Mini Me!

My regular Ballet Sculpter and fellow Illamasqua Fiend, Jacqueline O snapped this photo of her darling daughter in a familiar pose. Apparently we call it the "Cat Woods"! Since she's super cute, I'll take full responsibility.

HotPants - Zig-a-zig Zaggora 2.0

These are not tiny, gold numbers a la Kylie 'Spinning Around'. These are designed with lightweight fabric that resembles wetsuit material, close and flattering fit and four lengths to choose from:
  • above knee
  • below knee
  • capri
  • long length
Zaggora pants are designed to increase the core heat of the body during exercise, thus increasing energy expenditure both DURING and AFTER exercise. Studies undertaken by ETScience showed that with a minimum of 30 minutes moderate activity over a four week period, subjects wearing HotPants became more energy efficient - meaning their endurance increased and their cardio fitness improved.
I have to say, the science is compelling, but what REALLY attracted me is the kick-ass colours! In our own test of energy efficiency, Natalie is going to wear the blue capris and I'm going to don my bright purple capris to hit the cardio room. What I foldover waist - SO FLATTERING on the hips and thighs! Cannot express this enough. For all those women who wear little shorts over their leggings? You want these!
especially love is the:
Get on board with us by reading more on Facebook and at www.zaggora.com
Zaggora now offers a complete range of ‘Hot’ workout wear for the upper and lower body, which has been joined by a premium bodycare range and a line of stylish casual wear. Zaggora’s first menswear range soon to launch.

Power Yoga On the Go

I giggled, then I did it. Sean is funny - whether this is intentional or not, I'm not sure...but he's also a great instructor. This is 5 minutes of Power Yoga and you will need:
  •  a mat or carpeted area
  • some experience in yoga
  • five minutes
Did you do it? Let me know on Facebook!

Self Tanners - Gold Standard and Orange-Aid Brigade

I don't tan naturally - I have skin that goes from white to sunburnt. This is actually a blessing as nothing is as ageing as UV rays! So my tan comes straight from a bottle and I am extreeeeeeemely fussy about it looking natural and flawless. So - you'll have to see my latest article in New Zealand Fitness magazine for the full guide on preparation, application and maintenance. But the right products are 90% of the game.
Having tried and tested many, many products, here are my Gold Standard and the ones to Avoid At All Costs.

Gold Standard
St Tropez Mousse
Clarins Delectable Mousse
Bondi Sands Dark Mousse
Vani-T Spray

Avoid At All Costs
Neutrogena
Garnier
Chi chi



Five Best

In the interests of maximising your time and effort both in working out and looking fantastic, I have compiled the
  • Five Best Strength Moves
  • Five Makeup Items I'm Addicted To
The Strength Moves target the major muscles groups and if your technique is spot on, they are the best for increasing lean muscle, fat burning and showing muscle definition.
 
The Makeup Items are my daily go-tos. I promise, you can wear Liquid Metal in a subtle way for sheen! Once you stop cooing over the Dior packaging, you can actually sharpen your cheekbones with the bronzer. Hello summer.
  1. Deadlift with barbell (back, glutes, hamstrings)
  2. Single leg deadlift with dumbbells (back, glutes, hamstrings, abdominals)
  3. Squat with barbell (glutes, quads)
  4. Plank (abdominals, back)
  5. Chest press (chest, triceps, shoulders)

  1. Illamasqua Lipstick in Shard (goes on subtle, layer for depth)
  2. Dior Bronzer Nude in 002 (healthy glow - just say you've been in Ibiza)
  3. Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Shy Pink (lasts through several coffees AND lunch!)
  4. Rimmel 'Kate' Lipsticks in Nude and Soft Pink (can't get enough good nude shades)
  5. Illamasqua in Electrum and Surge (multi-use! more bang for your buck. eyes, cheeks, lips..)
  6. Oops, is that 6? Oh well! Dior Addict Lipgloss in Intimate Bronze

YOGASMOGA: Made by yoga lovers FOR yoga lovers

As a daily gym goer - instructing, training and working out - I see a LOT of sportswear. Unless someone has recently returned with all their overseas purchases, it's rare to see anything other than the usual Nike, adidas, lululemon and Lorna Jane. Yawn.

I don't tend to be a big spender on sportswear so when I do treat myself, I
make sure the fabric is long-lasting, washable, steadfast under the pressure of constant stretch and strain, and the colour isn't going to fade after a few weeks. I also want a flattering cut, plus subtle reference to the brandname rather than feeling like a walking billboard.

