Motivation Mondays: Juddeth Says "A Smile is the Best Beauty Secret!"

I met the gorgeous Juddeth-Morgahn recently at an Oscars red carpet party hosted by the beautiful Mia Gradney from Houston's CW (Channel 39 News).  The party was also a benefit for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's children's art program which made the night even more special.

Immediately impressed by her incredible style, perfectly coiffed hair and gorgeous makeup, I just knew I had to feature Juddeth on Motivation Mondays!

Meet Juddeth.  She's the Content Coordinator at CW 39 News. She was hired over a year ago after interning for just 3 months! When's she's not at the station, Juddeth is a girl-on-the-go. She's done interviews with some of Hollywood's hottest: Nick Cannon, Carlos Mencia, and T.I., just to name a few.

Juddeth is also the Houston's Go To Gal for Galtime.com. She gives her readers product picks each week with a review and also does quick fix videos to get your looking your best in short amount of time. Eventually Juddeth would like to work in a major entertainment market as an Entertainment/Fashion reporter/anchor. Her ultimate goal, is to make women feel great about themselves, inside and out. You can check out Juddeth's GalTime blog here.

Here is Juddeth's wonderful MM interview:

You work on television- what are some of your best on-screen beauty tips?
SMILE! It does so much for viewers when there's a smile on your face. Happy is always beautiful.
 

Where is the most interesting place you've ever traveled?
I haven't traveled too much, but I randomly LOVE Brenham, Texas. The little shops are so cute. And it's the HOME of Bluebell ice-cream. (my guilty pleasure).  

What are your favorite things to do to stay in shape?  Describe your typical weekly fitness routine...
You mean when I'm NOT stuffing my face? Lol. I do intense cardio about 3-4 times a week and pilates when I can. I do while watching TV to keep me from late night snacking.

Where do you love to shop for clothing? What items should every girl have in her closet?
Thrift stores are my favorite! You never have to worry about anyone else wearing what you buy. And if you go to the right places you can find some stellar vintage labels. But if I'm making an appearance or I know there will be cameras, I go for a more tailored look from Zara, French Connection and all things Elie Tahari.I think every girl should have that one dress that makes her feel and look amazing. Mine is an LBD (little black dress)

What are you top 5-10 makeup products? The ones you absolutely couldn't live without!
Stila's Tinted Moisturizer.
Cherry Flavored Chapstick
Mac Lip Glass in Mad Cap
Maybelline Falsies Mascara
Benefit Brow Zings
 

What are your favorite hair products?
Garnier Fructis Full Control Hair Spray
Fekkai Technician Shampoo
Fresh Pomegranate Conditioning Hair Rinse
Elasta QP Glaze

You've met a lot of celebrities through your job- which celeb's style do you admire most?
Right now my fashion fave is definitely Rihanna. I love a risk taker. She knows how to mix and match and she doesn't look like everyone else. Originality is key. And she, my friend, is the locksmith!lol

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
Wow! I've been so blessed with so much, but I think I'm most proud of my blog. It's me finally getting a chance to be ME and sharing little secrets I've learned about beauty and fashion.
 

Shoes or bags- what do you love more?
Both! They can each do so much for an outfit. My love for them is equally shared. ha!

Do you follow a skincare routine?  Which products do you love to use to take care of your skin?
Routine? Honey Bee, I have an itenerary!lol I use Sephora's make-up remover wipes. And then i follow it with Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. And then I use Peter Thomas Roth peel pads, toner, and peel pads.  It's a lot...I know.

Thank you Juddeth for motivating us this Monday and sharing your best tips and tricks---I have to agree ladies---a smile is one of the best beauty secrets I can think of!
If you have any questions for Juddeth, leave them in the comments below and I will ask her to come her an answer them---or you can visit her GalTime page and ask her there!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays: How Do You Measure Success? & LuluLemon Picks!

I got a question on my formspring page today asking me whether or not I've lost weight or inches from working out.

I've definitely lost inches on my body---and gained muscle mass--- but I only know this because of how I look and how my clothes fit. I don't weigh myself or take measurements.

I'm not on a weight loss journey like some health and fitness bloggers are, so weigh-ins and measuring are not part of my life, nor do I want them to be.  When I watch shows like The Biggest Loser or Heavy, I completely understand the weigh-ins because they really have to track their progress to make sure that they are losing the amount of weight they should be and to ensure their eating and workouts are effective.

When I made the decision to work out regularly, I did it for my health of course and to improve the look of my body by toning it.  So, that's how I assess my progress nowadays---by what I see in the mirror and how I feel. 

