Everyone knows how big a fan I am of personalized gifts so today I'm giving one of you the chance to win an awesome personalized gift - a Stainless Steel Engravable Heart Photo Laser Keychain from PicturesonGold.com!  

Engravable Heart Photo Laser Keychain

1 1/4 Inch Wide x 1 Inch Tall

The winner will receive the lovely keychain, and a photo of their choice will be laser engraved in color or black & white on to the Keychain.  A special message can also be engraved on the reverse side of the locket.

Here is the link to the item http://goo.gl/zomyZU.

Good luck! 

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Scarf + Towel = SweatSTR

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Yes you read that correctly.  A SweatSTR is  a little life hack that lets you be stylish and comfortable when you are working out.   Nothing is worse than getting your fitness on but being annoyed by sweating running down your face.  So with a wearable item like SweatSTR you can put it around your neck and it's right there whenever you need it, even if it's in the middle of an intense treadmill session.  See, it IS possible to sweat in style!  

SweatSTR is made of 100% cotton material and it's machine washable.  It's made in the USA and comes in fun styles and colors.

I love my SweatSTR.  I wear it when I'm doing my Jillian Michaels DVDs, especially the kickboxing ones. I work up such a sweat and I can NOT stand the feeling of moisture dripping down my face or any part of my chest or back so I love that I can just reach down, grab my SweatSTR, and dry off.

It's SO lightweight!!  I love that I don't have to worry about sitting it down anywhere if I'm working out at the gym and that I can easily wash it with my next load of laundry.

So would the SweatSTR bring  alot of convenience to your fitness routine? What color do you like best?

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5 Ways to Inspire Your Active Life in 2015

They always say one of the best ways to keep up with your goals is by writing them down.  One of the ways I do this is with the Lorna Jane Move Nourish Believe 2015 Diary.  

1// Write it down. 
Taking the time to write down my fitness plans and schedules as well as my diet plan and schedules really helps inspire me to keep going.  It lays out a clear plan for me to follow and then after I follow through with my plan, I make sure I log what I did and what I ate every single day. 

Taking time to write things down also gives me time to relax and reflect. Sometimes I simply sit outside after a workout and I stretch before opening my MNB Diary. 

2// Fashion
Speaking of stretching, did you notice my adorable outfit in that photo?  That's another HUGE way that I stay inspired.  I like to wear fashion-forward fitness clothing that's perfect for the gym but also stylish on the street, and that's why I love Lorna Jane.  Lorna Jane releases 70-100 new styles per month so there is always something new to inspire you.   And did you know that Lorna Jane has stores in A, WA, OR, AZ, TX, NV and soon will be coming to the East Coast in 2015? You can find your closest store here: http://www.lornajane.com/store-finder/list/. 

3// Stay Organized.
The other thing I love about this Diary is that it's so beautiful. It really helps keep me organized because I always want to use this journal for everything including logging my weight, activities, and what I ate that day.  There are pretty colors and designs on the calendar pages and even informative pages throughout the entire thing. 

4// Me Time. 
Fitness doesn't just have to be about working out.   Taking time to stretch and breathe afterwards helps you chill out and take  a few minutes for yourself.  Sometimes I lay in bed and just stretch for a few minutes in the morning.  It really helps me feel good physically and feel refreshed mentally. 

5// Educating Yourself. 
I like to always stay up to date with information about healthy and fitness and that's why I'm digging this MNB Diary.  There are a lot of inspiring tips, quotes, and exercise ideas as well as fun recipes! 

If you haven't already, check out Lorna Jane on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more inspiration! 

And one of you fabulous readers will win a 2015 diary of your very own!!   In order to enter, just leave a comment below with:
1. An email address to contact you at if you win.
2. How you hope to inspire your active life in 2015.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and NO PO BOXES.  


Good luck! 

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This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Lorna Jane.

7 Ways to Add Style to Your Home

Pottery Barn at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

A home is where you spend most of your time when you aren't at work so it's important to take pride in how it looks.  Here are some ways to add style to your home. 

Mirrored Stand from Kirkland's at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

1 | Mirrored Furniture
Mirrored furniture just looks so classy and modern!   It's perfect for in hallways or bed rooms.

Canvas from Kirkland's at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

2 | Canvas Art
I absolutely love a good canvas to spice up the look of any room. A picture can make a room light up or enhance the mood so look for pieces that fit the theme of your home and lifestyle.

Chair from Kirkland's at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

3 | Statement Seating
A chair in a fun and unique pattern is a great way to enhance the look of a room.  This is a great idea if you have a room that lacks color, like a beige couch, cream floor, and grey walls.

Vases from Pottery Barn at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster. 

 4 | Large Accent Vases
Over sized vases in gorgeous designs are a great way to spice up the look of a boring coffee or end table as well as a great mantle decoration piece. 

Display at Pottery Barn at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

5 | White Furniture
Especially when it comes to a stand alone chair, white can be so beautiful. Add a large vase on the floor next to it, and throw a folded blanket on the back of the chair and Voila!

Candles from Pottery Barn at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

6 | Decorative Candles
I love candles but what I love even more are cute little candle holders.  Owls are a great piece of decor that can go easily with any home.  

Stool from Kirkland's at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

7 | Entry Way Benches
I love walking into a home that has a stylish accent piece like a stool or bench right when you walk in. It also offers your guests a great place to sit their handbag or for them to sit on when they take their shoes on or off.  

And PS - When shopping at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster, Get a Preferred Shopper Card if you don't have one already so you can take advantage of even more exclusive discounts and some of the major stores there! You can sign up for the one I have at the management office of Rockvale Outlets Lancaster or any participating store. You can also sign up here. You can see participating stores and register for your card and then just pick it up in person! 

And if you aren't local, check with the main office of your favorite outlets to see if they offer something similar! 


What ways to you decorate your home? 

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Ssh! I Love Shoes + A Giveaway

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I seriously love shoes.   I love all different types, colors, and materials that shoes come in but most of all I love pumps.  Pumps instantly dress up whatever you pair them with.  And the pumps over at Ssh-oes have me going crazy!

I got the Sophia Beige Pumps and I love how shiny and classy they are. 

Everything over on the Ssh-oes website is so simple and classic.  It's like every pair is a staple for your wardrobe that can be paired with so many different outfits! 


One of you lucky readers will win a pair of shoes from Ssh-oes! Good luck!



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How Many Items Do You Really Need In Your Closet?

This is like the ultimate checklist for those that want the best of both worlds... you want a lot of what you love (shoes, shirts, jeans, bags) but you don't want an excessive amount.  So without denying you of any options , this list just basically helps you pair down duplicates.   Think about how many things you have that are kind of the same thing.. 2 pairs of black pumps, 2 pairs of black boots, 3 pairs of dark wash skinny jeans... exactly.  

So here's a good idea of what you really need in your closet.   

Shoes
//Flats
[]1 pair nude
[]1 pair black
[]2 pairs of pattern/print 
//Sneakers
[] 2 pairs of sneakers
//Boots
[]1 pair black 
[]1 pair nude boots
[]1 pair light brown
[] 1 pair dark brown
//Booties
[]1 pair black
[]1 pair nude
//Pumps
[]1 pair black
[]1 pair nude
//Wedges
[]1 pair black
[]1 pair statement
[]1 pair nude
1 pair grey boots/booties/shoes
1 pair rain boots
2 pairs of flip flops

Jeans
1 pair dark wash skinny jeans
1 pair casual jeans
1 pair light wash skinny jeans
1 pair of various colors of skinny jeans
2 pairs of black leggings
2 pairs of grey leggings
1 pair khaki pants
2-3 pairs of capri pants
3 pairs of shorts
1-2 skirts

Tops
3-4 Sweaters
3 flannel tops in different colors
3-4 blouses
3 summer dresses 
2-3 formal dresses
3-4 neutral long sleeve tops
2 black camis
2 white camis
1 cami in each various color 
3-4 Casual tees
//Jackets
[] 1 faux leather
[] 1 black blazer
[] 1 colored/patterned blazer
[] 1 khaki/brown jacket

Bags
1 Winter Tote
1 Summer Tote
2 Top Handle Bags
2 Clutches
1 Evening Bag for formal affairs (think Weddings)
1 Crossbody bag


I know this list may not be completely helpful but I hope it gives you a basic idea of the things you really need, so that you can maybe print it and start going through your closet to see how many of each thing you have. I mean really, why do you need 3 black blazers?  Pick the one that fits best, and is the nicest quality and just stay with that one. 

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I'm A Sucker For Leggings + An Agnes & Dora Giveaway!

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I'm a rather curvy girl when it comes to my thighs and hips so that makes me a sucker for leggings.  They fit perfect and so comfortably. I love leggings in different patterns and prints. 

So What I Wore:
Leggings c/o Agnes & Dora | Shirt c/o Maurices at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster | Sophia Beige Pumps c/o Ssh-oes.

One winner will get an item of their choice from the Agnes & Dora website!

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What To Wear // Girls Night Out

Ah, what to wear for a Girls Night Out? Well... here are 3 ideas...

1// Lace + Leather + Pop of Color
Leather leggings are always a must and a lace overlay top is perfect for layering, even with a fun bright colored casual blazer!

2// Tunic Top + Leggings + Printed Wedges
Once again I used leopard print to add some fun to a plain outfit.  A tunic top with leggings allows for comfort and class. 

3// Pumps + Leggings + Tiered Top
A tiered top helps slim your waist down and leggings add that extra edge.  Of course, don't forget a classic pair of pumps. 
Which look did you like best? 

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How To Keep A Nice Home + A $50 Casabella Clean Giveaway

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When it comes to keeping a clean home it's important to focus on a few vital parts of your weekly routine.  And thanks to Casabella, I've mastered them all!

1// Sweep Sweep Sweep
Sweeping is an important part of any clean up after a spill or just when things are getting a bit untidy but you don't feel like getting the big vacuum out to clean.  I love my Bold Upright Sweep Set from Casabella because it has an awesome handle that attaches so you don't lose both pieces.  

