Spring Wish List 2014

It's officially spring, though it doesn't quite feel like spring here in the Midwest! Actually, here in Minnesota, we've just had an April blizzard. You know what they say...April blizzards bring May flowers? Anyway, I've been doing some spring window shopping and have started to put together a list of things I'm dying to have for spring and summer.

Sports Bra - Athleta, Plié Tights - Athleta, MorrocanOil Root Boost Volume - MorrocanOil, Cherry Blush - 100% Pure, Coconut Tea - Tea Forte, Nike Sports Watch + GPS with TomTom - Best Buy, Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning - Nordstrom, Crop Top - Pac Sun, Maxi Skirt - Victoria's Secret

I'm still absolutely obsessed with Pilates, so much so that I'm officially going to start Pilates instructor certification in the fall. This only means one thing: buying more Pilates clothing! Kidding, but really, who doesn't love a cute sports bra and a great pair of yoga pants. The Athleta gear is built to last and is of really nice quality. I'll be looking forward to some of their summer collections, but I'm a big fan of their yoga pants. This is the Athleta Freedom Bra paired with the Plié tights.

Recently I've become very interested in all natural beauty products. I'm trying to cut out as many chemicals as I can. Sometimes you just can't live without your holy grail concealer, but I'm determined to find natural alternatives. This Fruit Pigmented Cherry Blush from 100% Pure is 100% natural, gluten free, and vegan. It's also made with plum, pomegranate, blackberry, raspberry, apricot, and cherry. I have a concealer and a mascara from 100% Pure and I love them both. They come highly recommended from me. I'm blush obsessed so I'd love to try this for spring and summer.

I've heard so many great things about the MorrocanOil products but have never tried any of them. Allison from allisonanderson.com recommended this Root Boost Volume because it blasts volume into her fine, limp hair. She had me hooked when she said her second day hair didn't even need dry shampoo. I'm a dry shampoo fanatic because it saves me from having to wash my hair everyday, but if I don't even need that?! I'm intrigued.

I'm addicted to tea. There, I said it. That's the first step right? Well I don't think I want help getting over my love of tea. I love green teas, black, white, herbal, rooibus, and oolong. Think I pretty much covered all of them. Of all the teas I've ever tried, I've never seen coconut tea. This one is from Tea Forte. If you know me then you'll know I can't pass up coconut flavored or scented things. It would be a nice addition to my summer collection of teas.

Being pale is nice sometimes, but when spring rolls around I always end up feeling like a ghost. It's not like I'm wishing to be a golden bronzed goddess. I know that won't ever happen. I'd just like to look like I'm not dead. So I've always used the Jergen's self tanner lotion, but it kind of smells. And I lost my last bottle. So I'm looking for something new and improved. I've heard fantastic things about the Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning oil. It's a facial moisturizer, but can also be used on the body.

With summer running right around the corner I've been researching GPS watches. My iPhone is always great for tracking time and distance, but sometimes it's kind of hard to fumble with the passcode and everything while I'm running. I want to be able to just take a quick glance at my watch and know my pace. The Nike + Sport Watch Powered by TomTom tracks time, distance, and pace.

And finally, here is my number one must have. I haven't hopped on the crop top bandwagon yet, but I think I'll be starting this summer. This Pac Sun crop top paired with this high waisted maxi skirt from Victoria's Secret would be the perfect laid back summer outfit. I don't know if I'll be getting this exact pairing, but I love the crop top maxi skirt look.

What is on your spring wish list?

Favorite Workouts and Workout Outfits

As a former college hockey player and a competitive hurler I've always been a fan of getting my workouts in while practicing for a sport. It's easy to motivate myself when I've got a team to play for and teammates who are counting on me to do my part like I'm counting on them. Team sports create a dynamic unlike anything else and you really begin to trust your teammates when you practice and work hard together. Unfortunately, I'm no longer a college hockey player and the hurling season has ended, so I've had to redesign my workout plan for fall. It comes with the seasonal change and I think it's good to create muscle confusion by doing different workouts. I've started to focus on flexibility because it is important for the health of your muscles and endurance. I can't wait to see how this program goes.

I've alway been a fan of yoga and the P90 Yoga X is a great 90 minutes of hardcore stretching and strength training. Tony is a motivating instructor and pushes you to move through the more advanced poses. I'd love to take yoga in a studio, but as a student I just don't have the funds for that right now. There are fitness classes I can take at my university's recreation facilities, but some of the times don't work out with my class schedule. 

I've mentioned Blogilates multiple times before, and I never get tired of working out with Cassey! The workouts are interesting and she plays popular top 40s hits to keep you motivated. She is also a certified Pilates instructor and I aspire to be like her someday. I'm hoping to start my Pilates instructor training soon so I'll be taking notes on her workouts! She's inspirational, upbeat, bubbly, and full of encouraging words as she kicks your butt during the workout. The 1000s workout is super challenging and you feel extremely accomplished when you've finished.

I couldn't cover a workout post without discussing running. I've been a runner for a long time now. I'll have on and off days, but I'll always consider myself a runner. I took a break for a few weeks this summer to help heal my feet, but I'm looking forward to getting back on a running schedule to train for my next half-marathon! Above are some of my favorite songs to listen to while running. I know a lot of people like a full playlist of pump-up songs, but I like to mix in a bit of a chill vibe because then my brain calms down and I stay in the zone.

Yoga/Pilates Fall Workout Outfit

Sports Bra -Target , Top- Target, Pants- Target, Yoga mat- Blogilates

Although it is now fall, I still love the pop of pink in this outfit. The yoga shorts I would have worn during the summer have been swapped out for yoga pants and the tank top has been exchanged for a long sleeve. This is still flowy enough outfit that it will keep you cool even in a warm studio class.

Fall Running Gear

Top- Sports Authority, Shoes- Kohl's, Water Bottle- Blogilates, Shorts- Sports Authority

This would be a perfect ensemble for a crisp fall day. I don't like to wear running tights until it's absolutely necessary so I'll be sporting shorts until November! I like wearing bright colors when I run (like those highlighter neon yellow shorts!) because it keeps me visible to cars in the fall dusk days when it can be harder to see runners on the road. 

What workouts have you incorporated into your routine lately? 

What have your workout fashion trends been like?