ashleyd /

Where’d you get that mug?

There is no denying that I am a Southern girl. I wear pearls almost daily, my daily conversations often include “y’all”, I live for college football Saturdays in the Fall (GO DAWGS!) but don’t know a thing about NFL, I dressed up for each and every one of those UGA football games, I’ve dined on fried pickles, chitlins, and gizzards more than once, and I love my Tervis tumblers. 
 
This topic came to mind today after my guest appearance Gina’s Show Me Your Smoothie   post today. I have had multiple readers email me asking about the monogrammed glass in this picture
 
The above picture is one of the many Tervis tumblers we own. Tervis tumblers, unbeknowst to me, are evidently a Southern thing since no one I work with knew about these amazing glasses. I received many questions from coworkers during my first day in the NYC office. “What is that glass and where did you get it monogrammed? That is so cool that it has a straw!” My dear friend Meg was the first person to get me hooked on these amazing mugs. We were lucky to receive 6 of them as wedding presents and we are constantly using them. Here are some of their primary benefits and facts!
–Tervis invented the world’s first insulated tumbler in 1946
-Lifetime guarantee
-Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer proof
-Keeps iced coffee cold and hot coffee hot
-Made in the USA
-Feature lids and straws that stay in place therefore increasing portability
-Come in an array of sizes
 
-Feature tons of ready to order designs but can also be personalized. The one above is the personalized one we received with Bo’s monogram while the one below is my favorite. Can you believe I used to fill this 24 oz Tervis up with Diet Coca Cola at least three times a day before cutting back? Phew! NYC 12 pack prices have some healthy side effects (yes, a 12 pack at our grocery store is $7.99!)
 
If you’ve never tried one of these before I challenge you to order one. I guarantee you’ll order more because you’ll quickly be annoyed that it’s dirty, being used by your kids, or being hoarded by your significant other.


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ashleyd /

So Fresh and So Clean, Clean

“Ain’t nobody dope as me I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
Don’t you think I’m so sexy I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
Ain’t nobody dope as me I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
I love when you stare at me I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)” – Outkast So Fresh, So Clean

It has taken three months to get accustomed to showering at Equinox and then heading straight to work, but as Outkast would say, these days people are complimenting me because i’m “so fresh and so clean clean.”  If you’ve been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that Bo and I joined Equinox in January to bust out of our honeymoon/holiday workout rut. This was exciting, BUT this also meant that everyday i’d have to shower and get ready at Equinox versus the comfort of my own apartment.

How does one do this without looking like a wrinkled, rushed mess? As I was showering for Easter Sunday at Equinox I realized that it would probably be helpful to share some of the tips and habits I have learned after 3 months of morning workouts. The picture below was taken 45 minutes after ending Sunday’s spin class at Equinox. I think it’s safe to say I’m slowly mastering it!  

Wear Your Work Clothes to the Gym: If you wear your work clothes to the gym then you don’t have to worry about looking like a wrinkled mess. Bo and I each wear our suits/work clothes to the gym in the morning and then hang it in our locker when we arrive. This insures that you don’t leave any integral pieces at home such as a bra, tie, belt, etc.

Keep a few basics in your gym bag: I keep a spare pair of underwear, socks, barrettes, and rubber bands, in a zipper section of my Lululemon gym bag. I hate when I get to the gym and can’t find a rubberband  for my workout.

Bring your own toiletries. You know the products that work best with your skin, hair, and face. Why would make life more difficult by relying on your gym’s sketchy all in one body wash/shampoo/conditioner if you know your hair requires a moisturizing shampoo? Why would you trust this same soap to remove the grime of your workout if you know you have sensitive skin? You can find almost ANY product in a small size which makes it convenient to take to the gym. Bo and I each have a Ziplock bag which holds our razor, shampoo, conditioner, and face wash. Even though Equinox stocks their bathrooms with amazing Kiehl’s products I still bring my own face wash and conditioner. I use their body wash and shampoo but see a difference in my hair and the final product if I use what I know. If you’re having a hard time finding a small size of your favorite product hop over to Sephora’s Beauty to Go site or think of investing in some mini plastic containers to carry your product. Nalgene Travel Bottle Kit - Medium

Make sure your gym beauty routine includes the KISS principle My makeup bag for the gym is basic but it gets the job done QUICKLY each morning. I use lots of makeup that multitasks. The makeup worn in the picture above is as follows:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: This provides a smooth, moisturized base with a hint of color.

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil: I put this on over the moisturizer for a finished look. This also helps stop the shine and sweat that can sometime continue after a hard workout or during the hot blow dry session. I use the mini on the go version at the gym and in my purse since it keeps powder from spilling all over and takes up less room.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast: This great tool allows you to line and fill in your eyelid with vibrant color!

