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January 2015

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6 Ways to Spice Up Your Workout Wardrobe

by Nellie

6 easy ways to spice up your workout wardrobe

6 Ways to Makeover Your Workout Wardrobe

I have made no qualms about how much I love workout clothes. They are way more fun than regular clothes and it allows me to show my personality in fun ways!

I get a lot of questions and compliments on my workout wardrobe and I’m here to tell you that you can makeover your fitness wardrobe in 6 easy steps.

1) Pants with Flair

10 out of every 12 women wear black tights, capris or shorts to their workout everyday. Is that a scientific quote? Absolutely not. I totally made that up–but doesn’t it seem that way?!

Don’t get me wrong black tights are functional and they go with everything (I have a million myself) but if you want to makeover your workout wardrobe think outside the box and grab some neon colored tights. Fun patterns are also a great way to switch things up.

2) Ditch the t-shirts

I had to go through my drawers and get rid of all my oversized cotton tees. I have them from so many events–volunteer events, 5ks, work you name it! But let’s face it, there is nothing cute about a cotton tee–it may be comfortable to you but stylish? Not so much.

3) Bright colors

Get acquainted with the colors of the rainbow. When shopping for workout clothes think about colors that you barely see at the gym like turquoise, fuchsia, red, green–think outside of what you have at home. Pick solid pieces that are versatile and out of the box.

 

4) Plan your outfits

Don’t just grab what is on top of the clean laundry pile! Think about new ways to pair items together–try not to repeat an outfit for a month. Always try on the outfit too because unless you have the perfect body certain tops DO NOT go with certain bottoms. (I have learned this the hard way folks!) Show variety in your wardrobe by investing 10 minutes in what you are going to wear to make your body look better.

5) Learn what works for your body (and buy that!)

Speaking of wardrobe malfunctions–know what works for you. For example, I tend to gravitate towards a workout top that snug around the upper body but has give around my tummy area. It is so important to comfortable while being stylish. Low cut capris may not work for someone with a lot of junk in their trunk.

6) Gear built for specific workouts

There is a reason why all of the store brands make running shoes and running gear. The clothes are scientifically designed for that purpose. Under Armour has a yoga line, a studio line and a running version of their clothes. ZUMBA Fitness has a special line of clothing designed to make you feel amazing during class. Pay attention to what type of workout piece you are purchasing, it is usually indicated on the tag.

Do you have a stylish workout wardrobe? What tips would you add? Over-sized tee shirts–yay or nay?

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weightlifting

5 Practical Reasons Why All Women Should Be Lifting Weights

by Nellie

5 Reasons why you should be lifting weights

5 Practical Reasons Why All Women Should Be Lifting Weights

When I started working out at a real gym when I was in college, I was terrified of weights. In my old gym the fancy elliptical, treadmills and other cardiovascular equipment was located on the first two floors. There was a weights room in the basement that was filled with an insane amount of barbells, free weights and other resistance machines.

I was always too scared to venture downstairs…I took a peek one time and all I saw were humongous men who were grunting really loudly and slamming weights on the floor when they were finished.

It was terrifying.

LiftWeights!

So I stayed on my cardiovascular machines secretly afraid of all that was happening in that basement and prayed I would never have to go down there.

Then I met my first personal trainer. He told me that in order to pull off the sexy drop dead shoulders I wanted for my strapless princess wedding gown, I would have to get over my fear of the weight room. He taught me how to use each machine, even those that I was sure was not meant for women to use. In short, I was hooked.

When I explain to my friends how awesome lifting is, I usually get a side eye or maybe even a chuckle because a lot of women generally do not lift weights. Here are 5 reasons why all women (including you) should be lifting weights several times a week.CITY OF ANGELS

 

    1. Lose weight while you sleep: When you break down muscle with resistance training your body needs energy (read: calories) to build them back up. Even for hours after you leave the gym,  your body is still working hard burning calories! How awesome is that?!

    2. Tones and tightens: Losing weight is awesome,  but when you lose a lot of weight without incorporating weight training you tend to have a lot more excess skin than you would if you lifted through out. Besides you won’t get guns or amazing legs without it!

    3. Gym Cred: Do you know how good it looks when a woman is in the weights area and knows exactly what they are doing? You are respected, not only by terrified women like I was, but by the men too! Make room fellas, this is no longer a boys club!

    4. Improves Cardio Performance: Most people don’t realize that you have to cross train to get better at any activity such as running, swimming, biking etc. The awesome part? If you do resistance training you are only making your self stronger therefore making you better at what you do. You run faster, swim faster, bike faster and stronger!

