My McQueen scarf finally came in the mail! However, Apollo seems to want to keep it all to himself so I have dubbed him Apollo, King of McQueen (and possibly McQueen’s first pug model).
He enjoyed modeling the scarf until he got himself all tangled up (look at those sad eyes)…
Ashley
P.s. Do not attempt this shoot yourself unless you want your lovely new silk scarf covered in pug fur.
AeroPilates 4 Corded Home Studio Rebounder, available on QVC.com
Since it is the start of 2012, I have been thinking about getting healthy quite a bit. Last January, I weighed my heaviest ever as a result of lots of unhealthy eating and drinking after my father passed away. When I stepped on the scale I remember thinking that I would never be able to overcome the weight gain. But, luckily, I decided to try to get healthy and lose some weight despite my skepticism and I am soooo glad that I did. In 2011, I dropped two dress sizes and over 15 lbs, I ran my first 5K and my BMI dropped down from ‘overweight’ to ‘normal’. I actually weigh less now than I did when I was 13.
For those of you out there who are starting a weight loss journey – stick with it! Reaching a healthy goal weight is one of the most satisfying lifevestments you can do for yourself. That said, it is important to reach your goals in a healthy and sustainable way. I had a goal of losing 1 lb every two weeks – I didn’t reach that goal last year but as your body fat percentage drops, losing more weight gets more difficult.
While my regime was a mixture of both exercise and nutrition, I found that my body responded much more to nutrition changes than any amount of exercise.
1. Drink LOTS of water. This is key! I carry a re-useable water bottle with me everywhere.
2. Eat your fruits & vegetables. For those of you who aren’t used to incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet 5 times a day, start by setting smaller goals. Last January I had a goal of two servings of fruits and vegetables a day, then in February I upped this to three servings and in March, four servings per day. This may sound slow but it gave me time to plan and adjust to my new lifestyle.
3. Make sure you eat lean protein. I find that the more protein I incorporate into my diet, the better I feel. Lean cuts of protein and seafood are all healthy sources of protein that you should incorporate into every meal. If you are a vegetarian incorporate lots of legumes and soy into your diet.
4. Drink tea. I have an enormous sweet tooth… or I did until last year. If you have one too, the best practice I found was to pause before grabbing a sweet and instead drink a cup of tea. If I still wanted the sweet after the tea, then I ate it but often I found that the tea filled me up and I no longer wanted that piece of chocolate.
5. Experiment. Healthy websites everywhere tell you to eat a large breakfast. While I agree with eating breakfast everyday, I often consume most of my daily calories at dinner when we go out with friends so I had to adjust this advice. I find if I have a small-ish breakfast and lunch, it helps me off-set the slightly unhealthy but realistic habit I have of going out for dinner or snacking after work. So my advice: experiment with what works for you and your lifestyle. I did everything healthy websites told me to do such as eat five meals a day, eat a big breakfast, etc but once I found what worked for me, the weight came off much easier.
But that said, nutrition is only half the battle. Losing weight will happen faster and show more if you tone and exercise your body properly. When I was young, I was extremely inflexible – though I was in gymnastics for three years, I was never able to do the splits. As I got older, my breast grew in and my posture started to worsen. Last January I decided that a good exercise regime for me would be to work on increasing my core strength (with additional leg and arm workouts) so I did some research and discovered pilates. Pilates is extremely useful for increasing core strength and also helps with flexibility and all-over toning. My mother had purchased an Aeropilates rebounder on QVC a few months earlier so I decided to give it a try. After one workout I was completely hooked! You can get a full-body workout with the potential to up the resistance with the tension cords. After using this machine a month, I was able to touch my toes for the first time in over a decade and I started to see some ab definition. A plus: the workouts are about stretching and resistance so I hardly even sweat but still get a killer workout.
Currently QVC has the 4-cord home studio pilates rebounder priced on clearance at $333.36 but the great thing about QVC is that they offer easy-pay and you can get the rebounder for 4-payment installations of $84.34. It sounds like a lot, but it’s less than the annual price of most gyms (at least here in Chicago) and mine has lasted through countless uses. My mom’s has lasted over two years now without any problems too.
The videos that come with the AeroPilates are good but are taped with a weird pace. What I do is watch the workouts until I have them memorized and now I can do my full workout at my own pace (with higher resistance) without the videos. The nice thing is that AeroPilates makes several levels of tapes so once you have worked through the Level 1 workout enough, you can buy Level 2 and Level 3 DVDs which change-up the workout and increase the intensity.
What are your tips and tricks for getting healthy in the new year?
Ashley
Today, Lifevesting is doing its first guest post over at leahmariev’s fabulous blog. If you haven’t checked out her posts yet, you must! She has fabulous ideas about DIY projects and delicious recipes – I always feel so inspired after stopping at her page.
