What I'm Loving Wednesday - Thirdlove Bra review

Happy Wednesday Lovelies! Today's "What I'm Loving" is actually a review, because it's something that I've been loving so much, that I just have to share with you! A few weeks ago I was introduced to a company through Sweat Pink, as I'm an Ambassador. The company I'm referring to is called Thirdlove, and they offer a gorgeous array of daily wear lingerie with a Best Fit guarantee. What makes this company different from the slew of bra companies out there? Well, to put it quite simply, their product really backs the design and guarantee claims.

Without going into embarrassing detail, after I had my son many years ago, I struggled with finding a quality, good fitting bra that was still sexy, but can be worn under an assortment of clothing daily. Victoria's Secret didn't seem to fit me well anymore, and I like inexpensive bras from Target, but while they might be kinder to your wallet, they don't really last the test of time, and can be quite finicky with fit. I found it especially difficult after I lost quite a bit of fat in a couple month period doing the BBG. A hefty dose of that fat seemed to be located in my chest region, sigh*** And while I only lost a size, I found myself dealing with a plethora of bra woes once again.

So when Thirdlove offered to send me a box of a few of their bestsellers, I, of course, accepted! Us Fitgirls like to feel pretty too! =) Once I received my package, I was not disappointed. First, it was wrapped so pretty inside, it was like receiving a gift. I'm kind of a sucker for branding, packaging, and the like. If something arrives to me in a plastic bag shoved in a shipping box, I might not be ordering from you again, Just sayin' . It's all part of the whole image. That impressed me a lot!

In my box, I received The Feather Light Spacer bra in Nude with a matching mesh bikini, and a Plunge Perfect Bra in Stormy Lilac with matching Mesh Thong. There was also a little satin bag included as well. Both Bras were a perfect fit! They are both really pretty, as well as practical. They look flattering under a shirt. Which is important to me because some bras can make you look like you have pointy boobs. I hate that! The Plunge Perfect is a beautiful color and does fit well, but the Feather Light bra is the best fitting bra I have ever tried and it's so comfortable! I absolutely LOVE it and definitely plan on ordering another! So with all the love aside, I'm going to be honest with you..... The prices are a little on the mid to high end, but comparable to Victoria's Secret. This kind of scared me when I first looked at the company to review. But after trying the bras, I would absolutely spend the money. They are great quality and with proper care, should last a while. Beauty & Comfort is a hard combo to find in the lingerie world.

The last and coolest thing I want to mention, is the App! Thirdlove has a an app where you can be virtually fitted. I seriously thought this would be totally bogus. I've tried the questionnaires on other bra sites and they are so WAY off base as far as recommended size, it's laughable. This app relies on a series of private photo's you take within the app. Don't worry, they aren't saved anywhere. So I tried it out fully expecting to get the normal, ridiculous recommendation I've gotten in the past. But this genius little invention was spot on! I don't know how it does it, but it was completely accurate. So if you've had similar bra shopping struggles as me, I highly recommend trying out Thirdlove! If you do decide to give them a try, make sure to enter in code TLVIPCE10 at checkout to get $10 off your purchase of $50 or more! And don't forget to stop back to let me know how much you love your new bras!!! =) 

They offer a guarantee, so what do you have to lose! Other than those uncomfortable, icky bras you currently own, of course ; ) Make sure to check them out on Twitter, FB, Pinterest, and on their gorgeous Instagram feed!!! 

Christy
xoxo

DISCLAIMER: As previously mentioned, a sample box of products was provided to me for review purposes. I was not financially compensated in any way. All opinions are my own. 

What's New Tuesday - Bra's, Beauty, and BBG

Hi Babes! I've been so scattered lately and have so much going on, I definitely haven't stuck to my blogging schedule the way I've hoped. I feel like time is just moving at warp speed since September started! Just when I seem to get my bearings, something else is thrown my way. Such is life though right? So what's new with me......

I've been trying out a lot of great products over the last couple months to bring you some great reviews. One of which is long overdue and will be up tomorrow! Hint Hint - it's an amazing Lingerie line that guarantees a perfect fit. And, it's the most pretty, flattering, and comfy lingerie I've ever tried!  I've also been on the hunt for some new organic skincare. My skin has literally been freaking out since my birthday in September. I think hormone imbalance is to blame, and I just started some new supplements to help combat and balance my estrogen dominance, so I'm crossing my fingers it helps! In the meantime, I've been using my favorite apple peel every week and also started using a great organic Retinol cream that I really like so far.

So between those hormone issues I mentioned, school being crazy, adjusting to the crazy weather flux in NJ, and battling my recent cold, I've fallen halfway off my Fitness regimen. I've been doing Kaya Itsines BBG program (both 1 & 2) for over a year now and love them. But I'm still in the process of trying to figure out the best way to eat for me. Mainly something anti-inflammatory and endurance supporting. This can be tough. Right now I'm leaning towards low sugar, going off grains, and definitely no more dairy!!! I'm getting ready to restart BBG 1 next Monday and I'm looking forward to it. I've been pretty depressed lately with feeling like my routine has been thrown off a bit and my energy feeling so zapped. I want to feel like myself again! So BBG restart it is, maybe with a little Alexa Jean Fitness thrown in, and a weekly dose of yoga!

