Ketchup And Mustard

One of the most popular trends you'll see this Fall season is ketchup and mustard. No, not the condiments... And I'm not talking about stains on your shirt either - those are never in style. Wear these colors together, wear these colors separate, I don't care just WEAR them! If you're a little fashion shy, do a ketchup lip or a mustard earring. Who knew hot dogs would inspire a trend!

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH! Technically, I should have been wishing you all this last night at sundown but I've been busy. [Although, 'busy' is never a good excuse.] However, I've wished you a happy holiday now so all is forgiven. Since it's the beginning of a new year, we get to make some resolutions:

1) Get educated - I'm well on the way to that.
2) Get active - The goal is to workout at least 4 times a week.
3) Go green - aka reduce, reuse and recycle.
4) Travel - NYC is next on the list.
5) Become a 'better' person.

Well, that's all I have time for. Off to eat some apples and honey.
L'Shana Tovah, my loves.

Krazy For Keith

 

Howdy, howdy! I have converted into a Country lover! Well, let's not go too far... But to say the least, Keith Urban rocked Rogers Arena last night! Before last night, to call myself a fan would be a lie. However, I am proud to admit that I am now crazy for Keith! The concert was beyond amazing; not only because he is so talented but because he interacts with his audience SO well [he even brought fans on stage and gave a girl his guitar!] Out of all the concerts and shows I have been to, this was by far one of the best!  PS. I touched him.

Arm Candy

Although I do make for some really pretty arm candy, it is physically impossible for me to be dangling off of every guys arm, all day, everyday. So for the times that I'm not around, visit Cast of Vices for some accents to liven up those forearms of yours. Not a fan of anything you see? Try a timepiece, a wristband or even some hemps bracelets... Or be daring and try all three! Just don't over do it. Unless you're a girl stacking bangles, less is more.

Go Team

Go Canucks Go! Tonight I was at a pre-season game between the Vancouver Canucks (my home team) and the San Jose Sharks. [Talk about a little fish-on-fish action.] Unfortunately, we suffered a 4-3 loss BUT it was still a great game. It was nice to see our 4th string get some playing time as well. I can't think of a better ending to Sunday Funday than supporting my team, drinking a little beer and eating a few french fries. I'm excited for the upcoming season!

Punch Of Print

Mulberry: scarf

Topshop: tee

JBrand: jeans

Hermes: Birkin bag

Frye: boots

[pearl earrings, spiked bangle]

There are two staple items I cannot live without: JEANS and a classic white TEE! My Fall go-to outfit is my JBrand skinnies, a loose white tee and a great pair of boots. The best way to liven up this classic look is with a print of some sort and/or a pop of color! Lastly, add some unique jewelry and you're good to go.

So simple!

Gym Etiquette

I was at the gym earlier this week and I swear I almost had to vomit! It wasn't because I worked out too hard [I don't work out that hard] but because someone had left a pool of disgusting, horrendous smelling sweat on one of the machines!!! Who does that?! I am still so mortified so I will just lay down the law... Every gym has spray bottles filled with sanitizer and paper towels for members to WIPE up what you may have left behind. I have nothing against sweating. Good for you if you're breaking a sweat but Speed Stick wouldn't still be in business if there wasn't a need for DEODORANT. Please do yourself [and everyone else] a favor... Buy some and use it! The last thing anybody wants is to pass out from the stench of someones B.O. Be respectful of others at the gym. You're not the only one paying $80/month to use the facility so be sure to SHARE the machines and weights with others. Usually most gyms have a sign up sheet or a 20-30 minute maximum but it is always good to be conscious and courteous to others. On that same note of being courteous, BE QUIET! You don't have to be able to hear a pin drop; we're not in a library. I just don't want to hear you grunting like a rhinoceros being raped or hear you singing along with your iPod [no matter how beautiful you think your voice may be.] Lastly, COVER UP... If you're hitting the gym, there's a good chance that you are fat. While you may have the confidence to squeeze yourself into a tiny little sports bra and some spandex shorts, you should probably save those for your 'at home' workouts or at least keep them hidden under a nice, big, baggy t-shirt! I know it gets hot but layers aren't always a bad thing. People run with garbage bags over top of them to burn more calories so it's kind of the same idea. Not only are you making me happy because I don't have to look at your rolls but you're also making yourself happy because you are getting skinnier without having to work out any harder! We both win.

