Author: Sadie

New to Me

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Here are a few recent discoveries that I’ve made that might not really be new, but they’re new to me!

1. The TV show Parenthood on NBC. This show definitely flies below the radar. It’s not a scandalous reality show, trendy drama, or hilarious sitcom. It came on right after another show I was watching a few weeks ago, and I’ve started to get hooked. It has plenty of big stars: Lauren Graham, Ray Romano, Dax Shepard, etc, which sometimes backfires, but all the characters are so down to earth in this show, that all the ensemble cast of big names really works.

parenthood

2. Almond butter. I realize that all the fitness and healthy lifestyle bloggers have been putting almond butter and other exotic nut butters in their oatmeal for years now, but I’m new on the bandwagon. I’m kind of obsessed with Justin’s brand almond butter with maple syrup. I love it in oatmeal, or with carrots as an afternoon snack.

maple-ab-jar

3. Toms shoes. I needed a pair of commuting shoes that fit between Ugg and Rainbow seasons. Something for the 40-60 degree days in the spring and the fall. I like to wear different shoes while I’m commuting so I can be comfortable and preserve my work shoes a little longer. Usually Toms are about $50, but of course the ones that caught my eye were about twice as expensive. While I don’t think they’re supper supportive walking shoes, they’ve been great for commuting and weekend errands so far!

Toms

4. Squeegees! I enjoy a clean house. I think I’ve mentioned that before. The main window in my living room is three sliding doors that lead out to my balcony, and I noticed they were getting dingy. I attempted to clean them with Windex and a paper towel, and they came out very streaky. Not OK. So the other day, when I was cruising the cleaning aisle in Target, the squeegees caught my eye. The rest is mirror and window cleaning history.

Squeaky clean!

5. The TV show Southern Charm on Bravo. This one is new to me and everyone else because it just premiered a few weeks ago. It’s similar to some of Bravo’s other recent reality show about 20, 30, and 40 somethings living the good life in a fun city (i.e. Shahs of Sunset, 100 Days of Summer, etc.). This one is about a bunch of well-off friends in Charleston, SC. It’s such a beautiful change of scenery from the standard LA or NYC, and I’m already totally hooked. Bravo gets me every time!

SouthernCharm

Last Five

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songs I downloaded on iTunes (girly edition).

1. “Bobblehead” by Christina Aguilera. I think this is a little bit of a throw back. I heard part of it on this youtube video and I looked it up. It definitely has a gimmicky sound that could be annoying to some, but I like having a little variety in the mix.

2. “The Wire” by HAIM. So this was a song I saw on VH1 about a month ago (does anyone still watch VH1 anymore?). And then I heard it again the other day and decided I needed more of it in my life. Usually I find songs like this boring, but HAIM got me on this one (and the video is kind of funny too).

3. “Don’t Save Me” by HAIM. This is proof that I’m hooked on HAIM. After I downloaded “The Wire, ” I decided I needed this one too. And I was right. I’m sure I’m late to the party on this band, but if it’s not on my Top 40 radio station, I don’t know it.

4. “Picking up the Pieces” by Paloma Faith. Another VH1 discovery. I guess someone has to watch Top 20 Countdown on the weekend. I saw the video while I was at the gym which means I saw it without the sound. And it was so random and strange I had to look it up. I was glad that I did.

5. “Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato feat. Cher Lloyd. This discovery is by way of Pandora. It came up on my One Direction station and I had to have it. It’s a great workout song, and I find it energizing during a busy day.

demi-lovato-album-cover-900-600-04-01-13

Old Stand Bys

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Workout clothes might be my favorite topic. I wear them everyday, I take a lot of interest in them. I love trying out all the new fabrics, patterns, and silhouettes that the athletic apparel companies come out with, but there’s something to be said for the basics. I have pieces in my dresser that are a little pricey, crazy, or activity specific, but at the end of the day there is core wardrobe of basics that are durable, comfortable, affordable, and awesome for every workout.

Here are my favorites that I will buy until the companies discontinue the style:

Tops

This basic Under Armour tank. It usually comes in several colors, and I love it for anything from weights to Pilates to cardio. It stays put whether you’re upside down or right side up!

UAtank

When it comes to a tee shirt, I love this Nike option. It’s a company staple so they come out with new colors all the time, and keep the style the same. I like it because it’s not skin tight so it’s perfect for days that I’m not looking for something comfy, but a big step up from a standard cotton tee shirt.

NikeLegendT

Bottoms

I think bottoms can be a little trickier than tops because they ride up, fall down, are see through when you bend over, or just plain unflattering. These ones from Under Armour though, are the definition of basic. They work for everything from spin class, to weights, to Pilates (no zipper on the back). Every time I wear these I wish I could wear them 24/7/365 because they are that comfortable.

UAcapris

When it comes to running I have a few requirements. I need a drawstring, a pretty high rise, and a little zipper pocket on the lower back for my keys. These Nike capris meet all the requirements, and I think I usually get an even more affordable version of these from the Nike outlet.

NikeCapris

Based on my observations over time, I’ve realized you can go two directions for running shorts. You’re either a spandex person, or a Nike tempo (or other brand equivalents) person. I am a spandex person. Always. These are my go-tos from Nike. Comfortable, light, and a slightly longer inseam (5 in.) than the shorter version (3 in.) makes them age appropriate for everyone older than 17.

NikeShorts

Sports Bras

I have done extensive research in this category. This is obviously very dependent on your body type, and I require maximum support. I cannot tell you how many times I have bought a sports bra because it claims to be my size and/or be extremely high impact/high support, and they just don’t live up to any of the claims (I will not name names…). Time and time again I come back to this very basic compression bra from Nike. I have tried all the imitators, but no one does a compression bra like Nike. Plus, just like all these other basics, they often release it in several colors and patterns every season.

NikeBra

Socks

I’m pickier than you might think when it comes to socks. After trying several of the fancier brands, it turns out Champion makes my favorite in their target line. They are the perfect combination of low profile, and fluffy. Socks are a goldilocks thing for me, they’re either too thin or too thick and fluffy, but few are just right.

targetsocks

Shoes

I am a New Balance sneaker girl. I like the lightweight, basic nature of these ones that I’ve been ordering at a discount from DSW for a couple years now. When you find a shoe that works you need to stick with it!

Sneakers

What are your old stand bys, when it comes to workout gear?