Pleased with Pinterest

Thanks to my friend, Keri Dupey, and sister-in-law, Tanya Dupey, I am pleased to punch, with Pinterest. If you this is a foreign word to you, than you have not experienced one of the greatest technological artist boards I have seen yet.
Check out my board at www.pinterest.com/jwiglesworth/

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Present Thoughts

With sunshine finally on the horizon, here in the Portland/Vancouver area, all I can think about is getting away. How ironic is that? With thoughts of vacationing in mind, I hope to inspire us all to prepare for those 'getaways' that lay just within reach.

First, check out your daily intake of water. The more time you spend outside, the more water you should be drinking. Especially if you are keeping yourself occupied with outdoor sports, such as swimming, volleyball, etc. Hey, I even count laying by the pool as a 'sport'. Honestly, Lying in the hot sun does burn calories.

Image by Klearchos Kapoutsis via Flickr

Second, speaking of outdoor activity, take advantage of being able to do fun things outside. As mentioned above, there are so many things to do outside.  Even if you are not into sports, wake up a little early and go for a run all by yourself, or pack the kiddos in the jogging stroller. Whatever it is, let your body breathe and take in the yellow thing in the sky. After all, if you don't take advantage now, it will be gone before you know it.
               
Third, take advantage of warm weather and celebrate fashion by way of comfortable and easy styles. Some of the best looks for this summer are the maxi dress and the romper. Another great look that is amazingly stylish and ultra simplistic is the tank dress. Whatever you decide, refer to body type and personal style. After all, style, whether easy or not, needs to express who you are.


(In order: Robert Rodriguez Romper, Michael Kors Maxi Dress, Juicy Couture Dot Tank Dress - Find these all at Nordstrom.)

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Do What Makes Cents

With economics continually going up and down, and for most of us down, keeping close eye on the 'purse' is important. Despite the times, however, there are ways to eat healthy, stay fit and be fashionable without breaking the bank.  All you need is to do what makes 'cents'.
Begin by making a list of meals you are going to eat, week by week. To start, take inventory of the food you currently have in your refrigerator and pantry. By doing this you will only by the food you need at the store, while congruently using the food you already have. Making a list also saves you money by not purchasing things you don't need while at the store.
When making the list, makes sure to focus on the items outside the aisles: poultry, chicken, produce, dairy, etc. This way you will be saving money, but also saving time at the gym by choosing healthy options.

Image via Wikipedia

Next, instead of buying an expensive gym membership, take advantage of summer weather and take your exercise routine outdoors.
One of the favorite outdoor routines is running. However, if this doesn't fancy you, try an interval training/boot camp workout. Start by running or jogging 1/4 mile. Stop and do 3 sets of 12 push-ups. (For more of a challenge, add on to each exercise. For example, as seen below, add on a arm and leg raise to challenge core and overall body's resistance.) Repeat, changing the 'stopping' exercise each time.
                                                                 
Finally, save a few extra dollars on updating your summer wardrobe, by incorporating new items with items you currently have.  Go through your closet and put together pieces you love, making a list of pieces you need, that would complement them. For instance, take your classic pair of white shorts and pair them with one of this year's hottest summer trends, a floral blouse. (Take inspiration from the Robert Cavalli dress, below.)
                       

With these simple tips, you will not only be healthy, fit and fashionable, but financially better off, as well.
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Make a Statement

 Making a statement does not always mean being that person that everyone is staring at. Sometimes, it means making a commitment to something important to you, and sticking to it.
Let's start with healthy eating goals.  Lately, I have found myself craving chips and salsa - one of my all-time favorite snacks.  Instead of reaching for that usual bag of chips, get some corn-flour tortillas, cut them, and bake them yourself.  Bake the whole bag. When finished baking, fill the bag with the chips and limit the amount you eat in once sitting.  For salsa, go for fresh pico de gallo. Fresh salsa is full of healthy pre-biotics like onions, tomatoes, garlic and much more.  Not only is this the healthy way to go, but it also tastes so much better when made from scratch.

Image via Wikip

      Next, focus on getting those thighs ultra-lean by doing leg lifts. I recommend front, side and rear. Watch the form and challenge yourself to hold the pose at your highest height.
                                          
Example of side leg lift (resistance band is optional).

Last, but not least, dress to impress by dazzling yourself in your favorite summer accessory.  As we all know, hats, jewelry and shoes take the cake; but don't forget about hair.  Especially in the summer, when putting on another thing seems a little too much, your hair is most definitely your best accessory. Work on a new style or challenge yourself with color to make a real statement.
                                       
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

It is Time to Change your Lifestyle

 Do you eat to live or live to eat? To truly change your body, a lifestyle change must be made. And, unfortunately for most, it starts with food choices.  I know what you are thinking, not another diet.  I totally agree!! Diets won't get you anywhere but on another diet again.  In order to see real results start by simply taking out all foods with sugar. Now I say 'simply' but this will probably be the hardest first step you have ever taken.  Reward yourself with a desert of your choice once a week - that's right "ONCE A WEEK".  This means every form of sugar, excluding fruits and veggies.  I promise it will be worth it!

Image via Wikipedia

What better way to compliment a lifestyle eating makeover, by challenging self to an extreme sport.  Do something you thought you would never do before. This provides a sense of accomplishment and will keep your focus on fun things you are doing, as opposed to sweet foods you may be missing.  I recommend bungy jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, para-sailing, skiing, and/or white water rafting. HAVE FUN!
                                    
Allison Sweeney - jumping in New Zealand

Fashion is always a phenomenal way to make a change, but a lifestyle change? If wanting to simply spruce up one's day-to-day look, that works. However, change, by pure definition, requires a variation from what is current. For true dramatics, challenge yourself to switch out your entire look. For instance, if you are typically dress classic like a 'lady', or try being eccentric with the looks of a 'rocker'.

           
Classic Style (The Chic Fashionista)

                                                    
                                       Eccentric - Rocker Look (The Chic Fashionista)

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Finding a New Flavor

Sometimes, whether eating super healthy or not, we just need a refresher. After awhile routine eating becomes boring and can often allow us to fall off our plan. Make a lifestyle change by focusing on whole foods and variating the palate with natural spices.  One of my ultimate toppings for foods is salsas. With a periphery of choices, meals become limitless.

Image by Armando Maynez via Flickr

Same goes for fitness. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people start off with amazing ideas for routines, only to fall away after 2-3 weeks. One way to truly make a change is simply by adding weights to one's current workouts.
1) This enhances metabolism, allowing one to burn more calories when working out and eating.
2) It also defines muscles, sculpts body and gives overall definition.
                                     
Colbie Caillat demonstrating a traditional squat, while prepping for a bicep curl. (Fitness magazine).

Of course it needn't be said how quickly fashion comes and goes. Keeping up with the trends is not for the faint of heart. No need to worry...every look is refreshed through key accessories.  For spring 2011, which is ironically half over, pick out a pair of oversize shades and bangles.  This draws from the new, bo-ho, reigning fashion supreme right now.

                                        

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Yummy Food, Easy Workout, and Fun Fashion

Image via Wikipedia

In keeping with the idea that it takes diet and exercise to get the body you have been dreaming of, let's start with appetizing your senses in more ways than one. Beginning with food...

Nothing says it best than getting some yummy, carb-filled, energizing foods in your system. I know what you are thinking - carbs!! Not all carbs are bad.  I suggest loading up on fresh, organic fruits. Mix these with a delightful cup of greek yogurt.  Keep in mind, the less sugar, the better.

Next, prepare your mind to relax, stretch and energize by completing a 1/2 hour yoga workout.  The best yoga practice incorporates stretching, strength and endurance. By keeping these 3 things in mind, find a video or class that will challenge you. (If you are an advanced student, definitely go for 1 hour.)
              

Last but not least, let's have fun and spice up our workout wear. There is nothing better than looking hot while you work out.  Even if you are doing it at home, take the time to get dressed and make yourself smile in front of the mirror, before and after your workout. Some ideas....fitted bra and slimming pants.

          

Now you are set to feed your mind, body and soul with food, fitness and fashion. Have fun!

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Food, Fitness and Fashion - Need I Say More

Are you ready to get healthy? Let's start today, by getting rid of sugar and eating fresh food that actually tastes GOOD! This week, focus on grains...Low in fat, no sugar, glucose free, high-in-fiber & YUM.

Teriyaki Chicken over Quinoa - www.savvymom.ca

Next, focus on the areas that need work most - buns!
Squat, squat, squat - I suggest doing 3 sets of 12 plie, chair and regular squats (with weights) every other night - say Bye-bye to cellulite!
           

Feel good by rewarding yourself with an amazing piece of fashion that looks great, feels amazing, and is so worth the food and exercise.

Vionnet Minidress & Aperlai Sandals

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Where do you show color?

If you haven't heard, 80's colors are back. However, some of us may not have bold enough style to shout hot pinks and greens from out denim and blouses. If you find yourself in this boat, this is a perfect time to take advantage of sporting expressively loud accessories.

Image by Modern Pixie via Flickr

These lucite, cranberry red earrings are exactly what to look for. Speaking to color and original plastic, 80's style, wearing these 'hits two birds with one stone'.

My personal favorite way to show off this style, is through handbags. Coming in all styles, shapes and of course, colors, handbags are the perfect accessory easy to take on and off.

By Attala Handbags, found at Neo Vintage

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Have you noticed the recent trend in chopping off all your hair? Maybe you are one of them.  I am adoring the amazing styles out there. From the pixie to the bob to the a-line to a basic blunt cut, everyone is showcasing fresh looks worth a double take.

Kiera Knightly glamorizes the pixie!

Classy Layers done right.

This cut has a magical appeal - long in front and super short in back - ability to work multiple looks.

This style is bob worthy, with the extra ability to work in the bangs. (ideal for those of us with high foreheads).

Hair is one of our best accessories, so take some time to bring out the style in what nature gave you.

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Dressing for the Races

Have you ever experienced a real 'day at the races'? With my husband coming from English descent, I hold these traditional sports dear to my heart. In fact, we are very much set on introducing my daughter, May, to Polo as soon as possible.
If wondering what one wears to 'the races', a Polo match or any other great traditional English sport, today is your day to be enlightened.

Pictured (Julie Alexander in Belladonna Marie)
One must first embrace a wide-brimmed hat. The bigger, the better!
   
Perfect for the Kentucky Derby...feathers bring pizazz!
         
Fedora hats are great for men, and even women, today. Stick a favorite embellishment on for extra style flavor.

Love hats!!!!
Keeping it fresh, Jenny