MORE Of the fit woman's secrets

                                       c/o Lorna Jane Glendale

More is definitely what you get in this must-read second book by Lorna Jane Clarkson, the founder and CCO of "Lorna Jane". Until now, I always referred to a pick-me-up as a cup of coffee or some candy, after reading MORE OF THE FIT WOMAN'S SECRETS,  I found it to be my pick-me-up for the day. Each page keeps reeling me in deeper to the philosophy of the Move, Nourish, Believe sisterhood.

If there is any misconception of the Lorna Jane brand it is that it's simply a store that sells work-out clothes. Jane's message extends beyond the hip clothes and is constantly being applied to our lives. She encourages you to set goals for success, appreciate your time more and dream big. Reading MORE makes me feel like I'm talking to one of my aunties or best friends.

A short way into the book Lorna Jane speaks of how the fear of mistakes will imprison you, so taking risks is important. It actually encouraged me to implement a motivational program at my office that will recognize employees for the good they have done and motivate them to strive for more. Being fit is not only about the physical aspect of working out, it is a philosophy that encompasses our entire well being.

EATING RIGHT: A large portion of the book is dedicated to fueling your body, nourishing it and learning to eat cleaner. There really are no more excuses with this section of the book because recipe after recipe is provided to start you off on your new health quest. There are even dessert recipes included! You know I have a major sweet tooth so I was absolutely delighted that Jane included these. She recognizes that it's ok to have indulgences. There are also little tips such as drinking hot water with lemon in the morning to jump-start your metabolism.

                       One of my favorite recipe suggestions by Lorna Jane

I actually shared the 12 things mentioned in MORE in one of my motivational meetings at work

There are mantras and quotes spattered all over the pages of MORE to get you to push yourself to excel, and to help you feel amazing.

                                     "to be beautiful is to be yourself"

BEAUTY: What woman doesn't like talking about spa treatments, exfoliaters and makeup? Lorna Jane
reveals her thoughts on beauty and provides easy how-tos for homemade scrubs and facials to empower women to take care of themselves regardless of financial status.

                                  Lorna Jane and her husband Bill Clarkson

THE BRAND AND THE WOMAN BEHIND IT: MORE delves into the thought process of Lorna Jane the brand, where and how it originated. Readers are able to connect with LJ on  a deeper level than her first book Move, Nourish, Believe, including an exclusive question and answer section with her husband and CEO, Bill Clarkson. I love that there is an actual chapter dedicated to living the California dream. Sure I'm originally from England, but I'm beginning to feel more and more like a Cali girl every day. This book speaks universally to women from all walks of life; it acknowledges the great importance of the strength behind a woman and the influence she has on others, especially in the lives of her family.

No sooner had I finished the book than I want to start reading it all over again! Yes it's informative and makes you feel more connected to the brand, but more than that it made me feel excited to move, nourish, believe. Whether you are looking for recipe ideas, background tips or just simply to smile, you will undoubtedly gain something from this book.

Happy Reading!
xoxo
Tasha

P.S: NEVER
        NEVER
        NEVER GIVE UP

Petits Fours - Girl Rising

If you have been following my blog regularly you will know that I have mentioned numerous times about supporting other women and growing together. It means a lot to me to see women succeeding in life and paving a path for our younger generations. I got the chance to do this last night at the movie screening of Girl Rising.

Girl Rising is a film that puts emphasis on the power of education to change the world. Girl Rising follows nine different girls from so many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds with the common thread being an intense desire. A desire to know more, to do more, to be more in life!

Visit the 10x10 Girl Rising website to find out how you can do more for your sisters.

One Girl with courage is a revolution!

Have a great weekend!

Tea for Beginners

If you're on the fence about getting a tea set, it may be best to start small. One of the best places to do that is Anthropologie. The essentials of a decent tea set are: cups, saucers, sugar bowl and a milk jug, and they don't have to look like your grandmother's china! Whether you're a trendsetter, corporate man eater, IT girl or tree hugging type, there's a little something for everyone.

Anthropologie has an entire section dedicated to YOU! Each cup is monogrammed so you can feel extra special. This cup is perfect for anyone that serves coffee as much as they do tea, as the cups are deeper than a traditional tea cup.

Not sure where you stand? Off-white is simple and timeless - it will take you through all the seasons and is perfect for all occasions.

This design is still simple but adds a dash of excitement to teatime!

These are some of my favorite tea cups from Anthropologie. Delicate and feminine yet sturdy. Instead of just choosing one color mix and match between the three - it makes for a far more interesting spread when having guests for tea.

For the bold and the beautiful, behold the ultimate floral print tea cups. This set screams "all eyes on me, I know how to serve my tea!"

I would love to hear from you. Which tea set do you take a fancy to? Have a great Teatime Tuesday!

Ipsy- On the Wild Side

This month's glam bag by Ipsy tells me they want someone to have a wild summer. Wait! Don't go running off and planning anything crazy! Let's take baby steps together and start with the make-up in this fab neon and animal print bag.

JCat Beauty eyelashes and eyelash glue: I can't tell you if these are any good because I'm too scared to use them! The idea of potentially sticking my eyelids together is a big no no. In fact I may just have to put these in a giveaway, so stay tuned!

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter pencil: This glides on smoothly and really opens up my eyes.

NYX Rouge Cream Blush: Gives a dewy look and is long lasting.

Starlooks lip pencil in Tipsy: You can use this as a lip liner or blend into the entire lip. I love how creamy this feels!

JCat Sparkling Cream Palette: Body Glitter! I probably wouldn't know what to do with this but I have an upcoming photo shoot, and this will be perfect!

What did you think of the June Ipsy bag?

Quality Street

"If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty."
                                                                                       Japanese Proverb

Magic moments of toffee finger, caramel swirl and coconut eclair packaged in colorful wrappers make any day better. When a tea biscuit isn't cutting it for me this is exactly what I reach for!
Put the kettle on, choose a good book and reach for a Quality Street.

Petits Four - Family

You know when you don't see your friend's kid or your niece or nephew for even a month, and all of sudden it's like they grew into this whole other person? Well, it's hard to see sometimes just how much your own children have grown, because you are with each other 24/7. In the past week, I was blessed to see my daughter dance in her first ballet recital to an audience of 1500 people!- to see her perform a Hawaiian dance at her school concert, and to watch my son become a singing cowboy on the stage. They were not nervous, but were filled with sheer joy and excitement, and were eager for my reaction.

It hit me this week how much their characters have grown. I have immense pride for them, and gratitude for my life. Being a mother, especially a single mother, is not easy. But so worth it! Running a household and taking care of your family may not sound like much to some people, but I feel as if I could run the world because of these very things. I am ready for life's challenges and have a new-found respect for my own parents.

Happy Father's Day to my baba joon and all the other men out there who are doing what they are supposed to be doing for their children.

Have a great weekend!
xoxo

                                    My brother and I with my dad

Jewels & Polishes

Step out of the expected and try delicious combinations of nail color that match with your jewelry. The edgy combination of multiple colors will be sure to set you apart from the crowd. Contrast is important so if you are going to use a vibrant color, emphasize its punch by pairing it with a subdued neutral or darker color.

I would love to know what pieces of jewelry you choose to match your Mani with!

Teatime Tuesday- Maison Paradi

Everything about Maison Paradi makes me smile like a Cheshire cat. One step through the front door and you are transported to another dimension full of richness that will make your mouth water. The tea sets in this store are to die for! I often drop by just to please my eyes with all the pretty colors and designs. I've noticed other home decor and unique items that would be interesting gifts for a house warming or hostess but truth be told I have a hard time pulling myself away from the tea sets which have been featured on Oprah's favorite things!

Take a visit to The Americana, grab a cup of tea and step into Maison Paradi to immerse yourself in all things pretty.

Happy Tuesday!

Big Bear Petits Fours

                                                    Big Bear Lake

This week was a first for many things- first time in Big Bear, first time taking a trip completely alone with my kids, first time having a Grey Fog Latte( the little things count too you know). I have to say that it's looking like Big Bear is going to be our home away from home thanks to all of the wonderful people we met from the staff at Pine Knot Guest Ranch to the store owners in the village. I love LA but  Big Bear envelopes you with a sense of peace that you just can't find anywhere but in the heart of such natural beauty.

I would love to hear about any other places in Big Bear that you recommend as a must see for our next visit.

Enjoy the weekend!
xoxoxo
Tasha

Quaint little view from our cabin porch at Pine Knot Guest Ranch

Cowboy Fancy put a big smile on my face, I just know there's a cowgirl hiding behind the Persian-English in me...

                                     Vogue can be found everywhere!

Pizza at Paoli's Country Kitchen, a stone's throw away from our cabin

I would live on this lake if I could! Serenity darling absolute serenity...

Generation Beauty by Ipsy

Thanks to Glenda at Sexy hair I was able to attend Generation Beauty by Ipsy that took place this past weekend at the Nokia Live. Thanks G! I spent my Saturday afternoon strutting the pink carpet, checking out makeup booths and spotting a few familiar faces from You Tube and the blogging world.

I am super excited about PACIFICA as the majority of the products are made with coconut and other natural ingredients.

Red and black can only mean one thing-Big Sexy hair!

I was in nail heaven at the Nicole by OPI booth they had set up. OPI were providing Mani's but there were also tables with design tips so you could just try something new out for yourself, hence my "I see you & raise you" plus "Sweet Dreams" self manicure!

Fishtail braid by Toni&Guy that I did not want to ever take out!

Yes you are reading correctly, there was a Boba truck there!

Tea in Big Bear

                               A dresser full of tea essentials at the CopperQ!

Strolling through the village on Monday afternoon in Big Bear Lake I stumbled across the CopperQ, a unique culinary destination. Every square foot of the place is covered with delightful little treasures. If there were a Tea Queen I'm quite sure this would be her grotto! I also got to wet my taste buds with a new flavor of tea I had yet to experience- Grey Fog Latte. It's a combination of earl grey, milk and vanilla, a must try if you haven't already done so. I made sure to revisit the CopperQ each day of my stay in Big Bear Lake and will undoubtedly be back on my next escape to this beautiful village.

Standing next to this table with over sized flowers and chairs made me feel like Alice after she has shrunk in size

                       My very first but definitely not last cup of Grey Fog Latte

The apron reads "It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world". Every hard working beautiful woman should own one of these!