The Best Health and Wellness Goodies for Spring 2019

April 25, 2019 By Chanelle 17 Comments

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx. All opinions my own.

My health and wellness journey has taken lots of twists and turns. I once was a yogi, then became a runner, then a bodybuilder, and now I’m back to my yogi roots. If I had to describe my current views on health and wellness in one word, I guess I’d say “balance.”

I partnered with Babbleboxx to test out a variety of balance-boosting spring health and wellness products this month, and I kind of couldn’t believe how well they all complemented my life and the habits I already have. Check ’em all out!

Trekz Air by Aftershokz

My Trekz Air are some of the coolest gadgets I’ve tried lately. They’re kind of like headphones, but instead of fitting inside your ears, they rest in front of them, vibrating against your cheekbones to conduct sound. This bone conduction technology means you can hear your tunes and whatever is around you, making them safe to wear while biking or walking in busy places.

Mid-work-day Aftershokz selfie!

I was a little worried that if I wore them to the gym, others would be able to hear my jams, but I tested them by turning on some music and walking away to see if I could still hear them. Nope! Your music stays private.

I’ve also been using them a lot to make work phone calls, and they’re great for that. They pair easily with my devices and everyone I’ve had on the other end of the line has said they can hear me loud and clear.

Want a pair of your own? Visit health.aftershokz.com and use code HEALTH50 for $50 off Trekz Air and Trekz Titanium Endurance Bundles!

Bone conduction at the gym

Berry Power and Enzyme Power by Pure Synergy

These two products came to me at the perfect time. I run cold (seriously, I’m always cold), so in fall and winter it’s a little too chilly for me to enjoy my usual smoothies. But as the weather warms up I’m craving them for breakfast again. I’m not usually one for a plain fruit smoothie—I like to punch things up with extra nutrition from greens, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and the like.

Berry Power is another perfect healthy smoothie addition. It’s an all-natural antioxidant powder, but unlike green juice powders (which I love, but yuck), it tastes great because it’s made from berries. I also tried it out mixed with berry flavored sparkling water as you can see below, and it was delicious that way too.

To use Berry Power, just shake up 1 tsp. with 4-6 oz water or juice or blend into your favorite smoothie.

As for Enzyme Power, well…it’s a lifesaver. I’ve tried out lots of digestive enzyme supplements because I’ve been struggling with digestive issues for the past few years. I feel really good about taking this one because not only does it have lots of helpful enzymes to break down tough-to-digest foods, but it also includes a special blend of red algae, ginger, turmeric, and more to support the enzymes as they do their jobs. All you have to do is take one capsule with a meal and you’re set. 🙂

Taking my Enzyme Power so I can eat this lasagna.

You can get Berry Power and Enzyme Power at The Synergy Company. When you shop, don’t forget to use code SPRING15 for 15% off your total order now through May 31, 2019.

Eye Gels from Patchology

These moodpatch undereye gels are so fun to use! They’re jiggly little pairs of eye gels that come in lots of fun varieties. The ones I tried were:

Perk Up: With green tea and bergamot to depuff and energize
Down Time: With calendula and lavender to calm and de-stress
Happy Place (pictured below): With hibiscus and rose for positivity and hydration

I like these because they’re just a little something special to add to your wind-down routine at night. They give you a little undereye hydration, a little aromatherapy, and a little fun. What’s not to love?

You can pick up these eye gels on the Patchology website!

Fitness Drink by CELSIUS

CELSIUS fitness drinks are something special. They give you a boost of healthy energy thanks to 7 essential vitamins plus green tea leaves, ginger, and guarana, but they’re also proven to accelerate your metabolism and burn calories and body fat just by drinking them.

I tried the Sparkling Fuji Apple Pear flavor one tough morning when I was feeling stressed about my to-do list, and just half of a can helped me knock it all out in no time.

The entire line of CELSIUS products is kosher and vegan certified as well as soy-, gluten-, and sugar-free, so just about anyone can try them out.

Want to give these drinks a shot? Get CELSIUS on Amazon here.

Are you embarking on a spring health and wellness journey? What kinds of things are you changing up?

Trying a “Super Tuscan” Wine!

February 19, 2019 By Chanelle 12 Comments

This post was sponsored by Italian Wines USA. All opinions my own.

I love wine, but I admit to being a bargain hunter when I buy it—unless it’s a special occasion. For example, I’m always excited when I get to travel to a new locale because that means experiencing it through special food and wine. But as I’ve traveled more, it’s become clearer to me that life is too short not to treat yourself regularly. After all, isn’t life kind of a special occasion in itself?

So if you’re looking to live la dolce vita and upgrade your usual wine for something more special, pick up a bottle of Italian wine next time you shop. I’ve realized lately that I get more enjoyment from bottles that are no less than $12—with that little extra investment there’s definitely a jump in quality. Italian wines offer incredible value and quality between $15-25, and the two-buck chuck will still be there for another time. 🙂

I took my own advice this past weekend. In preparation for a looming snowstorm where I live, I headed out to pick up a few snowstorm essentials, including a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese from Tuscany, one of Italy’s 20 wine regions. I picked a Tuscan wine because I’ve always wanted to visit Tuscany since seeing the movie Under the Tuscan Sun years ago. Gotta love Diane Lane!

I felt a little guilty putting together such a nice looking cheese plate for just me, but I’m taking my own advice and treating little moments—like being snowed in—as if they were special occasions.

I poured myself a glass of the Cabernet-Sangiovese Italian wine, sliced and toasted some baguette with olive oil and herbs. I set out some cajun cheese curds, gorgonzola, smoked gouda, and aged cheddar. And I sat down for a super chill night in with the new puzzle I got for Christmas.

The wine was absolutely delicious. It had deep, complex flavors that I’ve really been missing out on with my usual wine purchases. I did a little research into Tuscan wines and learned a few interesting facts. Apparently, there’s a kind of wine known as “Super Tuscan”!

A Super Tuscan wine is a red blend made with grapes grown in Tuscany but that are not indigenous to Italy. It can include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and/or Cabernet Franc grapes. Actually, I think that means the wine I picked out is a Super Tuscan. Cool huh?

How to Find a Super Tuscan Italian Wine

To find a Super Tuscan, there are a couple of things you can look for on the label. It will say Toscana, meaning it’s from Tuscany, and will say Indicazione Geografica Tipica underneath that. Also, a Super Tuscan wine will usually have a special name, rather than saying what kind of grapes it’s made from.

It was fun treating myself to a night in with a bottle of Italian wine. From now on, I won’t feel guilty about opening a bottle like this when it’s not a typical “special occasion”!

To learn more about Italian wines, visit the official Italian Wine website here!

Super Easy Plant-Based Meals from Sweet Earth Foods

February 18, 2019 By Chanelle 14 Comments

This post is sponsored by Sweet Earth Foods. All opinions my own.

The older I get, the more I appreciate convenient foods. I used to feel like it was cheating to buy fruit or veggies that were already peeled, chopped, or pre-seasoned when I could just as easily do those things myself. But now I realize that time is precious and we have to budget it smartly. Sometimes there are just more important things to do than prep foods!

Having the opportunity to try some easy plant-based meals from Sweet Earth happens to fall right in line with my new revelation. Sweet Earth frozen foods let you prepare a hearty, globally-inspired meatless meal in just a few minutes in the microwave or oven. The Sweet Earth line includes a variety of entree bowls and burritos, and each one is either vegetarian or vegan, organic, and high in protein, fiber, and nutrients—not your average frozen foods! Learn more about Sweet Earth products on their website.

I had the opportunity to try a few Sweet Earth meals including the Chana Masala and Pad Thai bowls and the Peruvian Burrito.

Check out how good that burrito looks! It only took about 2 minutes in the microwave and when it was ready, the flour tortilla was perfectly soft and warm and the filling of black beans, sweet potato, quinoa, goat cheese and more was super fragrant. Sweet Earth burritos would make the perfect lunch for the office because they don’t take up much space and are packed with hearty ingredients to fill you up for hours.

