Get the Skinny

Happy Monday love bugs! This weekend went by really fast. The weather was perfect and even wore a dress today! I also met up with an amazingly lovely group of girls {and one boy!} at a blogger meet up. I will be writing about that later this week, because I have something BIG I wanted to share with you RIGHT NOW.
I believe that summer is right around the corner. Being that it is May, we need to think about bikini season! I have Lauryn Evarts from The Skinny Confidential here today to answer your burning skinny questions!

1. With summer just around the corner, what is your favorite workout to slim legs so they look fabulous in shorts?

My absolute favorite leg workout is classic Pilates- it lengthens thighs in all the right ways. For some reason, Pilates results are so flattering on the female body. I notice a huge difference with two to three days a week of Pilates. I also like mixing in cardio- think elliptical, hiking, and/or tennis. And of course, I teach Pure Barre and that has changed the shape of my thighs in all the right ways. 

2. I know a lot of people are curious about juicing these days, what are your thoughts?

Anyone that reads my website knows I love juicing. It's a great way to get nutrients in when you're on the go. I recently completed a juice cleanse that completely kickstarted my metabolism. My favorite juice can be found here: it tastes just like lemonade! If you juice at home, I recommend the VitaMix. Usually, I'll add ginger, lemon, and garlic to my juice.

3. I have a major sweet tooth! What is your go to dessert that won't "break the workout bank"?

For desserts, I snack on raspberries stuffed with dark chocolate, rolled oatmeal melted with dark chocolate chips and a scoop of almond butter with cinnamon, or Ciao Bella's all-natural ice cream (I am borderline obsessed with their Key Lime flavor). 

4. What are your favorite music artists that inspire you to work out?

Some of my favorites include: Nero, David Guetta, Madeon, Kaskade, The Nervo Twins, Foster the People, and/or Empire of the Sun. For my two favorite playlists click here and here. 

5. I am always needing coffee to jump start my morning, but honestly what is a more natural way to get the morning boost?

I enjoy my one cup a day. Typically it's Starbuck iced coffee with a splash of soy, no sweetener, with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. It jumpstarts my day. If you're looking for a healthy option, start with a kale smoothie with pineapple, berries, and a splash of OJ or Mighty Leaf Green Tropical Tea (amazing!). I also love Starbucks iced green tea with no water, and a splash of passion fruit tea (w/ no sweetener too). Vitamins always work for energy too; I get B12 shots every month too.

6. Have you found any makeup that will last through a workout sesh?

To be honest, I am not too big on makeup while I am working out. I like clean skin with sunscreen & some tinted moisturizer. Since I want to break a sweat I prefer to go sans makeup. But Bare Minerals makes some great products that are all-natural and workout friendly. 

I was telling you all that Pure Barre was a-mazing for your thighs!!

Lauryn is my go-to website when I need a lil boost in my workout routine, need a healthy recipe, or just want to see what is happening in her skinny world!

If you are looking for more healthy get fit for summer tips, I highly recommend 

The Skinny Confidential

Timree Painting Party!

Have you girls been watching Real Housewives of Orange County?

If you have, you have probably seen the fabulous Timree Gold onthe painting party episode that Heather hosted!

But my love for Timree started WAY before the show aired.

Last summer an entrepeneur guru named Cassie Piasecki introduced me to Timree Gold

through her 7 Questions...A Snapshot of an Entrepreneur post.

Immediately, I had to find Timree's studio.

and so I did.

I totally geeked out on Timree and she probably doesn't remember me except the knowledge that a small girl showed up at her studio and totally blushed and fawned over EVERYTHING she had. 

So this week I got to paint WITH Timree at her painting party!

I had so much fun and will definitely be heading back as soon I can, but her classes fill up FAST!

Everything, I mean EVERYTHING in her studio is to die!!

It's totally girly and pink.

Plus Timree was super nice

 & helped everyone who didn't feel confident in their painting skills. 

I HIGHLY reccomend signing you and your girlfriends

 or 

you & your momma

for a night out of painting fun!

Fly Away Friday

Happy Friday and Happy Fly Away Friday, Friends!
I can't wait to share Florida with you, especially the cute town of Sarasota .
Amy, who blogs over at Blank Pages, was happy to join the fun spreading across the country.
Why not sit back and enjoy the visit to Florida!
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Hey all you great readers over at Pink On The Cheek! I'm from the city of Sarasota, and am a life loving, personal style blogger over at Blank Pages, but you can just call me Amy. I love anything thrifted, tastes like coffee, and my long-time boyfriend, Jared. If you want to read the cutest love story ever, go here.

Anyways, back to why I am here!
As I said, I love Sarasota. It is the city that has my heart and always will.
Teaming up with Lauren on her Fly Away Friday Series, I am here to tell you all about the city
 I call home.

I never really actually sat down and though about why I loved Sarasota, until I moved to Ft. Myers to pursue my education in becoming a nurse. As soon as I got to my home away from home, I realized it had none of the charm that Sarasota so freely gives away. There were no close beaches, no hideaways to go relax in, no cute coffee shops to catch up with old friends at. I LONGED to return to the place that felt like no where else I had ever visited.

Follow me on a little journey through my town. See just a sample of places to eat, to go on a cheap date night, to shop, to visit, and to drink. Enjoy!

See this cute little restaurant? Well it is one of my favorite places to go to breakfast. It is full of antiqued elements that just might be suitable for your grandmother to live in, but I like it that way. There are mis-matched chairs to sit in, plates on the walls, and some of the cutest wall paper you have ever seen. Tea comes in a real tea pot, and there are pails on the tables to hold creamers and butters in. But the best part? The food is delicious. Try ordering and finishing a German Baked Pancake that takes 20 minutes to cook. It's impossible. I would treat you to breakfast if only you lived in Sarasota.

This yogurt place is a staple for date night in our relationship. Sure, there are many places that are self-serve frozen yogurt, but none of them match of to Yogurtology. I have had my fair share of pomegranate-vanilla swirl, oreo, and even oatmeal cookie, which is to die for by the way. It has the texture of a crumbled oreo cookie, except it has the added bonus of being in an ice cream texture. Did just make your mouth water? My apologies. After you order your choice (you can't go wrong) you make your way outside to sit in a little area with turf grass and sofas and chairs and watch the sunset. No sand, no bugs, and pure bliss. What could be better?

Now there are many places to shop in Sarasota, but I am going to share with you my absolute favorite: Goodwill. I know, a funny choice. However, Sarasota has the best Goodwill. I have bought anything from clothes, to shoes, to a $30 chair, to housewares and presents. It's like one-stop-shopping with the lowest price tags around. My parents want to kill me because every time I go there, I come back with something for my future house. A house which I do not know when I will get. But at least I'll be prepared right?

Sarasota has the #1 beach in the USA. Need I say more? You've never been to a better beach unless you've been outside the country. Hence the #1. Powder sand and clear waters; it's perfection. Getting a tan while reading a book is a weekend ritual here. How can you complain when you have views like this is your city? One of the main reasons I couldn't imagine myself anywhere but Sarasota.

Since I am not of legal drinking age yet, coffee will have to do as for where to get a drink. Pastry Art is this little hole in the wall cafe in downtown Sarasota. It has the best, cheapest, and biggest lattes around. Literally, the size of my head. If that doesn't make your morning I don't know what will! Want to know more about Pastry Art? Check out one of my friday favorites post: here

I truly hope you enjoyed my little tour of my favorite place. Every other friday or so, Blank Pages posts a larger feature of a different places in Sarasota. Come follow along as I dive deeper into this town.

Thanks for reading, and let me know if you're ever in the area; I'd be happy to show you around!

That coffee house has my name written all over. They could probably write it in milk and coffee as well.Please head straight to Blank Pages after reading this and say a big ole HELLO to Amy!Much Love!

Madewell Insider Event

Thanks to Tammy I am heading to South Coast Plaza this Saturday for a Madewell Insider Event!

So this is for ALL the SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA bloggers and residents!

Join the party:

April 28th, 2012

6-9 pm

South Coast Plaza

3333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, Ca 92626

Friday's Letters

You know what to do!

After reading my Friday's Letters, head back to Ashley from

Adventures of Newlyweds

and link up your letter!

