June 2015 Stitch Fix Review # 8 (Maternity)

Here is my second MATERNITY stitch fix.....Enjoy!!!

[one] Staccato - Sarina Open Cardigan. This cardigan was super cute and I loved the pattern, however, it was too baggy and big for my liking.

Verdict: Sent Back

[two] Bay to Baubles - Jalissa Beaded Triangle Necklace &

[three] Loveappella Maternity - Bob Knit Maternity Tank. 

I LOVED this tank top. The stripes are definitely my cup of tea and the colors were great too. With the hottest months of the year coming up, I knew I had to keep this. The necklace was super cute also but I didn't want to spend the extra $$. 

Verdict: Sent Back (necklace)

Verdict: Kept (maternity tank)

[four] Market & Spruce - Nolen Printed Detail Henley Tank. From first glance, I thought this top was a winner because I loved the light gray color with the detailed neck line. When I tried it on, I was sad because there is no way I could wear this through my pregnancy - it was too short. :( The bottom part didn't flow right either - which could have been my belly, but it just didn't work.

Verdict: Sent Back

[five] Tart Maternity - Blaire Maternity Dress. I am not a big dress fan in general, probably because of my height, but I was hoping this would be a keeper. It was a little tight for my liking during pregnancy and at $98, I couldn't keep it. 

Verdict: Sent Back

Being that I only have less than two months left of my pregnancy, for my next fix I will be requesting all accessories (mainly necklaces). Hopefully, I will be able to add some jewelry to my wardrobe - it is definitely lacking right now. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! 

If you would like to try Stitch Fix, click here. Go ahead and fill out your style profile today (it's super fun!) & then you can request a "fix" whenever you want.... that easy! =)

March 2015 Stitch Fix Review # 7 (Maternity)

Wow, so I am super late with this Stitch Fix review. This was my first MATERNITY fix, yes they have such a thing. I was around 14 weeks when I received it so don't think my belly is still this small. =)

[one] Rune - Kiley Maternity Ankle Zip Legging. These leggings were super cute and cozy, however, being that the rest of my pregnancy will be filled with beach and water play dates, I just couldn't keep them. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who will be pregnant in the winter months because they are very cute, especially with the zipper on the ankle and very comfortable.

Verdict: Sent Back

[two] Papermoon - Mauna Kimono. I requested for a kimono that would be easy to layer over some maternity tanks and this is exactly what I was hoping for. I love the bright colors and pattern, how could I say no? =)

Verdict: Kept

[three] Gilli - Astra Sleeveless Maxi Dress. The fit of this dress was good, but I wasn't all-in on this one. I am not a huge fan of long dresses on me (maybe because I am so short), so unless I absolutely couldn't live without it, or the price was on point, I couldn't keep it. 

Verdict: Sent Back

[four] Loveappella Maternity - Plumeria Mixed Material Maternity Top. This top was definitely my style but if only it was a little shorter in the back. I didn't like the appearance of wearing a "shirt-dress" with this one. Other than the length, it was super cute. 

Verdict: Sent Back

[five] Pixley - Colibri Heart Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse. Seriously? A blouse for the summer AND while being pregnant? No, thank you. Plus, the fit of this shirt had ZERO stretch to it so it probably would have fit only for a couple days...ugh, I hate gaining all my weight in my top half of my body. 

Verdict: Sent Back

That's it folks. Stay tuned because I have another fix set to arrive on Saturday!!! My note to my stylist for this round was to include a long, pendant-like necklace, and summery tops. Of course I reminded them that I am preggo and live in sunny, hot, So Cal. =) 

Want to get your very own Stitch Fix??? Click on the LINK HERE and give it a try. Fill out your own style profile now and then schedule your fix whenever you would like. Then you will receive five items delivered to your home for only $20. The best part is that you can apply that $20 to any items that you keep. It's so much fun! 

Almond Crusted Lemon Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2-4 


Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts 
• 1 cup almond meal 
• 1 egg 
• 2 lemons 
• handful of fresh parsley (about 3 tsp chopped)

Directions:

1. Cut chicken breasts in half, width wise, so they are thin.
2. In a bowl, mix almond meal, finely chopped parsley & the zest of one lemon. 
3. In another bowl, beat egg.
4. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then in the almond mixture. 
5. Using EVOO, cook chicken in a pan on low to medium heat until cooked thoroughly (about 5-10 minutes on each side). The outside of chicken should be a light golden color.Optional: Squeeze the juice of the first lemon on top of the chicken while it cooks.
6. Serve with second squeezed lemon. I served mine with broccoli and brown rice.

Treat Yourself Tuesday

Linking up with my advo-buddy Becky over at Olives 'n' Wine for a Treat Yourself Tuesday post.

This past week has been a busy one (just like every other one). Being a mom it's hard to treat yourself but I managed to get a little of that in this week. Since it was my birthday a couple weeks ago, I had some extra spending money and where did I go??? LuLu of course =) I got myself a cute pair of shorts for this hot weather. Check them out. AND, they are reversible!

Along with my shorts, I also painted my toes (I know, boring) and treated myself to some york peppermint patties! =)

January 2015 Stitch Fix Review # 6

Wow. I can't believe it has been OVER A MONTH since I last blogged. I guess we have been busy in our household. The holidays came and went so fast this year. I have been meaning to post some photos from Owen's 2nd birthday and from Christmas, but in the meantime, here is my latest stitch fix I got..... It was one of my favorite's if I do say so myself. =)

If you would like to try Stitch Fix out, click here. You can sign up and start filling out your styling profile. It's an awesome program where you get styled and sent clothes & accessories however often as you would like. You can either keep what they send you, or return it. Check out how it works here in my first ever stitch fix.

[one] Market & Spruce - Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee. This top was super cute but sort of plain. I figured for the price (I think it was around $45-50), I could find something a lot cuter.

[two] Skies are Blue - Viper Plaid Split Neck Blouse. Initially I looked at this shirt and thought, "what was my stylist thinking?" but then when I tried it on I saw the full potential. This shirt was on the higher price point as well so I ended up returning it. Also, my box came after Christmas & this shirt just screamed Christmas to me.

[three] Papermoon - Strewie Striped Mixed Material Top. O.M.G. I love this top!!! I definitely wore it right away on New Years Eve. I loved the solid back, striped front (I think I have a common theme with my tops that I have kept in the past - STRIPES), & hi-lo characteristic. This was a winner right out of the box!

[four] Market and Spruce - Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan. I thought I was going to absolutely love this jacket ever since I laid eyes on it on pinterest but I was actually surprised when I tried it out because it did not lay right on me. I liked the zipper on the side so that it could be worn on it's own, but something just didn't lay right. As an open cardigan, it was just alright. Therefore, I had to send this one back.

[five] Loveappela - Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt. I had requested this item and I am so glad I did!!! It is totally my style - casual and everyday type sweatshirt. I have already worn this several times and I am so happy I decided to keep it. It was on the higher price point but so worth it. And to think I had to question this one? ha! Definite keeper.

So how did I do? I considered this "fix" a great one!! =)

Want to check out my other fixes? 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Enjoy your weekend!

Workout Wednesday: AdvoCare Group Challenge, January 5th!

As many of you know from all my posts and pictures on social media these days (sorry - i can't help myself), I LOVE AdvoCare! My love for AdvoCare all started with a 24-Day Challenge. Last January I began my journey to a healthier me and AdvoCare played such a huge part in this. I lost the rest of my baby weight and over 10 inches in 24 days and went on to maintain and tone up ever since. I can say the best take-away from the challenge for me, aside from my now favorite SPARK, was learning how to properly eat clean. I learned how to cook healthier for me and my family which has been invaluable.

Enough about me, let's talk about you...... Are you thinking about all the over indulgences that are about to take place in the next few weeks? Want to have a set plan to lose those extra pounds this new year? Want more energy? Want to improve your athletic performance? Interested in a plan b income? The answer to all of this is AdvoCare!!

My team is kicking off a group challenge, starting January 5th, with hundreds of participants from all over the country. You will have access to our facebook group which offers tons of support and encouragement (and let's not forget, accountability). Along with all the moral support, you will have access to our Pinterest page with numerous clean "advocare friendly" recipes - jackpot!

