You Don't HAVE to Bust Through Your Favorite Fashion Pieces This Holiday Season!

(Photo Credit: www.everydayhealth.com) 

In my latest article for ChelseaKrost.com, I provide 3 (EASY) tips on how to ease up on the over-consumption of goodies this holiday season! 

"Ohhh…how the holiday season brings us much joy. From reuniting with loved ones to volunteering at a local charity, this season no doubt gives us a sense of rejuvenation and a time to reflect on what’s going great, what’s not, and what could use improving (especially as you start making your New Year’ resolutions).

But here’s where the tricky part comes in: enjoying yummy treats while still wearing what you love.

I personally love the pineapple cheesecake and brownies my m

om makes for Chanukah, and it gives me pleasure to bake cookies for my boyfriend during Christmas (and, ahem, eating the cookie dough at the same time).  And like most people, I am definitely guilty of over-consuming, while telling myself, “I’ll just cut back after the holidays.” But the thing is, that’s never fun. The pressure that comes from that can sometimes cause you to turn to all those leftover sweets a few too many times!  So, through trial and error, I’ve figured out how to enjoy the holidays while still fitting into my favorite leggings, blouses, and sweaters..." Read the full article! 

Be a ‘Sweaty Betty’ this Holiday Season in Stylish Gear! Your Summer Body Will Thank You.

(Our bodies are our temples...Photo Credit: www.sweatybetty.com)

“Just one more cookie and then I swear I won’t have dinner tonight!” No, I do not have an eating disorder. But, yes, like most people, I find myself over-indulging during the holiday season and then feeling kinda guilty about it and stepping back completely (Well, maybe that is some sort of disorder...yikes).

In all seriousness though, human hibernation doesn’t mean to stuff your face simply because it’s “that time of the year.” Rather, it should involve a great combo of eating what you want in moderation and working out a bit more than usual (if you really want to burn off the extra fat the healthy way). I mean, I do exercise; I’ll wake up early Saturday and Sunday mornings and walk the steep streets in my LA neighborhood and I’ll lift weights and do squats while I watch “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” on Bravo.

But I know that it’s time to create more of a strict workout schedule – for many reasons. Although I’ve come to find beauty in living in the moment, I also love to dream and fantasize about the days of SoCal summer. In other words, I want to be prepared and feel amazing when it’s time to go bikini shopping.

(Running does the body good! Photo Credit: www.sweatybetty.com)

And to get myself pumped up to become more active, I know what needs to be done: Get rid of the horrid 5-year old workout gear that is stuffed in my closet and get on board with a new sports bra, yoga pants, and running shoes. Sweaty Betty is a UK-based fitness clothing brand has an insane selection of stylish gear, including girls dance wear and ladies swimwear. I think this could be a cool site to start browsing!

The philosophy behind Sweaty Betty is pretty awesome too: “To inspire women to find empowerment in fitness.” After all, our overall image is influenced by several factors, and how we take care of our bodies reflects in our beauty. Fitness is a crucial aspect that should not be ignored.

Follow Sweaty Betty on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Photos of women getting’ their workouts on will inspire you to finish up that fourth cookie and put on your running shoes.

Note to Self: Water In a Cute Cup Does the Body Good

(By photographer Ruud Baan)

As a health-conscious fashion writer, I believe it all comes down to this simple formula: eating healthy and exercising regularly = more energy + a fitter bod + excitement to shop for new fashion trends + more confidence to adorn your best assets + an overall greater sense of well-being. 

I am in no way claiming to be a fitness and health expert; I only speak from experience and what has worked for me in my journey thus far. That said, here is my biggest tip (especially if you're living in the scorching SoCal heat this summer!): Drink water!!

It's so easy to make the wrong choice, such as deciding to wash down that big burger with a soda instead of an iced tea or water. It's also very easy to forget to drink water in between cups after cups of coffee, as well as in between your several cocktails at the bar. (Caffeine and liquor can cause you to feel dehydrated.)

