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

After my first ShakeO bowl I was h o o k e d. Now I rarely sip a ShakeO from a glass - but rather spoon it from a bowl! And since I gobble most of my ShakeO bowls at lunch, I thought—duh, what says lunch like PB&J? Amirite?! A few trial & errors later {not enough grapey taste; not enough peanut taste; way to peanutty...}, I finally found the perfect blend. In pure bowl-O style, I loaded it up with ice to turn it into that creamy consistency that you'd dig into with a spoon, and then dressed it with toppings that compliment those PB&J flavas! Easy peasy, jelly-beany. PB&Jelly-beany, that is. Peanut Butter & Jelly ShakeO Bowl Servings: 1 Total Time: 5-10 minutes {depending on how snazzy & quick your blender is} Ingredients Shakeology 1 packet Vanilla Shakeology 1/2 frozen banana 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries 1 cup raw baby spinach 6 oz. Greek vanilla yogurt {I like Light & Fit Greek} 1 Tbsp PB2 Splash of almond milk Splashes of water, as needed Ice {and LOTS of it!} Toppings 1 dollop almond butter {or peanut butter} 1 dollop grape jelly {or any flavor jelly you fancy!} 1/2 fresh sliced banana Granola Nuts, seeds & raisins Instructions Throw all Shakeology ingredients into blender and blend until completely smooth. Continue adding ice until consistency mimics ice cream. You should be able to take a scoop with your spoon and it stays on your spoon instead of dripping off like liquid. Pour your ShakeO into a bowl and top with all toppings. Get creative - add whatever you think lends to the PB&J flavor. Dig in with a spoon! And now...it's what, Brian? Psst...More drool-worthy ShakeO recipes: Strawberry Shakeology: Acai Bowl Style Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie Shakeology #fitness #fitmom #health #recipe

You or your bestie are engaged—yay! At that very moment you official committed to a good 90 minutes a day of Pinteresting to build up the secret photography/florals/seating arrangements/photobooth boards, and now it's onto—dun, dun, dun—finding the p e r f e c t style to compliment your dress {which also has its own board, obvi}. You find one that you love, but it's only the back, and what if the front is like, totally sleek and plastered to her head? *Gasp* So you type in something that Pinterest may be able to decipher and return results on: "front of bridesmaid hair half updo loose curls." You, along with Pinterest, are lost. You resort to bringing multiple print-outs of pictures to show the stylist and hope that she can piece together the style you've mashed together from similar-ish pictures. Now, don't get me wrong—as a stylist I love an out-of-the-Pinterest 'do that we create together. "Something a little like this, but incorporate this, and maybe have a braid?" I'm all about it. But that's usually reserved for the very laid-back bride or bridesmaid who doesn't really care about the outcome or has specifics about how the front should look. The majority of my updo's-to-be come to me, Pinterest-defeated, saying that they found the style they want but only the back, or only the front - and so, what does the other side look like!? Oh, if I had a penny for every defeated Pinterester. So, this past wedding season I set out on a mission {with my trusty sidekick assistant/photog} to capture every updo from e v e r y angle. Pin away, my dears, pin away. 1. {The Beautiful Mess} 2. {Big Bridal Bun} 3. {Braided Bangs & Messy Updo} 4. {Braided Side Bun} 5. {If Elsa Had an Updo} 6. {The Sleek Center-Part Kardashian Bun} 7. {Classic Romance Updo} 8. {Classy Crossover Bun} 9. {Eva Longoria Inspired Updo} 10. {Flower Crown Girl} 11. {Flower Girl Side Bun} 12. {Grown-up Ballerina Bun} 13. {Intricate Braided & Twisted Bun} 14. {Curly Bun} 15. {Romantic Side Cluster} 16. {Small Chic Side Bun} 17. {Sweet Low Chignon with Tendrils} 18. {Taylor Swift Side Swept Updo} 19. {Twisted & Intertwined Updo} 20. {Vintage Rosettes Updo} Psst...SO much more wedding hair inspo: Bridal Trial Hair: Do's & Dont's The Best of 2015 Wedding Hair #hair #hairstyle #SilverLiningsSalon

My style changes based on my mood—and since I have no idea which mood will strike me this Valentine's Day, why not fulfill them all? {Just in case} After all, it is a 3-day weekend ;-)Sometimes I like to play innocent girl-next-door. Other times I pretend I am oh-so-boho-chic. And when I'm really feeling fearless, I mix in a little, "Is she girly? Or is she edgy?" style. Whichever mood strikes you, I hope this fuels some of your outfit inspiration for this lovey-dovey weekend. {Girl Next Door} Dress: SheIn {Super sale!} // Tights: Target {in store} // Boots: Oldies, but Similar & Similar // Tassle Necklace: Nordstrom Rack {in store}, Similar // Pink Stackable Rings: Nordstrom Rack {in store}, Similar // Pink Lips: Kat Von D Backstage Bambi {Oh-So-Boho Chic} Shirt: SheIn // Pants: Old {super} lucky find at Macys, but Similar {and super sweet and on super sale!} // Hat: Gifted, but Similar & Similar {in grey/silver - love the textured look!} // Lips: Nars Belle de Jour {Girly Edge} Shirt: Super Oldie, but Similar // Skirt: Another Major Oldie, but Similar & Similar // Shoes: Oldies {shocker}, but Similar // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack {in store}, Similar & SWOON // Lips: Kat Von D Bauhau5 Psst...more "love"ly outfit inspo: All That Glitters is Gold Breaking All The Fashion Rules: Winter White #fashion #style #beauty #accessories #shopping

Oh sweet naive girl. When Jonas first started to trickle down I was as giddy as a 6-year-old. It was the first real snowfall of the year and I was counting all of the ways to spend it—hot cocoa loaded with 'mallows, a nonstop fire in the fireplace, too many calories to keep track of, a constant stream of wine, shoveling for hours {only so I could count it as a workout and throw snowballs at the hubby}, and so so much binging on Scandal. Thirty inches, 5 days, and 10 pounds later, I am as bitter and annoyed as a 30-year-old—dying to get out of the house, wear something other than snow boots, and see other humans. But you know what, this time next year, when Justin Berk gears up his Faith in Flakes campaign, that 6-year-old will rear its ugly head again and I will fight the lines at the grocery store for three cartons of eggs - because who can bake cookies, cake, and brownies with no eggs?! Until then, here's a peek into how we survived Jonas... It's a rarity that the hubs is home during a snowstorm because this sweet man is usually called into 12-hour midnight shifts to make sure our emergency vehicles are up to snuff. I actually had him home for a full day & night during the storm and made every single minute worth it. You know, like dragging him around town in a foot of snow to take pictures of me :-) Don't worry - there was a massive steak at the end of the dragging. {This almost looks like a scene from Paris and I love it oh so much.} Con of snowstorm Jonas: Postponing two Caps games, both of which we had tickets to #whomp. Two missed opportunities to deck out in RED and nearly lose my voice. I had to do something to quench my Caps thirst. {This shoot happened so fast and was so fun that I didn't realize it was pouring snow. Sorry about that, hubs.} {This isn't even a 16th of the amount of Caps gear I possess. But I did try to pile on as much as possible—afterall, it was blizzarding.} {The man behind the cam <3} {SuperCaps.} After all of the wine, and beer, and cookies, and...okay, there was a lot—I needed to feel like my shoveling was really making an impact on my calorie intake. Thus was born my first little infographic! Blizzards do crazy creative things to you. When the hubs did finally have to venture in for that 12-hour shift, I couldn't send him off hungry! These were so easy to throw together and made the perfect amount for a bunch of hungry guys. I didn't get to taste the Croissant Casserole but I'm told it was devoured. I did however sneak a corner of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast...and it almost didn't make it out the door. Recipes for both coming SOON! Okay, now that I've reminisced, I could admittedly go for another five days inside. It's been real, Jonas. Keep those #FITF {for my DMV'ers who live and breathe by Justin Berk}! Psst...In case, like me, you need to work off some of those calories... My Fitness Frenemies: Workout DVDs for the Advanced #Realtalk #life #health #accessories #recipe

It doesn't get easier than pulled chicken in the crockpot and five ingredients {plus some seasonings} thrown into a casserole dish. It also doesn't get any more delicious than this mash-up of Mexican flavors. It's warm & cozy & packed with sneaky nutrition. And it'll officially be added to your list of go-to favs—trust me. First, throw some boneless, skinless, chicken breast in the crockpot. Or, lay it nicely side-by-side - depending on your mood. {Note: You'll want to coat your crockpot with some cooking spray to avoid a scrubbing match later.} These are your crockpot ingredients. They are small, but mighty. Pile your mighty ingredients on top of your chicken. No rhyme or reason, just pour and close. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Then grab two forks and take out all of your frustrations—aka, shred the chicken. Then leave it on low and let it simmer in the juices while you finish up your casserole. When your chicken has about an hour left to go, throw together your quinoa casserole and bake until bubbly. {Mmmhmmm, cheese.} Then pile some of your shredded chicken on top of a bowl filled with quinoa casserole and finish off with chopped tomatoes and avocado. You're welcome. Southwest Chicken & Quinoa Bake Servings: 8-10 Total Time: 6 hours Ingredients For the chicken 1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breast 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with habaneros {hot!} 1/2 cup Pace Picante salsa {mild, medium or hot} 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp paprika For the quinoa casserole *Adapted from Damn Delicious Quinoa Enchilada Casserole 2 cups cooked quinoa 1 {10-oz.} can Old El Paso mild enchilada sauce {I used hot because we're spice fans!} 1 {4.5-oz.} can Old El Paso chopped green chiles, drained 1 cup canned corn, drained 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1 Tbsp. dried cilantro 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp chili powder S&P, to taste 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced 1 Roma tomato, diced Instructions Start your chicken in your prepared crockpot by piling all chicken ingredients on top of your chicken breasts. Cook on low 5-6 hours. Five hours in to your chicken cooking, prepare your quinoa according to directions. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x11 casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, enchilada sauce, green chiles, corn, black beans, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and S&P. Stir in 1/2 cup of both cheese {reserve the rest}. Spread quinoa mixture into the casserole dish; sprinkle remaining cheeses on top. Place in the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly—about 15 minutes. While the casserole is baking, shred your chicken with two forks and mix into juices. Once casserole is done, scoop quinoa mixture into a bowl, top with shredded chicken, and finish off with tomato and avocado toppings. Devour. *I used fat free and low fat ingredients wherever possible to cut down on calories - but rest assure that it does not cut down on flavor! Psst...more tempting recipes: Comfort Crockpot Food: Balsamic "Pantry" Chicken Deemed "The Best Chili on Earth" #recipe #health #life #Realtalk

It's January, majorly post-Labor Day, and not even close to Memorial Day, but yes, ladies & ladies {gents don't so much care} - I am in WHITE. Not that I e v e r believed in following the fashion rules {my mom used to yell at me for wearing two different socks to school—I started young}, but naysayers will tell you that white after Labor Day is the number one fashion faux pas. But you know what? I will wear my white, mix my patterns, mash-up gold & silver, and by god, I WILL rock my UGGs until the end of time. Fashion faux pas be damned. Who's with me?! Excuse me, sir, do you know where I can find a Starbucks? Pants: American Eagle // Shirt: TJMaxx find, plus my favorite piko style tops from Kiki Larue // Vest: Francesca's // Scarf: Oldie, but similar fav from SheIn // Booties: Old Navy // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack in-store sale find, but similar, and look at this beaut! // Watch: Paris flea market find // Bracelet: The Loft // Earrings: Flea market find, but very similar from Francescas // Sunglasses: Kate Spade {gifted} // Purse: Vintage Coach {gifted} Psst... More fashion inspo that semi-follow the rules ;-) A Love Affair With Fall {And Loft Pants} That 70's Style: Two Ways #shopping #style #fashion #accessories

It's officially 2016 and you have grandiose plans about how this year is going to go... But, we're a measly two days in and you've already snuck a bite of those Christmas cookies you should have tossed, or you haven't even cracked the surface on your treadmill/closet clean-out/new year-new you plan. I'm here to tell you that it's totally okay. As perfectionists living in a world where social media glorifies what life "should" look like, we have become our own biggest critics—more than ever. Our bodies, hair, nails, wardrobe, relationships, Christmas trees, desk, calendars, Instagram snaps, plates of food, 2016 resolutions—everything must be pristine, colorful, positive and picture perfect. But life is full of bloopers with behind the scenes shots of laundry baskets filled to the brim, messy buns {and not the imperfectly cute kind}, chipped nails, cupcakes for breakfast, screaming matches, takeout five nights a week {or cereal for dinner five nights a week}, cursing photoshop to hell, and wine—more wine than is appropriate to glorify on Instagram. So, as we enter a fresh year, one where social media will remain the ruler of all things {seemingly} perfect, I beg of you to remember that it's totally okay... To wait until January 4th to start that "New Year—New You" mantra. Who wakes up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on New Years Day? I for one wake up exhausted, slightly hungover, craving a greasy cheeseburger, and dreaming of one thing—the couch. I'm thinking the new me would scoff at the idea of starting fresh on a weekend of R&R, so I'll wait to embrace her on Monday. To say NO. You can't be everything to everybody. Let's be real - you can't even be some things to everybody. At some point you have to say NO to an offer, luncheon, brunch, client, date, party, project, or whatever else is thrown your way. Your FOMO will fade and you'll have more time to enjoy the things you do say yes to. I promise this will change your life. If you pin—but never win. Look, Pinterest is supposed to be a place to spark creativity - not a place of shame to make you feel like a failure because you never finished {or even started} that homemade holiday wreath. If lunch isn't a salad in a jar and dinner isn't crock-potting away and you haven't finished your 1000th jumping jack for the day—it's okay. It's also okay to continue pinning on top of the 10,000 pins you haven't accomplished yet. Keep those creative juices flowing. That you didn't finish that project you set out to accomplish in 2015. You're lucky enough to be here for another year, so it's not a wash, it's just an extended deadline. And the best part is, the hardest part is over - getting started. To put up a social front. Those {seemingly} perfect lives we all see on social - it's okay to partake in the "front" they present. No one really wants to see the negative drama BTS - if so, it would be called "anti-social media." There's nothing wrong with showing the best parts of your life, given that they're not completely staged and fake. Don't live a make-believe social-only life - make sure it actually mimics the best part of your life that is truly happening... And then feel free to leave out the detail about how right before that perfectly styled picture of you posing against a brick wall your Instagram husband said, "okay, go" with all the lackluster enthusiasm in the world. To start small. You don't have to lose all five pounds {okay, six. fine, seven. FINE, eight.} that you gained through the last quarter of 2015 {aka, eating season} in the first two weeks of 2016. You don't have to sign-up for a half-marathon right out of the gate. The house doesn't need to be completely renovated by Valentine's Day. And your new business doesn't need to be off the ground and running by Spring. But you DO have to start somewhere - so start small. Download theFitness Pal app to track your calories; sign up for a 5K; pick one room to redo and go from there; and at least open the Business Plan Pro wizard. Don't set yourself up for failure - it's okay to take one tiny step at a time, as long as you're stepping, period. If you're already counting down to your next day off. 15 days until MLK Jr. Day. But who's counting? It's also okay if you already put in to take off on March 4 to binge watch season 4 of House of Cards. Underwood for President! If you're having the hardest time parting with that fashion statement that all of the fashion-powers-that-be say to toss for 2016. Long live pastel hair, coachella-inspired music festival fashion, and suede. Also, I just started "mastering" contouring, so I'll be sticking with that cheeky goodness for a bit. Let's also remember that trends don't hit the level of us "real" people for a good year—in which case, we're right on track. I'm going to leave you with some of my favorite words from the ever wise... Bethenny Frankel. Namaste, 2016. Psst... More fuel to your 2016 resolution-fire: 10 Health Hacks: How I Changed My Body, My Life Commit to Fit: The 6 Commitments That Helped Me Lose 80 Pounds #Realtalk #life #Hair #health #fashion

We've already covered my f a v wedding looks from the first half of the year—there were cascading curls draped over one shoulder, flower crowns, braids galore & *oh* the romance. The second half of the year was all of that and more, so as we wrap on Creations' biggest year yet - swoop, curl, drape, tendril & swoon with me, would ya? 7.17.2015 - Ana + Billy Photo cred: Megan Cara Photography It may seem like an oxymoron, but this was the most intimate and beautiful local destination wedding. A little bit beachy, a little more beauty, and all tucked away right in Maryland! Who knew? These girls had tons of hair—if it wasn't Rapunzel length, it was thick as thieves, so we had to get creative with twisting & twirling it into updos, and they turned out to be some of my favs yet! {Seriously with the back shot—these are a hairstylists' DREAM. Thanks, photog.} 8.28.2015 - Sam + Brendan Photo cred: Love Life Images Event coordinator cred: Pop the Cork Designs Number one reason why I'm a stickler for wedding hair trials - because it helps you mull over what you really want on your big day. You can picture yourself with your trial hair, walking down the aisle towards your new hubby...orrrr, maybe not. Maybe after the trial you realize an updo is totally not you, and you're much more of a relaxed curl, effortlessly draped to the side, kind of girl. Had there been no trial, we never would have known that—and I'm so glad we did, because Sam's hair was so perfectly elegant & summery and most importantly—so Sam. {Can't claim fame to the 'do third from the left.} {That boho fishtail though.} 9.19.2015 - Bernie + Steve Photo cred: KT Nichols Photography Here's the thing about Bernie - she's the most chill, "whatever works," girl I've ever met in life. But ya know, being a bride does something to even the chillest girls. For Bernie, it didn't send her into a closet-bridezilla, but it did turn her into one of my most surprising brides this year. Girly & glitzy & glamourous to the utmost. She rocked my socks, all while staying as chill as ever. #dreambride 9.26.2015 - Teri + Charlie {Take 2} Photo cred: Erin Michelle Photography Two years ago, almost to the day, Erin & I dolled up Teri & her girls {my forever bridesmaids} & sent her down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. Only...her photographers apparently didn't get the notice and missed out on some crucial moments {like THE kiss. I kid you not.}. With Erin this time behind the lens instead of behind the curling iron, we did a re-do: Operation Capture the Kiss. We enlisted the beachwaver, and a whole lotta lash. {I NOW pronounce you husband & wife. #officiallyofficial} 10.10.2015 - Lucia + Ryan Photo cred: Mike Busada Nothing wrong with starting hair at o'dark-thirty when you get to do it while watching the sunrise over the water. This was made to be one of those perfect days—gorgeous weather, gorgeous girl, and gorgeous hair {if I do say so myself ;-)} Oh, and the M O S T adorable flower girls of all time. Bias at its finest. {Just. stop.} 10.17.2015 - Becca + Nick Photo cred: Unforgettable Moments Lets talk about what makes an incredible wedding morning: bagels {check}, mimosas {check - but OJ for me, please - I'm a working woman}, and Beyonce {on repeat}. I kept getting confused about whether this was wedding day prep, or just a super glamorous girl's day—it was that fun - as evident by the endless giggles. The day was filled with a whole lot of big buns - and even bigger smiles. {Disclaimer: I would never not give credit to a photographer, which is why their business is listed above. However, due to the nature of their professionalism, they are not linked as I would not endorse them as a vendor. Unless, of course, you prefer to be yelled at on your wedding day :-)} {Epic. Royalty much?} 11.6.15 - Meghan + Pat Photo cred: Popcorn and Pandas {Bridesmaid & multi-tasker ;-)} The professional wedding pictures have not yet graced social media {thus, I can't stalk, steal & credit}, so for now you'll just have to swoon over this sneak peek from fellow Blogger-meets-bridesmaid. Thanks for capturing such perfect peeks, G! 12.12.2015 - Christine + Tony Photo cred: Erin Wheeler Photography I love a Winter wedding because they're so rare around here—it could be blizzarding, iced over, or, ya know, 65 degrees like it was on this day. Nothing instantly classes up a wedding like some stark red pops & Christmas decor! Another wee-peek before the full album of this day drops. CONGRATS to all my 2015 brides!! I expect to be doing first kiddie cuts in a few years ;-) Or, at least wifey-chops in the near future. Now booking for 2016 weddings! Email creationsalanikki@hotmail.com to inquire about pricing & availability. *Will travel* Psst...more pin-worthy wedding hair posts! 2015 Wedding Hair: Halftime Favorites Wedding Day Hair: Do's and Dont's Straight From the Stylist's Mouth #hair #beauty #hairstyle #SilverLiningsSalon

