My New Best Friend

Quite a few years back I was admiring my mother's beauty, specifically her skin. Despite her being 30 years older than I, I could not help but appreciate how smooth and healthy it appeared. I asked her how is it that although she was well over 40 at the time and much of her hair had greyed as a result of her working over a decade on 3rd shift (not to mention raising us 5 kids), her skin was in such great condition! Her response: "You start doing something about it when you're 30!"

For whatever reason, these "words of wisdom" stuck with me. I have read and ignored too many times the admonition to take great care when it comes to your skin, particularly that of one's face. Consequently, as the heart and great heat of summer approached and as a natural compliment to my already proactive approach towards my health and overall well-being, I decided not to wait until I was 30 to start "doing something about it." I would begin now.

Somewhere along the way, I had read about Olay's moisturizer with SPF. As with any beauty product, I checked out the reviews. Amazon.com usually has very helpful consumer reviews for all sorts of products. The only complaints that Olay's moisturizer had were when they changed their formula. Once they changed it back, triumphant reviews followed. So, I decided I would start my new beauty regimen with that.

I purchased Olay's Complete All Day UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Combination/Oily Skin for roughly $10. I have worn it every day since and have been quite pleased with the outcome. Not only does it provide the necessary protection from the sun, but the moisturizing component works great without being greasy. It absorbs well and has not caused any breakouts. Concerning the SPF, it does it's job. For example, on July 4th, I was out in the sun for no more than 2 hours and had only applied the moisturizer to my face with no additional SPF. My shoulders and arms burned; my face did not. I need no further convincing.

Henceforth, I will continue to use this product religiously. You do not need to dispense a lot of the product with each use, so the $10 will go a long way - a small price to pay for healthy, young looking skin.

Whether Olay's moisturizing sunscreen is for you or not, I would encourage you, reader, to not wait any longer to take matters into your own hands with regards to your skin's health. Earlier this year, a dear friend of mine was discovered to have a nasty stage 2 melanoma that needed to be removed. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and said person is doing just fine. Nevertheless, you always think it could never be you until it's too late. Why risk it, especially when prevention is so easy?

Another great SPF product that won't break your bank is Walgreen's Sunscreen. At 2/$5 for 3 oz., you can't beat the price. It goes on well and is not greasy, and it comes in varying degrees of protection - SPF 15, 30, 50, and even 70+. It is available as normal sunscreen or "Sport" with water and sweat resistance.  If you prefer spray over cream, they have that, too, but at a slightly higher price. I have been using this product for the last 2 summers and have no complaints.

So there you have it! No room for excuses! My final words are taken from a recent tweet by Chalene Johnson, "Treat your body like a temple, not a trashcan." Guaranteed, you'll be more than happy with the results.

It's Beyond Me!

I'm probably not going to make any friends with this post, but this topic has been on my mind for weeks. I cannot understand why people don't make exercise a priority. It is essential to living your best life, and, I don't know about you, but since I only have one life to live, I want to give it all I've got!

Believe me, I understand it is not easy to create an exercise regimen out of nothing, and sticking to it is even more difficult. It really just comes down to a matter of priorities; you have to want it. Unfortunately, it often takes something catastrophic for people to find the motivation. Thankfully, it is rarely "too late," and with a lot of work and moral support from friends and family, people are able to change their habits and reboot their life.

Exercise is unbelievably worth it in so many ways. Obviously, it assists in weight loss and/or management. It builds muscle, strengthens your organs, bones, and even boosts your brain function! It wards off countless diseases and conditions (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, etc.) that can decrease your quality of living or even be life threatening. It improves your mood by releasing endorphins as you exercise, which can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.

In this day and age, people are constantly on the lookout for the "wonder pill" - the one thing, in whatever form it may come, that will solve all of their life's problems and make them nearly invincible. Well, guess what? It already exists; it's called exercise! Now, of course, exercise is truly only one side of the coin. It needs to be moderated by a healthy diet as well. The pair when in the right combination can produce unbelievable and positive results. Hence, it is beyond me why people don't make healthy living more of a priority.

Ultimately, it comes down to laziness, which makes me incredibly sad. It really is not that tall an order. Again, you have to want it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that as a minimum adults should get 2.5 hours of moderate intensity exercise per week (that's approximately 21.5 minutes per day) and engage in muscle strengthening activities at least twice a week, giving attention to all major muscle groups. When the topic of exercise arises, the most common excuse people give is, "I don't have enough time." The CDCP goes on to say that 10 minutes at a time is fine and still able to produce health benefits. Who can't spare 10 minutes, really?

So, sorry to say it, but the general public is without excuse. And, your overall well-being ought to be important enough to take action. So, take a good introspective look. What's keeping you from the 20 minutes a day that it takes to keep yourself on the path towards a long, happy, and healthful life?

Is it easy? No. Is it doable? Yes. And as I always say, anything - even just 10 minutes a day - is better than nothing at all. Every choice one makes towards improving their quality of life and overall health makes a difference, and all it takes is a repetition of such choices to create a habit that will change your life for the better.

Bottom line: you can do it. You should do it. And, in whatever way I can, I'm here to help.

This Summer I Am Loving....

To me, and many others, summertime is nearly synonymous with fun - BBQ's, vacations, picnics, swimming, fruity drinks, ice cold beer, and easy, breezy clothing. Hands down, it is my favorite time of year. As the weeks slip by leaving spring behind and venturing ever closer towards the summer solstice, I have really been enjoying window shopping, tantalized by all of the various prints, cuts, and designs retailers are offering for summer. Here are a few things I've come to really admire.

Fuchsia!

It's bright! It's bold! I love it! It is part of the neon family that is so trendy right now. So far, it has shown up a few times in my warm weather wardrobe:

New Mini From Charlotte Russe	Jones New York Dress Worn To My Brother's Wedding Dress Rehearsal	Printed Tee, Also From Charlotte Russe

It has also made it to my eyelids and travels with me daily on my handbag. With the exception of the mini skirt, the color is worked in very nicely to it's accompanying pattern so as not to overwhelm. Nevertheless, it's very presence however minimal (or not) always makes me smile. To me, it coincides all too well with my fun-loving personality and all that I anticipate with the arrival of summer.

Bold prints.
It is another big feature of fashion right now and awful hard to miss. Bold prints are everywhere. My sister scored a terrific maxi dress, which she wore to our brother's rehearsal dinner. Again, bright colors, contrasting directional prints - love it! The blue/green motif is also very "in" right now. It stands alone very well, but also nicely compliments nautical inspired pieces (also very "on trend"). NY & Company currently carries this eye-catching number, playing off a similar color pairing, as does Calvin Klein.

NY & Company

Calvin Klein

Fun sandals.
Summertime is the best friend of toes. 'Tis the season for pedicures! From flip flops to sandals in all shapes, sizes, and colors, summer is the season of bare feet. And what better way to show off your tootsies than with a fabulous pair of shoes!

At our BBQ this weekend, a friend arrived wearing these lovely flip flops by Vince Camuto (see right). The golden bow is such a nice, adorable touch. I love them!


I personally picked up an awesome pair of turquoise espadrilles (see left). I have so many outfits I can pair them with. They're perfect summer footwear!



Fun Boho accessories.
Since wardrobe choices tend to lean towards comfortable, light fabrics and loose, flowy designs during the summer, they easily pair with the laid back vibe of Bohemia.

From rings, necklaces, bracelets, and shoes, retailers have it all. Take your pick! Or, throw on a floppy hat and a unique hobo and you're good to go! Playing to this easy-going vibe is...well, easy! And dressing this way only helps to foster that carefree, fun atmosphere that everyone relishes in this time of year.



Summer has just barely begun, which means we still have well over 3 months of mixing, matching, and re-mixing our wardrobes to fit with however the tides are taking us on any given day. Some days you may feel especially girly and don a flowy skirt. Other days, I'm sure you'll want to get grimy and dirty playing beach volleyball and wear sporty attire, making yourself appear no less formidable to your competitors. As always, there's no wrong approach. Wear what you like, what becomes you. And most of all, have fun! After all, it is summer!!

What have you fallen in love with this season?

Dairy Detox Update

So! I have been dairy free for over a month now, and I must say that I have had little to no difficulty with the switch. Sure, I kick myself when I'm dying to indulge in a vanilla soft serve cone here and there, but thanks to Rita's Italian Ice and some great ice cream substitutes, I make out just fine. My gas/bloating problem is under control, which is a big relief. And, my dairy detox has come with some surprising health benefits!

Last fall, as a product of being on my feet for many hours a day without shoes, karate over the years, and Zumba, I was getting regular discomfort in my feet, particularly between my third and fourth toes towards the ball of my foot. I would also experience numbness in my toes when the pain was especially obvious. After fighting it for about a month, I finally went to a podiatrist. She explained that I had inflammation between my toe joints due to lack of support. So, I immediately began wearing shoes at work and increased the support for my arch (which has been a chronic issue since my teenage years) with an insole. The pain/discomfort/numbness definitely decreased, but did not altogether disappear...until I removed dairy products from my diet.

Milk is a known allergen that can trigger an inflammatory response. Consequently, I have seen vast improvements in the pain in my foot. Sure, it didn't miraculously heal my acute injury, and I still have flares from time to time when I have been especially hard on my feet. Nevertheless, it is worlds better than it was back in October.

Also, as you know from my older posts, I have been combating rosecea, merely assuming it to be a byproduct of my "old age." Since my detox, the redness in my cheeks has reduced dramatically. I no longer need makeup to cover the red nor even out my skin tone. My skin is beautiful and healthy looking like it used to be! I am thrilled!!

Needless to say, I am very happy with my decision and the positive effects it has had on my overall health. Since I was walking tall (literally and figuratively) with such great results and ever so passionate about health and fitness, I plunged a bit further.

Now, my diet is predominantly vegetarian but with the allowance of fish. Truly, it happened naturally. Most of my diet in the last few years has centered around fruits and vegetables. And, as I take lunch to work with me every day, it is easy to control what I eat. Several months ago, after a rather prolonged IBS flare, my husband resolved to not eat as much red meat. I have never been a huge fan of red meat. Sure, I'll eat it, but given the choice between chicken and beef, I'll take the chicken. Regardless, after removing beef from our diet, he saw improvements quickly. Now, after removing meat almost entirely, his IBS problems have been non-existent. This is HUGE. Ever since I have known Jon, he has battled with IBS (at times quite literally). To not have to deal with this ailment is a true blessing. 

My husband and I often talk about how to take a proactive and healthy approach to our lives. Health and fitness are important to us, and we want to not just talk the talk when we are on the gym or dojo floor, but walk the walk, too. Truthfully, we do it for ourselves, not so much for those we are an example to. But, we enjoy knowing that we have integrity with what we encourage others to strive for.

In our quest for healthier living, I came across this book and highly recommend it, The Flexitarian Diet by Dawn Jackson Blatner. This book has a great approach whether you're looking just to tweak your diet or overhaul it completely. There is no pressure. The recipes are simple, easy, and allow for meat if you want it. It includes easy "swaps" to take out all the guesswork - if you're not a fan of bean, use chicken, beef, or fish; if you can't have cheese, use avocado. It is so user friendly and able to be modified according to your natural palette preferences. I have made many of the recipes and have a list of those I am dying to try. It includes 35 breakfasts, 35 lunches, 35 dinners, and 35 snacks - a 5 week plan that you can pick and choose from as you wish. Definitely a cookbook worth getting.

As I said, I am more than happy with the results of my new diet. I extend a great big "Thank You!" to my sister who has been a vegetarian for 2 years and is a great resource to call upon when in need of advice or ideas for a great recipe. I applaud my husband who has been the beef king for so long as he continues to take a more proactive and thoughtful approach to his diet and overall lifestyle. And, I encourage everyone to live a life that allows you to be exactly the kind of person you want to be. As SELF magazine often says, "Be your best SELF." You're the only YOU this world will ever know. :)

Dairy Detox

In an effort to improve my quality of living, I began a new quest this week. "Why would a 26-year old children's gymnastics, fitness, and Zumba instructor need to improve their quality of living?" You ask. Well, you see, I have a problem, a gaseous problem. Every day, I am plagued by flatulence. Not so much the comedic, nonchalant toot, but of the silent and extremely deadly variety.

Thankfully, I work with children, so it is easy to avoid responsibility and allow the child next to me to take the blame for any unpleasant smells. Not a few times have I passed wind and a parent subsequently picked up their child to smell his/her rear to see if he/she has dirtied his/her diaper. However, what took the cake this week was when I passed gas in a class made up of mostly 3.5 year olds. A child caught wind (pun intended) of one of my foul vapors and exclaimed, "I smell something bad." Trying to inquire but not give myself away, I asked, "Well, what is it you smell?" "It smells like poop," he replied. Say no more. I'm done.

I researched daily gas and bloating issues via the ever-so-wonderful world wide web, and the first suggestion that popped up across all discussion boards was lactose intolerance. My husband, upon broaching the subject with him and having had first hand experience with my odoriferous ventings, agreed with the idea. I am a fiend when it comes to milk and cereal in the morning, yogurt or cheese often for a snack, and ice cream at the end of the night. I love dairy. Who can blame me? Since my diet is otherwise nutritious and healthy, I was left with no other obvious options. I decided to go all in.

My supportive husband kindly procured almond milk for my cereal the next morning, and my lunch box the next day had zero dairy in it. I had had a milkshake the day before, so I puttered my way through Day 1 with little to no change noted. Day 2 was pockmarked with a few gaseous excerpts, but the bloating I had experienced on a nearly daily basis was not there. Nor did it appear on Day 3 or 4. The frequency of my outbursts had definitely decreased, or if I did pass gas I could account for the reason why - an otherwise common trigger food I had consumed earlier.

Here it is now, Day 7. I am holding strong. I abstained from Chicken Parmesan and ice cream cake last night (which I'm convinced caused a little piece of me to die inside). At one point today, I thought, "Today would be a nice day to enjoy cheese cake." NOPE! All of my usual go-to's are no-no's. Pizza is out of the question, as is a fast dinner of raviolis. Such realizations have been occurring all week as has the confirmation that diary has been a significant part of my diet up to this point.

Other than being denied some of my most beloved foods, the worst part of this detox is the withdrawal symptoms. Yep, I'm going through withdrawal. Many people have had flu like symptoms when they come off dairy. They often feel fatigue and "brain fog." Headaches, acne breakouts, gas, and even mood swings make the list of potential symptoms. Thankfully, I have not suffered terribly. However, today, I feel very fatigued. Truly, I am often tired due to the high amounts of energy I expend at work, but this is beyond my norm. Additionally, my attitude over the last few days has been lethargic, which is also very unlike me.

Nevertheless, I keep on pushing, confident that I will overcome this hurdle and be all the better for it. I can't say that I am flatulence free, but there has been a definite improvement. Now, if only my body can finish purging itself of all the dairy waste that has built up over the last 26 years and I can get beyond withdrawal, I know I will be in a much better place. I'll be sure to keep you, readers, updated, but for now, the quest continues.

Trends for Spring 2012

I am LOVING the odd winter we are having - the lack of snow, the warmer temperatures, the crisp, cold breezes. (Perfect for backyard Zumba). :) Sunny days such as today make me look forward to spring all the more, and of course that means a whole new list of fashion picks to oogle and drool over.

As defined by People Style Watch, here are the top 10 trends that you have to look forward to:

1. Colorblocking - This bold trend has carried over from last year and remains at the forefront of popular fashion. You can DIY or just purchase a piece that showcases it. It really encourages the mixing of bursts of color in a pulled-together, chic way. Snazzy! (Yep, I said snazzy).

2. Day Clutches - I want one!!!!!! I am still a huge fan of the envelope style clutch, and I have yet to purchase one. Day clutches are so fun because depending on their look, they can easily go from day to night, from casual to more dressy. I am a huge fan of this metallic clutch by Milly, $174.90 at Nordstrom's. It can add a little luxe to a cute t-shirt and jeans outfit or accentuate a stunning LBD. You can't lose!

3. Ankle-strap heels - Worn thick or more narrow, this dainty footwear option adds a feminine touch to your wardrobe.

4.  Mint Green - I am trying really hard with this one, but I am just not one for pastels. Nevertheless, I will not completely throw it out. In fact, I recently gave a friend some mint colored nail polish to help her phalanges stay on trend this spring. :) You can't rock them all, so you must get creative in the ways you incorporate trends. Fresh creativity - that is the name of the game!

5. Leather - It doesn't have to be black! In fact, it's better if its not! Rock the look on dresses or with mixed material tops. Of course, jackets are A-OK, too. I have kept my eye on this faux leather jacket by Worthington ($40 at JCPenney). The luscious caramel color makes it incredibly versatile. The lack of a collar also adds sleek appeal.

 6. Blue & Green Jewelry - Life on the high seas has left it's mark on popular fashion. Nautical whimsy is very in right now, so of course one "must have" the accessories to go along with it. Paired with basic, unfussy pieces - crisp white tees, dark blue denim - blue and green jewelry adds just enough pop to add interest and glam. Or, alongside dressier, yet still neutral pieces, it can really standout as it did for Eva Mendes at the Golden Globes.

 7. Florals - Florals were quite popular last year; now, the prints are getting bigger and bolder. Why not? Flowers are gorgeous! I'm jumping into this trend full force. Unimpressed by what I have been seeing in stores lately, I decided I would no longer wait for someone to create something I like; I will make it myself. So, I bought this lovely daisy print fabric and will be making a pencil skirt with it. I'm rather excited about the project and the opportunity to sew again. Stay tuned for the results!

8. Peplums - I'm covered! A few weeks ago, wanting to award myself for a hard week at work, I did a bit of shopping and stumbled across this white peplum tank at New York & Company. I was amazed at how good it looked on me and how it minimized my pear-shaped frame. Originally priced at $42.95, I snagged mine during a super sale for $8.49!!!!!! Boo yah! It totally pays to be a bargain shopper. :) Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you're gonna flaunt it, make sure you keep everything else in proportion. Pencil skirts are a great option.

9. Metallic Heels - Gold and silver shoes are like gold and silver jewelry. No matter what you're wearing them with, they pair perfectly. Treat them like neutrals with pizazz! And as far as the style of shoe, anything goes! Get a pair with an ankle strap like these by Nine West and sport two trends at once! They happen to be on sale at 6pm.com for $27.60, 60% off MSRP! (They will also pair nicely with your Milly day clutch).

10. Neon - Brace yourself! It is in every part of your closet - tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, even makeup! Many who are brave enough to don shades of hot pink, chartreuse, and vibrant orange will take a minimalist approach. But you can go all out, making a magenta dress with simple neautral accessories you're fashion forward statement for the evening. Or, enliven a white/black ensemble with a super sunny blazer! Neon is about fun, so why not have fun with it!?

Blake Lively	Kim Kardashian

Alright folks, there you have it! 10 trends for spring 2012! They will likely carry you right into summer, too! Have fun! Be brave! Be bold! Be you! Spring, keep comin'!

Closet Purge

The frivolity of the New Year has passed. In fact, the first month of the year is nearly over! Why wait until spring to "clean up your act?" I think the New Year offers a great opportunity to clean out your closet! Here are some tips I have come across to help you in the potentially pain-staking and painful process.

Sort it out.

There are those pieces that you cannot do without; you love and live in them. Keep 'em, but organize them in a way that makes sense for you - by type (tee vs. tank), color, or occasion (casual, dressy, essentials). Having some sort of organization makes for easier wardrobe choices later on and when you're in a hurry.

Then, there are things in your wardrobe that have not seen the light of day in at least a year or more. These are easy tosses. Unless they have some great sentimental value, they can head straight to the donation pile. (Emotional attachment is grounds to go to the "maybe" pile; however, when you get to the point where you need to choose yes/no, be brutally realistic). 

Also, things that do not fit any more or are very worn (think pulled fabric, armpit stains, holes, etc.) are easy to eliminate. I cleared about 4 hangers getting rid of stuff that has become too big on me; too big = ill fitting = not flattering = not for me. Out it goes!

If you're like any other woman, you've likely accumulated quite a number of shoes and bags. Treat them as you would your clothes. Ask yourself: When was the last time you wore them? Do they fit? Can you stand in them, or do they cripple you in a matter of minutes? Are they wearable with the rest of your wardrobe? How many pairs of flip flops do you really need? Again, approaching your items with a realistic, practical perspective safeguards you from holding on to things you really don't need.

Along those lines, assess quantity. How many __________ (tees, skirts, pairs of jeans, hoodies) do you really need? Perhaps a more recently purchased item can officially replace an older one. 

This tip I cannot take credit for, but is perhaps my favorite. Borrowed from Style Me Thrifty: "Keep a notepad handy as you go through your wardrobe. Make a wish list of new pieces of clothing or accessories that might breathe new life back into an outfit. A skinny belt, long necklace, or nude pumps might be just want you need to tie a couple outfits together. " I do this all the time, not just when I'm purging my dresser drawers. I create a "Wish List" so that when I feel the urge to shop (which is often weekly), I can go with purpose and settle on something my wardrobe "needs" rather than something I impulsively like.

Hopefully, these tips will get you on the way to a more organized, accessible wardrobe. Sifting through your clothes periodically is quite helpful, especially as the seasons change. Sometimes, you've forgotten about that great halter top you can effortless rock this summer or those great cords you snagged right at the end of the fall/winter season last year. Knowing what you have is half the battle. Utilizing as many wardrobe pieces as possible and creating knock out looks in clothes you feel confident wearing is the sweet victory. :)