Hilarious Toddler Burpees and Weekly Goals

October 6, 2014 No Comments

Hey friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had a good weekend. Mine was pretty decent. I did my usual routine of teaching indoor cycling at Beyond Pedaling on Saturday and teaching Turbo Kick at 24 Hour Fitness on Sunday. I also went to a beautiful wedding on Saturday evening for one of my college friends from Cornell. As a pleasant surprise, I ran into one of Turbo Kick students at the wedding! She happens to be a friend of the bride – small world! We had a blast, danced our booties off and ate a lot of wedding cake. Good times had by all. Unlike last weekend, I didn’t do any shopping this weekend (tear), but I did get some much-needed time at home to rest and rejuvenate. Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Yesterday my cousin, Juliette (AKA my “sister” because we spent every waking moment together as kids), sent me this hilarious video of her daughter, Violet, doing “post-dinner burpees.” Violet is almost 2 years old. Violet’s got GRIT. Juliette and her husband, Todd, are cheering Violet on as a she has blast doing the exercise that most of us dread. Check out the video below for a little Monday morning chuckle. Mom and dad are still working on her burpee form, but if that’s not raw talent I don’t know what is, haha. You can get awesome recipes, words of wisdom and humorous reflections on Juliette’s blog, A Life Less Tragic.

So… this week I’m personally going through a MAJOR life transition, which I’ll elaborate on next week once it fully registers. In the meanwhile, I’m focusing on some positive weekly goals to help me stay emotionally stable, productive and healthy. I wrote down these goals in my day planner and after looking them over, I figured it’d be a good idea to share on today’s post. If these goals help me (potentially), maybe they can help you too…

In case you’ve never tried Lemon/Cucumber water, you can get the details here – it is naturally detoxifying and tasty!

I hope you have a wonderful week and strive to achieve these gritty weekly goals for yourself.

Show your GRIT! Luv, Brit

Fitness Fashion

Fitness Fashion Friday #5: Inspirational Activewear

October 3, 2014 3 Comments

Image: Inspirational Leggings and Sports Bra from Lorna Jane (disregard my ugly corn on my pinky toe – I ain’t flawless)

TGIF! You know what that means, it’s time for Fitness Fashion Friday (FFF). This is a milestone FFF edition – post #5. I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes, so of course I love activewear that’s covered in motivational mantras. “Name it and claim it!” “Speak it into existence!” – these are just a couple of my mom’s old country sayings. If I could put them all on tank tops and sports bras I would. In the meantime, I’ve been rocking’ this inspirational Lorna Jane activewear. I wore the pink sports bra to teach my cycling class yesterday and I feel like it energized the pack – my class was jamming’! What do you think?

Before you head out for the weekend, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a black & pink GRIT tank top. Just post a comment sharing what “GRIT” means to you. I can’t wait to read your responses. Also, if you looking for a way to kill time this Friday, you can peruse through the first 4 Fitness Fashion Friday posts:

Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of goodness and GRIT!

Lots of luv, Brit

Inspiration & Motivation

What Does GRIT Mean to You? Answers from 8 Wonder Women + GRIT Tank Top Giveaway

October 2, 2014 13 Comments

Good morning friends! As promised, I gathered all of your comments from my GRIT Tank Top Giveaway a couple of weeks ago and summarized them into the graphic below. I have to be honest, at first I did this for selfish reasons as these quotes became my morning motivation. I was so inspired by your definitions of “GRIT” I just had to share the goodness. Now you can print, Pin or post this graphic anywhere you like. Also, HUGE thank you to 8 Wonder Women who shared what “GRIT” means to them…

On that note, let’s keep the gritty goodness going. I’m hosting another giveaway for this black GRIT tank top (pictured below). Just like last time, post a comment answering the question, “What does GRIT mean to you?” I’ll read through all of your inspiring words and pick a winner – will announce next Wednesday (Oct. 8). Enjoy!

Fitness Fashion, Legs

Lucy Activewear: Product Review + Leg Workout

October 1, 2014 7 Comments

Image: Purple Feel the Beat Tank (Lucy, $59); Grey Dance Workout Capri (Lucy, $89)

Yo yo – happy humpday & happy October! You guys gave such great feedback on the Labor Day Leg Workout + Lucy Activewear Giveaway that I decided to put together another leg workout and review my new gear from Lucy!

First off, I’m obsessed with this Feel the Beat Tank. I love the look of strappy workout tanks but because I’m on the “bustier” side I always have to wear a sports bra under them during workouts – totally takes away the cuteness. However, this Lucy tank is super supportive and has just the right amount of padding so that I don’t nip out. I taught my PiYo class in this tank last Friday and felt comfortable, secure and sexy during the entire class. You can see a pic of me and my class on Instagram.

Next I got the Dance Workout Capris. These are my first pair of workout pants that aren’t leggings, fitted capris or booty shorts. Long story short, I love them! I’m planning to wear them again to Zumba this Sunday with a little crop top or sports bra that shows my belly. It’s crazy how the older I get the less body conscious I am. I would have NEVER shown my midriff when I was 23. Funny how self-confidence and security grow over time, especially when we learn to really love ourselves… Anyway, I digress. The dance workout capris are great because they fit low around my hips and have a nice wide waistband so there’s no “love-handle” action. While they are lose-fitting they aren’t baggy, which keeps a feminine look. Most importantly, they are made of an interesting, moisture wicking fabric that can handle my sweat as I shake around on the dance floor. Are you a fan of dance pants?

Love the “XY” design on the back of the Feel the Beat Tank (lucy)!

Last but not least, here’s your leg workout! I wanted to design something for the dancers out there, so this is my “Long Lean Legs Workout.” The purpose of each exercise is to build muscle strength through isometric movements (i.e. holding poses and/or making small tiny movements). If you’ve ever taken a barre class, you should know about the “little squeeze” or “tiny pulse.” This a quick and simple routine that you can to complete in 10-15 minutes. It’s a great follow up to a run or other cardio workout. I hope you enjoy the workout and treat yourself to some Lucy activewear!

Lots of luv, Brit

Cardio, Home Workouts

DIY Cardio Kickboxing Workout – Have fun, get sweaty, blast calories!

September 30, 2014 5 Comments

Hola Friends! Hope your week is off to a good start. It’s Tuesday, which for me means workout time! Most of you know that I’m huge fan of cardio kickboxing (Turbo Kick in particular) so I wanted to create a DIY kickboxing workout that you can do in the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is turn on a 30 minute playlist of your fav upbeat jams and then rock out as you power through these exercises…

This workout requires NO equipment. However, you can wear weighted gloves for some simultaneous muscle toning. For the best cardio conditioning, try to complete the circuit four times in 30 minutes (this includes 3 – 2minute rest sections). Stay light on your toes and keep your abs engaged with each exercise. You can expect to be super sweaty and burn 350-450 calories. For a little extra entertainment value, here’s a video of me rocking out some cardio kickboxing at Turbo Kick last Saturday. Now it’s your turn – enjoy! Luv, Brit

Lifestyle

Group Fitness, Athleta Shopping & Painting with a Twist

September 29, 2014 1 Comment

Happy Monday friends! Hope you had a relaxing weekend and are feeling energized for a wonderful week ahead. I had a weekend full of positive indulgences and I’m feeling super satisfied this morning. On Friday, I had the privilege of teaching PiYo at Fossil World Headquarters in Dallas. To my surprise, the entire Michael Kors jewelry team came to my class and boy did they rock it out. We had a fun, sweaty, lunch break indeed! There’s nothing I love more than meeting new people and connecting over our love for fitness and active living! Also, shout out to Fossil for being an amazing company that supports healthy living among its employees.

