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Thursday, June 30, 2016

The Blues

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Workout Wednesday: So Your Thinking About Doing Hot Yoga...

Bra: Kira Grace c/o / Bottoms: Kira Grace c/o

Hot yoga. The words sound intimidating by just reading them. 

True story: When I first found out that Todd was going to be attending dental school in Arizona I was in absolute terror and excitement. Excitement because of the new adventure we would be embarking, but terrified because I don't do well in extreme heat. I was trying to figure out a way to condition my body for months of constant 100 + temps, and finally came up with a solution. Hot yoga! Totes right?! Once that idea popped into my head I did my first Bikram yoga class. Prior to taking Bikram, I took multiple yoga classes before, but was never consistent in my practice. I initially thought Bikram was going to be like the classes I've taken, but with the addition of heat. Oh how ignorance is bliss. 

I showed up to class with just a water in hand, and rented a mat from the studio. When getting into the studio, the room was super warm with high humidity. As class started there was no tranquil music, and you just listened to the instructor the whole time. Everyone was essentially naked (just enough fabric to cover the goods), and I was immediately regretting that I chose long leggings and a tank. As class progressed I stripped my tank off, and wished that I could shed my leggings off and go commando to rid my body of extra heat. When class ended I felt extremely dehydrated, and was immediately terrified to move to Arizona. 

Fast forward three years later.....

I'm not sure if I have said this on my blog before, but for 5 years I have had this breathing issue. In the earlier years I would go through a 3-5 day phase where I felt like I couldn't get a full breath, and would have constant discomfort in my breath until the phase would go away. It was never really a concern to me because it would happen 2-3 times a year. I initially thought it was just a "tick" my body would do, and couldn't get it checked out because it would go away by the time I could see a doctor. When we moved to Arizona it got worst. It was becoming more frequent, and lasted for a month. During the 2nd year of dental it became so debilitating, and I would take work off because of it. Since it was so frequent I was able to see a doctor when the symptoms were present. After seeing specialists they all ruled out anything serious. My primary care then said that it could be anxiety. Me anxious? I couldn't accept that my discomfort was caused by anxiety, because I've never considered myself to be an anxious person. We decided to put me on a low dose pill for 3 months, and see how my body would react. At this point I was desperate to do anything to get rid of my discomfort. After three months my breathing decreased 10 fold, and felt back to my normal self. I guess I have anxiety? 

I promise this will tie in to yoga.....

I went a year feeling normal, and as of recently my body started going back to it's "anxious" ways. This time I do feel anxious, and have been dealing with a million different stresses due to loss of a friend, work, and planning to leave to Utah. Instead of going to the doctor to up the dose I decided to try yoga again to see if it will help me find some peace through my day. While browsing for a yoga studio close to my house I found a place called Sumits that offers two weeks unlimited for $20. Heck yes I am doing it for 20 bucks! Since being a PB teacher I realize the importance of stretching while the muscles are warm to prevent injury, and that's why I wanted to go back to hot yoga. I got a fellow friend to go in with me so I had a buddy to endure a sweat sesh with. Day after day I kept going back, and honestly feel amazing. The sequence of the positions at Sumits doesn't change much, so your essentially repeating the same class minus a few variations. They keep the class flow the same so that you are able to get deeper into your meditation with each class. 

After two weeks of taking class my discomfort in my breath has decreased. The physical changes I have seen in my body has been that my upper body has leaned out a ton. My upper body reacts the fastest to muscle gain and weight loss. My flexibility has remained the same since I am consistent with stretching everyday after a workout. One major change I noticed was that my skin cleared up a ton. So random. 

I have become addicted to yoga because the peace of mind it brings me, and the changes I have seen in my body. After that long introduction here's a few things to know before doing a hot yoga class.


What to Bring

Yoga mat, long towel, small towel, and a water bottle that in insulated. Some studios offer mat rentals for a low price. Here's two of my favorite yoga mats here and here. You want to bring a long towel because your mat will turn into a slip in slide with all your sweat. Place your long towel on the mat as your practice. You can buy yoga towels that have grippers on the bottoms that will keep your towel flat on the mat (great one here). I like to bring an additional small towel to wipe the sweat from my face as body during class. It's also great for to tuck under the body for laying down poses for additional cushion. An insulated water bottle is seriously a must. Since the room is around 105-108 degrees, and insulated bottle will help keep the water cold. Two of my favorite bottles I use are the Hydroflask, and S'well bottles. Note when buying an insulated bottle go for the bigger one. They are pricey, but are totally worth it. 

What to wear

This is all based upon your comfort level. But the less you wear the better you'll feel. I like to wear just a sports bra and small yoga shorts. 

Yoga Poses

During class the teacher will talk, and say what position you should be in. For those of you who aren't familiar with the basics here's a brief breakdown.

Warrior 1
You want your back foot turned out, front leg bent, and have front knee over ankle. You want your torso squared off to front wall or mirror, and shoulders rolled down your back. The benefits of this position is that is strengthens the legs, inner thighs, and helps develop balance. 

