Sunday, August 24, 2014

Words to Sweat by

I am always on the lookout for new workout apparel! I know, you're just gonna get all sweaty, so why should it matter what you wear?! It is nice to have good quality clothing while working out, and it doesn't hurt if it is motivational too! While browsing the web, I came across a company called Words to Sweaty by.  
They have all sorts of motivational fitness apparel and accessories.  From tshirts and tank tops to jewelry and scarves.  The wonderful company sent me a tank top and workout bracelet to review.  

Most people probably don't care or notice how things are packaged, but I really take note of the extra time and effort that went into this.  
They could have just put the tank top in a box, but instead they thoughtfully packed it in a cute bag with a card.  

I love how they took the time to include a little note too :)
Once again, it is the little things that I really notice.  

The workout bracelet such a cute idea.  Only $11.99. 
The wrap is made from a lightweight fabric so it is great for when you are working out.  Plus, if your head gets a little sweaty, you can dab it dry! 

The wrap comes in all sorts of colors.  I didn't specify, but they did good with sending me pink and purple! The hand stamped aluminum charm is separate from the wrap, so you can easily changed colors.  
The wraps can be washed too, so don't worry about getting it all sweaty! The company is called "Words to Sweat by" after all...you are supposed to get sweaty!

You can pick from a bunch of different sayings such as Run Far, Thrive, Run Fast, Transform, Eat Clean, Just Lift, Unbroken, and more.  You can also choose a custom saying of your own.  
I went with the No Excuses charm.  It is a saying I try to follow when it comes to working out and just life in general.  

I love how easy it is to change the color.  You could also wear more than one color at a time!
The bracelet is just one big loop, so you just wrap it around your wrist to make it fit perfectly.  

 I love the saying on this tank top! 
That pretty much sums up my life! Although I still struggle to drink enough water throughout the day...but that topic can be saved for another blog.

This tank is only $10.  Talk about a good buy!
The fabric is very light, breathable, and has a little stretch to it.  Super comfy!

This would make such a great gift for anyone who enjoys working out and staying fit.  
Super cute, customizable, and very affordable! 

 I absolutely love my new bracelet and tank top.  
Check out Words to Sweat by to see all the other items they have too!  I am sure you will find something perfect for you. 

I am not saying it was the tank top...but I did have a great workout this morning :) 
Exert Hydrate Repeat

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

1:Face Watch

I have been in the market for a new watch for quite some time.  Ha, time...get it!? Anywho...I saw a friend's post on Facebook about a company called 1:Face Watch.  I looked into it and their watches sounded amazing!! I contacted the company and was thrilled when they send me one in exchange for a review.  
I know what you are thinking...that sure looks like a watch...what do they mean "This Is Not A Watch"?
Well, it is a watch, and a very high quality one at that! But it is so much more than a watch! 
Each watch from 1:Face represents a different charity.  Mine is for water. Every four water watches sold equals a lifetime of water for one person.  How amazing is that?! 

Water is something I really take for granted.  I always complain about how I hate drinking plain water because it is boring and doesn't taste good...I forget how many people don't even have fresh water to drink! It really makes me realize how lucky I am.
1:Face supports nine different causes.  They include water, hunger, animals, AIDS, education, cancer, breast cancer, environment, and red cross. Each watch is a different color to represent the different causes.  Check them out here

Each watch is only $40 dollars.  Very affordable! 
The screen stays blank until you hit a button on the side.  The time flashes and then fades away.  

I love the sporty look of these watches.  They are simple, yet so different from any watch I have ever seen!
When the time is not displayed, the screen is like a mirror.  

I had some fun capturing some gorgeous shots in the reflection of the screen!
How cool is that?! I was very proud of my creative photography skills!
This would be a great shot for the environment watch. 

You could even check your makeup in the mirror screen.
There is something really cool and yet kinda creepy about this shot...

I have super tiny wrists, but it still fits great.  
The band is rubber and adjusts to just about any size you would need.  

 I seriously love everything about this watch.  
It looks cool, fits great, tells the time, and helps support a great cause!!

I know what my friends and family are getting for gifts this year! What an amazing present?! A nice watch and knowing that the purchase of that watch is helping to change the world.  
Teachers would love the education one.
Know any animal lovers? I know they would love knowing that their new watch was the reason an animal found a home.  

Whether you get one for yourself, buy one as a gift, or both, you really can't go wrong with a 1:Face Watch. 
I am honored to wear my new watch and help spread the word about a great company with a great product.  They really are changing the world 1:Face at a time!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Zing Bars

I am on a mission to try all the different brands of protein bars! Next up - Zing Bars
I got to choose four different flavors to try and review.  It was not an easy decision! There are flavors like Chocolate Coconut, Dark Chocolate Hazelnut, Coconut Cashew Crisp, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Nut Brownie, Cranberry Cashew, and more!

I chose Chocolate Coconut, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Dark Chocolate Sunflower Mint.
They have 3 flavor profile of bars which include chocolate covered, soft cookie, and fruit & nut.  They also use 3 different protein sources.  These include brown rice protein (vegan), pea protein (vegan), and whey protein.  They are all gluten free, with no preservatives and no synthetic vitamins and minerals. 

I have said it before and I will say it again...it is easy to make a "healthy" protein bar...
Making it taste good too is the real challenge! 

 First up was the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip.  This is considered one of the soft cookie bars.  
I loved the texture! Soft and slightly chewy with lots of chocolate chips and oatmeal pieces.  

The taste was really great! It had the perfect sweetness without tasting artificial.  The sweetness comes from all natural ingredients like pecans, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon.  
This bar comes in at 210 calories 9F 25C 10P.  

Let's switch it up with a bar covered in chocolate! 
Dark Chocolate Coconut contains 210 calories 10F 25C 10P.  

If you like coconut, and you like chocolate, you will love this bar!
The chocolate has a great flavor and the bar is nice and soft.  My favorite so far!

You really can't go wrong with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, right?!
Soft cookie texture again.  Very very good!! I could really taste the peanut butter and it had just enough chocolate chips throughout the bar.  Similar macros here with 210 calories 9F 25C 10P.  

Dark Chocolate Mint was saved for last.  Covered in that smooth chocolate once again.  
I could really smell the mint and was hoping for an Andes Mint or Thin Mint Cookie taste.  

Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with this flavor.  At first it tasted good, but then it had almost an alcohol flavor to it.  It might have been from the natural mint oil? 
I don't always love the chocolate/mint combo, so I had my husband try it too.  Sadly, he was not a fan either :(

I really enjoyed three out of the four bars!! I absolutely want to try more flavors because I think the people at Zing are really onto something here!
Overall, I love the texture of these bars.  With the exception of the mint one, the flavors were great! I wish they had a little more protein, but 10 grams is still quite good for a bar this size.  I also love the fact that they are gluten free and have vegan options.  

I decided to have a little more fun with the rest...
I loved cutting half of the Dark Chocolate Coconut into bite sized pieces.  It seemed to last longer this way and was a perfect little chocolate treat.  

Half Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and half Oatmeal Chocolate Chip into the microwave for 10 seconds.  
It was like warm cookie dough! This was awesome!! I loved how the little chocolate chips got all melty.  

Take some of those bite sized pieces, place them into the freezer for a few minutes, and you have yourself a super tasty chocolate treat! 
This is now my favorite way to eat Zing Bars! 

Would I recommend Zing Bars??? Yes! With all the different flavors, I am sure you will find some that are perfect for you.  
I have seen Zing Bars at some local grocery stores, Whole Foods, and some specialty stores.  Try using their store locator to find them in stores near you.  You can also just order some online

There is one really really bad things about these bars...
Eating the last of them...

Be sure to check out Zing Bars on all your favorite social media sites! 

Monday, August 11, 2014

Quest Cookies

Quest Bars and cookies!! Two of my favorite things! The best is when you combine them and make Quest Cookies!
How amazing do those look? There are so many possibilities and they are super easy! 

All you need is a Quest Bar of your choosing, and a chocolatey candy that will go with your flavor of bar.
How about Chocolate Peanut Butter bar with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

You could do a lot with one of my favorite bars...Chocolate Brownie!
It goes great with Andes Mints!

You could also go the more traditional route.  Everyone loves the classic Peanut Butter Thumbprint cookies!
You can use the Peanut Butter Supreme bar and some Hershey Kisses.  

Take your Quest Bar, unwrap it, and place it on a microwave safe plate. Don't use a napkin, paper towel, or paper plate.  It will stick!!
Warm it up for 8-10 seconds.  Just so it is soft enough to mold.  

Break the bar into three pieces and roll into balls.  
Flatten those balls and place them on a baking sheet.  I highly recommend using parchment paper or a baking mat.  Into the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes.  

As soon as they come out of the oven, press your candy into the center of the warm cookie.  
Let them cool for a few minutes.

That first bite is amazing!
I think if I had to choose, I would say the peanut butter cup cookies are my favorite!

But then again, why choose when you can have them all!!
Chocolate and mint go so good together!! Just like a Thin Mint cookie, but these are actually pretty good for you!

If you eat all three cookies, you are getting 20 grams of protein from the bar!
That gives me the perfect excuse to eat them all! I need my protein :)

If you did just want one, you could have this tasty little treat for only 98 calories. 
If you can stop after just one, you have a LOT of will power!!

Macros for 3 Peanut Butter Cookies are...
295 calories 13F 42C 23P

For 3 Chocolate Mint Cookies...
245 calories 11F 32C 21P

And for 3 super tasty Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies...
277 calories 14F 29C 21P

If you need to order some Quest Bars, go here and stock up!!
What flavor combinations will you come up with?!

Quest Cookies

  • Quest Bar - any flavor
  • Chocolate candy of your choosing
  1. Place bar on microwave safe plate and warm for 8-10 seconds
  2. Break bar into 3 pieces, roll into ball, and flatten a bit
  3. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes
  4. Place chocolate into the middle of the cookie as soon as they come out of the oven
  5. Let cool a few minutes and enjoy!