Motivation Mondays: Melanie from "I Pink I love You"

Today's Motivation Monday features Melanie, a beautiful girl I went to high school with. Oddly, we weren't friends in high school (not because we didn't like each other, but we had never really had the chance to hang out). When I read the answers to her questions, I swear I had to rub my eyes because we are practically the same person! I couldn't believe how much we had in common and it made me wish we would have gotten to know each other in high school. 

Melanie has her very own blog, "I Pink I Love You," which is awesome. Her blog is fairly new and I hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Name, age, what do you do for a living?
Hey everyone!! My name is Melanie (just "Mel" for short as I'm always getting Melissa...I dont know why, but it's very annoying, so "Mel" is good, especially for people who can't remember the "anie"...lol). I'm 29 years old and I work for two different hospitals doing administrative work in Maternity and in the Operating Room. FYI, I wouldn't wish two part time jobs on anyone, as I work shift work in both places, so I pretty much have no idea what day it is, or what part of the day it is..I bow down to anyone that can handle shift work, because...it's hard!..lol

Who is your beauty/fashion inspiration and why? My all time beauty inspiration, is Victoria Secret model, Miss Marissa Miller. Ummm....girl crush? She is an inspirational beauty in my eyes. This girl just glows with amazing-ness. Her body inspires me to work hard at the gym. I love how her skin is bronzed to perfection and she has the most beautiful 'beachy' blonde hair ever!!! I love love love her make up. It's simple, nothing over the top or clown-ish looking, it's applied so beautifully that it even allows her gorgeous freckles to shine through, which of course is always so beautiful in my eyes..I grew up with freckles and always hated them, but now I find them gorgeous, especially across the nose...so cute!!!

So I actually have 3 fashion inspirations, each with their own unique 'look'. I absolutely LOVE everything about Victoria Beckam's style. This girl screams fashion. She is always up to date, sleek, and well put together. I became a fan of VB when I read her book "That Extra Half an Inch". I absolutely fell in love with her sense of fashion.

I really adore Jennifer Aniston's 'look'. She is another fav. She is ALWAYS...and I mean always put together so beautifully. From her hair to her outfits, to her nails, I love how girlie she is. Either she has an eye for perfect outfits, or her stylist is incredible. Where do I sign up for lessons??? lol..I love her dresses, skirts, business-y look, and even her casual look.. She wears every outfit so comfortably. Love her!!!

Now... I have to admit, I'm a little fan of the rocker-ish look. I really love Audrina Patridge because she can be girlie, but just a little rocker-ish too. I love how she can pair up the most unusual items together..like a beautiful flow-y top, with skinny jeans and grungy boots or a pair of super high strappy heels. I also love how she accesorizes her outfits...she has the best mix of everything!!  P.S Her MTV show "Audrina" is on every Thursday night, so I'm already getting lots of fun ideas from her on-screen outfit choices.

What do you do to stay in shape?

I LOVE to run!! I go to the gym about 3-5 times a week. I don't have an obsession with the gym, but I find when I go for a workout, I feel 100 times better than if I didn't go . I really love yoga and pilates. The best my body has ever been, is when I went to yoga and pilates regularly. I got that really long, lean look without bulk. I'm starting yoga and pilates classes 2-3 times a week as well as lots of cardio and maybe 2 days a week of weight training. I would also love to take up boxing classes. Girls that I know who have incorporated boxing classes into their workout schedule, have the most beautifully toned arms beyond belief!! That jiggly fat under the arms...GONE!!! I also keep my calorie count to about 1500 a day and log all my calories in my iphone app called "My Net Diary" to keep track of what I'm eating. I keep portion sizes small, drink lots of water, lots of green tea with ginseng and having a fat day once a week (eating whatever I want) keeps my cravings to a minimum. I love to indulge in a big mac every once and a while.

Where do you love to shop for clothing? Describe your personal sense of style.
Oh my goodness...I am such a shopaholic that I think buying clothes is my cardio. I love good bargains, and I love clothing that makes me feel super sexy and confident. I have so many different looks. I love super girlie dresses, fun skirts, dangly jewellery, heels, flats, hair accessories etc. I really love being comfortable too. My fav outfit is a pair of jeans with a loose off the shoulder top, a pair of super sexy pumps and a little bling bling in my accessories. I love wearing my tiffany's key necklace and also simple diamond studded earrings because they go with everything!  I try not to be too matchy matchy because I think incorporating fun and different looks together is way more interesting then being a plain jane, even if it's just a crazy colored nail polish... it's good to have some fun with style! My fav places are Forever 21, Guess, Dynamite, Turquoise, Lululemon, Victoria Secret and Abercrombie and Fitch.

What are some of your can't live without em' clothing items?
Definitely my little black dress!! I love how you can create such different looks with one simple dress (as per lauren conrad in her style book). Every girl needs a LBD in her wardrobe.. it's just a neccessity! I also can't live without my lulu lemon pants and hoodie. They are my go-to item on a lazy weekend where I just want to be super comfy, but styled at the same time. Lulu clothes are my heaven. The price is a little high, but the quality is beyond anything that I've ever bought. I also love girlie tees with a cute pair of cut-offs and old navy flip flops that sell for like $2.

What are your top 5-10 makeup products?
In order of LOVE!!

1. NARS "Laguna" bronzer
2. Laura Mercier Silk foundation
3. MAC Studio fix powder foundation
4. LORAC "Desire" blush
5. Smashbox eye lash primer
6. L'Oreal Million Lashes mascara in black
7. MAC "Baby Sparks" lip glass
8. NARS "Tukish Delight" lip gloss
9. NARS "Orgasm" blush
10. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in "Graphite Shimmer Ink"

What are your top 5 hair products?
1. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
2. Macadamia Deep Repair Mask
3. Phyto Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm
4. Morrocan Oil
5. L'Oreal Silver Shampoo (it's a blue-ish shampoo to keep that ashy blonde look)

What are your best beauty tips and/or secrets that you'd like to share with my readers?
Vitamins!! Since I have started taking vitamins I have noticed a difference in my skin, hair, nails etc. You can do whatever you want with the outside of your body, but incorporating those vitamins (like vitamins B, C, D, E, fish oils, calcium etc) everyday are so important for your outside body to make you shine with awesome-ness and feel confident in knowing your are keeping your body in tip top shape!

Also, shampooing only your scalp is much better than putting shampoo on all your hair. The water will cleanse the rest of your hair as it runs down your hair strands. I also helps from drying your ends out. And.. using a sulfate-free shampoo is a huge bonus!! I have noticed such an improvement since I have started using the Pureology line.

Last but not least....self tan!!! Use the highest SPF that you can. Being 29 yrs old, my skin is starting to age. I wish I could have gone back in time and stopped tanning beds and baking in the sun. Victoria Secret "Beach Sexy" Adjustable Self tan with Shimmer is my FAV!!!! It gives the most beautiful bronzed color and you can adjust how light or dark you want to be. No orange-y look at all. Everyone I've introduced this too, loves it!!!
It's the most natural looking tan in a bottle I have experienced yet...try it!!!

What's on your fashion or beauty wish list right now?
I would love to pick up a blush from Smashbox in "flush". It's a beautiful pinky color that is so flattering on all skin tones. I am loving the Origins line right now and I am obsessed with their exfloliator called "Modern Friction". I got a free sample and fell in love. My skin craves it now!! I also want to pick up Yves St.Laurent Touche Eclat. I have heard it is such an amazing highlighter!!! I also want a really fun purple-ly eyeshadow color from MAC. Not sure which one yet, but purple is so in for me this year!!!

Since watching the royal wedding, I am so inspired to pick up some cute hair fasteners!! It's such a pretty and fun look. I have heard etsy sells such adorable ones that I can wear casually or when I'm glammed up and ready for a night on the town. I always try and look for such fun accerssories that will just make my outfits jump with joy :)

I also love LUSH products. I ran out of the Aqua Mirabilis body butter scrub (which I'm obsessed with), so I have to get some of that because it infuses your skin with hydration and softness...love it!!!
 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of buying my own house. My BF and I bought it together, but I've never owned my own house before. Having a mortgage and having that responsibility is so comforting to me. I adore my house and I work hard to keep it up and running. I'm so proud that I can have a backyard for my puppy to run around in and being able to decorate how I want. All of these little things have made me realize that I'm so proud I decided to stay on the more positive path throughout my life. Times that I have fallen, I know that I can pick myself up and be an even stronger, more confident woman because "I Can't" is no longer in my vocabulary!!!

