Best Self Tanner- Fakebake Flawless

I've got a new obsession and on a scale from 1 to important this is IMPORTANT! My lovely neighbor tested out a new self tanning product and thankfully loved it so much she just had to share it with me.  Listen up ladies,  Fake Bake Flawless is the answer to our pasty problems.  This product is one of the most amazing things that has happened to me in the past two months. I'm actually serious, it's that good.  If you aren't one to trust self tanning products trust me you need this.

I've tested two versions of the product, the original Fake Bake Flawless and the Fake Bake Luxurious Golden Bronze 60 Minute Self Tanner . The difference between the two is that the 60 minute version only needs to stay on for 60 minutes before you wash it off.  I love both versions but have been using the 60 minute version so that I only have to wait an hour before showering.

I could go on forever about this product but that would be boring so i'll just point out a few benefits and reinforce why you need to buy this item.

Why you need Fake Bake Flawless:
- EASY, easy, easy, application. It comes with an application mitt. All you do is spray the mitt and then rub on your skin.
- The color is perfect, not orange at all.
- It's not a lotion, it's a spray so it dries quickly and    isn't sticky like most self tanning products.
- The color lasts! I put mine on 1-2 times a week and have consistent color. If you want a darker tan put it on 3-4 times per week.
- 100% STREAK FREE! I've tried other tanning products before and this one beats them all, no streaks for me!
- It has bronzer in it so you can see where you are applying. Again, making it easy to avoid streaks.
- If you buy the 60 minute version you only have to wait 60 minutes to shower off. The tan continues to develop after you've showered. So easy and time efficient.

You can buy the product at the links below:
Fake Bake Flawless
Fake Bake Luxurious Golden Bronze 60 Minute Self Tanner

Do yourself a favor and buy this now! Right in time for summer:)

Cross Training Shoes

If you're an exercise junkie (or wannabe) you'll appreciate this post. I recently replaced my gym shoes and couldn't be happier.  It’s smart to replace gym shoes once every 100 hours or at least once a year to protect your feet.  The shoes featured in this post are the New Balance 813 model.  I wear these shoes for cross training purposes, such as cardio machines and exercise classes.

Here’s why I recommend these shoes:

-They are lightweight. If you don’t own lightweight exercise shoes by now you’re probably still wearing your sambas from 5^th grade. Make the switch to lightweight, especially for workouts.

-They have great cushioning.  Sometimes lightweight shoes lack in cushioning and support, not these! It feels like there is memory foam in the soles of the shoe, so nice.

-They give good support. I have a high arch so this is important for me!

-They mold to your feet easily. I haven’t had any issues with blistering or discomfort and was able to wear them for my workouts right away without breaking them in.

-They are good looking shoes. For everyone at the gym who has asked me where I got my shoes, this is where... Buy them here

-They are a great value, $79.99.  It's hard to find a quality pair of workout shoes under $100, these are a steal!

If you’re in the market for a new pair of cross training shoes I definitely recommend the New Balance 813. I got them in the grey with teal and lime combo but they come in three different color options so I’m sure you’ll find a pair that suits you.

Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is one of my favorite desserts! The sugar cookie and cream cheese frosting combo is seriously to die for.  And not to mention you get the health benefits of fresh fruit:) Fruit Pizza is definitely a crowd pleaser because in addition to being delicious, it's pretty!  Bring it to any party and you'll instantly impress all of the guests:) 

This recipe is pretty easy to make from scratch but if you're in a time rush (or don't like to bake) you can make it even easier by purchasing pre-made sugar cookie dough in the refrigerator section of your grocery store.  If you go this route, you can skip to step #1


Ingredients:

For the crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 11 1/4 ounces)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
10 tablespoon butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large egg whites

For the Frosting:
1 block 1/3 fat cream cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup white sugar or sugar substitute

For the Toppings:
Choose any fruits you like! I usually use strawberries, blueberries, pineapple and kiwi but the choice is yours.  If you’re making this dish for a special occasion decorate accordingly by selecting the appropriate color fruits.  Ex: fourth of July you could use blueberries, strawberries, raspberries etc. 


Directions:
1.) First you will prepare the cookie crust.  Preheat the oven to 375. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, stir together. In a separate large bowl, combine the sugar and butter. With a mixer, beat on medium speed until soft and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and egg whites and continue to beat. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed until just combined. Let the dough sit a few minutes.  

2.) Grease the bottom of a 9 in round pan with cooking spray.  I like to use round pans with removable bottoms for easy decorating. Pat dough onto the bottom of the circular pan so it’s about ¼ inch thick.  Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until edges have begun browning.  If you have a thicker crust, make sure you cook longer.  Remove the crust from the oven and set aside to let cool.


3.) Next you’ll want to prepare the frosting.  Combine the cream cheese, sugar (or sugar substitute) and vanilla. Beat until combined and well blended.  Set aside and let chill in the refrigerator until the crust is completely cooled.

4.) Once the crust is 100% cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the crust. If the crust is still warm, it will melt the frosting and the fruit won’t stay in place, so make sure the crust is cooled! 

5.) For decorating, (the fun part!) cut fruit into small pieces and place atop the frosting.  You can scatter the pieces randomly or do a pattern of your choice. After decorating I like to put the pizza in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let it chill and set.

This dish is best served cold, I recommend leaving it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Enjoy!

Fitness Move of the Week: Leg Toning Moves

This week's Fitness Move of the Week is all about the legs! Get your legs ready for shorts season with three moves you can do at home.
Watch the Leg Toning video here

Must have Black Maxi Dress

Every woman needs to own a basic black maxi dress and I've found just the one. Maxi dresses have become a staple in a women’s wardrobe and thankfully are here to stay. I adore maxi's because with just one piece you've got a head to toe look. Maxi's are perfect for this time of year when it's not quite warm enough to wear short dresses. If it’s too chilly for bare arms toss on a denim jacket to pair with the dress. I find a lot of women feel they need to be tall and thin to pull off a maxi, but ladies that's simply not true! If you’re petite you can wear this trend, just get it shortened a few inches.

I love this one from Nordstrom for only $52! I just purchased it and the fit is fabulous.  The dress comes in 4 colors; Black, Coral, Green and Navy . Buy the Black first and when you realize you love it so much you can go wild on the colors. At only $52 a pop these are worth every penny!

Buy the Black here
Buy the Coral here
Buy the Green here
Buy the Navy here

Mother's Day Gift Ideas under $50

Mother's Day is just a few weeks away and it's time to start planning your gift! In my opinion, Hallmark Holidays are always the hardest to prep for but I've made it a little easier for you this year:)  I've pulled together a few adorable Mother's Day gifts that Mom is sure to love.  Don't worry if you don't have a lot to spend, all of these gifts are under $50 (she'll never know)!


Top Row
Clairebella Monogram Mug, $24  Perfect if your Mom is a coffee or tea drinker. All monograms are available

C Wonder Monogram Stationary Card Set, $10 Super cute for only $10! All monograms available

C Wonder Monogram Wine Stopper, $22 Elegant and personalized, but most importantly practical:) 

Clairebella Personalized Notepads, $24 Fact: Moms make lists. At least now her list will be stylish.

Middle Row
Anthropologie Crystalline Hair Ties, $24 One of my favorites! A special twist to an everyday essential.
C Wonder Heart Shaped Cheese Board, $28 Your mom will know you love her if you give her this heart shaped cheese board!
Anthropologie Spring Garden Infinity Scarf, $48 This floral print is perfect for spring. The infinity style makes it fool proof so every Mom can enjoy!
Scentsy We all know how much I adore Scentsy's! I promise your mom will too:) Give it to her with a few of her favorite scents.

Bottom Row
J. Crew Bubble Necklace Look Alike $15 Personalize this necklace by picking her favorite color.
Cartier Love Bracelet Look Alike, $20  A classic. This bracelet is one of the most sought after pieces of jewelry- give Mom hers for only $20!
C Wonder Teardrop Earrings, $48 I'm crazy about the easy elegance of these earrings. The style is perfect for all ages.
J. Crew Venus Flytrap Necklace, $20 Another classic jewelry piece your mom should own. If she likes a sparkle, this one is for her!

J Crew Crystal Venus Flytrap necklace look alike

Statement jewelry is one of the easiest ways to perfect any outfit.  I love this knock off J. Crew Crystal Venus flytrap necklace not only because its adorable but most importantly because it's only $18.99! The real J. Crew version is $98 so consider this a bargain.  This necklace goes well with printed floral tops or dresses because the simplicity of the necklace grounds the prints.  Or you can wear this with all black for a standout moment. You can purchase the necklace here: J Crew Crystal Venus flytrap necklace look alike . Happy Styling!