And last, I've been researching some classes to start taking on the side. I currently work part-time and I love where I work, so I'm looking into maybe Web Development/Coding as a Freelance on the side. I'm pretty tech-savvy, so I'm hoping it's a good fit. I'm just unsure because even with the thousands upon thousands of tech jobs out there, it seems like a very competitive market! I'm thinking of trying Skillcrush. If any of you have any input, tips, or experience in coding, or with Skillcrush specifically, I would to hear about it!

That's all for now, make sure to stop back tomorrow to check out my latest review!!!

Christy
xoxo

What I'm Loving...

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts and since I've been loving so many things lately, I thought it was appropriate to start again this week! Let me preface by saying this is not a sponsored post. It's just a smattering of some things I'm loving so much lately, that I just have to share with you =)

So lets start with my latest beauty savior. I have really crazy skin, lets just get that out of the way right now. And depending on my diet, it can go from bad to worse in a minute. If I eat ice cream or frozen yogurt, I get dermatitis with a side of sinus infection. I kid you not! If I eat too much sugar, I break out like a teenage girl. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have the face of a teenage girl, but the spots, eh not so much. Lately my skin has been crazy and I finally pinpointed that it's due to too much sugar in my diet. Whether it be from too many candy binges (yes, some of us health nuts eat candy from time to time) or foods that turn to sugar in the body. I'm looking at you white rice! So while my skin has calmed down, the weather flux and the breakout treatments have me dealing with some uneven skin. Enter Shea Terra's Cape Aloe.

I've had this gem for quite a bit. When I first bought it and tried it, it didn't seem to work for me. Maybe it was my skin at the time, or the manner in which I was using it. But things change I guess. And lately it's been my skins "knight in shining armor". I wash my face like usual and put it on at night and then in the morning before I apply my makeup. It gives a nice little dose of moisture and even helps keep my face a little more balanced (aka not an oily mess) during the day. Aloe also helps with blemishes as well. So it's a win win. Shea Terra is one of my fav natural beauty brands by the way. If you don't know them, you need to check them out! Moving on...

Another thing I'm crazy over right now is this amazing book that was released fairly recently by Juli Bauer of PaleOMG. I just bought her book a few days ago, and wow. Amazing!!! I mean, every single recipe looks SO good. Obviously if you're a vegetarian or vegan, this won't be appealing to you, since it is a Paleo cookbook. But if you're one of my meat-eating friends, then you will love! All the recipes are healthy, and look so flavorful. I have yet to make one from this book in particular, but I've made a couple recipes from Julie's blog and they turn out delicious. I can't wait to start meal planning. This book might actually make food shopping exciting again!

And last, but definitely not least..... I have been infatuated with Spotify lately. I've always been a music buff, having grown up with a Drummer Dad who was probably playing me Zeppelin in the womb. But Spotify has me enamored. I've been a subscriber for several months and I love it. I go running outside all the time and I like to have the option to listen to my curated playlists while being out in the woods with no wifi signal. But my favorite couple features are the Weekly Discovery playlist they send you every Monday, and also the suggested artists. I have found so many amazing bands this way. Definitely some that I might not have found otherwise. If you're on there, stop by my profile and check out a couple of my lists!

So that's my latest roundup of favorites. What are you loving lately? Have you tried any of the items above? what do you think?!

Christy
xoxo

Mizuno Wave Inspire 12 - A Review

Hey Babes! Recently I was given the opportunity to review a pair of sneakers by a company I'd been dying to try, and I'm so excited to finally share my review with you! I've become an Asics die-hard, but my current loves had started giving me some problems. Shin splints and muscle pain are no bueno during a several mile run. So when the opportunity to try Mizuno's new Wave Inspire 12 presented itself, of course I jumped at the chance.

I follow lots of marathon runners on Instagram, and aside from seeing my beloved Asics, I kept seeing many feet bearing the Mizuno symbols in slews of Marathon photos. My interest was piqued immediately. Over the summer to my dismay, I had tried and sent back many trainers - Brooks, Altra, and even another model of Asics. Nothing seemed to work and the shin splints would get worse and delay my running progress with each new pair I tried.I started to give up and figured that maybe I wasn't destined to be a runner after all.

Until I tried my Mizuno's. Upon receiving them, my first impression was that they were stylish and I would be able to wear them out and about as well. Trust me, as far as all my running woes, I would wear bags over my feet if it meant that my legs wouldn't hurt, so quality over style is definitely most important. But this was definitely a plus! I love the bright colors and they are made really well. No glue showing, no unraveling stitches and no gapes or tightness. They fit perfect.

But I have to say that when I ran in them for the first time, I did have a bit of a Cinderella moment. It was like I had finally found my perfect fit! In all honesty, it took a run or two for my feet to adjust. I believe that certain sneakers and how they are made can help to position your foot and ankle just so. And when you're in a new shoe that you aren't used to, it can take a bit of time. Even though I knew I had finally found the shoe for me, they did have a small adjustment period. But I was good by run two!

They offer the perfect amount of ankle stability without being too loose or too tight. The key for me was not tying them too tight, which I tend to do. I have higher arches in my feet and they give some structured support while being cushy and kind of even squishy, which I love! They are truly like running on little clouds. The only drawback that I had at all, is that I'm not solely a runner. I also come home and train as well. I did not like the feeling of the Mizuno's while doing Tabata, Plyo, etc. But that's fine because they are a running shoe and that's not what they're made for. And honestly, it's just personal preference. I thought I would love the squish factor while doing broad jumps across my floor, but I found they just didn't work in that arena.

It's any easy fix to do a quick change before doing my other training, though. And it's worth it to have such an amazing shoe to run in! I'm definitely a convert after running in them for a couple weeks. Me and my happy little feet highly recommend Mizuno!!!!

Christy
xoxo


DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by Mizuno Running. I did receive a small financial compensation, as well as product for review. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

What I'm Loving - The FasciaBlaster Part 1

Happy Friday Babes! Whether you stumbled on my page from reading your blogroll, came here on a google search, or saw my latest pic on Instagram and just had to know what the little gizmo I posted was..... I'm about to let you in on one of the most amazing self-care secrets I have ever come across. Having gone to Holistic Nutrition School and being a fitness addict, it's no secret that I'm HUGE into self-care. Not that I don't love getting a massage here or a facial there, but I'm all for having the opportunity to do treatments in my own home and on my own terms - with some guidance from an expert of course ; )

A couple months ago I was perusing Facebook and I kept seeing these videos pop up on my feed. I don't normally love the whole sponsored post thing, but it can be great when you come across someone that you might not have seen otherwise. The video that popped up was by Ashley Black, and it was her demonstrating her FasciaBlaster. Fasciawhatta??? I know.... Unless you're in bodywork, physical therapy, or in the medical field, you might not know that term. Even knowing as much about health as I do, I sure didn't. And being the curious little health nerd that I am, I had to know.....  What exactly is Fascia? I clicked on the video and was immediately sucked in. I watched video after video and was just blown away in general and by Ashley overall. She's a pretty damn amazing human! Here are just a few of the benefits of the FasciaBlaster:


- Reduce the appearance of cellulite
- Restore your fascia
- Break down fat cells (spot reduction!!!)
- Improve muscle performance
- Reduce scar tissue
- Reduce pain & inflammation
- Accelerate muscle recovery & performance
- Improve circulation


Check out her video to learn more about her and Fascia...




So now that you know a little more about Fascia, you can probably see why someone like me - a person with a background in healthy living and a fitness freak that loves to work out 5-6 days a week, might be interested. I have struggled with various muscular injuries (which I now believe are indeed fascia related) and last year my skin started getting really dimply. Since working out on a pretty regimented training schedule for the last year, it has since decreased a bit. But I would love to remedy it, and most important, remain injury and pain free!

I was lucky enough to hear back from Ashley on Facebook after reaching out and we messaged back and forth a bit. She sent me videos and lots of information. Having used a foam roller for recovery, I found the video below pretty interesting...



So after chatting with Ashley, she was so generous to send me a FasciaBlaster to try out! I have used it twice since I've gotten it and did see a slight difference after the first use. I do have some bruising, but not as bad as I thought. This is normal by the way. All I can say is that I think I have a lot of Fascia that needs to be broken down!  I'm so excited to see where I am after a month of use. This will definitely become a part of my regular self-care routine. BBG Babes, you need this!!! Make sure you stop back next week to see my before pic and my first results after a few uses!

ps - Make sure to check out Ashley's Facebook page! She posts lots of excellent information and tons of amazing videos!

UPDATE: To see what I think about the FasciaBlaster over a year later, check out my latest post HERE 

Christy
xoxo


DISCLAIMER: I was not compensated for the above review financially in any way. I was, however, provided product for sample purposes to review as stated. This did not influence my review in any way. All opinions are my own.

My Fit life 1 Year Later - Getting Real.....

So I had a couple personal milestones the last several weeks and have been doing a lot of thinking. I hit my 1 year mark living my Fit lifestyle and I also turned 35 within a couple weeks of each other. This brought a lot of positives and a few negative feelings for me. I truly believe as Bloggers, that it's easy to lose yourself unintentionally in "putting on a brave face". Myself being included in this. I don't do it because I don't want to share with you or because I want to pretend I'm something I'm not. Trust me.... Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows 24/7. I'm generally just a positive person and training myself not to dwell on the negative keeps me blissful for the most part.

A year ago I went for my yearly check-up and my Doc was concerned with my slightly higher than normal heart rate. Even though I tend to get very nervous at the Doctors, I still took this very seriously. With an extensive family history of high blood pressure and heart problems, as well as my own past with Preeclampsia, I didn't want to take any chances. I knew it was time to really kick things into high gear. I had already started working out again, but I needed something that was a little more structured. Enter Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide. I'm pretty sure that if you're active in the blogging world, on Twitter, are into working out, and are on Instagram, you've probably come across at least a member or two of Kayla's Army. I purchased the BBG and started immediately. In the beginning I could hardly do 5 burpees without getting winded, I kid you not! But I made it through the program... not once, or twice, but 3 times through! And I loved to hate every second of it.

Last Holiday season I got into the best shape I had been in a really long time (after being about 2 months into the program) but after some issues with Endometriosis (I have it) and Holiday eating (I did it), I started to gain a little fat back. This started my struggle. I still continued with the program as I said above, but I never did hit that level of progress again. However, this past summer I achieved one very important goal - I got my legs in good enough shape to wear shorts in public! You have no idea how big this was for me!

Basically what I'm trying to say is that everyone has high points and low points. I'm lucky enough to have become one of those people, that despite the level of difficulty of the workout - I'm now finally on BBG 2 - I do truly enjoy working out for the most part. Unless I'm so sore I can't walk and feel like I'm dying, it really is never a chore for me. But I have had some lows as I've approached the very middle of my Thirties. Somewhere along the way after the holidays, I started eating in a way that totally threw a curveball at my already fragile hormones. The pudge around my middle that I worked so hard to lose, came back and so did my "love handles". The last several months have been a constant trial and error, trying to figure out what works best for me. My Hormones are out of balance and at this point I think I might be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue, but I've found a great supplement regimen that seems to work well and am just fine tuning my eating. I'm thinking about trying Paleo at this point. I've dabbled for a while.

I even started running last spring, something I thought I would never do, and after a couple weeks into it, I really started to love it. I did it regularly all summer long and just a few weeks ago starting having issues with a high heart rate, lots of discomfort and my usual routine just not feeling good anymore (hence the adrenal fatigue). So I'm back to LISS and only running a few miles one day a week if I can. At the end of the day it's just as much of a mental battle as a physical one. I'm slowly learning to let go of my perfectionism and be happy with who I am. Which if you know me, you know is very very difficult. Right now I'm just happy that I'm happy 90% of the time. Even though I still haven't attained all of my health goals, I went from an Average Resting Heart Rate to an Excellent, almost Athlete's Resting Heart Rate! And this is the most muscular and healthy I've ever been in my life, despite the fat I still need to lose. My outlook isn't perfect all the time, and I do have my days. But I'm ok with that! So whether you're prepping to take the leap into a Fit lifestyle, are currently a Fit Girl or are dealing with a low right now, here's my personal advice....

1. Progress is Progress. It doesn't mean it's ok to excuse multiple binges in a week, or not staying on your training schedule for multiple days - giving yourself a free pass. But sometimes life happens and we need a break. A break from the everyday, from ripping ourselves apart, from breaking and rebuilding our body, and from the mental taxing.

2. Everything takes time. Let go of your unrealistic goals. This was a tough one for me. I had these crazy goals in the beginning and they were so hard to live up to. I was putting unnecessary pressure on myself during an already vigorous lifestyle change. I learned to dream the big things, but make the small things attainable and be happy with it. Like wearing those shorts this past summer. I may not have been as fit as I would have liked, but I was happy with where I was. Sometimes that's ok.

3. Listen to your body. Don't push yourself so hard. I'm competitive even with myself. My perfectionism truly shines when I'm sticking to a schedule like the BBG. This is both good and bad. Good in the sense that I have no issue sticking to a 6 day weekly training schedule. But bad because I am really hard on myself all the time. Sometimes I push too hard and it ends up costing me a day. Especially with my current health hurdles. Listen to the signs, your body is pretty darn smart.

And last.....

Never give up. I know it's hard. I know it hurts. And sometimes it's just not fair how hard you work and you're still not where you want to be. Everyone has a different body makeup and we all respond to food and fitness differently. You need to find a way of eating that makes you feel vibrant and healthy, not what fits the expectations of some dogma you might have gotten sucked into. Trust me, I've been there. If a workout plan isn't for you, find the plan that is for you. Find something that you look forward to doing even when it's hard. Something that challenges you and makes you feel strong. And don't stop until you find it. But never ever give up on you. You are worth way too much and are way too important to ever do so. Our bodies are the only place we have to live after all. ; )

I hope my little ramblings help you in a small way. I'm still learning about myself even at my age. Life really is a never ending lesson. It truly is. And I'm grateful for it =)

Christy
xoxo

Fall Must Have Staples!

Hi Lovelies! I hope you all had a fantastic summer! Though this was one of my better summers and I enjoyed day after day of fresh air, trail running, hiking, and taking long walks, I have to say that I'm not really sad to see it go. If you're familiar with me and my blog, you know that Fall is one of my most favorite times of the year and I start lusting after cozy sweaters, rich hued colors, and pumpkin spice latte's long before the leaves start to change!

Being a Fall baby (my birthday is September 19th), I always start creating mental gift lists for my loved ones so that way when I'm asked what I want, I have a couple options. Lately I've been all about slouchy styles, dark rinses, and distressed saddle colored leather with a touch of gold.

I've been trying to come up with my top pieces for Fall that I think are major must-haves for any closet that will last, and aren't so trendy that you can pull them out again and again. They also vary on the price end too! Nothing too high, and the most expensive item is a true investment piece!!!

This charcoal sweater is chic with the dark, but unexpected color, and though it has a more relaxed fit, it looks effortless rather than homely. I bought this Ensign necklace in Gold last year on a whim. I wasn't too sure how much I would wear it because it is a chunky piece and a bit more of statement, though subtle. But I absolutely adore it! I wear it most days and I love it so much, that I even considered purchasing another to keep on standby for when my current one is too weathered for wear.

J.Crew Factory has the most amazing dark rinse denim this year! It truly looks like higher end denim that would find on Shopbop and the like, without the high-end price tag. I plan to grab a couple pairs of these bootcut jeans during the next sale. And these booties are the perfect accent to the dark rinse, the rich color and material look expensive, they are made so well that you would never believe I got them at Target! I purchased them in black last year and they were so comfortable and lasted through the winter weather. I found myself reaching for them again and again. Both for work and home! They are also currently on sale and have a coupon right now! Run to Target to get them NOW!!!

