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

Save 35% on ALL Faire Collection!

So I am MAJORLY excited to tell you about this amazing sale from Faire Collection! If you haven't been by in a while, you might not have seen that twice a month Faire Collection has been offering select items at up to 70% off through their Friday Flash Sales. But this week is a little different. Not only can you snag the entire Fall/Winter Collection at 35% off, but the code is good on sale items as well!

I will definitely be grabbing a few favorites that I've had my eye on for a while! The items currently on my "Lust List" .....

These gorgeous Alpaca Highland Shawls were on sale during the last Flash Sale, and it looks like they are still on sale! At 70% off they are already a steal, but with the additional 35% off they are only $28.27! I'm in love with the Creme, but I also love the olive as well!

Tagua Bib (L) $46.80 with Discount ~ Galapagos Necklace (R) $44.59 with Discount

The last couple items on my wishlist are these two lovelies here. I have a tagua seed necklace, the Catalina necklace to be exact. And I wear it constantly. I love how it adds a pop of color to some of my neutral work attire and I get complimented on it daily. These two Tagua necklaces are perfect! The Tagua Bib Necklace is actually the first item I fell in love with from Faire Collection! I adore the Teal, but I'm also torn over the Berry as well. And the Galapagos Necklace in Pacific Blue is gorgeous with all those bright colors! I love that they both have tie necks which allows you to wear them at different lengths as well. I'll most definitely be grabbing one of these beauties!!!

Make sure to stop by the Faire Collection site today through 11:59pm EST on Monday to grab your Fair Trade pretties before the sale is over! Use code FLASHFAIRE at checkout to get your 35% discount! The best part? Not only are you grabbing Style for a Steal, but your Shopping with Purpose as well! =) Want to see the story behind Faire Collection? Check out my first review here.


Christy
xoxo