A favorite of mine is the Chana Masala entree. I order chana masala whenever I go out for Indian food, so it’s pretty exciting that I now have the option to have it at home without having to plan ahead. It has chickpeas, potatoes, tofu, and veggies in a bed of yummy yellow rice.

Another tasty option is the Pad Thai entree. It’s loaded with noodles, tofu, and veggies—and I mean loaded; it’s a really big and filling meal. We chose to dress it up with some crushed peanuts and a lime slice just like in a restaurant!

No matter which Sweet Earth foods you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the heartiness, quality, and healthful ingredients. Find easy plant-based meals from Sweet Earth at your local Kroger, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Frys, King Scoopers, Marianos and more! The products are available nationwide—click here to find a store now.

5 Self Care Ideas for Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2019 By Chanelle 13 Comments

This post was sponsored by adidas. All opinions are my own.

Valentine’s Day happens pretty soon after the start of the new year, and that can make it pretty difficult to stick to your resolutions. Whether you’re spoken-for or single, you’re likely going to be tempted to celebrate V-day with treats. Chocolates, wine, dinner out…that’s just the name of the game. While I do love these kinds of treats in moderation, this year I’m going to treat myself in another way: with self-care.

How to Have a Self Care Valentine’s Day

1. Get your heart pumping with exercise

You don’t need romance to get your heart going this Valentine’s Day—all you need is a little exercise. 🙂

My recommendation is to pick something you actually enjoy doing. When you find a style of exercise you love, it’s a lot easier to stick with it. So if you keep getting hurt running or you hate going to the gym to lift weights, don’t do those things! Instead, try out some new things until you find a form of exercise you won’t mind doing regularly. Don’t forget to switch things up sometimes though—crosstraining is important for injury prevention as well as for keeping things interesting so you don’t get bored.

Prayer twist in my adidas jacket

My favorite form of exercise right now is yoga. I tend to be an anxious person, but yoga forces me to breathe along with my movements, which lowers my heart rate and makes me feel calmer. Plus, no matter how I’m feeling, I can find a yoga class that suits me on YouTube or my yoga app. Most times I like to do a more fast-paced flow and sweat a little bit, but other times I like to slow down and do a restorative yin practice.

If you’ve been wanting to try yoga, I definitely encourage you to do so—it has changed my life. All you need to get started is a yoga mat, a little space, and yourself.

2. Reflect on what you’re thankful for

Being surrounded by social media, it’s easy to get caught up thinking about relationships and material things we wish we had. But with that kind of attitude, we’ll never have enough. Take some time this Valentine’s Day to think about what you’re grateful for. You could even make a list and refer to it in the future when you find yourself longing for a person or thing.

I’m thankful for my cat who “helps” with photos.

3. Don’t sabotage yourself

If you’ve been doing well at sticking to your goals this year, don’t stop just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Keep the momentum going, whether that means continuing your streak of workouts, cooking a healthy meal for yourself, or making time to read.

4. Do something outside your normal routine

Even if you’re spending this Valentine’s Day a little differently than usual, you don’t have to ignore it altogether. If you usually stay in, make it special by spending time with friends. If you usually find yourself surrounded by people, try cozying up at home and having some solo time.

5. Treat yourself to something unique

Instead of wine or sweets, treat yourself to something that will motivate you to keep up your healthy habits. Maybe that’s a nice yoga mat or a cute pair of yoga leggings and comfy hoodie, or maybe it’s a spa day at home, complete with a long bubble bath and fancy face mask. Personally, I decided to treat myself by upgrading my fitness watch to one that could more accurately track my yoga sessions.

No matter what you treat yourself to, I hope you have a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day!

I’m on a Roll! Organizing My Pantry

January 24, 2019 By Chanelle 16 Comments

After organizing my new car, I was on a roll. I’ve been noticing the little areas of clutter around my house that I usually ignore and brainstorming ways to organize them and make them function better for me. One area that I’ve been targeting for quite a while? My pantry. Luckily, California Almonds gave me the sustained energy to power “Operation Pantry Declutter”! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of California Almonds.

