Winter Kicks

Clark's kids boots, Nine West booties and Clark's waterproof boots for boys

Boots are one of those great staples that work for everyone. Whether you want a classic or edgy look, or country western, boots can change a whole outfit. Tall boots elongate the leg, keep you warm and worn with tights still remain ladylike.
Be sure that the boot compliments the outfit. For instance chunky heels work best with long skirts, stiletto thigh highs go with short skirts and ankle boots with jeans.

Boots are a fun way to express yourself!

January Glam Bag

That shiny package arrived again! I have to say this months glam bag was more practical than exciting, but nonetheless I finally get to try argan oil!

Big Sexy Hair spray: Great travel size hair spray

The SOHO Crease Brush: The bristles on this brush form a slight point for applying color to the crease of your eye.

Josie Maran Argan Oil: I've been wanting to try this organically grown oil that originates from Morocco. It literally can be used on everything from your cuticles to your split ends. This essential oil is even packaged in a recyclable glass bottle, of which all purchases support the social and economic welfare of women in Morocco. Beauty and the advancement of women all wrapped up in one-it can't get better than that!

Nailtini: Nude nail polish is perfect for elongating your fingers and best for using when in a rush. If you smudge your nails it won't be so apparent.

Blood Orange lotion: Smells good and leaves your hands feeling moisturized.

Did you get your glam bag yet?!

Motivation with Lorna Jane

It was love at first sight when I entered a Lorna Jane store. The colors and fabrics alone ignited an excitement inside of me to get up and break a sweat. Lorna Jane is a brand that inspires women to get moving-active wear for active living. Lorna Jane was born in England and didn’t understand what it felt like to be active and run around outdoors until at age 10 when she moved to Australia. After hand making unique original designs for the women in her aerobics classes Jane realized her skills were in such popular demand that she was able to open up her first store at a local gym in Brisbane. Lorna Jane the brand has rapidly expanded over the years and is gaining popularity in the American market. Jane intentionally wrote Move, Nourish, Believe for American women, as she wanted to bring awareness of the culture that is Lorna Jane. Women who wear the clothes are part of a sisterhood, there is an understanding of what the brand represents. A real woman like you and me created this, not another athlete or famous face trying to make money.

Lorna Jane is very hands on with the brand and goes to the opening of all her stores. Jane genuinely cares about your story and that is evident in the employees she hires. They are not pushing the brand so much as the passion behind it. If you are in the Glendale, CA area I recommend you go to the Lorna Jane store and ask for the manager Melanie. She is a dedicated employee who grew up watching her mum and sisters wear Lorna Jane thus introducing her to the sisterhood. Melanie says wearing the fun pieces gives her confidence and makes her feel good and “want to go to the gym.” Working at Lorna Jane allows Melanie to interact with different cultures, amazing mums and career women all juggling life. If you feel overwhelmed at what to choose, here are Melanie’s recommendations for the Lorna Jane newbie:

The Amy tight is her favorite, as it feels amazing and is versatile. As well as working out you can always dress it up with high heels and a flowy top for dinner. The Pammy crop top comes highly recommended as it provides support and style all in one.

There are people who think it is superficial to care about your appearance when working out. I however, say why not care? We spend so much time on our appearances making sure we are taken seriously at work, that we shouldn’t think twice about slipping into something pretty to help kick start our workout regimen. If I feel pretty and not restricted in my clothing then I’m ready to take on anything as I can put all my focus on my actual work out.

Take a moment to think about what motivates you- your kids, your health, maybe an upcoming party. You may not be ready to set foot in a gym or lace up those running shoes yet so pick up Move, Nourish, Believe by Lorna Jane Clarkson, a woman who’s entire mission is to inspire active living.  The book very honestly reveals the struggle of building her business from the ground up. All women can relate to the fact that their hard work and persistence will lead to better things in life. Mary Anne Radmacher insightfully states:

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying “I will try again tomorrow.”

You may even see yourself reflected in one of the stories shared throughout the book, such as Aprile Woolcock who was at risk of a major heart attack, Nat Reynolds who battled weight problems all her life and Samantha Swalling who loved the gym so much she entered the professional bodybuilding world. I found myself highlighting phrases all throughout this hard to put down book. There are so many simple yet powerful thoughts and suggestions to help you snap out of your slumber and get moving.

My favorite parts of the book are ‘Cause & Effect’ and the double spread Jane has written on water intake. It’s common sense but sometimes one gets so wrapped up in her life that the little things in life that have impact are forgotten. The way you live your life and treat your body will eventually catch up with you. Everyone from our coaches to our doctors tell us to drink more water and stay hydrated. Eight Glasses A Day is a section in the book that breaks your daily water intake down so that all you have to do is make the commitment. I have no doubt you will find motivation in Move, Nourish, Believe, which the book describes as “…the three pillars of creating a healthy, joyous and vibrant life”.

If you’re ready to start living your best life, pick up a copy of Lorna Jane’s book and connect with me next week for my first installation of Chisel & Burn. I promise to get your muscles screaming! 

Osh and Mr.Bean

Osh is to Persians what chicken noodle soup is to the Western world. A traditional remedy to a bout of sickness. I was hit hard by the flu last week so my mum came through with homemade Osh and a Mr.Bean movie. The perfect prescription to any bad day.

You will need: 1 cup of rice,  1 cup of mong beans, 1 cup of carrots, 3 onions and some turmeric

Boil the rice, mong beans and carrots together

Fry off the onions until golden brown then add to the rest of the ingredients

MLK Day

                    "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."
                                                                                             -Martin Luther King JR

Dr. Martin Luther King JR was an incredible man that had a huge impact on America. He was the key figure in the civil rights movement that emphasized nonviolent activism in his message. King believed "if we do an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, we will be a blind and toothless nation."

I have to admit that a wave of emotion overcomes me when I read any quotes or speeches by King. While I am too young to have been a part of the civil rights movement it is not that many years later that I can't strongly taste the aftermath of the struggles that took place. I am grateful to incredible men like King who have paved the way for equal opportunities and education for all. All over America today there are organizations offering volunteer opportunities for people to serve their communities just as King did. Even getting together with your family and friends to discuss what today means to you, will help create a better America. I read about a banquet in Hiroshima, Japan that is held on Martin Luther King day to unify the town's message of peace with King's message of human rights. So you see as King says "our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective".

Pictures of Martin Luther King colored by my children while talking about why we celebrate this day

My Grandad's favorites

Brussels sprouts, carrots, gravy, mini sausages wrapped in bacon and turkey

Looking at the pictures featured simultaneously arouses my taste buds and awakens distant memories. My mum and I cooked up some of my grandfathers favorites. This was a bitter sweet day as my grandad entered the spiritual world just this past summer. He was an English gentleman that bravely fought in WWII and told the best bedtime stories. After the war he became a Gardener and reveled in the beauty of plant life.

Had this meal been made in England we would have hand picked the vegetables from the garden. My grandad believed no meal was complete without vegetables and potatoes! Even if you made him Persian, or Chinese or Indian food he would say "that was good, but where are the potatoes and veges!"

I see a plate full of vegetables, my grandad saw growth and new life. Tending to his vegetable patch he would talk about it with vigorous passion comparable to that of a mother with a newborn child.

Summer Recycled

              Zara dress, Marks & Spencer cardigan, black nylons

While I love the winter season for the beauty it brings-crisp white snow( ok not so much in Cali but back in my Kent days), crunchy leaves and fallen pine cones, I still find myself yearning for the warmth  of the sun to wrap it's rays around me and lay with me on the beach. Perhaps I'm becoming a true California girl.

To remind myself of summer and dress on a budget I often dig up my summer dresses and add nylons and boots to give the dresses a winter twist!

Let's eat!

                             The Sammy at Simzzy's in Manhattan Beach

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."
                                                                                                        - Virginia Wolf

I have never been that girl that counts calories or cuts all the carbs out of her diet, I enjoy food too much. Eating a good meal is so much more than it tastes or how appealing it is to the eye. It's about getting family and friends together and enjoying each others company.

Hello 2013

It's a new year therefore a new beginning. It's time to stop dwelling on the past and look to the future. If you've made mistakes it only means your human. As long as you have learnt from them and are actively going through the struggle to correct them life will be ok. So don't let other people's opinions dictate your actions.

Make 2013 yours...