Things I'm Loving Thursday--Health and Fitness Edition

Being active in the fitness community has allowed me to find some pretty awesome people and gadgets.

Today I want to share with you what I'm loving and how I integrate it into my workout!

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About a month ago, I got this sweet Polar Heart Rate Monitor as one of my rewards for reaching a fitness goal that I had.

I absolutely love it!

I use it when I work out...whether it's walking/running or doing a body weight workout.

I love it for the information that it shares with me.

It helps me work toward my goals.

I also wear it as a watch!

Get yours here!

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About a year ago, I heard about Body by Vi...and how the shakes taste like "cake batter."

I ordered a month's worth and found it absolutely disgusting. Blech.

I figured that the only reason people were talking it up was so that they could get their's free.

So when I heard about Shakeology, I wasn't sold.

I did some research and I talked to some people that I knew used it.

They seemed to like it...and there's no "selling" it, so I knew it was a genuine answer.

I decided to purchase some, and at first I wasn't sure about it.

But there are so many different things you can put in the shake to make it "yours."

Now I love it and use it everyday!!

I really like that they offer "vegan" options. 

Currently I'm dairy free, so this was right up my ally!

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Do you plan your workouts?

Do you track your workouts?

I never did until just recently (and it's easier to track now with my HRM).

Tracking everything has also helped me figure out what I'm doing wrong when I get stuck.

I can use it to help me get out of the rut that I'm in.

Here's my planner and what it looks like on a monthly basis.

I always write in what the goal is for the month.  In August, I am to run/walk 55 miles and use that hashtag on instagram and facebook.

I write in my workouts during the week.  I'm currently doing the Witness the Fitness workout challenge with Betty Rocker.  I also write in my mileage when I get finished with it!

I also keep a separate notebook with my workouts.  You can find this specific workout here.
I write out my workout stats from my HRM as well.

 The object of me keeping track is also to see how far I've come.

I love looking back on a workout and seeing that I've improved my plank time or that I did more reps.

It keeps me motivated and focused on my goals.

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At the end of June, I was finding new people to follow on Instagram (IG).

One thing led to another and I ended up at Betty Rocker's website.

She was leading a 30 Day Bodyweight Workout Challenge, and I was in.

I completed the challenge in July and felt awesome.

Here's why she's cool:

1.  She makes up bodyweight workouts.  That means you don't have to be in a gym and you don't have to have any accessories/weights to do them.  You just use your own body weight.

{Think that sounds easy?  I just dare you to try one.}

2.  She created a facebook group for the 30 day challenge.  Not only did she create it and give advice, but she answered everyone's questions.  She is awesome for doing this...and she does it now in the VIP Program.

3.  She loved the 30 Day Challenge group so much, that she created a VIP program for those who wanted to keep moving as well as new people who want to join.  Seriously...she gives you a new workout each month, along with 2-3 new recipes (that are going in her cookbook) for a LOW, LOW price.

4.  She does her research.  She is well versed in so many things regarding fitness and food.  I know that what she says has been researched and figured out before she says it.

5.  Her Body Fuel System is awesome!  I'm currently on Week 3 now and it feels so great to eat clean (unprocessed foods) and be dairy and gluten free.

What things are you loving right now?

Do you workout with any specific gadgets or do any specific workout?

Things I'm Loving Thursday--Handmade Edition 3

Hello lovelies!!
Today is the last day for this series.  I've really enjoyed getting to know these ladies and the "behind-the-scenes" of their small business.  I hope you've enjoyed it as well.  I have one more shop for you today.

Hi!  I'm Francesca.  I'm behind the shop, Scrap Happy Cards. I'm a newlywed. I live in South Florida with my husband and two cats. 

I currently work part-time at Michael's Craft Store. I love crafts of all kinds. I'm always trying to learn something new:  from cake decorating to scrapbooking to making a bouquet out of nothing but brooches. My favorite hobby is scrapbooking and paper crafts. I've been doing it for over 10 years and will continue to do it until I'm old and gray.

