So I finally got around to putting my awesome matching labels on some of the different containers in my kitchen. 

I have a nice aqua/teal theme going on, right?

Organizing your kitchen can be very important to your health and reaching your goals.  Not only does it looks nice, it makes it easier on your eyes to find things when you're trying to cook more often, instead of eating out.  You can more clearly see the ingredients you have on hand, and your brain doesn't have to think as hard about " what is there to eat".

 If you want to read more about why you should re-label and organize as much as you can, check out my previous Spring Cleaning blog post here.

If you love these labels too, you can get them on Etsy, with matching recipe cards.
​They're an instant download, so you can print as many as you want. 

Welcome 2016!!
It's Resolution Time!!

Everyone has their opinions on New Year's resolutions, and whether or not you should make them.  I say most definitely YES!  But, not without a plan. 

Some people are very spontaneous, and fly by the seat of their pants;  I am not one of those people.  Not to say I can't have any fun, but I am a Planner!  In fact, I have sticky notes all over my wall right now, and a calendar that's been written all over.

In my book, I talk about the best ways you can stick to your juicing plan, and the same goes for anything really.  So here's how to do it!

First, write down your goal in some kind of measurable form. Not just "I wan't to be healthier, or lose weight" , but write down specifics like I want to lose 10 lbs by March, or I want to go to the gym no less than twice a week.

There, that was the easy party.  Now you need to articulate the specific changes and actions that you need to take to make that happen.  For instance, I will sign up for a gym class at a specific time, or I will no longer purchase chips, cookies, and drive through food. Even better, I will juice twice a week, or juice fast for 15 days.  That's the idea.

Are you writing this down?
You need to write it down, and live by it.  Keep it handy so you can make notes or changes, and track your progress.  But we aren't done yet. Next, think of your day to day life, and what or who might detract you from these plans, and also, who will support you.  Name those detractors, like TV, Netflix, Traffic, or lazy Joe, and write a plan for what you will do in those situations to fend off the detractors.

As far as supporters go, you should tell as many people as you can or feel comfortable with.  Not only will you be more accountable, but you may inspire them, or find that they want to join you! Let all those people, the supporters and detractors know what they can do to help you.  Tell your boss that you cannot stay late Tuesday or Thursday.  Tell lazy Joe NOT to call you when he orders a pizza. Ask your spouse or S.O. to help with the kids or chores around the house, or to jog around the block with you.   

Next, think of any special situations or events that might hinder your progress, and write a specific plan of action for each.  If the gang is going to Olive Garden for lunch, know that you are going to order something healthy no matter where you go.  If So and So's birthday is coming up, and you'll be asked to potentially make or eat cupcakes, have a plan.  I'm not saying you can't eat cupcakes, or make them, but be sure what you're doing doesn't derail your progress and it's a conscious decision. 

This part can be hard to look at on paper, but what are your own weaknesses? Write down the things you may do yourself that could sabotage your new healthy lifestyle.  Do you always break out the Ben and Jerry's when you watch sappy movies? Write down what you will eat instead, and stick to it! Give yourself options and alternatives so you have a way out of sticky situations without even thinking about it.  

Now maybe the reason I plan, is because I lack a sense or date or time, and I would be lost without one.  If my phone didn't tell me what day it was, I would be a goner.  So I buy a calendar that I really like, so I will want to look at it, or carry a small one around with me, and write down those specific steps that you agreed to. Write down those classes you will attend on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm.  Mark off a time on Saturday or Sunday to chop up fruits and veggies and pack them away to eat all week long. 

And the last and most important part, Don't Give Up!  Even if you screw up,  keep on going.  

What's that saying?... Shoot for the sky. Even if you miss, you'll land on the trees, or something brilliant like that.  

So now you've got your plan of action, or calendar, your sticky notes, whatever you need to make the necessary steps to reach your goals.  Now you know I wouldn't leave you without something a little extra.

Just in time for January, our friends at DailyBurn.com are offering a FREE MONTH of their amazing selection of programs.  Best of all, you can stay home!  Or do them in the park,  wherever!

Stream high-quality workouts to your favorite devices including TV's, phones, and tablets. There is tons of variety with LIVE daily workouts, and a library of On-Demand workouts including yoga, pilates, cardio, and strength training. 

They range from 15 minutes to an hour, to fit your schedule, so no excuses!  

Try it free for all of January right now.
​Good luck juicers!
Happy New Year!

