Links You’ll Love
Fashion & Beauty:
If you gentlemen are wondering how to begin wardrobe or style overhaul then this guide from Attire Club is the perfect starting point for you – Beginner’s Guide: A List Of 20 Style Tips Which Cover The Basics.
The key to creating a swoon-worthy wardrobe is the ability to use the same pieces in new and interesting ways – Skillfully mixing your separates can exponentially increase the number of outfit choices you have when you step into your closet. Check out The Glamourai’s An Outfit For Any Occasion for some great tips & recommendations!
Who knows how long the mixing prints trend will last so you should enjoy the amazing combinations while you can! Get inspired over at WhoWhatWear with their piece Steal Her Style: Clashing Prints.
A head-to-toe monochrome look is one of those styles that manages to look effortless and oh-so-chic at the same time, which is a fabulous combination. You’ll be dying to try this style after scanning the gorgeous shots in B a La Moda’s Looks Monocolor post.
As you’ve probably discovered by now, I’m a big fan of denim. And it looks like I’m not the only one! If you’re a fan of chambray and the perfect pair of jeans you’ll LOVE If You’re Thinking About… Summer Denim from The Sartorialist.
Health & Fitness:
While comfort food is a must, bad-for-you comfort food isn’t. Craving fries? Try making these Too Delicious To Dip Sweet Potato Fries instead for a healthier indulgence.
HIIT is the best way to get through your cardio so check out FitSugar’s Burn Calories, Blast Fat, and Save Time: 7 Minutes Is All You Need for some great new tips to try.
Embarking on a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to mean forgoing all of the indulgences in your previous diet. It’s about making better choices, not depriving yourself. Try this Enlightened Carrot Cake recipe from Chef Amber Shea.
With stress and stress-related illnesses on the rise it’s important to focus on finding your inner peace. Not sure where to start? Read this – Easy Ways To Slow Down & Find Balance.
When you read the labels on your supplements and vitamins you’ll be blasted with information – Take on an empty stomach! Don’t eat for 30 minutes! Take with a meal! Curious when you should pop them? Learn the Best Time of Day to Take Vitamins.
Cauliflower Recipes
I don’t know about you, but I go through phases in the kitchen. Ingredients or recipes or specific foods that I’ll eat tons of until I’m sick of them. Right now that food is, you guessed it, cauliflower! I’ve tried everything from cauliflower mashed potatoes and cheese sauce to raw rice and salads.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust from Carrie On Vegan – One of my favorite comfort food recipes
- Cauliflower Risotto from Fork & Beans – Mine wasn’t pretty, but it was delicious!
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower from Choosing Raw
- 5 Things To Do With Cauliflower from the Paleo Queen herself Holly Would If She Could
- Cheesy Cauliflower Popcorn from Balanced Platter {How cute is that blog name?}
- Roasted Buddha Bowl from Oh She Glows – Seriously obsessed!
- Cauliflower Couscous from A House In The Hills
I’ve tried all of these and have loved each and every one. I have a handful of other delicious looking cauliflower-based recipes printed out and waiting in my kitchen though so be sure to follow me on Instagram so you can see my cooking attempts! {moicontrelavie – no spaces}
What’s your favorite food right now?
June Round-Up
June was a busy month filled with great events, travel, and lots of hard work. It was the perfect way to start Summer – Not only was I really focused on my health, I had a number of fun fashion-related outings and collaborations to keep me entertained.
- Social Media – June was quite fun on the social media side of things, in addition to creating some great new Pinterest boards {Summer Motivation, Swimsuit Season}, I also starting posting fun collages on Instagram & updating my photo shoot Outtakes folders on Facebook again.
- Writing, Writing, Writing – Not only have I been writing up a storm for MCLV and Ajent, I’m also working on a website overhaul so stay tuned for a brand new Moi Contre La Vie! ❤
- Expansion & Growth – June was a big “behind the scenes” month and I’ll be rolling out new services, an email newsletter, and sharing some fabulous new collaborations in the coming weeks.
- Be Positive – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Loving where you live is EVERYTHING. I adore San Francisco and have “I love this city” moments on a daily basis. It’s amazing how much that can keep you happy & positive!
Fashion:
June was a busy month in the San Francisco fashion world – Loads of sales, store openings, collection launches, and oh-so-fun events to attend. Some of my favorites included The Factory’s new custom gown collection and the launch of Sonas Denim‘s Indiegogo page which means getting a fabulous new pair of jeans for $89-$99 rather than the usual $249! {There are still jeans available for pre-order so head to Indiegogo for details.}
I also have a series of great beauty-related posts to share with you in July, a giveaway, and a fun event for you to come meet me at – So stay tuned for more news!
{Left – How To Wear White Jeans & Right – How To Wear White Jeans: Dressing Up}
Food & Fitness:
My June health goal was simple – To get in shape and mentally prepared for warm weather dressing and bathing suits – Enter the Swimsuit Shape-Up Challenge. Using The Fitnessista’s 2013 Summer Shape-Up Plan and Tone It Up’s Bikini Series as inspiration I spent four weeks focusing on healthy eating habits and regular workouts.
New July Goals:
Fashion:
My goal fashion-wise in July is to keep up my momentum – I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing photographers, bloggers, brands, and store owners to date and I want nothing more than to continue on this path. Getting to know San Francisco based people and companies is such a joy!
Food & Fitness:
I’ll be undergoing a medical procedure at the end of the month so I want to spend July being as healthy as possible so that I can recover quickly & painlessly. So with that goal in mind I’m going to continue my 5 days a week workouts and eating a clean diet high in raw, whole foods.
{June Fashion: Heavy Metal, Casual Fashion & Polka Dots}
After reading my friend Holly’s amazing 2013 Summer Bucket List and Cupcakes & Cashmere’s Summer To Do List I was inspired to create my own mini bucket list for the month. So for the rest of 2013 I’m going to give myself a couple of items to accomplish or go-after each month.
July Bucket List:
- Launch MCLV Newsletter
- Film first YouTube video
What’s on YOUR Summer bucket list?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
My Week Via Instagram
Happy Saturday my friends! Today I’d like to share some good old fashion Instagram photos from the last week so that you can get a little peek into my daily life – Enjoy!
Fashion:
{I love animal prints and I cannot lie – See more in my Casual Fashion post from last week}
{Short suits for Summer w/ Beth Animal Print}
{Gorgeous vintage baubles from Sasha Maks Vintage – You can see the whole look in the Styling 101: Heavy Metal post}
Food:
{My favorite new smoothie ingredient is mint – So refreshing! Check out some of my other favorite smoothie recipes here}
{Vegan, Gluten-Free Baking – Mini Protein Cake & Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies}
{Salad beast from the Plant Café in San Francisco – Kale, quinoa & beets for the win.}
Fitness:
{Working hard at my Swimsuit Shape-Up challenge so that I can get bikini ready for Summer!}
{CrossFit Competitions = Sweaty shirtless boys. Any questions?}
{Fittest of the Sierras in South Lake Tahoe – I support my team in Prabal Gurung for Target – What about you?}
Follow me on Instagram at: moicontrelavie {no spaces}
Links You’ll Love
Do you let a bad mood ruin your day? It happens to us all and the consequences can be rough. Here are some GREAT tips on how to keep that from happening – 5 Ways to Flip your Bad Mood from Organized Clutter.
Health & Fitness:
Sometimes you just can’t fight your sweet tooth. It happens to the best of us. Eating a healthy diet is about not going to extremes – So try a healthier treat to keep yourself on track rather than succumbing to junk food cravings – Frozen Coconut Macademia Bars.
Gut bacteria and its role in a health and weight loss has been a frequent topic of discussion in the media in recent months. If you haven’t read up on this topic this piece should be of interest to you – Bacteria in the Intestines May Help Tip the Bathroom Scale.
As bathing suit season is upon us keeping your abs in shape becomes more and more important, check out these great Pilates moves from Women’s Health – 8 Pilates Ab Exercises.
In the last Links You’ll Love post I included an article on all the reasons to try wheatgrass so this week I wanted to share some great reasons to add Chlorophyll to your healthy diet – Why You Should Love Chlorophyll.
Are you a fan of snacking like I am? Finding new snacks to try to ways to make healthy choices can be a challenge – So why not take some advice from an expert. FAQ With a Vegan Chef: What kind of snacks do you eat?
Fashion & Beauty:
Stripes are a must for Spring year-after-year, the key is to put a modern twist on them and find interesting ways to pair them and create new looks. Nicole Warne – aka Gary Pepper Girl – is here to teach us just how to do that – How To Wear: Breton Stripes.
Each season there are a handful of great pieces that you can find that will instantly revive and modernize your wardrobe – Pieces that are versatile and can help you put together look after look. The same goes for men and women, so check out what Stylist Brad Goreski suggests for you gentlemen this season – Brad Goreski on Men’s Fashion: Stylist Shares His 6 Must-Have Pieces for Summer.
During Spring Cleaning each year I store my Fall & Winter wardrobe and rearrange the pieces in my closet to make dressing easier for that season. Here are some great tips for reorganizing this year – Accessories: Moving from Winter to Summer Shoes…
A neutral bag is a must every season – A handbag that goes with everything and can seamlessly translate from day-to-night. And this fun DIY project is just the way to make the perfect bag for yourself this year – DIY Celine Structured Clutch.
Ombre is everywhere this year – From hair color to maxi dresses to accessories – Trends We Love: Ombre Obsession.
Gym Style
The term “workout fashion” may sound like an oxymoron but I fully believe that not only can you hit the gym looking great, your choice of pieces can actually help motivate you to make it to the gym.
One of my favorite bribes motivators for meeting a fitness goal is a new addition to my gym drawer. And it doesn’t have to be pricey. While you may be a fan of Lulu, there are plenty of stylish, functional, reasonably priced brands out there to choose from.
Read on for some inspiration to spice up your workout gear and some fun new pieces to try:
Inspiration:
- Super Cute Workout Gear: Heidi Klum for New Balance from Women’s Health
- Get the Look: Jessica Biel’s Post-Yoga Fashion from PopSugar
- Olympic Moment: A Workout Wardrobe You Can Wear Out from Vogue
- Workout Plan: Ashley Tisdale Inspires Colorful Gym Wear from StyleList
- Fashion Meets Fitness with Tone It Up from The Chriselle Factory & Tone It Up!
New Gear:
- Workout Gear vs Streetwear
- Transition From Spring to Summer With Gym Gear Under $50 from FitSugar
- Gym Gear That’ll Do Your Workout Justice from Refinery 29
- How to Bribe Yourself to Work Out from Rachel Wilkerson
- 15 Green Workout Looks from Prevention
{Left: Zella ‘Live In’ Reversible Capri Pants – $48 & Right: Zella ‘Everyday’ Racerback Tank – $38}
My personal gym must haves include Nike sports bras, Zella tanks & capri pants, Lululemon leggings, and Brooks running shoes.
What’s on your Must Have List for the gym?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion & Beauty:
Are you a fan of topping your looks with a chic little blazer? Check out Refiner’s 29’s Challenge Accepted! Watch How Our Editor Styles 1 Blazer 5 Ways for some creative new ideas!
I don’t know about you, but I love a quick & easy up-do during the Summer, it’s the perfect way to get your hair out of your face. For Sure J’Adore clearly agrees – Easy Summer Hair: Braids.
This season is all about sunglasses – Bold colors, fun embellishments – There are some great pairs out there. In the mood to get creative? Try The StyleList’s DIY: Two-Tone Sunglasses.
Still in the market for the perfect Father’s Day Gift? Apartment 34 to the rescue – Fab Father’s Day Gifts You Can Still Get!
This Summer’s new trend in carry-alls is a bit of a throwback. Backpacks are back! Don’t believe me? Check out Into The Gloss’s Knapsack Nation for some of the options out there.
Health & Fitness:
Whether you love to bake or are a fan of adding something sweet to your morning coffee, this is an article you should read – The 5 Best Natural Substitutes For Sugar.
Now’s the time that the Farmers Markets and grocery stores are flooded with tons of colorful, fresh produce so it’s the perfect time to whip up some delicious vegetable filled dishes:
One of the biggest health risks in our modern society is stress. Not only can it play a role in ailments like heart disease, it can also lead to weight gain, interfere with sleep, and cause depression & anxiety. Read this now – Why Stress Can Kill You: A Cardiologist Explains!
There are a lot of supplements & superfoods & healthy foods touted as “miracle cures” today and it can be hard to figure out which you should try and why they may help. Here are some interesting facts about Wheatgrass to help educate you – 50 Reasons To Drink Wheatgrass Everyday.
Swimsuit Season: How To Get Bikini Ready
Step one in the race for the beach is getting yourself healthy & in shape. And, of course, mentally preparing yourself… 🙂 So read on for what my Swimsuit Shape-Up plan is and some great tips & suggestions for getting yourself ready for your first beach, river, pool trip of the season!
Swimsuit Shape-Up:
My four-week plan to get bikini ready hinges on three important factors: (1) Spending some quality time at the gym, (2) Making healthy food choices, and (3) Staying motivated. For me the third is almost as important as the first two in terms of reaching my goals. We’ve all gone on a super healthy kick only to burn out a few days later and fall off the wagon!
Here’s my plan for the next four weeks:
- Eat Clean – No takeout, nothing processed, no packaged foods. Whole foods only. Smoothies, salads, stir fried or sautéed veggies & raw produce. Not sure what to snack on when you’re busy or traveling? Try baby carrots + hummus, Larabars, raw almonds, or a healthy sweet treat like mini gluten-free protein cakes or energy bites.
- 4-5 Weekly Workouts – Getting to the gym consistently is incredibly important so I’ll be aiming for 4-5 workouts a week including full-body circuits, core focused routines, and physical therapy. Plus daily walking.
Tips & Recommendations:
Sometimes, as hard as you work, the day you have to suit-up is thwarted by bloat or water weight. FitSugar is full of tips for getting back to your lean self – Flat Belly, Fast: 15 Ways to Debloat Today.
