Fit In Heels

Fashion Friday- Stella and Dot Giveaway!

2012-10-19T08:59:00.002-04:00

Happy Fashion Friday! I'd like to start today's post with a quote:

"A Girl Should Be Two Things: Classy and Fabulous"- Coco Chanel

Now, those of us who can only be one of these two (what does "classy" mean, anyway?), being fabulous is easy when it comes to fashion- Accessories!!!!

My favourite addition to fashion accessories in the last few years has been the introduction of the statement piece: the statement necklace, ring, earring, or bracelet! The pieces that have come out have been absolutely gorgeous. I personally love a great statement piece with a seemingly casual outfit: a t-shirt and skinny jeans with a great statement necklace, for example!

Perfect skin, cheekbones, hair and makeup not included.

I'm a believer of more is better when it comes to accessories, with a few exceptions. I love stacking bracelets (on both sides, even!), HUGE necklaces (the bigger the better... that's what she said), and to-your-collar-bone earrings. I'd suggest always rocking the bracelets, especially with a watch, and either rocking great statement earrings OR a statement necklace. People at work always tell me how dressed up I am and glamorous I look (alright... I stretched the truth on the last one a bit), but I'm certain it's mostly because of my accessories and not because I am wearing my wedding dress to work.

There are many affordable options to add to your collection. Stella & Dot is a recent obsession of mine and I have been coveting many of their pieces as of late- mostly because I can barely fit into anything, but accessories are always the perfect size! Especially when they're huge. Here are some of the glam pieces I want to add to my collection:

Excuse my while I drool on my computer.

The necklace on the top left is what I am coveting mostly, and I love how it is paired with simple earrings!
Here are some other pieces from the line that I love!

The Bahari Necklace and my beautiful niece!

Capri Chandelier earrings in turquoise... a summer favourite!

Oh, what's that now? You want me to give you some Stella & Dot earrings?

Fine. How about these?

You can WIN these gorgeous Soiree Studs from Stella & Dot (retail value $26)! You can gain 3 entries by completing the following:

+1 Like Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Jackie Rowley on Facebook- not only is Jackie stylish, fashionable, and beautiful to look at, she can get you some sweet jewels. That's the main reason we are friends. Tell her Fit In Heels sent you!

+1 On Jackie's page, post which Stella & Dot piece you'd most like to add to your collection!
+1 Share this contest in any way- your Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, etc! Please tag me (click on each link) for each way you share so I can count your entry! Please make sure your shares are public so that I can count them!

This contest will close on Monday, October 22nd so get entering!

Check out the rest of the amazing Stella & Dot line here and get yourself some baubles!!! I'm having a trunk show until October 31st so get shopping, peeps!

October is Clean Carb Month!

2012-10-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Whaddup, peeps! We are halfway through October and it's time we talk good carbs vs. bad carbs.

Ever since the introduction of the Atkins Diet, people have been carb-haters. It drives me crazy! Carbohydrates are your friend, and should make up most of your diet- they give you energy for the day! They allow you to move, be active, be amazing!

Some people are surprised to know that before the Atkins Diet, there was the High-Carb diet. People would eat bagels, pasta, and bread to lose weight- why? Because most carbohydrates are naturally low in fat!

To get results- whether that means losing weight, maintaining weight, becoming healthier, having more energy, decreasing body fat, etc.- it's about being PREPARED and AWARE of what you are eating. The Eat Clean Diet integrates amazing, delicous, healthy meals with great nutritional information. This month, they are focusing on Clean Carbs- a topic that has many people confused!

Good carbs include ALL fruits and ALL vegetables, in addition to other power foods like oats, beans, quinoa, whole grain breads, Ezekiel wraps, and brown rice (interesting to note- very few of these contain gluten. Gluten-free diets are gaining popularity and people tend to think this means all carbs are evil- NOT TRUE!). Check out Tosca Reno's image of other examples of good carbs!

I know what you're thinking- alcohol?? I feel you, my friends. Tell you what. I'll go this entire month without drinking any wine. And, I'll even go all of next month.

Alright, fine. So I'm pregnant. But again- eating clean is about being AWARE of what you are putting in your body. This means being cautious and cognizant of the choices you are making. If you eat bad carbs, try to limit them- have a glass of wine on Friday nights when you want to unwind. The problem with bad carbs is that they make you crave MORE bad carbs, so your willpower is constantly challenged.

A few weeks ago, we hit up the farm and went apple picking with the family! It was so fun and I came away with a HUGE haul of Power Carbs- spaghetti squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, yellow zucchini, and four kinds of local apples!

Being an ambassador for the Eat Clean Diet has been extremely rewarding for me- it is a program I truly believe in and have for years- and people are always shocked to see how vibrant and delicious the Eat Clean cookbook recipes are! A lot of people believe that eating clean means eating cardboard. Not so, my friends. Eating clean is about balance- it's not all carbs, it's not no carbs. It's GOOD, CLEAN carbs. Try it not just for the month of October, but fo' life, yo! You will feel better, have more energy, and look sexy.

Hot.

I'm working on the "looking sexy" part.

Here are some great Eat Clean recipes featuring clean carbs!!!

Brown Rice and Apple Stuffing

Butternut Squash, Portobello Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Hazelnut Pizza

You have a chance to win with October's Clean Carb Month- take a photo with Instagram showing how you're enjoying good, clean carbs and you could win a prize pack featuring David's Tea, Sweet Pure Honey and Oxygen Magazine!

Tell me your FAVOURITE clean carb!
This is too hard for me to pick. I lovelovelove a ton of fruit and veggies like butternut squash, apples, berries, carrots, parsnips, lettuce (to name a few), but I also love whole grain bread, wraps, brown rice, and quinoa!

Fashion Friday- Who Wore it Better?

2012-10-12T08:47:00.000-04:00

One of my students told me that I looked like a walking Forever 21 advertisement the other day. Now, as someone who appreciates a good bargain (and someone who wishes she could actually look 21), I was thrilled with the comment. Though, as a self-proclaimed fashionista who has invested lots of money into clothing, jewelry, and footwear... I also felt a little insulted. Forever 21? Surely, you meant to say BCBG, Chanel, or Gucci, right? Dang.

It's one month until my 31st birthday, and this Fashion Friday post reminded me of when I was shopping for my party dress. Last year on my 30th birthday, I was on the hunt for a fabulous and glamourous dress to celebrate. What better way to ring in your 3rd decade than shoving yourself into a tight, too-short dress, wearing super high uncomfortable heels, three pounds of makeup, and drinking yourself into oblivion? Sounds like my kind of birthday.

I searched high and low for a ridiculous dress- I went to three malls and checked out my staple stores- Zara, H&M, the Bay, Mendocino- I found nothing. A few days before my big day, I went to the Eaton Centre and snuck into Forever 21 with my hoodie up and my sunglasses on. I have nothing against Forever 21, by the way... but because I teach high school students, I would like to separate myself slightly. It also never fails that I run into my students when I'm trying on slutty clothes in the changeroom, and I get embarrassed.

Actually, they get embarrassed and usually run in the opposite direction. I dig that.

Surrounded by teens and tweens, I marched my 30-year-old saggy ass into the store, waited in line for the 15-year old to let me into the changeroom, and found my dress. I sent a photo to a 21-year-old friend of mine who reassured me that I could pull it off. It was $29.99, asymmetrical, silver, and had a cut out in the stomach. Totally too young for me.

It was perfect.

Then, this happened.

