March's Crushes

All throughout February I was a super exercising machine! I have gotten a lot of positive feedback about my formerly pencil-like limbs gaining muscle and definition. It has been so great that I have maintained excitement about working out and about things related to my exercising efforts. As a result, my biggest crushes are again more sporty than posh; but, they are also more practical for everyday than my crushes often are.

I spend a lot of time in LnA's Jane Muscle Tees. They are typical of LnA's loose, comfy style, plus the light fabric and sleeveless cut, make them great for throwing over a sports bra to workout. I got mine from HauteLook, but, now, LnA's website has them for the same $15 price I paid.

I developed a love for Naked Juice's Protein Zone which has 30g of whey & soy protein per bottle (16g per serving) and is made from real fruit with added nutrient "boosts" but no added sugar. It also comes in a 100% recycled bottle. There are two other flavors, but the pina colada flavored original is my favorite.

Watch Instantly. iPhone app. Enough said.

Newly toned and in shape body.

These mesh running shorts from Nike are another new staple in my drawer of exercise clothes. They are breathable and comfortable and just perfect for my daily one mile run.

This Thermos SiPP tritan water bottle that I picked up from Target is great for getting me hydrated. I stuff it full of ice and then fill it with water and drink from it all day. it is BPA-free and environmentally friendly because it eliminates the need to buy bottled water.

After having a twitter account for almost a year and a half, I have finally gotten into actually using it.

After trying (and failing) to drink my water with lemon lemon in it on a regular basis - lemon juice is reported to be very good for the skin - I opted for this sugared version from my favorite juice company. Though it has more sugar than the proper version, it also has more lemon juice. It is 11% lemon juice and, along with my increased water consumption (see above), I am seeing a real difference in my skin. (My favorite zit zapper helps out too).

I've had a real thing for clutch purses for the past several months now and my love for them is just growing stronger by the day. From this bright knockoff of Alexander Wang's Jena Clutch that ShoeDazzle sold in February to benefit American Heart Health month to this Paparazzi magazine clutch that gets noticed every time I carry it to the Pieces studded leather clutch I mentioned in a previous crushes post, I just cannot get enough of them. I say forget the cross-body bag trend! Nothing is as clean and sophisticated as a clutch.

Personal trainer, Marie Purvis, who helped develop the new Nike Training Club app loved by both me and Lea Michele, is a new favorite of mine. She tweets for Nike and is full of amazing info. If you are at all interested in working out, she is definitely worth the follow.

February's Crushes

This past month I have been exercising.  Yes, as much as I hate exercise, I've been super consistent!  As a result, this month's crushes are much more sporty and practical than posh and fashionable.  Though my prediction that all ten would be apps for my iPhone didn't come true, there are a couple of exercise apps on the list.

Zeno Hot Spot heats up to kill acne bacteria to clear up blemishes in much less time.  Combined with the Clearasil Adult Treatment Cream from last month's crush list, I have allies in the battle against my moody hormonal skin.  Find it here. 

RGB Cosmetics Nail lacquer in Buff is that perfect almond-hued polish that my friends love teasing me about being so addicted to.  It creates a classic mani or pedi that goes well with everything and always looks finished and classy.  Find it here. 

This foundation primer makes all of the difference in the application of my make-up on those days when I am looking more polished, like my pre-exercise-nut self.  This award winning primer is the product that made the Smashbox brand what it is (even more than the last name the founders inherited from the iconic Max Factor).  Find it here.

My favorite iPhone app these days, Nike Training Club is my own little free personal trainer.  With just a medicine ball, some hand-weights and a jump rope, I have been conditioning and toning for weeks now.  With videos that demonstrate proper form for the exercises and the encouragement of international trainer Marie Purvis on Twitter, you can get the results of working with a personal trainer for no money.  Find it here.

The sophomore album of the Brit with the power-house voice isn't due out until the end of the month, but I've already become addicted to "Rolling In the Deep", "Rumour Has It", "He Won't Go" and "One and Only" from hearing it on NPR's "First Listen".  Find the pre-order here (released in the US on February 22).

While no shave compares to a good wax, this is as close as a girl can get.  With its delectable scent, thick texture, non-aerosol pump action and recyclable bottle, the makers thought of everything.  I also often find 2-for-1 deals on it at Target.  Find it here.

With all of the exercising that I'm doing, it's pretty unreasonably to flatiron my curly hair regularly.  As a result, I'm becoming reacquainted with all of my curly hair care products.  This one is a deep conditioner that gives my curls renewed energy and order.  I already loved the Fresh Curls line from Redken, this product is definitely the star of the line.  Find it here.

Even though the Nike Training Club App mentioned above has cardio workouts, I have been doing a combo of running with Nike+ GPS app and focused toning with Nike Training Club.  It really does make running less of chore, they have awesome support on the Nikeplus Twitter account and makes me much a much more effective runner.  Find it here.

Easy, effective and cute ways to wear my hair while exercising are a new necessity .  These thin headwraps, which come in a multitude of colors and can be found at drugstores, Walmarts and Targets everywhere are perfect for me.  Find them here.

The shorts that I find myself wearing more and more frequently to exercise are these Nike Phantom Training shorts.  The double-layer shorts are a combo of spandex bike shorts and loose running shorts with a fold-over band for more comfort.  Available in a variety of colors and in a Livestrong version.  Find them here.