Flow.

Something to try on this weekend...

Paisley Tunic Dresses: $39.90 found @ Alloy.

Erica Studded Dress: $39.90 found @ Alloy

If you like these then click here http://store.alloy.com for many more styles and great prices...$40.00 and under!

BTW: Didn't meet my small goal I set to have done last weekend:(....it was just making a phone call to get my daughter into ballet class. How hard is that?? Getting it done this weekend though, and set a another new goal for this weekend...I am really trying to stick to my word on things I 'say' I am going to do. I am challenging you to do the same;)

Cuidate!!!

oxox

Calling All Chocolate Cows?

The Chocolate Milk Diet

Imagine if everything you needed to know about weight loss, you learned in kindergarten. Well, if your teacher gave you chocolate milk as a lunchtime treat, she was (unknowingly) giving you one of the most powerful weight-loss tools in the nutritional universe. Turns out this childhood staple may be the ideal vehicle for your body’s most neglected nutritional needs. Each bottle delivers a package of micro- and macronutrients that can help you shake off body flab and replace it with firm muscle. And when you served it ice-cold, the creamy sweetness flows across your tongue with all the pleasure of a milk shake. Yum.
That’s the crux of what I'm calling "The Chocolate Milk Diet," which isn’t a diet at all. It’s essentially three eight-ounce servings of chocolate milk consumed at key points throughout your day: one when you wake up, a second before you exercise, and a third directly after your workout. Or, if it's your day off, just pattern them for morning, afternoon, and night. Sounds good, right? It is, and that’s why it’s so easy. But is this a free ticket to eat as much fried chicken as you want throughout the rest of the day? Unfortunately not, but alongside a healthy diet, it can help you drop lots of belly fat fast. Here are the four reasons why:
Secret #1: The Calcium Effect
Researchers have known for years about the role that calcium plays in building strong bones, but a more recent development deals with they way it affects your belly. A series of studies have shown that calcium can actually impede your body’s ability to absorb fat, and when researchers in Nebraska analyzed five of these studies, they were able to estimate that consuming 1,000 mg more calcium can translate to losing nearly 18 pounds of flab. What’s more, other studies have shown that dairy foods offer the most readily absorbable calcium you can find. Knock back three servings of brown cow and you’ll reach that crucial 1,000 mg threshold. At that point, any other calcium that you eat or drink is a bonus.Bonus Tip: Everything is not as it seems in the world of fat and calories. Click here to see the 30 “Healthy” Foods that Aren’t. You'll be shocked by the pounds of fat you may unwittingly gain while thinking that you're eating healthy.
Secret #2: The Vitamin D Factor
All the calcium in the world isn’t going to help you if you don’t get a good dose of vitamin D to go with it. That’s because vitamin D is responsible for moving calcium from your food to your body, which means if you’re running low on D, you’re probably also missing the calcium you need to stay slim. Other symptoms of the D deficiency are weak muscles, easily breakable bones, and depression—not a great combo for success. Now here’s why this is significant: Most experts agree that the average American isn’t getting enough D. Some estimate that only half the population is meeting the requirement and one study published in the journal Pediatrics found that 70 percent of American children had low levels of D in their diet. The thing is, your body makes vitamin D naturally when you expose your skin to sunlight, but most people spend too much time indoors to benefit. And intentionally spending more time in the sun could put you at risk for skin cancer. The solution? Drink up. Chocolate milk, like most milk, is fortified with vitamin D.
One caveat here: Drink 1% chocolate milk. Vitamin D won't work without a little fat to help break it down. You want to skip the whole milk, too, as it has too many calories to make it a regular habit. The best option is 1%, or low-fat chocolate milk. It has the fat you need to absorb crucial vitamins, yet at three cups a day, it will save you 120 calories over whole milk.
Bonus Tip: Everything you need to know about cereal is right here: America's Best and Worst Cereals. Keep the sugar down and the fiber up for a perfect start to your day.
Secret #3: The Endurance Boost
If you want to lose the gut, you’ve got to exercise—no surprise there. But here’s a fact that’s not so obvious: Drinking chocolate milk can improve your gains. In a study published in The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, subjects given chocolate milk before hopping on the stationary bikes were able to ride 49 percent longer than subjects given a generic carbohydrate-replacement beverage. And on top of that, they pedaled even harder. Total work performed by the chocolate-milk group was greater than the work performed by subjects drinking carbohydrate-replacement drinks or electrolyte-fortified sports drinks. The reason? Milk has naturally occurring electrolytes that keep you hydrated—more hydrated then water, in fact, which I revealed recently on my Twitter account—and its natural sweetness helps push more energy into your muscles. Another study from 2009 found similar results, but it went one step further by asking participants which beverage they thought tasted better. Not surprisingly, 100% chose chocolate milk.Bonus Tip: Discover more loveable liquids by browsing through our Best Beers slideshow. Or, if you’d rather avoid the calories altogether, then you’ll want to read The Worst Beverages in the Supermarket. Again, the point is to make weight-loss easy and fun, without ever worrying about going on a diet again.
Secret #4: The Protein-Body-Weight Connection
Want to know the secret to staying thin? You need more muscle. That’s because muscle burns more calories than fat, so for every new muscle fiber you create, your resting metabolism receives another surge of fat-torching energy. And chocolate milk can help you do that. Researchers have determined that the ideal protein load for building muscle is 10 to 20 grams, half before and half after your workout. How much protein will you find in low-fat chocolate milk? Eight grams per cup. (That means one serving before your workout and one serving after will give you a total of 16 grams of highly effective whey protein—a perfect serving.) Add that to the extra cup you drank first thing in the morning and you’re looking at a turbocharged metabolism that keeps you burning calories all day long.
And don’t forget, you can still melt those 18 pounds of belly fat without giving up your favorite foods. You just need to make smart swaps, and we’ve got 10 new ones right here. You'll lose weight faster than ever—again, with ever dieting again.

~By David Zinczenko, with Matt Goulding

**I always like to pass these articles along...especially when they talk about being able to have something you like and loose some unwanted pounds at the same time. Seriously though, vitamin D is a very important vitamin for us to be depositing into our bodies (especially for those of us over thirty). So, drink up!

Cuidate!!

Oxox

Dress um Up

Have somewhere to go this weekend that requires a little more than casual wear, but still want to sport your jeans? Try a couple of these looks to dress those denims up. The nice thing is that there is no need for any wardrobe change if you have a couple of different events to attend. The dressed up jean look has you looking well put together for where ever your weekend may take you!

Doug Meszler/Splash news, Eric Ryan/Getty Images

A blazer instantly gives a little more sophistication to your look when paired with jeans and definitely shows that you made the effort to put some class into your style...and you're still comfy!

Donato Sardella/WireImage, Doug Meszler / Splash News

The silk blouse adds a nice touch to creating a more dressy look, especially when paired with some dark blue jeans. I would go with a darker jean if you're wanting to keep it looking more on the dressy side, but Eva still shows us that you can pull the light washed denim off with the right blouse.





**Your 30s are the perfect time to build a simple core wardrobe while also experimenting with trend-driven items. ~InStyle



Blessings!!!

GLOW

As summer awaits, and those sleeveless shirts come out, along with skirts (minus tights and hose) shorts and all other leg baring garments, most of us tend to wish we already had a little extra color on those exposed limbs. You can! Jergens Natural Glow will definitely help you out with that. I know most of you have seen, heard and might have even tried this product but I wanted to give a recommendation to you all as well. I love this self-tanner for many reasons: 1.) It is not streaky...but you must do some work to help it out and rub it in thoroughly, let it dry before dressing, and wash your hands right after (with soap). 2.) It doesn't feel too thick on your skin. 3.) It doesn't smell bad, actually pretty good. 4.) It's under $10.00...buy it at Walmart and it is under $8.00. 5.) It is filled with vitamin E and other antioxidants. 6.) Though you don't see an actual 'tan' per say, you do get an enhanced color from this which does give you a nice "glow". Who doesn't like to feel that their skin looks a little more radiant?

**I personally suggest using it daily for the first couple of weeks and then after you attain a nice a color from it, go to using it every other day or even every couple of days. Also, if you are not seeing results, or as much as of result as you're wanting, then try bumping it up to a darker level. I know I originally started with the fair to medium tone, and ended up switching to the medium to tan tone. I was/am very happy with my results.

This is also a great alternative to basking in the sun so much....although a little of that is OK. A little extra vitamin D doesn't hurt...just put your SPF on;)



Another application to try this week: Try setting a small goal for yourself to accomplish before the week is over, or even over the weekend. Get it done and then set another one for yourself right away. I am going to do the same. I'll let you know what it is/was at the end of the weekend;) What's yours? Remember that just because it is a goal, it doesn't mean it has to be anything big. In fact, sometimes it's those little things we tend to let go, so just make it something that you want done..no matter how big or small.


Bendiciones y feliz miercoles!!!




Oxox

Every Girl Loves to Play....

...With our make up. Here are 3 simple ideas to give you when thinking about your application this weekend.

*Want some new colors to try together? Recommended by Glamour, try the navy-blue and bronze combo, like Gabrielle Union has on below. What a Fabulous combo too. Most of us that have some big browns know it is no secret that a navy blue is a great color to make those brown eyes pop. This combo will look good on just about anyone though. Dust a shimmery navy color over the eyelid up to the crease. If you're feeling a little daring you can take it up to the brow bone! Personally, I like to go over the outer corner with a little bit of a darker color after applying my shimmer over the lid...up to you...and then you can also go with a navy colored liner on the bottom lash line. Follow with a bronze color over your cheek bones and lip color as well.

Photo of Gabrielle via glamour.com done by Christopher Polk-gettyimages for naacp

*Want to have that fake eye lash look without really having to put them in....yourself??


Try dusting your top lashes with a light weight translucent powder and then applying your mascara with nice SLOW strokes. Do a couple of applications and then take a lash comb to remove any clumps.














