AllThingsGwen’s top picks

Ten Things I Couldn’t Live Without in 2010

I’m very particular, and when I like something, I like something. Here’s a quick list of my 2010 essentials:

Asics sneakers — I finally found a pair of sneakers that seemed like they were made for me. I realized how essential it is to workout in sneaks that fit, and I figured out I needed a full size bigger than I normally wear. Not a half size — a full size! So, I learned that you should have a space about the size of the width of your thumb between the top of your shoe and your longest toe. Good to know!

Droid — Yes, I traded in my Blackberry, and boy am I pleased. Well, except for the fact that I got the original Droid as soon as it came out, I dropped it in a glass of water and had several replacement phones throughout the year. (Plus, I think the original is a bit glitchy.) But having a phone like the Droid (or iPhone) is where it’s at. I love the touch screen and easy it is to use Facebook and Twitter. Also, I use the camera on the Droid very often!

Camis with a built-in bra — Know how those biker shorts/girdle things are really popular now? Well, camis do the same thing, cheaply and simply. I wear one or two white camis (at the same time) on a regular basis because it smoothes everything out when you wear something more clingy. Got a whole bunch at Old Navy when they were on sale. Total wardrobe essential.

Toilet bowl cleaner wands with disposable cleaning pads — Enough said!

PickupPlease.org — Out with the old, in with the new. I sorted through my stuff several times and gave a lot away to the Vietnam Veterans. It’s so easy. You just go online, schedule a pick-up and they get your clothes, appliances, etc. right from your porch. It’s tax deductible too!

Coconut water — Drinking coconut water is so much better than Gatorade or any of those sports drinks. Plus, it’s natural and contains electrolytes. Typically, one bottle has more potassium than a banana — 15 times more than most sports drinks — to prevent cramping.

Nike dry-fit capri pants — Since I’m petite, I have a hard time finding workout pants that aren’t super long. I love working out in my black Nike capris because they come up a little high around the waist to hide the pooch while working out. Plus, they feel great and move with you. Flattering, functional and freaking awesome :)

Twitter/Facebook — Plain and simple, I’m addicted. I’ve met some cool people thought XX Fit Friends XX and on Twitter. I love that I can connect with people who have similar interests so easily.

Photo storage boxes — Above our washer and dryer is a shelf stacked with multi-colored photo boxes. I’ve labeled them and organized our stuff neatly. It really helps to know where all our “little” things are. For example, there’s the “school supplies” box filled with pens, paperclips, tape, scissors, etc. Then there’s a box of miscellaneous cords and chargers, one with sewing stuff like thread, needles and safety pins. I love this, and feel like it was such a “Real Simple” idea (that I made up myself!)

PINK sweatpants — I am addicted to wearing sweatpants, and I have found the perfect pair. They’re baggy, comfy and super cute. I may be a bit too old for Victoria Secret’s PINK sweatpants, but oh well. I wear the kind that have a drawstring and pockets.

Can’t wait to see what I can’t “live without” in 2011.

Best of South Jersey — Tasty Treats

You don’t have to go far to get some of the best food around. Here are my favorites!


Mexican: The Tortilla Press – Collingswood, NJ
Cuban: Casona – Collingswood, NJ
Chinese: King Wong – Marlton, NJ
Thai: Bangkok City – Voorhees, NJ
Vietnamese: Pho Eden – Cherry Hill, NJ
Korean: Myung Ga – Cherry Hill, NJ
Italian: Carollo’s – Marlton, NJ
Wings: The Pic-a-Lilli Inn – Shamong, NJ
Pizza: Tarentella’s – Medford, NJ
Sushi: Tokyo Bleu – Cinnaminson, NJ and Miyabi – Mount Laurel, NJ
Bagels: Medford Bagels – Medford, NJ
Hoagies: DiVello’s – Medford, NJ
Mussels Fra Diablo: Carollo’s – Cherry Hill, NJ
Crabcakes: Bobby Chez – Marlton, NJ
Water Ice: Leo’s Famous Yum Yum – Marlton, NJ
Ice Cream: Sundae’s – Berlin, NJ
Brunch: Izzie’s – Medford, NJ

Photo by Kevin H.

Partner Up for Fitness Fun

If you’re looking to push yourself a little harder and get “competitive” in a fun and friendly way, workout with a partner! It’s a great exercise approach — especially if you’re used to just doing your own thing.

Two awesome runners, kickboxers and fitness enthusiasts — Tina and Tasha — demonstrate an explosive and challenging partner exercise.

In this photo, Tasha is holding a plank position while Tina executes a side-to-side lateral jump.

Plank: Lie face down with palms flat on the floor, elbows aligned directly below your shoulders. Push yourself up into a position where your back is flat and your weight is in the balls of your feet and upper body/elbows. You can keep your hands flat on the ground or together as Tasha has hers placed. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air. Hold for 20 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for three to five reps.

To make the plank more challenging, hold the position with all your weight on one side. Keep one foot on the floor as you lift the opposite leg off the ground and “wrap” your foot closely around your base foot — crossing your ankles. Switch sides. If you are doing a plank without a partner, you may want to lift one leg straight up off the ground, hold, and switch sides.

Side-to-side lateral jump: Stand on one side of your partner, and bend your knees into a slight squat. In an explosive movement, jump over and to the side — landing with knees bent into a squat. Continue jumping from side to side for 10 seconds to one minute.

To make this jump less challenging, stand about one foot behind your partner — and do the same side-to-side movement.

To make this jump more challenging, tuck your knees up to your chest as you move side to side. Also, speed up your time — as soon as you land, explode into a jump in the other direction.

Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography.

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AllThingsGwen.com is my unofficial guide to health and happiness. It's a chronical of me finding my way.

I encourage you to think about “AllThings[YOUR NAME HERE]” and what’s really, truly important to you. Hope you enjoy my recipes, fitness tips, motivational posts and aha moments.

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