I don’t know about you but that holiday break was a long one!  The kids finally went back to school today.  I know all of us were ready to get back to our regular routines. It seemed especially drawn out this year because Grayson is going through some sort of growth spurt. He is crankier, whinier, and just down right more irritating than ever. Tennison, on the other hand, has been the polar opposite. Here are some shots from our Christmas vacation that pretty much sums it up…

She was singing, skipping and smiling the entire trip…

and then there’s Grayson.

I love this pic because she was running up behind me giggling and I just turned and snapped it. She would have posed for as many pictures as I wanted. On the flip side…

Grayson would not pose at all.

Little angel.

Little devil.

*Happy New Year, everyone!*

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Maybe this should just be titled MY 35 year old face. Either way, I wanted to share with you everything I do to look closer to 30 (read 28) than 40 and it’s a lot. Please note that I am not suggesting that you have to or need to do the same. I am only letting you know what goes into my routine. By the way, I was carded twice last week so I think I may be doing something right…

Morning:

- clean face immediately with witch hazel

- wash face with Obagi foaming face wash

- 3x weekly use Apricot Scrub to slough off dead skin

- apply Vitamin C 10% every. single. morning. I apply to neck and chest as well.

- sunscreen SPF 35, daily tinted moisturizer

Night:

- wash face again with Obagi Foaming Face Wash

- apply Obagi bleaching cream mixed with Retina (fights fine lines beautifully)

- apply Vivite Night Cream

- Latisse nightly on lashes and brows

Maintenance:

- Botox to forehead, brows and crows feet (3 times a year)

- Juvederm filler around mouth and chin area (1 time a year)

- Intense Pulsed Light Treatment once a year to remove sun spots and improve blotchiness

Well, that’s the list ladies. Is there anything you do that I don’t? Let me know!

H&H Reader Tip: I know all of the products and procedures can really add up. Check out Dr. Farrior’s blog  and Facebook page starting tomorrow for 12 Days of Giveaways…Botox, Juvederm, Latisse and more!!!

 

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Last year, I got lucky on the holiday party circuit. The parties where I had to bring the sparkle were all on the same day so I only needed one ‘fancy’ dress. This year, the parties are all spread out. Enter Rent the Runway. I have said it before and I will say it again, RTR never disappoints. Better yet, when you rent one stunner at full price they offer you a second for only $25. You can’t lose. Here is what I rented for the holidays plus a few of my favorites…

Party 1 dress - Elizabeth and James shift ($75 rental). I picked this one because of my height. I would not recommend this style for anyone under 5’6″.

*Tip – read the reviews! They are usually very accurate and helpful for accessorising.

Party 2 – Badgley Mischka sheath ($125 rental). I followed my own advice and let the reviews make up my mind on this dress. I know it is going to look amazing.  Added bonus – I already have shoes for both dresses!

Nicole Miller gown ($125 rental). Granted, this one is super dressy but would be absolutely perfect for a formal winter wedding.

Trina Turk No Strings Attached dress ($50 rental). I think this is a great look for a corporate holiday event. Sexy but not too revealing. Punch it up with a heavy yellow necklace.

Reem Acra New Years Eve dress ($350 rental). I consider this a complete statement dress. It’s a risk and expensive (retails at $2500) but you will be the standout at any party.

Kate Spade Citrus Pop Dress ($85 rental). This dress is not at all my style and that’s why I picked it. Step out of your style comfort zone and try new things. The only change I would make to this look is perhaps tying a wider, black satin belt around the middle.

*H&H Reader Tip: RTR has extended their Cyber Monday deals. All orders are 20% off today!

Written by Lea Barlow • 2 Comments

I have decided that 35 is going to be the year I really rock my ass. I have made a pointed effort over the last 18 months to give it extra attention in my workouts and to an extent it has paid off. Now it is time to take it to the next level. Listen, I am never going to train like a professional. Most of us won’t. My butt will probably never look like the one pictured above but I can make sure that it always looks fantastic in a pair of jeans and not shameful in a bikini.

Here is what I am doing:

1. Sticking to my tried and true interval cardio. There is no faster way to make your ass look ‘skinny fat’ if you overdo the running. Don’t do it, ladies!

2. Adding weight. You have to lift weight to grow muscle – especially the glutes. As you know, I am a big fan of the kettlebell. I started movements with a 20 lb (wimpy and not effective enough) I then moved up to a 35 lb for about a year and this past month I have started using the 54 lb kettlebell. It’s a killer but the added weight makes a BIG difference.

Don’t be scared of using heavy weights. Here is what can happen if you don’t…

Skinny? Yes. Hot? Uh, no. 

3. Everyday commitment.  I do 90 movements every. single. day. I vary between swings, plie jumps and deadlifts. All heavily weighted. That is the key to a bangin’ booty.

*I will keep you posted on my posterior’s progress and want to hear what you all are doing too!* 

 

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment