From health.com
The 7 Best Fat-Blasters
Torch calories at home
By Su Reid-St. John
We all have days when there’s no time to get to the gym. So we wondered: Which close-to-home cardio activities blast fat fastest? Wonder no more.
Here are the top seven fat-and-calorie burners, from Los Angeles–based celeb trainer Ramona Braganza, who has helped shape the amazing bodies of stars like Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, and Anne Hathaway. Try any one of these, and you’ll boost your metabolism for up to a whole day afterward. One small workout, one giant payoff.
Inline skating
Burns 425 calories in 30 minutes
Skating is numero uno on our list when it comes to blasting fat and calories. The big burn stems from the side-to-side movement of your thigh and butt muscles.
And your core gets involved in a big way to keep you balanced. What’s more, you get all these benefits without putting too much stress on your knees and other joints. Skate at a strong, steady pace. (Don’t forget your helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads.)
Boost the burn: Alternate one minute of hard skating with one minute of medium-paced strokes.
Running
Burns 374 calories in 30 minutes
The typical runner’s shape is sleek and lean, and there’s a reason for that: The major running muscles—legs, butt, core—happen to be the biggest calorie-and-fat-burning muscles in your body. To get the most out of each stride, swing your arms close to your body, don’t lean forward, and keep your feet low to the ground. To lessen impact, land on the middle of your foot, then roll through to your toes.
Boost the burn: Alternate fast and slow intervals, or take to the hills.
Jumping rope
Burns 340 calories in 30 minutes
You knew this workout had to be high on the list. After all, it’s one of pro boxers’ favorite ways to train. To get the most from each jump, use a rope with handles that reach to just under your armpits when you stand on the middle of it, and follow these top-form tips: Jump with your feet slightly apart and body upright, and keep your jumps low to the ground. Don’t have a rope? You’ll get the same benefits by doing the movements rope-free.
Boost the burn: Frequently switch up your speed (slow, fast) and style (jumping with one foot, then two feet), or jump rope while you jog.
Hula hooping
Burns 300 calories in 30 minutes
Marisa Tomei and Beyoncé hoop to keep their bodies beautiful. To do it yourself, grab an adult-sized hoop (they’re larger and heavier than kids’ hoops, making them easier to spin); you’ll know you have the right size if it reaches your chest when you stand it up in front of you. Simply keep it going around your waist. To start, stand with one foot in front of the other and shift your weight back and forth (versus around in a circle). And don’t worry if you’re less than perfect at first; you’ll still knock off major calories, plus get better every time you spin.
Boost the burn: Check out our fun workout for hula how-tos and advanced moves.
Tennis
Burns 272 calories in 30 minutes
Don’t think you need to round up a partner or trek all the way to a court to break a super sweat with racket in hand. Simply find a flat area near a wall or garage door that you can hit the ball against. Alternate forehand and backhand shots—then see how many you can do in a row without goofing. Stand 10 to 25 feet away, which will force you to hit harder. Even practicing your serve will get your body in burn mode, because you’ll have to run and bend to pick up your missed balls.
Boost the burn: Try to hit the ball consistently for 50 or 100 strokes. “Having a goal will make you work harder to reach it,” Braganza says.
Dancing
Burns 221 calories in 30 minutes
This may not be the biggest calorie-burner in the bunch, but it’s still an excellent—and fun!—metabolism booster. (Just look at Kelly Osbourne, who jump-started her amazing 42-pound loss on Dancing with the Stars.) The key is to keep the tempo high, choosing songs with fast rhythms like Latin or Bollywood, and don’t rest between songs. Try Braganza’s favorite trick: Download a workout’s worth of your favorite tunes. Begin with an upbeat inspirational song (think “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga), then move on to songs with increasingly faster tempos. Slow the beat toward the end to cool down.
Boost the burn: Use your arms! Raise them in the air and move them to the beat.
