Smitten Life

Outfit: Sweater-Jcrew via Over My Styled Body, Jeans- Zara, Purse-Via Over My Styled Body, Necklace-Miss Boss, Ring-The bay, Shoes-Spring, Watch-Michael Kors

There will always be a piece of me that is super drawn to very bright, loud pieces. I do love me some neutrals and they always go well together but every now and then you need a POP. This sweater is filling a void in my fall and winter wardrobe that I didn't know I needed. Majority of my fall sweaters are dark and heavy. But this is so light and bright, I can see myself getting plenty of use of this one. 

Also, these new booties are the best because they go with absolutely everything! They're the perfect height not too crazy tall and are incredibly comfortable. I spend my day in runners, so me saying a heel is comfortable means it is.

xo Happy Weekend

Ingredients: 

1 large can of chickpeas

2 T curry powder

3 cloves garlic 

1/2 small onion

**2 chicken breasts for more protein

1. Saute 3 cloves garlic on medium heat in a large pan

2. Add chopped onion to pan, when they caramelize add in chickpeas and add chicken in. 

3. Saute until chicken is thoroughly cooked

4. I added this to a whole bowl with 1 cup brown rice, 1 small cucumber, 1 small tomato and a 2 T of hummus. OR put mixture in a whole wheat pita add in lettuce, 1 small tomato, 2 T of hummus 

1. Bear Crawl 

Get your bum up high and crawl forward on your hands and toes, Keep the core tight and try to take short steps

2. Crab Walk 

Hands under shoulders, feet hip distance apart, ensure bum is not touching the ground and shimmer walk backwards

3. Curtsy Lunge to Front Lunge alternating 

Step leg back behind other leg as if to perform a curtsy (shoulder feel it in the external glute) and then take same leg and step forward into walking lunge. Ensure pushing through foot and squeezing the glutes as you perform these movements

4. Squat Walk (aka Duck walk) 

Get low! Get into a comfortable squat position with bum down knees in line with toes and walk forward while maintaining this squatted position

5. Tricep Push ups

Bring hands right under shoulder and arms tight to the body, lower down keeping core tight and bum squeezed. Can perform from knees as well. 

6. Plank tap outs

High plank position, ensure core tight, bum squeezed, tap one leg out to the side without wiggling hips too much. Alternate sides always maintain a strong plank position without hip drop. 

Perform each exercise for 30s taking 10s rest in between and move through the circuit 6-8 times. Take a longer rest at the end of each 6 exercise, 1-2minutes. 

Outfit: Tee-H&M Via Over My Styled Body, Jeans-Zara, Leather jacket-Dynamite, Shoes-Zara, Ring-The Bay, Sunnies-Red Ribbon

This post almost didn't happen as my laptop did updates last night and then proceeded to not turn on all night/morning. A mini panic attack when I left for work at 5am quickly calmed by a text to my tech savy boyfriend who gave me a few tricks to try. What a helpful human! Very easy instructions and alas I have no lost all my content. Todays job: Back your work up! Didn't you learn anything from Sex & The City. 

This casual look is basically all I'm wearing during the transition season. Actually these jeans and shoes mixed in with a different top is essentially my staple. These Zara jeans have quickly become my favourite, SO stretchy which is important when you have thick thighs and a booty from deadlifting. Finding clothes that fit is a pain in the ass no matter if you're thick, thin, tall or tiny. There's always something! It helps when you have a few go-to stores and styles that always work. A pair of jeans and a tee is something that will always work 

xoJenna

Such a quick easy and delicious snack and a great way to get an extra boost of protein. I always try to have some on me for when I'm busy at work!

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 T honey

1 T chia seeds

1/4 cup unsweetened chocolate chips

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together, add in 3-4 T of water or milk until it has the right consistency to make balls. 

2. Make about 10-12 balls and place in fridge for about 20 minutes

3. Enjoy!

Outfit: Dress-Miss Boss, Jacket-F21, Clutch-Via Lyndsy ,  Necklace- Saraswati designs, Shoes-Aldo, Ring-Vintage, Watch-Michael Kors

I feel in love with this little suede number a few weeks ago when the temperatures started to dip and I love it. It is without a doubt the comfiest piece of clothing I own. It's so soft and who doesn't love a simple tshirt dress? They're super versatile, easy to dress down or up. I can see myself getting a ton of use out of it as the temperatures drop, layer it up all cozy like or dressed up. For date night I added these chunky heels and denim jacket. Nothing like a simple combo that's cute and feels great on. 

Now is it the weekend yet or what??

Jenna

I have always been in awe of the physical prowess of boxers, how quick they are, how powerful and just how in control they can be. Starting kickboxing lessons about a year ago has been such a good experience for me. Not only do I feel like my stamina in other areas (soccer) has increased because of it, my burst power and strength has increased as well. Boxing workouts are without a doubt the most physically and mentally exhausting. Learning a new combo, performing it over and over again, and trying to use all your strength and power each time. This high intensity kind of workout is mentally stimulating and a great way to burn fat and tone every part of your body. 

I have never been particularly graceful nor do I have a lot of natural rhythm so if I can learn this anyone can. Fun fact: growing up I wasn't naturally athletic it was only after I started playing soccer at 14 years old I even got into fitness at all. At that point I was hooked but I am not what you'd call naturally gifted. My background being in soccer has helped me learn the kicks and high knees a lot easier than most, which always makes me feel like a badass warrior queen. Anything that makes you feel that good is amazing for you! 

There are so many different kinds of classes, so it's important to look for your fit. I prefer Muy Thai because my legs are where my strengths at. No matter where you are a quick google search will show you a couple places to train. 

Ingredients: 

4 Zucchinis 

2 chicken breasts

1 Yellow pepper

1 lime

Half a cup peanuts unsalted

Half a cup bean sprouts

2 tbsp sesame oil

3 whole eggs

Outfit: Skirt-Dynamite, Shirt-F21, Shoes-Aldo, Bag-Calvin Klein, Necklace-Noul 

Now that its gotten quite chilly over the weekend, it feels like forever since bare legs and backs. But I still have hopes I can bare my legs once again before the snow flies. I cant help that I am a warm blooded mammal and I hate being cold!

For an outfit thrown together at the last minute I must say I was quite pleased with this look to celebrate my birthday. I had something else planned but it was going to be less accommodating in the gorge yourself on taco regions, so a change had to be made! However, I hate when things bunch up under fitted skirts, is there a trick my mom was supposed to teach me but just forget....help me. 

xo Jenna

Everyone can and should strength train at least 2x a week. No matter your fitness level, or what type of dysfunction or injury you may have had it can be safely worked into a program when working with an exercise professional and will be beneficial 

1. Increases Bone Density. This is especially important for us ladies who are prone to lose bone density as we age and are at higher risk for osteoporosis. So ladies, do not be afraid to lift heavy, its going to benefit you in the long run!

2. Increased Muscle Mass. Not only does muscle protect your joints from injury, but it is also an important part of rehabilitating an injury. In any rehab program we focus on building up the muscle around the joint safely to prevent further damage. It also burns more calories even when you are at rest. With more lean muscle mass, you`re less likely to injure yourself and in the long run it helps you lose weight if you have more muscle. 

3. Greater stamina, youre going to get stronger and better ability to perform. For example, going for a hike that seems strenuous may seem easier after a 6 week strength program. 

4. Better sense of well being. Any sort of exercise releases endorphines and has been shown to improve mood, this is great news for anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression. This can help improve body image, as well as your self confidence. 

5. It will NOT make you bulky. I have been strength training for a few years now, my body has definitely changed size and shape but I do not look bulky or manly in any way. 

6. It helps with control and prevention of some diseases. It helps those with diabetes control their glucose levels and is helpful in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. 

Side effects: Can make you feel like a motherfucking badass. Lifting heavy things can give you a sense of accomplishment when you reach new goals and add more weight! So get out there and lift the big weights, and feel amazing.