Which should I do FIRST--T25 or Insanity?

So I've been getting a LOT of questions lately about good ole T25! It's our NEWEST program via Beachbody and honestly, besides BBL and CLX, my FAVORITE and prob soul mate workout as well.


T25:



However,  a lot of people already OWN Insanity and want to try it (maybe again for the 3rd time)... however not everyones fitness levels are the same.

Here's the thing, Insanity is freakin hard. Not what you are going to expect or what you may have expected. I remember my FIRST Insanity workout... I did the warm up and thought that was it, while wiping sweat off my face and dripping down my abs. Hallelujah praise Shaun T it was over... but it wasn't. I looked at the timer and I still had 30 minutes left of the madness!

A few suggestions if you are trying to decide WHICH to do... 

- DO NOT just pick Insanity because you have it.... esp if you haven't done cardio or worked out for a good solid 45 minutes in a while. Why? Because Insanity will kick your ass so hard (and so good) that a lot of people get frustrated that they feel incapable of finishing. I've had a ton of customers say, "Abby--Insanity is so hard, I can barely get through it and Im really struggling"  A LOT of the time, Insanity is at a level that may be too high for you at the moment. It doesn't mean give up, it means either modify, take it slower and learn the moves or build the momentum... do as much of the DVDs as you can and don't beat yourself up if you don't finish every workout. I had to build up as I did P90X!

-KNOW your fitness level... 1-10
1 being you haven't worked out, you're totally clueless as what to do
5 being you've worked out here and there, never been totally committed, but looking to learn more--can do most moves, but you're slower and building stamina
8 being you're a workout freak, you do pretty well, theres room for improvement and you're dedicated to your journey and hour long workouts don't completely kill you. You can handle cardio, weight lifting, etc.
10 being you barely need a break, you're looking for a new challenge, working out is a lifestyle habit, and you're a an eat clean machine.

If you're at 1 you can do T25- sure it will VERY hard but you have Tania to modify with (she's the hottie Asian in the DVDs) and if you're at a 10 you CAN STILL DO T25 and get an ass kicking workout.

Basically T25 is GREAT for any level. You can either modify or you can make it harder! Add more reps, higher weights, better form, faster high knees, you name it.

-Try the Insanity fit test. Do each move for one minute and count how many you did... if you're absolutely dying, try T25 FIRST. Here's an example:

-When in doubt, pick a workout that you may feel more comfortable with... I know they success is out of your comfort zone, but better to try a workout, see how it goes and if you need more of a challenge, pick a more intense workout. Trying to GO HARD and CRAZY right off the bat (esp if you are at fitness level between 1-6) could leave you with an injury (and back injuries are hard to heal!) BUT STILL PUSH! YOU WILL NOT SEE RESULTS IF IT'S TOO EASY OR YOU ARE HALF ASSING IT.

-Realize that Insanity is much more plyometric--meaning a lot more jumps, a lot higher jumps, burpees and up/down movements. Insanity also has a 9-10 min warm up, 5 min stretch and about 20-30 min cardio/weight resistance HIIT workouts. T25 has very few water breaks or pauses, it's GO GO GO, but it's only 25 minutes, so every SECOND literally counts.

-Which do you have time for? If 45 mins-1 hour is too much for you at that level of intensity, Insanity may be a better choice once you have built stamina. If you're a runner, or use to working out for an hour and you want a challenge, this is a  GREAT program for you. If you're looking to only have a about 30 min cardio sessions because you are also weight lifting or doing other workouts, T25 is your best bet! You get just as worked in less time.

-What's your history?! If you have a history of injuries and can't jump as much (bad knees, hips, back, etc) T25 is a great way to start back into cardio with out all the heavy impact of jumping around. Insanity is KNOWN for high tuck jumps, diamond jumps, switch kicks, etc and all that can be very tiring on a body thats been through injury. Be smart, don't let EGO get in the way! I believe you can start small, build the muscles around the injured area for support and then start increasing intensity.

T25: 10 weeks

• -25 mins a day/5x a week
• -HIIT workouts, burn outs, resistance bands included for Beta phase
• -2 phases: Alpha and Beta. Alpha is the first introductory phase focused on form, speed and agility. Beta increases the level of difficult. Add on GAMMA phase (like me) for an extra 4 weeks of T25!
• -Alpha Phase 5 weeks
• -Beta Phase 5 weeks
• -little to no breaks
• no recovery weeks

Insanity: 60 days

• 35min-45 min- 1st month
• 55 mins - 2nd month
• 1 recovery week in between
• no equipment needed
• high jumps, HIIT workouts, lots of lateral and horizontal drills
• has water breaks--HIIT drills: 3 mins on,30 min break, repeat

In my HONEST opinion, I love Insanity. It will get you ripped, in 60 days if you follow it and eat clean, you're going to come out a lean mean machine... but now that I've tried T25 Im not sure how I can go back to Insanity! I'm sure I'll do it here and there, but I love how intense T25 is without the major time commitment. I also LOVE that it's less high jumps (bad knees here)! Oh and that it incorporates weights into the beta phase and gamma.

If I were you, I would start with T25 FIRST, and learn correct form, pace, and moves so that if you do decide to give Insanity a shot (or another shot), you won't be so SHOCKED. Then you can take your crazy self to AsylumI and AsylymII (for those of you who are die hard fans--maybe that will be my next?!)

If you need help deciding what works for you, please don't hesitate to contact me or email me at abbyfix@me.com! This is what I do for a living, for passion, for fun. And I LOVE seeing people succeed, reach their goals, and have their dream bodies! PRESS PLAY and join me!

P.S. When you get T25 and Shakeology together, you get Shakeology 50% off... not a bad deal until August 31st! Click here for more info! 

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Five Home Beauty Remedies

Ah yes... looking good can come with a price tag but it also can be fairly easy and cheap if you know what to grab! Here are FIVE of my beauty at home remedies and secrets!

1. Ice Cube Facial

MHHMM. You heard/read that right! Do this in the morning or before going out! Grab an ice cube and start with under your eyes (clean faces only, no makeup of course), swipe it gently underneath, then take it across your cheeks. Using an ice cube on your face will temporarily diminish dark circles under the eyes, reduce redness in cheeks or acne scars, and make your pores shrink! I love doing this before I go out, it not only wakes me up but makes my face feel tighter and fresh! 

2. Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth

I like to dip a Q-tip in Hydrogen Peroxide then swish it over my pearly whites to whiten them up a bit more. I don't do this all the time, probably once every two weeks. Do it for about 30 seconds to one minute. Most people are worried that it tastes funny, but it doesn't. There's barely any taste at all, and if you do taste something it's similar to whitening strips! 

3. Coconut Oil Hair Mask

DO NOT GO CHEAP on coconut oil. Get the unrefined organic stuff from Trader Joes, Sprouts or Whole Foods! If it's not melted (coconut oil/butter--at room temp its solid, any hotter it will melt), melt in microwave safe bowl then start with your ends! Work your way up by lathering your hair with the coconut oil. I usually use about 2TBSP for my long blonde hair. Leave on for an hour or more. I sometimes will workout or lay out and use the heat from my body or the sun to help it work better. When you rinse it out, shampoo hair twice thoroughly then add conditioner and rinse well! Do once a week! Cover with shower cap if you want, but it really does not leak or run down your face! 

4. Blueberry Yogurt Mask

Been in the sun too long? A little UV damage can really hurt your face, so try an at home mask of your choice. This one is great because the blueberries are a powerful antioxidant that are packed with Vitamin C and E which fend off fine lines. Also the yogurts lactic acid help exfoliate sun damaged skin!

Grab a handfull of blueberries and mash into plain greek yogurt (tbsp), put on face and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off!

5. Shave with Baby Oil and never use lotion again!

I LOVE to shave with baby oil, nothing saves your razor and moisture of your legs like shaving with baby oil! It only costs about $2-3 at WalMart and is WELL worth it! Just use a quarter size amount for each leg and a dime size for your bikini line. The best SHAVE EVER. Trust me, I've been doing it for over two years and can't go back to shaving cream or soap. Closest and smoothest shave of your life, promise! 

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5 Moves to Lift and Tone Your Butt!

Lift that booty! Tighten that ass! No one wants a saggy booty right? Heck no!! I think it's almost every woman's dream to have a nice backside so they feel confident in anything-bikinis, jeans, shorts, dresses,  you name it, we wana be able to leave a room and leave an impression! 

I've always had a bigger backside (she get it from her mama) and I'm grateful for it, esp since the Kate Moss days are out and curvy fit is in! Hallelujah, it's time for me AND YOU to shine! Curves are in, and the best curve of all is that booty!

Here are FIVE of my FAVORITE Booty workouts!

Curtsey Lunge: (targets hips and booty)

Oh yeah. You will feel this just about everywhere in your lower body... Start with your feet shoulders width apart, then step your right foot behind your left in a curtsey--bend both knees but make sure they don't go over your toes! Keep your back straight and chest lifted and stick that ass out! Act like you are either bowling or doing a curtsey! Repeat 15x ea side! Add weights to increase level of difficulty! Fell in love with this move in ChaLEAN Extreme!

Sumo Jack Burpees: (works inner thighs and booty)

We are taking this up a notch! Get into a plie stance, feet wide with toes turned out. Squat, come up, jump your feet together into a plank pose, jump back into a sumo squat pose, then jump your feet back together parallel. Repeat 20x! Fell in love with this move in ChaLEAN Extreme!

Donkey Kicks: (works booty) 

Get on all fours baby! Hands below shoulders on the floor, hips stacked on top of  knees so your spine is in line. Or modify by bringing forearms to the floor if that feels best. Kick your leg (keep it at 90 degree bend with your knee) WAY up, then bring back into your core. For added difficulty add ankle weights and do 20x ea side. Fell in love with this move in Brazil Butt Lift!

Straight Leg Dead Lifts: (back of thighs, booty, lower back)

Nothing says sexy like a perfected dead lift. One of my FAVORITE moves because it targets the back of our thighs (which tend to be a struggle for a lot of women). With feet hips width apart, keeping your back straight, and a micro-bend in your knees, lower your upper body to about 90 degrees (or a little higher depending on your flexibility). Use weights (I do 15lbs 15x, 17.5 12x, 20lbs 8x) in both hands and slide them down the front of your legs. Come back up slowly and push hips forward, repeat!

Stability Ball Hamstring Curl: (works hamstrings, quads, core, booty)

Ah, the stability ball. My favorite piece of equipment--very versatile if you can get creative! Lying on your back, place the stability ball under your heels/calves. Lift your hips off the ground with arms at your side, then roll the ball in towards your hips while keeping them lifted. Roll back out. Repeat 20x. Squeeze your muscles as you roll in and out! FOCUS on the muscles you are working!

Let me know your favorite booty workouts! Sharing is caring ;-)

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Healthy Snacks While Flying

Well a busy time of year is about to come up for travel, a lot of people are flying home for the holidays to see family and friends, or maybe get away on a tropical vacation while it's freezing else where!

My upcoming trips:

NYC-Sept
Cabo San Lucas-Oct
Dec- POSSIBLY Costa Rica

And while all that travel is FABULOUS, it can seriously kill a waistline and all the hard work I've done! I'm sure you've been nervous to book a trip or fly somewhere in the midst of a workout.

The good thing about my workout routine, I just push play and get moving. Right now I'm on week 2 of the Beta Phase for T25, a 25 minute 5x a week workout program I do from home. Yep, you heard right. 25 glorious, short, yet painful workout!

Here are a FEW snack ideas for your (upcoming) trip(s):

• Cheese Sticks--opt for local made and even vegetarian. I don't personally LOVE cheese anymore--but I do like pepper jack!
• Greek Yogurt (Get 0% and add fruit and/or Stevia) or the small Chobani ones! Pack RIGHT before your flight so they don't go bad. 
• Carrot Sticks/Celery combo with hummus
• Oatmeal packets--or make your own--great for morning or early flights, just ask a barista or someone to heat it up for you!
• Food Should Taste Good Chips--mmm! 
• Granola-home made is best, watch sugar content! 
• Shakeology Packets  (have a coffee place mix for you on your layover or just shake it up with water)
• Fruit- keep in tupperware and throw in your bag right before you go to keep it cold and fresh 
• Beef Jerky--I personally do not eat meat, but this is a great option for meat lovers, but look for local made jerky or make your own. 
• Baked Pita Chips--whole grain with hummus! Already made snack packs can be found at grocery stores. 
• Nuts--don't go crazy on almonds or peanuts, moderation is key! 
• Prepped sandwiches--natural PB and jelly, turkey with avocado and cucumber, veggie sandwiches
• Energy Bars (look for lower sugar and try not to go over 200 calories--Lara Bars, Kids Cliff Bars, Cliff bars, etc.) DO NOT eat protein bars like candy! 
• Beverages: Opt for homemade juices like Hibiscus tea (Jamaica Agua Fresca) or just plain water-- airport juices are packed with sugars, dyes, etc.
• Fruit leather--found at Trader Joes, Sprouts, Whole Foods, etc.
• Hard boiled eggs--pack RIGHT before the flight so they don't go bad and eat soon!

Also STRETCHING while waiting for your flight or layover is KEY--getting the blood circulating in your body again after longer flights and give your muscles a chance to wake back up! Most people experience jet lag even if there's no time change just from sitting and air pressure change. 

**KEEP HYDRATED** People underestimate the amount of water they drink when they travel, keep chugging. 

Happy Travels!

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" I'm having a fat day " What to do when you have a Fat Day

Ladies and dudes.... yep, dudes too--we know you have fat days. They are seriously the worst... and I notice they usually happen the day AFTER a cheat meal or a lazy day.

But you know what? Fat days are literally a construct of the mind... or you're on your period. Either or.

But in all reality, they are just that. A day. Some of you may be reading this, and goin "GIRL I've had a  fat year!" and trust me, I have too. But it wasn't a phase for me, it was a lifestyle. I was overweight (for my height) and thats because I made poor choices. So this blog article isn't for a "phase" or a "fat year" it's literally those days where you wake up, put on your clothes and go "Yup. It's a fat day"

Now I've had some fat days wreak havoc on my attitude and pretty much self sabotaged my day. I can't get my makeup right, my clothes don't feel like they are fitting, and it all gets pretty hopeless. Sounds like one hulleva pitty party eh?

But it doesn't have to be. Turn that fat day into a time to look inward.... Try a few of these to combat your fat day.


1. Get to the ROOT of it. What's making you feel fat? Are you just upset with WHERE you are in life? Not exactly what you had in mind? Sometimes when our life doesn't match up with how we imagined it to be (AKA Tony Robbins and our "blueprint") we get distressed and find outside easier factors to target, like our bodies. Look inside yourself, ask yourself those hard questions that you know may hurt, but will reveal the REAL answer to this "fat day"

2. Drink a LOT of WATER and get outside for some Vit D. Water will help you flush out any toxins and rehydrate your body, plus it will make your skin better and make you feel better. Vitamin D (from the sun) will elevate your mood and beat the blues. Even on my fat days, I will go tan or get a spray tan. If you can't tone it, tan it! A lot of the time we just need a boost in Vit D. If you're in a gloomy place, look for some Vit D at the drug store to take!

3. Schedule a spa day. I know this is more of a band aid way of dealing with it, but honestly, nothing beats getting a little pampered and feeling clean and girly. If I'm having a rough day, or week, the spa is a great place to unwind and get out of your own head. Get your nails done, get a massage, facial, or do it yourself at home. I enjoy doing coconut oil hair masks, doing my nails, and getting a spray tan. Then I book my hair appointment. Treat yourself right!

