It's the Gift We all Knead: Massage Envy' Holiday Special - 3 For Them + 1 for You

Want-it Wednesdays:

Disclaimer: I received a gift card to help promote this amazing deal for the holidays from Massage Envy DFW. 

While I love receiving a gift card for just about anything, I admit I normally end up spending them on necessary things like groceries and clothes and not on the fun stuff that Christmas is meant for. (Isn't being an adult fun!?!) 

That's why we get you something that you are forced to enjoy like manicures, clothes and massages, you can't feel guilty about just appreciating a gift, right? It would rude to waste it. 

Now take a look at that Christmas list and see who could benefit from one hour of stress-free attention to work out those knots...I know everyone on my list would (and it's a BIG list!) Then get the best reward by scoring a massage for yourself by just giving to others!

The Dallas-Fort Worth Massage Envy Spas have a special holiday offer starting today: buy three gift cards (or any combination that equals $225) and receive a free, one-hour massage session. This offer is only valid for purchase at the 33 DFW Massage Envy Spas, but can be redeemed nationwide at 900 locations. Massage Envy Spa gift cards may be used for any combination of products and services offered in any Massage Envy Spa nation-wide. Fourteen DFW Massage Envy Spas offer Murad® healthy skin facials. You've until December 24 to get your list checked off with this offer! 

Massage Envy DFW
Log on to http://www.massageenvy.com/regions/TX/Dallas.aspx to find the nearest Massage Envy Spa 
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Enjoy the Sweet Life with Quick Almond Joy Brownies #WhatsYourID

Want-It Wednesday:

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

The summer time brings a much-needed slower pace for moms. Well, not really, with all the activities and events planned from the moment the kids are out of school until the day they get back. However, it does give you a reason to enjoy some of the sweet things in life like brownies. 

One of our family favorites, I was looking to jazz up the baked chocolate concoction with something a little more fun, flavorful AND QUICK. But it's too hot to sit in the kitchen for hours, so with the help of a brownie mix, some cupboard staples and my International Delight Almond Joy Creamer, I was able to whip up a dessert like our family favorite 7-Layered Bars, but this time was even better with Almond Joy Brownies. 

QUICK ALMOND JOY BROWNIES

Ingredients:
1 Box of Fudge Brownie Mix (I used Betty Crocker)
1 cup almonds (I used slivered, but you can use chopped)
1 cup chocolate chips 
1 cup flaked coconut 
1 cup of International Delight Almond Joy Creamer

Directions: 
Make brownies as instructed on the box, but opt for the cake-like brownie recipe.) 
Bake for about 15-18 minutes until the brownies are set, but not necessarily cooked. 
Take the brownies out of the oven and begin layering. First with the coconut and then the chocolate chips. 
Next add the creamer over the brownie mixture. 
Last add the almonds. 
Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes at the same temperature or until the toppings look browned. 
Take out of the oven and allow to cool before cutting. 

TIP: 
Unlike chocolate chip cookies, these brownies get even better after some time out of the oven. We ended up putting these in the refrigerator for a day and when they came out again, I couldn't get everyone to stop eating them. The added coolness gave it a little crunch and with the heat of summer, it was nice to bite into a cool brownie. Trust me, it's worth the wait! 

What's Your ID? International Delight is looking for their most passionate flavor fans. Put your ID on the map to enter to win a Magical Trip, play games and discover more unexpected delight. Share your ID flavor at http://whatsyourid.com. 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

The Clear Choice: Don't Call Me Brace Face {Spon}

Want-it Wednesdays:

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on the behalf of Invisalign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Everyone (except maybe Heidi Klum) has had their ugly duckling period. 

Normally it is also the time puberty kicks in around junior high and to make your self-esteem really go downhill, your parents decide this is the right time for braces. Then thankfully about your senior year of high school you get your braces removed just in time to show your new perfectly straightened pearly whites for graduation photos.

I wasn’t that lucky. Although I was so glad to get braces, I didn’t get mine “installed” UNTIL the end of my junior year of high school. To make it even more fun, I got my first pair of glasses the following week. While my top row were “clear” ceramic braces, my bottom set were the traditional metal braces, my graduation photos would definitely have me and my braces and so would my first year of college…

Super. (That’s not what I said at the time, but you can imagine what I was thinking, right?) 

