{Monday Must-Haves}

Today’s Must-Have is something I both love and hate. My workout routine was always walk 30 minutes and run intermittently throughout. Then I started running more. THEN…I started doing 30-Day Shred by Jillian Michaels (I actually have another name for her, but it’s not too nice so I won’t share that). I’m addicted! Not to the workout necessarily, but to the results I’ve seen. It’s only a twenty-minute workout, but it incorporates weights, cardio and abs. I never realized how beneficial it could be to include weights in my workout routine. I always thought it would make me bulk up…but nope! It has slimmed me and I haven’t even changed what I eat, although I have tried to incorporate a little more protein in my diet since I don’t eat much meat. The video only cost about $10 at target and you will need some hand weights (which you can also get at target). Some people do 8 pounds, but I’m a weakling so I stick with 5’s. Also, if you decide to get it, don’t feel like you have to stick firmly to each video in its entirety. Try each one and see which moves you like. I like to do Level 2 but switch up the last round of weights since one of the moves isn’t comfortable for me. Okay, enough of that. I sound like I should be on an infomercial. Just get it. Try it. You’ll love it.

{Monday Must-Haves}

As I was visiting family in Charlotte a couple of years ago, my life was forever changed (I’m being a bit facetious). My aunt, Regina, and cousin, Rebecca, introduced me to a little shop called L’Occitane. My skin, hair, and olfaction haven’t been the same since. They make the most incredible skin and hair care products that make everything softer, prettier, healthier, and smell sooooo good. Well, I began buying several of their products and I really could tell a difference between these and the “cheap stuff” I was previously using. I was hooked. Then…I went from part-time work to full-time teaching and took a pay cut (yes, you read that right!). Paying $20 for face wash seemed frivolous and I thought I could make due without. I spent two weeks washing my face with whatever I could find, bar soap, shampoo, etc. I paid for it. When my face began breaking out so did my pocketbook. I bought my beloved face wash and I don’t feel bad about it one bit. It’s awesome and that’s why it’s today’s “Must-Have.”

{Monday Must-Haves}

My teacher tote. I don’t know what I would do without it! It is a great bag for carrying heavy and large items, and it even has pockets around the inside for organization. It’s sturdy. It’s well made. It’s cute. It’s perfect really. Lands End and LL Bean make them, but only Lands End has the inside pockets (that was the case when I got mine, at least). They also come in a variety of sizes, colors, and fabrics.

I will post soon about my run…still recovering though.

{Monday Must-Haves}

This week’s must-have is last week’s purchase…the new iPhone 4. I’m not sure what I did before it! It has helped me navigate my way around town, track my runs, get weather, sports, or news updates, and take way better pictures than my actual camera. It is definitely the best purchase I’ve made in a while. If it is time for you to get a new phone, I recommend you take the plunge. You won’t regret it. I’m currently in the process of choosing a name for it (ridiculous? Maybe.), so if you have any suggestions let me hear ‘em. Right now I’m toying with “Boo,” since that is what I’ve always wanted to name a dog. Since I can’t have an actual pet, I’ll just treat my phone as such. Although, I’m sure I could find an app along those lines.

{Monday Must-Haves}

I love my Camelbak. I take it with me everywhere!! It is so handy with its attachment capabilities on the top. It is spill-proof, easy to drink from, and you don’t have to turn it up to drink! And let’s face it, it’s just fun to drink out of. I drink so much more water than I used to. My old Camelbak didn’t have the handy straw and bite valve, so I had to unscrew the top every time I wanted a drink. Needless to say, this one is much more convenient. Also, I have a tendency to crunch ice (which people find irritating) so now I don’t have the temptation to do that. Just another added utility I guess. AND they just came out with a new one that has a built in filtration system! So, you can filtrate your tap water on the go. Pretty nifty…although I don’t mind drinking tap water so it’s not worth the added cost. Anyway, I got one for my mom for Christmas and she loves it too! They’re great and make a good gift for under $15.

{Monday Must-Haves}

I am starting a new thing, and I’m calling it “Monday Must-Haves”. Every Monday I will share something I am passionate about and that makes life easier or more enjoyable for me. Maybe you will find new ideas for you, or maybe you can just share in my appreciation for these items.

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First up (drum roll, please) is my main man, Tony. Tony Chachere’s that is. I LOVE him…I mean, it. Tonys can be used on just about anything!! Pizza, eggs, soup, pasta, vegetables, sandwiches, chicken, fish. I could go on and on. My favorite thing to do is to slice sweet potatoes, place on baking sheet covered with parchment paper, sprinkle a little Tonys and garlic salt, and bake on 400 for about 12-15 minutes. It’s cheap, quick, easy clean up, and SOOO good!

Tonys should be a staple in every kitchen. It’s about $1.50 at Wal-Mart for a container large enough to last years. You don’t have an excuse NOT to own it. I actually bought a friend some as a St. Patrick’s Day present because she didn’t have any. I guess you could say I’m a fan. Anyway, buy it. You won’t be sorry. And no, I am not getting paid by the makers to write this…although I think I should as much as I endorse it.