Yes, this is 17-year-old Selena Gomez wearing the same dress.

So, even though I know the answer to this, who wore it better? And please, let my 30-year-old wisdom versus Selena's 17-year-old immaturity guide you in your answer.

My vote: Me.

I Hate Everything About You

2012-10-10T09:18:00.001-04:00

... is the song that I listened to last night to help me get out of my rut. I've been MIA over the last week or so as I had a bit of a pregnancy scare and wound up spending some time roomied up next to a loud woman who snored and accepted phone calls in the middle of the night at the hospital. The joys of a semi-private hospital room.

Without going into much detail, the baby is fine. I am fine. It was scary, overwhelming, and exhausting- but I have an amazing husband, family, and friends who were so incredibly supportive of me. Also, I had Halloween candy. That sh*t can get you through anything.

After I got home (I was there for about 2 days), I found that I couldn't chill. I was with family over the Thanksgiving weekend, but I was down. Just out of it, and so incredibly irritable and exhausted. I know what you're thinking... "That's a regular Tuesday for me." Understood, peeps. This was like a hole I'd dug and couldn't get out of. Doctor's orders told me to relax, which I found so hard to do! I know I will eat my words when I'm getting 1 hour of sleep a night in about 2 months, but I like to be busy, to move, to be active.

I also got some stressful news at work last week which I believe attributed to this situation. It was a situation that I believe was handled terribly and unprofessionally, and caused a ton of unneeded stress! This was finally cleared up last night, but I still went home feeling overall BLAH.

After eating pizza and chocolate (don't judge), I decided to figuratively punch myself in the face and go for a walk. I took my iPod and blasted some serious hardcore music while I drowned out my thoughts. And when I say hardcore, I mean Carly Rae Jepsen, Demi Lovato, and Ke$ha's new song.

Sick.

I came home and did 3 rounds of 20 squats, 20 modified push ups, 20 tricep push ups, and a 20 second plank. Then I put on the music and danced by myself in my house.

If you're still reading this, you are a good person. It changed everything for me. I felt better. I felt like me. I still took it easy (no pole dancing... yet) but it was what I needed to get me out of my funk. Tonight I'm going to get my first ever shellac manicure and probably continue to dance embarrassingly by myself. It's what the baby wants.

What do you do to relieve stress?

What song gets you out of your funk?

Under Armour- What's Beautiful Campaign

2012-10-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Warning: It's about to get cray cray up in hurrrrrr! I'm getting sappy with y'all, peeps!

I now promise to quit pretending I am young and hip. I also promise to not use slang. At least for this post. Yolo.

Let's talk GOALS. Two of the most effective things you can do in order to meet a particular goal:

1. Write it down.
2. Say it. I WILL.

Under Armour has an amazing campaign set specifically to the female athlete. And when I say athlete, I'm talking about you. Yes, you. We are ALL athletes. Whether we play football or practice yoga; whether we kickbox or whether we love to run. Whether we have ever picked up a piece of sports equipment in our lives, or whether we are experts in our fields; whether we are beginners in our pilates class, or elite athletes preparing for the Olympics. We all have goals, dreams, people who inspire us, and all have differing ideals of what we believe is beautiful. Under Armour's "What's Beautiful" campaign showcases and celebrates just that.

I LOVE their latest slogan: I WILL. This personal mantra will work for everyone. Whatever your goal is, say it to yourself! In the mirror! I WILL. Write it down. Put it on your mirror with lipstick. I have my students do this for homework sometimes.

I'm a really easy teacher.

I originally shared the What's Beautiful video on my Facebook page a few months ago as UA worked at redefining the female athlete. I found it so inspiring! What's Beautiful is a community of women, all with different goals, coming together to talk sports, fitness, food, and sweat. It is so amazing! People share their stories about trying battling ropes for the first time, crushing their PR at a race, mastering a yoga pose, or logging in a certain amount of laps in the pool.

The one step in the challenge is simple. You declare a goal. It can be anything from sweating once a day, to completing your first triathlon, to attending a 6-week yoga class! You are much more likely to follow through on a goal by writing it down... so DO IT! After 9 weeks, UA will narrow the field down to 20 participants. The final ten will be decided based on a mix of UA and the community! Winners will get to participate in Camp Sweat (in Florida!!), train with elite UA trainers and nutrition experts, and receive ridic spa treatments (Sorry. I had to use slang there. Ridic is the word that needed to be used.).

I remember the amazing feeling of setting a goal, and following through with it. Even if it takes longer than you think. I set a goal to run a 10 km race when I was 12 weeks pregnant. No one knew I was expecting besides my immediate family, so my goal was to simply RUN. This was a hard goal because I couldn't go as fast as I wanted to. I couldn't kill my Personal Record time. I had to really listen to my body and potentially stop if I needed to.

People thought I was going to hurl.

It was the most rewarding, amazing feeling to cross that finish line. I wanted to hug myself. I didn't, as I knew people would stare (more than usual).

The What's Beautiful Campaign dishes out Under Armour swag (I can't stop the slang... it's an addiction) to those who complete their goals!

This challenge has special meaning to me as I actually used to work at Under Armour Canada- and besides staring at the hot athletes (Tom Brady, Georges St. Pierre, Heather Mitts, anyone?) it was inspiring and gratifying to work with like-minded individuals who valued men and women as athletes. It's awesome to see how far they've come specifically in the female niche.

So bring it, ladies! Declare a goal, win free Under Armour gear, and perhaps even win the most epic trip of a lifetime. Because YOU are what's beautiful. Say it with me: I WILL.

What's Beautiful is a contest open to residents of the U.S. and Canada over the age of 13.

Fitfluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own.

popchips+Katy Perry+loulou magazine prize pack!!!

2012-10-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

So besides myself, there is another woman named Katy that you might know.

Aww, that's sweet for you to say that I'm the more "popular" Katy. In fact, I'm sure many of you have never heard of her before. Anyways, she's a gorgeous pop star and has a couple of songs that you may recognize. Nothing compared to the multitude of fans I have, but let me introduce you to her.

This is Katy Perry. She's holding my favourite flavour of popchips. Biter.

Katy Perry is the newest spokesperson for popchips! I mean, they offered it to me, but I was too busy blogging. I'm so thrilled because I usually love to stare at her while stuffing my face anyway, so why not with my favourite light snack?

popchips are naturally delicious, never fried or baked, free of trans and saturated fats, msg, and free of preservatives. They are also gluten free, soy free, and most flavours are dairy free.

Why am I so excited that Katy Perry and popchips have teamed up? Because I love celebrities and indulging! Katy also has some wicked advice for working out and eating right on the road that you can read here.

The amazing peeps at popchips have offered one of you lucky guys or gals this ridic prizepack, filled with my favourite things!

Inside the gorgeous zebra box, you have a prize pack consisting of Lou Lou Magazine's latest issue (with the beautiful Blake Lively on the cover), Katy Perry's latest CDs, Katy Perry Lashes, and an array of popchips!!!

Here's how to win!

+1 Follow popchipsTO on Twitter, and tell them Katy sent you! (The more popular one).

+1 Follow FiH on Google Friend Connect (top left corner!)

+1 Comment below, telling me which popchips flavour best represents Katy Perry! (Check all the flavours out at www.popchips.com!)

+1 Share this contest on your blog, twitter (mentioning @fit_in_heels and @popchipsTO), or on facebook!

That's 4 possible entries, yo! Leave me a separate comment for each entry you make. If there are any issues with my comments, try using Mozilla Firefox as your web browser, or you can leave your comments on my Facebizzle. Good luck- contest winners will be announced Saturday, October 6th at 8pm EST on my Facebook page!

Side note: popchips and Lou Lou Magazine are teaming up at Gap on Bloor St. in Toronto next Wednesday, October 10th for Shop til you Drop! Think shopping and photo booths! Get the info here for your chance to meet Katy Perry!

Run Baby, Run!

2012-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Running in the third trimester...

Is oddly amazing. For me, at least. I will be 8 months pregnant this week and though I've decided that I'm done with running until this babe comes, I have to tell you my strange love connection with pounding the pavement.

Emily and I at the Terry Fox Run... this was during the race. You can tell we were trying to win.

As a yoga teacher, many mothers have told me how great it was for them to practice yoga during pregnancy. Not only do you practice your breathing techniques and get in tune with your body, you get to work on your core strength and flexibility as well! Sounds amazing.

Except I found yoga to be the most UNcomfortable type of exercise during my pregnancy. Between my belly getting in the way, to feeling lightheaded, to modifying pretty much the entire class (no twisting, no inversions besides downward dog, no belly poses, no lying down poses), I haven't had my usual love affair with yoga while with child. That, and wine. God, I miss wine. Have I mentioned that before?

Soon, my friend. Soon.

Running, on the other hand, I have. I'm shocked at this because during month 5 I started feeling really uncomfortable when running, and figured I'd reached my end at the time. I began walking and using the elliptical, which are both fabulous alternates to running, but decided to try running again in month 6. I would run for 7 minutes, walk for 3- or some combination of run/walk (run for 6, walk for 4, run for 5, walk for 5... something like that). It felt awesome.

I read on the Hungry Runner Girl's blog (who ran, like, marathons throughout her pregnancy... ridic) about the Belly Bra. Think Spanx for your pregnant belly- just as um... "aesthetically pleasing", only without the flat stomach.

Hot. I know. I bought mine in beige. Bad call on my part.

To be honest, I was hoping for a little bit more from this product. HRG raved about this and I don't find a huge difference when I run with it, though it does give some great extra back support which is fabulous. The hardest part about running while pregnant is the constant pressure- basically, feeling like you may have wet your pants at all times. I thought the Belly Bra would help more with that, and I didn't feel that it did. Running first thing in the morning helped with this- Nicole from www.makinggoodchoicesblog.com recommended that I try this, and it was GREAT advice.

Emily and I completed the Terry Fox Run a few weeks ago, and it was the PERFECT day. Perfect weather, supportive people, great cause, and an amazing run!

Embarrassing woman? Check.

I thought the Terry Fox Run would be my last as a preggo chick, until I felt freaking awesome while running it (Emily, I blame you). I needed to take my usual 2-3 days off afterwards (the pressure kind of sticks with you... um, down there. You're welcome).

Here's where strength training and walking have been fabulous. If I ran twice a week, I feel like a f*@!ing champion, and reward myself with donuts or cookies.

This happened.

In all seriousness, running 5km while 8 months pregnant is like climbing Everest. It's hard. But it's the best, most accomplished feeling I've ever felt. It's a time when I really listen to my body- if I get a cramp, I stop. If something doesn't feel right, I stop. If I see Halloween Candy on sale, I'll stop and get some. For the kids, of course.

Today was the CIBC Run for the Cure and my beautiful sister-in-law ran with me! My Dad's band was playing at the event (way to go, Pops) so it was ah-maze all around.

Remind me to put makeup on the next time I'm going running. I said it.

I ran into fellow Sweatpink Ambassadors Michelle and Sarah!!

Whew... running in these Uggs were exhausting.

I've decided to hang up my runners for now. I'm thrilled with how long I've been able to continue running, and I'm happy that walking and strength training are still options! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to put my feet up and make my husband give me a massage. I just ran 5km, after all.

FiH Fashion Friday- Maxidresses and Blazers!

2012-09-28T08:30:00.000-04:00

It's the time of year that I covet- fall fashion! Boots, leggings, blazers, and great coats!

To celebrate the beginning of fall, I got bangs last weekend. My life just gets more exciting by the minute.

Transitioning to fall is an amazing time to showcase pieces of your summer wardrobe with your fall wardrobe. To me, a great blazer is a complete must-have... in every colour. I LOVE that our modern-day fashion allows us to wear a blazer with pretty much anything (leggings, skinny jeans, high waisted flared dress pants, dresses, pencil skirts) to give your outfit an automatic upgrade. A great blazer gives you a waist, adds dimension to an outfit, and makes you look effortlessly chic.

My favourite blazer is from Zara- which retails for $119CDN. I love it because of the detail on the arm, and the pinch in the shoulder!

It looks great with the sleeves rolled up or down, and goes with pretty much anything! As a woman with larger hips than my shoulders, I love finding blazers that have a bit of a shoulder detail in them to help balance out my bod.

To balance out my stomach, I should buy butt pads.

When you find a blazer you love, there's no shame in owning more than one colour. That's what I tell myself, at least.

The great part about wearing a maxi and a blazer, is that you can wear flats or flat boots! If I could wear running shoes, I would. I especially love the mix of "soft" in the maxidress (flowy, flowery, whimsical) with the "hard" in the blazer (sharper fit, more structure, business-like). It's basically like a mullet, only if mullets were in style.

This is my most recent blazer purchase- I bought it in a great plum colour, but it is also available in red and yellow, from H&M ($59.95CDN)!!

What is your FAVOURITE blazer?

Will you rock a maxi + blazer this fall?

Titika Activewear's Grand Opening- your chance to WIN! :)

2012-09-23T11:48:00.000-04:00

This Saturday was Titika's grand opening on the super stylish Queen Street West- and I was blown away! Many of you know that I am lucky to be one of Titika's fitness advocates and have LOVED being associated with this amazing company. The bad part about being an advocate is that I go to the store quite often, and want to buy everything. Now that I'm pregnant, I imagine myself being skinny again and want to buy clothes for my 'post baby' body so badly.

Shopping for your body in the future is really great. I distinctly remember looking amazing in every article of clothing before I was pregnant, so I'm sure the sizes I will need will include a large sports bra and an extra small booty short. Yes, that sounds right.

I decided it was a good idea to stand beside the beautiful Brittany, store manager, as we were wearing the same Titika Maxi dress:

You can't tell, but I'm sucking in here.

I couldn't help but covet these fabulous new fall pieces in the store:

The Strut Pant... mostly for the name itself, but the waistband looks ridiculously comfortable and flattering.

Hot Shorts... one day, my friends. One day.

This photo does NOT do this beautiful Zip J Jacket justice- the piping detail is GORGEOUS!!

The Radiant Tank has a great neckline and a wicked cross backing. Also, the chick in the blue has a nice rack.

The Kick Serve Jacket has a stunning lace detail around the waist!

The dream capris are perfect for fall weather running, and have a great waistband- these are perfect as I find it so hard to find running capris that don't dig into my lovehandles. No? Just me? Shit.

I am buying these grey striped Wendy capris anyway, and they are going to be my motivation to get back in shape! They are so adorable and would look amazing with the black radiant tank!!

Here's the best part: you can WIN a gorgeous Marathon Jacket!

This is an amazingly versatile piece that comes with a zip-off shrug shell- 3 looks in one! You can win the jacket (retails for $108 CDN) and pick your colour of white, light yellow, orange, or green!

WIN ME!!! :)

To win, you need to go to my Facebook page and comment on the contest link with what your FAVOURITE fall activity is! You must be a fan of FiH and share (publicly) the contest information. Winner will be randomly drawn on Thursday, September 27th!

While you're at it, check out Titika's Facebook friends, their fan page, and their Twitter! Good luck! :)

Thank God it's Fashion Friday! Belts, Flats, and Leggings!

2012-09-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Some of my BFFs have encouraged me to start doing some fashion posts (thanks for the encouragement, Jessi and Jackie!!!)! I've been hesitant because a) I don't want to be embarrassing and b) sometimes it's hard to mix fitness and fashion. Truthfully, fitness and fashion are my two favourite F words, next to "f*$! yeah", of course. So Jackie gave me the great idea to do "Fashion Fit In Heels Friday" posts! I hope you enjoy the new segment (segment? I couldn't think of a better word to go there. Apparently I think I am the host of my own talk show) and if you don't, well, then F you.

So I've talked in excess to my girlfriends about trying to find some amazingly fashionable, yet functional pieces to take me through my pregnancy. I was lucky enough to wear maxidresses all summer, but now that I'm back to work, I've had to make my wardrobe count! The kids at school have been nothing but lovely, and even said that I dress better now that I'm pregnant than when I wasn't. This is mostly because I'm not teaching Phys Ed this year, so I don't get to wear jogging pants to school every day... but I'll accept the backhanded compliment anyway. I take what I can get.

I hate to admit this... but I've been living in flats now that I'm into my third trimester. I've still rocked the heels, of course, but I decided to splurge and buy myself a good pair of flats- something I've never done previously. I usually buy the cheapest pair, and my feet end up hurting more than they would had I been wearing heels. Well, not with these puppies.

MK quilted patent ballet flats... RIDIC.

They are MUCH more than I'd normally spend on flats ($128), but I'd spend that in a heartbeat on a pair of heels, so I reasoned with myself. I have worn them non-stop with leggings, skinny jeans, and maxidresses.

Speaking of leggings, I discovered BoobDesign maternity leggings ($49.00)- these things are so comfortable and I will be able to wear them post-pregnancy as well! They say to turn them around after you've had the baby... so I assume my ass is going to grow exponentially once my child is here. I dig that.

This is often what pregnant women look like when going for a neighbourhood stroll... didn't you know?

I'm also loving blouses with animals on it- not animal print (which I also love), but literally prints of animals... like birds, cats, bunnies, and my personal favourite- the puppy! I got this maternity shirt from asos.com (50% off- $30!) and discovered that I still relatively have a waist if I pair it with a belt.

Add these four things together and a FAB shade of bright lipstick. Voila.

I, Katy, solemnly swear, that I will never Duckface when posting for Fashion Friday.

I will continue to bring my crazy antics and mediocre fashion sense to you each and every Friday. You're welcome.

Are you a flats or a heels kind of girl?

Buff Brides and my favourite exercise of all time.

2012-09-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

I am a huge advocate for push ups. They are, as far as I'm concerned, the best exercise anyone can do. Now, before you stop reading this, hear me out.

I like to call push ups the "lunges of the upper body"- just as lunges work multiple muscle groups (quads, hamstrings, glutes, core, calves), the push up works the chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, upper back, core, and even the legs!

If you know me, you know this was me, doing push ups on my wedding day.
I was also picking up a purse with my teeth.

So why the hate?

They're hard, I get it- but modified push ups are still wonderful exercises for all to do! Often, people get discouraged at how difficult push ups are, or women believe that push ups will lead to "bulkiness". LADIES- they will do the opposite! Who doesn't want slim, sexy, toned Michelle Obama arms? I make my friends do push ups in their most glamorous attire.

Katie did literally 20+ push ups in her wedding gown. I cried a single tear.

Kate did 3 sets of push ups. She is hardcore.

I'd like to note two things: 1. This was also at my wedding, and 2. The woman in the blue was 8 months pregnant.

Push ups are the FIRST exercise I suggest to brides when they are preparing to get into that dress! So many women are afraid of the "back fat spillover" and push ups will, without a doubt, help tone this area. In addition, many of my clients/class attendees tell me that people often notice their arms! They may hate me (fine.. DO hate me), but I give results, people. Do your push ups.

Tips:
1. Begin with what you can. There are a multitude of options- including beginner, intermediate and advanced options.
2. My biggest tip for push ups is to LOOK FORWARD- this will give you much better form throughout your entire body!
3. Keep your body STRAIGHT as if you are completing a plank (even if you are on your knees). DO NOT let your belly/hips sag- your core should be activated the entire time, like you are pulling your belly button up to meet your lower back- just don't hold your breath.
4. Inhale to lower, exhale to lift.
5. Ladies- you are not built the same as a man- so begin with your hands under your shoulders. Then, move them a little wider than mat-width apart. Your fingers are pointing forward and your elbows are wide.
6. For extra support, keep your feet hip width apart!

BEGINNER: Push ups completed on the knees, but with the upper body resembling a table top. Bring your chest down towards the ground and back to starting.

INTERMEDIATE: Push ups completed on the knees, upper body in a diagonal straight line.

Option 1: Modified Push Ups

Option 1 shown with stability ball

ADVANCED: Any push up completed on the toes.

Option 1: Regular Push Up

Option 2: One and a Half Push Ups

Option 3: Wide Push Up with Kick

Option 4: Push Up Spiderman

I'm a true believer in the push up! Women LOVE working their lower body (squats, lunges) so it is important to me to add dimension and option for the upper body as well. Try adding any of these options into your regular routine- they are all especially great for HIIT training and circuit training.

Push Ups: friend or foe?

Definite FRIEND for this chick here.

What is YOUR favourite exercise?

I've gained 20 pounds.

2012-09-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last week was the first week back at school- and I am EXHAUSTED!!! I had a really amazing summer that, for the first time, felt like it was a long break. I work for a few weeks in July at the University of Toronto (teaching teachers how to incorporate yoga and pilates principles into their Phys Ed classes), and continue to teach my fitness classes throughout the summer, but this year I took a full month off in August! It was exactly what I needed.

The problem with taking a month off of your routine, plus enjoying nights out, weddings, and weekends away, happens in the waistline. With the baby weight, August was my heaviest month by far! I've hit the 7 month milestone- officially in my third trimester- and I've gained almost 20 pounds since becoming pregnant! I blame most of this on my summer. Here, you'll see why.

1. I hung out with friends.

2. I ate three different kinds of Kraft Dinner for a meal.

You may secretly be judging me, but thinking "I'm totally trying this."

3. I became a DJ.

My son requested Biggie Smalls.

4. Emily and I became Oxygen Cover Models, for our amazing abs.

5. I indulged in some amazing pub grub.

6. My friends indulged in some amazing pub grub.

7. I caught up on some educational reading.

My Mom then asked to borrow the book. I felt dirty.

8. My family commented on how much weight I'd put on.

9. I got excited for Fall cooking.

10. I ate.

11. I met Hal Johnson.

12. I finally stopped sucking in.

13. I danced.

14. I danced.

15. I danced.

16. I remained sober.

Also, my eyelashes are real.

17. I ate.

18. I had a close encounter with a beaver.

19. I did this.

20. Throughout my eating, non-drinking, dominating the dance floor, and eating... I did manage to work out.

I am glad to be back in the swing of things... though I will miss the eating.

