Manni Monday

Gosh I couldn't be happier that it's Monday! For those who work Monday-Friday I'm sure you are having a case of the Monday's however for those who don't work Monday-Friday (moi) I happen to have Tuesday & Thursday so I can't for my days off!!! 


However while scrolling through some nail polishes I came across and quite frankly I'm not quite sure on how I have missed this but none other than my celeb idol -- Kim Kardashian -- is now coming out with her own 8 piece nail polish line!! 

I'm totes DYING at the moment! While some of the colors I could do without (the blue) others I quite frankly can't wait to get my hands on. Here are a few that caught my eye . . . 

The colors are def all over the board however they are defiantly something that I'm going to check out. However I'm going to be honest I have most of these colors in some form in my already exploding collection of Essie nail polish but I've gotta support my girl Kim. 

And this week I chose one of my favorite go to colors : ChinChilly by Essie 

  

Thursday Lately

Happy Thursday! 


Enjoy some of my favorite things this week! 









What have you loved this week?? 


Talk to you next Thursday 

Workout Wednesday

Wow mid week already?! CRAZY!! I swear each week is going by faster and faster! So as I was thinking what to write for this week's Workout Wednesday I came across a great article on the 8 Health Lies Trainers Tell You. I thought this was a interesting topic so I had to read it and I thought I would share. 


1. 

"Heat and vigorous exercise help you sweat out toxins."

You aren't likely to purify your body of much of anything by sweating, whether in a hot yoga class or sizzling sauna, because all that's in perspiration is water, salt, and a smattering of electrolytes, according to Rachel Vreeman, MD, author of Don't Cross Your Eyes...They'll Get Stuck That Way! "Sweat glands sit in the skin and aren't connected to other systems in the body, so it makes no sense that they would eliminate waste," she says. "The only role of perspiration is to keep us cool." The body does a pretty good job of getting rid of what it doesn't need, largely through the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract. There's nothing special you have to do to help, other than eat well, stay hydrated, and keep fit so those organs can function properly.

2. 

"The more limber you are, the better."

Even when trainers tell you not to force things, there's an implicit message that your eventual goal is a greaterstretch. If you can touch your knees now, you should be aiming for the floor. If you can touch the floor today, work toward hugging your chest to your knees. But achieving those goals may offer nothing more than bragging rights. "Flexibility is certainly important, and you should be flexible enough to do the things you need or want to do without being uncomfortable," says Jo A. Hannafin, MD, PhD, orthopedic director of the Women's Sports Medicine Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. "But there is no health benefit in having a hyperflexible body or being able to twist yourself into a pretzel just for the sake of doing so." In fact, pushing your body into extreme stretches can cause injury. People with tremendously lax joints may be at greater risk for hurting themselves because their ligaments can't effectively keep their joints in position, explains Polly de Mille, an exercisephysiologist who works with Dr. Hannafin.

3.

"A cool-down after your workout minimizes muscle soreness."

For years researchers believed that lactic acid buildup during rigorous exercise was what caused our muscles to ache later. Their solution: a few minutes of walking orstretching to help disperse the lactate to other parts of the body. It's a concept that's alive and well today, despite the fact that reams of research have proved that lactate buildup has little to do with postexercise muscle soreness. "There is some evidence that after intense exercise, a cool-down can help prevent blood from pooling in a person's extremities and reduce their risk of becoming dizzy or passing out," says Carl Foster, PhD, professor of exercise and sport science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. "I would recommend doing it after any class to allow people to get their heart rates down." But don't sweat it if you have to cut out of your session early. "After a moderate workout, walking to the locker room will provide all the cool-down a healthy person needs," Foster says.

4. 

"You should replace your sneakers every six months to avoid injury."

During a typical five-mile outing, the average runner's feet will strike the ground -- and compress the shock absorbent padding in her shoes -- about 7,000 times. Cushioning and uppers will wear out, potentially providing less support for ankles and feet. And worn treads raise the risk for skids and falls. So replacing sneakers every 300 to 500 miles, or roughly every three to six months, is a common and sensible guideline for avid runners. "Trainers who advise this as a general rule, however, aren't taking into account that people whoexercise indoors or run fewer miles simply don't put that kind of stress on their shoes," says Rob Conenello, president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He suggests replacing sneakers you use indoors about once a year. Better yet, "every few months, check the soles to make sure the treads aren't worn," he says. "Then take each shoe in your hands and give it a twist. If it twists easily, like a towel, your sneakers probably aren't providing enough support."

