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Fitness Friday VII

Photo by SweatNET Charlotte

Welcome back to Fitness Friday! This is my monthly roundup of the workouts I have done, food I have tried this month, along with some activewear picks. This month I took advantage of a few free SweatNET workouts (I mention them a lot, but check out that they do, here!) and the Urban MVMNT new client special. I have done a lot more cardio and strength training than usual, which has been both a big challenge and a nice change of pace. In case you missed them, here are my Fitness Friday posts from June and July!

Workouts
Week of 7/29-8/4
SCLPT MTHD at Fit Atelier (free, through SweatNET Charlotte)
Air at AIR Aerial Fitness
West Kept Secret at Fit Atelier
The MADness Anaerobic at MADabolic
Yoga at Be Yoga (free and recorded for SweatNET, catch me in the watercolor leggings)
Short Sweaty Flow on Aaptiv app

Week of 8/5-8/11
Yoga sculpt on Obé Fitness
Thrive (think barre, strength, mobility, deep stretch all in one) at Urban MVMNT
Hot yoga at Vibe5 Yoga and Fitness
Barre at First Wind Cycling and Fitness
SCLPT MTHD at Fit Atelier
Flybarre Power 45 at Flywheel Sports

Week of 8/12-8/18
Just Move (strength training) at Urban MVMNT
Thrive at Urban MVMNT
Air Flow (aerial yoga) at AIR Aerial Fitness
Define Sculpt on Obé Fitness
Bootcamp/Strength (free SweatNET ambassador event) at Kinetic Heights
Barre at AIR Aerial Fitness

Week of 8/26-today
Yoga on Obé Fitness
Hot yoga at Vibe5 Yoga and Fitness
West Kept Secret at Fit Atelier
The Method at Hilliard Studio Method (free for their 5th anniversary!)
Summer Soiree (dance class on aerial silks) at AIR Aerial Fitness

I ended up with 23 workouts since my last Fitness Friday post! I am kind of shocked I ended up with this many because I traveled to Texas, had 2 very full weekends in Charlotte, and traveled to Virginia last weekend!

Food

  1. Major progress this month, because I made a SALAD! I have never been a salad eater in my life. In college, I would be sitting at a table full of dance majors and their salads, while I was eating a cheeseburger. At restaurants, I never get a salad before my meal. But I found this recipe (with a little less of all of the ingredients it called for) and I thought I would give it a try. I actually made it twice within the last week!
  2. I tried the new Starbucks protein cold brew drink and I liked it, but didn't love it. I really liked the idea of getting my protein and caffeine at the same time. But I also didn't want to pay almost $6 for it...so I found this recipe that is pretty similar. Not to mention much cheaper and sugar-free, the Starbucks version has a very sugary sweetener.
  3. I also picked up some LaraBar Bites before I drove to Virginia last week, and I think they're a nice snack to have around!

Activewear



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Fall Skincare Must- Haves with Alba Botanica


My skin is always at its best during the summer, and it usually takes a turn for the worst as the weather gets colder. I'm hoping to avoid that downturn this year with a few botanically-based products from Alba Botanica®. I have recently been using the Acnedote Clearing Gel PeelTMto keep breakouts away and the Hawaiian Facial Mask Pore-Perfecting Papaya Enzyme for a little skin refresh!


I have been a big fan of the AcnedoteTM line, made with plant-based ingredients to gently care for acne-prone skin.
I have mentioned this a few times before, but I have struggled with acne since high school. I have tried several different
topical prescriptions and antibiotics over the years. So, note that I do also use prescriptions to keep my skin clear.
However, this line is a great supplement to prescription acne treatments. I have been using the AcnedoteTM scrub since last winter, and have recently started using the clearing gel peel. The line also includes a cleanser,
on-the-go towelettes, oil-free moisturizer, and spot treatments!


I have been loving the AcnedoteTM Clearing Gel Peel made with Active Fruit Acids, that help dry up blemishes.
It is also made with Salicylic Acid and Willow Bark Extract, that banish the bacteria that cause acne. I have tried
this out a few times and it leaves my skin feeling so clean. It only needs to be used once or twice a week for 1-5
minutes to see some results! I wash my face and use this for a few minutes, before I apply my topical acne
prescriptions. This peel is 100% vegetarian, was not tested on animals, and does not contain any artificial colors
or fragrances. It is also dermatologist tested and the winner of Better Nutrition’s "Best of Natural Beauty Award"!


Self-Care Sunday has become popular on social media lately, but I personally prefer self-care Monday after taking a hot yoga class. After I take off my makeup and wash my face, I love using the Alba Botanica® Hawaiian Facial Mask. This mask has a Pore-Perfecting Papaya Enzyme that works to loosen dull skin cells.  I think it smells like a tropical island, and it has an extra bit of hydration from the pH balanced formula. It leaves my skin feeling very refreshed! As I already mentioned, my skin typically dries out when the temperatures go down. So I think this mask will be just the refresh my skin will need going into fall!



Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

This post is sponsored by Alba Botanica and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Caralina Style possible!

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Grapefruit Dress










Rounding out summer with this citrus printed dress! It is now under $20 and available in 2 other prints. It also just so happened to match the back wall of Jeni's Ice Cream that recently opened in Charlotte. I haven't gotten a chance to try out their unique flavors yet, but it's definitely on my list of new places to visit in Charlotte! I think the print speaks for itself so I opted for some muted accessories with stud earrings and neutral wedges. This dress has a been great option for these late summer days with temperatures still in the 90s!




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4 Tips for Waking Up for Early Morning Workouts






Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Ellie Activewear August set c/o | Nikes

I have mentioned a few times that I have recently started to do some of my workouts before work. After a few months of proving to myself I could keep up with it, I now have about an even mix of morning and evening workouts. For example: this week I have worked out in the morning on Monday, Tuesday, and have one planned for Friday. While I will do an evening workout Wednesday and Thursday. I have never been a morning person, so I'm honestly still a little shocked I have been able to keep up with this routine. But I am so glad I tried it out, I feel so much more alert going into work, and have a lot more time after work. So I thought I would share what motivates me to get out of bed for a 5:45am or 6:00am workout!

1. Set multiple alarms
I typically set 3 alarms. The first one as an initial wake up, the second if I need a little extra time, and third one is a last call in case I fell back asleep. Depending on the class time, I allow myself about 10-15 minutes before I have to be in my car on the way to class.

2. Turn on music or a podcast before you get out of bed
This has really helped me on a few occasions. As I just mentioned, I set 3 alarms, so I like to turn on music or a podcast after the second alarm. Granted I also live alone, so it may not be very helpful if you would also wake up someone else...

3. Set everything out the night before
I like to maximize the amount of time I can sleep when I am waking up that early, so I usually have my activewear set out (down to the socks) in my closet, my water bottle by the fridge, next to the fruit bar I eat while I'm driving to my workout, and my keys by the door!

4. Keep that post-workout endorphin rush in mind
I always think of the Legally Blonde quote "exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy" when I think about this, but it's true! One of the main reasons I like to workout is that endorphin rush as you finish up a class. So when it's 5:25am and I want to roll over and go back to sleep, I think about how great I will feel at about 7:00am if I wake up and get to it! Well, that and the cancellation fee I will probably have to pay...




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Colorful Cami Dress









Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Ruffle-front cami dress (on sale!) | Flower earrings c/o | Bag from my Etsy shop | Sunglasses | Similar shoes

I can't resist a bright and colorful dress, and this one is now on clearance! It has been so perfect for summer, and it travels well! I've worn it to dinner at the beach in SC with the family, and during my best friend's bachelorette weekend in Texas. I think it would also make for a great wedding guest dress. I'm also a little obsessed with these flower statement earrings, they are also available in white and surprisingly feel very light on my ears. I am trying to wear as many bright colors as I can before fall rolls around, and I think this outfit is a great way to do it!




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Stripe Squad








Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Leggings and Sports Bra c/o K. Deer | Nikes

We all know I love just about anything striped, so these colorblock stripe leggings from K. Deer just needed to be mine! Not only are they super comfortable and flattering, they are UPF 50+ for sun protection, moisture wicking for any type of workout, and give back to charity! Each different color of stripes made by K. Deer supports a different charity, and there are over 20 options! This pair I'm wearing is the "Molly Stripe" which supports Bring Change to Mind, a movement that educates, supports, and fight against stigma of mental illness. Although K. Deer clothing can be worn for anything, I associate them with activewear. I think they're going to quickly become my new favorite for hot yoga! Having a consistent fitness routine has brought positive change into my life, and I am so happy to support a company that brings positive change into the lives of others!



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August Finds Under $50

Floral dress ($25) | Sunglasses ($6) | Flower earrings ($13) | Chambray pants ($33) | Colorblock sweater ($20) | Tote bag ($30) | Bee earrings ($10) | Polka dot heels ($35) | Ruffle dress ($30)

After a break in July, Finds Under $50 is back! This month has some fall transition items like long sleeve but light dresses and this cute colorblock sweater! Fall in Charlotte doesn't really start until late October, so I depend on pieces like that until it is cold enough to wear real fall clothes. I also think these sunglasses look a lot like this Prada pair for under $10!




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