Here's what I've got, babe...

This was just about the easiest veggie dish to throw together - and the best part is that it can feed the masses! While the grill is already packed with endless rows of 'dogs and sausages, you can pop this bad boy into the oven and maximize on time and space! It's the perfect mix of summer veggies and more than likely something you can throw together with stuff you already have on hand {seriously, I grabbed from my veggie drawer for this one.} P.S. Think of those succulent & flavorful in-season tomatoes in this dish ::insert heart eyes emoji:: All you need is some summer squash, zucchini, tomato, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, shredded Parmesan cheese, EVOO & salt and pepper. First, chop and saute the onions with garlic. Then wait for everyone in your house to say, "mmmhmm, what are you making?!" There's something about the wafting smell of sauteed onions! While the sauteed onions are wafting, start slicing your summer vegetables {this dish would also be good with red potatoes, sweet potatoes, and/or mushrooms!} Finally {see, easy peasy - 3 steps!}, spread half of the onion mixture on the bottom of your casserole dish {I used a 7x11 dish, but you can use whatever size fits your veggies} and stack your veggies in rows on top. Season with thyme, paprika, and generous salt and pepper {remember that these water-filled veggies need a good dose of seasoning}. Lastly, top your veggies with the remaining sauteed onion mix and sprinkle the shredded parm. Bake. Waft. Serve. {But, take a spoonful for yourself first, because it'll go fast!} Stacked Summer Squash Casserole Servings: 6-8 Total time: 1 hour Ingredients 2 squash {sliced} 2 zucchini {sliced} 2 tomatoes {sliced} 1 large onion {chopped} 2 cloves garlic, minced {or, if you're lazy like me - 1 Tbsp minced garlic from the jar} 1 Tbsp dried thyme 1 Tbsp paprika EVOO 1 cup shredded Parmesan S&P to taste Instructions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray your casserole dish with Pam {or greaser of choice}. Saute onion and garlic with EVOO over medium heat until the onions are soft, transparent, andwafting. Meanwhile, slice the remaining vegetables. Spread half of the onion mixture on the bottom of your casserole dish, and then begin stacking your vegetables in rows, alternating vegetables so you don't have two of the same back-to-back. Season with the thyme, paprika, S&P and top with the remaining onion mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with shredded parm and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Serve immediately! Though, truth me told, this is perfect at room temperature, too. {Tip: If there are any leftovers, turn your stacked vegetables into a stacked frittata! Here's one of my favs from Sally's Baking Addiction.} #health #life #hostessinspo

{Claire Danes, aka Cinderella, in Zac Posen} The Emmy's, Grammy's & Oscar's don't have anything on the biggest, boldest & bravest night in fashion—the Met Gala. For those who have been living under a fashion rock - the Met Gala is Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit. Which basically means, a night for the most beautiful people in the world to wear the most incredible designs in the world, to the biggest ball of the year. And, what's a ball without a theme? This year's Met Gala theme was Manus x Machina—fashion in an age of technology. Enough Met Gala small talk - and onto the moments that will make you gasp {you'll know it when you see it}, swoon, grit your teeth in empathetic embarrassment, and make you turn your nose up. {BEST} Claire Danes {aka, Cinderella} in Zac Posen From the second I saw this on Zac Posen's Instagram, I knew it was over—the competition, the search for my wedding-vow-renewal dress, life as we know—all of it, it had just been won. Modern day Cinderella. {And now you may gasp}. Poppy Delevingne in Marchesa Second official fav. The rest are in no particular gorgeous order... Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen Nina Dobrev also in Marchesa Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa {Slay, Marchesa} Blake Lively in Burberry Zoe Saldana in Dolce & Gabbana Kate Bosworth in Dolce & Gabbana Allison Williams in Peter Pilotto But even more importantly - hair by Rebekah Forecast. Fishtails & diamond clusters?! Setting the tone for wedding hair every where. Kylie Jenner in Balmain The best of the Kardashian/Jenners. Peep the impeccable Cindy Crawford in the background - also in Balmain! Emma Roberts in Tory Burch {CONFUSING} Look, it's the Met Gala, and a night for avant-garde, so nothing is really "off limits," or in bad taste. But let me tell you - there is confusing. Like, majorly wrinkled forehead, might need botox, confusing. Sarah Jessica Parker in Monse I wait. I wait all year to see this woman step on the Met Red Carpet, and this year - George Washington steps out. The blue shoes are her only saving grace. Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein I think we know my confusion here... And then an entire generation of up-and-coming fashionistas stepped out, and it's clear that their invitation represented the wrong theme. Instead of Manus x Machina, I am convinced it said, "Modern Day 90s." Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton Kristen Stewart in Chanel Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton At least she was actually old enough to remember the 90s... And sure, there were some "oh no, not here, not ever" looks {I'm looking at you, Madonna}, and some I'm still torn on {yes, even on Queen Bey & her spandex dress}, but let's not dwell on the negative. Because - Claire Danes, Zac Posen, and Cinderella. That's all we'll ever need to remember from this year's Met Gala. P.S. Anyone marching out pronto to buy some new hair accoutrements!? I can dig it. Psst...More fashion-moments: All That Glitters is Gold #hair #accessories #hairstyle #fashion #beauty #style