Please note this post is not to hate on anyone owns or has purchased Lululemon.  We all love our favorite things!  But Lululemon isn't the only option if you still want to have awesome style at the gym.  Also, there are a few realistic things that I believe people should know about the companies they support.

Recently, some negative events have turned some customers away from Lululemon.
Firstly, the price of simple yoga pants skyrocketing upwards of $100?
Also the dwindling quality, giving the "Moon" Salutation a much more literal meaning. 
I can't refrain from mentioning the horrid commentary spouted by the founder.

So lets jump right in!
What could you buy for $100?  

35 Starbucks Lattes, 1 all day Admission to the Disney World Theme Park.
Currently one of the most expensive pants on Lululemon's site is going for $128.  
So sure, of course some people like spending money on expensive clothes, no problem. Maybe I'll just look at the lowest priced pair.   $98??  (choking sound....) My bank account just clenched a little.  Let's also factor in that they cost around $4 to manufacture in China, and the workers are paid around $2 an hour.  Schnikes! That's one hell of a profit margin. Their profit,  from your bank account! 

This is also assuming that you only need one pair of workout pants.  You best rewash and wear those every day, or you soon won't be able to pay for your gym membership. 

Then there are the issues with diminishing quality, and deceptive pricing.  There was a widely publicized problem with some of their yoga pants being quite see-through (cheap). If I do spend 100 dollars on clothing, it had better look great and last for years.  Unsuspecting yogi's were also putting on an involuntary free show. Well, free except for the $100 dollars they paid for those pants.  Recently they have shifted prices around, some going up, some going down for which they didn't have a concrete explanation as the products themselves didn't change at all.  Buyers called foul saying Lululemon was trying to trick people into buying things at higher prices, by lowering a few others.

We can't forget the debacle which IS the founder, Chip Wilson. When asked to explain on Bloomberg TV why their latest pants were see-through and the fabric pilling, he counseled that not all women's body types "work" for their pants, and blamed thigh rubbing?  

Hey!  are you calling us fat?? Not sure how inner thighs have anything to do with the entire butt cheek being visible, but clearly he's a real winner. He also supports children working in factories overseas, and believes Asian workers "Reap fat wads of cash" from their long overtime hours??  He has since resigned, but nonetheless probably still profiting nicely from millions of people purchasing his overpriced gear.

Well that's enough about them, lets move on to some of the other great options out there.  Everyone still wants to look good and reflect their own personal style, no matter what sports they play, or what their budget is, so here goes!
​

Abundant Life is an extremely affordable and fashionable line for fitness wear.  And yes, those are Christmas colored Camouflage leggings! They are consistently rated for their softness, and they have tons of prints available.  I also love the beautiful yoga mats with matching carrying case.  
​I wouldn't' mind receiving one of those for Christmas, ya know what I'm saying? Also, the Ruffle Butt pants are now a thing! Awesome for those Zumba classes, or just adding a little frilly fun to yoga.  If you pair it with a longer shirt, it can be a little more subtle.

I'm grouping the B's together because I'm lazy, and I have a lot more to post! These are two different brands though.
Baleaf offers the same inner pocket to their yoga pants that is popular with Lululemon.  I also love this sporty jacket with the mesh detail on the back. Their leggings start at around $15 and the jacket is $32! 
Bonas has my fave ombre crop leggings pictured here in blue, but there are other shades as well. And if you really wanna shine, these flashy " Olivia Newton John" meets "Flashdance" leggings will do the trick!

Emma's mode is also very affordably priced with matching workout sets and soft fabrics.  They also sell non-workout clothes, and have some really cute and fun T shirts!

Haby leggings are in the 20-30 dollar price range, and they have lots of great patterns, colors, and sets as well.  They are also an intimate wear brand, so you know their sports bra's are going to do their job.  On top of that, they have Anti-Cellulite compression pants, and Ab Control pants!

La Isla, should be named La Isla of Ta Ta's.  They have everything you need in a sports bra, big or small, even swimwear and nursing bras.  From High Impact to Push Up, they have function and lots of style.  Cute matching capri pants too!

Thought I was going to say Lululemon didn't you?
 If you can't live without your Lulu - something, then check out Lulu Guinness.  An expert in women's fashion, and accessories, so you can then pick up a matching purse and some sunnies too! Her pants have the waist band pocket for your key as well.

RBX, while being very reasonably priced, is probably the most like your North Face, Under Armour, and Nike in that they have a full line of products for men and women both.  I just bought an RBX pullover last week, and it is very high quality, soft, and a great bright color. I'll definitely be buying more from them soon!

Share with us!
​What are your favorite brands?