Thursday, May 20, 2010

Brooklyn We Go Hard, We Go Hard...

Every year around February I picked up that coveted Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Issue and use the photos inside as inspiration for my summer bod.  This years cover model, was the adorable Brooklyn Decker (Andy Roddick's wife) sporting bright yellow bikini bottoms, layered necklaces, perfect beach blonde hair and not much else.


So for the past few months I have been staring at this cover hoping it will encourage me to get my butt to the gym, which sadly was not enough.  However, my girl Spry arriving in town for Memorial Weekend poolside in Santa Monica was a bit of a reality check and kicked my fitness regimen into gear.

I checked out my trusty On-Demand Exercise TV options and found a tab labeled "Bikini Revolution", um yes please.  After a little more research I found that all four workouts available featured the beautiful Brooklyn Decker.  The girl who looks like this in a bikini....





Clearly a girl with a body like that has got to be doing something right that I need to be partaking in?  And so began my trial session of Elle's Make Better Workout Collection, which promised to give me a better bikini body in just 21 days (following their schedule).

Below is a review of the 4 different workouts I tried out using a scale of 1-5 (1 = couch potato, 5= come on let's sweat).  I must disclose that I used the On-Demand versions which are shorter than the DVD workouts, so my opinion could be a little skewed due to that.




Two days ago I dragged my butt out of bed at 6:15 AM and made myself do the 20 minute Elle Make Better Series: Elle Workout Yoga.  While the workout felt great because it was a lot of stretching I just didn't feel like it was really that challenging.  I am not very skilled in yoga (working on it) but found this workout was very catered towards beginners.  I did feel energized and great at the end but barely broke a sweat. 
Rating: 2.5


I tested out both of the Elle Make Better Series: Elle Cardio Body workouts and let me just say that I was most definitely feeling it.  The workouts were 25 minutes long and you are constantly moving and in action which made me feel like I was really getting a good workout.  The workouts were part cardio, part weigh lifting and a whole bunch of jump roping (yuck).  My only complaint was that the trainer was a little (okay a lot) on the annoying side.  She said the same thing over and over again and it kind of drove me batty.  However I plan to add one of the cardio workouts to my weekly series as it really did give me a good cardio workout. 
Rating: 4


I finally finished my workout analysis yesterday with one of the two Elle Make Better Series: Elle Beauty Sculpt workouts and have to say that this one was by far my favorite.  It was fast paced, had a little cardio, some lunges, and a little bit of free weights.  The trainer was enthusiastic without being overbearing and like all the other workouts, Brooklyn is there with her hot bod doing the exercises with you and what's refreshing is she wobbles a little sometimes and also gets corrected by the trainer a few time which makes you feel like she is human!  By the end of the 25 minutes I was winded and red as a tomato. 
Rating: 4.5

I think I will incorporate one of her cardio blasts and one of her body sculpt sessions into my weekly routine The videos are rooftop in what I am guessing is NYC, Brooklyn's workout outfits are pretty cute and the music isn't too bad either.  I think they are great options to add to your regimen if you are feeling a little stuck or in a rut.  Who knows, by following their routine,  maybe you'll be wanting to wear your little polka dot bikini in just 21 Days!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Spotted!!



"That's what she said" is what I almost yelled out today at lunch when I walked past Steve Carell.  I did have to do a double take and he was wearing a hat, sunglasses and eating a cone from Ben & Jerry's. But I can confirm that it was indeed Mr. Michael Scott I spied and to be honest...I was kind of more excited to see him then I was with Leo DiCaprio...is that wrong? 

Waldo Wuvs You

Waldo wuvs all the nice comments from Monday, and wanted to extend a little thank you to you all for voting!

Voting is open until May 27th, so if you have a moment and want to vote for him again, click here, click "Vote Now", select "W", click on "Waldo" and vote! The website is very frustrating and annoying, so if at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again! Thanks!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Song Of The Week: Rill Rill



Things I love about music. My friend Ross FB'ed me last week asking if I had heard of this band Sleigh Bells. He explained that he had been listening to the Treats album nonstop and couldn't get enough.  I made a mental note to myself to be sure and check this band out later. 

Fast forward to Sunday afternoon, driving to the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival (see pics below) on the trafficy PCH in Malibu where radio reception cuts in and out and Brandon throws in a CD.  As I am listening and enjoying this CD I ask, "who is this?", and he informed me that it was none other than Sleigh Bells. 

So I borrowed the CD, and have been listening (like Ross) nonstop.  It's a little bit edgy, a little bit mellow and a whole lot of rocking.  My favorite song is "Rill Rill", but another goodie is "Tell 'Em".  And currently on Itunes right now as their free download of the week is "Infinity Guitars". 

Below are the few pictures I captured from the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival.  It was definitely different than anything I have been to before, and I most definitely didn't feel like I was in L.A. anymore.  Bluegrass tunes, insect jewelry, clogging in the barn, tri-tip sandwiches....kind of a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

(all photos by moi)

The festival was held at the Paramount Ranch and I pretty much felt like I was on the set of an old western or little house on the prairie. 


Although there was a main stage where the contest was being held and judged, wherever you walked there were groups just free styling and this guy ruled!  He jumped up on the porch and started free styling about going to "Rock & Roll College".  It was pretty sweet.


What I loved most was that I got to dust off my cowboy boots (only to get more dust on them from walking around) and just chillax on a gorgeous sunny day, with good music and great company.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Happy Birthday Shelby!!


A very happy 30th birthday to my San Diego neighbor and darling friend Shelby!

May this year bring you lots of success, joy and happiness! 

Love you lots and lots! 
XOXO

And because this "Trash The Dress" session is one of my favorites, shot by my absolute favorite photographer Natalie, be sure to enjoy some more shots below of  R & S. 









(this one is my fave - the joy in Shelby's face is priceless!) 

WHERE'S WALDO?


I would like to introduce ya'll to a very special man in my life. 

Mr. Waldo

Waldo is my three year old puggle who at times can be VERY, VERY, VERY mischievous (like the time he snuck into my suitcase and ate a pair of my hanky pankies which later had to be removed from his intestines and ended up being the most expensive pair of hanky pankies I have ever owned ringing in at a whopping $4500) he is truly the most lovable, sweetest little pup you have ever met!   

 He has been with me through thick and thin and always makes me laugh with his fantastic skills (high fives, walking, downward dog and saying "I Wuv You").  Which is why I am asking you all to please take a few seconds out of your day and click here to vote for Waldo.  If you would be so kind as to give him a perfect 10, it would be much appreciated it! 

I promise to get a video of Mr. Waldo thanking you all for your time and vote!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Replicate

(click to enlarge)


I may be alone here, but I have always been a Kristin Cavallari fan.  I always liked her better than LC on Laguna Beach and started watching The Hills once she took over for LC.  She's a bitch and she's got her issues for sure, but I love how blunt she is, love her style and think she plays the "bitch" role just right. 

When I saw this picture, I just fell in love with the look (and her gorgeous hair) and wanted to recreate the look for less.  Sadly I couldn't find a gray long sleeved top like hers but I think the navy will do just fine.  And the studded tote is a little different but still functional and funky.  Chances are you already have a lot of these pieces in your closet and may only need one or two items to achieve this look. 

Perfect for a Saturday stroll to your local cafe, or that backyard BBQ party.  Kristin nailed summer cool here.