On Saturday, I did my usual 2 Hour Saturday Detox workout with my gym buddies at 24 Hour Fitness. I’ve been working out with these ladies for 3 years now and they are truly my best friends. They even starred in my workout DVD (you thought they looked familiar, huh?). We did our usually 1 hour Turbo Kick class followed by 1 hour Body Pump class. We’re also planning a hiking and wine trip in the coming weeks which I’m very much looking forward to!

After class, I enjoyed a nice long shower, rubbed my body down in Marc Jacobs Lola perfumed lotion and headed to Athleta for a little retail therapy. We just got Athleta in Dallas like 4 months ago. I already like this brand because some of the Athleta employees came to my PiYo class this Summer and passed out free headbands to the students in my class – how nice is that? I ended up buying 2 cute black workout tanks. Both are kinda sheer and have a cool open back (I’ll post pics soon on Fitness Fashion Friday). I wanted something that would go well with my neon sports bras and head bands. The tanks are exactly what I was looking for.

Checking out the Fall collection at Athleta

I have to admit, this was actually my first time ever shopping at Athleta. I was pleasantly surprised by the bright colors, chic styles and super friendly staff. I think I may become a regular customer. The ultimate determining factor will be how their yoga pants/leggings fit me – I haven’t tried any yet. Do any of you shop at Athleta?

Loving that bright colors are on trend for all seasons!

Later on Saturday night my college friend from Cornell, Nicole (pictured on the right) planned a lovely ladies night for our Dallas crew. We went to Painting with a Twist where you BYOB and take a paining lesson. I had a blast! Not only did I get to hang out with my friends, but the icing on the cake was that we painted a picture of the Eiffell Tower. I have a soft spot in my heart for Paris because my birthday is July 14th, Bastille Day. I’ve never been to Paris but I want to go SO badly – the City of Lights, sigh…

Nonetheless, I’m super grateful the good times I shared with my friends. Overall I had an amazing weekend and I’m looking forward to more goodness this week. I can’t believe it’s going to be October! Time flies when you enjoy good workouts, good shopping and good friends 🙂

Me and my friend Crystal showing off our masterpieces!

Let your light shine! Luv, Brit

Fitness Fashion

Fitness Fashion Friday #4: Cozy in Coral

September 26, 2014 No Comments

Image: Willow Longsleeve Mesh Knit Sweater (Lorna Jane), Tilly Kick Shorts (Lorna Jane) , Neon Mesh Knit Sweater (Nordstrom), Smile (Grit by Brit)

Happy Friday friends! I’m gonna keep this one short and sweet. This has been an amazing yet emotionally exhausting week for me – lots of life changes on my end. I’ll fill you in later. But before I head out for the weekend, I wanted to share this outfit from Lorna Jane that really made me smile! I’m so excited that it’s Fall – prepare to see me in lots of scarves. Have a wonderful weekend! Best, Brit

Neon Sports Bra (Target C9) – I love that the sweater is just slightly see-thru and the shorts “kick out” right under my booty cheeks 🙂

Total Body

Power Bell Workout = Kettlebell + Dumbbell Circuit

September 25, 2014 2 Comments

Hello Friends! Hope your day is off to a good start. I taught my very first cycling class at Beyond Pedaling in Dallas this morning – it went great! I’m so glad that the jitters are out and now I can go full speed ahead. Even though I’ve been teaching fitness classes for over 3 years, every time I join a new studio or start teaching a new format, I get major butterflies in my stomach. Are you taking on any new challenges this Fall? I hope so!

Anyway, here’s a workout that I created a few weeks ago while I was traveling for work. I did it in my hotel gym because they had dumbbells and kettle bells, which was a nice change-up from the usual half-broken stationary bike. I enjoyed my workout so wanted to share with you. Obviously, you need a kettlebell and a pair of dumbbells to complete the circuit. If you don’t have a kettelbell, you can use one dumbbell in place of the kettlebell for certain exercises. The circuit is designed to keep your heart rate elevated and blast calories. This means you should get a good sweat going! However, if you want some extra cardio, I suggest warming up with 10-15 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill. The total workout can be done in less than 30 minutes. Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes! I also included some action shots below of me doing the workout (please be merciful as it was 5:30am and I had no make up and a messy top not).

ENJOY! Lots of luv, Brit

Arms, Cardio

Sculpt-N-Cycle Workout & Onzie Tank Giveaway Winner

September 23, 2014 No Comments

Hey guys! Hope you had a good morning and your afternoon is off to a good start. I’m loving working from home this week! Being on the road every week for work is really hard on my body. When I’m home I appreciate the little things like making breakfast and coffee in my own kitchen. This morning I made some simple scrambled eggs, toast and coffee. Later on I ate another whole wheat English muffin topped with crunchy peanut butter and banana (my mid-morning snack. I was HONGRY)

Enjoying working from home – made myself some scrambled eggs & whole wheat English muffin with strawberry preserves (a big pot of black coffee is a must)

So…I have great news to share with you guys! This Thursday (9/20/14) I’m going to start teaching at a new cycling studio, Beyond Pedaling in Dallas, TX. If you recall, I took a class at Beyond earlier this year and had a great experience. I’m so excited because this studio let’s me teach a music-based cycling workout with some choreographed moves. LOVE IT! Also the ride incorporates hand weights, so I’ll guide my class through a ~5 minute arm workout while cycling. I’ve been working on my playlist and practicing all week. It’s weird because even though I’ve been teaching group fitness classes for almost 3 years, I still have that nervous excitement that makes it difficult to sleep. Please wish me luck!

In the spirit of my new cycling gig, I designed a “Sculpt & Cycle” workout just for you. This workout should take about 30 minutes to complete. The time will fly by because you’re doing the arm workout while cycling – I love simultaneous muscle toning and cardio conditioning. Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes.

Last but not least, what you guys are “really” waiting for – the winner of the Onzie Knot-back Tank Giveaway is Liana! I hope you had an amazing time at your craft show and sold lots of your homemade skin products – I love a fellow business woman! I’ll be in touch to send your Onzie tank – in the meanwhile please email me your mailing address to [email protected].

Thanks so much to all of your for sharing your weekend plans. Hearing what you guys were up to motivated me to have a super active weekend as well. Enjoy the rest of your day. Show your GRIT! Luv, Brit

Just for Fun

Super Savory High Protein Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

September 23, 2014 4 Comments

Happy first day of Fall (it’s official)! During the Autumn season I make a valiant attempt at stepping up my “cooking game.” The timing of this blog post is perfect because I have to teach a cooking class on Thursday night. I’m an active member of the Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and for the past 2 years I’ve volunteered at a transitional living center for young women called Our Friends Place (OFP). Every Thursday night my JLD team and I attend “group night” at OFP during which we host cooking and life skills classes. This Thursday is my turn to teach cooking, so I practiced making my dish on Sunday night with my sister. It turned out GREAT so I wanted to share the recipe with you guys. Chicken enchiladas are nutritious because they are high in protein and very filling. To make a lower calorie version, use reduced fat cream cheese and reduced fat shredded cheese. Hope you like! Lots of love, Brit

Ingredients

1 whole, cooked rotisserie chicken
1 can of Hatch Fire-Roasted Tomato Enchilada Sauce (Regular)
1 can of Hatch Fire-Roasted Tomato Enchilada Sauce (Tex-Mex style)
1/2 onion (diced)
1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes
1/2 container of Chipotle flavored Philadelphia cream cheese
1 bag of corn or flour tortillas (if you use corn this is a gluten free dish)
1 bag of shredded cheese (Mexican style)

Instructions (5 Simple Steps)

Shred the meat off of the rotisserie chicken and mix in a large bowl with diced onion, 1/4 bag of cheese and 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese onto the tortilla, fill it will chicken mixture and roll it up
Line pan with the Regular enchilada sauce then lay the enchilada rolls close together
Cover the enchilada rolls with Tex-Mex (thicker) enchilada sauce and remaining shredded cheese
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes