FEED Me

{ Shirt - FEED for Target, Shorts - Asos, Shoes (old) - Steve Madden, Belt (old) - Gap, Bangles - Vince Camuto, Chain Bracelet (old, but similar) - J. Crew}

The FEED for Target line has been in stores for a few weeks now, and one of my purchases from the line was this denim shirt.  Sidenote - I actually bought this one from the men's department.  That's a tip I often share - the men's department often has similar items as the women's, but for less money, and depending on the look you're going for, a different fit.  Either way - whether you buy the men's or women's version of this shirt, you help provide meals to children and families across America.  This particular shirt was worth 20 meals - fashion and philanthropy - always a winning combination! 

Workout Wednesdays - #4 - Row Row Row Your Boat

Here's a workout idea for those of us on a budget...  Instead of an expensive gym membership - hit up your local Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul for used gym equipment.  The prices are great (mine was $24!) - you're supporting an awesome cause, and it's eco-friendly - reduce, reuse, recycle so they don't end up in a landfill somewhere!  Here's the best part - if after a few months you don't like the equipment you can always re-donate it and keep the cycle going.  One man's trash is another man's treasure?  Well I thank whoever donated their practically new Precor rowing machine at my local store, because it has been a fun new version of cardio to incorporate with my Tracy Anderson tapes.  Plus - it's a heck of a workout!

Benefits of Rowers:

1. Effective aerobic workout: Because it requires the use of so many major muscle groups, a rowing machine is an effective way to raise your heart rate and increase your oxygen uptake. The adjustable resistance on most rowers lets you easily work up to your target heart rate as well as slow back down to your resting rate. Some of these home gym machines even come with a wireless heart-rate chest strap to help you monitor your heart rate hands-free.
2. Efficient calorie burning: A rowing-machine workout burns an average of 600 calories an hour. That's more efficient than many other home gym machines on the market. On a stationary bike without arm involvement, you'd need to ride about an hour and 18 minutes to equal an hour workout on a rowing machine.
3. Conditioning for the upper body: As you might expect, rowing machines provide a decent upper-body workout. They involve the rhomboids in the shoulder, trapezius in the upper back and lats in the lower back. Your biceps, pecs and abs also do some work, although to a lesser extent. Because you need to maintain a strong grip on the oars, you'll also develop stronger hands and wrists, which are a benefit in many sports.
4. Conditioning for the lower body: Perhaps surprisingly, one of the top benefits of rowing machines is the workout they give the lower body. In fact, rowing enthusiasts consider rowing primarily a lower-body workout. The main leg muscles involved are the quads in the upper front of the thighs, but the calves and glutes (buttocks) are also involved. For the best lower-body workout, choose a rowing machine with a sliding seat.
5. Low risk of injury: The motion of rowing is natural and low impact, putting minimal stress on the joints. Because you're seated low to the ground, there's even less risk of falling than with a stationary bike. While back strain is a concern, you can minimize the risk of back strain by using correct rowing form. Proper rowing posture lets your legs do the work, taking the pressure off your back.

Article here.

Rowing Technique

Rowing technique on the erg broadly follows the same pattern as that of a normal rowing stroke on water, but with minor modifications: it is not necessary to "tap down" at the finish, since there are no blades to extract from water; but many who also row on water do this anyway. Sometimes an exaggerated finish, pulling the hands further up the chest than would be possible on water, is used.

Rowing on an ergometer requires four basics phases to complete one stroke; the catch, the drive, the finish and the recovery. The catch is the initial part of the stroke. The drive is where the power from the rower is generated while the finish is the final part of the stroke. Then, the recovery is the initial phase to begin taking a new stroke. The phases repeat until a time duration or a distance is completed.

Catch

Knees are bent with the shins in a vertical position. The back should be roughly parallel to the thigh without over extending. The arms and shoulders should be extended forward and relaxed. The arms should be level.

Drive

The drive is initiated by the extension of the legs; the body remains in the catch posture at this point of the drive. As the legs continue to full extension, the rower engages the core to begin the motion of the body levering backward, adding to the work of the legs. When the legs are flat, the rower begins to pull the handle toward the chest with their arms while keeping their arms straight and parallel to the floor.

Finish (or Release)

The legs are at full extension and flat. The shoulders are slightly behind the pelvis, and the arms are in full contraction with the elbows bent and hands against the chest below the nipples. The back of the rower is still maintained in an upright posture.

Recovery

The recovery is a slow slide back to the initial part of the stroke, it gives the rower time to recover from the previous stroke. During the recovery the actions are in reverse order of the drive. The arms are fully extended so that they are straight. The torso is engaged to move forward back over the pelvis. Weight transfers from the back of the seat to the front of the seat at this time. When the hands come over the knees, the legs contract back towards the foot stretcher. Slowly the back becomes more parallel to the thighs until the recovery becomes the catch.

Article here.

Check Please!

{ Dress - Asos, Shoes - Seychelles via DSW, Necklaces (old): short - J. Crew, medium - Loft, long - J. Crew}

There's nothing easier than a smock dress for summer!  A loose silhouette calls for simple shoes and a top knot.  Sparkly necklaces and a bold lip dress it up a bit for work!  Check please!  :)

Splurge {vs} Save - #4 - Facial Exfoliation

{Clarisonic Mia 2 or Olay Pro-X}

If you haven't heard of the Clarisonic or its counterparts, you must be living under a rock - a crusty un-exfoliated rock.  Well it's time to come out and polish those pores!  What's the point of using either one of these devices?

Both prepare skin for better absorption of creams, serums and moisturizers, and both cleanse 6x better than with your hands alone.

So which one is better?  The splurge - Clarisonic which retails at $149, or the save - Olay which retails at $29.99?... 

In my opinion a lot of beauty tools be they skincare, haircare, make-up, etc really come down to whether you have special/specific needs or problematic symptoms you are trying to address.  If you have average skin or hair, there are a lot of products you can save on and get by with the drugstore version of.  If you have more specific needs, you may want to splurge for the customization some higher end products can offer.

My vote in this particular case?  I love the Olay Pro-X brush.  To me it gives a great clean, doesn't irritate my skin, and with the customizable 2 speeds and replaceable brush heads, I feel it does a great job at a great price!  

Have you tried either of these tools?  Which one gets your vote?...

Tasty Tuesdays - #4 - Williams-Sonoma Technique Classes

My big sis recently introduced me to Williams-Sonoma's Technique Classes.  Every Sunday - all Williams-Sonoma stores offer complimentary hour-long technique classes.  You get to taste the dishes you are learning about and get a 10% off discount for anything in the store that day!

Class sizes are limited and times vary by store. For more details, please locate and contact your nearest store here:

The August line-up is officially out and they all sound great!  

August 2013

Salad: It's What's for Dinner!
Sunday, August 4

Main-course salads make great meals on hot summer days. They're refreshing and easy to assemble but are filling enough to be a complete meal. In this class you'll learn to prepare some delicious salads, along with vinaigrettes and dressings. We'll also show you some handy knife skills.

Perfect Pizza
Sunday, August 11

Tired of takeout? Discover how simple it is to make pizza at home. We'll show you how to prepare a quick pizza crust, then we'll offer sauce inspiration and talk toppings. Our do-ahead tips will help you host a fabulous pizza party for friends.

Cooking with Wine
Sunday, August 18

Celebrate California wine country and learn how to cook with wine, which can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. We'll discuss what wines to use when, and how to use wine for marinating, making sauces and creating delicious desserts.

Pasta Pronto
Sunday, August 25

Making fresh pasta is easier than you might imagine. Join us and learn the basic techniques along with some simple sauces. Soon you'll be preparing homemade pasta for weeknight meals and get-togethers with friends.

Something tells me by the end of the month I might be needing these...

Imperia Pasta Machine 

Dual Blade Pasta & Pastry Cutter

J. Crew, I Love You... - #4 - Collection Leather Mini

{Available here}

What is J. Crew Collection?  

Or in other words - awesome...

This leather skirt is a must have for Fall.  You can dress it up with a slinky blouse, wear it to work with a chambray shirt, or hang out on the weekends with a simple tee.  At $395 it's definitely an investment, but if you think of it in terms of price per wear, you may be able to justify it.

Otherwise - here are some other more budget friendly options as well...

Asos

Topshop

Nordstrom

Bloomingdales

Music Mondays - #4 - Florence and the Machine

I think Florence Welch has one of the best voices in the industry right now.  Sometimes theatrical, but always remarkable - she is a force on stage.  I love finding rare clips of artists you already love doing covers of songs that they are inspired by.  Here she is at the Radio 1 Live Lounge Special covering Drake and Rihanna's "Take Care".  Love it!

J. Crew, I Love You... - #3 - August Style Guide

I'm pretty sure I've heard several people verbalize their desire to just live in a J. Crew catalog - ditto that.  In Sex & The City, Carrie says, "When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner. I just felt it fed me more."  I feel the same way about the J. Crew Style Guide - only theirs is free!  I present to you - the August Style Guide.

First things first - I am absolutely making this outfit happen for Fall.  I already have their scout chino version of these pants from a few seasons back.  My bizarre farmer-chic obsession has afforded me many a plaid button down, and we recently saw my foray into studded footwear here.  That being said, these Super Ciccio eyeglasses may need to be added to the collection, only I think I would opt for the walrus color.

I think I found my newest hair inspiration...

And if only I could order one of these...I mean - is that really too much to ask?

Fashion Fridays - #3 - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

It's that time again - the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is on!  This is the time to pick up any of those Fall must have's while they are on preview sale.  Hurry though - prices go back up August 5th!

If money were no object, here's what I'd be getting...

 

Who wouldn't want this classic Burberry trench?

This Marc Jacobs bag is delicious!

And while we're dreaming, I guess I'll take these Chloe flats too!  Why not, right?  ;)

Splurge {vs} Save - #3 - Keep It Classy

{ YSL, Steve Madden, Candie's}

Everyone should have a simple black sandal in their closet.  They instantly add chic to any outfit, whether it be a cocktail dress or cuffed ripped jeans!  It's funny when you shop the mall you sometimes have no idea where those stores got the inspiration for their designs.  Who would have guessed that these simple shoes from Candie's can be traced all the way up the fashion food chain to YSL?  Crazy!  For the record - while they certainly aren't real leather - these "vegan leather" (don't you love that fancy term for essentially pleather) - are quite comfy and for the price - you can afford to get them in every color!  Spoken like a true Gemini!  :)

Play Ball...

{1- J. Crew, 2- J. Crew, 3- Asos, 4- Patricia Field, 5- Ebbets Field Flannels for J. Crew, 6- Eugenia Kim }

Sweatshirt Chic has expanded into head wear!  Baseball caps are all over the place - and while it's nice to show some hometown love for your favorite teams, that's not where the party ends.  Try a different fabric like chambray, leather or leopard and you'll be singing a different tune - or maybe the same one...  "Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd..."  

Thrifty Thursdays - #3 - Dining Designs

{Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, World Market, Target}

When I decided to give my dining room a face lift, I started with the chairs.  After all, when enjoying a meal or sitting down for a game of cards, that's one of the most important things.

I started to see these retro metal chairs all over - with price tags to match!  Target only recently added these to their assortment, otherwise I would have had to give them a try, but I went with the World Market model - and I love them!

New rug and wall artwork to come next month!  :) 

In case you are interested in some of the current decor...

This piece of art is from Crate & Barrel. It's made out of reclaimed rain gutters and is still available here.

These wood bark chargers are from World Market.  I love the rustic charm they add to the place settings.  They are still available here.

The pendant lamp is actually a collapsible wire basket that I got from CB2 (no longer available) that I hung upside down on an existing basic pendant wire.  I drew from inspiration at other sites like this, this, this, and this, but mine only cost $35!  Love!

Oh Deer...

 

My whole condo is filled with woodsy natural elements - especially my artwork.  It should be no surprise then, that this little guy caught my eye on Etsy.

As a vegetarian and all around animal lover, I would never hang any real taxidermy in my home, but this wire sculpture will add texture and whimsy to my walls!

Support the artists of e-commerce on Etsy today, and be sure to visit AHeadOfTheGame if you need a deer too!  :)

Workout Wednesdays - #3 - Excuses, excuses

I'm pretty sure we have all been guilty of using at least one of these as an excuse not to exercise - I know I have!

Here's the thing - we need to be able to think our way around each of these - because that's exactly what they are - excuses - and they're all in our heads.  

The funniest thing is that even when I'm saying them, I know I'll feel better if I just exercise - it's just actually getting over the hump and doing it that's the hard part.

So here are some tips to get over each excuse:

1. "I'm too busy.."

This is by far the most common excuse. Look - we're all busy...but if something is a priority (the finale of The Bachelor, for example), we will make time for it.  So we need to make time for exercise.  Some people recommend scheduling it into your calendar the same way you plan meetings or other commitments.  Worth a shot?!

2. "I'm too tired..."

This is the most ironic excuse, since working out actually gives you more energy.  I often find that once I get moving, my tiredness disappears.  I once read somewhere to try bartering with yourself - tell yourself you only need to exercise for 10 minutes.  More often than not, by the 10 minute mark you are in the zone and will complete your full workout.

3. "I'm too old/fat/fill-in-the-blank..."

This one always makes me laugh!  It's never too late to start something new - especially a habit that has nothing but positive effects on you, your body, and your well being.  I tend to actually see people that are older/fatter/fill-in-the-blank as motivation for me.  If they can do it, why can't I?  

4. "Exercise is boring..."

Doing anything the same way day in and day out can be boring - eating the same things, working on the same projects, etc.  There's a reason we have a saying "variety is the spice of life"!  You just need to find activities that you love.  Think outside the box- try inline skating, dancing, or gardening.  Weight over distance is all you need - just get up and move!  Some days my heart isn't in it - for those times I just try to take my mind off of it and watch TV or listen to music while I exercise and pass the time.  Don't forget to mix it up - I got in a rut where I stopped doing yoga because I didn't feel I was getting as much bang for my buck timewise compared to cardio, but it's important for you to work different muscle groups and a combination of high and low impact activities is great!

5. "I always end up quitting..."

Negative Nelly sometimes creeps in - especially after a few months of being on a new routine when you start to plateau and aren't seeing the same results as you once were.  When this happens - set smaller, more attainable goals.  It's important to be able to succeed in the overall picture so you don't feel failure in your journey.  There is a theory that by stating your goals out loud, or writing them down, you are more likely to follow through.  Why not post your goals to your friends and family on Facebook - or comment here and we can do it together!  Already - there's something about sharing my decision to embark on the 90-day Tracy Anderson program to you all that has kept me on track longer than I probably would have on my own (thank you for that!)  :)  Also - give yourself a treat that you are working towards - new sneakers, a spa day, or maybe even a vacation to show off your body in a bikini once you hit your goal - that alone can provide incentive to keep you on track!

Shine On...

{1- J. Crew, 2- Sam Edelman, 3- Rebecca Minkoff, 4- G.H. Bass & Co., 5- Coach} 

I love a heel as much as the next gal, but sometimes you just want to wear flats!  For that I bring you - the metallic oxford.  Classic and easy but with an updated metallic finish - these will be perfect with a skirt or dress, and a nice way to add some flash to Friday jean day at work.  You better believe the gold Bass ones are already in my closet!  Come on now - are you really surprised?  :)

Tasty Tuesdays - #3 - Chocolate Chippers

 

Mrs M (my mom) is known far and wide for her chocolate chip cookies.  Of course - she can't take all the credit.  She just tweaked the classic Nestle recipe on the back of the package.  The family secret?  Instead of butter, she uses butter flavored Crisco to keep them moist and chewy.  Mmmm...

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter flavored Crisco, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsel 

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter flavored Crisco, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Make A Statement

 {1 - (old) J. Crew, 2 - (old, but similar) Kohl's, 3 - Banana Republic, 4 - TJ Maxx}

Statement earrings are going to be huge for fall according to runway reports.  What once were only considered for evenings out and dressy occasions, are now appropriate to wear any day any time.  I personally love the juxtaposition of a big sparkly earring with a plain old t-shirt and jeans. 

Music Mondays - #3 - JMSN

 

Big beats over pillowy grooves and sleepy, soulful singing - this is an album that you can enjoy start to finish.  Great for your next dinner/cocktail party! 

Hey Stud!

{Top- Asos, Jeans- (old J. Crew ankle toothpick, but similar here), Shoes- Steve Madden, Necklaces- shorter- Forever 21, longer- (old Express), Watch- Michael Kors}

Even though studs tend to look tough, they can still be girlie when they're on a heel with a skinny jean and a flowy top...

Revved Up With Revlon

Wise words from the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor.  I used to be afraid of lipstick - thought it looked too "done".  I tend to go for more of a natural look with my make-up which is actually the perfect way to wear lipstick - let it do all of the talking for you!

There are a lot of cosmetic brands to choose from, but when it comes to lipstick - I like a heavy pigmented creme finish - and for that - I choose Revlon.  Here are a few shades I keep in rotation...

{1 - Fire & Ice, 2 - Lilac Champagne, 3 - Persian Melon, 4 - Hot Coral, 5 - Orange Flip}

J. Crew, I Love You... - #2 - Goldsign for J. Crew Holly Skirt

Available here.

Your denim wardrobe shouldn't stop at pants - a great skirt can take you far!  I love the slim fit and dark rinse of this Goldsign for J. Crew skirt.  There's something about the higher waist that let's me know this will be not only flattering, but versatile.  And don't even get me started on that baseball cap - or do - but you'll have to wait till next week for my roundup...

Fashion Fridays - #2 - Damsels In Distress(ed) Denim

{1- Gap, 2- American Eagle Outfitters, 3- Forever 21, 4- Urban Outfitters, 5- Express} 

Maybe it's just me, but I think that denim has become such an important part of one's wardrobe.  There are so many styles, fits, rinses, and finishes to choose from.  I won't even confess to how many pairs I currently own, but let's just say - the collection is ever growing...

Distressed denim is really having a moment right now.  I love pairing mine with a dressier top to balance out the look.  

If you're not sure about investing in the trend, you can always sacrifice a pair that you already own and go at 'em with some sandpaper, bleach, paint, or scissors to rough 'em up.  If that scares you - hit up Goodwill or a thrift store where you can find tons of options for under $10.  That way - if it doesn't work out or you don't get much use out of them you won't feel bad.

Personally - I'm already several pairs in and I don't see an end in sight.  I think this trend is here to stay!