Yearly Archives: 2017
My Top 10 Workout Songs for Cardio
Last week I shared some of my fitness must-haves, but I can’t leave out the must-have tunes for my workouts. Many of my songs are pop songs and always consist of a little Britney. A good beat to a song is an important factor. I am always looking for something with a consistent beat and not too slow because I tend to adjust my cardio pace to the beat of my music. For gym days, I have a large playlist and hit shuffle for the duration of my workout. The below are my 10 favorite songs on this playlist. I’m currently trying to do 30 minutes of cardio every day, and the shuffle mix keeps the music fresh each day. I like all the songs on my long playlist, but when one of these 10 come on, it’s a little extra boost!
On days when I walk or run a trail or through the neighborhood, I like to build a set playlist. I listed my top 10 workout songs in the order I would play them during a run. I start with a few pace setting songs move into the mid-run motivators and finish with some good push you to the end music. The mid-run motivators are the most important for me. They have to be the songs to push me through that hump when you feel like your run may never end. I included an 11th bonus song that I listen to for a cardio cool down. I always take a short less intense cardio cool down to let my heart rate slow down a bit and ease my muscles out of the workout.
If you have a favorite song or two, leave it in the comments, so I can check it out! I am always looking to add some new music into the mix!
TOP 10 WORKOUT SONGS
Flower by Moby
Rumour Has It by Adele
Just Like Fire by Pink
America’s Sweetheart by Elle King
Fighter by Christina Aguilera
Circus by Britney Spears
Confident by Demi Lovato
What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) by Kelly Clarkson
Mr. Hurricane by Beast
Oops I Did It Again by Britney Spears
Ghost by Ella Henderson
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Great Cardio Cool Down Song: Clean by Taylor Swift
Color Mixing Work Outfit
| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Navy Sweater | Maroon Skinny Pants (wearing petite) | Blush Nude Heels | c/o Brown Satchel Purse | Long Gold Necklace (similar) | c/o Earrings | Bracelet (similar) | Sunglasses | Lips: MAC Craving | Nails: c/o Essie Party on the Platform
Thanks to a gorgeous plaid I purchased over the summer, I found my two new favorite colors to mix together – navy and burgundy. My love affair with the color burgundy led me on a hunt to find a pair of pants to wear to work. I expected to find them everywhere, but I ended up finding them at only one store! I guess not everyone has an obsession with the color like me. The basic route would be to pair these pants with black or white which I completely plan on doing, but I wanted to showcase how gorgeous this color looks next to navy.
Much like I used dark teal and berry pink as a play on traditional Christmas colors in this post, the burgundy and navy could be considered a patriotic nod. I think the darker more jewel toned shades add a nice sophistication to this little color mixing work outfit. The pieces may be a basic work look, but the bold color choices make this anything but basic! I did opt for my pair of basic nude heels to really let the color pairing shine in this look. My sweater is currently on sale, and these pants are currently on major sale at 60% off making them only $26!! You definitely don’t want to miss that price tag!
I hope everyone has a wonderful first full weekend of the new year. My mom, sister, and I are going on a mother-daughter date to the symphony this weekend. I haven’t been in awhile, so I’m excited. The one we are seeing is Cirque de la Symphonie all set to film scores. It will definitely be a fun and new experience! See ya’ll back here on Monday.
SHOP THE LOOK
Get Fit in 2017: Must Have Fitness Gear
| DETAILS |
TOPS: blue tank | black jacket | sports bra | long sleeve top | built in bra top
LEGGINGS: black mesh | teal cut-outs | short length | long length
black running shoe | multi-color training shoe | pink headband | dark headband
fitbit flex 2 | fitbit charge with heart rate monitor | gym towel | gym bag
headphones | armband for phone | flipbelt for storage
I always turn into such a gym slacker at the end of the year. Probably a combination of being busy and a bit lazy. I work out weekdays at 5am. Sometimes when the holiday hustle and bustle is in full swing, I choose that extra hour of sleep over hitting the gym. The new year is always my excuse to kick my butt back into gear. I wanted to share some of my must have fitness gear for working out for anyone making a resolution to get fit in 2017 or just wanting some cute new workout gear to keep you motivated.
My gym wardrobe mainly consists of capri leggings and tanks. I own this pair in multiple fun colors. They have fun prints and are a nice thick stretchy material. I own the long version too in black, but I primarily wear them as loungewear or athleisure. I have always preferred a cropped legging for working out. Many pairs come with such cute details like mesh panels or cutouts to give your look a little added flair. For cold morning or days when I chose to walk the neighborhood, I love these long sleeve jackets and tees with the thumb hole. It helps keep your sleeves in place and adds a little warmth to your hands.
When I shop for sports bras or built in bra tops, I always look for something with medium support. It provides the perfect security for active cardio like the elliptical or running, but it is still comfy for a yoga class. Other tops I love are muscle tees and racerback tanks. You can also take old tshirts and turn them into workout tops by cutting off the sleeves and opening up the neckline.
I’m pretty picky about the shoes I wear to workout. The wrong fit or type of shoe can lead to injury. I typically look for a running or training shoe because that fits my needs best. If you can, go to the store and try them on. Walk around a bit, make sure nothing rubs, the sole is comfortable, and your foot feels supported. Luke’s Locker is amazing for helping you find the perfect shoe in Houston!
I hate my hair in my face while working out, so a headband is a must have for me. This one is my favorite of all time!! I have owned it for years, and it stays perfectly in place for my entire workout. If you are at the store, look for a headband with some kind of grip on the inside to help it from slipping.
One gadget helping me stay on track this year is my fitbit. I received this one for Christmas and have been using it for motivation to get moving through the holidays. I love that you can set challenges for yourself or with a group of friends. My January goal is to hit 10,000 steps everyday.
Motivating music is big for my workouts. I stick with the basic headphones that came with my phone, and they work perfect. Majority of the time, I keep my phone in a waist band. This one also had room for ID and keys. I’m not a fan of the arm band ones because I find they stretch to quickly, but some people don’t like something around their waist. It’s a great alternative and still does a good job. If you head to they gym, don’t forget your towel. I bought a few hand towels that are solely for me to take to the gym.
For anyone starting a new fitness routine or kick starting the old habit, I wish you much luck!! My main rule is I have to at least go and do 30 minutes of cardio. I find the hardest part is just getting up and going. I never regret it once I’m there, and I usually do way more than just 30 minutes of cardio. Stick with it, 5am workouts sucked in the beginning, but now I love starting my day that way.
SHOP THE FITNESS GEAR
Creating a Warm Winter Outfit + New Year’s Sales
| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Maroon Cardigan | White Tunic | AG Jeans | Brown Riding Boots | Statement Necklace | Gold Stud Earrings | Gold Bangle (similar) | Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag | Rayban Aviators | Nails: c/o Essie Party on the Platform | Lips: Mac Craving
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend ringing in 2017. I started the year off on the right foot with a morning trip to the gym and a day filled with healthy meals and a little leftover champagne. I mean I couldn’t let the bubbles go to waste. 🙂
January and February are typically our coldest months, but I’m starting to wonder if our winter will continue to have these warmer days. I have been leaning towards lots of layered looks lately. I wanted to share a few of my personal tips to creating the perfect warm winter outfit. While it is all about the layering, what makes up those layers is really important. This weather is not super abnormal for Texas, probably why I love long cardigans so much. They are great layering piece right now. You can toss them over a dress or pencil skirt and blouse for work or pair them with jeans for a casual weekend look. I typically go for neutral colors so they can work with anything, but I couldn’t resist this gorgeous burgundy one!
The biggest layer to pay attention to is the top you wear under the cardigan. I go with something lightweight like this tunic that can work as an outfit without the cardigan if the weather warms up too much.This is the same top that I own in olive and wear all the time. I decided to add the white version mainly for the purpose of layering it with sweaters and cardigans. You can also pull out some of your lightweight summer tops for this layer too. The right floral print would look perfect with this look.
I typically save my riding boots for colder days, but occasionally I just can’t resist them when the calendar says winter. To make sure I don’t overheat my feet, I stick to a thinner pair of socks. If you want to dress up this casual look, add some heels or a sparkly statement maker like this necklace.
I’m excited for one more relaxing day off before heading back to work, even if it does rain all day. I have a few gift cards and some amazing sales to keep me busy. A new year means new amazing sales and markdowns. I listed a few of my faves below for you. Ya’ll have a great first week of 2017, and thanks for stopping by!
NEW YEAR’S SALES
NORDSTROM – Half Yearly Sale with savings up to 50% off!
BANANA REPUBLIC – Extra 50% off sale items
BAUBLEBAR – Extra 20% off sale items
EXPRESS – Extra 50% off clearance
DILLARDS – Extra 50% off select items
ANTHROPOLOGIE – Extra 40% off sale items
TORY BURCH – Extra 30% off sale items