radbar: zone/paleo nutrition bar

Today is a BIG day! Today is the launch of radbar, a zone-paleo nutrition bar, that it just so happens my husband is one of the co-creators of. I am incredibly PROUD of my husband, Jared & Adam for making this happen. 

So what's this all about?  The three guys CrossFit & Jared happens to be a regional competitor. Naturally nutrition is important to them.  The birth of the company was out of pure passion. While discussing nutrition/protein bars & the lack of bars on the market that are both paleo with a decent amount of protein they came up with the idea for radbar.  Why aren't there any paleo bars on the market that are also zonned since it's such a huge part of CrossFit? Boom…that was the little seed that has now grown into an actual business. 

Zone? Paleo? Are you lost.  Here is the quick & dirty on both (since that isn't what this post is about). 

Zone is a wellness based method of eating that is all about balance. Your body needs carbs, fats & proteins to function at optimal performance, they comprise your blocks. Somebody who doesn't exercise at all to somebody who exercises for 2+ hours a day obviously requires different nutrition. That is part of the beauty of zonning your meals. Zone takes into account your activity level & your current BMI/weight & helps you determine the amount of fats/carbs/proteins needed daily to function optimally to achieve your fitness goals whether it's losing weight, getting leaner or maintaing the current state you are in. It's totally becomes a way of life once you start zonning.  1 block of carbs=9 g, 1 block of fat=1.5 g & 1 block of protein=7 g.  Most women are 3 block meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) & 1 block snacks (2-3 throughout the day). Most men are 4 block with 2 block snacks. Hopefully that makes sense.

Why is that important when introducing radbar? The first radbars being released are 2 blocks.  Perfect for a 2 block snack or easily broken in 1/2 for a 1 block snack for a female.   

Paleo is simple. It centers around foods that would have been available during the paleolithic times: meats, vegetables, nuts/seeds, little starch, some fruit. No grains, no legumes, no sugar. Clean, unprocessed foods that our hunter & gatherer ancestors would have eaten. 

radbar is 100% all natural & unprocessed. It's grain-free, dairy-free, legume-free & the sugar is natural from the minimal fruit in the bar. 

radbar stands for refueling athletes daily.  That is their goal, to educate athletes on performance nutrition while providing a fuel/food source for those on the go.  

There is great information on the company website & I'd highly recommend checking it out, especially if quality nutrition is important to you. They have t-shirts for sale & you can also order bars directly from the web.  What CrossFitter doesn't love a t-shirt? Head over to radbar to find out more of what I'm talking about. 

Healthy Home

Have you heard of Diapers.com? Well, they have launched a website dedicated to products that are either natural, organic or sustainable.  They sell everything from stuff for your pets, apparel & accessories for you & your kids to beauty products.

vine.com

To make it easier for all of us to have a healthier home, they have put together a natural home guide with room by room tips & product suggestions…genius! You'll find things like natural disinfecting wipes, products help reduce your water bill & tips to help distinguish what "organic" & "natural" really mean.

The best part is their baby & kid section. Toys, foods, laundry care items…every natural brand imaginable in one place.

This is not a sponsored post, just one of those "yippee" things that makes me happy so I am sharing with all of you! P.S. if you enter 20STROLLER when you check out through May 1st, you will get 20% off your order.

Stitch Fix #2

This lovely package arrived on my doorstep last Friday.  Sadly because of travels I was unable to break into it until Monday.

Gold-Hearted//Cream Rope Bracelet

I was indifferent about the bracelet.  I love that it's simple & casual.  I just wasn't sold on it especially because it's something I could easily make.  It certainly is not something I would even look twice at from a store, but isn't that the point of your fix?

Okay, so straight out of the box I liked the skirt.  I didn't love it but it's definitely something I'd wear.  You'll find me in a maxi on any given day in the summer. Dilemma…I have a TON of maxi skirts, do I really need another one?  I slipped on the bracelet that was included in this fix & paired this skirt with a fitted blank spaghetti strap tank top from H&M, black flat t-strap sandals I picked up in Australia & a beige faux fur vest from Target circa 2005.  LOVE! The more I started playing around, the more I loved the skirt. It definitely screams summer but you could easily pair it with boots, ballet flats, a slouchy sweater or fitted jacket & make it work for now. You don't have to be literal either, locking yourself into just pairing it with black & khaki.  I played around & put on a long sleeveless burgundy button up vest from Urban Outfitters & a pale pink off the shoulder hi-low sweater from American Eagle & it totally worked.

