Fresh Picks to Follow – Fitness Fanatic

Every year at this time, there is always an influx of news articles, blog posts and tweets regarding staying fit and getting healthier in the new year.  So I thought that it was only fitting that I create a fitness related Fresh Picks to Follow.  I enjoy working out and buying new workout clothes and gadgets to that help me stay motivated to exercise at my peak performance. For this week Fresh Picks to Follow, here’s my top 10 workout essentials that will help you stay on track this year.  Is working out and staying fit on your new year’s resolution list? How do you plan to stay motivated all year long?  Let me know in the comments.

1. Gap - GapFit gFast Colorblock Capris…$49.95

2. Zumba - Flaunt It Fancy Top…$30.00

3. Puma - Heritage Grip Bag…$60.00

4. Asics - GEL-Blur33® TR…$90.00

5. Athleta - Peek Tank…$59.00

6. Garmin - Forerunner 10 GPS Fitness Monitor…$129.95

7. Adidas - StellaMcCartney Tennis Performance Shorts…$40.00

8. Lululemon - Scuba Hoodie *Stretch…$108.00

9. Nike - Nike+ Fuelband…$149.00

10. Reebok - CrossFit Gloves…$50.00

Fresh Picks to Follow – Born to Run

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with horses.  For as early as I can remember, I requested a pony for my birthday, Christmas and any other occasion that I expected a gift of some sort. My mother would often ask me where would the pony live?  I was convinced that I could raise the pony in the backyard and all would be right with the world. Now you have to imagine me as a little girl in Jersey with a decent sized backyard trying to convince my mom why my sisters and I needed to have a pony.  I even had an answer to my mom when she asked where would I take the pony when it needed to run?  Each year, I had the ultimate plan. I remember mentioning, that it can go for a run on the street, run around in circles in the backyard  and back and forth the drive way.  And my all time favorite suggestion was allowing the horse to run in the abandoned wooded area behind our home.  Hey – it all made sense in my head when I was little.  I’m glad that my mom never gave into my whims, she definitely always knew better, that’s for sure.  What the heck would I have done with a pony at 5 years old? Do you have any funny childhood request that you’re grateful that your parents didn’t just give in?  I know that I can think of plenty more requests, but that’s the funniest that comes to mind. Anyways, for this week’s Fresh Picks to Follow, here are my top ten horse inspired items that are definitely born to run out of the stores. Do any of you have a love for horses like I do? Let me know in the comments.

1. Anthropologie - Banter Tee…$48.00

2. Dorothy Perkins - Pink Horse Print Knitted Snood…$21.00

3. MANGO - Horses Print T-Shirt…$29.99

4. C. Wonder - Running Horse Enamel Bangle…$34.99

5. ModCloth - Canter Hardly Wait Top…$37.99

6. Anthropologie - Pony-Printed High-Tops…$79.95

7. Free People - Pony Ride Sweater…$128.00

8. ModCloth - Trot of You Today Sweater…$69.99

9. ModCloth - Travel in Pairs Skirt…$39.99

10. ASOS - A Wear Horse Print Ruched Sleeve Shirt…$36.94

Holiday Gift Guide for the Men

I’m not sure about you guys, but I always have the hardest time finding the perfect present for the men in my life.  Lucky for me, I only have to buy two presents for guys - something for my step-dad and my BF.  My stepfather has always says that he doesn’t need anything for his birthday or for Christmas.  He’s a pretty easygoing guy that just likes it when you spend time with him.  And my BF always says that I don’t need to buy him anything because his family didn’t exchange presents when he was younger.  He’s just happy spending time with his loved ones.  So, now you see my dilemma.  I try to honor their wishes, but I really enjoy buying gifts for others and seeing the recipient’s face light up with delight.  Anyways, I just recently finished my Christmas shopping, but wanted to provide a list for anyone else that struggles with finding the perfect gift for the men in your life.  For this week Fresh Picks to Follow, here’s my top 10 gift ideas for the man who has everything he needs and claims he doesn’t want anything for Christmas.  Let me know if you have any additional suggestions for this gift guide.

1. J.Crew - Cashmere Crewneck Sweater…$225.00

2. Cool Material - Beer Bottle Tumblers – Sol…$28.95

3. Brookstone - 3-Piece Gift Set—New England Patriots…$119.99

4. Williams Sonoma - Beer Making Kits…$39.95

5. James Andrew Miller - Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN…$18.00

6. Brookstone - 1080 HDMI Pocket Projector…$299.00

7. Photojojo - Canon Camera Lens Mugs…$24.00

8. Cool Material - Bar10der…$50.00

9. Coach - Transatlantic Travel Carryon…$698.00

10.  Motorola - DROID RAZR MAXX HD 4G Android Phone…$150.00

Holiday Gift Guide for the Girly Girl

If you are still trying to figure out what to get the girliest of girls, then you’re in luck.  I have some perfect suggestions for the adult woman that likes a little glitz, glitter and glam in her life.  I had so much fun putting this list together because I would personally like to have every single item on this list. I also know that several women like my sisters, mother, and some of my best friends, who all love anything and everything sparkly, would adore this list. For this edition of Fresh Picks to Follow, here are several gift ideas for the woman in your life that’s in touch with her inner girly girl. Let me know if you have any additional suggestions for this gift guide.

1. J. Crew - Flower Lattice Necklace…$228.00

2. Hunter – Original Tall Gloss Boots…$135.00

3. Voluspa 'Maison Blanc - Orangerie d'Azahar' Boxed Candle…$27.00

4. BareMinerals® - 'Marvelous Moxie - Hot to Trot' Lip Gloss Collection…$25.00

5. Marc Jacobs - Stripey Lips iPhone 4G Case…$38.00

6. J. Crew - Pavé Heart Bracelet…$125.00

7. Urban Outfitters - Glass Jewelry Box…$49.00

8. Victoria Secret – Cotton Mayfair Pajama…$39.50

9. Coach – Legacy Leather Penny Shoulder Purse…$198.00

10. M·A·C - 'Fabulousness - Smoky' Eye Palette…$39.50