While your Spring hair color can set the tone for your spring look, there are cuts & styles that can take your spring transformation to the n e x t level. Want to know what cut to pair with your new bronde or ice blonde color? Need to know what styles to perfect to show off your fashion colors? Or, coveting your virgin locks but still need something to mix it up? Bob, shag & braid with me! {Cuts} {Blunt Textured Bob} Long bobs kicked off last year, and they're not going anywhere anytime soon! Especially with warmer weather on the horizon, this is the perfect lightweight & breezy cut to survive humidity and still maintain an actual style. A lot of this cut is in the styling—pumping up the volume at the root, adding texture throughout, and flattening the tips to give that lived-in and blunt look. You want the cut to hit anywhere between grazing your shoulders and skimming your collarbone, depending on your face shape {rounder faces should go for a collarbone cut to lengthen your face shape}. Then, you want very inconspicuous layers that add texture throughout, without giving you The Rachel. {Long Modern Shag} Shags are famous for their sassy, sexy and majorly swingy layers. And I mean LAYERS. This is one of the most layered cuts out there—stemming from the original 70s style, perfected by both womenand men {think teen heartthrobs of the 70s like David Cassidy and Mick Jagger}. In the 90s it took on a rounder shape with the birth of The Rachel {one of the most iconic cuts of all time, which you can probably tell since it's been mentioned twice already!}. And in the 00's it made it's return withMeg Ryan. Most of these decade-shags have one thing in common—short. Today's shag, although perfect on all lengths and textures, is mostly geared towards medium to long hair. Finally, us long-haired girls get our shag on. The more layered, fringy and textured - the better. Julianne Hough rocks my most recent favorite, chopped by no other than the incredible Riawna Capri of Nine Zero One Salon {a must-follow on Instagram!} {Styles} {Center-part} Once upon a time I was wearing my hair stick straight and smack down the center and someone said to me, "you look like Cher!"—and just like that, I fell in love with center-parts forever. Made famous by Cher herself, the center-part has been reborn in a hippy-wannabe, Coachella-style infested, Kardashian-ruling new world. Sleek {more like plastered}, flowy, bang-split, double-bunned, pinned back—however you're wearing your hair, a center-part will instantly up your chic-factor. {Braids} I know, this is not a new trend—in fact, most of us have been rocking braids since grade school! But alas, it still reins every day styles, bridal styles and tutorials across the web. Today's hottest braids include a nod to those grade school braids with french-braided pigtails; intricate braids-within-braids; half braids; and chubby little pancake braids. At this point in our lives I think it's safe to say that braids are here to stay—for. EV. er. Psst...More inspiration for Spring style: That 70s Fall Style: Two Ways Spring & Tribal Curves Ahead #hair #hairstyle #beauty #style

I know I'm usually on here touting about my love of nutrition, health & fitness, but the truth is... I have a very deceiving love affair with swirly drinks. Yes, swirly drinks. Ya know, the kind that oozes out of a machine that has been so nicely swirling your favorite flavor{s} into frozen concoctions? Yea, that's a swirly drink. I countdown to my very first PIDA of the season {Pain in de ass - for all of you Ocean City Seacrets virgins}, and literally melt at the first sip--the perfect combination of rum runner-meets-pina colada. Swirled, appropriately. But, I don't discriminate against any swirlies - catch me at a Fat Tuesday and I'll mix-and-match any flavor I can get my mouth on. So, leave it to me turn a nutritious-packed Shakeology into a Summer tastebud-pleasing flavor. Adding in bright fruit like pineapple and peaches, mixed with a Strawberry pack of ShakeO, gives this power-shake the flair of swirlies, with a teeny tiny fraction of the calories - and absolutely NO guilt. Though, admittedly, I totally feel guilty sucking this down - it's that deceivingly good! Trust me when I tell you that I have thought more than once about adding a splash {or two} of liquor to this bad boy - but I almost feel like ShakeO packets across the world would shudder. Sans alcohol, the only ingredients you need are: 1 packet Strawberry ShakeO {or 1 scoop} 1/2 cup frozen peaches 1/2 cup frozen pineapples 1 cup fresh spinach 1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk Ice to your liking Throw it all together in a blender {no rhyme or reason} and blend until smooth. Then sip, melt, and try to refrain from grabbing the rum... #fitness #recipe

Here I go again, shaming Shakeology and turning one of my favorite desserts into a *nutritious* shake! Read it [the ingredients] and weep, ya'll. This ShakeO packs a serious nutrition-punch: oats, banana and spinach? Can you say fiber & protein packed? Oh, you can't? It's because your mouth is too full with this delectable dessert-like shake, isn't it? Knew it. You know the drill - throw all of these ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth: 1 packet Vanilla Shakeology 1/4 cup old fashioned oats 1/2 frozen banana (fresh is fine, if need be, but frozen makes it creamier!) 1 cup raw spinach 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (not cinnamon sugar - this puppy is sweet enough!) 1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk Ice to your liking/thickness So, here's where the raisins come in... You can either add a teaspoon of raisin extract in place of the vanilla {yea, it's a for real thing - found, where else, Amazon!