My YOGASMOGA pink cropped leggings are a tick on all counts. They also
have a pocket insert on the front that perfectly fits a locker key and gym-card. Though I haven't done anything very sweaty (like spin!), the fabric is sweat-wicking and durable. I know that I could run a marathon, do Bikram and cycle home and my YOGASMOGA pants would still look brand-new. The rest of me? That's something else!

well+good NYC describes YOGASMOGA as "a hot new yoga fashion brand with Indian roots and modern flair". For the eco-conscious, know that YOGASMOGA created its own high-performance fabric and color-safe dyes that are eco-friendly (AND they don't fade). Only available online - if you're going to spend on sportswear, choose eco-responsible, super-flattering yogawear designed BY yogis FOR yogis. Namaste!
You can follow YOGASMOGA on Facebook and shop online here.

Teacher-tested and 100% certified.

NZ Fitness Feature Coming Up...

I am very excited to let you know I have some features coming up in New Zealand Fitness magazine. One of them is a thorough guide to self tanning and playing up that bronzed look with the most flattering makeup.
I have to thank the marvellous Kellie at Dior for recommending Diorskin Nude Tan in 002, DiorAddict Gloss in Beige Songe and the INCRE-DIOR-ABLE Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara. Seriously, forget false lashes. That's right - another reason to go shopping. A tan requires a new makeup wardrobe...of course!
Dior available at Myer and David Jones

Open up and breathe!

Are you guilty of hunching your shoulders forward or hiking them up to your ears when you get anxious?
You're not only likely to feel tight and achy through the shoulders, but you are shortening and squeezing your intercostal muscles, making it more difficult to breathe fully. This has the flow-on effect of making you feel anxious and easily fatigued.
I know what most of you are thinking: My InterWHAT?
Intercostal muscles are the muscles between your ribs. They allow for the ribcage to expand and contract. You can stretch them out and really nail perfect posture by doing this:
  • Roll your shoulders back and slide your shoulderblades towards the spine. Not so that you're stiff as a board, but your chest should feel wider and more open
  • Lengthen through the neck and be conscious of keeping your chin parallel to the ground so that you're not dropping the chin 
  • Regularly stretch the arms overhead and if you're sitting a lot, get up every half hour and move - even if it's just to the printer!
Try this stretch - you don't have to fully connect the palms, even reaching behind your back is a great chest opening stretch.


How to Wear Burgundy Lips

I love a dark red - cars, nails, lips, hair...you name it, if it's merlot, burgundy, port wine, scarlet or grape I'm hooked. BUT, I appreciate a dark lip is not always appropriate or flattering.
So here's how you can...





Vamp It Up:
  • Exfoliate the lips (a high-voltage lip colour on flaky lips? Ew) using a gentle toothbrush and apply lip liner (I like a paler colour to enhance my natural lip line...Dior Abricot is ideal)
  • Apply the dark lip colour of your choice (loving Manic Panic Black Rose...no wonder this brand is a cult favourite!)
  • Pad with a tissue and re-apply. This is for staying power!
  • Go with a cat's eye if you dare - liquid eyeliner is your friend, but avoid blusher and bronzer - your lips are statement enough!
  • Add dark nails if you're going for the full dark angel look, or opt for a flattering but less vampish statement with a cool, taupey metallic like Dior Destin (yes, loving it.)
1. Dior Lipstick in 5th Avenue (available here)
2. Illamasqua Lipstick in Shard (available here)
3. Manic Panic Lipstick in Black Rose (available here) EXCLUSIVE!

Tone It Down:
  • Dab the red-based colour of your choice onto your lips with your finger, add lashings of lip balm, pad with a tissue and repeat if you want a subtler stain
  • Play up your nails with burgundy or red instead - I am having a deep, Diorific love affair with Dior Galaxe...ah the shimmer, the romanticism!
  • Go for white nails with a burgundy eyeliner - loving the Kate Moss-approved "Brit Manicure" white nail varnish in Porcelain
1.  and 2. Dior Vernis in Destin and Galaxie (available here)
3. Rimmel Porcelain (available here)
4. Revlon ColorStay in Trendsetter (available here)
5. Dior Lip Pencil in Abricotine (available here)


 