Your mentality when it comes to bikini time is important – Like with most of life’s obstacles, if you approach it with a negative mindset you won’t get the results you’re hoping for. Not sure how to improve your outlook? Read Garance Dore’s Don’t Freak Out.
Does the idea of adding weight training to your fitness routine intrigue you but you’re not sure what the first step should be or where to start? Check out Natalie Jill Fitness’s You HAVE to lift HEAVY if You Want to Lean Out and Change Your Body for some great insights!
Not sure what foods are best in the last few days before a trip? Try rehydrating and fiber-filled fruits and vegetables – MindBodyGreen has all the details in their 5 Best Foods For A Beach Body.
Something to keep in mind when you’re working hard to meet a fitness goal are the perils of over-training. If you don’t give yourself enough time for recovery and get enough sleep, you won’t see the results you’re hoping for. Check out this great piece on rolling our your muscles from Women’s Health – Soothe Muscle Soreness.
What are YOU doing to get yourself ready for swimsuit season?
May Round-Up
May was the unofficial month of MOI! After spending the beginning of 2013 traveling non-stop I took some time for myself in May and put time & effort into my personal goals. And I’m not going to lie to you guys, it was nothing short of glorious!
- Social Media – At the end of May I finally caved and got myself an iPad Mini which I’m hoping will mean I’ll be able to stay on top of the blog & all the various social media platforms all the easier when I’m traveling.
- Writing, Writing, Writing – May was all about collaborations and fun new projects – In addition to getting a chance to work with some talented ladies on the Blogger Fashion series, I was also thrilled to be able to try out the gorgeous clothes from The Factory’s Spring Voyage To Marrakech collection. Stay tuned for another great collaboration that I’ll be announcing Tuesday!
- Expansion & Growth – During May I had the amazing opportunity to be mentored by Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society as I went through Marie Forleo’s 8 week online entrepreneurial & business program. I learned so much and in addition to unveiling a new website in the next few months, I’m also launching a newsletter so you can get special MCLV insights & personalized styling tips.
- Be Positive – Spending additional time in San Francisco and less time traveling this month had an amazing effect on my mindset. I had so many “I love my life” moments the past few weekends it really renewed my appreciation for the city I live in the life I’ve built for myself.
Fashion:
One of the highlights of this month was getting a chance to work with New York City photographer Lydia Hudgens while she was visiting in San Francisco – Stay tuned for some of the great pictures we took!
Food & Fitness:
Spending less time traveling this month meant more time in the kitchen and some much-needed trips to the Farmers Market. I’ve found that even when I eat healthily while I’m traveling I tend to eat smaller snack-like meals throughout the day, while when I’m home and have more control over my schedule I’ll sit down for three meals a day.
{May Fashions: Great Gatsby Fashion, Camille K: Vintage Jewelry For Spring & Blogger Fashion: Striped Shirt}
New June Goals:
Fashion:
This will be the Summer of collaborations! 🙂 In addition to working with photographers Lydia Hudgens and Jennymay Villarete, there will be another fun post in the Fashion Blogger series, Styling 101 goodness featuring Sasha Maks Vintage, and a collaboration with a great local denim company.
Food & Fitness:
It’s officially the time of year for beach, pool, and river trips so I’m going to start working on toning in preparation for swimsuit season. That means changing up my workouts and adding additional protein to my meals. If you want to stay on top of the shifts in my fitness routine check in on Instagram for updates or you can join me in getting bikini ready by emailing me for details!
We’re swiftly approaching the half-way mark for 2013, how has your year been so far?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
{Guest Post} Interview With A Trainer: Nutrition & Supplements
Welcome back to another Fitness Friday post – You can check out all the previous Fitness Friday posts at the bottom if you’d like to catch up on what you’ve missed so far.
Today we’re talking with trainer and co-owner of the barbell gym Capitol City Strength & Conditioning about nutrition, supplements, and the weightlifting Holy Grail – Protein powder.
Read on to not only find out about his personal regime, but to receive tips and suggestions for some changes you can make to improve your personal health routine. 
(1) Do you take any supplements on a daily basis? Yes, there are a few supplements that I take nearly every day and some a cycle on and off with. The ones that I take regularly are fish oil, vitamin C and D, and Magnesium.
- Fish Oil – I’ll usually take in the mornings and afternoons after a meal. Fish oil has been purported to have a myriad of health benefits: Blood pressure, mental health, and metabolic functions all seem to be positively affected.
- Vitamin C – I will usually take with the first meal of the day or at the end of the day if I don’t feel like I ate enough vegetables. Vitamin C is good, take some.
- Vitamin D – This is will usually take with my first meal of the day. Vitamin D deficiencies can have some very serious consequences, everything from bone health to depression seem to be related and Americans are chronically deficient. Vitamin D is fat-soluble (i.e. it’s better absorbed by the intestines when taken in conjunction with fats) so I will always take it with a fat rich meal, which is usually my first meal of the day. I avoid taking this later in the day because I have heard that vitamin D can interfere with sleep. I’m not sure of this is true, but it sounds logical, so what the hell.
- Magnesium – Magnesium is also something that a majority of people take in insufficient quantities. Deficiencies can have a host of problems, including affecting the way in which your body metabolizes carbohydrates. I’ll usually take this before bed (it is said to have a calming effect) and it has a natural citrus flavor so it tastes like orange juice.
The following supplements I cycle through during particularly heavy training periods or to supplement specific eating patterns, such as periods of fasting.
- Whey Protein – I’ll usually take this after I workout, but I go through periods (due to budgetary restrictions) where I will take this nearly everyday. Outside of Whey’s reported benefits in terms of workout recovery and muscle repair, it is also supposed to have very powerful antioxidant effects. An added bonus is that some of the brands taste pretty good. I’ll usually try to find a brand with the least amount of ingredients, little to no carbohydrates, and minimal preservatives or artificial sugars.
- Amino Acids – I will take these when I am not taking Whey protein and I will generally reserve this for times I plan on working out in the morning when I am fasting. Amino Acids have a lot of functions in the body, especially in terms of muscle repair. Here is a nice and short reference – Amino Acids 101.
- Creatine – Creatine is something I take during periods of especially heavy lifting, generally for a month or two at a time. It helps with short-term energy production. I’ll usually take this before and after working out.
(2) Do you have a favorite protein powder? What do you look for in a protein powder?
My typical “go to” protein powder is usually Optimum Nutrion’s Whey protein Isolate. It mixes with water and milk pretty well (not coffee though), meets most of my above stated requirements, and is readily available. They also have a natural version which I have yet to try.
(3) When do you take supplements and/or protein powder during the day? Does the time of day, proximity to workouts, or empty/full stomach matter?
Most of the regular supplements I take I will try to consume with meals. Mineral and Vitamin absorption is very complicated and there are a lot of cofactors as to how efficiently some things can be absorbed. To save myself the trouble of trying to figure that out I will just take them with food. The supplements I cycle on and off with generally revolve around my workouts so I will generally take those shortly before or afterwards.
(4) Do you follow a special kind of diet? Have you had success with any popular diets in the past (i.e. Paleo, high fat/low carb, ketogenic etc.)?
