the bum down and the core activated the entire time.