Walking vigorously
Burns 170 calories in 30 minutes
That’s right, walking actually made our list. Full disclosure, though: A leisurely stroll with a friend won’t cut it. You should be walking briskly enough that it’s difficult to keep up a steady conversation. To get the most from your biggest calorie-burning muscles—legs, butt, and core—take short, quick steps, keep your torso upright, and pump your arms back and forth (not side to side) in time with your stride. With each step, land on your heel and roll through to your toes.
Boost the burn: Alternate two minutes of brisk strides with one minute of as-fast-as-you-can-go walking (or jogging).
Walk Off Every Bulge
Get ready, get fit
By Su Reid-St. John
Who’s afraid of the big, bad three-way dressing-room mirror? Not you! Especially not after you shape your body from head to toe, back to front, and all the way around with this super-effective, 45-minute workout that alternates calorie-and-fat-torching interval walking with body-sculpting strength moves. How good is it? It comes straight from Los Angeles-based celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler, who helps walk Julia Roberts into amazing shape.
Set your course
Before doing this workout for the first time, measure a three-mile loop (drive it or walk it while wearing a watch that measures distance, and note a landmark at each mile mark. Or simply head to your favorite track or hop on a treadmill.
Do the routine four or five times a week to lose up to eight inches all over your body in just four weeks. (Be sure to walk for a few minutes at an easy pace before and after the workout to warm up and cool down.) Ready? Time to show that mirror who’s boss.
Start your walk
Begin the workout by walking at a brisk pace until you hit the 1-mile mark. Your goal is to cover the distance in less than 15 minutes. Stand straight as you walk, with your abs pulled in and arms reaching forward as you pump them. To speed up, take faster steps, not longer ones.
Forward Lunges
(for quadriceps, hamstrings, butt, calves)
Step your right leg forward and lower into a lunge; don’t let front knee go past toes. Push into your right heel to return to starting position; repeat on opposite side. Continue to alternate for 1 minute.
Walking Burst
Alternate 1 minute of brisk walking with 1 minute of running until you hit the 2-mile mark. As your fitness improves, feel free to shorten the walking time and lengthen the running time, if desired.
Full Push-ups
(for triceps, chest, shoulders, core)
Get into push-up position on your hands and toes, with arms straight (don’t lock your elbows) and hands right below your shoulders. Tighten abs as you bend your elbows to lower down toward ground, then push back up. Your body should stay in a straight line throughout the move. Do as many reps as you can in 1 minute. Can’t do a full push-up? Get into plank position (the “up” part of a push-up) and hold for 1 minute.
Toe-Touch Squats
(for butt, quadriceps, hamstrings)
While reaching both arms forward, squat down, keeping weight on heels. As you lower down, reach down to touch right hand to toes of left shoe; return to standing. Squat again, this time touching left hand to right toes. Be sure to keep your knees behind your toes each time you squat. Continuing to alternate, do as many reps as you can in 1 minute.
Elbow-Knee Touch
(for core, shoulders)
Get into push-up position with arms straight (don’t lock your elbows). Bring your right knee in toward your left elbow, then return to starting position. Repeat, bringing your left knee toward your right elbow. Continuing to alternate, do as many reps as you can in 1 minute.
Walk, Run, Skip
Do the following sequence until you hit the 3-mile mark: walk briskly for 1 minute, run for 1 minute, skip for 1 minute. As you skip, you can make the movements small or big; the higher you raise your knees and arms, the more calories you’ll burn.
Side-T Pose
(for core, shoulders, triceps)
Lie on your right side with your legs straight, feet stacked, right elbow bent, and palm on the ground. Tighten your abs and push into right hand, straightening arm (your hand should be directly under your shoulder).
At the same time, lift hips so body forms a straight line from head to feet. Raise left hand straight up in the air. For less of a challenge, bend right leg so the bottom half is on the ground for support (keep left leg long). Either way, hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.
Tabletop Dips
(for triceps)
Squat down and put your hands on the ground behind you (fingertips pointing forward). Walk your feet forward a little, lifting your hips until your body looks like a tabletop, with your torso in a straight line from shoulders to knees. Bend your elbows to lower down, then straighten them again (but don’t lock your elbows). Keeping good form, do as many reps as you can in 1 minute.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sharing An Article.
I love tips and tricks like these! Easy ways to burn some extra calories while exercising! Check it out!
10 Ways to Walk Off Fat Faster
By Tracy Teare
Here’s how to boost your calorie-burn big time—without much extra effort.
Get some poles
Using Nordic poles torches an average 20 percent more calories by engaging the muscles in your upper body and torso, says Mark Fenton, author of The Complete Guide to Walking. Plant the pole firmly at a 45-degree angle behind you, then push back forcefully against the ground to propel yourself forward.
Skip killer hills
Don’t assume the biggest inclines are the best for burning fat. “It’s better to maintain your speed on a moderate hill than to slow down substantially on a steeper one,” Fenton says.
Use your arms
Vigorously pumping your bent arms helps you go faster—and burn more calories, says Lee Scott, walking coach and director of WoW Power Walking in Toronto.
Take smaller steps
The best way to boost your speed—and thus your burn—is to take shorter, faster steps, Scott explains. Time yourself walking 100 steps, then recover for one minute. Count another 100 steps, and try to shave five seconds off your time. Repeat 12 times.
Set goals you can see
Choose markers (stop sign, park bench, etc.) and speed up until you reach them, suggests Therese Iknoian, author of Fitness Walking. Slow down for the same distance.
Wipe the pavement
Roll through from heel to toe. When you get to the ball of your foot, push off as if wiping gum off your sole, Iknoian says. This will get your calf, hamstring, and glute muscles involved—and the more muscle you use, the more calories you burn.
Go shoe shopping
To get the most power from your push-off, opt for a shoe with minimum cushioning and maximum flexibility in the front of the shoe, Fenton says.
Stand straight
When your body’s aligned, your back and butt muscles are able to work more powerfully, so you walk faster and torch more calories. Stand tall with a straight spine, keeping your ears and shoulders aligned over your hips.
Raise your rate
Wearing a heart-rate monitor is like having your own coach keeping you at optimal fat-torching pace. “It’ll give you a push if you’re slowing down too much, but also get you to ease up if you’re pushing too hard,” Iknoian says.
Add strength
Simple moves like push-ups and lunges get more muscles involved for major burn, reveals Harley Pasternak, who trains many celebs, including our November cover celeb Hilary Duff. When you walk, stop every five minutes and do one minute of moves. This will help up your metabolism over the long-term, too. What’s better than burning more calories while you walk? Blasting them off while you sleep, of course.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I Have Not Disappeared!
Big news coming soon!
New videos coming soon!
Sorry I've been on a bit of a hiatus (did I spell that right?)... But, I have not disappeared! I will be back VERY soon with new and cool stuff for you guys! Promise!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sharing An Article.
Ok, so this bad boy isn't DIRECTLY related to fashion or makeup or hair for that matter, but you can find ways to tie it in. And I think it's fascinating so I wanted to share it.
What one’s favorite color signifies
By Barrie Dolnick
Most of us have a favorite color. Maybe you’re drawn to sky blue because it makes your eyes stand out or you find forest green particularly comforting. Whatever the case, your preferred hue can reveal a lot about what makes you tick. And the same holds true for the people you date — you’d probably have a different impression of a date if he or she said, “My favorite color is yellow” versus “My favorite color is black.” That’s because color speaks a powerful, silent language. And I can help you understand it. I’m a success coach and best-selling author of Simple Spells for Love and other books, and I’ve studied color theory. So, look up your favorite color below — then, your date’s best-loved shade — and get some colorful insights that will benefit your romantic life.
Red
What it represents: Ah, the color of passion, anger and high blood pressure. Red is a primal color. It represents primal urges, like lust (“I must have you now!”) and fury (you know the phrase “seeing red,” right?). Yes, red is a commanding color: think of how stop signs get you to halt in your tracks and how you stand back when a red fire engine goes whizzing by.
Understanding people who love it: They act — sometimes without thinking — on immediate desires. In fact, they’re usually the poster children for immediate gratification. It’s up to you if you go for it... or proceed with caution.