I have tried many different ways of eating. I am in a position where I am frequently asked about diets and I am not very comfortable recommending something that I have not at least tested on myself. The way I generally approach eating is there is what to eat and there is how to eat. “What” I eat generally follows a whole natural foods approach (Paleo/Primal/whatever). I make generally make whole meats (chicken breasts, steaks, fish) the basis of my meals and fill the rest in with dairy, veggies, sweet potatoes, nuts, and some fruit. (I have experimented a lot with dairy and I seem to have little negative effects from consuming it).
“How” I eat regularly shifts from a few methods I like and which I think are effective protocols for certain situations. If I have no specific goals performance wise, I will generally stick to an ultra-low carb/ketogenic approach. Once you get use to doing this it becomes very easy and if you are not doing a lot of metabolically demanding physical activity, I don’t really see the need for a large carbohydrate intake (there are always exceptions). If I am consistently doing more physically demanding work or trying to get bigger, I will generally add carbohydrates following workouts and for dinner. I am a strong believer in Carbohydrate cycling/back-loading. John Kiefer of Dangerously Hardcore and Nate Miyaki of Intermittent Feast are great resources for anyone that is interested.
(5) What’s the first nutritional recommendation you would make for a client? What’s the first food you eliminate when you want to eat a cleaner, healthier diet?
The first recommendation I generally make is to make their own food. I think people develop a much greater appreciation for what makes their body function when they prepare it themselves and making nutritional changes is simpler to do when you are controlling the ingredients. Once people are cooking themselves, ill generally recommend people remove grains. It’s a difficult transition for most but I think it has significant payoff.
You can catch up on previous Fitness Friday posts here: Beginners Fitness, Beginners Fitness: Kettlebells, Beginners Fitness: Medicine Balls, {Guest Post} Women’s Health, {Guest Post} Fashion of the Fitness World, {Guest Post:}Food & The Daily Battle, {Guest Post} Interview With A Trainer & {Guest Post} A CrossFit Year.
Do you take any supplements? Protein Powders?
*Note: Be sure to head over to Facebook or Twitter to see who won the Target giftcard GIVEAWAY!!!
Links You’ll Love
I wanted to start off this week’s Links You’ll Love post with a motivational video from Marie Forleo aptly entitled How to Move Ahead When “Everything Sucks.” We’ve all been there and this is a great way to get yourself moving in a productive direction – Enjoy!
Health & Fitness:
When it comes to sweeteners there are more choices today than ever – Sugar, Splenda, Stevia, Agave Nectar, Sweet n’ Low… The list goes on and on. If you’re curious about which products are best for you check out this Guide To Natural Sweeteners.
If you want to make the most of your gym sessions there some common mistakes you should be sure to avoid – True or False: 5 Fitness Myths, Debunked!
Both athletes and gym junkies have their share of habits, routines, and superstitions when it comes to workout fuel. What to eat beforehand. What to eat afterwards. Read Five Pre-Workout Fuel Secrets for Athletes and learn more!
While I firmly believe that every body has a different ideal diet, it is always interesting, and educational, to stay abreast of current studies and research when it comes to health and nutrition. Check out Reginery 29’s No Whey: What Milk Really Does To Your Body.
What’s better than a workout that turns your arms to jelly? A killer playlist that keeps you pumped up and motivated for the entire workout! Home Workout Help: 20 Minutes to Tank Top Arms from PopSugar.
Fashion & Beauty:
One of the most enduring and classic pieces a woman, or a man, can have in their closet is a well-made, well-fitting blazer. If you need some creative new ways to pair yours check out 14 Perfect-For-Spring Blazers We Want Now for some fun new styles.
Do you dress for men? Over the years my motivation and thought process when it comes to dressing for an occasion has changed – I mean, once you realize most men don’t notice if you chop 10 inches off your hair you realize how silly it is to agonize over which pair of shoes to wear. But what happens when a blind date comments on your outfit choice? Tales of Endearment – Skirting Around The Issue.
Are you a fan of nail art? Why not make your trips to the salon or home manicures last a little longer? Check out StyleList’s 6 Secrets to Make Your Manicure Last Longer.
Without a doubt my favorite event each year is the Met Gala – Check my past reviews here {Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala 2011} and here {MET Maddness}. Are you as curious as I am about this year’s event? Read Fashionologie’s Everything You Could Possibly Want to Know About the 2013 Met Gala.
If retro inspired hairstyles are right up your alley for Spring then this Style.com tutorial is a must read – A Step-By-Step Guide to Zoe Saldana’s Thirties-Era Waves.
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
{Five Facts} Learn About Moi!
My dear friend Brittany of The Subtle Statement tagged me in the oh-so-fun Five Facts post so today I’m going to share some things that you might not know about Moi. 🙂
[1.] I hate talking on the phone and prefer any other method of communication. Including snail mail.
{Pompeii, Italy}
[2.] I lived in Rome for six months studying Art History and spent the month before I started classes traveling around Europe with my best friend, and then spent a few weeks in the UK afterwards.
[3.] Photography and writing short stories are two of my favorite hobbies.
{BCBG}
[4.] I’m a speed shopper. I’m serious. I can look through racks of clothes at warp speed and decide if I like something in seconds.
[5.] I would rather wear heels than flats. Not for sartorial reasons though, but because I trip more frequently in flats.
Happy Friday, hope you enjoyed this! What are your plans for the weekends?
April Round-Up
Rather than focus on the fact that April has somehow just come to an end, I’m trying to focus on all the great things that 2013 has already held and all of the great things I have to look forward to in May and the rest of the year.
- Social Media – I feel like I’m doing an excellent job of staying on top of my main social media outlets {Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest} but unfortunately some of my favorites have fallen to the wayside. Time to make them a priority & add updating to my daily To Do Lists.
- Writing, Writing, Writing – Between freelancing, guest blogging, and writing copy for a fabulous new website I’m really enjoying this creative outlet. Stay tuned for more. 🙂
- Expansion & Growth – I’m thrilled to announce that I’m available for hire for all your styling needs – From special event & photo shoot styling to season wardrobe updates to closet organization. Check out my Styling Services page for more information & get started today!
- Be Positive – April was a month that taught me quite a bit on this front, including how much my health effects my mindset. When I’m rundown and burned out I have trouble keeping a positive mindset and tend to get off track easily. Time to put some additional time & effort into this goal.
{April Fashions: Top Left – Maxi Skirts For Spring, Top Right – Tribal Prints at Lucky FABB West, Bottom Left – Mixing Animal Prints & Bottom Right – Spring Workwear}
Fashion:
I’m thrilled with my April fashion choices, breaking out my warm-weather clothes, and expanding my boundaries. My biggest sartorial accomplishment this month? Definitely rocking my beloved floral short suit in LA during Lucky FABB West.
{Floral Shorts Suit in Los Angeles}
Food & Fitness:
Unfortunately due to excessive traveling my health went downhill during April – From a poor diet on weekends to stress to back problems this wasn’t the ideal month on this front. But rather than beat myself up I’m going to focus on what changes I need to make for May in order to get back to a happy, healthy place.
May Goals:
Fashion:
May is going to be a month of photo shoots – I’m thrilled to be shooting with three different photographers whose work I really admire this month. Stay tuned for some great new projects & collaborations that I’ll finally be able to share with you!
Food & Fitness:
My goal for May is to get back to basics – No more eating out, no more processed or pre-made foods. Lots of cooking, lots of whole foods, lots of raw, fresh produce. My plan is to eat raw for more of the day with cooked foods at night and lots of supplements and coconut water to help even myself out.
How was your April? Did you achieve your goals for the month?
Are you following my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram yet?
Links You’ll Love
Health & Fitness:
Rest days and giving your body time to heal itself are vital in not only maintaining a healthy life, but in losing weight or gaining muscle. Read 7 Often Overlooked Signs of Overtraining from Fit Bottomed Girls for some tips on making sure you’re spacing out your workouts.
Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods and I love finding new recipes to add to my repertoire – I loved The Fitnessista’s South West Sweet Potatoes so I was excited to try her Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
You know that relaxed, unhurried, peace-of-mind you have when you’re on vacation? Well what if you could channel that mindset during your 9to5? Intriguing. I know. Check out The Practice of Work Mind & Vacation Mind, Simultaneously from Zen Habits and prepare to be amazed.
Finding a healthy protein bar that doesn’t cost a small fortune can be a challenge, so why not try making your own? You can’t lose with OhSheGlows’s amazing Banana Bread Protein Bars.
This time of year allergies are a frequent hot button issue. From insomnia and headaches to depression and fatigue – They can be at the root of many common ailments – 4 Hidden Allergy-Related Problems.
Fashion & Beauty:
I’m an avid blog reader and as a result I see lots of DIY posts. But rarely does one jump out at me and scream “make me now!” quite like this one did – Pardon My French DIY from The Daily Savant.
Why not go green and celebrate this Spring by trying out some fun, eco-friendly pieces? WhoWhatWear rounds up some seriously cute lines that you should try – Get Green With This Completely Sustainable Outfit.
It’s happened to all of us – The dreaded wardrobe malfunction. And I’m not talking about Janet Jackson, I mean tearing a seam, realizing your hemline came unraveled, visible bra straps, breaking a heel… Check out how the experts deal with these issues with Lucky Magazine’s 17 Lucky Editor Secrets For Surviving a Wardrobe Emergency.
Does anything say Spring better than a flirty ponytail? Check out A Trendy Life’s adorable Ponytail Round-Up for all the fun inspiration you could need for warm weather updos.
In the market for some cute new sunglasses for Spring? Check out Warby Parker’s Great Gatsby themed 1922 Collection or some of these other great retro versions – Spring Sunglasses.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
If you’re looking for some great new products to try or tips & suggestions for mixing up your morning beauty routine then you’ll love this tutorial video from Peace Love Shea – Beauty Tips & Tricks.
My favorite Spring 2013 collect was Marc Jacob’s amazing retro-inspired show for Louis Vuitton – I’m a lover of all things Mod and my closet is filled with shift dresses, drop waists, and boatnecks. My favorite parts of that collection were the yellow hues and the bold checkered print – If you’re an inspired by those pieces as I was check out WhoWhatWear’s Check Mate for a real world version.
I’m not sure if it’s all the music festival and Coachella chatter or just Spring fever but I’m attracted to all things fringe right now, and I’m clearly not the only one – Summer 2013 Trend: The Fringe.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – The modern man should have a great fitting, classic suit in his repertoire. Still trying to find the right one? Here’s all the inspiration you need – Italian style – The Suit.
Tis the season for… Maxis! The Sartorialist did us all a favor and captured some lovely shots of one of Spring’s maxi trends – Grey dresses. It’s the perfect transitional color as we all wait for the weather to even out since you can pair it with black, white, or even brights – If You’re Thinking… Long Grey Dresses.
Health & Fitness:
Are you a fan of donuts-for-breakfast but don’t love the hefty dose of guilt that goes with them? Peas And Thank You to the rescue – Super Healthy Banana Breakfast Donuts.
Did you enjoy my Fitness Friday: Workout Q&A? If you’re interested in learning more about fueling your workouts check out The Fitnessista’s What To Eat Before And After A Workout for some tips & recommendations for making healthy choices.
Want to try a healthy new take on traditional sushi? Check out Carrie On Vegan’s “California-Style” Vegan Sushi Rolls for a creative, tasty recipe that recreates a traditional sushi roll using veggies and hummus as a base.
One of the most important factors to living a healthy, happy life is getting a enough sleep. Without sufficient rest your body can’t recover from workouts, your memory and concentration will be effected, you’ll even find it harder to say no to unhealthy foods and snacking. Before hitting the sack read T Nation’s Fascinating Facts About Sleep for interesting facts to keep in mind.
Another factor that can have a big impact are your stress levels – From ulcers and heart disease to insomnia and anxiety – Stress can affect virtually every aspect of your life. Read Lift Big Eat Big’s Is Stress Making You Weak? and learn more about how stress might be hindering your workout goals.
Fitness Friday: Workout Q & A
Some of the most frequent questions that I get are about my gym routine and workout gear so I decided to answer a few of them today to celebrate Fitness Friday. Read on for some details of my fitness regime, my favorite gear, and my tips & suggestions to get started with a new routine and stay motivated.
Q: It’s always dark in your gym pictures – What time do you work out?
A: 4:30am – Ouch, I know. But I have long, hectic days and by afternoon I’m usually exhausted and unmotivated. It’s all about finding what works for you, I for one am most motivated first thing in the morning. {You can check out more of my routine in MCLV In 24 Hours}
Q: What do you do at the gym?
A: As I’m still recovering from a back injury I do physical therapy Monday through Friday, in addition to that I’ve begun adding a circuit training/weight lifting workout 3-4 days a week. Medicine balls & kettlebells are favorites of mine {see Beginners Fitness: Kettlebells and Beginners Fitness: Medicine Balls} and I love body weight moves like pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks & push-ups.
Q: What’s your number one fitness tip?
A: Walk! Add walking to your daily routine and you’ll see great results – From stress reduction to weight loss. Start with whatever you can and just keep adding on! {Guest Post: Low-Intensity Fasted Cardio}
{Left: Zella Tank – $42 @ Nordstrom, Center: Nike Sports Bra – $30 @ Macys & Right: Workout Capri – $18 @ Forever 21}
Q: Do you have a favorite workout clothing brand? What do you usually wear?
A: If I like something I’ll grab it, I’m not really married to any one brand. Some of my favorites include Lululemon Capri pants, bright, Spring-ready tanks from Zella for Nordstrom, Old Navy & Zara t-shirts, Nike sports bras, Victoria’s Secret PINK boyshorts/hiphuggers, and Brooks running shoes.
Q: What’s your number one tip on choosing workout gear?
A: Being comfortable and confident in your gym clothing is important, as is not having to adjust your garments mid-workout. Find pieces that suit your body type and, more importantly, that you feel good in. If you’re cringing when you catch sight of yourself in the mirror or constantly pulling at your sports bra or t-shirt, you’re wearing the wrong gear!
Stay tuned another Q&A session on health and nutrition and don’t forget to follow Moi Contre La Vie on Instagram (@Moicontrelavie).
March Round-Up
2013 is just chugging along, virtually every time I catch sight of the date I’m shocked by how far into the year we’re getting. And while that might not be the best feeling, I’m also pretty darn thrilled with my progress this year and everything that I’ve made time for thus far.
- Stay on top of social media – I’ve found that when I get busy this is the first thing to slip so I started making a list each morning with my social media/posting schedule in it – That keeps me on track & serves as a gentle reminder. Yet another reason I’m in love w/ my planner!
- Writing, Writing, Writing – In addition to various freelance pieces I’ve written recently I’m also working on re-doing the website so I’ve been a busy girl on this front.
- Expansion & Growth – I’ve been working with beta testers on my new style consulting business – Which will include styling, wardrobe consulting, and closet organization – And I’m thrilled with how well things have been progressing. {Check out the Advertising, Collaborations & Styling Services page above for more information.
- Be Positive – While there are always setbacks I’m still working really hard to keep a positive mindset. Ignoring negative people and writing daily affirmations are lifesavers when things get stressful.
{Some fun looks from the Styling 101 series featuring gorgeous vintage jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage: Top Left – Easter Fashion, Top Right: How To Wear Chambray, Bottom Left: Mixing Prints For Spring & Bottom Right: St. Patty’s Day Style}
Fashion:
Mission accomplished! My fashion goal for March was to get into the mood for Spring despite the chilly San Francisco weather we’re still experiencing. Between spending time in slightly warmer Sacramento and adding layers I was able to break out a number of the pieces I had earmarked for Spring – Check them out below.
{March Personal Style: Top Left – Animal Prints + Leather, Top Right – Rolled Jeans, Bottom Left: Spring Stripes & Bottom Right: Maxi Madness for Spring}
Food & Fitness:
I’m fairly pleased with my consistency in March when it came to working out and eating healthy – Getting into a routine and making my healthy habits stick was important. Unfortunately eating out has become commonplace during weekends in Sacramento so I try to stick with giant salads and drink lots of water while I’m out.
April Goals:
Fashion:
April will include a trip to Los Angeles and I’m looking forward to mixing things up on the sartorial front. I enjoy trying different styles when I travel – It’s fun to adapt your personal fashion to suit your surroundings and this trip will include some great warm weather pieces.
Food & Fitness:
As I said above, while my weekdays are settling into a healthy routine my weekends haven’t been nearly as consistent. My number one goal for April is to really focus on making healthier, smarter choices on weekends. If I’m going to be eating out I’ll be sure to grab a handful of almonds or baby carrots first so that I’m not starving when I sit down to order.
How was did the month of March go for you? Do you feel like you’ve started 2013 on the right foot so far?
If you want more MCLV you can find me on these platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moicontrelavie
- Twitter: @moicontrelavie
- Instagram: @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mclv/
Links You’ll Love
Let’s start this week’s Links You’ll Love round-up with some positivity and a reminder to be a good friend AND a good person. I loved both of these pieces and really wanted to share them:
- Top 10 Girl Code Rules from Thought Catalogue
- 22 Things Happy People Do Differently from Successify – GREAT list, gratitude is so important!
Health & Fitness:
Sometimes making a spa date isn’t in the cards, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and pamper yourself at home! Check out 15 Minute Beauty Wars’s great post At Home Spa Pampering: How I Cram Hours of Pampering into 90 Minutes or Less.
I find it endlessly fascinating when more mainstream publications – Like Refinery 29 – Report on cult-like topics that I’ve been reading about, studying, and/or trying for what seems like years. Such as the Paleolithic Diet which has been popular with CrossFitters for quite some time. Read R21’s take here.
If you’re revamping your fitness routine or just starting out you may be asking yourself just what you should be doing and how much – When I first became a gym junkie I was all about cardio machines, but as I educated myself more and discovered what worked best for my body I started skipping the machines in favor of weight training – Check out my latest Beginners Fitness post – All About Medicine Balls.
Fashion:
While I personally haven’t worn overalls since childhood there’s no denying they’re everywhere this Spring. And there are some fashion bloggers out there who are putting together some great looks! Check out NYC based We Wore What’s Overall Army & Second Skin or The Man Repeller’s More Overalls? for some serious overall inspiration.
If you’re a classicist like I am, stripes will always be in for Spring. They’re versatile, flattering, and each season there’s a fun new twist to apply to them – What’s not to love? WhoWhatWear agrees – The stripes trend is everywhere. How can I get the look?
The Coveteur is a great site for fashion inspiration and drool worthy photographs of closets, beauty products, accessories, and the like. One of the best features they’ve done recently was on Virginie Dhello – Fashion Editor; Consultant; Founder, VeePost.com. Swoon.
Happy Easter – Big plans for your holiday?
Are You Ready For Easter?
Whether you’re spending Easter hunting for plastic eggs with family or downing mimosas with friends here are some fun ways to celebrate and make the most of the pastel-obsessed holiday.
Recipes:
After Halloween, Easter is the premier candy holiday during the year – But before you throw caution to the wind and indulge take a look at this calorie breakdown for some of the classic Easter treats. It’s scary, I know, but it’s better to be informed! 🙂 Easter Candy Face-Offs from US News.
Not interested in refined sugars, trans fats, and unnecessarily food coloring? Why not swap some of your usual Easter indulgences for healthier homemade versions?
- Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs from Refinery 29
- Healthy Banana Breakfast Donuts from Peas And Thank You
- Easter Egg Peppermint Patties from The Wannabe Chef
- Vegan Easter Recipes from OhSheGlows including entrees, desserts & breakfasts
- Fat-Free Mini Donuts from FFVK
Fashion:
There’s very little I love more in the Spring than a sweet dress! Whether you’re in the mood for florals, bold colors, or flattering prints try on a chic little dress and get swept away by the gorgeous Spring weather – All three are under $80!
{Left: Floral Pencil Dress – $30 in sale @ Asos, Center: Coral Colorblock Maxi – $45 @ Dorothy Perkins & Right: KAMALIKULTURE Checkered Dress – $80 @ Nordstrom}
Check out fashion blogger & model Hello Max’s fantastic warm-weather picks from the new J.Crew collection and get in the mood for colors & prints – Spring Picks from J.Crew.
Are you a nail art junkie? Check out these fabulous Easter-inspired nail polishes and designs:
- Spring Nails: Easter Pastels in Rainbow Swirls from Love… Megan
- 25 Easter Nail Tutorials from Babble
- Bunny Nail Art from Miss LipGloss
DIY Projects:
Whether you’re playing with kids or just want a fun project to try out, here are some great DIYs that you’ll enjoy – Everything from home decor to festive costumes for your pets!
- Pipe Cleaner Bunny Ears from Love…Megan
- How to make a DIY Peep Wreath from Peas And Thank You
- DIY Paint Chip Easter Garland from Modern Parents Messy Kids
- More Fun Finds For Easter Gifts & Baskets from Apartment Therapy
- DIY Decoupage Eggs from Honestly… WTF?
What’s your favorite part of Easter?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
What’s better than free advice from experts? Nothing! Check out Refinery 29’s A Superstar Stylist Offers Up The Wardrobe Of Your Dreams and get ready to get inspired.
