One of the most valuable lessons my parents taught me was the importance of daily exercise. Whether it was me and mom doing old school exercise tapes or taking evening walks with dad, one thing was certain – we were always active. Because my family was not big on the sit down dinner we opted to share our days events during these moments. We would have spirited family debates while hoofing it through the neighborhood instead of over heaping bowls of pasta. It worked for us. Most importantly, though, I grew up understanding both the physical and emotional benefits of an active lifestyle and have made it a priority in my own family.

Here are a few ways to get and keep your family moving:

Step 1

Make exercise a way of life. Turning exercise into an adult chore will make it seem less desirable to your kids. This is why you should make exercise a simple daily routine. Introduce your kids to exercise when they are still infants by running with them in their strollers. As they grow up, let them dig in the garden with you and dance around the house when you are cleaning up together. Make family after-dinner walks a nightly routine. Take weekend morning swims and bike rides.

Step 2

Make exercise natural. The desire to play and run around is an inherent trait in children, so it will be easy to encourage play that also happens to get them moving. Instead of getting them only board games, train sets and dolls, get them active toys like balls, rollerblades, bikes, jump ropes, hula hoops and dancing games. When they are outside playing, routinely join in on the fun and games so that they feel encouraged by and connected to their parents.

Step 3

Make exercise a learning mechanism and social outlet. Enroll them in their favorite active classes or sports teams. Kids as young as two years old can usually start taking lessons like gymnastics and basic dance. Older kids are also able to participate in a vast array of sports with children their own age. Help them practice by pitching and catching, spotting them when they do somersaults and having a “dance off” with your own silly moves.

Source: livestrong.com

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Like it or not faux fur vests are everywhere right now.  It’s still 90 degrees in Florida so I had not seen this trend in live action until last week when the temperature briefly dipped a couple degrees. Every woman in Florida pulled out their boots and sweaters in premature excitement.  I even saw a couple brave ladies rocking the faux fur vest.  They looked pretty hot – both literally and figuratively.  In my search for the perfect faux fur I have noticed a few things you need to be aware of before purchasing:

1.  Avoid looking like a cavewoman.  If you go with the longer version select one that is more tailored. The vests tend to be bulkier

2.  Texture. As you know, faux is just a fancy word for fake. Do not buy online!  To avoid wearing something that feels like your grandma’s carpet go see the selections in person.

3.  Never overspend on a trend. I don’t see this one staying strong through next year. I would cap my purchase at a $100.

Here are a few ways to wear a faux fur vest this season…

Ultra glam.  Black on black tones down some of that the 70′s vibe. $69

Perfect for work, church or coffee with the girls. Belting the vest vastly decreases the bulkiness factor. $98

Take a little of the country out of this set and opt for this $98 version from JCrew.

Versatility at it’s best. Use the same JCrew vest and pair it with a long-sleeved tee, skinny jeans and boots.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Two things happened last week that fueled my fascination with dry brushing.  1. My summer tan faded.  I don’t need to explain to you what this means.  Let’s just say it will be lights off in the bedroom until spring.  2. I read an interview with Molly Sims.  When asked what she does to maintain her gorgeous and flawless skin she stated she dry brushes every single day.  I had no idea what this was but if it would even in just a teeny, tiny way make me look like Molly Sims, I was game.  So, I googled dry brushing and immediately felt a little stupid for never hearing about the incredible benefits of such a simple task.  In case you were in the dark like me, I’ll explain what this is all about:

You will need one of these.  Available at your local health food store.  Most likely placed on an end cap.

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing :

1. Removes cellulite.  My numero uno reason for starting this technique.

2. Cleanses the lymphatic system

3. Removes dead skin layers

4. Strengthens the immune system

5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging.  I was sold at the removal of cellulite but I’ll take this any day.

7. Tones the muscles. My second favorite reason.

8. Stimulates circulation.  Great way to ward off those vericose veins.

9. Improves the function of the nervous system

10. Helps digestion  Always a nice bonus.

I bought this too.  Mainly because I like bags with lots of tiny things inside.  I use the oil after the shower.

To start, use a natural bristle brush, preferably with a long handle, and start at your feet, working upward in a circular motion toward your abdomen. The historical theory is to move all of the toxins in your bloodstream and lymph toward your digestive system so that it can be eliminated from the body.

How to Dry Brush:

o Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.

o Continue brushing up your legs.

o Proceed to your hands and arms.

o Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.

o Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.

o Lightly brush the breasts.

o Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck.

After brushing, take a hot shower with soap to remove the dead skin, followed by a 10-20 second cold rinse.

For the most effective results, skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to showering will benefit the body. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving but the technique needs to be done consistently for a minimum of five months (I know, kind of a long time but if you start now it may just pay off by bikini season and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than any other cellulite removal system).

Here’s my rather lofty end goal…

Source: naturalhealthtechniques.com

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Stupid name?  Yes.  But this hybrid of skinny jeans and leggings in pretty damn amazing. Let me state that I am not a fan of leggings.  I leave those to the 10 and under crowd. But I am a lover of the skinny jean. I picked up a pair of cargo jeggings for my trip to Maine last week. I needed something to go with my new hiking boots and still be cute enough to wear around town. I hit the jackpot with a $19.95 (on sale) pair of cargo jeggings from American Eagle.  They are super stretchy and fit like a second skin without looking too ghetto.  Unlike that model there on the left, I am neither brave nor skinny enough to pair my jeggings with a ballet flat. I choose to balance my frame in these pants with chunky heels or boots and a slouchy sweater.  Give them a shot this season.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment