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!