And last, but certainly not least..... My most favorite piece of all.... The beautiful Duluth Crossbody bag in Brown! Last year Duluth was so very generous to send me the convertible messenger in brown. I have not stopped using this bag since! Love is an understatement. I try not to wear too much leather. However, I also think if I'm going to spend money on a bag, it needs to be a true investment piece. Something that embodies my true style, that I'll never tire of wearing, and will also last the test of time. These lifetime leather bags just get better and better with age. They are absolutely beautiful craftsmanship and I highly recommend!

I'll definitely be getting my hands on this beauty soon! It's certainly a NEED for me this Fall/Winter season!

So that rounds up my current favorites! What items are you looking to add to your closet this season? I would love to hear your picks!!

Christy
xoxo

DISCLAIMER: All items mentioned above are recommended from personal purchases. I was not provided any monetary or product compensation for the post above. There are, however, ppc links that do provide small compensation. Thank you for supporting my blog!

ProPlenish Marine Collagen - A Review

Hi there! I have a review on an amazing product for you today! I recently received a package all the way from Australia and was so excited for a couple reasons - 1) who doesn't love getting mail from Australia, and 2) Collagen has some pretty amazing benefits as a supplement and I've been looking high and low for a great go-to brand! This marine collagen supplement did not disappoint! Keep reading to find out more....

{ About ProPlenish }

The ProPlenish team is comprised of scientists, researchers, nutritionists and collagen experts. They understand and have learnt the delicacy of the human body – dedicating research to testing, observing and optimising health and well-being, through the help of natural beauty enhancing supplements. Inside and out, they know what works. Based in Melbourne, they are a highly innovative Australian brand that has been recognized as such – becoming one of the fastest growing health food supplement and beauty companies in the world.

{ What exactly is Marine Collagen? }

Collagen is naturally occurring and the most abundant protein in the body. It is essential for maintaining skin, hair and nails, but in a cruel trick nature plays, we produce less as we get older. That’s right – from our 20s onwards, natural collagen production slows down, becoming more pronounced through our 50s and 60s. Sourced using the world’s purest form of collagen, ProPlenish edible Marine Collagen is a tasteless, odourless, easily dissolving supplement that turns clear in seconds. It restores your body with the nutrients it needs for a glowing complexion. And a younger looking you. No injecting. No nips or tucks. Just the radiant, youthful appearance you remember seeing in the mirror.

{ Why Do I Need it? }

Including collagen in your daily diet helps;

Hair - strengthens hair at the root by restoring collagen in the hair follicle to aid hair growth, thickness, texture and body

Skin - rejuvenates, supports and strengthens, aids in skin elasticity, smooths fine lines, tightens and evens out skin tone

Hydration and resilience - increases the skins ability to retain moisture for overall smoothness and plumping of the skin

Nails - helps to improve and strengthen splitting, weak, flaking nails

Muscles - assists with lean muscle gain and tone, training and exercise recovery.

Learn more about collagen research here!

{ My Collagen Experience - The Backstory }

 So let me tell you a little about my backstory previous to trying ProPlenish and why I was so excited to give this supplement a try! About a year ago I had read about all the amazing benefits of adding collagen to the diet. I have struggled with many digestive issues, as well as skin issues in the past, which I still struggle with from time to time. I'm gluten-free and also dairy-free about 90% of the time. This cut out most of my digestive and gut issues, but I do still fight inflammation quite a bit. I had read somewhere that collagen can really help repair the gut, amongst all the other benefits! A little extra protein, great hair & nails, glowing skin, happy insides - I'm in! So my quest to try out a couple different brands & types started. I first tried animal-derived and was so excited when my green bin of miracle powder came in the mail! I immediately tried it - and it was everything it promised on the package, but I had a horrible itching in my throat. 

I thought maybe it was just a reaction to trying the collagen for the first time. So I tried it again and again. Still itchy. I immediately sent it back and ordered a different brand that many others seemed to love. I ripped open the package and dissolved a serving in a cup of tea and to my horror, the same exact thing happened. After reading the reviews it seems that this is a common thing with many people. Some seem to have a mild allergy to animal-derived collagen and it looked like I was one of them. I was really upset. I could not longer take the supplement that seemed to be doing good things for me due to the fact that I was worried it would cause me more inflammation. Not to mention the itch in my mouth/throat! My quest for a collagen supplement ended there.

{ My Thoughts on ProPlenish }

I came across Proplenish and was not disappointed! The company generously sent me several sachets of the Original & Citrus flavor. They also sent me a 180g box of the Original loose powder. I popped the sachets in my bag to bring to work and left the box at home. The first one I tried was the lemon flavor in my daily morning tea at the office. So let me start by saying that ProPlenish states that the powder is tasteless. And they are absolutely right, I didn't really taste anything. There definitely wasn't a "marine" fishy taste at all. There is a slight something of some sort, I can't quite put my finger on. Almost a slight gelatin taste or scent. I can't really tell, but it's not unpleasant!  And this is very common in all tasteless collagens, which I've come across this in the past. This was one of the best I've tried and whatever I was detecting was certainly not enough that it would keep me from taking the supplement. I really liked the lemon flavor a lot! And you also have to keep in mind that this first test was in hot herbal tea (which the lemon actually complimented quite nicely!). My next try was the original in a smoothie. Eating the supplement this way I was not able to detect any of the gelatin-like taste or scent whatsoever. This is the way I would probably choose to consume it on the regular, but as I said, the very mild scent I detected in my tea was not enough for me to avoid that option altogether. And most important, no itchy throat or mouth! So if you have struggled with that mild allergy to say, bovine collagen, you may want to give this one a try!

Overall I was very happy with this supplement! I haven't been taking it long enough to notice a huge different in my skin, hair or nails. But I will tell you that my digestive system feels amazing! I will absolutely be ordering this supplement when I'm out and would highly recommend it over anything else I've tried. ProPlenish offers several packages and options for pricing and also seem to offer promotions if you sign up for the newsletter as well! 

Make sure to check out the ProPlenish website and also look for them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram! I'll make sure to check back in a month to give you my overall 30 day feedback! Here's to glowing skin & a happy Gut!! =)

Christy
xoxo

DISCLAIMER: I was not compensated for the above review financially in any way. I was, however, provided product for sample purposes to review as stated. This did not influence my review in any way. All opinions are my own.

What I'm Loving Wednesday...

Hi There! I can't believe it's Wednesday already! Halfway through the week and the cooler weather is finally here again in Jersey. It's been so hot lately and I have to say, I'm just not a fan of summer weather. I love all the activities that go along with it - I just despise the heat & humidity. And quite frankly, so does my skin & hair! Yikes! Anyway, I thought I would pop by and share a few of the things I'm loving lately. These are both items that I might currently own and that are also on my lust list! So here we go....

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it on here before or not, but I have naturally curly hair. And when I say curly, I mean CURLY. And unfortunately for me, it's not nice curly. It's "don't ever expect to see me without straight hair, because otherwise it looks like a frizzy hot mess" curly. Ahhh genetics.... Anyway, as you already know, I only use non-toxic, chem-free, and gluten-free personal care, which can be quite a hard task as far as hair care goes! I've pretty much narrowed it down to a daily trifecta of products, all of which can be purchased from Target!

I've been using both of these brands of products for a really long time! But I could never come up with the right combo of products that worked for my hair. It was always too dry, too frizzy, or too oily. When I started my training regimen, I had to start washing my hair every single day and this def took a toll. It was imperative that I find the right routine to keep my already tolerant hair in top shape every day. Combo #1 is using the SheaMoisture Manuka Shampoo with the Kids Mango/Carrot Conditioner. I've tried using the matching products and it just does not work for me. This works great! And the smell.... Amazing! Combo #2 is used a little more often, which is the Acure Shampoo with the Kids Mango/Carrot Conditioner. This is my most common combo, but when my hair starts to feel dry, I'll do a day with the Manuka. I like to finish it off with a couple spritzes of the Honest Spray before I let my hair soak in a towel during my morning makeup! Perfection!!!

And even though I hate the heat, I'm loving some of the summer fashion right now! This Gauze dress is just in at JCrew Factory and I LOVE it! Typically I wear a lot of maxi's and they're on heavy rotation in my summer lineup. However, standing at only 5'3, most of the dresses are still way too long even when I hem them. Enter my array of 4-5 inch platform sandals. These babies were all I wore once upon a time. But as I enter my mid-thirties and up my fitness game, I'm starting to embrace my height and I'm loving dresses in this length. They are really versatile in the sense that I can wear them with flat sandals, flip flops or with platforms if I choose, rather than out of necessity! I'm also loving this summer weight boatneck sweater. I love summer sweaters. The material is perfect for various seasons and they look great with destroyed denim shorts and sandals or chucks. Love! I'm hitting the outlets on Saturday and am def making a trip to JCF!

Also, my fitness wardrobe is growing & growing! ahhhh! I recently came across these gorgeous beauties. Rose Gold & Black.... Need I say more?!

Last but not least, I've been looking for the perfect scent for summer. I still love my Melange palette, but I'm in desperate search of the perfect sweet/sultry/smoky/sexy scent and I think I found it! Nikki from Rebel & Mercury posted about one of her new blends, Ambres, on her Insta feed yesterday and it was love at first sight. This def sounds like something right up my alley. I'm planning on purchasing the sampler pack (I can't decide between a couple scents!!) very soon and will let you all know what I think!

So that's my roundup of what I'm loving! What are you loving right now?!?

Christy
xoxo

DISCLAIMER: Though the above post does contain shopstyle affiliate links, I was not compensated in any way for this post. All products featured are products I've previously purchased and recommend due to my own love for the product/brand. All opinions are my own and recommendations are always purely honest!

Five on Friday...

Hi Lovelies! Happy Friday!!! This post will be semi-short and sweet. I just couldn't let the week end without sharing some of my recent finds and an old fav that has really changed my makeup routine. So here we go...

I recently purchased these beauties from Target and I'm OBSESSED! I actually really love Birk's, but not the pricetag and I also wanted something a little different. I love my Leopard booties that I picked up from Target a couple years ago and I feel like they go with everything. So I came across these babies and instantly fell in love. They did not disappoint! They are comfy, cute and neutral enough that I could easily see them becoming a summer staple. They're a tad higher priced than the average Target sandal, as they're Muk Luk, but they do fall in the "Buy 1 get 1 50% off" sale! Score!!