While I wasn’t happy to be “Braceface” and “Four Eyes” all of a sudden, I didn’t mind it near as much as the pain I had when my wires needed adjusting and started poking me in the sides of my mouth. I can still remember the feeling now as well as the huge amounts of wax I just kept sticking into my braces so it would stop hurting just for a little bit. During the first four months I had those babies on I ate nothing but egg drop soup because it hurt to much to eat and/or would probably get stuck in my teeth anyhow.

Thankfully technology has changed and made days of throbbing teeth, ugly graduation photos and wondering "what’s stuck in my teeth” a thing of the past. For instance with Invisalign, patients can watch their winning smile evolve instead of waiting to see the final result when the traditional metal brackets come off. Invisalign patients can start to see improvements and progress in as little as 90 days.

And best of all, no more wires and brackets required – Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time. The benefits include no food restrictions, ability to easily maintain healthy dental brushing habits, minimal interference with sports or other activities, and teeth get straightened without most people knowing you are in treatment.

When compared to metal or even ceramic wire bracket braces like I had, a clear aligner option like Invisalign has many advantages. Although the cost is roughly about the same as traditional braces, the Invisalign treatment usually requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments and no “emergency” visits for broken wires or brackets.

Oh, if I could only do it over again. Oh wait, I get to – in just about 8 years with my kids. At least they’ll have Invisalign.

Have you or someone you've known used Invisalign? What did you think? 

Learn more about Invisalign on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

Soothe Baby Eczema with Aveeno Eczema Therapy Kit {Giveaway}

Want-it Tuesdays:

I received product for the purpose of this review. However, all the information and comments are my own.

A few months ago my beautiful little girl's perfectly peach and unmarked skin became red, whelped and dry all over her poor little, chubby legs. Since she didn't complain and thinking she just had a reaction to being out in a field of bluebonnets (a spring Texas requirement), I let it go for more than a week without doing much than amp up her lotion use. It was only after her school became scared the condition may be contagious and it wasn't going away, I realized it might be eczema.  But just in case, I needed to take her to the pediatrician. 

Comfirmed by her pediatrician, we decided it was time to take her for a dip in an oatmeal bath and slather on the lotion. Why oatmeal?  As a skin protectant active ingredient, oatmeal can help restore skin's normal pH and aid in the maintenance of skin's moisture barrier to prevent and protect dry skin. 

Of course, that meant only one brand would do - Aveeno. Since both my husband and I had our own issues with eczema, we already were big fans of their products. But for our little girl we wondered if the treatments might be too intense for her tender skin. 

The Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Care Kit is a two-step regimen formulated with colloidal oatmeal to help soothe eczema-prone skin. Eczema Therapy Bath Treatment gently cleanses and relieves irritation due to eczema. The convenient kit helps to improve the four symptoms of eczema—itchiness, dryness, irritation and rough skin. When dispersed in water, the hypoallergenic powder forms a tear-free milky bath that soothes as it naturally cleanses without soap. After bathing, baby's skin is softer and smoother, and dry, irritated, sensitive skin is relieved.

While I loved that there was a kit including the lotion and treatment, I still needed a wash to clean her body when we didn't have time for a bath. Thankfully there was a solution for that too...the Aveeno Baby Cleansing Theraphy Moisturizing Wash. awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Best of all everything we needed was purchased at our local grocery store, didn't need a prescription and didn't break the bank. 

And neither will you with this special giveaway from Aveeno! 

Are you looking for a nighttime ritual to From AVEENO®, the leader in ACTIVE NATURALS® ingredients and recommended by Pediatricians for over 60 years, comes the AVEENO® Baby Bathtime Solutions Gift Set, which includes products to nurture baby's skin and pamper mom!

One lucky reader will win the AVEENO® BABY BATHTIME SOLUTIONS GIFT SET (great gift for you or a great baby shower gift) with:

• Baby Wash & Shampoo: blends natural oat extract into a rich, lathering, soap-free cleanser that cleans without drying
• Baby Daily Moisture Lotion: non-greasy formula contains natural colloidal oatmeal to help soothe baby's delicate, dry skin
• Baby Calming Comfort Bath: tear-free, soap free cleanser contains soothing scents of lavender and relaxing vanilla
• Stress Relief Body Wash: formulated with natural colloidal oatmeal to clean and moisturize skin, and scented with lavender, essential chamomile and ylang-ylang oils to help calm and relax you in the shower

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Giveaway is now closed! 

