Happy Hump Day! This post consists of some random thoughts as I sit here drinking this amazing latte from Cymplify...

Job Hunt

I have a job interview today. This is one out of two that I've had so far and I've applied to about 50. Who's in the same boat? Isn't it fun!! This weekend is a bit freed up for me so other than enjoying the amazing weather (supposed to be in the 70's this weekend!) I plan on applying for about 30 more. It's a hefty goal but I am getting real determined because April is around the corner. I also recently started my free trial of LinkedIn Premium, which has been making the job search a little easier. Thank you, LinkedIn!

Instagram Layout

Instagram released a new app this week called Layout. If you are obsessed with Instagram like I am this is pretty exciting! It's a new photo editing app that allows you to get really creative with photography layouts. It's very easy to use! You can create a custom layout or use one of many layouts that the app provides. Read more about it here.

Healthy Skin

Lately my skin has been looking and feeling really healthy to me and I thought I would share a few things I have been doing differently! I have always had pretty healthy skin, but it's usually really dry, sensitive and easily irritated. I don't use a lot of skin care products but there's two that have made a big difference lately!

Vitamin C Oil - I have been applying this every night after I wash my face and I absolutely love it! It is a little oily, but it has made my skin extremely smooth and hydrated when I wake up every morning. It has a ton of antioxidants that are beneficial for skin. It reduces inflammation, promotes the growth of collagen and diminishes the appearance of sun damage. Miracle oil! According to Dr. Oz, it can drop a decade off of your face. Not sure how much truth is in that statement, but I have definitely noticed a positive change!

Lush Love Lettuce Exfoliating Face Mask - A friend lent me some of this to try out last week and I absolutely love it!! It's awesome. Totally natural ingredients, smells awesome and makes my skin feel amazing. Because of the natural ingredient list, it needs to be refrigerated, and when you apply it, it feels cool and soothing. Unfortunately there is not a Lush store in Gainesville, but as soon as I am near one I am going to pick up some more.

This Newfie Video

I have an obsession with big dogs. Half of my Twitter and Instagram news feeds consists of dogs. I cannot wait until I can have my own Golden Retriever/Huskie/Aussie/Newfie/German Shepard/All of the above. So I'll leave you with this adorable video that I've watched way too many times:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEdRUyN6Kfo

Good morning! I've got another workout to share adapted from the Total Body class I taught last night!

This one was great and we all definitely were sweaty by the end! I've said it once but I will say it again, circuit workouts are my favorite way to workout. Because the pace is quick and your body has to keep guessing what is coming next, it gets your heart rate up without having to do any intense cardio. It's a great way to work on strength and cardio. As per usual, I included a #15SecondFitness video demonstrating some of the exercises:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAYOIXefj2k

Here are some links demonstrating some of the other exercises:

Donkey Kicks, Single Leg Deadlifts, Bent Over Rows, V-ups

I hope you try it out!

On another note, did you all see Ariana Grande's impression of Celine Dion on Jimmy Fallon? I love this blurb on his show and thought it was pretty funny. She's so talented!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05dKQsVOZXY

Have a great day!

Rach

I love having homemade snacks on hand when I am really busy and need to grab some quick energy. Store bought protein and energy bars are usually so expensive! I stick to either Lara Bars or Kind Bars because they have the cleanest ingredient list and are delicious, but I just cannot afford them every week. It's super easy to throw together something similar with ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Yesterday I threw together Peanut Butter Oat Energy Bites. These are an example of how you can make your own. I always stick to minimal ingredients (makes it the easiest) and make sure I have a protein, healthy fat and carb to cut the hunger and give me sufficient energy. I also tend to add in some sweetness in the form of chocolate. Always chocolate.

The key with making these is the consistency. I have found that a no-fail formula is to have about three to four dry ingredients and only one to two wet ingredients - one of which should have some binding power (like a nut butter.) For example, in these bites, I included almost equal parts protein powder and oats. I then added in equal parts chia seeds and chocolate chips. After adding three tablespoons of peanut butter, I mixed everything together and slowly added one tablespoon at a time of almond milk. This is key!! You don't want the mixture to be overly dry or wet. It should be like a really thick cookie dough that you can easily form into balls or bars. These are truly so easy to make and you can play around with so many different flavors and add ins.

Ingredients: 

• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2-3 tbsp chocolate chips (I got a little heavy handed with this ingredient)
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 3-4 tbsp almond milk (could also use water)

Directions:

• Combine protein powder, oats and chia seeds and mix
• Add peanut butter and mix well (mixture should be a bit crumbly - cue to add more liquid)
• Add almond milk or water one tbsp at a time and mix
• When mixture is at a dough-like consistency, fold in chocolate chips or any other add ins
• Roll into balls and place on wax paper
• Store in fridge or freezer

Enjoy!!

Rach