As you’ve probably picked up by now, I’m madly in love with chambray for Spring – It’s light, flattering, and extremely versatile – What’s not to love? If you’re up for a fun weekend project than give Cupcakes & Cashmere’s DIY: Distressed Chambray a try.
If you enjoyed my How To Apply Fashion Week To YOU post then you’ll probably like this similar round-up from Olivia Palermo – Fall 2013 Trend Report.
If the casual chicness of a kimono is your go-to style than this post from Prim And Propah is for you – Pattern Project: Simplicity New Look 6072 Misses’ Kimono.
If you’re looking at a fun printed dress for Spring but aren’t sure how versatile it’ll be, thank this is a Must Read piece for you – 3 Ways To Wear A Geometric Print Dress.
Health & Fitness:
My all time favorite indulgence is Indian food – These savory, spicy dishes are the perfect end to a long day or a stressful week. So when my favorite baker The Wannabe Chef published this Chana Masala recipe I was all over it – Smitten Kitchen’s Chana Masala.
Smoothies are great for a number of reason – If you don’t like eating breakfast they’re a perfect way to get a dose of nutrients first thing, they’re also perfect for refueling after a workout. Check out Mod City Mag’s Drink Up that Protein for some more information.
This list made me laugh and nod dramatically even though I was reading it alone so I decided I needed to share it with you all – 23 Things I’ve Learned About Love from the fabulous Garance Dore.
Want a sweet treat without the calories and guilt? Try Fat Free Vegan’s Strawberry Whip for a delicious, Summery dessert filled with healthy, wholesome ingredients.
If you’re interested in trying out new methods of eating in order to find optimal results than intermittent fasting might be something for you to read up on – Along with Low-Intensity Fasted Cardio. So check out Outside Online’s Does Intermittent Fasting Work?
My New Weekends
While I’m a San Francisco girl through-and-through, I have been spending most of my weekends in Sacramento lately. My boyfriend and his two amazing business partners opened a barbell gym in Sacramento {Capitol City Strength & Conditioning} so I’ve been playing photographer on the weekends while everyone competes in the CrossFit Games Open.
And while I did grow up in Sacramento I haven’t spent much time there since I graduated from high school – I headed straight to Berkeley and never looked back. Experiencing this city again as an “adult” is pretty interesting since my memories are so outdated – I don’t remember where things are, can’t find anything, and my own house was even torn down!
What I want to share with you today is a little peek into how I’ve been keeping myself busy in this “new” city of mine…
Discovering new photo backgrounds:
Since I didn’t want the blog to suffer I’ve been having a friend shoot me in Sacramento on Saturdays and then the boy {my usual photographer} has been shooting me on Sundays when he drops me off at the train station.
Enjoying my new gym:
Having access to top-notch gym facilities on weekends is a huge bonus of my weekends in Sacramento.
I’m really consistent with my workouts and physical therapy during the week. Really consistent. But I rarely workout or even stretch on weekends, and I’m usually suffering for it by Mondays so adding in some mild exercise on weekends at Cap City is great!
Studying/writing/working on the train/bus/in coffee shops:
Lugging my laptop and all the cords & accessories necessary to work on weekends back and forth between San Francisco and Sacramento makes me extremely glad that I upgraded to this mini Lenovo last year.
I’m hoping to try out a new laptop or a tablet in the coming months though so definitely let me know if you have any rave reviews to share. Or disappointments.
Stay tuned for all of my travel must haves!
So tell me – Do you spend a lot of time in any cities that you’re not living in full-time?
{Guest Post} A CrossFit Year
Welcome to another Fitness Friday post – Today we get to hear about the overall life improvements and health benefits of adding consistent weight training to your workout regime. This is also a great reminder that you get what you put into your workout regime – No pain no gain!
A few notes to get you started:
(1) In CrossFit there are benchmark/progress testing workouts that are completed periodically – Hero workouts named after fallen heroes and workouts named after the badass ladies who coined them. Fran is one of these workouts, you can find a description here:
A workout consisting of two relatively simple movements, Fran is a decreasing pyramid of thrusters (barbell beginning in a full squat position and ending in a fully locked out overhead position) and pull-ups. The rep scheme is: 21/15/9 of alternating thrusters (at 95 lbs, ‘prescribed’) and pull-ups.
(2) On Ramp is a series of introductory classes that anyone new to a CrossFit gym will be required to go through – They gauge your proficiency in various lifts so that you can learn all requisite movements, from Olympic lifting to gymnastics, before beginning your first CrossFit “WoD” (workout of the day).
(3) Kyle’s current gym is Cap City Strength & Conditioning and while this is a barbell gym everyone is competing in the CrossFit Open – So far Kyle has done GREAT in the first two WODs and will be attempting 13.3 tomorrow!
If you’d like to learn more of the basics behind CrossFit check out my Do You… CrossFit? & My Personal CrossFit posts, and you can get more background the Paleo diet in Guest Post: The Paleo Lifestyle.
Though I suppose many (or perhaps just some, I’m really not that terribly famous) of you reading this may already know me – The Fauxhawk, the moniker “Asian Kyle,” the non-stop posts on Facebook and Instagram on anything and everything Paleo/CrossFit/denim/etc. – My name is Kyle Chin. A bit of history about fitness and me: In my youth, I ran 5Ks and 10Ks throughout middle school with my parents – Purely for the fun of it. Yes, I was strange even then. Then in high school I joined Cross Country and Track & Field to pursue more competitive running & racing. The thrill of racing and making the Varsity team was a great head rush, but the loneliness of trekking mile after mile – Often solo – Didn’t provide the ‘team’ or ‘family’ atmosphere that I craved and that would push me harder and farther. So I tapered off the running, started hitting the weight room for something different, but nothing really stuck. That was my junior year in high school, 2005, and I was 115 lbs.
Fast forward 6 years – And 35lbs – It was 2011 and I was nearing 150 lbs. College had been a whirlwind of fun, but revolved largely around the freedom to cook, eat, and of course drink – Whatever I wanted. I found a new passion in cooking during college – Roasted leg of lamb with gravy from the drippings served with homemade mashed potatoes loaded with butter and heavy cream along with maybe a veggie – And cooking for one meant either tons of leftovers and frozen portions for later or… Gorging myself so as not to waste any of that delectable goodness. So for four years I cooked and ate whatever I wanted, with no attention paid to portion sizes, calories, saturated fats or any of that nutritional mumbo-jumbo. I went from a size 28 fitting loosely to a size 32. I also lost all desire to work out, I tried to hit the gym or the trail but was either too self-conscious to stay out for long or too lazy to stay on track for any length of time – In short, I was a mess of self-loathing and depression that needed a ‘push’ in the right direction.
After graduating college I moved back to NorCal. Luckily, I landed an internship which turned into a job. Long story short – A co-worker of mine, Christina, asked me if I wanted to try to find something like CrossFit to try so that we could get fit. We both had been running and going to 24 Hour sporadically, but we were both looking for that ‘it’ factor to really motivate us. So we tried a free Saturday workout at a local CrossFit box – And that, as they say, was our first drink of the Kool-aid that is CrossFit.
{2006 to 2008 to 2013}
That was March 2012.
As I write this it is March 2013 – A year after starting CrossFit – And my life has changed in so many (amazing) ways. I still remember it clearly – One of the first day after nine sessions of On Ramp – Fran. Anyone who’s heard of CrossFit has heard the whispers of the dreaded “Fran cough” and the other “CrossFit ladies,” so I was more than just a little worried. Our coach’s advice to not be scared to scale rang loudly in my head and I decided to drop 20 lbs off the ‘prescribed’ weight and do my pull-ups with the assistance of a band. Eight minutes later and I was done and I felt like a million bucks – Nothing hurt too badly and I wasn’t terribly out of breath – I thought to myself “CrossFit isn’t so bad!” And then I turned to my coach who looked at me and said nonchalantly “Kyle, you never get to use that band again.” (A few months later when I did Fran again, it took me around the same time – 7 min and change – But I assure you I’ve never been so exhausted as I was in the ensuing days. The Fran cough, the soreness, and my ego being taken down a few notches). And since then I’ve fought through so many amazing (*cough* horrible) workouts – The “Filthy Fifty”, “The Seven,” “Murph,” to name a few, and after every one I swore I felt near death and thought I was going to die. But the next day – Or maybe two or three later – I was back in the box for more punishment.
And then several months ago I found my addiction, competition. The largest NorCal competition is the SacTown Throwdown and I was lucky enough to make the team for my box and had the opportunity to compete for the first time in January. Over the course of 8 hours, our four-person team competed in 5 separate workouts that tested our bodies, minds and resolve. At the end of the first day, I found myself exhausted, bruised and loving every (excruciating) minute of it – The competitive spirit within me knew that CrossFit provided a healthy, friendly outlet to compete with amazing athletes who loved pushing themselves as hard as I did. The adrenaline and team/family atmosphere around the competition was so amazing and I knew then that I had found my passion with people I truly loved.
To say that I’ve fallen in love with CrossFit and the Paleo lifestyle is an understatement. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I probably overdo it a bit online and at any opportunity in a conversation, but my enthusiasm stems only from how wonderfully my life changed because of CrossFit and the amazing family I’ve come to know throughout the past year. So here I stand a year after starting CrossFit – Back to a 28 size waist, a lean 135 lbs, and in the best shape of my life.
Thank you Kyle for your interesting & thoughtful piece, it’s great to see how weight training & CrossFit have had such a positive influence on your life. As someone who has been able to witness part of your transformation I can really attest to both your dedication and enthusiasm!
Have you tried CrossFit or weightlifting? What’s your go-to workout for Spring?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
My favorite trendy Fashion Blogger accessory? French bulldogs. My second favorite trendy accessory? Celine bags! My Precious Confessions’ Top 10 Fashion Blogger It-Bags.
Sometimes it just isn’t in the cards to try all of the new trends each season – They don’t suit you or you don’t have any interest or you’re saving up for something else. A great, and less expensive, way to mix things up each season is to pick up some fun new accessories that you can mix into your existing pieces – 12 New Accessory Trends We Can’t Wait To Try.
One of the dreamiest blogs with the most gorgeous, fantasy-inducing photography is Gary Pepper Vintage. Oh, and she has an amazing fashion sense – WhoWhatWear’s Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Vintage.
If you’re sick of clumped necklaces and sorting through mismatched earrings it might be time to organize your jewelry collection. And I Spy DIY’s DIY Home: Jewelry Storage might be the answer.
One of the fun trends this Spring is Letterman and varsity jackets, not sure where to start? Check out The Sartorialist’s picks – If You’re Thinking About……. Baseball Jackets.
Health & Fitness:
One of the best ways to have a healthy week is to plan out your meals and do your grocery shopping in advance so that you have clean, healthy options available – Plan and prep: an hour of clean eats.
The crock pot is a very versatile kitchen appliance, check out this post on how to use your slow cooker for roasting – Hungry Hungry Hippie’s Roasting in the crock-pot.
Fresh pesto is a thing of beauty. And oil. Try this delicious, fresh recipe and get your pesto fix – Green Powerhouse Pesto Plate.
Managing your stress levels and keeping up with your busy life can be a challenge this day in age so being aware of how you feel and how things affect you is important. Check out Prevention’s How To Prevent Job Burn Out for some interesting tips & suggestions to keep you motivated.
If you’re like me, keeping track of you workouts and activities is a great way to stay inspired and keep your fitness routine interesting and effective. Fitocracy is a great new site that lets you not only track your workouts, but interact with and get inspired by others.
St. Patty’s Day Isn’t Just For The Irish…
I’ve always loved St. Patrick’s Day. Always.
Partially, I’m sure, due to my Irish background and the fact that my brother’s name is Patrick. And partially due to the fact that, after Halloween, this is the second most fun holiday all year. Like with Halloween you get to act like a kid {even The Huffington Post agrees that this is a good idea}, eat great food, and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Though obviously my celebrations have changed over the years – I went from a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” pin when I was 9 to Jameson shots until 2am when I was 23. Never a good idea on a Wednesday, let me tell you. But however I’ve celebrated over the years, it’s always been a fun, memorable celebration.
To help get you in the mood and prove that anyone can love St. Patty’s Day, here are some fun ways to celebrate – From fashion to try to recipes that’ll make you drool there’s a little something for everyone.
Food:
Sweet tooth? Cupcakes & Cashmere has everything you could possibly want with her amazing Homemade Shamrock Shake.
If you’re in the mood for some savory, traditional Irish grub but want to keep things on the healthier side than check out Fat Free Vegan’s Colcannon Puffs, Skillet Shepard’s Pie, and Vegan Cabbage Rolls.
Guinness Cupcakes w/ Bailey’s Irish Cream Filling sound like the PERFECT way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to me, but if boozy cupcakes aren’t the way to your heart, than perhaps Mint Chocolate Cupcakes are the answer.
It doesn’t get more festive than Purely Twins’s St. Patty’s Day Inspired Green Mint Marshmallows {Sugar-Free}. Cute, green, AND sugar-free? These are at the top of my Must Make list.
Fashion:
For lovers of Emerald this is THE holiday to celebrate! Need some inspiration? Check out the following person style posts: Emerald City, Prints Prints Prints, and St. Patrick’s Day Style.
Or you can find all the pieces you could want here: Currently Lusting – St. Patrick’s Day Greens from Style Me Grasie, Refinery 29’s 20 Emerald-Green Wares Perfect For St. Paddy’s And Beyond, Modelinia’s Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Runway Style, and Lucky Finds from The Subtle Statement.
Beauty:
If you’re a fan of nail art than why not celebrate St. Patty’s Day with festive new polish? Check out Babble’s 10 Great Green Nail Polishes to Inspire your St. Patrick’s Day Manicure.
Want some fun makeup ideas that’ll inspire you? These editorials will definitely put you in the mood – Wander World Wunderlust, Fashion Gone Rogue, Style Squad’s Emerald City, and Animale’s Green Crush.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day friends!
How are you going to celebrate?
Moi Contre La Vie 