True...

To remind myself that really, I need to rely on this much more when it sometimes feels like the world is a big, chaotic place and I get a bit lost. And, as my brother kindly pointed out, if I ever "get over it" - I can add "No More" underneath and give myself some 90s-era-cool cred. Thanks, bro.
Big, big thankyou to Jake at Dynamic Tattoo in Richmond. Totally professional and such a sweetheart. Can't recommend this place enough.

faith

Loving...Fashion Addict

As most of you know, I am a ridiculously talented shopper. I can just pick a good buy like the needle in the haystack (god, that cliche sucks...sorry, last coffee was 4 hrs ago). The haystack being a whole lot of dodgy stuff that looks good and doesn't match up when it arrives (IF it arrives...ahem, Clinique...ahem!)

Top of my list of totally dependable, affordable and super fast delivery? Fashion Addict. It's Melbourne-based (supporting the hometown!) and the range of products is awesome. I have been experimenting with the BYS limited edition shadows which look like neon madness in the package but are ACTUALLY really subtle and easy to wear. True!

Electric Lavender

But honestly? Favourite favourite new colour? Electric Lavender. $3.95 worth of pure, purple joy!

Also - check out the blog for tips, trends and ideas. I am particularly excited about the Victorian Gothic revival in fashion. Any excuse to wear rosary beads and crosses brings out the 15-year-old goth in me. Hey, I still love Depeche Mode. Don't smirk.

Victorian Gothic

Loving!

Neon. Brights. Nobody is shocked, I know! As some of you are aware, there is a no all-black-outfits in my fitness classes. It's just depressing! So here is what I'm loving when it comes to colours right now... how about you? Wearing anything that gives you an energy boost just by looking at it?

Topshop smudge stick

Topshop smudge stick for eyes - mmm metallics!

Eco Minerals bronzer

Eco Minerals Bronzer in Uluru (wearing bronzer to the gym? guilty)

American Apparel leggings in orange

American Apparel leggings

Korres blusher in Peach

Korres Zea Mays blusher in Peach (GREAT as an eyeshadow, very intense for the cheeks...up to you!)
SERIOUSLY coveting:

Illamasqua collection

Some really dramatic Illamasqua eye/lip colours. I'm working on adding these to the cabinet - stay tuned for photos!

BYS eyeshadow

BYS eyeshadow pallette (cheap but I've found their eyeliners/shadows are fabulous)

Nike Air Presto

Nike Air Presto in pink/white (of COURSE)

Swift by name, swift by nature

Jack Swift Olympian 2012

I really hit the jackpot this week. After the pleasure of interviewing Barry Hall I had the great fortune on Monday to quiz a London Olympian and Cleo Bachelor of The Year 2011 (sorry Jack, I think it's awesome - if it were me, I'd wear a sash full time).

Jack Swift is one of the Australian Paralympic Team competing in the 4 x 100m amputee relay team and the 400m individual sprint against South African Oscar Pistorius - a threat that he's not taking lightly.

For the past six months, Jack has been on a scholarship at the Victorian Institute of Sport working with seasoned strength and conditioning trainers, massage therapists, physios and sports psychologists. His training at present is 7 days a week. He soon leaves for Cardiff where his training will taper off and the focus will be on technical issues such as starts.

Jack is a personal trainer at Macleod YMCA and considering doing his Dip. Ed. to teach physical education. He's enormously intelligent and dedicated to training - whatever he chooses to do, I have no doubt that he'll achieve it and more. Here is his week:

Mon: strength & conditioning training (1.5 - 2hrs)

Tue: track work

Wed: strength & conditioning (includes rower/bike/bench press/cable hip extension/Smith Machine single leg squat)

Thu: track work

Fri: strength & conditioning (includes 10 minutes of core work and stretching)

Sat & Sun: track work

On August 9th, he leaves for London - congratulations Jack. You worked to get to the 2012 Olympics and you deserve to win.

Hello Short Shorts Saturday!

Why short shorts in this awful Melbourne weather? Because you're going to attempt this one with me and trust me, if you're going to work hard, you want to remind yourself why.
So! Get yourself some Kylie Minogue style gold hotpants - hang them where they'll remind you why you're doing this and not eating a family sized block of Top Deck chocolate (mmm...tempting) and here's the strategy (Jaimie Baird of Rx Fitness pictured below):

Smith Machine Press

1. Place a level bench underneath the Smith Machine
2. Put a LIGHT load on the bar (Jaimie uses a 20kg plate either side to begin)
3. Lie on the bench with hips DIRECTLY below the bar
4. Brace your abdominals and do NOT arch your back!
5. Place the arches of your feet against the bar
6. Release the bar and control it on the downward movement and again on the upward
7. Do not lift your glutes off the bench - this will guide your range of movement

Single leg is an option. Master the double leg first!

IF YOU ARE NOT 100% CONFIDENT IN DOING THIS RIGHT, ASK A TRAINER TO SUPERVISE!

Use your Core

Core

First of all, your "core" is your abdominals (transverse, rectus and obliques OR deep, front, sides), your bum and your back.

Think of this: from your belly button, your strength of movement extends out like a spiderweb. Once you've engaged and braced your core muscles, EVERY other movement is an extension of that and becomes easier.

Pull your abdominal muscles IN and UP towards your belly button as if you are trying to squeeze into your skinny jeans! There - feel it?
There are numerous "core training" classes out there now. Be wary - if these are not instructed by someone qualified, you might be doing more damage than good.

I advise you to SEEK a personal trainer who can teach you how to SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY strengthen your abdominal, glutes and back muscles (like....ME!) and THEN get along to...

mountain climber

•  pilates
• CX WORX
• yoga
• Ab Blast

Working out and not seeing weight change?

I see it allll the time - people running and spinning and aerobic-ing themselves silly and then complaining they're not losing any weight! Or there's just a stubborn pouch of tummy fat that won't budge...why?
A lovely lady said to me yesterday, "Maybe it's just a silly little thing like hormones..."

Chill out on the cardio time

Bang on, I reckon.

Most of your immune system is housed in your gut. When you get stressed (physically and mentally), hormones including cortisol take a big toll on the ability of the immune system to function. Raised cortisol levels send the message to your body "start storing fat - we're in stress and survival mode here!"
So here's what to do, in a nutshell, and PLEASE if you are stressed on a regular basis, or depressed, PLEASE see your doctor and be brave enough to ask for assistance!

• Adopt an exercise class or routine that is nurturing and non-stressful to your body (yoga, pilates, tai chi)
• Cut down on caffeine (including coke, chocolate, "energy" drinks)
• Moderate sugar intake and highly processed foods (anything wrapped in plastic!)
• Take a multivitamin and omega 3 supplements (fish oil or flaxseed)

Fish oil supplements

Most importantly, look at your lifestyle and what it is about it that is causing stress and work out what you can change now and in the longer term to make sure your health and happiness is a priority.