Eating Rules

Summer is a time when we all want to be bikini ready, all the time. On top of exercising, you have to really watch your food intake and eat as healthily and clean as possible. Here are some easy rules to follow this summer to be sure to maintain your weight (compliment of Jillian Michael's book "Making The Cut"):
1)If it's a non food, don't eat it.
2)The longer it lasts on the shelf, the worse it is for you.
3)Never eat anything with the words hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils/fats in the list of ingredients.
4)Avoid refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup(HFCS) at all costs.
5)Never eat any food product that has been "enriched"

Jillian also recommends eating 4 times a day (3 meals and one snack) every 4 hours. And also make sure you get the right mix of protein, fat, and carbs in each meal.

Her book "Making the Cut" is diet and exercise program that is 30 days to your best body ever (running in a bikini good). It is for those who are already in good shape and need to drop only 10 to 20 pounds. Yesterday was day 1 for me, I will let you know how it pans out.

Cheap and Easy At Home Tricks

Here is a really cheap and easy way to get a better
complexion. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a creamy
face wash a few times a week. Baking soda is a natural
and gentle exfoliant that removes oil from your pores.

Summer can be hard on your. Use this recipe to restore your locks back to their luscious state. Mix a half of a cup of coconut oil and a half of a cup of olive oil into a spray bottle. Squirt onto wet locks, and put hair in bun (just pile on your head). Rinse after 30 minutes. This will
moisturize your hair and add lots of shine!

Summer Vacation Must Haves

Summer is a perfect time to get away, even if it's just a long weekend in the Caribbean. It's a great way to relax, recharge, and have some fun. However there are a few things that are must haves for your summer vacation.
1) A large tote. Not only is this your day bag for the beach and pool it is also a carry on for the plane. That way when night time hits all you need is a cute clutch. I love Tory Burch totes like the Tory Burch Paper Straw Tote from Bloomingdale's. It comes in fun summer colors and is on sale originally $250 to $187.50. And besides a hot pink day tote will always be a summer staple!
2) A good SPF. The sun is stronger in places more to the south especially in the summer time so you definitely want some SPF 15 or higher. Make sure it is waterproof too that way you don't have to reapply as much. You can always spray on your favorite tanning oil on top this way you get a great tan while protecting your skin. A bad sunburn can easily ruin your trip.
3)A flattering bathing suit. It may seem obvious but Victoria's Secret is your best bet. They are reasonably priced and have tons of bathing suits that flatter all different body types. Odds are they have what you are looking for and often are running some type of sale.
4)A fab beach body. Everyone wants to look their best when baring all on the beach. Start a vigorous exercise routine one to two months before going away. You should be working out often anway but make sure you add something more to burn some extra calories like circuit training or extra cardio. Also eat a diet high in protein and low is carbs this way you are lean instead of bloated.
5)Comfortable shoes. There is nothing like sore feet and blisters to ruin a trip. Of course you want to look good but comfort is more of a necessity when going away. You are going to be doing a lot of walking so make sure you bring shoes that you know are comfortable.
And must of all have fun!

Lorac: Take A Brow

Most people need some help in the eyebrow department, I myself am a compulsive over plucker. Until recently that is, I actually have been trying to let them grow in for the past month and must say I am proud of myself and pleased with the results. I still need to fill them in a bit and eyebrow pencils are just too harsh looking. So I found at www.sephora.com Lorac Take a Brow. No Red Carpet look is complete without flawless brows. The perfect eyebrow not only defines and highlights your eye, but also frames the entire face. Lorac founder Carol Shaw has hand-picked the brow colors she uses on her celebrity clients and packaged them in one kit so you can easily create picture perfect brows. Each kit contains two hair color-coordinated eyebrow powders (so you can create your own custom shade), a stay-put clear brow wax for holding stray hairs in place, and a must-have mini angle brush. There are four different color palettes to choose from depending on your hair and eyebrow color. It is only $22 and too be honest I love the way my eyebrows look and I have never been able to say that before, until now.