Let's recap: wipe up your sweat, use deodorant, share the machines, be quiet, and cover up your fat!

Thanks.

Hamsa

I received my first hamsa when I was in eleven years old and I wore it every day... Until it broke! Since then, I have gone through many but never have I fallen out of love with this unique and significant amulet. Clearly, even as a child I had good taste in jewelry. Hamsa, also known as the Hand of Miriam, is a religious symbol that is thought to ward of evil, harm and illness. This 'protective' charm is derived from both Islamic and Jewish cultures. Hamsa comes from the Hebrew word "Hamesh," which means five. A hamsa always has three extended fingers with both pinky and thumb curved outwards or shorter than the middle three. Many hamsa's have an EYE in the palm of the hand; this symbol is thought to protect against the 'evil eye' - a look that may cause a person bad luck. Whether it be a hamsa, a horsehoe or a heart, etc., I think that every person should have a favorite symbol or significant charm; kind of like their signature piece. Mazel Tov!

School Boy Style

I can't be the only one in this world who loves a school boy. Me + congressman, Mark Foley, makes two of us! [Just kidding... That was so uncalled for, SORRY. If you don't know who that is just Google him #vomit.] Carrying on... The three best qualities a man can have are 1) being smart - having an education never hurt anyone and will probably help you 'get somewhere' in life so go to school and stay in school. 2) having a great personality - this includes being sociable, having manners, being a true gentleman and having a sense of humor. 3) having good STYLE - let's be real, I didn't give you my number because I thought you would be able to provide me with some sort of deep, intellectual conversation. I gave you my number because I thought you were hot, dressed nicely and probably used some sort of suave swoon moves to get my attention. Realistically, men's fashion can be broken down into just a few rules: no sandals and socks, no running shoes with jeans, no denim tuxedo, etc. but for those of you who still could use a little help on the style side of things, I've put together a little #trending list for you to follow:

◦ boots; Fall's 'IT' shoe.

◦ scarf; these come in so many different patterns, materials, colors and lengths. Whether you wrap it, knot it or just let it hang, a scarf can add the finishing touch to any outfit all the while keeping you warm in the brisk weather.
◦ colored socks; my obsession because this is something you can have fun with.
◦ cardigan sweater; throw it on over a dress shirt, a sleeveless or a tee - plain or graphic!
◦ TOMS; probably the best casual shoe ever invented, not only because of it's extreme comfort while providing arch support but because of the movement behind the brand itself. For every pair of TOMS purchased, the company gives a pair to a child in need. "Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk. A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause..."
◦ straight leg pants; trousers, slacks or jeans, straight leg is the style. Not too tight, not too loose, somewhere in between.
◦ blazer; similar to a sports jacket but a little bit lighter. This can dress up your outfit, make you look smarter and seem somewhat 'put together' [you could fool a lot of people if you wear one of these and keep your mouth shut.]
◦ backpack; you're going to need something to carry your textbooks around and NO a murse is not an acceptable form of 'baggage.' If you're in school, just use the good old backpack. Besides, there are a lot of really great ones out there like the Herschel Heritage bag.
◦ tan slacks; every man needs a pair of Dockers.
◦ skinny tie; for all those formal events and gatherings.
◦ cuffed pants; probably one of the most trending styles right now for guys, cuffing the hem of your pants adds a casual-cool feel to your attire.

I think you're ready to hit the school yard now!

One Sweet Weekend

My 30 Days To Fabulous diet and exercise regimen isn't going as well as planned but I really don't feel so bad because this has been one SWEET weekend, literally! Last night I dined at La Terrazza to celebrate my best friend's graduation. I had the duck confit salad, properly known as Insalata Mista Con Anatra [which I eat every single time I go], uno glass of white vino [that's not to mention the bottle we split prior] and shared La Creazione. All, beyond delicious! And currently, at this moment in time on my Saturday night, I have chosen to stay in and enjoy yet another pot [or two... or three...] of Murchie's Jasmine Pure tea and Ultimate Dessert Truffles. Although this is a very unorthodox way for me to spend my Saturday night, I am quite enjoying this time I get to spend with yours truly, casually getting some work done, all the while meandering through various websites scouting out my next purchases. Oh, and I have some "The Naked And Famous" playing in the background. I'll start again tomorrow.

Back To The Books

I have been at the computer all day; researching, calculating, rummaging through papers, [online shopping] and having pot after pot of Murchie's Jasmine Pure tea. September has come and will soon enough be gone... Along with the first month of Fall semester, which I so stupidly missed out on. But no negative thoughts here! Spring will be a season of new beginnings; a new school, a new city and quite possibly a new country! It took almost a full year of being out of school for me to actually start caring about what was inside of my head instead of what was on it. This time around, I'm going to get it right.

Fall For Me

Topshop: hat, necklace, heels

Aritzia: blouse, pants

Michael Kors: ring

If you haven't noticed, FALL is upon us! It's time to trade in your limb-less attire for something a little longer, looser and lengthy. My absolute favorite fashion season is Fall! During the Summer, it's hard to be fashionable because you practically live in a swimsuit. During the Winter, the extent of a fashionable wardrobe ends at your parka [which everything is hidden under] and your snow boots. Fall, however, is the best season for fashion because 'it's not too hot, it's not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.' If you're anything like me, you probably have a date every weekend [just kidding...] and are starting to run out of date night outfit ideas. Here is a tip: stay classy! Especially on the first date. While this is typical, every day style for me, some of you need a little help. If you opt for the sheer blouse, wear a nude color bra underneath. We are not trying to give the impression that you are a hooker. Also, drink a sauvignon blanc instead of a red or rosé, just in case if you have a little spill. Whether you're 5'4" like me or 5'11" like Giselle Bundchen, throw on some heels! As painful as they may be at times, a good stiletto will do you wonders; your legs will appear longer, therefore making you appear thinner, therefore making you look and feel sexier; who doesn't want that? Last [but not least] if you've decided to go with a style other than that of my own, do yourself a favor and save the body-con mini dress for the bar... that is, unless this date is one of those 'one-time' things.

Now, you are ready...

Go get 'em tiger!

Getting Started

Feeling a little unmotivated today? The best motivation for me to hit the gym or opt for the salad instead of the cheeseburger is some good thinspiration photos. It can be a random person, a celebrity, a supermodel, or even your ex boyfriend's new girlfriend [I'm not a fan of that last one because you should always be the one to UPGRADE but if that's what gets you going, I'm all for it]. Now that you've found your thinspo, it's time for some cardio; run, jog, bike, skip or swim. If you're at the gym, use the treadmills, elliptical trainer, stairsmaster, rowing machine, or stationary bike. After you've broken a sweat and burned some calories with your cardio workout, it's time to tone; use weights, resistance bands and your own body weight for these work outs. Remember to switch up your exercises between your arms, legs and stomach to give each muscle group a quick rest between exercises.

Example Routine:
◦ run for twenty minutes
◦ bicept curls; ten reps right arm, ten reps left arm, repeat
◦ squats; ten reps, rest for thirty seconds, repeat
◦ situps; ten reps, hold for ten seconds, repeat twice
◦ tricep kick backs; ten reps right arm, ten reps left arm, repeat
◦ lunges; ten reps, rest for thirty seconds, repeat
◦ repeat all except 'run'

Post workout meal: 1 banana and coconut water.

30 Days To Fabulous

I had a huge wake up call the other day as I tried to stuff myself into my Jbrand skinnies; I am now the not-so-proud owner of... love handles! The past few months I have 'let myself go' but at least I can admit it, right? Realistically, it should have hit me like a ton of bricks before the summer season started. A little late seeing as how I'll be trading in my daisy dukes for a pair of chinos but let's not get negative here; better late than never! 30 Days To Fabulous is a diet and exercise regimen I have designed for myself [with a little help from various websites, health magazines and trainers] to create a new and improved, fabulous me!

Let's get started...

◦ food journal? check.

◦ running shoes? check.

◦ lululemon yoga pants? check.

◦ fitness dvd? check.

◦ 5 lb & 8 lb weights? check.

◦ iPod? check.

Grocery List...
Chicken, salmon, tuna, crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, egg whites, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, egg plant, cauliflower, brocoli, cucumber, artichokes, avocado, zucchini, spinach, lettuce, beets, corn, mushrooms, bananas, apples, oranges, berries, grapefruit, nectarines, cherries, mangos, coconut, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, flax, spices, herbs, honey, almond milk, coconut water, greek yogurt, soy isolate protein powder, etc.

Today is DAY ONE; let's see how I do.