CONGRATULATIONS MARY RAY!!!!

It’s about three weeks since I’ve begun my health and wellness journey. I’m running, squatting, sweating, and starting to feel good! I was going to get a membership to a super fancy all women’s gym, until I was told the membership prices – $99/month…for one month!! With my upcoming Disney trip and summer camp expenses I knew it wasn’t something I could afford, so I’ve been getting outdoors and working out at home. My body is not yet at the point where I want it to be, and I’m a bit self-conscious, but I don’t want that insecurity to play a role in getting a good workout.

I want to be comfortable and looks good while I’m working out, and am so happy to be partnering with my social media BFF, Albion Fit. I first heard about Albion through a blog last year, and instantly became a fan. Albion Fit makes luscious clothing that woman want to wear! Their garments are fashionable and unique, but more importantly practical and technical. Designed by women, their apparel is crafted for women wherever they may be in their fitness goals. Our clothes easily transition from work out gear to lounging gear: whether she’s running an errand or 26.2 miles across a finish line.

It’s like we’re a match made in heaven! They speak my language

Wondering what their name means? Albion, hails from the Albion Basin at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in beautiful Utah. They draw upon nature and its energy for their inspiration, always remembering that their ultimate goal is to reflect the power of natural femininity in their designs, as well as their lifestyle.

They really stood out to me because obviously their amazing clothes, but their engagement with people (like me) via social media. Sometimes you reach out to a company, retweet something they’ve tweeted and get no response. Kinda sucks! Whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Albion appreciates it’s fans, customers, and potential customers – and that’s how you build an audience!

They offer a variety of women’s fitness and swimwear and workout clothing. Below are a FEW of my favorites:

I recently received their Gown Suit in Navy (left) for my June Disney trip. And once I lose a few more lbs I’m going all out and purchasing my *favorite* swimsuit they carry – the Midnight Dip Swimsuit (right)!! I’m in loooove with it!!

Oh and another thing? They are forever having specials on their merchandise! So always checkout their Instagram or Facebook page to learn about their newest deals!

Go off and explore their site, and be sure to use this exclusive promo code alexandra15 up until May 12 to save $15 on any purchase of $50+! And I’m super excited to offer a GIVEAWAY to one lucky reader for the same swimsuit I have the Gown Suit in Navy (above on left), entering is easy – good luck & happy shopping!!

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Disclosure: I received one swimsuit as compensation – but all opinions expressed are my own! 

Hard to believe it’s been so long since I’ve blogged. 2013 has not started off the way I would have liked, and between my personal life, health, work, and daughter, I’m just barely chugging along. I’ve avoided writing – for fear that all my emotions would pour out, and I’d be unable to stop them, and wouldn’t know what to do with everything.

With the support of a select few I’ve been able to slowly progress. It’s a new month, with new opportunities and I’m determined to make the future days better than my past days. So with that….

I’m thrilled to partner with Jenn over at Joyo a wonderfully unique jewelry company making one of a kind laser cut jewelry. Not only does Jenn make gorgeous jewelry, it’s locally made in Scituate, MA! I’ve been lucky enough to own a pair of earrings and a necklace and I couldn’t be any happier. Not only are her items impeccably made, they are extremely lightweight – which I loooove. When I wear my square earrings, I can’t even tell they are in! And they are the perfect accessory to my newly cut hair (pic to come soon!). 

As someone who is becoming more conscious of environmentally friendly products, I’m thrilled that Joyo values using recycled materials and sources locally as much as possible!! Way to go Jenn & Joyo!

I want you have a piece of the fabulousness and am offering 10% off all orders on Joyo using the discount code ALEXELIZ good until midnight on February 15^th! Perfect if you need to buy a Valentine’s gift for a friend…of yourself!

You know I love a good giveaway, so I’m giving away a pair of the stunning small leaves earrings in birch! Entering is easy:

Joyo leaf earrings

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CONGRATULATIONS to

Julia Magnusson!!

I tend to thrive on organization and schedules. I like to plan activities as far in advance as possible and find that when last minute things arise I have a harder time figuring out what to do! Don’t get me wrong, once the weekend comes I love playing it by ear, but during the week when I’m running a mile a minute and have various work obligations, social activities, and my daughter being organized is a must!

Organization plays a big role at home especially with my 7 year old’s belongings. As much as I love every piece of art she brings home, it’s hard to figure out what to do with everything! We currently have a large bin of her masterpieces that I have to figure out what to do with! We’ll be mailing some to her Grandma and Aunts, some will be stored, and others framed for her room. It’s been so satisfying as a parent to look through things she’s made and see her progression, see how the people she’s drawn have evolved to now included eyelashes, bows, and various outfits. And to see her handwriting improve has melted my heart.