Mama's Prom Dress

Want it Wednesdays: 

A few weeks ago I went Prom dress shopping with my neice. It was lots of fun, but I realized about half-way through zipping up her 304th dress choice, I never actually went prom dress shopping. While I was lucky to have a gifted and talented mother to create the prom dress of my dreams at the time (something that's necessary when you have as boobs as big as mine at the time), I missed out a a rite of passage. 

Here's the one my neice chose. So cute, but not for me.

Then I realized since I was married on the beach in Mexico, I didn't go wedding dress shopping, but rather found several beach dresses online (it's hard to find a white beach dress in December in store) then jetted off with much thought about my wedding dress. So that meant I didn't have that "this is the dress" moment either. 

The whole moment-I-missed-a-moment made me kinda sad. 

So I decided to go prom dress shopping, but in the way that suits me now, that wasn't  available back in the day when I was young - on the internet. 

Here are a few of my favorites. 

What do you think? 

Is there ever a moment now as a mom you would go back and redo if you could? 

Want-it Wednesday: Give Your Bedroom a Facelift with $500 Upgrade {Giveaway}

Want-it Wednesdays:

Do you ever just feel like if you changed up the look of a room it would change everything? You would feel less stress and more together if your room, especially your bedroom, looked like it came straight from the Pottery Barn catalog or photos from Pinterest?

Yes, me too.

Actually I designed our bedroom and I still like it, but after seven years, it’s worn on me and a need a fresh breathe of air. Unfortunately, my pocketbook doesn’t need to see the light of day.

Thank goodness for giveaways.

Ready for your bedroom to go from weak to chic? Enter the UGallery / Crane & Canopy “Bedroom Makeover” Contest by May 6 for a chance to win a $250 credit to UGallery and a $250 credit to Crane & Canopy. That’s a combined $500 for new art, new bedding and a brand-new bedroom look!

UGallery is a unique online art gallery offering affordable art for sale from the nation's most talented mid-career and emerging artists. UGallery’s team of art experts carefully select and curate each artist and piece that’s exhibited so that you can purchase artwork online with real confidence.

What UGallery does with art, Crane & Canopy does with bedding. They’re an innovative online home goods company, offering beautifully designed, high-quality bedding without the department store mark-up.

Enter the UGallery and Crane & Canopy contest to upgrade your bedroom and sleep in style!

Never to be one not prepared, I’ve prepicked my favorites in case I win or you win and want to donate your gift card to a friend in need (i.e. me.)

And while this one doesn't match, I have to include this artist because her name is Autumn Rose. 

Acylic painting, "Scarlet" by Autumn Rose

I'd love to see what you'd pick out if you won! 

Remember to enter by May 6 for the UGallery / Crane & Canopy “Bedroom Makeover” Contest for a chance to win a $250 credit to UGallery and a $250 credit to Crane & Canopy. 

Love Her Locks with Lucky Little Lolly {Giveaway}

Want-it Wednesdays:

It's no secret I love that I had a little girl and that I love to dress her up! Unfortunately, she doesn't love bows right now, but when she finally let's me get my hands on her ringlets, she will have a serious inventory to select from! The one I'm most excited about it the one from the amazing hands of Lucky Little Lolly. 

Photo credit: http://www.renmorrisonphotography.com

Made by local Dallas part-time stay-at-home mom, part-time law office manager/associate lawyer and full-time creative, Ashley Thomann didn't search out to create a hair accessory business. Like many moms, after she had her little girl, she began crafting bows to style her daughter's hair. When she received countless comments on her clips and bows, she realized she was on to something. Thus, Lucky Little Lolly was born. 

Photo credit: http://www.renmorrisonphotography.com

But a bow doesn't begin to describe the accessories Ashley has created. Honestly, each one is a little piece of art (just check out the LLL shop on Etsy) using luxurious fabrics and materials to create flowers, fascinators and now even adult couture accessories. And she continues to share her creative genius with moms like myself who might need a lesson (or two) on how to create a boutique bow, she's loaded up a tutorial on her blog!  

But her kindness doesn't end there! 

One lucky reader is going to win a $20 gift card to Lucky Little Lolly. (And unfortunately, it can't be me, but I let you donate it to me if you want to!) 

ENTER THE LUCKY LITTLE LOLLY GIVEAWAY!