In the past, I've weighed myself regularly and measured myself and I became obsessed with the numbers and that's not where I want to be. 

I want to feel good about how hard I work and in order to do that, I can't obsess about the numbers on the scale or how much my hips measure. I've been there, done that---and I never feel happy because I feel like I'm not getting results (even when I am.)  Now, all it takes is just looking at myself and pulling my skinny jeans on to know that the results are there.

I was shopping at LuluLemon with Candice this weekend (and OMG do they ever have amazing stuff out right now!) and I even proudly flexed in the mirror as I tried a tank on.  That's how I measure success these days. 

How do you measure your workout success?  To clarify, I'm not saying I never weigh myself---I do. Maybe once every 3 months or so.

Speaking of LuluLemon---hello gorgeous!  I'm absolutely loving all of the stuff they have in store right now and I'm tempted to pay a visit again next weekend and make a purchase or two.

Here are my top picks:

Lulu Lemon Scoop Neck Tank

 

Run Speed Short

Wunder Under Crop- Organic


Speed Up Tank

I just love that minty green color they're featuring in a lot of their styles right now! It's so fresh and pretty! They also had these adorable pleated mini skirts (or skorts, I think).  If I played tennis more often I'd definitely have bought one!

In more health news, I finally switched to regular oatmeal for breakfast and I LOVE it!  In my last post where I mentioned it, a lot of my lovely readers encouraged me to switch because the flavored formulas had so much sugar in them.

This morning I tried the Quaker brand rolled oats for the first time and they were awesome.  I prepared them just with water, put it into the microwave and then I added some honey and cinnamon powder.  To top it all off, I also added fresh blueberries and strawberries. YUM!  The best part? It kept me full until lunchtime at 12:30 p.m.

Isn't it so pretty!?  I'm really glad I made the switch and thank you to all the ladies who pushed me in this direction!

I had my veggie soup for lunch, almonds as a snack, peanut butter with Kashi crackers as a snack, some chicken and pasta for dinner and a few bites of H's cinnamon bun for dessert (I had to restrain myself from eating the entire thing!)

Since my colonoscopy is next week, I want to start eating well now and continuing to eat well after "the great cleanse of 2011." I'm praying the cleanse will eliminate my sugar cravings.  I can hope, right?

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Veronika.

2011 Health & Fitness Goals & Help Me Make a (Hair) Decision

Happy Wednesday everyone! It's been a pretty busy week for me but I've been able to stick to my classes and did Pilates yesterday and today. 

I was thinking about my fitness goals for 2011 and as I was looking through some old photos on my laptop, I saw the one below from the day after our wedding.  We had laid out at the pool at our hotel for a couple of hours and I remember H taking this photo.  Until I saw it now, over a year later, I didn't realize how much more in shape I was then.  I can clearly tell that the work I did paid off- I was more toned, defined and lean.  My goal is to get back to this body:

The odd part is, that when I did have this body, I didn't realize it at all.  It's only when I stopped working out consistently that I noticed how much better my body looking when this picture was taken.

So yeah, that's my goal. To get back to regular working out and to be toned and healthy.  I think I am going to see my trainer for the first time tomorrow so that should be a tough workout since the last time I saw him I was in much better shape than I am now. I'm getting better though, I can feel that I'm getting stronger again and it feels good.

WHAT ARE YOUR 2011 FITNESS GOALS?

Onto topic number two, I NEED YOUR ADVICE READERS!  I would love it if everyone would chime in on this. Yes, it's about my hair. I know. I get crazy and emotional about it. 

So, here's the deal.  I wrote awhile ago that my hairdresser moved to Italy but that he was coming back. Well, he's not coming back. He got a job there. I am really happy for him because he's happy there and doing what he loves...but my hair is sad.

So I booked an appointment this Saturday with a stylist that he recommended so I could move on....BUT then I got an email from him saying he would be home for awhile in November (maybe a couple of months).

So, here is my predicament (and I think I know the answer in my heart)...should I:

A.  Wait for my hairdresser to come back from Italy and see him one last time to do my hair...it will be another month before I can see him (at least)

OR

B.  Go to the new girl and move on, because it is inevitable anyway and she is talented and comes recommend by my current hairdresser

I am leaning towards B.  I just think that it might be time to carpe diem and just accept that hairdressers come and go. My hair colors are on file and my hair isn't complicated.  Also, I have like 5 months or more of roots going on right now.

