Bikini Bonanza

yesterday i sported a bikini at the pool.  while my body still isn't quite where i would like for it to be, it's getting closer and while i love my little mix and match bikini i threw together, i noticed some darling bikinis around the pool which had me thinking i may need to upgrade to something a little more fun.

my absolute fave is this modern amusement stripe push up sweetheart bikini.  love the red, love he navy, love the stripes and the pop of yellow.  also love the models body...

i know sequins by the pool is a little glitzy and rhooc, but these victoria secret bikinis have me rethinking my view on sequins by the pool.  specifically the abbie sequin stripe triangle bikini and the sequined waterfall triangle bikini that belongs on a yacht in the french riveria.  yes please!

a good bandeau never hurt anybody and definitely provides the most friendly tan lines.  you can't go wrong with a simple gorgeous aqua belle bandeau bikini that literally looks good on anyone with a tan!  or root for team usa in all your stars and stripes in the americana bandeau bikini that is far more chic and a lot less budweiser girl than other red, white and bikinis i have seen.

what's your favorite swimwear?  do you have suit that you absolutely adore? 

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Work It Out

the nice people from brand about town and gap sent me an amazing box full of fitness goodness this past january and let me just say, i am loving every piece!  my favorite pieces that i wear all the time are the gfast capris, leggings, pima cotton tank and full-zip jacket. 

the capris are perfect for circuit works!  they go with everything, suck me in, prevent camel toe, and wash nicely.  the pima cotton tank is seriously AMAZING.  it doesn't cling to my body and is the perfect texture.  perhaps my fave and most used item that i received however is the full-zip jacket (in pretty blue) that i honestly wear every time i work out.  stylish, slimming and complete with thumb-holes (my favorite part), the jacket is a must-have in every single color (currently eyeing the peach, neon green and white - no joke!). 

the gapfit collection is quality products with much more affordable price points then say lululemon.  the items fulfill all my fitness needs and leave me feeling proud of the workout i just accomplished.  i highly recommend all of their products (i have numerous other tanks by them as well as other pants) and think even if you are a devoted fan of lululemon, you will be happy with the gapfit product. 

i can always be found browsing the sale racks at bloomingdales and one day happened upon a pair of the nike filament capri for around $20.  i figured the pants would do and didn't think much more of them.  turns out they are of excellent quality and allow me a lot of ease and function while working out.  i love them so much that i am constantly searching for additional pairs in different colors!  the brighter the better.  which is why these nike relay capris may just end up shipping to my home tomorrow i love the turquoise color so much. 

when i wear these pants i feel motivated and take on an attitude like the nike motto - just do it. 

don't you just love it when you find workout clothes that are totally affordable and actually work?

the answer is um yeah, duh! 

i have made it a point to check out old navy's active line at least twice a month as they are always marking items down at unbelievably low prices.  my all time favorite sports bras are from old navy!  the adjustable strap sports bra is available in a variety of colors and holds my little boobs in place rather well. 

i also picked up a pair of the active compression capris in all black and i just love them.  they keep me sucked in and feeling slim and wash really well, did i mention i got them for less than $20?  love a great deal! 

the item i have been eyeing for the past few weeks and waiting to go on sale is the active bubble tank that feels nice, doesn't cling to my waist and is stylish and cute.  i have been waiting for a while now for it to go on sale and think i may just have to purchase it already for full price i like it so much.

i think i may just be the only person who works out in my circuit works class that doesn't wear lululemon head to toe.  in fact the only lululemon item i own is a headband (that i love! read my review here).  it's not because i don't wan to...it's just that i can't really justify spending so much on workout clothes.

however, i think i am going to have to breakdown and buy either these awesome purple fast and free crops or these darling polka dot inspire crop ii.  my roommate swears by their pants, as does my girl christy.  i just hate spending so much!  however when i see how cute peoples butts look in them, i am not sure why i am delaying...

another brand that i have heard only good things about is zella from nordstrom. 

i am extremely picky with my tanks i work out in, but am crushing hard on this peekaboo tank.  love the stripes and the pink contrast at the bust.  keeping up with my love of pink and all things bright, my gapfit full zip jacket needs a companion so it can catch a break.  which makes me think this no 1 sport jacket needs to make its way home with me very soon. 

what's your workout style? what brands or items can you not live without?  do you think the more you spend the better quality? 

*the gapfit items were generously gifted to me, but the opinions above are completely my own - they really offer great, affordable workout gear at a fraction of the price - be sure to check out gapfit at your neighborhood gap* 

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself - February

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so i had a bad february, it's in the past and time to move along.  my resolutions took a bit of a dip in accomplishments, but i thought it best to document it regardless and aim to get back on track and kick ass this march (and the rest of the year for that matter)!

goal #1 ~ workout 75% of each month

results:  worked out 15 of 29 days = 52%

goal #2 ~ stick to a pure, healthy, clean diet

results:  i slipped a bit this month.  birthday and surgery mostly to blame.  i would say i followed the paleo diet about 60% of the month.

goal #3 ~ save, save, save!

results:  well, i did try to save and didn't splurge on any new items, but the unexpected cost of two new tires (at $200 a piece) did not help with my savings plan.

goal #4 ~ travel

results:  no travel this month.

goal #5 ~ take more pictures

results:  did a pretty good job last month capturing pictures, below are a few of my faves from the month (follow me on instagram @lyndsylee)

new b*day bracelet from girlies at work

b*day blooms that made me smile

b*day wishlist item completed courtesy of b

absolutely incredible bruch (twice!) this month at mb post with carebear, live.to.the.point.of.tears, sweet nothings, and this is not your life.

got to see mrs r - twice this month!  what a treat!

sweet b

the morning after my b*day collection

finally got to try ink. - awesome experience

my new pumped up kicks from mom, dad & sister that i designed!

pinz in studio city - bowled the best game of my life!

incredible sunset from my work parking lot - gosh i love california!

waldo just knows how to melt my heart

greatest invention ever

embracing coffee and pastels one early monday morning

goal #6 ~ read a book a month

results:  got through 37% of a place of yes - now much finish that book in march as well as another.  must remember to stop watching televsion so much and start reading. 

my results for february are nothing to be too proud of, but they are reminders for what i need to fix in order to suceed this march and the rest of the year. 

how are your goals going? 

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

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the first of february is here and it is time to compare my results to my goals i set for 2012.

here goes nothing...

goal #1 ~ workout 75% of each month

results: worked out 21 of 31 days = 68%

goal #2 ~ stick to a pure, healthy, clean diet

results:  pretty proud of my dedication to paleo.  b and i following it together makes it much easier to stick with.  besides the occasional weekend cheat, i can confidently say, goal achieved.

goal #3 ~ save, save, save!

results:  i would give myself a c for the month of january.  i did cut back on spending a bit, but did not place any money in savings. 

goal #4 ~ travel

results:  hit up palm springs with b for a little getaway and explored a new hiking trail that i highly suggest to any of you LA locals.

goal #5 ~ take more pictures

results:  instagram (@lyndsylee) made taking pictures a lot more fun, and while i took some (see below) i can definitely afford to take more!

cheers to mrs. reynolds being in town

L2

Waldo

collage of palm springs trip

typical morning bfast for me

new year nails

cutest babe ever

one of the perks of my 5:30 am workout

goal #6 ~ read a book a month

results:  finished the art of racing in the rain by garth stein. 

this book is set in seattle (loved all the references to various parts of town) and told from the perspective of the dog.  i really liked this book, but must warn, i cried my eyes out at the end.  if you have a dog, you will love it, but may find it difficult at times to continue reading (not giving anything away).  it took some turns i didn't expect and had some moments that were very heavy, but also moments of hilarity and happiness.

on to reading my first book using the kindle app on my ipad, a place of yes.

overall i am pretty happy with my results achieved and have established a game plan for february to be more successful!  hopefully march 1st will have better results!

how are your resolutions coming?! 

Resolution Time!

I just realized that we are almost halfway through January and I still haven't shared my resolutions! I am pretty pleased with my selections this year and think that they are all attainable if I put my mind to it, go for it...

1 ~ workout 75% of each month 

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75% percent may not sound like a lot, but if you do the math that means I need to exercise a minimum of 23 days in a 30 month calendar.  While it will be a challenge, I am ready to make the commitment and plan to share my percentage rate with all of you to help hold me accountable.  I have committed to a year long membership to Circuit Works in Venice and I have to say that those trainers kick my ass every session and I love it! 

2 ~ stick to a pure, healthy, clean diet

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Over Thanksgiving I was introduced to the Paleo Diet by B's mom and was intrigued (and a little scared, let's be honest) at the idea of it.  No cheese?!  No sugar?!  No bread?!  Sounded a bit terrible to me.  But when I really looked at what I was eating, I quickly realized that it was not so much of a diet, as it was establishing a healthy eating plan.  And while I am not following the diet 100%, I am following about 80% and feel great!

3 ~ save, save, save! 

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I will be the first to admit it.  I live from paycheck to paycheck and I hate it!  I am TERRIBLE at saving and REALLY want to improve on this.  I have a 401K that I invest in and don't touch so I have some savings, but as far as outside of my 401K...nothing.  My purse strings need to be tightened again after the holidays so that I can save up for a fabulous vacation or treat on a rainy day...

4 ~ travel

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I don't care whether it is via an airplane, a boat or a car but this girl needs to get out an explore.  New places, old places, whatever!  Resolution #3 and #4 are directly connected to one another and I am hoping that I get out and explore all that is out there.  2011 was a great year for traveling and I hope to continue on with new sights and cities in 2012.

5 ~ take more pictures

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I used to be so good about capturing and sharing pictures, and then I just sort of stopped pulling out my camera or uploading my photos that I did take.  Pictures are so important to me in remembering all the fun nights out with friends, time spent with loved ones and memories that just don't always click with your "mental picture" (ala Alec Baldwin from Friends - click!).  I vow to take, share and print more photos in 2012.

6 ~ read a book a month

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I read a lot of books last year and loved the feeling of heading to sbux at my lunch break and losing an hour to my book.  This year I am really striving to read one book per month.  No particular book is included in this resolution (but would love any recommendations) but would like to read a few classics, some non-fiction, and chick lit books to name a few. 

And that my friends are my goals and resolutions for 2012!  I think they are all very achievable goals and may require some discipline on my part but I am excited to get started and reflect back in a year on what all was met.  So far, I have stuck pretty close to #1, #2 and #6. Still working on them all!

What were your resolutions?  How are they going so far?  Do you have people you shared them with that will help hold you accountable?  I am leaning on friends, coworkers, B and y'all of course to keep me to mine! 

Cheers to success in twenty twelve!

Forever Frugal Friday

This one goes out to all my fellow small busted women out there.  I recently picked up this Rib Trimmed Sports Bra at Forever and it cost me a whole $3.80.  I loved how bright it was and thought for $3.80 it couldn't hurt to try it out.  So I tried it out at my Circuit Works class and I have to say that this little baby provided me with great coverage during my work out.  I held the ladies up and while I was running on the treadmill they weren't bouncing all over the place.  The adjustable straps are a great feature, and it has little inserts that prevent you from nipping out. 

I think this bra would work great for any ladies size 34B and under, or if have a larger bust, perhaps it could work for you as well, but for less physical activities and more stretchy bendy activities (yoga, pilates, bar method).  And if you are hesitant to even try it while working out, it would make a great little bra under a tank top or t-shirt for errand running. 

Let's keep those babies up and running shall we?  Screw you gravity, I found a new friend that helps me out just dandy!

Put Your Mind To It Go For It...

Get down and break a sweat, is exactly what I do whenever I attend Circuit Works.

Last month I mentioned that I had purchased a Groupon to Circuit Works in Venice in order to make my mantra come true.  Two Thursdays ago I hit up the Abbot Kinney location with my girl Christy and let me just tell you this work out kicked my ass!

This hour long class combines, weightlifting, spinning and treadmill running all together in 40 second intervals.  You never stop for an hour. 

I have now attended 3 classes (make it 4 after tonight) and I absolutely have a love/hate relationship with this workout.  I love how hard I work, how sweaty I get, the loud music and the workers.  I hate how sweaty and red-faced I get, as well as the bruises I leave class with hopping on and off the spin bikes. 

Circuit Works is so motivating and I leave class feeling energized and good about myself and I leave knowing that I just worked it out. 

This is Raphael Verela, the man who developed Circuit Works and teaches my Saturday 8:15 AM class.  The class that I almost threw up in this past Saturday.  He is a bit of drill sergeant but extremely motivating and full of smiles once class is over.  He just better never see you walking to your next station (heed my warning)...

If you live in LA and are needing that extra boost to get your fitness routine in motion I really would suggest trying Circuit Works as it has fully given me a new take on exercise.  They have 2 locations, one in Brentwood that my girl Spry attends and another in Venice on Abbott Kinney.  Added bonus, your first class is FREE!  Why not try it out? 

Also a special shout out to my girl Christy for being my loyal workout companion - I wouldn't be as motivated without you!  Project Hot Bod starts now!!

Twenty Eleven

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If 2009 was a year or rebounding and starting over, then 2010 was a year of rebuilding and letting go.  2010 had it's ups and downs and although the downs ALWAYS suck the life out of you, they also teach you how to lift your head back up and dust off your shoulders. 

2010 brought me new friendships, a new career opportunity, and new love.  It also brought me financial woes, tested relationships and a whole lot of self revelation. 

So while there are definitely some times I wish I hadn't experienced, I know that all those hard times taught me some sort of lesson and also have made me stronger, more confident and ready to tackle 2011.

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I am starting 2011 with a clean slate and gearing up for a fantastic year.

Goals for 2011:

*Working on my fitness

*Dusting off my passport and hoping to head to Europe

*Career advancement

*Paying off those darn credit cards/student loans

*Organizing my bedroom

*Busting open the cookbooks

*More concerts

*Read more, watch less TV

*Write more

They may seem simple and ordinary but they are everything I want and need to feel complete (for now)....

Cheers to you and all of your goals!  Let's make 2011 the best yet!

Sometimes you feel like a Nut-Hellcat...

Warning...random ass post below!

Ya'll already know that I am a huge fan of Starbucks from my posts here, here, here and here.  Well now you can add another reason to my growing list...introducing me to the delicioso goods by Sahale Snacks.

I have had the pleasure to taste the Southwest Cashews (Whole cashews are topped with a dusting of grated Cheddar-Jack cheese and blended with Poblano and Guajillo peppers) and the Barbeque Almonds (Our Barbeque Almonds are seasoned with a proprietary “Dry Rub” spice blend and accented with tangy buttermilk ranch) and let me just tell you that the flavors are bold and do not disappoint.  They are perfect for an afternoon snack, full of flavor and healthy too! 

Coffee + Healthy Snack = Happy Lyndsy

I am currently working hard to jump back on the "healthy train" and watch what I eat, drink and incorporate more workouts into my week.  These snacks will help me get there, but after watching CW's new show Hellcats, my desire to get my butt to the gym was increased mucho!

Everyday on my way into work I saw this ad and was intrigued about this new show.  Last night I DVR'ed it and while it isn't Emmy winning stuff it was rather entertaining and also inspiring.  The main character Marti Perkins had me on the ground, doing sit ups while I watched.  Aly Michalka had me lusting for toned abs and cut arms. 

I mean seriously!  While watching I was reminded of the days back in college when we taped up pictures of Gisele or Britney (I'm A Slave 4 U anyone?) for much needed gym inspiration.  Well my friends, I think Aly may just have me singing You're The Inspiration [Remastered Version] (2007) while I walk on the treadmill (maybe even *gasp* run).

The show is fun and totally cheesy but I think I will be tuning in again next week to see some fun dance routines and what kind of drama is going to unfold. 

Sorry for the randomness, but I just had to share my current likes and inspirations!  Did you watch Hellcats?  Is there different guilty pleasure show that you watch but hate to admit liking?  Anyone have a good fitness DVD or technique they would like to share so that I can get my abs looking like the picture above?  Is anyone else as excited tomorrow is Friday? 

Give Me 10

I have been AWFUL at working out this year.  Last year I had a few weddings to attend, and some great vacation destinations that all encouraged me to hit the gym tough.  This year instead of hitting the gym, I've been...

Playing (and winning) Flip Cup...

Hitting up Baseball Games (Go Angels & Mariners!)...

And celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Taco Bell, Tecate and Wii.

And while I would like to say walking the dog is my daily exercise, the reality is that I am now 30 and my body needs to be pushed a lot harder in order to stay in shape.  We all have our excuses, and most often mine is that I am so tired at the end of the day and don't have time to workout.  Well the buck stops here, because on Tuesday night I tried out Amy Dixon's Give Me 10! workout on the exercise channel and I was sweating like a PIG!

I did the Fat Blasting Cardio workout and it was fast-paced, intense and totally awesome.  I am totally thinking of buying this DVD and combing a few of these 10 minute routines to make my own perfect workout.  However if you only have 10 minutes, these routines will really get your heart moving and make you feel pretty incredible at the end.

So if you are always finding excuses for why you can't work out, give this DVD a shot, cause really we all have at least 10 minutes to spare!