Date Night: Party for Two at BJs Restaurant

Want-it Wednesdays:

Something I've wanted for a long time and don't get near enough of are meals with JUST the two of us. Between our busy schedules and two kids under 5, dinner is normally at home, in a rush and only about 15 minutes long or when the 18-month old rises from her seat and begins to touch her dirty hands all over the kitchen. So when we had the chance to score a DATE NIGHT with just the two of us at a local BJs Brewhouse in Arlington, I was thrilled (even if that meant "date night" was an early dinner before the kids got from school!) 

Since we felt like we were sneaking off during a school night, we wanted to go somewhere casual and could suit both of our taste AND our budget, so BJs was a great fit. We hadn't been there in ages, so we figured it was time to try it out. We were greeted by a friendly staff and a warm atmosphere, helping us to relax and enjoy this special moment even if it was only going to be about an hour. After springing for two handcrafted beers (I couldn't resist the sound of the Brewmaster's Reserve Blonde Lager), we took on the huge menu to figure out "What's for dinner?" 

Being that we were on a "date," we figured we'd go all out and try the Party for Two, an appropriate choice for this party of two - complete with two soups or salads, any medium signature pizza and a "pizookie." Sounded like a plan that could make us both happy!

To start, my husband opted for Clam Chowder and I ordered the Tomato Mozarella Salad. Both were delicious and made me crave the next course even more. But we were going to have to agree on a pizza - at least we thought. While our helpful waiter let us know we could choose to order our pizza half and half, we both eyed one of the new flavors, the Spicy Meatball - complete with meatballs, jalapenos and Italian sausage. I knew he was really craving it, so I conceeded (or at least I let him think I took one for the team.) 

Mama Mia! The Spicy Meatball did not disapoint at all and I even ate one more slice them him. We would have eaten it all, but decided to box it up for later if there was anyway we were going to eat this PIZOOKIE thing. I had heard about it, but to be honest, it just seemed like a warm chocolate chip cookie and ice cream (a relatively normal desert), so why did people rave about it? 

I was about to find out why. 

There were actually like seven different Pizookies to choose from, but since this was our first one, we went for the original Bj's Famous Pizookie. A few minutes later when it arrived at the table, we dove in like two kids on the playground. 

...And we finished that baby up in no time flat. It was honestly one of the best desserts I had devoured in a long time. It was just simple goodness without too much of the "other' stuff. I mean when something is perfectly good, you don't need anything else to make it better (although I will be back for the Pizookie Trio so I can decide that statement is true this time for myself!) 

When the check came (after we let a button out on our pants), the look on my husband's face was priceless. "Wow, did they forget something on here?" 

Curious I took a look and everything we had ordered was there - it was just that for for the Party for Two and our two beers we had ordered (as well as the handcrafted rootbeer I had to take home), was just around $30. Now THAT is budget-friendly. And to think, if we hadn't splurged for beers, we would have spent around $20 for a delicious three-course meal, great service and somewhere we look forward to frequenting again - soon. 

Maybe this time we will bring the kids...maybe. 

Remember, the PARTY FOR TWO for only $19.95 is available NATIONWIDE now until April 29, so you need to make plans now to visit your local BJs Restaurant to score this great deal!

Find your closest BJs Restaurant location, menu options and more here: 

BJ’s WEBSITE : http://www.bjsrestaurants.com

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/bjsrestaurants

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BJsRestaurants

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/bjsrestaurants/

GOOGLE+ Love: https://plus.google.com/+bjsrestaurants/posts

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Bj’s Restaurants, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #Bjsrestaurants http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO. 

Spring Makeup Must Haves from Nordstrom Trend Show

Want-it Wednesdays:

I received free admission and several samples for my personal review. However, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

I'm a make-up fantatic. Which is quite funny because I don't wear that much, but I sure do love to play with it and basically collect it like figurines on my bathroom shelves (I'm positive I would be considered a Hoarder, but that's not the topic of today's discussion.)

What is though? Some spring make-up must haves. 

Recently, I was privileged to attend Nordstrom Spring Trend Show event at Galleria Dallas. If you've never been or never heard of it, it's like Beauty Church...complete with a preacher, deacon, music and pews (well, figuratively speaking). It's heavenly for people like me and even more so for those women who will spend the whole day at Nordstrom buying and trying all the latest and greatest in makeup and receiving mega bonus buys while being treated to some pretty nice treatments. All for a little $25 golden ticket. And gals, it's worth it. 

Sitting in attendance with some of beauty royalty like Karla Sugar, I was able to see what was new on the market and also score several samples of it, too. So once I got home I dumped out my goodies to try 'em out. 

