Showing posts with label Awesome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Awesome. Show all posts

Monday, July 8, 2013

#NailArt Tuesday: Awesome Designer Stuff I Can Actually Afford

I love designer stuff -- guess I'm a snob like that -- but the truth is I can't really afford it as much as I would like to. So, I get super insanely excited when beauty brands do partnerships with the badass designers that I dig.

The latest: Sally Hansen's Fashion Week Inspired shades for Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang and Tracy Reese. Not only are the polishes $8 each, they're also are part of the Complete Salon Manicure line, which might be the easiest polish to DIY of all time. (The formula is designed to not only paint nails, but add a high-sheen topcoat that prevents chipping, too.) And while I love all three collections, I'm kind of obsessed with Prabal's the most -- the shades are just so freaking fierce.

The Spring 2013 Prabal Gurung show took inspiration from the amaze sculptor Anish Kapoor, and featured gauzy tees, chiffon tops and geometric designs that are Gurung's trademarks. To compliment his line, he created three lacquers with Sally Hansen: Apparition, a gunmetal shade I plan on rocking for nights out; Resurrection, a grayish blue that looks made for a summer pedi; and Angel Bite, an incredibly sultry deep red. I swear I'm gonna wear it on my toes till the end of time, and my editor, Rachel, swears she may just only wear it for the rest of her life. Frankly, it's the first time a seen a really cool, bluish red.

Did I mention each of the bottles cost $8 each? That's a LOT cheaper than this Prabal scoopneck dress I've been lusting after. Thanks to Sally Hansen I can now at least say I own something from the designer.

RELATED LINKS:


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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Awesome Weekend

My weekend started on Friday with Friday Funday!

Friday, after a morning meeting the entire office headed out for an early lunch out in East Memphis. We had a choice of where to eat between a deli and tacos. Of course, I chose tacos.

It was my first time eating at Swanky’s Taco Shop. I ordered crunchy chicken tacos.

tacos

They were nice but not the best tacos I’ve ever had. Maybe I should have eaten them slower. I couldn’t though because our office field trip continued… with a movie!

Yep, we went to see the new Avengers movie. Sometimes it’s nice working with a bunch of geeks. ;) I really enjoyed the movie – it was quite funny! After the movie half the office went home and the rest of us grabbed some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream before parting ways back at the office.

Saturday was a busy day for me. I hit up Walmart for some needed supplies like contact solution and then visited some thrift stores for new clothes.

I love thrift stores both for the price and the randomness of the selection. Sometimes I’ll go shopping and find nothing I like and sometimes I’ll leave things at the store I wish I could have bought. It just depends on how lucky I get. This particular shopping trip was extremely lucky because I finally found a maxi dress I liked!

maxi dress

It’s a bit long on me because I’m a shorty but I love it. It’s so vibrant and the colors are awesome. It’s not really anything special but after a long search for a dress I both liked and could afford I’m happy to have found it!

Sunday was spent doing absolutely nothing for the most part. I’ve been a lazy bum to be honest. The two productive things I’ve done were reading the Rebel Strength Guide because I’m thinking about actually doing one of Nerd Fitness’s guides all the way through and cooking some food for the rest of the week.

I’m trying to combat my new tendency to eat out every day (sometimes multiple times a day) since I’ve been here. Maybe having food ready and portioned out will help me make some better choices this week. My body needs a break from the sodium and calorie overload from eating out so much. We will see!

How was your weekend? Have a great week!

Related posts:

Busy & Awesome WeekendThis WeekendAn Awesome FiveAn Awesome DayAwesome!!

View the original article here

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Awesome Workout Songs. Cool Tunes of Different Genres.

Nothing's better than a new set of workout songs to get motivated for the next workout. Whenever I find juuuuust the right song that's got the exact beat my body needs at the moment, it puts me into an incredible state of flow. A great high... Much more so than any chocolate chip cookie or glass of wine can offer me.

Keep in mind that many of the workout songs I find, you may not have heard of, or maybe are totally out of your comfort zone. If your fave is Metallica and I suggest Will Smith, don't freak out. Just give it a try, even if getting a laugh is your main motivator. It works, really.

Oh, you can always click on the album to go hear a sample of it. Ahhhh. Itunes. A never ending source of weight loss motivation. I must be their dream customer, always getting high off their goods, looking for my next fix.