My pantry was pretty bad. I guess it wasn’t the worst pantry I’d ever seen, but it was enough to annoy me every time I opened the door…which was several times a day.

I didn’t want to spend a lot on organizing the pantry, so with shelf measurements in hand, I headed to my new favorite place: the dollar store. Here’s what I picked up…

A variety of blue baskets in different sizes, plus a couple of stackable wooden bins from another store that I thought I could use to organize heavier items like cans.

When I get a wild hair to do something I won’t stop until it’s done. Just ask my mom. That’s how I’ve always been. For this project, that meant I was so excited to get started that I left the house without eating breakfast. When I got home from shopping, I was FAMISHED.

This is where almonds come in. I need to keep easy, quick snacks around that will fill me up and give me the energy to get through whatever project I’m working on at the time. Almonds are great because they contain protein and fiber plus “good fats” to fill me up until my next full meal. Plus, they’re portable!

This is a perfect portion of almonds.

I had a quick snack of almonds before finishing up my organizing quest. Perfect! No need to stop for too long.

And now, let me reveal the results of organizing the pantry.

Organizing the pantry was a major success. I corralled like items into blue bins:

Top shelf: canned items & sauces/oils
2nd shelf: baking ingredients and dried goods (like pasta and oats)
3rd shelf: snacks (this is where the almonds go!) and soup stuff
Bottom shelf: workout supplements & cat stuff

SUCH a relief. Thanks to California Almonds for the opportunity to finally power through this project! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of California Almonds.

By the way, did you know that there’s no almond emoji? I was surprised too. (I mean, we have an acorn and a dumpling but no almonds?) If you believe in the almond emoji click here to sign the petition to help create one!

Are you in an organizing mood this January? Tell me what you’re organizing next!

Affordable Car Organization Tips! $30 or Less

January 9, 2019 By Chanelle 11 Comments

In 2016, my car broke down. It was the car I’d been driving since age 16, and it had made it to 14 years old. It was time. So I bought my dream car, a Kia Soul. I loved that car. It had Bluetooth! It had power windows, power locks, and a key fob that unlocked the doors remotely! Such simple luxuries, but I was tickled.

When I moved to the mountains this year, I realized I might need something a little more hardy. An all-wheel drive for the hills and snow, preferably with a backup camera. (Did you know that by May 2018, all new cars are required to come standard with backup cameras?)

So in a bittersweet yet practical move, I traded in my Soul for a low-mileage Buick Encore from Carvana. Psst! If you’re in the market for a new car, let me know. I have ten codes for $500 off your Carvana purchase. Not sponsored, I just had a good experience with Carvana.

Car Organization Tips: Keeping It Clean and Well-Stocked!

After stocking my new wheels with a few of my usual car essentials—lip balm, hand sanitizer, and extra napkins secreted away from various restaurants and coffee shops—inspiration struck. “I should fully organize this car! With cheap items from the dollar store!” So that’s just what I did.

I visited Dollar Tree, Ross, Aldi, and Dollar General to organize my whole car & outfit it with emergency supplies for less than $30!

Let’s start with the driver’s side door.

In my driver door pockets, I keep a microfiber cloth for dusting and drying (2 for $1, Dollar Tree), packs of Clorox wipes and baby wipes ($1 each, Dollar Tree), and a backup pair of sunglasses for my sensitive baby eyes.

Now moving along to the center console.

The console storage space in this car is quite small, so I don’t have room for much. Inside I have extra napkins, a pack of tissues (8 packs for $1, Dollar Tree), a protein bar, and a bottle of ibuprofen…or is it?

Inside this bottle of ibuprofen, I actually keep change! Totally thief-proof. 🙂

On the passenger’s side, there are two glove compartments. In the main compartment, I keep the car owner’s manual, my registration and insurance information, a toiletries kit, and a first aid kit.

I got this compact first aid kit at Ross for $4.99. It has regular bandages, blister bandages, gauze, alcohol pads, antiseptic pads, and medical tape and is attached to a carabiner. Handy!

In the striped pouch, which is from Target years ago, I keep the following (not everything is pictured below):

Lotion
Tampons
One reusable pad (from this set of 5)
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Floss
Deodorant
Lint remover
Tide To-Go stick
Nail file
Hand sanitizer
Lip balm

In the smaller glove box, I keep just a few things: scissors, scotch tape, a tape measure, and this multi-tool that includes a hammer, screwdriver, and more.

It’s good to keep a hammer and something to cut with, in case you need to break a window or cut a seatbelt to escape the car in an emergency. The tool I have was $6.99 at Ross, but on Amazon you can find specialized tools made for escaping cars.

In the back seat is my favorite organization tip: a mini trashcan ($1, Dollar Tree) that sits perfectly on the hump between the two footwells and doesn’t budge because…

I put velcro strips on the bottom to attach it to the carpet and prevent sliding! I keep the package of trash bags at the bottom of the can so I’ll always have a fresh one handy.

And finally, the trunk. I like to keep the trunk mostly empty so I have room for groceries or whatever I need to tote.

The small storage space on the left holds my extra tissues and the extra microfiber cloth from the 2-pack. I picked up a fabric bin from Aldi’s Special Buys section for $6.99 to corral the few other items I keep handy in the trunk.

The bin holds my reusable bags, my picnic/stadium blanket, and a bottle of bug spray I got from Dollar General for $4.50. I always forget bug spray when I do outdoor activities, so keeping it in my car is insurance that I won’t get bitten for once.

So let’s recap everything that went into my car organization haul!

Baby wipes: $1
Disinfecting wipes: $1
Microfiber cloths: $1
Tissues: $1
Pill container for loose change: already had it = FREE
Toiletries kit: already had it = FREE
First aid kit: $4.99
Scissors: already had them = FREE
Scotch tape: already had it = FREE
Measuring tape: already had it = FREE
Multi-tool with hammer: $6.99
Trashcan: $1
Trashbags: $1
Velcro: $1
Trunk bin: $6.99
Bug spray: $4.50
Aldi quarter: $0.25 😉

GRAND TOTAL: $30.72. I think $30 to outfit a whole car with convenience and emergency items is pretty great. Patting myself on the back.

What other essentials do you keep in your car? I’ve been watching car organization videos on YouTube and can’t get enough of everyone’s clever ideas!

Spending Winter on the Couch with Amazon Devices

December 21, 2018 By Chanelle 7 Comments

This post was sponsored by Amazon as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I used to be the kind of person who didn’t care much about TV. I had a tiny little TV that I’d actually bought to use as an external computer monitor and that’s all I needed. Who cares about HD? Who cares about cable?

But then…

My mom gave me her old TV when she upgraded to a larger one at her house. And my tube-watching habits did a complete 180. I found it easier to stay engrossed in a show now that I was watching a bigger screen, and I broadened my streaming horizons to include Hulu, Prime Video, and Twitch along with the Netflix and YouTube I was watching before. I was a goner.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Amazon Fire TV Recast

My Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Amazon Fire TV Recast, and beloved Amazon Echo!

And now that I’ve had the opportunity to add the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Recast to my arsenal, the likelihood of me leaving the couch in the evenings is pretty much nil.

With the Fire TV Stick remote, you can summon Alexa by holding down the microphone button and saying Alexa’s name plus your command. You can ask Alexa to search for titles, play music, use skills like “weather” and “Flash Briefing”—basically anything you might ask your other Alexa devices. And of course, Amazon Fire TV devices pair perfectly with any other Amazon devices you already have.

If you’re like me and hate having to use multiple remotes, you’ll like that this remote has power, volume, and mute buttons to control your TV, sound bar, and receiver.

Fire TV gives you access to all the streaming channels you’re used to, like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu (including live TV and sports packages if you so choose), Sling, and more. And when you add the Fire TV Recast to the mix, you can also watch and record over-the-air programming with no monthly fees!

The Amazon Fire TV Recast is an unassuming little black box that will look at home with the devices you already have.

