{Review & Giveaway} Lucy Activewear Perfect Core Pant

Y'all (my old Texan ways are coming back to me) already know that I've lost 20lbs since I started Buff Mama Monday back in August. What you don't know is what I wore while breaking a sweat to lose those pounds. Lucy Activewear sent me a pair of their perfect core pants all the way back in August. I live in these pants and I should probably buy another pair so I don't have to do laundry as often as I do just so I can wear these pants.

These babies suck you in and slim you out, fabulous for someone who is a little self conscious about her body (ahem, me). These pants fit almost like leggings above the knee and I can see why the website recommends ordering a size larger. I wasn't totally comfortable sporting these in the gym until I started losing weight (and losing the large derriere). But in the pants defense, I was in between sizes when I received these and opted for the smaller size. I now wear them out all the time and I'm absolutely comfortable in them.

Another huge plus about these pants? They come in tall, hallelujah! I'm 5'10 and I have a difficult time finding tall pants. I've ordered tall yoga pants online before (because stores rarely carry tall in store) and when I get them they aren't tall enough or they shrink after a couple washes, totally annoying! The pants from Lucy are actually TALL with room to spare and they don't shrink (I've tested this out a million times already). These pants also come in short and regular.

Besides super awesome tall pants, Lucy sells activewear tops, bras, hoodies and more. The price is a bit more than I'm used to spending on workout gear, but after reviewing these pants I would be willing to shell out the cash for more. These clothes are made to last and withstand wear and tear. I bought another pair of cheap yoga pants the same time I received the Lucy pants and the other pants are pretty much ready to be upcycled. The Lucy pants look brand new. I'm starting a mama bootcamp in February and I might just have to treat myself to a cute new workout top before it starts.

Buy It:

Visit Lucy to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Lucy is giving away a pair of their Perfect Core Pants to 1 winner. This giveaway is open to US residents. This is a Rafflecopter giveaway, you must open up the post for the widget to appear. The first entry is mandatory, the rest are extra ways to enter. Remember to leave an email address and good luck!

{Buff Mama Monday} Meet My Friend Bob

I have a new workout buddy, his name is Bob and he's shiny, orange and has 3 wheels. We sorta have a love/hate relationship at the moment. You see, before Bob existed in my life, I put in some major miles on the treadmill at the gym. I considered myself a runner (ok, more like a jogger) and actually enjoyed it and was losing weight because of it. And then, after months of talking about how awesome it would be to have a jogging stroller (because who doesn't need another stroller taking up space in their hallway), Bob appeared on my doorstep in all his glory (a very generous Christmas gift from my parents).

I gave it a test ride around my house and it was lightweight and easy to maneuver. I was already canceling my gym membership in my mind. The next morning, I got Logan bundled up and we headed out the door with my new BFF Bob in tow. This was going to be the best workout ever! I started my way toward the trails around our house and Logan was a happy camper, making quacking sounds at every animal we passed (because everything is a duck to my 18 month old).

And then I realized that me and the outdoors don't exactly get along. I love nature, I really do, I just prefer looking at it from indoors. I live in the middle of the desert and it never, ever, rarely rains and you know what happened next? RAIN. Lots of it, out of nowhere, pouring down on us. So I turn towards home and run faster. Except I can't, because who knew that pushing an extra 25lbs of toddler while running up a hill would be so difficult? Oh and did I mention that I tripped over a giant rock and almost toppled over to my death (ok, it was more like a tiny pebble and I don't really think I could have died). Stuff like this never happens on treadmills.

What seemed like a marathon later, we finally made it home. We were drenched and I could ring out a bucket full of water from my shirt. I checked the pedometer and I only ran 1/2 a measly mile?! Why didn't anyone tell me that even though I could run 2 miles on a treadmill that I would only be able to run 1/2 mile on pavement? I'm glad I didn't sign up for that 5k just yet. So yes, Bob and I have a love/hate relationship and I now check the weather report before leaving the house for a run (even though it is sunny here 99.9% of the time).

Besides trying to figure out how to jog outdoors, I actually did really well this week. I'm officially at the 20lb weight loss mark!!! Finally!!! After 3 weeks of my weight fluctuating, I'm finally past the hump. My clothes are feeling loser and I'm actually not dreading shopping as much as I used to. I have more energy to keep up with active toddler and I don't even require coffee in my system to do it anymore. I'm proud of myself for sticking with this and for being a healthy example for my son.

My initial goal when I started this was 30lbs, so I still have 10 more pounds to go and then I'll re-evaluate from there. Really, my main goal was to make a permanent healthy lifestyle change and I'm doing it. Some days are harder then others, but I just hop right back on the treadmill after a bad day. I really can't thank Nutrisystem enough, they have taught me how to eat healthy and I couldn't have done it without them. Here's to losing the last 10lbs...

Wanna win a pair of these super awesome lucy yoga pants that I have on?
Check back later today for a giveaway! My fellow tall mamas will love them!

Any jogging stroller tips for me?

The fine print: Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me for free, as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. These opinions expressed are my own opinions and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. Want to join me on the Nutrisystem program? Call 1-888-853-4689 or sign up online.

{Do Something Crafty} #24

I can't wait to see what you've been crafting up all week! There were so many awesome Valentine's Day projects linked up last week, my craft to-do list has now tripled. I especially loved The Life of a Cheap Chickadee's Valentine mantel. I'm swooning over the vintage card bunting, so pretty! I'm seriously jealous over all of these mantel decor posts I've seen lately. Here in Arizona it's rare to have a fireplace because there really isn't a need for one (think 115 degree summers and 70 degree winters), but my next house WILL have a fireplace mantel for me to decorate (even if it's in the middle of the desert).

vintage valentine mantel from the life of a cheap chickadee

"Do Something Crafty" rules:

• Crafty blog post links only please. Links to shops, giveaways and products will be deleted.
  
• Link directly to your crafty post, not just your blog.
• Link up recipes, organization tips, interior decorating, tutorials...anything crafty!
• Please link to The Crafty Nest somewhere on your post or grab a "Do Something Crafty Friday" button.
  

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thecraftynest.com/"><br /><br /><img border="0" width="125" alt="Featured On The Crafty Nest" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/Vanessro82/dosomethingcraftyfriday200x200.jpg" height="125" /></a><br>

8 Creative Valentine's Day Crafts

So many amazing Valentine's Day crafts were linked up last Friday, I just had to share some of my favorites. Get out your glue guns, these crafts are sure to inspire. I'd love to see what you've been crafting up all week, stop by tomorrow and participate in Do Something Crafty Friday!

1. Valentine's Day Garland: A Pumpkin and A Princess is quickly becoming one of my fave craft blogs, this dollie garland she crafted up is so pretty! I actually made something really similiar to hang over my front door, I'll be posting about it soon.

2. Nutella Filled Heart Pancakes: I mentioned on Facebook that I had never tried Nutella before and apparently I've been deprived, so I'm planning on making these pancakes for Valentine's Day. Calories don't count on Valentine's Day, right?


3. Paperclip & String Valentine's Day Earrings: You heard me correctly, these earrings are made out of paperclips and string. I'm going to have to put these on my craft to-do list.


4. Valentine Twig Arrows: These would be perfect for the kiddos to help you make. Take them on a nature walk and have them pick out the perfect twigs for their cupid arrows. Love this idea!


5. Wired for Love: I have some extra wire sitting in my craft room right now that I'm going to have to turn into some Valentine's Day art.


6. Valentine Gumball Necklace: How stinkin' cute are these gumball necklace Valentines?! I wish I had an excuse to make these!


7. Sweet Heart Cupcakes: Aren't these the prettiest cupcakes you've ever seen? I just adore them! Oh and I love the pink and white paper straws too.


8. Friendship Bracelet Valentine: Do kids even know what friendship bracelets are anymore? Well, they totally should and I love this idea!

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First Trip Away & A New Blogging Gig

So I finally did it. I left my little guy for longer than 2 hours and we all survived. Who knew that it was possible.

Mr. Crafty Nest stayed back with Logan for the 2 days I was away for a blogging thing in Ohio (I'll tell you about that in a sec). He totally rocked the Mr. Mom thing but I think our toddler wore him out. He told me that he doesn't know how I do it day in and day out. Umm, lots of coffee and wine? Seriously though, I just do it. Some days I don't do it particularly well, but Logan seems to be turning out OK so I must be doing something right. It was nice to feel appreciated though, and by the second day of my trip I was dying to return home to my boys.

The reason why I left my boys to fend for themselves was to train for my new blogging gig with Chiquita. Yup, I'm talking about the company with the bananas (and avocados and pineapples too I learned). They are starting up a new online community for moms and they asked little ol' me, along with 4 other mom bloggers, to be Charter Chiquita Moms. A pretty sweet new blogging gig right?!

Finally getting to wear my coat this winter, it's practically shorts weather in AZ now.

The first leg of my trip was uneventful and I enjoyed the many perks of traveling sans-toddler. I only had to bring 1 carry on bag with me and I leisurely sipped my Starbucks as I worked on a blog post. No wrangling or juggling involved. But I still missed him. Boy did I miss him! I missed him so much I looked at photos of him all the way to Ohio. I'm such a first time mom.

There was a delay with the first flight so I had a brisk jog across the Charlotte airport to make my connecting flight. I was the last one on the plane but I made it and got a little workout in too. When I arrived in chilly Cincinnati, I spotted a driver holding a sign with my name on it and the Chiquita Mom logo. I totally played it cool and professional as I took out my phone and took a picture of it. The driver thought I was nuts I'm sure.

My grandma's vintage clutch made an appearance at the party. Isn't the decor fabulous?

Shortly after arriving at the hotel, I got purtied up (thanks to my August moms, Twitter and Instagram friends for the fashion advice) and headed to cocktail hour followed by a fabulous dinner. My kind of training! The cook incorporated Chiquita products into the menu for the night and it was AH-MAZING! Every single calorie was well worth it, especially for the Bananas Foster. Those Chiquita peeps know how to throw a party and completely spoiled us!

Angie & Tricia enjoying the yummy food.

The next day was filled with actual training. What they didn't fly us across the country to eat dessert and sip champagne? After learning more about Chiquita, I'm proud to affiliate myself with a company that makes a difference. The highlights from my trip were meeting Chiquita's CEO (who's an avid tweeter), learning how to cut a pineapple, chatting with people who totally get my obession with pinterest and instagram, finally being able to wear my winter coat, getting a sneak peek at the new online community (can't wait to show you!) and meeting these lovely mamas...

Katie, Me, Mr. Fernando Aguirre (Chiquita CEO), Angie, Natalie & Tricia

I'd love for you all to join me over at the new Chiquita Moms community that launches in February. Here's a Chiquita Moms VIP link, where you can sign up to be the first to know when the website goes live. I was on a conference call with the other moms last night and let me just tell you that this community is going to rock (and I'm not just saying that because Chiquita is paying me)!

Disclosure: I am a Charter Chiquita Mom and Chiquita flew me out to Ohio, all expenses paid. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. PS- If anyone finds the cute apron I wore in the photo above please return to Vanessa (it was lost somewhere on the way to the airport).

{Guest Post} DIY LOVE Shirt

I'd like to welcome Kate of Cheap Crafty Mama to my blog. She blogs about creating a lot out of a little. I love me a bargain crafter! Check out her Kid Artwork Greeting Cards tutorial and Flowery Fleece Headband tutorial for some craftspiration. She's spreading some love on my blog today. Literally, she's showing us how to make a LOVE shirt and she's giving one away to one lucky winner (in your size of course). Open up the post and scroll all the way down to the bottom to enter this handmade giveaway.

Hi! I'm Kate from cheapcraftymama.com. I'm so excited to get to be guest-posting here at The Crafty Nest because it is one of my favorite blogs to read and I feel like I have a lot in common with Vanessa! I love to create things (crafts, gifts, home decor, food, and kidcrafts) so I started my blog to share my passion for creating with others! I am a former decorative painter turned stay-at-home-mom and I absolutely love getting to spend every day with my 17 month old son (and I'm looking forward to welcoming another baby this summer!)

Today I'm going to show you how I made this cute "Love" T-shirt. It's very easy to make (I'm including a no sew-version too if you're not a sewer) and I was able to make it for free since I already had the supplies on hand. If you love this shirt and want to have one just like it for you or your little sweetie, you are in luck because I will be giving one away!

Materials

T-shirt
4 scraps of fabric
1 sheet of applique (I use Lite Steam-A-Seam2)

permanent marker

scissors

(optional) sewing machine & thread

Directions
Step 1: Cut your applique paper to the size you want your "Love" to be. Then draw the letters on the applique paper.

*The applique paper consists of 3 layers: a double-sided sticky layer surrounded by 2 waxy layers of paper. One of the pieces of waxy paper sticks on better than the other one, this is the best side to draw on.

Step 2: Cut the letters apart. Remove the less-sticky side of waxy paper and stick the applique paper onto the back of each piece of fabric.

When you are making the "L" and "E" you will need to do one extra step because the image is going to be reversed when it goes on the shirt and you don't want your letters to be backwards. Turn the letter over and trace the lines onto the less-sticky side of waxy paper. Then you will take off the other side of waxy paper and stick the applique on the back of the fabric you want to use.

Step 3: Cut out the letters and heart.

Step 4: Remove the waxy paper backing (and now your appliques are like pretty stickers!)

Stick them to the shirt wherever you want them to go.

Step 5: Iron the appliques (with the iron on a "cotton" setting) for 15-20 seconds.

Step 6: The appliques are on your shirt permanently now so you can be finished if you're not the sewing type. I like to do some zig-zag stitching around the edges because I think it looks cute! Another option is to use puff paint around the edges- little dots would be cute!

Step 7: Now you're done, go spread some love!

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Win It:

Cheap Crafty Mama is giving away a handmade LOVE shirt (winner's choice of size, child or adult) to 1 lucky winner. This giveaway is open to US residents. This is a rafflecopter giveaway, you must open up the post for the widget to appear. The first entry is mandatory, the rest are extra ways to enter. Remember to leave an email address and good luck!

{Giveaway & Review} Kids Valentine’s Day cards from Pear Tree Greetings

Pear Tree Greetings has some of the coolest Valentine's Day Cards around! I mean seriously, how stinkin' cute are these mustache cards they sent Logan?! You can stick them on a sucker (or an Oreo pop in our case) and when you suck on them, it looks like you are wearing a mustache. Bwahaha, I love it! Check out my little vlog, in which I let Logan try an oreo for the very first time. Oh and scroll down, Pear Tree is giving away some of these babies (or whatever Valentine's Day product you want) to one of my lucky readers!

Buy It:

Visit Pear Tree Greetings to purchase these products. You will receive 15% off your Valentine's Day product order when you use the code LOVE2SAVE. Offer ends 2/14/2012. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Pear Tree Greetings is giving away a $25 credit toward Valentine's Day products to 1 lucky winner. This giveaway is open to US residents. This is a rafflecopter giveaway, you must open up the post for the widget to appear. The first entry is mandatory, the rest are extra ways to enter. Remember to leave an email address and good luck!