*Tired of wearing all that make up, and want a nice natural, yet glowing and 'done' sort of look.?

Go with a nice warm pink for you cheek and lip color. The great thing about a warm pink is that it naturally creates a more balanced look to the eye, which is great for hiding imperfections. Stick to some soft neutrals for you eye color, and if you must wear some liner, go with a soft brown. Clean it up well with a q-tip to blend in more and look extra 'clean'. This is a great soft and pretty look and one that Drew Barrymore is known well for.

Happy weekend lovelies!!!




Blessings!

Got the Blues?

Your Denim Blues that is.... Yes, denim is a 'go to' look right now and for all you jean lovers this is your season! From blazers, love that Gap blazer above, to button-ups, blouses, bikinis, purses (can't believe I am actually thinking about rockin' a 'jean purse' again) and even necklaces, denim is all around us. The nice thing is, that many of us already have plenty of denim in our closets so here are some ideas for y'all to mix and match with your denims. If anything, you'll have a reason to do a little shopping this next weekend!


Check out these looks from D&G spring collection. Love the skirts with the denim tops (skirts like those can be found just about anywhere right now). Also, you can see that the ripped style jean is a green light right now as well.

Chambray

Put on belt and a cute top and you can sport this denim skirt well. Even going all denim with this skirt would work too.

Bebe Necklace

Forever 21 Denim Jacket

You can now find a variety of denim suits for this summer....

Falmer Found @alloy.com

True Religion

Sass and Bide Louis Vuitton

suits found @denimology.com

I don't think I have really rocked a 'jean purse' since like the 8th grade, but I have to say that I have seen some which have caught my eye.





Louis Vuitton

Coach

handbags found via handbagsmood.com/pursepage.com

Act on those ideas that you have....you never know where they might lead to. You were given them for a reason, so pursue them.

Blessings!

Oxox

Oh so NOT matronly.

With all of the floral out there right now... some of which is fab-U-lous, like these 3 Reem Acra floral dresses, there might be some of you who still think of floral print on dresses and skirts, even purses now too, as matronly or something that you always saw grandma wearing. A great way to add some instant style to this look, vamp it up a little and create a look that does not feel as if you are wearing a curtain, so to speak, is by adding a belt. I have posted some inspiration for those of you who may be struggling with this trend. Remember that belts themselves have so many looks and styles...... so have fun playing around and creating some style of your own with these dresses and skirts. They are so hot right now, why not be to??

Oscar de la Renta found at Saks Fifth Ave.

This dress does look more 'girly'especially with the pleated skirt, but the silk bow belt gives it the right touch, turning it into something I would look twice at.

Lane Bryant

Showing off the waist line will definitely create some sliming, and I also love that this dress is put together with another pattern.

The wrap skirt almost always looks nice with a floral print.

Both of these are something so wearable to a weekend afternoon get-together.

Arden B.

Ralph Lauren

sprin 2010 floral prints by stylistka2009 featuring Burberry coats

both pics found @ployvore.com

Not so much for belts?? Go with something that has a drawstring in it like this lovely.

** Playing up your make up, or jewelry, or by wearing a smokin' pair of heels is a great way to feel extra sexy in these styles.

Have a blessed weekend!!!

Cuidate!!!

Oxox

Enduldge a little.

So I was reading an article in my Glamour regarding ways to 'flatten your belly fast' and there was some information that I thought was not only interesting, but important to pass on because I know that MANY of us have a hard time with this area. For many of us it is one part of our body that we want to be nice and thin and flat; no love handles, no pooch yet it is really one of the hardest areas to rid some of those unwanted pounds from. While exercise is helpful, and so important for our health in general, eating really is 90% of the battle. Naturally, when we think of eating and trying to loose some weight we gravitate towards everything that is fat free and sugar free. David Heber, M.D., director for the Center for Human Nutrition at he University of California, Los Angeles, is now saying that according to research they have done it "shows that when women go on a virtually nonfat diet, they lose enzymes that help them digest fat". Basically, when you go off all fat, or almost all, when you do have a break down and order that mouth watering burger and fries you'll end up bloated. The best solution is to incorporate a little bit of everything in what we eat....which also means fat. Wohoo! I think we have always wanted to hear that!! There are healthy fats too like avocados, nuts and so on. Not only will the fat ease our digestion but it will help with those cravings we get when we take all of those yummies away. It's a win win; you don't feel so deprived and play those mind games with yourself, and your tummy will be less bloated which has you feeling better in your clothes! So don't beat yourself up if you do endulge a little.

For more information on this and to read about the other 6 ways in aiding a flatter belly you can go to http://www.glamour.com/.

** PuCKer uP: A nude lip is a do this spring season. I like to still use a soft pink color and line my lips, fill them in a bit and then smudge a little with my pinkie. Cover with some lip shine and you have a nice nude lip with just enough color and as my wonderful former boss, Brian at Tribe Hair Salon and Spa, would say "ya have your lips on".

Blessings this Monday!!!

Xoxo

picture via boncherry.com