Review: Icebreaker Merino

Beach volleyball is one of my favorite things to do in the summer but we haven't had the best weather in Chicago. Warm weather was scarce during the first half of the season and I couldn't wear my usual bathing suit so I opted for my Icebreaker Merino Wool long sleeve and tights instead. 

Icebreaker clothing is made out of wool from the merino sheep of the New Zealand mountains. These sheep live in extreme weather, from the frozen winters to the warm summers, and their coats have to be able to adjust. That's why the merino wool fabric is so versatile. Early summer in Chicago is warm but breezy and the temperature drops at night, so this lightweight clothing has been perfect.

I'm wearing the Flash Long Sleeve Half Zip and the Rush 3/4 Tights. The tights aren't as elastic as I would like them to be but they are soft and comfortable. The long sleeve, however, I can't stop wearing! It's prefect for throwing on on the way to the gym or summer sports. I've worn it during kickball and volleyball and before/after paddleboarding. It's still comfortable even when I have a wet bathing suit on. I also love how lightweight it is because even though the sun is warm, it can be breezy and cool in the shade.

I'm excited to try more Icebreaker merino clothing for my upcoming travels and as the seasons change. It seems very versatile for all weather conditions and different types of activities. You can check out the women's running and fitness collection here.


Have you worked out in wool clothing?

What's your favorite summer adventure?


*Icebreaker Merino Wool provided me with this complimentary outfit in exchange for this review post. All pictures, text, and opinions are my own.

Friday Favorites - Vegan Cookbooks

A reader asked me what my favorite vegan cookbooks are, so I made a list! 

Click on the images to buy on Amazon.

Brendan Brazier make plant-based eating popular for athletes and "normal" people alike, food is fuel.

Peggy K cooks like Brendan Brazier but will a feminine twist…aka, more desserts.

Amber's raw recipes are straightforward and her desserts are amazing.

All of the classic recipes turned vegan, great for starters.

Not exactly a cookbook, but still contains great recipes for treating food as fuel.

What are your favorite plant-based cookbooks?

New Vega Bars

You know that I'm a big fan of Vega products and so I was very excited when they came out with the all new Vega Bars a couple of months ago. There are four different bars in a variety of flavors that each have a specific purpose, see chart below. As usual, all Vega products are plant-based and natural and include ingredients prefect for a healthy diet. And these bars are perfect for on-the-go! I'm always finding myself heading downtown for meetings around lunchtime so I pack a Vega Bar and it holds me over until I'm home.

I received some samples to try and the Vega Snack Bar in Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup is my absolute favorite. It's perfect for an on-the-go snack and delicious. It also has nutrients and protein to keep you full. I'm definitely taking these with me when I move abroad. The Vega One bars are also great for a meal replacement and worked for me when I was on my recent trip to Reno and couldn't find healthy food at the conference. The Vega Sport Energy Bar is excellent pre-workout and I would be using it much more if I was marathon training this year. Finally, the Vega Sport Protein bar is great post-workout and can replace your protein smoothie, especially if you're on the go. 

I know that the prices for the Vega bars are more than you would expect for snack bars but you really pay for quality. I think that it is worth it to spend the extra dollars on a bar that you can carry with you in case you need sustenance instead of being tempted to buy a candy bar at a convenience store and risk the side effects that come from unhealthy, sugary food. Remember that investment in your health now will pay off later!

Have you tried the new Vega Bars?

What do you eat when you're on-the-go? 

*Vega provided me with samples of the new Vega Bars to try in exchange for this review post. All opinions are my own.

Review: Mika Yoga Wear

I'm having an action-packed summer with lots of outdoor activities including volleyball, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and just going to the beach. I wanted something sporty but cute to wear in the water this summer besides my usual string bikini. I came across Mika Yoga Wear and thought their separates would be great for both outdoor summer sports and indoor yoga.

First up is the Maya Bra (shown above and below), which is so versatile that I've been wearing it everywhere I can. It fits perfectly and is comfortable. It is supportive like a sports bra but sexy like a bikini. I've gotten a lot of compliments on this one at beach volleyball and in the water.

The Mika shorts are also all amazing! The fit is wonderful with a wide waistband and secure fit. There is also just enough coverage to be used for sports but also just laying out at the beach. I've worn the shorts under regular clothes before heading to volleyball and they are as comfortable as underwear. And I can't say enough about the wide waistband! I have the Meeko, Betty, and Mikaela shorts.

I had my sister wear one of my Mika outfits (above) when she was visiting this weekend. We went paddle boarding with CTF and Chicago SUP on the lake and she also loved the sporty but cute bathing suit. Olivia is wearing the Tula top and Lucia shorts from the Pink Ribbon Collection.

My Mika Yoga Wear has definitely been great this summer for my outdoor activities but I also wanted to try it for it's intended use, hot yoga. I generally wear athletic shorts and a sports bra to Bikram and I could definitely tell a difference with the Mika pieces. They fit better as I was sweating through my clothes an I definitely felt like I could move around. Because the Tula top ties in the back, it was easy to take off after class (usually I'm wrestling with the sports bra).

To sum up, Mika Yoga Wear is awesome for both hot yoga and summer activities. I'm definitely taking it with my on my travels because I plan to be doing lots of fun activities, and especially outdoor water sports when I'm in Singapore next year.


What are your favorite summer outdoor activities?

What do you wear for water sports?

Don't forget to enter my Matcha Green Tea GIVEAWAY!


*Mika Yoga Wear provided me with some complimentary outfits in exchange for this review post. All opinions, pictures, and text are my own.

Friday Favorites - America

Happy Independence Day! Since I'm moving abroad, I thought I would share some of my favorite American things that I'll miss over the next year. 

Watching the World Cup in Solider Field.

Sunsets in Florida

The Chicago skyline

Baseball games

The Super Bowl

Halloween

What are your favorite things about America?