Training For Life....

Believe it or not, it's been a LONG time since I've had to be a member of a gym.  The last time I paid for a membership was 15 years ago!  Since then, I've been lucky enough to work out at the fitness centers on military installations for free.  Due to living in the civilian world now, I had to suck it up and get a membership this past March.  I've learned over the past 8 months that chain gyms are a whole different world than military gyms.

I have extremely sensitive skin (hello, breakouts still occurring at 35 years old).  Because of my sensitive skin, I can't wear my wedding ring or band to the gym. If I sweat with my wedding set on, I end up getting a nasty red, itchy rash.  This means I've been having to go to the gym without wearing my wedding ring. At the military gyms, this really wasn't an issue.  However, now that I belong to a chain gym, I'm learning that one of the go to pick up lines from men is "So what are you training for?".  I've been asked this several times, to the point that it' started to get annoying.  I am not a bodybuilder. I don't really run in races, and when I do, it's not really to compete.  I just don't have the competitive bug in me.   And my thoughts on me competing in bodybuilding competitions - well, let's just say I'll save that for another blog on another day.  But anyway, my response is normally that I'm training for life.  Because really, I'm training to stay healthy and to set a good example for my kids.  And to be able to eat chocolate.  Since the pick up lines and the staring started bothering me (yes,guys, women lift too), I had realized that if I had a wedding ring on, this might not be an issue anymore.

My husband and I considered getting tattoo rings, but quickly changed our minds once I did some research and learned how quickly they fade.  Then I started seeing silicone rings floating around social media.  That sounded perfect!  However, I was a bit unsure if I wanted to put money into them, not knowing if they would be uncomfortable when lifting, or if they would easily rip.  Lucky for me the company I work for, Move More Fitness, was given the opportunity to work with a company called Arthletic to wear and review their silicone rings called FIT[RING].  Not only did they send me one, but they sent my husband one too!  I loved to see that they are hypoallergenic, sleek, and stylish.

When they arrived, they came in a cute little clear pocket with our names on them.  I ordered the Lilac Purple, and my husband went with the Space Black.  Let me just say, these rings are everything I hoped for and more!  They provide you with and easy Ring Size Chart to help you quickly and accurately find your size.  Based on the results of their sizing chart, the rings were a perfect fit for the both of us.  I never hit the gym or the pavement without wearing mine, and my husband has actually replaced his wedding band with his FIT[RING] permanently.  He's a chef, so it makes his life so much easier when cooking and cutting up food.  And let me also say, I haven't been asked, "So what are you training for?" since I started wearing mine to the gym.

If you are looking for something to wear in place of your expensive wedding set to the gym or work, I highly recommend these silicone bands from Arthletic.  Now is definitely the time that you want to purchase them, because you can get 20% off by using the code TURKEY15 if you purchase before November 30th!  So hurry up and head over to http://arthleticgear.com/collections/fitring and place an order!  I have a feeling I just may end up with one in every color......

Mighty Nut Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bread

Dark chocolate has been my favorite treat for a couple of years now.  I have a few pieces of chocolate just about every day.  Tonight, I was craving some peanut butter as well.  I was sent a bottle of Mighty Nut regular peanut butter powder for being a #SweatPink Ambassador, so I thought I'd try out my favorite dark chocolate peanut butter bread recipe and see how it turned out substituting the peanut butter for the Mighty Nut regular peanut butter powder.  Try it out and let me know how you like it!  If you don't have any Mighty Nut on hand, you can go to their website, www.mightynut.com and place an order now!  And don't forget to enter for you chance to win a bottle from my blog! (See my #EatMighty Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies blog post to enter.)


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Mighty Nut regular peanut butter powder mixture (1 1/2 cups powder mixed with 3/4 cup water)
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (plus extra to sprinkle on top)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease 9 inch loaf pan
• Using an electric mixer (or mix by hand) cream butter and sugars.
• Add peanut butter, then egg, then vanilla.
• Continue to beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Add yogurt and milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
• Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix until just moistened. (batter will be thick)
• Fold in chocolate chips
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top.
• Bake for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached.
• Let the bread cool completely before cutting into the pan.
• Enjoy!

#EatMighty Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're anything like me, then you LOVE chocolate, and you LOVE peanut butter.  I love them even more when they're together!  I had a craving the other night, and decided to try to make some chocolate peanut butter cookies.  We all know that cookies aren't the healthiest item to grab for a snack, but I decided to substitute the peanut butter with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mighty Nut by Peanut Butter & Co. Since Mighty Nut has 85% less fat calories than traditional peanut butter, and only 1-1.5 grams of fat, I felt much better about satisfying my cookie craving!


To get started, I gathered all of the ingredients and preheated the oven to 350 degrees:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups Mighty Nut Chocolate Powdered Peanut Butter mixed with 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (Make sure to measure exactly)

It was way too easy to make the Mighty Nut chocolate peanut butter mixture!  I took 1 1/2 cups of the powder, and mixed it with 3/4 cup water.  I stirred the mixture until it became creamy like peanut butter.  That's it!

Next, I combined the butter, Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter mixture, sugars, egg, and vanilla, and blended them together.

While the mixture was blending, I grabbed another bowl and mixed the flour, baking soda, and salt together.

Next, I slowly added the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture until it was well combined.  My mix was a little bit runny, so next time I think I will try chilling it for a couple of hours in the refrigerator.  I was hungry, so I decided to try it out even though the dough was a bit runny.

I used a cookie scoop to make round balls and placed them on top of a Silpat lined cookie sheet.  If I would have been patient enough to chill the dough, I would have used my hands to roll them into a ball and then a fork to create the criss cross pattern of the traditional peanut butter cookies.  But like I said, I was hungry and impatient. Ha ha!

I baked the cookies at 350 degrees for 9 minutes and let them cool completely on a cooling rack.

These cookies were every bit as delicious as I expected!  They definitely fulfilled my chocolate peanut butter craving, and I have to say that I am a huge fan of the Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder!

As a SweatPink Ambassador, I was lucky enough to receive a container of the regular and the chocolate Peanut Butter Mighty Nut for free, as well as a branded scoop for measuring!  Now is your chance to win a free bottle of Mighty Nut and a branded scoop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MIGHTY NUT CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups Mighty Nut Chocolate Powdered Peanut Butter mixed with 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (Make sure to measure exactly)

DIRECTIONS:

•  Mix 1 1/2 cups of the Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder with 3/4 cup water. Stir until mixture becomes creamy like peanut butter.
• Combine the butter, Mighty Nut Chocolate Peanut Butter mixture, sugars, egg, and vanilla, and blend them together.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture until well combined.  Optional:  Chill in refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
• Use a cookie scoop, or roll the mixture into balls and place on top of a Silpat lined cookie sheet. If dough is chilled, use a fork to make the traditional criss cross pattern of a peanut butter cookie.
• Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 9 minutes

Week 3: My 5 Fave Stretches and 3 Tips for Toning your legs!

Week 3: My 5 Fave Stretches and 3 Tips for Toning your legs!

I can’t believe its already week 3 of the #BosuStrong challenge, time flies when  you’re having fun! Last week we focused on balance and I was proud of myself for sticking with it and not letting a busy life get in the way. This week its all about stretching and toning – so make sure you join in on the fun!

Since we’re talking about stretching, here are 5 of my all time favorite stretches:

I love to stretch my legs by doing any variation of seated forward fold.
My favorite total body stretch is wheelpose.
I swear when I do standing wide legged forward fold, it feels like my hammies have never been stretched before. lol.
I stretch my mind by attempting new yoga poses.
I try to stretch out of my comfort zone by working on a stretch each day to help me get to where I want to be.

And if you’re looking for a great way to tone your legs, here are my fave 3 tips (tricks, advice, words of wisdom, etc):

Squat! Any variation will do. With weights, without weights, sumo, regular, front, back, it doesn't matter. Just squat! I do some form of squatting pretty much every day.

Work your inner and out thighs and glutes. Be sure to work both sides, not just one!

Curtsy lunges are my favorite lunge workout at the moment. I like adding 15 or 20 lb. dumbells to each hand and doing 3 sets of 10 on each side. 

So I want to know - are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG.

6 ways I stay balanced

6 ways I stay balanced

If you forgot to join me last week for the #BOSUStrong challenge or just weren’t up for the cardio, make sure you join me this week as it’s all about the balance! We’re standing on one leg, lunging, and BOSU squatting our way through the week.

But balance means more than just being able to stand on one leg, it also means being able to do what you love while making healthy choices at the same time. It means putting in the work and still finding time for YOU!. Or eating the brownie but balancing it out with a salad. Or do a brisk walk (workout) and pushups (workout) at home when you can’t make it to the gym.

Here are the 6 ways I stay balanced - what are yours?

I make time for myself by making my health a priority.

My favorite me time is catching up on a favorite show.

My rule when it comes to a balanced diet is everything in moderation.

I make fitness a priority by planning my workouts around work and kids activities at the beginning of the week so it's in my schedule.

When I get stressed or overwhelmed, my go to is cry, then get upside down or go for a run.

I do meal planning to help my family stay balanced.

Bonus:

Here are my fave 6 moves to help improve your balance:

1.  Tree pose
2.  Warrior pose (any)
3.  Core work
4.  One legged squats
5.  Handstands
6. Arm balances

So I want to know - are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG.

#BOSUSTRONG

5 THINGS THAT MAKE ME #BOSUStrong

Today I am embarking on a 4 week challenge with BOSU and Sweat Pink to prove to the world that I am #BOSUSTRONG. Being #BOSUSTRONG means I make fitness part of my everyday life, at home, out and about, and with my friends and family.I will squat, mountain climb, plank, push-up, lunge,  burpee and run my way to a stronger and healthier body. And I will encourage Bart and Jen to join me on this fun journey because we are one big, happy #FitFamily.

Being #BOSUStrong is not just about movement, sweat, or even owning a BOSU, its about being a leader, an inspiration to others, and sharing my own fitness journey with others. It’s about not letting work and stress stand in my way of sweating and getting strong! The 5 things that make me #BOSUStrong are:

My strong willpower.

My ability to stick to a routine.

My love for muscles :-).

My healthy heart.

And my children (showing them at an early age that exercise is important).

So I want to know - are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG.

NoNips? Yes Please!

Okay, this post is for all of you ladies out there.  I know many of you have been in the gym, looked in the mirror, and noticed that your headlights are on.....I know I have! It's quite embarrassing, especially when you're in a gym full of men.  I have so many sports bras that, even though they have a liner, they don't offer the support I need to keep me from these embarrassing situations.  I would avoid wearing certain sports bras because of this reason.  Now there is no reason to shove those sports bras in the back of your drawer!  Thanks to Move More Fitness and NoNips, I have been given the opportunity to review an amazing product that helps me feel more comfortable and more confident in the gym.

When I first heard about this product, I giggled.  I mean really, review a product called NoNips?  But then I got them in the mail in their cute little white pouch (which you use to wash and store them in), and I put them in the thinnest sports bra I had.

Left: Before NoNips                  Right: With NoNips

I thought for sure you would be able to see them through the bra. I was wrong!  I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and invisible they were!  My next thought was that there was no way these things were going to stay put during my workout.  Again, I was wrong.  I've worn them to lift, run, jump, burpee, etc., and I haven't had any issues with them budging at all.  I've washed them several times, and they have maintained their shape perfectly.  And to top things off, NoNips draws moisture away from the body and is odor resistant! As you are awarel, that is a very important factor when you wear them to the gym.  However, they aren't limited to sports bras.  You can wear them with any type of bra, as well as cami's. If you are like me and have had several encounters with the girls showing their headlights at the wrong time, I highly recommend this product.  I guarantee you will LOVE them, and they won't let you down! Check out the website http://nonips.com/ and order yours now for $19.99!

#LiveInPrana #7DayStretch

Last week,  I completed the #7daystretch with prAna and Sweat Pink and could not be more proud. We stretched, bended our bodies, minds, and souls and came together to show how we truly #liveinprana!

So in honor of our beautiful #7daystretch, here are 7 things you might not know about me:

• I am wildly obsessed with chocolate.
• I have a collection of workout tanks. Way too many. I can't seem to throw them out even if they smell!
• I am secretly addicted to reality tv.
• When I was 7, I wanted to be a veterinarian.
• If I could do one thing today, it would be to get paid to work out :-)
• I’ve always dreamt of living happily ever after. So far, so good!
• My favorite way to travel is with my family. Anywhere we go together, I'm happy.

Join in on the fun! I tag Amy, Denise, and Alexandra to tell me 7 things I didn’t know about you! Just fill in the blanks, tag @prana @fitapproach & use the hashtags #liveinprana #7daystretch #sweatpink and spread the love. Tag your friends, readers, followers…whoever’s listening!

I Want More!

I'm sure you have that one piece of clothing that is your absolute favorite.  You know, the pair of pants or shirt that is so soft that you don't ever want to take off?  Well, I have found that one pair of pants that I want to wear over, and over, and over again.  And I have.  I've worn them 4 times in 1 week.  I just can't get enough!  The pants I am referring to are the PrAna Halle Pants in Coal. I am so blessed to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador, and with that comes along the opportunity to review some pretty awesome stuff.  PrAna was amazing enough to send me these pants to review, free of charge.

The Halle Pants are so versatile; they can be worn casually, hiking, walking, laying around the house, you name it.  I personally love to wear mine to work.  I am a Learning Support Aide for Autistic children, and these pants are passable as "business casual", yet they kind of make me feel like I'm wearing some really comfortable loose yoga pants.  They're perfect for chasing after the kids in my class. You can wear them as either pants or capri's, and they are water repellent.  What I also love is that they have an internal waist band drawstring so you don't really need to wear a belt.

I remember the first time I really heard of PrAna.  It actually wasn't very long ago.  I was working the registration desk at Camp Move More at Western Racquet & Fitness Club in Green Bay, WI, when I noticed that I received an email from Sweat Pink about the upcoming week's challenge. The week was all about PrAna / #liveinprana.  I just so happened to look up at that time, and Western Racquet's store was right in front me.  On the window of the store was a sign that read "PrAna 30% off".  Of course, I had to check it out.  I ended up leaving with a shirt that I adore. It's just as soft and comfy as my Halle Pants. 

Since then, I have also purchased the PrAna Indigena Natural Yoga Mat and Steadfast Mat Bag to take to the gym with me so that I don't risk another round of cellulitus. I have not been disappointed with any of my PrAna purchases, and honestly can't wait until I can buy some more.  

If you're looking to add some incredibly durable items to your clothing collection, you can save 15% at www.prana.com by using the code LiveInPrAnaF15WMR (not valid for prAna influencers or with other promotions). 

Bulu Box LOVE!

As a Sweat Pink Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to receive and review Bulu Box.

What is a Bulu Box, you ask?  It's a monthly subscription box that contains 4-5 health, nutrition, and weight loss samples to try.  Once you try the samples, you can then review the products and earn up to 100 points ($10) each month to use toward purchasing full-size versions of your samples.  You can read more about it at https://boomslam.bulubox.com/.

I was way too excited to receive this in the mail! Not only do I love getting "fun" mail, but the surprise aspect of it all had me intrigued.  I had no idea what to expect!  When I opened my box, I found the following items, along with a card which gave information on each product:

• Movit Energy Gummies
• Runa Mint Guayusa Tea for focused energy
• Quest Protein Powder - Vanilla (2 samples)
• Shapeology Garcinia Cambogia Stimulant Free Dietary Supplements
• Earth's Care Anti-Itch Cream

At first look, I was a little disappointed that the shakes were both vanilla, as I do not like vanilla at all.  I would have liked to have seen two different flavors to choose from.  But my husband will be sure to enjoy them!

I must say though that I LOVE the Earth's Care Anti-Itch Cream.  I am healing from cellulitus on my knee, and it has been very itchy lately.  This cream has been amazing at relieving the itch, and I love that it's natural and steroid free.

I have been on antibiotics due to my cellulitis, and I'm cautious about trying new supplements when I am not 100% healthy.  I am looking forward to trying the gummies and the tea.  I do think it will be difficult to determine how well the weight loss pill will work since it is only one sample. 

To be honest, I was expecting a little more as far as the samples go, like maybe a week long supplement trial vs. one day.  However, I was very pleased with all of the samples, and have seen some of the items other people have received and it makes me want to order more.  

The price to subscribe to Bulu is $10/month.  However, if you use code SWEATPINK at checkout, you can receive 50% off a 3 month subscription. I would definitely say the samples I received are worth more than the cost of the subscription. I'm looking forward to ordering more!

#LiveInPrana

I’m joining prAna and Sweat Pink for a super fun, #7daystretch #liveinprana challenge – it starts today (Monday, August 24th) and ends at the end of the week (Sunday, August 30th). Join in on the fun – answering daily prompts (see below) – or if you’d prefer to lurk, you can follow along on FitApproach or through the hashtags: #liveinprana #7daystretch #sweatpink!

We’ll be talking about how we (the community) embrace a prAna lifestyle (#liveinprana) and are challenging ourselves to stretch a little deeper, farther and more mindfully for 7 whole days (the #7daystretch). And we’re not just stretching our bodies so you don’t have to be pretzel to join in, we’re also stretching our minds and souls!

I’d love for you to join me for this fun challenge. Complete the fun mad-lib below and let’s get this PARTY started!

We’re nearing the end of August and even though the summer is coming to an end, I’m super excited about the Fall because ______________.  In fact, my very favorite thing about Fall is ______________. I can imagine myself wearing _________ [item from prAna website / include a hyperlink if you can!] while I _____________ [activity/verb] because ________________.  

If I had one goal for the Fall, it would be ______________ because __________. To achieve it, I know I will need ___________. And of course I want to look great doing it so have the _________ [item from prAna website / include a hyperlink if you can!] on my wish-list…..

What are you most excited about for Fall?

Join us for the #liveinprana #7daystretch. Here are the daily prompts to get you started!

• Monday, August 24th:  It’s Monday, make sure you get up and stretch ‘dem legs! Show us your favorite quad and / or hamdstring stretch(es)! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Bonus: We want to see you JUMP it out. Give us your BEST #jumpjoymonday! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Tuesday, August 25th: Backbends. Any backbends. All backbends. Show us how you get bendy! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Bonus: It’s #transformationtuesday y’all, whether you’re bendier than you used to be, more adventurous, or even faster, we want to see! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Wednesday, August 26th: It’s our mid-week stretch it out, show us what’s getting you through your hump day? #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Bonus: It’s #workoutitwednesday. Show us how you worked it today! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Thursday, August 27th: Show us a #tbt to a time when you stretched outside of your comfort zone. #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Bonus: Show us your favorite stretchy pants (shorts work too)  #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Friday, August 28th:  Happy #freefriday y’all! We want to see what  makes you feel the most FREE?  7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna
• Bonus: Show us how you are celebrating #forearmfriday! Forearm planks, dolphin pose, forearm stands or maybe just forearms on the table? ;) #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

Saturday, August 29th: Saturday side stretch! Show us your fave side stretch(es!) #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

If you haven't ever worn Prana, all it will take is one article of clothing to get you hooked! I know it did for me! And I just ordered a yoga mat and yoga bag which should be here shortly. I can't wait to get it! This is your chance to win some FREE gear people! Won't you join me? While you're waiting to see if you win, you can get 15% off on www.prana.com . Use code LiveInprAnaF15 (Not valid for Influencers, not valid on gift certificates, not valid with any other offer). Offer valid Aug 1 - Sep 30.

And just for kicks, here is my version of the mad lib:

We’re nearing the end of August and even though the summer is coming to an end, I’m super excited about the Fall because I love the color changes of the leaves on the trees.  In fact, my very favorite thing about Fall is the crisp weather for running. I can imagine myself wearing the Ashley Capri from Prana while I run because they are quick drying and I always switch from shorts to capris in the fall. And of course they are super flattering!  

If I had one goal for the Fall, it would be to keep up with my workouts because I'm just starting a job outside of the house, and with school, soccer, and cheerleading, life can get really hectic. To achieve it, I know I will need willpower and some pretty cute workout clothes. And of course I want to look great doing it so have the Mika Top on my wish-list…..