} or add a tablespoon of actual raisins - which is what I did. The thing is, my blender didn't really...blend them all that well. But I didn't really mind! I got the flavor and the crunch - and I'm totally a crunch girl. Actually, they're more like a "chewy" than a "crunchy" but I can still did a "chew." Anyway, I digress. All you need to know is that it tastes like an oatmeal raisin cookie, and that makes me as happy as a girl eating dessert for dinner {and not gaining an ounce from it}! Are there any dessert flavors that you would like to challenge me to turn into a ShakeO?? Because I am SO up for the dessert challenge. Leave your suggestions, requests and flavors below! Psst... Fancy dessert for dinner, huh? Add these to your arsenal: Chocolate Covered Berries Milkshake-O Creamy Vanilla Strawberry Vanilla Shakeology #health #recipe #fitness

Let's be real, it should really be called "Skin City," as it is one of the most fashionable cities in the US...with the least amount of clothing. From bikinis, to brunch, to bars—there's little left to the imagination. I for one like to keep it a little more "conservative"—well, conservative compared to Vegas standards. A peek here, a peek there, all while leaving a little to the imagination. I'm nothing if not a lady {don't tell my pool-cabana-behaving-self that}... This is what a girl in her element looks like... Scoured the stores for this hat prior to Vegas and finally gave up the day before we left. Two hours into being in Vegas, this hat found its way on to the top of my head. Don't you love when that happens!? Stop looking—it'll find you. When you're "posing" and the hubs makes a funny... Skirt: Marshalls {lucky sifter sale find!} Similar Michael Kors, Similar plain black {a steal!} // Crop top: Forever21 & Another super cute pattern // Sandals: TOMS {style no longer available}, Similar thong style, Similar cross-over style, Similar wedge style{someone get me off this site! TOMS are the b e s t} // Top hat: H&M & Love this two-tone // Bracelet: Kiki La'Rue {no longer available}, Super similar from JCrew & Similar // Ring: Oldie {somewhere in my shopping adventures...}, Similar // Earrings: American Eagle {no longer available}, Similar & Double-sided {SO cool!} // Purse {that you can't really make out, but I promise is cute...}: TJMaxx {oldie}, Similar from TJMaxx & Adorable bucket style from Forever21 While flats & top hats will suffice for the sunny daylight hours, a presto-chango is needed for the evening hours. Especially when there are mini replicas of the Eiffel Tower involved and celebrations to be had. {Peep the cut-out—see, skin city.} Dress: Charlotte Russe & so many more white-hot options, it's not even funny. Some more favs: all lace with tummy cut-out, two-piece crop top & midi skirt, mesh & lace long-sleeves & this floral lace open-back number // Shoes: BCBG {no longer available}, Similar from Nordstrom Rack & Similar from Lord & Taylor // Earrings: Francesca's {no longer available}, Similar & Similar My reason for celebrating, in case you were wondering <3 #fashion #accessories #style #beauty #shopping

Let's flashback a bit, shall we? Childhood—I played soccer, softball, volleyball and basketball year-round, with a passion...and with as little running as possible. The name of my game was defense, aka, hang back and let the opponent come to me. Teenage years—I failed my ROTC physical training test because I couldn't run the course fast enough {or finish at all...}. I quit almost all sports that required a timed-run as part of the tryout. And I sure as heck was not running for "fun." {I also didn't understand this relation of "running" and "fun"—whose idea of "fun" was that?!} Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman {your first taste of my Britney-obsession—don't even try to knock it}—"Fun Runs", aka, 5K's, were becoming all the rage. I joined my first ever gym and stepped onto my first treadmill. The longest I could run at a 5mph+ speed was maybe—M A Y B E—three minutes. Three minutes, ya'll! The thought of running nonstop for 10 minutes or *gasp* 3.2 miles was laughable. I laugh in the face of 5K's! {insert evil laugh} Catch up to today and I am a {self-proclaimed} bonafide runner. I have completed a countless number of those daunting 5K's, crossed the finish-line of my first half-marathon two years ago, knock out at least nine miles on the weekly, and I'm currently training for a 10-miler (that's 15K!) in April. And I did it all while nonstop running. That's over 2 1/2 hours of straight running—if you're counting. So, from a barely three minute jog, to a 13+ mile trot, I am proof that anyone, at any size, any age {yes, any age}, and with any level of determination can build their stamina and L O V E for running. It's actually—dare I say—FUN!! Now that you know you CAN run, let's add in the r e a l fun part! Running on a straight & narrow road, or especially on the never-ending tread, can be total boresville—even with the jammiest of jams {like Brit-Brit}. My go-to running technique not only keeps me super distracted, but also constantly confuses my body & muscles to keep my cardio routines super-fresh! And my surefire way not to tire of the same ol' HIITs over and over again? I compete with myself! "How far did I run last time with 'HIIT-tastic'? Oh, is that so? Well, I see your three miles and I raise you .2 miles! What now!?" {You do all have pep-talks with yourself before a workout, right?!} My love of HIITs {High Intensity Interval Training} has manifested over time, and while I have countless HIITs pinned, I have started to create my own to mix it up even more and evolve with my level of running! From beginner to speedy-Gonzalez, I'll sporadically be bringing you HIITs to add to your routine. Let's get HIIT-tastic, ya'll! #fitness #health

