Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Red Eyelet Off The Shoulder Dress + $1,000 Giveaway






Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson


I absolutely love the color red and this lovely red eyelet off the shoulder dress is a current favorite that will carry me right from spring to summer.  The shift style is figure flattering (and comfortable too) and the eyelet detail is so visually beautiful.  Of course the fact that it is off the shoulder is an added bonus!  With a few simple adjustments, this dress can easily be dressed up for a night out as well.

I've styled this dress with my favorite new floral wedges and my go-to everyday neutral handbag!  I love the floral embroidered detail of these wedges...all of the fun colors leads to such a versatile shoe that can be worn with so many things.

Stay tuned for some upcoming posts sharing more about my time at the rewardStyle conference!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

p.s. $1,000 is up for grabs...see below for instructions on how to enter!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats



Photography by Jennifer Glover of Carolina Girl Cooks

Are you drooling yet?!  I know I am!  It's past midnight, I'm writing this post, and I'm having a major CRAVNG for these overnight oats.  Good news is...I've got myself covered because I planned ahead...my peanut butter & banana overnight oats are in the fridge waiting to be eaten!  I shared this recipe with my bestie, Jenn Glover of Carolina Girl Cooks, and she whipped it up and photographed it so beautifully...she even said she could hardly stand looking at it and devoured it just as soon as she finished shooting it!

I'm not kidding when I say I get so excited to eat these oats...not only are they delicious and filling but they are super healthy for you too!

I typically eat these on my regular calorie/regular carb days within the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp that I have been doing since January.  There is nothing better than digging into these overnight oats after coming off of two low carb days!  It's like having a treat without the guilt because I know I am fueling my body with superfoods and lots of protein!

If you've never made overnight oats...look no further...this is where you MUST start.  I promise you won't be disappointed!  Bookmark this page or pin one of the above images for easy reference.

Recipe details are below!  If I were a betting woman...I'd bet that many of you reading today's post will be making this recipe sooner than later!  Enjoy!



Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats

SERVES 2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of rolled oats, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups of almond milk (or other nut milk, divided)
  • 4 Tbsp chia seeds, divided
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp all natural peanut butter
  • 2 Tbsp of pure maple syrup
  • 4 tsp of cinnamon, divided
  • *optional: pecans (or any nut) for topping

Instructions

  1. Pour 1/2 cup oats in two mason jars. Add in 3/4 cup of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to each jar. Mix to combine, screw the tops on and stick it in the fridge over night.
  2. In the morning, you can either heat the oats up in the microwave or eat them cold. I like to add another dash of almond milk before eating the oats. You can do this before you heat them or before you mix in the toppings if you're eating them cold.
  3. Add 1/2 of the sliced banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to each jar of oats and top with chopped pecans and another drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. 

Monday, April 17, 2017

Bootcamp - 12 Weeks In - Before & Afters + A Juice Cleanse




Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

It's time for us to meet up again and talk about the FASTer Way bootcamp program that has me on the fast train to fit town.  First off, I hope all who celebrated had a wonderful Easter yesterday!  We had a wonderful day...Easter bunny surprises, church, lunch, egg hunts, egg dying, and a full day outside playing.  

Not only was it Easter but it was also my last day of round 2 of the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp!  And you know how I celebrated (after taking my before & after photos of course)...I devoured some PEEPS!!!  Don't know what it is about those surgery marshmallow little chicks but I've loved them from day 1 and now I am passing that love down to our kiddos! p.s if you have never tried them microwaved for a few seconds, you MUST...YUM!

Okay, so let's get to it...for those of you who may have missed my first post about why I started with the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp no problem, I've linked if for you HERE! And if you did not see my 1st round before and after images, you can visit my post and see those images HERE!

Signing up for a 2nd round was a no brainer for me...after seeing the results I achieved after my 1st six weeks, I was eager to continue on my fitness journey and see what I could achieve in another six weeks.  There was also some new things that we would be trying in the 2nd round like a juice cleanse from The Weekly Juicery and a 24 hour fast in weeks 4-6.  AND a brand new cookbook is now being offered too...which is amazing by the way!

I've done juice cleanses before but I never really coupled it with fasting and working out.  This particular cleanse from The Weekly Juicery is offered through the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp program and it was such a nice add option.  The juice cleanse arrived in a packed cooler with some additional information on how to properly cleanse.  It also came with a black small cooler & ice packs so you can pack up your juices and take them on the go if you need to.

What I loved about this cleanse is that it is cold pressed and is USDA certified.  The Weekly Juicery sources their produce locally and makes their juice fresh, using only organic produce.  This cleanse was such a nice compliment to the bootcamp and it allowed me to step things up a notch with regards to my fitness goals.

Since week 4 of my second round of the FASTer Way bootcamp, I have been juicing once a week.  Although my first cleanse was from The Weekly Juicery, I am also supporting our local juice bar, Franklin Juice Co., and have been getting my cleanses from them.

What I can share with you after a second 6 week round is that I feel much stronger and even more lean!  Cleansing and fasting for 24 hours once a week has accelerated my results as well.

Now onto the results...the first photo pairing is from before I started the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp to yesterday, 12 full weeks of participating in the bootcamp.  The second photo pairing is from the end of my first six weeks to yesterday, the end of my second bootcamp.  Change continues to happen physically, mentally, and emotionally and I am beyond pleased with my progress!  It certainly has not been easy at times but I am committed and I'm moving onward!

I'm personally starting my 3rd round on Monday, 4/24 and can't wait!  There will be some new workouts this round and even more tips.  Over 300 women have signed up to start their own journey on 4/24...will you join in?!  If you want to join us and invest in yourself...head HERE to read more info and sign up.

p.s registration will end soon as there is a max to how many women are allowed to sign up per round.  Email me with any questions: kbstyled@gmail.com.



Thank you so much for taking the time to read today's post.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Have a great start to your week!

Friday, April 14, 2017

Easter Sunday with New York & Company

*Today's post is in collaboration with New York & Company via Shopping Links.






Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

DRESS C/O || HEELS C/O || BRACELET C/O || RING 1 C/O || RING 2 C/O || WATCH C/O

It's Good Friday and I'm busy prepping for Easter Sunday!  Easter Sunday is not only special to my family because of our faith but it is also special to our family because the Easter Bunny lives on in the eyes of our little ones.  I cherish this time because they are getting older and it won't be long before the Easter Bunny becomes Momma Bunny in their eyes (I want them to stay little and innocent forever).  The way I see it...they better always believe if they want the goodies!

Not only do our kiddos look forward to the Easter Bunny's arrival but I also like to treat myself to a little something every year...a new Easter Sunday dress!  This year the "Bunny" delivered a special surprise on my doorstep direct from New York & Company...this stunning "Sabine Fringe Dress"!

There is so much to LOVE about this dress...the fringe detail, the mesh neckline, the sequin stripes, the belted waistline, and the overall classic chic feminine style.  This dress is even more stunning in-person...it really is so unique and will be one of those dresses that you can wear for a variety of occasions.

New York & Company has some of the most gorgeous spring dresses and you've got to check out Eva Mendes' spring collection too!  Now is the time to pick up some gorgeous dresses while New York & Company is running one of their biggest promotions!

What are your Easter Sunday plans and do you treat yourself to a new dress each year?

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!  Wishing those who celebrate a very Happy & Blessed Easter Sunday!

Monday, April 10, 2017

FAIR CHILD FLORAL BOMBER JACKET





Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson


Casual spring style has never been so easy...a floral bomber jacket paired with distressed boyfriend jeans and sneakers has most recently been my go-to casual weekend wear.  This gorgeous floral bomber from Fair Child can easily be dressed up too!  Take it from day to night by pairing it with a sleek dress, some heels, and a bold clutch.

And I love that Karen Fairchild of "Little Big Town" is the Designer behind her brand Fair Child.  She introduces a collection each Spring & Fall...you can see more of her collection HERE!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by...have a great start to your week!
SaveSave

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Gaining More Confidence the FASTer Way






Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson


Thirteen weeks ago, I would have never thought that I'd be confidently standing here in front of YOU in a bikini...but here I am!  EEEKKK!  A lot can change in 13 weeks time and I can say that my confidence has changed for the better over these last many weeks.

I've typically always felt confident enough to wear a bikini, in fact, I would protest wearing a one piece and most certainly would NEVER wear a tankini.  There is nothing wrong with one piece or tankini suits (in fact, they have actually become so much more chic over the last couple of years and I own several of both styles now) but I just felt like I was letting go of my youth if I wore anything but a bikini.

However, after having our children I struggled with the ups and downs of getting my pre-baby body back...it was a real struggle at times.  It's been YEARS since they were born...they are now 7 and 5 so I've had plenty of "time" to get my body back to a place that I felt good about.  But let's be honest, over the last 7 years, I haven't always felt motivated and often times as a busy Mom of two, just didn't make the time for myself.  Working out and taking care of myself often times was put on the back burner.  Excuses were made and I fell into some serious ruts over the years.

After our son was born, I was so motivated to lose the baby weight...I had something to prove to the world and that's exactly what I did.  I got into the best shape of my life.  However, when he was 10 months old, we got pregnant with our daughter and so my body quickly shifted.  I didn't work out while pregnant...I walked but that was about it.  After our daughter was born, it took me a full year before I was interested in working out again.  I thought there was no possible way that I could find the time to work out with two children under the age of 3.  But I did, and yet again, got into great shape but I didn't stick with it.

And so on and so on goes the up and down cycle of losing and gaining, working out and not working out.  My confidence kept going up and down as well...I always felt much more confident when working out versus when I wasn't working out (that's a given).  I kept wondering when I would FINALLY find something that I could stick with, something that would not only help me achieve my health and fitness goals but that would also be something that I could maintain.

Back in January of this year, I came across, and decided to try, the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp program and now I am 13 weeks in and going strong!!!  I've almost completed 2 full rounds of this bootcamp and have signed up to complete my 3rd round, which kicks off on 4/24!

I've gained so much confidence through the FASTer Way program.  Not only am I experiencing external changes (I'm determined to have abs and Carrie Underwood-ish legs ;-)) but I am also experiencing an internal transformation and my overall confidence is a big part of that internal transformation.  And I'm not just talking about my confidence as it pertains to the way I look in a bikini but I am also talking about my confidence in my capabilities to stick with something long term.

I finally have found a program that works for me, that is flexible, that allows me to reach my goals, and that has helped me regain my confidence in all that I am capable of!  The FASTer Way program has been a life changer for me.  I still have some pretty heafty personal goals and I'm excited to see where this journey will take me!

Are you at the same point that I was at?  If so, the next round of the FASTer Way to Fatloss program kicks off on 4/24 and new clients can enroll starting 4//10!  This program has not only changed my life but it is changing the life of sooooo many other women right now...many of which have very similar personal goals, women that I can relate with!  I encourage you to read more HERE and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at kbstyled@gmail.com.  

Thanks so much for taking time to read today's post...your support and encouragement throughout this journey has meant the world to me!

Have a wonderful Sunday and as always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Stress Management - Exercising for the Win






Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson


Managing stress better has been a goal of mine this year.  Sometimes I manage it well and sometimes the stress that I am feeling consumes me.  What I consider stressful may be very different from what you consider stressful just as I may handle it differently than you do.  But there are things that we all can do to help manage and keep our stress levels under control.

This year has particularly been a very stressful year so far at work.  For those that don't know, I work full time in HR for a Fortune 500 company in addition to blogging full time.  And obviously #1 job is being a great Momma to my littles.  At times, the stress that "work" creates carries over into my home life.  In times like these, I quickly realize that I need to hone in on doing things that help me relieve some of that stress.

Exercising has play a significant role in helping me relieve stress...physically, mentally, & emotionally.  Outside of my normal workout routines, I've started practicing a bit more yoga as well as deep breathing techniques, which have certainly helped.  Taking 10-15 minutes to stretch during my day has helped me relieve stress & refocus.  And any time that I am feeling particularly stressed throughout my workday, I will step away and do some deep breathing exercises or go for a walk with our pups.

Spending time outdoors has been a great way for me to seperate myself from stressful moments and recenter.  Vitamin D is so good for you and just sitting outside for 10-15 minutes, getting a little sunshine and breathing in fresh air, is such a nice way to release stress.

Planning ahead as much as possible has also helped me manage my stress levels.  There are times where you just won't be able to plan ahead and something may happen that throws you for a loop so being flexible is essential to being able to handle those surprise scenarios.  After all, life wouldn't be near as exciting if every single minute of every single day was planned out.

At the end of my day, I almost always take a hot bath and allow myself quiet time with no distractions.  I truly feel like I am doing something for myself and giving myself the opportunity to unwind and reflect on my day.  And if I'm feeling particularly tense, I will add some epsom salts to help relax me and extract those toxins.

These are just a few of the things I do to manage stress.  I'd love to hear from you...what do you do to manage and relieve your stress?!

Hope you all have had a great week so far and as always thanks so much for stopping by!

Monday, April 3, 2017

Floral Beaded Gown by Rachel Allan





Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson


It's that time of year...a time when many are searching for that PERFECT special occasion dress.  Maybe you are going to prom, maybe you have a special event to attend, maybe a trip that calls for packing an evening gown, or maybe you have a more formal wedding to attend.  Whatever the occasion, Rachel Allan is sure to have a beautiful dress to fit your needs!

From the intricate details to the silhouettes to the bold colors...Rachel Allan's gowns are sure to make a statement and a lasting impression.  I was immediately drawn to this floral beaded gown...it literally stopped me in my tracks.  The colors are so soft and feminine and the floral beadwork is absolutely breathtaking.  And I just love the subtle train...yet another Rachel Allan touch that makes this gown so beautiful.  

So tell me...do you have a special occasion coming up that calls for a beautiful gown?

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

*Thank you Rachel Allan for partnering on today's post.  It's partnerships like these that make KBStyled possible.