Another obsession of mine is tea. I drink a minimum of 2 cups per day, sometimes more. One of my favorite things to do mid-morning at work is to have a warm cup of tea to help me gather my thoughts and prepare for my morning. And then again to wind down at night. I recently came across this really amazing brand and was immediately smitten with them. Buddha Teas are not only chemical-free, but they are organically grown or wild harvested, keeping them as natural as possible. The tea bags are bleach-free, and the herbs inside are USDA organic and non-gmo. This can be very difficult to find and the taste did not disappoint. There are so many to choose from, but my fav's def included the chakra teas (herbal blends infused with a complimenting crystal essence - very cool!) and the herbal blends, which are great to have in your wellness arsenal. I highly recommend this line! Love!!!

I was recently in TJ Maxx, and though the one local to me never ever has anything good in my size or style, they have some AMAZING workout clothes right now! Check out these gorgeous cropped tights! This pic doesn't even do the colors justice. I can't wait to wear these beauties. And tons and tons of good deals on high quality sports bras. I could have easily dropped $100 in there!

I also have to share this supplement that was sent to me all the way from Australia. I received my package from ProPlenish today, and though I haven't tried my first dose yet, I'm so excited. This is a Marine Collagen supplement. And the reason I'm so excited is because I've been looking for a high-quality collagen supplement for a while now. It's soooo good for you for so many reasons, I can't even say enough. As we age, our collagen starts to deplete and we start to dull in our skin, nails, hair, etc. This really helps repair and rebuild, making us look younger from the inside out. It's also amazing for digestion and repairing the gut. A while back I had tried Great Lakes Collagen and I seem to have a minor allergy to bovine collagen. Such a bummer! I probably could have continued to take it, as the allergy wasn't serious, but I was worried that it might cause some inflammation to my insides. I was thrilled when I came across this line of marine-based supplements. I'll be posting a full review soon!

And last, but not least! My most favorite line of cosmetics ever! I adore W3LL People! I started using the Stick foundation last summer and love it. I currently use it as concealer and then layer on my Everyday Minerals Semi-matte foundation on top. I think this is my 3rd re-order, and though it can be a bit pricey, I purchase mine from Pharmaca when there's a coupon and it's a bit more reasonable. The stick actually lasts quite a long time, especially when you're only using it as concealer. I also replaced my Nudist #7 lippie. I can't even describe how lovely this is. I'm not a lipstick person AT ALL. And though I loved gloss once upon a time, I just feel that now that I'm in my 30's (gasp!!!), that I just can't pull it off. This little miracle worker is a like the perfect marriage of a gloss and lipstick. And I love this nude color. Like my lips, but better. And though I didn't include the mascara in the pic, this stuff is crazy good. Check out my instagram feed to see my lash pic!

So that's my 5 on Friday! I hope you enjoyed hearing about my latest loves and enjoy your Mother's Day weekend!!!

Christy
xoxo

DISCLAIMER: I was not financially compensated for the above post. This post does contain one affiliate link (target sandals) and also 2 products (Buddha Tea & Proplenish) that I received samples for review. All opinions on said products are my own and were not influenced in any way. 

The Last Thing Thursday #8

Hi There! I used to participate in a weekly post called "The Last Thing Thursdays" a long time ago and I loved it so much. Though the person that started it is no longer doing it, I want to bring it back on here because it's so much fun!!! So here we go, The Last Thing I.....

{ Watched on TV & Was into.... }

{source}
I've been so happy Game of Thrones is back! Though the season has been kind of lackluster so far, it's a good stand in when Walking Dead is missing. And though it will never top my fav, Sons of Anarchy, it helps me mourn that loss a little better!

{ I watched in the movies.... }

A couple weeks ago, Hubby & I went on a date to go see The Longest Ride. I have to say, I'm quite a Nicholas Sparks fan. I've ready probably 80% of his books and though most are sad, I always love them. I hadn't read this book, so I was kinda looking forward to the fact that I could watch one of his movies for once, and not have any idea what the ending would be. For me, it wasn't one of his best ever movies, but it was cute and not a bad way to spend a couple hours. And Scott Eastwood is certainly not bad to look at! ; )

{ Read & Liked.... }

The last book I read was on a whim. It was a sale book that sounded pretty good and was recommended on my Nook. Since I was on a bit of a reading binge, I figured I would get it. I'm glad I did. Though it was kind of predictable, it was one of the better books I read in a while. Though the subject matter was a little depressing, it was a surprising real, yet lighthearted read. I enjoyed it and def recommend "Save Me"!

{ Bought & Loved.... }

Let's face it, I buy a lot of things. A LOT. But my most favorite purchase in a long time was my Jawbone Up. I grabbed it on a really really good sale from Best Buy a couple months ago. It's a first gen model, so it was pretty inexpensive, even with the warranty. I wear it mostly to get an overall feel for how many calories I'm burning total in a whole day. It's tough to try and figure out with a 6 day a week training schedule, exactly how much I need to cut back in order to get to my goal weight. This really helps! And I love that it plugs right into my iphone to update!

