Tag Archive for big bear

Big Bear + NOW Foods Review!

Hey guys!

Sorry for the disappearing act! Work got really busy + I was getting ready to head out for vacation, so the blog got pushed to the wayside. Tis’ life! But I’m here now, so let’s get right to it!

I’m currently on my first REAL vacation in about 4 years and I couldn’t be happier. Yes, I do lots of quick weekend trips, but this time we decided to really relax and get out of town for a whole week. We went to Big Bear Lake last year for a day and a half and I basically fell in love with it instantly, so we’re back!

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How could I not with a view like that? Wakeboarding, hiking, beautiful weather, gorgeous lake, and with the people (and pup) I love! I love the mountains and being outdoors, so this is the perfect place for me. It’s also only about 2 hours away from Los Angeles, so it’s a quick and easy trip.

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Whenever I head out for a trip, I like to bring a mixture of bars, protein powders, and of course, necessary items like sunscreen and lotions. Per this post, it helps me in a pinch and it’s nice to have some healthy stuff with me wherever I go.

I met the folks from NOW Foods at BLEND this year and they were nice enough to send me an AWESOME package with some really useful stuff! It’s great for every day life, but has made my vacation so much easier too!

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Check this out:

  • Plant Protein Complex
  • Probiotics
  • Garlic Infused Coconut Oil
  • B-12 Energy Packets
  • Vitamin D-3 lotion
  • Toffee Caramel Fudge Whey Protein Powder Packets
  • Bug Ban
  • Energy Nut Mix
  • Organic Toasted Hemp Seeds
  • Farro
  • Avocado Oil

So much good stuff, right?! Here’s what I’m loving so far on this trip:

The Probiotics and B12 Energy Packets

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These are so, so convenient! They are in powder form and easily mix with a glass of water. I’ve been mixing the B12 energy packets in my water first thing in the morning. B-12 has many benefits, but what I like most is that it helps keep a steady level of energy + keeps you alert and awake! I’ve been mixing the Probiotic packets in my water bottle that I carry around with me as well. It’s flavorless too, so it’s an easy drink and a great way to keep my gut in check while I’m eating my way through Big Bear!

Bug Ban

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ROOKIE MISTAKE. We are staying at a cabin right along the water and if you’ve ever been up in the mountains, you know that BUGS are EVERYWHERE. Our first night here, we left the patio door open all evening long (order cymbalta). We walked back in the house to bugs flying around everywhere! We tried turning the lights off in the house and keeping them on outside, but it didn’t really help much. Being the huge bug-phobe that I am, I sprayed this stuff generously all over myself so that at least if they were in the house, they’d stay away from me! I was surprised to see that it actually worked! Ha! SO glad I brought this with me! #lifesaver

 

Raw Energy Mix

IMG_8645When we got into town on Monday, we had a few hours to go before our check-in at the cabin. I suggested we go on a hike. We brought some of this with us and ate it at the top of the mountain. It was a hit! The bag may or may not be almost gone already.

Vitamin D-3 Cream IMG_8648This has been another lifesaver out here! I’ve been in the sun basically since we got into town, and have been lathering this on throughout the day. It smells AMAZING (it has a light citrusy scent) and really has been keeping my skin nice and moist, even though it’s pretty dry up here.

Toffee Caramel Fudge Whey Protein Isolate

IMG_8646This is hands-down one of my favorite protein powders now! As you may have noticed, I don’t discriminate and I like to try different brands and flavors. This one is definitely going into my rotation! I have now used it for a protein shake and protein pancake, and it was delicious in both cases!

Garlic Infused Coconut Oil

IMG_8743I’ll be honest, when I saw this, my first reaction was that I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I always associate coconut oil as a “sweet” flavor, so I was a little bit confused at first. I decided to try it with some chicken (pictured on the left above), and I’m so happy I did! The garlic flavor is light and you get a really good “sweet and savory” flavor combo with this coconut oil! This is definitely staying in my kitchen!

Overall, I’m so, so happy with these products! Everything seems to be well thought out, their ingredients are good, and the company is constantly coming up with new products for their customers.

If you want to check out more NOW products, visit their website or follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@NOWFoods)!

I’m going to get back to enjoying this amazing weather and view. I’ll have a full recap of the trip when I get back. Having so much fun! Catch you guys later!

Questions of the Day

1. Have you ever been to Big Bear?

2. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

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10 Random Things This Week

Hey guys!

Hope your day is treating you well. I had my wisdom teeth out yesterday, and am actually not in too much pain. I wasn’t sure if I’d be up and about today, but it turns out I’m feeling pretty good. I was feeling a little cabin fever yesterday, even though I was only at home for a few hours. I guess when it feels like I can’t go anywhere, it makes me want to leave!

I thought it’d be fun to share 10 random things this week, so here goes!

1. I had never been put under before until yesterday when I got my wisdom teeth out. I was definitely nervous, but it was super easy. The best part: the videos that were taken of me right after I woke up. Apparently I also Face Timed everyone in my family and they are now wishing they could have recorded those!

2. I made this delicious smoothie this morning since I can’t really eat much solid food. It was SO GOOD. I posted the recipe on my instagram.

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3. I’m going to Big Bear in 2 weeks and I’m SO excited. Here are a few photos from last year. This year we’re going for 5 days instead of 2. I can’t wait to wakeboard, hike, and enjoy the fresh mountain air!

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4. My brother and dad are coming out to visit me for Father’s Day weekend. I love visiting them, but it’s also really nice when they come to visit me! I can’t wait to hang out with them at the beach!

Hanging with my little big bro!!!

5. I decided to take Oscar to the dog park for 15 minutes yesterday before my surgery. It had rained a bit the day before, and Oscar found a puddle of mud to play in.

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Needless to say, I had to take him straight to the pet store to get him a bath after this because there was no WAY I was bringing him into the house. Puppies!

6. I already mapped out my next workout challenge (it’s 30 days this time). I’m going to start it right after I get back from Big Bear. I’ll share it with you guys in the next few weeks!

7. I’ve been using Gnarly Nutrition’s Chiseled Chocolate Grass-Fed Whey and am LOVING it. It tastes delicious and is really good quality. I first got to try it at BLEND Retreat, and the folks at Gnarly were kind enough to send me a full tub of it. I’m definitely going to continue buying this! I can’t wait to start cooking with it as well.

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8. I ate a glazed donut the other day and it was SOOOOO good. Haha. I haven’t had donuts in a while, but it looked good the other day. Since then, I decided that I think I need to eat them more often. #iifym #donutstopme

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9. I saw these two memes in my Facebook feed the other day and had to save them. I love these!

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10. Random picture of Oscar’s cute face…..because puppies.

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AMAZING Big Bear Weekend in Photos

Wakeboarding!!!!

Wakeboarding!!!!

Panoramic View of our 7 mile hike in Big Bear!

Panoramic View of our 7 mile hike in Big Bear!

The Alpine Slide!

There are 2 pet ducks at the Pleasure Point Marina. They let you pet them and are seriously the cutest!

There are 2 pet ducks at the Pleasure Point Marina. They let you pet them and are seriously the cutest!

Charlie & I at the Alpine Slide in Big Bear!

Charlie & I at the Alpine Slide in Big Bear!

Another gorgeous hiking view.

Another gorgeous hiking view.

Intense hiking faces!

Intense hiking faces!

Climbing a big rock.

Harry, we've reached the top!

Harry, we’ve reached the top!

Charlie & I after a sweaty Sunday workout!

Now…..how do I convince Charlie that we need to move to Big Bear??? (seriously….)