Easy Dinner and Snack for The Lazy Girl

Please work with me while I try and figure out why blogger is not working on my computer. If anyone has had problems as such please reach out and let me know how you fixed it.

Sometimes I'm craving a meal that is intricate, involves a lot of dishes and is time consuming. I have learned that I can make that same meal in easy steps and in ONE dish. Yup I said that, only one dish is needed. I'm personally usually cooking for myself but if you use a large enough baking dish you can cook for up to about four people.

Preheat oven to 350 or 375 degrees.

Use oil or spray oil to coat the bottom of the baking dish. I defrosted the chicken a little bit so it would cook faster.

Next I shopped up some onions and tossed some on the bottom. Add in the chicken breast. Chop up some red potatoes and add those. I really like mushrooms so I tossed those in as well.

Next I made a mistake. Do not add the spinach until the end. It got crispy and gross and wasn't worth it. Before I tossed in the oven I added some seasonings such as Italian, salt, pepper, garlic salt and some more chopped onions. I sprayed a little oil on top, covered with tin foil and popped it in the oven for an hour.

A perfect snack, which most healthy nuts like myself know, is roasted chickpeas. All you need to do is wash them, dry, place on tin foil on a baking sheet, season and roast for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Make them spicy with red pepper. I don't have a photo but trust me they're delicious.

Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before you serve.

Toning Up Tuesday: Simple Back Moves

You already know strength training is not one of my fondest activities. So you can imagine how excited I am when it comes to working on my back. This post is a bit short and unorganized due to Blogger not loading on any of my web browsers. If anyone knows why feel free to share please :)

The 2 moves I'm going to share with you tone up your backside. One is ideal for anywhere and the other you need gym equipment for.

http://heallovebe.com/2012/11/09/strength-training-workout-1-core/

The first one is a staple in many yoga or Pilates classes. The Superman pose does wonders for your back, butt and legs. Lying on your stomach, lift your upper and lower body as high as you can WITHOUT straining. Hold for 15 seconds and release. To increase difficulty, alternate lifting your leg higher along with the opposite arm and repeat.

http://www.flamanfitness.com/strength/benches/tuffstuff-adjustable-hyper-extension-bench.html

Add caption

The second move is one of my favorites at the gym. You can also do it at home with a stability ball. The apparatus at the gym is called a "45 Degree Hyper Extension." Whether you are using that or the ball, drape yourself over it with arms crossed at the chest. Using your back muscles, pull the upper body back up in a slow and controlled movement. Repeat 10 times. The apparatus also works great for obliques.

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Burning Questions

For today's Thursday Three I decided to ask some questions I had, in addition to yesterday's post. Feel free to answer in the comments or e-mail me at LifesBetterInYogaPants@gmail.com, or just use them as food for thought.

1. PR friends, what is your go-to solution when you're having problems securing press?

[Source]

2. Since I was crazy enough to sign up to run 13.1 miles, where do I find the stamina to actually finish the race and not walk?

[Source]

3. I get to see one of my bestest friends next weekend in Montauk. What are your favorite winter spots on the East End?

[Source]

Xo,

Lynette

It's Almost That Time

[Source]

According to the weather app on my iPad it's going to be 42 degrees on Saturday. That means I'll most likely be heading outside for a nice 6 miler to kick off my half marathon training. I've been getting some decent runs in on the treadmill but it's not the same as being outdoors. I just wish it would be a little more warmer with a little less snow. 

In the coming weeks I'm going to start reviewing a book I was sent on marathon training and host my first giveaway. All my yogi friends are going to LOVE it! I do have some questions for my fitness friends out there today:

What do you use to promote your blog during the day? Tweet deck?

How long before your half marathon did you start training?

Favorite cross training activity?

Where do you like to do your long runs?

I look forward to reading your answers!

Xo,

Lynette

Gym Bag Essentials

As an on the go fitnessista there's not always time to shower and get cute after a workout. There are products available to make yourself look presentable though. Whether you're decked out in lulu gear that doubles as a brunch outfit or need a quick fix up after work before a big date, these products are essentials for any bag. One of my concerns when I know I'm working out and not going home right after is making sure I smell great (as I think is a concern of many!). So I picked out some things that smell great and leave the people you pass on the sidewalk going wow.

*Note: Lush Cosmetics and Zim's provided product for me to review. Anything else is my own personal products I purchased.
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

First up is LUSH's Godiva shampoo and conditioning bar. Since most gyms and studios now have showers available for clients I though this would be perfect. It's tiny enough to fit in your bag and strong enough to make sure your hair gets clean. It's a solid 2 in 1 product that it super easy to use. Just rub on the top of your head and massage into hair. ($11.95)
 



This Dove Clinical Protection deodorant came in a set when I bought it on sale at Target. I've never tried it before but I've come to find out it works great. It leaves you with a fresh feeling and scent all day long. Literally. I can smell the freshness even at 7 PM on my way home from work! I highly recommend this. The regular non-clinical protection has the same scent but it's not as strong. It's smaller than the full size so easy to transport. Great for after a sweat sesh!
 

LUSH has a thing for solids. Another essential is the Dirty solid perfume. Rub on wrists and neck pulse points for a strong fresh scent. No one will know you didn't spray perfume and just rubbed this on in two places. In my opinion this is easier to bring with you than a glass bottle that could smash on the locker room floor. ($9.95)

 

The Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In Treatment is something I have been using for a while. BE CAREFUL of how much you spray because sometimes it makes hair look greasy. This product makes is easy to run a brush through knotty gym hair and leaves it feeling super soft.

 

The last gym bag essential I want to introduce you to is going to be your lifesaver after a vigorous workout. If you're like me and commute into the city for a workout and get back on the train to go home, your muscles are going to ache and tighten. Zim's has 3 products that reduce aches and paints and are made with natural products. Zim's Max-Freeze Gel provides a cooling sensation, the Max-Freeze Roll-On provides the same relief as the freeze gel and the Maximum Heat Roll-On is a heat based product used primarily for stiffness, backaches, strains and sprains. My favorite is the Max-Freeze Roll-On I used on my knee after a long run.

 

What do you think of these essentials? What are your favorites?

 

Xo,

Lynette







February Birchbox

Even though we had snow everywhere our mailman was still able to get to the mailbox and deliver my Birchbox. Which was nice since last week was quite the week. A little side note to the guys out there- do NOT call me to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day and then fall off the face of the earth. I hate the holiday already,  no need to make it worse. Easy solution, don't call :) 

Back to my box. I was slightly disappointed but I still like the stuff in it and the mascara will fit into my wristlet. There was a piece of Ghiradelli chocolate in there but it's long gone. 

[Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara-Great to carry around in my bag, full size $27]

[Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm, I've never tried any BB creams so hopefully this doesn't disappoint, full size $36] 

[Juice Couture Couture La La, the perfect spring scent, full size $19-90]

[Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Finishing Spray, hoping this doesn't leave my hair looking greasy, full size $25]

What did you think of your February Birchbox?

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Valentine's Day

Let me start off today by saying I am not a fan of Valentine's Day. Not necessarily because I'm single, even when I'm coupled up I was not a advocate for this lovely day. Why? I have no idea. Maybe it's my stone cold heart? (Just kidding). So Happy Valentine's Day to those who enjoy it and here are 3 things for you to do if you don't.

[Drink lots of wine, Source]

[Watch old but great movies, Source]

[Paint your nails, Source]

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Xo,

Lynette

Toning Up Tuesday: Legs Part 2

2 weeks ago, I featured some leg moves I learned in college. For today's Toning Up Tuesday I'm going to show you my 3 favorite squats/lunges. Although these are not my favorite things to do, ever, sometimes they just have to be done. They're perfect for home workouts or you can do them while lifting weights at the gym (for you multitaskers!).

1. Regular Squats: Stand with your legs hips width apart. For those who are advanced, grab a small medicine ball or weight. In a controlled movement, squat down like you're going to sit on a chair. Then stand up. If you have a weight, when you squat life it up in front of you. Repeat 12 times. 

[Source]

2. I also like to do forward lunges on each leg. Start with feet together and grab 2 light weights this time. Make sure all toes are pointing forward. Step first with your right foot while curling weights for a bicep curl. Make sure your lunge is deep and your knee isn't too far far forward. Then come back to standing position. Repeat with left leg. That is 1 set. Repeat 8 times.

[Source]

3. The last thing I like do are side lunges. start with your feet together. With all toes pointing forward still, step out with your right leg and squat back as described in 1 above. Bring hands together at chest level. Come back with feet together and hand down. Repeat 8 times. Switch to left side and repeat 8 times.

[Source]

How do you tone your legs? What do you think of these moves?

Xo,

Lynette

Monday Morning Nemo Update

Good morning everyone! Did you all survive Nemo? As you may have noticed, Life's Better In Yoga Pants posts have been lacking again. Why? I've been a busy bee! Last week I stayed late at the office a few times, went to dinner with a friend (potential roomie!) AND got to see LUKE BRYAN!

However, now that Nemo so nicely snowed me in, I've had a chance to catch up on posts for this coming week. Just wanted to let my dear readers know I have not forgotten about you and am getting organized ASAP! Until tomorrow, check out pictures of the past couple of days.

What have you been doing for fun? What kept you occupied during Nemo?

Xo,

Lynette

I Scored Big This Weekend ;)

...at the Lululemon YogaBowl warehouse sale that is! On Saturday morning I woke up a bit later than planned and skipped the run I wanted to do in the AM (did it in the afternoon instead) and trekked out west to the Nassau Coliseum to join the party. According to various websites I've read, Lululemon holds a warehouse sale in a different city once a year. 2013 happened to be New York. While the sales were good, they weren't as steep as I had hoped for. And something was just missing from the overall experience. They did a fantastic job of keeping up on Twitter with all questions though!

Since I have a monthly train ticket for work I decided to take the train out. When I got to Westbury the school bus shuttle was already waiting and the driver was really nice and funny. Shoppers got offered free Vita Coco as they boarded. Since I'm a lover of it I took advantage and grabbed one. The bus dropped us off at the main entrance of the coliseum where we walked downstairs to the sale. The line was short on Saturday morning which was nice since I'd heard horror stories from Friday. I got in pretty quick and since the sale was organized by size (the most perfect idea ever!) I went right to mine and got to work! I was on a mission for shorts and crops.

I grabbed some crops, a tank and a pair of shorts and headed to the fitting room. I didn't love the shorts or tank but I was obsessed with my crops. So much so I got all three and nothing else. Which was fine by me!

Overall I think it was a great event although I wish there was more going on. The demo that was going on when I was there wasn't really going on and most of the accessories were gone. But hey, I got what I came for so it was a touchdown for me and I was happy :)

Did you make it to yogabowl? What did you think? Score big?

Xo,
Lynette

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I've finally gotten my computer up and running and have some downtime to get some posts done. As promised, here is the yummy recipe I've been tweeting about all week. As you know from previous posts, I'm Italian and love pasta. Instead of just making my normal chicken and veggies I decided to spice it up. Cue spinach lasagna roll ups. These are totally delicious and I highly recommend them.

Recipe courtesy of SkinnyTaste.

Ingredients: 

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked (I used whole wheat)
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and completely drained (I just used baby spinach)
• 15 oz fat free ricotta cheese (I like Polly-o)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• salt and fresh pepper
• 32 oz tomato sauce
• 9 tbsp (about 3 oz) part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (I shredded my own)

I also added some mushrooms to mine.

Before you preheat the oven to 350 degrees, start cooking the lasagna noodles.

While those are cooking you can start preparing what goes inside of them. Mix the spinach, ricotta, mushrooms, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper in a decent sized bowl so there's no spilling all over the place.

Drain and dry the noodles and make sure the oven is now preheated to 350 degrees. Place them on a sheet of parchment or wax paper.

Take a little bit more than a spoonful of the mixture and spread evenly along each noodle. Cover the bottom of a medium sized baking dish (big enough to fit 9 roll ups) with sauce. 

Roll the noodles up and place them seam down in the baking dish. 

Pour additional sauce on top of the noodles and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Serve when cheese is melted. 

I paired this with a piece of chicken and a spinach salad. I think this would be great for dinner parties and buffets. 

Ever made lasagna roll ups? What did you think? Any other variations you've tried?

Xo,

Lynette