Thursday Three: This Weekend

The first Thursday Three I ever did was what I was looking forward to doing during the upcoming weekend. I'm super excited about this weekend, especially after a long week, that I'm going to do it again. Here are the 3 things I cannot wait to do this weekend:

[Eat tons of wings, source]

[Check out the Lululemon yogabowl warehouse sale, source]

[Celebrate my friend Takara's birthday]

What are your plans this weekend? Will I see any of you Saturday at the Coliseum for the Lululemon sale?

Xo,

Lynette

Toning Up Tuesday: Legs Part 1

There are so many leg moves that I love I couldn't fit them into 1 post. For today's Toning Up Tuesday I'm going to share 3 moves that I learned in college that I still use today. They are all done on the ground while you are laying on your side. Make sure hips are stacks and you're parallel to the ground. Support the body by bending one elbow (like when you do a side plank) and placing the other hand on the floor in front of you.

1. Leg Circles: These are a bitch for me. Yup I wrote that. But the burn technically means they're working which is why I suck it up. Lift leg up about 4 inches and point your toe. From here you can either do big circles or little ones. Sometimes I do both. Push leg forward then up and around back to the starting point. Repeat 10 times. Reverse for 10 reps by pushing the leg backwards and around. Repeat on left and right sides.

[Remember to point your toe! Source]

2. Leg Lifts: These will tone your outer legs. Starting the same way on your side but this time flexing your foot (like the above photo).  Then lift leg up and down for 10 reps. Make sure movement is slow and controlled. Repeat on left and right sides.

[Source]

 

3. Inner Thigh Leg Lifts: This is the last toning move I want to share with you today. This tones the inner thighs. Bend the top leg and place foot in front of the bottom leg. Point the toe of the leg still on the floor to the ground. Making sure you're stabilized with your hand and foot on the ground, slight lift the bottom leg up and down. Same with the last move, make sure movement is slow and controlled. Repeat for 20 reps on left and right sides.

[Source]

Got any favorite leg moves you want to share? What doesn't work for you?

Xo,

Lynette

The Dreadmill

[Source]

As someone who considers anything under 70 degrees cold you can imagine how not well I've been handling the past 2 weeks. Along with the temperatures that had me thinking I was in Antarctica came with a couple different treadmill workouts. Since I'm going to actually start the training plan for my half marathon soon I didn't want to miss out on any workouts, especially if they could be done at home. Although I am much slower on the treadmill as you will see from the below speeds. Today I wanted to share with you what routines I did and hopefully hear your favorites!

1. Regular Intervals: I used the program on the treadmill (I usually use this) and I also made up my own one day. For the built in one, I sprint for 30 seconds (at about speed 6) and then walk at 3.7 for a minute and a half. I do this sometimes when I'm not in the mood for a full run but need to do something. I also put on a 3% incline. For time I do either 24 minutes or 30 depending on my mood.

For my made up intervals I did 24 minutes of running for 2 minutes at a speed of 4.6 then sprinting for a minute on a speed of 5.5. I also did this on an incline of 3%. I liked this one and I'm probably going to do it again because it kept me running the whole time. 

2. Rolling Foothills: This one kind of made me want to die. There is a program on the treadmill that will automatically change the incline throughout the workout between 0 and 3%.  I underestimated how tough it was going to be and was running on a 4.7 speed. It was a nice to be able to mimic being outside though. I think the time on this was 24 minutes as well.

3. Just Straight Running: Like I said earlier, I am much slower on the treadmill. When I did these distances it took at least 40 minutes, although I also realized my miles were taking much longer because of my incline. I did a 3.4 mile and 4 mile the past 2 Saturdays (trying to bring my mileage up for training) at a speed of 4.8 increasing to a 5 for the last 2 minutes (I swear I'm much faster outside). The reason the time was taking so long was because I was at a 2% and 3% incline. I don't recommend that if you hate the treadmill and want to be done ASAP. Moving the treadmill to face my backyard with the snow this past Saturday was a great decision I must say, it helped me get through it!

What are your favorite treadmill workouts? Do you prefer doing them at the gym or at home? Are you working out at a slower speed running indoors or push yourself harder?

Xo,
Lynette

Workouts, Broken Computers and More!

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for bearing with this week. If you follow me on Twitter than you already know that my computer charger broke and the battery has been dead. My new one arrived today (along with my sweat pink tank) and surprise! Doesn't work. So I'm sneaking on someone elses to update you!

New posts will resume next week for sure and I already have some fun recipes and things to share. I've starting running again and my knee seems fine. We're going for 4 miles this Saturday so fingers crossed. I've also done some pretty successful treadmill workouts I'll share. Surprisingly I didn't die (which is usually how I feel on there). I'm excited to start training for my half in the coming weeks too.

And an open statement to TV lovers. PLEASE stop live tweeting Pretty Little Liars and Nashville. Sometimes a girl is tired and has to watch them on-demand on the weekends!

Thanks for understanding and hope you've been catching up in the meantime!

Xo,
Lynette

The Liebster Award

During the week I got a comment on a post that Melissa from FreeingImperfections had nominated me for a Liebster Award. I'm really excited about my site and so happy that people are taking notice of it. I also love meeting new people and this seems like a great way. 

According to the description from Melissa's site, the Liebster Award is:

1. This award is given to new or up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

2. The award is then passed along to other bloggers in the same category to help spread the word and support one another.

3.  Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.

4. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.

5. Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.

6. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

7. No tag backs (aka, don’t nominate the person who nominated you).

So, here are 11 random facts about myself:

1. I have brought lunch to work everyday except for 1 since the end of August until this past Friday.

2, Coffee is a necessity. Everyday.

3. I'm addicted to Pretty Little Liars and Nashville.

4. My sophomore year of college was my favorite.

5. I'm not as shy and way stronger than most people think.

6. I wish I could go to the bar in yoga pants, a sweatshirt and sneakers.

7. I'm most comfortable in sweats,  a sweatshirt, hair up and curled up on the couch.

8. I can't wait to move to NYC and see what my career has in store for me.

9. I lose my glasses on a daily basis (watch out for me on the road!).

10. 98% of the time I'm sleep deprived.

11. I have problems putting my iPad down, another addiction of mine.

And now the answers to Melissa's questions about myself:

1. Where did you come up with your blog’s name?                                    

 I love yoga pants and if I'm not at work or out that's usually what you can find me in. I was trying to create something clever and that people can relate to. What girl doesn't love yoga pants?

2. What’s your favorite type of cardio?                                                          

I love to run and spin. When I run I get to be in my own little world and get rid of a ton of stress. 

3. What’s your least favorite exercise?

Step classes. I tried them in college and at the gym near my house and I got bored too easily. I just didn't love the classes.

4. Would you rather be gluten intolerant or lactose intolerant?

Hmm, in reality neither! I would rather be gluten intolerant though, I like dairy products.

5. Cold or hot climate?

HOT always. I love to go snowboarding but I am a beach bunny all the way.

6. If you could eat only one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Swirls and Twirls frozen yogurt (think Pinkberry only better)

7. What imperfection about yourself do you kind of like?

How short I am. I can use it to my advantage sometimes. I like taller guys (around 5 foot 9 to 6 feet) so I end up looking super cute next to them.

8. Favorite Christmas gift from 2012?

Loved my Garmin Forerunner 10.

9. Name something you never thought you would or could do that you’ve since done. (Ex: for me, running a half-marathon)

I wasn't too big on school so I never though I would graduate college and excel in something I wanted to do. But almost 2 years later here we are, graduated and on the path to becoming a great publicist.

10. Name the first 5 things you can pull out of your purse right now.

Keys, wallet, chapstick pot, gum, and hand sanitizer.

11. Name one way that blogging has grown you as an individual.

Blogging has helped me grow as an individual by confirming some of my passions and also making me a better writing. PR is all about writing each day and when I started my site my writing became stronger. 

Now, I'm going to nominate:

Jen Jen's Best Life

Becky Run Fun Done

Colleen The Chocolate Mile

Ashlee Up Hill Quest

Sarah Blonde Bostonian

Charlotte Wild Things Run Free

Dawn Bare it All Fitness

Bethany Lee Project Whitespace

Linda Live Craft Sweat

Amanda Fitness Amanda

Marielle Fit Girl in a Pretty World

Please e-mail me at LifesBetterInYogaPants@gmail.com for the questions (I didn't want this post to be TOO long!). Looking forward to connecting!

Thanks again Melissa!

Xo,

Lynette

Parmesan Chicken Bake

This is the most unhealthy thing I will post on my site, although there is a healthy alternative. It was just so damn good I have to share it. I did pair it with spinach (naturally) and a side of quinoa. I'm really looking forward to trying out some new, healthier than this, recipes this weekend to share with you. I got a really great cookbook over the holidays so maybe something out of there. For now, check out this delicious Parmesan chicken bake.