Thanks so much Melanie, for motivating us this Monday!  If you have a question for Melanie, please leave a comment below and I will ask her to answer your question!

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS- I have a few more MM's coming up! I was really missing this feature and I'm glad it's back!

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.

Motivation Mondays: Jamie's Back to Talk Swimming!

Do what you love!

Since my last motivation Monday post a lot has changed. I'm going to be completely honest with you. I used to be the kind of person that would work out once a week  if at all in the winter, and then when April rolled around I would grudgingly up my workouts to 3 a week and hate working out. I am in school as well and I would always use the excuse that I had too much school work, or that I should be studying instead.

In April I made a pretty drastic decision. In order to force myself to workout I took my car off insurance and decided to ride my bike to work. No excuses. I rode the 5k each way 3 or 4 times a week (I work part time) for 6 months. Luckily for me the ride to work is mostly downhill, so I arrived at work early enough to change clothes and cool down to avoid being a sweaty mess. On the way home it's mostly uphill and I worked hard to make it a good workout. This only took me about 20 minutes, so there wasn't a lot to complain about.

It grew on me, and I started to cycle on my days off; riding up to the waterfront trails and exploring the back roads in my town 20k at a time. Once I even made a 3 and a half hour trek up to my parents house. I got lost and and really bad tan lines but I was so proud of myself.

As the end of October neared I wondered what I would do for exercise in the winter. I'm not one of those extremely dedicated athletes that rides or runs outside in the winter. I don't do well with cold. I really didn't want to fall back into my lazy winter routine.

I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me sooner.  I took swimming lessons my entire life from tadpole to NLS life guarding courses. I was on the swim team when I was 6-8 years old, again in the ninth grade before the strike cost us school sports and again in OAC when we got our sports back. Needless to say I love swimming. I love being in the water. The pool is my happy place; when I walk in to the rec center and smell that chlorine, hear the loud echo-y drone and water lapping against the side of the pool I am in heaven... and I haven't even gotten into the water yet!

I guess somewhere in my head, I had strangely associated exercise with something that I had to do rather than something that I wanted to do. In the beginning of November I bought a year pass to the pool and started going four times a week. I love it and I look forward to it and so I have been able to keep up my routine no problem. 

Swimming is a great workout, it combines cardio and strength training, and it's easy on the joints. It's a low impact workout that is great for people who are just starting to exercise, or getting back into exercise and it can be customized to your needs and exercise goals.

Right now my swim schedule looks like this:

Monday

• 10 lap warm up alternating front crawl and breast stroke 
• Legs: 10 x 25m flutter kick with flutterboard 
• 10 x 25m breast stroke kick with flutterboard
• 10 x 25m flutter kick on my back
• 10 x 25m breast stroke kick on my back 
• in water stretching using the ledge of the pool like a ballet barre to stretch various  muscles in my legs (it's about waist height)
• 10 lap cool down alternating front crawl and breast stroke

 Total: 60 laps

Tuesday 

• 10 lap warm up alternating front crawl and breast stroke 
• Sprints: 20 x 25m sprints front crawl
• in water stretching using the ledge of the pool like a ballet barre to stretch various muscles in my legs 
• 10 lap cool down alternating back stroke and breast stroke
• tricep dips and ledge pushups in the deep end using just my arms to raise myself out of the pool and lower back in slowly

Total: 40 laps

Wednesday 

• Pilates and strength straining: legs and core

Thursday

• 10 lap warm up alternating front crawl and breast stroke
•  Sprints: 20 x 25m sprints front crawl
• in water stretching using the ledge of the pool like a ballet barre to stretch various muscles in my legs 
• 5 x 50m sprints front crawl (I am working on switching to these so that I can do 10 x 50m sprints on Thursdays
• Legs: 10 x 25m flutter kick with flutterboard
• 10 x 25m breast stroke kick with flutterboard
• 10 x 25m flutter kick on my back
• 10 x 25m breast stroke kick on my back
• 10 lap cool down alternating front crawl and breast stroke

Total: 90 laps

Friday

• 10 lap warm up alternating front crawl and breast stroke
•  Sprint Sets: 20 x 50m sets alternating front crawl sprints and moderate breast stroke to return (25m front crawl/25m breast stroke)
• in water stretching using the ledge of the pool like a ballet barre to stretch various muscles in my legs 
• 10 lap cool down back stroke

Total: 40 laps

Saturday

• Pilates and strength training: legs and core

Sunday

• Day off :)

The biggest difference that I have noticed so far is in my arms, they are really toned and the muscles are well defined, the rest of my body has tightened up quite a bit and is starting to look a lot more firm and toned as well. Overall I have lost about half an inch in my midsection and am down to my "summer size".

