When I am on the hunt for fashion forward active wear for yoga, running, training, travel and exploring the great (in or) outdoors I shop Lucy.com.

In fact, some of my all-time favorite workout gear is from the Lucy line. Why? Because of the quality, style, and fit. I mean, what Fitness & Spice Girl doesn’t love black pants that don’t fade or get stretched out over time? Tank tops that whisk away sweat, hold your iPod, and don’t look like what everyone else is wearing in the gym? And cozy hoodies that help warm you up before and after your workouts? And…well, you get the idea.

If you are in need of new workout clothes, today (November 5th, 2011) is your lucky day. Lucy is turning 12 and is celebrating with a one day 25% off everything in store or online event. So run or bike to a Lucy store near you or hop online at lucy.com (and then go workout) and stock up.

Now I really must go to Lucy’s birthday party…and I’ll buy if I want to.

I’m a cheater.

There. I said it.

I’ve been cheating on Starbucks.

Why in the world would one do that, you ask? Because I discovered another coffee shop in town carries sugar-free chocolate syrup. I’ve been adding this sugar-free syrup to my Americanno order nearly every morning for the last week. I’ll admit it tastes ahhh-mazing but after a little process of elimination I figured out it is the reason my stomach has been a hot mess. And by “hot mess” I mean I’ve been doubled over in pain at times. Not cute.

And to make matters worse, this morning when I went inside the unnamed coffee shop I asked to see the ingredients list and nutrition facts of the delicious sugar-free chocolate syrup. I assumed the label would inform me that through the wonder of chemicals I have been consuming zero calories and zero carbs in my coffee. Um, no. I was wrong on both counts. It turns out the syrup contains 80 calories and over 20 grams of carbs per ounce, which is fine if you enjoy drinking calories, but I don’t unless, of course, it’s a protein shake.

The moral of my story? Assume nothing. Listen to your body. Know the (nutrition) facts. And never, ever cheat on Starbucks.

Now I really must go to Starbucks so I can perk up!

I have long, thick hair that takes just over forever to dry. But don’t take my word for it, just ask my stylist who lovingly jokes that he doesn’t lift shoulders when I have an appointment.

But, I recently, and by recently I mean Saturday, started using a new product by Kenra that has cut my hair drying time in half. Yes, half.

Since I workout 5-6 days a week I am one of those people that wash my hair everyday which means drying it everyday so anything I can do to speed up the process is a Godsend.

Someday I’ll get brave enough to try dry shampoo but until then I am sold on Kenra Blow-Dry Spray. And right now Kenra is making a donation to breast cancer related charities on this and some of their other products so it’s doing good for two causes, my sanity and humanity.

Now I really must go before I blow this entire post with my dry sense of humor.

If you are too busy to make your own 100 calorie packs, you are too busy.

Why should you make your own 100 calorie packs?

A. It’s easy
B. It’s economical
C. It helps with portion control
D. It helps you retrain your brain on what is and what isn’t a reasonable portion size
E. Because I said so
F. All of the above

If you answered “F” you get an “A”.

My favorite DIY 100 calorie packs for on the go AND at home? Almonds, peanut butter, hummus (with a side of veggies), protein powder, protein bars (homemade or pre-packaged just re-packaged a bit), and edamame.

Now I really must go grab a snack pack because just like Staples…that was easy.

Got a target weight?
Got a target pant size?
Got a target bench press?
Got a target race time?
Got a targeted number of veggies to eat today?
Got a targeted number of glasses of water to drink this week?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then go to Target. That’s right. Target stores (all 1700 or so of them) now carry my favorite fitness accessory, fitbook!  Swing by the fitness aisle at Target to check out fitbook, a nutrition and exercise journal and goal setting system. If you answered “no” to all of these questions then go to Target anyway, because who doesn’t love Target?

Now I really must go to the gym so I can…(wait for it)…stay on Target!

What is better than coffee? Coffee ice cream.

What is better than coffee ice cream? 150 CALORIE COFFEE ICE CREAM made with whey protein powder. Yes, yes I am screaming about this ice cream.

Arctic Zero makes pints of ice cream in a variety of flavors (including coffee and chocolate peanut butter, my current obsessions) so you can eat the entire pint for 150 guilt-free, gluten-free, protein-packed calories.

Visit www.myarcticzero.com to check out all their flavors and find out where you can scoop some up in your neck of the woods or visit Amazon.com and have Arctic Zero shipped right to your door.

Now I really must go to the gym and stop on the whey for another pint of coffee.

I am not one of those people who thinks dressing up a new born baby as a piece of food and/or flower and taking its picture is necessary.

However, I am not opposed to dressing up a cup of coffee for a photo (and/or gift giving) opp. What?

You know you want to make your own coffee sleeve, too. Here’s how:

• Run or walk to Starbucks for a cup of coffee
• Sprint to Target and grab some socks from the clearance section or dollar bin
• Cut your socks
• Dress your cup of Joe

No sewing or waking up a sleeping baby required.

Now I really must go finish my coffee and think of something even more ground breaking to write tomorrow that will knock your socks off.

I love a good cookie and a good kitchen accessory.

When I was flipping through Cooking Light magazine this weekend I stopped in my tracks when I saw this spactula. OXO just introduced this limited edition “Good Cookie” Spatula, etched with an inspirational message that serves as a reminder to “Be a Good Cookie.” Each purchase helps OXO support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, up to $100,000.

Want one? Scoop one up here for just $6.99.

Want to learn more about what OXO and their partners are doing to support pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 18 ? Please visit www.oxogoodcookies.com or www.cookiesforkidscancer.org.

Now I really must go I’ll see you on the flip side.

I love back to school season.

I mean, who doesn’t love a book bag packed full of fresh school supplies, a shiny Wonder Woman lunch box, and a closet full of new Jordache jeans clothes?

It almost makes me want to go back to school. I said almost.

But since I’m not in the market for school supplies, I’ll settle for a new song for my workout mix that gives me a taste of this promising time of year like this one by White Stripe’s…

Disclaimer: This video is a bit of a yawner but the song really is “delightful” as my favorite teacher, Mrs. Barger, would say. So, if you are interested in adding We Are Going To Be Friends to your playlist, too, pop over to iTunes and download it before you go to recess.

Now I really must go…to gym.

To know me is to love me and to know that I love coffee.

To really know me is to know that I like my coffee like my personal trainers–strong and not too sweet. So when I saw this recipe for coffee syrup, in true Fitness & Spice fashion, I gave the recipe a quick sugar free shake. Here’s how you make…

Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Splenda or the equivalent amount of your favorite sugar substitute like stevia
• l vanilla bean
• 1 t Vanilla Extract

In a small sauce pan dissolve the sugar substitute in water over medium heat. Reduce the heat and toss in the vanilla seeds extracted from the vanilla bean. Add the vanilla extract. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Cool. Enjoy in your coffee, tea, and/or protein shakes.

Now I really must go grab a cup of joe and get pumped and ready for the gym.