Workout Songs Playlist One - Play that Funky Music by Alvazer


1. Play that Funky Music
Wild Cherry
Workout Songs: Play that Funky Music
Yep. Start I'd start us off with a little funk. 'Course in my head, when I'm singing it, I'm the "white girl." Who cares if the song came out a year before I was born? It works.
Wild Cherry - Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music


2. It Takes Two
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
Workout Songs: Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

Hit it! Tribal-ish. Takes me back to my teazed bangs days.
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock - Profilin' the Hits - It Takes Two

3. Stronger
Kanye West
Workout Song
That that don't kill me, can only make me stronger. These words fill my mind with the belief that I can push harder. It won't kill me. This is a great muscle failure tune.
Kanye West - Graduation

4. Invaders Must Die
Prodigy
Workout Songs

Electronic tunes on crack. Cardio breezes by with this song.
The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (Bonus Track Version) - Invaders Must Die


5. What Was I Thinking
Dierks Bentley
Workout Songs

Yeah, he's kind of dorky, but cute. This song just cracks me up. For lighter feeling days.
Dierks Bentley - Live from Bonnaroo 2007: Dierks Bentley - What Was I Thinking

6. So Blessed
Mavado
Workout Songs

Great voice. Inspirational, yet groovy.
Mavado - Mr. Brooks... A Better Tomorrow - So Blessed


7. Shake Your Rump
Beastie Boys
Workout Songs
The Beastie Boys' yelling will almost always get me movin'. I love their anti-genre theology. Cool mix of sounds in this song.
Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique - Shake Your Rump

8. Freedom
Akon
Workout Songs

His melodic voice is pretty mesmerizing. Just right to get in a mental trance and totally zone into the moment. Good warm up.
Akon - Freedom - Freedom

9. Of Wolf and Man
Metallica
Workout Songs

Confession: 99 percent of the time, I can't understand a word they're saying. But, the music is good - it's angry and pumping.
Metallica - Metallica - Of Wolf and Man

10. Man in the Box
Alice in Chains
Workout Songs

I was convinced by a friend to try this song on a run. Reluctantly, I did. It really works, though. Weird voice. Keeps my attention.
Alice In Chains - Greatest Hits - Man In the Box


View the original article here

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Workout Songs and Awesome Exercise Playlists

I bet there’d be way fewer weight loss success stories if it weren’t for workout For playlists: See bottom of the page for a listing.songs.  I’ve tried working out or doing my cardio in silence.  Never again!  It just sucks without the sustaining fuel that songs supply.

I’m not alone in this either.  Workout songs really do boost weight loss motivation. There’s tons of research out there that confirms that we work harder and longer with the right music.  And, even better in my opinion, is that the PRE (perceived rate of exertion) is lower when jamming to music.  In other words, if while I’m lifting weights, I’ve got good workout songs that I like ringing through my ears, my brain tells my body I’m actually having a little fun and it feels easier – which helps me work harder – which multiplies my success!

On Genres – What Your Choices Say About You
I firmly believe that a person’s choice of music speaks volumes about them.  Here are some observations I’ve made about people and their choice tunes:

(Be forewarned.  If you are easily offended, don’t read on.  I think I step on everyone’s toes.  Lighten’ up!)

Heavy Metal Listeners.  These people tend toward anger.  But, a lot of these people don’t even know what they’re angry about.  And, they like it like that and don’t want to let it go.

Rap/R&B.  They tend to be narcissistic folk.  They don’t really like to break too much of a sweat and ruin their air of coolness.  However, the zone-producing beat of their songs really helps them with their tempo while working out.

Ipod by Antonio MouClassic Rockers.  These people are pretty cool.  They’re usually people who are a little stuck in their younger days, perhaps trying to regain a little confidence and freedom they had “back then.”  We all have songs from our teen years that flood us with memories that we can channel into usable energy for our workouts, I guess.

Christian Listeners.  There are lots of songs out there in every genre you can think of that you wouldn’t even know were Christian unless  you listened carefully to t he lyrics.  This breed of people are generally level-headed and on a mission.  Wouldn’t really know much more about them as they’re kind of clique-ish and don’t talk much to us dyed hair, piercing type people.

Theme Music/Show Tunes.  These people crack me up.  They view life and their workouts as a stage or a theater.  There’s usually a good spring in their step and they always silently mouth the words as the sing along while doing their cardio.

I’ve spend tons of time finding good songs and trying them out, seeing which ones work the best.  It’s really all about personal tastes, mood and the objective.  If I’m feeling kind of bitchy and it’s time for HIIT, I’ll probably choose a Pink or Evanescence song.  If I’m feeling kind of lonely because I’m missing my hubby and I’ve got to push out a hard weight training session, I’ll probably rely on Queensryche or Fergie.

The workout playlists I’ll be giving in this section of Body Mojo will, by design, supply a wide variety of genres and tempos.  And, for the love of God, don’t be so stuck on your coolness that you refuse to try some titles that are out of your usual playlist.  If you’re a metal head, don’t’ scoff at a Disney movie remake song (like La Vida Loca with Antonio Banderas and Eddie Murphy.)  Try having a sense of humor.  If you’re not a big enough man to listen to something kind of ‘out there,’ well…then… grow up and get a life!  There’s nothing sexier than a man with a sense of humor.

Every time I post a new playlist, I like to give a short commentary on why it’s a good song to try.  Sign up for the Body Mojo newsletter at the bottom right of the page, and you’ll get the new workout song ideas whenever I post them.  Oh, and help other, too:  Email me any songs that have really worked for you and why and I’ll include it in a playlist.
Whatever you listen to, just do what works and keep rockin’!

 

Here are the playlists to browse through and sample the workout songs.
Workout Tunes

Workout Mix Playlist Mix of Genres. Akon to Alice in Chains!

Rock Playlist 10 Great Rock Tunes for Your Next Workout

Grungy Playlist Alternative Songs. STP to Jane's Addiction

Country Playlist Swang to Twang

Body Mojo CheckMore playlists are coming soon. Sign up for the newsletter or follow Body Mojo on Twitter so you'll get the new work out tunes.


View the original article here

Workout Songs and Awesome Exercise Playlists

I bet there’d be way fewer weight loss success stories if it weren’t for workout For playlists: See bottom of the page for a listing.songs.  I’ve tried working out or doing my cardio in silence.  Never again!  It just sucks without the sustaining fuel that songs supply.

I’m not alone in this either.  Workout songs really do boost weight loss motivation. There’s tons of research out there that confirms that we work harder and longer with the right music.  And, even better in my opinion, is that the PRE (perceived rate of exertion) is lower when jamming to music.  In other words, if while I’m lifting weights, I’ve got good workout songs that I like ringing through my ears, my brain tells my body I’m actually having a little fun and it feels easier – which helps me work harder – which multiplies my success!

On Genres – What Your Choices Say About You
I firmly believe that a person’s choice of music speaks volumes about them.  Here are some observations I’ve made about people and their choice tunes:

(Be forewarned.  If you are easily offended, don’t read on.  I think I step on everyone’s toes.  Lighten’ up!)

Heavy Metal Listeners.  These people tend toward anger.  But, a lot of these people don’t even know what they’re angry about.  And, they like it like that and don’t want to let it go.

Rap/R&B.  They tend to be narcissistic folk.  They don’t really like to break too much of a sweat and ruin their air of coolness.  However, the zone-producing beat of their songs really helps them with their tempo while working out.

Ipod by Antonio MouClassic Rockers.  These people are pretty cool.  They’re usually people who are a little stuck in their younger days, perhaps trying to regain a little confidence and freedom they had “back then.”  We all have songs from our teen years that flood us with memories that we can channel into usable energy for our workouts, I guess.

Christian Listeners.  There are lots of songs out there in every genre you can think of that you wouldn’t even know were Christian unless  you listened carefully to t he lyrics.  This breed of people are generally level-headed and on a mission.  Wouldn’t really know much more about them as they’re kind of clique-ish and don’t talk much to us dyed hair, piercing type people.

Theme Music/Show Tunes.  These people crack me up.  They view life and their workouts as a stage or a theater.  There’s usually a good spring in their step and they always silently mouth the words as the sing along while doing their cardio.

I’ve spend tons of time finding good songs and trying them out, seeing which ones work the best.  It’s really all about personal tastes, mood and the objective.  If I’m feeling kind of bitchy and it’s time for HIIT, I’ll probably choose a Pink or Evanescence song.  If I’m feeling kind of lonely because I’m missing my hubby and I’ve got to push out a hard weight training session, I’ll probably rely on Queensryche or Fergie.

