Happy Holidays, friends! I’m about to rock your world.
Around this time last year, I wrote a blog post titled, “Jenny’s Favorite Things,” that covered everything from what type of cross-training shoes I like best to what kind of coffee beans you’ll find in my Jura. And while I absolutely do not consider myself Oprah, I did receive considerable praise and thanks for putting that post together, to confirm the desires and dreams of women everywhere. So naturally, I’m doing it again this year, with an ALL NEW list of my favorite things from 2015.
We start with footwear because, well, everything in life starts with footwear. What you wear on your feet says a lot about you, and those who know me well know that I like to match every day, even my shoes, and I also value comfort and functionality, especially in athletic footwear.
My Favorite Athletic Shoe of 2015: The Nike Flyknit Lunar
It goes without saying that if you’re cross-training (which you should be, whether at home or at the gym), you cannot rely on traditional running shoes. Running shoes are good for one thing and one thing only: running. Forward motion. When you cross-train, you’re moving laterally, jumping, squatting, and moving in all different directions through multiple planes of motion. Thus, you need a shoe that allows you to move with ease and that allows you to build strength in your feet (yes, running shoes keep you from actually utilizing the muscles in your feet for side-to-side motion). So ladies, you’re welcome. You now have permission to shop.
I won’t divulge exactly how many pair of cross-training shoes I own, but I will tell you that I practically try them all until I find a winner, and then end up with 2 or 3 pair of that winner over the course of several months. This year, my absolute favorite shoe for all things indoor training is the Nike Flyknit Lunar.
This bad boy comes in a variety of colors perfect for any outfit. You’ll love the way they fit to your foot (almost like a sock), yet they have a bit more support than a 100% minimalist shoe. The ball of the foot sole is intended to help you twist and pivot with ease, and the more narrow sole in general allows you to hop side to side without a rolled ankle. If you prefer a more minimalist shoe (which I don’t recommend going for if you’re brand new to fitness), try the Nike Flyknit Free.
These shoes are the bomb.com.
My Favorite Yoga Pant: The Nike Dri-Fit Epic Run Cropped Tights
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand low-rise pants. Whomever invented them must’ve been whacked because seriously, what woman wants to be constantly pulling up her yoga pants in class? Thank you to the yoga pant people who created the mid-rise for those of us who like to actually move freely in our hot class without worrying about entertaining the folks behind us.
My favorite yoga pant purchase this year comes from Dick’s Sporting Goods, and is so basic and practical it drives me crazy (Note: I like bold and crazy color!) But, I wear them the most often and may soon be purchasing a second pair… Because they’re now offered in a few colors. They’re that good.
They’re called the “Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Epic Run Cropped Tights,” and while they might sound like running tights, they’re actually perfect for yoga and indoor training as well. They cost around $75 and are well worth it! And, check out those cute see-through backs-of-the-knees. A little feminine flair, which I love! Most importantly, they stay put. 😉
My Favorite Coffee and Coffee Mug: Bulletproof, Baby.
It goes without saying, if you follow me via social media, that Bulletproof Coffee IS the only coffee I’ll drink. I’m a Starbucks hater (Doesn’t anyone else think their brew tastes like burnt acid? Blech.) and I’ve come to the point where I literally travel with my Bulletproof K-cups because nowadays, nearly every hotel has a Keurig in the room.
The reason I love Bulletproof brand coffee is because of its quality: it is mycotoxin and preservative free, unlike 98% of all other coffee sold, including those bins of “fresh” beans at your local Whole Foods. The thing is, you can truly taste the difference. The coffee tastes less acidic (because it is), has more flavor, and keeps you feeling focused all day long. I know this because if I go without and instead pick up a cup of joe elsewhere, I feel the jitters, brain fog, and stomach upset from digressing from my norm. This stuff is legit, and needs to be the staple coffee of households everywhere, regardless of whether you drink it “Bulletproof style” with butter and MCT oil or just plain.
Almost equally as important as the coffee is the mug you carry it in. With our society on-the-go often, we need more than just a mug that says something witty and instead need something that will keep our joe HOT, I mean HOT, for hours throughout the day.
Introducing my favorite travel mug, made by Thermos. While it looks pretty boring, I’m fairly certain it can keep your coffee hot for over 12 hours, and that’s no joke. Often, my husband and I will take these mugs on a road trip and keep them in the car for hours to have later as an afternoon treat, and the brew is just as steamy as when we made it. I highly recommend! You can find these at Target but NOT in the usual coffee mug/thermos section… Rather, you’ll find it in the Camping section.
My Favorite Personal Development: Podcasts and Books
I have 3 favorite books of 2015, and I love love love to share this with everyone I meet who asks. I’m big into personal growth and spend at least an hour each day intentionally growing myself by way of listening to audio podcasts and reading books that help me improve myself.
My top 3 books of 2015 are: 1) The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes, 2) Mindset by Carol Dweck, and 3) The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Here’s why:
- The School of Greatness — Lewis Howes and I came into contact this summer when I reached out to him after one of his podcasts spoke to me. He agreed to visit Indy to speak and there, I got to know him on a more personal level to learn that he is true gold. A thought leader of our generation with an inspiring story, he’s a believer in connecting the mind and body to create powerful futures for anyone willing to follow along. This book is amazing, friends, and complete with end-of-chapter exercises. Grab your copy at lewishowes.com/book!
- Mindset — I’ve learned one definite thing after 5+ years of daily personal growth and that is this: You can only change your life if you change your mindset. And while many people THINK they have a growth mindset, they really don’t. This book offers some research-based perspective on how you could be limiting yourself simply by what you’re thinking. It’s a must.
- The Miracle Morning — I am absolutely not a morning person, but Hal Elrod has me convinced that I can be, and that my dreams are worth waking up for. The Miracle Morning has inspired me to wake up just a bit earlier to get my mind right for the day. If you’re in network marketing or simply in the business of helping others, it’s crucial that your own intentions are in the right place each and every morning before you begin. This book has helped me implement a morning ritual that keeps me feeling grounded and grateful.
My top 3 podcasts of 2015 are: 1) The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes, 2) Smart Passive Income, and 3) Inside Quest. I think all 3 interview amazing leaders and entrepreneurs that leave me feeling inspired! And whomever DOESN’T take advantage of free podcasts is missing out. If that’s you, start TODAY.
My Favorite Time-Saver: Instacart
Shout-out to my Success Partner Matt for recommending this service to me! While I love to cook healthy and eat clean, I despise making multiple grocery trips on a weekly basis. Instacart does the shopping and delivery for you at minimal extra cost to you, making it super convenient to stay on track with eating right and staying focused in other areas of your life. This has been a game-changer for me!
Click here to take advantage of one free month of delivery with Instacart to see if it’s right for you.
My Favorite Supplements: Shakeology and Beachbody Performance Line
You guys, I’m not just saying this because I’m a Beachbody Coach. I’m telling you this, as your friend, because I care about your health. Here are the top 5 reasons why I love my Shakeology:
- I haven’t been to a doctor for sickness (flu, cold, or otherwise) in over 3 years, which I attribute to my daily commitment to my superfood nutrition in Shakeology.
- I am focused all day long, and feel a sort of natural energy because of it.
- It helps me to make wise food choices all day long, because I’ve jumpstarted my day with over 70 whole foods in a shake!
- It keeps me regular. Hey, it’s true.
- Because supplemental pills can only get you so far, and can only absorb so much into the bloodstream. THIS is food. This absorbs. This aids the body in ways you may not even know you need.
The absolute BEST combination of a real wellness solution comes in the form of what we call a 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack, which is comprised of Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix program. The Fix includes portion control containers that correspond with a meal plan (so freakin’ easy!), and 30-minute workouts. I’ve worked with over 1,000 clients as a Coach, and this program provides the BEST results I’ve seen, and for good reason: it IS the solution. Moving your body, consuming whole foods, and being supported in a Facebook group like the ones I lead are a recipe for success.
This year, Beachbody also released a Performance Line of supplements intended to aid you in your workouts. While I was skeptical at first, I am now absolutely HOOKED. You can click here to read up on how BB Performance can help with your workouts, to keep you energized, hydrated, and help you recover well. I’m in love with this, and have seen tremendous improvement in my athletic performance because of it!
So there you have it. My overview of my favorite things of 2015. Oddly enough, everything mentioned here is a direct correlation to those things I love most in my life outside of my spouse and family: shoes, yoga pants, coffee, personal growth, healthy cooking, and healthy eating. I hope you find something here you can take with you, gift to a friend or family member this holiday season, and appreciate. I’d love to hear what you’re excited about most!
Happy Holidays to you and yours.
xoxo,
Jenny