Reviews – imperfectly courtney

It is already 3 weeks into the New Year. There is a saying that goes around saying that it takes 21 days to form a habit. So, have you made your New Year’s Resolutions into habits or have you already forgotten what they were? This is your year to become who it is you want to be. It’s still a New Year, and there is time to become that new you that you’ve always dreamed of. Many people set health related goals. As a CrossFit Gym owner and Coach the most common goals I see people setting this time of year are to lose fat and/or gain muscle. When I talk to clients about their food there is one thing that is missing in most of their diets: protein. Most people do not eat enough high quality, lean protein or good healthy fats. Bumble Bee Tuna offers a super affordable healthy option full of lean protein, healthy fat, and important vitamins and minerals.

I picked up a few of the pouches of Bumble Bee Omega-3 Albacore Tuna. I love that they offer pouches, it saves some time from having to drain the can. If the can is more your jam, they have that too! I used the pouch and a few other ingredients to make one of my favorite lunches, Lightend Up Ranch Tuna Salad.

I started with some chopped onions, about 1 tablespoon, and half of a green pepper. Here you can really make it to fit your preferences, maybe some celery, pickles, or any of your other favorite fresh vegetables. I used 1 pouch of Bumble Bee Omega-3 Tuna, Plain Greek Yogurt, and Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning.

Poor it all in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

You can put it on top of a bed of lettuce and some tomatoes and cucumbers or put it in a whole grain wrap if you want to add in some carbs. This is a super easy and delicious way to add in protein when you are in a pinch for time. Now that I think about it, I’m sure you could add a dalop of greek yogurt and a pinch of seasoning right to the pouch and eat it on the go – another way to avoid the drive through! See, adding protein doesn’t have to be complicated… or bland. This is your year to reach your goals. Let’s do it.

What are some of your favorite healthy meals you fix up in a pinch?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Health, Life, Reviews

3 Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions with Progresso™ Light

January 12, 2015 Courtney

This post was sponsored by Progresso™ through their partnership POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Progresso™, all opinions are my own.

If you are like many people you probably made some goals or resolutions for this year. When January 1^st rolls around people are high on motivation and spend the day planning out their meals and workouts, organizing those overflowing closets, and setting up their plan for getting out of debt. By the time January 15^th rolls around we have become overwhelmed and our meal plans turn into take out, our savings becomes spent, and workouts are sacrificed in favor of sleeping in.

So, how can we make our resolutions stick? The difference between a wish and a goal is plan. In order to set ourselves up for success we need to have a plan. Once you have determined what your goal or resolution is there are a few tips you can use to make your resolution become your reality.

Break it Up
Setting a goal like losing 20 pounds or saving $1000 can be overwhelming. Instead, break it up into smaller, more manageable goals. If you want to lose 20 pounds this year make your goal to lose 5lbs per quarter, or a little over 1.5 pounds per month. This makes it far more reasonable and easier to stay focused, instead of getting overwhelmed by a massive goal.
Make One Change at A Time
Trying to change everything at once is far too overwhelming and sets you up for disappointment. Make one change at a time. Instead of going out to lunch every day, pack your lunch a few times a week. Packing a lunch doesn’t mean you have to give up flavor. One of my favorite ways to add extra flavor without the extra guilt is to include Progresso™ L ight soups as a part of your healthier lunch.

They have 40 delicious flavors at 100 calories or less per serving! You can have your favorite flavors like Creamy Chicken Alfredo without sacrificing your goals, liking feeling good in your clothes!

Avoid Absolutes
Telling yourself you will not eat dessert at all the entire year or resolving to not make any impulse purchases all year almost guarantees your failure. Making 100% absolute resolutions awakens your inner rebel. That rebel wants to find a way around the rule. Instead of making absolute goals or resolutions, make limited resolutions like enjoying dessert on special occasions or having a certain amount of the budget allotted to impulse purchases. This allows you to still indulge in those things within reason and relieves the pressure of striving for perfection.

Hopefully using these 3 tips for sticking to your resolutions helps you stay on track throughout this whole year. Don’t give up. You are worth it!

Do you set resolutions? What are your tips for making them stick?

Reviews

Manitoba HempPro 70 Protein Review

September 25, 2014 Courtney

No matter what kind of nutrition idea you subscribe to getting adequate protein is always going to be important. Protein is essential to good health! Most people struggle to get enough protein through whole foods so you will see a lot of people supplementing with protein powders. Not all protein powders are created equal. I know it can be overwhelming to think about. There are so many varieties of protein… Whey, Isolate, Soy, Pea, and the list goes on and on.