In case there is a tiny spill or broken glass, my small dustpan gets the job done. It fits under the sink conveniently out of view. 

2// Keep Scrubbing
Nothing is scarier than when an unexpected guest drops by, especially win there's a sink full of dirty dishes that can't fit in the dishwasher.  That's why I like to keep up with it.  This Smart Scrub Soap Dispensing Palm Dish Brush is a lifesaver. It's so easy to use especially because the soaps already in it! 

3// An Organized Fridge
One of my favorite parts of an organized fridge is having a place for everything, even the butter. That's why I love this little Keep 'n Slice. This is awesome because it makes it easy to serve butter when it's meal time but it also makes it neat and tidy for storing the butter!

4// Fresh Fruits
When I have people over I like to have food ready to serve but I also like to keep it healthy and clean.  A lot of fruits can be messy and awkward for guests to eat but not with some awesome little tools from Casabella!

The Strawberry Huller is so easy to use and it's great when I serve quick desserts. I just stick it in, squeeze, twist, and pull it out and the strawberries are ready to be devoured! I like to serve cherries too so this Cherry Pitter is perfect! I just load a cherry and press the button. No more cherry pit and no more awkward spiting!   

I love having a tidy home and I love that all these great items help me do just that!

And one of you lucky folks is going to win $50 for Casabella!!   Good luck! 
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Staying Focused on 2015 Fitness Goals with Sears FitStudio.com

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Sears.  I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.

We are several weeks into the new year and yet many of us still lack the motivation to stay on track with our fitness goals.  Two of the major road blocks that prevent me from staying on task is my busy life and my boredom.   And my favorite ways to workout are pretty simple - running, lifting weights, and basic cardio exercises.

I struggle to stick to my fitness routine  especially when life gets busy.  With 2 jobs and a lot of other things going on, it's easy for me to make excuses.  Another thing that holds me back is how bored I get with the same routine. I need to spice things up but the problem with that is that I lack creativity myself so I can't think of any new ways to get my exercise in, therefore I try to give up.   But not this year!    This year I am using FitStudio.com, a one-stop resource for fitness online.  It has daily workout challenges, product review, promotions, and much more!    Oh, and it's free! 

FitStudio.com is making it so much easier to choose and researching equipment and gear since I can just watch video reviews and read what other customers have rated certain products.  I also can stay motivated because FitStudio.com offers rewards for daily physical activity through the Points for Progress program and #Achieve15 fitness tips.  Yes, that's right... one of my MAJOR road blocks of NOT exercising everyday can now be kicked down.  It's so nice to be able to get new ideas for exercises and daily tips for working out.

And when I need to shop for gear, FitStudio.com has new gear reviews and ratings for each piece of equipment and it's based on performance, console, comfort, features, and value.  Every review includes a video testimonial too which is great for me since I'm visual.  I love how unique features get highlighted and it really helps me make a confident purchasing decision based on other members' ratings. 

Since I'm always on a budget, I also love the personalized Deal of the Day.  Sears has top brands such as NordicTrack, Life Fitness, AFG, ProForm and more, all with the lowest prices guaranteed.  You can select the type of gear or equipment you are shopping for and a Deal of the Day for that item will be loaded into your Shop Your Way account!  Make note that members can receive 1 deal a day but you have to redeem that offer within 7 days.   You can even combine the deals with points that you earn for working out so you can get the best possible deal! Yep, that's right, FitStudio.com offers points when you register for their site, connect a fitness app or device, and track your activity.  The points you earn can be redeemed for merchandise in stores and online at Sears and Kmart.  

Me before a run!

How the Points for Progress initiative works is that members can earn $5 in Shop Your Way points (5,000 points) by burning 1,500 calories. or walking or running 15 total miles in 2015.  That's where the #Achieve15 idea comes into play.  FitStudio.com gives #Achieve15 tips through social media during the month of January, including inspiration and ideas to reach your goals.   Below is a video the explains more about the #Achieve15 Program!





It's really not that hard to do, because almost all activity on FitStudio.com earns you Shop Your Way points like connecting with FitStudio.com through a fitness app or device and completing a profile.  Also, getting active such as walking or running even 2 miles per day can burn 200 calories!  And you can also earn points by sharing your fitness progress and FitStudio.com content on social media.  See, it's not that hard at all!

Since my main goal is to just keep moving and exercise more I am already loving the FitStudio.com challenges, programs, and workouts as well as the ability for me to set fitness goals via the goal center.  This helps me stay more accountable and track my fitness progress through my workout tracker and dashboard. The instructions for exercises I found on FitStudio.com were explained so clearly that I'm no longer discouraged!  And connecting my fitness tracker was so simple and easy! It's already one of the main reasons I keep active so it's great to be able to combine it with FitStudio.com!  I really love the product reviews since they are so detailed and it's helped me decide on some major purchases this year.   I was getting so exhausted with researching on the internet all day!

The best part about FitStudio.com is that it simplifies my goals by having everything in one place. 

So what are you waiting for!!?!?!? Sign up today!!! 

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