Hello, I am one of the pregnant friends of the GGS gals.  Currently, I am about 5 months pregnant with my 2nd child.  I was thrilled to be asked to try some maternity wear for the active pregnant woman, as I know far too well, maternity wear can be down right UGLY!

Ever since I was pregnant with my first child, I have come to appreciate the beauty of a stylish workout wear for a pregnant body.  I live in North Vancouver, which is actually in the mountains.  You cannot live here without being super active and an adventurous person and if you do, you are CRAZY.  There are so many trails for running, biking, skiing, walking, just about anything goes.  I knew I was not going to let my pregnancy slow me down.  (Until of course, the Doc told me so, which was in month 9 of my first pregnancy).  So Mountain Mama’s and me, where meant to be together.  I love their stuff – super cute and very affordable.  It is still cold here, even though we are expecting an early Spring so the pieces that were sent to GGS HQ are still perfect for our current weather.   

The outfit:

Fairview Maternity Fleece Wrap Jacket in tarragon with a lovely over-sized hoodie.  You cannot help but be warm and cozy in this jacket.  

The Fairview features ultra-cozy Polartec® Thermal Pro® in a wrap design as versatile as it is stylish. Tie at the sternum for full coverage at full term, or tie at the sides for a snug, post-pregnancy fit. Pull up the lined hood, and the shawl collar fastens at the throat to keep the cold at bay. Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric is their most technically advanced fleece, with a plush face and high-tech weave that yields the best warmth-to-weight available – so you stay cozy warm without the bulk.

Juneau Maternity Fleece Pants – these pants are so lovely and warm that I cannot wait to take them up the slopes to do some snow shoeing.  They even have a drawstring at the bottom for easy tucking and no snow allowing.

The go-to drawstring-cuff pant for cold winter outings, the Juneau is just as great for hiking on crisp days, lounging, or catching up with friends at the café. This smooth-faced fleece provides all the coziness you expect from Polartec®, but with a sleek, non-pilling face. The versatile design goes from loose-legged yoga-style pant to classic sweats with just a tug on the cuff toggle. Gusseted inseam eliminates thigh chafing and sits comfortably below the belly. A zippered back pocket holds essentials.

Love love love.  What can I say?  I think I might just be able to rock this look without being pregnant!

Reviews on Girlgetstrong.com reflect the personal opinion of the writer, whether it is good, bad or ugly. No compensation was accepted by me or GGS Media Corporation for this review.

I prefer getting my nutrition from whole, natural foods, but since I’m a pescetarian (I eat seafood, but otherwise follow a vegetarian diet), I’m always looking for easy ways to add protein to my diet. Of course, I go with all the standards—beans, eggs, nuts—but sometimes, an active girl like me needs a little help to get all the protein she needs for the day. And what better way than protein powder?

So I was thrilled when Genuine Health sent some Strawberry flavored Instant Smoothie made with Vegan Proteins+ for this GGS gal to try. 

Introducing NEW Vegan proteins+ Instant Smoothie a day- a creamy, great-tasting protein treat that’s 100% vegan.

The rich, natural, vanilla flavour with a splash of strawberry provides 20g of complete protein in a unique blend providing a balance of all essential amino acids as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants PLUS the recommended daily dose of organic non-GMO Vegan Vitamin D (1,000 IU) – all at only 120 calories per delicious, creamy serving!

Containing the same premium, easy to digest, non-GMO protein sources as Vegan proteins+ that is free of common allergens – Vegan proteins+ Instant Smoothie a day is a perfect blend of 5 easy-to-digest vegan protein sources, including yellow pea, cranberry seed, alfalfa juice protein, organically grown sprouted brown rice and hemp – all non-GMO. This unique combination completes a delicious vegetarian ready-to-go smoothie rich in every essential amino acid – all at only 120 calories per serving!

I love where all of the protein goodness comes from -   yellow pea, cranberry seed, alfalfa juice protein, brown rice and hemp…..all so natural!

How much easier can this be?

We recently just did a post about how to get more proteins on the go and this is just more way.  Since you only have to add water (which is everywhere) and a scoop of the protein powder, you really can have a smoothie anywhere. You could leave a package in your gym bag, office desk, or even the car.  All you would have to come up with is some water and away you go. The serving of water is only 200ml (just under one cup) to get the all of that protein, so you could drink a half of your bought water bottle, put the protein into the other half. Shake and you are off.  True protein to go.

Now to the taste.  When mixed with only water, it didn’t taste like the protein shake you make at home.  But, it certainly was drinkable.  One serving, like I said, is less than one cup so really that is only a few sips to get down for all of the goodness that this protein offers. 

When I mixed the protein in my regular shake with almond milk, frozen banana, blueberries and some flax oil, its tastes delicious. 

So bottom line, to get all this nutriton in a rush, mix with water, if not, add to your regular shake or even mix with some juice.

How do you get your protein quota?

*Happy Holidays from our Home to Yours

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls. Aren’t carrots for Easter?

2. Drink as much eggnog as possible. And quickly. It’s rare. You cannot find it any other time of year except now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies or pralines in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all costs. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Author-Unknown

Champion Double Dry® Training V-Neck Women's T Shirt

Winner~Katherine Sullivan

Finally the Champion giveaway is HERE! 

The winner will receive her choice (from my review) a top, bottom (pants) and a sports bra.

Just to be super clear…..

You must pick from the outfits that I have reviewed already.  You may mix and match.  You may pick any color and size that you like.  Be sure to pick carefully because what you pick will be what will be sent to you, if you should win.  Please tell GGS your selection in the comments below.

In case you missed the 3 outfits I reviewed, here they are:

Outfit #1 Spin Class

Outfit #2 Dog walking with friends

Outfit #3 Lounging with my kids for movie night

For Extra Bonus Entries:

• LIKE Champion on Facebook
• LIKE GGS on Facebook (right hand side)
• Follow Champion on Twitter
• Sign up for Champion’s Newsletter

Make sure to tell us in the comments below what you did to make the extra entries count. 

Winner will be selected by Random.org Contest Ends:  Sept. 20, 2011.  Winner will be notified by email and on this post.  Good Luck!

GGS, Omron and Oprah’s personal trainer Bob Greene are teaming up to help you make Fall the most fit season of all! Greene recommends walking as an easy cardio activity to step up your fitness routine. A walking partner that’s with you every step of the way, Omron pedometers motivate you and remind you to keep going.  You are invited to a virtual party with Bob Greene himself on twitter!

GGS Readers~ Join Bob and Omron for a Twitter Party at 9 pm EST, September 14 at #FitWithOmron, and Bob will answer all of your fitness questions.

Follow @Bestlifediet & @OmronFitness to join the FUN!

And, to get you pumped for the party, I’m giving away a signed copy of Bob’s latest book Years Younger:  Look Younger, Feel Younger, Be Younger and an Omron HJ-112 pedometer.

The pedometer’s dual axis technology can count your steps no matter if placed horizontally or vertically – on your hip or in your purse or gym bag. And it also counts how many calories and fat grams you burned!

Want to see Bob Greene and Omron in action?  Check out this video here….

To enter this contest:

• Tell us in the comments how many steps do you think you take in one day?

Really want to win?

• LIKE Omron on Facebook
• LIKE us on FaceBook-right hand side (just because we want your LOVE)

For more information, visit Omronwebstore.com  A random winner will be selected on Sept 13, 2011.  Good Luck!

See you at the party with smoothie in hand!