Favorite POP Sugar Workout Videos

POP Sugar Fitness is my go-to website when I'm working out indoors. They have great videos from celebrity trainers and they're pretty short, usually about 10 minutes. I'll choose three different videos, targeting different areas, so I keep moving for my 30-minute burn session. Here are links to some of my favorite POP Sugar workout videos.

1. THIGHS. They call this the Victoria's Secret Model Workout. Holy moly, your legs will be burning and your booty will hurt for days ... until you get used to do it.

2. ALL-OVER. "Blast Away Belly Fat" is the title of this video. Me-oh-my, it works me over! CAN'T.BREATHE.

3. ARMS. This one is a killer 10 minute arm toning session from Kelly Rippa's personal trainer. Have you seen Kelly's arms? Um, yes please!

4. ABS. I get tired of doing sit-ups for my ab workout, so this changes things up. It's not too intense, but still gets the job done.

5. CARDIO. This last link is for 10-minute cardio. It's fairly simple, but you do still sweat a little. Use this one for your easy or short days when you're running low on time.

October Birchbox Review

I was very pleased with my first Birchbox! The packaging is simple, functional, and fun to open. I was surprised with the quality of what was included and the actual value which was in the little box that I paid only $10 for. I've tried all the items that were included and found some new favorites.

1. dr. brandt- Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant. This was probably the most expensive sample, but it was my least favorite. I didn't notice much of a difference after using it on my face. Plus, it smells a little like lemon Pledge. I'm devoted to my St. Ives Apricot Scrub. My advice: Skip the dr. brandt.

2. Ruffian- Nail Lacquer. Color: Hedge Fund. I loved this great green shade with a little sparkle for fall. I used it in conjunction with my OPI Top Coat and it lasted for days! The brush is easy to hold onto with it's unique design. My advice: Paint those nails $.

3. SARAPOTEMPA- The Half-Up. After a little practice, I got my hair into this bendy little tool. I prefer the low bun look -- I'm not into the up-do or half up look it pictured on the packaging. I've already used this three times since I got my Birchbox last week. I'll probably be trying some of their other products. My advice: Try it ... if you have longer hair.

4. theBalm- Stainiac. Color: Beauty Queen. I've used lip stain before and wasn't really sold, but this stuff is great! It's in a gel form, so it's easier to apply and didn't dry my lips like others I've tried. You can use it as a cheek stain, but I haven't been brave enough to try that yet. The color lasts most of the day and I really did like the bright hue. My advice: You NEED to try this one.

Birchbox Find: ChapStick- Hydration Lock. Flavor: Vanilla Creme. I was skeptical, but this chapstick is pretty great. I'm a bit of a lip balm connoisseur and this has been added to my list. Love it! Plus, low risk to try it out. My advice: Stocking stuffer!

Super Easy Dessert Idea

There's really not much to say here. This is a super easy dessert idea! Follow the directions on the Pillsbury Crescents package, but roll chocolate chips or Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (my favorite) into the crescents. What comes out of the oven will be a delightful surprise. I had my doubts at first, too. Just try it -- with milk, of course.

Spicy Spaghetti Squash

I work full-time, so coming home and preparing dinner usually isn't something I look forward to. I'll aimlessly walk around the kitchen, throw some ingredients together, and hope it turns out OK. Usually I'm not impressed with my concoction, but this week the meal was filling, flavorful, and easy! Here's the recipe for Spicy Spaghetti Squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 small-medium spaghetti squash
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• 1 spicy chicken sausage (Sprouts)
• 1 T. butter
• 1/2 c. mushrooms
• 1/4 c. red pepper
• 2-3 c. spinach
• red pepper flakes (optional)
• parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and take out the seeds. Rub each squash half  on the inside with a teaspoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. On a large baking sheet, add about a cup of water and place the squash halves face down. Set the timer for 20 minutes and put in the baking sheet in the oven.

2. After the first 20 minutes of baking, add a metal cooling rack next to the squash and place the spicy chicken sausage link on the rack. Set the timer for another 25 minutes and let the squash and chicken cook.

3. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a skillet. Saute the mushrooms and red pepper. Next, add in the spinach and stir until it is wilted and cooked thoroughly.

4. When the squash and chicken are cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Cut the chicken sausage into pieces. Add to skillet.

5. Using a fork, remove the spaghetti-like strings from the squash halves into a serving dish. Add the skillet mixture to the dish and stir. Add red pepper flakes.

6. Dinner is served. Time: about 1 hour

Should I Watch Low Winter Sun

As you are trying to decide what to watch on TV, you might ask yourself, "Should I watch Low Winter Sun?" Rather than provide a full list of reasons, let's just save time. The answer is NO.