Recipe courtesy of My Kitchen Escapades.

At the risk of grossing everyone out, I limited the photos in this post :)

Ingredients:

*I used half of everything, making 3 servings

6 chicken breasts
1 C light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt 
1/2 c fresh Parmesan cheese, plus more for the top
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Adaptions-I also added broccoli and mushrooms

I had to use light mayonnaise instead of yogurt because we didn't have any in the house, but this can be a healthy meal if you use the yogurt.

First, pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees and spray the inside of an appropriate sized baking dish.

Next, lay the chicken inside. In a separate bowl combine all additional ingredients (except broccoli and mushrooms). Spread the mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover all of the areas. Add extra Parmesan on top if desired. Toss in mushrooms and broccoli. 

Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Have you ever make a chicken and Parmesan recipe? What did you think?

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Places I Want to Snowboard This Winter

As my injuries heal and this little head cold gets on its' merry little way, I can't help but think about the next 2 months. I'm really looking forward to getting back on my snowboard and I've decided these are the three places I really want to visit (1 being totally unrealistic).


I heard this place was pretty sweet:

[Killington]

This was the go-to spot for my college, I even got a season pass twice:

[Whiteface]

I would love to go on a destination snowboarding trip (highly unrealistic):

[Vail]

Where are you headed this winter? Favorite spots? Places you want to try?

Xo,

Lynette

Toning Up Tuesday: Arms

Even before I had surgery and this hole in my neck (it's healing great for anyone that cares) my workout ALWAYS lacked arm exercises  I don't even like my arms but I have a fear of them bulking up too much (I know, how can that happen if I don't even lift or anything?) so when I do remember to incorporate them into my routine, this is what I do:

Overhead Press: To work your shoulders and arms I like the overhead press. Take 2 weights (not too heavy but not too light, I use 5-8 pounders) and hold them palms out and shoulders bent at a 90 degree angle, so that the weights are essentially at ear level. Then push up with straight arms overhead almost touching the weights together and come back to the 90 degree angle. Repeat 10 times.

[Source]

I'm unsure of what this next one is called but I use it to tone my inner arms (I don't even know if that makes sense). Once again start with the weights palm out and elbows bent at a 90 degree angle. Then instead of pushing up, pull arms together in front of the body, keeping elbows at that 90 degree angle. Come back to starting position. Repeat for 10 reps. 

[Source]

I also like to do regular bicep curls. Hold arms down by your side, slight bend in elbow with palms facing out. Bend elbows without moving your upper arms and curl the weights towards shoulders. Lower weights back to starting position. Repeat for 10 reps. Another option is to alternate arms, lift right and lower then lift left and lower (that counts as 1 rep).

[Source]

Lastly, I like to use the stability ball to do chest presses. Lie down on the ball with only your upper back on the ball and hold your pelvis up, so you're body is lying flat. Hold weights and bend elbows at a 90 degree angle. Then same as the overhead press, push up almost letting the weights touch. Return to original position. Repeat 10 times.

[Source]

What are your favorite arm exercises? What did you think of this post? Let me know!

Xo,

Lynette

Brown Sugar Kielbasa with Onions and Apples

This has to be one of the most delicious meals I have ever tasted. I made it last weekend when I had enough time to cook and it was a hit with my family and everyone seemed to like the way it looked on Instagram/Facebook. This brown sugar kielbasa with onions and apples is sweet but not sweet enough that it's a turn off. And the meat was so yummy. Enjoy!

Recipe credit goes to Chin Deep.

Ingredients:

14 oz. kielbasa sausage

2 large onions, sliced thick

2 granny smith apples, cut into thick slices

2 Tablespoons butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika

1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

salt and pepper to taste

fresh sage and thyme

I pretty much followed the ingredients on this to a T, no surprise twists today!

Before I even started doing anything I chopped all of the ingredients up.

Then heat up the butter in a large skillet. When it's all melted, add the onions and apples and cook on low (about 20 minutes) until the onions are carmelized.

Add the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT the thyme and sage. Mix together to evenly combine.

Cover and cook on low for another 15 minutes or until food is heated thoroughly and the brown sugar has formed a syrupy glaze.

Then, plate and serve with fresh herbs. I paired this dish with brown rice and a spinach salad mix.

Let me know what you think!

Xo,

Lynette

January Birchbox

I think the ladies at Birchbox knew that I'm on a serious budget and have been running out of beauty products lately. I'm VERY pleased with this months box, mainly because I will use just about everything they sent over. And for a bonus it came with a little poster I have hanging up in front of my computer called "25 Ways to Make 2013 Awesome."

Also, please excuse the grainy pictures. Apparently my iPad can't seem to focus on things.

Aerie Shimmer Fragrance [$14.95-39.95] I LOVE Aerie and this fragrance smells nice but a little strong. I will probably use it for a night out or important function.

DDF Acne Control Treatment [$44] I ran out of spot treatment awhile ago and have yet to replace it so I am very happy that I received this. It suggests you use this while you're sleeping, I'll probably use it all the time,

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre [$16] Described as a French moisturizer and leaving skin primed for moisturizer, I'm sure I will use once it starts getting warmer to help my skin adjust to the weather change.

theBalm Cosmetics Hot Mama [$20] This is a two-in-one blush and highlighter. I may use this when I go out one night but I rarely wear things as such. I'm a very simple makeup kind of girl, that is if I end up wearing any.

Beauty Extra! La Fresh Eco-Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover [$9.99] I recently ran out of makeup remover wipes as well so this was a pleasant surprise and it claims to take off my waterproof mascara. We shall see!

Overall, I'm pretty impressed with my January Birchbox.

What did you think? Would you use these products?

Xo,

Lynette

Standing Up For Me, For Once

Last week I wrote that one of my goals was to stop letting things get to me and surround myself with people who make me happy and are supportive. I stumbled upon this quote on Pinterest (yes that's my personal one) the other day and wanted to share it with you.

I could not agree with this more. If you have dreams, ambitions and goals in life, don't let those who aren't sure what they want belittle you. Me? I know that I'm going to be a damn good publicist one day and that my blog is my baby and I can't wait to see it grow. I also know that I'm done/not letting anyone stand in my way.

That is all I have to say on this Saturday :) Oh and also, I became a Sweat Pink ambassador last week!

Xo,

Lynette

BAKED Chicken Parm and Whole Wheat Pasta

The other night I had a craving for chicken parm and remembered I had posted a recipe I wanted to try on Pinterest. Since it was the weekend I had enough time to experiment with it. From now on, when I want a yummy Italian meal (I AM Italian after all so it happens often) this will be my go-to dinner. It's easy enough to decide on last minute and you probably have all the ingredients in the pantry already. 

Recipe credit goes to Skinny Taste.

Ingredients:  

• 1 chicken breast (or 1 for everyone you're cooking for)
• Seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, melted (or olive oil)
• 3/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara 
• cooking spray

First preheat oven to 450° and spray a large baking sheet lightly with spray. I actually used parchment paper to keep the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

Next, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. *Note: Please notice that says Parmesan as I totally read it wrong and used mozzarella, luckily realizing before I added everything. In another bowl, melt the butter. 

 

Dip the chicken breast into the butter, then the breadcrumb mixture making sure the whole area is covered. Transfer to baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken. 

Spray with a little bit more oil then bake for about 20 minutes. Then turn the chicken over and bake for another 5.

Next, add the sauce and mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. 

I also made some whole wheat pasta with vegetables while the chicken was cooking.

When all is done, plate and serve. This meal goes great with some white wine!

How do you make chicken parm? Favorite recipes? Other tips and tricks you use to keep it healthy?

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Activities for When You're Sick

I'm not sure if you've noticed but most of the world is sick right now including myself. Let's be honest, being sick totally blows, but there are some upsides. Today's Thursday Three is my favorite things to do when I'm potentially dying.

[Catch up on my reading (source)]

[Play video games all day (source)]

[Eat lots of chicken noodle soup (source)]

Now that I realize how much this list makes me look like an old lady I'm going to share some good news. After testing out my knee last night on the treadmill I'm happy to announce half marathon training will begin soon! With that will also come with a review of the book Running a Marathon for Dummies. Can't wait to share my schedule and stories with you all. For now, feel better and enjoy your Thursday!

Xo,

Lynette

Toning Up Tuesday: Core

Something many of my at-home workouts lack strength work and toning. I focus so much on cardio that I forget even though I'm not taking a class, I still need to do arms, legs and core. To keep myself in check I'm going to do a series of Toning Up Tuesday posts. This week is focusing on core and I'm going to share my top 4 moves that tone and tighten. 

One of my favorites that almost everyone incorporates into their ab regimen is planks. I usually try and hold for a minute and a half and include dips to each side to work on obliques. To make sure your form is correct try and use a mirror and don't let your hips/butt sag to the floor. Make sure longs are long and strong as well. 

[Source]

I'm unsure of the name of the next few but I hope from my explanation you can understand them. This one is a variation of boat pose. Instead of holding the pose you push your legs forward and upper body back so you're almost laying on the ground but not quite. Then use your core to pull you back to boat post. I do about 10 reps of these twice alternating with the next move.

[Source]

To work on obliques I come back into boat pose and use either a weight or very small medicine ball. Controlling your movement, move the weight from right to left (1 rep). Remember to tighten your core as well. I do 10 reps of these,

[Source]

The last move I want to share is a crunch with your knees up and bent. Personally, this move works all of my core so I try to always incorporate it in to my regimen. I usually do about 30.

[Source]

Please extend your feedback on this post, positive or negative, as this type of post is a bit new for me. Also, what are your favorite core exercises? Who taught them to you?

Xo,

Lynette

Yoga With A View

[Source]

Who wants to do a full hour workout when they get home from work at 8 PM? Yea, me either. If you follow my posts, I've mentioned how much I love doing Yoga With A View when I get home because they are only about 20 minutes. However, I never really told you why I enjoy them so much other than they're quick and easy after a long train ride. 

There are 6 different episodes that focus on various parts of the body. My favorite is core and quads. Others include arms and glutes, ashtanga, deep stretching, spine and chest and hamstrings and torso. Each is led by Hilaria Thomas Baldwin who teaches regularly at Yoga Vida in NYC. I had the pleasure of taking a mini class with her at the FITNESS Magazine Mind, Body, Spirit Games this past September and it was great. 

Throughout the video, Hilaria gives great instruction so I don't have to actually watch and can focus on my movements and encourages you to keep going. She has 2 assistants who provide you with advanced and basic poses so you don't strain yourself. The video is broken up into 3 segments, although you won't really need the break. I usually hold down dog throughout them for an extra stretch. Also, the moves she incorporates are power moves so you are actually getting something out of the class even though it's condensed. 

I highly recommend checking this out when you need a relaxing workout after a long day or something quick before going out. Since I mention doing these yoga classes so often, I thought I should tell you what I love so much!

Have you ever use free online yoga classes? What did you think? Any favorites?

Xo,
Lynette

My All Time Favorite Superfood

If I could pick one food to have a never ending supply of it would be bags and bags of baby spinach. Mind you, this is one of the foods I absolutely HATED until I was about 22. I'm glad I've grown to love it because I put it on just about anything I can. Spinach has so many benefits such as vitamins B, C and E, iron, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids (source). That is a significantly longer list than one can say for iceberg or romaine lettuce.

However, many of my friends have stated how much they hate spinach and they can't eat it plain or they don't know what else to do with it. Below are some of my favorite ways to incorporate spinach into my meals (and sometimes drinks!).

Salads: If you are just starting to eat spinach I recommend mixing in some romaine lettuce. My favorite add-ins include chick peas, kidney beans, mushrooms, chicken, tuna, croutons, and sometimes pasta. For the record, I don't put all of that in at the same time. Dressing is usually something light and oil based, not creamy. 

[Side salad]

Pasta: Sometimes when I do pasta with vegetables I add a handful of spinach in. It makes me feel like my meal is healthier! The other ingredients I usually put in are broccoli, chick peas, regular green peas, mushrooms, chicken or baby corn. 

[In a pasta dish]

Sandwiches: Rather than lettuce and tomato I do spinach and tomato. Also great for wraps. Yummy and healthy!

[Chicken quesadillas]

Breakfast: Eggs are a must almost every morning for me. I do try and switch it up with omelettes, quesadillas, scrambles and sandwiches. Toss in a handful of spinach to each to get your greens bright and early. I usually rip the leaves apart so they are more bite size. I'm not a big fan of peppers with breakfast (except in potatoes) so spinach is my substitute. 

[A breakfast quesadilla]

Smoothies: I know this sounds so gross but it's really not as long as you balance the drink out with other items. My favorite mix includes spinach. peanut butter, a banana, some chocolate syrup or powder, vanilla yogurt and ice. One of my friends adds a little honey to hers. Yes, it's going to be green but I promise it doesn't taste "green."

[Source]

How do you use spinach? Favorite recipe?

Xo,
Lynette