Workout/gym essentials!!

How perfect does this gym look! | Source: http://sweetbepsi.tumblr.com/

Recently i've been slacking off a bit when it comes to being active, so to follow Sprinkle of Glitter's #glittergetsfitter motivation I figured I should put that gym membership to good use and start visiting the gym a bit more often! I love going to the gym about once a week, and do other mini-workouts at home when i have time, and here are my essentials.

First up, clothes. When I workout I need to be in something super comfy, so i can do better, but i need the clothes to be tight enough to not be slipping/etc when i'm running around.

I usually wear:

-a sports bra in bright colors. The one above was bought from target, but I forgot what brand it actually was- whoops!-$15 AUD

-Cardio shorts. I usually change between these, bike pants, jogging shorts or tights, depending on the weather or what i have. These are Lorena shorts from Mika Yoga Wear ($38 US- someone brought these home to me from the US, so i don't know if you can get these here, or for how much).

-A t-shirt. It depends on what I have in my wardrobe, but i will either wear a loose T-shirt or i will wear a workout top, like the above one (from Sports LTD.)- $25

When I go to the gym or to workout or whatever, I don't like to eat too much because it feels really heavy in my stomach (does that make sense?). If i know i'll be back before breakfast, i'll have a smoothie but if i know i'll be out around lunch or dinner or for a longer time, i'll drink a meal replacement smoothie. I like these as they're light so it isn't heavy on my stomach, and I still feel full.

The ones above are two that i really like right now:

-Slim&Trim meal replacement shake (in strawberry)-55g Sachet $1.99 (Bought at ALDI)

-FatBlaster Weight Loss shake (in chocolate)- 430g Jar $13 (bought at Woolworths)

A little note-another really good food i like as a snack is Chobani Yoghurt- its got 2% or less fat and it tastes AMAZING!

This is sort of obvious, but it's REALLY important to always keep hydrated. I'm a big fan of reusable bottles but every now and then i find it easier to just buy bottled water- its easier, and If you're ready to go you  can just pick one up on the way out. I'm pretty sure you should be aiming at drinking about 2L of water every day, especially if you workout. 

Some Tumblr inspiration- anyone know which tumblr its from?

Workouts. Hmmm. There are quite a few i like, but mains:

GYM: spin or zumba class, followed by about 2-3 hours across the gym at the treadmills, power plates, elliptical machine, weights, etc. 

AT HOME: i have a few apps on my phone, including the Nike Training Club app. I actually really like it because it motivates you with the medals and rewards you can unlock, and it's set out really well. It's clear on what you have to do, and you can start at beginner level or choose from advanced. Best part: it's FREE!!

At home i also like to go jogging around the block, its a way to clear your head as well as burn off those chocolates you ate before ;)

So, i'm sure thats pretty much it, but if there's anything you guys would like to know let me know in the comments and i can make a post about it for you :) What do you guys do to get fit? Let me know below!!

XOXO

Martina

Birthday gift idea!!

First off, i'd like to dedicate today's post to my younger sister- happy birthday!! 

She is the most adorable, amazing girly girl, which brings me to the next point- what does an adorable girly girl want as a gift?! 

 (In Advance- sorry for not including prices but as this was a gift i thought it better not).

It took me a while in the store but i found the following items:

Earring Set, from DIVA.

These are really cute earrings which I thought she'd like- the bright colours, the stylish zipper design- and the laughs from the crazy spiky earrings.

Mickey Minnie T-Shirt, from Valleygirl

This shirt I got as it seems super comfy as well as super cute- it's actually perfect for anything. You could wear it out on a casual event, but it would also make a comfy pyjama- or it would be a great workout top.

"Happy Birthday" Gift set- Target

This set had some amazing lotions and body creams, and also has two heart-shaped Vitamin E soaps- perfect to replenish the skin!

Overall in the present I tried to vary the type of gift but keep in in theme. I got a clothing item, a beauty/skincare item and a jewelry item, which I thought was good as it expanded out across the gift range.

I wrote her a long letter instead of a card and put it all in a gift bag. Later when she opened it she was happy and loved it- phew, job well done!!

Some tips for gift buying:

• Remember to choose just ONE theme and stick to that when shopping, or it can get a little chaotic and costly.
• Choose a theme that the person will actually like/be interested in, and don't choose what YOU'd want it to be.
• Try to get a couple of smaller things, but from different "categories" of the theme idea (eg. beauty can have Makeup for the skin, lotion for the body, hair chalk for the hair,etc).
• Try to personalize the gift as much as possible. Do you have any inside jokes? put them to good use and get a gift that will make them laugh about the memories.
• Lastly, always remember to buy a CARD and a GIFT BAG. Believe me, those can be easily forgotten in the rush..

I hope this can help you guys buy great gifts for friends/family. What ideas or tips do you guys have for gift giving?

Xoxo

Martina