#pumpingfairy united

Finally it's Friday and finally we also arrived in Hamburg. Now we just have to check-in, register our participation for the competition tomorrow and then we have some spare time to explore Hamburg or simply relax in our rooms.

Therefor the post will be a little shorter. As every Friday now, I am featuring my 9 favorite fitspo pictures from our #pumpingfairy movement on Instagram. I am happy that since last week some more people joined our community, our fitfam is growing bigger and bigger.

1. Ladymanu86 's transformation
2. Urbanvalyou Starting her day with a great booster by Powerfood's J-M.B
3. Anneloesch working out in her fancy nikewear
4. Manopopeye_ sharing her lunch with us: sweet potatoes, low-fat yoghurt & cinnamon and chicken asia style
5. Sophieja96  hitting the gym again after 2 weeks
6. Kleneet25 enjoying a fit salad for lunch
7. Lauragetsfit.14  doing cardio and an arm routine
8. Alexscastle 's healthy bolognese with a bit of parmesan
9. Latanyha2209 showing off with her awesome abs, go girl

Renee Tote by 6 Pack Fitness

Yep, I have become a victim of 6 Pack Fitness too, 'thanks' to Instagram... damn it haha. 

After I have been searching endlessly for a new meal management bag, I finally found the 6 Pack bag Fitness account on Instagram. (Remember my post about the Innovator 500?)

I had already heard of it and I saw several bags, when I was at the FIBO in April this year, but back then I didn't know why so many people where queuing up at the 6 Pack Fitness stand... Well, now I know why haha. It was the release and the registration to get one of the first Renee Totes. If only I knew that at that moment.

If you have read my post about the Innovator 500, you should already know that I also ordered a Renee Tote at www.extremenutrition.co.uk. Therefor I don't lose time on reviewing their shipping again.

Now, I got myself the Renee Tote in Orange. I know that most people would have opted for Beige or Black, but that's exactly the reason why I choose orange hehe. I always try to stand out from the crowd and be a little different. And I can give my outfits a little touch with that bag, while my winter-apparel is usually grey,brown or black. Maybe you wonder why I got another meal management bag? Well, it's because I am going to start my first real job next year and I don't want to carry hundreds of different bags to the office. Thus, I thought the Renee Tote would be the perfect thing. 

Just as the Innovator 500, it seems very resistant and the quality is pretty satisfying so far. You have so many little pockets on that bag and in the bag itself too. From the front it looks like a normal fashionable bag with a lot of storage space. On the back you have another zipper where your meal management hides.

Besides the several little pockets, the bag comes with 4 lock-lid containers (which are the same kind like those of the Innovator), 3 ice-Packs (2 smaller one and a bigger one), and a small round box which is dedicated to your supplements. Just like the Innovator, you can take out the plastic stack-arrangement  if you need space for other things. 

The normal part of the bag is purpose-built to carry larger things like your laptop, paper-stuff but also smaller things like your wallet, smartphone, make-up purse and so on. 

All in one, I am so happy that I bought this bag and that I choose this color, I really love it. 

Of course I will take this bag with me for our trip to Hamburg as we won't stay at the same location all the time. I still want to look fancy and have my meals at hand when we are going to explore the city and the beautiful christmas markets.

Front view

Back view

lock-lid container

The perfect bag for the fancy you

Mini supplement box

All the stuff that comes with the bag

Innovator 500 by 6 Pack Fitness

Yaaay, my Innovator 500 by 6 Pack Fitness arrived.

I ordered my Innovator 500 at www.extremenutrition.co.uk  because the official 6 Pack Fitness Shop doesn't ship to Europe. Therefor I had was on the look out for a serious retailer, which wasn't that easy. But luckily I have a sister who is a total pro when it comes to checking out if an online retailer is fake or not.
Unfortunately, Extremenutrition doesn't carry all the colors of the different products, but they had the color I was looking for and that's all that counts. I paid around 10£ for the shipping, which is in my opinion 'okay' because it comes from the UK. The Renee Tote also went straight into my cart to avoid any additional  shipping costs. (More of my Renee Tote soon)
The bag already arrived after one week, while the website said 14 days, so thumbs up for their fast delivery service

The bag itself is just awesome. The design is just outstanding as the violet details on the zipper give it an extra touch. At first, I wasn't sure if I should take it in pink or not because I thought it would be a little too much. Thanks heaven I have been mistaken, because it's absolutely fabulous.

The bag comes with an ergonomic shoulder strap, six lock-lid containers, two Ice Packs and it's divided into four different departments. Regarding the lock-lid containers, there is one specifically meant for your supplements. The other five containers, that are also BPA/PVC free, microwaveable, leak prove and dish washer safe, offer you a perfect meal management along with the ice-packs and the insulated interior that keeps your food and drinks cold for about 8 hours. 

Another big plus for this bag is that you can take out the entire plastic stack-arrangement of the main department, just in case you have to carry something bigger. Moreover, the two side pockets provide a perfect storage space for bigger bottles like shakers, water-bottles and even fruits.

I've read so many negative reviews about the quality of this product. But so far I have to say that the quality seems pretty good and the bag gives a robust appearance at first sight. The zippers, just as the insulated interior, seem very resistent and not shabby at all (as a lot of people described).

Luckily, the bag arrived just on time, so that I can test it right away on our trip to Hamburg for the Mr.&Ms. Universe weekend. 

Front view

Back view

5 meal management

Supplement box

Gel Ice Pack

A lot of space in the bag

Selfmade Fruit & Nut Chocolate

Could there be anything better than enjoying some heavenly chocolate while sipping on hot beverages during this cold season? I bet not... But still I am sure that you don't want to gain extra pounds in winter because of the festive days, am I right?

Well, I got the perfect solution for you: Selfmade healthy fruit&nut chocolate that allows you to eat some bits without feeling guilty at all.  

Ingredients

Yep, I know... doesn't look that delicious haha

How it looks like after 30min in the freezer

Ready is your evening chocolatey snack

Ingredients: 

1. 5 tsp organic coconut oil
2. 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
3. 1 tsp organic pure cocoa powder
4. 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 
5. 2 tsp almond meal
6. 1/2 cup mixed roasted nuts
7. 1/4 cup sultanas

Directions:

• Heat your coconut oil a little bit up, so it get's a little more fluid.
• Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
• But your mixture on a baking paper and spread it to a square.
• Place in the freezer for about 30min to set.

I think that's one of the tastiest and fastest snack to have in the evening when you are craving chocolate.

Chocolate Power Cookies

Finally, after a long time , I had some spare time to pursue another little 'hobby' of mien: baking. 

Since I was little I always helped my mum when she was baking. Okay, I have to admit that most of the time it was because I always could have some dough afterwards hehe. But I always loved to help her bake and when I grew older I started baking for my family, and for my friends once in a while. 

I know that I am not the best baker in the world, but still I always get compliments for my cakes and cookies. Well, that's mostly when I have baked something, let's say, not so healthy haha. Because now that I changed to the healthy side of life, I usually bake more healthy stuff. And that's when people start criticizing because they compare the unhealthy version's taste with the healthy one, which doesn't turn out all right every time. However, if it doesn't taste good, it's not my fault , it's the recipe's fault... 

Enough talk now. This time I made some Chocolate Power Cookies, that work well as a pre.workout snack or as a mid-day snack when you feel hungry and the need to eat something sweeter or chocolatey.

Ingredients

Feel free to add some spices if you want a stronger taste

Form little balls with a spoon

If you have a stamp, you can make cookie-thalers

et voilà

Ingredients: 

1. 3 bananas
2. 2 cups shredded oats, or oatmeal (the caster it is, the better)
3. 1 tbsp. baking cocoa (make sure it has a high percentage of cocoa)
4. 2 tbsp. organic peanutbutter (preferably 100% without too much added salt)

Directions:

• Cut your bananas into smaller pieces and put them in the microwave for 1min at 800w. (This will make the bananas a little milder which will bring out a smoother dough)
• Add all the ingredients into a bowl and blend everything until smooth
• Blob little dough balls on your baking tray
• Bake them for about 15 min at 175°c until they get a golden/brown color
• Et voilà. 

I know I am a little too early stamping them with a 'Merry Christmas' , but I am so looking forward to december that I couldn't resist trying out my new baking-stamp. 

#pumpingfairy army

Finally Friday! Have you already planned something special for the weekend? Will you just stay at home and spend some quality-time on the couch with your beloved ones and recover from a great training-week? Or have you planned a visit to any Christmas markets already and do some early gift-shopping?

For me there is no real rest anymore, just like the last times before a competition. The past weekend I still had two days off, but now I have to keep going with my training schedule, as we will leave for Hamburg on Thursday night already. I'm very looking forward to this entire Miss Universe experience and I couldn't be more happy that I get to compete against such brilliant athletes.

But before I'm leaving, I present you my 9 favorite photos of the week ( #pumpingfairy on Instagram)
Thanks a lot to everyone who joined the movement so far and I hope that even more people will connect to our little community. Keep finding motivation each day from each other by using #pumpingfairy on Instagram

1. ladymanu86 kicking a badass workout outside.

2. nillesjulie 's healthy banana peanuter-butter bread with walnuts.

3. urbanvalyou looking so cute with the flowers in her hair , and that cute smile. 

4. alexscastle , sweat like a pig, look like a fox... Ever Last Slimmer belt ftw.

5. fashionbarbecue 's fancy nike gym-bag 

6. lauragetsfit.14  always on track

7. _quatschi_ has wholewheat pasta with an avocado-sauce for lunch

8. carolegoerend hitting a badass gym-session

9. b_lume 's heavenly tortilla-pizzas topped with tomatoes, mushrooms, goat cheese, shredded mozzarella and basil leaves. 

Review: Piba 'Mermaid' Tights

Let me present you my fancy looking fish: Goliath.

We adopted him some weeks after we moved in our little home. I know this might sound childish, but I always wanted a 'Betta Splendens' (his breed's name) and now that I am living with my boyfriend I met my wish hehe. The best thing about those fish is that they are not very sensitive regarding the keeping and the water, so you don't have to buy a super expensive aquarium with a water-pump, -filter and so on. Therefor it's actually the perfect first fish, and by the way they look fabulous.But I guess this doesn't interest you that much, does it? And you may wonder why I am talking about my fish here. 

Well, to put it straight... My sister gifted me a pair of tights by Piba to reward me for my first performance on stage in Rheinbach (isn't she the best?) . These ones are actually called 'Mermaid' and as the colors are almost the same as Goliath's scales I took the opportunity to introduce my fancy-looking fish and write a little review about the tights as well...

I have already heard of Piba on Instagram (where else?!) , and I was flashed by their design at first glance. They offer so many different styles of leggings, shorts, gloves and accessories... and even competition bikinis, isn't that great? But as I already bought some pairs of tights a while ago, I would have felt guilty buying another pair, so I resisted. Therefor , I was even happier when Sammie gave me the package and I saw their label on it.

At first sight, I must say that I wasn't sure if the tights would be resistant as the fabric looked quite sheer and the tight itself was very very light. But, fortunately, I was grievously mistaken. Once I tried them on, I didn't want to put them off again. Seriously, those tights are so comfy, they fit and feel like a second skin. Needless to say that I wore them the day after for my legsession, and they even passed the 'Leg-Day-Test'. Thus, it's safe to say that they are quite resistive.

Concerning the shipping and the sizes I can only say that my sister was very satisfied with the shipping as it arrived on time, and the size was also the right one. They also have a size-chart on their web-shop,to help you picking the right size to feel super comfy (and super fashionable) during your gym-sessions. 

P.S I will also make my next order very soon. I just have to wait a little as I just ordered a meal-management bag. I don't want to feel guilty hehe...#girlsproblems. Have a great rest of the week my loves. 

He's always so curious hehe

It's always so difficult to get a good shot of him, not very photogenic. Grumpy fish

Perfect comfy and fancy fabrics

Sunday Shopping

It's Sunday again,

One of the most hated days of the week because almost everything is closed and usually you have no idea what to do to escape the sunday-boredom. 

But never say die... There are still plenty of things you can do to get busy. If you are up to move into gear, you could go for an outdoor run or walk or simply combine your houseworks with home-workouts. 

And if you are super lazy, why don't you prepare some healthy snacks and watch television, or do some online shopping to look fancy as f*** for your next gym-session? Exceptionally I am supporting your laziness by sharing some of my favorites. I think some of those items might make it to my christmas wish-list. And no...it's never too early to start thinking about christmas and gifts... 

Nike Essential Yoga Kit

Nike Flash Running Tights

Nike Pro Hyperwarm Engineered Print

Nelly Sport Fashionable Running Top

Under Armour Heatgear Alpha Printed Bra

Y.A.S Sport Anatomy LS Top

Nelly Sport Frill Sweater

Nike Heritage Gym Bag Turquoise Leopard Print

Nike Freerun 4.0 Flyknit Grey Trainers

Adidas Originals Zebra Leggings

Adidas Santiago XL Watch

Have fun shopping and enjoy the last hours of your weekend.

Join the #pumpingfairy movement

Fitfam, it's time to get united.

With the wonderful words I received on my social media these past days, an idea has started to spin in my mind. Many of you told me how my photos and my words motivate you each day to keep going,well, this got me started thinking : Why don't we start motivating each other even more? I spend a lot of time wondering about how to create a small community within this huge community named Instagram and finally it hit me : A specific hash-tag will do it best.

How to join the movement :

1. Create your own profile on Instagram, if you haven't done so yet.

2. Publish your gym-selfies, workout routines, healthy meals or new fitness-stuff on Instagram

3. Use the hashtag #pumpingfairy

4. Every week I'll choose my 10 favorite pictures and feature them on my blog and on my Instagram-profil to reward you for your healthy lifestyle and your motivation.

Important: Make sure that your Instagram profile is public, otherwise I won't be able to see your pictures. 

So let's get fit together, I am already looking forward to seeing your fitspiration. xX

Grand-Prix des trois frontières

Powerfood's J-M.B Team

Hello my dear fitfam,

Yesterday I participated in the 'Grand-Prix des trois frontières' in Eupen (Belgium). There weren't as many athletes as in Rheinbach, but the physiques of the other athletes were still outstanding. I don't want to keep you in suspense...*drum rolls*

I placed 3rd and therefor qualified for the Mr. & Ms. Universe in Hamburg at the end of the month...isn't that awesome?

I am so happy and I still can't believe that I made it. It's my first season and I already qualified for the Miss Universe in Hamburg. My debut as a bikini-shape competitor couldn't have been any better.

Yesterday,our entire team made some great victories, my boyfriend also placed 3rd in his category and Yannick S. (our champion) placed 1st in the Body-class 3 , 2nd in Semi-Pro and he was nominated the Overall winner. Powerfood's J-M.B for the wi!

All in one, the backstage-atmosphere wasn't so tingly and tense as in Rheinbach because the backstage-section was divided.. You could stay right behind the stage, or place yourself in one of the two changing rooms, where you had your own table and seat with a mirror and a wash-basin. As Ken and I already arrived with our coach early in the morning, we had the freedom to chose whatever spot we wanted. 