Covergirl Lash Blast Length this product in black adds enough darkness to my eyelashes that it looks like i’ve taken the time to get dolled up while also adding a bit to the edge of my eyes to give a liner effect

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips This great gloss adds a rich coat of color while also moisturizing and plumping lips.

Brit Sheer Eau de Toilette Roll-on

Brit Sheer EDT Rollerball: Nothing makes you smell fresher than your favorite fragrance. Most perfumes are available at Ulta and Sephora in a handy travel spray or rollerball. These won’t leak in your purse or take up space. In addition, the mini size allows you to try a new scent without investing too much money since most are under $30!

Keep your toiletries, makeup, and lock in your bag at all times! It’s easy to take items out of your bag at work or when you get home but it’s hard to remember them at 5am when you’re half asleep. Therefore, I spent the few extra dollars to buy duplicates of some items. It may seem like a pain to buy an extra foundation or frizz crème but what happens the day you forget it in your other purse or in the bathroom? Trust me, you don’t want to be messy and stressed before that big 8am meeting!

Thanks to everyone for the great business card suggestions! I spent some time at Zazzle today and produced this beauty.

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(I’ve cut off half to protect my privacy but you get the idea.)

I also purchased the domain www.healthyhappierbear.com today. I’m going to work on transitioning over the next week or two but will keep you posted. I’m excited about all the positive change taking place.

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ashleyd /

A New Galaxy of Granola Finally Discovered Giveaway

Like many people, I have steered clear of granola over the past few years during my weight loss journey. It is calorie dense, often laden with added sugars, the portion size is often very small, and it is baked in oil. Therefore, i’ve avoided sampling the many new granolas currently on the market as I knew that limiting my portion and enjoyment would be difficult. I definitely believed that ignorance was bliss.
That was until I discovered Galaxy Granola. I really don’t know why it took so long for someone to invent a granola that isn’t baked in oil which therefore results in healthier granola. When I opened the box they sent me I was greeted with the statment, “2 fresh, tasty apples in every bag!” I was curious how this related to the granola until I read more. The statement has to do with the method Galaxy uses to cook the granola. Their granola is baked in apple sauce instead of oil which results in 70% less fat than over 100 other granolas! Kevin, Tristan, Luke, and Melissa, the gang at Galaxy Granola are all passionate about tasty and nutritious food. Their products boast the following characteristics which quickly make any other granola jealous!
Galaxy Granola’s amazing flavors prove that oats and granola don’t need fat to taste good. Nor do they need a laundry list of ingredients that you can’t pronounce. Each flavor features a short list of 10-12 quality ingredients like apples, barley flakes, whole rolled oats, and wildflower honey. They offer four delicious flavors: Not Sweet Vanilla, Vanilla Almond, Cranberry Orange, and Raspberry.  Tristan sent me a sample of Vanilla Almond, Cranberry Orange, and Not Sweet Vanilla. All three feature less than 120 calories per 1/4 cup serving, 4 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein.
Cranberry Orange: Yum!!! I have a huge sweet spot for fruit mix ins and this one hits it home. Amongst the toasted granola are chewy cranberries and spelt flakes. This flavor is definitely my favorite! The orange peel flavor and raspberries add more flavor depth and tartness than the average sweet granola. The cranberry orange flavor is perfect alone as the flavor is strong enough on it’s own.
Not Sweet Vanilla: I don’t exactly understand the name of this granola as I thought it was still quite sweet. It tastes very natural and has a light vanilla and nut flavor. This flavor doesn’t feature as many mix-ins as the others but does include fun lil cereal puffs with the granola.
Vanilla Almond: This flavor has lots of crunch and each bite includes glazed almonds and scrumptious toasted granola bits. It is the sweetes of the three flavors. This one is definitely the “most like other granolas” due to the strong flavor and sweetness.

Be sure to check out their blog for more information. In addition, Galaxy Granola is available at many different retailers all of which can be located on their site. Now, here is the exciting part. I love this granola so much that i’m willing to give away a bag on the blog. You may enter in the following ways:
1 entry – Visit the Galaxy Granola website and tell me what your favorite flavor to try would be (mandatory)!
1 entry – Twitter about this giveaway with link-back to the post and @healthyhappierbear

1 entry – Either add me to your google reader/blogroll OR blog about my giveaway in your next post!!
Be sure to comment letting me know that you did each of these. I’ll announce the winner this Friday! Thanks Galaxy Granola for a fabulous sample and product. I’m obsessed and won’t be going back to another granola anytime soon.


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