Orange
What it represents: OK, orange is not exactly the easiest color to wear and it’s not the most common favorite color, but guess what? Orange is as sensual as it gets. Orange is a mellowed red — and it takes primal, lusty urges and mellows them with a softer vibe. Orange is the color of early attractions, emotional responses, and inner magnetism. Oh, and one other thing: orange is also close to gold, the color of success and wealth.
Understanding people who love it: Someone who likes orange is alive with feelings, the ability to nurture, and can intuit a path to success. If your favorite color is orange, you don’t have an “off” switch when it comes to passion. This is all good stuff, but there’s nothing casual about the connections this kind of person usually forges.
Yellow
What it represents: Yellow is the color of the sun, vitality, power and ego... but it’s not a great indicator of romance. Watch out for self-centered, “me first” energy when someone prefers yellow to the rest of the rainbow.
Understanding people who love it: If yellow is your favorite color, temper your use of the word “I” when you’re interested in someone else. You can come across as too ego-centric otherwise. Now, if you’re dating someone whose favorite hue is yellow, make sure to jump in and share stories about yourself, since this person may not give you much room.
Green
What it represents: Here is the heart of the matter: green is the color of love. (It’s no coincidence that we make our money in the same color...) Green is the color of life and abundance — leaves, grass, plants — it’s all about growing, expanding, and living. So why don’t we give ferns instead of roses on Valentine’s Day? Because green is about expansive, humanistic love and acceptance, not bodice-ripping romance. What’s more, green is a nice-person color, a “do-gooder, be-gooder” kind of color. This person has a warm heart. Passion is probably in there somewhere, buried under their integrity and honor.
Understanding people who love it: If you love green, you put the greater good before your own good — but try a little selfish behavior once in a while.
Blue
What it represents: Blue is a color of clarity, communications and charm. And regardless of the shade, this hue says: “I like to be understood.” On the downside, under stress, a “blue” person can send mixed messages, have trouble making up their mind, or just space out during conversations.
Understanding people who love it: If blue is your favorite color, you never run out of anything to say — expression is your strong suit. And if you’re dating a “blue” person? The same holds true; you should always know where you stand.
Purple
What it represents: Purple evokes the energy of illusion, imagination and fantasy. Or should we say purrrrple? Purple tends to inspire coyness, romance, flirtation and teasing — it builds anticipation with a dash of playfulness. The downside of purple is unrealistic expectations. Is it easier to live in your fantasy world than the real world? Some purple-lovers prefer it.
Understanding people who love it: If you love purple, you can be an imaginative romantic or prefer imaginary romance, depending on how you feel.
White
What it represents: White is light — the combination of all colors. White symbolizes purity (the traditional bridal dress, the christening gown) and spirituality. There’s a simplicity to it, too.
Understanding people who love it: People who love white are probably clean and orderly. While white isn’t the sexiest color, it is certainly healthy.
Black
What it represents: Like white, black is a combination of all colors, but instead of purity, it represents the unknown, the unseen — mystery. Black basically holds back information... but there’s no denying that it has strong associations in our culture with “the dark side” and evil.
Understanding people who love it: If your favorite color is black, you are more hush-hush than high-strung in nature. The silence of this color lets others fill in the blanks. Black says, “I’m not telling you anything.” People who love black can be tough nuts to crack, but quite possibly worth the effort.
Astro-coach Barrie Dolnick helps people find love and happiness by understanding their stars and their karmic energy. She is the author of twelve books, including Enlighten Up! and KarmaBabe.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sharing A Couple Articles.
8 Ways to Make Shoes More Comfortable
Pain in the Strap
Before you relegate agonizing slingbacks and thong sandals to the category of regrettable purchases, strap these on for size. Available in four colors, these thin strips adhere to the inside of your shoe straps to help prevent painful blisters and ugly red marks caused by slipping straps and excess friction. Strappy Strips, prices start at $3.50; FootPetals.com.
Cushioned Edge
Putting an extra spring in your step has never been easier. Staying just within the parameter of your shoes, these super-skinny ¾ insoles fit into open-toe shoes and sandals, providing extra cushioning and ensuring your tootsies will feel totally comfy—but your look will remain clean and stylish. Killer Kushionz, prices start at $6.50; FootPetals.com.