What was your favourite summer memory?

Does your routine change with the seasons?

Sporty Like Me Sweepstakes (How I'm thisclose to becoming a tennis pro)

2012-09-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Let me tell you how close I am to becoming a tennis professional.

You see, I am very similar to Victoria (Vika) Azarenka, gold medallist and top-ranked tennis pro (she is currently ranked No. 1 at the US Open- catch her semifinal game vs. Maria Sharapova Friday!). My tennis skills are surely next on the list in similarity to Vika. She is one of very few athletes that can completely kill it on her respective playing area, in addition to the red carpet. She is a woman after my own heart- someone who LOVES sports and being active, thrives in competitive arenas, and love love loves fashion.

Here are some examples of our extreme similarities.

1. Similar hairstyles.

Vika looks amazingly poised rocking a braid.

I, too look poised and lovely in a braid, next to this bag of garbage.

2. We choose good accessories.

Vika looks fresh and gorgeous in this light-coloured headband.

I step it up a notch and add a hat to the headband. Fierce.

3. Our ability to dominate our opponents.

You go, girl.

This chick had no idea what was coming.

4. Our ability to pose naturally for a camera.

Black jumpsuit, belt, hand on the hip pose, natural smile. Lovely.

Black jumpsuit, belt, hand on the hip, creepy face. Frig.

5. Our fashion sense.

Fashion tip- knowing how to rock just the right amount of bling.

Juuuuuust the right amount.

6. Our ability to look classy next to a huge cup.

This is the hottest thing I have ever seen.

As is this.

Alright, fine. So I am a very distant second when it comes to being twinsies with Vika. Surely, I would be ranked No. 2 as a tennis pro, or maybe, just maybe No. 3. Regardless, this woman is freaking cool. I have always admired the very few athletes who rock their sport and love fashion just as much.

Peeps, there's a reason I'm talking about Vika Azarenka. Yes, she is an amazing athlete. Yes, she has fabulous fashion sense. Two of my favourite things colliding... but I'm talking about her because Six Star Nutrition is having a Sweepstakes that is SO amazing, especially if you love sports and fashion, too! You could WIN a $2500USD Shopping Spree in NEW YORK CITY with Vika!!!!

The Sweepstakes includes round-trip airfare for two, an additional $500USD in shopping money, and a Six Star supplements package (valued at approximately $250USD)!

To enter, simply visit Six Star Nutrition and hit "Like"! From there, follow the instructions under the Sweepstakes tab. You have until October 1st, 2012 to enter! GOOD LUCK!!!! (Official rules can be found here).

A delicious glass of water, and a surprise T.O. treat!

2012-08-28T20:19:00.000-04:00

My husband and I have really been enjoying the city this summer. The best part about living in Toronto is that there is always a neighbourhood to explore, a festival to visit, a homeless person to see, etc. My friend Jessi once said that if she didn't live in Toronto, it would be the place she would want to come visit. That really stuck with me!

I got tickets to the Open Roof Festival a few weeks ago and soon realized just what a cool wife I was. We headed out to the Wellington Pub for dinns, where I enjoyed a cool, tall glass of the city's best water.

Sigh.

This was before he downed 4 beer. Thank God he is good looking, or I'd have cut that bitch.

I had a serious need for chicken fingers drowned in wing sauce, something I thought was really important to feed to my child. I didn't feel the need to take a photo of it, however, because... I have a life.

Just kidding. I have no life. I didn't take a photo because I'd be taking a photo of what looked like a kids' meal, for giants. I gladly downed the entire thing.

After dinner, we went to the festival, where there was more food.

The Open Roof Festival is freaking cool. We were at the Amsterdam Brewery in the middle of downtown Toronto, watching a movie. I surprised Carter with these tickets as the movie "Undefeated" was playing- an Academy Award winning documentary about a high school football team in Manassas.

Rub it in, Carter.

A great movie for two super sports fans!

It was a fabulous treat, right in our backyard! Which was a great change to the overgrown grass and poorly watered plants that I'm currently looking at.

What's your favourite way to "staycation"? What's the coolest thing you've done in your hometown?

Fit Preggo Stability Ball Workout!

2012-08-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

I originally posted this workout for Fit Pregnancy and Parenting- a wonderful site dedicated to moms and moms-to-be working through the challenges of being a parent and manoeuvring fitness and nutrition along the way. Be sure to check them out and follow them on Facebook!

This one goes out to my ladies. Who would have thought you'd become accustomed to curling up to the porcelain gods? Who would have thought the number on the scale could grossly outnumber your husband's? Who knew your feet could resemble those of Shrek's?

My hat's off to you, mommas. Because EVERY. SINGLE. DAY we prove why we are the stronger sex. Or at least that's what I tell myself on a daily basis, while trying to squeeze my ass into skinny jeans. No male would do that.

Thankfully, we have exercise (just keep me away from climbing any stairs- I nearly passed out going up about 10 of them yesterday). Exercise gives me an excuse to clear my head, do something for my health and the health of my child, and most importantly, think about what I would do if my child was born an alien.

There are a multitude of reasons to exercise while expecting:

-Relieves backache

-Improves blood flow, leg circulation and can relieve swelling

-Improved digestion

-Better sleep

-Improved labour

-Because I said so.

I picked the stability ball (SB) for this workout for a few reasons. One, it is an excellent tool to help pregnant women work their entire body- most specifically, their core. Two, it is an affordable way to exercise throughout your pregnancy- at home, especially! And finally, because when I would stand next to it, I'd feel skinny.

Look how skinny I look next to this ball.

As with any form of exercise, always check with your health care provider to see if this type of exercise is right for you.

Exercise #1- SB Plank

The best muscles to work during pregnancy? The core! Begin with the stability ball against the wall. Place your forearms on top of the ball and slowly walk your feet out into a plank position. For extra support, place your hands against the wall. Hold for 30 seconds!

Exercise #2- SB Assisted Bridges

Want a hot booty to go with your hot belly? These bridges work the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Begin by sitting on the stability ball. Walk your feet forward so that your lower back is on the ball. Keep walking until your upper back, shoulders, and neck are on the ball and your glutes are a few inches from the ground. Lift your hips as high as you can, keeping your feet firmly on the ground. Repeat from starting position. For a more challenging balance workout, place your hands together and point them to the ceiling. Repeat for 30 seconds.

Exercise #3- SB Push Ups

Alright. So I may be against a wall, and I may be on my knees, but this is HARD. Begin with the ball up against a wall, and place your hands a little wider than shoulder width apart. Place your knees on the ground- the further back they are, the harder these will be. Bring your chest as close to the ball as possible and use your strength to push yourself back to starting position. Repeat for 30 seconds.

Exercise #4- SB Squats

Squats are a miracle exercise! The addition of the stability ball allows the fit preggo to complete a full squat (quads parallel to the ground), and gives extra back support as the belly gets bigger. Begin with the ball on the small of your lower back. Leaning into the ball, move your feet out in front of you so that your heels are in line with your knees- or even further. When you squat down, be sure that your feet are planted firmly on the ground and that your knees do not surpass your toes. To change this up, move your feet wide! Repeat for 30 seconds.

Complete 30 seconds of each exercise and repeat the circuit 4 times! This should take you approximately 15-20 minutes- just enough time for your baby daddy to go get you what you're craving.

Clif Bar Giveaway!!!

2012-08-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am ~~absolutely, extremely devastated~~ very thrilled to be heading back to school, and this means many people will be getting back into a routine either for themselves or their kids. To be honest, it's the one thing I'm looking forward to- and of course, educating the minds of the wonderful children and inspiring them to find their personal meaning- hahahaha okay I'll stop.

The peeps at Clif sent me a delicious snack pack of their new CLIF CRUNCH granola bars to try! I was thrilled since I generally satisfy my 3pm sweet tooth craving at work by eating some sort of granola (whether in bar or cereal form) and greek yogurt before dashing out to coach or teach fitness.

My favourite? Chocolate chip... though I'm sure you knew that.

The bars are crunchy, delicious, and come in 4 mean flavours- Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Blueberry Crisp, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. They are made with 70% organic materials and contain no trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners or flavours. Perfect for kids!

Each pack comes with two bars, so there is always the option to give your kids just one of the bars, and keep one for yourself. As you can tell, I will be a wonderful mother.

These puppies are sold in boxes of 5 (10 bars total), and can be found at Bulk Barn, London Drugs, Whole Foods, and the natural aisle of most grocery stores for about $4.99. They are easily transportable and taste like a treat! I tried the Macadamia Nut bar crushed up in greek yogurt, and I felt like I was eating a sundae. Then, I ate a real sundae.

Don't eat your screen- this is a photo.

The amazing peeps at Clif have also offered one of my ridic readers a prize pack filled with assorted Clif Bar products!!! Simply head over to my Facebizzle page and comment on the Clif Bar link, telling me which of the 4 bars you'd most like to try! You will get an extra entry if you then share the contest with your peeps!

The winner will be chosen Monday, August 27th so get on it!

So, I had a slight meltdown.

2012-08-20T11:19:00.001-04:00

Over pants.

Yes, I bawled my eyes out, had a freak attack, sunk to the ground in an ugly cry- all over pants.

Let me explain. I've been at a steady weight my entire life. While I gained the freshman 15 and fluctuate between 5-10 pounds on a regular basis, I've never been as heavy as I am right now. I understand I have a child I can blame (get used to it, kid). However, I still have a LONG way to go, and it's just a little bizarre to look at that number on the scale.

By the way, I am not a freak about my weight, and I never have been! It's just that on top of gasping for air when climbing my stairs and reading about women never getting their bodies back, it's a little terrifying.

I also really, really love fashion. I love following trends and pretending to be stylish. It was about time that I purchase maternity clothing, though I dreaded the thought. I'm seeing all the amazing pieces for fall- and I am dying for a great pair of black patent leather pants- or even black skinny jeans with a bit of a shine to them to go with great boots, blazers, and accessories. LOVE.

So I've ventured to a few malls in search of some fall maternity fashion. I've been to three H&Ms and have found some luck- though I have ended up buying a few things from their maternity line, but also a few things that aren't maternity. At the Eaton Centre last week, I bought three pairs of maternity skinny jeans- including a great pair of forest green ones and a pair of dull black ones.

In the mix of all of these were a single pair of the most fabulous black patent skinny jeans, seemingly from last year's collection- in a size 10. I prayed they would fit, but they just wouldn't work (by the way, I could care less what the size on the tag says- it all matters how it fits!).

Fast forward a few days later, I tried another H&M and in the midst of the hideousness that is maternity fashion, there they were- the black patent skinnies... in a size 6!!! It was like my life had been made! I was so excited, I grabbed them and ran to the cash- only to find out they were ON SALE for $20! This day could not get any better. I happened to look at the tag and noticed they were tagged wrong- outside they were tagged as a 6, but inside they were an 8. Which was fine- they would fit. I'd tried the 10 and bought my other skinny jeans from H&M at size 6 or 8, so I was thrilled. I was told it was a final sale, which was great, because I'd be rocking these puppies by the morning.

After squealing to my husband, my Mom, sister, the random stranger in the street- the next day I was so excited to wear them. I was going to be in the most amazing pair of maternity jeans! I'd look hot! I'd be fashionable!

The problem: they wouldn't fit over my hips. I tugged, ripped, pulled, stretched- these things were not budging. There must have been a mistake! I took the pants and compared them to the other jeans I'd bought.

I don't think this does justice to how FREAKING small these were.

What. The. Hell. They must have been tagged wrong! I was so disappointed! They were the ONLY pair, and they were final sale. The other stores I'd been to had one pair each, in size 10 and 14. Immediately, tears started pouring out of my eyes like bullets, which I will chalk up to hormones and feeling my fashion sense go out the window. I decided to go for a run. I yanked on my favourite workout capris, only to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and see that the pants were basically see-through from stretching so much, and I had major cameltoe. It was not good. I need to start my own workout maternity line because there is NOTHING OUT THERE- so you end up wearing regular yoga pants and making a fool of yourself, at your most vulnerable.

Then, my skin began itching like I had run through a field of poison ivy. Sweating plus squeezing your ass into a pair of too-tight pants, plus your skin stretching at an exponential rate will do that to you. I started scratching obsessively and let out a huge scream before running out the door. It took me about a kilometre to stop the tears from streaming.

I immediately felt better from moving my body. I need to get a grip. I am 6 months pregnant. Things are not going to fit. I am going to gain weight. And here I am... RUNNING. I felt awesome.

Then, as my embarrassing run song ended (Billy Ocean, anyone?) and there was a slight pause in between the next song (likely Tom Jones), I hear a roofer yell something at me.

"Way to go, Big Momma!"

Big Momma.

I couldn't fit into my cool pants.

I need a drink, and I can't have one.

Let's just say my meltdown continued. My poor husband.

Have you ever had one of those days? Have you ever been yelled at while running? How do you deal with a bad day?

The Sox Box Giveaway- Strong Mama!

2012-08-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday- who wants to WIN?

I came across The Sox Box when they had a photo contest on their Facebook page! I wanted a pair of their socks that spoke for me! I was drooling over a few of their styles, but one in particular: their STRONG MAMA socks!!

The socks are awesome and definitely make a statement. Made in the U.S.A., 20% of ALL proceeds go to the Independence Fund, a non-profit group that directly supports wounded and ill service members.

The Strong Mama socks are currently SOLD OUT- but the amazing peeps at The Sox Box have ONE pair for my Fit in Heels peeps!

LOVE!

The Sox Box's socks were made mostly for Crossfitters (in the "Box")- those who complete compound movements like cleans, snatches, and box jumps- mostly for protection against scrapes, bruises, and cuts. Basically, they are for the HARDCORE! But let's be honest- they are perfect for anyone who loves to show some serious style in the gym!

Hot.

Check out their other amazing styles!

Hahahah "Yay Burpees"- I love socks that give sarcasm when I can't.

They also have Steak/Eggs, and Hunter/Gatherer- so you can even switch them up- Mama/Beast comes to mind.

Here are three ways you can win the last pair of Strong/Mama socks!!!
+1 Like The Sox Box on Facebook (tell them I sent you!)
+1 Like this Strong Mama on Facebook!
+1 Share this giveaway on Facebook, and leave me a comment (here or on Facebizzle) telling me you did!

Good luck- this contest will run until Sunday, August 19th at midnight!

I'm 30, and I made a friend.

2012-08-15T12:39:00.000-04:00

So I've lived where I live for about 5 years now. I remember first moving here, which was nowhere close to my group of 8 girlfriends- I'd walk around Queen Street and see groups of girls frolicking and having fun, and smile at them. For two reasons- one, I was happy and jealous at the same time. Two, I secretly wanted them to stop me, a complete stranger, in the middle of the street and say, "Want to be our friend?" Then, we'd skip off together into the street, drinking wine and eating ice cream.

