Brrr...Tips for Running in the Cold

[Source]

As the temperature drops, runners need to make some changes to their normal workouts. Some of us are already feeling the effects of the colder air (ie. out of breath). With a race next weekend at 7 AM, I can't imagine how frigid it's going to be. I'm still new at running outside in the winter so I wanted to share some tips to make it a little less challenging.

1. Wear earmuffs. Your ears are going to freeze otherwise ( I know this from experience!). Anything that covers ears and stays on your head is perfect. These earmuffs from Saucony are great and include a reflective logo. Earmuff bonus: Headphones stay in your ears easier with something covering them. 

2. Use the thumb-holes in your shirt or wear gloves. Losing the feeling in your hand for a run is totally not worth it!

3. Lots of layers! I usually wear long leggings with a tight long sleeved shirt and running jacket. Keeps me warm enough but I don't get over heated during the run.

4. If you are new to running in the cold, like me, take it slow the first couple of times. Get used to the different breathing patterns and how the cold air hits your face. Honestly, risking your health is not worth a time/distance PR.

5. Fitsugar also reminds us to hydrate. Even though the temperatures are cooler, Fall and Winter air is significantly drier. Be sure to load up on water during the day, especially before your run, and have some handy during your run. This is something to keep in mind regardless of whether you're heading out on a run.

What tips do you swear by when running in the colder weather?

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Inspirational Quotes

I'm one of those girls who can read a quote and believe that someone stalked my life and wrote it for me. For today's Thursday Three I'm sharing 3 of my favorite motivational/inspirational quotes. 

[My dreams are bigger than my eyes, and I'll make them happen]

[Times have changed, don't settle or think no one wants you]

[Sometimes workouts are my only me time]

What are your favorite sayings? What keeps you going?

Xo,

Lynette

My First, But Certainly Not Last, Refine Method Class

As a Black Friday special, Refine Method offered their clients a deal where they can bring a friend until November 25 to a class with them for free. Thankfully I have an amazing friend Jen who offered to have me join her. I'd also like to say she is a rock star for taking a Nike boot camp class just hours before and choosing not to cancel on me. 

*I apparently was also too excited to take my own photos :x oops!

Anyway, we chose to take Brynn's 12 PM class on Sunday. We first met at Starbucks to catch up then headed over to the studio on 72nd. Upon entering I was cheerfully greeted by the receptionist who had me sign a waiver, showed me where to put my stuff and where the bathroom was. Jen and I placed our things in a locker and headed into the workout studio.

[Photo]

This was my first time at a class like Refine so the set-up was a little different. Each station had a pulley system, 3 kettle bells and gliders. Before class started we did some foam rolling that felt oh so good, especially on my injured knee.

[Our instructor, and founder, Brynn Jinnet, Photo]

Class started just after 12 with a warm-up that consisted of jumping jacks and other body weight activities. We then proceeded to do a couple of different circuits. We did lunges, squats with kettle bells  arms with the pulley system and push ups. After a couple sets we added the gliders and did various sliding lunges and included some planks. Brynn was very motivating and helpful throughout the whole class.

[Photo]

After we finished the vigorous circuits it was time for some core. I learned some new moves that I am definitely going to incorporate into my home routine. When we were finished with core, Brynn led a nice and relaxing cool down. 

All in all this was a really great class. It challenged me but it didn't make me want to pluck my eyes out (or Brynn's!). Although, I say this about a lot of classes, I wish it had more core. I also wish I was allowed to do my push-ups on my knees. I plan on returning to Refine Method and will most likely get a new client package (4 classes for $80).

Have you ever taken a Refine Method class? What did you think? Favorite instructor?

Xo,

Lynette

I Don't Have Style, My Pinterest Does

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that like every other girl in the world right now, I have a major addiction to Pinterest. Between the crafts, recipes, fitspiration and fashion I just can't get enough.Some things I keep in mind when pinning fashion is, do I own any of these pieces? Can I compile this outfit before work in the morning? Are most of the items basics I can wear again? Sometimes in the morning Pinterest is my savior. Today I want to share with you a couple of outfits I have worn in the past week that were inspired by my style Pinterest board. 

1.

[Grey, mustard yellow, black]

Inspired By:

2. 

[Green, off white, brown, skinny jeans]

Inspired By:

3.

[Grey, white, jeans, flats]

[My hair, I added a hat!]

Inspired By:

What do you think? Do you use Pinterest to help you choose outfits? Check out Life's Better In Yoga Pants on Pinterest for fitness, fashion, inspiration and more! 

Xo,
Lynette

Holiday Wish List 4: Cooking Utensils

If you have read previous posts or know me personally, you know how hard it was for me to narrow this list down to only 5 items. So, happy Monday everyone and enjoy my last holiday wish list of this year! I will be posting last minute stocking stuffer ideas in late December, so keep your eye out. 

To easily dispense waffle batter into the waffle stick pan:

[Chicago Metallic Baking Essentials Cupcake/Batter Dispenser, Amazon, $14.99]

So I can always use fresh garlic:

[The Garlic Chop, Koopeh Designs, $9.99]

So the wine is always chilled and ready:

[Cavanova Countertop Four-Bottle Wine Chiller, Sur La Table, $149.95]

I can never have too many frying pans or saucepans:

[Le Creuset® Fennel Two-in-One Pan, Sur La Table, $169.95]

To make cooking prep a little easier:

[Chef’n® Trendy Colors Pinch and Pour Nesting Prep Bowls, Sur La Table, $14.95]

What's on your kitchen essentials wish list?

Xo,

Lynette

Holiday Festival/Small Business Saturday Fun

 

For the past couple of years a tradition of mine and my sisters' has been to go into the town of Sayville for their annual Miracle on Main Street for Small Business Saturday. All of the local stores (and Starbucks of course) stay open past normal time while the streets are closed off and instead of being filled with cars, contain outdoor movies for kids, a gingerbread house contest, food trucks and stands, a carousel and my favorite, reindeer! At the base of all the fun and commotion is the newly lit Christmas tree. 

This year we decided to bring our mom and she definitely enjoyed it as much as we did. Although we didn't get through as many stores as we usually do. Below are some photos from last nights fun!

My sister needed new flat running shoes for winter tracks so we stopped at the running store. Little did I know we would be there for 30 minutes and she would get nothing. However we did pick up my only Christmas present, a Garmin Forerunner 10!

[Sayville Running Company holiday window]

[Snowman in a lobby]        

I thought my fitness friends would appreciate this one:

[Frog doing yoga!}

[A bag at Ooh La La Boutique]

My go-to store for Vera Bradley products closed and this seems to be going up in its place. I'm really excited for it to open and already loved the outfits in the windows.

[THERAPY]

[Obsessed with that skirt]

[New Years outfit?

My favorite part of the night:

[Reindeer]

[Just hanging out]

[Christmas tree ready for the holidays]

The perfect way to end the festival?

[A skinny peppermint hot chocolate!]

Xo,

Lynette

Quick Dinner: Quesadillas

After commuting home and squeezing in a quick yet effective workout, I rarely want to cook a 5 course meal. Something that is quick and easy (at least for me) is quesadillas. I try to jazz them up so it’s not the same old. In the recipe below I added some spinach and mushrooms to attempt to get more nutrients. Quesadillas are great when you don’t have much time and have to throw something together quick.

Ingredients:

1 Chicken breast

2 Small tortillas

Mozzarella cheese (shredded or chop your own)

Cheddar cheese (shredded or chop your own)

A handful of mushrooms

Spinach

1. Grill the chicken breast with your choice of seasoning. I used Mediterranean Herb by McCormick. When the chicken is almost finished, toss in the mushrooms. 

2. While the chicken is cooking start preparing your tortillas. Evenly distribute the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on the bottom. I chose to chop my own up but shredded works just fine! Use your desired amount.

3. Top cheeses with the mix of chicken and mushrooms. 

4. Add spinach and top with cheese. 

5. Cover with the 2nd tortilla. I usually use my toaster oven to cook them on 350 degrees. Many people don't have a toaster oven/would prefer a regular oven. Pre-heat to 350 and use discretion as to when it's finished  Cheese should be gooey but the tortillas should not be burned.

6. Serve with a side of salsa and enjoy!

How do you like your quesadillas?What did you think of this post? Let me know in the comments. Also, follow Life's Better In Yoga Pants on Pinterest! 

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Fav Side Dishes

Happy Thanksgiving all! Hope you are all having a great day. For today's top 3 things I wanted to share my favorite side dishes that I plan on devouring later.

[Cornbread, source]

[Sweet potatoes]

[Stuffing, source]

What is everyone looking forward to eating tonight?

Xo,

Lynette

'Tis The Season

As we approach Thanksgiving I wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday and please travel safely. Whether your flying, driving or taking a train just stay safe. I hope you all enjoy time spent with your families and indulge in the delicious food.

I also wanted to take the time to say that I am so thankful for all of my friends and family that are always supportive and there for me. Between trying to find a job, building my blog and attempting to have a social life, everyone has been so understanding and I appreciate it more than I show (I'm a girl who shows little emotion to family, what can I say!). 

Look out tomorrow for a Thursday Three of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes!

Happy Holidays!

Xo,

Lynette

Delicious Apple Mallow Sweet Potato Bake

If you are a lover of sweet potatoes and apples then look no further. I have got the best Thanksgiving side dish that the whole family, including kids, will love. Between the potatoes and marshmallows  I can't decide what I liked more. The Apple Mallow Sweet Potato Bake is easy to make, doesn't take up too much time and is great if it's your first time cooking for Thanksgiving. Start making your own traditions now! Below is the recipe provided from Allen's vegetables.

[Courtesy of RMD Advertising/Allen's Vegetables]

Apple Mallow Sweet Potato Bake 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
2 Apples, sliced
1/3 cup Pecans, chopped
2 15 oz. cans Princella or Sugary Sam Cut Sweet Potatoes, drained
1/4 cup Margarine
2 cups Miniature marshmallows

[Meal on a budget ingredients]

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In large bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. 

2. Toss apples and nuts with combined brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Alternate layers of apples and sweet potatoes in 1 1/2-quart casserole. Dot with margarine.

 

4. Cover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. 

5. Sprinkle marshmallows over sweet potatoes and apples. Broil until lightly browned.

Once your marshmallows are browned remove from the oven and serve. FOOD WILL BE HOT so let it cool before eating. 

Let me know what your favorite sweet potato recipe is and if you have tried this one!

Xo,

Lynette