"The Great Escape" Ipsy Bag

Spring is definitely here with the "Great Escape" Ipsy bag for March. 

GLAMRX Mini Freestyle Palette: This is great for traveling as you can interchange your eyeshadow colors and the magnetic base ensures smooth transportation. TIP: It's also perfect for storing bobby pins! YABY Eyeshadow Refill: This is a vegan friendly brand that can be used wet or dry. 

JUICE BEAUTY Hydrating Mist: This tones, hydrates and refreshes your skin. It has an extreme smell  for the first five minutes but then wears off so it's not so bad. 

LA FRESH Travel Lite Makeup Remover: This fits perfectly in your purse and is made of biodegradable materials for the green in you! 

"The Great Escape" arrives in a cute ready to sail away bag!

1,2,3 Chisel & Burn: The Band Resistance Workout

Work out clothes: Check!
Resistance band: Check!
Water: Check!
Motivation: Check!

When purchasing a resistance band for beginners it may be best to get one of each level starting from easy, working your way up to hard. Some resistance band levels are measured by color. Be sure to ask for assistance to get the right level. After stretching out my muscles and taking a brisk walk I was ready for the following simple exercises. Let me know how you like them!

Exercise 1: Bicep Curls
Do 2-3 sets, 12-15 reps

A) Feet must be shoulder width apart, core tucked in, shoulders back

   B) Pull resistance band towards your body, keeping elbows to the side.

Exercise 2: Tricep Extension
2-3 sets, 12-15 reps

           A) Position self into a split stance with arms to the side

          B) Bring arms up overhead keeping your head straight up and elbows pulled in.

         C) Extend the arms

Exercise 3: Leg extensions using core
2-3 sets, 10 reps each( bilateral)

A) Find a step/bench and place the resistance band underneath the seat, attaching the hooks of the resistance band onto the feet( make sure secure). Keep back flat, core engaged, neck aligned while keeping knees bent at 90 degrees.

B) Lift both legs straight up into full extension.
TIP: Ease into aiming for a partial leg extension if you cannot extend legs fully.

Single Leg Extensions using core:
2-3 sets, 10 reps each

A) Find a step/bench and place the resistance band underneath the seat, attaching the hooks of the resistance band onto the feet( make sure secure). Keep back flat, core engaged, neck aligned while keeping knees bent at 90 degrees.

B) Extend single leg into full extension while keeping opposite leg bent at 90 degrees. 

TIP: Ease into aiming for a partial leg extension if you cannot extend fully.

Exercises provided by Kinesiologist & Certified Personal Trainer, Melody Allameh.

The Fasting woman's breakfast

"... this material fast is an outer token of the spiritual fast; it is a symbol of self-restraint, the with-holding of oneself from all appetites of the self, taking on the characteristics of the spirit, being carried away by the breathings of heaven and catching fire from the love of God."
                                                                                                       -Kitab-i-Aqdas

Every year at this time Baha'i's abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset for 19 days. To fast it to create a time of prayer and spiritual renewal. To help me get through the fasting period I make sure to eat well each morning and hydrate each eve. 13 days into the fast and I finally figured out the perfect breakfast for myself.

2 eggs, 1 slice of toast, 1 banana, 1 clementine, a cup of tea and water and juice with Chia seeds( to help with hydration)
Don't forget to feed your souls with prayers too!

No matter what your religious beliefs are I would love to hear how you handle your fasting period.
Keep going strong!
xoxo

Quick Fix

                                 H&M scarf and sweater, Dior sunglasses

More often than I would like I wake up with unruly hair. With no time to spare in the morning for straightening I turn to one of my silk scarfs for a quick fix!

Chisel & Burn

                               Lorna Jane jacket and leggings, Nike shoes

No more excuses! I let myself slack on my workouts a few months ago when I had to have physical therapy done on my back. It seemed like I couldn't get back into it. I am at the point though that I do not feel good inside or out. Forget about the fact that some of my clothes are not fitting well anymore, I actually feel weighed down and slower when I am simply climbing a flight of stairs! No bueno!
I'm ready to get back in shape and would love for you to take this journey with me. With the help of my friend Melody, certified private trainer and Kinesiologist, I will be posting three simple exercises this week that will target your body from head to toe.
Ready, set, go! xoxo

Think Nature

Wassimo for Target top, Levi's jeans, Bebe jacket, Nordstrom stack rings and Michael Kors watch

The past week has had me on a packed schedule. I tend to dress more comfortable so I can easily move between meetings. The richness of the fabric and color make me feel right at home surrounded by nature.