When I’m looking for protein I want to know I am putting the best possible nutrients into my body. I was given the opportunity to try out Manitoba Harvest’s new HempPro 70 protein powder through my partnership as a SweatPink ambassador. I got to try both the chocolate and the vanilla. It is a plant-based protein, which is especially good for people who prefer to avoid dairy. It is the only water soluble hemp protein powder on the market, which makes it convenient on the go, no need to blend in a blender… unless of course you want to make a smoothie… which is exactly what I did!

I mixed 8oz of Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk, 1 TBS of PB2, 1 Serving of HempPro 70, and a handful of Enjoy Life mini chips in my Ninja blender with some ice and had a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie. It was delicious and full of filling protein and healthy omegas.

I just mixed the vanilla in with my almond milk and a blender cup and it was an easy on the go snack. I would say I preferred the chocolate over the vanilla, although both were good!

It is nice to know if I need a boost of protein I can get it without having to think about scarfing a chicken breast down!

What do you do to get extra protein?
Are you a chocolate or vanilla person?

Life, Reviews

Favorite Finds

September 17, 2014 Courtney

Every so often I come across amazing new products that I love. Sometimes I find them through friends and sometimes these products are sent to me to try out. Regardless of how I come across them I am always honest in my review and don’t share anything unless I think you’ll love it. So here we go!

Bandelettes

So I absolutely love this idea. See, I’m a female of the thigh gapless variety. Which is awesome. Except when you want to wear cute maxi skirts and your strong muscular gapless thighs like to rub together. Bandelettes sent me a pair of both the lace and the spandex versions. Of course the lace version is super sexy, but I found even with the silicone strips they didn’t stay in place as well as the spandex. They stayed in place around 80% of the time.

But they look hot, right? The spandex version are a little more plain but stayed in place perfectly. They helped prevent the chafing that occurs when you’re walking around outside all day in the humidity with your gapless thighs. Be sure to check out the sizing charts on the site to get the right size so it stays in place!

Raydiant Apparel Headbands

Just because I can’t work out yet doesn’t mean I don’t like to dress like I’m working out! One of my absolute must haves for a workout is a wide headband. It not only helps keep my hair and sweat out of my face, but it also looks cute! This is the Hot Pink Cheetah band. I love that these are stretchy and sweat wicking and they are affordable too! Use the code CN15 to get 15% off the already affordable prices. I think I need the neon coral one next! What is your workout must have?

ModCloth

Ok, I may be late on this train… but I’m kind of obsessed with ModCloth. I bought a dress from them for our cruise back in January and I love it. The clothes are adorable. I’m loving their home decor section too. This is my most recent obsession:

The arrows… The quote. I adore it. Now who wants to buy it for me?

GoMacro Bars

Last, but not least, my new favorite snack: GoMacro Bars! These bars are seriously delicious.

These bars are vegan, organic, gluten free, and non-GMO verified. And delicious. They have flavors from coconut granola to my favorite: Banana Almond butter. I love that gomacro is a family run company who bases their business principles on a whole living lifestyle. Go check out their website and use the code SOGOOD40 to get 40% off until 9/30.

Yogi Tea

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I am on such a hot drink kick with the weather cooling down. My favorite right now is the Kava Stress Relief. I swear it works.

Fabletics

I’ve talked about Fabletics a few times. But seriously… It is my favorite workout wear. They come out with new outfits each month. This month is all about the Taos Print, But I am in love with this jacket…

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I just got in these ombre pants and I love them. Use my referral link and you can get 50% off your first outfit!

What are some of your recent favorite finds?

disclaimer: i was provided with samples of some products in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reviews, Running

JD Sports Review

August 19, 2014 Courtney

I was provided a pair of shoes in exchange for my honest opinions about the site and ordering process. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It is no secret that I love shoes. I mean, c’mon, what girl doesn’t love shoes?! When it comes to the type of shoes I have in my closet… or strewn about my floor… there are 2 kinds: athletic shoes and flip flops. I’m not too much of a fancy shoe lover, I’m far more practical. While comfort and function come in ahead of fashion when choosing shoes that doesn’t mean my shoes are all drab. Recently the people at JD Sports offered to send me a pair of shoes. Who turns down a pair of shoes? Not this girl! I chose the Nike Free 5.0. They shipped quickly and arrived at my door in a bright yellow bag

It is actually a reusable drawstring bag, which I thought was pretty cool. With JD Sports being a UK based company I thought shipping would take forever, but it actually didn’t take much longer than a normal online purchase!

