Pumps & Iron

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

November 18, 2015 by Nicole 14 Comments

I’ve got a busy teaching day today (12pm Power @ Burn and 5:25 Row, 6:20, 7:20 & 8:15 Tone @ Btone if anyone wants to come play!) so I’m just popping in quickly on the blog to share this super easy slow cooker butternut squash soup recipe I made the other day.

I freestyled the whole thing, basically just throwing a bunch of random stuff around my kitchen into the crock pot and hoping for the best, and the result was a delicious, filling soup that Joe and I have been eating all week.

This would make for a great Thanksgiving dish if you’ve got a vegan or vegetarian at your table!

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Before I get yelled at for classifying this as vegan and gluten-free, yes, I’m aware that the cheese and croutons in the pictures don’t fall into that category. I’m just talking about the soup itself. 🙂 If you meal prep each week, this is an awesome one to add to your plan! It makes a huge batch of soup that you can store in the refrigerator and reheat all week long for a quick lunch, dinner or snack.

What’s your current favorite slow cooker recipe? My oven is broken so I’m in desperate need of slow cooker and stovetop ideas!

Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Lunch, Recipes, Soups

15-Minute Core Workout with a Dumbbell

October 22, 2015 by Nicole 4 Comments

I’m so proud of my bun in these pictures. For once my hair *almost* looks put together in a workout tutorial instead of the usual hair-sticking-everywhere-messy-slop-bun-pony-thing. This core workout with a dumbbell will take you only 15 minutes (15 minutes 30 seconds to be exact). If you’re a beginner or don’t have a weight handy, forget about the dumbbell and just do the exercises with your bodyweight. It’ll still be effective!

Note: This blog post was updated on 9/17/18 with the addition of a video. Originally published 10/22/15.

15-Minute Core Workout with a Dumbbell

Equipment I Used

There are seven exercises in this circuit. You’ll do each for 30 seconds, moving from one right to the next (no rest). Once you’ve completed all seven, rest for 30 seconds before starting again from the top. You’ll go through the circuit four times total. If you’re advanced, try to get through two consecutive circuits before resting. If you’re a beginner, only go through the circuit twice (and add additional rest time as needed in between exercises or completed circuits).

Exercise Breakdown

For a preview of all exercises, see 1:18 in the above video.

Push Throughs | Try not to ever let your shoulders completely rest on the floor. Try to keep your heels on the floor the whole time.
Full-Body Sit-Ups | The goal is to never bring the legs and/or weight to rest on the ground when you extend back out.
Rainbow Russian Twists | These are just like your traditional Russian Twists except you’ll extend your arms out straight instead of holding the weight tight in to your body.
Leg Lift to Toe Touch | Don’t let your low back arch up when you lower your legs—if it’s happening, modify by bending your knees or don’t bring your legs as low.
Weighted Side Plank Lifts | You can do this on a straight arm or forearm. In the video I opted for forearm. Do what works for you! You’ll alternate sides each time through the circuit.
Mountain Climbers
Forearm Plank Hold

WEARING | tank: Fabletics // leggings c/o PRISM Sports (old but this print of theirs is super cute!) // sneakers: Nike

Have a great day!

xo Nicole

Filed Under: Abs, Hand Weights/Dumbbells, Workouts

October Stitch Fix Review

October 20, 2015 by Nicole 13 Comments

I think this was my favorite Stitch Fix delivery to date! This is my 14th fix, and for all but a couple I’ve had the same stylist (Layla). It’s so clear by her five picks this month that she has my style down pat at this point in the game. And what keeps me hooked on SF and able to justify purchasing the clothes fix after fix is the wear I get out of everything. With the exception of a couple items, the clothing I’ve kept from my 14 fixes continues to what I find myself wearing on heavy rotation.

If you’re new to Stitch Fix, check out the first post I did on the subscription styling service for all the details. Prices below are before discount (you get 25% off if you keep all five). Full disclosure, as part of their affiliate program, I get a little more than 25% off my fixes. In total, the five items here ran me $200–an amazing price point considering I got three pieces of outwear, jeans and a skirt!

Alright, let’s get to the goods!

Maliya Poncho Cardigan by Skies are Blue ($78)

This sweater poncho is perfectly on trend! It’s so comfortable and cozy. I love layering it over a hoodie or long sleeve, and on warmer fall days, it looks great with bare arms as well.

OUTFIT DETAILS | Sweater poncho & jeans from this fix // Black hoodie from a previous fix // Boots from Aldo // Bag from Le Tote // Bracelet from Lokai // Sunglasses are $6 cheapies from a convenience store (haha)

Patmos Faux Leather Bomber Jacket by Tart ($88)

This bomber jacket is SO me, the only bummer is that it’s a little too big. You might remember I had the same issue with a denim jacket in my last fix, and I left feedback asking for jackets in a size smaller than my normal size, so I was a little dismayed to see the tag on this. It’s kind of shapeless but great for layering over a hoodie so I ultimately decided to keep it.

OUTFIT DETAILS | Skirt & jacket from this fix // crop by Emma & Sam (old but similar here) //Boots from Aldo // watch c/o Daniel Wellington

Capa Cape Blazer by Sweet Rain ($78)

Capes. So hot right now. (Mugatu voice). I have been wanting a caped jacket for a while now and Stitch Fix read my mind! So perfect for dressy nights out or to add sophistication to more casual rocker looks like the one below.

OUTFIT DETAILS | cape blazer from this fix // white shirt from a previous fix // pants from Guess (old but kinda similar here and here) // ankle booties from Aldo (old but similar here)

Paislee Distressed Straight Leg Jean by Just Black ($88)

Every time Stitch Fix sends me a pair of skinny jeans, they fit perfectly and I wear them on heavy rotation. These are no exception! That being said, I may have to change my settings to stop receiving pants because the number of pairs I have is getting a little excessive (not a bad problem to have!).

Melina Printed Pencil Skirt by Belle Bird ($44)

Skirts like this are something I rarely think to buy, but I’m always so happy to have them when casually dressy occasions come up (birthdays, baby showers, etc.). And I actually got the idea for pairing it with a striped top from the style card included with the fix–the first time I’ve used that thing! 🙂 I love the mixed patterns.

And I’ll leave you with your top model pose of the day: The Stink Eye …

So fierce.

Have you gotten any good fixes recently? Which items would you have kept from mine?

Random thought of the day: How did Avicii go from dropping Levels to becoming the fifth member of Mumford and Sons?? Don’t get me wrong, I like his newer music, but it sounds like I’m listening to a bluegrass band jamming out in a field barefoot wearing suspenders. Do you remember when Levels first blew up? That song was EVERYTHING. I miss that. I need more of that.

xo Nicole

Filed Under: Day Outfits, Fashion, Night Outfits, Stitch Fix