We usually have a packed schedule pretty much every day, and we know that we are not alone in that regard! We usually like to work out at the beginning of our day so that way we get it out of the way, and can carry on with our other tasks like meetings, errands, time with friends, etc. Since our days are so packed, and everything is usually scheduled pretty close together, it doesn’t leave us room to go home, shower, get ready, and change outfits after our morning workouts.Of course, we don’t want to be all smelly and sweaty throughout our entire day, especially if we are seeing friends or having a meeting, so we are so excited that we found Downy Fresh Protect In-Wash Odor Shield Beads – it’s like deodorant for your clothes with 24-hour odor protection, and works better the more we move! Detergent alone doesn’t actually protect your clothes from odors all day, like Downy Fresh Protect does.
We put the beads to the test; we dropped a capful directly into the drum at the same time as our detergent (no need to wait for the rinse cycle!) when we washed our clothes before heading to our workout class. We layered our basics (sports bra and leggings) with some sweaters and jackets that we could wear straight from our workout class to shopping and dinner out. We packed some heels to swap out for our sneakers for any easy outfit update, and we also packed some dry shampoo and a foundation compact for touch ups to make sure our makeup and hair look good all day long.We absolutely LOVE using Downy Fresh Protect, and here’s why: we are able to go straight from our workout class to run errands/go shopping, and head to dinner, all without wasting time showering and changing. Did we get sweaty? Oh yeah! But, our clothes didn’t smell like it!
See how we put Downy Fresh Protect In-Wash Odor Shield Beads to the test throughout our jam-packed day below and get your own here:
Happy Tuesday! Hope you all had a great weekend. We had the most gorgeous weather this weekend, so we took full advantage and got to be outside a good amount. Hope you all are as ready for spring as we are!;) Speaking of nice weather, it is starting to get nicer out, so that means we are going to try and get outside more for some runs. We got more into running last year, and it can be so refreshing! We wanted to share some of our running essentials with you all because we get asked a lot of questions about what our favorites are.
To start with, having a good pair of earphones is KEY. We cannot run without music or something to listen to. These earphones are wireless, so they connect via bluetooth. These actually stay in your ears! We also just got these Apple AirPods and love them, too. These stay in, too and when you pull them out, the music stops.Another essential is a fitness tracker. We both have an Apple watch. One of us has the Series 1, and one of us has the Series 2. They both are great watches. Samantha also has this Garmin watch, and it has a GPS and is great for running. When we are headed out on a run, we like to layer up, and take off layers as we get warmer outside. A good quarter-zip jacket is a great piece because it is light enough that you won’t be super hot, but it keeps you warm. This one is a great material, too! As far shoes, we get asked a lot about what our favorite running shoe is. We have these Mizuno shoes and swear by them. They are very supportive and comfortable for long and short runs. We also recommend getting insoles for them. We also recommend a highly supportive sports bra to keep your girls tucked in, and not bouncing everywhere, haha. This one is a great bra!We both usually run in sunglasses like this classic pair, or we will wear a baseball cap to keep the sun out of our eyes. We usually like a basic black legging crop, but we also wanted to share some of our fave leggings below:
You can find so many great fitness pieces at eBay. What we love about it is that it is a one-stop-shop to find the latest trends and brands. A lot of pieces actually ship for free and are actually new, and not used! If you’re not really into bidding for items, there are a ton of items that are “Buy It Now”, which is more up our alley! We also love that they offer quick shipping on a lot of items that ship in less than three days, yes please!Â
Happy Thursday! We have gotten a few requests to do a post with some of our fave workouts tops, and we thought it was such a good idea! Y’all know we are super into working out and fitness, and we all know new workout gear is what gets us all motivated, right?
We wanted to put together some of our favorite tops that can be worn in and out of the gym, without looking frumpy, but also serve a purpose!
We recommend a good short-sleeved top for layering up, especially when it is too hot for long-sleeves, and too cold for a tank. This one (#1) is a great neutral color and can be worn with some bright leggings, or just basic black!
We own this black tank (#2) and it comes in several other colors. Just a good basic racerback tank!
A higher neckline tank like this one (#4) is just super flattering and makes your arms and shoulder look more cut. Just a fun fact! 😉
LOVEEE this asymmetrical cut of this one (#5)! And, it comes in black!
If y’all are feeling risky, this crop top (#6) is suuuuper cute! Just sayin’
How fun is the back of this tank (#8)?! The cutout doesn’t come up too high, which we love!
If you’re looking for a long sleeve top, (#9) and (#12) are both good options! Love how they are more fitted for layering up.
This twisted top is a MUST (#10). You can wear it straight from the gym to errands or brunch without looking like you worked out!
If you’re an outdoor runner, this top (#11) is for you! It actually glows in the dark!
It is winter, and it is also flu season, unfortunately, so we had a few requests to do a post on easing back into workouts whether you’ve been sick, or just have had a lot of time off! I (Alexis) have personally had to take a lot of time off because of an infection (more in this post). It can be so exhausting to think about working out again, especially if you’re super low on energy, or just haven’t hit the gym in a while. Before we get into our tips, we want to share a little bit about our fave part of this outfit: THIS WHITE VEST! It is so soft and warm. We love the white, but it does come in a few other colors. We are wearing xs for reference!These leggings are literally like butter. They are so soft and you’ll literally want to live in them! We are wearing xs for reference, and want to order like 10 more pairs because they are that good! You can wear them for workouts or just running around!This tee is not super warm, but we love that it is looser and more lightweight. It has really cute cutouts in front, too!These shoes are so lightweight! They are great for training workouts and just running around, and we just love the colors! And, now for our tips on easing back into a workout. Trust us, we know how hard it can be!
Don’t overdo it right away: even if it is just 10 minutes, it is better than nothing. Your body has been through a lot (whether it is being sick or just out for a while), you don’t want to go too crazy!
You don’t have to workout every day: make it a goal to workout at least twice a week, and then work your way up!
Take it slowly and focus on form: it is not a race, so go slowly, and really focus on your form and feeling good, so you don’t get injured!
It is okay to take rest days: we are really bad at this, but getting better! It can be hard to not to go the gym, especially if you’re a creature of habit, but your body needs days off. We are trying to take at least two days off!
Walk on the treadmill or walk outside: this is what I have been doing. Just a steady, easy pace (like 3-3.5 mph) with little or no incline, just to get moving!
Dont skimp on sleep: we know you have heard this before, but sleep is KEY. We were getting up really early and heading straight to the gym, but we are trying to focus on starting off slower and letting our body get up slowly, and sometimes starting with yoga in the mornings.
Happy Friday, y’all! We are excited to share some of our most common questions answered today on the blog! If you all have any other questions you want answered, email us at [email protected]
What is your opinion on laser hair removal? Does it hurt and has it helped, and what areas have you gotten it done?
Before we get into anything about laser hair removal, we want to say that we HIGHLY recommend it. We have been getting ours done at Enlighten MD for almost a year now, and couldn’t be happier with the results. We will have a full blog post on it once we finish all of our treatments. We have gotten treatment on our underarms and bikini. We have seen a dramatic improvement on our underarms and bikini. We used to have a shadow on our underarms by the end of the day after shaving, but now it is so soft (like a baby), and the hair doesn’t really grow back– super fine! The bikini is the same. We have both seen a huge difference! As far as pain, it does hurt, but they give you numbing cream to apply before to help with that a little. The underarms we don’t numb for, but the bikini, we definitely do! The good part is that it only hurts for a second while the laser goes off (almost like a rubber band snap).
What do you like to do to unwind from a hard day?
That is a great question! We are honestly TERRIBLE at slowing down, and that is one of our goals for the new year. To be honest, we will probably be writing a blog post on this specifically because we have both been suffering from Adrenal Fatigue and a ton of constant stress, so we are working on that. We have both started to slow down on our instagram posts each day, just to help alleviate the stress. We are extremely type-A, so it is challenging for us, but our health is more important than anything else. We have been trying to incorporate more yoga (even at home), meditating, going on walks, trying to be present (aka be off the phone and actually relax on the couch or watch a movie). We don’t really take baths, but that can be relaxing! We also loveeee going to reflexology. Look it up if you haven’t been before!
What is your opinion on Lululemon?
We love Lululemon! They have some great pieces. We love their speed shorts and their long-sleeved tops. As far as leggings, we have some of them, but think there are other brands that are just as good! Their mens stuff is really great, too!
What is the best way to get exposure when you’re a new blogger? Sometimes it feels like I am posting for no one but my mom, haha!
That is a great question, and honestly, we feel the same way most of the time, if it makes you feel any better. Instagram has completely changed their algorithm, and people don’t see your posts anymore, unless you’re continuously ‘liking’ and commenting on all of our pictures. We would suggest interacting with other bloggers like commenting on their pictures to get exposure, and just to post consistently. It can be discouraging, but keep going!
How do you make your photo collages for the gift guides?
I use Adobe Photoshop!
What do you usually get done on your nails and where do you go?
We usually get nexgen dip in this color. We go to Castle Nail Spa in Mockingbird station. For those of y’all who don’t know what dip is, or what the difference between that and gel, you can read more in this post.
Who does your hair in Dallas?
We got to Hair By Viviana. We have been going to her since we moved to Dallas 4.5 years ago, and wouldn’t go anywhere else. She is amazing!
What do you all usually eat to stay fit?
We usually will eat something with carbs, protein, and healthy fats. We will usually eat eggs with toast, a smoothie bowl, oatmeal, or something like that for breakfast. For lunch, we will usually have a salad with chicken or salmon, and for dinner, usually some kind of lean protein with vegetables and a healthy carb like sweet potatoes, squash, rice, etc. You can read more about what we eat in a day in this post. We also have snacks throughout the day like hummus and veggies, or a quest bar.
Where can I find your recipe for your smoothie bowls?
You can find the recipe for the smoothie bowl and what we use at the bottom of this post.
I saw that you all got microblading done on your eyebrows. Do you recommend it, and how long does it last?
Yes, we did! We got it done over a year ago at Enlighten MD (more about it in this post). We HIGHLY recommend it. Even a year later, we still only have to fill in our eyebrows a little bit. It lasts about a year, or longer, depending on how active you are, etc. It makes all the difference!
I noticed you all have Apple watches. I was thinking about getting one, but I don’t know which model to buy. What are your thoughts on it?
I am visting Dallas in a couple of weeks. What are some of your favorite restaurants?
Some of our favorite restaurants are: Mudhen Meats in the farmer’s market, Henry’s Majestic, HG Sply Co, Mr. Mesero, Kozy Kitchen, Americano, and Ziziki’s. You can also read some of our other favorite spots in this post.
I am petite like you all. What are some of your favorite jeans?
How do you hear about new restaurants you post on your insta-stories?
We love to use yelp! It is a game changer!
How do you start your day off?
We both usually jump right into work, but are trying to be better about it and get up slowly, eat breakfast before answering any emails, etc. We have been trying to do more yoga in the mornings, but it is still a work in progress. We love to drink hot water with lemon or green tea!
What workout tennis shoes do you like best?
We love this pair for running around, this pair is SO comfy (highly recommend), and this pair is also really comfy.
Does Nordstrom sponsor you and your sister?
Nordstrom does not sponsor us, unless it is noted at the bottom of the blog post. We always disclose when we are patterning with a brand.
How did you first get started as a blogger? Any tips for an aspiring fashion/style blogger?
That is a great question. We actually started in public accounting and just started sharing our outfits, and it kind of took off from there. You can read more about it in this post and this post. We also shared some tips in those posts!
I have never shopped at Shein before? Is it a safe site?
It is a safe site. They have a great mix of trendy pieces, but it is kind of hit or miss. We only share the pieces we like, so we can’t speak for everything on the site. You can use ADOUBLE20 for 20% off.
What are your guys’ resolutions for this year? Any new things you guys are trying out? Any places on your travel bucket list you’re going to?
We haven’t set any major resolutions other than to really slow down this year. We are always “go-go-go” and our health has been really affected by that. We are trying to take more breaks and take more time off of work, so we are not so burnt out. We have been trying to incorporate more yoga, too. We are dying to go to Spain!
What is your go-to-cheat meal? Have you tried veganism?
Our go-to cheat meal is probably ice cream or pizza. We have not tried veganism before. We eat animal products. We have eaten paleo for a little bit.
How did you become insta famous, and actually fund the lifestyle you live? Love you btw!
That is very sweet. We don’t consider ourselves “famous”, but we truly do love what we do. Similar to the question previously, we talked about how we got into blogging and this career in this post. We actually do this full-time and this is how we support ourselves.
What happened to your podcast? Noticed you guys haven’t done an episode in a while. Loved them!
We had to take a break (that wasn’t supposed to be so long) due to schedules, the app we used not working anymore, and just timing. We are definitely planning on having it up again soon– just trying to find the time to start up again!
What is your hair/makeup routine/ what are your fave products?
How do you keep your hair so long and healthy? Any tips?
We only wash our hair about once or twice a week. We take a bunch of vitamins (more in this post) and eat a bunch of fruits and veggie. Oh, and we drink a lot of water!
Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend, and are having a great start to the new year! We are trying to get organized and get back into the swing of things (more in this blog post, in case you missed it). Today, we are excited to be back with one of our fitness posts to kick of 2018! We are going to be sharing some of our top tips for getting back on track after the holidays, or just hitting that “reset” button to start the year. Before we get into that, we wanted to share a little bit about this super cute workout outfit. These leggings are a great basic black pair and you can wear them for working out, or running errands! We paired it with this coral pullover (has a hood AND thumbholes, yes please!), so it is great for running or outdoor workouts! We layered this black vest over it, which is super warm and versatile! We also have it in the jacket version, which is also a great buy! You all have probably seen us wear these slip ons countless times. SO comfy and great for running around or casual outfits! And, now for our tips:
First of all, do NOT be discouraged. The hardest part is starting and sticking with it, but remember, the more you stick with it and do it, the easier it becomes, and it is worth it.
We think it can be helpful to track your food, at least for a little bit, so you understand and can visualize portion sizes. We recommend buying a food scale or using an app like myfitnesspal. It sounds silly, but portions make all of the difference.
Prepare your meals on Sundays, or have a game plan of what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, that way you won’t get hangry, and go overboard! (we have all been there!)
Try to get in some sort of physical activity 3-5 times a week. It can be walking, biking, running, lifting weights, yoga, etc. Whatever you enjoy and gets you moving!
Of course, we don’t want to be all smelly and sweaty throughout our entire day, especially if we are seeing friends or having a meeting, so we are so excited that we found Downy Fresh Protect In-Wash Odor Shield Beads – it’s like deodorant for your clothes with 24-hour odor protection, and works better the more we move! Detergent alone doesn’t actually protect your clothes from odors all day, like Downy Fresh Protect does.
We absolutely LOVE using Downy Fresh Protect, and here’s why: we are able to go straight from our workout class to run errands/go shopping, and head to dinner, all without wasting time showering and changing. Did we get sweaty? Oh yeah! But, our clothes didn’t smell like it!
Happy Tuesday! Hope you all had a great weekend. We had the most gorgeous weather this weekend, so we took full advantage and got to be outside a good amount. Hope you all are as ready for spring as we are!;) Speaking of nice weather, it is starting to get nicer out, so that means we are going to try and get outside more for some runs. We got more into running last year, and it can be so refreshing! We wanted to share some of our running essentials with you all because we get asked a lot of questions about what our favorites are.
To start with, having a good pair of earphones is KEY. We cannot run without music or something to listen to.
Another essential is a fitness tracker. We both have an 
When we are headed out on a run, we like to layer up, and take off layers as we get warmer outside. 
As far shoes, we get asked a lot about what our favorite running shoe is. We have 
We also recommend a 
We both usually run in sunglasses 
We usually like a
You can find so many great fitness pieces at 
{ 
It is winter, and it is also flu season, unfortunately, so we had a few requests to do a post on easing back into workouts whether you’ve been sick, or just have had a lot of time off! I (Alexis) have personally had to take a lot of time off because of an infection (more in 
And, now for our tips on easing back into a workout. Trust us, we know how hard it can be!
We love shopping at Nordstrom for all of our fitness/athleisure gear. They have super cute pieces that can be mixed and matched with your other pieces at home! They offer free shipping and returns, and you can even pick up your online orders the same day with in-store pickup, which we use ALL of the time!
Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend, and are having a great start to the new year! We are trying to get organized and get back into the swing of things (more in
We paired it with 
You all have probably seen us wear 
And, now for our tips:
