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!