Admit it, you totally look through the Victoria’s Secret catalog and start the self-hate thoughts. “I wish my abs looked like that”, “I wish my butt looked like that”, ” My legs will never look that way”. You know you do it, everyone does. And while I am 100% positive that every image in those catalogs are airbrushed, the models are definitely in shape. But, sitting in your house wishing away the calories you just ate at TGI Fridays with your co workers does not a model make. So then what? Aside from starving yourself for the next 3 months (and looking nothing like a VS model from that), what’s a girl to do? Surgery is certainly out – who has that kind of money, and I hear recovery time is ridic. Well, what if I told you that I know the trainer that whips the VS models’ perfect little butts into shape and that he could train YOU, in your house for way less than your gym membership (that you aren’t using) is costing you? Yes, I’m totally serious (except for the part that I personally know this man, I don’t – but I like to think that I do).

Leandro Carvalho is the trainer for all things Victoria’s Secret models – butt, thighs, abs – all of it! And lucky for us, he’s got an at-home workout program designed to give you a VS models body. It’s called Brazil Butt Lift and I promise it’s worth your time. I’m currently in my 3rd week of the 8 week program and I’m using my butt muscles in ways that I never even knew I could.  Combining a little Brazilian dance with cardio, and some serious lower body sculpting moves, Leandro will help you get the butt, legs, and abs that you’re lusting over in very little time. And here’s the absolutely fabulous part about the program, it fits YOU, your body, your goals (and there’s no “age limit” – everyone can do this – so don’t tell me “you’re too old”). Each week your workouts are planned out exactly – no guesswork here. You choose from 4 different schedules depending on the butt you have now. Choose from “Pear Shape”, “Too Big”, “Too Flat”, or “Combination”. Isn’t that wonderful?! This is not a one-size-fits-all type of workout. I am working with the Pear Shape schedule because that’s the body type I have. I’m getting wonderful results already and you can too. Don’t believe me? Check out my friend, Kati’s, before and after results:

Yes, that’s real – no photoshop, no altering of any kind, nothing. Just pure dedication to the Brazil Butt Lift program, healthy eating, and Shakeology (If you are not familiar with Shakeology, click the link, get familiar, contact me, and let me douse you in some amazingness – I’m obsessed!). Amazing right? You’re jealous of her perfect “after” photo aren’t you? So do something about it! Can you commit to working out 6 days a week for 60 days with workouts ranging in length from 25 – 60 minutes? 60 Days puts you right at the beginning of Summer – perfect! And 25 – 60 minutes is minimal time, no driving to the gym, no starving, no working out in front of a bunch of people – it’s just you and Leandro, in your own home.

Here’s a small glimpse of what you can expect with Brazil Butt Lift:

Included in your purchase is a set of 3 DVDs with multiple workouts on each, as well as a bonus DVD full of some of the most serious butt-blasting moves I’ve ever done, a lower body band, a schedule to follow, a nutrition guide, and your very own personal coach (ME!) to motivate you when you’re feeling like skipping a workout, teach how to eat better (without starving yourself), and inspiring you to push harder each day in your workouts.

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of contact me at jackie@yourbeautybestfriend.com and ask me any questions you may have. You can buy the set of DVDs here, if you want to start ASAP! But I suggest combining the power of Leandro and Brazil Butt Lift, with the AWESOMENESS that is Shakeology, in a Challenge Pack (who doesn’t love discounts on awesome products and a chance to win money? That’s what you can expect when you buy a Challenge Pack with Brazil Butt Lift and Shakeology).

So I know I just blasted you with so much info your head is probably spinning, so please contact me with any questions about the program and what it entails!

Your B.B.F.,
Jackie

So I MUST get better at taking pictures of my food because I’d like to use my own images. That beautiful photo up there was taken by the wonderful blogger over at Gingerbread Bagels (check it out sometime!).  This is where I found the original recipe, and although my Peanut Butter Banana Squares looked very similar, my photo skills did not reflect that. So anyway – enough of the picture, let’s talk about the deliciousness that is a peanut butter banana oatmeal square.

Lucky for me, Pinterest is just full of recipes for me to spice up my everyday routine and when I came across a recipe that uses one of my fav ingredients – peanut butter – AND is pretty healthy, well obviously I had to try it. I am a huge fan of things in bar form because I can just grab them and go. I like to be able to eat in my car, eat at work, and eat really anywhere, without the hassle of utensils and a bunch of napkins and such (I’m a simple human, I really am). I figured, how can a recipe go wrong with peanut butter and banana? I just don’t think you can. So, enough of me, let’s get to the recipe!

*Quick note: These little bars have an understated sweetness, not an overpowering-cookie-like-sweet, but if you’re looking for a little more kick to them, the original author of the recipe (is author the right word? Probably not.) suggests adding a dollop of peanut butter to the top. Since I’m a mess-free type of person, I opted for no extra peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (I used sea salt – I don’t know much about the big flavor differences of the two, but it didn’t seem to matter)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 large mashed banana
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Mix together the quick cooking oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt and ground cinnamon.

Add in the vanilla extract, milk and egg. Mix the ingredients together.

Then add in the mashed banana and peanut butter. Combine all of the ingredients.

Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8 by 8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then slice into bars & ENJOY!

Calories based on a serving size of 1 square (providing that you cut the whole into 9 squares) are 146 calories

Your B.B.F.,
Jackie

I found this recipe on Pinterest when I was searching for something to make for dinner the other day. It looked delicious but was too high in fat and calories for me so I made a quick tweek to it and it was SO very easy and SO good that I must share! The original recipe can be found at the bottom of this post. I swapped out the mayo and replaced it with 0% Greek Yogurt. I used the single serving containers of Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt for ease – no measuring, just open and drop in a bowl. Recipe makes four servings.

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 6 ounce container of Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms