So as you know, I've really been working on my fitness these days and one thing that I do consistently is my elliptical workout.  I do this every other day for 35 minutes.  

So here is the routine I use.

I originally found a similar one on the internet but the resistance was so high and I wanted to be more realistic since I still consider myself a beginner. So I played around and modified it and it's been working great for me. 

Feel free to save the image and routine and print it for your own use!

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A Fun + Simple DIY Holiday Gift Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias

I know it's still early but I have pretty much all of my Holiday shopping done.  I stuck to my budget and my list and I didn't stress myself out trying to think of what to get people.   In fact today I'm going to show you an easy and fun tutorial to make a DIY Holiday gift, container and all!   

I make these for neighbors and the postman and other delivery people.  As a blogger, I get a lot of packages and I always want the people that help get them to me know that they are very much appreciated.  So what better way to do that then with homemade cookies in neatly decorated festive packaging?  So follow along for this easy cookie container tutorial. 

What You Will Need:
Cookies
Wax Paper
Decorative Tape
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs

[STEP 1 - MAKE COOKIES]
Whether you make them from scratch or you buy cookie mix at the store, it's the thought that counts so choose a few different types of cookies.  I chose Chocolate Chip and Snicker doodle.  I figure I can't go wrong that way. 

[STEP 2 - DECORATE Rubbermaid TakeAlongs]
This is the fun part.  While you wait for your cookies to bake you can use your decorative tape to decorate your containers. 

You can make fun designs with the decorative tape and if you really want to get creative you could practically cover the containers completely.  Decorative tape can be peeled off too. 
  

I use Rubbermaid TakeAlongs because they are perfect for storing my meals and snacks whenever I share them with people.  Plus it's a great way for me to celebrate the season of giving by giving them (and what's inside) to those that I appreciate and care about.  The cool thing about Holiday TakeAlongs is that they come in limited edition red, green, and prints for the holidays.  

You can find them on a special end cap at Walmart between 10/29-12/24.   


I love Rubbermaid TakeAlongs when it comes to storage and gifting.  They have a Quik Clik Seal™ to keep food and treats secure so they don't spill.  I love the soft lids and how well they tightly grip the container so I know there's a reliable seal.  They even have a large tab that makes it so easy to open them.  And it's the gift that keeps on giving because they are top rack dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and even microwavable! 



You can even use decorative pens to write a To/From Note and tape it to the top of the container. You can make it as fancy or as simple as you want.  That's the best part of a DIY gift - ANY amount of effort makes it special. 

[STEP 3 - FILL WITH COOKIES]
Once your cookies are done make sure you line the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs with wax paper, place a few cookies in, then layer with another piece of wax paper before you place more cookies inside. I like doing this so that the cookies don't get smashed and stuck together.  

[STEP 4 -  GIVE]
This is the fun part where you get to give your finished product to the recipient!

Doesn't it feel so good to put a bit of extra time and effort into a gift?   Who would you give this DIY Cookie Container gift to? For more great ideas click here!

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Incorporating Protein Shakes into My Fitness Routine [& A Tutorial]

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, EAS Sports Nutrition.  All opinions are mine alone.  #PowerinProtein #easbrand #CollectiveBias

For the past few months I've been really working on my fitness and health.  Not only am I working out 5 times a week but I'm taking care of myself during the recovery process that comes whenever I'm NOT exercising.  So recently I've been incorporating EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder into my diet. 

It's very beneficial because it can help you build stronger, leaner muscle and your body actually needs 30g of protein to recover after a workout.   EAS has high-quality pure whey protein and no fillers or added sugar so it won't mess up my healthy eating habits.  Whey protein is important because it's fast digesting and it's ideal for after a workout when you need to replenish and start rebuilding your muscles. 

You can find EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder in Chocolate and Vanilla at Walmart in the Nutrition aisle.

And you can earn $3.00 when you purchase EAS 100% Whey Protein or $1.00 when you purchase  EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control! That's a pretty good reason to check it out!

I love working out!  It isn't always easy but after a few weeks, when I started to see results, it was much easier to stay motivated. 

 Below you will find a fitness routine that I do 3 days out of the week.  Make sure you do each circuit 3 times in a row.  I also like to mix cardio in so try to do about 20 minutes of that as well.