With the Fire TV Recast, your antenna picks up nearby channels and the device integrates them with Fire TV so that you can use your Alexa-enabled remote or other devices to find live shows and schedule recordings.

You can say things like “Alexa, open Channel Guide” or “Alexa, record ‘Riverdale.’” Fire TV Recast delivers the most reliable video streams over Wi-Fi of any over-the-air DVR so you won’t be constantly frustrated by buffering or fuzzy picture.

Ready to finally cut cable and dive into the streaming life? Shop for your Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Recast on Amazon! (They make great gifts, too.)

What Happened When I Did Yoga Every Day for a Month

December 11, 2018 By Chanelle 11 Comments

This post is sponsored by adidas. All opinions my own!

I took a different approach to fitness this year.

When I first arrived in Asheville, I joined a gym. I went to the gym and lifted weights 4-5 times a week just like I’d been doing for years. But one day about 5 months later, my body said, “Don’t go to the gym. Do yoga.” So I did. And then it said the same thing the next day. And the next day. I ended up letting my gym contract lapse and doing yoga every day for over a month.

Yoga every day?

To my surprise, the world didn’t end when I swapped weightlifting for yoga. In fact, here’s what happened:

I didn’t lose as much muscle as I expected. In fact, I still look pretty fit if I do say so myself. I’d say the reasons for that are 1/3 genetics, 1/3 yoga, and 1/3 the pullup bar I purchased to make sure I could still do pulling movements. (Yoga is mostly pushing movements.) I even noticed my abs becoming more defined! All those planks must have boosted my core strength.

I magically became more of a morning person and looked forward to my morning yoga sessions. I’m a Taurus. I’m naturally lazy. Getting up in the morning and springing out of bed is not typical for me. But knowing that I was about to get on my mat, get my blood flowing, and feel amazing afterward did the trick.

Yoga helped me cope with the change of seasons. I have a terrible time with seasonal depression each year, and yoga was part of the regimen I used to make the transition easier on myself. Some other things I do to cope with seasonal depression are: use a light therapy lamp, be intentional about getting enough sleep, and eat plenty of fruits and veggies.

Ready for winter in my adidas Terrex Choleah Padded Climaproof Boots (they are outrageously comfy!)

adidas Terrex Choleah Padded Climaproof Boots

I felt more peaceful and positive overall. Generally, I felt more comfortable in my own skin. I felt more confident and like I was prepared for anything life could throw at me.

Confident in my adidas SST Track Jacket and Tiro Training Pants

It felt easier to stay consistent with my fitness routine than it was when I was mostly lifting. Yoga is gentler on me and it doesn’t feel stressful to try to fit it in. The opposite, in fact. I think my body was in need of a big dose of loving kindness.

My schedule felt more spacious. Because yoga addresses my fitness and mental health needs all at once, I felt like I had more time for other things. I joined a Monday night trivia group and have been having fun making new friends!

Overall, 30 days of yoga was exactly what I needed this fall. I’m still doing yoga most days, but to my surprise, I recently felt ready to brave the gym again. This week I went to my apartment complex gym, did a basic leg workout, and loved it.

Have you done any kind of 30 day challenge? What was it?

How to Maintain Healthy Holiday Habits

December 3, 2018 By Chanelle 13 Comments

This post was sponsored by Optimum Nutrition as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Do you ever wish Thanksgiving leftovers could last you until Christmas? And you could just skate through the entire month of December without having to grocery shop or cook? Or maybe that’s just me. In any case, since that’s just a pipe dream we have to find other ways to cope. And that’s where protein snacks come in!

It’s really easy to let healthy habits fall by the wayside during the holidays. I’ve done it before and I’m sure I’ll do it again. But if there’s anything I can do to help ensure I stick to my usual routine even during the most indulgent time of year, I want to do it.

Healthy Holiday Habits

So with healthy habits in mind, during the winter I make sure to do the following things:

Maintain my mental health by practicing yoga and meditation, using my light therapy lamp to prevent seasonal affective disorder from kicking my butt, and getting plenty of sleep.