The workout playlists I’ll be giving in this section of Body Mojo will, by design, supply a wide variety of genres and tempos.  And, for the love of God, don’t be so stuck on your coolness that you refuse to try some titles that are out of your usual playlist.  If you’re a metal head, don’t’ scoff at a Disney movie remake song (like La Vida Loca with Antonio Banderas and Eddie Murphy.)  Try having a sense of humor.  If you’re not a big enough man to listen to something kind of ‘out there,’ well…then… grow up and get a life!  There’s nothing sexier than a man with a sense of humor.

Every time I post a new playlist, I like to give a short commentary on why it’s a good song to try.  Sign up for the Body Mojo newsletter at the bottom right of the page, and you’ll get the new workout song ideas whenever I post them.  Oh, and help other, too:  Email me any songs that have really worked for you and why and I’ll include it in a playlist.
Whatever you listen to, just do what works and keep rockin’!

 

Here are the playlists to browse through and sample the workout songs.
Workout Tunes

Workout Mix Playlist Mix of Genres. Akon to Alice in Chains!

Rock Playlist 10 Great Rock Tunes for Your Next Workout

Grungy Playlist Alternative Songs. STP to Jane's Addiction

Country Playlist Swang to Twang

Body Mojo CheckMore playlists are coming soon. Sign up for the newsletter or follow Body Mojo on Twitter so you'll get the new work out tunes.


View the original article here

Friday, March 30, 2012

Awesome Workout Songs. Cool Tunes of Different Genres.

Nothing's better than a new set of workout songs to get motivated for the next workout. Whenever I find juuuuust the right song that's got the exact beat my body needs at the moment, it puts me into an incredible state of flow. A great high... Much more so than any chocolate chip cookie or glass of wine can offer me.


Keep in mind that many of the workout songs I find, you may not have heard of, or maybe are totally out of your comfort zone. If your fave is Metallica and I suggest Will Smith, don't freak out. Just give it a try, even if getting a laugh is your main motivator. It works, really.


Oh, you can always click on the album to go hear a sample of it. Ahhhh. Itunes. A never ending source of weight loss motivation. I must be their dream customer, always getting high off their goods, looking for my next fix.

Workout Songs Playlist One - Play that Funky Music by Alvazer



1. Play that Funky Music
Wild Cherry
Workout Songs: Play that Funky Music
Yep. Start I'd start us off with a little funk. 'Course in my head, when I'm singing it, I'm the "white girl." Who cares if the song came out a year before I was born? It works.
Wild Cherry - Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music



2. It Takes Two
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
Workout Songs: Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock


Hit it! Tribal-ish. Takes me back to my teazed bangs days.
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock - Profilin' the Hits - It Takes Two


3. Stronger
Kanye West
Workout Song
That that don't kill me, can only make me stronger. These words fill my mind with the belief that I can push harder. It won't kill me. This is a great muscle failure tune.
Kanye West - Graduation


4. Invaders Must Die
Prodigy
Workout Songs


Electronic tunes on crack. Cardio breezes by with this song.
The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (Bonus Track Version) - Invaders Must Die



5. What Was I Thinking
Dierks Bentley
Workout Songs


Yeah, he's kind of dorky, but cute. This song just cracks me up. For lighter feeling days.
Dierks Bentley - Live from Bonnaroo 2007: Dierks Bentley - What Was I Thinking


6. So Blessed
Mavado
Workout Songs


Great voice. Inspirational, yet groovy.
Mavado - Mr. Brooks... A Better Tomorrow - So Blessed



7. Shake Your Rump
Beastie Boys
Workout Songs
The Beastie Boys' yelling will almost always get me movin'. I love their anti-genre theology. Cool mix of sounds in this song.
Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique - Shake Your Rump


8. Freedom
Akon
Workout Songs


His melodic voice is pretty mesmerizing. Just right to get in a mental trance and totally zone into the moment. Good warm up.
Akon - Freedom - Freedom


9. Of Wolf and Man
Metallica
Workout Songs


Confession: 99 percent of the time, I can't understand a word they're saying. But, the music is good - it's angry and pumping.
Metallica - Metallica - Of Wolf and Man


10. Man in the Box
Alice in Chains
Workout Songs


I was convinced by a friend to try this song on a run. Reluctantly, I did. It really works, though. Weird voice. Keeps my attention.
Alice In Chains - Greatest Hits - Man In the Box


View the original article here