I was with sharing the place with 3 other women so the atmosphere was very calm.  I got to know Martina L., a very nice person with whom I had a great talk. She already participated at the ' Miss FIBO Power beauty' in April, and in Rheinbach in May and last week. I am happy that I got to know her. But one of the best moments, expect my victory, was when that one little girl was smiling at me with a glint in her eyes and saying in german '' Hello, I just want to tell you that you looked very pretty on stage'' . That was a real 'awwwwww' moment. I was really flattered by her words, she was so cute. Every time we crossed our ways (she helped her mother out in the refreshment area) she was smiling at me. At the end of the competition she topped her smiles when she asked me if she could give me a hug. I mean... hello... give this little girl an oscar for her cuteness hihi. 

After all, a big THANK YOU goes to my beloved fitfam who supported and motivated me on Facebook, Instagram or via private messages. I also want to thank my family and my boyfriend's family  for having been there, it was a great pleasure and so much fun between the breaks. I also take a call to Vincent Croutzen and his friendly wife Sabrina who supported us backstage. They helped us  with the finish-tan, the warm-up and they comforted us before stepping on stage. 

But the sincerest thanks goes to my coach, Jean-Marie Bermer, who prepared, motivated, supported and believed in me. I feel blessed that I am part of this team, I know that it's roughly the same speech as last week's, but I am just being honest.

I can't wait until the 28th of November, when we leave for the Mr.&Ms. Universe-weekend. I am sure we are going to have a great time and a lot of fun together. 

You'll find further pictures on my Facebook-page again. Enjoy your week my loves. xX

Ken and I during the break

Round 1 in my evening dress

Two winners, I am proud of us

Competition-Makeup

Marga's awesome equipment

Before I start writing about my competition-makeup, I wanted to thank everybody for the nice words and compliments about my overall appearance, but especially about my makeup. 

I decided to create a post about it to honor the person and artist behind my makeup, Marga. Ever since she was passionate about creating extravagant make-ups, she decided in 2009 to take a break to leave for Paris, where she took classes to become a professional makeup-artist. And she carried her dream out and now she can proudly call herself a professional makeup artist in Luxembourg and the Great Region. If you have ever experienced how she works, you surely could see how much she loves to visit her clients to create a fabulous makeup, whether it is for a wedding-day, a night out with friends or simply to teach some ladies how to make themselves up with their own maquillage-equipment. Driven by her passion of maquillage, she created her very own beauty blog ' Ma Passion Beauté' ,where she shares her very own vision of beauty, honest reviews about the different cosmetic products she tested herself and many beauty-related articles she doesn't want to deprive us from. 

I met Marga for the first time when I was at the Smets Fashionweek with my sister, weeks ago. Of course we exchanged business cards, chatted a little bit and that was it already. Later I looked at her blog and work and I was just amazed. She is such a great makeup artist , in the truest sense of the word. She really does a brilliant work, I never thought that someone could , let's say, 'paint' so good and so detailed. I am already happy when I manage to apply my eyeliner reasonably at the first attempt, or when I put on mascara without spilling it around my entire eye haha. That's why I decided to ask her to do my makeup for my competition.

I knew that I would be very stressed the morning of my competition that I wouldn't be calm enough to put on my makeup by myself. And thank heaven she still had time to come over. As Ken and I had to be at our coach's at 9.30 am , with an hour car-drive, Marga had to come very very early, and I am so appreciative that she made it to our apartment the earliest possible. Afore I already explained her my ideas for my makeup, and on the day of our appointment she came up with a great idea and adjusted my idea with her vision and the color of my bikini and tadaaa my maquillage was just perfect. I really enjoyed the time when she was here to pretty me up. Marga is such a lovely person and you feel comfortable with her ab initio. So don't worry if you ever want your makeup to be done by her, she is wonderful. I can truly recommend her if you ever want to look absolutely marvelous. 

If you have any further questions about her work, prices or availability, just checkout her blog or Facebook-page. 

Enjoy the rest of your week my loves. xX

The marvelous Marga

Marga's equipment

Fake lashes

Isn't this makeup fantastic?

Ken and I getting ready after my makeup-session