Monday, January 29, 2018

My Favorite Pregnancy Workout

Motivation Monday! The bump is getting bigger (34 weeks now) but I’m trying my best to stay active. So with a 60 degree day this weekend I took my workout outside and was able to capture some of my favorite moves I’ve done my entire pregnancy. This full body circuit is complete with a stretch and meditation session at the end. You can do multiple rounds or make it a quick & easy circuit that can be done absolutely anywhere. I used 3 pound weights for the pictures, but you don’t nesscerary need them or you could substitute water bottles, bands, etc. for a little resistance.

Let me tell you a little something about these fabulous Pre2Post Capri Leggings as well…They are from the company Love & Fit. These leggings can be worn before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after. They are super-soft and have a great silicone lined high-waist which stay in place for your entire workout. I also bought the Fit Mama Nursing Sports Bra which I can’t wait to try!

Here is the workout listed out…oh and I do keep counting pretty easy 😉 –

  1. Warmup Section:
    • 5 minute power walk, 20 knee pull-ups, 20 skier reaches side-to-side, 20 pushups, 20 tricep dips
  2. Arm Section:
    • 20 goddess squats with overhead shoulder press, arm circles (20 each direction), 20 bicep curls, 20 front raises, 20 side raises, 20 upright rows
  3. Leg Section:
    • 20 second hold chair pose, 20 lunges each leg, 20 donkey kicks, 20 side plank leg lifts
  4. Core/Stretch/Meditation Section:
    • 20 second plank hold, 20 bird dogs each side, 20 second lizard pose each side, 20 second pigeon pose each side, down dog into butterfly stretch with final mediation. I also highly recommend legs up the wall pose aka leg drain (later in pregnancy use a blanket to prop hips up) either after your workouts or before bedtime. It helps my legs immensely.

Disclosure – I was active before pregnancy and gained approval by my healthcare provider before continuing my fitness routine into pregnancy. This is what works best for me and my body. Please consult a professional healthcare provider before starting a prenatal workout regime.

 

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

My Valentine’s Day Roundup for a Sweet and Crafty Holiday

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! For a little motivation I pulled some of my favorite Valentine’s Day crafts and desserts that will make your holiday special and sweet.

From top left to bottom right…

How sweet are these personalized sugar cookies and rice krispie lollipops. Both of these would be super fun to make with kids. Nothing better than a warm cherry pie, fabulously decorated raspberry cake, healthy yogurt covered strawberrieschampagne raspberry cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries with personalized quote champagne bottle. All of these fruit inspired desserts will delight any valentine with fresh love. Oh and last but not least…white chocolate fudge and doughnuts. I mean come on, who would pass up either of these desserts?

From top left to bottom right…

Starting with LOVE, this wood slice wreath and stunning pastel wood love sign are to die for! Combine these three for a fabulous mantle: easy tissue garland, music inspired berry wreath, and heart mason candy jars (always need yummy snacks around the house). The candy robot and heart-shaped birdseed ornaments are a great craft to do with kids. side note- I made a fun pinecone birdfeeder with Hartley over the weekend and it’s amazing to see her play in the seed while also creating something she was proud to hang outside when we got home. The next two larger décor signs would be great for console tables, mantles, front porches, and wall hanging. I love the white paneled love mason jar sign and the string heart sign. I have been wanting to try string art for some time now, it looks like a great project. The next few crafts are geared towards smaller children – sponge hearts, felt and paint heart cards, pom-pom heart canvas, heart bouquet, painted heart canvas, watercolor heart cards, and non-candy Valentine’s Day cards are fabulous to do with kids! Ohhh and finally…this amazing ombre heart cork board. This is happening in our house, for sure!

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you create any of these to make your holiday extra loving, send me a pic or tag #lovesthefind. XOXO

Monday, January 8, 2018

Fit Momma Giveaway

Mondays are always better with a GIVEAWAY! I’ve teamed up with some #girlboss champs to bring you this Fit Momma prize pack valued at $750!
Giveaway Details! 
  • Start date: January 8
  • End date: January 17 at 11:59 pm EST
  • Open worldwide to entrants 18+ year old
  • Prize includes:
    • Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller
    • Workout Outfit
    • Running Shoes
    • Water Bottle
    • All valued at $750
  • Winner drawn on January 18. Announced within 48 hours.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, December 18, 2017

Healthy Holiday Chocolate Bark

So if you know me at all, you know I never, and I mean never turn chocolate down. But with all the holiday treats and sweets, I wanted something that also provided some nutritional benefit and packed with tons of antioxidants. This healthy holiday bark is the perfect combination of flavors that indulges any sweet tooth.

Using the base of dark chocolate with a matcha tea white chocolate drizzle for layers of superfood deliciousness. This is an antioxidant power bomb in your mouth! To start, the interesting taste level (and awesome Grinch inspired green color) of the matcha tea brings tons of immune boosting, detoxifying, and antioxidants benefits. Chia seeds provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, and calcium. Dried cranberries provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties packed with vitamins. Raw pumpkin seeds contain a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium to zinc. All these delicious goodies provide the perfect nutritional pick-me-up while enjoying a holiday treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoon of coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon of powered matcha green tea
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup dried unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (or pistachios)

Directions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. In two separate cups add the dark and white chocolate with 1 tsp. of coconut oil in each separate bowl of chocolates
  3. Slowly melt in intervals of microwaving and stirring the chocolate (the white will be done faster because there is less)
  4. Pour the melted dark chocolate on the lined baking pan and spread until thin
  5. Add the matcha tea to the white chocolate mixture and combine well
  6. Drizzle the green chocolate over the entire spread dark chocolate, you can have fun with big and small lines and really just use your creative freehand unless you want perfection
  7. Sprinkle all remaining superfood toppers evenly over the melted chocolates
  8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before breaking into freeform pieces

I LOVE Christmas. It’s my absolute favorite and I’ve been enjoying spoiling Hartley with baking and treats WAY too much while being pregnant. Every day she asks to make “In-ge-di-ents”. She is such a good little kitchen helper, except when she sneaks about 20 chocolate chips. We have made about 200 cookies and treats for family and friends and packed them up in holiday boxes and trays. It’s such a nice gesture to give something made with love in your kitchen. OHHH and side track for a second…did I mention our kitchen renovation is finally complete…YESSS! I cannot wait to share photos. But anyways, you must try this healthy version of holiday bark. It is the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Everyone will enjoy this little superfood boost during the holidays. Oh and this recipe is totally kiddo approved!