Healthy Goals for 2019

January 12, 2019 by

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx and Planet Fitness. All opinions are my own.

Here we are, two weeks into a new year, and I am just now getting time to think about my health and fitness goals for the year. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know it started out as a running blog, and then morphed into a lifestyle blog. However, health and fitness is still a huge part of my life (and blog), and I wanted to share some of my top goals for the year in hopes to encourage you to make some goals of your own. I have paired each goal with a “tip” on how you can easily make this goal a reality. Ready? Read on!

1.) Drink more water: I seem to have this on my “list” of things to do every year. I will get in a good groove and do well with it for a little while, but then I slowly forget and know I am dehydrated. I particularly have a hard time in the winter when it’s cold and I don’t feel like drinking lots of cold water.

Tip: Get a really cute water bottle or cup with a fun straw to prompt you to drink more water. Or, set an alarm on your phone to go off every hour reminding you to go drink a glass. Cheers!

2.) Be more mindful of what food I eat: I have been learning a lot lately about macros, which has made me take a good hard look at the amount of carbs, fat, and protein in the foods I eat. I realized I don’t eat enough protein, and I eat a lot more fat than I should be. Just tracking my food intake for a few days was really eye opening!

Tip: Look at all the food labels for a week just to be mindful of what you put in your mouth. There are apps that can help you track macros and keep yourself in check.

3.) Be a good healthy example for Emma Kate: Having a child has most definitely made me more mindful of my habits, good and bad. She mimics everything I do, and I want her to grow up to be healthy and strong. I try my best to let her see me working out, eating healthy foods and snacks, and getting the proper amount of rest.

Tip: Include your kids in grown up activities like cooking a healthy dinner, going for a walk, or grocery shopping for healthy choices.

Show those muscles!

4.) Get to the gym in an affordable way: Gyms can be expensive, but for someone like me who loves strength training, it’s important that I have access to one. I not only love free weights and top of the line machines for lifting, but I love having a treadmill or bike for rainy days (or super hot/cold ones!)

Tip: That’s why I was really excited when I heard about the Planet Fitness “Get Down with Your Judgement Free Self” celebrations to start 2019 off in the best way possible. They have a sale going on right now through January 15th, where new members can join any location for just $1 down (enrollment fee) and $10 a month thereafter, no commitment. Guys, that’s huge! They have so much equipment, you will have everything you need to be fit in 2019. Not to mention, they have a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which they call the Judgement Free Zone®.

They even have Free fitness training is included in all memberships, and cater to everyday people looking to become their best selves. Yes please! They also have fully equipped locker rooms, (they are nice!) flat screen televisions, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe @ pf® program, and much more.

Lastly, Planet Fitness also provides members with a way to connect and support each other with “Planet of Triumphs,” an online community that celebrates accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. It is a great way to share your story and encourage others, reinforcing the Company’s belief that ‘everyone belongs.’ The sale is only going on for a few more days so act now and find the location nearest you.

Also be sure to check out this video where you can hear more about the awesome sale:

Filed Under: Ad-free, health, motivation, running Tagged: , , , , , ,

Morning Commute Made Easier + Giveaway

November 30, 2015 by

This post was sponsored by Contigo®, however there is a GIVEAWAY at the end, and I truly think this product is really cool and something many of my readers can relate to/find helpful in your daily lives, so read on!

My morning “commute” looks different than it may for some people, but I rush around getting everyone ready and in the car just those people that are heading to the office, except first I am usually headed to the gym, and then back home to my home office.

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I am a believer in the power of coffee, and am not coherent or of any help to anyone until I have had at least a few sips. A lot of mornings I don’t have time to finish my coffee before it’s time to go, so I have to drink it on the run. This is always a problem, because I cannot stand cold coffee, and with my other travel mugs, cold coffee is what you get.

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Not only cold coffee, but coffee that sloshes all over you and your pants as you try to get your bags and your child’s bag into the car. I started using the Contigo® Meta travel mug, and things have gotten way less stressful around my house when it comes to my morning commute.

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The first thing that drew me to this mug is the length of time it will keep your drinks hot or cold. This bad boy has double-wall vacuum insulated Thermalock™ technology, so drinks stay hot for up to five hours, and chilled for up to TWELVE hours!

