IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

I always thought I was a summer lover but I'm definitely loving fall. Arizona has an almost nonexistent fall. We go from hot to cold within a couple days so I've never really invested much into my fall/winter wardrobe.. Until now! Leggings, boots and scarves are all super simple pieces that can be mixed and matched into a bunch of different looks. 

I'm wearing: 

Sweater: Willi Smith - Khol's

Top: Paper Crane - Khol's 

Leggings: H&M

Boots: JustFab.com

Watch: Michael Kors

Ring: at Marshall's RIGHT now! =]

Happy Thanksgiving!! =]

5 At-Home Post Pregnancy Workouts

Believe me, I know working out is one of the last things you want to do when you’re feeling completely exhausted and running on only a few hours of sleep. Studies have shown, however, that exercise can help you maintain energy throughout the day, relieve stress, improve your baby blues mood and aid in restoring your tummy’s muscle tone. The following circuit routines can be done in 15 minutes! You can do it!

Each of these exercises can be tailored to fit your goals. If you are new to working out, try using lighter weight. If you are used to being active, use heavier weight or increase the intensity of the repetitions or sets.

It’s important to have the OK from your doctor before starting any physical activity. I know once I got the okay, I thought I’d be able to pick back up at the gym where I left off….I was way wrong! Our bodies go through so many changes during pregnancy and delivery, and it just takes time to get all your strength back. It’s important to take it easy and not push your body too hard. To start, workout every other day and when you feel ready, bump it up to once a day.

To complete the workout, do all the moves back to back with 10 seconds of rest between. Repeat the circuit 3 times. 

Day 1

Squat jumps: 10 reps

 Lunges: 10 reps, each side

 Dumbbell shoulder press: 10 reps

 Triceps dips: 10 reps

 Dumbbell biceps curls: 10 reps

 Woodchopper: 10 reps each side

Day 2

Forward and back leg swings: 10 reps each side

 Dumbbell straight-leg deadlift to row: 15 reps

 Turkish get-up with dumbbell: 10 reps

 Push-ups: 10 reps

 Stability ball back extension: 10-15 reps

 Split jump: 10 reps

 Reverse crunch: 10 reps

 Tuck crunch: 10-20 reps

Day 3 

Around the world lunges: 2 min

 Reverse flyes: 10 reps each arm

 Dumbbell triceps extension: 10 reps

 Hammer curl: 10 reps

 Stability ball crunch: 15 reps

 Side jackknife: 15 reps each side

 Plank: 1 min

 Toe touchers: 10 reps

Day 4

Dumbbell squats: 15 reps

 Standing Calf raises: 10 reps

 Dumbbell pull-overs on a bench: 10 reps 

 Triceps Dumbbell kickbacks: 10 reps

 Dumbbell woodchops: 10 reps each side

 Crunches: 15 reps

 Back extension: 8 to 10 reps

Day 5

Simulated jump rope: 60 seconds

 Dumbbell deadlifts: 10 reps

 Dumbbell shoulder presses: 10 reps

 Dumbbell biceps curls: 10 reps

 Bench dips: 10 reps

 Dumbbell flyes on stability ball: 10 reps

 Oblique crunches: 10-15 reps, each side 

 Plank: 60 seconds

Its Boot Season!

I got these beauties in the mail yesterday! I LOVE! 

Arizona's "winter" is here and gone before we know it so when it's cold enough to justify wearing boots I'm in! 

& Other Stories // Nude Lamé

I officially have a lipstick obsession! Who would have thought?! I'm normally a chapstick kinda girl. My most recent lipstick addition is this & Other Stories Nude Lamé Moisturizing Lipstick.  It's a long lasting sheer lipstick with added moisturizers. So perfect! 

& Other Stories Nude Lamé Moisturizing Lipstick* | £12 | Link

Even if you're not a fan of nude lipsticks definitely check out their other shades, because the moisturizing agents in this lipstick make for amazing soft lips. 

The only problemo is unless you're in Europe, you have to shop online. Which is truly no problem at all because they have tons of amazing shoes, bags and clothing available too!  

Enjoy this sweet new gem! 💋

Skinny Drinks // Hazelnut Macchiato

I'm cookoo for macchiato!! But a daily trip to Starbucks can get spendy. Make it at home for half the calories and a fraction of the cost. (Can you tell that I'm in sales?) =] 

Starbuck's drink contains espresso, freshly steamed milk with vanilla syrup and finished with hazelnut drizzle. This skinny version uses hazelnut coffee, sugar free vanilla syrup, fat-free steamed milk. I skipped the whip cream and chocolate syrup to spare some calories. Who wants to drink all their calories?! Each skinny drink has 55 calories and 1 gram of fat. Don't worry, you won't need any spiffy equipment to make this tasty drink.  All you need is a blender or a whisk.

Ingredients for Coffee:


1 cup (8 oz) hazelnut coffee or decaf, You can use a K-cup or brew your favorite hazelnut coffee
½ cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon Torani Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup or Starbucks Sugar Free Syrup

Instructions
1. Brew coffee. 
2. In a saucepan, whisk together milk and vanilla syrup over medium heat, stirring until steaming. Remove from heat. Transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don’t have a blender just whisk the mixture continuously with a wire whisk until foamy.
3. Pour into a large mug. Add the hot coffee on top. 
4. Drink immediately. Enjoy!
It's delicious hot but if you're anything like me, you'll love it cold better! Throw (not literally =]) some ice cubes on top of your mixture and enjoy your cool refreshing beverage. =]
Have you tried Starbuck's Hazelnut Macchiato? 

Rimmel // Lipstick Review

On my face above: Maybelline FIT me! Foundation in shade #220, Elf Clarifying Pressed Powder in 'Light Beige',  Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 'Sun Bronze' Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in 'Hazel', Elf Natural Eyes Beauty Book on my lids, Jesse's Girl Liquid Eye Liner on upper lash line, Wet N Wild eye liner in 'Dark Brown' on lower lash line, Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara in 'Blackest Black', Rimmel Matte Lipstick 

I'm really happy with this shade overall. It makes me feel tan and sun kissed. =] 

Have you tried any Rimmel Products?

Eat Clean // Meal Plan

The key to weight loss success is establishing a healthy lifestyle. I don't believe in fad diets - sure they work temporarily but diets aren't realistic, long term solutions. Your body has specific needs, especially when you're working out. 

Here's a good meal plan to get you started on a healthy path. Incorporate other healthy snacks and meals throughout the week and you won't just feel better, you'll look better too! 

For a more in depth breakdown of what proteins, carbs and fats to eat and when, check out my Clean Eating: Healthy Lifestyle Guide to Becoming Fit! 

Breakfast

1/2 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon 

4 egg whites

1 whole egg

3/4 cup of berries

Post Workout

1 Serving of Whey Isolate Protein 

5 oz. grilled chicken

4 oz. sweet potato

1 cup of vegetables 

Lunch

5 oz. grilled chicken

1 oz. almonds

1 cup of vegetables

Snack

1 cup of Fage 0% Greek Yogurt

3/4 cup of berries

Dinner

6 oz. grilled chicken 

2/3 cup of quinoa

1 cup of vegetables