{ Was lusting after to buy.... }

This is going to sound funny, but I was never a sneaker girl. Ask anyone that really really knows me well if ever wear sneakers, and they will laugh. I was just never that sporty girl that really had a need to wear them. However, in the last year I've become pretty damn sporty. I workout 6 days a week doing the BBG and I've recently been trying to start running. I love my current trainers. They're like a neon chartreuse color and they work pretty well as far as comfort. But they got a tiny little hole in the top. Time for new ones! I've been eyeing these pretty neon sneaks and lucky me, I can fit into kids ; )

 { Cooked & Loved.... }

I seriously live on Stir-Fry. It's my go-to meal every week that doesn't need a recipe and I can kind of add what I have on hand. Usually it's Wheat-Free Teryaki chicken, cremini mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, water chestnuts, and my fav... Shredded Brussels Sprouts. Don't knock it til you try it. Sprouts are one of my fav things EVER. I crave them. For real. Then I simply add a dash of Toasted Sesame Oil and Bragg's Liquid Amino's and done. SO good.

So that's my current "Last Things"! Feel free to join in and post on your blog! It's such a fun series. Stop back and let me know if you do, so I can check it out!! =)


Christy
xoxo

Why I'm doing Round 3 of BBG & What I'm adding in!

Have you ever loved something, or someone associated with something, so you really wanted to jump into it full force, even though you know in the back of your mind it's not for you? I've been a Tone it Up plan member for a few years. I love the girls, I love their workouts, and before I committed to any specific workout format, I did them a few times a week. They were a great change from my past TAM habit! I own the first two DVD's and would regularly mix them in with my weekly workouts on the fly. I even love those girls so much, I watched and adored their show on Bravo (which I really hope comes back!). But just like the age old saying.... "just because you love something, it doesn't always mean it's good for you." I mean, I'm sure the workouts in general are very good for me! Just not necessarily good for my overall fitness plan.

So last week I had posted that I was committing to the latest TIU challenge - The Bikini Series. I was super excited and was so ready to be part of another challenge with girls all over the world. I posted a pic of my workout calendar the other day and diligently filled out each day with Karena & Katrina's 8 weeks of workouts. I was pumped! But there was this teeny little voice in the back of my mind that I was trying my best to ignore. So I just kept the momentum going. This morning I was so excited for Day 1 that I promptly posted a pic on my Instagram announcing my excitement!

Fast forward to this afternoon when I get done work. I go on my blissful 3mi LISS in the park and I come home and start my first Bikini Series workout. But have you ever done something and you just know that the actual format of it, just isn't for you? I finished the first day (adding some other bits in as well) but I just didn't feel happy like I always did while doing the BBG. Don't get me wrong, it was a great workout! My abs were burning and it was working, I just didn't have the motivation and enjoyment doing it that I have when I do any of Kayla Itsines workouts.  In all my years of working out and trying various methods, I've never found anything that works as well, as fast, and that I like as much as the BBG. Sometimes I guess you just find the right fitness format that works for you and that's what you should stay with!

So I've decided to do Round 3 of BBG! But this time I'm going to make some changes. I'll be adding in Lauren Gleisberg's (who I also love, and focuses on my 2nd fav type of workout - weights!!!) current challenge, and on the 3 days of LISS only, I'll be adding in whatever workout I feel like doing that day! Most likely some TIU, some Yoga, or maybe some Blogilates and back to my beloved TAM a couple times a week! I'm also planning on focusing more on accuracy and movement rather than trying to go really fast, and adding some more weight as well. When you know, you just know.

I'm looking forward to this last round and prepping myself to finally do BBG 2.0 this summer! Good luck to all you BBG veterans and newbies! I hope you stop by my blog again and check in! =)

Christy
xoxo


DISCLAIMER: This post is not a sponsored review. All sites featured are due to my own personal experience and preference and are not affiliate sites. I have not received any compensation for this post. 

What I've been up to....

Hi Lovelies! Oh my gosh, I seriously cannot believe it's been so long since my last post. I'm actually embarrassed that I've neglected my blog so badly!! It never ceases to amaze me how fast the months fly by. I've been making a mental note to start prioritizing and getting back into a blogging routine for a while now (obviously) and I'm really planning on doing that now! I've missed posting and most of all, I've missed all of you! So what I've been up to.....

I just recently celebrated a year at my part-time job! This was a huge milestone for me. This is the first job I've had since being a SAHM for many years. It was something I put off doing for quite some time because I was never able to find the right fit. And after a year of searching, I was lucky enough to kind of accidentally come across a listing for my job. I am so glad I took the leap and applied and even more glad that they offered it to me. I didn't just get myself back into the working world, I also gained another family. Which is something I'll be forever thankful for!

Aside from working, I really jumped headfirst back into a regimented fitness routine, as I had posted about here. It's been quite a few months and while I'm not quite where I would like to be at this point (I'm a perfectionist), I'm satisfied with my progress so far. I still have quite a way to go and this is a permanent lifestyle change for. It's something that I'm so happy I did, and absolutely love! I'll be posting a more in-depth update very soon!

And when I'm not busy working out or just working, I've been trying to make time to read, catch up on some Netflix, hello binges.... and test out some healthy recipes! I'm looking forward to posting about all of these things soon. I have lots of great things planned and I can't wait to get into my routine again!!!

Christy
xoxo