Amazeballs for the Witching Hour

Darling Jacqui - I have not forgotten your plea for a Witching Hour fix at 3pm! Realising that my response "Not chocolate!" was probably a little short on helpful, here is a killer recipe that will sate your cravings for sweet and satisfying AND the kids (big and small) will love them too.
Method for all balls:
  1. Blend all ingredients together
  2. Form into balls
  3. Freeze for 30 minutes
  4. Keep in Fridge
Bliss Balls:
Ingredients
½ Cup of dates (soak dates in water for 5 minutes)
1/2 Cup shredded Coconut
3 Tablespoons of cocao
½ Cup of Raw Almonds
3 Tablespoons of agave syrup
Rolls Balls in Shredded Coconut

 Sesame Balls:
1/3 Cup of Honey
1 Cup of Almonds
4 tablespoons of black tahini (blended black sesame Seeds)
1 vanilla bean stick
¼ Cup white sesame seeds
½ Cup of shredded Coconut
Roll Balls in white sesame seeds

Ki-Hara: Stretch and Strengthen

Ki-Hara is essentially a stretching technique using resistance to enable greater gains in flexibility and strength. It can be done on your own or with a trainer. Why is it worth checking out? Because it engages your core and encourages you to work through full range of motion during stretch-and-strengthening moves. This means long, lean muscle building, better alignment and balance overall.
Ideal for anyone active - knowing how to engage your core, safely contract and lengthen your muscles while not straining your joints is vital for running, swimming, weight training, yoga, Ballet Sculpt...
Read more about Ki-Hara and try the QUADRICEPS stretch and FOREARMS stretch pictured below! Start in the first position pictured and slowly move into the second position. Full DVDs including thorough guides on the exercises are available here


Blue eye makeup - how not to look like an 80s pop star



As you all know, I am not immune to wearing all colours. All. But blue eye makeup has always sent a shiver down my spine. If you don't end up looking like Cyndi Lauper circa 1987, you can look like you just stepped out of a deep freezer and it's going to take years to thaw out. HOWEVER. I like a challenge. I got out my tools and I think I've worked out how to do this right. First of all, if you have dark circles, blue is not going to do you any favours. I use eye firming cream before applying concealer or BB cream to give the smoothest base to work from. Blue is super flattering on pale, olive and dark skin. It's a matter of finding the right shade. Do NOT convince yourself you are in a Robert Palmer video and add red lips to boot. Make your eyes the feature of your look and go for a light lip tint or balm. I couldn't go past Clinique Chubby Stick (because it's chubby! How cute!) in Massive Midnight (sounds like some sort of goth party...) but I am equally enamoured of Dior Crayon Liner in Blue (waterproof...important.)

Reader Inspired to Fitness!

Dean and I met when he was an employment advisor to me. He became a regular reader of my blog and when we recently met up again, I couldn't help but notice how much fitter, healthier and happier he looked.
Dean has shed 15kg but most importantly, he has educated himself on the healthiest ways to cook and prepare food, exercise in a way that doesn't feel like a chore, and have the energy for work, life and setting up his new home. I want to thank him for providing his tips and this photo.
 
 
 
 
 
Main reasons for success -
  •  Eating healthy breakfast every day - For me cereal and yoghurt with fruit
  •  Ensuring I bring lunch to work every day
  •  Eating smaller portions - less meat & carbs, more fruit and vegies.
 
Exercising -
  •  Playing basketball twice a week
  •  Joined a gym - mostly focused on bike and cross trainer (lower impact - less chance of injuries) and weights - low weights and high intensity, ensuring heart rate is up while doing weights.
  •  Once I had increased fitness base and lost weight, I have started running, building up to a 10 K fun-run this coming Sunday. Started running about 6 weeks ago with a 4 km run, and am increasing the distance with one run over the weekend, while doing a shorter high intensity run (3-5km) once during the week.
 The effects have been noticeable. Physically I have lost weight, dropped clothing sizes (needed to buy lots of new clothes!), and am feeling much fitter. Energy levels and overall motivation have also increased.

 

Not a Crime to Look Fine

Confession! I wear concealer and a bit of eyeshadow to the gym. I also wear it to the supermarket. Because there are a lot of amazing colours in the world and it's fun to play with them. I'm not deeply insecure. I'm not trying to pick up. It makes me feel good to take care of how I look - so it was a surprise to look at a survey in a women's fitness magazine that had many respondents saying they would judge other women who wear makeup to the gym negatively. Why? Shouldn't you be focusing on your starjumps? What do you care if I'm baring a pimple or bothering to conceal it?

Then, when teaching a class yesterday, I noticed that one girl had a massive hole in the front of her tights and a tea-stained T-shirt. Now, nobody else cares, but I think part of the fun of exercise and living is embracing fashion and the practical accessories that go along with living a fit lifestyle. Investing in Manolos is one thing, but investing in sneakers that will 
a) protect your feet and joints
b) get you through any and all environments at speed and injury-free
is TRULY a wise expenditure! What else is?
Having had acne as a teenager, I am super-fussy about my skincare. I swear by philosophy 3-in-1 Purity cleanser (David Jones) and Garnier or Kiehl's BB creams. Also love Laura Mercier concealer or Revlon's Photoready concealer (no breakouts - love that!)
I can build a workout wardrobe around Kmart or Target $8 black leggings (cropped OR long - every Melbourne day is covered!) but sometimes it's fun to lash out and reward my hard work with more expensive, but long-lasting and tech-savvy designer sportswear (look for Nike, lululemon, Running Bare sales and outlets)
Here are my latest (INVESTMENT) purchases and sure, you can find cheaper options, but these will do the job AND last long-distance because the quality is undeniable.


 Nike Lunarflash Trainers - pink is not a necessity but I just couldn't help myself. Eastbay



Oscar Mimosa Purple/Black capris - because matching your workout gear to your lipstick is a true skill. Manicure/pedicure in the same shade is even more savvy. I've seen it at Kew last week and I'm still delighting at the level of chic! My Escape NZ

As a philosophy obsessive, I am excited that the whole range of shower/skincare/scents will be available at David Jones. My favourites are the Purity cleanser, Cinnamon Buns shower gel and their limited edition Christmas products (sparkling cranberry!) 


 


Mastering the No Makeup look

Bare Makeup Look
Just like mastering the messy topknot (did you try it?), mastering the flawless "barely there" makeup look is going to prepare you for all occasions. Especially in the gym. Yes, women DO wear makeup in the gym. I'm not talking about red lips and lashings of eyeliner...that's just asking to end up looking like Lindsay Lohan after a night out. I'm talking about concealer, tinted moisturiser, a touch of blush or highlighter and a tinted lip balm. The basics! Choosing the right products is essential - not only so that you look good at the time, but so that you don't end up blocking the pores and ending up with blackheads and pimples. What to look out for? Mineral and cream-based products. BB creams are ideal as they moisturise, nourish and provide coverage. Vani-T and Laura Mercier make excellent concealers and lip colours. You know I love Illamasqua, but you may want to stick to their wild nail colours if you're going for the less-is-more look!


Recommended:

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer comes in six shades. It has a moisturising agent so it won't dry and make the skin look flaky. Perfect for around the eye area - look energised and awake even when you're not feeling it!







Vani-T Mineral Colour Stick in Gelati is a sorbet-sweet highlighting colour that applies easily and again, moisturises and doesn't block your skin. I have used Vani-T spray tan and swear by it. Just between you and me? This is even better. Long-lasting and brightens up your whole face. Comes in six shades, including berry through to terracotta.
Kiehl's BB Cream comes in three shades and is clinically proven to correct skin tone unevenness.

Finally, Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara won't leave black snail trails and doesn't clump - it's the holy grail of waterproof mascaras!

The Trickle-Down Effect: Catwalk meets Gym!

Sportswear, just like every other fashion category, is shaped by the big designers. It doesn't happen straight away, but trust me, there are Nike, adidas, lululemon and Running Bare designers scribbling "draping, greys, cobalt..." and studiously eyeing the runways. So here's what I'm hoping to see in the not-too-distant future!
Tom Ford's (Autumn/Winter 2013) Nicki Minaj meets Andy Warhol bright pops of neon on geometric prints. Swirling checkerboards and comic book starbursts.
Alexander Wang's clever use of mesh over neon-brights is a super-luxe way to do sporty without looking like an 80s aerobics instructor. The look is even more sleek in black and white.
That last photo is Alexis Mabille Haute Couture - I love the ombre-effect pants. This is sure to appear faster than you can google "ombre" - oop! It's already happening...

BalletSculpt Testimonial

Like a child with a new shiny toy (no, it's not more eye glitter, I promise), I want to share some feedback I've received on Ballet Sculpt!

 “After suffering discomfort and pain from whiplash following a car accident, I began slowly getting back into exercise. Recovery is a slow process. I stumbled over the offering of a Ballet Sculpt class. What great relief! After doing the class it was the first time in six months I had not felt pain of some sort in my neck, shoulders and back. With each class I feel stronger and still no pain. What a fantastic way to stretch and strengthen”. -Bernadette Lucas