If you are interested and want to sign up right this very moment, click here. I will be notified of your purchase and will send you a follow up email.......Otherwise, send me an email and we can chat about it: whitt312@gmail.com.

I thought I'd provide you with some visuals since we all know pictures don't lie..... Ok some pictures do lie, but I can assure you these are all legit and real transformations below. =) All of these pictures that I am sharing are of my friends. Doing this together has been so positive and I have met some incredible people along the way. Instead of talking about how crazy our kids have been, whining about feeling exhausted, etc., we all lift one another up, meet up at the gym, share yummy recipes, and just motivate each other everyday to be better versions of ourselves... It goes way beyond weight loss...BUT, as you can see from the photos, that's an added bonus!

24 Days - 11 pounds lost
Continued clean eating & AdvoCare products to lose a total of 25 pounds and 20 inches in 4 months 

24 Days - 9.5 pounds & 14 inches lost

24 Days on Modified Nursing Challenge - 6 pounds & 10 inches lost

24 Days - 10 pounds & 9 inches lost

24 Days - 8 pounds & 11.75 inches lost

24 Days - 10 pounds & over 4 inches around waist lost

Lauren has gone on to lose over 30 pounds and has lost 12% body fat!

24 Days - 5 pounds & 10.5 inches lost

And as for where I am at now, I have maintained my weight loss and started working out at the gym (lifting weights) again. Before I had my kids, I would go to the gym everyday after work for a solid 1-2 hours (probably because I had nothing better to do with my time). Since having kids, it's been hard to find the time and MOTIVATION to get myself in the gym. It's crazy how losing a little weight can make you feel so much better physically and mentally and has provided me with that extra boost of motivation I so desperately needed. My one regret from my transformation was not measuring my body fat % at all. I definitely think I have lost at least a few percentage points which is just another positive indicator of progress!!

If you have any questions please reach out to me.... I would love to help any way I can..... That's all for this Workout Wednesday. Have a fabulous and fit week!  

Average vs. Awesome Workout

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I'm linking up with Jessica and Jill as part of the Tuesday Fit Dish link-up party. Every Tuesday there is a new fitness/health related topic to discuss and today's topic is "What's the difference between an average vs. awesome workout?".

I know for a fact that I can definitely tell a difference between an average regular workout, and one that is amazingly awesome.... But what is it exactly that makes those workouts awesome?!?! I think the key word here is preparation, preparation, preparation!!!!

Is there such thing as being overly prepared when it comes to working out? I don't think so.

One of the main contributors to being prepared is proper core nutrition - before AND after workouts. I know that I feel a hell of a lot better when I workout after a day of clean eating rather than after I eat junk like pizza and candy (two of the items I have consumed way too much of in the past week)!! Along with clean eating, I rely on my AdvoCare products to help me feel my best. Some of my favorites are Spark, Catalyst, & Rehydrate!

Along with proper core nutrition, every girl needs to feel their best during workouts, and what better way than to feel comfortable and good in your workout attire? This is an area I probably spend a little too much money in but can you really put a price on a good workout?.... No! =) Here are some of my favorites.... My go to running shoes - Brooks Adrenaline GTS and my favorite brand of workout clothes is, surprise, surprise, lululemon. One of my favorite tanks is actually on sale right now... check it out  - it is seriously the best for the gym!

And maybe one of the most important aspects of an awesome workout is the music you are listening to. I love creating playlists on Spotify. Here is a list of some of my favorite songs on my playlist right now:

1 - David Guetta: Dangerous (theeee BEST workout song right now)
2 - Chase Rice: Ready Set Roll
3 - Kenny Chesney: American Kids
4 - Ariana Grande: Break Free
5 - Iggy Azalea: Black Widow
6 - Tiesto: Red Lights
7 - David Guetta: Bad
8 - Maroon 5: Animals

As you can see, everything I mentioned above has to do with preparing for your workout. If you aren't properly prepared for an awesome workout, it's not going to happen!

What do you think the key to an awesome workout is? Please share in the comments, I'd love to hear everyone else's opinions. =)