Soon after, I'd make an inappropriate joke and they would slowly kick me out of their group by not returning my phone calls and talking sh*t about me behind my back. I'd go back to cruising the Boardwalk, smiling creepily at groups of women, many of which would go home and say, "I got hit on by a woman for the first time!" ... and they would be right.

If you're still reading this, you are a good person. Earlier this year, I met another good person who didn't shy away from my creepiness- in fact, she welcomed it. Emily understood my warped sense of humour and enjoyed coming to my fitness classes where I kicked the crap out of her. She loved wine, loved to run, loved yoga, and loved to bake- and I was happy to eat. In all, she was my dream woman.

We should have taken this photo BEFORE working out. Just saying.

I figured she lived too far for us to be real friends, until one day it was raining and I offered to drive her home after fitness class. She lived close to me!!!! 5 years here and not one single new friend, I was 30 years old thinking, have I found the one?!

So I started slow. I suggested we run together, which was amazing. I'd wear my best workout gear and had to stop myself from putting lipstick on to impress her. We'd have coffee after our runs, she'd bring me brownies, muffins- one day her fiance even made us home-made cinnamon waffles. This was really working out for me.

The heart and soul behind the Power of Movement!

A few months into our ~~dating~~ friendship, I found out I was pregnant. She was one of the first to know, as my panting and lack of conversation during our runs was bound to make her think, "Is she just not that into me?" She was super supportive and even ran the first leg of the Sporting Life 10km with me... only to find out a few weeks later, that she was pregnant, too!

I was 12 weeks and she was super early- about 5 weeks!!!!

I have found her to be most helpful when it comes to my weight gain- both as a contributor, and as a support system.

She made these chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches from scratch. I want to be mad but I'm so happy.

Then, when I'd complain later about the scale reaching a number I'd never seen before, she gave me this pad of paper.

Well, thank you.

I am so excited to share pregnancy and parenting with this woman! And while our runs have turned into walks, I am most excited about her continuing to feed me and tell me I how skinny I look.

Belly pic!

Cheers to friendships after 30, and knowing there are fabulous, warped, creepy women out there in the world... just like me. Now if I could just convince her to never leave me...

Have you BFF'ed recently? Do you think it's possible to meet good friends after a certain age?
I, of course, believe this. But I'm shocked at how many people are just not open to making friends or putting effort in after a certain age! What I'm saying is, I have no friends. Please be mine.

Cottage Workout and a new workout partner!

2012-08-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've been LOVING some time away at the cottage the last few weeks- it is about this time when I start thinking that my two months of vacation are simply not enough.

I'm punching myself for saying it, too. I'm sorry. But there's just so much to do when you don't have to work!

My family has always been active and supports my need for adrenaline on a daily basis. I started most of my cottage days with a 5km hilly run/walk, which felt great. A few days of the week, we did some strength training back at the compound as well- and instead of my 2 kg medicine ball, I decided to up my weights!

My nephew was not harmed while taking these photos.

Exercise #1- Push Ups

Exercise #2- Lunges

What a model!

Exercise #3- Dips

Exercise #4- Squats!

I did 10 reps of each times 4- and with my addition (15 pounds of my extra, um... padding) plus my nephew (15 pounds of child), I got a ridiculous workout!

And once the baby started crying, I gave him back. I need to figure out how that happens when I have my own child.

Any unconventional workout methods you've tried??

The MILF Workout

2012-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

You read that right. This is for my MILFs! This pre or post natal fitness routine can be done anywhere, making it perfectly accessible for many Moms and Moms-to-be.

5 months along, aspiring to MILF status.

Now, I know what you're thinking. MILF? Girl, you are sick. But I don't think you know what kind of MILF I'm talking about.

It's weird that this photo of me with my unborn child has hit the web already.

Moms Inspiring Lifelong Fitness! Let's do it, ladies!

This workout is under 9 minutes total- or you can double it or triple it for an 18 or 27 minute workout. Most of the 8 moves can be modified to suit your needs, and each will be done for 1 minute in length, alternating between cardio and strength moves.

I've used my Bit Timer App for this workout, and you can WIN one of five free download of the app simply by sharing this video on Pinterest, Twitter, or Facebook!

MILFs unite!

Food Pen Pal- Chocolate Edition.

2012-08-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

As my post yesterday mentioned, this was my first month participating in the Foodie Pen Pal program!

I got hooked up with Powerhouse Fit Foodie Chelsey, and let me say, you NEED to go to her blog to check out her abs alone. Holy God, woman! You are crayyyhayzy! It was amazing to meet new bloggers (I sent Chelsey a pen pal pack, and I got one from Danielle) and find out all the things you have in common with some crazy Canucks.

I really enjoyed perusing Chelsey's blog as her and I have very similar takes on life. The difference being, I have a rounded belly and she has a six pack... but I digress. She loves HIIT training, good eats, and kicking ass in general.

In true FiH fashion, I decided to send her a Chocolate Lover's package, full of some of my favourite (and never ending) chocolate cravings. I felt a little guilty after sending it, as I know she's been sticking to a nutrition plan pretty strictly... but everyone needs a treat now and then!

Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my keyboard.

The Chocolate Chex Mix is not available in Canada- it just so happened that my brother was back in town from the States and brought me some of this ~~crack cocaine~~ cereal deliciousness. It's better for you than a LOT of chocolate options... if you don't eat the entire bag at once, that is.

I included Praeventia Dark Chocolate Cherry cookies- these are available at my school's Snack Shack program, and I can't help but sometimes grab them for a quick chocolate fix!

Godiva Dark Chocolate Mint Pearls- enough said. Chelsey said she ate half the box when she got the package... and my only question to her is, "How did you stop yourself?"

Vega's Whole Food Energy Bar and Larabar's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip are my two favourite snack bars, and finally- le piece de resistance (sorry, anyone who is french)- a Chocolate bar from my FAVOURITE chocolate shop in the Beach- Wickerhead Chocolate Company! I won't lie, it took every ounce of strength for me to send this and not eat it myself... but that shows how unselfish I am.

That, and I bought myself two bars.

Join the Foodie Pen Pal Program here, and follow Chelsey here!

What's your favourite kind of chocolate?

Foodie Pen Pal GOODIES!

2012-07-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

This month I participated in the Foodie Pen Pal program for the first time! It is a wicked program set up by Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean blog, where you are matched up with other people (you don't have to own a blog to participate!) and send them a sweet package of foodie goodies!

This month, the lovely Danielle from Eating Running Living sent me THE most thoughtful pack of goodies that I could have ever asked for! Everything she sent had me in mind- both my excessive need for sweets and love for all things healthy!

Who wouldn't shriek over opening this!?

I had to yell at my husband to not touch anything so that I could take a photo first- he was jumping to dig in!

How adorable!!!! Danielle sent three bibs for my little guy! SO thoughtful!

We don't have PB Cookie here (at least if we do, I can't find it!) I dug into this bad boy and I am HOOKED!
Also, I like balls.

Danielle's own Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins!!! DELICIOUS!

Another thing we don't have- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chex Mix! My hubby freaked.

Fair Trade Maple Crunch Milk Chocolate??? I'm crying, I'm so excited.

Adorably sweet local Wildflower honey! I used this to make these Kisses from the Eat Clean Veg Cookbook!

Rice and Bean Chips with Guac- the way to my heart. Now kindly make me some tacos.

Local Huckleberry Jam- Perfect for PB&J cravings!

A huge thank you to Danielle- go over and send her some love for me! She made my son and I very, very happy.

If you were part of the Foodie Pen Pal group, what would you send? What would you love to get?

Backyard Madness Workout!

2012-07-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to write this workout originally as a guest post for Around the Plate- an excellent community of peeps that share a love for good food, recipes, health and wellness, and overall inspiration. I connected with Kati a few weeks ago when I found AtP's Facebook page and truly appreciated the sound, honest, REAL advice that was being given in regards to healthy eating. They have tips for regular peeps, moms, moms-to-be, athletes, plus a ton of solid advice from community writers.

What's the biggest excuse I hear as a teacher, trainer and instructor for not getting to the gym?

"I have no time!"

All right people, I get it. Exercising is hard. Trekking to the gym, working your butt off, showering, changing- all time consuming. Many people dread the gym because of the travel time in addition to the hours they believe need to be spent while there. So why drag your butt to hang out with sweaty, smelly machines when you have your own sweaty, smelly machine at home?

That sweaty, smelly machine is YOU!

Icy cold stare included, baby gunt extra.

This workout can be done in your own backyard (showering still necessary). Don't worry- you'll be able to check yourself out in the mirror afterwards and peruse hot women and men that you may run into at the gym. It's called Pinterest- and there's no harm in staring.

YOU HAVE TIME FOR THIS! You have 15 minutes, Yes, you do. You DO!

Sorry for yelling. But truly, you could do this while your laundry is finishing, while your kids are playing out back, while everyone in your house is still sleeping- you CAN do it!

I created this workout as a pre-natal fitness routine (I'm 5 months along!), but it really is not specific to pregnancy. You will need a set of steps and a patio chair to complete this workout. A few things to remember:

1. If you are pregnant, be sure to ask your health care provider if this form of exercise is right for you.
2. Bring water! During the summer months especially, it's important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout!
3. Try to exercise earlier in the day or later at night, when the temperature is cooler.

Here's the entire video with all four moves- you want to repeat the circuit 4 times and give yourself a break after you've completed all four exercises- about 30 seconds to a minute.

Exercise 1: Chair Lunges
This exercise works both your balance and your lower body- kind of like when you've had too much to drink on a Saturday night. God, I can't wait until I can drink wine again. Right... back to working out. Begin standing away from a regular patio chair. Move your right foot as far forward as you can and reach back with your left foot, with your upper body straight. Complete 10 lunges on one side, being sure that your knee does not pass your toes when in bent position. Repeat on the other side.

Exercise 2: Downward Dog Plank with Twist
This is a great core and upper body exercise- and always a neat party trick. Begin in a plank position, your hands under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Push the ground away from you so that your hips are high and your heels are low, then take one hand off the ground and bring it to your opposite thigh/knee/shin/ankle (depending on your flexibility). Come back to plank position and repeat on the other side. Complete 10 reps!

Exercise 3: Side Step Up
An excellent exercise for your quads (thighs) and glutes (butt), find a challenging height for this- maybe two steps. Begin with one foot on the higher step and the other on the ground, in a squat position. Bring your bottom foot to touch your top foot, and then back to starting position. Complete 10 reps and switch to the other side!

Exercise 4: Tricep Dips
You can complete this exercise on a sturdy chair, bench, deck, or step! Begin with your hands just underneath your bum, your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet on the ground. Lift yourself off the step and bend your elbows as close to 90 degrees as you can- keeping your upper body straight and your elbows reaching behind you. Then, straighten your arms back to starting position. Repeat 10 times. Safety tip: keep your shoulders away from your ears and your elbows as close together as possible!

Enjoy the workout and remember- I WILL yell at you if you don't find time for fitness. My next post will include a harrowing scream so annoying, you'll have no choice but to shut off your computer and get active.

I do a great Fran Drescher impression...

Eat Clean Giveaway!

2012-07-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hey, peeps!!! A HUGE thank you to everyone who commented on my last post about dumb things people say to pregnant women- you have all made me feel sane for wanting to punch so many people in the ~~box~~ face! Today, I bring you a fabulous contest brought to you by the Eat Clean Dream Team!

You'll recall my obsession with clean eating, and my idol, Tosca Reno here and here.

The ridiculously amazing folks at Eat Clean sent me the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook to review and give away back in March- and yes, I am just getting around to giving it away now.

I needed some alone time with Tosca. Don't hate.

Why? Well, I was newly pregnant and feeling totally off. Cooking was the LAST thing on my mind- in fact, as many of you can sympathize, looking at food would sometimes completely put me off of wanting to eat it. I would make a huge pot of Tosca's Butternut Squash or Lentil Soup, or gnaw on toast, popsicles, and bagels until I began to feel like myself again. This happened about a month ago!

Once my appetite was back (um... with a vengeance) I tore into this bad boy like no tomorrow. Some of my favourites of the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook thus far include Sweet Potato Picnic Salad (I made this for my fam the other day and they loved it!), the Souper Cleanse, Chana Dal, Red Lentil Dal with Spinach, Broccoli Potato Gratin.... um, I could go on.

There is an entire section with one-pot meals and savoury soups- my absolute favourite to make in bulk and store for leftovers- I shrieked when I saw this! Then, I thought about how to be cool, as if Tosca was here in front of me. I then slyly said, "great idea, Tosc" and closed the book, delighted at the new nickname I created for my idol. Tosc. Totally cool.

This book is for Vegans, all types of Vegetarians, Pescatarians (those who eat mostly vegetarian but include fish), or those who just love good food that happens to not have meat- and many of the recipes can be easily adapted to be gluten-free as well.

Along with my revived appetite in my second trimester of pregnancy came my fierce cravings for chocolate. Was there anything I could do, besides eating a King Sized Twix Bar? As I do often, I thought of Tosc.

What Would Tosca Reno Do?

Well, here's what she would do.

She would round up those chocolate cravings, look them in the eye, and find a delicious, clean, and healthy way to kick some serious ass. Then, she'd turn to me and say "Way to go, K!" You see, Tosc and I both have cool short-form names for each other. That's how we roll.

I bring you: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Backpack Kisses.... from the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook! Pretty sure Tosca named these after me. Just saying.

Ingredients needed!

YUM! No bake and FULL of good stuff like hemp seed, flaxseed, and of course... chocolate!

Ridiculous, delicious, and easy- a way to drop kick chocolate cravings and be healthy about it!

You can WIN your own copy!

You can WIN your own copy of the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook by cooking up one of three recipes to share:

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Backpack Kisses
2. Tricolour Pasta
3. Seven Citrus Salad

All these recipes are perfect for summertime! You can enter one of two ways:

1. By blogging about the recipe you tried and linking to the Eat Clean team!
2. By making any of the above recipes, taking a photo and sharing your photo to the Eat Clean Diet's Facebook Page or Twitter Account!

Good luck! I will be able to see if you entered by checking Eat Clean's Facebook or Twitter pages (it would be great if you could tag me in the post (using www.facebook.com/fitinheelsblog or www.twitter.com/fit_in_heels), but if you do a blog post, please comment below with your link so I can add you to the entries and give you a shout out on my Facebook and Twitter!

You have one week to give it a try, and you can be entered up to three times, if you make all three recipes! Winner will be announced Monday, August 6th!