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.

January's Crushes

December was a month full of renewal for me.  My own personal renaissance.  So many things in my life changed and grew and evolved in that month that it led to a new start in so many different areas: new eating habits, new spending habits, giving up old addictions, changes in interpersonal relationships.  Just about the only thing that did not change was my drastic hate for exercise.  In my new, careful about spending mind-frame, my favorites for this first month of 2011 are some oldies and a couple of thrifty goodies.  (Also, along with this theme, let me recommend to all my fellow shopaholics Tara Siegel Bernard's NYT article on "Why Budgets Don't Work" and how to do it better).

This keeps my Beauty Blender in tip top shape so there's no need to buy replacement make-up sponges.  (Also cleans my make-up brushes)  Available here.

These aren't thrifty - especially in the short term - but for an audiophile like me, they are a must.  Plus, with their long-lasting quality and Bose's excellent customer service they definitely beat paying for new iPod headphones from Apple every year.  Available here.

It really is a crying shame that I never put this on a crush list before now.  My go-to scent since 2007 and still my favorite little pick-me-up whenever my mood isn't its greatest.  Available here.

A favorite of mine and SPiCY's throughout 2010, there is no better little monthly gift for the shoeaholic.  I even like to go just to window shop during my spending freeze.  Look for the upcoming "Brands We Love" on them.  Available here.

After months of loving this little tube (its sulfur ingredient is the same thing that makes many acne masks effective)  it definitely deserves to be acknowledged for how often it ends up on my face.  Available here.

My Yoga Online has been awesome at getting me (occasionally) off my tuchus  - a really huge feat.  There is also a good anti-insomnia yoga video that works wonders.

This Stella & Dot necklace given to me for Christmas by one of my best friends is a definitely a new fave!  Available here.

I've been loving this website since my friend introduced me to it in late 2008.  I've been in love with the facebook app for just as long and, now, I'm in love with the iPhone app as well.

I have become absolutely obsessed with iPhone apps.  From news services like AP and the NYT to social networking apps like facebook to things to help with my huge insomnia issues, I can't get enough.  I fully expect February's crushes to be full of iPhone apps.

I have gone veggie and have completely cut sucrose out of my diet.  These nutritional shakes (along with a good multi-vitamin) help me maintain healthy levels of nutrients as I transition into an entirely new way of eating and they are the only grocery item with sucrose in it that is allowed in this house, so they are my one sugary, yet healthy treat.