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Friday, November 28, 2014

Workout Wednesday: 15 Minute Upper Body Workout Part 2 - Standing Work / Black Friday Deals

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! 
Today I am here to share with you part 2 of my upper body workout. Like I said in Part 1 of this segment is that I use light weights between 3-5 pounds. You are probably thinking "How can I ever build muscle with that light of weight?"
When I took my first Pure Barre class back in 2012, I laughed when I was told to grab light weights for class. At the time I was a pretty competitive rock climber, and was used to lifting 25 pounds at the gym on a regular basis. Thinking that I would dominate the weight section of PB without a sweat, I found myself shaking and quivering in my whole upper body. Since my first PB class I have never seen my upper body so toned in my life! Regardless of weight, the key is high repetitions with small movements which leads to muscle exhaustion. 
Here is some science  to demonstrate why to use small weights to build a feminine tone upper body. 
There are two types of muscle fibers in the body called fast twitch and slow twitch. By lifting heavy weights you increase your "fast twitch" fibers, causing the muscle to increase in size. By lifting light weights with high repetitions you increase your "slow twitch" fibers, and leads to a toned muscle without the bulk.  
 In the second move think about squeezing in your shoulder blades into the midline keeping your arms at a 90 degree angle. With this move make the movements small, and think more in and less out. 
 On the last extension hold the arms out, and flip the weights. Go straight into the next move without stopping. 
When making the circles, make them small. 
Keep the weights glued together and elbows wide as you bend and extend. For an added exercise, keep the arms bent, and press the weights up to the ceiling 30x. 
Top: Lululemon (last season similar here) / Leggings: Lululemon (similar here- PS this is an awesome brand) / Socks: Pure Barre / Earrings: Rocksbox c/o / Shoes: UGG / Cardigan: MOD.lusive
Here is a list of some awesome black Friday deals!

J.Crew: 30% off using code HOLIDAY
Ann Taylor:  50% off using code THANKS
Ann Taylor Loft: 40% off
Express: 50% off
Piperlime: 25% off using code THANKFUL25
Gap: 50% off using code BLKFRIDAY
Nordstrom: 20% off sales items
Shopbop: 25% off using code GOBIG14
ASOS: 30% off using code TGIBF
Dillards: 50% of sale
Macys: 15% off using code THANKS and 20-50% select styles
Bloomingdales: take $25 off after spending $200 + free shipping
Revolve clothing: 50% off sale
Madewell:25% off using code GIFTON

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Workout Wednesday: 15 Minute Upper Body Workout Part 1- Floor Work


Who doesn't love a sexy toned upper body whether it's flaunting a backless dress, rocking a sleeveless shirt, or looking amazing in your wedding dress. I'm here today to show you some of my favorite upper body workouts that will give you a feminine tone physique. The key is to use light weights, and try not to stop between reps. The longer you can hold something, and the faster you can move into the next position is going to give you maximal results. The weights I am using are 5 pounds, and I switch between 3-5 pounds (You will see more weight use for part 2 on Friday, and the reasons behind using light weights).   
Without stopping, ditch the weights, and go into push up position
Top: Lululemon (last season similar here) / Leggings: Lululemon (similar here- PS this is an awesome brand) / Socks: Pure Barre / Earrings: Rocksbox c/o
I personally use weights because my arms aren't long enough to prop my body up.

I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving! 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Messy Braid Tutorial


Top: F21 / Jacket: Halogen (sold out similar here) / Jeans: AG / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Sunnies: Kate Spade / Scarf: F21 / Boots: Hunter

I get total hair envy whenever I see messy braids! A part of me wishes that I went to hair school so that I might be able to recreate hair master pieces that fill my Pinterest beauty boards. I don't consider myself at ALL to be a hair guru, but I think I pulled off this messy braid quite well. If you are hair challenged like me check out this awesome tutorial from Amber Fillerup. 
You are welcome :) 
Tune in tomorrow for a fun "Workout Wednesday."


Monday, November 24, 2014

Rocksbox and J Petite

Top: F21 (recent) / Jeans: Rag and Bone / Necklace: Rocksbox c/o / Arm Candy: Rocksbox c/o, J.Crew (old), Target (old) / Bag: Gigi New York c/o / Hat: Nasty Gal / Boots: Frye / Sunnies: Michael Kors (ON SALE) / Lips: NARS-Dragon Gal
Who doesn't love getting mail?! There's nothing like the feeling of opening your door to a surprise on your door step, and wondering whats inside! Today I want to introduce you to an amazing company called Rocksbox. Rocksbox is an online company that sends you upscale jewelry curated to your taste. You go online to sign up, and then take a short quiz. Less than two weeks later your Rocksbox arrives. The jewelry they send you is on loan to you until you want your next box. You send the jewelry back, and Rockbox sends you another box filled with new pieces. I personally love this concept because you are always wearing the hottest new trends without having to buy the pieces (they also have an option where you can purchase a piece)! I personally can't wait for my next Rocksbox :)

Try Rockbox today for only $9 for the first month using the check out code "BEYOURBRIGHTEST."