Here's what I found that I really loved: 

1. La Mer: Does it need explanation? There's a reason women pay around $275 for this magic cream in a bottle! $150-$275
2. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution: Dark circles and big pores be gone! $85
3. Laura Mercier ambre vanille souffle body creme: Smells A-mazing $35
4. Viktor & Rolf SpiceBomb: It's for the men, but smells so good I haven't given it to my husband to wear in fear I might jump his bones in public. $48-$128
5. Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate: Firm my skin and even out the skin tone.$85
6. Brushes from Nordstrom: Just like a pen, it's gotta feel good when you use it. It's good to replace those brushes from time to time and these are so soft and with a little care, can last me a while!
7. Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream: I'm sure sleep my help me cure some of my huge dark circle issues, but in the meantime until I win the lottery or someone wants to pay me for my sarcasm, I'll be using this stuff.  $75
8. Lancome Visionnaire Corrector: More love for my dark circles as well as my pores and evening my skin tone using a little handle applicator. $89-$109
9. Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials: Always in search of making my eyes look brighter, this shadow primer helps keep your eye makeup in place and makes you appear that you've had at least eight hours of shuteye, even if two is sounding good. $25

What's new in your makeup bag? 

Want-It Wednesday: Wake Up Your Wardrobe with Stella & Dot Bracelet & Earrings {Giveaway}

Want-it Wednesdays:

Do you need to wake up your wardrobe? You're in luck! 

I'm giveaway this Secret Garden bracelet and earring set from Stella & Dot! All you have to do is enter the giveaway, which begins today until Saturday, April 6 at 11:59 PM. 

To enter: just click here or visit my Facebook page TODAY. 

Also, remember I'm hosting a "Wake Up Your Wardrobe" Spring Trunk Show! And right now Spend $50 and get 50% off your purchase AND we're also giving away another necklace to one lucky person who makes a purchase. Best of all, this month when you buy something from my trunk show, a portion of the proceeds will go to Autism Awareness Month!

So what are you waiting for? 

Celeb-Inspired Spring Jewelry Looks {Invitation to My Online Spring Trunk Show}

To-Do Thursdays:

JOIN THE PARTY  

---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW <-----------------

So this week's Want-it Wednesday and To-Do Thursday comes together to for a mega party and YOU'RE INVITED! 

Spring means it's time to update your wardrobe with color and fun...for me that means it's time to take out the black and put some white in there, too. Luckily, I dress up my look with fun statement pieces like big necklaces and cuff bracelets. (In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die!") 

I'll admit that my kids love to play in my jewelry and even my son likes to help me accesorize my look - he actually told me the other day I needed a little pop of color! So I'm taking his advice and sharing a few of my favorite pieces (and the celebs) from the spring Stella & Dot line! 

I'm kinda obsessed with this Modern Mom, Brooke Burke!

Most people know Stella & Dot for at-home parties with your friends - but the lack of time makes it hard to just have a night to hang out with the girls. So I've done us all a favor and created an online jewelry trunk show you can attend in your PJs and from your couch! 

JOIN THE PARTY  

---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW  <-----------------

Elizabeth Banks is more than "Pitch Perfect," but she's got jewerly perfect taste, too! 

If you don't love Olivia, you should - look at her good taste! 

I hope you join me at least for a little time-out to see what you're missing...

and even better: 

So what are you waiting for? 

JOIN THE PARTY  
---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW <-----------------

\

4 Apps For Organizing Your Business Cards

Want-it Wednesday: 

Normally, if attend an event or meeting, more than likely you are going to collect some business cards. If you are going to a conference (like I am this week), you are bound to get a pile of business cards. Over the years I have tested several systems to minimize, organize and digitize business cards. Some of been good and taken forever to maintain while others have been bad, useless and left in a pile never to be looked at again. It's an endless cycle, so it's time to take control and put that technology to work by utilizing your smart phone to do a lot more than just tweeting and texting. 

So here's four apps that I can put my thumbs up on to help you put those valuable contacts to work for you! While none of them do everything I want, it certainly beats hand entering business cards or adding them to my pile-that-never-gets-done box (see above.) 

1. CamCard

Probably my favorite, this one let's your scan the card, add it to an online "rolodex," export it to your regular contacts and then throw it away (no more piles!) While there's a free edition it limits the number of cards you can upload at a time. For just a few dollars, you can have the access to the app full-time (which is the way you'll want it after a conference and motivated.)