5. 

"Perspiration and a high heart rate are signs of a good cardio workout."

Just because a Bar Method class kicks your butt, tones your abs, and leaves you soaked with sweat, it doesn't qualify as a heart-healthy cardio session, no matter what an instructor might tell you. For a workout to deliver true cardio benefits, "it's got to be rhythmic, dynamic activity that utilizes large muscle groups -- for example, those in your legs and upper body -- for a minimum of 20 to 60 minutes, depending on your level of fitness," says Timothy J. Michael, PhD, professor of exercise science at the Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. We're talking brisk walking, running, or cycling that takes a moderately fit person to 60 to 80 percent of her maximum heart rateon a heart rate monitor. For a rough gauge, use the talk test: "If you are mildly breathless but can carry on a conversation, you are working at a moderately intense pace, which is what you want," says DeSimone of the American College of Sports Medicine. "If you can talk and talk without stopping to take a breath, you're not working hard enough. If you can't catch your breath to speak a sentence, your exercise intensity is too high."

6. 

"Performing yoga twists purifies your organs."

Spinal twists do promote flexibility and, according to a 2010 study published in the European Spine Journal, may even help prevent disk deterioration between the vertebrae. But can they really "massage your inner organs," wringing impurities from them so they can then "soak up fresh blood" as teachers say? Yoga masters subscribe to this squeeze-and-soak concept, as do oodles of their disciples. Yet there's little if any significant scientific data to support the idea, according to William J. Broad, author of The Science of Yoga. Most medical experts find the idea of squeeze-and-soak far-fetched. "There's no evidence that you can squeeze out bad things, unless you are taking a pee or a poop, which we hope doesn't happen during class," Dr. Vreeman says. "Yoga provides many health benefits. But nothing indicates that compression of your organs is what's helping."

7. 

"Running gives you wrinkles because all that pounding breaks down collagen."

It's an argument that could send just about anyonerunning...for the nearest low-impact class. Fortunately the idea doesn't appear to have any hard science to back it up. "It sounds anecdotal and speculative," says Joseph M. Gryskiewicz, MD, president-elect of the Aesthetic Society Education and Research Foundation. "Having performed surgery on many women marathoners, I can say that their bodies overall are very toned, which refutes the notion that pounding breaks up collagen." It's true that some runners can look a bit gaunt and somewhat craggier than their Pilates-practicing counterparts. But this is largely due to having less body fat and spending more time in the sun, experts say. All those rays also put runners at greater risk for developing skin cancer. Adequate protection -- wearing protective clothing, a hat, waterproof sunblock of SPF 30 or higher, and wraparound sunglasses labeled as "UV absorption up to 400 nm," which means they block at least 99 percent of UV rays -- is a must, says Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.

8. 

"You should keep your heart rate below 140 when exercising while pregnant."

This statement has been attributed to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but it never issued the warning. In 1985 it came out with a recommendation about exercise and pregnancy that did not discourage working out but did caution that overly vigorous exercise might deprive a fetus of blood and raise a pregnant woman's core temperature to dangerous levels. Over time the organization has become even more encouraging of exercise, and in 2002 it not only deemed moderate exercise safe for most moms-to-be but also declared it a vital part of prenatal health.

Nonetheless the 140-heart-rate myth lives on. "These days there is no one-size-fits-all heart rate for pregnant women," says James M. Pivarnik, PhD, director of the Center for Physical Activity and Health at Michigan State University in East Lansing. "Once she gets the green light from her physician, a woman can pretty much do whatever her body and lack of symptoms allow her to do." Keep in mind, though, that this isn't the time to step up your fitness routine. As a general rule, it is fine to work to the point of fatigue but not exhaustion. Just about the only off-limits activities are high-impact sports, such as boxing, maximal weight lifting, step aerobics (which may compromise balance), and scuba diving. Use common sense and always check with your doctor first.

I hope that this helped you crack the ever evolving myths of working out and in the gym. Because let's just be honest there are so many directions you can get pulled into at the gym. 

Happy working out! 

Laugh Out Loud Fun!

I'm a reality show whore - let's just be honest. One of my favorite newer shows (this was it's 2nd season) is Joan Knows Best which features Joan Rivers and her daughter Melissa Rivers. Joan has really made a splash on E!'s Fashion Police

And she has been capturing a new generation of audience members ever since. Her reality show is equally as funny. Plus I give her credit she just 78 and she really keeps active and is involved in her appearance. Let's be real if I'm 78 and have as many millions as she does I would be doing a little tip & tuck & suck & pluck too.


One evening as I was getting ready to watch my weekly episode of Joan Knows Best, about half way through during a commerical my husband proceeds to tell me very casually that Joan Rivers is doing a comedy skit in St. Charles. I nearly fell off the couch, how could he be holding on sharing such crucical info?? To give you an idea of just how close St. Charles is to where I live . . .

Yes super super close! 


So as fast as he told me about the show I was on the venue website ordering two tickets for my mother & I. We ended up getting mid-range seats which were at a bargain and with the e-mail confirmation we were all set for the date.


Saturday couldn't come soon enough, so after a long day of work I was ready to get my laugh on. As we arrived in downtown St. Charles this is what we were greeted with . . .

Thankfully it was nice outside so we didn't mind waiting outside until almost 9:30. The show started late but when you're seeing Joan Rivers that's okay. Once we got seated and all situated we were now ready for Joan to come on. Here is a pic of the theatre . . . 

EXCITING!! 

She finally came on and after a almost 2 1/2 performance my stomach was killing me from laughing so hard and I was crossing my legs so I didn't pee my pants. It was totally worth the money and a great way to spend a Saturday night! 

Manni Monday

So with Spring springing and all the bright nail polish colors blooming it's no wonder why all the nail polish companies are coming up with all these bright colors. However even in the hottest days of July it's sometimes nice to take a few steps back and change up the nails to a more nude or softer color. I recently came across OPI's recent collaboration with the New York City Ballet called just that. I have to say I was very impressed with the colors. Here's what the collection consists of. . . 

A wide range of soft colors from Coral to Grey to Glitter. Here is an up close look . . . 

I'm sure one of these colors can become a staple in your nail polish collection or better yet a signature color for you! 

Thursday Lately

Wow! It's Thursday already?? Where is the time going? Clearly flying. However one thing that I have noticed it that every video I've done so far I have just gotten done at the gym and so my hair is in this horrible ponytail and I have no make up on. So I promise you next week I am going to actually do my hair and look presentable. haha. 

Top Motivational Quotes for Working Out: 

1. You want me to do something... tell me I can't do it. -Maya Angelou

2. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. -Wayne Gretzky

4. If you don’t make mistakes, you aren’t really trying. -Unknown

5. You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy  is wasted. -Ruth E. Renkl

6. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an  indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi

7. Motivation will almost always beat mere talent. -Norman R. Augustine

8. I'd rather be a failure at something I enjoy than a success at  something I hate. -George Burns

9. Energy and persistence conquer all things. -Benjamin Franklin

10. Nothing great was ever achieved  without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

11. No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. -Aesop

12. Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting  different results. -Albert Einstein

13. Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.  Attitude determines how well you do it. -Lou Holtz

14. Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. -Jim Ryan

15. I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games.  26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed  over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. -Michael Jordan

16. Fear is what stops you... courages is what keeps you going. -Unknown

17. The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race. -Unknown

18. The difference between a goal and a dream is a deadline. -Steve Smith

19. Just do it.™ -Nike

20. In seeking happiness for others, you find it for yourself. -Anonymous

21. The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

22. It's not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not. -Anonymous

23. Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. -Oprah Winfrey

24. It's never too late to become what you might have been. -George Elliot

The End of Normal

Stila Natural Eye Shadow Palette

Workout Wednesday

So we all know I'm always on the hunt for the next best work out clothes and at this point my work out wardrobe is becoming more extensive than my regular wardrobe. Is that sad?? Oh well. So when a girl at Crossfit Glen Ellyn told me about these amaze ball pants well more like leggings that she lives in I was all over it. I love a good legging but a legging that is cute for the gym and for running errands afterwards? Score! I was a little nervous to go try them on because while she is petite I am not however I looked on the Nordstrom website to see what the sizes were and I was happy to see they offered quite a variety. So today on my break from work I ran to Nordstrom to go buy the pants- I wasn't in the mood to try them on so I just plucked my size from the table and swiped my card and went on my marry way. I was very excited to get home and try these bad boys on. OMG it was like heaven!!! So what am I talking about you ask... the brand is called Zella and they carry an assortment of work out gear. I specifically got the Live in Legging. 

Here is a photo of what they look like on. I know it looks like just another black work out pant. No way! They are unbelievably comfy- they suck and tuck everything in so you don't feel like you're spilling 

out and yet you don't feel like you're constrained in them. So when I got home I ripped my pants off and couldn't get these on fast enough, literally I felt like I was melting like butter in these pants. I of course wore them to Crossfit today and let me tell ya I put them through a tough ass work out. I ran I did weights and they far exceeded my expectations. I ran a lot and I never felt like my legs were rubbing or they were 

to tight. I also saw my friend at the gym today and I literally ran up to her to tell her I bought the pants and guess what I want to live in them! 

Here is me trying to model the pants- I really just wanted to collapse on the floor because my legs & calves hurt so bad. 

I'm serious don't walk RUN to Nordstrom and try these on- they also have capri's which I will probably be getting on Thursday! Happy Workout Wednesday! 

Project: Banana Bread

So I'm not going to sugar coat this by any means but I am not a good cook by any means. The last time I cooked for my husband- we were still dating at the time - I had cooked chicken but I had added some spices to the chicken because I knew he liked spices however I didn't know that you were only suppose to use one spice like Dill, instead I had used like 4 and the outcome was he was sick for like 3 days. Oops. So ever since then my cooking was sparse. 


A couple of months ago a gym friend of mine named Melissa had brought me some Banana Bread that she made and it was utterly delicious- I texted her after I ate my slices and told her it was mouth watering. She told me it was such an easy recipe and she would e-mail it to me, she didn't know my inability of cooking. Once I got the recipe and reviewed it I thought it was easy enough and after contemplating for a few days I decided to try it. 


I got all my ingredients ready & set up: 

I added walnuts to my banana bread 

I then mixed all my ingredients into a mixing bowl and mashed my bananas 

I then mixed all my ingredients 

I then put it into the oven at 325 and baked for an hour and this was my end result . . . 

I know you're probably thinking it looks a little burnt- yes it is. The reason you ask. Well because once again my cooking abbreviations or just stupidity I got a little confused because when Melissa sent the recipe she used abbreviations. So when she put tsp I thought it meant table spoon therefore I put 1/2 table spoon of baking powder and salt. Not realizing until after it was in the oven that tsp actually meant teaspoon. So because of my overage of those two ingredients it took longer to cook on the inside. The best part was that Melissa actually had thought about writing out the words but thought I would understand the abbreviations. Once again she over estimated my cooking knowledge. While it was a little burnt on the outside it was yummy on the inside. 

I will be giving this recipe another go (and putting the correct amount of baking soda & salt in the mix). Below is the recipe in case you want to give it a try. 

Banana Bread or Muffins

3/4 cup sugar

2-3 bananas (mashed up)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 cups of flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla 

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 bag of chocolate chips (I may use white chocolate next time, so I will let you know how that turns out )

Preheat oven to 325. Mix ingredients in order. Pour into nonstick loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes o r until toothpick is dry when inserted into bread.

MUFFINS: Pour mix into cupcake cups, about 1/2 way, Bake at 325 for 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top. 

Manni Monday

Hi Guys! I hope everyone had a great Easter and for those who are Greek happy Palm Sunday. I had a great Easter- I spent it with my shrinking family however it was a joyous and yet sad day. It was my first holiday without my grandmother whom I was very very close with. It was also hard because she died about 3 weeks ago so it's still new. However surrounded by my family and good food is exactly what she would have wanted. 


Back to Manni Monday. So I was going to wait to get my nails done but I just couldn't take them any longer so I went after work to this nail salon near my work. Now the last place I've been going to for my nails I wasn't all that impressed with because she wasn't the best at polishing my nails and she just didn't get them quite as square. So a client was in my store and her nails were perfection I mean like literally the best nails I've seen. The best part was that she got them done right by my work! She told me who she went to and so after I got off work on Saturday I went to that nail salon and to that nail tech and was ready to get my nails done! 


A few days ago I decided to get a new nail polish or see what was out there because I was kind of getting bored of my current nail colors I have. I wasn't really seeing anything out of the new Essie Resort collection and then I saw this amazing color!!! 

It's called ole caliente


Such a fun color for Spring because it wasn't quite Red but not quite   Pink. Here is how  it looked on my nails







Love?? I sure do! Plus with a good tan these nails will POP! And check out my nails check out how square they are! They are perfect! I found my new nail guy!










And now for my Giveaway Winner. . . . . Chris Chubbette Adventures she won the nail color Fiji by Essie. Congrats!!! Please do a link up on your winnings.