If you're on the east coast right now, you are getting slammed with dreary, rain-soaking, want-to-stay-in-bed-all-day weather {Thanks, Joaquin}. But I have a reason for you to get out of bed—even if it's just for 10 minutes to throw together this warm, comforting, Crockpot Balsamic Chicken. And by "throw together," I really do mean, throw together - with any canned, jarred or frozen ingredients you have on hand. You know the saying "everything but the kitchen sink?" That totally applies here. The base of this recipe is chicken breast and a balsamic glaze that is too die for. Everything else is free game. Feeling Italian? Go for tomatoes, onions, garlic & fresh hearty herbs like basil. Feeling Greek? Go for olives, peppers, red onions & oregano. In this case, I was feeling, "ooooh, look, this might go good!" I raided the pantry, the fridge and the freezer for this flavor-packed hearty meal that was ready in 10 minutes...plus 4 hours of simmer time. Balsamic "Pantry" Chicken in the Crockpot Servings: 4-6 Total time: 10 minutes, plus 4 hours Ingredients 4-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts {thawed, if frozen} 1 medium onion, sliced thinly 1 can tomato, okra, corn mix {juices included} 1 can artichoke hearts {I poured out most of the juice and reserved a tiny bit for extra flavor} 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 4 cloves of fresh garlic {or, if you're lazy like me...2 Tbsp of jarred chopped garlic} 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp each: oregano, basil and rosemary 1/2 tsp thyme 1 pinch red pepper flakes {or a couple pinches - we like spice!} S&P to taste Instructions Spray crockpot with Pam (or greaser of choice) & set crockpot to High. Drizzle in olive oil, then lay in chicken breasts {flat} and sprinkle with S&P. Top with sliced onions, pantry/freezer findings, sprinkle on garlic and remaining seasonings. {Basically, throw the rest of the ingredients BUT the balsamic vinegar in the pot.} Drizzle everything with balsamic vinegar. Set and forget for four hours! Depending on the flavors you went with, you can serve over rice, quinoa, pasta, orzo, or eat by it's lonesome! The above version touts less than 200 calories per cup, before the "base" {in my case I served over quinoa & drizzled with a Tbsp of balsamic glaze}. Rainy days may be dreary, but at least they're delicious! Psst...More delicious comfort food: Deemed the "Best Chili on Earth" #recipe #hostessinspo #health

Is it just me, or have even pumpkins stepped up their fashion game?! The best thing about pumpkins is that they're no longer a Halloween-thang—they're a Fall-round decor game changer. Porches, coffee tables, mantles - you name it, they're adorning it. And seeing as how Fall is my favorite season, I'm certainly not going to complain about endless options for decorating all season long. Another thing I'm not complaining about? Loft pants. Jeans, cords, flares, skinnies, joggers, capris, leggings—I. Am. Obsessed. I have professed this on my Instagram multiple times. It's borderline sales pitch, but I assure you that I do not work for, nor am I affiliated with The Loft - other than the mass amounts of money I spend on their soft, stretchy, bum-covering pants. Ya see, when you have a born & bred badunk, and then you "juice" it up with some PiYo, finding pants to comfortably cover said badunk without that awful back gap is near impossible. I now own 7 pairs of pants, all different styles & fabrics from The Loft and not one gaps, droops, overly stretches throughout the day, or loses it's color or softness after each wash. They are worth every penny—especially when they offer sales-on-top-of-sales, and therefore less pennies ;-) Side Loft note: I know what you're thinking... "Isn't that a store for...my mom?" Au contraire. The Loft has majorly stepped up it's trendy game and is now one of my favorite places to peruse {and buy} this Fall. Trend meets comfort A N D quality?! The Forever21 teen in me cringes, while the now 30-year-old in me says, "Give me all the comfort & quality." So, don't fear, just Loft. Pants: The Loft {I'm wearing Modern Straight, but they also have these in Modern Book Cut & Modern Skinny!} // Shirt: H&M {Oldie, but similiar & similar with flair} // Scarf: The Loft {What?! I couldn't pass it up! Also: similar & and tribally; and how cute is this animal print?!} // Booties: Old Navy // Purse: Nordstrom Rack {No longer available, but similar & similar} // Bracelet: The Loft {no longer available, but super similar} Even Paris the pup got to take in some Fall festivities, and I think it's safe to say that she had a blast...and even met a friend! If you're local to the DMV and looking for an A M A Z E pumpkin patch, check out Councell Farms on the Eastern Shore. Fashion pumpkins galore! {Feel free to save, pin or print for great backgrounds, fall prints & more!} Psst...some more Fall & Winter inspo! That 70's Fall Style: Two Ways Flippy Floppy Hat #fashion #shopping #accessories #style

I am no stranger to fitness programs - I have tried almost all of the trendy routines under the sun.Body Revolution, P90x (and P90x3!), 30-Day Shred, Biggest Loser, HIIT's, cross-training, and pretty much anything by Jillian Michaels. You name it, I've done it, and occasionally still revisit my favs. So when you ask me to start a new program with a new instructor that I've never virtually met before, I'm weary, judgement and skeptical...I'm a fitness snob. Nonetheless, my incredible BeachBody coach gave me all the convincing I needed and I started my journey with Chalene and her long and lean limbs. I started BeachBody's PiYo when I was fresh off the heels of training for, and running, a 10-miler. Suffice it to say I wasn't in "bad" shape—I felt strong and energetic. But I was b o r e d. BORED, I tell ya! I was tired of hitting the tread and felt a little bulky from all of the cross strength training that came along with a 10-week running program. I needed something f r e s h, and something that would get me long and lean—something that would make me Summer-ready! Enter, PiYo. This is my full, raw, no-holds-bar review of every single aspect of PiYo - broken down by each workout! Hopefully it will help you decide whether PiYo is a good fit for you...or not...but I'm going to give a pre-review round-up of my detailed review below and say yes, it's t o t a l l y a good fit for you, and you, and you. Align: The Fundamentals {43 minutes} So, like I said, I am a former P90x & P90x3'er, and I've also done my fair share of yoga in the past, so this "workout" was a bit...::grits teeth::...pointless, for me. Chalene basically walks you through the different moves, the terminology, and the layout of the program. This is NOT considered a workout, in my book. I watched 15 minutes and then said, "Okay, I got it," and moved on to the next day's workout. Do yourself a favor and watch this the Sunday before you start. If you feel like you're BeachBody {BB} & yoga savvy, you'll know in the first 10 minutes whether it's worth it to watch or not. If you've never done a BB program or a measly downward dog, this is probably beneficial for you to watch. But I'm more of a hands-on kind of learner - I'd rather do the dog than hear about it. Define: Lower Body {20 minutes} Truth be told, this was a little easy for me, too. Remember, I had just come off a rigorous 10-week running program where we did a LOT of lower body work. At the end of this video I felt like, that's it?! Now what do I do to get my sweat on? Which brings me to... Define: Upper Body {19 minutes} Same song and dance as above - which is to say: a lot of song, not a lot of dance. After doing each of these twice I made the executive decision to start pairing them on the same day. You get a great stretchy yoga-heavy workout for under 40 minutes. I would either pair them together and do a run on the second day, or pair each with a short run or circuit workout pin. I do NOT think they're pointless, I just think they're better served together or paired with another workout. This, again, coming from someone who was used to working out up to an hour a day. So, 19 minutes? I laugh in the face of 19 minutes! This became one of my favorite AM workouts when I needed to wake-up, but not throw up. And then I would do a second workout after or in the PM. Sweat {37 minutes} NOW we're talking!! Sweat is very, VERY, aptly named. You know how you sweat so much, and so quietly, that it's just dripping off the ball of your nose? Times that by ten. The sweat will be rollingoff your nose. The best part of Sweat is, even though you're buns are burning, your legs are quivering, your arms are buckling and your abs are screaming, you don't feel like you're killing yourself. Chalene takes you riiiighttt to the edge, and then BANG - you're moving on. Switching it up and having that fluid motion is likely, I think, why you're glistening like a pig in oil. This is one of my absolute favorite PiYo workouts!! Core {30 minutes} Anything core is always my favorite - I love a good ab-crushing workout! This one is no different. It is core at its finest - encompassing some of my favorite and well-known core moves {like the bicycle}...and newly hated core moves {PiYo pike, anyone?}. But when I say "hate," what I mean is, love to hate {hate to love? Either way.}. This is 30 nonstop waist-cinching minutes, but they FLY and you're left feeling tight and taut. P.S. The last move is a funky little side-plank meets bend backwards in half and kick forward move that you have to live to understand - but it's a new fav! Buns {28 minutes} Of STEEL, ya'll, steel. Not to be graphic, but I think my buns are my most, um, enhanced, aspect from this workout? Yea, enhanced. This bun-burner will leave you feeling like you can barely sit down - in the best way possible. I think the first day after I did this workout for the first time I actually contemplated crawling to the bathroom, and then somehow figuring out how to hover over the toilet. You know the feeling - this will certainly give it to you. Chalene again takes you right to the edge when you think your gluteus medius {that's your bum-cheek-bone} might very well pop right out of your skin, and though mine now looks like it might at any second, I thank Chalene from the bottom of my bum for my new Kardashian-esque bootay. {The hubs thanks her, too.} Strength Intervals {21 minutes} This is the perfect quickie to pair with a quick run or Upper or Lower PiYo! It flies! But don't let that fool you - it will still kick your bum and leave you in pain and dripping sweat. I almost always pair this with a 2 miler, or even sneak it in on my "off day." Keep in mind that you can do anything for 20 minutes and you'll crank this sucker out in a cinch. {Just kidding, don't hate me when you're in pain after 20 minutes... Mind over matter!!} DRENCH {48 minutes} Remember how Sweat actually leaves you sweaty? Times that by, oh, I don't know - 30? And you have yourself DRENCH. It is in capital letters for a very good reason. There is no other way to explain Drench, other than that you will literally be left dripping, oozing, drowning in sweat. You clothes will be drenched, your floor will be drenched, and if your dog gets too close, they too will be drenched. This is one of my absolute favorite PiYo workouts, because although it is the longest at a whopping 48 minutes, you feel like you can take on the world afterward! Well, after a good shower, some gorging on a delicious ShakeO, and maybe a nap. This workout takes bits and pieces from every single workout - all of your favorite moves in a nonstop fat-blasting workout. Then you round out the whole thing with 13 minutes of "flow" at the very end. Flow is like yoga on speed - and I swear that's where you elevate from sweaty to drenched. There's a good reason why this workout doesn't make an appearance until week four! Sculpt {26 minutes} Sculpt is a lot like Strength Intervals in the way that it's quick, painful & done before you know it. This is like a mini Drench in fast forward - hitting each area very quickly before moving on to the next. Despite its condensed version, you still get a major workout. The one thing that sets this workout apart from the rest is a chair. Yes, a chair. Your biceps, triceps and glutes will be screaming and pissed at that chair by the end of this one!! Bonus: Hardcore on the Floor {33 minutes} After a few weeks you get the option to swap out Core for Hardcore on the Floor, but truth be told, I was so obsessed with Core that I couldn't imagine substituting it! I didn't try Hardcore until after my 60-day program was over...and boy was I regretful. Hardcore is almost a tiny notch harder than Core and you literally never. ever. ever. get off the floor! After a few weeks of Core I would suggest swapping this out every other time. Don't forgo Core altogether because they both have their strengths {and by strength I mean pain}, but do incorporate Hardcore every now and then! So, there you have it - my honest rundown of PiYo. Did I convince you to sign-up, or did I scare you off?! I hope it's not the latter... If you need any more inspiration that YOU can do this, how about the fact that my BB coach {Gina Notes of Popcorn and Pandas} was actually doing the program the same time as me...while seven months pregnant!! If that doesn't make you get off your bum and start planking, I don't know what will. Thoughts on PiYo?? Please share below!! And feel free to ask me anything else about this strength & toning workout program with my new fitness-BFF, Chalene ;-) Psst! You may also like: 10 Health Hacks: How I Changed My Body, My Life #fitness #health #workout

A fitness frenemy: someone who you dread seeing, despise while in their "presence," andoccasionally cuss at - yet whole-heartedly credit for your strength, stamina & health. Take Jillian Michaels for example - she was one of my first workout DVD purchases, and I stalk her social accounts for any mention of a new DVD. Then, I spend a few times a week cussing Jillian to hell and wishing I had never "met" her. But I'm hooked, and I'll never give her up, no matter how much I hate her when I'm on my 18th burpee, and I'm contemplating throwing the kettlebell at our very nice TV. But Jill {we're close like that} isn't my only Fitness Frenemy—I have an arsenal of personal trainers yelling at me in my living room. Weight Watchers taught me how to eat, my running-coach-BFF taught me how to run {and how to hate Shaun T}, and Jillian, Bob, Jackie, Chalene, Tony, Jeanette & SO many more taught me how to get strong, long & lean. I'm not selfish—I'll share my trainers, and I'll even let them spend time in your living room {given that you purchase them on Amazon, atTarget, or through my go-to BeachBody coach...}. Running While I still follow Hal Higdon's schedules when training for a distance run - I like to keep things fresh, fast & exciting when hitting the tread on a regular basis. Enter my absolute favorite running workout - HIIT's, aka, high intensity interval training. Here are a few of my go-to HIITs that keep my mind occupied and my feet flying. HIIT-tastic {A gradual 2-minute increase} Anything and everything by pbfingers {My favs are the 30 Minute Treadmill Workout, and the 30 Minute Intense Incline Treadmill Workout} "Yellow Notepad 4 Mile HIIT" {As I dreadfully fondly refer to it as. I've made it through this to the Tonce, but I've attempted it many times!} Bess Be Fit - 30 minute HIIT {A back and forth killer that f l i e s!} Yoga "You're almost always a beginner in yoga." Skinnygirl® Bethenny Frankel said it best—you are always evolving with yoga, always learning, always getting a workout. No matter how many times you do the same yoga routine, it can still leave you with a penguin waddle the next day. The key to yoga is to engage, BREATHE, and never give up. I will crow, I will wheel, and dammit, I willheadstand one day. Bob Harper: Yoga for the Warrior {Yes, it's an hour. But I promise you it will become your favorite hour of the entire week.} Jeanette Jenkins: The Hollywood Trainer's Power Yoga {Disclaimer: I have never done the full DVD in one sitting, because, ain't nobody got time for that. And also, I like to be able to walk. But, I will pair the 40 minute power yoga with the vinyasa or abs and call it one hell of a workout!} Yoga Inferno with Jillian Michaels {This is the second in Jillian's yoga series and steps it up a notch!} PiYo with Chalene Johnson {This is the Donny & Marie of workouts - it's a little bit pilates, and a little bit yoga. Confused? Don't be—check out my full review and breakdown {and love} of PiYo on the blog!} Cardio Although I'd love to complete every BeachBody program in full, I'm pretty sure it's impossible. But, it's not impossible to at least get a taste of every program, thanks to BeachBody On Demand! {Again, I swear I'm not a coach or rep, even though I sound like a programmed BB robot. I'm just that big of a devotee!} That's where I find some of my favorite go-to non-running cardio workouts. {Psst - it's FREE for a 30-day trial & then a tiny fee per quarter afterwards. W A Y worth it for the variety of programs offered.} Turbo Fire: Fire 45 with Chalene Johnson {Kickbox meets dance meets Chalene? One of the most f u n workouts I've ever done! Pretty much all Turbo Fire workouts...} P90x3 MMX with Tony Horton {Hella good & fast kickboxing workout. *SPRAWL!*} Insanity: Pure Cardio with Shaun T {ONLY if you're actually insane - which, apparently I am.} And some non-BeachBody workouts: Kickbox Fastfix with Jillian Michaels {These are quick 20-minute workouts that each target a different area of the body. I like to pair up two of the workouts, or for a full-body blast I do all three for an hour total!} Kettlebell Cardio Shred with Bob Harper {Think bootcamp with Bob...with a kettlebell. Sweat, burn, cuss.} Strength You know how instuctors always say, "you won't bulk up by lifting weights"? Pssshhh. I was such a nay-sayer of this—I did not want manly arms. But, like I've done with the rest of my fitness journey - I put my arms into the hands of my fitness besties {fitnesties?}. And guess what!? My arms {legs, abs, bum} are longer, leaner & more toned than eva. And, how did I never realize how much you S W E A T and burn while lifting? #convert BeachBabe3: Beach Bombshell with the Tone It Up girls {Who doesn't love Kat & Karena?!} Hammer & Chisel: Total Body Chisel {Also available on BeachBody On Demand!} Kettlebell: Sculpted Body with Bob Harper {Again with the kettles, again with the pain & sweat that feels oh so good} And, some of my favorite strength workouts come from Pins on my workout board! Workout Sets Nothing says dedication like committing to a 30, 60 or 90 day program. My advice? Partner up with a fitness friend & hold each other accountable with check-ins! Yes, even I, the at-home-workout-devotee, get tired of working out alone. But when you have a check-in buddy you feel like you're doing {bitching, sweating, agonizing in pain through} the workout with someone. Body Revolution by Jillian Michaels {This is one of my favorite, hardest & most evolving Jillian workouts yet. Week 1 & 2 are a little easy for the Advanced, so I jumped in at weeks 5 & 6. But, weeks 11 & 12, yeaaaa, I may or may not have done those workouts once, before resorting back to weeks 9 & 10. They're that tough!} P90x3 with Tony Horton {Look, who has an hour+ a day to workout? Maybe once a month? Maybe. Good thing Tony figured out you can get it done in 30 minutes. And get it done he does. Yogax3 and Pilatesx3 are two of my fav yoga-esque workouts!} While I wait for the next BeachBody program release, I'll be dabbling more in Hammer & Chisel, Turbo Fire & Cize!. Heck, maybe I'll even fully commit to taking one of them on for 30, 60 or 90 days in the New Year. While also stalking for the next Jillian Michaels program that she drops. Always evolve, always keep pushing, and never, ever give up. Psst...Need more fitness inspo? How about: 10 Health Hacks: How I Changed my Body, My Life My Fitness Journey: A Beginner's Guide to Workout DVDs #fitness #health #workout

Ninety-nine percent of fitness & nutrition enthusiasts will tell you, "it's 20% fitness & 80% food," and while I completely agree that nutrition is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle {as I detail in 10 Health Hacks for changing my life & body}, for me, a much larger part of my health journey {and challenge} came from fitness over food. Around the time I was 20 years old I decided that I wanted to get in shape for my 21st birthday. Why then? I have no idea. Other than the fact that we were having a huge party with all of our friends, and maybe for once I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin. I used to look at outfits and say, "I wish I could wear that—I'm totally a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl's body." But it never actually dawned on me that I could be fit {I now H A T E referring to myself, or anyone, as "skinny"—fit is the new skinny}, that I could actually wear those outfits. Where the heck does one even start!? I didn't set out on some major fitness journey—I never really had a fitness goal in mind, EXCEPT - I really, really, wanted to be able to run one whole mile straight, without stopping, and certainly without dying. One measly mile—THAT was considered a feat to me, my biggest challenge. Looking back, I chuckle at that challenge. But to that girl—to the out-of-shape and uncomfortable girl—one mile was a big damn deal. So for all of you out there thinking you'll never be able to run a mile, or do five push-ups, or hold a one minute plank, to you I say: you've got to start somewhere. And the first place to start is with a commitment. Commit to Fit Fitness should be just as much a part of your day as brushing your teeth—it should be an instantaneous action. There should be no debate in your head—don't even entertain the idea of talking yourself out of it! Would you talk yourself out of brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or getting dressed? Okay, fine, some days, but you'd better be really dang sick! Same goes for fitness—unless you're on your death bed, NO EXCUSES. Here are my commitments to fitness that keep me on track: 1.) Create a calendar: Not only do I create a workout inspo calendar every year to keep track of my workouts {you don't have anyone to beat but yourself—keep track so you can d e m o l i s h that last PR!}, I also plan out my entire workout schedule the week before. Some people plan their meals—I plan my workouts. When I'm following a program like PiYo {we'll get there later} or Hal Higdon for running it's easy because the schedules are made for me. But when I'm freestylin', I have to set them ahead of time, otherwise I'll hem and haw on which one to do until I end up doing nothing at all. Once you know what you're doing for the day, you can build yourself up for it! Or, you may dread it—but just like work, the dentist, and sitting in traffic, you're going to have to do it anyway, so suck it up buttercup! 2.) Get dressed ASAP: As soon as I walk in the door from work I walk right upstairs and change. You know how they say that once you put on the workout clothes you'll be more likely to actually workout? SO true. Try sitting around in workout clothes all night with the guilt of not putting them to use! If I sit, game over. Change, hydrate, power up the DVD player, press play. No going back now! 3.) Sweat in style: Speaking of workout clothes - invest in some CUTE ones. You know how when you go out on the town and you're in a super cute new outfit {you know what I'm sayin', guys!} and you feel that much more amazing?! Same goes for working out. If you're dressed frumpy & dumpy, you'll have a frumpy & dumpy workout. If you're cute & colorful you'll have a bright & intense workout! One of my go-to tricks is to wear a fairly tight tank because it makes me more aware of my core when I'm working out, which makes me suck it in more and e n g a g e those abs. Wearing a tank is a workout in itself! My fav sports bras are from Victoria's Secret; I've gotten some great yoga pants from Target; and Old Navy's workout tanks always motivate me to get my sweat on. 4.) Think about what you gave up: Did you get up super early for this? Did you already expend some of your day's calories on a little pre-workout fuel {a little PB, some GU Chomps, a little protein shake}? Did you already tell a friend {or Facebook} that you were "totally going to get your sweat on"? You've already lost your sleep and some of the day's calories—don't lose your dignity by NOT actually working out when you said you did! Sleep is valuable—I would be so mad at myself for wasting a morning of sleeping an extra hour and then not even working out. What was the point of getting up before the sun!? Don't make it pointless—make it worth it. 5.) Treat yourself RIGHT: I used to look at working out as punishment. What was I punishing? Myself, for being unhealthy, of course. Ate a poptart? That's 100 crunches. Had a swirly drink? That's 2 miles. Did some late-night pantry snacking? That's an early morning make-up session. No, no, no! You're not in "trouble" for allowing yourself to indulge. But you SHOULD treat your body with the love & respect that you would treat someone else. Stop torturing yourself—you deserve a treat every now and then. It doesn't make you a horrible person, or weak, or a failure. Instead of punishing yourself through a workout after indulging, why not "treat" your body the same way you just treated your taste buds? If I treat myself to a frozen margarita {did someone say margarita?!}, then I should also treat my body to a good HIIT. Don't be mad at yourself and take it out on your body—love yourself and show your body some fitness-sugar. Because there is nothing—n o t h i n g like the euphoria you experience when you finish a workout {exceptttt maybe a marg...kidding, I'm totally kidding}. You deserve that euphoric feeling—treat yourself to THAT. 6.) Remember WHY you're doing this: In one of Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution videos, when you're almost at your breaking point, she challenges you to "remember your why—WHY are you doing this!? Don't say to get fit. What does that MEAN?!" Why did you start this, why are you doing this video, or going to the gym, or squattin' it like it's hot? There's a reason at the end of that sweat-dripping workout. What is it?? Is it because you want to look amazing at your 21st birthday, or you want to walk into your high school reunion and put everyone to shame, or wear a bikini on your 20th wedding anniversary, or to prove to yourself that you can do it!? Whatever your 'why', whatever you're end game, focus on that and run, squat, burpee - S W E A T your way towards it. 7.) Sentencing to Fitness = Life: The most important thing to understand when you're making a commitment to fitness is that it's not a quick fix—it doesn't happen overnight, and once it doeshappen, it doesn't stay that way forever. Not without a lot of continued work. I used to think I would hit my goal and then ween back a little, or maybe even a lot. But every time I hit a goal, I found a new one—a new event to work towards, a new plateau's ass to kick, a new program to try. It sounds daunting, having to workout for-ev-Ver {make sure to pop your bottom lip on the "Ver" - Sandlot style}, right? Well sure, if you haven't started yet. But trust me, once you start and you see how great it feels, you'll never want to stop. Going a few days without working out I can instantly tell the difference - and it's not just about my body, it's about my energy, my mind, my whole outlook - everything is blah-zay. The second I start working out again I feel amazing—so amazing that I want to feel like this forever. Make a commitment to fitness. Start small—buy some cute workout clothes {that's the easy - and FUN - part!}, pick a workout program to try {recommendations coming soon!}, set a date & just go for it! You may have to do push-ups on your knees, or only squat down halfway, or only run a quarter mile, but I promise you, I PROMISE you will get there. I couldn't run a mile, ya'll. And in 2012 I finished a half marathon. I know, I know, it sounds like every other cliche fitness story—but it's real, and it was HARD, and a lot of the times I hated the whole dang process—but I did it, and I can honestly say that my weight journey is my most proud achievement to date. College graduation was cool, promotions are awesome, and launching a blog makes me giddy, but losing 80 pounds, crossing the finish line of a half-marathon, and looking at before & after pictures? That's the bee's-freakin-knees, ya'll. Commit, and feel it. Share how you commit to being fit in the comments, below!! What gets you going, what keeps you engaged—what is your WHY?! P.S. Did you ever notice how much I mention Jillian Michaels anytime I'm talking about a pain-inducing workout?! My full list of "personal" electronic trainers & my favorite {most hated} workouts coming soon! #fitness #health #workout