fashion-blogger-workoutwear-1024x683-1… New workout clothes! Everyone’s on their fitness plan this time of year so I was excited when Sears reached out to me to partner on their amazing active-wear. Yes, we all gained a couple extra this winter, so we should take comfort in knowing that everyone’s in the same boat, BUT unfortunately we don’t. We’re our worst critics – you and I both know this. So if you don’t have motivation already, buy it, and it will come.

workout-clothes-cute-683x1024Working out shouldn’t be a chore; it should be something enjoyable. So start with a good outfit to make you feel great. I picked both Everlast pants and the sports bra from Sears – they have a great selection of basics. I always like to add a pop of color with my runners and mesh is my new favorite addition when finding a good workout outfit. I love that it breathes and it’s lightweight for hot days. The Everlast sports bra is super comfortable with a little extra support, which is great for us that are part of the itty bitty titty club. (Sadly, one of the first things to go when we lose weight! ugh).

IMG_9280-1024x683Lastly, when finding a good routine for working out, just like any other goal in life, make sure it’s attainable so you’re setup for success. I love to dance, so I’ve been starting to go to Hip-hop classes. I also love nature so hiking is my other favorite workout. Chloe and I love Runyan – great people watching. But do what feels right for you, even if it’s a walk with girlfriends. Grab a coffee and have fun walking for 45 minutes catching up about life. You’ll save the calories of happy hour and still get some good girl time in. You’ll probably forget you’re working out, too.

IMG_9181-683x1024Check out more of Kristen’s blog, StyleWaxPoetic, here!

These bars make it easy to conquer a grumbling stomach, whether you’re grabbing breakfast on your way out the door, running between meetings at work, or on subway en route to yoga class. With only a few simple whole food ingredients, this healthy snack option will keep you energized no matter what the day throws your way.

Screen Shot 2015-01-16 at 2.11.36 PM

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Makes 18-21 bars

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crispy rice cereal (gluten free if necessary)
  • 1 cup instant oats (I used Love Grown Foods Super Oats which are gluten-free)
  • 1 cup flaked almonds
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup hemp seeds
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup cashews
  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • 5 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup raw honey (or swap with maple syrup if vegan)
  • ½ cup nut butter of choice
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

Screen Shot 2015-01-16 at 2.12.08 PM
Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a very large bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients (crispy rice cereal through cinnamon).
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining ingredients together, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This should take about 3 minutes and the liquid should be smooth and thick when ready.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl and stir to coat as much of the oat/cereal mixture as possible.
  • Pour the entire contents of the bowl onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and use a spatula and/or rolling pin to flatten it out into a flat, even layer.
  • Bake for 13-15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool a bit (but not completely, or they will crumble) before slicing into squares or bars.
  • Store in the fridge, or freeze leftovers if you won’t be eating all of the bars within the next 10 days.

Screen Shot 2015-01-16 at 2.11.51 PM
Angela is an avid runner, fitness instructor, foodie, healthy living blogger, and health coach. Having been overweight, unhappy and insecure as a teenager, Angela took control, changed her unhealthy habits, and adopted a clean eating lifestyle that she continues to maintain today. Her goal is to support, inspire, and motivate others to improve their health and be their best. You can learn more about her on her blog,
Eat-Spin-Run-Repeat.com.

Blog: http://eat-spin-run-repeat.com

Twitter: @eatspinrunrpt

Instagram: @eatspinrunrpt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EatSpinRunRepeat

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/eatspinrunrpt

Meet Jennifer Hall Taylor. She embodies the definition of true beauty with her lust for life and passion for helping others. A GoldfadenMD Woman Who Shines is one who is happy, radiant & making positive change in society all while embodying a true likeness for natural beauty regimens & skincare routines. This is Jennifer.

Jennifer029Photo by Mary McHenry Photography

What is your occupation/what inspired you to get started in this field?

I’m a Holistic Health Coach and a Private Chef. I’ve always been interested in the power of food—as preventative medicine, as nourishment, as fuel, as enjoyment, as a means of connection to a place or a group of people, as a creative outlet. We need food. It’s seems so basic at first glance and it should be so easy, but there are all these incredible and often contradictory social and political forces at play that influence how and what and why we feed ourselves. I went through my own difficult time of trying to apply a cookie cutter model to my diet and health and found myself frustrated and defeated and certainly not at my healthiest. Over time I realized that the more I listened to myself, payed attention to my unique experience and responded to what my body was asking for, the better I felt, the happier I felt, and the healthier I was. It was so empowering, to suddenly begin to understand why I might feel a certain way and how to respond gently and effectively. I went back to school to study holistic nutrition, with no real intention of starting a coaching business, and along the way started sharing pieces of information with friends and family, offering advice and support where I could. Before I was finished with school, people were asking me when I was taking clients. By the time I was half way through my work with my first client, I was completely absorbed. It is so gratifying to watch people transform their health through their own actions, and to see how empowered they become in that transformation. A person’s health then becomes a vehicle for the life he or she really wants to lead.

Describe your beauty routine?

It’s pretty minimal. I dry brush from head to toe a few days a week to keep my circulatory and lymphatic systems invigorated and keep my pores clear and skin happy. I use coconut oil for practically everything—makeup remover, moisturizer, mouth wash, monthly hair treatment. I use either a custom-blended face oil from Kristina Holey or Goldfaden Vital Boost as my moisturizer during the day. When I’m feeling sassy I wear red lipstick and I’m a sucker for a good manicure.

What are three things you can’t live without? 

My yoga practice, real, printed-on-paper books, and my clan (blood related and otherwise).

Jennifer040Photo by Mary McHenry Photography

What is the healthiest thing a person can do?

Breathe, laugh, eliminate stress whenever possible, move your body, get outdoors, disconnect from your electronics every once in a while, and laugh. Did I say laugh?

What do you do for fitness?

So many things. I’ve always had a hard time sitting still. These days I am on my yoga mat almost daily which I think of as more of a mental-health practice than a fitness routine. I run, I rock climb, I walk, I hike, I swim, I cycle, I dance in my living room.

What is your favorite part about being a woman?

The deep bonds I have with other women in my life.

What is the best advice you’ve received from a woman?

Try your best & trust your gut.

BuckwheatToButter_R29Stock-004

What was your favorite thing about Doctors Scrub Advanced?

That it’s made from rubies!!!

Describe beauty?

Confidence. Laugh lines. Evidence of a life well lived.

The next group cleanse begins January 12th! Sign up here if interested.