4. Start thinking about your future! When we look forward to the future and make plans, we feel SO much better. If I notice my fat day could turn into a fat week, I will look at my workout schedule and count the days down till my next vacation. I'll start imaging myself already there and wearing my favorite bikini. I know it sounds like it could backfire, but if you can get a workout in and start to look at your goals for your future, whether thats about vacation, a new job, an upcoming move, a date, anything, it will lift your spirits!

5. WORKOUT-If you FEEL fat, go make that fat cry by sweating those blues away! No one enjoys a pissed off "feeling fat" girl or guy. Sure misery enjoys some company, but people really want to know how to FEEL and LOOK better... the only way to do BOTH is to get sweaty and out of breath.

6. Positive Self Talk--thats right. Find 5 things you love about yourself (more than skin deep) and focus on what you have to OFFER others. When we give, we naturally feel better, but if we constantly are in a state of taking, we are only left with an overabundance and greed. Maybe you're a great listener, or you have a warm smile that makes people want to talk to you. Find out what it is and remember that beauty isn't just external, but internal. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend. If you really can't think of anything, have family and friends help you find out your best qualities.

7. Count your blessings--similar to self talk, you should really be grateful for the body you do have, the fact that you can read this. Even if you're overweight, or have some impairment, you are still living and breathing, therefor you are still able to make a difference in the world, whether by being a role model to family and friends or just learning to love yourself. If we could all learn to love ourselves a little more, the world would be much more beautiful!

8. Schedule a girls night or day-or dudes day. I know that when I get with my girlfriends and REALLY let out what's on my shoulders, it makes my "problems" seem a little less scary and a lot more manageable. If you're having a down day call a friend, don't complain but maybe they are too. Lift each other up and do something together that will make you feel good! Me and my girls go to yoga! that does the trick always!

9. FEEL what you are FEELING. Most of the time we are so good at brushing feelings aside, but sometimes you just need to let out the frustration and beat a pillow or have a good cry. Me personally, I like to let out a good cry. Then I realize how small my problems are and use them as a comeback instead of a setback. The only thing you don't want to do is unpack your pity party and stay and hang out. No no no, feel what you are feeling, see it AS it is, not worse then it is, then move the hell on. Ain't no one got time to look back when there's SO much to look forward to!

10. Journal it. I know this may seem "lame" to some of you, but recording how you feel or even writing yourself a letter can be very therapeutic, plus you can tell yourself how you REALLY feel without being judged. And quite honestly, if you can't write yourself a letter or talk about your feelings, well we got more problems then a fat day to deal with. During my DARKEST times (and I'm talking some very dark times) I use to journal and it would let me get out ALL those feelings that didn't feel good... and when they were on paper, they seemed to have left my mind. Maybe its a letter saying, "I know I'm overweight, I'm not happy with how I look, but I know that I can do better". Up to you, it's your letter. Keep it and read it once in a while to remember to not let yourself get down, or burn it up. Your choice!



Now stop feeling fat and go be fabulous! It's just a feeling after all ;-)

Xo,
Abby Marie

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Eat 5 Small Meals a Day

So I'm sure you have known you're suppose to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner right? What about those meals or snacks in between? Whats the difference between a meal and snack? What time should I eat?

5 Rules to LOOK and FEEL GREAT

My personal rules for eating right and feeling great! 

**I eat every 2 1/2-3 hours on the DOT-- as should you! My eating times are about 7am, 9:45/10am, 1pm, 4pm, 6:30/7! 

1. Get up at a REASONABLE hour (sorry but sleeping in everyday isn't reasonable unless you work the night shift or have a zillion kids) and drink two glasses of water (16oz total) RIGHT AWAY. WHY? Because it wakes up that metabolism, flushes your system (ew poop... hey be happy to poop!), rehydrates your body and those organs, and makes you look AWAKE. 

2. Ditch the morning coffee unless its black or green tea and go for a walk or do a quick cardio sesh in your living room! I'd rather take my mat to yoga and get all namaste but pick your routine! check out free yoga apps on your phone--meditate and calm your mind before the day gets crazy (even if its cardio, it can still peace the mind and center your day, plus a quick cardio or stretch can start up that fat loss burn!)

