Fabletics: Yay or Nay?

For my 20th birthday, my fabulous cousin, Katie, got me an outfit from Fabletics. The outfit was super cute pale pink pants, a maroon open-back tank, and a sports bra to match! At first when I put the pants on, it was one of those funky move-shake-wiggle situations to pull them up. Those puppies were tighter than I thought, especially for my thicc (yes, with two c's) thighs.

As soon as I got myself all dressed and ready to workout, I was hooked. I did a workout that was very heavy on the jumping. Most of the time, my leggings fall down and I have to constantly hike up my drawers to prevent some accidental tummy/undie-visibility. NOT THESE BAD BOYS. Literally, they were the most secure, flattering, suck-it-all-in, pair of workout pants I've ever had!

For Christmas that year, I asked Santa for a year of Fabletics. But, let's be real, Santy doesn't have pockets full of gold-- so he settled for one outfit, every other month. 6 outfits were coming my way. If you aren't familiar with how Fabletics works, I'll do my best to explain it.

Each month, you get an email telling you that it's time to choose your outfit! I almost always chose a pair of leggings and a top, which normally added up to about $50 (mine + Santa's price limit agreement). In that same email, there's an option to "Skip the Month." So, if you don't have $50 to spend that month, you simply "skip" and your membership goes on, free of charge. You have from the 1st-5th of each month to skip. If you forget, or don't want to choose your outfit right away, Fabletics will charge you $50 and leave that money on your account as a credit for future purchases.

To be honest, I was worried about signing up because I thought it was going to be a total money-suck for me (and Santa). But, I set reminders on my phone each month, skipped the month when it was appropriate, and easily canceled my membership after one year! To be clear though, I loved this membership. I think about re-joining all the time, and probably will when I no longer am living off an intern paycheck. SO, what did I get?! I'll link similar fits and outfits, but since Fabletics is a "boutique-style" service, they have seasonal prints and styles that may no longer be available!

Month 1: This month, they had a special "2 for $24 leggings," which happens a TON! I went with two pairs of leggings and a sports bra. Both pairs of leggings featured here are super secure and never slide during a workout!

High-Waisted Printed PowerHold® Legging- I love these pants. They fit perfect and they look super cute with a plain black top.

Gabby Sports Bra- The bra is cute, but not great for running or HIIT workouts. It's more of a low-support "yoga-doing" bra.

High-Waisted Mesh PowerHold® Legging- The black leggings with mesh are a bit too long on me. I have pretty short legs, so full-length leggings are usually a struggle. Normally, it's not an issue but this pair had zippers near the ankles which made it difficult to roll or scrunch up the bottoms.

Month 2: I loved these fun printed pants. Spring was on the way and I was feeling extra fun. I got a tank this month because I was looking for more workout basics.

Gia Printed PowerLite Capri- I love these pants, but they're not for running. They're a slippery, swishy material and always slide down when I run or jump. Love the colors and they're great for running errands or strength workouts!

Kayla Tank- I got a large in this tank, but definitely should have stuck with my medium! I usually like workout tops bigger, but this one was loose fitting to begin with. One thing I learned about Fabletics, almost everything is true to size! No need to size up or down.

Month 3: I went with the basics for month 3- a plain black pair of leggings and pair of black shorts.

Meritt Short- Perfect lounge short! A little higher-waisted and I love the ties. I needed a comfy pair of shorts to wear in the park and these are great!

Salar Solid PowerHold® 7/8- The best pair of leggings I own! They're plain black, they hold me in super nice no matter what kind of workout I'm doing, and the length is perfect for my short legs! 7/8 leggings on me are basically full-length. 10/10 recommend, especially for someone with shorter legs like me!

Month 4: I got funky with this outfit. I love the springy flowers on the pants and this sports bra has really great support and coverage!

High-Waisted Printed PowerHold® 7/8 + Deidra High Support Sports Bra

Month 5:

Seamless High-Waisted Statement Capri- I really love that there are no seams in these leggings. They are very stretchy and they always stay up during my workouts!

Peri Lace-UP Medium Support Sports Bra- This is my fave sports bra. 1. Because it's purple/my fav color and 2. It provides great support and has comfy padding.

Month 6: For my last month of the year, I got my favorite outfit! I couldn't take photos of it because it's in the wash-- I wear it literally once a week so it's hardly ever clean.

High-Waisted Solid Heathered 7/8- Grey leggings that don't show sweat! They're super supportive material and they're 7/8 so they fit my legs perfectly!

Alyona L/S Top- I really wanted a long sleeve top for when I go on evening runs. This shirt is super flowy and light but is perfect for cooler-weather workouts.

And there you have it! I hope that if you were considering Fabletics, I helped give you a little glimpse into what a membership entails, and what outfit quality you would be receiving.

This year, Santa gifted me with a year of FabFitFun! Are you a part of any subscription services? Let me know so I can give them a try!

Stay smilin' -- Steph

*This post is no way sponsored by or affiliated with Fabletics. All opinions and reviews are my own.*

Human Beings are Incredible

This weekend I ran my first runDisney race. As part of my 2019 New Year's goal list, I want to do one thing each month that I have never done before. My January goal was to run a 10K in my best time, without stopping. And mid-race, I had an epiphany. Anything you do for the first time will always be a personal best, which is why this is the best New Year's goal I've ever made! By the end of the year, I can add 12 new accomplishments to my list. After crossing the finish line at the end of my 10K, I truly got choked up a bit. I'm not proud of myself often. I don't really flourish in my accomplishments or toot my own horn. But for once, I did something by myself, for myself. The only person I was proving anything to was me. And while to some people 6.2 miles is a casual run, to me it was a milestone. I am not a runner by any means. But, everyone begins at a different place with a new personal goal, bound to be followed by their new personal best.

This brings me to today. During race weekend at Walt Disney World, Thursday begins with a 5K, Friday a 10K, Saturday a half-marathon and Sunday ends the weekend with a full 26.2 marathon. I woke up at 2:00 this morning to head to the final day of the races for work with our partners at Advent Health. I waited at the finish line for our crew to finish up filming. As I watched the runners cross the finish line, my eyes started to well with tears. While I got this overwhelming feeling of joy crossing the finish line after 6 miles, I couldn't even fathom the thought of how these people must be feeling after doing 20 more miles than I had done.

I saw the good, the bad and the ugly.

One man's legs simply gave out. I watched as he bear-crawled over the finish line using just his arms, dragging his legs behind him. His mile time was under 8 minutes.

A young girl, about my age, came in around the 10-minute average mile pace. She was running alone. As she stepped over the finish, she threw her head in her hands and cried. It was her first full-marathon ever.

A disabled woman in a bike crossed the finish line with her husband. As he ran, he pushed her in her wheelchair for all 26 miles. That one really got me.

How incredibly miraculous are people? To carry yourself through the pain and the fatigue for 26.2 miles is beyond amazing. To drag your tired body across a finish line after your legs give out, to train for your first full marathon ever and complete it in record time, to have so much love in your heart for a person that not only do you carry yourself 26 miles, but to push your best friend along with you-- these are the people I aspire to be.

I'm not exactly sure what my other 11 goals are going to be this year. They may not always make me feel the same way my 10K did. Some of my "new" accomplishments may be smaller, like reading books or starting a new hobby. But, I know one thing is for sure: each one will be a new personal best.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? What's something you've always wanted to do but never found the time to try? I'd love to hear about your "marathon feeling."

Stay smilin' -- Steph

My Daily Whole30 Diary

About a month ago, I slipped into one of my Instagram captions that I was going to be starting the Whole30. I had little/no idea what the Whole30 entailed or what I could or could not eat on this "diet". I know what you're all thinking-- "Okay, here's another one of those fad diets that people try that work for a hot sec, until the person goes back to eating normally and gains back all the weight they lost." Well, NEWS FLASH-- any time you drastically change your eating habits from one extreme to another, your weight is bound to fluctuate. You can't do a 30 day diet, lose weight and follow up your healthy eating with binge eating all of the things you have been missing on your diet. I decided to do the Whole30 because I wanted to change the way I looked at food. What am I putting in my body every day that's hindering my progress or stunting my results? First and foremost, I discovered that I eat way too much cheese and way too much sugar. Mindless eating! I didn't even realize how often I consumed them both until I totally cut myself off from eating them.

Whole30 Recipe book. Click the photo to shop!

Basically, the Whole30 is a way for you to reevaluate what you are eating. It can help you change the way you think about food in your everyday life. For me, that's exactly what it did! I knew I needed a change in my lifestyle and the Whole30 gave me exactly what I needed. Over the next 30 days (from 11/23-12/23), I will be participating in the Whole30, round 2. I'll be coming back to this post to let you all know what I ate each day, the ingredients of each meal, what my FitBit steps/reading said and what physical activity/workout I participated in. After my first round of this program, I was beyond thrilled with my results! I'm fitting into clothes I couldn't button or zip for the past 2 years. I felt less tired all day and had little to no bloating! Truly, I felt like a new person at the end of the 30 days-- one who is more confident and happy in her own skin.

If you're looking to try this 30 day, lifestyle-change experiment as well, this is basically what you need to know:

• No consumption of dairy, grains, sugar or alcohol is allowed.

• You're not allowed to step on a scale until day 30 has been completed.

• Your daily diet relies heavily/only on proteins, vegetables and some fruit. If you don't like vegetables, this will likely be extremely difficult for you-- but definitely still achievable!

• There are no restrictions on how much you can eat. So long as you stay within the parameters of the diet, you can eat as much as you want each day. No calorie counting!

• Working out while participating in the Whole30 is not *required* per se, but I found such amazing results when I combined both diet and exercise. If your goal is to lose weight and burn fat, include exercise in your 30-day plan!

• If you are questioning what you can and cannot have, the Whole30 website is an excellent resource.

• This is only 30 days of your entire life. You can do anything for 30 days!

Here's a printable list of my Whole30 grocery essentials! I obviously don't buy everything on this list every time I go to the grocery store, but I do recommend beginning with the cooking essentials. You will need them for almost every meal.

Stay tuned below for my day-to-day, round 2 updates of Whole30! I'd love to answer any questions you may have, as well as provide recipes, tips and tricks that worked for me during my first 30 days! Leave me a comment below :) If you're looking for some Whole30 approved recipes and ideas in the meantime, follow my foodie Pinterest board!

Day 1: November 23

B: grapes + tea (Went to this super fun, tea-tasting experience for work. This isn't a normal breakfast.)

L: leftover turkey from thanksgiving

D: guac + celery

Workout: 30 minute elliptical (incline 10, resistance 10)

Notes/Feelings: I felt under the weather today so my appetite was just not there. This is a totally abnormal day for me when it comes to diet. Excited to make a nice big breakfast in the morning before Black Friday (Saturday?) shopping tomorrow!

Day 2: November 24

B: shredded potatoes, two "dippy" eggs- as my brother and I call them, half an avocado + salsa. I tried turkey sausage this morning as well, but wasn't thrilled with it; I'm definitely more of a turkey bacon girl!

+ Yes! You can eat potatoes! :) So long as you avoid potato chips and fries, most other forms are totally acceptable! I buy this brand for my breakfasts because the title does not lie! Simply potatoes + Whole30 approved!

L: lettuce-wrap chicken tacos

D: rotisserie chicken + cauliflower rice

Notes/Feelings: Feeling good about my meals today! Tomorrow, I'll be meal prepping my lunches for the week; stay tuned for a yummy recipe!

Day 3: November 25

B: "no bun" egg sandwich; two eggs, half avocado, tomato, spinach + simply potatoes with mushroom and onion

L: all of the fluids-- tea, bubly + water

D: chicken broth and rotisserie chicken (my makeshift soup) + grapes

Notes/Feelings: Still not feeling my best, so my appetite isn't really there-- but this breakfast was SO yummy! Simple ingredients and super easy to make!

This week's lunch:

Zoodles + Spicy Italian Sausage w/ Creamy Red Sauce

I found this on Pinterest, but definitely made the recipe my own! First, I cooked the sausage and seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt + pepper. Once it had browned, I set it aside on a paper towel to pat out the excess grease. To the empty pan, I added a can of tomatoes + a splash of low fat, coconut milk and seasoned to my preference using the spices above. I re-added the sausage to the mixture, let it simmer to soak up some of the tomato juice, and topped with fresh basil. Fun fact about Steph: I love fresh basil!

I spiralized my zucchini and placed it in a sealed container in the fridge. With all of the spices I added to the sausage and sauce, I'll cook my zoodles plain and simply add the sauce once they're finished.

So flavorful and delicious! Definitely going to be a repeat recipe.

Day 4: November 26

B: grapes + lemon ginger tea L: zoodles + italian sausage w/ creamy red sauce (pictured above) D: chili lime shrimp over cauliflower rice

I thawed out some frozen shrimp and cooked with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt, pepper and fresh cilantro. Instead of water or oil, I cook the shrimp on the stove with lime juice poured on top! The cauliflower rice can be homemade, but Green Giant makes a Whole30-friendly microwavable bag.

Workout: Plyo Fix; 21 Day Extreme with Autumn Calabrese

Notes/Feelings: Felt great today! My team at work manages the Twinings tea account and we have a ridiculous amount of tea to choose from in the office. My leader swears by the lemon ginger when you're feeling under the weather and it most definitely helped.

Day 5: November 27

B: apple + green tea L: chili lime shrimp over cauliflower rice (The bag above is enough to make two meals.) D: shrimp + broccoli

Notes/Feelings: Tuesday is the worst day of the week for me. I'm always exhausted and I usually take Tuesday as my rest day. But, back to it tomorrow :)

Day 6: November 28

L: chili-dusted shrimp salad with crabmeat, tomato, avocado puree + lemon vinaigrette from Kona Cafe D: "egg salad" : one egg + two egg whites, whole avocado mashed as mayo substitute + salsa

Workout: LIIFT 4, Leg Day HIIT with Joel Freeman

Notes/Feelings: Super pleased with myself today. My meals were light and delicious + my workout was a toughy! Day 7 is tomorrow and I am so happy with my round 2 commitment after this first week!

November 29: Day 7

B: grapes + coffee with almond milk

L: zoodles + italian sausage with red cream sauce

D: spinach salad with egg, blackened shrimp, tomato, mushroom, avocado and Whole30 "Ranch Dressing"

(Here's another Whole30 approved ranch, if you're a ranch nut like me!)

Workout: LIIFT 4, Arms + Shoulders with Joel Freeman

Notes/Feelings: Feelin' myself! I woke up looking thinner than normal, based on my diet from yesterday! Little to no bloating all day with my meals, and my arms feel like noodles (in a good way) from my workout.

November 30: Day 8

B: shredded potatoes, two "dippy" eggs, half an avocado + salsa

D: cobb salad w/ cajun shrimp

Workout: 3 mile run around Epcot resorts

Notes/Feelings: I decided that since this was my second round of Whole30, I'd give myself a little more leeway on the weekends. I had a margarita with dinner, and a glass of wine with some snacks while I watched Sex and the City with my bestie. Yes, I was a bit disappointed with myself in the morning, because I went a little overboard with the snacking. BUT, that didn't stop me from trying harder the next day. I used to take experiences like this as "falling-off-the-wagon" excuses. I know it's okay to treat myself a little bit on the weekends, as long as I balance myself out later!

December 1: Day 9

L: stuffed shrimp pepper, chips + guac; margarita

Workout: not exactly considered a workout, but park hop til I drop!

Notes/Feelings: I had a late lunch this day that held me over all day long! I normally don't promote this type of eating, but I'm also trying to teach myself to only eat when I'm hungry! And on Saturday, I didn't get hungry after my big lunch. I didn't stay Whole30 compliant today with my lunch, and at first, I was okay with my cheat meal. When I got home, I couldn't help but feel a bit down on myself. I know I didn't over-indulge or eat something ridiculously unhealthy, but the principle of "cheating on my diet," just didn't settle well with me. Clean eating, now until the end!

December 2: Day 10

B: grapes

D: chicken meatballs, sauce with my own "flavor" + spaghetti squash

Workout: 3 mile run around Saratoga + Disney Springs

Notes/Feelings: Did I mention how much I love Sundays? I have been the most productive human today! I ran, went to the grocery store, finished all of my laundry, cleaned my kitchen, bathroom and room, and got myself ready for the work week all before 2:30! While I didn't do my very best this weekend in terms of my diet, it's a new week and a new start. Feeling super great about the week ahead!

This week's lunch:

Chicken Meatballs, Sauce + Spaghetti Squash

I made chicken meatballs (so sorry, forgot a pic!) with ground chicken, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Very basic, but I knew my sauce would be fancy so I kept the meatballs pretty plain. The sauce is a mixture of chicken broth, a splash of coconut milk and basic tomato sauce from a can. I added in mushrooms, garlic, onions, spinach and basil, along with my favorite spices. Super tasty! Once they were fully cooked, I let the meatballs sit in the sauce while it simmered and poured over my spaghetti squash.

I'm a big noodle gal. Giving up pasta was definitely not easy for me, but spaghetti squash makes it a lot easier! Here's a pin to help you cook your spaghetti squash.

December 3: Day 11

B: shredded potatoes, two dippy eggs and salsa

L: lunch of the week- spaghetti squash, chicken meatballs and sauce

D: shrimp + broccoli

Notes/Feelings: So tired on this rainy Monday! Used one of my rest days today (so I don't owe Jared any money quite yet)

December 4, Day 12

B: grapes + coffee

L: lunch of the week- spaghetti squash, chicken meatballs and sauce

D: cilantro lime shrimp with cauliflower rice and half avocado

Workout: 30-minute elliptical (incline 10, resistance 10)

Notes/Feelings: Today was cray-cray. Work kept me busy from the second I woke up until the second I sat down to write this post. I'm so happy that even though I was a busy bee today and wanted to order something on UberEats for dinner, I made my own food at home and fit in a 30-minute workout!

December 5, Day 13

L: lunch of the week- spaghetti squash, chicken meatballs and sauce

D: steak + shrimp with broccoli

December 6, Day 14

L: THE most boring side salad ever... + cauliflower

D: chipotle salad: lettuce, mild salsa, steak + guac! (this is my fav Whole30 compliant meal)

S: today, I rewarded myself for my four mile run with a mini Dove dark chocolate-- check out the message inside the wrapper :)

Workout: 4 mile run in 41 minutes!

Notes/Feelings: Just about halfway there! This round, I feel like I'm slacking a bit more than my Round 1 of the Whole30. I have had more cheat meals/snacks than I would like. AND I need to focus more on my fitness. But! I have been running more, which is SO unlike me. Today, I really pushed myself to get back on track and I completed my best 3-mile time! I even tacked on an extra mile and still kept my pace! While to some people, 4 miles is a nice leisurely run, to me it's a huge accomplishment! The only person you should compare yourself to is the you that you used to be yesterday :)

December 7, Day 15

B: two eggs, two pieces of turkey bacon + hashbrowns

D: chicken meatballs with zoodles and tomato sauce

Workout: 30-minute elliptical

Notes/Feelings: I was super duper tired today after my run yesterday, so I took it kind of easy with my workout today!

December 8, Day 16

B: two eggs, two pieces of turkey bacon + hashbrowns

L: chicken salad from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

D: chipotle salad

Workout: LIIFT4 Back and Biceps with Joel Freeman

Notes/Feelings: I had my favorite drink at Universal Studios and also some wine with my bestie. I've given myself much more free-reign this round with alcohol. I wouldn't exactly "recommend" this if it's your first round, but on the weekends after a long week, I don't mind treating myself a bit to a glass or two!

December 9, Day 17

L: kids shrimp hibachi + veggies

Workout: Plyo Fix Extreme with Autumn Calabrese + 10 minutes of 30-second sprint intervals

Notes/Feelings: I worked out harder than I normally would today because of the tough few days ahead. A new partner is in town so I have 14-hour work-days Monday and Tuesday!

December 10, Day 18

B: two eggs, two pieces of turkey bacon + hashbrowns

L: turkey lunchmeat and half avocado

D: beef with mushroom sauce, salad with italian dressing, crab cake + wine

Notes/Feelings: Super awesome work function in a VIP lounge with my leaders! SO much fun-- one of the best days I've ever had!

December 11, Day 19

B: scrambled eggs with salsa + berries

L: salad, grilled chicken + roasted cauliflower

D: grilled beef, cauliflower and couscous salad + mini chicken quesadilla

December 12, Day 20

B: scrambled eggs with salsa + berries

L: buffalo cauliflower, tomato soup + grilled cheese

Notes/Feelings: Today was my last long workday! I did cheat a bit with my grilled cheese lunch, but definitely have to make up for it with my workout. I go home in ONE WEEK PEOPLE and I really have to detox before I have some treatsies and NEPA food!

December 13, Day 21

L: chipotle salad

Workout: 2.5 mile run

December 14, Day 22

L: chick-fil-a cobb salad

D: sushi

Workout: 30-minute elliptical

December 15, Day 23

L: turkey sausage + kale Publix soup

D: spinach gnocchi + tilapia

Workout: back + biceps

Notes/Feelings: You guys, to be honest, I feel like I was in a crazy whirlwind the past week. I've just been grabbing random things on the go and trying to keep them all as Whole30 as possible! I have 5 days until I head home to PA. Thankfully, I had a chance to go to the grocery store this week and I'm all stocked up for clean eating until Friday. I'm going to use the warm Florida weather to my advantage for outdoor workouts before I head home to the freezing NEPA.

Okay, so my Whole30 round 2 was cut a week short. Definitely not super enthused with the way I did this round, but so ready to try again!

Stay smilin' -- Steph