One week. O N E week, people. If you're not in wrapping mode, you're in panic mode. And if you're still in shopping mode - well, then, god save you, my child. Just kidding, just kidding. Breathe. Deep breaths. It's not too late. Thanks to Amazon Prime {sent from the gods} & late store hours, you have plenty {read: not many, so get your inner-elf in gear} of time to get your bestie//wife//girlfriend//fiance//mom//auntie//teach//coach//every other woman in the world the gift that will have her thinking you planned well in advance. Little will she know... These are a few of my favorite things... Cozy Cardi from The Loft {$80 + 40% off!} - The colorblock number is sold out online, but may still be found in stores. No matter the color, it is the coziest thing I've ever owned—worth the buy. THE Beachwaver {$129} - For the curling impaired and the experienced. I am a stylist and use a motorized curling iron and I am not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Quay, bae-bae {$50} - Quay is the new Ray. Okay, maybe they don't replace the classics, but they certainly mix it up! Styles vary - widely & cutely. They're real...really {$24} - Falsies in a bottle—every girl's dream. Plaid anything {$14} - If it's plaid, just buy it. In case you haven't heard - plaid is the new black. Infuse it {$20} - Plain water is so five years ago. If it's not infused with lemon, berries, cucumber, or whatever other concoction you cut up, it's just not worthy. Bootie {$39} - Any store with shoes will have booties because they are "running" rampant these days {see what I did there? ;-)}. But these happen to be uber comfy, the perfect height, and the most neutral color of all time. Oh, and affordable. #bonus Color me pretty {$10} - You have no idea how therapeutic coloring can be...especially when accompanied by wine. What?? I was told to color outside the lines. {Psst: Make sure to get some good coloring pencils to go along with this! Even better if you nab a sharpener, too.} Poncho Mama {$22} - Along with booties & plaid, you're going to find a poncho of any shape, size & pattern in just about any store. I fancy this one, but you can find them anywhere from Old Navy to Target to Nordstrom Rack {and beyond}. Ahem, are you seriously still here?! Tick-tock, Santa's helper! Happy shopping :-) Psst...More things to add to your list: Top Ten: My Must Have Hair Products Top Ten: My Must Have Beauty Products #fashion #Hair #beauty #style #hairstyle #shopping

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

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

The other day I told someone who I had just met that I have lost nearly 80 pounds since my heaviest. Her reaction is one that still gets me, every time. She jolted her head back, eyes wide, and said, "I don't believe you. You're so FIT." Slightly embarrassed, but equally as proud, I say, as I always do, "It was a process." From start-to-finish, my fitness "process" has been 20 years in the making. I should really say, "from start-to-today" because it's a process that will never, ever end. BUT, it does evolve. The workouts I do today are a far cry from the workouts I did 20 years ago {I say that literally—as my workouts today actually make me want to cry sometimes...