May Challenge: G is for Gear Queer

FACT: I am an absolute Nike gear queer. 

There you go, I said it.

I have an obsession with buying Nike apparel, more so than clothes I should be buying to wear to work. (Geez, I need therapy, but that's another story.) 

My name is Amanda and I have a shopping addiction.

I know for a fact I am not the only athlete out there that has a preferred choice of workout apparel. Maybe you enjoy Under Armour or go with Lulu Lemon, or your obsession might be Adidas. For me it's Nike and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thinking back to when I was a little kid, Adidas ruled the soccer world for a very long time. My Bux-Mont team rocked the North Carolina baby blue our entire career -- upgrading every few years with new uniforms. However, it was once I was at Loyola that Nike changed my world.

When it comes to Nike, I enjoy the fit, the fabric material, the comfort and their fashion-forward looks. Their fabric allows my body to breath during warm temperatures, and their cold weather gear kept me super warm this winter as I was taking my training runs outside in 30 degree temps. I feel like each and every week I am seeing new styles and items. For an avid shopper like myself, Nike's marketing team is winning me over.

Are you a Nike fan or looking to try out some Nike gear? Here is my list of favorite Nike attire. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)

Amanda's Nike Go-To's
Pants: Nike Women's Legend 2.0 Printed Capris - This style doesn't only come in printed, you can get them in solids as well. My favorite part of these pants is the thick waist band at the top versus a thinner band. It helps suck me in and always makes me feel tight in my core while on runs.
Sports Bra: Nike Women's Pro Core Printed Sports Bra
Tank Top: Nike Women's Signal Muscle Tank Top - this is by far theeee softest shirt I have ever worked out in. Not only is the comfort out of this world but it shows off your guns!
Tank Top: NIKE Women's Swoosh Out Tank Top - I love Nike dri-fit tanks, but their loose fit cotton tanks are my absolute favorite. It doesn't chafe my arms while running and is perfect during my gym classes.
T-Shirt: Nike Women's Metallic Signal Short Sleeve Shirt - I've never worked out in this shirt, it's more of a weekend running around shirt. I'm sure if I wore it during one of my gym classes it would be fab.
Sweatshirt: NIKE Women's Pro Hyperwarm Pullover Hoodie - This is a perfect hoodie for when temps are anywhere from the 30s to mid-50s. I wore my highlighter pink sweatshirt the entire winter and loved it for every run!! I wore my hood up on colder runs and the thumb holes in the sleeves were perfect for keeping my hands warm.
Sneaker: NIKE Women's Pro Nike Zoom Vomero+ 8 Pullover Hoodie

Click here to see all of my Nike favorites on Pinterest.


Interested in being a guest blogger for this year's May A-Z Series or know someone you think would be a great addition to this year's posts? Click here to email me asking for more details. Be brave! Take "write a blog" off your bucket list. Share your artwork, write a poem, showcase your photography -- Take Your Pic loves it all!! 

May Challenge: F is for Five Hottest Soccer Players

Ladies, behold Amanda's Top-5 hottest soccer player list of 2014 (sound the bells and whistles!!) 

I know there are lots and LOTS of soccer haters out there, but lets be honest, while it might be a painful 90 minutes to watch, for us ladies we sure are looking at some handsome men out on the pitch. Don't get me started when I'm watching games on HD. (insert drool stain) 

Being the avid soccer fan I am, narrowing down to only five men was a super tough task. I could have extended it to about 15, but after much deliberation I was able to pick just five. So here we go ladies (and gentleman), get ready for some sexy -- its not cheating when you're only looking. Sorry I'm not sorry, Taylor. :)


Honorable Mention: Lionel Messi
There is no way to hide that this Argentinian captain has the moves and the looks. The 26-year-old is one of the world's best forwards (some would argue THE best player in the world) playing for FC Barcelona. Messi is the first soccer player in history to win four FIFA/Ballons d'Or, all of which he won consecutively, as well as the first to win three European Golden Shoe awards. Thank you Messi for cutting your long hair -- you're so much more handsome with short locks. On the babe-o-meter, you get a 7.5 stars out of 10.

5. Mario Gómez
Keep your eyes open during the world cup ladies, because the German National Team has a stud. Gómez is a striker for Fiorentina (a Serie A team) and the German national team. Ready to swoon more? While he's an impressive leader on the score board, he's a doll in real life, especially in regards to equality. Gómez is known for being outspoken about social matters. For example, regarding homosexuality in soccer, he has stated that he believes gay players should be open about their sexuality and thinks that "they would play as if they had been liberated." He also stated that he would like a "radical rethink" about homosexuality in the sport. Bravo, Mario, well said!

4. Gerard Piqué
Aye papi!! This sexy 27-year-old Spaniard is a centerback for FC Barcelona. Being a CB, Gerard clearly doesn't have out of this world stats, however, I beg to differ with those baby blue eyes, chiseled abs and rough and tough facial hair make his hottie stats off the charts. While I pick my jaw up off the floor, I can't help but be pissed that my chances with him are slim to none as his girlfriend is the Latino bombshell Shakira (may I add she is 10 years older!!) Cheers to you both as you will have adorable children one day.

3. Xabi Alonso
When Real Madrid is on tv its hard to keep your eyes focused when you have players like Kaka, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos or six-pack, Gonzalo Higuain running around on the field. But let's get real, midie Xabi Alonso is charming and when he cleans himself up (ginger beard and all) he's a stud.  Not only is his physical appearance a 10, but in 2010 he was awarded "Best Dressed Man in Football." Fellas, take some pointers.






2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Oh boy, I don't think much of an introduction is needed for this soccer sex symbol. He's a Portuguese player who is a forward for Real Madrid and captains the Portugal national team. Cristiano became the most expensive soccer player in history when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 in a transfer worth $132 million. Ronaldo is the first top European league player to reach 40 goals in a single season in two consecutive years, fastest Real Madrid player to reach one hundred league goals, and the first player ever to score against every team in a single season in La Liga. Jesus, did I mention he's HOT too?! Ohhhh baby, get me a damp cloth.



1. David Beckham
Not sure about anyone else, but the highlight in this year's super bowl for me was seeing David Beckham pretty much naked in an H&M commercial. Anyone else? Beckham is a former soccer player playing for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, Los Angeles Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and the England national team for which he holds the appearance record for an outfield player. He was the first English player to win league titles in four countries (England, Spain, the United States and France). He announced his intention to retire in May 2013 and played his final game of his 20-year career on May 18, 2013. The Beckham's of course are comprised of David, Victoria and their four children. Mr. Beckham, you are 10 out of 10 on the babe-o-meter.




Interested in being a guest blogger for this year's May A-Z Series or know someone you think would be a great addition to this year's posts? Click here to email me asking for more details. Be brave! Take "write a blog" off your bucket list. Share your artwork, write a poem, showcase your photography -- Take Your Pic loves it all!! 

May Challenge: E is for Evening

I'm keeping this post pretty simple today, but the beauty speaks millions. I captured this sunset the evening my cousin Jackie was confirmed into the Catholic church. The warmth behind this tree really highlights the happiness I felt in my heart that evening for her. I'm pretty positive my Uncle Mark (Jackie's late father) allowed my lens to snap this shot. Xox