If you're a regular Flecks of Lex reader, you know that I struggle in the morning . I really, really want to be one of those people who can wake up early, eat breakfast, go for a run, take a shower, get dressed up like they're about to hit the read carpet, write a dissertation, and then go to work and carry on about their day like they didn't wake up at an absurd hour. I am not one of those people, though. I need a little help to wake me up in the morning. Usually, that aid is coffee. That, of course, requires me to get up and get ready and go to Starbucks. Not the best strategy, right? Well, little did I know that I was going to soon experience a new energizer that would give me that extra push in the morning that I've been missing. When I wake up in the morning, I can barely even open my eyes. I look like some sort of mole with an afro. I received a box of Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer from the company (in exchange for this unbiased review), and read the ins...

I am just going to straight up brag: I have some awesome readers! You guys are always sharing pointers and fun info with me. I love it! I appreciate you! And because I appreciate your awesomeness, I am going to be hosting my first ever Instagram challenge, wherein I will gloat about you, and celebrate you with giveaways! Now, I know keeping up with your workout regimen in August can be extremely challenging. Here in the Washington Metropolitan Area, August is usually the sweatiest, grossest, most miserable summer month. A few years ago, I spent what felt like the entire month of August wearing maxi dresses, secretly sweating profusely under those dresses (whilst looking fabulous, of course). In addition to the heat, this is often the last chance people get to take vacation time before things start getting busy again with work and personal lives. It's understandable that so many people let their routines fall by the wayside; however, we're not going to let that happen this y...

More important question: Do you even lift, bro? Just kidding! I love to wear gloves when I lift, for a number of reasons. For starters, they protect your hands from getting gnarly blisters. With my line of work, I have to shake a lot of hands. There is nothing worse than shaking a disgusting hand, whether that hand is slimy, ashy, crackly... you name it! (This is the main reason why I carry hand sanitizer when I have work events.) Another great benefit of wearing lifting gloves is that they provide you with some padding when you're lifting. Have you ever lifted a heavy amount, or done a difficult move, where it feels like someone is punching you in the palm of your hand? No? Maybe you should try doing a few sets of these , because you will totally understand. ...

Full disclosure: As part of the Foam Fanatics ambassador program, I received one free entry for a race in the city of my choice. A couple of weeks ago, I participated in what I can only describe as one of the most physically challenging activities I've done in a very long time: I ran the 5K Foam Fest. There was lots of foam, and even more mud, but overall, it was such a fun experience! I believed I had prepared myself for this race, but little did I know how difficult the race would actually be... ...

I did it again, you guys! I woke up early enough that I didn't have to sprint out of my house with goose feathers in my hair! Why goose feathers? Fun fact: I sleep with a down comforter year-round! Weird? Maybe, but I'm always cold! I was reading this article  from Women's Health, which got me thinking about what I would love to have when I work out -- especially when I am a good little fitness blogger and wake up early. So, let's get to it, shall we? Here are five things I would love to have to help me with my workouts: ...

Every Monday, I tell myself that I'm going to make it a Meatless Monday. Of course, this normally devolves as soon as I eat the first meal of the day. (Oops!) Today, I decided to suck it up and just do it. I don't have any real health reasons for such a decision. For me, it's more about discipline, and trying new recipes. I've always loved vegetables, but man do I love some fish and poultry! It's amazing how you can be challenged with cooking as soon as you remove a protein with which you're used to cooking! Though I've been craving grilled cheese all day (ALL DAY), I decided that I needed a little more sustenance for dinner. What to make... what to make... Oh, I know! Zucchini noodles! ...

I woke up this morning around 4:30. I'm not sure why. I have been sick for nearly a week, and I have been seriously exhausted. Nevertheless, my body did not care, and chose to wake up anyway. Now, ordinarily, I would watch something on my laptop until I got bored and fell back to sleep; however, this morning, I remembered that my gym actually opens at 5 a.m., so I would be a good little athlete this morning and get in a workout a few hours before an early work event (and the chaos that is an average day for me). ...

I was Editor in Chief of my college newspaper, and nothing irritated me more than having to edit articles written by freshman journalism students. I do my best to check my spelling and grammar on this blog, but slip up from time to time. To all of the bloggers out there, and fans of grammar and the English language in general, enjoy!   ...

I really enjoy watching the World Cup. It makes you feel patriotic, while also feeling like you really belong to the global community. I know that sounds corny, but I believe it! Oh, right, and another reason I love to watch the World Cup: The hot men. Let's be honest here. I would not be watching it if it weren't for the hot  soccer  football players. It's not too difficult to watch the games without knowing too much about the sport, which can make anyone an instant fan. Short story: I was walking down on the National Mall earlier this week, and I saw people playing Ultimate Frisbee. I could not understand the rules or anything about the game, and gave up watching after about 10 minutes. Last night, I realized I hadn't come up with a World Cup bingo board, so I decided to get on it stat! ...

Full disclosure: I received the Influenster Spring VoxBox, which contained a number of products, including the Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara. The review contained herein includes my honest thoughts and opinions on the product. Those who know me know that I'm not one to be super glammed up with makeup on at all times. If and when I do wear makeup, I usually just fill in my brows, put on a little eye shadow, liner, and mascara, and I'm good to go -- in 5 minutes or less. I generally have clear skin, and I just don't like the feeling of having makeup caked on top of my face. However, I do own my fair share of makeup, and I'd say that I'm loyal to certain products that I love, and don't mind spending a little extra for good quality -- especially since I don't have to replenish them very often. Now, obviously this doesn't mean that I'm going to pick the most expensive product each time just because I like it; that's just careless! ...