}. But that doesn't make the workouts I did 20 years ago any less important, OR strenuous. Because back then, when I was 80 pounds heavier, a 1 mile run was debilitating, a 20 minute yoga session was draining and any amount of time with Jillian Michaels evoked pure hatred. Despite how I look {and most importantly—feel} today, I too had to start somewhere. So I hit up the fitness aisle at Target, stocked up on every DVD I could find, grabbed a pair of 3 lb. hand weights, and pressed play—every day. If you're a beginner and you don't know where to start {or you're rusty and don't know where to RE-start}, do what the new-age kids do—hop on Amazon, prime ship (or instant video play) every program on this list, add a pair of 3 lb. hand weights to your cart and press play. EVERY DAY. Running Despite running around the soccer field for years as a teen, I still couldn't run a mile without getting winded. Hell, I couldn't run half a mile without feeling like I was going to die. I never ever thought I would run a half-marathon and I would frequently say I hated and dreaded running. Well, consider me a changed woman, because a good run is now my therapy of choice, and I can bust out four miles at a mild pace while zoning out on replays of my favorite CW shows—all without the dread. This was in a world pre-Pinterest {I know... the shock, the horror, the boredom!}, but now there are a ton of "Couch to 5K" pins to get your started. Still, my go-to trainer for runs, near and far, is Hal Higdon. Hal Higdon 5K Training for the Novice Hal Higdon 5K Training for the Intermediate Hal Higdon 5K Training for the Walker {"Who says you have to run to finish a 5K?"} Yoga "I don't feel like I get a real workout when I'm doing yoga." Yea, been there, said that, didn't feel it. Well, Bob Harper officially convinced me in his Biggest Loser Weightloss Yoga. "Try this weightloss yoga—you'll feel it!" Truth be told, I still "feel it" today because that workout still gets me! It was the first workout that was finally able to get me to fall in love with yoga & get all sorts of namaste. Plus, anyone who has worked out the First Lady is the M A N, in my book. Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga {Bonus: no prime shipping needed—there's an instant download option!} Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown {Follow the modifier if you're a yoga newbie} Denise Austin Shrink Your Fat Zones Pilates {A little old-school style, but the stretching and strength will make you feel long and lean!} Cardio There are many ways to bust a cardio sweat, other than running. Most of these offer a quickie workout and a modifier to lead you through if you consider yourself a super-novice. The best part is that you can increase to the more advanced level within the beginner-esque workouts to make them last longer and carry you through, month after month, and even year after year! Biggest Loser Boot Camp {Another Bob led workout} Jillian Michaels One Week Shred Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Biggest Loser Cardio Max Strength In the beginning I was a cardio-whore. All I wanted to do was come up red-faced and dripping in sweat. I thought it was way more important to shed pounds than to tone and bulk up. But I was so wrong because I quickly learned that incorporating weights and strength training 2-3 days a week would not only enhance my cardio workouts, they would make me burn more calories in a shorter amount of time! Balancing between cardio and strength is key. Kathy Smith Kettlebell {although this video isn't that old, it has a 90s workout feel that I secretly love. Where's a leotard when you need one?!} Jackie Warner Power Circuit Training {who doesn't remember and love gym owner-turned-reality star Jackie Warner?! I used to dream of working out at Sky Sport.} Jackie Warner One-on-One Training {I completely credit Jackie for jump-starting my abs. Cause, just look...} Workout Sets Working out at home makes you your own workout boss—you have to set your schedule, push yourself, and imagine that Jillian is yelling directly at you through the TV. Sometimes it's tough to find the energy and dedication to press play every day—that's why workout sets that come complete with set schedules help to keep you on track. Start with something small, like a 30-day set. Who can't commit to one measly month!? Then up the ante with the infamous BeachBody set: P90x. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred P90x {long after P90x reigned DVDs across the world, Tony Horton got a word from the wise and realized you didn't need 93 minutes of yoga to get a true workout. So, if you don't have an hour+ a day to dedicate to Tony, pick up P90x3 for a condensed but equally as tough version! } Amazon is calling your name, and Tony, Jillian, Bob & the gang are waiting for their fresh meat... Up Next: The process continues with fitness frenemies for the advanced worker-outer! https://www.nikkicagle.com/post/2015/12/09/my-fitness-frenemies-workout-dvds-for-the-advanced #health #fitness #workout