Stick to my fitness routine. I already mentioned yoga above, but it’s part of my mental health routine AND my fitness routine. When I travel, I bring my yoga mat along so I can squeeze in a session here or there. I often search on YouTube for a video that suits me that day. Yoga With Adriene is a favorite! Sometimes I use the Down Dog app for a customized practice.

I’ve also recently started re-incorporating weightlifting workouts after a month of only yoga. Stay tuned for a whole post about that…

Keep fresh foods and protein-packed snacks around. Although it’s really tempting (and easy) to rely on takeout, delivery, and convenience foods when it’s cold outside, it’s really important to resist the urge to do that.

I’ve made sure to stick to a regular grocery-buying schedule so I always have healthy options around, and have been keeping protein snacks by Optimum Nutrition in my pantry and in my bag for when I’m on the go. I like that I can use them stave off hangriness while still reaching my fitness goals!

Optimum Nutrition ready-to-eat protein snacks are super easy to find at Walmart—in the Walmart locations I’ve been to I usually see them near the pharmacy section. There are TONS of flavors to choose from, and a good number of them are gluten-free if that’s something you look for in protein snacks. And since you’re shopping at Walmart, you’ll get the everyday low prices you’re used to.

Optimum Nutrition Ready-to-Eat Protein Snack Options

As you can see above, there are lots of ON protein snacks to choose from:

Protein Cake Bites. Each snack pack contains 20g protein and comes with 3 mini cakes. They come in Birthday Cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate Frosted Donut, and Peanut Butter Chocolate (gf). My personal favorite is Birthday Cake, and if you know me IRL you won’t be surprised by that. 🙂
Protein Almonds. These are such a cool idea! They are whole almonds with protein-packed flavored coating. They contain 10g protein per serving and come in two flavors: Cinnamon Roll and Dark Chocolate Truffle.
Protein Crisps. These are crispy bars with 20g protein each. They come in Salted Toffee Pretzel and Peanut Butter Crunch and are gluten-free.

If you’re traveling for the holidays and need snacks to keep you on track or are just looking for something sweet to munch on to help you avoid all those holiday cookies, give Optimum Nutrition’s on the go protein snacks a try. Get your hands on some—look for them at Walmart next time you’re there!

Happy snacking!

Visiting Asheville During the Holidays | Gingerbread & Mountains

November 28, 2018 By Chanelle 14 Comments

As you may know, I relocated to Asheville, NC about eight months ago. But before I landed here for good, I had to scope out the situation—see where I might want to live, check out the restaurant scene, and of course, take a spin on the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway. And since I had the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn last December, I decided to turn my exploratory mission into a holiday-themed one.

The view from the rear of the Omni Grove Park Inn lobby in December

If you have the opportunity to visit Asheville during the holidays, do it. And if you can, stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn—or at the very least, plan an evening visit to see the National Gingerbread House Competition.

When you visit the Grove Park Inn, you’re sure to enjoy an absolutely unforgettable holiday experience. Just be sure to book your stay early—their beautiful decorations are a huge draw during this time of year!

Omni Grove Park Inn Rooms

I loved my room at the Grove Park Inn. It was both luxurious and cozy, with warm wood tones and a fun art deco-style bathroom design.

My room overlooked the Grove Park Inn’s own golf course

National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn

You don’t need to stay at the Grove Park Inn to enjoy the artistry of the National Gingerbread House Competition. For just the price of parking ($20 per car), you can stroll around the resort’s hallways and see all the creative and ginger-y entries. Get more information about parking and visiting hours here.

Check out some of my favorites from last year’s competition!

Enjoying the Omni Grove Park Inn Holiday Decor

During my stay at the Grove Park Inn, my favorite thing to do was head to the lobby, order a glass of wine from the lobby bar, and claim a rocking chair right in front of one of their two grand fireplaces. The best part? Even the bar was decked out in its holiday finest:

Omni Grove Park Inn gingerbread bar in lobby

One of the lobby bars in all its gingerbread-y glory

On your way to your room you’ll see even more holiday cheer. There are fully-lit Christmas trees, snow, and garlands everywhere you look, and every tree I saw had its own unique theme.

Remember that you can take in all the beautiful decor while you’re visiting to see the Gingerbread House Competition or have dinner at one of the resort’s fine restaurants. Don’t forget to walk around a bit!

A November or December visit to the Grove Park Inn is ideal for:

Families looking for a festive and affordable evening activity. Just one $20 parking fee for the whole family!
Couples looking for a unique date idea. Take your date to dinner at one of the resort restaurants, then grab a drink from one of the bars to sip while you stroll around and enjoy the Gingerbread House Competition, holiday decor, and luxurious lobby fireplaces.
Out-of-town visitors looking for a special way to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s. Book a holiday package and all the details are taken care of for you.

Thanks so much to the Omni Grove Park Inn for hosting me during my stay! And I hope my future dates don’t read this blog, because taking them to dinner and to see the Gingerbread House Competition might be on the agenda…

Pin the post for future travel inspiration!

Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide with Amazon Handmade

November 21, 2018 By Chanelle 14 Comments

This post is sponsored by Amazon Handmade, but all gift picks and thoughts are my own!

Have you gotten all your holiday shopping done yet? I haven’t—last minute is my usual style—but I got a head start by picking out some things on Amazon Handmade for some special people in my life. As you’ve heard me mention a million times, this year I’m focused on shopping sustainably. While that rule doesn’t necessarily have to extend to my gift shopping, if I can manage to incorporate some sustainable gifts why not do so?

I regularly shop for things like pet supplies on Amazon because of the convenience of Prime two-day shipping. But I had no idea Amazon Handmade would give me the same fast shipping while letting me shopping sustainably!

It’s easy to browse by category and filter by price just like you’re used to, but you can also choose to filter your results and shop specifically with local artisans. I decided to try that and found exactly what I was looking for from a North Carolina-based artisan:

Handmade Napkins

Aren’t these cloth napkins beautiful? I love the idea of giving handmade kitchen linens as gifts because not only are you supporting a small business (in my case, a local one to boot!), but you’re also giving something unique and practical that can be used again and again.

I think cloth napkins might be seen as formal or old-fashioned, but I like the idea of choosing a modern print, using them all the time, and making them the new normal!

Handmade Toys

Another awesome sustainable gift I found on Amazon Handmade was a set of handpainted nesting dolls. I got them for my “niece”—my best friend’s daughter. She might not be old enough to pull them apart yet (she’s almost 2) but she can definitely have fun stacking them with mom’s help, and they’ll be cute as decorations for her room.

Aren’t these nesting dolls adorable? I absolutely love them. I hope the little chickadee likes them and thinks of me when she sees them as she grows up.

Other Fun Sustainable Gift Ideas

There are so many gifts to choose from on Amazon Handmade that you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. More than 50% of the selection is customizable and made-to-order so you can ensure all of your favorite peeps are getting something extra special.

Bonus: If you’re a Prime member, get 20% off a selection of Amazon Handmade items when you shop between November 15th and December 31st!

Personalized Cutting Board

Is there anyone who couldn’t use another cutting board? This two-toned one is particularly beautiful and can be personalized with the text of your choice.

Personalized Nameplate Necklace

Got a Carrie Bradshaw fan in your life? Get them a gold nameplate necklace like Carrie’s—hopefully they won’t lose it in their purse lining. 🙂

Ceramic Plant Markers
This beautiful set of nine plant markers is perfect for the green thumb who grows their own herbs. These can be used indoors or outdoors and will last forever.

Personalized Whiskey Stones

I think whiskey stones are the coolest idea, but I don’t really know any whiskey people to give them to! You chill them in the freezer, then use them keep drinks cool without diluting them. These ones are particularly neat (get it, neat?) because they can be engraved with an initial.

I hope this little gift guide has given you some great ideas to complete your holiday shopping this year. Remember, visit amazon.com/handmadegifts to shop, and don’t forget that between November 15th and December 31st there are lots of items 20% off exclusively for Prime members. Happy shopping!