My other favorite feature is the fact that it is pretty much impossible to spill my drink on myself while juggling bags plus the baby. The  AUTOSEAL® patented technology seals up the drinking spout in between sips when you press one button, so no spilling!

For those of you who commute daily on public transportation, the Meta travel mug would be perfect because you can seal your drink in between sips to keep debris, dust, people’s sneezes, and the like with the commuter-inspired CleanGuard™ spout cover that rotates to close off the drinking area when not being used.

In addition to Contigo’s AUTOSEAL® Metra Travel Mug, I was also sent the AUTOSEAL® West Loop Travel Mug. to try out, and I love it, too!

Contigo

The awesome folks at Contigo® have offered to host a GIVEAWAY so you can win one of these amazing travel mugs for yourself! Simply follow the Rafflecoptor directions below. Good luck! (Please note, the giveaway will be open from November 30th to December 8th and is sponsored by Sway Group. One winner will be selected to receive a Contigo® AUTOSEAL® Metra Travel Mug. Sway Group will select a winner on December 10th which will be highlighted in the Rafflecopter.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Oh, another fun side note: There will be a Twitter Party on Tuesday, December 1 at 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST. I hope you will join me (@heatherslg) for the chat!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contigo®.

Filed Under: Ad-free, Giveaway Tagged: , , ,

Lorna Jane Fit Challenge

February 6, 2015 by

I love a good challenge! Since my marathon is in a month and then I don’t really have much on the schedule, I thought this challenge that lasts until the end of May would be a great one for me! What’s also great is you can join in too! There is also a Facebook group you can join to help keep you accountable. People are already on there posting great recipes, workout results, an being super motivating (one thing that really helps me!)

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So, what is the Lorna Jane fit challenge?

It is 12 weeks of fun that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The great part is, you don’t have to be a member of a gym to join in. All of the workouts are easy to follow and can be done in under 30 minutes, so no excuses ladies!

The 12 weeks have been broken into 3 phases with increased intensity. Each daily circuit is an all over, full body workout!
Every week there are two Outdoor Active Living days where you will get outside and get active! (walking your dogs, a hike with friends, etc.)

So head over to the website and join now! You will get a sweet membership kit that will help you thought the challenge:

  • The Lorna Jane Fit Challenge Move Guide: a 12-week Move challenge that will leave you feeling fit and fabulous!
  • A copy of Clean Simple Eating: Nourishing know-how for the Active Girl on the Go to ignite your passion for preparing healthy and wholesome meals or NOURISH: The Fit Woman’s Cookbook (US)
  • A Lorna Jane Active Living Planner: so you can document your progress along the way.
  • An Inspiration Tank: to keep you inspired and motivated through those tough workouts.

As you play along, be sure to use the following hashtags to find other ladies to help motivate and encourage you along the way:

#LJFitChallenge #LornaJane and be sure to follow @LornaJane on social media as well.

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Still have questions about the challenge? Check out the FAQ section. Swimsuit season is just around the corner, who wants to be ready for it by memorial day? I’m in!

QOTD: Have you ever participated in a 12 week challenge like this?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lorna Jane and Fit Approach, however all opinions are my own.

 

Filed Under: Ad-free, blogging, fitness, health, motivation, running Tagged: , , , , ,

A Quick and Delicious Start

April 28, 2014 by

I have partnered with belVita and Dannon to help promote the belVita and Dannon partnership. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, which includes writing about the promotion and product. However, my opinions are entirely my own, and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

I will admit, I am not a big breakfast eater. This goes back to my elementary school days, and I am just typically never that hungry in the mornings. This has come back to haunt me in my pregnancy, so I am having to be careful to make sure I get a full and nutritious breakfast in the mornings not only for my health but for the health of my baby. I don’t like to spend a lot of time preparing something most days, and prefer to get straight to work at my laptop. When I heard about the partnership with Dannon and belVita, and their quick and convenient breakfast partnership, I was excited to try this #MorningWin for myself. no cooking involved, just grabbing a quick but filling breakfast is right up my alley.

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The yogurt contains 12 grams of protein (twice as much as regular non fat yogurt), and the belVita crunchy biscuits give me continuous energy to power me through until lunch time. (Everything tastes great, too!) I will try any flavor of Greek yogurt, but I went with my standby of strawberry this time. As far as the belVita goes, I bought golden oat and cinnamon brown sugar, and the honey oat is my favorite! Other belVita flavors are apple cinnamon, chocolate, and blueberry. Each package of biscuits is individually wrapped with 4 biscuits, so they are easy to throw in your purse along with your yogurt to eat on the go if necessary.

For someone busy in the mornings, it can help to have a plan for how to get the most out of your time when you wake up. Check out these tips:

Tips to get the most out of your morning:

-Prepare as much as you can the night before, you will thank yourself in the morning!

-Plan your to do list a day early. Again, less to do the next day!

-Start your morning with a yummy, balanced breakfast. This will help ensure that you have the stamina to get your to do list done, and have a productive day!

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Be sure to visit the Dannon and belVita websites for more product information, and use hashtag #MorningWin when talking about this great breakfast combo!

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QOTD: What is your favorite easy/go to breakfast?

Filed Under: Ad-free, blogging, food, health, tips Tagged: , , , , ,

Smile Brilliant Giveaway

December 20, 2013 by

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have tried several different teeth whitening systems over the years. I have bought them online and at the grocery store, and have never been thrilled with the results. When given the opportunity to try smile brilliant, I was curious to see how this system measured up.

The LED teeth whitening system by Smile Brilliant is perfect for those who want great tooth whitening results but are on a budget. The LED system is reasonably prices, especially in comparison to other brands. It is far more effective due to its 22% carbamide peroxide tooth whitening gel and high strength LED light which accelerate the whitening process. 008

In the package I received whitening gel in a tube, a “mouth guard” of sorts, and an LED light with a battery already installed (bonus!) What you do is twist the gel pen until the gel comes out, brush it on your teeth, put the mouth guard in and bit down on it, then insert the LED light in your mouth after you turn it on.

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I keep mine in for thirty minutes, and the website says the pen has enough for seven applications, but I have been able to do more than that. The mouth guard (lip and cheek protector as they call it) helps t keep the gel in place and from creating a mess.

Treatment times vary based on tooth sensitivity (I recommend doing 20-30 minutes the first time to see how you feel). You can technically leave it on as long as two hours, but honestly I can’t really do that because it is kind of cumbersome to hold the thing in your mouth. I typically do 30-45 minutes.

My thoughts: After 8 treatments of 30-45 minutes each, I would say my teeth are definitely whiter. They aren’t so white that people notice, but I can tell a difference. Are they as white as they would be after a professional whitening session? No, but it also doesn’t cost as much as one. My husband can tell a difference as well. How long will the treatment last? That is yet to be determined. However, if you are looking for a  fast and inexpensive way to brighten your smile for an upcoming occasion, this could be for you.

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Who wants to win a treatment packet of their own? Simply follow the Rafflecoptor instructions below and maybe you will have a bright new smile to kick off 2014!

*Want to win a $125 Disney prize pack? Enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Filed Under: Ad-free, Giveaway, health Tagged: , , ,

Natural Bliss Giveaway

November 25, 2013 by

Here in the deep south, we don’t have too many freezing cold days, so when we do, I am grateful for a hot cup of coffee. However, ask anyone who knows me well…I am very picky about my coffee. I have to have lots of creamer, and more specifically, I prefer flavored creamer when possible.

My fridge is always stocked with Natural Bliss (I love vanilla and sweet cream!) and ready for a cool morning. So, I was very excited when I was asked to do a giveaway centered around simple moments and Natural Bliss creamer. I was sent this cute gift pack:

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A coffee travel cup, a candle, biscotti, Natural Bliss coupons, and a $5.00 Target gift card to purchase your own creamer. The candle smells amazing by the way!

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So I wanted to share my simple moments with you, things that make me happy that can be enjoyed with Natural Bliss creamer:

-Reading my favorite blogs in the morning

-Watching TV by the fire on a cold day

-Catching up with a friend

-Reading a good book

-Doing my morning devotional

All of these things are great, but made even better with coffee and Natural Bliss. Check out the NEW special edition flavor:

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A little about Natural Bliss:

· Indulge in the rich, natural flavors of Natural Bliss made with only four natural ingredients; it’s as delicious as it is smooth.

