Juicing

Hey guess what? Fruits and Vegetables are good for you. I know you probably already knew that but what you might not know is that you can "reset" your body by juicing fruits and vegetables. 

If you don't believe me, maybe you will believe my new friend Joe Cross. (we have actually never met but I video stalk him.) Plus he also states the point in a sexy Australian accent. 

I recommend his video, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Its not just a diet transformation video, he is really personable and watching him interact with others is a real treat. 

I am hoping to start a juicing journey of my own. 

My new juicer! Let's make something Beautiful!

Don't Forget to check out Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. You can get it on iTunes or Netflix!

Stretch it out Sunday - Spine Twist

After a long workweek and a busy Saturday, nothing is better than stretching out your back and chest muscles. Not surprising but many women carry stress in their chest. Doing a few simple stretches can help to release this tension and even improve posture. This stretch is to be done slowly, and only to go as far as you can, stretching to the point of pain can cause injury. 

 

A great stretch for the back muscles is a slow waist and lower spine twist. Start by lying on the floor, find your most comfortable position with your legs straight and your arms extended out to your sides. Bend your right leg and slowly using your left hand for support, bring your right leg over your left leg. Turn your face to your right hand; your arm should still be extended at your side. Hold this stretch for ten to twenty seconds and then move back into your starting position. Take a few breaths in this position, and then bring up the left leg over your right leg. Turn to face your left arm and stay in this position for ten to twenty seconds. You should feel the muscles in your legs, hips, arms, shoulders and abdomen being stretched from this one simple stretch. 

Sunday Recipe - Dips

Two fun dips that are easy to whip up and are always a party favorite. 

Vail Cream Cheese Salsa

A dip that is delicious,  creamy, tangy and oh so simple. My mom got this recipe while on a skiing trip in Vail. Although it is not the most attractive looking dip, it is always a crowd pleaser. This dip is best served with Tostitos chips but is also great with celery if your laying off the carbs.

Ingredients:

            Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8oz (the whole usual size package)

            Pace Picante Medium or Hot

Steps:

            Place Cream Cheese in a microwave safe bowl

            Heat the Cream Cheese in 20 second increments until it is creamy

            Mix in about half of the jar of salsa

            Stir until well blended

            Serve hot!

Don't distress if it looks a little strange, this dish isn't the prettiest but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for in taste, I promise. 

Knorr's Spinach Dip

This is the most popular dip that I have ever made. This dip tastes great paired with pita chips, Hawaiian bread and pretzels but also carrots, celery and even on cucumber. 

Ingredients:

            Package frozen chopped spinach cooked, cooled and squeezed dry 10oz

                        (You can cook the spinach in the microwave)

            Sour Cream 16oz

            Hellmann’s Mayonnaise 1 cup

            Knorr Vegetable Mix

 

           

Steps:

            Collect all ingredients

            Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl

                        Make sure the bowl is large enough, this recipe makes 4 cups of dip

            Serve Cold!

A Real Winter Wonderland

Tyrol Basin Ski and Snowboard

One of the best skiing places that I have found in recent years, Tyrol Basin is quaint and cute while still having some of the best hills around. About 25 miles west of Madison Wisconsin, Tyrol Basin offers over 30 acres of skiable terrain. With the average snowfall of Mt. Horeb being about 38”, they are open on average 105 days or more per year. With its highest vertical summit at 1,160 feet Tyrol Basin has been voted one of the  #1 Midwest Parks by Snowboarding Transworld 2013. 

 

Never fear, although the hills look a little daunting on the map, it is very accessible and is relaxed enough for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. One of the greatest parts of Tyrol Basin? Regular season rates are only $12! They also offer daily rentals and beginner lessons also only $12. Besides its great ski options, Tyrol Basin also boasts a lodge style restaurant where you can take a break from the slopes. 

This is defiantly a great place to go and learn to ski or snowboard. 

Location:

             3487 Bohn Road

             Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 

                                         53572

Phone:

            (608) 437 - 4135

Trend Watch - Spring Highlights

 

A fun and sassy new trend for spring is bright colored highlight tips in hair. Unlike other bright color hair trends this one is only the bottom tips of the hair. A great way to try this trend is to use a temporary hair chalk. The hair chalk is also a great option for people who work jobs that don't allow "un-natural" colored hair in the work place.

Hair Powder by Anastasia Beverly Hills offers bright colored hair powers and is available at Ulta for only $12.50. Since I absolutely love this trend, but work a job where this trend is not allowed, I decided to try the Anastasia Beverly Hair Powder. I purchased the hair powder in the color, "In the Pink". The other color options included a bright purple, lime green, a dark turquoise, neon pink (that I purchased) and bright blue. 

Since I have dark hair I was worried that this was not going to work in may hair. I ended up having to apply two coats to achieve the color depth I wanted, but it coated my hair and looked really good. I covered the powder with hair spray, and the color lasted at least four hours. Although I wish I could just dye my hair to achieve this look, this will have to do for now and since it works so well I will purchasing a few more colors to have for this spring.

Review - JustFab.com

JustFab.com is truly fabulous for shoe lovers on a budget. The online boutique offers department store quality shoes to its customers’ for only $39.95. JustFab cuts out any middlemen and brings the product straight from the manufacturer to the customer.  This amazing online shoe lovers paradise also offers handbags and accessories which are all priced at $39.95!

JustFab.com offers monthly subscription plans as well as the option to buy anytime. To sign up for the subscription plan, customers first take a short survey to help narrow down their favorite styles, then every month the website sends you a “closet” of shoes for you to choose from. With the monthly subscription you are charged $39.95 every month and receive one item of your choosing. The greatest part about this subscription plan, unlike many other sites, JustFab offers it’s customers the option to skip over a month and pay nothing, when buying shoes just isn’t in your budget. JustFab offers Collections by Avril Lavigne,  Elle and Blair Fowler and IPSY YouTube Stars like Michelle Phan. 

I usually choose to purchase shoes in store, but I figured just this once I would try out buying shoes I had never seen before. I purchased a pair of boots in late November, called the Briyanni Boots. They were recommended by Youtuber Elle Fowler. The boots arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, two days before their intended arrival. Much to my surprise the actual shoe box the boots came in could rival any top designer box. The box wasn’t made of gold or anything but it was of higher quality then I had imagined. The boots were soft and well put together, no glue smushed between the heel and the sole. It was finally time for the test of truth, trying them on. The beautiful boots fit me perfectly. Although I must admit I am blessed with smaller feet, which helps in picking out shoes. (always shoot for the smallest or second to smallest size)

I have looked at many reviews on this sight while trying to chose my next item and have to admit their reviews are all very thorough and they even tell you if the shoe is running big or small. I think this is defiantly a sight worth checking out and I hope if you make a purchase you will be as pleased as I was. 

Keeping Your Curls Safe This Winter

Winter isn’t really the best season for most peoples’ hair. Hair in winter gets stuffed under hats, stuck in zippers and can become dry and brittle due to low indoor humidity and increased outdoor humidity. One of the most dangerous things for hair during the winter is being exposed to temperatures that are below freezing while it is still wet. This becomes more dangerous the more damaged your hair already is. Hair becomes damaged due to styling, dyeing and normal everyday activity. As hair becomes more damaged the cuticles of the hair tend to “fluff” or to open up to look more like a pinecone than a smooth surface.

 

If hair is already damaged and it is exposed to temperatures below freezing, the water molecules that can become trapped in the cuticle of the hair can freeze and cause the hair to break off. 

 

 One of the easiest way to remedy this problem is waiting until hair is completely dry before heading out. For curly girls this can be more of a challenge. If you have the time, letting your hair air dry will provide the best curls but when you are crunched for time you can always use a diffuser attached to your blow dryer. Another great product to try is the DevaCurl diffuser. Shaped like a hand this particular diffuser can be put inside the canopy of your hair and actually dry your hair from the inside out. 

 DevaCurl

In addition to making sure that hair is completely dry, you can help to prevent any breakage by using a soothing serum on hair to help flatten the hair cuticles back down. Also remember that using a styling gel will hep to fill in the any spaces in ruffled cuticles which will make hair less prone to breakage. 

Sunday Recipe - Pan-Fried Fish

I love making a homemade meal when I have the time. Something new that I have been trying is adding more fish into my diet. This recipe is a great way to try new and different types of fish without as much fishy taste.

Ingredients:

            Vegetable Shortening

            1.5 pounds of a medium firm fish fillets (something like perch or snapper)

            Salt and Pepper

            1 Large Egg

            1 Tablespoon of Water

            2/3 cup of cornmeal or dry bread crumbs

Steps:

            Using a large skillet heat shortening over a medium flame

            Cut the fish into serving size pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper

            Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl

            Place bread crumbs in a small shallow dish

            Dip fish first into the egg and the into the bread crumbs

            Fry the fish in the shortening about six to ten minutes

            After removing from pan drain on a paper towel and serve

Stretch it out Sunday - Leg Swings

After a long and busy week there is nothing better than taking a few minutes to get back in tune with yourself. A great way to get back in tune with your body is taking a few minutes to stretch out your muscles. Another great thing to try and do each Sunday? Try preparing a homemade meal; it will help you start the week in a healthier way. Check out my Sunday Recipe Blogs for fun and easy recipes to try! 
 

Stretch - Although extremely simple this exercise stretches the hip joints and increase blood circulation to the lower half of your body. Remember, this exercise is meant to be preformed slowly.

Using a stable object for support balance on one leg, keeping your knee slightly bent. Make sure you are standing with good posture as to thwart off injury. Gently swing the leg you are not using for support back. You can swing the leg back to as much as a 45-degree angle, but remember this is just a stretch so don’t go swinging your leg wildly. Bring the leg back down and then following the same swing motion move the leg up to 45 degrees in front of the body.  Do this up to twenty times on one leg and then repeated on the other. Make sure that you are not arching your back while swinging your leg as this makes the stretch less beneficial. 

Happy Ground Hog’s Day!

Today is Ground Hog's Day! Who cares right? Well you should! It means there are only six more weeks until spring! These are my five top tips for getting ready for spring.

1) If they aren’t already, the shorts will be in stores shortly! Nothing is worse then being traumatized by trying on shorts with pasty white legs! If you start now you can achieve a light glow with any moisturizing gradual tanner. A great one that I have found is Jergen’s Natural Glow. ($9.99 from Ulta) It comes in two color options, fair to medium and medium to tan. Although the product works well, the smell is less than desirable. My remedy for this is to apply a coat of the tanning lotion, letting it dry and then layering on my favorite scented lotion. Please whatever you do, don’t go to a tanning bed. You are far too beautiful to look like a leather couch. 

2) Maybe you’ve been loving slipping on your boots but pretty soon your feet are going to take center stage. Start pampering your feet now so that when sandal season rolls around you will be ready to flaunt them. A great first step is to invest in a cheap pumas stone to start scrubbing the bottoms of your feet. After scrubbing, moisturizing is key. A great way to ensure beautiful feet is using the Earth Therapeutics Mani/Pedi kit. (only $17.00 from Ulta) It has everything you need to get and maintain cute feet for spring. 

3) Clean out that closet! This is the perfect time of year to clean out you closet. Take the time to try on things and make informed choices; you don’t need to keep every pair of shorts you have ever purchased. Say goodbye to clothes that no longer fit. (hopefully they are too big not too small but either way)  Donate the clothes you don’t want or need so you have room in your closet and a feeling of good doing in your heart.

4) Dump last years makeup, lotion and any tanning or shave gel. Many of us stash our favorite summer beauty items when the temperatures begin to drop but dragging them back out can be a health and beauty hazard. Many beauty products have an expiration date. Unlike your dairy products however the date isn’t printed on the bottle. Look to the back of the bottle for a tiny picture of a jar with a number on it, usually a 12 or 18. This is your products expiration. The number inside the little jar is the number of months that a beauty product will be good for once it is exposed to air. (this is part of the reason so many beauty products come with a little seal over the end) 

Any foundation or other makeup that you applied using your fingers should also be thrown away, since most products that are applied using the hands can become contaminated with bacteria. A great bonus to this is that after you have cleaned out your drawer/cabinet you will know exactly what products you want and need for the coming season.

5) Make sure that your smile is bright and white in all the great photos you are going to be in. By starting now with whitening toothpaste you can brighten your smile without having to do any harsh and expensive chemical whiteners. Another great way to brighten up your smile is by adding a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide into your regular toothpaste once a week. Although these chemicals will help to whiten your teeth they are not as harsh as the “quick fix” whiteners that you purchase at the store.

January Favorites

January came in with a bang and is going out with a sigh, resolutions have come and gone but here is a list of the things that got me through this first month of 2013.

1) Fitbit

            I ordered my Fitbit the day after Christmas and waited almost a week and a half for its arrival. Since its arrival however it has been on my person, well in my bra to be more exact. My Fitbit has been a great motivation and has helped me to move more each day. To learn more about the Fitbit check out my review from yesterday. 

2) Sirius Skinsonic

            Is it as good as the Clarisonic? I don’t know, because I don’t have over $100 to find out. The Skinsonic however is an awesome product for its price, only $49.00. Using the Skinsonic made my face feel extremely clean. I have only used the head for sensitive skin and I was surprised that it actually was gentle enough for my skin. I love using the moisturizing pad to apply my nightly moisturizer. My skin felt so hydrated and soft after using the applicator to apply my Clinique Moisture surge. This product has really saved my skin from its usually winter peeling.  

3) Clinique – Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

            This is an awesome product. This product saved my skin from the harsh winter weather. I used this product nightly along with my Skinsonic. This product is not thick or greasy but soft and silky. You can feel that although the moisture is very light it penetrates beneath the top layer of skin to make skin more supple and provide a dewey glow, something girls with dry skin desire more often than not.

4) IPhone 5

            I have to admit I am a sucker for Apple products. My first computer and every one since has been a Mac, so you can only imagine my excitement when my contract finally came to a close and I could get my coveted IPhone 5. This IPhone is everything I want and need in a phone; it is easy to use and is now part of my everyday life.

5) SOREL – Joan of Arctic Boots

            These boots are the epitome of cute winter footwear. When I bought them I could only imagine the fun, freezy places I would be wearing them, like into the lodge after a long day of skiing. Unfortunately for me however this January has been terrible for skiers, snowboarders and snowman makers. I have only gotten the opportunity to wear these boots due to rain, which they worked fine against since they are waterproof but I hope February is snowier so I can take them for a spin in their intended terrain.

Hope you all had a great January!

Trend Watch - Lace and Crocheted Flats

A hot trend for this spring, the crocheted flat is flirty and feminine. Easily paired with many of the cutest spring looks these shoes will not only be adorable but the perfect pair for backyard parties.
 

American Eagle

$29.95

This American Eagle crocheted flat is the best value for the price. They are super cute and come in several basic colors to fit in anyone's spring wardrobe. Although I have not seen them in person, I would be worried about the stability of the sole of these shoes. For the price and the color choices, I would be willing to purchase these shoes as part of my spring wardrobe. 
 

Victoria's Secret

$68

I think these shoes are adorable. The description states these little cuties offer a 1/2 inch heel, which would probably make wearing these even more comfortable to wear and be a great help to posture where many flats fail. I would however find myself having a hard time shelling out $68 for flats thought. If I had the opportunity to try them on and they fit really well I may be more likely to purchase but without being able to try them on I would have to pass on these cuties. 

Toms

$58

I think these are cute. I have seen these in person and the soles aren’t as thick as I would want but they do offer a lot of colors. There is also the fact that by purchasing any pair of Toms a pair of shoes is donated to a child who needs shoes. These are probably the pair of lace flats that I would choose to purchase. 

Lace and Crocheted Flats are a great choice for spring. Added to any wardrobe they can add a feminine flair where comfortable spring flats sometimes miss the mark. 

Review - Fitbit



 The item that I have chosen for this weeks review is the Fitbit. What is it you ask? It is a tiny battery operated wireless activity tracker. Why is this so grand? Let me explain.

 

The Fitbit tracks your movement using technology similar to that in a Wii remote. It doesn’t need to be as tech savvy as the X-Box Connect, since it doesn’t need to see you. The tiny Fitbit tracker is about the size of a quarter and has its own handy dandy little clip that holds it. Now the part that I found the coolest is that you can hook it on the center gore of your bra! If you have bigger girls it gets complete camouflage! If you are less fortunate you can always stick it in your pocket, but this seemed too risky to me as I lose most things in my pocket.



 

Now you might be thinking “okay so it tracks movement who care?” Well you should! The Fitbit counts your steps taken, distance walked and calories burned and sends it all straight to any Android or IPhone. By downloading the Free App from Fitbit.com you can check your activity level at any time without digging out the tracker. You can also use the App to track your calorie consumption. My favorite part about this is that you can input your own data since I am weird about using other people’s calculations.

The best part about the Fitbit? Last week I went from taking less then 11,000 steps per day to more than 15,000. I love this because I can compete against someone just like me, me!

Check out the Fitbit at www.fitbit.com

-Strive for improvement, not perfection!