Source: tumblr.com via Catie on Pinterest

Dear Summer, I am so looking forward to you. I am anxiously waiting your warm sun, hot days cooled off by ice cream, and vacations by the water. Dear Fall/Winter, I don't want to leave you out, I cannot wait for fall days of pumpkin patches, sitting by the fire reading a book, and special Starbucks drinks! {egg nog latte, you will be mine soon enough}. Dear Car {Blue Beast}, I am so sorry you got hit today. I felt bad for the girl that hit me, {I even gave her a hug} because her car was much worse, but I was so sad you got into your first accident. Now you aren't new new, just kinda new. Dear all stores that sell stuff, I have to stop going into you for awhile. I cannot be trusted with a debit card. It's too easy to swipe. Dear Hunter boots, thanks for getting my feet dry on rainy days. You are too good to me. 

taking the day off!

Today you can find me at Tippee Canoe.

Lauren {from Tippee Canoe} is on vacation in Maui this week, so I wanted to share my favorite vacation memories of Maui. I wish I was there RIGHT NOW!Go to Lauren's blog to see all the fun I had with my friends!

Not Your Ordinary Link Party!

And it's Monday again. 

But don't let the Monday blues get you down...

 let's have some fun and have a PARTY! 

A Show and Tell Link Party to be exact. 

Today I am co-hosting this party with

Today I am sharing my favorite website for 
Nail Polish Addicts.
The Polish-Aholic always comes through for me testing out the newest colors.
The OPI collection I am EXCITED for this summer is 


The Amazing Spiderman Collection.


Yes, I am a nerd and love watching comic book movies!
But with guys like this

and this

I can't understand why you wouldn't watch these movies?!

My favorite is the shimery blue color, "Into The Night". Perfect spiderman color!

Source: thepolishaholic.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I would love for you to share your favorite finds.
Just head to the bottom to link up to the party!


Take it away Melissa

                                                                                                                                                                      

It's Monday! Which means it's time for the...

Not Your Ordinary Show & Tell Link Party

I am so excited about this week's link party because I have some fabulous ladies helping me co-host! 

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

First off let's announce my absolute favorite link from last Monday:

A Charming Pillow from Alderberry Hill. Didn't she do a FABULOUS JOB?! LOVE it.

The rules for linking up to this party are SIMPLE:

1. Follow your hosts below.

The Host:

http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/

Co-Hosts: 

http://www.absolutemommy.blogspot.com/

http://www.pinkonthecheek.com/

http://kristin1028.blogspot.com/

http://littlemudpies.blogspot.com/

http://talesoflaceandglitter.blogspot.com/

http://twoshadesoflovely.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cloudninedesignz

2. Link up ANY blog post that you would like to Show & Tell. From crafts, diy projects, recipes, ANYTHING! 

3. Have Fun and Visit some of the other Link Ups :)

You can also grab a lovely button and help us spread the word!

<a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/search/label/Show%20and%20Tell"><br /> <img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z237/melissaenault/linkpartybutton.gif" height=180 width=180<br /> border="0" /></a><br />

If you would like to help me co-host "Not You Ordinary Show & Tell Link Party" next week, I would love to have you! Email me at melissaenault@yahoo.com.

Fly Away Friday

Hi everyone and happy Friday!
Once again, it's Fly Away Friday and I have another special guest, Melissa.
Melissa is living in Holland, and I thought that was in like Europe.
Nope, Holland, Wisconsin!
I actually really wanted to know what was going on in Wisconsin, so Melissa was happy to share!
Take it away Melissa

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey there!

My name is Melissa and I blog over at living holland.

I was thrilled when Lauren e-mailed me asking me to guest post over here on her sweet blog!

(A big thanks goes out to Lauren for having my shenanigans over here!)

:)

Anyway, today I am going to share with you a little bit about where I live, Holland, Wisconsin and a little bit about the nearest city to us, Appleton, Wisconsin.

Holland is an unincorporated town located approximately 20 miles south of Green Bay, Wisconsin
 (I hope you've heard of the Green Bay Packers!)

It is located in the general area of the little heart above. 

Holland is known for its fun, awesome, exciting nightlife farming.
Yes, I'm serious, farming.
We have more cows around here than people. haha

We have one restaurant in town and one gas station. No stop lights. Simple, honest, country living. 

Luckily, since I'm not always into the quiet lifestyle we are about 10 miles east of Appleton, Wisconsin. The city nearby provides me with balance.

If for some reason, you have a layover/connecting flight or business trip to Appleton, I'm going to tell you where to stop and where to stay. 

Stay:

via

The Copper Leaf Boutique Hotel, Appleton, WI. You want to stay here. By far the nicest hotel in town and it is located right downtown near food/drink/anything else you'd need during your stay in Wisconsin. It also has an awesome spa. 

Eat:

via

Katsu Ya of Japan, Appleton, WI. OK this picture is kind of crappy-looking and I hope you LOVE sushi. Katsu Ya is located right across the street from your hotel. This is the best sushi in the area.

Option 2:

via

Pullmans, Appleton, WI. OK so lets pretend you hate sushi. Pullmans has a huge menu and the food is delicious (I always get the salmon with dill). There is a free trolley service in downtown Appleton. Hop on the trolley at your hotel and head to Pullmans. It is right on the waterfront and is a beautiful place. I am getting married there next year! You won't be disappointed.

Play: 

In Downtown Appleton there are 2 museums, about 458634895764 bars (lets get serious, its Wisconsin) and quite a few speciality shops that sells CUTE, CUTE things that you want and need! 

If you ever end up in Northeastern Wisconsin, stay in Appleton and go to the places listed. You won't regret it, I promise! :)

Are you a small town or city person?

Are you a sushi lover or hater?

Thanks for reading about the place I call home and again, thanks to Lauren for having me!!

Feel free to click above and stop on over!

Have a great day! 

:)

Hope you guys enjoyed another city visit!Head over to Melissa's blog and say hello when you can, I know she will enjoy the blog love:)

Friday's Letters

It's Friday, ya'll!!Linking up my Friday Letters with the fabulous Ashley, that super funny girl from the "Call Me Maybe" video I posted below.Join the fun!
Dear Momma, It was so fun having you visit me for two days. I am so thankful I won an iPad, yes I won an iPad, and was able to give it to you! You were so happy playing around with your new toy, it brought tears to my eyes.Dear Technology, you are so amazing. My momma made all my childhood videos onto DVDs then put them on a hard drive for me. That was incredibly special watching those tonight! Dear Mochi, you are quite the cutest dog ever. You run so funny, I constantly threw the ball outside so I can see you waddle back to me. It's like your butt is too heavy and your back legs are too tired for how fast your front legs move. Dear Magic Mike, you sir are going to be me summer hot guy movie. Maybe the best hot guy movie of all time. It blows my mind that it's actually coming out this year, I have been waiting for awhile for this!Dear Blog Buddies, thank you so much for writing your weekly Fly Away Friday posts. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each one! If you want to be added to the list, just sent me a tweet or email or facebook message, or snail mail or carrier pigeon my way. Dear Pure Barre, I am so thankful you kick my booty and make me cry during class. This is no joke! But come summer, I will be thanking you EVEN MORE!
Happy Friday everyone!Make sure you add yourself to my GFC to follow me daily:)

Thankful Thursday!

Thursday is not over! I am linking with my OG Carina from A punk, a pumpkin, and a peanut.I haven't met Carina yet, but I know we would get along like two peas in a pod.We were linked up with each other back in early 2012 when we joined the ultimate blogging party that was put together by Casey Wiegand and Alycia Crowley.

But today I am so thankful for many things.


I am so thankful my Momma made it down from San Francisco safely to visit me.I am thankful that I was able to make my momma's trip special and give her things that she didn't expect like my vintage Louis Vuitton and I traded her my 3G iPad for a wifi iPad so she could read and play on the internet on Bart. 
I am thankful that I am working full time with a company that is continuing to grow a mile a minute in this uncertain economy. 
I am thankful for the most amazing manager who sees my potential and wants me to go far in the company.
I am thankful for my dog's health. It was a wake up call when he got an ear infection. His little life is all depending on me caring for him. I should keep his yearly check up appointments on my calendar.
I am thankful for the little things in life. A lot of people would be happy with what little I think I have, which in fact in a lot. I have a roof over my head, I am able to put gas in my car, food on the table, and keep the bills paid. When I am able to treat myself a little, I need to be thankful for big things I have in my life like my health, and realize, that money would be better spent in the bank than at a store.