The Playground Workout

Normally I show you workouts that can be done at home or at the gym—but not today. Today, we're thinking outside the box. This is one of those workouts for people who are tired of the norm, and who really want to get outdoors and get it done. It's also great for anyone within running distance to one of these little parks, or for a mom (or dad) who wants to get their sweat on while playing outside with the kids.

Are you ready for it? The PLAYGROUND Workout!

Shirt: c/o Samson Wear // Capris: Champion // Shoes: Nike Air Icarus

The PLAYGROUND WORKOUT:

1. Single-leg squats: Start with one leg planted on the ground, and one leg up on a platform (or bench) behind you. Keep your chest up and lower your body until your front knee makes a 90-degree angle over your ankle, and then slowly stand back up.
• Targets: quads, hamstrings, glutes, hips
2. Pull-ups: While hanging, lift and lower your body, keeping your body as still as possible to avoid swinging. You may have to bend your legs at the bottom so they don't hit the ground. 
• Targets: lats, shoulders
3. Tricep dips: With your arms behind you on a bench or platform, keep your elbows close to your torso and lower your body until your elbow creates a 90-degree angle.
• Targets: triceps
4. Hanging leg raises: While hanging and keeping your upper body still, squeeze your core and lift your legs to a pike. When you bring them back down, try not to swing your body. This can also be done with bent knees for knee raises.
• Targets: core, hips
5. Box jumps: We're doing these onto a bench instead of a typical "box" at the gym. Begin standing and swing your arms, lower your body into a squat and jump with both feet up onto the bench. Hold that ending squat position for a moment before jumping (or stepping) back down.
• Targets: quads, hamstrings, calves

I did 10 reps of each exercise (though the pull-ups were really hard and I had to pause in between), and repeated the set 5 times. Then, I ran a couple loops around our neighborhood and called it a day. That's my kind of workout!

Also, the shirt I'm wearing says "Never Give Up" on the front and is the motto of Samson Wear, a Christian & Idaho based clothing company that features inspiring and encouraging messages on each product.

I got to sit down the other day with the owner, Rocky, and listened to his inspiring story. The guy has seen so many ups and downs. He went from living in a huge home to losing almost everything (including a divorce with his wife). At his lowest point, he had to cram himself into a 100 square foot tree house, was very overweight, and almost made a decision to end his life—and then he found God. Now, he's the owner of this innovative company, he travels all over to give his testimony, and he is one fit dude. I'll be showing clothing from his company in many upcoming fitness posts, and if you're interested in checking it out, click here!

Think you'll give the "playground workout" a go?

Yes To Glowing Skin

It's no fun waking up with crunched eyelashes and pores full of makeup. I know I'm not the only one who has gone to bed with my makeup on—too tired (and lazy) to take a minute to wash it off. This year, I promised myself that I would stick to a nightly routine and wash my face and moisturize each night before I go to bed. What I didn't realize about this routine was how awesome it would make my skin look and feel!

Want more details? Click HERE to read my newest Yes To Stylista post—my 4-step nightly regimen for glowing skin! 

Apricot Lane Giveaway

Necklace: c/o Apricot Lane

Yesterday, I showed you an awesome statement necklace from Apricot Lane. Today, you have a chance to win it! I love this piece because it is so versatile. It isn't too big and it brings a ton of sparkle to the table—perfect for adding a little bit of glam to a basic tee and skinnies.

This giveaway is brought to you by Beauty & Truth (a blog by an amazing girl named Aubry) and Apricot Lane! Also—if you're in the Boise area—in late April I'll be over at Apricot Lane in the mall for their One Year Anniversary Celebration. I'll be getting styled, taking a couple photos, and hanging out for the event! Stay tuned for more details!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zebra, Rhinestones & Blue Blue Skies

Necklace: c/o Apricot Lane // Top & Sweater: old // Jeans: Express // Shoes: Mossimo // Sunglasses: Old Navy // Ring: c/o The Vintage Pearl // Nails: OPI "OPI Ink"

It doesn't take long to get from my house to a place where no homes can be found.
This is Idaho.
A dirt road, the bluest skies and the whole world ahead of me.  

