King Dancer Sparkling Christmas Toes and SOLOW

What's rocking my Thursday? I am the newest brand ambassador for Los Angeles' SOLOWwww.solowstyle.com! I am thrilled because their sportswear is to-die-for. Specifically designed for pilates, yoga, dance and yet so classy you could not even raise a sweat and look like a professional ballerina on a day off. Loving the strategically placed mesh inserts, pockets and fashion-friendly colours and cuts.
Can't wait to post photos when my first order arrives. In the meantime, here's two challenges.
Challenge 1: Doing pilates and yoga is obviously already incredibly fun and rewarding. However, I find it is doubly fun and rewarding when you get to look at sparkly, shiny, colourful nails! I'm wearing Essie Playdate (metallic purple) and Essie Set In Stones silver glitter on toes!

Challenge 2: Try King Dancer pose. Not easy, I grant you, but a fantastic stretch for the hip flexor as well as toning and sculpting the glutes, abs and thighs. Work your way up. Use a towel or band to begin with. If this seems totally impossible, try Bow Pose using a ribbon or band (pictured left)

Headband Heaven! Gifts To Self

My Fashion Addict gifts to self arrived this morning! You don't do that?

It's the only relief during Christmas shopping. I highly recommend it. The fabulous thing about Fashion Addict (and Cotton On and Typo) are that they have extremely budget friendly items that you can justify. For example, if left to my own devices with eyeliner I am prone to smudgy prom-queen-gone-bad experiences. It is for the good of the public that I cheat with a liquid eyeliner pen (BYS $7.95). Really! I do it for the people. And as for the headbands? Safety. Hair in your eyes one second, kettlebell to the forehead the next. Go forth and self-gift ($3.95 - you can buy one in every colour!)
Sneakers are a high-cost gift to self but you really should because Eastbay.com
loving your sneakers is a big step towards loving your workout. I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Hard As!

I have launched Project Nail Rescue with great success so far!
A couple of weeks ago I decided, if Rihanna and Katy Perry can live their busy, high demand lives with mile-long fingernails, I could learn to SMS without crying in acrylic nails. Have you tried to use a tiny keypad with mega nails? It's not easy.
Then I finally came to my senses, drenched my nails in acetone nail polish remover and peeled them off. My poor nails have been split and weak ever since! On the advice of a friend in the beauty industry, I applied Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails (RRP $9.25) and so far, so strong. No more peeling, chipping and random splits. If you do not have an entourage to do your Twittering for you, do NOT be tempted to get acrylic nails!

Now I can return to painting my nails every shade under the sun. Happy times.

Glute and Thigh Target: Single Leg Bridge

Layla Luciano is not as fun as our Halloween-loving, hungover, 5 inch heels fitness femme KymNonStop, but in a short and sweet video, you can master the Single Leg Bridge.
We'll be doing these in class, so get your mat out and master this move!

Oh, what the hell. It's the weekend and I'm not a drinker but I ate like it was my birthday party (when I was 8!) lastnight so join me in learning Kym Perfetto's 'Workout of Shame'!

Scent Etiquette 101

Daisy Eau So Fresh

My beautiful friend Hannah gave me a fabulous Christmas present this year (Daisy Eau So Fresh) and I wanted to share my new Summer Scent obsession with you AND give a little advice.

There are two extremes you must avoid when working out. 

1. I Don't Need Deodorant. My Sweat Smells Like Roses.
2. I'll Splash On Some Eau De Cologne. And More. And More.

We've all experienced working out next to one of these people, or being next to them on public transport or a party, or wherever you find yourself in a small, enclosed space with a smelly specimen! Avoid being this person. Wear deodorant - no excuses. And keep the scent to a light spray behind the knees.

That's class over! If you find yourself next to Mr or Ms Stinky - send them here for a lesson. If you're looking for me? I'll be leaving a trail of daisies wherever I go...

Sweet things, calorie free!

Dear Santa, I would like cupcakes, gingerbread, apple pie....

Yes, you can have all these things and not gain an inch. How? philosophy gift sets. The most indulgent bathtime treat. There is no substitute...I am currently loving Coconut Frosting. More details on the philosphy website (pictured above, "the cookbook")

Great Glutes

Okay, guilty admission. I've been doing a bit of comfort eating leading up to the Silly Season and it's time to get to work on the Glute blasting! Thankyou short shorts for reminding me.
So, I have the smart, safe and effective moves, but if all else fails, I also have the "Single Ladies" workout which is fantastic watching just for Kym's performance. I totally advocate doing the actual moves, but DO NOT WEAR 5" HEELS. Dear Lord, please do not. Sneakers or bare feet. The second video is much safer and just as hilarious - this lady is my new hero!

The circuit to the left is a great way to get your cardio fix and really focus on the glutes working hard. 15 minutes is definitely enough - repeat with your timer on!