Gifts Under $30

1. Gypsy Crown

2. Square Bottomed Champagne Flutes

3. Ear Warmer

4. Funky Earrings

5. Leopard Print Scarf

New gym bag

I desperately needed a new gym/carry-all bag. I had been using my purse and a smaller bag to carry all of my things to and from work. It sucked because I tend to carry my whole life with me and I felt like I was breaking my arms and back shoving everything into multiple bags. I finally took the plunge and purchased this bag from Lululemon. It's the best, and it's just the right size gym bag. I can fit my clothes, shoes, and purse inside this bad boy. It also has great features too, such as, if you don't have a lot things to carry you can clip it so the sides fold it to make it smaller. You can also turn it into a messenger bag by using the strap when you have a ton of stuff (like I normally do). If you're looking for a cute and large gym bag, look no further!

Holiday Party

Yesterday was Brian's holiday party. It was held at the same house as it was last year. We had so much fun catching up with his coworkers and meeting new people! I made sure to make smart choices, food and beverage wise. I ate off a small plate and shared dessert with Brian. I also made my drinks into spritzers using white wine and San Pellegrino, cutting the calories in half. What are some smart choices you are making this time of year? I'd love to hear them!  

Dress: Found here

Aspartame: Why it's the devil

Hi all! So, I am all for saving calories whenever and wherever I can and the other day I did just that with a skinny peppermint mocha...except I had a major headache afterwards. All because of this little butthole known as aspartame. Thanks, Starbucks. I know, I know, I didn't think before I ordered but anyway, aspartame is by far the worst artificial sweetener out there. According to fitday.com aspartame can cause cancer, diabetes, psychological disorders, birth defects, vision problems, brain damage and seizures, as well as hinders weight loss. Fun shit, right?? 

Cancer: When aspartame is broken down by your body it produces a substance called DKP, as this substance is being digested it produces a chemical that promotes brain tumor growth. Awesome!   

Psychological Disorders: Emotional and mood disorders are effects of aspartame. High levels of this little devil can cause depression and other emotional disorders. The effects are so dangerous that scientist had to put an end to a study. Yikes!

Vision Problems: Methanol found in aspartame can damage the retina and optic nerve, as well as cause eye pain and blurred vision and in extreme cases blindness. Thanks but no thanks.   

Brian damage: Aspartame has formaldehyde (a preservative used to embalm bodies) in it which alters brain function and causes degenerative diseases such as, Parkinson's, ALS, and Alzheimer's. Nuff said. Period. 

Hinders weight loss: Aspartame is in a lot of diet foods including, diet coke. I had to kick the habit after I found out all these awful side effects. It hinders the production of serotonin, which helps signal to your body that you're full, leading to more food cravings. It also spikes your insulin causing your body to remove glucose from your blood stream and storing it as fat. If you're craving bubbles stick with St. Croix sparkling water, I love the grapefruit flavor!    

A healthier option is Stevia, it's an all natural sweetener. However, I feel that everyone shouldn't make a habit out of using zero calories sweeteners, even if they are natural. I'll only add Stevia to espresso; I drink my coffee without any type of sweetener, only light soy milk and two sprinkles of cinnamon. I find that sweeteners mask the wonderful coffee flavor. 

So anyway, please STAY AWAY from aspartame, it's no good! 

10 random things about me

10 random things about me:

1. My drink of choice is either a skinny margarita or champagne. 

2. I love to read. Especially before bed, it helps relax me. 

3. I've had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 13 months old. 

4. I use a white noise machine to help me fall asleep. I love the underwater and ocean settings. 

5. Phineus (the Siamese cat) has a new nickname every week.

6. If I don't workout I get really anxious.

7. Vitamin E is my newest skin care obsession. I use it every night before bed.

8. I learned how to waterski when I was 7 years old.

9. I'm addicted to online shopping.

10. I'm a procrastinator. I procrastinated writing this post.

Motivation

How to keep yourself motivated.

Mix it up

 Because no one likes a boring old routine and plus you will plateau that way. If your gym has classes go to them. I swear by spin class. There's no way I'd ever be able to do them alone, but with the motivation of some kick-ass ladies I'm all for it! This also means that if the treadmill is your thing and that's all you do, mix it up with some strength training (as you know I'm all for pure barre). But if you don't have pure barre in your neighborhood try online pilates. It's nice because you can do it in the privacy of your own home and you need little to no equipment.

Don't go at it alone

 Having someone to motivate you and keep you accountable is the best! If you make a workout date with a friend you're less likely to miss it than if you were doing it alone. Brian, my boyfriend and I go to the gym together the majority of the time. We don't necessarily workout together while we're there, but just the act of going together really helps motivate me! So make some sweat sesh plans.

Dress like the sexy babe that you are

 When you're dressed the part you workout harder and just feel better about yourself. Here are some cute items that will make you want to get your sweat on

Layered Tank- C9 Champion

Free to Be Sports Bra- Lululemon

Supermodel Capri- Victoria Secret

Go at the right time of day

 That ladies and gents depends on you. If you know you'll never ever go after work because you're just too tired and nothing sounds better than your fave TV show and a glass of wine, get up early and go then. I know it's sometimes hard to get up in the am but exercise will get your heart pumping and help wake you up. I work out at night most of the time because I'm a baby when it comes to sleep (7-8 hours) and it's easier for Bri to workout then too. But really anytime of day is fine, just as long as you go.

And last but not least no excuses

 To reiterate, if you really want results you have to work really hard for them. As much as I wish it did it won't just happen overnight. Stick with it because you deserve to look and feel great!

Happy exercising

::Kari::

Why I'm loving Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is theee best! It is so wonderful for your skin and it's all natural, no sickie chemicals! I hate those anti-aging creams at the drugstore that have tons of chemicals in them that you can't even pronounce. Thanks but no thanks...

Also, Miranda Kerr swears by it-- who wouldn't want her skin?? It's full of antioxidants and works on a cellular level to rejuvenate skin. Hey, if it works for her it works for me.

Here are the deets on rosehip oil:

• It helps clear acne and eczema. When I was younger I always thought oil was the enemy for oily/combo skin, whelp turns out its the complete opposite. Combat oil with oil. Who knew...
• Reduces wrinkles. Umm...YES!! 
• Rehydrated the skin and minimizes scars. Love it!
• Repairs damage skin cells
• It's light weight. So no grease-ball face. 
• It's full of antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory 
• It restore elasticity and protects again environmental stressors that can cause wrinkles
• Helps remove makeup without rubbing like crazy (because I'm assuming everyone wants to keep their eyelashes!) 

It's a  miracle oil! Seriously. Try it and let me know what you think! 

Feelin sickie

I have a baaaad case of the sore throat. I actually lost my voice last night-- I tried saying something to my cat (crazy cat lady I know) and nothing came out, I was actually kind of freaked out. So anyway today I'm feeling like crapola. 

I went out to Target to pick up some of my favorite remedies.

Magazines: because who doesn't love lounging around reading mag-- instantly feel better.

Ricola: natural cough suppressant...nuff said.

Detox tea: for drinking probably more than I should have for being sick last night.

Throat coat tea: to help sooth my scratchy throat.

I'm hoping by tomorrow I'll be feeling so much better. 

But Sundays are for chillin and that is exactly what I'm planning on doing.

I'd love to hear how you guys battle colds, what are your best remedies??

Happy hour at the Barre (Bucktown)

I get so bored if I don't mix up my workout routine (like look at my watch and think "oh my gosh only 30 seconds have gone by??!! I could have swore it's been 30 minutes!!). A little dramatic? I don't care. I'm just the type of person that seriously needs to switch it up every week. I'm always looking for new things to try and well I found a cute little place that lift, tones, and burns && where I NEVER EVER watch the clock. This burn so good place is...drum roll... 

 

I swear when class starts I don't even think about what time it is until it's over, because it's such a fast pace workout that really tests my limits that all I can really think about is performing the moves correctly. Plus the staff at pure barre bucktown is amaze! I hadn't been in for 3 weeks because of traveling and both the person at the front desk and the manager remembered me right away. I felt so special :)

What is pure barre: So basically pure barre is a low impact way to lift and tone your bod. They focus on all of the problem areas (or at least mine) arms, legs, seat, and abs. The movements are very small and isolated so at first you wouldn't think these movements would do anything, but OMGGGG you'll feel it right away. I have been doing pure barre for about 5-6 days a week for the past month because they give all new clients a $100 for one month deal. But now that I have my base and my month client special is over with I'm planning on going 2-3 times a week and add cardio the other days to melt fat and let my pure barre physique show through. 

If you're ever in the Chicago area or if you live here go to pure barre bucktown. Trust me you'll love it! ~~~ and tell them Kari sent you ;)

Why it has been so long

Hi lovely readers! I'm so sorry I have been MIA for so long... a lot has happened since I last posted; including some reflection time, a new job, and basically just organizing my life both mentally and physically. 

I started a new job on August 5th; I am a pre-k teacher at a wonderful school in lincoln park and I could not be happier! My old job was just a big ol' mess. My boss was bat sheeeet cray and did some horrible things she shouldn't have so I knew for sure that it was my time to get the heck out of there and I did at the perfect time. 

So after 2 1/2 months at my new job I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of things around there and not feeling like a complete outsider. They work me like crazy but in a good way- I'm really enjoying the experience. I am truely way happier there than I ever was anywhere else. 

I also needed to take time to reflect on losing both my Grandma and Grandpa (on my Dad's side) in less than a month from each other. Back in March and April my Grandparent's passed away from old age. I have never lost anyone close to me before so I took it pretty hard. I just needed to take some time for myself and let it really sink in and face all of my emotions. I'm doing better today but not a day goes by that I don't think about them. I'll always miss them!   

So anyway, in the beginning my focus for this blog was more along the lines of fashion but as I started thinking about it that is only a little part of my life. I also enjoy cooking/baking (healthy treats of course), exercising not only for my body but also for my mind, and just overall living the healthiest life but still being able to indulge in life's pleasures. In a sense I'm turning this into a lifestyle blog where I'll focus on all aspects of my day to day life and what I'm loving at the moment, along with fashion aspects too :)

 And as always, if you'd love to see something on this blog that I'm not coving please email/comment!

So I just wanted to let you all know that I am back and better than evah! 

xo

Kar 

FESTIVAL HAIR

Kale Chips

The other day I went to a local market right by where I live called Cermak. They seriously have the cheapest and best produce around (I'm talking a container for raspberries for $.99!) I was picking up some lettuce because I've started eating a big salad before each meal to cut down on calorie intake. While browsing I saw that there was a sale on kale and I've never tried it before (I know crazy, right!?) 

So I picked some up and decided what better way to use kale for my first time than to make kale chips. It's a healthy delish snack that's sure to satisfy any chip craving. 

*I ate mine with Trader Joe's salsa verde. 

                           

Kale Chips:

- 1 bundle of kale

- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

- 1 tsp low sodium soy sauce

- 1 or 2 shakes of salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

 Rinse kale and pat dry

Rip apart into medium sized pieces and put into a large bowl

Add EVOO and soy sauce and mix

Place kale on a parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until brown at the edges. 

Sprinkle with 1 or 2 shakes of salt

Enjoy!

Heart Sweater

The weather in Chicago has gotten so cold! It was 80 and humid the other day now it feels like it's -40. The weather makes me want to bring out my winter clothes again. During cold spring days my go-to outfit is my heart sweater that I got from good ole tarjay and a pair of black jeans. It goes with everything and is super adorable. 