I was super psyched to receive my momAgenda School Years book and start organizing my daughter’s artwork and special moments by year. We received the purple book and it’s amazing! Categorized by their year in school starting with Pre-K until Grade 12 you can store various pictures and memories in a small folder and include a picture from that year, child’s teacher(s), friends, and most-loved after-school activities, and their signature!

I’ve since purchased one for my sister for Christmas (shhhh) and in the season of giving I’m giving away 1 momAgenda School Years book for yourself or as a gift!! Entering this giveaway couldn’t be simpler! Check out the widget below!

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There are a few summer basics I’ve been following this season; they include my flip-flops, maxi dresses, Dior shades, and a fresh pedicure. My sister asked me a while ago how often I get my nails professionally done and gasped when I told her only twice a year, apparently she goes more frequently. But it’s true, I love sparkling toes, but would never pay to get them done more than twice a year, so my daughter and I have a little nail polish fun every week picking out colors from our inventory and creating fun patterns. It can sometimes be messy, but you know what, messy is fun!

That’s why I’m so happy to be partnering with Julep, as they are feeding my beauty addiction! Julep is a fun innovative boutique nail salon selling quality nail, hand, and food products. When I got my Julep Maven Box it was love at first sight. The products came packaged beautifully and I’ve seen great wear out of the nail polish so far!

Have I peaked your interest? By becoming a Maven you get monthly customized trendsetting beauty products. No need to worry about commitment, you tell Julep how often you’d like to receive your wonderful box and can cancel at any time!

Want to become a Julep Maven? It couldn’t be easier!

1. Take the Julep Maven style quiz. It’s quick, free and helps us pick the colors that are YOU.

2. Then check out your first Julep Maven Box with at least two gorgeous polishes and other beauty favorites chosen just for you.

3. Welcome. Your introductory box will ship within three business days—it’s just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Head on over to Julep and look around, I can promise you won’t be disappointed! And while you are there use this special promo code MAVENINTRO to get your first Maven box for a….PENNY!!! Oh-heck-yes!!

Oh…but that’s not it! One lucky reader will win an introductory Julep Maven Box!! This contest is open to US & Canadian residents, so be sure to enter today:

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The products are amazing, I love the sleek bottle of the nail polish, they sure know how to treat us girls right!

Be sure to like Julep on Facebook & Twitter!

This summer I made a promise to myself – to lose 5lbs by my birthday at the end of September. I was getting so frustrated and discouraged by nothing fitting and not really feeling like myself. I’ve been running, realizing I hate running, so jogging and walking, and lifting. What I’m realizing is I need a lot of variety to keep me interested!

I sure got to switch things up a bit Wednesday with an exclusive media and blogger core cardio fusion class with Exhale Spa in Boston. The class was on a gorgeous roof deck overlooking Boston. The views were absolutely breathtaking. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, it was perfect.

Exhale Spa has locations across the US and three locations around Boston. The location I was at, within the upscale 45Province is usually only open for residents including a multi-level fitness studio, state of the art gym, meditation lounge, and an in-ground pool 20someting stories up that’s open year round! All of which I got to tour, it was incredible! Exhale is elegance and relaxation all wrapped in one.

The roof deck was spectacular, there was a full house as we took off our shoes and got ready for a core cardio fusion class. The original core fusion class developed by Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito is the original core class providing a challenging workout for those that are ready to work. This class was designed to make you *sweat* and sweat we did with the sun beaming on us as we completed sets of plank runs and countless amounts of mountain climbers. Our heart rates got pumping with yoga postures and light weights for a maximized calorie burn. My favorite part is when we got into the punching and kicking!

While the class included far too many mountain climbers for my liking, and it was difficult to follow the instructor at times, it was a great to try something new and incorporate a different workout into my schedule. It was a great workout for cardio! Even though it was tough and moved fast I didn’t give up. I stopped when I needed, got some water, and gave it all I had, and my body is in pain today as a result. OH and they served us white wine when the class was over!! Sweet! I had to pass to get home to lil mama, but how awesome is that! They also gifted media and bloggers with some swag including face masks, socks, and a core fusion DVD!

And look at me; even as a sweaty mess after the class, I had a smile on my face! Don’t look too bad after an hour workout in the sun if you ask me!

 I’m looking forward to an outdoor sunset Pilates class next week in Boston by the water. I love summer!! Get it right, get it tight!!