Friday, November 21, 2014

Plaid // Plaid

Dress: BB Dakota / Scarf: F21 / Boots: Hunter / Arm Candy: Rocksbox (post coming next week :) ) + J.Crew / Belt: Gap / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Sunnies: Wildfox / Lips: NARS-Dragon Girl
A little over obsessed with the plaid trend this season ;) 
See ya next week, and who's going to see Hunger Games?!!!!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Dessert-Banana Bites


Plates: Pottery Barn

While I maintain a healthy diet the one thing I struggle with is dessert. Give me Baskin Robbins any day, and I'll be one happy gal. Even though my sweet tooth craves ice cream I turn to healthier options. Here is one of my favorite recipes for a tasty sweet treat :)

Frozen Banana Bites
  • Bananas
  • Natural Peanut Butter
  • Greek Yogurt
First slice the bananas, and place on a layer of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Apply a layer of peanut butter on the bananas, and then stack them to make a banana sandwich. 
Freeze the banana sandwiches for 1 hour to stiffen up the bananas. Dip the frozen bananas in greek yogurt, and then place back on the parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 hours, and enjoy :)



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Monday, November 17, 2014

The First Snow

Sweater: J.Crew (last year similar here, here, and here) / Leggings: Trouve (40%OFF) / Necklace: J.Crew / Hat: Phase 3 / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Shoes: Via Spiga (OVERLY OBSESSED) / Sunnies: Michael Kors  (ON SALE) / Lips: YSL-Pink in Devotion
While Todd and I were driving to Utah for a family vaca, I was praying that I would see snow. Even though I have lived in Utah for the majority of my life, snow now feels like a novelty weather that I never want to live without. Snow is my beacon of hope that the holidays are just around the corner, especially my favorite Christmas :) 

Friday, November 14, 2014

Lumber-Django


Dress: F21 / Blazer: J.Crew / Scarf: Target (old similar here) / Hat: Borrowed (similar here) / Arm Candy: J.Crew + Nordstrom / Tights: Nordstrom / Shoes: Via Spiga / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Sunnies: Michael Kors / Lips: NARS-Dragon Girl 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Road Trip Wear

Top: Lululemon / Jacket: F21 (similar here) / Leggings: Zella / Hat: J.Crew / Bag: Michael Kors / Shoes: Via Spiga / Sunnies: Michael Kors / Lips: YSL-Pink n Devotion

Greeting from Utah! Last night Todd and I made the 11 hour drive from the 6-2-3 to the 8-0-1 to visit our families for an early Thanksgiving. When traveling for long periods of time I need to wear apparel that is super comfy. I always opt for leggings (ALWAYS). Comfy layers are a must that can be easily layered as temperatures differ between states. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Trend Spin Link-Up: Olive/Army Green

Top: J.Crew (ON SALE) / Pants: Halogen: Sold Out (similar here) / Belt: J.Crew (old similar here) / Hat: Nasty Gal (ON SALE) / Bag: Michael Kors / Shoes: Aldo (similar here + here) / Necklace: Express / Arm Candy: Nordstrom + J.Crew / Sunnies: Michael Kors / Lips: NARS-Dragon Girl
Today I am pleased to be co-hosting Trend Spin Link-Up with
The Fashion Canvas,
Gracefulle Made, and
  Walking in Memphis in High Heels.
This weeks trend is olive and army green!

I personally love green for Fall either as camouflage, army, olive, or even emerald!  For this Trend Spin I decided to feature these camo pants (I promise Erin and I didn't plan on matching ;) ). I think that women fall in love with camo at first site, but then get intimidated that they might look like they just jumped out of Duck Dynasty! While camouflage is a masculine pattern, you can make the look feminine by adding accessories, bold colors, and fun patterns!

 Make sure you check out these ladies, and their awesome blogs! Thanks for reading, and linking :) 

Bloggers: All bloggers will be able to submit their post links via the inlinkz widget below. This will allow bloggers to show off their personal style, find new followers, and meet some great fashionistas! You will also have the chance to be featured next Tuesday for the following trend. For all bloggers we simply ask that you please follow your 4 hosts J Petite, The Fashion Canvas, Gracefullee Made, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, and provide a link to the Trend Spin Link-Up in your post or add the button below to your blog. Don't forget to stop by everyones blogs to see how they rocked todays trend!




Monday, November 10, 2014

Friday, November 7, 2014

Shades of Grey


Top: HM / Skirt: Ann Taylor (sold out similar here and here) / Necklaces: J.Crew, Natasha Couture / Earrings: Nordstrom / Bracelet: J.Crew / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Sunnies: Kate Spade / Tights: Nordstrom / Shoes: Via Spiga (ON SALE UNTIL NOV 11TH) / Lips: MAC-Desire

 

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