Day # 1: Chest + Triceps(Arms)

Dumbell Bench Press - 12 reps with 10 lb. weights

Dumbell Incline Press - 12 reps with 10 lb. weights

Overhead Press - 12 reps with 10 lb. weights

Pushups - 10 reps
Cardio: 20 Minute run/walk

Day # 2: Shoulders, Back + Biceps(Arms)

Burpees- 12 Reps
Dumbbell Rows - 12 reps with 10 lb. weights

Seated Dumbbell Curls - 15 reps with 10 lb. weights
Lateral Raises - 12 reps with 10 lb. weights
Cardio: 20 Minute run/walk

Day # 3: Legs + Core

15 Squats

15 Lunges

15 Sit Ups

15 Pushups
12 Jumping Jacks
Cardio: 20 Minute run/walk

Afterwards - be sure to stretch and then refuel with an EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder Shake!  I also feel a lot better after I refuel my body and of course I also feel more full.  Nothing is worse than getting done without a workout and feeling like you could eat a horse...and then eating a horse (or a horse's weight in junk food). 

Also be sure to Check out the New NBC Show S.T.R.O.N.G. where EAS products will be featured on the June 2nd episode. (9pm EST 8pm CST)


Are you going to incorporate EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder into your fitness routine?

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A New Me - Fitness + Food PLUS A Free Printable Fitness Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone. #SavvySnacking #CollectiveBias

I've always been a simple gal so when it comes to what I eat and how I exercise I like to keep it as simple and realistic as possible.   Two of the major difficulties in my life are getting myself to exercise on a regular basis and making smart snacking choices.  Well, I am happy to report that I am becoming a pro with both of those. 

Snacking has always been a struggle for me and I would always tend to grab the most starchy or sweet treat and stuff my face with it.  I'm totally owning that, by the way so give me some credit!  I'm serious though, I would get done with a workout and then stuff my face with jellybeans.  It was horrible because I couldn't stop myself and it was becoming such a bad habit.  It's like when my body craves nutrients and fuel, I just go with what my tastebuds love which obviously includes sweet and carb-loaded stuff. 

Lately, I've been eating more protein in the form of snacks and I wanted to find a snack that had responsible ingredients and delicious flavor.  Well, I found that in the form of Lorissa's Kitchen which you can find at Walmart.   My all time favorite snack these days is Lorissa's Kitchen Korean Barbeque Beef.  It's so flavorful and delicious.  There are other flavors to choose from as well like Lorissa's Kitchen Sweet Chili Pork and Lorissa's Kitchen Szechuan Peppercorn Beef. 

Lorissa's Kitchen captures that farm-to-table lifestyle through their yummy portable snack that is obviously packed with protein.  It's a great way to fuel your body as you go about your day and it's perfect for when you're on the go. 

Oh and there's an awesome sweepstakes you can enter!

Lorissa's Kitchen #SavvySnackingSweepstakes

I keep some in my purse so that I can snack on it throughout the day at work or when I'm out running errands.  I also keep some handy when I'm working out so that afterwards I can relax and give my body the protein it needs. 

Lorissa's Kitchen is high in protein but low in carbs and fat.  It has no MSG and no preservatives.  It's even gluten free!!   These products are also made from grass-fed beef.  The ingredients in these snacks can be found in your own kitchen! 

As promised, I do have a fitness tutorial for you that includes the strength training moves I do 3 times a week. 

Day # 1: Chest + Triceps

Dumbell Bench Press - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Dumbell Incline Press - 10 repys with 5-10 lb. weights

Kickbacks - 12 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Overhead Press - 12 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Skull Crushers - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Take a 30 second break and repeat 2X.

Day # 2: Back + Biceps

Dumbbell Rows - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Dead Lifts - 10 reps with 10 lb. weights

Bent Over Flys - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Seated Dumbbell Curls - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Seated Dumbbell Hammer Curls - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Take a 30 second break and repeat 2X.

Day # 3: Shoulders, Legs + Abs

Lateral Raises - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Upright Rows - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

Seated Dumbbell Press - 10 reps with 5-10 lb. weights

12 Squats

12 Lunges

12 Calf Raises

10 Sit Ups

10 Leg Raises

10-Second Plank

12 Pushups

Take a 30 second break and repeat 2X.

Here is a printable version for you...just click to open and hit print!

Be sure to look for Lorissa's Kitchen products at the registers at your local Walmart. 

And be sure to enter the Lorissa's Kitchen Sweepstakes from earlier in the post, too!!!   

Now, what's your secret to a new you this year? 

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