It has been quite some time since I wore a dedicated running shoe, but I knew with my surgery that my recovery would likely include a lot of walking before I’m able to get back to weight lifting so these beauties will be perfect for that.

They are light weight and comfortable. I chose to go with black because they will go with so many more outfits that way! They aren’t as wide in the toe box as I’ve had previously but for walking for recovery into jogging/running as I get back to normal workouts they will be perfect!

New running shoes always make it more exciting to hit the pavement. I got clearance from the doctor today to walk as much as I want to so these little guys will see a little more than just my inside flooring! If you are looking for a new pair of shoes be sure to check out JD Sports, they have a wide variety of styles and sizes to meet your needs.

Do you pick bold or neutral shoe colors?

Reviews, workouts

What Are The Best Shoes For CrossFit?

August 10, 2014 Courtney

The Following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

For as long as I’ve been in CrossFit there has been a lot of talk about what shoes are the best. I have used several different types of shoes myself, as well as seeing a lot of my clients use different shoes as well. When I started CrossFit the shoes I used were large and clunky running shoes with a huge heel drop. As a newer CrossFitter you might not realize the difference your shoes make since you are probably thinking more about the movement and trying to catch your breath. As you start to get more familiar with movements you are going to notice it becomes more difficult to get into the proper position for movements.

After a few months I got my first pair of Reebok Nanos, back then they were the 2.0. The difference I felt between my cushy running shoes and Reebok Nano was significant! Since that first pair I have gone through more than my fair share of different Nanos. I’ve always loved the 2.0 for the wide toe box and breathability. Then they came out with the 3.0, which was a big change with the added duracage. It was missing the wider toe box I was accustomed to and the new stability of the duragage, which I loved for running, inhibited the breathability of the shoe and made it quite a bit heavier.

Enter the Reebok Nano 4.0

Reebok has been amazing about creating quality CrossFit shoes as well as listening to the feedback of the athletes to help perfect the design even more.

The Reebok Nano 4.0 takes my favorite things about the 2.0 and 3.0 and combines them into one awesome shoe.

One of the best things about the Nano 4.0 is the 4mm heel drop, which allows your heels to stay connected to the ground during your lifts. A stable platform is important in a shoe when you are lifting weights! With those big cushy running shoes every time to press your heels into the ground you roll forward on to your toes, making it hard to connect with the ground and get the power you need for those big lifts. Reebok also changed the mesh under the duracage making it far more breathable. It also has the RopePro protection on the inside of the foot to help with support on those Rope Climbs!

Every one asks us Coaches what gear they need to start CrossFit and I always tell them before you get caught up in all the accessories it is most important to invest in a good solid shoe, and the Reebok Nano 4.0 is just that.

Plus, The Champ uses them too…

And any chance I get to be like Rich, I’ll take.

What Shoes do you use for CrossFit?

Reviews

It Works! Wrap Review (from a skeptic)

December 12, 2013 Courtney

I’ve been on this health journey for quite sometime. I’ve lost a significant amount of fat and have been very open about my issues with sagging skin. I know there is no “miracle cure” and I’ve been a pretty hard core skeptic when it comes to products that claim to give miraculous results. I’ve also been known to have an intense dislike for anything in a Multi-Level Marketing format. So when I started seeing things for It Works! Products to say I was a skeptic would be a severe understatement.

When I saw one of my very level headed, intelligent, and hilarious friends, Angelina, start posting that she was a distributor for It Works! Products I immediately started ~~interrogating~~ asking her about the products. I knew she would blatantly honest with me about the products. She sent me some pictures of people she knew personally that had results. She told me that this would be a great product to along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. She didn’t promise I would lost x amount of pounds or inches. She simply believed in the products and wanted me to try them for myself. Her and another distributor, Stephanie, put together a package that included 1 treatment (4 wraps) of the It Works! wraps, 1 bottle of defining gel,and a few samples of their energy bars and greens.

I read through all the information looking for flaws and loopholes. I decided to try the first wrap during a day when I was hope. They say to leave it on for at least 45 minutes but up to 8 hours. I went with 3 hours. The application was easy, just open and unwrap the cloth and put it where you want to see results. I, of course, went with my tummy. I followed the instructions to a T… placed the wrap and used saran wrap to keep it in place. Totally hot, right?

Anyway, after the 3 hours I removed the wrap and massaged the leftover gel in. I was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Obviously, I have a major overhang of skin at the bottom of my abdomen. I also have had my skin scrunch up around my belly button. I’ve had super dark pink stretch marks across my middle abdomen (thanks, pregnancy). I measured before, right after removing and 72 hours later. Right after removing the wrap I had lost a total of 2 inches. 72 hours later my measurements were down 5.5 inches, with 3.5 of those inches being around my belly button… one of my problem areas.

While I was impressed with the change in my measurements I was interested to see if they would stay the same for a few days before I wrapped again. I noticed my waist and upper abdomen fluctuated up a few inches, while my lower abdomen actually went down an inch. The second wrap I did overnight.

I saw a significant change in the pictures but my measurements actually went up a bit. I think it was because I did it overnight and wasn’t drinking water like I did for the other one.

3 days later I tried wrap 3.

The major differences I started to see was that the shade of my stretch marks got lighter, my skin felt tighter, and there wasn’t as much sagging around my belly button.

I got caught up in thanksgiving and life and didn’t do my last wrap for about a week and a half after the third one. My before wrap 4 measurements were about an inch more than they were after wrap 3, but uhm… hello, thanksgiving.

Again I noticed the lighter color of my stretch marks and more tightening of the skin around my belly button.

So, the final results….

So, my thoughts? I think this is a really good ACCESSORY. It does not replace a healthy diet and exercise program. I would not classify it as a weight loss product, it is more of a beauty product. It didn’t magically make me lose weight. I was eating clean and exercising during these few weeks of trying the products. I was lucky enough to have a distributor who didn’t try to sell me this product by telling me it would make my tummy flat in x amount of treatments. I still weigh the same as I did when I started these wraps, dang that 183 it just won’t go away. My measurements, however, did change.

Before Wrap 1-
Upper Abdomen: 33
Waist at Belly Button: 41
Lower Abdomen: 43

After Wrap 4-
Upper Abdomen: 32
Waist at Belly Button: 37
Lower Abdomen: 41

That’s a total of 7 inches lost!

AGAIN – I was eating (mostly) clean and doing CrossFit 6+ times a week while doing these wraps. The results I saw were a combonation of that along with the It Works! Products.

The Verdict? I’m pleased with my results and I think that they are worth the price. I’ll for sure become a loyal customer (you get better pricing as long as you order at least 1 product a month for 3 months) They actually have some holiday sales going on right now too if you want to check them out visit either Angelina or Stephanie’s website for more details.

Have you ever tried It Works Wraps? Why or Why Not?

Disclaimer – I was provided these products at no cost. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reviews

Fabletics- Nadi Legging Review

December 2, 2013 Courtney

Being a CrossFit coach I’m always in my workout clothes. It is super important for me to have activewear that fits, flatters, but most of all is functional. Fashion is always a plus. I’ve had my share of phases with workout gear. I have tried just about everything under the sun. The truth is I like variety. I wear 1 outfit to WOD in after coaching morning classes and another outfit in the evening to coach in. Sometimes I wear clothes a time or two before washing, but most times I can’t stomach it. I also don’t do laundry as often as I should. By the end of the week I’m left wearing my reserve clothes that are probably see though.

When I saw Fabletics pop up on a Facebook ad I was interested. They have a VIP program that is a subscription type service. They come out with new colors and designs each month and you can choose from different pre-matched outfits. The outfits differ in price depending on how many pieces, but they average around $50, which is an amazing price for 2 or 3 piece activewear sets!

My main concern was the quality of the pieces. When I reached out to Fabletics they were more than happy to send me a pair of their most popular leggings to try out, The Nadi Legging.

I didn’t have any full leggings so I was excited to try them out. I absolutely loved the material! It is thick and cozy. I got a size large and it fit perfectly in the waist, but was a bit long in the length… story of my life though! #shortpeopleproblems

Sidenote: True Story…. In High School they called me Shortney.

I wore these through a CrossFit WOD including pull ups, burpees, and squats and they didn’t budge. I consider burpees the ultimate test. Some pants slow me down because I have to stop to pull them up after every rep! Not these ones though.

I love that these keep me warm enough not to have to layer sweatpants over it. Also, I’m absolutely loving how they hug my quads! I want big quads and I cannot lie…

I really love how they set up their VIP subscription program. They have different outfits available for different prices but if you don’t want to buy something that month all you have to do is click “Skip This Month” right on your login page and you won’t be charged.

If you forget to order or skip by the 10th you will be charged $49.95 which will be held as a credit for the next time you purchase.

Also, if you order your first outfit within 24 hours of registering you can get it for 50% off!

I’ve already ordered another outfit and can’t wait to pick out my next one. You can also earn points that add up to free outfits. You earn points by purchasing, writing reviews, and inviting friends. Want to help me earn points? Use my invite link!

Have you heard of Fabletics?
Do you like subscription services?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I was sent a pair of leggings in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reviews

BAMR Bands Review and Giveaway

November 15, 2013 Courtney

Hey Friends! How was your week? I had all intentions of blogging more, but it was just one of those weeks. Let’s just say Amen that it’s Friday and celebrate with something fun…. Like a post about cute headbands and a chance for you to win one of your own!

Katie, a fellow Fitfluential and Sweat Pink Ambassador,created BAMR Bands Non-Slip Headbands in January of this year after looking for cute fitness headbands and not finding what she was looking for. She is a momma to a little boy and has another on the way. Mad props to a momma who is a full time momma and business owner, that’s hard work!

Anyway, she sent me a few different prints to try out.

Polka Dots(!!), Mint Chevron (!!!), and Purple!! Seriously, could it be any more perfect?!

These bands are all made from 7/8″ ribbon with velvet backing so it stays put on your head, even during burpees!

Not only are they great for working out, but they are great for lounging around in. It’s super fun to look cute when you are working out, but you also get to look cute when lounging around or running errands.

This is post WOD and while my face is still rosy red, the polka dot band stayed in place the whole workout. Looks like Payt needs one to keep the hair out of her face too. I love that girl.

Anyway, the great thing about BAMR Bands is that One dollar from every headband purchased goes to the charity, Every Mother Counts – a charity aiming to “end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Every Mother Counts informs, engages, and mobilizes new audiences to take action to improve the health and well-being of girls and women worldwide.”

BAMR Bands has a variety of different color and print options from Chevron to glitter to animal prints and even sports teams. There is literally something for everyone.

Now the fun part…. You get to win a band of your choice!

All you have to do to enter is visit the BAMR Bands site and leave me a comment telling me what band you would want if you win.

Extra entry available if you follow @BAMRbands on Instagram and leave a separate comment telling me to you did so.

parenting, Reviews

Sick Days

November 6, 2013 Courtney

On Monday Payton woke up with a bit of a scratchy throat. It went away after a few hours, but I knew it’d be back. Yesterday she woke up and squeaked “Mama, I’m sad because I’m hot”

Yup. Fever and congestion. So for the first time in a loooooong time I stayed home from CrossFit with her. I hardly knew what to do with myself with a few extra hours in the morning. She started to get better throughout the day, but it’s so hard seeing her sick. I felt off all day too because I didn’t get my morning work out in. Since she was feeling better we went up to CrossFit for the evening sessions. It was good to get a workout in.

This morning I found her curled up on the end of the bed and she said “I just don’t feel good today” so we stayed home again. Poor kid is wheezing and coughing and still has a low grade fever. So another day of cuddles on the couch and Disney Junior

Last week I had the makings of something similar. I woke up with a scratchy throat and immediately thought of the Zamboost Samples I was sent to try out.

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I began taking them and sipping on hot tea. Luckily the majority of the sickness past, with just an early morning throat tickle for a few days. I really think that taking Zamboost when I first felt the sickness coming on kept me from getting full on sick. I love that they are a local company from here in St Louis! Too bad I didn’t have a chewable version for toddlers!! If you are looking for something to boost your immune system be sure to check them out. They are available in Walgreens & Complete Nutrition stores in the STL area and on Amazon for online purchase.

In the mean time I’ve been trying all the natural remedies and little tricks I can think of to help Payt…. Vicks (we even got a Vicks Vaporizer for her room), Warm washcloth on the chest, next up is the warm bath/steam shower trick. I know it’s only a few days that a sickness like this lasts but it breaks my heart! Even her pup is trying to make her feel better, sweet boy.

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How do you handle sick kiddos? Do you take immunity boosting supplements?

Category: Reviews

Lightened Up Ranch Tuna Salad #BeeHealthy

3 Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions with Progresso™ Light

Manitoba HempPro 70 Protein Review

Favorite Finds

JD Sports Review

What Are The Best Shoes For CrossFit?

It Works! Wrap Review (from a skeptic)

Fabletics- Nadi Legging Review

BAMR Bands Review and Giveaway

Sick Days