Take My Hand

Have you ever found a song that speaks to you so deeply that you want to listen to it on repeat, that it makes you cry and smile at the same time, and it brings you a sense of hope and faith that you know was just meant for you?

Enter a song by Shawn McDonald from 2004, titled "Take My Hand." I can't tell you how much hope this song has brought me lately... and the one thing I keep praying over and over is "change me." This song, with the book The Power of the Praying Wife that I'm reading right now are moving me. Big time.

My prayer today? Change me. Heal the brokenness. Free the burdens. Release me of the nightmares. Help me to be a positive light. Let me walk with You and be the best wife I can be. Thank You for this beautiful day.  

♥

Take my hand to the promise land

And on You I want to stand

‘Cause I cannot do it on my own

You're what I need and I need to be

Right by Your side ‘cause I cannot hide

Lord, I know that I need You

I need You

Without You I'm so alone

I am weak but You are strong

You pick me up when I'm falling down

And I am crying

Out to You inside of my heart

I need You Lord, oh so, for the part

I want You to have my life, Jesus

Take my hand to the promise land

And on You I want to stand

‘Cause I cannot do it on my own

You're what I need and I need to be

Right by Your side ‘cause I cannot hide

Lord, I know that I need You

I need You

I fall to my knees

And I'm begging You, please oh Lord

Won't You change me

Make me new from the inside out

I want to shout out Your name

Take my hand to the promise land

And on You I want to stand

‘Cause I cannot do it on my own

You're what I need and I need to be

Right by Your side ‘cause I cannot hide

Lord, I know that I need You

I need You

I need You.

- Shawn McDonald "Take My Hand"

CHIC OF THE WEEK!

This morning, I opened up my Bloglovin' feed and was greeted with the biggest surprise. MYSELF! Not only that, but myself featured as Lauren Conrad's Chic of the Week!

My mouth dropped! This is a huge honor! If I were to pick one style icon, it would be Lauren Conrad and I'm so blessed that she & her team chose me this week! Thank you thank you!

A little background on the photo? Daniel took it last May on a Sunday and we had just gotten back from church. I love that vintage Ralph Lauren shirt because I purchased it from a thrift store for about $6.00! The pastel florals are perfect for spring.

To be honest, this just gave me a perma-smile that I don't see going away anytime soon. If you want to see the post, click here! 

The No-Makeup-Required Workout

I'm not one to "make myself up" for a workout, so it's kind of surprising that every workout routine I've shown you so far has had photos of me wearing makeup. I'm a workout-first-thing-in-the-morning kind of person, so normally I roll out of bed, throw on some spandex, pack my gym bag and head out the door—no makeup needed. I mean, who's at the gym or out for a run at 6:00 am anyway?

So today, that's what you get—a no-fuss, no-makeup-required workout routine. Do it at home or do it at the gym—but the most important thing—just do it!

Top: Under Armour // Capris: Champion // Shoes: Nike // Kettlebell: Target

The NO-MAKEUP-REQUIRED WORKOUT:

1. Plank rows: Beginning in plank position, squeeze your core and back muscles and lift the kettlebell to chest-level, keeping your arm close to your body.
• Targets: back, core
2. Narrow-stance squat: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keeping the weight of your body over your feet, slowly lower your body down into a squat. If you use weight with this exercise, rest it on the front of your shoulders.
• Targets: quads
3. Bicep curls: Flex your bicep and lift the kettlebell. Make sure your elbow stays close to your body and doesn't move when you lift the weight.
• Targets: biceps
4. Side plank with a leg raise: While holding a side plank, lift your leg up and down, squeezing your butt.
• Targets: core, obliques, glutes, hip flexors

Try doing 20 reps of each of these or do all the exercises for 1-minute and repeat the set 5-times. This is definitely a full-body workout, because you're working your upper body, lower body, and core!

I hope you get a chance to fit this into your weekend workout, or give it a shot next week—and don't forget—no makeup required!

Things This Blogger Tells Her Husband...