2. Bump

When the iPhone launched, everyone was into "Bumping..." when they meet someone. However, this app has so many other things it does as well like sharing documents and even works with your laptop now (haven't tried that!) I really think this makes it super easy to share contact information, but you'll have to rely on the other person having the app, which may take too long. Honestly, every conference should require you have a QSR code on your nametag and it will take care of everything - you'd just scan them all and have them in your database immediately. (Hint, hint #BlissDom!)

3. CardFlick

While this one doesn't have the clout that the other apps included in this list have, I can tell you, I'd wish it would. One of my favorite parts of business cards is getting to see the design and personality of the company or person I am speaking with. CardFlick allows you to have a digitally designed business card that you can "flick" (like Bump) with others. Unfortunately this app hasn't taken off yet, but if it does, I'll definitely have my business card ready for flicking! 

4. WorldCard Mobile Lite

Until CamCard this was the way I uploaded my business cards. It works reasonably well although like any scanner, specific fonts and sizes are difficult to read and don't always convert easily. Available as both a free and paid version (with more options), this is a great app for you to organize your business cards with a few different options than CamCard. What I liked about CamCard is that it made it easier to export each contact immediately to my phone book as well as the user layout. 

What's your favorite business card app? Please share! 

Want-It Wednesday: 5 Moves to a Perfect Bikini Body

Want-it Wednesdays:

What is it I want this Want-It Wednesday? Yep, it's a body that looks good enough in a bathing suit that it doesn't resemble Shamu strung up in net! I've been working for several months, but not without a few ups and downs. So when I had the chance to speak with a woman who literally lives in a bikini all-year long, I figured she'd have some great tips to get me (and you) ready! 

National bikini competitor Angeles Burke shares  her secret workouts that keep her bikini-ready throughout the year! A member of the National Physique Committee (NPC), A.F.A.A. certified fitness instructor and Celsius sponsored athlete, Angeles knows the importance of staying fit and healthy. Her experience competing has taught her workouts that pinpoint and tone areas of the body that will make that swimsuit look great – and have you look your best, as well. Her workouts are great to sneak in anywhere, whether you’re at the gym, on the beach mid-vacation or on the go that will lead to a fitter, more sculpted you this vacation.

Photo credit: angelesburke.wordpress.com

Angeles’ Beach Body Workout:

Crab Squat Walks: 

Just because you’re on vacation does NOT mean the workouts are over! Whether you’re lounging by the beach or at the gym, this workout will help give you the legs you’ve always wanted! If you’re on the beach, don’t give up until you reach the lifeguard chair - this is a pretty silly looking move, but it will get your booty burning!

1. Stand with your feet in a wide stance.
2. Drop your glutes down so that your thigh is parallel to the ground.
3. Hold that position and then take 12 steps forward and 12 steps back. You must remain as low as possible, keeping all the weight in your heels.

Seashell Reaches: 

While you’re walking on the beach, why not kick it up a notch and make it a workout? Every few steps, practice this workout to pick up shells or rocks. If you’re at home, use a dumbbell for an intensified workout!

1. Stand on your left foot.
2. Lift your right foot behind you and bend your knee so your right lower leg is parallel to the floor.
3. Bend forward at your hips, and slowly lower your body as far as you can. Pause, then push your body back to the starting position.
4. As you come up, think about using your glutes to push your hips forward instead of lifting from your back.
5. Keep core engaged and chest up during the entire movement.

Towel Side Planks: 

While you and your friends are lying pool or ocean-side, why not get an ab workout in while you tan? These side planks are a great way to tone up – and you can do them on your towel!

1. Lie on your left side with your knees straight.
2. Prop your upper body up on your left elbow and forearm.
3. Raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders.
4. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
5. Turn around so that you’re lying on your right side and repeat.

Surf-Climbers: 

This workout takes the mountain climber exercise and revamps it! Before running into the water or off to the pool, take a runner’s stance on the ground and get revved up to run into the surf. This will make the waves more fun – and let you burn a few calories before your swim!

1. Get into push-up position with arms straight and hands directly under shoulders.
2. Walk feet forward, staggering them so your right knee is bent under your chest while your left foot is behind your with knee slightly bent.
3. Pushing powerfully into your legs, switch your foot positions, bringing the left knee in and extending the right leg.
4. Continue alternating for 1 minute, and then take off with a final burst of energy and sprint into the waves! If at home, do a small sprint!

Need a better visual? Then check out Angeles' workout routine here!