    5. You Encourage Other Women: Being a woman that knows what she is doing is encouraging to other women too scared to try. You become an advocate for women’s strength training. There are so many of us that are so intimidated by the sheer amount of testosterone that hangs out by the weights area. Your session may inspire a Cardio bunny or two to jump off the elliptical.

[Tweet “Check out 5 great reasons why YOU should be lifting weights!”]

Do you lift weights regularly? Are you a cardio bunny? if you do lift weights do you follow a plan or wing it?

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dinnerRecipes

Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

by Nellie

This amazing and flavorful crockpot pepper steak recipe is slow cooked for 8 hours and can be served with your favorite side!

Amazing Crockpot Pepper Steak

You all know that I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl by default.  I’m pretty sure I know how to cook beef in every way possible!

Why this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe Works

  • It doesn’t take a long time to prepare
  • It’s versatile. (it goes with so many side dishes–or no side at all!)
  • It’s pretty.
  • It’s delicious. Every single time.
  • Everyone in my home loves it!

It’s no secret that the Crockpot and I are besties. This pork tenderloin recipe is also one of my favorites but I digress. This recipe is super easy and will likely use ingredients that are already in your pantry.

I originally got this recipe from Allrecipes.com and have switched it up a bit over the years to make it perfect for *me*.

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For example,  I don’t use stewed can tomatoes anymore after I read an article about canned vegetables that really made me think twice about it. I also use several colors of peppers because it’s just prettier. More tasty too!

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I also use an insane amount of onions because I love onions… So much! Throw everything together and you have got a great meal!

What ingredients do I need to make this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe?

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch
strips
garlic powder to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large green, red, and yellow bell pepper, roughly
chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Crockpot Pepper Steak

Here is the Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe remixed by me. You can get the original recipe here:

Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe
Yield: 8-10 servings

Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

A super easy pepper steak recipe that is flavorful and no fuss.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch
  • strips
  • garlic powder to taste
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 large green, red, and yellow bell pepper, roughly
  • chopped
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

    1. Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.

    2. Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, peppers, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.

    3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

Notes

Best served with white rice and/or veggies

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Nellie

How do you store Crockpot Pepper Steak?

To store Crockpot Pepper Steak, it is important to cool the dish before storing. If you are not eating the steak right away, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. When reheating the steak, make sure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure your steak stays moist and flavorful, try to not reheat it more than once.

If you need to store the steak for a longer period of time, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or wrap. The steak can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, let the steak thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the microwave or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

For food safety, it is important to never reheat cooked food more than once. Make sure that you cool and store your Crockpot Pepper Steak properly in order to maintain food safety standards. Proper storage will also help keep your steak moist and flavorful.

Why use a slow cooker to make pepper steak?

Slow cookers are a great way to turn tougher cuts of meat into delicious, tender meals. This method of cooking also locks in flavor and helps you save time by allowing the steak to slowly simmer until it’s finished. Plus, slow cookers use less energy than stovetop or oven cooking methods! So get out your crockpot and give this delicious pepper steak recipe a try!

What is good to serve pepper steak with?

Pepper steak is delicious served over rice or noodles, with a side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes, French fries, sautéed onions and peppers, or a tossed salad. If you’re feeling creative, you can even top the steak with melted cheese for an extra cheesy kick!

What are some other great steak recipes to try?

Is crockpot pepper steak healthy?

Yes, crockpot pepper steak is a healthy dish. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the steak and vegetables, while the seasonings offer antioxidants and other vital nutrients that your body needs. To make this dish even healthier, opt for a lean cut of meat such as sirloin or flank, use low-sodium soy sauce, and reduce the amount of oil used. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal any night of the week!

What are some tips for cooking steak in the slow cooker?

When cooking steak in a slow cooker, it’s important to keep the heat low and cook the meat for a longer period of time. This will ensure that your steak is cooked evenly throughout without becoming dry or tough.

Additionally, you should make sure to check the internal temperature of the steak before serving to make sure it has reached at least 145°F. Finally, don’t forget to stir the steak every few hours while it’s cooking so that all sides get an even amount of heat.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to have delicious, tender slow cooker pepper steak in no time!


What is your staple dish? Have you ever made pepper steak in the Crockpot? How do you make your food pretty?

Here are some more awesome Slow Cooker Recipes that you will enjoy:

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes With Cheddar and Garlic

The Best Fall Crockpot Recipes

Three Ingredient Slow Cooker Appetizer Meatballs

Delicious Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja

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