Things I [as a blogger] tell my husband:

1. I'll be ready in five minutes.
2. I'm just going to answer one email.
3. This won't take any time at all.
4. I just need one or two pictures.
5. I'm just going to buy one ad spot next month.
6. Maybe I should just throw in the towel on the whole blog thing...
7. Typing up this draft will just take two seconds.
8. I'm going to bring my camera today—just in case.
9. 100 emails in my inbox? No, that doesn't stress me out!
10. This new camera? Think of it like a blogging investment. 
11. No, I'm not Instagramming a picture of my food!
12. It's OK! I'll get up extra early to do it in the morning.
13. I spent all day working. No blogging.

This is something that Daniel and I joke and laugh about often—because we all know I'm guilty of saying each of these at one time. It's all about balance—and thank goodness I have a patient, loving husband who's letting me find mine.

What do you tell your husband/family/friends about blogging? If you do Thursday 13 (any topic) this week, link it up in the comments!

The Beauty Behind The Scenes

A couple weeks ago, one of my readers shared a beautiful quote with me that her dad used to tell her when she was growing up:

"Sometimes we feel inadequate because we compare everyone else's highlight reel with our behind-the-scenes."

It really made me think, and to be honest, has really helped me out since she shared it with me. I'm not the only one who compares myself to others, am I? I have a little story to go along with this, and I'm hoping you see it as me being candid & opening up—not as me fishing for compliments. This has been on my heart and I feel like it's something I need to share and get off my chest.

I was at the gym the other day and saw a lady with the most perfect body. I mean, it was ideal. But that was just one little aspect that I saw of her—I have no idea what her background is, if she has a super-strict diet, how much time she spends in the gym, or if she's a happy person (though she did give me a super-big & friendly smile). Daniel saw me get a little frustrated as I looked at myself in the mirror. If I'm being honest—while I have things I'm still working on things and I've made so much improvement, I did find myself having negative thoughts about my own body. I'm sorry to admit that, but it happened. He gave me a reassuring hug and reminded me of how hard I've been working, and that just because I'm seeing something at face value doesn't mean that it's "perfect" or that I need to be envious of that. He was absolutely right.

So, why do I do that? Why are we so quick to want what others have? Through a lot of prayer, I've been asking for grace and uplifting thoughts when thinking about myself—because I've always been one to struggle with self esteem—though I don't like to admit it. I've also prayed for peace over things I can't control, and the strength to change the things I can.

When looking at my reflection, sure, I may not be perfect, but I have so much going for me. If you're feeling down or inadequate or just having a "why me" day—maybe try making a little list of all the things you appreciate about yourself. I think you'll find that there is so much beauty in your behind-the-scenes that you'll forget about the highlight reels of everyone else.

There is beauty behind-the-scenes. Behind my scenes, behind your scenes, and behind everyone's scenes—there is beauty to be found. I would love to hear—what do you love about yourself?

Green Chocolate Protein Shake

4 ingredients, lots of protein, a serving of vegetables (you won't taste them), and a delicious & creamy chocolate taste! This is the healthy green chocolate protein shake. Sound delicious? It is!

Blend:

1. 2/3 cup of skim milk
2. a handful of ice cubes
3. a handful of spinach
4. 1 scoop of chocolate (or your favorite flavor) protein

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 194
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbs: 13 grams

Serve it up & enjoy! This shake is great for a post-workout protein fix and even works for a meal replacement. Here's to being fit & protein shakes tasting great!

Jade

Bracelet: c/o Outfit Additions (use code SAUCE for 15% off) // Top: Francesca's // Earrings: Premier Design // Pants: Mossimo // Shoes: Steve Madden

Happy day after St. Patty's! I didn't have any green beer—or my favorite, a green margarita—but I did enjoy a fresh green protein smoothie, filled with spinach! Delicious!

I also took the opportunity to deck myself out in green—three different times nonetheless! An emerald top for church, a neon green top at the gym, and a light lime sweatshirt for hanging out during the evening (oh, and don't forget the tie-dye green socks!).

Moving past all the fun of yesterday, today has special significance for me—a year ago today I became a Christian! March 18th—my special "birthday" of sorts. What a year it's been. I'm so thankful for everything that has happened. Here's to another year of LIFE!

Yes To Tips

Being the Yes To Stylista for Yes To, Inc. has its perks. I've gotten to try so many of their products, and I've found a bunch of new favorites in each of their body, face, lip and hair lines. Did you know that they have different natural fruit & veggie products that center around cucumbers, blueberries, grapefruits, tomatoes and carrots?  I use all the lines, depending on the day and what I'm looking to combat!

I've also found that I like their products so much that I go through them rather quickly. I think it's because I use their products for so many things. To me, chapstick is not just chapstick. A lotion tub is not just a lotion tub... there are tons of other uses for these products, and today, I'm showing you 4 of my Yes To Tips to maximize your bang for your buck. Click here to read the full post!

What's your "get more for your money" tip?

What My Hairstyle Says

My hair is always doing something different... wavy, braided, curly, twisted, or all slicked back & out of the way. The style always seems to match my mood. In honor of my brand new blonde-to-brunette hair change, I've compiled a fun little list of what my hair is "saying" on a given day.

My hairstyle says:

1. All down & Hollywood curly: This took a long time so I must be going somewhere where I want to look goooooooood.
2. Loose, messy braid: Let's keep it low-maintenance & playful, this hairstyle is for the girls.
3. French braid: Don't pay attention to me today.
4. Tight ballerina bun: I mean business.
5. Messy bun: My hair is really dirty, I hope no one notices...
6. Hat: My hair is really really dirty. I knew I should have washed it.
7. Ponytail: Feelin' sporty.
8. Top knot: I am a blogger—take my photo. (Hence, the photo above... obviously).
9. Pinned bump on top: I know my husband hates this, but it's so convenient.
10. Wet so it can air-dry: I just don't care today.
11. Side ponytail: Feelin' sporty & chic.
12. Updo: Must. Be. Fancy. Updo. Means. Fancy.
13. All down & straight: Finally... just me & natural.

What does your hair say about you? If you do Thursday 13 (any topic) this week, link it up in the comments!

Lavender and Lucite

Lucite Bracelet: c/o Outfit Additions (use code SAUCE for 15% off) // Top: Old Navy // Pants: Mossimo // Shoes Mix No 6 // Ring: c/o The Vintage Pearl (use code luckysauce for 15% off)

I don't know if it's the changing season or the new brunette hair, but everyday when I go through my closet I'm inspired by springy lavender, pinks, and purples. I was so inspired, apparently, that I even wore heels with this outfit. Imagine that—me... in heels—it's almost unheard of. And I know, those are some pretty petite heels, but it's a heel nonetheless—and also the shoes I was married in, so they're extra special (and surprisingly comfortable).

What's your go-to color that shows off your hair best? Oh, and if you're looking to add some cool bracelets to your arm-candy collection (mine is the lucite charm bracelet), click the banner below!

Muggle Quidditch

Sunday after church, we headed over to Boise State to watch my brother play and host a big Muggle Quidditch tournament. Yes, you read it right—Quidditch—like Harry Potter Quidditch. My brother is the captain and founder of the brand new Boise State team. Apparently, there are tournaments all over the world, and this club sport is really gaining momentum. The BSU team is called the Abraxans, aptly named after the flying horses in the popular wizardry series, which also fits with the school's mascot—the Broncos.

We watched BSU play and defeat the University of Idaho team in both games, and even overtime. It was exciting, it was fun, and it was really, really nerdy. But hey, it's not every day that you get your family together to go watch a bunch of adults run around on broomsticks and chase a golden snitch, now is it?

Did you like Stew's celebratory round-off above? Oh, and you may have noticed the big fancy camera up there shooting the team during their post-game huddle. The news came out to shoot and feature the Abraxans, and I knew it would be just perfect to show you the news segment so you can get a real idea of how cool (and slightly nerdy) this sport is. Give a big cheer for my bro, too. Stew is the man.

