Laur’s Truly

{Kinda Sorta Not Really} Wordless Wednesday

Posted on January 2, 2014 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! Mine was amazing, and I hope yours was also full of relaxation, family time, fun with friends, fabulous food, and some fitness thrown in there, too!

I’m still on break for the next two weeks, but I’m definitely feeling the after Christmas (and New Years Eve) blues. I took a decent amount of photos, so I thought what better way to beat those blues than a ~~kinda sorta not really~~ “wordless Wednesday” recap!

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Modern Family marathon.

Chex in a Christmas mug. (Does anyone else think the vanilla flavor tastes like sugar cookies? SO GOOD.)

Oreo brownie.

Pre-church peppermint mocha.

Christmassy nails.

Lacy shirt and new boots for Christmas Eve Mass.

Christmas Eve lasagna, garlic bread, and salad.

Santa came!

Enough dessert for 19 people?

Lemon poppyseed cake with orange glaze, rounds 1 & 2.

Round 3.

Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate.

Five mile run in the snow. Perfection.

I’m dreaming of a white (day after) Christmas.

Cosi date with friends.

More.

And more.

First trip to Moe’s.

I guess I liked it?

Panera.

Hot cocoa by the tree.

Feeling snacky.

Christmas celebration #2.

(Early) birthday cake!

Out with the fam.

Dear peppermint stick, why do you have to be seasonal?

Clean and simple.

Microwaved.

Tired from last night = ~~lazy~~ easy eats.

Imma miss this

so, so much.

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PS – Want to kick-start the new year? Check out this workout!

PPS – This year, instead of making resolutions you won’t keep, make the commitment to become the BEST you.

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Questions of the day:

How were your holidays?
What are your goals for 2014?
Any post requests?

Home for the Holidays

Posted on December 22, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I’m finally home for Christmas! Finals are done! I survived!

Can you tell I’m happy?

Well, with finals behind me and Christmas and a three week break ahead of me, I am so so happy.

I mean, how could I not be when I get to stare at my tree every night, instead of at the pages of a text book or endless notes and essays?

I’m just relaxing at the moment (I’ve been waiting for this for so long), so I figured it’s the perfect time to check in on here.

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The past few weeks were pretty crazy with studying and essay writing galore, so my days pretty much consisted of: wake up around 8:30, workout (I ran almost every day since it was the perfect stress release/ energizing activity for me, but I did a few intense room workouts here and there to mix it up). Then I would eat breakfast, shower, and get to work.

We decked out our common room, which actually made it feel slightly more like Christmas time, as opposed to just endless hours spent in a timeless studying bubble.

My friends and I went stir crazy by the second study day. There were a few too many weird photos and videos taken that I probably should not share.

Besides allowing our inner maniacs out in the common room, we attempted to stay sane by stuffing our faces with some Christmasy treats.

They may not have made us act normal, but they definitely satisfied our sweet tooths!

We also got totally distracted by this app…

Should I dye my hair blonde?

HA. Just kidding!

My last school meal for the year. Salmon, sweet potato, salad. See ya in 2014, dining hall!

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Now that I’m home, I get to eat homemade meals, go out to dinner, hang with the fam and my high school friends, and RELAX. Oh, and celebrate CHRISTMAS!

Insert random fun video here for no reason:

Homemade version of the same dining hall meal… Mango salsa covered salmon, sweet potato with cinnamon, whole wheat roll, roasted veggies. I helped myself to seconds, of course.

Pasta with kielbasa and salad.

Can I just say that we have so many desserts at my house…My mom made a few batches of oatmeal cookies, and she went to a cookie swap, and both my parents got tons of candies and baked goods from coworkers and friends.

PLUS there will be even more after Christmas since we’ll be baking and some of our guests will bring some, too. Hey, I’m not complaining!

On my first night home, I was faced with a tough decision about which dessert to choose. I went with caramel ice cream and a chocolate covered gingerbread cookie.

Good choice.

At my friends house, we had delicious cake batter and cookie monster ice cream from a local ice cream shop that one of my friends works at. I didn’t snap a photo of it unfortunately, but let me tell ya, it was amazing.

Last night, the fam and I went to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, and I got my usual – a veggie hummus and avocado wrap with sweet potato fries. ~~Demolished that plate.~~ Ate every single bite.

After digesting that for a while, I spent the night in front of my beautiful Christmas tree, talking to my parents while enjoying half a hot cocoa packet mixed into plain greek yogurt (so good and creamy – try it!) and then sipping the rest stirred into hot water.

