Author Archives: Lea Barlow

Color Punch!

May 4th, 2010

I am absolutely in love with these seksi yellow heels.  I want to wear them everywhere but  for some reason I don’t think they are the best idea for the preschool pick-up line. To maximize effect pair with a neutral or solid color outfit. If you are feeling especially sassy, add this yellow clutch.

 

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Truthfully, I am not a huge fan of exercising.   I don’t enjoy running or doing lunges or (god forbid) squats but I do love the finished product.  About a year ago, I started doing interval workouts on the treadmill 3 to 4 times a week.  I tend to get very bored during cardio and I needed something new to keep me from quitting all together.  Wow.  Everything you read about the benefits of interval training is absolutely spot on.   I finally dropped the last 7 pounds of baby weight that was stubbornly hanging on and I am in a size smaller jean than before both of my babies  (I am rather proud of that fact and will tell you every chance I get).  You can do it on any of the cardio machines at the gym or outside if that’s your thing.  Interval training is basically a workout that consists of periods of activity at high intensity, followed by periods of low intensity. These ‘sets’ are than repeated over a 20-minute workout.  Yes, only 20 minutes and then it’s all over.  Just be careful if you are a beginner.  I wouldn’t want you to do a face plant on the treadmill.

Standard

The following is a typical interval workout. You alternate the same period of low intensity with the same period of higher intensity.

3 – 5 minutes warm-up (light jog, low intensity, gradually increasing at the end    of the warm-up period)

1 minute moderate or high intensity followed by 1 minute low intensity (repeat 6 – 8 times)

3 – 5 minutes cool down (light jog, low intensity, gradually decreasing by the end of the cool down period)

Pyramid

This pyramid structure allows you to start with short bursts of speed, and then you’ll peak at the longest surge of energy in the middle of your workout before coming back down.

3 – 5 minutes warm-up

30 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity

45 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity

60 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity

90 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity

60 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity

45 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity

30 seconds high intensity

3 – 5 minutes cool down

 

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Wedding redux

Apr 30th, 2010

With three invitations tacked to my corkboard I guess wedding season has officially arrived.  Usually I am excited to play dress-up and enjoy my free shrimp cocktail and champagne.  The problem this year is that the weddings are all in the same city with some serious attendee overlap.  There is no way around this one.  I need three new dresses.  I mean, seriously, how am I supposed to upstage the bride in some old dress from the back of my closet!?  I kid, I kid.   So, instead of going on a Nordstroms bender and risk being thrown out of my house, I am turning to Rent the Runway.  It’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  You can even rent your accessories.  How easy is that??

Haute Hippie Rental $100

Rope ‘em in dress Rental $50

Tibi Rental $100

Jayden Rental $50

Sky Rental $100

and of course…the Carrie Dress!!!  Rental $50

 

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Name: Menage a Trois

Alcohol content: 13.5%

Category: other reds

Description per label: A delightful blend based on three varietals- Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Price: $10.99

Review: A taste as uninteresting as the act itself.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not horrible but if I had to imbibe nightly I’d probably quit drinking.  If you ever found yourself homeless and entertaining it’s an ideal pairing with a moist pet food.  In other words, a perfect wine to serve the in-laws.

 

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