Another thing that I have noticed is that a few weeks after I started swimming regularly, my skin completely cleared up. I think it is partly because I am less stressed and partly because the regular exercise is getting all of the toxins out of my body. Plus I think the chlorine just kills any bacteria on my skin :)

I have found that swimming helps to relax me; I am a lot happier and less stressed. It's an hour that I can just enjoy the refreshing feeling of the water on my skin and kind of shut the rest of the world out and not have to worry about anything else.

In May I plan to give up my car again and cycle to and from the pool (4k each way) as well as cycling to work, on top of my 4 a week swim workouts and I also plan to run a 5k once a week; most likely on Sundays so that I can be active every day. The thing about exercise is that the more you do it... the more addictive it becomes.


More true words could not be said!  Thanks so much Jamie for motivating us this Monday!  Jamie and I were actually on the swim team together in high school and boy do we have some fun memories from those times! :)

If you have any questions or comments for Jamie, please post them below.  And remember, DO WHAT YOU LOVE!
xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays: My Current Workout Routine & Eating

This isn't a true Motivation Mondays post, but a lot of my lovely readers have been requesting that I post more about my fitness routine and eating habits.

I'll touch on the eating part first, because I've just been really struggling with my IBS lately so I'm seeing a specialist this month to talk about what kinds of foods might help me (I'm thinking less dairy and gluten, but not 100% sure.) 

Right now a typical meal say for me might look something like this:

• Breakfast
• oatmeal (I like apple cinnamon or maple sugar)
• toast or Kashi crackers with peanut butter
• fruit- bananas, strawberries, grapes, etc...
• 2 cups of green tea
• Lunch
• sandwich (turkey and cheese)
• pita bread with tuna
• soup (I get tomato or chicken noodle)
• veggies with hummus (as part of my overall lunch)
• 1 cup of green tea
• Snacks
• babybell cheese or string cheese
• almonds (LOVE them)
• crackers with peanut butter
• cereal
• Kashi cereal bar
• Dinner
• shrimp and veggies
• shrimp with pasta
• beef kabobs
• spaghetti
• turkey chilli
• 1 cup of decaf mint tea

So that's a basic breakdown.  I sometimes just have a bowl of cereal for dinner. It just depends what mood I'm in.  I also sometimes have toast with Nutella for dinner.  I crave sweets, as you can tell!  Right now my biggest thing to overcome food-wise is learning to stop before I'm so full my stomach hurts and also to cut out candy and replace it with something sweet that's healthier.

Now, onto the fitness part.  I've mentioned before that it's hard for me to remember my workouts because I do a different workout every time I go. It's just never the same---you have to keep challenging your body to get results!

I usually do 45 minute or 1 hour sessions that are a mix of strength training and intense cardio.  From resistance bands to bosu balls to stability balls and kettle bells---I do it all and we also do a lot of workouts that use your own body weight, like the dreaded "plank."  We focus a lot on the butt and thighs because I love the look of toned legs.  I workout my entire body though, including muscles I've never worked out before (when I used to go to the gym on my own.)

Although it's tough, I think the intense bursts of cardio we do during each session really help burn fat and increase the intensity of the workout overall.

We do everything from crunches and tons of different squats--- to moves I don't even know how to describe.  It's amazing how much more of a burn I feel when I'm really pushing myself under the supervision of my trainer. I almost feel like I'd never workout that hard on my own.

Speaking of motivation, check out these recent photos of a blonde Kate Beckinsale.  (pics: www.justjared.buzznet.com)

Now, I definitely love her more as a brunette but look at that body!  Very inspirational, especially since she's a momma!

So, what are my fitness goals as time goes on?  To stick to my workout plan. Right now I see my trainer 4 times a week which is perfect for me.  The other days I will either take rest days or workout on my own.  I think for me though, the diet will be the biggest challenge. I'm working on eating more salads, veggies and greens in general.  Hopefully 2011 will be the year where I can finally eat well.

What are your 2011 fitness goals? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays: Stephanie Talks Fashion Week, Hair & More!

Today, lovely readers I bring you a Motivation Mondays post from the wonderful Stephanie from Cutloose hair!  Some of you may remember she colored my hair a couple of weeks ago and this weekend she is trimming it for me (yay for trims!)

Stephanie is incredibly talented and such a lovely spirit that I couldn't resist asking her to be featured here on my blog.  Her dedication to her career and passion for what she does is evident in every cut, color and style she does. Oh, and her favorite color is fuchsia (yep, we may be soul-mates.)

Stephanie recently scored a much-coveted spot doing hair for Bumble & Bumble at New York Fashion Week!  If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is.  Here's what Stephanie has to say about fashion week, hair and more!

Meet Stephanie:

1.  How long have you been doing hair?
Since 1999. The "Meg Ryan" haircut was all the rage. I probably did 500 of them. Thanks Sally Hershberger! :)

2. What made you decide to be a hair dresser? Were you always passionate about it?
I was always into beauty growing up. As a kid I would watch my mom get ready for dates, and I would be mesmerized by her transformation. I love that in fashion, you can be whoever you want to be. That's power.

I didn't always know I would do Hair as a profession. I had done so much to myself- color, cutting, you name it. The day it dawned on me that I could do what I already had a predisposition for (as a career), it changed my life forever. The industry saved me in a lot of ways.

3.  You recently did some shows at New York Fashion Week- what was that like?
It was an honor to work with the Bumble and Bumble Team. I got to work with lead stylists in the industry that I have admired for years. I got a real view of what life is like for that breed of hairdresser. You have to have real skills and tough skin. It also made me appreciate my family at Cutloose Hair Salon. My coworkers and my clients mean everything to me.

Stephanie with Rolando Beauchamp, an editorial stylist for Bumble and Bumble

Th Parkchoonmoo show (a modern Korean designer)

From Alexander Berardi

4.  What behind-the-scenes stories can you share with us from fashion week?
At Catherine Malandrino, the presentation was about to begin and a model came screaming in from another show. Usually, models are doing multiple shows a day. They were literally dressing her, applying her makeup and styling her hair at the same time. -My quintessential Fashion moment!

5.  What hair trends were you seeing on the SS 2011 runway? What do you predict will be hot for the spring/summer season?
Spring Summer is typically more laid back than Fall/Winter hair. The styles I worked on were everything from flat ironed bone-straight to the low side-chignon of season's past. The low side pony with a 60's inspired tease was my favorite, at Alexander Berardi.

6.  What is your favorite thing about your job?
When you live and work as a hairdresser in the same salon, you grow roots. It only gets better, and your relationships get stronger.

7. What is your least favorite part of your job?
I'm rooted. No living in Italy for me!! -(David Tran, I know you're reading)

8.  What are some tips you can share to keep hair healthy?
If you trust your hairdresser, listen to them. The right products will go a long way. Stop using the flat iron everyday, and if you MUST, use a heat protectant. Also, some protein masks out there can actually make your hair more brittle the more you use them. If it does right away, you need moisture. If you are truly damaged, use the protein treatment until things improve. When they do, switch to something lighter.

9.  What are some of your favorite hair trends and styles?
I still love braids. The basket weave at Alexander McQueen was stunning. The classic chignon, french twist and ponytail never go out of style, and can make your "holiday look" very elegant.

10.  Which celebrities' hair do you love?
I love Julianne Moore, especially her hair in "A Single Man." I love that Emma Watson just chopped all of her hair off. It's adorable on her.

11.  What styles over the years have you tried with your own hair? anything crazy you want to share?
I too chopped my hair off to 1 inch all over when I was 21. It was when Gwyneth Paltrow had her short hair ( and was dating Brad Pitt.) I loved that I did it, but I'll never do it again!

12. In your opinion, what are the biggest mistakes women make with their hair (this can be cut, color, style etc.)
Anything "As seen on t.v." is usually not wise. Go see your hairdresser and ask him/ her to SHOW you how to style! And then go home and PRACTICE! Psst: ( that's the only thing we have up on you.)


Thanks so much Stephanie for sharing your tips and experiences :)  If you have any questions for Stephanie please post them in the comments and I'm sure she will come back and answer as many as she can.

xoxo,

Veronika.

Motivation Mondays: ALO Sport Contest/Giveaway! (Cute Workout Clothes!)

Happy Monday everyone!  Last Sunday, I visited the new YMCA downtown to see if I wanted to work out there.  The memberships are $55 a month plus 2 dollars for parking every single time you go. That really annoyed me. I mean with the $55 fee and parking fees that's a lot more than I was paying at 24 hour fitness. Plus, I also take my pricier Pilates classes so I'm factoring that cost in too.

So I decided to check out this indoor soccer place where my personal trainer works with his clients.  They have a gym with free weights,weight machines and cardio equipment.  It's perfect for what I need and at just $20 a month the price is right too.  When it comes to working out, I'm all about convenience. The closer it is to my house, the more likely I'll go often. This one is on my way home so it's perfect. It's also close enough that I won't mind walking or driving there even after going home first.

It's not a fancy gym by any means but it will serve its purpose.  I thought about it and when I was at my best fitness wise, I was doing Pilates, regular cardio and strength training so that's what I'm trying to get back to.  So I'm going for my first personal training session tomorrow to get into a routine.

In honor of Motivation Mondays, I have a fun workout wear review and giveaway! (yay for contests!) Because cute workout clothes always motivate me to work out, I though this was a perfect contest fit! (Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but this entry has the spirit of Monday written all over it!)

ALO contacted me a little while ago asking if I'd test out their workout wear and host a giveaway.  I checked out their site and liked what I saw so of course I said yes!  I always love it when I have the opportunity to give away a high-quality prize to one of my readers.

Most of you ladies know that I like to wear cute workout clothes.  I know some people think it's pointless, but it makes me feel motivated when I look cute when I work out.  I think if someone is motivated and comfy in sweatpants and a baggy tee, then that's great, I just like to maintain my girly style when I work out.  Even my running shoes have hot pink accents!  I also like that cute gym clothes mean I can run errands afterward and not feel like I should go home and change first.

I was really surprised by the quality of the clothes I was sent.  The fabrics are comfy and stretchy and overall have a nice weight to them.  I tested them out of course, wearing them to several Pilates classes so I could see how they felt...because after all, anything can look good, but would they perform?

I'm happy to say that both the pants and the top are lovely to work out in.  The top even has a built-in bra, perfect for girls who don't want to wear an extra sports bra.  The pants are flattering and cut well.  They definitely have the same great-butt effect as many of the LuluLemon styles I own.

Here are a few pictures of the Colorblock Yoga Pant ($60 retail) and the Keyhole Tank ($48 retail)

The Keyhole Tank has these great mesh sides making it more breathe-able!

The Colorblock Yoga Pants are super comfy, flattering and stretchy. My one critique is that I wish they came in longer sizes.  The company is relatively new so I'm sure they will offer more lengths as their business grows.  These are a good length for me when I am bare-footed but I would need a little more length to wear them with runners. Other than that, they are great!

ALO stands for air, land ocean.  I like that the brand is green- their clothes are made with sustainable, organic (cotton) and recycled materials (bamboo and recycled polyester). 

This video from their Fall/Holiday photoshoot is fun to watch and shows off the clothing beautifully (and uhh...I'm pretty sure I MUST get the gorgeous gray top shown at 1:15 in the video!)

And now, for the most exciting part, one lucky reader will win a pair of Colorblock Yoga pants like the ones I'm wearing from ALO!  The winner will be chosen by me using random.org and ALO will contact the winner directly to get sizes and ship the items to the winner.

Here are the contest rules:

1.  Entrant must live within the US

2.  Entrant must be a fan of the ALO Facebook Fan Page (facebook.com/ALOClothing)

3. Entrant can get ONE extra entry if they become a follower of the ALO Twitter feed

(http://twitter.com/aloclothing)

4. You MUST leave a valid email address where I can contact you if you win in your comment (write it like: name at emailprovider dot com so you don't get spammed!) Please let me know in your comment if you "liked" ALO on Facebook and for an extra entry if you follow their Twitter feed (please include your Twitter name so I can check.)

I will keep this contest open until Saturday, October 16th at Midnight CST.  I will announce the winner on Sunday, October 17th. I cannot wait for one of you ladies to experience the comfort and style of this brand!



ALO is also offering my readers a special discount code. You can use “bloglove2010” at Alosport.com and get 20% off of your purchase.

It's funny because ALO contacted me just as I was really getting back into my fitness routine after months of slacking so it felt like a "sign" that I was going in the right direction :)

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.