3. Set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to eat at the RIGHT TIMES. You should be eating every 2 1/2-3 hours while drinking water through out your day. * I LOVE doing this!

4. Have healthy snacks that need no prep work on hand and ready to go if you are about to leave and run errands (see below for ideas)

5. Don't shop hungry... that's a no brainer. Going to the grocery store hungry is like taking a recovering shopaholic to a trunk sale. It doesn't end pretty and those brownie bites will find a way in. 

5 SMALL MEALS A DAY FOR DUMMIES 

1. Breakfast--DO NOT... I repeat...DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST. Weight loss and looking fabulous 101. Breakfast is the bomb, and you need it. 

Breakfast ideas: 

• Chobani Greek Yogurt with two pieces of Ezekiel toast and jam
• 2 eggs with 2 pieces of toast and steamed kale or spinach
• Shakeology with PB, banana and almond milk
• Healthy French Toast 
• Fresh fruit bowl pico de gallo style (pico de gallo--fresh fruit sprayed with citrus juices like lime and lemon, with Tajin (mexican spice) sprinkled or as I do it, DUMPED on top) with toast.

*Notice that MOST meals will include a protein and a complex carb combo. Protein to help repair muscles and carbs to help you fueled through out your day.

2. Mid-Morning Snack - I love snacks, and you probably do too. But we can't abuse snacks and expect to lose weight or keep it off! So be careful. Have a 'snack station'. Maybe a box in the pantry full of easy to grab snacks like:

• luna bars
• Kids Clif Bars (my favorite)
•  apples in the fridge
• hummus and whole wheat pita bread
• Shakeology with PB, banana and almond milk
• cut up veggies (celery, bell peppers, broccoli) with hummus
• DIY smoothies or juicing

3. Lunch- Between lunch and dinner, I really can't stand anything that takes too long to make. I'm a hungry girl, so if I don't prep the meals, I'll eat whatever is fast and easy. So start making a little extra for dinner and saving it for lunch and pack it away! Portion out your sizes. 

• Whole Wheat or sprouted grain wraps with chicken/fish, spinach, 1 over easy egg, avocado, etc. I call it lazy girl lunch 
• Left over dinner (for me thats usually fish, rice, veggies or black bean burgers)
• Turkey Burgers
• California Sandwich
• Shakeology with PB, banana and almond milk

4. Mid-Afternoon Snack - SNACK TIME! If you're too full, omit this. You don't NEED it, but if you're eating smaller portions every 2-3 hours, you should be hungry by the time your alarm goes off! Use same snack list above or feel free to comment below and add your own! 

5. Dinner- Ah dinner. I really hate cooking anything that takes longer than 30 mins and requires more than 5 ingredients... 

• Fish or lean meat with veggies, brown rice or quinoa, and spinach
• Shrimp stir fry- shrimp sauteed in Braggs Liquid Amino acid and sesame oil, veggies sauteed in chili powder, sesame oil, braggs, garlic, etc. Get creative and have fun!
• Cauliflower Pizza
• Spaghetti Squash

6. Optional snack/healthy dessert- I love dessert, there's no denying that. I have a whole section dedicated to sugar. But at least I try to keep it health (ier). I'm no saint, so let's get that straight. I like dessert, I enjoy cheat meals, but I love to workout and be active. I think each person needs to find a balance between the two;  routine and being accountable for your health and living and enjoying your favorite foods. 

• fresh fruit dipped in chocolate
• Black Bean Brownies
• Frozen dark chocolate bars- look for 70%cocoa and up
• Banana Dippers (if you don't want to dip your own fruit, opt for this)
• My favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Rules are as follows:

1. Eat every 2 1/2-3 hours to maintain your metabolism and keep it moving

2. Drink 64-80oz of water through out the day to avoid dehydration, headaches, aching muscles, etc.

3. Avoid energy drinks, coffee with sugar and dairy, soda and sugary juices

4. Keep snacks handy in purse, car, at home and at work

5. Set alarms to know when to eat. Tip: set them 30 min BEFORE you actually need to eat so you have time to prep your meal or snack! Once your body is accustomed to eating at those times you will notice you won't need the alarms, your body will give you a heads up its time to chow down! 

MEAL V. SNACK- If you're following the 5-6 smaller meals a day, your biggest meal should be breakfast, with your smallest meal at night. Carbs aren't bad either but be sure to consume more carbs morning, mid morning and early afternoon. Snacks are great for on the GO, but meals need to have complex carbs and protein present to be considered a meal (in my book at least--I wouldn't consider one kids Clif bar a meal, more like a way to hold you over until your next meal). 

Hope that helps! IF you have any tips or meal suggestions let me know by commenting at the bottom of the blog! 

Xo,

Abby Marie

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Black Bean Brownies... AGAIN.

AH yes.. I have an obsession with the following: tube socks, brownies, pancakes, unicorns, gold, 80s music, workout clothes, yoga pants, and brownies.

I wish I could take credit for this bomb.com recipe but I can't. However Chocolate Covered Katie can... and that girl is a straight up genius. Check out her profile: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com

While I deviated away from the original recipe (what's new right?) I want you to check out the link HERE for the original recipe!  and all her other stuff if you have a sweet tooth like me!

What you Need:

• ONE 15oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained WELL
• 2 tbsp of cocoa powder
• 1 scoop of Chocolate protein powder
• 2tsp of vanilla
• 1/4 c of coconut oil/butter melted
• 1/2 cup quick oats -- I used reg. rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave or honey
• 2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Combine ALL ingredients EXCEPT for chocolate chips (optional) into food processor

3. PROCESS WELL-I let it blend for a few minutes to smooth it out

4. Coat pan with olive oil or PAM

5. Add chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to mix, then spoon into pan and spread.

Bake for 15-18 mins. Let cool for 10. 

EAT. 

Xo, 

Abby Marie

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Top 5 DRUG STORE BEAUTY and MAKE UP SCORES!

Wana look like a million bucks but not pay the price tag for it?

Are you a frugal fashionista and make up lover like me?

Do you like to find the more affordable brand thats comparable to the top line/top shelf makeup buys?

Ok cool, ME TOO.

I work WAY too hard to pay $$$ a ton of money to make this face and bod look good to blow it all in one store. *However, some top shelf products are WORTH the dollar sign because they are that good and well made.

Ok... I'll admit it. I can be cheap. But I see it like this.... I like money where I can see it, AKA my bank account, my closet, or in savings. One of the three.

My top FIVE Beauty BUYS:

1. NYC SMOOCH PROOF LIP STAIN
 OMG. Beauty FIND FAVORITE. That's why this find is at #1!!! Ladies, if you have not grabbed at least one of these, you are missing the deng boat!! This lip stain WILL STAY on and looks amazing. I suggest that if they have them in stock (they seem to always sell out FAST), buy each color. Seriously. Buy them all. They're $5. They last, and you won't regret it! It stains but doesn't dry out your lips. However, I suggest throwing on some BURTS BEES or chap stick on top to give that glossy shine!

2. BABY LIPS
I have a thing for decent priced lip color. Honestly, between lip color and having GREAT eyebrows, I feel lip color is key in order to make your facial features POP and stand out. If you don't wear lip color, you are seriously neglecting your inner beauty! A little lip color can do WONDERS for your face. And baby lips is so natural looking that you won't feel like a total fraud! Baby lips goes on smooth, and really hydrates your lips! So pucker up ladies! $4-5

3. Sephora Water Proof Brow Gel
OMG. I don't know how I survived without this! I have good eye brows, they are full and get a little too bushy sometimes (they grow fast!) but I can tame them with this water proof gel. I do color in my eye brows to shape them and help define my face more. I highly suggest you do as well. Nothing can MAKE OR BREAK your face like eyebrows that are a wreck or look great. I love this water proof gel, you can get it off with facial cleanser (most of it) or scrub it off (just be gentle to not scrub off your hair)! It doesn't come off in the pool at all, and keeps your brows in place! Long gone are the days when I would use a little hairspray to hold them. $12