I started creating my cards when I noticed the "technology boom". It seems like all sentiments and messages are sent via the internet, and with not a lot of thought.  I want to create something someone will cherish and keep always. I make cards for every occasion and I will also take requests for personalized homemade cards. Baby showers, graduations, birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine's Day are some occasions just to name a few. Feel free to shoot me a request and I will see where my creativity takes me.

 Mention this blog feature and use the coupon code SHIPFREE for free shipping on your order!  Coupon Code expires June 30, 2013, so order now!

Shop  |  Instagram

I'd like to take the time to thank each of these shops for participating in my Handmade series.  
I truly hope that you will take some time to check out their shops and consider purchasing from them.

Bake.Craft.Love.
Dandelion Loveys
Faux Stache Glass
Scrap Happy Cards
Sudsational

Things I'm Loving Thursday--Handmade Edition 2

This week, I have two more amazing shops for you!

These lovely ladies spend their time creating special things just for you!

So please, take some time, visit their shops and like their facebook page!

They may even have a special deal for you!

Hi!  I'm Breanna and I'm the shop owner over at BakeCraftLove. I live in the Chicago suburbs with my husband and my son who was born in January. 

Many of the new items in my shop started as a hobby shortly after Monty was born. I had a c-section and couldn't do very much during the day. So, while he napped (which was most off the day), I started dabbling in jewelry making. I found out that I absolutely loved it!  I currently offer mostly earrings and a few other odds and ends that I dabble in, but I hope to try my hand at other jewelry and home decor soon! 

A personal favorite of mine that I currently offer is the 12 x 12 name frames. I have made many as wedding gifts, and I absolutely love the excitement they bring to the newlyweds! (I even made one for our own living room that sits at the center of a collage.) 

Check us out!

Shop  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

**You can also enter to win some of Breanna's beautiful earrings here!**

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Hi! I'm Courtney and I'm the creator of Sudsational. I live in south Florida with my husband and our two fur babies. I have a full time job and am currently going to school. 

I started making soaps because I was stressed and needed a creative outlet. I would give the soaps and scrubs I made as gifts, and my family and friends loved them. With their encouragement, I decided to start an Etsy shop. 

I enjoy experimenting and coming up with new products, but my favorite part is getting to test all the soaps, scrubs, and bath salts. My goal is to develop products that people haven't seen before but can't imagine living without. I work with customers to make custom orders and have recently started selling in bulk for party favors. 

**If you mention this blog you will get a surprise gift with your order.**

Shop  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

**You can also enter to win one of Courtney's Lemon Rosemary Salt Scrub here!**

Things I'm Loving Thursday--Handmade Edition

Lovelies,

I have something exciting planned for you this month.

This month, the series "Things I'm Loving Thursday" is geared toward the handmade market!

There are some incredible people out there with extraordinary talents and I want so badly to share them with you.

My love for handmade has grown immensely since I started my etsy shop.

Not everyone "gets the picture" as to how much time, effort, sweat, and sometimes tears go into making a small business work.

Not everyone understands how incredible handmade items are.

Not everyone understands how valuable these items are...how special they are.

My goal with this series to show you the vast talent and variety that the handmade market has to offer.
Along with that, I hope to shed some light on what goes on "behind the scenes" of a small business.

I encourage you to check out each shop and "like" their facebook page.

Give them a little love!!

Also, keep them in mind when you're needing a gift!

Or buy something for yourself!!

Today, I have two shops sharing their goodies with you!

Nicole is a busy girl, supportive wife, loving daughter, great sister, understanding friend, and a thankful fur mommy. When she has a little time to her self she does what she loves, which is being crafty and creative! She started painting mustaches on wine glasses just for fun, but they became such a hit with friends and family that she started to sell them. 

In January of 2012, Faux Stache Glass was created and now she makes more than just wine glasses. She creates all types of glassware, travel mugs, tumblers and so much more! There is a Faux Stache glass for any occasion and Nicole has covered most of them! The ideas that come to her mind are endless so she is always making something new!

Throughout her wedding planning process, Etsy helped her out so much by having the unique wedding that she always wanted. She is so happy to give back and help other bride-to-be's make their dreams come true! Whether you are a bride-to-be, a mommy on the go or a toddler in diapers, Faux Stache Glass is for you!

Visit Faux Stache Glass:

Shop | Facebook



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I'm Heather and I am one half of the Dandelion Loveys Shop. 

Our shop is ran by a mother/daughter team! We are located in Southern California, and everything we sell is handmade by us! We make Boutique Hair Bows, Fabric Earrings, Onesies and Bowties! I have two children, Gracie and Eli, who have been our inspiration for everything in our shop. They also make frequent appearances in our pictures :)

My mom and I both work at the same high school. I coach the high school's dance team, and she works in the office at the school. Making bows and crafting has always been our hobby, and we decided to launch our shop on April 15, 2013 and have been blessed by the reception we have been getting! Our name, Dandelion Loveys, was chosen by my daughter who is very attached to her blanket "Lovey."

We sell on Facebook & Instagram, and if you mention that you found our shop from this blog, we will give you 20% of your first order that you place with us! We also take custom orders, so keep us in mind if you're looking for a special bow to match for a birthday party, recital shirt, Disney trip, etc.!

Visit Dandelion Loveys:

Instagram  |  Facebook

Go check these shops out!

These ladies are so talented!!

Don't miss what they have to offer!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

First of all, thank you so much for your kind words on Tuesday's post.
I really appreciate it.
I'm so thankful for a Savior who continues to save me day by day.
Hour by hour, even minute by minute.

It's been a while since I've done a "Things I love" post.
So it's time.

I love these necklaces that Mary and her daughter make.

You need one too!

Her shop is here.

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How cute is that little wreath?

I think it just screams, "Summer."

It would be perfect for your front door.

I know Joy would want you to have one.

Get it here.

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I love these mason jar glasses!!

They are the cutest!

You can get them here.

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Tuesday, I jumped on the bandwagon and bought this app.

I absolutely love it.

You should get it too.

And you can find the garland here.

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I love that my husband and I "work out" together.

Last night he went roller blading and I went walking.

{Yes, I know the picture is blurry}

3 weeks into our #branstetterslifestylechange and I'm feeling pretty great.

I haven't had Diet Coke in 3 weeks, and I'm working out at least 3 times a week.

I have self-diagnosed myself with chronic headaches.

I get them all. the. ding. dong. dang. time.

A while ago, I switched over to drinking Diet Coke made with Splenda.

So it's not the aspertame that is giving me headaches, 'cause there isn't any in there!

But in the 2.5 weeks that I've been on my journey, I've only had one headache.

I'd say that's improvement!

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I'm also loving my new shoes.

You can find them here (cause that's where I got them).

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I am loving the use of our "apartment-sized" grill. :)

I love grilled meat. Grilled veggies.

Grilled anything.

And I'm looking for some new grill recipes to try! 

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What are you loving this week?

Things I'm Loving Thursday

It's been a few weeks since I've posted some of the things I've been loving, so I thought today would be the perfect day to do another post. :)
I just love handmade items...and I especially love them even more, since I have my own shop and I know what kind of time it takes and the love that the shop owners pour into their items.

I am ready for Spring...and the colors the season brings with it! 

These gorgeous earrings would make the greatest Spring accessory!

Get them here!

I am loving my new Sparkle sign from Nina!

You can find many others, plus LOTS more here.

I love these earrings, too!

I own a pair from my Love Club box, and they are so comfortable!

You can get them here.

Oh goodness, and this necklace, too!!

And Mary is such a sweetie!!

Get them here.

I think this sign has more truth than I thought it ever would.

Find it here.

I also really love these canvas signs!

Maybe one day when we decide to have kids, I will own some.

You can get them here.

Some other things that I'm currently loving:

We will be at Disney in 12 days!

We got our tickets yesterday in the mail! :)

I'm also loving fresh fruit and healthy food options on our menu!

What are you loving?

I'd love to hear your favorites! :)