Warrior 2
Legs maintain the same like in warrior 1. Open the arms up to reach to opposites ends of the room. Keep torso stacked over the pelvis. 

Downward Facing Dog - One Legged
Have feet planted hip width, arms extended forward, heads hangs down freely, and tailbone lifted to the ceiling. This position strengthens the upper body, and stretches out the back. By lifting one leg is challenges your balance, and opens up your hips. 

Downward Facing Dog - One Legged - Knee Bent Variation

Tree Pose
Shift all your weight into one leg, and bend the other leg with the foot resting on the supported leg. Avoid resting foot on supported knee. This is a pose of gratitude, and a great way to take time to think what you are grateful for. Tree pose helps develop balance, focus, and strengthens ankle & knee. 

Supported Shoulder Stand
While lying on your back bend the knees into the chest, and place arms to support low back. Lift the legs straight in the air while maintaining support in the back. This is a great pose the stretch shoulder and neck. It also engages the muscles of the glutes and legs. 

Cobra
Lie on the belly with hands under the shoulder. Press the floor away, and roll shoulders down. When doing Sumits we do this a ton as part of our flow. Cobra is great to open the chest, and strengthen the core. 

Child Pose
Lower hips to the heels, arms are either extended forward or by the side of the body, and the forehead resting on the floor. This is a great time to find your breath, and lower your heart rate.

Benefits

Hot yoga offers many benefits that improve the mind and the body. By constantly sweating through your practice you are detoxifying the body, and flushing toxins from the skin. The heated room allows for the heart rate increase allowing for a cardiovascular workout. While moving from pose to pose during class you improve your flexibility, strength, and balance.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Layers & Lipstick Linkup - Lashes & Summer Dresses

Photography: Jamee Edwards
Dress: Target / Bag: Make Me Chic c/o / Hat: Target / Necklace: F21 (old similar here and here) / Cuff: (old similar here ($11!) and here) / Sunnies: Quay / Shoes: Zee Alexis c/o / Lips: NARS-Dragon Girl
I am so excited to be announcing that Pucker Up Style and I are going to be doing a beauty and fashion link up every week! I've been wanting to do one of these for a while to connect our community of bloggers, and am so happy to have found such amazing partners to do it with! 

You guys know that I am such a fan of dresses (I don't go a week without featuring one - #thestruggle) partly because they are the easiest thing to get tailored to fit. When I start stocking up on my summer dresses I looks for fabrics that breath, are loose, a can be easily paired with anything. I love the chambray dress from Target because I can honestly pair it with anything from sandals, vans, wedges, and little booties. I will probably pair it with a red bag for the Fourth of July.

Thank you for joining us at the Layers and Lipstick Link Up! We love sharing everything that is beauty and style. We want you to see how you rock the latest hair, makeup, and fashion trends by linking up with us. We absolutely love linkups as a way to connect, and discover other amazing bloggers from all around the world. Each week bloggers may submit their posts on Tuesdays at midnight Arizona Mountain time to show their take on our beauty/fashion theme for the week. Each week we will pick our favorite bloggers who rocked our fashion/beauty trend the most, and feature them the following week.

We would love to see you linking up with us by sharing #layers&lipstick on Instagram.In honor of the 4th of July, next week our beauty theme will be Red Lips & Sparkly Eyes and the fashion theme will be Red, White, and Blue.

Would you like to host the Layers and Lipstick Link Up? Email us jessica.marie.edmunds@gmail.com and let’s organize a date!
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Monday, June 27, 2016

Summer Vacation

Dress: Lularoe c/o / Jacket / Shoes: Michael Kors (similar here on SALE!) / Bracelet: Loren Hope c/o / Bag: Target / Sunnies: Quay Australia / Lips: MAC-Crosswires
Happy Monday everyone! I have been beyond busy by getting everything ready for me to leave to Utah for a month on Wednesday. I've been shooting a TON, and getting everything ready for something fun happening tomorrow! So why am I leaving to Utah for a month you may ask? Todd is taking his big test in order to apply for an oral surgery residency, and he finally takes it on July 30th. I figured that it probably would be the best if he could have complete focus, and so Django and I are ditching the heat to go hang in Utah. Even though I will be away from my sweetheart for a month I am actually excited to go home so I can work a ton at Pure Barre, study for my ACE group fitness test, and hang with friends and family. 


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Thursday, June 23, 2016

The Best of the Red, White, and Blue

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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

What to Expect for a Second Round of Botox - MD Skin Lounge



At the beginning of the year I did my first round of botox (post here), and last month I did my second round of injections. Botox is so taboo to talk about, but my life is an open book, and I want to share with you all my experiences. 

I originally got botox because I started to develop one line between my eyebrows, and it really started to bother me. When I went in for my first round of injections at MD Skin Lounge my PA friend Jamie Comstock who is a master injector did an amazing job. Not only did my line between my brows go away, but my forehead was more smooth. Before I left my first appointment Jamie told me that since I am so active it probably would wear off around 3-4 months. 

