Affordable Workout Gear I Love!

Good Morning!  I'm about to start my workout for today, Lower Fix from The 21 Day Fix and I thought I would share some of my favorite workout gear with you.  I should mention that I like sharing recommendations for products I like, but nobody is paying me to recommend this workout gear, I just like it, so I thought I'd share.  I like that most of these items are very affordable and easy to add to your collection!

First, let's talk about Old Navy Go-Dry Racerback Tanks

I ABSOLUTELY love these!  I have 4 of them and I'm definitely ordering more.  They are incredibly lightweight and the air flows through them very easily.  I also find the cut to be very flattering.  They are long and flow enough to cover your tummy (generously) and most of your bum which is great when I am wearing tight yoga pants.  The coverage just makes me feel like my lower half is less on display while I am trying to tone and shrink it!  I also like that the cut nips in at the waist a bit - just enough to make the top look feminine and not baggy.  Some colors are on sale right now for under $10!  There are some others colors for $16.94 but I noticed that today (07/15) the entire Old Navy website has a sale going on.  Type in the code REALDEAL at checkout and you'll save 35% off regular-price styles and 30% off SALE styles!  It's a really good time to try these!

Danskin Now Front Close Plunge Sport Bra

I discovered these YEARS ago and I really can't stand wearing any other sports bra.  These bras snap closed which means one important thing - you don't have to wrestle them off like a boa constrictor!  There's something really gross about peeling off a sweaty, sticky sports bra and pulling and twisting it over your head after a good workout.  Some may say it's the workout after the workout, but I'd rather snap, remove and move on with my day.  These are also very affordable (under $15) and mine have held up very well over the years.  They also are lightly lined and give a good amount of coverage and solid medium support.

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

I know there are all sorts of workout gadgets and gizmos out there.  I have some other ones, but I can honestly say that I enjoy wearing this one the most.  I really think it's important to keep a close eye on your heart rate while you are training.  It's always nice to know what is normal for you at different levels of your workouts and it helps you to get to know your body and how to push it best.  I also love that this seems to give me a fairly accurate idea of how many calories I have burned.  You can save all your workout data and go back and review as well.  They have many different colors and they are all under $60 right now.

90 Degree By Reflex Yoga Capri

I love that these pants are super-comfortable, breathe easy and they are reversible!  They also have a sewn-in front pocket for little things like hair ties or a few dollars.  They have a ton of great patterns too!

I hope you try some of these ideas.  It's always fun to have new workout items.  What are some of your favorites?  I'd love to hear about them!

My Favorite Summer Beauty Products

I love trying new beauty products, I always have.  Fortunately for my wallet, the nearest Sephora and Ulta are about 40 minutes away.  That's far enough to keep me from making too many impulse purchases while browsing in those stores.  I use a healthy mix of higher end products and drugstore items, so that's what I will be recommending to you in the future.  Here are some products that I'm currently loving!

Loreal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray

This stuff is great!  I didn't expect to like it as much as I do.  I don't know if it's because I've tried all sorts of mattifying solutions to keep my face from looking like an oil slick at the end of the day and I'm always still a little shiny (at best).  This spray really seems to seal my makeup.  Whether I wear BB cream or mineral powder foundation, this spray really seems to "lock it in" and keep it from sliding off of my face despite the humid summer.  It's a keeper.

e.l.f. HD Blush - Headliner

I rarely use powder blush anymore.  I started using this about a year ago and I can't tell you how many compliments I have received on my BLUSH!  I mean, how random is that?  People have complimented my makeup in general, but I have had actual compliments on my blush alone.  I think that's because this stuff gives such a nice rosy glow, it just stands out!  If you haven't used a liquid blush before, it may take a little practice.  You really only need a tiny dab. I place it (with my finger, but you can use what you want) on the apple of my cheek and blend in a small circle up and out toward my hairline.  Make sure to blend it in all the way or you'll look like an Anna Lee doll or and actual ELF.  I love the shade Headliner because it looks natural on most skin tones, but their other shades are great too!  Like all e.l.f. products, it's super affordable too.

Hempz Fresh Coconut and Watermelon Body Moisturizer

I picked this up on sale a few months ago when I actually ventured out to Ulta.  This lotion is amazing! Not only is it incredibly moisturizing, it smells like summertime in a bottle!  Now, I don't mean that it smells like Uncle Ron after 3 hotdogs and a round of horseshoes at the BBQ summertime, I mean the good kind of summer smell - a beach day, suntan lotion, a pina colada in your hand, wind through your hair kind of summertime smell!  They use hemp seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C...and it's still got a lightweight feel.  It's on sale again at Ulta and I think you should treat yourself!

Well, that's it for now!  Thanks for reading and if you like these recommendations I'll be back with more soon!  Feel free to share this page with your friends!  

Back in the Saddle Again!

I'm back!  I have been wanting to start blogging again for quite awhile.  I tend to get caught up in other things like work, cooking, cleaning...Orange is the New Black, you know, important stuff!  ;-)
I've really missed blogging though so I decided to jump back in and fire up the blog again!
I'll be sharing recipes, favorite beauty products, great books...basically a hodge-podge mix of things I like or like to talk about!  I hope you tune in!