Not What You Think

Surprise, surprise - this happens to be another post about "Pilates". ::smiles a HUGE smile::

I've had so many people ask me - "What is Pilates?" or "Why does it work?"

#1 - Pilates consists of over 500 exercises that are controlled, precise movements which are performed on a floor, mat or special apparatus. It is designed to lengthen, strengthen & stretch the muscle without adding bulk.

#2 - It works because Pilates tones all those little muscles that you never knew you had. It goes way beyond your "superficial" muscles. It works your body from the inside, out.

Recently, I just finished my 3rd intensive training weekend. I wanted to share three (out of MANY) that I learned:

(1)

This is "Twist Prep" - you have no idea how hard it is to even balance on your side like this. You can't really see in the picture - but you want to use your waistline to life the pedal (where the bottom hand is resting) up. GREAT exercise!

(2)

This next exercise is "Pull Ups" - and it's way harder than it looks. You must lift yourself up past the bars (that are being held on to).

(3)

The last exercise I will share with you today is "Hanging Pull Ups". This is great for your biceps and shoulders. The exercise requires your to lift the whole "plank position" to the top bars.

I bet the men wouldn't mind trying these exercises - they aren't easy. ;)

This is why I swear by Pilates. It makes you STRONGER.

...xox...

Liz

((Pilates Princess))

The Anti-Aging Drug

Well, I guess one of the reasons of having a blog is to update it on a daily basis.... Whoops!

To say that I have been busy is an understatement.

As many of you know - I have started the Power Pilates Comprehensive Program (back in September). Additionally - I have been working full-time, so I feel like I have two jobs. Working 40 hours a week, then studying 25 - leaves not much time left. BUT, I must say - that I am in a very happy place! :)

Recently, I passed my first "Test Out" for Power Pilates. ::YAYYYYY!!!:: It consisted of the Beginner System (more "basic" exercises & how to teach a client who has never done Pilates before). The first test comes after you have completed 100 hours of: studying, practicing, observing, etc.

The test consisted of a Practical Exam (teaching a 55-minute Private class to a Beginner) and a Written Exam ( knowing all the muscles and bones of the body).

This program is no joke - it made me realize how each Power Pilates Instructor really is an expert in their field.  They are required to know hundreds of exercises in Pilates, along with the anatomy of the whole entire body... inside & out! It's incredible.

As I continue through my journey of becoming a Power Pilates Instructor - I will give you the reasons why Pilates is so amazing for you. There are reasons why the top celebrities in the world pay big $$ to take Pilates.

I have about 450 hours to go! ;)

 

"Power Pilates believes in a classical approach to teaching, in a movement-based, systematic, integrative style. Pilates, taught in this style, is the anti-aging drug that people crave. Having clients learn in a flowing style, with appropriate corrections at the appropriate time, will transform their bodies."

Happy Sunday!

...xox...

Liz

Don't Give Up

A little inspiration for you on this rainy day...

Achieving your ultimate dream takes time, commitment and patience. Nothing great ever happens over night - and it certainly doesn't happen on the first try.

...xox...

Liz

Burlap & Bling: The Perfect Southern Wedding

I can't believe it has already been 2 months since Kristal & Johnny's gorgeous southern wedding. It could not have been more perfect, or stunning.

Every detail was something you would expect from a world class wedding planner (or perhaps Pinterest!).

Where do I even begin? Let's start with the theme: Burlap & Bling. It was all about the details with this wedding. Her bouquet was wrapped in burlap with a hint of bling. Even the tables where the guests were seated followed this trend. I must say that there was a perfect amount of everything - every little sparkle was just where it needed to be.

Gorgeous Bouquet

As you can see from Kristal's bouquet - the colors were all very soft & natural. This held true throughout the whole wedding & reception (decor-wise). 

Where the guests were seated.

 Another clever touch to the wedding was where everyone picked up their names to see where they would be seated. Everyone's names were on paintbrushes - and the tables were colors, not numbers! (Johnny is an artist. What an incredible idea! Bravo.)

Paint Brushes & Table Color

 

Now that I talked about some of the intricate details - where was this wedding!? It was at Cedarwood - located in Nashville, Tennessee. Cedarwood is a picturesque, antebellum farm estate. 

Kristal had her ceremony just in front the old farm house. The cocktail hour was held in the barn & the reception was held throughout the farm house. It. Was. Perfect.

Beautiful Farm House

 Here is something that Kristal & Johnny made for the ceremony:

Choose a seat - not a side.

 What a way to make everyone feel welcome! I really loved this (seriously - what didn't I love?)!

Here are a few more great photos from the wedding:

Johnny painted Cedarwood (where the guests could sign) - also, see the chandelier in the tree!

Beautiful details in the barn - As Southern As Possible.

So - what color did Kristal choose for her bridesmaids & groomsmen? Kristal chose purple! So pretty!

The Bride with her Bridesmaids.

Now, for the beautiful bride & groom. Here are some favorites:

After the ceremony - husband & wife! (Do you see the cross in the background? My father-in-law made it!)

Stunning!

Now, I couldn't forget the star of the show:

Hamilton! And yes, he did walk down the aisle.

Overall, this day could not have been more perfect - and I'm so happy for Kristal & Johnny!

There wedding has also been featured in Southern Weddings Magazine! You can see that article HERE.

Also - I don't want to take credit for all these photos - some I grabbed off Facebook, but the others are from Kristal & Johhny's photogapher: Kristyn Hogan! One of the best!

This was a fun post to write - I hope you enjoyed it! ;)

...xox...

Liz

Nail Color: Today's Fashion Accessory

I think more than ever - women's nails have become such an essential part of the wardrobe. Having your nails painted - really can add to your outfit.

Ever since I've joined Pinterest & Instagram, it's very common for women to post pictures of their freshly manicured nails - trust me, I do it, too. I've also seem some crazy looking nails... (I mean... who has the time to do an intricate masterpiece on each finger nail?)

I have 3 favorite colors that I'm currently obsessed with.

Take a look:

Bright Pink Nails

Seriously. Did you expect anything else from me? I absolutely LOVE bright pink nails.

Mint Nails

I've never received so many compliments on this nail color. Mint seems to be the "in" color right now. Regardless, I'm obsessed.

White Nails

White is perfect for summer! The other day, I wore dark jeans & a light top - these nails looked incredible with what I was wearing. I would even wear this color during winter. Style is not about following the "rules" - it's creating your own!

What brand do I use for these colors? I wish I had the actual names of the colors - but they are all from Essie!

What color do you have on your nails?

...xox...

Liz

Watch Out Pilates World!

Well - I've been thinking about this for a long time. What's a long time? Since 2010 - so about two years.

I've made the decision to become a Pilates Instructor!

I have been enrolled into the Power Pilates Training Program, which starts the second weekend of September. 

Training takes about 6-9 months - then, I'll be fully certified.

I. CAN'T. WAIT.

And, I'm looking forward to educating everyone about Pilates and the amazing affects it has on your body & mind. 

My Official Enrollment Email!

 Let me know if you ever want me to train you - it won't be long before I am able. ;)

...xox...

Liz

Tips on How to Feel & Look Your Best

"How can I lose weight?" "What should I eat?" "How do I exercise?"

These are some of the questions that I'm asked quite frequently - whether it's a colleague from work or a close friend. 

I understand that some people don't even know where to begin. 

Let me give you a short list - to help you get started. Getting on the right track to looking & feeling healthy can be difficult at first. However, it's very doable - if you have the willpower.

Where You Can Cut Calories

1. Omit the cheese. Did you know that a slice of cheese on a sandwich can add an extra 100-150 calories?
2. Drink lots of water. Many times we think we are hungry - but really, we're thirsty!
3. No fast food. This is a killer to your diet. After taking this out for 2 weeks - you won't have a craving.
4. No soda. Sugar, sugar, sugar.
5. The less bread, the better. Opt for wraps (for sandwiches), brown rice or quinoa for your carbs.

I never said this was easy - but it's good to be aware what's bad for you & where you can substitute! 

Exercise Is Key

1. Cardio: run, walk or ride a bike. If you're not sure how to exercise - start with cardio. This is the foundation - and where the pounds will shed.
2. Be consistent. Workout at least 4 times a week. One hour of your day is nothing - it's only 5% of your day!

If you start by being aware of what you're eating & throw in some exercise - then you'll start seeing the pounds come off.

I'll post more tips soon!

...xox...

Liz