Making the right choice must be a very conscious decision, which gets easier over time and eventually becomes second nature. And yay! You can totally keep your body hydrated and energized in style.You're sure to find a good selection of cute, affordable, plastic or stainless steel water bottles at your fave stores, such as Target, Ross, Walmart, and Old Navy! In general, these handy water containers will also save you money in the long run (don't have to keep buying 12 or 24-packs of water bottles at the grocery store) and contribute to saving the planet (don't have to feel guilty about forgetting to recycle your Smartwater or Evian water bottles anymore).

After all, being stylish isn't just about the fashion you choose to wear. Good health and a fit physique will always be in vogue!


Photo Credit: http://www.thecoolist.com 

"Top 10 Hollywood Abs" from RadarOnline.com

Radaronline.com is my new favorite website for celebrity info and (tasteful) gossip chatter! My latest inspiration for getting and staying fit for the summer is their recent "Top 10 Hollywood Abs" article.

The photos of Madonna, Jessica Biel, and Cameron Diaz are enough to make me throw away my pizza and get my butt on the treadmill. (kickboxing is not ALWAYS enough.) Should there ever be a "Top 10 Inland Empire Abs" -- I want to be featured!


Photo Credit: http://ww.radaronline.com

Wednesday Night Fashion TV -- America's Next Top Model vs. Project Runway

OK, so I saw the finale of Project Runway. Congrats Leanne! I'm very happy for her -- this gal's designs are so artistic and 3-dimensional that it's really mind-blowing. But deep down, I'm not gonna lie, Korto's designs were more up my alley. Kenley had some cool pieces, but I agree with you, Heidi -- her attitude is hard to digest. (Plus, I actually didn't care for the tree in her hair at Bryant Park - "the day of.")

...Onto America's Next Top Model -- I have only watched like the first episode this season. One of the main reasons I stopped was due to the silliness of Tyra and her boys. It got a bit much. But now, I'm sad that I missed the makeover episode and all of cat fighting in the house, I'm sure. My kickboxing class is Wednesday evenings, so while I made it in time for ANTM at 8 p.m., I preferred to take a breather and relax before the final of Project Runway later at 9 p.m.

Anywho -- share your thoughts about either of the shows, and tell me what I'm (or not) missing from Tyra and her crew. I do miss Nigel, though.

Photo Credits: http://www.am770chqr.com/_Shared/CPContent/e101627A.jpg (Leanne), http://www.ew.com/ (Tyra)

Kickboxing to Kick a Bad Habit

I completed my first kickboxing class today at the gym. My friend Andrea ("Dre") and Jana speak so highly of it that it was time I took part in the madness. And while I don't necessarily -- or at ALL -- resemble the chick in this pic, I felt pretty hot sweating and looking tough in the class. I mean it sooooo does a body good. Of course, at some points, I mixed up steps and had to stand aside and let Dre show me how things are done. But I stayed with it, sweat like crazy, and was so proud that I decided to choose a workout this evening instead of good 'ol Parliaments.

So this will be my regular Wednesday 6:30 pm class amongst my 3-4 days working out doing cardio. I'm still determined to get back into the fit shape I used to be so very proud of.

Now....first up: some fabulous, comfy kickboxing workout clothes. Yay! That is one area where I rarely splurge. It's time I finally give in.

Photo Credit: http://www.fightergirls.com/

Your Favorite Personal Shopper Seeks a Fit Body

Spring is here, summer is (finally!) on its way, and some of my favorite trends are still live and kickin'. But my yearly challenge of finding a bathing suit to flatter my hourglass/ pear figure drives me nuts. Target and Old Navy have great suits that are pretty inexpensive, and totally stylish. And I know that if I continue pushing myself to maintain my fit figure, then it may not be such a horrible shopping experience (Bad cigs! Bad fries!)...

But it's so hard to find time!!!

Laying out at Huntington Beach or at the pool in my complex calls for a svelte figure, sooooo I think this is going to call for less time on the computer. I used to have the energy to get home from work and jump into my workout gear, and either exercise at home or spend two hours in the gym for a good sweat. I miss that -- I need to get back into building my strength and losing calories. My once-six pack is just bloated, excess skin. Yuck.

So if my blogs are spaced out a little more than usual - my apologies. Just remember that your favorite personal shopper is dreaming SoCal sunny skies and ocean waves, and missing the feeling of looking great and feeling great.