/ / Can you spot me (my back) or Daniel in the video? Ha!

Ombré to Brunette

Bracelet: c/o Outfit Additions (use code SAUCE for 15% off)

And... my 2-year long no-coloring-my-hair streak is over—I'm officially a brunette!

You may remember a year ago when Daniel wrote his one (and only) post on this blog, and showed you a photo of me with brunette hair. Let's just say that since he stumbled upon that photo, he's been asking me with big puppy-dog eyes to go darker, and finally—I did it—though I let him pick the color... if I'm gonna do it, you bet I'm gonna do it right!

Of the 26 years I've been around, only about 1 of them has been enjoyed as a brunette (I've gone dark 3-times before... 3 short times), so here we go...here's to new hair! If you're wondering about my natural color—it's the top left photo's roots! I believe it's a light brown, though my mom calls it dishwater blonde. Bye bye blondie!

PS // I'm a dork and accidentally deleted this original post, deleting all your sweet, sweet comments. If you commented, thank you so much. I got to read each one, but now of course—they're gone. Anyway, thanks again for all the love ♥

Saturday Morning Workout

IT'S SATURDAY MORNING! I know you probably want to sleep in, relax, maybe shop or watch a little basketball... and probably eat lots of chips & sweets and maybe even enjoy a margarita or two. And guess what—do all of it. But between the sleeping in and heading off to enjoy your Saturday, why not get in a quick workout and rev up that metabolism? Let's do it!

Sweatshirt: Nike // Top: Under Armour // Pants: Nike // Shoes: Nike // Kettlebell: Target

The SATURDAY MORNING WORKOUT:

1. TPU-KO's: This stands for T-push-up kick-out. Begin in a push-up position. Lower yourself down into a push-up, and when you come up, kick-out one leg and raise the opposite arm to make a T. Finish by going back to push-up position. 
• Targets: chest, shoulders, core
2. Upright rows with a squat: Standing with your feet a little wider than your shoulders and your toes slightly pointed out, lower your body to a squat position with the weight between your legs. Slowly raise the weight to chest-level, making a V with your arms. 
• Targets: shoulders, quads, hamstrings
3. Mountain climbers: Begin in a push-up position. In a running motion, switch your legs back and forth. I do these in 3-counts so every 3-times my right leg comes up, that counts as one.
• Targets: core, glutes, shoulders
4. Oblique side bends: Standing straight up, one hand on your hip and one hand holding a weight, bend to the side, activating your obliques.
• Targets: obliques

You can do this in the form of a 10-20-30 workout (10 TPU-KO's, 20 rows, 30 mountain climbers) or do each for a minute. Repeat the set as many times as you like.

And remember—no excuses! If you don't have a kettlebell, use a gallon of milk! After you're all sweaty and your body is energized, it's time to enjoy your Saturday. Let's get fit! 

Ruffles & Repeats

Jacket: c/o Tailor & Stylist (use code aunie10 for a 10% discount) // Shirt: Express // Pants: American Rag // Scarf: c/o Kintage // Glasses: c/o Firmoo // Shoes: Mossimo // Earrings: c/o Jersey Girl Design (use coupon SAUCE for 10% off)

Remember yesterday how I said I don't plan outfits around blog posts—so I'm inclined to repeat things often? In addition, remember the shirt I wore in yesterday's post? Well, this is the same one... two days in a row.

It's my favorite long-sleeve shirt in my closet, and I bought it from Express in 2007—which is why I can't link to it—because it's 6-years old. You'd think it would be on its way to a thrift store or have holes or stains, but no—it's in great condition and definitely the shirt I reach for when I'm looking for that "perfect fit." I have its twin in magenta, and also wore it with this awesome Tailor & Stylist jacket—and oh how I love faux-leather jackets. I wish I had more!

The combination of the bright pants, mixmatch patterns of stripes, polkadots, and leopard, and the ruffles and stitching on the jacket make this outfit one that I want to repeat.

What's your go-to outfit of the moment? Do you have that one piece in your closet that you treasure? P.S. It's Friday. Happy weekend, friends.

