Define Brave with Katie K.

I am thrilled to announce that I am an ambassador for the Katie K Activewear line.

There are TONS of activewear brands out there now to choose from with prices that run the gamut from super affordable to half a month’s rent. The common factor that many brands seem to have, however, is that everything seems to be designed for women who have already attained a fitness model physique.

That’s why I love Katie K. Katie’s platform is “define brave.” Katie’s definition of brave is being the best you, you can be. Brave also comes in all shapes and sizes…

Between new runners at the store and new clients looking to get into shape, I see so many women working out in old T-shirts and cotton lounge pants. Not only does the cotton absorb sweat and weigh them down, they seem uncomfortable and un-empowered. It may sound silly, but great fitting and flattering fitness apparel can really make a difference.

The Katie K Active Signature Collection is a new premium line for sizes Small to 3X which empowers you to BRAVE YOUR ELEMENTS while leading a healthy and enriched life. The Katie K Active Signature Collection is the perfect blend of STYLE MEETS FUNCTION for your daily sweat sessions. The Katie K Active Signature Collection ends the search for a versatile wardrobe that will take you from yoga class, to the gym, to your coffee date, and everywhere in between. With the Katie K Active Signature Collection, you and your girlfriends can feel great about how you look while working out, or even on those crazy days that you didn’t quite make it to the gym. The Katie K Active Signature Collection with double-fit technology will ELEVATE YOUR CONFIDENCE, giving you the motivation to perform at your best.

I’ve been rocking my free flow cardigan almost every day; it’s the perfect cover up for warm-ups or quick errands.

Kaie K Active Free Flow Cardigan in Black

The length of the walking pant is adjustable and the wide waist band is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for this entire pregnancy.

Katie K Active Signature Walking Pant in Black

I love how breezy the burnout tank is, and the drawstring sides compliment my bump without making my butt look flat.

Katie K Active Signature Burnout Tank in Vivid Blue

Prices are comparable to the market and the quality is better than a certain subscription service that I’ve used in the past. I’m trying not to buy too many more clothes until after baby comes, but I can’t wait to get my hands on those signature urban capris!

Why not give Katie K a try? Use code SAM15 for 15%off and free shipping!

Disclaimer: I received the apparel pictured for free as part of my ambassador contract. All opinions are my own.

Life Lately

Apparently I haven’t done a Bumpdate in a month. Whoops.

I keep meaning to post… I’m an ambassador for an awesome new activewear line and I want to get a good post up for them – I’m just so dang exhausted all the time!

Planned my last big event at Fleet Feet last week; Diva Night went well and it was awesome to see Melissa from The Valentine RD.

After coaching Saturday morning, we drove down and spent the day at California Adventure and Disneyland. I rode what rides I could, ate TONS of food, and took plenty of pictures.

TJ even talked his way into a reservation at one of the nicer restaurants for dinner so we could get preferred seating for the World of Color show. The prix fix menu was really good and included a dessert PLATTER of delicious things. The merlot was heavenly as well.

Ariel said we should consider “Ariel” and “Flounder” as baby names.

A man and his Mickey ice cream.

I look freaking HUGE in this pic. I swear it’s the angle! It was only taken two days after the first pic of me with Melissa!!!

Bumpdate – 28 Weeks

How far along?  28 Weeks – Officially 3rd trimester, yay!

Total weight gain: ~17lbs. Baby is now 2.5lbs of that and the size of a coconut (apparently).

Stretch marks?:  Nope

Maternity clothes: A couple new bras, but they aren’t maternity specific.

Baby Stuff: Hand me downs from a friend who’s a new mommy. Mostly gender neutral; a few sport things, but if it’s a girl, she’ll be introduced to sports just like a boy will.

Belly Button in or out?: In, but flat and super weird

Sleep: Not the best. Weird dreams and generally being uncomfortable.

Best moment this week: Disney date, getting a Kitchen Aid (from my grandparents), and gorgeous flowers and card (from TJ) for Mother’s Day

Worst moment this week: Hospital tour – super long and boring

Miss Anything? Acting, running for real

Movement: SO MUCH! Kicks and flops and break dancing like WHOA.

Food cravings: Ice cream, brie with prosciutto

Aversions: Meat.

Symptoms: SO fatigued, body aches, lower back pain, rib pain

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody

Workouts: I’ve been doing a ton of different stuff lately… boxing, kickboxing, crossfit, pilates, TRX, prenatal yoga, and walking with clients.

What I’m reading: Newton’s Football – loving it! Can’t wait for the fall.

Looking forward to: Baby showers, nesting

Taking it easy this weekend… it’s rainy here in SoCal. Gonna catch up with a friend for lunch on Saturday and then see another friend’s show Saturday night. Trying to get out of the house while we still can, but honestly I’d usually rather sleep.

Carrot Cake Cravings

I’ve had various cravings throughout my pregnancy, but carrot cake is probably the most random. It’s also been pretty difficult to come by. I had some a couple months ago from Aroma Cafe when I met up with a friend for lunch, but other than that, I’ve steered clear of getting pre-made cupcakes or cakes. They’re usually super high in calories and sugar, with little to no nutritional value to speak of.

I’ve been meaning to make my own variation for a while now, but I’m honestly too tired most of the time and would rather eat jellybeans or ice cream instead.

I finally took a little time Tuesday afternoon to develop these beauties, and I’m happy to report, they’re just what BS Baby wanted.

Minimal sugar, good amount of fiber, and the right spices and filling to almost taste like cake. But if my OB asks, I’m still calling it a muffin.

Carrot Cake Muffins (adapted from Kitchen Treaty)

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1 cup quick cook steel cut oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1/3 cup olive oil
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups carrot, grated (about 4 medium carrots)
1 cup crushed pineapple
4 oz. cream cheese (I used the lite kind)
2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 (350 if you have a fancy convection oven like me). Place cupcake wrappers in a standard-size, 12-cup muffin pan (this made 17 muffins for me, so you’ll have to do multiple batches.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, brown sugar, olive oil, egg whites, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and whisk just until all ingredients are incorporated. Gently fold in the carrots and pineapple.
5. Divide the mixture between the muffin cups. Cups should be filled to the top.
6. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until muffin tops spring back when poked and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the muffins are baking, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and additional vanilla.
8. Allow to cool for 5 – 10 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Once fully cooled, use a pastry bag to fill muffins from top with sweetened cream cheese.
9. DEVOUR