On dieting

 “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.”

– Mae West

What do you think... Does Mae have a point here?  Whilst I love eating carrots, I can honestly say that in my own life, as well as documentation from countless studies and statistics show that diets don't usually work.  Temporarily, yes (maybe), but we ought to be focused on longevity.

I would much rather make wise lifestyle choices that result in a life-long healthful state and well being, than rely on the latest get-thin-quick fads.

Opinions?  What have you found to work in your case?

Award-winning arms

If you watched last weekend's 84th annual Academy Awards show, then you likely noticed two of the night's fittest ladies: Viola Davis and Cameron Diaz.  Just look at those toned arms!

Here are some fab upper-body exercises that will sculpt your arms, chest, and shoulders in no time.

• FitSugar's 3 killer-upper body moves
• Gwyneth Paltrow's exercises for shapely shoulders and strong arms
• Show off your shoulders à la Kate Middleton

TIP:
To maximise my arm-shaping workout, I often incorporate lower body exercises such as squats, pliés, and lunges at the same time.  Killer.

Happy Friday, and love the burn!

Pilates Fusion

Here is a little Pilates Fusion workout for today!  This is perfect, because it works different muscles at the same time, and you'll be feeling that wonderful burn almost immediately.  Featuring Sarah of The Sarah Fit Show.

Transformation

Source: Flickr (user dfmillington)

Fresh off from a working out to a new fitness DVD, I bring you an encouraging quote for the day:

"Transformation is not a future event. It is a present activity!"
– Jillian Michaels

Let that be something to work towards!

“Muffin Tops are for Muffins Only”

Source: Flickr (user kokkaing)

Happy New Year, everyone!  I hope you're all off to a fresh and cheery start in this year two thousand and twelve.  If you enjoyed the Christmas festivities as much as I did, that means a lot of time spent in the kitchen (baking treats, of course...) and indulging in the delights of the season, which also means that I'm still making time for exercise.  Amidst the hustle and bustle of December, it feels especially good to keep to that schedule... It's a wonderful boost for both your mental and physical health!

A few days ago, I was making these scrumptious muffins, and today, I found a fantastic lower body workout that is guaranteed to wage war on any "muffin top" bits.  PERFECT timing!  I can't say enough about this fab little video; its exercises definitely do the trick.  Love, love, love the burn!

10 Minutes to Ballet Beautiful

Here are some basic ballet moves for your Monday afternoon workout.  Feel free to repeat the video twice!

10 Minute Ballerina Beauty, Long Legs, Tight Booty Workout by Tiffany Rothe

(For some reason, the video below can't be embedded, however, I do encourage you to click the link and do the workout for yourself!)

If you prefer to do Tiffany's moves to different music--like me--you might want to play these:





Or, search YouTube for "ballet hip hop music/songs"... 'Seemed like a nice fit!

DIY facials for lackluster skin

Source: Flickr (user ballantynehotel)

Noticing your complexion looking rather dull and devoid of its usual healthy glow?  Stress takes a toll in many different ways, but it often wreaks havoc on our precious epidermal layers.

Here are two easily-made-at-home facials to refresh and revive your skin (whether you suffer from acne, redness, or just need a refresher) via Mathilde Thomas (founder of the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa in New York City) for Fashionista.com.

Acne Facial:
1. Start with a hot, steamy shower and use your regular cleanser to clean the face.  The steam will soften skin and open the pores so that the skin will be more receptive to the active ingredients.

2. Start with warmed green tea bags and swipe them over the entire face, doing several passes and focusing on trouble areas.  This will have a similar effect to an anti-bacterial toner.

3. Then, crush up an aspirin (which is an anti-inflammatory) and mix with an calming essential oil (like eucalyptus or sage) and apply/spot treat on the site of the acne.  Leave on for 15 minutes.  While using an oil with acne may seem counter-intuitive, an essential oil acts much differently from our notion of “oil.”  Because the molecules are so small, they’re able to penetrate much more deeply into the skin and whatever is applied on top of it (in this case the aspirin) is able to be delivered farther down into the skin.

4. Finish with a cold wash cloth over the face to sooth the and calm the skin.

Redness Facial:
This one is deceptively simple, but works like a charm!

1. Chill (over ice) a glass of full fat milk–the “full fat” is key.

2. Then, use two wash cloths and dip them in the milk.  Lying down, drape one on the bottom half of the face and one on the top half (leaving room for your nose).   Let sit on the face for 15 minutes.