Valentine’s Day is all about romance. It’s the day when couples around the world shower each other with candy, balloons, giftS, and love. Whether you are planning for a first date or a 15 year anniversary celebration one important thing to think about is that magical moment.

I’m talking about the big pucker up…the sucky face ….you know the KISS!

There is no better way to get ready for the smootch of all smoothes than to find the right lipstick. I don’t have any plans this Valentine’s Day, but I can suggest a couple of lipsticks that I would wear if I was planning for a special dinner date.

My favorite lipstick color is Covergirl Katy Kat Colorlicious Pink Paws. This color gives me just the right amount of sass and looks really flirty without going over the top.

My most recent lipstick purchase was Mamastarrr by Patrick Starr. This is a top pick too. I was surprised to find that this color is great neutral color that is good for date night or even a lunch date.

So cheers to all of you couples out there. I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day!

One quick question for you – do you take off your lipstick before dinner and then put it back on immediately after you finish eating? Do you use a compact and put it on at the table or step away? Or do you eat with the lipstick on?

😘

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Today has to be recognized as the equivalent to Christmas for pizza lovers. Pizza and I have history. On today I commemorate the many moments we’ve shared, slices, cheese, garlic and all. I’m reminded of Friday afternoons with my son, either going to my favorite local pizza restaurant or making homemade pizza.

My weekly treat used to involve a microwave pizza with custom toppings like mushrooms, onions, and peppers. I fell in love with Digiorno’s, California pizza kitchen, and Papa Johns. Now, I’m really interested in trying out this new cauliflower pizza crust that I saw on Live with Kelly and Ryan. I found this amazing recipe on Allrecipes.com. Has anyone tried this yet?

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Okay, I admit it. I am a foodie. One of the main highlights in my week is finding something new to eat. My palate does not require exotic foods and fanciful delicacies, but it does like high quality basics like subs, pizza, and pancakes. It’s usually a weekly treat because my digestion system is not all that swift, but I have found one thing that I can enjoy within getting puffed up.

Soup has become a staple item in my diet. I have not taken the next step to cook a soup from scratch, but I have found a few that are delicious. In lieu of National Homemade Soup Day, here is my list of top soups that have that home cooked taste from brands like Campbell’s, Progresso, and Marie Callendar.

Tomato Soup

My absolute favorite is Tomato Soup. I completely love Campbell’s Slow Kettle Tomato and Sweet Basil Bisque soup. It is a bit pricier, but I have not found many soups like it. Campbell’s canned tomato soup with basil has a similar taste. The difference is that the slow kettle soup is made with no preservatives.

My treat is to have my soup with Goldfish or Cheeze-Its. I know it probably adds a lot more calories, but the combination is delicious. I even recently found out that the Cheeze-Its are available in reduced fat, whole grain, pepper jack, extra toasty, white cheddar, and hot & spicy flavors.

Chicken Pot Pie

This soup is one of my favorites. Who doesn’t love a chicken pot pie! The soup has a very similar taste. I can enjoy the potatoes, carrots, chicken, corn, and peas without feeling hungry afterwards.

Penne Soup

I have only discovered the creamy tomato with penne soup once. I was pleasantly surprised. There were just enough noodles and the cream wasn’t too soupy.

Chicken Tortilla

Lately, I’ve gotten into Latin flavors. The chicken tortilla soup has the perfect blend of rice, beans, corn, peppers, and chicken. It makes me feel like I’m actually eating my favorite wrap.

Chicken Noodle

In spite of all of the soups in the world, there is still nothing better than good ole fashioned chicken noodle soup. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Campbell’s soup still tastes just like I remember from back in the day.

Next, I’ll try buying my own ingredients to make homemade soup. For now the canned option is super convenient, cost efficient, and easily digestible.

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I have a confession to make. I am struggling to manage my fitness goals this year. Around November of last year was the last time that I remember maintaining my fitness regimen. I was committed to four days a week at minimum. I had much more muscle tone and motivation. I was able to ride my bike for one hour or complete a full cardio class without getting tired. Now, I’m barely able to make time to work out two days a week. My size hasn’t changed but my level of fitness is slowly dropping and I know exactly why.

I’m currently addicted to snacks. I find myself consuming extras at night, which is a rarity. I usually keep a very strict diet with a few splurges here and there, but I just can’t get out of snack mode. They’re all whole green snacks, but that really doesn’t matter when they are consumed excessively. I find myself looking to my health crazed friends for inspiration.

Luckily today is National Green Juice Day. I now have a great reason (and a holiday) to reset my habits. I’m celebrating #nationalgreenjuiceday by trying out a recipe from allrecipes.com. I’ll complete my joyous day by visiting the gym and taking my favorite Zumba class.

If you are interested in staying connected for more fitness inspiration or to read about other hip and rad topics, you can subscribe to my blog http://www.latanyaonline.com.

#gotmygreens

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