Four months go by, and I can see my botox wearing off in my forehead. The space between my eyebrows still looked great, but I wanted that smooth forehead again. Now my forehead didn't go back to the shape it was before the injections, but I definitely could see a change. I texted Jamie telling her "Babe you need to get me in!" #addicted. When I went in for my second appointment I was sitting in one of the rooms, and discussed with one of the employees what I was coming in for. She then told me that they could get rid of the little wrinkles that forms at the corners of the eyes when I smile. For reals?! Pre injection, the wrinkles in the corners of my eyes were small, but hey if they could get rid of them sign me up! 

When Jamie came in to load up the needles she agreed that there was definite change in my forehead. When injecting me with Botox Jamie used the same amount on the second round as she did on the first round. She took care of the forehead, and around the corners of the eyes.

What I really love about going to MD Skin Lounge is that they address what your concerns are, and don't insist that you get x-y-and z fixed. They have a highly trained staff that makes you feel comfortable, and beautiful the moment you step out the door. They are located in Scottsdale Arizona, and I would highly recommend them!

In summary, this what you need to expect for your second round of Botox injections:

Did it hurt? 
Not at all. Everyone has a different pain threshold, so it could be different for someone else. My eyes did water a bit.

How often do you need to get it redone?
With my second round it took about 4 months to see movement.  

Can you feel and move your face?
Ha ha yes I can. I don't try to move my face a ton because I don't want to encourage wrinkles for the future. 

Did you face go back to what is was before your first round of injections?
No it didn't. There was change in my forehead, but the line between my brows didn't come back. 

After your first round of injections did you have any complications?
Not at all!

Do you feel like Botox is preventative for premature aging?
I'm not a professional on this subject by any means, but I feel like I am taking preventative measures. 



Monday, June 20, 2016

Choosing the Right Swimsuit For Your Body Type - Shein Giftcard Winner!

Photography: Jamee Edwards
Swimsuit: Strange Bikinis c/o  / Necklace: Alixandra Collections c/o / Bracelets: Alixandra Collectons herehere c/o / Sunnies: Alixandra Collections c/o / Spray Tan: Katastic Tans / Thanks to the Saguaro Hotel for having us

Finding that cute swimsuit is easy as 1-2-3, but finding something that works for you and your body is a little more complex. We all know that feeling of trying on that Victoria Secret swimsuit that looked ah-mazing on Adriana Lima, and felt immediately awkward and disappointed once looking in the mirror. #thestruggleisreal. While a particular style of swimsuit looks great on one body type doesn't necessarily mean it will looks as amazing on other body types. When you find a suit that works with your body you will feel confident, and sexy within your own skin.

 For my body type I am 5'2, have a small waist, and have a longer torso than legs. I am very athletic, and don't have much curvature to my body. Since my torso is very long the one pieces don't look the best on me because my body is too long for xs suits. One of my best features is my stomach, and I like to play up that feature by wearing a bikini. Since my legs are short I like to add extra length by wearing a string bikini bottom. By minimizing the fabric that rests on my hip, it shows more skin, and thus making my legs look longer. 

My chest is naturally small, and I am very narrow in the shoulders. I try to stay away from strapless tops because it emphasizes that I don't have much curvature to my body. I like to wear tops that are halters, and low cut. The halter gives my body a little more shape, and the low cut gives me extra length at my chest. 

What swimsuit style works best for your body?

The winner of the Shein gift card is......Nicoleta Alexandra! Congrats babe!
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Friday, June 17, 2016

Instagram Roundup

One of my favorite things to make is fresh pico de gallo. I can literally just eat this stuff straight from a bowl. Chop up roman tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Sprinkle with a dash of salt, and squeeze juice from a lime. Yum Yum!
Bikini: Custom from Strange Bikinis / Flamingo Sarong: Wink c/o
Short: F21 / Top: Lush / Kini: Strange Bikinis
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (comes in 11 colors!) / Shorts: Shein (under $20 last seen here) c/o
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (again! They are seriously my fav!) / Dress: Shein (last seen here and only $32!) c/o / Bracelets: Baublebar / Bag: Target (last year similar here) / Hat: LuluLuxe c/o
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (AGAIN!) / Jeans: Alixandra Collections (get 10% off using code Jpetite10) c/o / Shirt: J.Crew (on sale!)
Kini: Shein c/o / Sunscreen: Neutrogena
Dress: Shein c/o / Shoes / Bag: Target / Sunnies: Quay
Laura Mercier / ABH Contour Kit / Dish: Home Goods / Morphe Brushes: E10 M439
Skirt: Worthington (on sale for under $20!)
Skirt: Worthington / Shoes / Bag: Target / Top: Banana Republic / Sunnies: Plastictail c/o
Necklace: Baublebar / Shoes: Ivanks Trump (on SALE)

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