NEWTRITION

Blink Energy Water

Lauren — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:48:15 +0000

This is a dream come true for me! I hate soda (ever since I was a kid- the carbonation stings my tongue), I’m not much of a juice drinker, and iced tea is just okay. I call myself a water brat because I must have water in my apartment all the time. Bottles (small & large) and a Brita water pitcher- I’m not even joking. The only other beverage I drink (besides booze) is coffee and I must have one everyday- just one. Blink energy water is by far the coolest concept I’ve come across.

What is Blink?

blink is clear like water and each bottle gives you two of your recommended eight glasses a day.
In addition to keeping you hydrated, blink tastes great. Flavors: Zesty Lemon Lime and Brisk Blueberry Pomegranate – with no carbonation.
infused with 150mg of an energizing all-natural ingredient (natural caffeine and vitamin B).
just 10 calories per bottle.

Blink Energy Water is designed to keep the multitasking individual energized and also serves as a great fitness supplement to give you a natural boost before your workout and relieves muscle soreness afterwards.

They’re taking their support up a notch and rewarding their fans for all of the hard work they know they’re doing.

Blink has recently launched a contest to win an entire year of blink Energy Water.
They’ve asked fans to submit their favorite—or craziest!—workout photos online.
They’ll then choose a favorite. Whether you’re an aspiring ballerina, a football star, a gym rat, or a pro
speedwalker, blink is calling upon you to share your routine. Contestants can enter here on the blink
Energy Water Facebook page.

Here are the official deets:

Contest Ends:
• February 28, 2012
Grand Prize:
• One case of blink Energy Water shipped to you each month for one year
• The blink Energy Water Workout Guide, including a blink Energy Water stability ball,
workout towel, and video series.
Second prize:
Two runners up will receive:
• One case of blink Energy Water.
• The blink Energy Water Workout Guide, including a blink Energy Water stability ball,
workout towel, and video series.

Now that is some serious motivation!

Check out the website at www.blinkenergywater.com. Blink is currently available for purchase on their website as well!

New Trader Joe’s Finds

Lauren — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:15:18 +0000

Howdy folks, Happy Tuesday! I’ve been doing my weekly grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s. I find that I can get more items for less, superb service, and a variety of options. Here are my most recent purchases.

I love bringing this soup for lunch

awesome sauce with a homemade taste

great for dipping or to spice up any sandwich

these bars taste like cookie dough and are only 150 calories

don't even get me started

I always like to try new things especially so I can share them with you. I also get Trader Joe’s news letter so I can be up to speed on their new products- I’m such a TJ’s junkie.

Have you tried any of the products above? What’s your favorite?

Get the perfect body for your wedding (Or for any reason for that matter!)

Lauren — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:14:31 +0000

My co-worker and fellow blogger, Melissa shares her story on how she got in shape for her wedding! I hope you all enjoy this special treat and let me know if you have any questions or if you want to get in touch with her. xoxo

When I got married, like many women, I wanted to look my personal best. Not only are all my loved ones looking at me all day, but the pictures last a life-time (not to mention I wanted to ensure my husband-to-be would drool the second he saw me walk down that isle, thanking his lucky stars I said yes )

The results:

He couldn’t take his eyes off me

With the proper diet (follow Lauren’s tips!), supplement routine (I am a BIG fan of Advocare products, since there are many sketchy companies out there), and a challenging, but easy to follow routine, you can see amazing results in as little as 90 days. Within 6 months I dropped from a size 10-12 to a size 7 and had the kind of arms and back that had people saying “WOW, WHAT DID YOU DO TO LOOK SO FIT?”

I share with you below the 5 day routine I developed and followed during my wedding workout routine. I admit, the first few weeks are difficult, but nothing is harder than day one! If you are new to weight training, you are not alone! Many women have avoided weights simply because it is unfamiliar territory, but necessary to burn off those pounds quickly and to get that level of tone that makes you turn heads.

Overall tips:

FORM, FORM, FORM – All in caps because it is so important to have proper form during exercises (A great guide can be found at: http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/). Not only do you see better results when you use the proper pace and form, you also avoid injury by pacing yourself and not putting undue stress on other parts of your body. When you lift the weight, count to 2, when you lower the weight, count to 4 (oddly enough, most work is done when you LOWER the weight). This slow and controlled movement really forces the muscle to contract, work and burn those calories!
Be sure to pick a weight that forces you to “fail” between 10-15 repetitions. If you can do more, then it is too light and you should add more weight. When by yourself, it is difficult to push yourself to the point of muscle exhaustion, but this is necessary for tone and progress. Pain is weakness leaving the body!
BREATHE – Never EVER hold your breath. On every lift (repetition) exhale and inhale on every lower.
HAVE FUN!!! There is nothing quite like the feeling after a great workout – you’ll feel great about yourself, confident and sexy

*Below are supersets, meaning 1A you do as many pushups as possible, then immediately do seated rows without resting between. Repeat 3 times (3 sets total). There is not much rest between sets in an effort to keep your heart rate up and burning more calories (and using your time more effectively)

Monday – Chest & Back

Push-up options

1A – Push ups – 3 sets of as many as you can do – start with traditional push up, 2nd set do military push up, 3rd do wide push up

1B – Seated Row OR lawnmowers with alternating arms- 3 sets

45 seconds rest

2A – Wide arm pull ups (or Lat pull down) – 3 sets

2B – Incline Press – 3 sets

2C – Chin ups (make it a goal to be able to eventually do 10 chin ups without assistance)

30 seconds rest

3A – Cable cross over OR Dumbbell fly – 3 set

3B – Cable cross for back OR bent over fly – 3 sets

Finish with 15 minutes of intense ab workouts (if you need ideas, there are a ton of exercises on YouTube) and back extensions (I am a BIG fan of the Roman sit up 3 sets of 15 with weight)

Show off that killer back!

Tuesday – Cardio

Take a class, do plyometrics, anything that is intense, but enjoyable (makes it much easier to do). If you do an activity on your own, such as biking, running, swimming, etc. use the training guide below. It doesn’t matter the activity, as long as you get your heart rate up for AT LEAST 30 minutes over 125 BPM.

5 minute warm up – intensity level 5

1 minute – intensity level 6

1 minute – 7

1 minute – 8

1 minute – 9

REPEAT (6-9) 3 more times

1 minutes (minute 22) intensity level 10 (FULL SPRINT)

5 minutes – cool down – intensity level 5

Wednesday – Legs

1A – Leg press OR squat – 3 sets

1B – Lying Leg curl – 3 sets

Rest 1 minute

2 – Stationary lunges with weights – 3 sets, switch legs each set

Rest 2 minutes

3A – Seated Leg Curl – 3 sets

3B – Step-ups – 3 sets

Rest 1 minute

4A – Stiff legged dead lift – 3 sets (this is an AMAZING butt, hamstring and back workout, however form is imperative. Please make sure you do this properly so as to not hurt your back or knees)

4B – Calf raises – 1st set of 15, toes point in, 2nd set of 15, toes point straight, 3rd set of 15, toes point outward

Finish with 15 minutes of intense ab workout

Thursday – Cardio

Friday – Shoulders and arms – all 3 sets

1A – Seated DB overhead press

1B – Seated DB curl

Rest 60 seconds

2A – Up right rows

2B – Chair dips

Rest 60 seconds

3A – Standing bar curls

3B – Tricep press down OR Overhead extension

Rest 30 seconds

4A – DB Lateral Raise

4B – Hammer curls up, side curl down

Finish with 15 minutes of intense ab/back workout

For arms that get noticed

Saturday – Yoga or stretch

Sunday – REST

By: Melissa Coglianese

http://about.me/melissacoglianese

Check out her blog: http://wanderlustfullife.wordpress.com

Dinner with my Sis

Lauren — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:27:32 +0000

My sister Samantha and I went to Topolobampo for dinner the other night. It’s always fun to have sisterly bonding time and since we both love to eat, dinner is our thing!

Samantha and I before dinner

top: old navy, jeans: seven, purse: marc jacobs, necklace & bracelet: spike the punch, watch: borrowed from my Dad

incredible margaritas

yum!

mini tacos

lobster

Carne asada- the most amazing sauce!

Such a great night!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Lauren — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:49:37 +0000

Happy Tuesday! Every year, my favorite part of Valenties Day is getting frango mints in a heart shaped box from my Mom. My siblings and I look forward to it every year. It’s a special little treat from our Mom who made something small become so special.

Pre Valentines Day

Pre Valentines Day

Lauren — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:40:21 +0000

I am not much of a Valentines Day person however since I love holiday candy heart shaped chocolates, sweet hearts, and gummies make me happy. My friends and I like to make Valentines day fun every year and get together to eat, drink, create, and exchange gifts!

Heart shaped pizza...yummy!

delicious creamy cheesy pasta

heart shaped oreo brownie cakes

Underwear exchange- love these lace and leopard undies!

We created our own cake trifles in mason jars using cake, cool whip, frosting, candy, sprinkles, etc. The top left is my trifle- I love sprinkles!

our creations

If you’re hosting a party or want to give a fun and creative gift this is an easy and inexpensive way to impress your guests. Special thanks to Siera for hosting the party last night!

Have a great evening!

Breakfast Pizza

Lauren — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:53:42 +0000

It was 11am Sunday morning and I had moves to make. I woke up beaming with excitement because I couldn’t wait to go to the grocery store– grocery stores just make me happy. I also hadn’t been grocery shopping in 3 weeks so this was gonna be a big shop.

Unfortunately Texas Boy missed the trip because I couldn’t get his hung over ass out of bed. Feeling all sorry for him and all I figured why not multi-task and get my groceries, super bowl supplies, and breakfast for him and I.

I saw breakfast pizza at whole foods last month and had to get a slice– it was delicious. They only serve it until 9am and on the weekends I always miss it except for that one random time when I found it. I know I had to create my own version!

Breakfast Pizza

ingredients:

1 package of boboli thin pizza crust
1 16oz carton of egg beaters
1 red pepper sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 red onion sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup of reduced fat Mexican blend cheese

directions:

Slice the pepper and the onion into 1/2 inch pieces. You can prepare the veggies however you prefer. I like thin strips of vegetables throughout my pizza. Saute the veggies in 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium to high heat until the veggies are tender and crispy.

While the veggies are cooking start preparing the pizza crust. I brushed some olive oil on both sides of the crust then threw it on the grill to get both sides charred and crispy. Chicagoan’s have been fortunate enough to have a mild winter so far so I’ve been utilizing my grill. I love grilling in the winter, the aroma reminds me of summer! If you don’t have a grill, brush both sides of the crust with olive oil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes flipping it half way.

In another skillet (didn’t mean to make this so complicated) start cooking the eggs. For this pizza scrambled eggs work best. Scramble the eggs by gently stirring the egg mixture until the eggs curdle and start to scramble together. Add 1/2 cup of cheese to the eggs so it melts together.

Assemble the pizza however you want. I started by layering the veggies, then the egg mixture, then topped it with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

Bake the pizza in a 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

I don’t mean to brag but I was really impressed with myself, Texas boy was too. Who knew?!

served with hash browns on the side

I hope Texas Boy doesn’t expect this kind of treatment every time he’s hungover!

Have a great day!

Super Duper Bowl

Lauren — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:40:10 +0000

Good morning! I feel like a walking carb face after eating all of that yummy food at the superbowl last night. Everyone made amazing dishes, I can’t wait to post the recipes and share them with you!

hummus dip

baked salami

pasta salad

buffalo chicken dip

mac & cheese bites

chili dip

walking taco!

My friend Colleen took mini bags of fritos, crushed them up, and cut an opening at the side of the bag. Then had us fill them with homemade vegetarian chili, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.

yummy

This is a great one for tailgates, parties, festivals, etc.

Peanut butter and jelly bars

what a proud little chef!

homemade cookie dough dip... no words just amazingness

mini pecan tarts

homemade 5 minute fudge

I will be posting the recipes for these items throughout the week- which one do you want me to post first?

Special thanks to Dayna and Todd for hosting the Superbowl party at their apartment. Good times!

De-Stress Yourself

Lauren — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:55:16 +0000

Happy Friday!

I decided to take a hiatus from blogging for this week. I’ve been very stressed out and just needed to step back and take a breather. I am so blessed to be where I’m at today and to have the opportunities that have come my way but I took on too much at once and got overwhelmed and stressed.

I realized some things during my hiatus that I want to share…

-don’t stress about things you can’t control: for example you get sick- why stress out about it? You can’t help being sick so there is no point to stress about it.

-working out alleviates my stress and lets me take it out on my thighs and not on my family and friends

-don’t beat around the bush: For example, your co-worker invites you to a party and you don’t want to go for whatever reason just tell them you can’t make it. Don’t beat around the bush and say you will be there and then flake at the last minute. If you say no from the start, it will avoid your friends/family being upset with you.

-Let loose! Do the things that make you happy and don’t force yourself to do things you don’t want to do.

I hope you find this post inspiring and if you’re stressed out, overwhelmed, or over worked remember these ideas and remember to be true to yourself!

Have a great weekend!

No related posts.

BEAUTY GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Lauren — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:25:03 +0000

Thank you SO much to all of you who entered. This was the best giveaway I’ve ever hosted and it means so much that everyone took the time out of their day to enter. I loved reading every single one of your comments!

Since I am biased and know most of you who entered I had my co-worker chose the winner to make things fair.

The winner will receive a 1 year subscription to Birchbox, an innovative, new way to try beauty products before you buy them, Birchbox provides its subscribers with monthly deliveries of samples from well-known beauty brands.

And the winner is….

LEAH!

Congrats Leah, I will be sending you an email shortly with your promotion code so you can start ordering your samples!

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