Fitness Boutiques

Ever since I wrote my first blog post about all the "fitness boutiques" that I like to visit - I have had others tell me about their favorites, too. 

So, what did I do? Naturally, I tried them! 

Here is my opinion:

1. Orange Theory

One great thing about Orange Theory is that your first class is free. So, what is it? This fitness boutique is a workout that "is broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, using a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training™ and free weights to tone your body". It's pretty much a great workout all squished into 60 minutes. 

Truthfully, I really liked the atmosphere - but I don't think it's worth paying for this workout over a long period of time. I think this workout is great for you to learn about weight training and mixing cardio. The class I took did not involve a lot of TRX (which I would have liked to have seen more of). 

Summary: A great workout - but I think you should take what you learn at this workout and apply it at the gym. You can do pretty much everything at this studio that you can at the gym. But, I do think this workout is great to do every once in a while. By the way - this is a franchise, so if you are not in South Florida - than you should see if there is one in your area!

2. American Yoga

I have been searching for a great Vinyasa yoga studio ever since I moved to South Florida after college. It has taken me two years, but I have finally found one! It's called American Yoga - and it's located in Deerfield Beach, FL. I tried a class here the other week (they offer a FREE class every Sunday) - and I was sore for 3 days after! Let's just say - I'm hooked! Even if you haven't tried yoga before - Vinyasa is a must.

Summary: I have tried other Vinyasa studios in the South Florida area - and have not found one as good as this. Also, the atmosphere is wonderful! The floors are wood (which I love), and it has an overall organic feel to it.

Other Opportunities:

**Lululemon (Located at Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, FL) - offers a FREE yoga class every Sunday at 6:30pm.

**Suspension Yoga - I was told there was a fantastic studio in Fort Lauderdale that offers Suspension Yoga. I think this will be my next fitness boutique conquest. Have you tried this type of yoga before?

One more thing... I have been thinking about starting my own "Fitness Queen" class every Saturday by the beach in East Boca. It would incorporate cardio, pilates & strength training. (BTW - I am certified in Beginner Pilates). If I had a lot of people interested - then I would move forward with it. I will incorporate all my weekly work-outs!

Pink Workout

Any other fitness boutiques that you suggest for me?

Also, I really appreciate those who read my blog posts! ;)

...xox...

Liz

Today's Inspiration

I must say that I'm huge on quotes and all inspirational sayings. I always look for some kind of inspiration throughout my everyday life - whether it's a quote I see in passing or a phrase I liked while reading a book.

Anyways, I received an email today from my Mom. She does forward me lots of emails - but this one struck a different note with me. So much so - that I wanted to share it with you:

‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked Jesus (John 18: 38).

A new seeming truth asserts itself and those who recognize it as the end of the world as they know it resist and are bitter and hostile.

Those who were sick of the old and want something entirely new are carried away with enthusiasms and passion … and they wish to impose their newly-found truth upon the world.

Both have completely nullified the really creative work at hand.

In the reign of the Holy Spirit – the world of possibilities – blossoms forth and is to be found in the present moment.

In a time of great change, one can be very preoccupied with what is ending or very obsessive with what seems to be beginning.

In either case, one losses touch with the pearl that is in the present with its obscure, but dynamic, possibilities.
 

Truth and goodness are to be found in openness, readiness, attention, courage to face risk … to not know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going … to recognize the possibilities offered by the present moment and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.

Such are the ways of love.

Such is the place in which to remain ... always.

I'm sure each person who reads this will have their own interpretation. However, this is what I took from it:

There are going to be times in your life that require great change - both good and bad. However, we should never lose touch with the present. Because before you know it - that moment will be in the past, too. Also, know that God will never present you with an obstacle that He thinks you can't handle. We need to accept our fate and move forward with courage, faith & hope. Perhaps this fate will bring you to new possibilities - those that wouldn't have been possible without this "big change". 

Don't miss your chance to live in the moment.

...xox...

Liz

Spring Obsessions: Classy & Fabulous

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same." - Coco Chanel

This statement could not be more true. When I shop, I don't like to buy something that is considered in-style at the moment - I try to shop for looks that are timeless. 

Of course, some styles come and go - I've seen full cycles to where things that were in-style when I was little are now making a come-back. 

Anyways, enough of my view on fashion and style. I have a current spring obsession list that I would like to share. I must say, there are some really amazing finds out there at the moment!

Believe it or not - my current obsessions don't have much pink. ;)

Fun & Flirty Dresses:

 

I absolutely LOVE this dress. It's a Lilly Pulitzer, and I just think this dress is the epitome of perfection. I don't believe it's in stores, yet - but I'm sure this dress won't stay in stock for very long! 

You can find this dress in Nordstroms in the Junior Department. The front of this dress is very simple - but what made me fall in love with this dress is the back. You can add a cute neutral brown belt to tie this whole look together!

This dress is from Esther Boutique (an awesome website I found online thanks to Pinterest). I think this dress screams sexy. What makes this dress is the shear polka dot mesh on the front (it's also on the back of the dress, too). OBSESSED.

Spring Skirt:

I found this skirt on RevolveClothing.com. I LOVE how it's a mixture of a short and long skirt. This seems to be something that's really "in" right now - and I'm loving it.

Floral Jeans:

I happened to be in my favorite store the other day (Nordstroms!) when I saw these jeans. They are so fabulous in person. Remember when I said that some styles make a full cycle? Next to the jeans, you can see me as a 4 year-old wearing floral shorts. :)

I'm really into the bright colored jeans, as well - I recently bought a bright lime green pair!

Shoes, Shoes & More Shoes:

At the moment, I really LOVE neutral shoes - whether they are flats or heels. The best thing about them is that they will go with ANY outfit! Also, when you wear neutral heels, it makes your legs appear longer & leaner! Anyways, I think these Jeffrey Campbell flats are really adorable. I mostly purchase heels - so when I buy flats... they have to really impress me! And these do!

These Kate Spade wedges are my current obsession - above everything else I mentioned above. These shoes have two out of three of my favorites: pearls & bows (with the third being pink). 

So, what are your current spring favorites? I hope you enjoyed mine!

...xox...

Liz

My Love Story

Real love stories never have endings. 

I wholeheartedly believe every word of that statement. I count my blessings everyday that I found the person that I will spend the rest of my life with. 

When did I realize this? Truthfully, I knew within the first few months of dating. I was only sixteen - but there has always been this strong attraction between us. Even now (after 8 years), there has never been a moment where we have lost that "spark".

If there are a few helpful "suggestions" I can give any person with a significant other, it would be these:

• When you have a significant other, you need to make sure you have your own identity. It's important to always stay true to who you are & what you want out of life. As much as Tyler and I love each other and try to spend as much time together - we make sure we have time for our own hobbies. We each have goals in life - and we are each others biggest cheerleader.
• Treat each other with respect. There has never been a time where Tyler and I have exchanged hurtful and heartless words to each other. And he definitely has NEVER laid a hand on me (same goes for me). 
• Don't get stuck in a routine. When you slip into a routine - your relationship can easily get boring. Spice things up. Plan a picnic at a beach - surprise your lover with a card on their car seat (that they find when they go to work). It's important to make your significant other feel loved.
• Communicate. This is HUGE. If your significant other is doing something you don't approve of - talk to them! If there is anything that you feel uncomfortable about - talk to them! It's so important to openly communicate. Tyler and I always talk through everything. 

I'm not saying I consider myself an expert in the relationship department - I just know what works for us. ;)

Tyler & I :)

"As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change. . . I will always keep falling in love with you." I love you, Tyler!

...xox...

Liz

Stubborn Abs

Your lower abs can be the hardest and most stubborn part of your body to get in shape. When it comes to your abs, it really does matter what exercises you do along with what you're eating!

Personally, I think the lower ab exercises are the hardest - but they are the most rewarding, as well!

Here are a few lower ab exercises that I frequently do in my weekly work-out routine: 

1. Lower & Lift

• This exercise I learned from years of Pilates. It's super simple - but will have your abs sore the next day.
•  First, lie on your back. Keep your back long and imagine that you are sucking your belly button to the floor.
• Lift both legs straight to the ceiling. Flex your feet. Then, lower your legs as one unit until you are several inches above the ground (if your lower back lifts up, then you have gone too far down). 
• Finally, lift your legs back up to the starting position.
• Reps: 12, Sets: 3 

2. Cross-Legged Lift

•  First, lie on your back. Keep your arms at your sides.
• Bend right knee, crossing right foot over left thigh. Keeping left leg straight, use your abs to lift hips off the ground.
• Lower hips, then take legs down to 45 degrees. 
• Switch, crossing the left leg over the right thigh.
• Reps: 12 (each leg), Sets: 3 (each leg) 

Picture from Shape.com

3. Reverse Crunch

•  First, lie on your back. Keep your arms at your sides.
  
• Bring the knees in towards the chest until they're bent to 90 degrees. Keep your feet together.
• Contract the abs to curl the hips off the floor, reaching the legs up towards the ceiling.  
• This is a very small movement - so make sure your lower abs are doing ALL the work!
• Extra: Rumor has it this is how Jessica Simpson got her sexy abs back when she was filming Dukes of Hazzard.
  
• Reps: 15-20, Sets: 3

Try this lower ab work-out the next time you make it to the gym! Also, these exercises are simple enough to where you can do them right at home!

Be a Fitness Queen!

...xox...

Liz

Presenting... YOU!

Have you ever realized how much we judge something based on its "presentation"? For example...

We judge the presentation on our plate before we eat it:

Delicious Sushi

 We judge the way someone's house looks on the inside and on the outside:

Beautiful Home

 And, we judge each other:

ME!

So, what I am trying to say? Presentation is important.

Your not going to eat the food on your plate if it doesn't look yummy. You may think someone lacks taste or has a dysfunctional life, if their home is messy or unkempt. Finally, people may judge your confidence, success & status by how you present yourself to the world.

Whether or not you are successful (yet) - if you dress like you are beautiful, successful, & confident - then it will come. If you believe it - you can become it.

Make sure your hair is done - make your nails look pretty - dress professional at work - wear less "comfy" clothes in public (even if it's just for errands).

How you present yourself is a reflection of your character.

There you have it... your first Liz-ism!

...xox...

Liz

Runners' Glass Slippers

As a runner, there is nothing I love more than my running shoes. The type of shoes that you have and their condition can really make a difference on your run.


What type of running shoes do I use? Asics. They are the absolute best! I've tried other brands before - and I've decided they don't even compare.


Shoes I don't recommend? I'm not a fan of Nike. My very first pair of running shoes (when I was 16) were a pair of Nikes - and let me tell you... I had shin splints like no other.


So, if you are an avid runner - how many times a year should you trade in your old ones? The recommended amount (if you run 3x or more a week) is every 3 months.


I just bought a new pair yesterday (I was WAY overdue):

My new shoes!

Ok... so they aren't pink. It's okay to branch out every so often. ;)


So - where did I find these? Nordstrom Rack! There is no need to pay full price for these shoes. I have seen Asics at: Nordstrom Rack, DWS, Loehmann's & other "discounted" stores. These running shoes can get pricey (the ones I bought were $135 retail... and I got them for 65% off).

What are your favorite running shoes?

...xox...

Liz

Eating Healthy 101

I've always been asked questions about what I eat and how I prepare my meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Well - it all starts with what you buy at the grocery store.

I've always been told to shop around the outer edges. In other words, don't go down the aisles.

Why?

Because that is where ALL the processed foods are - which are so harmful to your body. I try to stay away from anything that is pre-packaged and/or I cannot read the ingredients on the label (ex. Maltodextrin - which was on the back label of a Cheetos bag).

So, what are around the outer edges at your local grocery store?

• Veggies, Fruits, Meats, Milk, Orange Juice, Yogurt, Cheese, Poultry, Seafood, Breads

More importantly - I try to shop organic. I know it can get expensive. So, if you are on a budget (like me), then you should really concentrate on buying organic milk (I've heard horror stories about "regular" milk) & meats (steaks, chicken, pork & fish).

So, the next time you are at your local grocery store - remember to shop only around the outer edges. Then, you can start cooking meals with "real" ingredients. It will taste better than anything coming right out of a box. And, when you cook healthy meals - you will lose weight!

Stay tuned for some healthy recipes! ;)



Pink Kitchen


...xox...

Liz

Mixing Cheap with Couture

Like I have said before - I don't necessarily follow the trend. I wear what I like - I find that if you follow any sort of "trend", you end up not being able to wear those clothes months from now because they will be considered "out-of-style". 

Well... my husband and I went out on Friday night - and I wanted to share with you what I wore. I mixed cheap with couture:

Jean Shorts: Target

I recently purchased these jean shorts from Target for $15. Target has an amazing selection of cute summer shorts & they are really flattering! I love the lace detail on the sides. 

Tank Top: LF

Detailed Beading

I got this shirt from a store called LF. I know it's a chain - but I'm not sure where else it is. I actually bought this shirt 60% off - and it was originally $150. LF is an amazing store - I would describe their store as "California Chic". However, I would NEVER buy anything full price from here.

Neutral Bandeau Bra: LF

I wore this cute bandeau under my tank top.

Earrings: Tarina Tarantino

These earrings are from one of my all time favorite sparkly jewelry designers: Tarina Tarantino. Her stuff is absolutely amazing. I ALWAYS receive compliments when I wear her stuff. It's definitely worth saving up for one of her pieces.

Platforms: Jeffrey Campbell

These shoes are so intense & I love it. Jeffrey Campbell is one of my favorite shoe designers. His designs are unique and unlike anything you'll ever see. These are my favorite sparkly platforms - I always receive compliments on them! Where did I get them? My favorite store: Nordstrom!

Pink Clutch

I'm not really sure where I got this clutch - but it was the perfect pink piece to tie my outfit together.

I apologize for the blurry photos - next time I won't use my phone to take pictures! Also, I wish I had taken a picture of myself with the whole outfit all together. I'll make sure to do that on my next "Princess Style" post.

I hope you enjoyed. ;)

...xox...

Liz

Catch Me If You Can

Before I share with you some of my favorite exercises and routines that I use on a weekly basis - I want to go over one basic fact:

Cardio is your best friend.

I don't know about you - but I think the most beautiful, healthy & fit body is: toned, long & lean. (This DOES include curves.) How do you get this type of body? Step #1 - add cardio to your workout. 

What is considered cardio?

• Running (my personal favorite)
• Swimming
• Biking/Cycling
• Dancing
• At the gym, you can use the elliptical & treadmill.

Cardio is an entire body workout. If you do the proper amount of cardio each week, you will notice your body changing and becoming more and more toned.

Sometimes people don't realize that if you do 500 crunches a day - you will never see results unless you add cardio to your fitness routine.

Cardio, actually, is a fantastic ab workout. Have you ever been in a cycling class and the instructor told you to "suck your stomach in to your spine"? That is because your abs are powering you through the workout.

Other than my daily runs every week - I probably only work on my abs 2x a week. It's all I need with all the cardio I do!

So, how much cardio do I do in one week? I run 5x a week and try to do a cycling class 1x a week - which makes a total of 6x per week. 

That can be a lot to some people - but I do recommend that you do cardio 4x per week for at least 45 minutes. When I run outside or at the gym, I usually run anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour. I rarely have a cardio session that's less than 45 minutes.

Try adding cardio 4x a week - and let me know what happens! ;)

Princess Running Shoes

...xox...

Liz