Things I Don't Do

Top: Express // Scarf: Burlington Coat Factory // Glasses: c/o Firmoo

I don't:

1. enjoy shopping.
2. show up on time—ever.
3. schedule blog posts—this is how I blog.
4. ever regret eating a delicious bowl of macaroni and cheese—but if it's only sub-par? Double cardio day for sure.
5. call Daniel "hubs." He's just Daniel.
6. feel comfortable in big crowds.
7. leave the house without making the bed. 
8. guilt Daniel into being in photos for this blog... it's just not his thing.
9. love accessorizing. I'm a fan of very minimal jewelry.
10. plan outfits around blog posts—which is why you see an awful lot of repeats.
11. Instagram often. Oops.
12. look forward to winter—spring, are you here yet?
13. plan on making it an official link-up, but a revival of Thursday 13? I'm thinking about it. If you do a T13 post of your own, link up your post in the comments!

READ.

As I've mentioned quite a few times before, I love reading. Thrillers, mysteries, sci-fi, fantasy fiction, lighthearted romance, inspirational, and most recently—nonfiction—make up my reading queue. On a side note, the photo has absolutely nothing to do with reading... but more-so made me think of the state of mind I am in while I read, so if you can just run with that, we'll be just fine.

The last book I listened to was The Black Box, a crime novel in the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly. I've read every single Michael Connelly book (25 total), and like the others, this one did not disappoint. I found it especially intriguing because it follows Bosch's investigation surrounding the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and it began by featuring the National Guard—and as you know, Daniel is in the Air National Guard—so it got my attention. I'm a big, big Michael Connelly fan and I'd recommend his books to anyone who enjoys a good detective novel.

Most recently, I began Killing Lincoln, the nonfiction story of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, written and read by Bill O'Reilly. Now, I usually prefer audio books, so I can easily pass the time during my 30-minute commute to work, but I don't know if I'd recommend Killing Lincoln as a listener-friendly book... unless you absolutely love Bill O'Reilly. The reason behind this statement—I feel like I'm listening to The O'Reilly Factor news & politics hour while I'm on the way to work. It's hard to disassociate Bill's voice from him in person to the reader of this book. Do you know what I mean? Usually, the reader of the book sounds like what you'd imagine the character to be, and I just feel that it's very... well, read by a politician. And if you like that, get this on audio book. If you don't love it, pick it up and read it... because it's a great book and gave me a glimpse into a piece of history that I previously knew absolutely nothing about. I'm currently at the part where the authorities are chasing down John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln's assassination—this isn't a spoiler alert, it's a nonfiction and we all know Lincoln dies—and it's pretty intense! I'm looking forward to the final disc.

Usually, I always have about 3 audio books on hold at the library. At the moment, I have The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak, Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn... and I've been waiting months for Gone Girl!

/ / What's on your reading list? Any good book recommendations, especially nonfiction ones that are about "marriage" and Christian based? Looking to expand my reading!

Neutral.

Scarf: c/o Heart of Gold Made // Bracelet: c/o Massi // Ring: c/o The Vintage Pearl (use code luckysauce for 15% off in March) // Earrings: c/o Jersey Girl Design (use code SAUCE for 10% off)

When it comes to makeup, I usually prefer neutrals. On a daily basis, I use a basic eyeshadow palette, black eyeliner and mascara, a little eyebrow shadow, light coral blush, and I finish it all with powder (to see the exact products I use, click here). It's a really simple beauty routine, and occasionally I'll pump it up with a bit of bright eyeliner, but most days I prefer to just keep it fairly natural—or as natural as wearing makeup can be.

But the one thing—the one thing—I can never convince myself to use? Lipstick. I'm a huge lip balm fan, and the one I use is clear, always keeping my lips their natural color. Every time I use lipstick, I feel like my thin lips completely disappear. I see girls all over wearing these beautiful reds, luscious pinks, and perfectly pouty plums... but they're just not my thing.

What's your "lip" take—do you love neutrals and chapstick like I do? Do you opt for a bold lip? Should I branch out & give bright lips a shot? Let's here it!