Thursday, August 31, 2017

Paleo Works


I always look back and laugh that when I was pregnant, I thought to myself, "I am going to learn to cook while on maternity leave."  Well, my first baby was a colicky, reflux baby....so, that didn't happen at all.  It was about that time that my husband got into Crossfit, and he told me about Paleo Works.  They are the local Crossfit food delivery system. They are exactly what I try to eat; low carb, protein, and veggies.  We gave it a try, and it truly has been so amazing for our family.


Every Sunday a menu is emailed to you.  There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as lots of other add on's.  You simply reply to the email and list what you want from the menu by Wednesday nights.  Usually, my husband and I each get 3 meals (we mix and match the lunch and dinner options).  The portions are generous, and sometimes I only eat half and save the rest for the next day.  For a $25 minimum, you can have your meals delivered to your house.  Or, you can do local pickup at the Crossfit locations around town.

Italian Chicken...One of my faves

From mypaleoworks.com: 

We serve you ALWAYS, unless otherwise noted on menu:
  • 100% Grass-fed and Grass-Finished Beef
  • Free Range Organic Chicken Breasts
  • Hormone-Free, All Natural Chicken Thighs, Eggs and Pork.
  • Sodium Nitrite-Free Bacon
  • Only Extra Virgin Olive Oil and/or Coconut Oil for our salad dressings and condiments, no vegetable oil


Menu Example

The owners are so great and easy to work with!  They text me on Sunday when they are on their way and will leave my meals on the porch.  If we are not there, I will leave a cooler outside for the meals.  And, if I forget to order by Wednesday they always send me a reminder email.  You can always skip a week, or just order when you want!  There are no long term contracts.



I have no shame in waiving the white flag and not being the wife that has a home cooked meal for dinner every night.  Between kids, work, exercising, and honestly just not liking to cook, I am fine with  delivery meals.  As far as cost goes, it is not bad at all, we actually feel like we spend more when we cook healthy dinners from the grocery store. I just think you have to do what works best for you and your family, and this works for us.  My husband loves them too, so we are all happy :)



Check them out: 

www.mypaleoworks.com

615-390-4064
mypaleoworks@yahoo.com

Feel free to comment with any questions, and I am happy to help!

XOXO,
Crystal





Wednesday, August 23, 2017

The Art of the Half-Tuck


Top + Jeans + Sandals

All my friends and clients know how much I love a half-tuck (insert eye roll)!  But seriously I constantly find myself trying to fix people's shirts.  It's a super easy styling trick that helps with proportion.  My problem area is my stomach so I'm constantly trying to conceal my waistline.  Most people think that by leaving their shirt loose it will hide that area but what happens is that the outfit appears to be sloppy.  By doing a simple half-tuck it helps polish and smooth out your figure.  

To achieve this look you barely tuck in your top about an inch under the waistband.  Then you can blouse out the top to make it look loose.  Look at the pictures below to see what a difference it makes to create a waistline!


A bit sloppy

More polished!

Choker + Pendant + Clutch


With a statement top I like to keep the rest of the look simple. By pairing easy white jeans with delicate jewelry the top stands out on its own. Some people start putting the white jeans away after Labor Day but this is the time of year when I start wearing them more! It's too hot in Nashville to wear jeans that much in the summer so fall is a great time to break out the denim. I love pairing white denim with booties in the fall and over the knee boots in the winter. These Old Navy white jeans have been a staple in my closet for many years. The fit is great and you can't beat the price tag. 

Another staple is this reptile print clutch that I purchased from Tory Burch 5 years ago. Animal print bags or shoes are classic pieces and can make an elegant impact on your look for years to come. I linked some similar clutch options below.

Shop The Look!

Happy Tucking!
Amanda

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Getting Back on Track


We all do it. We jump, dive, belly flop off the band wagon sometimes. I always say, I work on a work hard, play hard mentality. When I was on our vacation with my family, I definitely indulged more than I usually do. I did a small workout everyday, but nothing major. It's hard to say "no" to ice cream when everyone else is eating it every night! The important thing is that we jump back on as quickly as we jump off. Here are four easy things I do to get myself back on track after a week of vacationing.

1.  Have a shake, or juice, for a meal replacement. I am not a big “cleanser” because I need protein for my workouts. But, if you skip a few meals during the week with a shake or green juice, I think that gets your head back on straight. It also can help shrink down your stomach size, that we probably stretched out.

2.  Incorporate some good cleansing foods and drinks. I struggle with drinking apple cider vinegar every morning. I have found some other things that I like better to drink. Try the Suja Organic Drinking Vinegar. It sounds gross. but it's pretty good and they have so many different flavors. They combine apple cider vinegar and coconut vinegar with tons of probiotics.



3.  Increase the water intake. Let’s face it, we drink more booze while on vacations/trips. Or, at least I do. Whether it is for work or play, drinks at dinner (and during the day) are usually what happens. So, we need to rehydrate ourselves and get all the bad stuff flushed out of our systems. Chugging tons of water can also help with bloating. Lemon and cucumbers are both diuretics, so adding them to your water will help and make it taste yummy.

4.  Lastly – STEP AWAY FROM THE SCALE. Most of the weight is probably water weight, so why torture yourself? I am not huge on weighing a lot anyways. Don't be too hard on yourself! We all have to live a little and eat whatever and drink whatever we want sometimes. It just makes your hard work worth it! The more you live a healthy lifestyle, the more it will motivate you to stay more on track, and get back on track quicker


Shop The Look

XOXO,
Crystal

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Always Pack a Gym Bag



Always pack a gym bag!!  What if a meeting cancels, what if you get a random burst on energy during the day, what if your hubby offers to pick the kids up?!?  The last thing you want it to have an urge to workout, and not have any workout clothes or shoes with you.  I always pack my bag at the beginning of the week with a few different outfits in there, and keep it in my car.  The bag is giving you this look all day like, “are you going to go workout or not.”  It keeps you motivated and something else pushing you to go get active during the day. Even if its just a quick 20 minute walk, it's something!  Anytime you can get your heart rate up, and a small sweat on, it helps boost those endorphins, gives you energy, and burn some calories.
XOXO,
Crystal


Here are a few of our faves from Carbon38!

WEEKENDER BOXER BAG IN WHITE CAMO
USE CODE CRYSTALJAR50 for 20% OFF

WEEKENDER BOXER BAG IN GREY
USE CODE CRYSTALJAR50 for 20% OFF

SHIPSHAPE BAG M
USE CODE CRYSTALJAR50 for 20% OFF


Check out some other options too!


       GYM BAG ESSENTIALS
Some standard gym bag items are of course a cute water bottle (S'well and bkr are 2 of my faves).  After I get a good sweat on I like to use Neutrogena makeup wipes on my face and body to get a quick clean feel.  I have acne prone skin so it's important to clean my face immediately after a sweat sesh so I can avoid clogged pores.  Then I use my fave  Drybar 'Detox' dry shampoo and sometimes I use a dry texture spray on the end to scrunch up my hair (great for naturally wavy hair peeps like me).  My all time fave products to use after exercising are the all-in-one makeup sticks that can be used for lip, eye, and cheek color.  It is  a huge time saver and it gives you a great glow all over- I'm currently loving this Ilia multi-stick in 'a fine romance'.
XOXO,
Amanda

Friday, August 4, 2017

Fave Advocare Products


 

I received a few questions from y'all about my Advocare regiment, so I went ahead and did a write up on my favorite products.  I love this line!  I have been taking Advocare for years.  Since I've been taking these products, I can tell a difference in my energy level, fitness and body.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Catalyst - This is my number #1, cannot live without product. I can totally tell a difference in my muscle toning and definition with this product (especially in my arms!).  Think of this product as vitamins for your muscles. It’s a combination of amino-acids, L-glutamine and L-arginine to help repair, protect, and maintain your muscles.  I take two before I workout, and do not get the “jittery” feeling at all.  Usually, I take them one-two more times during the day.  Typically, I take around 4-6 a day.  Love them!

Slim - I posted about this product on Instagram before.  This is a perfect “pick me up” and appetite suppressant. I get the lemonade flavor, it's like a little treat.  I substitute this product for my mid-day coffee drink to save on calories.  I usually get pretty hungry around 2:00 - 3:00 pm, and this product helps hold off me off until dinner.

Spark - I am sure you have all heard of Spark!  This product is great for energy and mental focus, which I am in serious need of during the day.  It’s a combo of 20 vitamins and nutrients, some caffeine, and B vitamins.   My favorite flavor, hands down, is blue raspberry.  Spark is available in a canister or there are Spark Stick Packs available.

Fiber -  You will hear me always preaching to eat/drink more fiber.  Fiber is our friend!  This powder contains 10g of fiber (soluble and insoluble).  I put the unflavored in my shakes and smoothies.  I use  the Peaches and Cream variety for when I drink it by itself, mixed with water.

V16 Energy Supplement – This is like Spark, but without the caffeine.  I’ll use this supplement before an afternoon or evening workout instead of Spark.  Or, if I have overdone it on caffeine for the day and need to tone it down, ha!

Omega Plex-  This product contains DHA and EPA Omega 3 fatty acids for cardiovascular and immune system health.


Shop this look

Please let me know if you have any additional questions!

Crystal
nashvillefitstyle@gmail.com

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Bare Those Shoulders

Off the shoulder maxi dress

With it being so hot in Tennessee fall fashion is still a ways off! I've loved the off the shoulder trend that has been hot the past 2 years. This style is extremely figure flattering and draws the attention to your shoulders rather than trouble areas. I'm specifically loving off the shoulder maxi dresses this summer. I wore this dress on my Mexico vacay (see post here) and felt super comfy in it. When we finally do get more fall like temps maxis are easy to transition- just pair them with booties and a distressed denim jacket!

Wrap around wedges
Check out some other off the shoulder maxis!



 Sunnies + (similar) Yellow Earrings  + Straw bag + Cuff
Now let's talk accessories!  I've also been obsessed with colorful statement earrings this summer- they pull the look together.  My go to retailers for can't miss em pieces are J. Crew and Bauble Bar.  You can't forget a sweet and simple straw bag- this Madewell one is a steal at $60.

Check out some other accessories!


Keep baring those shoulders lovelies!
Amanda



Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Styling with Summertime Blues

I love when I get the opportunity to style Crystal (she's like my real size Barbie doll)!  She found this adorable off the shoulder dress from ASOS, which is currently on sale for $32.  My obsession for ASOS's affordable fashion (see Gingham dress post here) continues with all of their gorgeous blue choices.  I'm guilty of sticking to my usual black + white palette, but blue is a great option for adding color in the summer.  Crystal took this swing dress to get altered in on the sides and it made a huge difference with the fit.  People underestimate the power of alteration - it can transform a look from drab to fab.




ASOS Dress + Pom Pom Clutch + Yellow Shoes

Since I'm all about affordable fashion this summer (#adulting), another fave site of mine for easy on the wallet accessories is Accessory Concierge.  I paired this statement straw pom pom clutch with the dress for a pop!  Crystal already owned some eye catching yellow heels (similar ones here) and I thought they were the perfect compliment to the outfit.  Pairing a closed toe shoe with a summery look can create interest to the eye and it goes with our motto of #mixitup.  Blue is a great base color to add in several pops of color, and yellow is one of my faves to mix in with.

If you are in the Nashville area and are seeking a wardrobe consultant/personal shopper you can email me directly at nashvillefitstyle@gmail.com
XOXO,
Amanda

Check out the links below to see other blue options from ASOS!

And last, but not least, our fab Beauty Consultant, Danna, has some great makeup tips to pair with your "summertime blues"!



Want to dazzle in blues, if your “cool” stick to jewel tones or navy, if you’re “warm” try lighter or pastel version. Complete your blue ensemble with a complementary make up look. Stick with a neutral eye shadow and try a red lip. If you’re cool, find a blue undertone red such as MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo or raspberry; if you’re warm go for an orangey red or coral such as Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick in Coral Crush (undertone blog coming soon).

Remember there are no rules in fashion or make up. These are just suggestions to customize your wardrobe and makeup just for you by bringing out your natural radiance. Still a little scared to be so bold, just stick with a nude lip and play up your eyes. You’ll know when you find the right red, because it will make your eyes pop and your smile whiter. And just because we are talking about blue, I do love navy eyeliner on a blue eye. Try Bobbi Brown Long Wear gel liner in Cobalt Inc.



Happy coloring!
Danna