Check out my Wardrobe Essential: The Dark Wash Jean guest post here: http://leahmariev.com/2012/01/12/wardrobe-essentials-by-ashley-at-lifevesting/
J Brand Cigarette Leg Jeans
What’s your favorite way to wear jeans?
Today is a very special day…
Ian gifted me with my first bouquet. Neither he nor I have ever been huge on giving or getting flowers but I have to say, his surprise has really cheered up my day. Didn’t he do a beautiful job picking the flowers?
I hope these photos cheer you up as well (no sense in me ‘hogging’ all the love).
Happy Tuesday!
Ashley
My Fall 2011 5PFWM loot
Trench Coat, Patterned Wrap Dress, Velvet Peplum Blazer
Aquatalia 'Royal' booties
They have a cute plaid interior (this photo doesn't do it justice)
Aquatalia makes a fabulous boot
1. An Alexander McQueen Silk Skull Scarf in Black/Blue. I have lusted after this scarf for a long time – to me it’s as versatile as a Burberry scarf. And the Black/Blue combination will work perfectly with jeans or a black suit.
McQueen Silk Skull Scarf
2. This fabulous Pleated Jersey Dress from Issa. I have always wanted a green dress and on my bucket list I did promise myself I would buy a nice designer dress with all my own money. Isn’t the cut so interesting? Plus this is dressy enough to wear to a party or wedding but the jersey fabric makes it easy to wear all-day at the office too. LOVE!
Issa's Pleated Jersey Dress, available at Net-A-Porter
3. A pair of well-tailored skinny jeans. J Brand makes the best for my body but I would suggest trying on a few brands before purchasing to make sure the fit is right (not one likes ‘wrinkly-knee’ skinny jeans).
J Brand Cigarette Leg Jeans
4. An L.K. Bennett Davina Dress is another investment piece which I have had my eye on for some time. I know this is my SECOND dress on a short list but a red dress is such a classic and L.K. Bennett really makes quality clothing. Plus the cut on the Davina is so flattering and timeless.
L.K. Bennett's Davina Dress in "Lipstick"
Cole Haan 'Air Violet' Patent Pump at Nordstroms
What are you looking to add to your wardrobe this winter?
Ashley
The New Year is traditionally a time of intense self-reflection and criticism. Us Americans vainly or humbly analyze the bits that make up “ourselves” and find the missing puzzle piece that will invariably lead to a “full life” but inevitably ends with us seeking the next missing piece, in an ongoing cycle.
I am one of those Americans. I firmly believe that life is cyclical and that who I am is ever-evolving. Lately I have seen many fabulous posts on why resolutions are the wrong way to approach the new year and they are a recipe for failure. However, I discovered in 2011 that having resolutions pushed me to have the best year of my life and that constantly revisiting and revising my goals helped me formulate direction from hundreds of options. So here is my list of resolutions and goals for 2012.
My mantra for 2012: “Expectation is the root of all heartache” – William Shakespeare. I can have a hard time dealing with change and when things do not go the way I expect, I can become moody and frustrated. Knowing that my expectations can trigger heartache (thank you Will Shakes) is my first step in avoiding the heartache all together. I want to conquer my inability to cope with the unexpected. So I have unofficially dubbed 2012 “The Year of Change” – a year where I will learn to embrace the new, unorthodox and unplanned.
My other resolutions and projects include:
1. Better blog posts. I’m sure this is a goal for many of us. I want to incorporate more original content, more photography, more insight and find more inspiration. I need to remember to keep a notebook next to my bed – I always think of these fabulous post ideas right before I sleep and forget them by morning.
2. A full-fledged return to photography. I’ve been out of the photography game for a while so I want 2012 to be the year I shoot some of my best work. Luckily for me this ties into my #1 resolution!
3. Inner peace. Expectation is the root of all heartache – I need to keep repeating that to myself. Working in the finance industry has left me frazzled and untrusting and accepting that the world is not the way I would ideally want it is a good first step to achieving this broad and cliché goal.
4. A dog who heels. Apollo shakes hands, twirls in the air, rolls over, sits, goes potty when I tell him, comes when I call and doesn’t beg too badly for treats. He does however take me for walks, pulling me around the dog park and inevitably leaving my arm sore. This is the year I start walking him, in a nice march on my left side at all times.
5. More home-cooked meals. Living in Chicago (with Grubhub) can make it hard to cook after a long day at work – especially when everyday I am bombarded with news stories about another fabulous restaurant. I need to remember that there will ALWAYS be another fabulous restaurant and that I shouldnt be paying for food that I can make more to my taste at home.
6. More organization. I don’t have kids and I am hoping to not have to move this year so I want to tackle all the piles of “stuff” in our apartment and find a more logical way of living.
7. Read 10 books. It’s silly, I used to read a book a week. But last year I took my Series 7 and Series 63. I went on several trips and did a lot of working out. I probably only read six books (not including study materials). I know 10 books isn’t very much but I’ll be happy with a number in the double-digits.
8. Knock more things off my bucket list. Last year I accomplished so many things and I want this year to be no different. I have a budding career, a supportive boyfriend (and family) and no kids: three factors that can lead to some serious self-achievement in 2012.
9. Be the weight it says on my driver’s license. I haven’t been the weight on my driver’s license since I was 13. I’m only 6 lbs away and I think I can achieve this goal in a healthy and happy way (I lost 14 lbs in 2011).
10. 2012: My Year of Good Posture. In a world of desk jobs and couch lifestyles, good posture has become a rare thing. Everywhere I go I see people slouched over themselves. I want to keep up my good posture in spite of my urge to hunch over my desk.
What are your new year’s resolutions?
Ashley
Additional Reading:
Having No Goals: http://zenhabits.net/no-goal/
My December Birchbox finally came in the mail yesterday. Apparently there was a delay with their distribution supply company and I was awarded Birchbox points for the wait. I can’t help but appreciate when companies take initiative to please their customers like that. So many times I have felt like my business didn’t mean anything to a particular company. Usually I solve this by “voting with my dollars” as Ian would say and just not shop with that company again. I was so surprised that Birchbox took initiative to email me about why my box had been delayed and to award me points for the wait.
Thank you Birchbox for having class!
As I have said before, I adore Birchbox. I have found several of my favorite beauty and lifestyle products through their service and I really enjoy getting a small box of goodies each month. When I saw my December box in my post-Christmas mail pile, I was very excited to see what I would get.
1. Benefit The POREfessional ($29 for full-size). Despite Benefit being a popular beauty brand, this is the first product I have ever tried from them. The POREfessional is meant to act as pore-minimizing primer. When I put it on it when on cleanly like velvet and helped my concealer go on very easily. I’m always in the market for a good primer and this one may very well make it to my make-up bag.
2. Harvey Prince Yogini – 8.8 ml ($26 for full-size). The scent was so-so. Yogini is supposed to be a more sophisticated ‘new-age’ scent. While I like the concept, the scent didn’t live up to its promise. But then again I have never enjoyed Harvey Prince scents so if you are a fan you may enjoy this.
3. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse® OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer 50 ml ($40 for 50 ml). This stuff was fun – a dry oil with a subtle gold shimmer which is perfect for a night out or a tropical vacation. However since I do not often go out to gold-shimmer appropriate events so I’ll just save the trial-size for my next tropical vacation (here’s wishing).
4. Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss ($20 for full-size). This was a nice formula and a pretty pink color but didn’t seem to last very long. I’m going to give it a few more test runs but I’ll likely be sticking with my regular lip gloss.
5. Showstoppers® Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black ($9.99 for a full pack). This stuff is INCREDIBLY handy to have. Fashion tape is extremely useful not just for fixing cleavage problems but also for keeping shoulder straps in place. I love to have these around for special events.
6. EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster. Very similar to the Vita-C stuff I already drink. And it never hurts to have more Vitamin C in your diet!
Ashley
Apollo is still recovering from the Christmas festivities. He hasn’t wanted to play fetch in days and has staked himself out at the world’s most dedicated couch potato.
Example #1:
Example #2:
And a third and final example:
If any of you are feeling the same, I wish you a speedy recovery from the holidays!
Ashley
Originally I had planned to make these for my co-workers and I am so glad I made my Festive Cupcakes instead because making this in large quantities is exhausting! But I just had to make these for Ian’s family.
To make Reindeer Treats:
Make a batch of “Muddy Buddies” (otherwise known as “Puppy Chow”) according to the recipe on the back of a Chex Cereal box. Wash out a mason jar and fill with the mix. Tie a festive ribbon around the lid and add a tag saying “Reindeer Treats”. I think they turned out pretty cute but I wish I had made more so I could have given some to my family too! But be sure to learn from my mistake and make the mix in small batches. Otherwise you’ll wind up with a floor covered in reindeer treats.
Ashley
P.s. Sorry for the blurry photos, Santa didn’t bring me a tripod this Christmas…
I hope everyone had a safe and fulfilling Christmas (for those who celebrate it). I wanted to share with you some scenes from our wonderful celebrations:
My mother always decorates the most beautiful trees but I especially enjoyed her frosty tree this year:
Isn’t it beautiful?
My mom actually decorated the whole house in a frosty winter white. Look how she decorated the mantle:
Apollo also got into the holiday spirit:
My sister gave my Mom some adorable Kate Spade slippers too. Don’t they look fabulous?
My Mom gave Apollo a very festive gift too:
After celebrating Christmas with my family, Ian and I went down to Indiana to celebrate Christmas with his family. Doesn’t his mother do a beautiful job decorating too?
Merry Christmas (one last time)!
Ashley
Lifevesting 