I died when I pulled this top out!  I love everything about this top!  I am obsessed with the print...LOVE the colors & love that it's shorter in the front, longer in the back. I knew exactly what I'd pair it with immediately.  I wore this with cobalt blue skinny jeans from JCrew, a skinny leather black belt from the GAP, feather earrings from Forever 21 & black Kensie booties.  Because the day I wore this was a bit chilly, I threw on my black leather motorcycle jacket.  It would look awesome tucked into a black pencil skirt, cuffed jean shorts with lace detailing, dark denim.

I wasn't sure what to think about the dress. I was slightly annoyed at first…another summer item? It's only February & there are definitely a few cooler months left, what am I going to do with a jersey dress?  Every pair of cool weather shoes looked terrible with the dress & because the dress is slouchy an over sized cardigan made me look frumpy. A structured jacket didn't work because it hid the layers of the dress & really the dress is too casual for a structured jacket.  Out of pure silliness I grabbed one of my summer beach hats…it could work with a pair of flip flops (I am wearing in the picture but you can't tell). I put on a fitted braided leather belt from the GAP & tucked the top layer of the dress behind it & liked the dress a whole lot more. I threw on some Dolce Vita strappy wedged brown sandals & it completely changed the look.  The dress even looked good without the belt & the wedges. Personally, I think the dress is more of a stand alone.  Maybe dress it up with a chunky bracelet but it's comfortable & casual.

I was so not a fan out of the box & on the hanger.  I like the chiffon details but where am I going to where this? I paired it with light colored skinny jeans that I cuffed, a brown pair of booties from Old Navy & a cream/coral sheer tank from Forever 21. Obsessed! I LOVE the way the jacket fits.  I love the creamy color, I love the structure…LOVE LOVE LOVE.  Totally became my favorite piece. This should be a staple in everyone's wardrobe.  

So what did I do with this order? Surprisingly I kept EVERYTHING! I could have lived without the bracelet & maybe even the tiered dress but completely LOVED everything else in the box.  Taking away the dress & the bracelet would have made me loose the 25% discount you get when you purchase all the items & it didn't make sense to send them back.  So….I kept them all. There really are endless opportunities with all the pieces.

Once again they nailed it. Like I said in my first review, if you are going to spend the money anyway, why not take a chance to find some really unique items that you may have overlooked in the store.  I would have walked by the Aryn K blazer, not even remotely considering it & it wound up being my favorite piece.  

If you are interested in trying it out for yourself here is a referral link Stitch Fix

Kiwi Crate

Okay, this whole mystery box thing is becoming an extremely way to shop.  It's kind of like Christmas.  You know you are getting a gift & you anxiously wait in anticipation to open it.  Kiwi Crate has jumped on the bandwagon.  For a subscription of $19.95/month you receive a crate filled with creative ideas & the materials to execute those ideas. If you aren't into the monthly subscription thing or you need a creative gift idea, you can choose a single themed crate for $19.95. 

sample crate

I totally love this idea.  Addison is a little young for it right now but as she approaches the 2 year old mark this will be excellent.  

Child seat requirements change with 2014 rule

THIS IS SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM USA TODAY  FOR ANYONE WITH CHILDREN 3 AND UNDER & FOR THOSE PREGNANT.

I am literally posting the entire article:

Parents of many children ages 3 and up who should still be in child-safety seats will be warned not to use a federally required child-seat attachment system when a new rule takes effect in early 2014.

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  Insurance Institute for Highway
  Regulators are "dismantling" their own child seat rules, a safety advicate says.

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The rule requires child-seat makers to tell parents not to use the lower anchors required in cars since 2001 if children and their car seats have a combined weight of 65 pounds, because the strength of the anchors cannot be guaranteed.

Child seats typically weigh 15 to 33 pounds. So the new rule means some children as light as 32 pounds might not be able to use a system designed to make child seats easier to install and, therefore, safer. This child-seat system is known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

Joseph Colella, one of five child-safety advocates who petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to change the rule, says the anchor requirements are based on old child seats and outdated recommendations on how long kids should be in child seats.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers sought the change in the rule because limits weren't factoring in how much seats weigh. Colella says carmakers aren't able to guarantee the safety of heavier kids given the strength of LATCH anchors. The alliance was not available for comment.

The advocates say the minimum strength requirements should be increased.

LATCH use and awareness are already low. A study last summer by the advocacy groupSafe Kids Worldwide found child-seat checkpoint technicians were using the lower anchors to attach seats only about 30% of the time. And Safe Kids found just 30% of parents use the top tether straps, which prevent head injuries in crashes.

"Disconnecting tethers when their use is needed … could lead to a tragedy," says Stephanie Tombrello of advocacy group SafetyBeltSafe, one of the petitioners.

Colella's 3-year-old niece died in a 1994 crash in a child seat that didn't fit the car. That prompted him to push to make child seats more compatible with cars, an effort that resulted in the federal panel that recommended LATCH.

LATCH is considered easier than a safety belt to tightly secure a child seat.

"While LATCH makes it easier to properly install car seats in vehicles, it's important for parents and caregivers to know that securing a child seat with a seat belt is equally as safe — and that they have the flexibility to use either system," says Transportation Department spokeswoman Lynda Tran.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children use car seats with harnesses through age 8. AAP's recommendation and supporting research led child-seat makers to design more seats for children 65 pounds and over.

ORIGINAL SOURCE USA TODAY

{Review} Piggy Paint Polish

Every time I sit down to paint my nails, Addison sits down beside me and plays along. She wipes her toes with dry cotton swaps, pretends to apply color with unopened polish and watches every move I make. I found myself starring at Addison's little toes yesterday and thought "it is time"; her tiny toes are big enough now that I can actually paint them. I painted them with a clear coat that had pink sparkles in a while back but have never actually painted her nails.  I purchased Piggy Paint, a natural, non-toxic, odorless polish made especially for those sweet piggy toes.

I was able to keep her entertained with sealed bottles of my own polish. She sat patiently like a big girl squealing "ooooooohhhhhh" every few seconds. She was super good, squirming a bit here and there but for the most part she sat perfectly still.  

So, my thoughts on the polish. It went on smooth and covered her nail in one coat. There was no odor. The color was bright and the brush size was perfect for itty bitty toes.  The downside is it took FOREVER to dry.  I could only keep Addison in the chair for so long and because of that her toes smudged BIG time. Is it the polish or a restless 17 month old?!? Either way, I would think that polish designed for a little one would dry significantly faster than an adults.  1 Coat of my OPI Nicole Purple polish was dry before an entire foot applied at least 10 minutes before.  

I am going to give it another shot because I have read awesome reviews. Her toes are still toe cute even if they have pink smudged polish on them.

10 Things On Tuesday {Shoes I am Crushing On}

Addison has been wearing shoes since the day she was born but now that her feet have grown a little bit the possibilities (and her shoe collection) has grown tremendously. I am totally crushing on these:

1//Juicy Leopard Print Sneakers

2//Mint Mary Janes

3//Tiny Toms: Cordones

4//Mini Boden Boots

5//PePe Sandals

6//Mini Boden Rain Boots

7//T Stap Sparkle Shoe from Target

8//Manimal baby moccasins

9//Le Petit Tom

10//Bensimon Canvas Tennis Shoes

The Great Trade In Event

Now is the time to upgrade to a big ticket baby item if you have been holding out. From today, January 18 through Sunday, February 10th Babies R Us and Toys R Us stores allow customers to trade-in used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems etc. in exchange for 25% savings on the purchase of a new item.

It's the perfect time if you have been eyeballing that BOB stroller or Britax toddler carseat.

Stitch Fix: {Review}

We all know that I have a (crush) on my UPS delivery man. Not literally, but how can you not get excited to see somebody who brings you presents all the time? Duh! I am fairly confident that Dan (yes, I know his name) already thinks I am slightly crazy BUT if he didn't before yesterday, he does now.  

As soon as I heard the sound of the truck coming down the street I scooped Addison up & stood in the doorway.  I literally exclaimed "HORRAY my first Stitch Fix shipment arrived!". What is this Stitch Fix that got me so excited? Ummmm…only the most GENIUS idea ever!  One of those I wish I would have thought of that companies. 

First, you request an invite (sort of like Pinterest). Here is a referral link to get started Stitch Fix. 

Next you anxiously wait for your email that says they are ready to style you.

Once you get your email you are ready to set up your style profile. They'll ask you all sorts of fun questions, show you sample outfits & ask your opinion to get your style preference & narrow down your size/body type.  It's like having a personal stylist…THEY pick out super fun, trendy, unique items (shirts, jewelry, outerwear, pants, dresses, etc) based off your style profile. 

So here's how it works:

Once you have your account set up, you schedule your "fix".

They charge a $20.00 styling fee & ship a package with 5 items picked especially for you. 

You get to try everything on in the comfort of your own home, paired with your favorite shoes, jeans, etc & really get a feel for the items.  

If you love everything in the box…you keep it, your $20.00 styling fee is applied as a credit & you pay the difference. You also get 25% off the total order if you keep all 5 items.  Sweet!

If you love only 1 or 2 items, the $20.00 credit is applied, you pay the difference & send the remaining items back (within 3 days) in postage paid (by Stitch Fix)package.

If you don't love anything you send everything back in the postage paid package & forfeit the $20.00. 

It's not a subscription & you aren't locked into a certain amount of "fixes". You literally log into Stitch Fix & schedule an order at your leisure. For me its a no brainer. I buy at least 1 item for myself once a month anyway so why not take a chance on something I probably would have not discovered on my own. 

This was my first experience. Be prepared for some extremely uncomfortable and awkward photos. (Next time I will probably put myself together & not take them at 7:30 in the morning, lol). 

The first item that caught my attention was this top:

Sanctuary Top: Ezra Longsleeve Knit & Chiffon Top

I died when I saw this necklace.  Totally not something I would have picked out myself but I LOVED it instantly.

What's In Store Jewelry: Three Piece Collar Necklace

I wasn't drooling over this dress but I liked it out of the box.

Honey Punch Dress: Wales Faux Wrap Sleeveless Dress

While I was totally in love with the print immediately, I did not think this was going to fit well.

Everly Top: Theodora Tribal Tabsleeve Blouse

The same skepticism came with this top. Loved the color (not something I would have picked out for myself) but I thought it was going to make me look boxy.

GLAM Top: Mission 3/4 Sleeve V-neck Blouse

I paired the sanctuary top two ways. First with a cotton floral skirt from Cotton On (a cute little store in Australia that I picked up when we visited 2 years ago).

Next with red cuffed skinnies from the GAP & my leopard print Aldo flats. I really loved the knit & chiffon combo. This one is a keeper. 

I paired the red 3/4 sleeve blouse with wide leg Citizens of Humanity jeans & brown leather Jessica Simpson heels.

I preferred this top tucked in with these particular jeans.  I am sure it would look great untucked with a dark wash skinny jean as well. This top is a maybe.

Hmmm. The dress. I wore it exactly as it came and just paired with my Frye boots. I originally had a Free People slouchy off white cardigan with chunky wooden buttons paired with it but it wasn't a good mesh. Then I tried on a cream lace vest from H&M…didn't love that either.  It isn't super noticeable in the picture but the dress is HUGE up top. This wasn't a winner.

I thew the necklace on with the Everly tribal top. MY FAVORITE ITEM by far.  It will look great with so many things. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

And next, the top itself. LOVE! I paired it with faux leather leggings from Express & Lauren Conrad black & taupe heels.  I see lots of options for this top. Most definitely keeping it!

So my thoughts after my first package? They nailed it. I am actually shocked that 4/5 items fit perfect & even more shocked that I liked them all. I am sure there will be lots of hits & misses along the way but every miss is worth a hit. I am already looking forward to schedule my next fix. 

paleo pumpkin treats

Grey skies, cold rain & brisk breeze...that would be the last several days here.  We went from sunny 80's to the blah 50's overnight.  I can't say that I am totally bummed; There is something about about the cool rain & grey sky that makes it really feel like fall.  I've really started embracing fall the last few days...sweaters & boots. Who I am I kidding...I have lived in sweats & gym clothes, lol.  With fall it means cinnamon & nutmeg, crisp apples & ANYTHING pumpkin.  Here are a few paleo friendly pumpkin treats for you to embrace your inner fall. 

paleo pumpkin lara bar

paleo pumpkin granola

paleo pumpkin gingerbread cake

paleo pumpkin spice latte

salmonella linked to cantaloupe

Literally as I am cutting a cantaloupe this morning to go with Addison's breakfast the headline for Good Morning America is "2 people dead, 140 sick. Salmonella linked to cantaloupe is said to be the cause." You bet your britches I tossed that deliciously ripe & juicy melon right in the trash can.

Salmonella linked to cantaloupe