Masa

I have a soft spot for brunch. If I could I would eat eggs for every meal. I’m not kidding. While in Boston, my sister took me to Masa a Mexican inspired restaurant for brunch. I was floored by their plantain stuffed empanadas not to mention their mouth-watering corn bread. What was great was that we were all able to share the three course brunch menu (pancakes, eggs, empanadas and cornbread. What more could a girl ask for?!

I won’t lie….I still dream of the empanadas…if you’re in the Boston area, don’t walk, run, because you’ll need to burn off some of those calories that are well worth it.

To die for....I kid you not.



Stepping Out

If there’s one thing I love, it’s getting dressed up and going out on the town. But what I love even more is doing it for charity. Last week I volunteered at the Dress for Success Ottawa fundraiser Stepping Out. The event had more than 300 people in attendance, a shoe competition, silent auction (I was eyeing a pair of YSL green pumps) and judge Stacey McKenzie from Canada’s Next Top Model who provided lessons on how to do the Catwalk.  
 
I have to thank Emily of Tinfoils Tiaras who invited me to the Stepping Out and let me volunteer for such a great event. Nothing like kicking off the summer with a great party and raising money for a well-deserved local charity.







What I am Wearing:
Dress: French Connection (Bought at Marshalls)
Shoes: Nine West
Jewellery: Bracelet (actually a pearl necklace wrapped around my hand)
Lipstick: MAC (Girl about Town)

Doing the Polka in the Public Library

This past weekend, I made my way back to Bean Town to celebrate my sister's graduation from Boston U. In between the grad ceremony, dinner, and shopping, my sister insisted I go to the library.

If any of you have seen the first Sex and the City movie, the Boston Public Library reminds me of where Carrie and Big were supposed to have their wedding. There is only one word that describes this place – STUNNING! Of course a photo-op was necessary : )




Any dress with pockets AND polka dots is a winner in my books!




What I am Wearing:
Dress: Burlington Coat Factory
Sweater: Jacob
Shoes: DKNYC
Jewelry: Necklace and Pearl Bracelet (gifts)
               Gold Bangle - COACH
Purse: Gathered Leather Lindsey COACH (in Burgundy)
Sunglasses: Michael Kors 

Make Up Forever - Lab Shine

The colour on the left S6 (PEACH)

I hate change. There. I said it. But I am officially a convert. 
I’ve always been a MAC girl, but a few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting a makeup artist from Makeup For Ever at Sephora at the Rideau Centre. I was given a 101 on the right make up for my skin tone, colours that would make me glow, and of course a few goodies.

I’ve now been wearing the Primer and Foundation every day and I LOVE the coverage. Light, non-greasy and stays on all day. I can’t believe it but I don’t think I could go back to my original MAC Studio Fix.

One of the other great things I scored was Makeup For Ever’s LAB SHINE Lip Gloss in S6 (Peach). This colour is PERFECT for summer and it provides a perfect balance between colour and shine. Best part…ITS NOT STICKY!LAB SHINE is available in 3 collections, in a wide range of 35 creative colors and effects: 
The Diamond Collection offers a sheer coverage, natural effect and a sparkling shine
The Star Collection offers a medium coverage with a pearly shine 
The Metal Collection offers a high coverage with a chrome shine. 

Have you changed something (for better or worse) in your makeup bag?


Pursuit of Happiness


I think for the most part many of us are on the pursuit of happiness. Now I’m not talking about the movie, or unattainable bliss or a utopia of sorts, but genuine happiness within and of oneself, without relying on something or someone else for that acknowledgment.  

Like many people, I have had moments where I have faltered, made countless mistakes and poor choices, but at the end of the day, I know I am where I am supposed to be and happy with who I am as woman, a friend, daughter, sister, human being. I can say I am on the right path to my pursuit of happiness : )
 
 
 
 
 

PS these shoes may look cute, but let me tell you they are PAINFUL! (Anyone in need for a size 7.5 oxfords?;))

What I am Wearing:
Sweater Dress: Express (Gifted from my lovely sis)
Shoes: Oxford Style (BCBG)
Necklace: Coach

Where are you on your pursuit of happiness?

Knots and Barnacles

  Natilcal: EBEW
There's nothing like an EveryBody EveryWear Challenge to get Kat and I to dress in similar outfits on the same day, down to the blue and white stripes. This months Nautical theme has me getting ready to set sail with the classic blues, whites and reds.
 
 
 
 
 
What I am Wearing:
Blazer: Zara
Onesie/Striped Blouse: H&M
Jeans: Garage
Jewelery: Earrings (both) and Boyfriend Watch COACH
                 Bracelets: I Got 'em from my Grandma
                 Necklace: The Bay
Shoes: Nine West

ALL ABOARD?

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn Workout


Pardon the headline, but I had to make this fun! Working out while traveling can be a pain. Your normal routine may be out of whack, the hotel you’re staying in may not have a gym, or the equipment that you’re used to. But there are some great easy exercises you can do in the comfort of your hotel room.