What do you ladies think?  One last hurrah with my colorist or carpe diem and move on to the new one? Let me know what you would do in the comments below.

For those of you who don't remember, here is my lovely hairdresser David. Thanks in advance for your comments and advice! Don't forget to tell me about your 2011 fitness goals!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays: Audrina Patridge Works it Out

Today's Motivation Monday features Audrina Patridge of "The Hills" and "Dancing with the Stars" fame. Obviously I don't know her so I didn't get to interview her like I usually do for this feature, but I did find a few of her fitness tips online and am compiling them in this entry.

I am obsessed with the blog Hills Freak and I always admire Audrina's style and of course her body!  She is very fit and even more toned since she's been training and performing on Dancing with the Stars. This is a picture-heavy post, with all photos from Hills Freak (thanks Kelli!)

Among Audrina's health and fitness tips?

• She works out at least five times a week
  
•  She does laps in her backyard pool, hikes in Runyon Canyon, goes for a run or does weight training
  
• "Even when I'm just sitting in front of the TV, I lift five-pound weights or do squats."
  
• "I wear heels when I vacuum, because it works my calves and my butt!"
  
• She works out with a trainer
  
• She has always been in shape and was on the swim team when she was younger
  
• “I go to the beach on the weekends and play volleyball.  Or I’ll go kayaking in Malibu. I like finding things to do outside. I hate being cooped up in the gym.”
  
• When she does head to the gym, Patridge focuses on toning and defining: after 15 minutes on the elliptical glider, she works her arms with 5-pound weights, keeps her belly flat by doing crunches on a balance ball and lifts her posterior with squats and lunges.
  
• I try to eat as healthy as I can. I eat alot of vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken. I never eat sweets or drink soda. I always drink water or iced tea. I take vitamins everyday.
  
•  From her Twitter page "Just left rehearsal… Dancing is probably the BEST workout everrr!! And your having fun at the same time.” 
  
• "I am not really big on sweets. I don’t like desert. I don’t like certain kinds of candy I’m not a big chocolate fan.”
  
•  "I have all this natural energy from being active everyday," Patridge, 25, tells People of her new found fitness addiction. "I feel toned and defined."

Holding a LuluLemon bag!

(x17online.com)

I know it's Motivation Monday, but I had to skip my Pilates class tonight.  My stomach has been weird all day and I actually fell asleep while writing this entry. I felt very tired suddenly and the next thing I knew I was dozing off on the couch, laptop still in my lap, this entry open. Not sure why I'm so tired today...I slept my 8 hours and everything (no, I'm NOT pregnant.) Guess I'm just feeling exhausted...On the plus side, my H made a very yummy dinner- whole wheat angel hair pasta and shrimp with marinara pasta sauce. So delicious! Thank goodness he can cook! I'm going to drink some gingerale to see if it helps with my tummy.

I always thought it might be fun to try a dancing class as a workout. I've heard a lot of great things about Zumba too. What do you think of Audrina's tips? I could never get on board with no sweets (I am addicted) but I love her ideas like wearing heels when she vacuums or taking her workouts outside (hiking or playing volleyball). Audrina strikes me as someone who isn't obsessed with food intake and just lives by the principles of moderation and portion control.

I also love Audrina's former costars Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth. They have enviable frames as well!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Cardio Fail & An OOTD

I AM SO OUT OF SHAPE! Yes, that deserved to be in all caps.  I was all confident about my fitness since starting Pilates again, but my utter and total lack of endurance has made cardio extra hellish for me.  I tried to use my elliptical today and made it to just about 15 minutes before I thought I'd literally plop over and collapse.  I did some strength stuff after that (thank goodness for YouTube videos on the iPhone) but I didn't get the greatest workout since I could barely breathe.

I guess it's going to take some time to get into the swing of things when it comes to cardio.  It's always my least favorite part of working out. I'd rather do twice the strength training and NO cardio at all if it would get me the same results.

So basically today's realization was that no matter how many crunches and other awesome pilates moves I can do, I am clearly out of shape since I got winded after two minutes of being on the elliptical. Phew.

I was feeling uninspired today so I wore pants. I always wear pants when I have one of those "I don't feel like dressing up" kind of days.  I did wear my new top from Forever 21 though and I love the neckline on this one. So pretty!

 

Top-Forever 21
Pants- Express
Shoes- Aldo
Sweater- White House Black Market

Does anyone else have a hard time with cardio like I do?  What are some tips to make it easier? Please share them in the comments below!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays: ET Canada's Angie Smith Shares Beauty, Fashion and Fitness Tips &Tricks

I'm very excited to bring you an awesome Motivation Monday!  Today, I'm featuring Angie Smith.  She pretty much has my dream job-  she's a Fashion Producer on Entertainment Tonight (ET) Canada!

I first met Angie when I worked at a tanning salon where she was a client.  She was always so nice, positive and energetic when she came in and I remember even back then asking her for career advice.  She's just such a sweet girl and I'm thankful she was able to share these tips with us despite her very busy schedule!

Here's a little bit of her bio from ET's website:

From the front row of international runway shows to interviews with some of the hippest designers, Angie Smith has covered fashion from all lenses.

Although "Canadian Made" is one of her favorite phrases, Angie has been lured by international brands to shows across the world. From Bahamas Fashion Week to the runways in Barcelona, she has transformed the fabulous runway fashion look into realistic attainable pieces for the modern day fashionista. She has been featured on Slice's The Mom Show, helping moms wake up their tired wardrobes.

Angie has interviewed fashion powerhouses DSquared, Lauren Conrad, Nicole Richie, Guido and Mary, Lucian Matis, Nada and even elegant media mogul Barbara Walters.

With her journalistic background, she has exposed the beauty fashion secrets of international models Coco Rocha, Irina Lazareanu, and Camila Alves. Angie also had the opportunity to have a tête-à-tête with fashion model Simona McIntyre whose mother's battle with cancer forced her decision to leave modeling to go back to school.

Angie has been modelling professionally for 11 years with international agencies, landing campaigns for Nike, Bacardi, L'Oréal Fashion Week, various magazines and runway shows.

Angie Smith has a Masters of Journalism from the University of Western Ontario and a degree in Media and Information Technoculture. She has freelanced for various media houses such as Canadian Geographic and CG Kids and completed internships at CBS in New York for 60 Minutes and 48 Hours Investigates.

What an impressive resume!  Not only is Angie beautiful on the outside, she's beautiful on the inside too and on top of that she's incredibly smart. 

Here's her interview:

1.  You work on television- what are some of your best on-screen beauty tips? (this can be anything from makeup, hair, how to stand on camera...anything you can think of!)
On an average day, I shy away from foundations and hair products, but on camera you can never use enough.  I have frizzy hair.  So Frizz-ease finishing products and Moroccan Oil really helps to define waves and finish off looks.  And on camera, you want to seal the deal.  And a clean, even complexion is key so a smooth foundation helps to hide shadows.  Also, a lighter tone under the eye helps to brighten that area and widen the eye.
 

2. Where is the most interesting place you've ever traveled? 
Traveling to Cambodia with World Vision was one of the best eye-opening work experiences.  I've been to a lot of places and done many things that often are replicas of events we have in Canada or the United States.  But visiting families who live day-to-day and take pleasure out of every little thing...it was heart-wrenching and put a very different perspective on what I do and how I live.

In terms of Entertainment work, Amsterdam and Aruba have been my favorite places.  I love the food, the heat, the energy...

3.  What are your favorite things to do to stay in shape?  Describe your typical weekly fitness routine...
I'm enrolled in Booty Camp Fitness, which is a twice a week boot-camp fitness course.  It's one of the most motivational and exhilarating routines I could recommend to anyone.  You're not only competing with yourself to keep up but you've got a drill instructor and other women in your peripheral vision that keep you pushing onward for a full hour. And, I'm not going to lie, I have Reebok easytone's that I try to wear everywhere I walk. I'm not kidding - these shoes sculpt and tone. I don't have the best diet - I like fries (Poutine).

4. Where do you love to shop for clothing? What items should every girl have in her closet?
I am a huge fan of FCUK for every day wear and online shopping. For red carpets, I enjoy certain lines - Nada, Greta Constantine And Romana Keveza.  Denim - it's Guido & Mary, Fidelity, Sevens, True Religion - I have a shapeless frame so I try to create curves.  For must-haves, girls have got to have that ONE pair of go-to sexy shoes that make you feel incredible no matter what has happened in your life.  Perfect-jeans, a killer navy cardigan, an updated nail polish (Like Essie's Merino Cool), fun socks (you always have to remove your shoes so funk up your look with personality no matter your age) and a functional hand bag. 

5. What are you top 5-10 makeup products? The ones you absolutely couldn't live without!
Very Black Waterproof Mascara
Mac Eyeliners (Teddy, Smoulder and Tarnish)
Benefit Bronzing powder for contouring
Cargo Bronzing cream (it's like tan in a bottle...amazing)
Sephora eye brow sculptor
Sephora eye shadow pencils (especially maroon)

6. What are your favorite hair products? 
Frizz-ease finishing cream to finish a look
Moroccan Oil (before blow-drying
Frizz-ease moisture defense hair spray to hold a look in place
Marc Anthony shine gloss
 

7.  You've met a lot of celebrities through your job- which celeb's style do you admire most?  There's a difference between admiring and channeling.  I admire celebrities who have a definitive personal look and it's indicative of their personality.  Katy Perry was a great interview -- she has a quirky, funky look.  She throws on wigs, bright lip stick, leopard print...and somehow it all works.  Would I wear it...ummm....no comment.

 

8.  Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my Master's degree. And I still hope to get my PhD.

9. Shoes or bags- what do you love more?  Shoes, shoes, SHOES!

10.  Do you follow a skincare routine?  Which products do you love to use to take care of your skin?
I love Kirkland makeup remover wipes.  They feel great on the skin.  Following that, it's Aveda face wash and moisturizer.  It smells as earthy and fresh as it feels.

Thanks Angie for inspiring us this Monday!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays, OOTD & Weekend Shopping

I know I haven't done a "Motivation Mondays" post in a long time, partly because well, I've been seriously lacking motivation.

It's a combination of things...stress, laziness, tiredness (probably a result of the stress.) I just haven't been feeling like my usual energetic, motivated self lately when it comes to working out.  I'm trying to get back on track...even if it's just one or two workouts a week, I've gotta start somewhere.

Wanting to start my week off with happy things, I painted my nails in one of my favorite colors, Essie's "Mint Candy Apple."  So bright, pretty and perfect for summer. I've actually noticed a lot of bloggers and YouTubers wearing this shade lately so I was inspired to "go green."

 

Sometimes, the best inspiration (for me) to get my butt in gear is a good old visit to my celebrity photo folder on my computer.  These are some of its most recent images:

I recently read in US Magazine (I subscribe) that "The Hills" stat Kristin Cavallari said that the key to her slim figure is that she "has self control."  If only I had self control. I ate 5 SugarBaby's Cupcakes over the weekend.  FIVE. In less than 24 hours. By the way, they are amazing!!! Best buttercream icing ever!  

But seriously, 5 cupcakes is insane but I couldn't stop myself. They were just too good.  Oh well. The past is the past.  I've decided I'm going to start baking my own cupcakes anyways, because paying $3.00 or more for a cupcake is kind of atrocious (despite the sugary, butter-creamy goodness.)

I didn't blog over the weekend but I did end up doing a tiny bit more shopping on Saturday with my husband. It was his birthday and he wasn't feeling up to going out so we went to have lunch and while there we checked out a couple of stores at the mall.  

I picked up a few things:

Bobbi Brown long wear gel eyeliner in "forest" (pic source)

I wanted to expand my gel liner collection and this pretty dark brown shimmery bronze-y color fit the bill.

I also picked up this ADORABLE (and surprisingly long- as in, just above the knee) ruffle-top dress from Target: ($17.99)

I got it in a pinkey-coral color. Super bright and perfect for summer to slip on anytime! It's marketed as a swim cover-up but I see many other possibilities for it because the length is good (though it doesn't look like it in this pic). I got a medium and recommend you size up on this one. You can BUY IT HERE.

Then, I got this pretty black ruffle tube dress at Express, on sale for $30. I was wearing my black ruffle-top dress from Marshalls so much that I had to get something similar because I literally wore that black dress every single weekend everywhere I went.  BUY IT HERE. (I got a size small)

It's the perfect dress to throw over a swimsuit, run errands over the weekend, summer BBQ...the possibilities are endless!

Speaking of the weekend, I sometimes get questions on my FORMSPRING PAGE (where you can ask me anything) about whether or not I every dress casually and if I can post some of my more casual outfits.  I usually don't think to take photos when I'm dressed down, but I remembered this weekend, so here is my Sunday OOTD:

Really simple. Leggings, flips flops, a long, loose tank and an open-faced cardigan.

...and speaking of outfits of the day...here's what I wore today ( I couldn't resist wearing my new white zebra skirt that I scored at LOFT on Friday!)

Top- Costa Blanca (in Canada)

Skirt- LOFT

Shoes- Michael Kors

Necklace- Forever 21

Hope all of you lovely ladies had a fabulous weekend, and here's to an amazing week!

xoxo,

Veronika.