Summer Essentials Series ~ Menu a la Marguerite!

Happy Friday to you all!  Wrapping up this weeks summer essentials is one of my fave gal pals Marge (really Lisa) from Menu a la Marguerite.  I met Marge in college officially at WSU but quickly realized we actually met for the first time our senior year of high school when I was a guest judge for cheerleading at her high school - small world.  Years later we are still buds and this gal has way of just making me giggle over just about anything.  The beautiful Marge is also a bride to be with "Forever Young" nuptials just around the corner (can't wait!).  Head on over to Menu a la Marguerite for great recipes, photos and fun!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Jennifer Anniston Perfume - I. LOVE. IT.  Smells like a beach and makes me feel sexy!  I love it so much that when I broke my original bottle in New York I went to the mall next door to our hotel and bought another one.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Vita Coco water.  I love anything that tastes or smells like coconut.  Although this is neither, really, it helps keep me hydrated and refreshed on a hot day!  Available at Costco for super cheap in a 12 pak.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I have a few:

Sara Evans - "Suds in The Bucket"

Katie Perry - "Last Friday Night, TGIF"

Thank you Marge for sharing your summer picks!  I rushed out and smelled the Jen Anny perfume after you raved about it and I have to agree it is a great scent, very beachy and summery!  And you know I love coconut water also, but lately have been also enjoying Aloe Vera Water....and "Suds in the Bucket" is one of my faves!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous summer weekend, we only have a few left!!!

XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ Miss B & Hustle

Hallo from Amsterdam!  While I help get things situated with our new Euro office I am happy to continue to share some great summe essentials, this time from the marvelous gals over at Miss B & Hustle.  These girls are always sharing magnificent travels, wonderful music and fashions to drool over on their blog and it is a site not to miss! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

image via pintrest

We both live on green smoothies, especially in the summer, our favorite recipes can be found here...

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Lots of sunshine, bonfires at the beach, seeing good bands play and making sure we laugh so hard, we cry on a regular basis!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

We both LOVE Gaga and this is the perfect summer song!

I am just loving this list and in complete agreeance for all of these summer must haves!  I have always LOVED "Summerboy" since I first heard it and it just puts me in the best of moods!  I would like to thank Taryn and Krissy for sharing their selections and always have a fantastic blog to read daily!  Be sure to head over to Miss B & Hustle and get your daily fix of fabulous!

Tomorrow the glamorous and fabulous Danielle over at Sweet Nothings shares her picks!

Sometimes you feel like a Nut-Hellcat...

Warning...random ass post below!

Ya'll already know that I am a huge fan of Starbucks from my posts here, here, here and here.  Well now you can add another reason to my growing list...introducing me to the delicioso goods by Sahale Snacks.

I have had the pleasure to taste the Southwest Cashews (Whole cashews are topped with a dusting of grated Cheddar-Jack cheese and blended with Poblano and Guajillo peppers) and the Barbeque Almonds (Our Barbeque Almonds are seasoned with a proprietary “Dry Rub” spice blend and accented with tangy buttermilk ranch) and let me just tell you that the flavors are bold and do not disappoint.  They are perfect for an afternoon snack, full of flavor and healthy too! 

Coffee + Healthy Snack = Happy Lyndsy

I am currently working hard to jump back on the "healthy train" and watch what I eat, drink and incorporate more workouts into my week.  These snacks will help me get there, but after watching CW's new show Hellcats, my desire to get my butt to the gym was increased mucho!

Everyday on my way into work I saw this ad and was intrigued about this new show.  Last night I DVR'ed it and while it isn't Emmy winning stuff it was rather entertaining and also inspiring.  The main character Marti Perkins had me on the ground, doing sit ups while I watched.  Aly Michalka had me lusting for toned abs and cut arms. 

I mean seriously!  While watching I was reminded of the days back in college when we taped up pictures of Gisele or Britney (I'm A Slave 4 U anyone?) for much needed gym inspiration.  Well my friends, I think Aly may just have me singing You're The Inspiration [Remastered Version] (2007) while I walk on the treadmill (maybe even *gasp* run).

The show is fun and totally cheesy but I think I will be tuning in again next week to see some fun dance routines and what kind of drama is going to unfold. 

Sorry for the randomness, but I just had to share my current likes and inspirations!  Did you watch Hellcats?  Is there different guilty pleasure show that you watch but hate to admit liking?  Anyone have a good fitness DVD or technique they would like to share so that I can get my abs looking like the picture above?  Is anyone else as excited tomorrow is Friday? 

It's All Greek To Me!

In an effort to eat healthier, I have taken up eating Greek Yogurt instead of normal yogurt. It has taken a little while to get used to the flavor but I can honestly say after a few cups I quite enjoy it now. Seeing as I am new to this healthy treat (when you buy 0% fat that is), here is my breakdown of the three ones I have tried.

My favorite one so far is the Chobani Strawberry (they have lots of other flavors as well). With 0% fat and chunks of fresh fruit it is sweet without being overbearing and it has just the right amount of bite to it to make it refreshing. It is also fairly reasonably priced at about $1.59 a cup (on sale this week at Gelson's for $1.25).

My 2nd favorite is the Fage Strawberry at 2% fat. It is very flavorful but on the pricier side and it has more fat than the Chobani, so this one makes it into my cart when I want a little more of a treat, or they are out of the Chobani.

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I was super excited to see that Yoplait had jumped on the Greek yogurt bandwagon and created their own line which was on sale for $1.29 at my local grocers. What I was not excited about was the flavor. I tried the strawberry (to keep it consistent of course) and it did not taste good. Bland, not the right consistency, just a big FAIL in my eyes. So if you are trying Green Yogurt for the first time, I would avoid this one at all costs.

What do you all think of Greek Yogurt? Do you have a favorite brand or flavor I should try? My girl Jackie had a great love for this product and has some great tips to make your favorite treats a little better for you.

Opah!