It’s times like these that I look forward to every year. The moments spent all cozy and warm, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and not wanting to be anywhere else.

This is absolutely my favorite time of year, and looking forward to being home and getting to do all of my favorite things is what gets me through the stress and craziness of finals.

Now that I’m home, enjoying every minute spent exactly where I want to be, I could not be happier.

I hope you are feeling the exact same way.

Happy holidays!

I Hope You Haven’t Forgotten

Posted on November 24, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

It’s been so long, I hope you haven’t forgotten about little old me!

I’ve missed you guys! I’ve been crazy busy the past few weeks. Luckily this week I get to go home on Tuesday for THANKSGIVING!!

I’m SO excited. I get to 1) Go HOME. 2) See my family. 3) See some high school friends I haven’t seen since August. 4) Eat amazing food. 5) Get a little break from school before finals (ahhh). 6) CHRISTMAS IS COMING.

Fun fact: Nothing makes me happier than anything related to Christmas. The music. The baking. The snow. The cozy nights. The comfy clothes. The hot chocolate. The tree. The spirit. The memories. The list goes on and on and on. December is probably my favorite time of year. (Minus the finals).

Since last week I had a ton of papers and presentations, this little 2 day week is just a regular week, aka no big things due! THAT means I could get on here today and catch up with you 🙂

So except for the insane amount of work, November has been a blast! Lots of sporting events (football, hockey, basketball – yay!), and lots of fun with my friends!

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Recent Eats

The world’s largest apple.

photo 2 copy

Delicious dinner at Union Street.

I got the Gorgonzola Pear Turkey burger. Let’s just say fig jam = heaven.

Froyo at Yogurtland. I’ve never been to this place before but oh my gosh it was amazing. I got Banana Bread, Pumpkin Pie, Oatmeal Cookie, and Apple Cider. Fall in a cup.

Typical school dinner- chicken with pesto, quinoa salad, beet salad, veggies.

Another typical dining hall meal- salmon and roasted veggies (with a side of Pop Chips that were not photographed).

Yes college kids – delivery froyo does exist. Angora Cafe.

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Workouts

Lately I’ve been varying it up a lot which I love.

Running when it’s nice out (~50 degrees is my favorite running temp ever). Some days are longer runs, other days are shorter runs followed by arms or abs or a little total body workout.

I’ve been going to the gym on days I don’t feel like running or it’s too cold out (but I’ve been trying to take advantage of the not yet frigid or snowy weather by going for runs outside as much as I can since I know once the snow comes, I’ll be forced to hit the gym all the time). I usually bike or elliptical or a combo of both while I’m there. When I bike I like to do a variation of this workout.

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Recently I’ve also been into ending a cardio workout with some planks. I like to do 1 minute each of some (or all) of these (in no particular order) –

front elbow planks
front planks with leg raises
side planks
side planks with one leg raised
side plank twists
side planks, lowering and raising body
straight arm side star planks
front shoulder taps

One day I’ll have to create a little illustration of my plank circuit workout. For now, here’s a good little plank reference link.

Greatist – HOW TO DO THE PERFECT PLANK.

I’ve also been doing lots of awesome indoor room workouts, which I know I’ll be doing even more of once the snow and freezing weather begin.

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Outfits

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I’ve been sporting cloth headbands a lot lately. My hair gets super dry and limp in the winter, but I like to wear it down because it can’t as easily in the more humid months. The cloth headbands give it some pizzaz and a little volume (or so I like to think anyway).

I’ve also worn my navy polka dotted Keds quite a bit and have received a ton of compliments. I love these shoes because they can really be worn in any season, they’re comfy, they go with a ton of different outfits, and they’re freaking adorable.

I’ve also broken out my Sperry boots (I got mine from J.Crew a few years ago). I love these things and wear them all the time in the winter.

As you can probably tell from these few pictures, I’m kind of obsessed with scarves. I have a ton, and am always collecting more. They keep me warm plus they complete any outfit!

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I know that was a loaded post, but I felt like I needed to get on here to update you while I had the time! We all know once finals begin (aka in about 2 weeks…gulp) I won’t have much time to spare.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the update and that you have a fabulous Thanksgiving and start to the holiday season!!!

Hopefully you get to be with family & friends, eat delicious food, make a little time for fitness, and most importantly – have some FUN!!

Catch ya later 🙂

It’s Been A While…

Posted on October 20, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Hey guys!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

I’ve been suuuper busy. My weeks have been jam packed with midterms, papers, internship work, study abroad research, health coaching, football and hockey games, awesome runs in the perfect Fall weather, quality time with my friends, a brief visit home, the list goes on…

Besides the lack of sleep, it’s been good!

I’m loving the fact that it’s Fall! The leaves are gorgeous and the temperatures are PERFECT. Plus, apple and pumpkin flavored everything doesn’t hurt! 😉

I don’t have much time this morning, but I wanted to share some pics that have been accumulating on my phone!

Enjoy 🙂

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Wraps on wraps on wraps.

Giant cookies.

Panera Roasted Turkey Harvest Wheat-berry Salad. Perfection.

Stacking bracelets, mixing metals.

Typical week day dinner – turkey burger with veggies and (somewhere in there) quinoa salad. YUM.

New kicks.

More new kicks. May not be wearing these too often…

Home for the long weekend = homemade meals!

And Cosi!

Back at school – not too shabby.

Froyo nights.

More Panera.

Look what I did, Mom!

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Sorry that was jumbled and not too exciting but I’ve got some more to come… hopefully soon!

Have a great week, everyone 🙂

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PS – Has anyone checked out FitStrongandSexy.com? If not, check it out now – you will be so happy you did, I promise.

Throwin’ it back to…

Posted on September 26, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Yes, it’s Thursday. And yes, I’m blogging. Say what?

I know, I can’t believe I’m actually on here today (should be reading Plato’s Republic right now…) but I’m just way too excited to share something with you guys!

As soon as I went on Instagram today, I was immediately reminded that today is ‘Throw Back Thursday’.

So, I’m going to give this quick blog a little #tbt action.

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Today, I’m throwin’ it back to that time (who care if it was just yesterday…) when

Shay made my day!

That’s right…Shay Carl, the man behind the Shaytards (as well as many other) YouTube channel, said hi to little old ME!!

Amanda was filming with him on Tuesday for a ShayLoss shoot, and she was SO nice by telling him how big of a ~~dork~~ fan I am!!

See him waving?! He’s waving to me!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!

You can watch the entire video here! (My big claim to fame happens at 11:00).

I freaked out for a good 10 minutes by myself before I showed all my roommates and texted the video to some of my friends.

You made my day, Shay!

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Anyway, that’s all I got for ya today.

Time to read Plato then work on a speech and essays galore! Oh how I love college 😉

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PS – Read this and check out this video and ENTER TO WIN $200 and Premier Protein products!!

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Catch ya on the flip side!

Functional & Fashionable?! Yes Please!

Posted on September 20, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Hey guys!

Once again, I’m finding that the only time I really have to get on here is Friday afternoons once I’m done with classes, my workout, and lunch. It stinks I can only get on here once a week lately, but hey, I guess that’s better than nothing, right?

Anyway, I have a slightly different sort of post for ya this week!

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Through Amanda Russell, I was lucky enough to be contacted by Julia Gabella, the founder of Bandtz, “the first line of hair ties that are elegant enough to double as jewelry… the perfect solution for fitness fashionistas!”

Each dainty piece is made from lingerie trim, making them not only supportive for your hair, but also a super cute statement for your wrist.

The online shop has pages and pages of unique, delicate bands. There are different collections, each with tons of colors, sizes, and styles to fit anyone’s taste.

Whether you like bright and fun, sophisticated and sexy, or sleek and simple, there’s a style (or two or three…) for you!

I was fortunate enough to be sent a sampling of a few different collections, and my roommates and I were so excited when we saw how cute they all are!

(By the way, the camera on my iPhone isn’t working so I apologize for the terrible quality of my photos)

I’m kind of obsessed with the ‘dotted’ collection and have worn a gray one in my hair for the past few days. It held my fine, slippery hair through two full days of classes, and two windy runs! I was surprised how well it kept my ponytail in – it didn’t slide like most elastics do.

I gave a couple to some of my roommates and so far, so good!

How cute does that look?

Not only are these hair ties super cute in your hair and on your wrist, they really do work. No matter what texture your hair is, they stay in place all day long. My friend (pictured above) has thick, straight hair and she had just as positive results as I did with my thin, wavier hair.

They cost 15 dollars per pack of three… Yes, I would consider that a bit pricey for hair ties, but honestly I have to say they’re worth it. I struggle finding elastics that don’t slide out, but don’t leave a kink in my hair, either.

Also, I don’t know about you, but I feel ‘naked’ when I don’t have one on my wrist, but if I’m wearing a nice outfit or at a formal event, wearing an ugly elastic doesn’t exactly look right. That’s why I love these – because they actually enhance an outfit, rather than take away from it.

Seriously though, what’s better than something that’s not only functional, but fashionable, too?

They’re a perfect gift for a fitness fanatic / fashion forward friend, or just a little treat for yourself!

Check out the website and order some today! You will not be disappointed.

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*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in order to write a review, but all opinions stated here are my own. I would never suggest that my readers buy a product I don’t love or would not buy myself. In addition, the links are not affiliate links – I am not earning commission from any items purchased.

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Anyway, I hope you all had a great week! Enjoy the weekend 🙂

PS – Let me know what you think of the Bandtz! And, if you make any purchases, be sure to let me know which styles you chose!!

Functional & Fashionable?! Yes Please!

Posted on September 20, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Hey guys!

Anyway, I have a slightly different sort of post for ya this week!

~~~~~~~~~~

Each dainty piece is made from lingerie trim, making them not only supportive for your hair, but also a super cute statement for your wrist.

The online shop has pages and pages of unique, delicate bands. There are different collections, each with tons of colors, sizes, and styles to fit anyone’s taste.

Whether you like bright and fun, sophisticated and sexy, or sleek and simple, there’s a style (or two or three…) for you!

I was fortunate enough to be sent a sampling of a few different collections, and my roommates and I were so excited when we saw how cute they all are!

(By the way, the camera on my iPhone isn’t working so I apologize for the terrible quality of my photos)

I gave a couple to some of my roommates and so far, so good!

How cute does that look?

Seriously though, what’s better than something that’s not only functional, but fashionable, too?

They’re a perfect gift for a fitness fanatic / fashion forward friend, or just a little treat for yourself!

Check out the website and order some today! You will not be disappointed.

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Anyway, I hope you all had a great week! Enjoy the weekend 🙂

PS – Let me know what you think of the Bandtz! And, if you make any purchases, be sure to let me know which styles you chose!!

Fit, Strong, and Sexy!

Posted on September 13, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Hey guys!

I’m in a hurry (as always) but I really wanted to quickly share a few things with you before the weekend!

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As some of you know, I’m interning for Amanda Russell! I help create newsletters, work on blog posts, and do many other super cool stuff for her new site, FitStrongandSexy.com!

If you guys are into quick, sweaty and effective workouts, delicious and nutritious recipes, and everything else that goes into living a healthy, happy life, head on over to the site now!

You will find so many health and fitness resources there, and you can find out everything you need to know about signing up for her training plan! (PS – There’s a 30 day free trial for a limited time – not just 7 days!)

By becoming a member of this amazing community, you get your very own fitness plan, over 100 workouts, yummy recipes, special discounts on some of our favorite brands, and so much more!

You can also sign up to get the free weekly newsletter!

AND, you can download her FREE iPhone App, too!

Be sure to check out her Facebook, follow her on Twitter @arfit, and subscribe to her YouTube channel! She puts an awesome new workout video up every Thursday!

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Sorry to throw so much at you at once, but (as you can probably tell) I’m beyond excited for this and I know you guys will fall in love as soon as you check it all out!

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Anywho, I hope you guys had a fantastic week and are ready for an even better weekend 🙂

Catch ya latah!

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Questions of the day:

Have you heard of Amanda Russell before?
What do you have planned for this weekend?
Any suggestions for posts?

The Liebster Award

Posted on September 10, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

So… I have some good news to share!

I was fortunate enough to be nominated for a blog award!

It’s called the “Liebster Award”, which I was nominated for by Kim from the blog, Busy Bod!

‘Liebster’ means “dearest” in German. This award is “a way for up-and-coming bloggers to demonstrate each others’ appreciation for what we do”.

The Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you and link back up to his/her blog. Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
Nominate 10 other bloggers for the award who have less than 200 followers.
Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

Pretty cool, no?

So here I go with the questions that Kim asked!

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My answers to Kim’s questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I was obsessed with the ‘blog world’ and read blogs every single day. I knew that ‘someday’ I would start my own, but I just never knew when that ‘someday’ would be. One day I woke up and decided ‘today was the day’. I sat down that night and created this ol’ thang. I’ve been in love since day one.

2. What has surprised you most about being a blogger?

It takes a lot of hard work for the idea in your head to come to fruition. And even longer to get followers. Something else that surprised me was how quickly you fall in love with it.

3. If you were going to blog about anything other than what you actually blog about, what would it be and why?

Probably ‘celeb gossip’ and more about ‘beauty’ (tips, products, trends, etc). I’m pretty obsessed with this stuff, just not as much as fitness, fashion, and food.

4. List 2-3 blogs that inspire you the most, and why.

It’s hard for me to just choose a few, but I would have to say Peanut Butter Fingers, The Fitnessista, and Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life. Their blogs were the first ones I found and started following regularly, and I absolutely love their styles of blogging, and more importantly their outlooks on health, fitness, food, and life in general.

5. What are your fav songs on your workout playlist right now?

Atlas by Coldplay, Little Bit of Everything by Keith Urban, Who You Love by John Mayer, Roar by Katy Perry, Royals by Lorde, Pretty Brown Eyes by Cody Simpson, Wake Me Up by Avicii, the list goes on and on…

6. Have you made any real life friendships through blogging?

I haven’t met any blogging buds in person yet, but I have definitely felt welcomed into the community and am looking forward to forming more relationships through it!

7. If you could blog full time, would you?

Hmmm. Maybe if I was a stay at home mom! I would love to be able to do that one day. I’m sure I would love to blab all about my future kids 🙂

8. Do you have a guilty pleasure food (that you feel zero guilt eating of course )?

Ice cream (that includes froyo). Period.

9. What is your favorite way to workout? Least favorite?

I love running obviously, but I also love spinning workouts, cardio machines, HIIT and circuit workouts, barre, and more! I love basically any workout that’s fast paced and on the more ‘intense’ side. Yoga is nice for relaxation, but probably my least favorite ‘workout’.

10. What about your blog are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the fact that it’s me. I write exactly what comes to mind, and don’t edit it to fit a mold or to meet others’ expectations. I write in a way that is honest to who I am. My blog represents me and what I value most in life. I’m very proud that others actually seem to enjoy what I have to say and can relate to the things I write about. It makes me so happy to connect to other people while remaining 100% true to myself.

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My 10 nominees are:

1. Fit, Strong and Sexy

2. Daily Moves and Grooves

3. Dulce Vie

4. Story of a Girl

5. Running 4 Beer

6. The Little Honey Bee

7. In Shape Cupcake

8. Sprinklez N Stuff

9. Life of a Bama Girl

10. E’Claire

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10 Questions for my nominees:

Why do you blog?
Who are three of your favorite bloggers and why?
What’s your favorite healthy snack?
What’s your favorite way to work out?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
What’s one accomplishment you are most proud of?
What’s one goal you hope to accomplish in the next year?
What does ‘being happy’ mean to you?

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Thanks again to Kim for nominating me!

Looking forward to seeing what my nominees have to say!!

The Liebster Award

Posted on September 10, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

So… I have some good news to share!

I was fortunate enough to be nominated for a blog award!

It’s called the “Liebster Award”, which I was nominated for by Kim from the blog, Busy Bod!

‘Liebster’ means “dearest” in German. This award is “a way for up-and-coming bloggers to demonstrate each others’ appreciation for what we do”.

The Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you and link back up to his/her blog. Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
Nominate 10 other bloggers for the award who have less than 200 followers.
Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

Pretty cool, no?

So here I go with the questions that Kim asked!

~~~~~~~~~~

My answers to Kim’s questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. What has surprised you most about being a blogger?

It takes a lot of hard work for the idea in your head to come to fruition. And even longer to get followers. Something else that surprised me was how quickly you fall in love with it.

3. If you were going to blog about anything other than what you actually blog about, what would it be and why?

Probably ‘celeb gossip’ and more about ‘beauty’ (tips, products, trends, etc). I’m pretty obsessed with this stuff, just not as much as fitness, fashion, and food.

4. List 2-3 blogs that inspire you the most, and why.

5. What are your fav songs on your workout playlist right now?

6. Have you made any real life friendships through blogging?

I haven’t met any blogging buds in person yet, but I have definitely felt welcomed into the community and am looking forward to forming more relationships through it!

7. If you could blog full time, would you?

Hmmm. Maybe if I was a stay at home mom! I would love to be able to do that one day. I’m sure I would love to blab all about my future kids 🙂

8. Do you have a guilty pleasure food (that you feel zero guilt eating of course )?

Ice cream (that includes froyo). Period.

9. What is your favorite way to workout? Least favorite?

10. What about your blog are you most proud of?

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My 10 nominees are:

1. Fit, Strong and Sexy

2. Daily Moves and Grooves

3. Dulce Vie

4. Story of a Girl