Head over Heels
Shoes that are too big for you or weighted down in the front (think platform pumps) can cause serious heel slippage. Luckily, stick-on heel grips correct a finicky fit by creating a textured layer to hold your foot in place. Heel Grips, $3; BakersShoes.com.
Stable Ground
While stiletto heels guarantee gorgeous gams, they often get stuck in soft ground or cracks, both of which can destroy expensive shoes and make for an uneasy walk. To better tread on tricky terrain, attach a clear or black protector to your heel tip that subtly increases its surface area. The tip removes easily for times when you’re on more solid ground. SoleMates High Heeler, $9.95; TheSoleMates.com.
Spot On
It's tough to predict where a shoe will rub you the wrong way. Clear and ultra-slim, these dainty peel-and-stick gel spots offer an invisible protective layer. Just put them in your purse so you can stick one of them right where it hurts whenever you feel pain. Gel Spots, pack of 6, $8; US.Topshop.com.
On the Ball
Available in so many cute patterns—tiger and leopard and zebra, oh my!—these flower-shaped ball-of-foot cushions look anything but frumpy. Slip them into the fronts of your shoes to fend off calluses and keep excess bone pressure at bay. Tip Toes, prices start at $6.95; FootPetals.com.
Toe Pick
A casual flip-flop or chic dress sandal can wreak havoc on the sensitive skin between your toes. These genius gel cushions, which slip discreetly under the ball of your foot and around the thong, keep both the ball of your foot and your toes in place, helping to prevent the slip-and-slide that can cause painful blisters. KIWI Smiling Feet In Between the Toe Gel Cushions, $4.99; ShoeTreeMarketplace.com.
Glide Wear
If your shoes are simply too strappy to conceal an insole or grip—or you need an easy on-the-go option to prevent friction sores—try rubbing on some relief. This stick leaves behind a clear, waxy finish that forms an antifriction protective layer. Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Stick, $6.50; DrugSupplyStore.com.
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.
6 Diet Rules You Can Break!
By Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
Oct 28, 2010
It’s no secret that the number one diet “rule to live by” is this: to lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than you burn over an extended period of time. Beyond that, the rules of weight loss are actually a lot more flexible than you might think (and, as you probably know from personal experience, what works for one person may not work for another). Here are six universal diet truths that, as it turns out, aren’t always true.
1. You Must Exercise To Lose Weight. Controlling calories and food intake is key to shedding unwanted pounds (much more so than exercise). If you’re not able to be active or just can’t commit to a regular workout schedule, you can still lose weight without exercising if you carefully monitor your food intake. Of course, being physically active provides a whole host of health benefits outside of weight management, and for this reason I highly encourage everyone to incorporate fitness into their lifestyle. But if you absolutely can’t or won’t exercise, know that it’s still possible to achieve your weight loss goals.
2. Only Weigh Yourself Once Per Week. There is no “one size fits all” rule with weighing. Some people do better with daily weigh-ins and others with no scale at all; it’s really a personal choice. If you find that daily or weekly visits to the bathroom scale help you stay accountable, by all means, maintain your usual routine. If tracking your numbers tends to make you obsess a bit, you can always gauge your weight loss by taking occasional measurements or noting changes in your clothing size.
3. Dessert is a No-No. As long as you account for the calories, dessert is perfectly okay—whether it’s berries, cookies, or a slice of rich, fudgy chocolate cake. Some dieters that I’ve counseled like to build in one portion-controlled treat per day—maybe two cookies or a low-fat ice cream pop. Others prefer to save up their “discretionary calories” and splurge on one decadent dessert per week from a restaurant or bakery. Whatever your preferred strategy, it is definitely possible to satisfy a sweet tooth without derailing your diet.
4. Portion Control Everything You Eat. Not true! You can overeat non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content, as long as you prepare them in healthful ways. Non-starchy vegetables—like leafy greens, cucumbers, carrots, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and green beans—are incredibly low in calories, thanks to their high water and fiber content. They’ll fill you up and displace more caloric foods…and ultimately help you lose weight by eating more!
5. Never Skip Breakfast (it’s the most important meal of day.) Some people are just not naturally conditioned to be early morning eaters, and that’s completely understandable. There’s no reason to force yourself into eating breakfast if you’re not hungry, as long as you’re not having a problem with overeating later in the day. Instead, have a meal or mid-morning snack later on, when your appetite finally kicks in.
6. Salads Are Your Best Bet For Losing Weight. Sadly, some salads are actually more caloric than a loaded burger with a side of fries…those certainly won’t do you any favors on the scale. And if you hate salads and they leave you feeling completely unsatisfied, they can actually be counterproductive. If you view these diet staples as bland, boring “rabbit food”, you certainly shouldn’t feel obligated to include them in your meal plan. Find more interesting lunch and dinner options that excite your taste buds and satisfy your appetite. You’ll stick with your diet longer if you’re enjoying what you’re eating.
For more tips on losing weight, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween 2010 Pictures
I dressed up (last minute decision... all stuff from my own closet!) as a gypsy this year for Halloween and here I am!
This was at the end of my night (around 2AM, haha)
This was midway through my day.
I had a couple of makeup jobs to do Halloween weekend as well!
This is the super cute, super energetic Tatum. She wanted Mad Hatter makeup! I was responsible for her hair-do as well.
I seriously need a higher quality camera. Her makeup was so much brighter in person. She was so cute!
This is Chad, post-makeup but pre-costume. Super quick, fun and easy makeup job.
And here I am on Halloween day before heading out to Charleston. Orange eye shadow for the holiday!
In case you guys are interested, this was my costume from last year!
Negative Feedback and What I'm Not Going to be Sharing.
I still haven't received any actual negative comments on my youtube page, but I have managed to receive my first couple of "thumbs down"'s.
Wow.
That little thumbs down symbol is rather heartbreaking the first time you see it.
In my defense, the makeup techniques I post in my videos are meant to be simple techniques I feel comfortable sharing.
There are lots of things I've learned that I am not going to share with you guys. It's nothing against you, it's that I respect the teachers I've had and the information I've been given too much to put it out there for just anyone to grab up.
There are certain techniques I'm not going to share, certain product usages, tips and tricks... It deserves a better medium than youtube.
So, just know that I am capable of what I feel is some awesome stuff, even if the things I post on youtube seem pretty simplistic.
I most certainly have not claimed to be a hair stylist or chef. Some videos I've posted are just because I wanted to share some stuff I've discovered on my own with you guys.
I'm trying to have fun with this, and honestly I like my blog MUCH better than my youtube channel. But, I couldn't really figure out a way to advertise my blog to the masses without youtube.
Most of the feedback has been positive (THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE HAD A KIND WORD OR TWO TO SAY <3).
As of right now, I've gotten thumbs down on my Bruise/Black Eye Makeup Tutorial and my Manic Panic Hair Dye Tutorial. I'm embracing it. I am fully aware that the lighting really bit a big one on the black eye makeup tutorial. Lesson learned there. Other than that, I'm not unhappy with the video. I had a bunch of disasterous things happen during the process of the Manic Panic Hair Dye tutorial (read the Frantic Manic Panic blog). Probably shouldn't have bothered posting that bad boy. Should've just scrapped that and started from square one there. But I didn't. Lesson learned there.
Really, I want to give you guys some inspiration and I want to you guys to discuss whatever with me, even if it's criticism.
I just wanted to get that out of the way and steel myself for what I'm sure is a lot more negativity bound to float my way eventually.
Thanks again to those of who that have nice, polite, and supportive things to say.
I've always been told that "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." and I try to hold true to that, until I'm pretty stinkin' provoked.
But I also think that we can learn from hurtful experiences. Thanks also to those of you who have and will give me negative feedback. I needed to get my toes wet in the subject.
Signing off and hoping I'm sending positivity out there to somebody. Even when other people hit you with negativity, keep calm and carry on.
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