4.  Garnie Fructis Anti Puff Eye Roller
OH YESSSS! For anyone that struggles with either natural bags (like myself) under your eyes, or you don't get enough sleep or you're always on the GO, this is a MUST MUST MUST. While its about $13, it lasts for a LONG TIME. My last one was good for a YEAR, a small investment for such a big pay off! I use it daily to help with the puffy under eye bags that I got from my dad and from working a lot (staring at computer screens). Just place it upside down so the gel goes to the rolling ball, then swipe it under your eyes and let dry. It will make a HUGE difference! Use it before you put on face lotion or any makeup!

5. NYC Liquid Eyeliner
Oh, where would I be without this amazing liquid eye liner? If you have somewhat shakey hands like me, this is a GREAT eyeliner... and it goes on BLACK. I LOVE the brush for this liquid eye liner because it creates amazing lines and is easy to use. I use to SUCK at putting on liquid eye liner, but after time, I'm a PRO and I can't go without it most of the time. Plus this score is about $3! Can you tell I LOVE NYC products?! *they sell out quick so stock up!

Post below your FAVORITE drug store beauty finds! Share the love <3 and don't forget to find me on Facebook! I love making new friends and sharing girly stuff! 

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The BEST workout clothes for WOMEN!

I use to not be a fashionista when it came to fitness, I figured if you're going to sweat your ass off, why do it in cute clothes? Until I realized I looked like a total bum and dressing like a slob even during a workout made me FEEL like a lazy slob.

Kind of the opposite of what I want to feel when I workout.

Think of it this way:

If you want to FEEL and LOOK GREAT, you have to play the part! Imagine if Batman or Catwoman wore sweats while they fought, or didn't get super cool masks... would they feel like heroes? EH... probably not.

And during my workouts, I wana feel like a bonafide badass! And I want to look super cute, so when I do glance in the mirror while I'm doing squats and checking out my form (and my booty!) I want to be proud of what I see.

and have you noticed that sweats just make you FEEL lazy? I sure as hell don't feel like sweating or working out in sweats... EVER!

Beauty is more than skin deep, but it def doesn't hurt to LOOK GOOD!

So with that said, I'm about to reveal my FAVORITE workout clothing line EVER.

I was on the hunt for the PERFECT workout clothes...

I don't want clothes that ride up
I want clothes that are form fitting but not suffocating
I don't want to pay an arm and leg for said clothing
I want workout clothes that are trendy and in style 

which led me to ELLIE workout clothes!

NOTE: I DO NOT GET PAID TO ADVERTISE THEIR CLOTHES
I'm just a loyal and happy customer sharing my not so hidden gems!

So with that said these workout clothes are:

- in a DECENT and worthy price range
- super comfy, breathable, and move easily with your body
-are not restrictive
-SUPER CUTE and trendy
-ship FAST

Ellie has this awesome club membership where you join for FREE and you get to pick out two peices of workout clothes a month, where they ship them SUPER FAST (within a few days its at your door), and it's only $50 a month to get TWO pieces.

I know what you're thinking, I can find cute clothes at Marshall's and TJ MAXX and let me just say as a DIE HARD Marshall's, Ross, TJ MAXX etc customer (practically the only places I shop), you will NOT find clothes as CUTE OR WELL MADE as you do with Ellie... and TRUST ME I've shopped around and visited MANY STORES (IDK if I should admit how much I love them).

So if you want to give Ellie a try, click here! I know you will love it, from one fitness lover to the next, you will NOT be disappointed... but shop FAST because they sell out QUICK because they are THAT GOOD!

My favorite pieces so far:

SupernovaTank M
Galaxy Short M
50 Shades of Lime S
Eclipse Legging M
Kiss Me Capri - Small
Moon Shadow Short - Medium

Fun in the Sun Tank S Venus Tank M I know you'll love it as much as I do!

XO,
ABBY <3

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