All posts by admin

About admin

I am a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor with 13 years of experience. I have a profound love of fitness, healthy eating, fashion and beauty products. Over the years my clients, friends and strangers have inquired about my latest fitness advice, where I purchased my yoga outfit, or suggestions for diet/health. Now I have a forum to express and share all of my favorite things. Enjoy!

For Deep Skin Cleansing: Dry Brush

shapeimage_2Sound’s strange, right? Brushing skin is not a common topic of conversation, but it has been around for centuries. I was introduced to dry brushing by my acupuncturist many years ago–he described the many health benefits of dry brushing and I was hooked. And since then, it has been a common conversation starter with friends and clients.
According to Yerba Prima’s Website:
Skin brushing is one of the most powerful ways to cleanse the lymphatic system. Waste material is carried away from the cells by the blood and the lymph. Skin brushing stimulates the release of this material from the cells near the surface of the body. Eventually, most of the toxins along with their carrier cells, primarily lymphocytes, find their way to the colon for elimination.
Just like everyone else, I should do it more, but I try to do it one to three times per week. Some do it every day. The key is to brush your skin when it is dry–prior to your shower or bath. I always brush toward the heart and with long strokes. The brushing removes a layer of dead skin, helps stimulate the lymph system (as stated above), and not to mention revs up your circulation. Use with the handle for your back and remove it from the handle for smaller areas.Brush very lightly if you’re a first timer, and as you’d imagine, you’ll always want to pay close attention to sensitive areas. It is great for cellulite because you’re applying direct stimulation to those areas that rarely get it. Always use an organic soap once you are finished brushing because you’ve removed the dead skin and now the pores are wide open and you don’t want to add any more toxins. I like the wonderful scent and quality of Pacifica natural glycerine soaps–so fragrant and moisturizing–plus they have no added chemicals. My favorite scent is gardenia–but they’re all amazing!
Skin Brush is $9.95
Pacifica Soap is $5

http://www.yerba.com

http://www.pacificaperfume.com

Shining Inspiration: Silver Birkenstocks

object000_1photoA few weeks ago I nearly had an accident while staring at a Porsche Cayenne sporting a mirror finish instead of auto paint. So unusual was this car that I was transfixed and hypnotized—did I really see that?? Then a friend’s husband just happened to mention he’d seen the same car that very day! Alright so I wasn’t nuts. But I was still obsessed enough to find it online–the auto paint is referred to as ‘chrome’. Okay. Think said sighting inspired the new Birks?? Look, I’ve been a fan of silver anything over the years, but I think this is a recent inspiration. I LOVE THEM!
I found them online at Nordstrom–as luck would have it, I had a Nordstrom Note and it was a little less painful–we all hate paying full retail. Nordstrom has free ship and return online. Also, if you are in-store (some stores don’t have Birks) and know your size, you can order them online–free shipping and your favorite salesperson gets commission, too. You can also find them on Birkenstock USA’s website. Shine, reflect, enjoy!!

http://shop.nordstrom.com

https://www.birkenstockusa.com

J Brand Just Fits

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Trying on jeans is akin to bathing suit shopping for most of us: small in the waist but too big in the hips, fits in the legs, too large in the waist–I could go on, but why bother when you have J Brand? First I must disclose that I have sold jeans before–traveling around and doing trunk shows at various locations. I saw first hand the process of jean ‘fitting’. One group of women swore that a foolproof way to know if the jeans fit you–place the waist of the buttoned jeans around your neck, if you can touch the waist at the front of your neck they will fit you. That process actually worked for a few attendees including myself.

But I digress. Let’s talk about J Brand jeans. They come in so many unique styles and finishes; high, med and low waist; light heavy and dark fades; coated, capri, ankle and boot cut. Need I go on?? They are the mecca of jeans–the fit is superb–there is something suitable for all shapes and sizes. I recently bought white–yes white–quite a departure for me, but so so cute. Skinnies with cute zip details. I have always used the advice that one high-end sales person gave me: always go up a size in most white clothing–it just looks more finished and tailored. And I think at one point you just have to take the dive. That said, I’m always sure the tush is covered–a sheer hip length black blouse with with a fitted jacket with a pair of cute wedges. Done and done.

Give it a shot. Add J Brand the next time you have a pile of jeans on your arm and hoping for a net of one with a great fit.

http://www.jbrandjeans.com

OPI Is The Glitter Bomb!

Love this combo!! Because photonumerous strangers and friends have ask ed me “what is your polish?”, I figured this sparkly, funky OPI combo was due for a post. I use my stand-by shade ‘You Don’t Know Jaques’ as a base, and add ‘I Reached My Gold’ on top. I also change the base to ‘Berlin There Done That’ to lighten up for summer. It’s a great look and a perfect conversation starter. Shine on.

OPI.com

 

 

Frenchie’s know their Oil….NUXE

 

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For face, body and hair, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a mixture of 6 plant oils; 95.2% ingredients of natural origin. Clear and ‘Or’ with a bit of bronze shimmer. Penetrates easily and looks amazing on arms and legs specifically, but can be used on face and hair. It is so luxurious–in a glass bottle with convenient spray top. $32 and $58 respectively. For many years I have also been a fan of reve de miel lip balm. I’ve used it every night for about 10 years–it has a thick, honey-like consistency–really protects and softens lips. The original comes in a glass pot. $19

This line is not available everywhere. Once again, I found it at GBS and also at Bliss Spa. Nuxe website has free shipping with orders over $50 and some great samples. Here’s to smooth and slippery, French style!!

http://us.nuxe.com/en http://www.gbsbeauty.com/cart.php

 

 

Ash

 

photoASH

Friday, March 7, 2014

I must preface—-this is a new site–and I have a virtual tornado of ideas spinning inside my brainpan….that said, I am posting fashion first, but there is no order other than what comes to mind, now or in the future. Oh, and I have a working list, but again, the list is in no particular order. All- righty, done with that.

My recent obsession is Ash shoes–specifically this chunky sneaker. Although I am a huge fan of wedges, this reminds me of Vans sneakers, and they’re great for work (teaching Pilates). I’m currently adhered to this pair–Jungle Cream– It’s got a zebra vibe in brown and cream tones. In addition, there’s a gold sparkle and jungle cookie that looks camo-ish. I’m wearing mine with (vintage) Lululemon wunder under denim pants that I’ve cut off to capri length. Perfect for teaching my Pilates class and private clients. Also an easy transition outfit for running around afterwards. Yes, I know the ankle bandaid is visible….

I bought them at CUSP at Neiman Marcus online. I’ve also seen them at Sak’s and Nordstrom. Or just go to

ashfootwearusa.com 

 

 

I am so in love with Onzie yoga pants!

 

photoThursday, March 6, 2014

Running out the door to teach, and it takes two seconds to look halfway decent because I’m wearing these babies! All of a sudden I can go from teaching to practicing to running errands…so many patterns–paisley, peacock, cosmic, animal print as seen here, or just plain black. The fabric is stretchy, flattering and breathable. Love them!!

Onzie.com