he and she eat clean's arugula chicken burgers

one of my goals for this week is to find and try some new recipes to work in the mix. we are in a big time food  rut. which leads to eating out every night, which leads to empty pockets in jeans that are way too tight.

i found the site he and she eat clean via pinterest (of course, where else does one find a recipe nowadays?). they have a lot of great looking ideas but the first one to jump out at me was their arugula chicken burgers (the link will actually take you to tosca reno's website where they shared the recipe).

these were super easy to make and SO DELICIOUS! they are filling, flavorful, and a perfect pairing with some roasted sweet potato cubes which we are loving right now too.

lots of fresh ingredients! chop everything up, add to a bowl, and add your ground chicken. 

 i pan fried them with this new coconut oil that i got from swanson health products [for more on them, see below].* it worked pretty much the same as evoo and i couldn't taste any difference in the two. i'm trying to use coconut oil more after reading whole30 and this worked perfectly!

doesn't that look good? it made four patties so we each had one for dinner then warmed up another one for lunch the next day. we put them on ezekiel english muffins the first night, then the second day i went without a bun.

let me know if you all try them!

*swanson health products has a HUGE selection of vitamins, supplements, organic foods, natural bath/beauty products, eco-friendly cleaners, etc.

• they are family owned since 1969
• guaranteed low prices (crazy low prices!)
• i can personally attest to their WONDERFUL customer service and FAST shipping

i was allowed to choose this product from swanson and it was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review of the product. as always, all opinions are my own and i was not required to give a positive review. 

mizuno wave sayonara :::: review

the following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.

when it comes to running the roads, mizuno and i have a very exclusive relationship. i have been in the wave rider model for as long as i can remember, and i have no intention of rocking the boat [as evidenced by my hoarding]:

well, mizuno is rolling out a brand new shoe [available JULY 5th/today!!] and i was lucky enough to get to try it out.

  meet the all new wave sayonara::::

the details::::

• weight: 7.1 ounces [a full ounce lighter than my usual wave riders]
• ramp:  10mm [wave rider 12mm]
• heel/toe: 19/9 [wave rider 24/12]
• on sale:  july 5, 2013
• suggested MSRP:  $119.99

my two cents::::

• i love the look of the shoe. it's bright but wearable.  
• they are incredibly light. 
• i wore them to the gym for a workout just because i was so excited to try them and actually found a great use for them... they are minimalist enough to lift in but enough shoe to hop on the treadmill afterwards! this is huge for me. when i lift [especially legs] i prefer a minimalist shoe but i can't run in them afterwards because i need more support. who wants to take two pairs of shoes to the gym? the wave sayonara solved this problem completely. 

• i was really surprised by the amount of support and cushion the shoe offered while i was running [it's the Mizuno Wave Technology].
• i think this would be a great shoe for someone who wanted to try a minimalist shoe but didn't want to sacrifice cushion or support. 
• i don't usually do speed work, but these shoes made me want to run fast! [and they're so light that you feel like you're moving a lot more quickly than usual!]
• they fit like a glove so i'm also looking forward to trying them without socks. 

want to know more?

mizuno running website

mizuno running on twitter @mizunorunning

mizuno running on Facebook

wave sayonara video

.: kona kase review :.

I was beyond pumped when this little package of awesomeness arrived on my doorstep!

loved the packaging, the quality of samples and the inspirational quotes and paperwork inside.

this one is on my desk pinboard now. love it.

what was inside? lots of goodies!

the KIND bar was gone in about 5 seconds. YUM.

i was impressed with the quantity and quality of the samples.

my biggest disappointment? there wasn't anything that i would use while working out. i was expecting some gels, or chews, or electrolyte drink.

want to try it for yourself? use the code FF2 at checkout and get your kona kase for $10!!

I received a Kona Kase via FitFluential, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.

my favorite things:::: giveaway #3

so here's the last giveaway in my 'marathon must haves".... the pro compression marathon sock.

i love them for running:

i love them for recovery:

riley even loves them:

pro compression was the third compression company that i tried, and luckily, the third time was a charm! :) i have no reason to look any further!

how i use pro compression::::

• running
• recovery
• i sleep in them the night before long runs to make sure my legs are fresh
• as my mid week runs got longer i even wore them to work so my legs would be ready to run when i got home... then i noticed how much they helped [i'm on my feet for 10.5 hours straight] so now i wear them to work a couple a times a week!

what sets them apart::::

• higher quality materials [helps with comfort and also great moisture control]
• great compression level [mmHg 22-26]
• great colors and fun prints
• they're constantly working and finding ways to improve their products
• i have larger calves and i like that while these socks offer great compression, they don't cut off my circulation right below my knee
• they're made in the USA
• i know first hand that their customer service is amazing. seriously. timely, considerate, attentive, and really a pleasure to work with. 

pro compression has generously offered up a pair of marathon socks to one of my readers! you can gain entries by:

• checking out their website and telling me what color you'd choose.
• follow pro compression on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway ( include @courtneymelson and @procompression)

FYI::::

pro compression also does a sock of the month and check out this month's socks!!!

how cute are these? you can use the code SOM3 to get 40% off [it works for calf sleeves too!]

leave me a comment for each entry. this giveaway will end at midnight [est] on tuesday march 5th. 

pro compression is providing one pair of marathon socks to the winner, i purchased my own. all opinions are my own. 

BSN Syntha-6 Protein Supplement::::Review

I got a lot of comments the other day about the protein powder I mentioned, so I figured I'd just go ahead and review it. I've learned about so many products through blogs so hopefully this will help you if you're in the market for a new protein powder.

the product:  BSN Syntha-6 Ultra-Premium Lean Muscle Protein Powder (BSN website)

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nutrition information:

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Yes, I know that is a lot of calories for a protein shake (for a girl). To me, these are GOOD calories that my body needs to recover after hard training. So I think it's worth it. A lot of the 'light' protein powders only offer 15g of protein per serving and based on the research I've done, that's not enough for me. There are obviously a lot of different opinions, but I've chosen to aim for at least 20 grams of protein after working out.

how i use it:  The night before my workout, I put 8 ounces of water in a Blender Bottle, then add one scoop of powder. Twist on the cap and shake! Then I put the bottle in the fridge overnight (you do not have to do this but in my experience it helps with the consistency!). In the morning I throw it into my gym bag and I drink it after I'm done training. Usually while I'm getting ready.

L to R:  water, pre-workout, post workout

what i love:  My brother steered me towards this powder and I haven't looked back. I ordered the chocolate peanut butter flavor and it is AMAZING. Seriously, it's like I get to drink a chocolate milkshake  after my workouts. The consistency is amazing (especially when chilled overnight) and it's rare that you get any chunks (if you do they're VERY small).

other random information:  The powder is sold in two sizes:  2.91 pounds and 5.04 pounds. On the BSN website, you can also get a sample pack of 4 servings for $4.99 (and free shipping). Both times I've ordered, I did so from BodyBuilding.com. Their website is amazing, I've had great customer service, and SUPER FAST shipping. Their website will show you the nutrition information (like above) for every flavor and will also tell you how many servings you can get from each size. They also have good sales!! Right now smaller tub is $55.49 on BSN and $29.99 on BodyBuilding. So definitely check them out. You can also get two free samples of several different products when you order.

***I say this to point out the obvious:  I am NOT a personal trainer or dietitian. I am just a girl who likes to lift weights and drink delicious drinks afterwards! These are just my opinions. I was not compensated by BSN, Blender Ball, or BodyBuilding.com in anyway. I purchased the products. ***

HANDFUL BRA:::: Review & Giveaway

A few months ago I contacted Jody at Handful regarding their super cute bras that I was seeing all over the blog world.

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I loved the way they looked -- the cute straps, the colors, and the most noticeable thing:  the 'bunching' in the middle (AKA: no more uniboob!).

When I contacted Jody she was very honest with me, and I REALLY appreciated that. I'm a D. She flat out told me that this bra was not going to be a sports bra for me, but that I could try it as an everyday bra. I thought her honesty was refreshing and I greatly appreciated that she still wanted me to review the bra.

So specifically for the girls who aren't members of the IBTC (not that I don't love you guys... I'd kinda like to be a member, but I've gotta look out for my large chested sisters here)...  :)

You know how it sucks to wear a real bra (underwire, non-sports bra) all the time? Yeah, it does. The best example I can think of is traveling. When I'm in an airport/car/plane/etc. all day the last thing I want is some stupid wire poking me in the rib.

I have two Under Armour 'sports' bras that are pretty comfortable:

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While they're comfortable, they do nothing for my girls if you know what I mean. They kind of look like a fat roll, uniboob. I will not wear a fitted shirt when I'm wearing these bras.

I had high hopes for the Handful, and I'm so happy to say that it exceeded my expectations. To sum it up:  It gave me comfortable support. The material is so comfortable!! The straps didn't dig into my shoulders. I did like the bra better with the pads removed, and I love the shape it gives me! I also loved the way the cute pink straps peek out in some of my shirts (FITTED shirts!!!)

After I crowned the Handful my new go to travel bra, I tried it out in some other ways. I wore it to lift weights and for an hour long yoga class. It worked perfectly!

Right now at Handful.com you can get the pink, nude and cocoa bras for only $28!!! Black and white are $40 each.

Jody was also awesome enough to offer one bra up to a reader!!!! Would you like to try your own Handful?

Here's how you can enter (please leave a comment for each):
 - Like Handful on Facebook
 - Follow Handful on Twitter
 - Go check out the Handful video and tell me your beach party or road trip essentials.
 - It'd be awesome if you followed me on Linky followers :)

The giveaway will be open until the 10th at midnight. Good luck!!!

PureFit Nutrition Bars

About a month ago I was contacted by Emily at PureFit asking if I would like to sample and review their nutrition bars. Sample food? Absolutely!

The thing that jumped out at me more than anything was that these bars are made by a runner for runners. I struggle with nutrition and fueling my body properly. I feel like so many products out there just don't get it. I need fuel for my active lifestyle without 302194738 billion calories.

Emily set me up with a sample pack featuring five flavors:  Granola Crunch, Peanut Butter Crunch, Berry Almond Crunch, Chocolate Brownie, and Almond Crunch. Are you noticing a theme? They like their crunch! And this is definitely something I can get behind. How many nasty protein bars are out there that have the consistency of Play Doh? YUCK. 


When I cut into the Peanut Butter Crunch bar, I was skeptical. It looked doughy. 

But, as my shotty photography doesn't highlight at all, there are little crispy crunchers inside the bar! Almost like a rice crispy type crackle. These completely change the consistency of the bar, making it so much more enjoyable to eat than other protein bars I've tried (I've tried Met-Rx, Supreme Protein, and Pure Protein). 


As stated on their website:


Since 2001, we’ve been producing high-quality, all natural, 40/30/30 nutrition bars that offer great taste without all the additives and sugar that are often included in other “nutrition bars.”  PureFit bars do not contain dairy, wheat, gluten, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, or trans fats, so they offer a sound nutritional choice.


If you'd like to try the bars head over to their website and use the promo code:  PROMO25. It'll take 25% off your first order!

**Purefit supplied me with a sample pack of bars. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.**