january favorites

I've had such a hard time coming up with just links or just clothes to share with you all lately - I have a lot I want to share - so I thought it might be more fun to share a general monthly favorites post on the blog instead!  

I hope you guys enjoy it and let me know what you think!  

Favorite Website:  Morning Routines

I'm a bit voyeuristic and always curious about how others are using and maximizing their time - especially successful people who I find inspiring!  When I stumbled upon "Morning Routines" I was totally hooked.  Maybe it sounds ridiculous, but I could spend hours just reading about how people spend their pre work time.  I'm a firm believer that it's the most important part of everyone's day.  

Favorite Quote:

I'm completely obsessed with my Happiness Planner (unsure if I like it more than the Day Designer I used in 2015....maybe equal) and every day there is an inspirational quote at the top of the page.  Sometimes I barely glance at it, sometimes it's something that really resonates with me, like this: 

"The three components of happiness are; something to do, something to love, and something to look forward to."  

I really believe that's true, especially the aspect of being busy - I'm absolutely happiest when my time is occupied - yes, as a parent of course sometimes I wish I had more leisure time.  It's a balance.  But I really shouldn't complain about my lack of free time, because it's a blessing, mostly.  And of course, someone or something to love and something to look forward to speak for themselves!  

Favorite Random Thing: Marble Laptop Case

I'm notorious for banging and dropping my electronics, made no better lately by a toddler who is a bit of a tornado, so the last time my Macbook Air fell off the couch I figured it would be best if I did something about it.  This one is so attractive (I mean, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get it at least partially for the pretty Instagrams.)  

Favorite Workout Program: Progress Pure Curve Guide + Kayla Itsines' BBG

I've bounced around quite a bit in the past two months as far as what routine I've been doing (and I'm notoriously undedicated to just one method) but the one thing I've been doing at the gym lately is a combination of the Progress Pure Curve Guide (weight lifting regimen) and Kayla Itsines' BBG Circuits.  Basically, I warm up for 5 minutes walking on the treadmill at a 5% incline.  Then, I run through a heavy barbell lift (ranging from deadlifts, back squats, bench presses) and a 4-5 other lifts targeting minor muscle groups (lat pulldowns, upright rows, dumbell presses, and the like) and finish with 15 minutes of Kayla Itsines - that would combine things like burpees, tuck jumps, push ups, sit ups, jump squats, mountain climbers, etc in quick succession.  The entire workout takes me about an hour and I feel like I've really mixed a solid group of warm up, strength training, and high intensity cardio into that hour.  

Favorite Blog Post: Love Is A Verb

Just read it, and feel the power in it.  "Love is not stationary."

Favorite Subscription: My Sweat Style

This is a genius service,  it's basically Stitch Fix for workout clothes!  Activewear is basically all I wear at this point in my life - chasing a toddler + gym time equals me in leggings 24/7.  Also, I have no time to shop, and this service delivers indie brands that have come out with some fabulous things a little more unusual that what's on the racks at Nike and Lululemon.  This is just a snippet of my favorites from my first box.  After seeing this post Sweat Style got in touch to offer a special code to Hayes Etc readers:

Enter code "SHARETHESWEAT3609" to get $20 off your 1st box!

Favorite Breakfast: Proats! (Protein Oats)

Since beginning IIFYM, I've been so much more focused on including protein in my diet.  As a pescetarian, it's a little difficult - of course I eat fish, but you don't want to eat too much fish (mercury, ahem) so I try to pack it in other ways.  When I make oatmeal on the stovetop, I add a little extra liquid and right before it finishes cooking, I toss in a scoop of protein powder and 1/2 cup of egg whites.  This fluffs everything up and thickens it, making for an incredibly filling breakfast that has over 40 grams of protein once I add the tbsp of peanut butter on top!  I also add half a banana (I give the other half to Claire) and a drizzle of honey.  So delicious.  

Favorite photo:

THIS KID!! She loves popcorn more than anything - see the bowl sitting next to her?  That is popcorn happiness right there.