Especially if you plan to take a few days off from training, aim for a full body routine that will build muscle, burn fat, and also exercise your heart. 

Always start off with a warm-up to get your muscles loose and your heart rate pumping. Start with this quick and easy routine.
25 jumping jacks
15 body weight squats
10 push ups
20 static lunges lunges (alternating each leg each leg (10 on each side))
Go through this twice..

For the rest of your workout, body weight exercises will be just fine. You can use your suitcase too for some added weight!

Focus on working every major body part and do a circuit of sorts. Set your phone timer and have a ago at this for 15 to 20 minutes.

■Legs
■Arms
■Chest/Back
■Core

Try to do each exercise, one after another, without stopping if possible. But stop in if you need to! Just remember you’re trying to complete as many circuits as possible within the 15-20 minutes without compromising your form. 
·         Body weight lunges (15 on each side) 
·         20 Body Weight Squats (hold your suitcase in front of you, arms stretch out for added weight) watch the position of your legs and knees!
·         10-20 staggered pushups – try putting your hand on a phone book and alternate hands.This is really great for your pectorals, triceps and your abdominals.
·         Inverted Rows: For this exercise, you need to have something to grab onto that is within your reach while lying flat on the ground. Use perhaps the coffee table or desk in your room for this one. While gripping the edge of the table or chair, pull your upper body up off the ground, hold for a few seconds and lower yourself back down.Believe me you'll feel the burn! (Do as many as you can)

·         Triceps Dip (using a chair)15 reps

·         Oblique Twists 15-20 on each side
All photos taken from Google Images. Hoping the next time I can get someone to take my photos so I can post more workouts!
·         Plank (hold for 30 seconds and increase if you can with each circuit as you go)
After you get through this (you will be sweating!) don’t forget to post workout stretches to avoid injury!
The best part, you can hop in the shower right after this quick workout : )

When you’re traveling do you make it a point to exercise?

Vacation Nutrition


When vacationing, nutrition can be the last thing on your mind, but there are a few things that can be done to ensure you don’t fall completely off the wagon. Being in a new place can often lead to unhealthy food choices and it can be far too easy to succumb to the quick and readily available greasy breakfasts, fried foods and pastries on the go. As a result, many of us end up eating stuff that under normal circumstances we’d avoid!

I’m not saying that EVERY meal has to be clean, after all, a vacation allows us to have some wiggle room! But with my photoshoot less than a month away, and a trip to Vegas squeezed in between, I thought it would be a great time to talk about how try and be conscious and ensure my nutrition is supplemented with healthy choices.

What to pack:
Protein Powder: Not only do I plan to bring a pair of sneakers and workout clothes, but individually scooped out portions of protein powder will be a must to supplement my workouts. This is an easy way to maintain your protein consumption, but light and doesn’t take up room in your suitcase. 
Taken from Isoflex Website
Quick Oats and Flax: I’m usually starving first thing in the morning and an easy thing to prepare in your hotel room is the following: 1 scoop of protein powder tossed into a shaker cup along with ½ cup of oats and a few tablespoons of flaxseeds. This "just-add-water" snack provides all three essential nutrients-proteins, carbs, and fats. It’s filling and a great way to start the morning.
Google Images
Snacks: are just as important. Creating your own trail mix is an easy way to keep off the sweets while on the go. Try and avoid store bought varieties that are often loaded with things you don’t want like sugar, or excess salt.  Create your own with nuts of your choice like almonds, pecans, seeds (i.e. pumpkin, sunflower), dried fruit (apples, apricots) and whole wheat pretzels. You’ll be happy you did!
Taken from Google Images
Tuna: Canned fresh water tuna or salmon are readily available with the pop off lids. Add a rice cakes and you’re good to go!
Google Images
Protein Bar: One of my favourite on the go snacks is the Iso-Bar. Its loaded with protein, and very filling. Usually I split the bar in two and supplement with a fruit like a banana or apple.
Water: Don’t forget to consume water! We may be tempted to go for the sugary drinks, and alcoholic beverages, but keep these to a minimum.

What to eat out:
Now of course eating out will be part of vacationing. Trying our new restaurants is always a fun experience when away.  Here are some healthy tips to keep in mind:
Ask for Sauce on the side: whether is on your salad, topped on your chicken.
Avoid Battered and Fried Foods: There are so many other great tasting things on the menu, Try to go for the grilled variety.
Ask for substitutions or modifications: These days, many people have allergies, or have aversions to food. There’s nothing wrong with asking if the chef will be able to modify a menu item.
Skip the bread: We’ve all been there. The basket of bread waiting at the table to munch on before the entrĂ©e. Instead of having half a roll, the basket somehow is emptied. By this time we end up filling up on carbs, slathered with butter. Take time to enjoy the meal you’ve just ordered rather than filling up on something that will be sure to leave you feeling bloated and full.

I’ll be posting an article shortly on the best things to order at restaurants by category soon!

What do you take with you on vaycay to supplement your nutrition? How do you stay healthy?

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