I couldn't find the black sweater on target's website but I did find a similar one--and it's super cheap! 

*Sorry I didn't take my photos in a better location but it is currently raining right now, bummer* 

Rain, rain, go away! 

Sweater: Target (similar one here) / Jeans: delias / Loafers: Target - last season (I also love these too)

barely blues: outfit post

I absolutely love, love H&M. Their stuff is just so darn cute! When I went shopping about a month ago I came across these barely blue almost white looking jeans. I knew I just had to have them! They're the perfect spring/summer jean. Run to your local H&M, you won't regret it! 

Light Blue Jeans: H&M / Cardigan: H&M / Necklace: target / t shirt: Old Navy / Bag: Marshalls / Sunnies: Ray Ban 

Madison photo diary

A few weekends ago Brian and I went to Madison because he had some time off from work - which rarely happens. We decided to meet up with one of his high school friends and go to our favorite steakhouse The Tornado Room. I always have a great time in Madison and can't wait to go back!  

Side note: Brian and I actually met in Madison back in 2006. He was in school at UW Madison and I had just graduated high school and needed a change of scenery. While working in retail I met this guy who was in the fraternity Chi Phi and said that the were having an "around the world" party - where each room was a different country and served that countries beverage of choice. So I decided to go since I was fairly new and wanted to get to know some people. 

Brian was the first person I was introduced to but we didn't really hit it off right away. It took him 2 weeks to be exact to ask me out. On our first date we ended up going to this bar called the plaza to get a pitcher of beer. The plaza isn't the coolest, most luxurious bar, but we really got to know each other and had a lot of fun. Well the rest is history.

Seven years later here we are, the strongest we've ever been. I couldn't imagine life without him.  

Out on the patio at Amy's

Love Amy's!

Brian with his high school bud, Greg

As we were leaving we ran into Ra Fury - Brian's frat brother 

pretty flowers on the table at brunch 

Loves him some water

Caught you!!

Skinny Cocktail

So I decided to try making my own skinny lychee cocktail. Brian usually makes my cocktails for me, he's such a good bartender. He can think of any drink right on the spot. I just tell him what I'm in the mood for and he'll think up something very unique. I love it!

Well that night he was on an overnight shift (for those who don't know, Brian is an ER resident so his schedule is always very wacky) and decided I wanted a skinny cocktail. I read on a different blog that to help cut calories in a drink you could use water or soda water as a filler. I had heard of using soda water before but never water. So I decided to give it a try.

I thought the drink turned out great! The water helped dilute the alcohol taste a bit and I felt good knowing that I wasn't taking so many calories from adding too much juice, because we all know juice = liquid calories!

Try it out for yourself, let me know what you think! 

Recipe:

 1 1/2 shot vodka

 1 shot water

3 generous splashes of lychee juice ( I used Ceres Lychee Juice for World Market. It's 100% natural pure fruit juice with no added cane sugar, colorants or preservatives.

 Shake in a cocktail shaker

Pour into a chilled glass

Squeeze a lemon wedge in for added flavor and garnish your glass with one to make it look pretty. 

xo

P.S. The drink isn't actually green, it's just the glass. 

Beach Body

I'm really dying for a great beach body. It has been struggle since... well I can't even remember, I guess always. I have a pear shaped body (large thighs  small upper body). I feel like it's so hard to lose the weight on your lower half (*I'll post my workout schedule in a later post*). But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day.I plan on losing my weight through 80% diet and 20% gym. I plan to eat clean. Fresh fruit and veggies, and good fats like avocado and almonds. I'll eliminate wheat and other processed foods, and of course *sigh* alcohol. 

I also want to start juicing.  It's great for your body and mind. I especially love green juices. You can find a great jucie recipe here at my favorite blog: barefootblonde.com 

 Of course, I went to pinterest to help motivate me. Well it has worked, at least gym wise- I just need to clean up my diet. Here are some of my motivators: