Beginning to Run...finally.

 

image credit: google images

I have ALWAYS been intimidating by the thought of running. With my new regimen, I told myself (and all of you) I would try to run 2 miles a week (outdoors), which unfortunately did not happen. Insert sigh here. Yesterday, I was determined to conquer my fear of running! On my trip to the gym, instead of heading straight to the elliptical--I hopped on a treadmill.
Luckily the night before I found an article on fitsugar for beginner treadmill-ing and decided to give it a go! I followed this plan (pasted below via fitsugar) for the most part--however, I added 10 minutes (I just continued the same intervals) and a total workout of 50 minutes!
According to the treadmill, for a 130lb person my 50 minute workout burned 292 calories, and my total distance was 3.36 miles. It was definitely invegorating, however tough to get through. I definitely think one of the reasons I was able to tack on 10 minutes to the original workout was because Scream 2 was on tv at the time. Nonetheless, my legs are sore today which means I did get a workout! It was a bit disappointing to see that I only burned 292 calories--but I'm trying to focus less on the number the machines give me and more so on how I feel. I highly recommend any of you who are trying to get started on the treadmill to give this a whirl! Remember, cater it to your own fitness level and read the article here at fitsugar!

Time	Speed	Incline
0:00-5:00	3.0	1.0
5:00-10:00	3.5	1.0
10:00-12:00	5.5	1.0
12:00-16:00	3.5	1.0
16:00-18:00	5.5	1.0
18:00-22:00	3.5	1.0
22:00-24:00	5.8	1.0
24:00-28:00	3.5	1.0
28:00-30:00	5.8	1.0
30:00-35:00	3.5	1.0 35:00-40:00 3.0 1.0

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby...

right round like a record, baby right round round round.

My last post (which was way too long ago) was about my new fitness routine and embarking on new ways to exercise. I am pleased to say that I have kept up with my spin classes (2x a week!) and I absolutely LOVE it. My legs feel stronger than ever (and I've always had decently muscular legs) and as weird as it sounds they actually feel firmer. score!

Here are some of the pointers I've picked up thus far:
1. Take a class that matches you--you know your own boundaries better than any instructor would! One of the things I love about spin is that you control your resistance, so only push yourself as hard as you can.
2. Probably one of the more important things I've learned: make sure your bike is set up correctly! Have the instructor double check it for you if it's your first time; incorrect posture can lead to injury so beware!
3. A big part of enjoying the class is having a pepped up instructor with an awesome playlist. If you aren't enjoying your instructor, try finding another class with another instructor because it really is a huge component of the class! In essence, the instructors are like your personal trainers.
4. Stretch before and stay hydrated! You should have a warm up period in the beginning of your class as well.
5. Take a towel, trust me, you'll need it.
6. There are special shoes you can buy for spinning like these which are about $124.00. The bottoms of the shoes attach to the peddles of the bike rather than slipping your normal sneakers through the strap. Personally, I do just fine with my nikes but a good amount of people in my class have these!

Challenge yourself, have fun, and be ready to sweat!
xoxo

Cheers to 2010! Resolutions galore, hopefully this year they'll stick.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and rang in the new year in a fabulous way!

Around this time-- the gym is overly crowded, reebok easytones are sold out constantly (le sigh), and everyone is looking for some way to reinvent themselves--myself included. I go to the gym regularly (I try to go everyday) and attempt to eat sensibly--but those cupcakes get the best of me every so often. So this year, I have decided to break out of my regular pattern of jumping on the elliptical and working out mindlessly and incorporate some other activities.
Here they are:
1. Barry's Bootcamp-- I purchased 6 classes and after January 15th, I'm going to go once a week! This class is a celeb favorite for toning up quick, and I heard it quite literally kicks your butt.
2. Pilates-- Classes and/or DVD. Pilates is one of the few forms excercise that I saw amazing results with! Granted I did pilates in addition to a cardio/gym regemine, but my abs looked phenomenal. My goal is to do pilates 3x a week!
3. Spin Class-- Lo Bosworth (from The Hills) swears by spin and says it's the best way to loose weight. Maybe once a week? Not too sure yet, my first class is tomorrow!
4. Jogging/Running outdoors-- I've always been scared to run (it's intimidating!) but I'm setting a goal of 2 miles a week, hopefully I can do it!

In addition to fitness, of course, healthy eating habits should be maintained. The diet that worked best for me was a low fat diet-- I ate a lot of fruits and veggies, tons of water, fat free yogurt, etc.  Nowadays, I find it difficult to be that dedicated, hopefully my picking it up in the fitness area will help out! Tips I've picked up thus far are to not eat after 7 pm and drink a full glass of water before eating (our brains can confuse thirst for hunger) in addition, I'm trying to not eat as much processed food and go the more organic route.

Non-health related resolutions? to be happy, dedicated, determined, and mindful towards life and those around me!

How about you? Any exciting resolutions?

Question: Can a girl ever have enough clothes?

The answer: No. (not surprising, right?)

I always think of anything I spend money on (in terms of clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelery, etc) as an investment. Maybe it's the business brain at work, or mom leading me down the right path of not falling into every trend I see. Either way, I never buy into mainstream trends unless I actually love them, and I always make sure that I'll wear/use whatever I buy for a long period of time. That being said, I normally gravitate towards staple items--things I can build on and make my own each time I wear them.

One trend I fell in love with is the masculine vibe; it's been easing it's way into women's fashion and for someone like me (who steals her dad's sweaters to wear with her leggings and boots) this trend is perfect. Around March, on a shopping trip with my 2 best friends at South Coast Plaza (LOVE that place), I found a "boyfriend" blazer that I had to have--and it came out to $98 from Zara. I still wear it til this day and get compliments on it all the time. It's form fitting, 3/4 sleaves, prominent shoulders, and a one-button closure (I never button mine), yet still looks like something that I snagged from the bf's closet. While browsing the nordy's site, I realized there were new sale items and I saw a couple of blazers on sale!

Zinc Boyfriend Blazer (Juniors)

Was: $48.00 Sale: $23.90

Available in Black, Silver

At a fraction of the cost of my blazer, this is definitely a steal! The main difference is that there is no closure on this particular blazer--but I suppose that doesn't really make a difference in my eyes.

Trouvé Double Knit Boyfriend Blazer

Was: $88.00 Sale: $57.90

This one is a tad different because the material is polyester/rayon/spandex; so it is not as structured as the previous blazer--nonetheless I think it's a good "throw on and go" piece.

With a relaxed t-shit and skinny jeans, the boyfriend blazer is the perfect update to your wardrobe! 

Shop the Nordstrom women's apparel sale here!

After Christmas Rebecca Minkoff Sale!

So by now, I think we all know that purses hold a special place in my heart. Although I haven't gone into much detail about my own collection--I previously blogged about Rebecca Minkoff handbags and my obsession with her clutches! Tis the season for sales, and Rebecca Minkoff did not dissapoint! She's holding an after Christmas sale for the next 4 days and the selection of handbags is amazing! As if I needed another reason to buy--FREE GROUND SHIPPING on ALL orders! SCORE! I seriously hate paying for shipping (and tax, but can't really do much about that one).

I went to a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale a while ago--and honestly this online sale has pretty good pricing in comparison. For those of you who are Morning After Bag (MAB) lovers--there's only one color in stock, plum (which is a lightish purple shade) but the rest of the bags have a pretty good color selection (especially the Morning After Clutches--yay!).

Pictured: MAC in Dark Brown w/gold hardware

Original Price: $330.00 Sale: $181.50

I already have 2 MACs--one in grey with silver hardware and another in deep purple with gold hardware, but I must admit, I have been eyeing the ruby shade for some time. I am a little disappointed, at previous sample sales the MACs normally go for $150, however this online sale does have a better color selection. Common sense is telling me to not order another MAC, so after perusing the site I fell in love with the Beloved Mini in ruby.

Pictured: Beloved Mini in Ruby w/gold hardware

Original Price: $325.00 Sale: $217.25

This purse is absolutely the PERFECT addition to my collection! Why? The hue of this bag for one, is so rich and just the right amount of "pop" against my daily wardrobe and for nights out. Secondly, the shape/structure of the Beloved Mini has a vintage feel to it without being too out of touch with today's trends. Plus, I didn't see this bag at any sample sales as of yet! After browsing through PurseForum I found some helpful reviews on whether a Beloved Mini would really be useful if I already had MACs and this is what I stumbled upon: "i have both bags as well, and i like both. i guess i would consider what you mainly want to use it for. i would use the miniB for daytime (trips, shopping), and MAC for going out. that said, i find uses for both bags. with my mac, sometimes i find myself wishing i had room for a bottle of water (which would fit in my miniB), for those daytime trips! i also fit my botkier wallet, keys, large ipod, cosmetics case, cell." Needless to say--I believe I'm sold on this bag!

As far as bigger handbags are concerned--the pricing is great! At Rebecca Minkoff sample sales, the MABs normally go for $350--and online they are $327. The Matinee is another unique handbag--which Rebecca Minkoff claims is inspired by a duffel bag--is also on sale for $327.25.

Pictured: Matinee in Custom Violet w/gold hardware

Original Price: $595.00 Sale: $327.25

The Matinee in my opinion is either love at first sight or not at all. The shape is definitely unique, however I find it to be a bit bulky to keep under your shoulder, and I'm not one to keep holding my purses in my hands.

Visit www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop and click After Christmas Sale on the left hand side to enter the sale!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Extra 20% off Sale Items at Sephora!--Ends December 31st, 2009!

Holiday greetings fashionistas!

During the holidays, there's always great finds at local retailers and outlets! I'll keep posting any deals that come my way!

The one that caught my attention was the Sephora extra 20% off sale items til December 31st! Sale on top of sale--who doesn't love that? Enter code EXTRA at checkout, and voila! Beauty on a budget.

Here's one of my faves from the sale section at Sephora-- remember, 20% off the sale prices!


Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set, $68 value--Original Price $57--On Sale: $45

This set contains:
- 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
- Coin Pouch
- Mini Rollerball

If you love florals, you'll love this fragrance! It's one of my favorites--and after I saw this set on sale I thought it would be perfect as a gift (even though it'll be a tad late..). Plus, the roller ball is perfect to stash in your purse--and the coin purse is adorable!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Happy Holidays!

Hope you all are having a wonderful and safe time with ones you love!

xoxo