Archive for August 13th, 2009

The thing about rings…

August 13th, 2009 by Catherine

br671468-01vliv01Amongst other things, I’m always on the hunt for great, affordable cocktail rings. They don’t have to cost much, but make such an incredible statement when worn alone with anything from jeans and a tee to a full-out ball gown. Some of my favorites have come from street vendors, but now and then a major retailer comes out with a surprising gem.

This one from Banana Republic is a mere $36 but looks like a million bucks. Can’t you just see it shining out from underneath a chunky fall sweater? Or adding sparkle to an otherwise plain sundress? Get yours now before they’re all snapped up!

Chic Shape: Kettlebell Fitness

August 13th, 2009 by Catherine

images-1I’ve been a dedicated runner for about five years now, dating back to my senior year in college. Back then, it was a piece of cake (which, yes, I ate many of) to quickly drop excess weight brought on by late night pizza and too much cheap beer. I never bothered to do anything but run, simply because I didn’t have to. I saw results after a week or two of pushing it a little extra hard. 

These days, it’s a different story. I’m slooooowly approaching 30 and my metabolism has seemingly put the brakes on any hard work. Great. Just great. And despite reading countless testimonies from fitness experts and enthusiasts about the benefits of weight training, I never really knew what to do and couldn’t really be bothered with a gym membership when I could run outdoors for free. 

And then I learned about Kettlebell workouts…

Kettlebells first gained popularity amongst the Russian military and have evolved into popular challenging workouts, tailored by personal trainers, that are every bit as intense as you’d expect, but more fun than you’d think possible. Founded in Rhode Island by one of America’s top trainers Anthony Diluglio, instructors from his 16 U.S. Punch Kettlebell Gyms, where I now work out three times a week, create exciting workouts using medicine balls, kettlebells, ropes and more to generate fast results for every major muscle group. 

I’ve been anxious to get my old college body back and have already noticed a difference from just one month of classes. My shoulders have more definition and my thighs are much tighter, thanks in part to the constant motion of each workout. But if your neighborhood hasn’t yet caught on to the kettlebell craze, check out some of these DVDs for similar results at home!

http://www.artofstrength.com/online-store/clinic-dvd.aspx

http://www.artofstrength.com/online-store/kb1.aspx

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Soda: Bad for your body, good for your hair.

August 13th, 2009 by Ruth

 

Not just for quenching thirst...

Not just for quenching thirst...

I’m more than a little obsessed with beachy, messy locks made popular by hotties Gisele, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, etc., but I find it really hard to spend $22 on products like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray since it’s not something I use on a regular basis. Amazingly enough, just the other day I got a wonderful tip from a makeup artist friend that solved all my woes: use Sprite. Yes, Sprite!

Brett Freedman, makeup artist to the stars and all-around awesome dude, said he used this trick one day on Kelly Clarkson after the meanines at airplane security made him throw out his B&B Surf Spray. Kelly really wanted that sexy, messy look so they grabbed a can of Sprite out of the mini bar, put a little in a spray bottle, and it worked like magic! The sugar in the soda (don’t use diet!) gave her hair the same effect as super-pricey pro products.

A can of Sprite only costs $1.25. Hot hair and major savings!

Sale Alert at W Hotels!

August 13th, 2009 by Catherine

If you’ve ever visited one of the W Hotels throughout the world, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say they just exude sexiness. The lighting, the music, the decor – it’s all just so chic. The Store, in particular, is one of my favorite stops when staying at a W. If I wasn’t conscious of my spending habits, I’d probably fork over a forbidden credit card and accept a lifetime of debt just to own everything in sight. Selling anything you could ever need from linens, to clothing, to Bliss products and beyond, the cheeky chic selection always manages to get my heart beating a little faster.

So imagine my delight when I learned that everything is on sale at The Store’s website! Using the code HEAT99 at checkout nabs you not just 25% off your purchases, but also free shipping. Take a minute to browse through their thoroughly modern selection of decorative home items to spice up your own pad.

Daily Diamond: Frock on with dresses by Shoshanna.

August 13th, 2009 by Catherine

shosh2022910917_prod_zoom_front_v1_m56577569831686005_254x500I’ve long been a fan of Shoshanna’s elegant dresses. Known for creating flattering dresses for real women with curves, the designs always manage to showcase a woman’s best features while downplaying so-called “flaws”.

Since I can’t stand strapless bras, I often forgo strapless dresses since I need the support and would rather not spend an evening hiking up my undergarments. Shoshanna’s dresses, however, eliminate the need for strapless anything, with built-in boning to help support your girls. I found this incredible number and am now searching for an opportunity to wear it. How lovely can one dress be?

I die (in the Rachel Zoe-kinda way).