· Simply designed to enhance the coffee flavor you love, our all-natural dairy creamer adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of flavor for a perfect cup every time.

· Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss comes in five delicious varieties that allow you to add your flavor, naturally: Vanilla, Sweet Cream,NEW! Cinnamon Cream, Low-Fat Chocolate and Low-Fat Vanilla.

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*****I would love to hear YOUR simple moments. Share with me below on the Rafflecoptor widget and you can win a prize pack just like mine. If you choose to tweet about the giveaway for an entry, you MUST use #NaturalBliss in your tweet in order for it to be eligible*****

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

*This prize pack and mine as well were both provided by Coffee-mate Natural Bliss. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Ad-free, food, Giveaway Tagged: , , ,

Under Armour Sports Bra Quiz and Giveaway

September 13, 2013 by

Ok ladies, we all know that wearing the right type of sports bra is very important, and that not all bras are created equal. I can’t wear my weight lifting bras to run in, and don’t need the support of a running bra for when I am cross training. So, what’s a girl to do? Now you can find the perfect sports bra to match your activities and needs by taking a quiz on Under Armour’s website about their sports bras. <—–

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I took the quiz myself, (The quiz is short and really easy to take), and one of my two favorite bras came up as my result! The Armour Bra Protegee, which is a zip front bra with molded cups. It’s great for high impact activities like running or a high energy group fitness class. I really love the ease of the zip front bra, I had never worn one until Under Armour, and feel like I have been missing out all these years! Talk about ease of removal. Come on, don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about, and don’t pretend that you haven’t done the wiggle dance trying to get your soaking-wet-with-sweat sports bra over your head after a workout!

My other favorite is the Armour bra. This sports bra has some serious support, and you won’t have to worry about any movement in this bad boy. It has a hook closure in the back and molded cups as well. I have raced in this bra before and really like the compression of it. You order by bra size and don’t have to worry about the fabric digging into your skin. They also wick sweat away and have a great raceback design.

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There are a lot of Under Armour bras to choose from, so I know you are bound to find one that’s right for you and your activity level.

If you want to buy the bra you are matched with, you can click on the photo on my right sidebar it will take you straight to the UA bra page through my affiliate link and you can order online!

So, what are you waiting for? Go take the quiz and see which Under Armour sports bra is right for you. Oh, you want some incentive? Under Armour will be giving away a sports bra of your choice to one of my readers! Ok, so NOW who is going to go take the quiz? See Rafflecoptor below to find out how to win:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: My friends at Under Armour sent me a sports bra to review, however all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Ad-free, Giveaway, running, Under armour Tagged: , , , ,

Raw Threads Review & Giveaway

September 6, 2013 by

Good morning! I am officially home from California! I had an amazing time and cannot wait to share with you. I will be writing my meet up and race recaps at the beginning of next week, so be on the lookout. However, the lovely ladies behind Raw Threads reached out to me about doing a giveaway, so I thought it would be a fun way to start my posting back off now that I am home!

raw threads

(also, a HUGE HUGE thank you to all my awesome guest posters from the past week. They wrote some amazing stuff, be sure to go back and read if you missed any of them!)

I’m jumping all over the place here, so let’s get back to Raw Threads Athletics. I love this company. I get to see them all the time at expos, and their clothes are so, so adorable. Not only adorable, but comfy! I wore the Belle shirt around Disneyland the other day and it was super soft and I got lots of compliments. I didn’t feel too hot or heavy in it either. Score!

belle

Here are some stats on the clothes:

Core Benefits
Stay comfortable, push harder

Flexible and Soft
-flex-fiv performance fabric drapes like silk and feels like cashmere, making you feel as though you’re wearing nothing at all. (<—-It really does!)
-Dry Workouts
flex-fiv performance fabric naturally draws perspiration from the skin and wicks moisture to keep you dry.
UV Protection
-flex-fiv performance fabric naturally protects you from the sun’s harmful rays and retains little heat.
No Stink
-flex-fiv performance fabric naturally remains odor free. (One of my favorite features!)

When I was racing the Dumbo Double Dare, I saw so, so many ladies sporting the adorable Fly 19.3 shirts, and I know several of you were probably wishing you had bought one a the expo, so now here is your chance to WIN one! You can choose from the red tank, or the red or pink v neck. All cute.

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See Rafflecoptor below for rules:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Ad-free, blogging, Disney, fashion, Giveaway, runDisney, running Tagged: , , , ,

Reebok Workout Clothes Review

August 17, 2013 by

Awhile back Reebok sent me a pair of Zig Carbon shoes, a pair of PWR leggings and a fun yoga top. reebok

Shoes: The Zig Carbon is born to run and ready to action, this running shoe features a responsive zig-zag sole for responsive cushioning, a full length carbon fiber plate for structured support in the midfoot, and a high abrasion rubber outsole for durability.

Yoga Top: Get fit to bend the rules with the single jersey Yoga Long Bra Top. Featuring moisture-wicking PlayDry technology and a flattering, racerback silhouette with built in bra and removable pads, this yoga essential has athlete-friendly style that satisfies.

Leggings: Reebok ONE Apparel Collection. A fitted legging designed to enhance your workouts, keeping you comfortable without sacrificing style. Features antimicrobial gusset for extreme comfort and odor management, plus generous cuffs for a secure feel that stays put.

My thoughts:

Shoes: I LOVE the color and the look of the shoes. They fit true to size, and were super fun to wear. My only complaint is there is a tab on the top back of the shoe I’m assuming to help you pull the shoe on. However, it rubs the back of my leg and I may end up cutting it off.

Top: This top has got to be one of the softest tops I have ever worn. It feels GREAT and I love the racerback and built in bra. I also like that it’s long, I hate when my stomach shoes when I am doing yoga/lifting.

Pants: At first I wasn’t so sure about them. Wearing print across my big butt did not seem like something I wanted to do. However, I put them on anyway and wore them to the gym. Again, SUPER soft and cozy, I could lounge in these pants all day long (and have!)

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Overall, a great fun outfit I am so glad they sent to me! Be sure to check out their website where you can purchase your own gear!

WINNER of the Gold Bond prize pack is:  Kristen Grace! please e mail me at heatherslookingglass@gmail.com to claim your prize!

QOTD: What is your favorite quality in a good pair of shoes, workout top, or workout pants?

Disclosure: I was provided with this gear from Reebok through Fitfluential. However, all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Ad-free, fitness, running Tagged: , , , , , ,

Pure Bliss

August 16, 2013 by


When I was asked to try out Neuro BLISS, I will admit I was a bit skeptical. Typically when drinks claim to do anything other than satisfy your thirst, they tend to taste well….Nasty. I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened my first bottle of Neuro BLISS. It has an amazing taste (lemon lime maybe?)! Only 35 calories a bottle! And it’s supposed to elevate my mood, help me feel stress free AND help me concentrate? I can handle that!

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Check out this infographic. 1,200 consumers were surveyed, and findings found that nearly 50% of Americans spend at least half of their daily lives stressed out (wow!) Most people agreed that a vacation would help them be less stressed (more on THAT later, keep reading!)

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Ah, vacation. I truly love it. Check out one of my favorite BLISSful moments:

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Ah, yes. Being out in the middle of the Caribbean on a cruise is DEFINITELY my BLISSful, stress-free moment. Whenever I “think happy thoughts” it’s definitely of this beach vacation! As a Disney lover and beach lover, a Disney cruise makes sense to me, and going to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, is my favorite stop. A full day of sitting in the sun reading a book on the ADULTS ONLY beach is PURE BLISS!

Since we unfortunately can’t all take vacations every day, what CAN we do? Drinking Neuro BLISS is a great start. It has a blend of minerals and antioxidants as well as chamomile and an amino acid found in green tea that helps improve focus and relieve stress.  I could definitely tell after drinking this that I had better concentration on my work and didn’t seem as distracted.

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Ok, BACK to vacations. How would you like to go on a $10,000 one? You can enter the BLISS and tell contest and weekly giveaway by sharing about your BLISSful moment. It’s super easy to enter, and you can enter on Instagram, too! So go take some time to relax and enter the contest!

Also, here is a special coupon code for $1 any Neuro drink. You can find them at Target, Walgreens, Safeway, 7-11, among other stores.

QOTD: When you think of a blissful moment in life, what comes to mind?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: Ad-free, health, Mental Health, vacation Tagged: , , , ,